FI78044C - FOERFARANDE, ANORDNING OCH APPARAT FOER HOPFOGNING AV FOERPACKNINGSBEHAOLLARE, FOERENINGSORGAN OCH FLERFOERPACKNING. - Google Patents

Description

1 78044

Method, apparatus and equipment for connecting packaging containers, connecting member and multipack

The invention relates to a method for connecting a set of packaging containers consisting of a variable number 5, each set comprising a plurality of rows comprising a plurality of packaging containers, each container being a so-called a cup-type container having an outwardly directed annular flange along the top edge of the vertical wall, the annular flange being substantially perpendicular to the vertical wall and comprising a flat top side and a flat bottom side, thereby restricting the opening of the container and fitting, after filling the container.

Such a method is known from FR-A-15 2 291 111. This prior art method uses a support plate with checked openings for the containers. The plate snaps between the flange running along the circumference of the tanks to be placed in it and the flange. Once the containers have been placed on the support plate and filled, a cover plate is attached to the support plate 20 to close the containers.

Several methods are known, more particularly because cup-type containers, especially those made of plastic material, but also of other materials, are widely used in the food industry, especially in connection with dairy products and also in soft drinks, jams and many other ingredients.

As users and consumers want, there is thus a need for industry to organize filled containers into bundles, groups, or otherwise multipacks. The number of containers in such a multipack may be 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or even 12. In some cases the multipack is intended to be purchased as a whole, in other cases the purchaser is allowed to tear smaller pieces into a multipack containing a large number of individual cups.

35 One particular problem is the printing of the outer surface of the tanks. This is usually done with the multi-color technique 2 78044 by pressing the entire circumference. However, this technique requires free access around the entire cup. This argues that the cups must be made and printed individually and cannot be packaged in a multipack before printing. The assembly of a plurality of individual cups into a multipack is then usually done after the cups are filled with the material they are intended to contain and is done, for example, by attaching a common plate or membrane to close the openings at the top of the individual filled cups.

Alternatively, the multipack can be made, for example, by pulling, in the case of plastic containers, into a finished multipart, in which a plurality of containers are joined together. One of the limitations of this method is that printing with or without printing can be done on the outer surface of the containers and the printing must thus be limited to the cover plate or film.

The present invention thus relates to the above-mentioned method, i.e. to a method in which the containers are manufactured individually and are suitable for individual printing, wherein they are subsequently joined in multipacks. The reasons for this choice can be set out in a little more detail.

This manufacturing disadvantage of producing individual containers rather than multi-containers compared to the drawing method of sheet material is quickly offset by the post-processing of the multi-containers, not only printing but also filling. Individual tanks can be handled much more efficiently with high-speed machines at all stages of production. They can also be handled by many different types of filling machines. The structural factors of filling machines depend on many factors, such as the material to be incorporated in the first place) and also the degree of mechanization and automation associated with the skill of the users in the industry in which the containers are used.

3 78044 In this respect, the invention has a dual purpose. Primarily, it wants to provide a method for attaching individual cups that is much more efficient (someone might say: cheaper) than any of the other 5 methods on the market. Secondly, it wants to introduce the flexibility of production required by the nature of the products or pieces to be packaged, it is the flexibility of production in many respects in a way that has not existed before. Such production flexibility does not only involve the selection or combination of production steps and their capacity, but more particularly flexibility in the number of units in each multipack, in the form of a bundle, in the volume of separate units and even in possible combinations of different products and pieces in one multipack.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that - a separate, substantially strip-like flat connecting member is used to connect each pair of adjacent containers 20 to be connected, the connecting member being positioned below the annular flange so as to only connect a pair of two adjacent containers; the connecting member is attached to the undersides of the annular flanges of a pair of two adjacent containers to connect each pair of containers to be connected.

The connecting member used according to the invention can be an extremely simple piece of plastic and in this use complete freedom is achieved to connect and connect any number of containers in a multipack by any method or device and by any contents of the container. Connecting members, due to their extreme simplicity, are very cheap to manufacture. Also, this embodiment of the method is quite general in nature, allowing any degree of mechanization and automation between a simple manual operation and a fully automated high speed processing.

