JP2001523594A - Guide mechanism for packaging machines - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (30) for manipulating out of a hopper sequential collapsed sleeve type end loading cartons (10) having oppositely disposed face contacting panels (20, 22) and for initiating set up thereof into open ended condition, the apparatus (30) comprising a rotatable shaft (40), carton pick up means (42) for sequentially engaging one of said face contacting panels (20) and for withdrawing from the hopper the collapsed carton which includes said one of said face contacting panels (20), a rotatable elongate support rod (50) having one end thereof secured to said shaft (40) and on the other end of which said carton pick up means (42) is disposed, wherein said carton pick means (42) is arranged to deposit a set up carton (10) on a conveyor (34). Oscillatable guide means (52) is disposed outside the path of orbital movement of the carton pick up means (42) to engage and hold said carton (10) down following deposit thereof on the conveyor (34).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a packaging carton, and more particularly, to a technique for transporting a carton from a hopper in a folded state and sequentially starting an assembling operation of the carton to complete the assembling.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,934 discloses a rotary transport mechanism comprising carrier means rotatable about a drive shaft on a support member. A support shaft is rotatably mounted on the carrier means. The support shaft has a suction cup for receiving the carton. This allows the carton to be moved along the path and placed on the conveyor. A fixed guide rail is provided adjacent to the conveyor. The fixed guide rail is curved so that the carton can be moved onto the rug conveyor and the carton can be held in place on the conveyor.

One problem associated with the use of fixed guides is that the fixed guides must be installed so that they do not interfere with the path of the feed mechanism when moving the carton onto the conveyor. That is. In addition, the use of fixed guides is undesirable when applying a force to the carton to guide the carton to a desired location on the conveyor.

[0004] An alternative means for supporting the carton during carton assembly is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,102,385. This document discloses a supply mechanism by which a carton can be assembled. The supply mechanism includes a rotary suction cup that is movable inward and outward on a slide rod. The suction cup mechanism has a leaf spring clip for engaging and holding the carton and then transporting the carton onto the conveyor. Therefore, in this supply mechanism, it is necessary to provide a leaf spring type clip for each suction cup assembly. This increases the complexity of the supply mechanism and is not preferred.

[0005] In order to increase the packaging speed of the equipment, it is preferable to increase the transport speed by placing the cartons on the conveyor as quickly as possible. Another problem associated with known feeding mechanisms is that the shape of the assembled carton may be undesirable from a packaging speed standpoint. For example, pizza boxes typically have large top and bottom panels and relatively small side panels. If a carton of this shape is fed onto the conveyor by means of known suction cup means, the large surface area of the box makes it difficult to control the carton. Thus, such placement of the carton on the conveyor by known means makes it difficult to position the carton between the lugs. As a result, it may be necessary to reduce the packaging speed.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

The present invention seeks to solve or at least reduce the above problems associated with the prior art. Of course, the invention can be applied to various types of packaging machines. Alternatively, the assembly mechanism according to the invention can be sold as a separate module for mounting on a known mounting base of a new installation or on a known installation base of an existing installation.

In one aspect of the present invention, a folded end-introduced sleeve-type carton having a pair of opposed planar abutting panels is sequentially removed from the hopper and assembled into an open end face. A rotatable shaft, carton collecting means for sequentially engaging one of the planar abutment panels, and withdrawing a folded carton having the planar abutment panel from a hopper. A rotatable elongate support rod, one end of which is fixed to the shaft and the other end of which is provided with carton collecting means, such that the carton collecting means can place the assembled carton on the conveyor. Rocking guide means for holding and holding the carton during or after placing the carton on the conveyor, at a position outside the orbital path of the carton sampling means. An apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus is arranged.

In an additional aspect of this aspect of the invention, the swing guide means is configured to be swung by a drive means connected to the swing guide means via a drive link. Can be.

In another additional aspect of this aspect of the invention, the swing guide means may comprise a swing arm movable in a plane substantially parallel to the conveyor, The swing arm has a guide surface for guiding the carton to a predetermined position between the leading end lug and the trailing end lug provided on the conveyor. Preferably, the guide surface is movable in a path that overlaps (in side view) the track path of the carton collection means.

