GB2171975A

GB2171975A - Automatic pack-forming and pack-cartoning

Info

Publication number: GB2171975A
Application number: GB08601901A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Hugh Broadfoot; David Michael Mace
Original assignee: EUROPACK ENG CO
Current assignee: EUROPACK ENG CO
Priority date: 1985-02-19
Filing date: 1986-01-27
Publication date: 1986-09-10
Also published as: GB8504192D0; GB8601901D0

Abstract

The invention relates to automatic pack-forming and pack-cartoning and may be embodied in a method of forming and cartoning the pack or in a machine which automatically carries out such a method. The method or machine for cartoning a succession of products performs the following cycle of steps: (a) Collating a desired number of the products into a row and/or stack ("the pack") of desired form; (b) At a first station A surrounding the pack a with a cage b, which holds the pack in that form; (c) Moving the pack and cage to a second station B; (d) At the second station B forming a carton closely around the pack-holding cage b; (e) Moving the carton to a third station C; (f) At the third station C, withdrawing the carton from the cage (b), or the cage (b) from the carton, to deposit the pack within the carton without substantially altering the pack form, and (g) Moving the cage b back to the first station A. Three or more cages are provided so that one is in use at each respective station at the same time. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Automatic pack-forming and pack-cartoning Field of the invention The invention relates to automatic pack-forming and pack-cartoning and may be embodied in a method of forming and cartoning the pack or in a machine which automatically carries out such a method.

Our published UK patent application No 21 20629 A, also entitled "Automatic Pack-Forming and Pack Cartooning describes and illustrates the cartoning of a succession of products by performing automatical ly the following steps: a) Collating a desired number of the products intoa row and/or stack ("the pack") of desired form; b) Surrounding the pack with a cage which holds the pack in that form; c) Forming a carton closely around the pack holding cage; and, d) withdrawing the carton from the cage, or the cage from the carton, to deposit the pack within the carton without substantially altering the pack form.

The present invention is a development of that invention and is concerned with speeding up the operation.

Review of the prior art All existing methods and machines in accordance with our published UK patent application are arranged such that the whole operation of forming a carton is carried out at one station. Since the operation is a multi-step process it can cause a major delay in a conveyor belt production line. In many modern processes the products to be cartoned are produced at a very high rate, which proves to be too fast for the cartoning machine to handle effectively.

Summary ofthe invention According to the invention there is provided a method or machine for cartoning a succession of products by performing the following cycle of steps: a) Collating a desired number of the products into a row and/or stack ("the pack") of desired form; b) At a first station surrounding the pack with a cage, which holds the pack in that form; c) Moving the pack and cage to a second station; d) At the second station forming a carton closely around the pack-holding cage; e) Moving the carton to a third station; f) At the third station, withdrawing the carton from the cage, or the cage from the carton, to deposit the pack within the carton without substantially altering the pack form and, g) Moving the cage back to the first station.

Since each operation is carried out at different stations, it is possible to increase the rate of production by creating a continuous line so that whilst the products are being collated further products are being placed in the forming cage whilst at the second station a carton is being formed around another box. To obtain an efficient operation at least three boxes are required to maintain continuity.

However, if four or five cages are used, a much faster operation can be achieved.

In this case there will always be one or two forming cages moving back from the third station to the first station.

The system allows for great flexibility since a number of different feed lines can be used, in which there are a plurality of collating and packing stations all leading to a single cartoning station so that each step in the process can be run at its most efficient speed. The system can also be used as a buffer and storage system in which a plurality of forming cages are filled which can wait in line for cartoning.

The invention is applicable with particular advantage to machines which pack chocolate bars. Proces ses which produce packaged chocolate bars have been developed so that they are very fast and this new improved system can handle this greater speed.

Brief description of the drawing An example of a method and apparatus in accord ance with the invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accom panying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a schematic prospective view of the machine; Figure 2 is a schematic section through the machine; Figures 3a and 3b are sections through the forming cage to show the loading and unloading of the cage; and, Figure 4 is a schematic plan showing the conveyor belt.