In connection with the methods according to the prior art, the device or apparatus is generally arranged for a certain number of containers, for example four or six. The method according to the invention, in turn, is so simple that it allows connection at several points simultaneously, whereby the number and shape of the containers to be connected can be selected as required. This can be done according to two preferred embodiments.

A preferred embodiment of the method is thus characterized in that - the containers to be connected are arranged and supported in a matrix division multiplied by the desired number of multipacks, and - the connecting members are arranged, supported and connected only to those parts which substantially correspond to their positions with respect to each other. among the desired multipacks.

In this way, the connecting members are arranged only where they are needed, depending on the desired structure of the multipack to be made. Flexibility is achieved by the fact that each different staggering of the individual containers to be connected for multipacks only requires a change in the arrangement of the connecting members and, of course, 25 locations where the connecting devices, such as welding devices, are switched on.

Alternatively, another preferred embodiment is characterized in that - the containers to be connected are arranged and supported in a set according to the matrix sequence multiplied by the desired number of multipacks, and - the connecting members are arranged and supported according to the matrix period at all locations corresponding to the supported and arranged containers. places, between adjacent containers, and 78044 - the connecting members are connected to the containers only in those places which substantially correspond to their mutual arrangement in the desired multipack package, and - the non-connected connecting members are removed.

5 In this way, simplification is achieved at the stage of arranging the connecting members, since they are placed everywhere, regardless of the period during which the connections are made. The only change in the choice of a different sequence of connections is related to the joining or welding equipment.

According to the invention, there is also provided a device for packaging containers, in particular so-called for connecting cup-type containers having an outwardly directed annular flange in its vertical wall and a container opening defined by it at its top, said annular flange being suitable for use after filling the container for carrying an opening closure member that support members having at least two openings for at least two containers, on which support members the annular flanges of the containers can rest in a substantially stable position, annular flanges of two adjacent tanks, - connecting means of a suitable type for connecting the connecting member 30 to the annular flanges of any pair of tanks which the tanks are adjacent containers in the desired multipack.

This defines the rather general nature of the device. Preferably, as is apparent, the device is associated with the device. Such an apparatus is characterized in that 78044 - means for arranging the containers to be connected, - means for supporting the containers, connecting members and connecting devices according to claim 5, - means for removing the containers connected in multipacks.

Again, these structural principles allow for a wide variety of specific shapes of device equipment depending on the factors mentioned above.

Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to belong to a production line between the filling and closing stations.

The invention also comprises a connecting member suitable for use in connecting packaging containers, since such connecting members, when used in connection with the apparatus or method according to the invention, have not previously been used for this purpose.

Thus, the connecting member according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting member is substantially strip-like and flat, consists of a plastic material, and its two opposite edges are formed substantially to correspond to the shape of the outer circumference of the containers to be connected by the connecting member.

This definition illustrates the extreme simplicity of an essential part of the idea of the present invention.

The connecting member may be of plastic material, in particular when the cups to be joined are made of the same material.

Finally, the connecting member can be provided with a line of weakness running substantially along its central axis. Such a line of weakness does not in any way complicate the handling or joining of the strips 30, but it helps the user to break the entire package into individual containers if he so wishes.

Finally, the invention comprises a multipack of containers of the maintiu type, characterized in that the adjacent containers are connected by a substantially strip-like connecting member attached to the annular flange of the container.

7 78044

Descriptive of the flexibility achieved by the device according to the invention is a preferred embodiment of a multipack, characterized in that the different containers of the multipack are filled with different fillings.

The invention will be further elaborated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a side view of a cup-type container in common use, Figure 2 is a top view of a single connecting member, Figure 3 is a schematic top view of two interconnected containers connected by a connecting member according to the invention. in an enlarged cross-sectional view according to arrows IV-IV in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 schematically shows an apparatus for supporting containers and connecting members to facilitate a coupling operation, Fig. 6 schematically shows an apparatus for connecting containers into multipacks, and Figs. 7a-d show various possible multipacks embodiments.