In another aspect of the invention, a device mounted in a packaging machine for positioning a carton in a predetermined position between a leading lug and a trailing lug on a conveyor. And a swing arm disposed above the conveyor, the swing arm having a first guide surface for guiding the carton to a predetermined position, wherein the first guide surface is substantially formed with respect to the conveyor. A device is provided that is movable in substantially parallel planes.

In any aspect of the invention, as an additional feature, the swing arm may have a second guide surface adjacent to the first guide surface, wherein the first guide surface comprises A first force for guiding the carton to a predetermined position is applied to the carton, and a second guide surface applies a second force for positioning the carton at the predetermined position to the carton. Preferably, the second force can be greater than the first force applied by the first guide surface.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a carton suitable for use in a packaging machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, and shows a supply mechanism and swing guide means according to the present invention. FIGS. 3 to 8 are a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, respectively, and show the assembling state of the carton in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

A mechanism according to an aspect of the invention can store and supply various types of cartons, such as, for example, roll-up cartons or fully closed cartons. Cartons of the type referred to herein may be various sized cartons having any carton type.

Referring to the drawings, an example of a carton 10 used in connection with a mechanism that forms a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the carton 10
Is shown in an assembled state, which is in a standby state for accommodating food items such as pizza. Carton 10 is formed from a single blank of cardboard or other foldable sheet material. The carton 10 has opposing side wall panels 12,
14 and opposed end wall panels 16 and 18. The side wall panels 12, 14 and the end wall panels 16, 18 are foldably connected. The carton 10 further includes a top panel 20 and a bottom panel 22 which are foldably connected to respective opposite edges of the side wall panels 12, 14. ing. An article such as a pizza can be inserted into the carton from the side, and then the end panels 16, 18 can each be closed to form a fully closed carton.

Of course, the details of the carton will be changed according to the shape and quantity of the article to be packaged. Thus, the machine according to the invention can be adjusted from various points of view so that it can process a wide range of cartons, for example sleeve-type cartons used in the bottled beverage industry.

FIG. 2 shows a machine 30 for processing cartons of the type described above. Upstream of the machine, there is provided a hopper (not shown) for carton storage and other suitable means for holding a number of cartons 10 in a folded state and awaiting processing. Preferably, a rotary suction feeder 32 is arranged adjacent to the hopper. In this embodiment, a paper supply chain 34 (ie, a conveyor) is provided for transporting the carton downstream toward a loading station (not shown). Conveyor 34 includes leading and trailing lugs 36, 38, 36A, 38A as is well known in the art. These lugs engage the carton when transported downstream of the carton.

The supply mechanism 32 includes a main shaft 40 rotatable around a fixed axis. The main shaft 40 is typically supported at the ends by way of a suitable bearing structure. Such bearing structures are known and are attached to a side frame. A suitable drive mechanism, such as a servomotor,
0 is provided for driving the rotation.

A carton collecting means 42 is provided for extracting the lowermost folded carton from the first hopper. The carton collection means comprises three suction cups 44, each supported on a cup holder 46 and a frame 48. The cup holder frames 48 are each fixed on a long support rod 50. In one example of this embodiment, each rod 50 is slidably mounted on a collar structure (not shown) that is rigidly fixed to the rotatable main shaft 40. The frame 48 can be mounted on a cam rod (not shown) that extends into a side frame containing a cam track (not shown). The purpose of the cam track is to facilitate the extension of the cam rod away from the main shaft 40 so that the suction cup 44 can abut against the carton 10. Thereby, one carton can be taken out from the hopper, and the carton can be rotated along a uniform path toward the paper supply chain 34.

