GB1220671A - Improvements in or relating to packet take-off apparatus for packing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,220,671. Package handling apparatus. MOLINS MACHINE CO. Ltd. and L. THORNTON. 11 Oct., 1967 [12 Oct., 1966], No. 45548/66. Heading B8C. Apparatus for delivering filled packets from a packaging machine includes a plurality of handling mechanisms arranged for rotary movement, each mechanism comprising means for receiving a packet, means for rejecting faulty packets in response to a signal from the machine, and means for releasing good packets at an output station. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with the packaging machine disclosed in Specification 1,171,762. Cigarette packets 607, moving along a guide rail 622 on a packaging machine, encounter a fixed plough 623 and are simultaneously embraced by a pair of jaws 605 which are pivoted at 606 on a rotating table 601 and controlled by a fixed cam 615 and followers 614. A pressure plate 624 pushes the packets down between the jaws 605 and against an ejector plate 616 on a shaft 617. On the other end of shaft 617, there is a keeper 620 which is pushed into engageemnt with an electromagnet 621 and is held by the magnet, providing the packet is a good one, so that the packet can continue past scoop 602. However, if detectors in the packaging machine have previously indicated that the package is faulty, then magnet 621 is not energized and a spring 619 pushes the package to the ends of jaws 605 so that it can be removed by scoop 602. Good packages continue to be rotated by jaws 605 until they reach a further guide 625, by which point the jaws are open and the packages are engaged by pushers 629 on a decelerator unit 603. The pushers 629 are mounted on arms 627 which are pivoted at 628 on a rotating disc 626. The arms 627 are caused by springs 630 to engage a fixed eccentric shaft 631 so that the pushers 629 decelerate whilst in contact with packages 607 and accelerate during the remainder of their travel. Finally, the packages reach a paddle wheel 632 which pushes them on to a conveyer 604. In a modification, Fig. 2 (not shown), the arms of the decelerator unit terminate in open-fronted pockets for conveying the packages and also have slots which receive the fixed eccentric shaft. Further, the paddle wheel 632 may be replaced by a suctionoperated device.