To illustrate the containers in which the invention is useful, Figure 1 shows a plastic cup 1 of a type generally known. It comprises a circular base 2, a rising wall 3 which is slightly conical except for the uppermost annular part 4, which is cylindrical during the transition phase 4 ', which acts as a support when stacking the cups empty. The upper wall part 4 contacts an annular flange 5 which extends outwards and whose upper surface 30 'is flat. Not shown in Figure 1 is a closure, usually of aluminum foil, which rests and possibly fastens to the upper surface 5 'by a flange in a well-known manner.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the connecting member 6, which is generally strip-like and is therefore simply referred to simply as a connecting or connecting strip. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the opposite edges 7, 7 ', which are the longest, has a sub-annular radius of curvature substantially corresponding to the radius of curvature of the outer edge of the cylindrical wall portion 4 of the cup 5 so as to conform to the outer circumference of the container.

When two cups of the type described in Fig. 1 are arranged side by side, as schematically shown in Fig. 3, which is thought to be a top-10 view of such two cups 8 and 9, the connecting strip 6 can be placed between them, i.e. in more detail in Fig. 4 10 and 11, respectively. In this situation, the connection can be made between the strip 6 and the flanges 10 and 11, where these parts contact each other, more specifically between the upper edge of the strip 6 and the lower surface of each flange 10 and 11. This interconnection can be performed by any suitable technique, such as ultrasonic welding.

Referring again to Figure 1, a line of weakness 12 is visible along the center line of the strip 6. Such a line of weakness is again seen in Figure 3 in the form of a V-shaped groove. However, it may be some other suitable form that facilitates the removal of the connected cups. The onset of tearing can be facilitated by a small cut 13 at the shorter edge of the strip, although such removal of material also serves the principles of economy when using plastic materials.

One way of describing a device that facilitates the method of joining cups is schematically shown in Figure 5. Two cups, now shown with the same reference numerals 8 and 9, as made in Figure 3, are supported by two rings 14 and 15, respectively. These rings have openings, such as 16, into which the cups 8 and 9 fit with a suitable clearance. The upper surface 17 of each ring forms a supporting plane for the flanges 10 and 11 of the cups 35.

9 78044

A groove or recessed point 18 is provided in each ring 14, 15. The vertical dimension or height of this space corresponds substantially to the thickness of the connecting strip 6 used. In the top view, the recessed points, such as 18, 5 correspond in shape to a part 6 of the strip. More specifically, the shape of the space corresponds to the connecting strip 6 between the flanges of the cup, as can be seen in Figure 3.

At least at the time of joining between the strip and the cup flanges, the support edges 14 and 16 are opposite, 10 but such opposing may also be permanent, as again schematically shown at 19 in Figure 5. Thus, when the strip 6 is first placed in the space 18 and then when the cups 8 and 9 are supported on their flanges 10 and 11 by rings, the strip 6 and the cups 10, 11 of the cups are in a proper position with respect to each other so that they can be joined together. This can be done by ultrasonic welding, not shown in Figure 5. Other welding techniques can be used.

To further illustrate the invention, Figure 6 shows in a very schematic manner, in view of the multi-package manufacturing apparatus, a top view of a package manufacturing part arranged between other stations of the production line. Thus, reference numeral 20 refers to a cup filling station having four synchronously operating filling heads. At the filling station 25, the cups are still individual cups and are handled and, more specifically, transported in a manner conventional in filling stations. The outlet end of the filling station 20 becomes a series of filled cups 21 which are known and, by means of a known transfer plate 22, transferred from the filling machine 30 and guided by a belt guide plate system 23 or conveyor belts and arranged in a position suitable for handling below. In this embodiment, reference numeral 24 denotes a set of 4x6 cups thus assembled, the set 24 thus comprising 24 cups. As such, the Kek-35 invention does not present any new proposal for arranging cups in such a series. Nor does it do so as long as it is a matter of moving the series 24 to the preparation station 25; such a displacement is schematically represented by an articulated step 26 and a sub-annular curve 26 ', which means that the whole set is rotated 90 °. This transfer can be accomplished by articulating suitable support devices carrying the kit 24 or by gripping them individually by suction or other suitable means.

