EP4323278A1 - An apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube in a box arranged horizontally - Google Patents

An apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube in a box arranged horizontally

Info

Publication number
EP4323278A1
EP4323278A1 EP22709389.5A EP22709389A EP4323278A1 EP 4323278 A1 EP4323278 A1 EP 4323278A1 EP 22709389 A EP22709389 A EP 22709389A EP 4323278 A1 EP4323278 A1 EP 4323278A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
tail
movable
box
conveyor means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22709389.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Carlo VERONESI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
V2 Engineering Srl
Original Assignee
V2 Engineering Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by V2 Engineering Srl filed Critical V2 Engineering Srl
Publication of EP4323278A1 publication Critical patent/EP4323278A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/20—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by reciprocating or oscillatory pushers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/04—Packaging single articles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical sector concerning packaging of tubes internally of boxes.
  • the present invention is applicable in the packaging of tubes made of aluminium, and containing products for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic use, such as for example cremes, gels, tinctures, colourants for hair etc., in boxes which are arranged horizontally.
  • products for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic use such as for example cremes, gels, tinctures, colourants for hair etc.
  • the aluminium tubes are realised starting from aluminium sheets which are folded to form a substantially cylindrical shape at an end of which, appropriately profiled, a nozzle is realised for dispensing of the product which is closed by a cap. Once the cylindrical body is filled with a relative product, the open end opposite the dispensing nozzle is closed (or folded over) following success folds.
  • a bottom of the tube, or tail of the tube is formed, which is known as a “crimp” in the technical jargon.
  • the boxes, thus-produced, in which the tubes are to be inserted and packaged are usually transported by a relative conveyor belt in such a way that the boxes are arranged horizontally, with a relative open end to allow insertion of the tubes.
  • an apparatus which comprises a conveyor means comprising a series of seats, trays, with a relative tube being placed in each thereof.
  • the conveyor means is arranged flanked to the conveyor belt of the boxes and is activated in such a way as to arrange and position the tubes facing the open ends of respective boxes present on the conveyor belt.
  • the tubes are arranged in the trays of the conveyor means in such a way as to turn the end with the cap towards the opening of the boxes.
  • the apparatus further comprises pusher elements activatable in alternating translation along a movement direction that is transversal and perpendicular to the conveyor means of the tubes.
  • the pusher elements are substantially constituted by bars or rods and comprise, at the ends of the bars or rods, abutment elements having an abutting surface which is conformed in such a way as to be able to strike and abut against the tail end of the tubes, i.e. against the crimp of the tubes.
  • the pusher elements are activated in a first translation direction towards the tubes in such a way that the abutment surface of the abutting elements encounters the tail end of the tubes (i.e. the crimp).
  • the stroke of the pusher elements is set in such a way as to enable an advancement of the pusher elements up until when the tubes are completely inserted internally of the boxes. For this reason, the pusher elements are first activated in acceleration in order to be able to strike, with the abutting surfaces of the abutment elements, the tail ends of the tubes and thus push them towards the boxes and into the boxes, and then in deceleration in order to position the tubes completely internally of the boxes with the cap in proximity of the other end of the boxes.
  • an apparatus of this type has various drawbacks, especially in those cases in which the tubes have dimensions such as to contain a volume of products equal to or greater than 100 ml and when the numbers of tubes to be inserted in relative boxes is quite high, such as to require, for the pusher elements, a number of strokes equal to or greater than 60 a minute.
  • the tube can be subjected to a counterblow such as to bend or bevel it.
  • the bending or bevelling of the tail of the tube represents a drawback of an aesthetic character such as to lead to rejection of the tube.
  • the bending of the tail of the tubes can be a cause of loss and leakage of the product contained therein, especially in those products containing oily substances.
  • the tubes during the first step of translation of the pusher elements towards the boxes, i.e. in the first acceleration step of the pusher elements, tend to detach and move away from the abutment surface by effect of the impact received.