Description of the preferred embodiment A machine for cartoning a succession of loose, soft and non-uniform products is shown in the drawings.

in this case there is only one single product feed-line and the system includes three forming cages.

At a first station A the loose soft and non-uniform products are collated at (a). When fully collated they are elevated into a positioned forming cage (b).

The products are collated by a bottom pusher (w) and held in position by reciprocating side plates (x) until the collation has been reached, a separate lift plate then takes the correct collation into the forming cage (b) leaving bottom pusher (w) free to continue collating.

Inside the forming cage (b) is a scissor holding plate (c) which when the cage is empty is in its bottom position at 1 so that when the products (a) are elevated into the forming cage (b) the scissor holding plate (c) elevates with the products as at 2 thus giving better product control inside the forming cage (b).

The forming cage (b) is attached to a support holder (d). This has slide rollers (e) on both sides, which slide in between guides, bottom (f), top (g).

During this cycle a cardboard pre-scored and cut blank (h) is fed across to position B, from a stacker (1).

Two side chains (k), each chain complete with transfer lugs (I) as shown in figure 4, then move forward one pitch, transferring the cage (b) complete with product (a) inside, over the cardboard blank (h) at B. At this position the blank forms the carton around the forming cage (b) as shown at E in figure 2. The method for forming the carton will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee ofthe specification. During this operation glue is applied to the side flaps, the lid flaps being open. The forming cage (b) is then transferred another pitch to position C.

The forming cage (b) with its support holder (d) is then elevated to position F by an overhead cage control until (m) which lowers. This is complete with pivoted-box grippers (n) which close onto the gripper bars (p) attached to the forming cage support holder (d).

Before the cage elevates a top section (q) and guide rail (g) then move outwards, allowing the slide rollers (e) to clearthe guides on its upward movemenu. This also applies to the overhead.guide rail (s), where a section of this (r) moves outwards.

During the forming cage (b) upward movement at C, this is released from the half formed carton, the scissor holding plate (c) ensuring that the products stay in the carton,-and hold the carton down. A conveyor (v) then takes the half formed carton away, and during transit the lid is formed down and sealed by glue as at 5.

When forming cage (b) is in its top position F, the guide rail sections (q) and(r) move back, allowing the cage (b) slide rollers (e) to rest on the top section (r).

During this cycle the third forming cage (b) has been transferred to position G, by a pusher or side chains with lugs or suitable mechanism.

The second overhead cage control unit (t) complete with pivoted box grippers (n) then close onto the gripper bars (p) on the forming cage support holder (d). The top section (r) on top rail (s) open as also the section (q) on the top rail (g).

The overhead cage control unit (t) then lowers at position A, the guide rail sections (r) and (q) then close, the already collated products are then elevated into the forming cage (b) and the cycle continues.

When the boxes (b) are in the loading position a, and carton forming position B, clamp mechanism ensure positive positions.

If more than one product infeed is required then 4 or more cages (b) can be used. Loading station A would be duplicated or triplicated, but only one carton forming position would be used as at B.

Claims

1. A method or machine for cartoning a succession df products by performing the following cycle of steps; (a) Collating a desired number of the products into a row and/or stack ("the pack") of desired form; (b) At a first station surrounding the pack with a cage, which holds the pack in that form; (c) Moving the pack and cage to a second station; (d) At the second station forming a carton closely around the pack-holding cage; (e) Moving the carton to a third station; (f) At the third station, withdrawing the carton from the cage, or the cage from the carton, to deposit the pack within the carton without substantially altering the pack form and; (g) Moving the cage backtothefirststation.

2. A method or machine according to Claim 1, in which at least three cages are in use at the same time suchthat a cage is in use at each of the three stations at the same time.

3. A method or machine according to Claim 2, including four or five cages.

4. A method or machine according to any one of the preceding Claims, in which there are two or more first stations, each feeding packs to the same second station.

5. A method or machine according to any one of the preceding Claims for packing wrapped chocolate bars.

6. A method or machine substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.