MXPA06005903A - An apparatus and method for turning containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) comprising a turning mechanism which is adapted to change the orientation of a number of packaging containers (12) in motion in a filling machine, from a first orientation (20) to a second orientation (22), comprising a conveyor (26) provided with at least one carrier (28) to which at least one carrier unit is connected. According to the invention, the carrier unit is rotary in relation to the carrier (28) about a geometric axis of rotation and is adapted to carry the packaging container (12) in such a manner that the point of gravity of the packaging container during the change in orientation is substantially located on the geometric axis of rotation, and the point of gravity of the packaging container thereby maintains substantially the same direction and speed from the first to the second orientation (20, 22).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD TO ROTATE CONTAINERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus that includes a turning or turning mechanism that changes the orientation of moving packaging containers in a filling machine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The machines for packaging food products, for example packaging containers with liquid foods such as, for example, juice, milk, etc. or foods of a more solid nature such as, for example, soups, vegetables, etc. they often have a production line with conveyors to transport the packaging containers during different phases along the production line. These phases may consist of one or more filling steps, sealing steps or folding steps in series of different combinations, or may comprise other functions. In or before, for example, one step -folding or sealing, the moving packaging container and those folding or sealing devices -the packaging container must be in the orientation -correct in relation to the other-so that the folding or sealing operation can be carried out -correctly. Sn Ref .: 173013 principle, there are two variations of orientation. Whether each packaging container maintains its orientation, in which case the device for folding or sealing, respectively, is oriented in relation to the mobile packaging container, for example, the device for folding or sealing adapts its orientation. Alternatively, each packaging container is rotated, for example oriented in the correct orientation and the device for folding or sealing is stationary. This latter alternative usually gives a higher degree of reliability in the folding or sealing of moving packaging containers. One method to realize this orientation of the packaging containers is to employ a conveyor with a rotating device that changes its orientation, for example rotates the containers from a first to a second orientation, so that a different side of the packaged container which, for example, it is at right angles to and adjacent in relation to the front side in the first orientation, it becomes the front side - in a second orientation in the direction "continues movement on the conveyor. Naturally, these orientation methods can be combined so that the packaging and the folding devices carry out a part of the orientation movement. Publication 'O022-8716 describes an apparatus for rotating the packaging containers in a filling machine. This apparatus receives, moves, rotates and passes over the packaging containers in movement, from a first entry orientation to a second orientation. The apparatus unloads the packaging containers in movement in the same direction of movement in their second orientation, as in their first orientation, but the packaging containers have been turned 90 °. The rotation is effected by a sweeping motion, and the apparatus consists of a rotating wheel on which the carrier units are rotatably secured. Each carrier unit is secured via a carrier shaft extending axially through the rotating wheel with its axis of rotation parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotating wheel. However, it has been proven that this construction suffers from a number of drawbacks that occurs mainly when the apparatus is run at a high speed. Problems that have occurred are, for example, that the package may be damaged, when the carrier unit holds or unloads the package and that the package occasionally shows a tendency to skip the subsequent part of the machine in connection with the discharge from the carrier unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention has thus been to make an apparatus for rotating packaging containers in a filling machine, wherein the turning or turning operation is put into effect in a more gentle manner, which minimizes the risk of damage to the packaging container during the turning phase, and when the container, after being rotated, is advanced additionally to the next production step. It has been possible to do this by means of an apparatus comprising a turning mechanism which is adapted to change the orientation of a number of moving packaging containers in a filling machine, from a first orientation to a second orientation, comprising a conveyor which is provided with at least one carrier to which at least one carrier unit is connected. The present invention is characterized in that the carrier unit is rotatable in relation to the carrier about a rotation axis, and is adapted to carry the packaging container in such a way that the gravity point of the packaging container during the change of orientation it is substantially localized on the geometric axis of rotation, and because the gravity point of the packaging container maintains this substantially the same orientation of movement and velocity from the first to the second orientation. Since the gravity point of each packaging container maintains the same speed and direction of movement, for example, substantially following the same line, from the first orientation towards the second orientation, the apparatus can be run at considerably higher speeds before any possible delayed movement, such as a standing wave or similar recoil movement in the contents of the packaging container, should be taken into account. Since the action of the contents in the packaging containers is reduced to a minimum, the risk of damage to the packaging container is also reduced to a minimum, due to rattles against the surrounding parts in the apparatus or the next conveyor. Yet another advantage is that the packaging containers do not need to be kept excessively tight during the turning operation, which gives a less complex design and construction for the carrier unit. This also involves that the limiting surface or stop between the carrier unit and the packaging container may be reduced, which in turn contributes to reducing the risk of undesirable marks occurring on the decorative artistic work of the container. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carrier comprises a first carrying member and a second carrying member, at least one of the carrying members is movable relative to the other in a first direction, and the carrying unit is rotatably connected to each carrier member where each respective rotating connection is located one distance apart from the other in a second direction transversely of the first direction. Since the rotating connections are located in spaced relation to one another in a direction transversely to that direction in which the carrier members are displaced, a movement of the carrier members relative to one another due to the geometry will result in a rotation of the carrier unit. This in turn gives - as a result a twist of the packaging container. Preferably, the apparatus according to the present invention is further characterized in that the carrier unit is non-rotationally connected to an axis that is hinged on one of the carrier members. In addition, the carrier unit is provided with a spigot which is movable in a sliding guide provided in the second carrier member. The mutual relation of the axis and the spike is such that a displacement of at least one of the carrier members relative to the other involves a rotation of the carrier unit corresponding to a change in the orientation of the packaging container from the first to the second orientation. By forming the bearer members in this way, will be achieved a construction that includes few parts, that is simple, robust and economical, and which nevertheless solves the problems previously described.