  • the pusher elements must not only push the tube into the boxes in extremely short times, they must also overcome the resistance given by the presence of the information sheet which is struck by the advancement of the tube, and folded about the tube while the sheet is inserted in the box, and which, by dragging against the walls of the box, generates friction forces that require a greater acceleration (and therefore a greater pushing action) for the advancement of the pusher elements.
  • the aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a novel apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube internally of a box arranged horizontally able to obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.
  • an aim of the present invention is to describe an apparatus able to carry out the inserting of aluminium tubes internally of a box arranged horizontally in a simple and effective, as well as reliable, way including in all those cases where the tubes have dimensions and volumes such as to contain a volume of products equal to or greater than 100 ml, and in which it is required to package a large number of tubes per minute, and therefore have a high production capacity.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube internally of a box arranged horizontally, object of the invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus of figure 1 according to a schematic perspective view taken from another angle
  • - figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, some significant elements of the apparatus of the invention
  • figure 4 is a larger-scale view of some of the details of figure 3;
  • - figure 5 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, some significant components of the apparatus of the invention
  • - figure 6 is a section view according to a vertical section plane of the components di figure 5;
  • reference numeral (100) denotes an apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube (T) in a box (A) arranged horizontally.
  • the aluminium tube (T) comprises, at an end thereof, a dispensing nozzle (U) closed by a cap (B) and, at a second end thereof, a terminal portion folded to form a tail (D).
  • the box (A), in which the tube (T) is to be inserted, is movable according to an infeeding direction (V), for example by means of a conveyor belt (not illustrated in the figures), and has an open end (A1) in order to enable insertion internally thereof of a tube (T).
  • the apparatus (100) comprises a conveyor means (1) for transport of a tube (T) along a transport direction (Z) parallel to the infeeding direction (V) of the tube (T).
  • the conveyor means (1) is made in such a way as to have a seat (10) (or tray) for containing a tube (T) and being activatable to position the tube (T) facing the open end (A1) of the box (A).
  • the tube (T) is arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1) in such a way as to have the end with the cap (B) towards the open end (A1) of the box (A).
  • the conveyor means (1) can be constituted by a looped conveyor means, such as for example a chain or belt, and be activatable in synchrony with the conveyor belt of the box.
  • the conveyor belt of the box and the conveyor means of the tube can be activated alternatingly, i.e. with a stepped motion.
  • the apparatus of the invention can also be used in the case of continuous motion of the conveyor belt of the box, with a corresponding continuous movement of the conveyor means.
  • the apparatus (100) further comprises a pusher element (2) (for example a bar), which is arranged by the flank of the conveyor means (1), on the opposite side with respect to the box (A), and movable in alternating translation along a movement direction (M) transversal and perpendicular to the conveyor means (1), as well as a contact head (20), borne at an end of the pusher element (2), for contact with the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1).
  • a pusher element (2) for example a bar
  • M movement direction
  • the contact head (20) is conformed and configured in such a way as to have a housing (21) for receiving and housing the tail (D) of the tube (T) and comprises gripping means (22, 23) which are activatable to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T) on both sides of the tail (D).
  • the apparatus (100) is configured in such a way that the pusher element (2) is movable along the movement direction (M), with respect to the conveyor means (1), from a retracted position (P1) (figure 7A), wherein the contact head (20) is distant from the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1), to a first advanced position (P2) (figure 7B), wherein the contact head (20) is placed at the tail (D) of the tube so that the tail (D) of the tube (T) is received in the housing (21) and the gripping means (22, 23) are activated to clamp and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T), and thus the pusher element (2), with the gripping means (22, 23) retaining the tail (D) of the tube (T), is movable up to a second final advanced position (P3) (figure 7C) to push the tube (T) and insert the tube (T) internally of the box (A), wherein (figure 7D) the gripping means
  • the tail of the tube will not be subjected to any impact, as it will, firstly, be housed in the housing of the contact head, and then, be gripped by both sides by the gripping means.
