MXPA06005904A - An apparatus for pushing packaging containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for pushing a number of packaging containers (12) which are supported in cassettes (18) in motion in a first direction in a packaging machine. The apparatus (10) comprises carriers (40) by means of which the packaging containers may be pushed from a first position to a second position in relation to said cassettes (18). According to the invention, the apparatus (10) comprises at least one belt (30, 32) which, in a first portion of the apparatus(10) moves in a second direction and in the second portion of the apparatus (10) moves in a third direction, and, between the first and the second portions, there is disposed a bending roller (24), and the second and third directions each make an angle (a) with the first direction, and finally the carrier (40) is connected to a shaft (38) which is secured to the belt (30, 32) by means of a clamping device.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR PUSHING PACKAGING CONTAINERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a pushing mechanism that changes the position of the packaging containers carried in moving cartridge receptacles in a nvasadora machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Packaging containers for 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., are completely manufactured from a packaging packaging laminate which is cut, folded and heat-sealed to have a finished packaging container, for example, of parallelepiped configuration. The packaging laminate comprises a carrier layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, which is coated on either side with lids of thermoplastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. The packaging laminate often also comprises a metal barrier cover such as, for example, aluminum. -A plurality -of different packing machines % ef .: 173012 for the production of these types or similar types of packaging containers is known in the art. A number of these operate with packaging container primers, similar, which are fed to the machine in the flat lay state and are elevated therein so that they obtain a preferably square or rectangular cross section. During their movement through the packaging machine, the packaging containers are progressively provided with a liquid hermetic bottom, which is normally formed by the compression and sealing of a first end of the blank of the packaging container. The packaging container is thereafter moved further to a filling station in which the desired type of contents is fed into the packaging container, after which the still open end of containers is sealed, for example, by compression and stamping. Each individual packaging container that is moved through such a packaging machine is preferably supported by some form of conveyor which ensures that the packaging containers are moved between different stations to, for example, form the bottom, fill up and forming the top .. In packaging machines that operate at high speeds and with fast accelerations, it is of crucial importance - that the individual packaging containers are both placed and retained in the correct position for the different operational phases, for example, the formation of the bottom and the filling, as a result, it is now usual for each individual packaging container to be supported by a carrier or cassette that it limits on three sides against the packaging container and fixes it in a carefully predetermined position in relation to the conveyor and the different stations. In addition to the precise positioning of each individual packaging container in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the conveyor, it is, in particular in mechanical processing, for example, the bottom or top seal of the packaging container, also of greater importance than the position The vertical of the packaging container is defined precisely when it is placed on the conveyor. A cassette having these properties is described, for example, in the European patent 10-621 € 0. This cassette shows an open design which makes it possible to move the packaged container inside or outside the cassette on its extreme shoulders, and can place the packaging container in the vertical position since one or more of the flexible flaps, of the parts in Projection in the corner of the packaging container, are used to fix the packaging container in the correct position. The -placement of the container packaged in the vertical position in the cassette normally takes place using an apparatus for pushing the packaging container, the apparatus comprises a carrier plate which pushes the packaging container in, for example, an upward direction in the cassette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One of the objectives of the present invention is to develop an apparatus for pushing packaging containers, which shows a simple and operationally reliable construction. This objective has been achieved by a device for pushing a number of packaging containers carried in moving receptacles in a first direction and in a packaging machine, the apparatus comprises carriers by means of which the packaged containers can be pushed from a first position towards a second position in relation to the receptacles. The present invention is characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least one band which, in a first portion -of the apparatus, moves in a second direction, and in a second portion of the. The apparatus moves in a third direction, which, between the first and second portions, is provided with a bending roller, so that the second and third directions each make an angle to the first direction, so that the carrier is connected to. an axis that is secured to the band of a clamp device and because the center point of the shaft is - displaced at a distance from the line of separation of the web or an address substantially at right angles thereto, with inward direction towards the flexure roller, so that a mutual distance between two axes, measured in the first direction, substantially equal no However, whether both of