Preferably, the axis coincides with the axis of rotation, which is a simple and robust method of realizing the desired rotational movement. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier unit is provided with a pair of finger portions adapted to carry the packaging container, the finger portions are adapted in relation to the axis of rotation, such that the point of gravity of the packaging container matches .with the axis of rotation. By such means, it will be possible for the packaging container to maintain substantially the same direction and speed in the turn. According to a further preferred embodiment, the packaging containers that are fed are of a type whose corner flaps point substantially in a straight line from the sides of the container, of packaging, and the finger portions of the carrier unit are adapted to be able to carry the packaging container by means of abutment under these two flaps of -spig. By such means, the packaging containers can very simply and reliably be lifted and rotated, and the risk of visible marks or damage to artistic work or printing on the packaging containers is reduced to a minimum. Another inherent advantage in the provision of the carrier unit with finger portions is that the carrier unit will then be substantially dependent -only on the bottom configuration of the packaging container. It is thus possible to change the volume of the packaging container without the need to retro-build finger portions (as long as the configuration of the bottom is the same). The complete device is raised or lowered in relation to the surrounding conveyors. However, if the configuration of the bottom of the packaging container is to be put into effect, this does not lead to any further retroconstruction, either only the finger portions of the carrier unit need to be replaced then. This provides a highly flexible and economically viable solution. Preferably, the finger portions cooperate with at least one stop heel which is adapted to limit against a folding edge of each respective flap of the finger. When the packaging container limits against the stop bead, it can be ensured that the gravity point of the packaging container will lie on the axis of rotation. The stopper also ensures that the packaging containers will be supported in the same manner in all the carrier units, however, if some packaging container initially enters, for example, obliquely to the carrier unit. In a preferred unit, the carrier members are movable relative to each other since the conveyor comprises a number of slide guides which each form their loop, the carrier members are guided in the slideways and the slideways comprise change sections, each of which allows at least one of the bearer members to change the sliding guide. This is a simple and operationally reliable method of making movable carrier members one relative to the other. The advantage is also that the sliding guides can be simply fabricated from, for example sheet metal or the like, and the exchange sections can simply be laminated from plastic blocks. This gives a solution that is considerably more economical than one comprising, for example, steel-rolled cam surfaces, which run around the entire conveyor. It should be preferred that, while the container is located in its first orientation, the finger portions point in a direction substantially trarse to the transport direction of the containers and, while the container is located in its second orientation, the portions of finger points in a direction substantially rearwardly relative to said transport direction. By such means, the carrier unit can easily carry the container when being moved transversely of the conveyor direction, and delivery to an output conveyor will be very simple, since the finger portions will slide out of their position under the corner flaps without the orientation of the packaging container needs to be changed. Preferably, the carrying members are displaceably articulated on at least one axis, the shaft being interconnected with a band, provided for the conveyor, by means of a clamping device. By securing the carrying members on the shafts which are then interconnected to the band by a clamping device, the advantage will be provided that the carrying members can easily be replaced without the bands needing to be disassembled or replaced. In this way, the time required for maintenance work can be reduced and, since also the number of parts that need to be replaced is smaller, the apparatus will be superior from the economic point of view. This provides a very simple, economical and stable construction with few parts, and the rest time that is expensive from the capital investment point of view can be shortened. In a preferred embodiment, the band is comprised of a web transmission that also comprises at least one pulley on which the web is adapted to run, the carrying members are displaceably articulated on two axes, these axes being interconnected with the web, and the center points of the axes are displaced at a distance from the line of separation of the web in a direction substantially at right angles to it, outwardly from the pulley, so that the mutual spacing between the two axes is of equal size when the two axes are located above the pulley, and when they are located in a portion of the transmission where the band is substantially straight. By moving the center point of the shaft at a distance from the separation line, it will be possible to perform the synchronous inclusion also when the belt drive is used for an apparatus for rotating packaging containers. A construction that includes complete cam curves and linear guide can thus be avoided. This has numerous advantages, for example an apparatus comprising few parts can be developed, this being advantageous from the point of view of cleaning and wear. Similarly, an apparatus that is lightweight will be obtained. In a further preferred embodiment, the length of the distance is the difference r? -r0r where r0 is the radius from the center of the pulley to the separation line and 2 is calculated according to the formula where a is the mutual distance between two axes when the band is • straight. Preferably, the band is a toothed band. By such means, conventional bands can be employed and it will be shown shortly that the securing of the axes is facilitated by the teeth of the toothed belt. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device for securing the shaft to the band comprises a first part adapted for the total or partial limit in a tooth space in the band, and in the support means in the shaft, the supporting means they form continuations of the tooth space at each end thereof and in which support means the first part can be adjusted downwardly, and the first part at each end is connected to a second part in the form of an element of fork, the fork elements are adapted to surround the shaft, so that a wrapping angle is formed between the boundary points or abutment of the first part in the support means on the shaft, and the boundary points of the fork elements against the shaft, which is large enough so that the geometry of the shaft is capable of retaining the clamping device in a secured position. -As a result of a clamping device of this type, the carriers can be very simply secured on the band and if one or more carriers need to be replaced, only this or these need to be removed from the band.