  • the gripping means will hold the tail of the tube during the movement of the pusher element in such a way as to push the tube, while holding it by the tail on either side, until the tube is completely inserted in the box.
  • the gripping means will be able to release the grip on the tail and the pusher element will be moved to be returned into the initial position.
  • the gripping means (22, 23) comprise a first fixed element (22) which is conformed in such a way as to define a first abutment surface (220) for abutment of a first side of the tail (D) of the tube (T), and a second movable element (23) which is conformed in such a way as to define a second abutment surface (230) for abutment with a portion of a second side of the tail (D) of the tube (T) (see for example and in particular figure 5).
  • the second movable element (23) is configured to be movable with respect to the first fixed element (22) between a splayed position (D1) (figures 5 and 6), in which it is moved away from the first fixed element (22) so as to define, between the first abutment surface (220) and the second abutment surface (230), the housing (21) for inserting the tail (D) of the tube (T), and a neared position (D2) (see figures 7B, 7C), in which it is neared to the first fixed element (22) in such a way as to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) between them, with the first abutment surface (220) in contact with the first side of the tail (D) of the tube (T) and the second abutment surface (230) in contact with a portion of the second side of the tail (D) of the tube (T).
  • D1 (figures 5 and 6)
  • the first fixed element (22) is preferably dimensioned in such a way that the first abutment surface (220) has a surface and width such as to be able to contact the first side of the tail of the tube substantially over the whole width thereof, while the second movable element (23) is configured and arranged so as to be placed in a median position with respect to the first fixed element (22) and is dimensioned so as to have a second abutment surface (230) with a width such as to be able to contact a central and median portion of the second side of the tail of the tube.
  • the apparatus (100) comprises movement means (3) for the movement of the second movable element (23) with respect to the first fixed element (22) from the splayed position (D1) to the neared position (D2), and vice versa.
  • the second movable element (23) is hinged to the contact head (20) according to an axis of rotation (R) and wherein the movement means (3) for the movement of the second movable element (23) comprise an elastic element (31), which is interposed between the first fixed element (22) and the second movable element (23) and which is configured to maintain the second movable element (23) in the splayed position (D1) with respect to the first fixed element (22), and a rod (32) which is activatable to push the second movable element (23) to rotate with respect to the rotation axis (R) against the action of the elastic element (31) and bring the second movable element (23) into the neared position (D2).
  • the rod (32) is mounted slidably above the pusher element (2) and guide elements (35) are present for guiding the rod (32).
  • the second movable element (23) can comprise a seat (231) for insertion of the end of the rod (32) in such a way that the rod (32) can push the second movable element (23) to rotate with respect to the rotation axis (R) and can be brought into the neared position (D2) to the first fixed element (22) in order to clamp the tail of the tube.
  • the rod (32) is slidingly activatable against the second movable element in a pneumatic or mechanical manner.
  • the first fixed element (22) can be made in such a way that the first abutment surface (220) has a tapered portion for facilitating and guiding the insertion and positioning of the tail (D) of the tube (T) in the housing (21).
  • the tubes (T) are inserted internally of the boxes (A) in an inclined configuration, i.e. with the tail inclined with respect to a longitudinal transversal plane to the box, i.e. substantially arranged diagonally.
  • the tubes are appropriately arranged internally of the seats of the conveyor means with an inclined configuration, i.e. with the tail inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
  • the contact head (20) is conformed and configured in such a way that the housing (21) has an appropriate orientation for being able to receive and house the tail (D) of the tube (T) internally thereof in an inclined arrangement.