In this embodiment, a suction (suction) circuit breaker can be provided in the supply mechanism 32. The circuit breaker is used in connection with a vacuum source and can be set up to connect and disconnect from the vacuum source. Thereby, the length of time and distance in which the carton is held by the supply mechanism 32 can be determined. 2 and 3
As shown in FIG. 5, the rotatable main shaft 40 is provided with five sets of carton collecting means 42. All five sets of carton collecting means are identical in construction and operate in the same manner, so that only one of those carton collecting means, designated by reference numeral 42, will be described in detail. I do.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the swingable guide means 52 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the path of the suction cup 44. The swing guide means 52 includes a first arm 54, and preferably includes a second arm 56. These arms 5
4 and 56 are connected via a drive link 58 to drive means such as, for example, eccentric drive means and servomotors. In this embodiment, the first arm 54 is substantially "L" shaped and has a portion 60 that is spaced from the conveyor and proximate to the conveyor. This portion 60 is provided with a first guide surface 62 and a second guide surface 64 that are connected to each other in a relative positional relationship at a predetermined angle. The second arm 56 is arranged apart from the first arm 54. The second arm 56 has the same configuration as the first arm, and operates in the same manner. Therefore, further description of the second arm will be omitted. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the arms 54 and 56 are movable in the space between the suction cups 44 adjacent to each other.

Although preferred for use with a rotary suction feeder for feeding cartons to a conveyor, the present invention can be used with other types of feeders without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, the present invention is applicable to certain or other types of feeders.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to only guiding cartons fed on a conveyor. For example, if it is desired to apply a pressing force, ie, a positive pressure, to the carton during loading to improve the stability of the carton, the swing arm can be located at the loading station. Indeed, the use of the invention in any part of a packaging machine where it is required to apply a pressing force or positive pressure to the carton for the stability or repositioning of the carton. it can.

In use, the supply mechanism 32 rotates the sampling means 42 in the direction shown by the arrow A in FIG. 4 by the main shaft 40 to continuously and successively (cartridge) the cartons from the hopper to the paper supply chain 34. Target). When the sampling means 42 rotates, the suction cup 40 moves so as to engage with the top wall of the carton 10. Then, a vacuum force is applied to this set of the vacuum cups 44 by a vacuum source. As a result, the carton 10 is pulled out of the hopper and transported to the paper supply chain 34. Top wall 2 of carton 10 by suction cup 44
The vacuum force is maintained throughout the transfer stage so that zero can be maintained. Once the carton has been placed on the paper supply chain 34, the vacuum source is disconnected from the suction cup 44 using a suction breaker, thereby releasing the carton. In this embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the suction cup 44 is
Hold the carton in the 6th place. This can prevent undesired movement when the leading edge 66 abuts on the leading lug 36 or 36A as described later.

Next, the assembling of the carton will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 4, the conveyor 3 is moved while the leading edge 66 of the carton is moved in the direction "A".
4 is moved toward the tip lug 36A provided on the upper side. And both arms 54,
56 is synchronously moved away from the carton in the "X" direction shown. This allows the carton to be moved toward the conveyor 34 along a path without any obstacles.

FIG. 5 shows the next stage. Here, the distal end edge 66 is in contact with the distal end lug 36A, and the arms 54 and 56 are completely retracted. Subsequently, the carton is assembled by moving the carton forward relative to the conveyor 34 and the tip lug 36A and pulling the top wall and bottom wall apart from each other by the tip lug 36A as shown in FIG. . For example, when the tip edge 66 abuts on the tip lug 36A, the top wall 20 and the bottom wall 22 move in a direction away from each other based on the fact that the carton advances relatively to the tip lug 36A. I do. In this stage, both arms 5
4, 56 are moved in the opposite "Y" direction. As a result, the upper surface wall 20 comes into contact with the first guide surface 62.

When the carton is further moved forward by the feeder, the first guide surface 62 pushes the carton downward in the “C” direction. When the arms 54 and 56 are further moved in the “Y” direction, the first guide surface 62 moves so as to be separated from the carton, and the second guide surface 64 operates as shown in FIG. . As both arms 54, 56 continue to move in the "Y" direction, the second guide surface depresses the rear end 68 of the carton, thereby stabilizing and / or guiding the carton. Thereafter, the rear end lug 38A comes into contact with the rear side wall 14 of the carton. Thereby, the assembly of the carton is completed. At the same time, as the swing guide means continues to move in the "Y" direction, the rear part of the carton is aligned on the conveyor as shown in FIG.