The suitable clamping device is per se simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Preferably, the shaft is provided with at least one depression adapted to at least partially accommodate the band and in the depression of which the support means are placed. By providing the shaft with a depression for the band, it will be very simple to place the center point of the shaft at a distance from the strip separation line. The present invention also relates to a method for changing the orientation of a number of moving packaging containers in a filling machine, from a first orientation to a second orientation. The method comprises carrying a packaging container by a carrier unit that is connected to a carrier on a conveyor, and rotating the carrier unit relative to the carrier about a rotation axis, in such a way that the gravity point of the The packaging container, during the change in orientation, will be substantially "located on the geometrical axis of rotation, and the point of gravity to the packaging container will thereby retain substantially the same direction of movement and velocity from the first to the second orientations. As mentioned previously, this provided the advantage that a change in the orientation of a container from a first orientation to a second orientation, can be put into effect at considerably higher speeds before needing to take into account any possible delayed movement such as a standing wave or similar recoil movement in the c contents of the packaging container. For this, the action of the contents on the packaging container is reduced to a minimum, the risk of damage to the container container due to rattles against the surrounding parts in the apparatus carrying out the change or the next conveyor is also reduced to a minimum. Another advantage is that the packaging container does not need to be kept excessively tight in rotation, which gives a less complex construction for the carrier unit. This also involves, as previously mentioned, that the limiting surface between the carrier unit and the packaging container can be reduced, which in turn contributes to reducing the risk of undesirable marks that occur in decorative art work on the container . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A currently preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below - herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention with conveyors and moving packaging containers.; Figure 2a schematically illustrates a series of views I-V illustrating the rotation of the carrier unit, the. I-V views are shown from below with reference to Figure 1; Figure 2b schematically shows the apparatus in an oblique view from below (in order to facilitate an understanding of the views in Figure 2a); Figure 3 shows schematically, in a number of views, a first embodiment of a device, of clamping and how it fixes an axis to the band; Figure 4 shows schematically a perspective view of an axis; Figures 5A-5E show schematically different cross-sections of the axis and the wrapping angles; Figure 6 shows schematically in perspective a view of a second embodiment of the clamping device; . . . Figure 7 schematically illustrates the fixation of the axes; Figure 8 schematically shows a number of views of the carrier unit carrying a packaging container; Figure 9 schematically shows a sketch of the sliding guides and the switching or switching sections; and Figure 10 shows schematically a perspective view of the conveyor with the sliding guides and the third switching or changing section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODE Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus, generically designated by the reference number 10, to change the orientation of the moving packaging containers 12 before a production step in a filling machine to packaging of products, for example food. In the example, the packaging containers are parallelepiped containers produced from a laminated binding material, comprising a core layer of, for example, paper or cardboard and outer, liquid-tight plastic layers. Such packaging containers are occasionally produced from individual blanks which have been produced from sheet material and formed in a tube by overlapping their longitudinal edges. After this, the tube is sealed along a transverse edge, adapted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tube, the dewatered container is then filled and sealed at its other transverse edge. Prior to sealing operations, the blank is flattened in the transverse sealing region. After filling and final folding, where * is applicable, additional forming and melting operations are implemented and, in the parallelepiped packs 12, the corner flaps 14, double-walled of the cushion-shaped packaging containers, are folded inwards and sealed to the outside of the packaging container. The apparatus 10 in the present invention is located between a transverse sealing station (not shown) and a subsequent final folding station (not shown), where the double-walled corner flaps 14 are folded inwardly and sealed to the outside of the packaging container. The corner flaps 14 of the packaging container thus point, in this position, substantially in a straight line from the sides of the packaging container. The apparatus cooperates with a first inlet conveyor and a second outlet conveyor 16, 18, respectively, of which the inlet conveyor 16 feeds the packaging containers 12 from the transverse sealing station to the apparatus 10, and the conveyor outlet 18 feeds the packaging containers 12 from the apparatus 10 to the final folding station. If apparatus 10 receives, it rotates and passes over each packaging container 12 in motion, from a first input orientation 20 to the left in the Figure toward a second orientation 22 to the right in the figure. In this way, the packaging containers 12 are fed in their first orientation 20 in the input conveyor 16 and reach the apparatus 10 in the same orientation 20 in order to be subsequently rotated., and received in its second orientation 22 by the outlet conveyor 18 which feeds the packaging containers 12 additionally. The apparatus 10 ensures that the packaging containers 12 in movement maintain the same direction of movement and the same speed in their second orientation 22 as in the first orientation 20. The direction of transport of the packaging containers 12 in motion is indicated by the arrows from the left to the right in the figure. The input conveyor 16 may be of a conventional type that is known to a person skilled in the art. In the example, it is the type of belt conveyor that cooperates with a sliding rail. In one region, the rail and the band run parallel. The packaging containers 12 remain on the sliding rail in their first orientation, and are pressed or pushed forward along the rail, with the help of the carriers in the form of blocks placed with uniform spacing on the band. The belt conveyor is driven and guided by a drive unit. { not shown) in a conventional manner for a person skilled in the art. Of course, the input conveyor 16"may, however, be of a different type from that described, for example it may be a chain conveyor The output conveyor 18 may also be of a conventional type and, in the example, is of the belt conveyor type provided with carrier units 24. The belt conveyor 18 is driven and guided by a drive and drive (not shown) in a conventional manner for a person skilled in the art The conveyors 16, 18 are synchronized the apparatus 10. In order to make it possible to collect the packaging containers 12 from the inlet conveyor 16 and feed them to the outlet conveyor 18, the apparatus 10 comprises a conveyor 26 which is provided with a number of carriers 28 with the end of dragging - the packaging containers 12. The conveyor 26 is provided with a band for driving the carriers 28. The term "band" is taken here to imply, p or example, a chain or a band such as, for example, a toothed band. In the example, the conveyor 26 is provided with a first and a second band, 34, 35, see Figure 10. The bands 34, 35 run substantially parallel to one another on the pulleys (which will be described later). in the present) in a conventional manner for a person skilled in the art.