  • the first fixed element (22) of the gripping means will be made and configured in such a way that the first abutment surface (220) is appropriately inclined concordantly with the inclination of the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Tubes (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Abstract

The apparatus (100) for inserting an aluminium tube (T) in a box (A) arranged horizontally comprises a conveyor means (1) for transport of a tube (T), the conveyor means (1) having a seat (10) for containing a tube (T) and being activatable to place the tube (T) facing the open end of the box (A) and wherein the tube (T) is arranged in the seat (10) in such a way as to have the end with the cap (B) towards the open end (A1) of the box (A). A pusher element (2) is arranged by the flank of the conveyor means (1), on the opposite side with respect to the box (A), and movable in alternating translation along a movement direction (M) transversal and perpendicular to the conveyor means (1). A contact head (2) is borne at an end of the pusher element (20), for contact with the tail (D) of the tube (T). The contact head (20) is conformed and configured in such a way as to have a housing (21) for receiving and housing the tail (D) of the tube (T) and comprises gripping means (22, 23) which are activatable to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T) on both sides of the tail (D).

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR INSERTING AN ALUMINIUM TUBE IN A BOX ARRANGED HORIZONTALLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning packaging of tubes internally of boxes.
In particular, the present invention is applicable in the packaging of tubes made of aluminium, and containing products for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic use, such as for example cremes, gels, tinctures, colourants for hair etc., in boxes which are arranged horizontally. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The aluminium tubes are realised starting from aluminium sheets which are folded to form a substantially cylindrical shape at an end of which, appropriately profiled, a nozzle is realised for dispensing of the product which is closed by a cap. Once the cylindrical body is filled with a relative product, the open end opposite the dispensing nozzle is closed (or folded over) following success folds.
Thus a bottom of the tube, or tail of the tube, is formed, which is known as a “crimp” in the technical jargon. The boxes, thus-produced, in which the tubes are to be inserted and packaged are usually transported by a relative conveyor belt in such a way that the boxes are arranged horizontally, with a relative open end to allow insertion of the tubes.
To carry out the insertion of the tubes internally of boxes arranged horizontally, an apparatus is known which comprises a conveyor means comprising a series of seats, trays, with a relative tube being placed in each thereof.
The conveyor means is arranged flanked to the conveyor belt of the boxes and is activated in such a way as to arrange and position the tubes facing the open ends of respective boxes present on the conveyor belt.
The tubes are arranged in the trays of the conveyor means in such a way as to turn the end with the cap towards the opening of the boxes. The apparatus further comprises pusher elements activatable in alternating translation along a movement direction that is transversal and perpendicular to the conveyor means of the tubes.
The pusher elements are substantially constituted by bars or rods and comprise, at the ends of the bars or rods, abutment elements having an abutting surface which is conformed in such a way as to be able to strike and abut against the tail end of the tubes, i.e. against the crimp of the tubes.
When the conveyor means transporting the tubes has positioned the tubes facing the openings of respective boxes transported by the conveyor belt, the pusher elements are activated in a first translation direction towards the tubes in such a way that the abutment surface of the abutting elements encounters the tail end of the tubes (i.e. the crimp).
The stroke of the pusher elements is set in such a way as to enable an advancement of the pusher elements up until when the tubes are completely inserted internally of the boxes. For this reason, the pusher elements are first activated in acceleration in order to be able to strike, with the abutting surfaces of the abutment elements, the tail ends of the tubes and thus push them towards the boxes and into the boxes, and then in deceleration in order to position the tubes completely internally of the boxes with the cap in proximity of the other end of the boxes. It has been found that an apparatus of this type has various drawbacks, especially in those cases in which the tubes have dimensions such as to contain a volume of products equal to or greater than 100 ml and when the numbers of tubes to be inserted in relative boxes is quite high, such as to require, for the pusher elements, a number of strokes equal to or greater than 60 a minute.
In fact, in these circumstances, for the activation in translation of the pusher elements, significant initial acceleration values are required, both in order to displace the weight of the tubes in very rapid times, and in order to be able to carry out the insertion of the tubes in the boxes in the required times.
This means that, when the abutting surface of the abutting elements present at the ends of the bars or rods of the pusher elements strikes the tail of the tube, the tube can be subjected to a counterblow such as to bend or bevel it.