the axes are located in the first and second portions or if the axes are placed on either side of the bending roll. By moving a central point of the shaft at a distance from the separation line, it will be possible to perform it in synchronous function also in the use of the band operation for an apparatus for pushing packaging containers. A construction involving the cam surfaces and the linear guide can thus be provided. This provides numerous advantages, for example an apparatus can be elaborated which comprises few parts, this being advantageous from the point of view of cleaning and wear. Similarly, a. apparatus that is lightweight. The apparatus also has the advantage that it can be easily moved in the vertical direction, and if the volume of the packaging container is changed, for example, it can be raised or lowered in relation to the container conveyor. The configuration of the bottom of the packaging container was also to be changed, only the carriers need to be replaced. This' provides a highly flexible and economically viable solution. By securing the carriers on axes which are then interconnected with the band by means of a clamping device, the advantage will be provided that the carriers can be easily replaced without the band needing to be disassembled or changed. - The time involved for service and maintenance work, etc., can be reduced in this way and, since the number of parts that need to be replaced is also less, the device will be an economically viable solution, also from this point of sight. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the length of the distance from the line of separation of the band is calculated according to the formula K J = sena ' where a is the angle and K is calculated according to the formula K = R < tana - a ') where R is the radius -from the center of the roller -bending towards the separation line, where a is given in radians. K is a distance in the first direction, which must be compensated so that the mutual distance between the two axes is the same, however, if both axes are located in the first or the second portion., or if the axes are located on either side of the bending roller. In a further preferred embodiment, the carrier is provided with a surface adapted for butt imitation against the packaging container, and is articulated on the axis in such a way that the surface of the carrier can be stretched through at least the angle a in relation to the axis. The carrier then adjusts itself in response to the packaging container, for example, upon contact with the packaging container, the surface of the carrier adjusts itself substantially parallel with the first direction, so that a uniform force is applied on the packaging container. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a first and a second pulley placed on the same height in relation to one another and placed one on either side of the bending roller. This provides an extremely simple construction, with few parts and also durable, which are easy to maintain and clean. -For example, the apparatus resists the process, e daily cleaning that is normally carried out in a packaging machine. In a preferred embodiment, the band is a toothed band. By such means, conventional bands can be employed and it will be briefly shown that the securing of the axes is facilitated by the limits of the toothed band. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device for fixing the shaft to the band comprises a first part adapted for limiting the total and partial stop in a tooth space of the band and in the support means on the shaft, the means of support forms continuations of the empty space of wind at each end thereof, and in which the support means can be press-fit down the first part and because the first part at each end is connected to a second part in the form of a fork element, the orchid element is adapted to surround the shaft, so that a wrapping angle is formed between the stop points of the first part in the support means on the shaft, and the top points of the element of fork against the shaft, which is sufficiently large in order that the symmetry of the shaft is able to retain the clamping device in a secured position. By means of such a clamping device, the carriers can be simply secured on the band, and if one or more carriers need to be replaced, only this one or these need to be removed from the band. The hugging device per se is simple and inexpensive to perform. Preferably, the shaft is provided with at least one depression that is 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. of the line of separation of the band. Preferably, the flat surface of the toothed belt is adapted to limit against a corresponding surface in the depression in the shaft. By such means, a stable and easily assembled construction will be obtained. In a preferred embodiment, each fork member has an outer end that is adapted to be snapped each into a corresponding hole in the shaft. The hole minimizes the risk that the clamping device will be released from its secured position to the belt and the shaft. In addition, a member-of small involvement-can be selected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES - A currently preferred embodiment of the present The invention will now be described in greater detail hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the attached drawings: Figure 1 schematically shows in perspective view one embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention and a conveyor cooperating therewith; Figure 2 shows schematically a plan view of the view illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows schematically, the number of views, a first embodiment of a clamping device and how it secures an axis to the band; Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of an axis; Figures 5A-5E schematically show different cross sections of axis and wrapping angles; Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the hugging device; and Figure 7 schematically illustrates the securing of the axes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODE Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of