In the example, the bands 34, 35 are toothed bands and are driven synchronously with each other in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 1. Each carrier 28, see Figure 2a, comprises a first and a second member carriers 30, 32, which are in the form of blocks, and which are movably placed on two axes 38 substantially parallel. The blocks can be manufactured preferably from plastic. In the present example, the carrier members 30, 32 are positioned in such a way that each axis 38 runs through both of the carrier members 30, 32. The axes 38 are fixedly placed on two toothed bands 34, 35, driven, on the conveyor 26 in such a way that they bridge together through the distance between the bands 34, 35. The axes 38 are fixed fixed substantially at right angles to the direction of movement and the connections 40, see Figure 2a, interconnect the ends of the two axes one with the other. Each axis 38 is secured to both of the bands by means of at least one clamping device 42 in each band. In the following description and with reference to Figure 3, a first embodiment of this clamping device 42 will be described in greater detail, and it will be shown how an axle 38 can, by means of the clamping device 42, be secured to, by - example, the first band. The clamping device 42 comprises a first part 44 in the shape of a spike adapted to be able to buckle-against the band 30. The abutting stop against the band 30 takes place in a tooth space in the band 30. The spike 44 is also adapted to be able to be adjusted downward pressure on the support means 46 formed on the shaft 38. These support means 46 form continuations of the tooth gap at each end thereof, for example the support means 46 are positioned as small "tooth spaces" which are in alignment with the tooth space in the band 30. The pin 44 can be snapped downward in the support means 46. On either side of the first part 44 , for example at each end of the spike, there are second parts 48, 50, respectively provided. The first part 44 is thus a central part. The two second parts 48, 50 are substantially identical and since one is in the form of a fork element and is adapted to make it capable of encircling the axle 38. Each fork element has an outer end 52, for example a free end, which is adapted to be adjusted under pressure and into a corresponding hole 54 in the shaft 38. In order that the shaft 38 is capable of being positioned such that its central point is located at a distance from the separation line, which will be described - subsequently, the shaft 38 is provided with a depression 56 - adapted at least to partially accommodate the band 30. The depression 56 is formed as a gap and has a surface that is adapted to bump against the Flat surface of the band. The surface has an extension in the longitudinal direction of the axis, which is larger than the band 30 observed in the width direction of the band, so that the surface can also accommodate the two fork elements 48, 50. The means of support 46 are formed in openings in the surface, for example, the depression 56 in the shaft 38 in fact effectively consists of three sections, a central section 56a which can accommodate the band 30, as well as the two smaller outer sections 56b, 56c out of the support means 46 which can each accommodate one of the fork elements 48, 50, see Figure 4. The outer sections 56b and 56c are intended to support the fork elements and pick up a part of the spring force , so that the clamping device is not compressed downwards with all its force against the band. By such means, the risk that the spike 44"oo to" its way through the band is reduced to a minimum. Hence, it is the outer ends of the spigot 44 adjacent the fork members 48, 50 which press downwardly on the support means 46. The support means 46 are designed so that they allow rotation of the spigot 44, so that the fork elements 48, 50 can surround the shaft 38. It is to be understood that the term "surrounds" does not necessarily mean that the fork elements 48, 50 completely abut against the axis 38, is sufficient that there is a stop or abutment point to some extent along the fork shape, in addition to the stop point between the spigot 44 and the support means 46. The fork elements 48, 50 are designed to encircle the axle 38 , so that an angle of envelopment? is formed between the stop points of the first part in the support means 46 on the axis 38, and the stop points of the fork elements against the axis 38, which is significantly large so that the axis geometry be able to retain the clamping device 42 in a secured position, for example in a position where the clamping device 42 keeps the band 30 secured against the axis 38. Figure 5 illustrates what is meant by a wrapping angle? , big enough. In view 1 a cross section of an axis 38 with holes 54 is observed as described above. Thanks to the hole 54, the stop or abutment points of the fork element can, in this case, show a wrapping angle? which is slightly enormous d 180 °. Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the clamping device 42 where the fork elements 48, 50 are not intended to be press fit within the holes in the shaft 38, but where the outer parts 52 'of the fork elements 48 , 50 are merely adapted to bump against the axis 38. This variation requires a wrapping angle? at least 180 °, see view II in Figure 5. The shaft 38 can also be designed with a triangular cross-section, as in view II, or with a cross-section in the form of a polygon, for example a square, as shown in Figure IV, and then is it enough that the wrapping angle? bar beyond the first corner. However, it should be understood that the configuration and the "cross-sectional area of the fork element are naturally important for the angle of wrapping" that is required.If the fork element 48, 50 is weak, for example since this has a light cross sectional area and large fork configuration, a larger wrapping angle is probably required, see view V. In the first described embodiment of the clamping device 42 which is shown »in Figure 3, the orifice 54 of the shaft 38 is placed substantially in register with the depression 56, for example on the other "side" of the shaft 38.