The bending or bevelling of the tail of the tube, especially for the tubes of cosmetic products, beauty products or products for treatment of a person’s body, represents a drawback of an aesthetic character such as to lead to rejection of the tube.
Further, the bending of the tail of the tubes can be a cause of loss and leakage of the product contained therein, especially in those products containing oily substances.
Even by seeking to regulate and control the initial acceleration of the pusher elements it was not possible to obviate the drawback of the bending or bevelling the tail of the tubes.
In fact, when the abutment surface of the abutting elements present at the ends of the bars or rods of the pusher elements strikes the tail of the tube, the tubes, during the first step of translation of the pusher elements towards the boxes, i.e. in the first acceleration step of the pusher elements, tend to detach and move away from the abutment surface by effect of the impact received.
The loss of contact, while momentary, between the abutment surface of the pusher elements and the tail of the tube during the step of insertion into the boxes will then cause a second impact on the tail of the tube when the abutment surface, proceeding in its advancement stroke, will return into contact against the tail of the tube which, in the meantime, may have reached the final position thereof internally of the box. Further, the risk of bending or bevelling the tails of the tubes is increased should an information leaflet have to be inserted internally of the boxes.
In fact, in these cases, the pusher elements must not only push the tube into the boxes in extremely short times, they must also overcome the resistance given by the presence of the information sheet which is struck by the advancement of the tube, and folded about the tube while the sheet is inserted in the box, and which, by dragging against the walls of the box, generates friction forces that require a greater acceleration (and therefore a greater pushing action) for the advancement of the pusher elements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a novel apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube internally of a box arranged horizontally able to obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.
In particular, an aim of the present invention is to describe an apparatus able to carry out the inserting of aluminium tubes internally of a box arranged horizontally in a simple and effective, as well as reliable, way including in all those cases where the tubes have dimensions and volumes such as to contain a volume of products equal to or greater than 100 ml, and in which it is required to package a large number of tubes per minute, and therefore have a high production capacity.
The above-cited aims are obtained with an apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube internally of a box arranged horizontally according to the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristics of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the apparatus for the insertion of an aluminium tube internally of a box arranged horizontally of the present invention will be described in the following description with reference to the appended tables of drawings, in which:
- figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube internally of a box arranged horizontally, object of the invention;
- figure 2 illustrates the apparatus of figure 1 according to a schematic perspective view taken from another angle; - figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, some significant elements of the apparatus of the invention;
- figure 4 is a larger-scale view of some of the details of figure 3;
- figure 5 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, some significant components of the apparatus of the invention; - figure 6 is a section view according to a vertical section plane of the components di figure 5;
- figures from 7 A to 7D illustrate, in respective schematic perspective views in vertical section, an operating sequence by means of which the apparatus of the invention carries out the insertion of the tube internally of a box. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (100) denotes an apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube (T) in a box (A) arranged horizontally.
The aluminium tube (T) comprises, at an end thereof, a dispensing nozzle (U) closed by a cap (B) and, at a second end thereof, a terminal portion folded to form a tail (D).
The box (A), in which the tube (T) is to be inserted, is movable according to an infeeding direction (V), for example by means of a conveyor belt (not illustrated in the figures), and has an open end (A1) in order to enable insertion internally thereof of a tube (T).
The apparatus (100) comprises a conveyor means (1) for transport of a tube (T) along a transport direction (Z) parallel to the infeeding direction (V) of the tube (T).
The conveyor means (1) is made in such a way as to have a seat (10) (or tray) for containing a tube (T) and being activatable to position the tube (T) facing the open end (A1) of the box (A). The tube (T) is arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1) in such a way as to have the end with the cap (B) towards the open end (A1) of the box (A).
The conveyor means (1) can be constituted by a looped conveyor means, such as for example a chain or belt, and be activatable in synchrony with the conveyor belt of the box.
Preferably, though not exclusively, the conveyor belt of the box and the conveyor means of the tube can be activated alternatingly, i.e. with a stepped motion.