The preparation station 25 comprises means for supporting the cups and the connecting strips in a suitable manner, for example as outlined in FIG. There is no reason to re-examine the application of Figure 5 for a 4x6 unit.

Numeral 27 refers to devices for handling and delivering splicing tapes to support devices at preparation station 15. The sorting and distribution technique for pulp individual parts and arranging them in regular locations is known from numerous embodiments so that they need not be further described in connection with splicing tapes according to the invention.

The preparation station 25 is followed by a joining station or a welding station 28. The welding station can weld, for example, cups of one line at a time, so that the entire set is welded by the time it is passed through the machine. The containers can then be closed at the closing station 29.

After sealing, the multi-packs treated as described above are processed, such as further packaged at station 30, for example by a mechanism 31. The pieces can then be transferred to a conveyor 32.

Figures 7a-d show an aspect of the versatility of the method of manufacturing multi-packs according to the invention. They describe five different ways of making a multipack within the system with the machine of Figure 6, which operates in a series of 4x6, i.e. with 24 cups. In Figure 7a, the cups in series 24 are connected in pairs. The other series figures 35, which for simplicity show only a portion of the 24 cup series, show a multipack comprising three cups in a straight line (Figure 7b), a four-cup series in a square (Figure 7c) and a six-cup series arranged in a 2x3 shape (Figure 7c). 7d). It is clear that multi-packs containing more than six units are also easy to implement.

For a better understanding of the invention, and more particularly a better understanding of the requirements, the following is emphasized.

A plastic cup is shown and described. However, the containers may be made of other materials. The invention is useful when the containers have radially projecting top flanges.

The connecting members used may be even simpler strips than the described embodiment and shown in the drawings. This is explained in the introduction to the publication.

Cups or containers need not be circular in cross-section. They can also have other shapes, such as square cross-sections with rounded corners. Which ta-20 non-circular shape has certain disadvantages, for example when printed, but they can nevertheless be connected in accordance with the invention.

The connection of the tanks and the connecting members can be carried out in any suitable way or by hardware. Ultrasonic welding is one technique that is useful for plastic materials and that the inventor believes works best, but the invention also includes friction welding, simple heat introduction (fusion), hot melting with special coatings and heat application, simple gluing, etc.

Likewise, the arrangement and support steps of the method can indeed be performed by any suitable mechanical device. Many such devices are more familiar to a person skilled in the art, such as support plates, racks, perforated plates, suction heads, etc.

12 78044

The term "sorting devices" must be understood in its broadest sense to include conventional steps such as sorting, arranging pieces (containers and strips) in proper positions, alignments, etc. In the embodiment of the apparatus described briefly with reference to Figure 6, the arrangement was made along four lines of the filling machine. and series formation in 4x6 format. In this respect, there are no limitations to the idea of the invention, except for practical limitations related to the size of the machines, their operating speed, etc. More specifically, it should be noted that the connecting or combining station according to the invention can be arranged after a set of filling stations or a separate filling machine, especially when such machines meet tanks with different products. One example 15 could be to make a combination of puddings or soft drinks of different flavors in one multipack. It should also be emphasized that the invention can be applied to any degree of mechanization or automation, ranging from the use of fairly simple mechanical accessories and considerable manual work to a fully automated production line involving the possibility of changing the type of multipacks to be manufactured.