In this way, the wrapping angle? it is substantially 180 °. The clamping device 42 can simply be manufactured by bending a steel bar. After the assembly of the clamping device 42, the toothed band 30 is first positioned so that its flat surface abuts against the flat surface in the depression 56 of the shaft 38, see Figure 3. After this, the first part 44, the tang of the clamping device 48 is pressed downwardly into the support means 46, from the top right view in Figure 3. After this, the fork members 48, 50 are rotated to surround the shaft 38, see the top left view in Figure 3, so that the outer ends 52 of the fork elements 48, 50 are adjusted to pressure inside? of the holes 54 on the underside of the shaft 38, see the corresponding bottom views in Figure 3. In the following description, the securing of the axes 38 will be described. Since both bands 34, 35 are driven synchronously and are substantially identical in shape and positioning, only the securing will be described with reference to the first band 34 for purposes of simplicity. When the band 34 is countersunk on the axis 38, the countersunk surface will always be a tangent to the band 38-at any individual point. This also implies that the normal to this surface passing through the center point of the axis, will always intersect the center point of those pulleys with which the shaft 38 rotates. The apparatus 10 comprises, as previously mentioned, a first and a second pulleys 60, 62 placed at the same height in the vertical direction one relative to the other, see Figure 10. The pulleys 60, 62 - are articulated between a first and a second structures (not shown) and at least one pulley is driven by the drive means. In the example, the first pulley 60 consists of a first and a second pulley parts 60a, 60b, which are non-rotationally interconnected with one another by means of an axle. Correspondingly, the second pulley 62 consists of a first and a second pulley parts 62a, 62b which are non-rotationally interconnected with one another by means of an axle. The first drive belt 34 runs on the first pulley part 60a on the first pulley 60, and the first pulley part 62a on the second pulley 62. The second drive belt 35 runs on the second part-60b of. the pulley in the first pulley 60, and the second pulley part 62b in the second pulley 62. With reference to Figure 7, it will now be shown how to calculate the securing points of the two axes, for example where the central points of the axes are to be placed in relation to the separation line, in order that there is an equal distance between the two axes 38, the entire length in the transmission, for example this must be the same distance between the axes 38 when that part of the band 34 (and 35) to which they are secured, is straight, as when the same part surrounds a part of any of the pulleys 60, 62. The term line of separation is here taken to imply that the line L to whose distance of separation of the pulley extends and the separation radius in a toothed belt transmission extends from the center of the pulley towards the center of the rope in the gear belt; for example to that point where the stretch is substantially zero. In the following reasoning, the separation radius is designated r0. When the band is straight, the mutual distance between the center points of the axes is a. In order that this distance is maintained when the belt is flexed around the pulley, the length of the arc segment of the separation length, here designated Jb, and the rope distance (the distance between the axes 38 these are located around the wheel), here designated c, is of equal length to a, for example a = Jb = c must apply. This is curettage by moving the position of the points-axis centers a distance r away from the line of separation, for example in a direction away from the center of the pulley. The central points of the jes "then will not be located on r0 from the center of the pulley, but on a radius r-? from this, this radius r2 is longer than r0. The distance? R is the difference r -r0. The formula for calculating ri is as follows: 0.5c V? sin (0.5) where c is, as previously mentioned, the desired string between the two axes, it is already the angle between the two axes and the center of the wheel, for example between the previously mentioned normals to the countersunk surfaces of the axes 38. The angle a is equal to ab divided by r0 where b is, as previously mentioned, the length of the arc length segment of the separation line. The formula to calculate 2 can be written as follows: Since Jb and c must be of the same size as a, c and Jb can be substituted by a in the formula which is then written: The first carrier member 30 is provided with a carrier unit 58 whose task is to carry a packaging container 12. Since the apparatus 10 is to change the orientation of the packaging containers 12 from the first orientation 20 to the second orientation 22, this one further comprises a rotating mechanism which will now be described. The axis A designates the axis of rotation around which the packaging container is to be turned or turned. In Figure 2, the axis A runs in a direction substantially at right angles to the plane of the paper, for example inward in the views. An axis 64 runs along the axis of rotation A, see Figure 8, this axis being at one end, fixedly connected to the carrier unit 58 and, at its other end, cooperating with a guide wheel (not shown). Between the guide wheel and the carrier unit, the shaft 64 is articulated in an orifice (not visible) in the first carrier member 30, so that the carrier unit 58 faces outwards towards the outer periphery of the conveyor 26, while the guide wheel is oriented inward towards the central parts of the conveyor 26. The carrier unit 58 is provided with a tang * 66 which is adapted to run on a slide 68 or elongated hole in the second carrier member 32. this mode, the carrier members 30, 32 are connected to each other by the carrier unit 58, and are movable towards and away from one another along the axes 38. The carrier unit 58 is provided with a central part 70. and two finger portions 72, see Figure 8. A pair of finger portions 72 are adapted to be capable of carrying a packaging container 12 and the finger pairs 72 are positioned in relation to the axis 64, such that the gravity point of the packaging container will coincide with the axis of rotation A when the packaging container 12 is carried and rotated by the carrier unit 58. In this way, the axis 64 is located on the central part 70 to the middle of the mutual distance between the finger portions 72. While the packaging container 12 is located in its first orientation 20, the finger portions 72 point in a direction transversely to the direction of transport of the packaging containers, and while the container of packaging 12 is located in its second orientation 22, these point in a substantially rearward direction relative to the transport direction. However, the finger portions 72 are angled to some extent outward in order to facilitate entrapment and positioning of the packaging container 12 in the carrier unit 58. However, in the description of the directions in which point finger portions. 72, -this angle is omitted in the text.