The apparatus of the invention can also be used in the case of continuous motion of the conveyor belt of the box, with a corresponding continuous movement of the conveyor means.
The apparatus (100) further comprises a pusher element (2) (for example a bar), which is arranged by the flank of the conveyor means (1), on the opposite side with respect to the box (A), and movable in alternating translation along a movement direction (M) transversal and perpendicular to the conveyor means (1), as well as a contact head (20), borne at an end of the pusher element (2), for contact with the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1).
The special characteristics of the apparatus (100) of the invention consist in the fact that (see for example figure 5) the contact head (20) is conformed and configured in such a way as to have a housing (21) for receiving and housing the tail (D) of the tube (T) and comprises gripping means (22, 23) which are activatable to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T) on both sides of the tail (D). Further, the apparatus (100) is configured in such a way that the pusher element (2) is movable along the movement direction (M), with respect to the conveyor means (1), from a retracted position (P1) (figure 7A), wherein the contact head (20) is distant from the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1), to a first advanced position (P2) (figure 7B), wherein the contact head (20) is placed at the tail (D) of the tube so that the tail (D) of the tube (T) is received in the housing (21) and the gripping means (22, 23) are activated to clamp and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T), and thus the pusher element (2), with the gripping means (22, 23) retaining the tail (D) of the tube (T), is movable up to a second final advanced position (P3) (figure 7C) to push the tube (T) and insert the tube (T) internally of the box (A), wherein (figure 7D) the gripping means (22, 23) release the tail (D) of the tube (T) and the pusher element (2) can be moved to return into the retracted position (P1).
Owing to the special conformation of the contact head (20), which is realised in such a way as to have a housing (21) for receiving and housing the tail (D) of the tube (T), and so as to comprise gripping means (22, 23) which are activatable, once the tail of the tube (T) is housed in the housing (21), in order to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T) on both sides of the tail (D), with the apparatus of the invention it is possible to carry out the displacement of the tube (T) and the insertion thereof internally of the box (A), effectively conserving the intactness and shape of the tail (D) of the tube (T).
In fact the tail of the tube will not be subjected to any impact, as it will, firstly, be housed in the housing of the contact head, and then, be gripped by both sides by the gripping means.
The gripping means will hold the tail of the tube during the movement of the pusher element in such a way as to push the tube, while holding it by the tail on either side, until the tube is completely inserted in the box.
Once the tube has been inserted in the box, the gripping means will be able to release the grip on the tail and the pusher element will be moved to be returned into the initial position.
The above-described functioning sequence is illustrated in detail in figures from 7A to 7D.
Therefore it is clear how the apparatus of the invention enables carrying out the transfer and insertion of the tube internally of the box, conserving the intactness and shape of the tail of the tube, thus obviating the drawbacks present in the prior art.
Other advantageous characteristics of the apparatus of the invention are described in the following.
In an advantageous aspect, the gripping means (22, 23) comprise a first fixed element (22) which is conformed in such a way as to define a first abutment surface (220) for abutment of a first side of the tail (D) of the tube (T), and a second movable element (23) which is conformed in such a way as to define a second abutment surface (230) for abutment with a portion of a second side of the tail (D) of the tube (T) (see for example and in particular figure 5).
The second movable element (23) is configured to be movable with respect to the first fixed element (22) between a splayed position (D1) (figures 5 and 6), in which it is moved away from the first fixed element (22) so as to define, between the first abutment surface (220) and the second abutment surface (230), the housing (21) for inserting the tail (D) of the tube (T), and a neared position (D2) (see figures 7B, 7C), in which it is neared to the first fixed element (22) in such a way as to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) between them, with the first abutment surface (220) in contact with the first side of the tail (D) of the tube (T) and the second abutment surface (230) in contact with a portion of the second side of the tail (D) of the tube (T).