The invention does not limit the nature of the products or articles to be packaged in the containers. The following are a number of examples of areas in which the invention may be applied: - dairy industry (milk, cream, yoghurt, curd, processed cheese, pudding), - meat products (pastes, salted meat), 30 - fruit products (canned fruit, jam, fruit jelly, fruit in broth) ), - soft drinks (fruit juices, yoghurt drinks), - sandwich spreads (nut butter, syrup, butter, margarine, chocolate paste),, 3 78044 - hardware (bolts and nuts, sorted nails and screws), - paint and paint assortments, - 5 powder coatings, - dough products.

Claims (11)

A method of attaching a collection of varying numbers of packaging containers, each collection 5 consisting of a plurality of rows of a plurality of containers (1; 8, 9), each container being of the so-called cup type having an outwardly directed annular flange ( 5; 10,11) along the upper edge (4) of the upright wall (3), the peripheral cutting flange being substantially perpendicular to the upright wall 10 comprising a flat top and flat underside, the peripheral flange restricting the container opening and being intended. after loading the container, carrying a closing device for the opening, characterized in that a separate substantially strip-shaped flat connector (6) is used for connecting each adjacent pair of containers (8,9) to be connected to each other, the connecting device is mounted from below on the underside of the annular flange (10, 11) so that it only connects to the adjacent pair of containers, - the connector ( 6) is secured to the underside of the annular flanges (10, 11) of each adjacent pair of containers to be joined to join each adjacent pair of containers (1; 8,9) to be connected to each other. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the containers (1; 8,9) are filled with the substance which they are intended to contain before they are joined and the container openings are closed after the containers are joined. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - supply and support according to a matrix pattern of containers (8,9) to be joined in a number which is a multiple of the number in the desired multiple package and 19,78044 - supply, supporting and interconnecting the connectors (6) only in the positions which substantially correspond to their mutual positions in a plurality of the desired multiple packages. 5 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that - supply and support according to a matrix pattern of containers (8,9) to be joined in a number which is a multiple of the number in the desired multiple package, 10. supply and support according to a matrix pattern of connectors (6) in all locations corresponding to the mutual positions of the supported containers (8,9) between adjacent containers; - connection of the connectors (6) to the containers (8.9) only at those locations which are essentially corresponds to their mutual position in a plurality of the desired multiple packages, - removing the connectors (6) which are not connected. 5. Device for joining packing containers (1; 8,9), more specifically of the so-called cup type, which has an outwardly annular flange (5; 10,11) along the upper edge (4) of the upright wall (3) restricting the container opening, wherein said annular flange is suitable to be used after filling the container to support a closure means for the opening, characterized by support means (14,15) provided with at least two recesses (16). for at least two containers (8,9) on which support means the peripheral flanges (10, 11) of the containers can rest in a substantially stable position; - elements (18) in said support for also supporting a substantially strip-shaped flat connector (6), these elements (18) comprising recesses in the upper surface of the supporting means (14,15) at a position bridging the annular flanges ( 10,11) to the two adjacent containers (8,9), connecting means of a suitable type for connecting the connectors (6) to the annular flanges (10,11) to which pair is raised by the containers (8,9) ) which are intended to be adjacent to each other in the desired multiple package. Apparatus for connection of packaging containers (1; 8,9), more specifically of the so-called cup type, which has an outwardly annular flange (5; 10,11) along the upper edge (4) of the upright standing wall ( 3) restricting the container opening, wherein the annular flange is suitable to be used after loading the container to support a closing member for the opening, characterized in that the apparatus comprises, - means (23,26) for supplying the container - a device (14,15; 25) for supporting the container and connectors and connecting means according to claim 5, - means for removing the containers joined to 20 multiple packages. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in. n a d thereof, that it is arranged to be used in a handling line between a filling station and a closing line. station. 8. Connectors for connecting a pair of packaging containers, characterized in that - the connector (6) is essentially strip-shaped and flat, consists of plastic material and is formed at two opposite edges (7,7 ') to substantially conform to the outer The periphery (4) of the receptacles (1; 8,9) to be connected thereto. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that a weakening line (12) is provided for a substantially long time with a central axis. 10. Multiple packaging of packaging containers (1; 8.9), more specifically of the so-called cup type, which has a