an apparatus, generically "designated by the number of reference 10, for pushing the packaging containers 12, movable, before a production step in a packaging machine for packaging products, for example food. In the example, the packaging containers are parallelepipedic packages produced from a laminated packaging material comprising a core layer of, for example, paper or cardboard and liquid-tight outer layers of plastic. The apparatus 10 of the present invention is placed between a transverse sealing station (not shown) and a subsequent filling station (not shown) where the packaging containers are to be filled with their intended contents. When the packaging containers 12 pass the apparatus 10, they are completely open at the bottom. However, the upper part of the packaging container is to seal, but no final treatment has yet taken place, for which reason the double-walled corner flap 14 has not yet been folded inwardly and sealed against the outside of the container. packaging, but in this position they point substantially straight out of the sides of the packaging container. The packaging container is moved from the sealing station to straighten towards the filling station by means of a conveyor 16 and the direction of movement, from left to right in both figures, is marked by arrows and is designated the first address. The conveyor 16 comprises the receptacles 18 of the type described in the European patent 1062160 and such packaged containers 12 are reported by a cassette 18. The cassette 18 as such will not be described in greater detail here, but herein reference is made to the EP document. previously mentioned. On the left in the figures, the packaging containers 12 are placed with the bottom open upwards, and the transverse sealing flap that has been formed in the upper part of the packaging container 12 in the preceding station, is thus flipped over face downward with the longitudinal direction of the fin substantially parallel to the -direction in motion. The cassette 18 is open at the bottom and top, and the sealing flap at the top of the packaging container 12 is located below the cassette 18. The wall of the apparatus is, when the packaging container 12 passes, pushed the packaging container 12 upwards into the cassette 18 so that the area of the packaging container 12 which is to be subsequently sealed and forms its bottom, will project upwards out of the cassette 18, for example, it will be projected at a distance from the open end of the cassette 18. Placement in the vertical direction takes place since the corner flaps 14 of the packaging container 12 are used and made to cooperate with the support means in the cassette 18. .

The apparatus 10 comprises a first and a second pulley 20, 22 arranged at the same height in the vertical direction one relative to the other. Substantially centrally between the pulleys 20, 22, a bending roller 24 is placed, the bending roller 24 is located at a distance from the pulleys 20, 22, in the vertical direction, for example, in the vertical direction towards up, in the figures. An angle a is formed between the bending roller 24 and the first pulley 20, and an angle of the same size, also designated a, is formed between the bending roller 24 and the second pulley 22. The pulleys 20, 22 of the roller flexure 24 is articulated between a first and a second structure 26, 28 and at least one pulley 22 is driven by drive means (not shown). In the example, the first pulley 20 consists of a first and a second pulley part 20a, 20b which are non-rotationally interconnected with one another by means of an axle. Correspondingly, the second pulley 22 consists of a first and a second parts 22a, 22b or pulley, which are interconnected -not rotationally with one another, by means of an axis. Similarly, the bending roller 24 consists of a first roller part 24a and a second roller part 24b, which are non-rotationally interconnected with one another. A first band-drive 3O runs on the first part 20a of pulley with the first pulley 20, the first roller part 24a on the bending roller 24 and the first pulley part.22a on the second pulley 22. A second driving belt 32 runs on the second pulley part 20b in the first pulley 20, the second roller part 24b in the bending roller 24 and the second part 22b-pulley in the second pulley 22. In the example, these bands 30, 32 are conventional bands of the belt type - toothed The bands 30, 32 are driven synchronously in favor of the hands of the clock in the figures. Along a first portion 34 of the first pulley 20 towards the bending roller 24, the bands 30, 32 run in a second direction, this second direction making at an angle a with the first direction, for example, the direction of movement of the conveyor 16. In . a second portion 36 from the bending roll 24 towards the second pulley 22, the bands 30, 32 are driven in a third direction, this third direction also making the angle a with the first direction. The axes 38 are fixedly placed to the bands 0 30, 32 substantially at right angles to the moving direction. The securing of these axes 38 to the bands 30, 32 will be described below. On each axis 38, a carrier 40 is secured. The port 40 is designed as a plate and is articulated at one end of the shaft 38 which expands with the direction outward from the drive of the shaft. pulley. The hinge is formed such that the plate 40 constitutes an oscillator which can pivot about the axis 38 so much that the upper surface of the plate can be substantially parallel with the first direction, even though the axis 38 to which it is secured is located by example, in the first portion 34, in other words it moves in the second direction. In this way, the plate 40 is able to pivot through at least the angle a in relation to the axis 38. When the plate 40 enters abutting against the packaging container 12 and force is applied, this adjusts to himself and a balance of strength is surprised. The conveyor 16 and the bands 30, 32 in the apparatus are driven synchronously with the other. Such a carrier 40 is, as previously mentioned, secured on an axis 38, and