The first fixed element (22) is preferably dimensioned in such a way that the first abutment surface (220) has a surface and width such as to be able to contact the first side of the tail of the tube substantially over the whole width thereof, while the second movable element (23) is configured and arranged so as to be placed in a median position with respect to the first fixed element (22) and is dimensioned so as to have a second abutment surface (230) with a width such as to be able to contact a central and median portion of the second side of the tail of the tube.
In this way it is possible to guarantee obtaining an excellent grip of the tail of the tube.
The apparatus (100) comprises movement means (3) for the movement of the second movable element (23) with respect to the first fixed element (22) from the splayed position (D1) to the neared position (D2), and vice versa.
According to the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second movable element (23) is hinged to the contact head (20) according to an axis of rotation (R) and wherein the movement means (3) for the movement of the second movable element (23) comprise an elastic element (31), which is interposed between the first fixed element (22) and the second movable element (23) and which is configured to maintain the second movable element (23) in the splayed position (D1) with respect to the first fixed element (22), and a rod (32) which is activatable to push the second movable element (23) to rotate with respect to the rotation axis (R) against the action of the elastic element (31) and bring the second movable element (23) into the neared position (D2). The rod (32) is mounted slidably above the pusher element (2) and guide elements (35) are present for guiding the rod (32).
The second movable element (23) can comprise a seat (231) for insertion of the end of the rod (32) in such a way that the rod (32) can push the second movable element (23) to rotate with respect to the rotation axis (R) and can be brought into the neared position (D2) to the first fixed element (22) in order to clamp the tail of the tube.
The rod (32) is slidingly activatable against the second movable element in a pneumatic or mechanical manner.
In a further preferred aspect, the first fixed element (22) can be made in such a way that the first abutment surface (220) has a tapered portion for facilitating and guiding the insertion and positioning of the tail (D) of the tube (T) in the housing (21).
Usually, owing to the size of the boxes, and therefore so as to have small- dimension boxes, especially in width, the tubes (T) are inserted internally of the boxes (A) in an inclined configuration, i.e. with the tail inclined with respect to a longitudinal transversal plane to the box, i.e. substantially arranged diagonally.
For this reason, the tubes are appropriately arranged internally of the seats of the conveyor means with an inclined configuration, i.e. with the tail inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
Consequently, in these cases, the contact head (20) is conformed and configured in such a way that the housing (21) has an appropriate orientation for being able to receive and house the tail (D) of the tube (T) internally thereof in an inclined arrangement.
For this reason, such as for example visible in detail in figure 5, the first fixed element (22) of the gripping means will be made and configured in such a way that the first abutment surface (220) is appropriately inclined concordantly with the inclination of the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1).

Claims

1) An apparatus (100) for inserting a tube (T) made of aluminium internally of a box (A) arranged horizontally, wherein the tube (T) comprises, at an end thereof, a dispensing nozzle (U) closed by a cap (B) and, at a second end, a terminal portion folded to form a tail (D) and wherein the box (A) is movable according to an infeeding direction (V) and having an open end (A1) in order to enable insertion therein of a tube (T), the apparatus (100) comprising: a conveyor means (1) for transport of a tube (T) along a transport direction (Z) parallel to the infeeding direction (V) of the tube (T), the conveyor means (1) having a seat (10) for containing a tube (T) and being activatable to position the tube (T) facing the open end (A1) of the box (A) and wherein the tube (T) is arranged in the seat (10) in such a way as to have the end with the cap (B) towards the open end (A1) of the box (A); a pusher element (2) arranged by the flank of the conveyor means (1), on the opposite side with respect to the box (A), and movable in alternating translation along a movement direction (M) transversal and perpendicular to the conveyor means (1); a contact head (20), borne at an end of the pusher element (2), for contact with the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1), characterised in that the contact head (20) is conformed and configured in such a way as to have a housing (21) for receiving and housing the tail (D) of the tube (T) and comprising gripping means (22, 23) which are activatable to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T) on both sides of the tail (D), wherein the apparatus (100) is configured in such a way that the pusher element (2) is movable along the movement direction (M), with respect to the conveyor means (1), from a retracted position (P1), wherein the contact head (20) is distant from the tail (D) of the tube (T) arranged in the seat (10) of the conveyor means (1), to a first advanced position (P2), wherein the contact head (20) is placed at the tail (D) of the tube so that the tail (D) of the tube (T) is received in the housing (21) and the gripping means (22, 23) are activated to clamp and retain the tail (D) of the tube (T), and thus the pusher element (2), with the gripping means (22, 23) retaining the tail (D) of the tube (T), is movable up to a second final advanced position (P3) to push the tube (T) and insert the tube (T) internally of the box (A), wherein the gripping means (22, 23) release the tail (D) of the tube (T) and the pusher element (2) can be moved to return into the retracted position (P1).