Each finger portion 72 further cooperates with a stop heel 74 on the central portion 70. The stop heels 74 are positioned such that, when the packaging container 12 is carried by the carrier unit 58, each will bump against an edge. of folding of each respective triangular tang flap, see Figure 8. It can be described that they collect the forces in a plane corresponding to the rear side of the container in packaging, see reference number 76. The views IV in Figure 2a are represented in a way that corresponds to that image that would be obtained if it were placed below the feeder device in Figure 1 and looking up, see Figure 2b. The I in Figure 2b shows where view I is taken in Figure 2a. The different positions of the carrying members 30, 32 in the rotation will now be described, and the mechanics behind the rotation principle is largely based on the characteristic that at least one of the carrying members is displaceable relative to the other "in a first address, and that the carrier unit 58 is rotatably connected to each of the carrier members, where each respective rotary connection is located, a distance from one another in a second direction transversely of the first direction. View I on the left -in Figure -2a shows a first position where both of the carrier members 30, 32 are located in a first enlarged position. This first position has its counterpart in the first orientation 20 of the packaging containers 12, and the carrier unit 58 is oriented so that the finger portions 72 are directed in a direction substantially parallel with the axes 38, for example transversely of the transport direction of the packaging containers, and it can be seen that the pin 66 makes an angle ßi in relation to the axes 38. In the example, the angle • ß1 = 45 °. Before the turn to the second orientation begins, both of the carrier members 30, 32 are moved along "along the axes 38, see views II-III." This movement will be described later On the other hand, the view IV shows the rotation started towards the second orientation 22. The distance between the first and second carrying members 30, 32 has changed and in the view designated V, these are located in a second diverging position The second carrying member 32 has then been moved away from the first carrier member 30 along the axes 38. The pin 66 now makes an angle ß2 with the axes 38. In the example, the angle ß2 = 135 ° and the carrier unit 58 has now been rotated to its second position, where this is oriented so that the finger portions 72 are substantially at right angles to the aforementioned axes 38. This second position has its counterpart in the second orientation 22 of the packaging container 12. The ß2-ß? corresponds in this way to the angle between the first and second orientation 20, 22 of the packaging container 12, for example, rotation. In this case, the rotation will be 90 °. The rotation, or rotation, which is carried out takes place in a clockwise direction with reference to Figure 1, or in clockwise fashion with reference to Figure 2a, so that portions of finger 72 in the second position will point in a direction away from the exit conveyor 18, for example, these will point in a direction substantially rearwardly relative to the transport direction of the packaging containers (left in Figure 1) . • The change from the first position to the second position and vice versa will now be described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10. Figure 10 shows that the conveyor 26 is provided with stationary guides in the form of a first, a second and a third slide guide, designated 1, 2 and 3, respectively, formed along the conveyor 26 in the direction of rotation. The sliding guides 1 to 3 are located within the toothed bands 34, 35, for example the toothed bands 34, 35 run out of the slideways 1 to 3, in such a way that the guide wheels (not shown) or guide pins on the underside of the carrier members 30, 32, can run in the slideways 1 to 3 when the toothed belts are driven. Preferably, the first and second carrying members 30, 32 are each provided with a guide wheel. Along the sliding guides 1 to 3, there are three fixed sliding guide change regions, see Figure 9, each comprising a designated switching or changing section 78, 80 and 82, respectively. The first change section 78 is placed at that point where the packaging containers 12 are to be picked up from the input conveyor 16, for example, where the apparatus 10 will carry the packaging containers 12. In front of the first section of change 78, the second carrier member 32 is guided in the first slide guide 1, and the first carrier member 30 - in the second slide guide 2. When the first and second slide guides 1, 2 are adjacent to each other, the carrier members 30, 32 are thus located in their first enlarged position (see also view I in Figure 2a) and finger portions 72 point in a direction towards the third slide guide 3. The input conveyor 16 is placed in relation to the apparatus 10, so that the packaging containers 12 move in a direction parallel with the sliding guides 1 to 3, in. the proximity of the third slide guide 3, and the finger portions 72 are not able to touch the packaging containers 12 when the carrier members 30, 32 are guided in the first and second slide guides 1, 2. However, in the first shift section 78, each pair of finger portions 72 is for clamping around each packaging container. 12, respective. This is put into effect, since the carrier unit 58 is moved with its finger portions 72 in a direction transversely of the slide guides 1 to 3, for example towards the third slide guide 3 and towards the packaging containers 12. This lateral displacement is achieved since the first shift section 78 comprises a transition from the first slide guide 1 to the second slide guide 2, as well as a transition from the second slide guide 2 to the third slide guide 3, for example after the first shift section 78, the second carrying member 32 is guided in the second sliding guide 2 and the first carrying member 30 is guided in the third sliding guide 3. A lateral displacement has then been obtained without the carrier unit 58 having been rotated, see views II and III - in Figure 2a. In this first shift section 78, the finger portions 72 are thus projected under the corner flaps 14 of the packaging container, until such time as the stop heel 74 in the finger portions 72 enters in abutment against each other. respective folding edge of the corner flaps 14. Next, from the first shift section 78, the input conveyor 16 is deflected away from the apparatus 10, and the packaging containers 12 will thus be freely suspended in the portions of fingers 72 of the carrier units 58, ie, the finger portions 72 are limiting under the corner flaps 14. The second shift section 80 is located after the first shift section 78, but before that point where the recipients package 12 are to be fed further to the outlet conveyor 18. This second shift section 80 is comprised of a turning region where the packaging containers or 12 will change orientation from the first orientation 20 to the second orientation 22. The rotation, which requires the second carrier member 32 to be moved away from the first one, is realized since this shift section 80 only comprises a transition from the second sliding guide 2 towards the first sliding guide. 