When transporting the carton downstream on the conveyor, the carton is held by the leading and trailing lugs 36, 38, 36A, 38A and by a pair of fixed guides 70 as shown in FIG. , Held in place. Double swing arm 54
, 56 are moved back in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 4, to the retracted position so that the next carton can be placed on the conveyor. In this way, the process of assembling the carton and placing it on the conveyor is repeated. These processes are usually continuous processes in a packaging machine.

It is of course possible for both arms 54, 56 to have only one guide surface for guiding and positioning the carton to be assembled, without departing from the scope of the invention. .

According to the present invention, the operation speed of the apparatus when the carton is shifted from the folded state to the assembled state is improved, and the efficiency and durability are also improved.

Although the preferred embodiment described herein was for use with a packaging machine for introducing pizza into a carton, the present invention is not limited to such a carton. I want to be understood. The present invention can be used with a packaging machine for packaging cans and cardboard "brick packs" and other containers in cartons. Further, while the embodiments described herein are shown as part of a machine for introducing containers into a horizontally mounted sleeve-type carton, the invention is limited to this type of carton. is not.

It is to be understood that the feeder and / or guide mechanism of the present invention has been illustrated with respect to particular embodiments and that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a carton suitable for use in a packaging machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, showing a supply mechanism and a swing guide unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, and shows an assembling state of a carton in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, and shows an assembling situation of a carton in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, showing an assembling state of a carton in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, and shows an assembling state of a carton in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, and shows an assembling state of a carton in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a set of a perspective view and a side view showing a supply point of the packaging machine, showing an assembling state of a carton in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Carton 20 Top panel (planar contact panel) 22 Bottom panel (planar contact panel) 30 Machine (equipment) 32 Supply mechanism 34 Conveyor 36 Tip lug 36A Tip lug 38 Rear end lug 38A Rear end lug 40 Main shaft (shaft) ) 42 Carton sampling means 50 Long support rod 52 Swing guide means 54 First arm (Swing arm) 56 Second arm (Swing arm) 58 Drive link 62 First guide surface 64 Second guide surface

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), AU, BR, BY, CA, CN, CZ, EE, HU, ID, IL, JP, KE, KR, LV, MX, NO, NZ, PL, RO, RU, SG, SI, SK, TR , US, VN

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A device for sequentially taking out a folded end introduction type sleeve type carton having a pair of planar contact panels disposed opposite to each other from a hopper and assembling it into an open end surface, comprising: A possible shaft; carton sampling means for sequentially engaging one of the planar abutment panels and pulling out a folded carton having the planar abutment panel from the hopper; A rotatable elongate support rod fixed to the other end and having the carton collecting means disposed at the other end, wherein the carton collecting means is configured to be capable of disposing the assembled carton on a conveyor. Swinging means for pressing and holding the carton during or after placement of the carton on the conveyor, the orbital path of the carton sampling means. A device that is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the swing guide is configured to be swung by a drive connected to the swing guide via a drive link. An apparatus characterized by the above. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said swing guide means comprises a swing arm movable in a plane substantially parallel to said conveyor, wherein said swing arm is An apparatus having a guide surface for guiding the carton at a predetermined position between a leading end lug and a trailing end lug installed on the conveyor. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said guide surface is movable in a path overlapping said track path of said carton collecting means. 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the swing arm has a second guide surface adjacent to the first guide surface, wherein the first guide surface connects the carton to the predetermined position. Applying a first force to the carton for guiding to a position, the second guide surface applying a second force to the carton for positioning the carton at the predetermined position. An apparatus characterized by the above. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second force is greater than the first force applied by the first guide surface. 7. A device for positioning a carton in a packaging machine at a predetermined position between a leading lug and a trailing lug on a conveyor, comprising: a swing arm disposed above the conveyor. Wherein the swing arm has a first guide surface for guiding the carton to the predetermined position, and the first guide surface is movable in a plane substantially parallel to the conveyor. A device comprising: 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the swing arm has a second guide surface adjacent to the first guide surface, the first guide surface guiding the carton to the predetermined position. Applying a first force to the carton, the second guide surface applying a second force to the carton for positioning the carton at the predetermined position. Device. 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the second force is greater than the first force applied by the first guide surface. 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a device according to claim 1.
A packaging machine comprising the device according to any one of the preceding claims.