2) The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the gripping means (22, 23) comprise a first fixed element (22) which is conformed in such a way as to define a first abutment surface (220) for abutment of a first side of the tail (D) of the tube (T), and a second movable element (23) which is conformed in such a way as to define a second abutment surface (230) for abutment with a portion of a second side of the tail (D) of the tube (T), wherein the second movable element (23) is configured to be movable with respect to the first fixed element (22) between a splayed position (D1), in which it is moved away from the first fixed element (22) so as to define, between the first abutment surface (220) and the second abutment surface (230), the housing (21) for inserting the tail (D) of the tube (T), and a neared position (D2) in which it is neared to the first fixed element (22) in such a way as to clamp the tail (D) of the tube (T) between them, with the first abutment surface (220) in contact with the first side of the tail (D) of the tube (T) and the second abutment surface (230) in contact with a portion of the second side of the tail (D) of the tube (T).
3) The apparatus (100) of claim 2, comprising movement means (3) for the movement of the second movable element (23) with respect to the first fixed element (22) from the splayed position (D1) to the neared position (D2), and vice versa.
4) The apparatus (100) of claim 3, wherein the second movable element (23) is hinged to the contact head (20) according to an axis of rotation (R) and wherein the movement means (3) for the movement of the second movable element (23) comprise an elastic element (31), which is interposed between the first fixed element (22) and the second movable element (23) and which is configured to maintain the second movable element (23) in the splayed position (D1) with respect to the first fixed element (22), and a rod (32) which is activatable to push the second movable element (23) to rotate with respect to the rotation axis (R) against the action of the elastic element (31) and bring the second movable element (23) into the neared position (D2).
5) The apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein the rod (32) is activatable in a pneumatic or mechanical manner. 6) The apparatus (100) of any one of claims from 2 to 5, wherein the first abutment surface (220) has a tapered portion for facilitating insertion and positioning of the tail (D) of the tube (T) in the housing (21).
EP22709389.5A 2021-04-13 2022-02-15 An apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube in a box arranged horizontally Pending EP4323278A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102021000009224A IT202100009224A1 (en) 2021-04-13 2021-04-13 EQUIPMENT FOR INSERTING AN ALUMINUM TUBE INTO A HORIZONTALLY PLACED CARTON
PCT/IB2022/051317 WO2022219420A1 (en) 2021-04-13 2022-02-15 An apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube in a box arranged horizontally

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4323278A1 true EP4323278A1 (en) 2024-02-21

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ID=76921125

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22709389.5A Pending EP4323278A1 (en) 2021-04-13 2022-02-15 An apparatus for inserting an aluminium tube in a box arranged horizontally

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EP (1) EP4323278A1 (en)
IT (1) IT202100009224A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022219420A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE596704C (en) * 1931-12-20 1934-05-09 Edmund Muenster A G Device for inserting tubes into boxes
DE1290478B (en) * 1966-07-06 1969-03-06 Stichhan Albert Device for packing filled tubes
CN107406157B (en) * 2015-01-26 2019-06-14 I.M.A.工业机械自动装置股份公司 Box packing machine

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WO2022219420A1 (en) 2022-10-20
IT202100009224A1 (en) 2022-10-13

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