1. This means that the second carrier member 32 after the change section 80 is guided in the first slide guide-1, and the first carrier member 30 also continues to be guided in the third slide guide 3. The carrier members 30 , 32 are thereby forced to separate and the carrier unit 58 is rotated "through 90 °." The packaging container 12 assumes its second orientation 22, see view V in Figure 2. The third section of change 82 is placed before that point where the packaging containers 12 are adapted to be able to be picked up from the entrance conveyor 16 and after that point where the packaging containers 12 are fed to the exit conveyor 18. This section of change 82 is formed in such a way that the second carrier member 32, after the change section 82, it will be guided in the second slide guide 1 and the first carrier member 30 will be guided in the second slide guide 2, which means that the shift section 82 is formed with a transition for the first carrying member 30 from the third sliding guide 3 towards the second sliding guide 2. The carrying members 3, 32 are thereby brought back to their first position, which indicates that the carrying unit 58 has been turned backwards to an orientation where the finger portions 72 of the carrier unit 58 are oriented with their longitudinal direction substantially directed in a direction transversely of the slide guides 1 to 3, for example that position having its counterpart in the first orientation 20 of the packaging container. This rotation is through 90 °. The carrier unit 58 can then hold a packaging container 12 when it once again reaches the first change section 78. In the example, each of the change sections 78-82 are in the form of a block that is placed transversely. of the three sliding guides 1 to 3, and the block is provided with substitute slide guides 84. If the transition to another slideway is not going to take place, the replacement slideways 84 in the block connect the slideways see the first slide guide 1 in Figure 10. However, if a transition is to take place from for example the second slide guide 2 to an adjacent slide guide, for example the third slide guide, the guide Substitute slide 84 is a curved sliding guide section whose opening is located in the second slide guide 2, and whose discharge discharges into the terora sliding guide 3, adjacent, see Figure 10. The changing sections 78-82 can advantageously be made of plastic, while the sliding guides 1 to 3 can be manufactured from, for example, sheet metal. The first and second change sections can also be preferably manufactured in a block. As mentioned above, the packaging containers 12 are transferred to the exit conveyor 18 after the turning operation, for example after having passed the second delivery section 80. The exit conveyor 18 is placed in relation to the apparatus. 10, such that the line along which the packaging containers 12 move after the turning operation, coincides with the line along which the packaging containers 12 will move on the exit conveyor 18. In this way, each packaging container 12 will retain its direction of movement also after transfer to the exit conveyor 18. In this example, each packaging container 12 is transferred at a point where the conveyor 26 deviates around its second point of articulation. As the finger portions 72 are turned to face a direction away from the exit conveyor 18, their clamping onto the corner flaps 14 of the packaging container will automatically be released when they are rotated about the point of articulation and / or will be caught with or braked with a carrier unit 24, for example when the finger portions 72 are moved in an upward direction in Figure 1, while the packaging container 12 continues in its first direction of movement as it is caught on the carrier units 24. The carrier units 24 are in the form of plates that have been mounted substantially at right angles to the chain of the exit conveyor 18. The speed of the exit conveyor 18 is slightly slower than the speed of the apparatus, and the packaging containers are braked by the carrier units 24. The risk that the packaging containers 12 are damaged s after the transfer, however, is minimal since the contents of the packaging containers do not give significant movement effect to the packaging container 12 and because the surface of the carrier unit 24 that meets the packaging container 12 is of the same order of magnitude that the surface of the packaging container 12 abutting against the carrier unit 24. Although the present invention has only been described with respect to a currently preferred embodiment, it should be obvious to the skilled person that the present invention is restricted thereto. , but numerous variations and modifications are conceivable without departing from the scope of the appended claims. An example of how the carrier unit can be secured to the bearer members has been described. However, it should be understood that there is a plurality of other ways of effecting such assurance. For example, the carrier unit 58 can be connected non-rotationally to one end of a connecting arm via an axle that is rotatably articulated in one of the carrying members, that the connecting arm at the other end is provided with a tang that is movable in a notch in the second of the carrier members, and that the mutual relation of the axis and the spike is such that a displacement of at least one of the carrier members relative to the other involves a rotation of the carrier unit 58 corresponding to a change in the orientation of the packaging container 12 from the first orientation 20 to the second orientation 22. One end of the previously described shaft 64 is thus non-rotationally connected to the carrier unit 58, while the other end is firmly connected to the carrier unit 58. a connection arm. The shaft 64 is, as previously described, articulated in a hole in the first carrier member 30. The carrier unit 58 is placed on one side of the carrier member 30 and the connecting arm -is located on the other side. In addition, the carrier unit 58 faces outwards towards the outer periphery of the conveyor 26, while the connecting arm is oriented inward towards the central part of the conveyor 26. The free end of the connecting arm is provided with a corresponding spike. to the tang 6, which is adapted to run in a notch corresponding to the sliding guide 68 previously described. Three slide guides 1 to 3 and three shift sections 78, 80, 82 have been described. However, it should be obvious to the person skilled in the art of this specification, that the member of sliding guides and sections of change can be altered depending on the practical application. For example, the turning operation need not be carried out in one step in a change section, but it can be, for example, performed by steps in a number of change sections and sliding guides. The carrier unit with the finger portions that have been described above is suitable for supporting parallelepiped packaging containers where the triangular corner flaps have not yet been folded and sealed against the sides of the packaging container. If another type of container is to be supported, or if the intention is to support the parallelepiped packaging containers in a different manner, the formation of the carrier unit can of course be of another type known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the carrier unit can be formed as a fastening device "which is capable of being fastened around the packaging container, For example, a fastening device can be provided, which is capable of fastening around, eg, the spike or spikes that are formed on the sealing of the transverse edges of the packaging container It should be further understood that the first and second orientations of the packaging containers are not restricted to the orientations illustrated, and that the angles described can also be amended so that the number of degrees through which the rotation moves will be different.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best known method for carrying out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. An apparatus comprising a turning mechanism that is adapted to change the orientation of a number of moving packaging containers in a filling machine, from a first orientation to a second orientation, comprising a conveyor provided with at least one carrier, which is connected at least one carrier unit, characterized in that the carrier unit is rotatable in relation to the carrier, about a geometric axis of rotation and adapted to carry the packaging container in such a way that the gravity point of the packaging container during the change in orientation is substantially localized on the geometric axis of rotation; and in that the gravity point of the packaging container substantially maintains the same direction of movement and velocity from the first to the second orientation. 2 - The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier comprises a first carrier member and a second carrier member; because at least one of the carrying members is displaceable in relation to the other in a first direction; and in that the carrier unit is rotatably connected to each of the carrier members, where each respective rotary connection is located at a distance from one another in a second direction transversely of the first direction. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrier unit is connected non-rotationally to an axis that is articulated in one of the carrying members; in that the carrier unit is further provided with a tang which is movable in a sliding guide provided in the second carrying member; and in that the mutual relationship of the axis and the spike is such that a displacement of at least one of the carrier members relative to the other involves a rotation of the carrier unit corresponding to a change of orientation of the packaging container from the first to the second orientation. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the axis coincides with the axis of rotation. 5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit is provided with a pair of finger portions adapted to carry the packaging containers, and in that the finger portions are adapted in relation to the geometric axis of the device. rotation, such that the gravity point of the packaging container coincides with the axis of rotation. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the packaging containers which are fed - are packaging containers whose corner flaps point substantially - in a straight line between the sides of the packaging containers; and in that the finger portions of the carrier unit are adapted to be able to carry the packaging container under the corner flaps. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the finger portions cooperate with at least one stop heel which is adapted to abut against a folding edge of each respective corner flap. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit is rotated substantially through 90 °, so that the second orientation of the packaging containers is at right angles to the first orientation. 9. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 8, -caricated because the carrier members are movable relative to each other since the conveyor -comprises a number of sliding guides which each form a loop; because the bearing members are guided in the sliding guides; and in that the sliding guides comprise switching or switching sections which each allow that at least one of the carrying members can change the sliding guide. The apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the finger portions, while the container is positioned in its first orientation, point in a substantially transverse direction of the transport direction of the containers; and in that the finger portions, while the container is located in its second orientation, point in a substantially rearward direction relative to the transport direction. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the carrier members are displaceably articulated on at least one axis, and the axis is interconnected with a band, provided for the conveyor, by means of a clamping device . 1

2. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the band is comprised in a belt transmission that also comprises at least one pulley on which the belt is adapted to run; because the carrier members are displaceably articulated on two axes, the axes are interconnected with the band; and because the center points of the axes are displaced at a distance (? r) from the separation line (L) of the web in a direction substantially at right angles thereto, with the direction away from the pulley, so that the Mutual spacing between the two axes is of equal size when both axes are located on the pulley, and when they are located in a portion of the transmission where the band is substantially straight. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the length of the distance (? R) is the difference r? -r0, where r0 is the radius from the center of the pulley to the separation line < L), and r2 is calculated according to the formula where a is the mutual spacing between the two axes, when the band is straight. The apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the band is a toothed band. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the clamping device for securing the axis to the band, comprises a first part adapted for the total or partial stop in a tooth space in the band, and in the support means on the shaft, the support means form continuations of the tooth space at each end thereof, and on which support means the first part can be adjusted downwardly; and wherein the first part at each end is connected to a second part in the shape of a fork element, the fork elements are adapted to surround the axis so that a wrapping angle (?) is formed between the points of stop in the first part in the support means on the shaft, and because the stop points of the fork elements against the shaft which is sufficiently large for the axis geometry ,. they are capable of retaining the clamping device from a secured position. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the shaft is provided with at least one depression adapted to at least partially accommodate the band, and in the depression of which the support means are placed. 17. A method for changing the orientation of a number of moving packaging containers in a filling machine, from a first orientation to a second orientation, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: carrying a packaging container with a carrying unit which is connected to a carrier on a conveyor, and rotate the carrier unit relative to the carrier around a rotation axis, in such a way that the gravity point of the packaging container during the change in orientation is substantially localized on the geometric axis of rotation, the gravity point of the packaging container retains substantially the same direction of movement and velocity of the first to second orientations.