this is secured to both of the bands 30, 32 by means of a clamping device 42 in each band 30, 32. In the following description, and with Referring to Fig. 3, a first embodiment of this clamping device 42 will be described in greater detail, and it will be shown how the shaft 38 can, by means of the clamping device 42, be secured to, for example, the first band 30, The clamping device 42 comprises a first part 44 in the shape of a spike adapted to be able to bump against the band 30. abutting against the band 30 takes place in a tooth space in the band 30. The pin 44 is also adapted to be able to be clamped downwardly also in the support means 46 which are formed in the shaft 38. These support means 46 form continuations of the tooth void spaces at each end thereof, for example, support means 46 are formed as small "tooth spaces" which are in alignment with the tooth space in the band 30. The pin 44 can be snapped into the support means 46. On either side of the first part 44, for example, at each end of the pin, a second part 48, 50 is placed respectively. The first part 44 is thus a central part. The other two parts 48, 50 are substantially identical, and each has the shape of a fork element that is adapted to be able to surround the axle 38. Each fork member has an outer end 52 for example, a free end, which is adapted to be press fit into a corresponding hole 54 in the shaft 38. In order that the shaft 38 is capable of being positioned such that its center point is located at a distance from the line-of-separation, which will be described later, the shaft 38 is provided with a depression 56 at least partially positioned to accommodate the band 30. The depression 56 is formed as a recess and has a surface that is adapted to abut against the flat surface of the band. The surface has an extension in the longitudinal dimension of the axis which is larger than the band 30 observed in the direction of the width of the band, so that the surface may also be able to accommodate the two fork elements 48, 50 The support means 46 are formed in discontinuities on the surface, for example, the depression 56 on the shaft 38 effectively consists of three portions, a central portion 56a which can accommodate the band 30, as well as two smaller portions 56b, 56c out of the support means 46 which can each accommodate one of the fork elements 48, 50, see the figure. The outer portions 56b and 56c are intended to support the fork elements and pick up a part of the rebound force, so that the clamping device does not press down with full force against the web. By such risks, the risk of spike 44"eating" its way through the band is minimized. It is in this way that the outer ends of the spigot 44 adjacent to the fork-like elements 48, 50 are pressed downwardly into the support means 4 * 6. The support means 4 * 6 are designed so that they allow the rotation -of the spigot 44, so that the fork elements 48, 50 can surround the shaft 38. It must be realized that the term "surrounds" - does not necessarily mean that the elements ofs. fork 48, 50 completely bump against the shaft 38, it is sufficient that there is a limit point or stop somewhere along the fork shape, in addition to the stop point between the stem 44 and the support means 46. The fork elements 48, 50 are adapted to surround the shaft 38, so that there is formed a wrapping angle β between the stop points of the first part in the support means 46, in the shaft 38 and stop points of the fork elements against the shaft 38 which is large enough so that the geometry of the shaft is capable of retaining the clamping device 42 in a secured position, for example in a position where the clamping device 42 retains the band 30 secured against the shaft 38. Figure 5 illustrates what is meant by a sufficiently large wrapping angle ß. In view I, it can be seen in the cross section of an axis 38 with hole 54 similar to that described above. Thanks to the hole 54, the stop points of the fork elements can, in this case, have a wrapping angle ß that is slightly less than 180 °. Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the clamping device 42 - where the fork elements 48, 50 are not intended to be clamped within the holes in the shaft 38, but where the outer parts "52" of the clamping elements hairpin 4-8, 50 they are positioned merely to abut against the shaft 38. This variation requires a wrapping angle ß of at least 180 °, see view II in Figure 6. The shaft 38 can also be designed with a triangular cross-section, as in FIG. III view, or with a cross section in the form of a polygon, for example 'a square, as shown in view IV, and then it is sufficient that the wrapping angle ß bars beyond the first corner. However, it should be noted that the configuration and the cross-sectional area of the fork element are naturally of importance for the wrapping angle ß that is required. If the fork element 48, 50 is weak, for example, since it has a light cross sectional area and a large fork shape, an angle of movement ß is probably required, see view V. In the first described embodiment of the clamping device 42 which is shown in Figure 3, the hole 54 in the shaft 38 is raised sequentially in register with the depression 5-6, for example, on the other "side" of the shaft 38. In this way, the angle of impediment ß is here substantially 180 °. The deferment device 42 can be simply manufactured by flexing a steel bar. In the assembly of the hugging device 42, the toothed band 30 is first positioned so that its flat surface enters abutting abut against. the flat surface in the depression 56 of the shaft 38, see figure 3. After this, the first part 44, the shank, the clamping device 42 is pressed downwards in the supporting means 36, see the view on the upper right hand side in Figure 3. After this, the fork members 48, 50 are rotated to surround the shaft 38, see the top view on the left hand side of Figure 3, so that the outer ends 52 of the fork members 48, 50 are press fit into the holes 54 on the underside of the shaft 38, see corresponding inside views in Figure 3. In the following descriptions, the securing of the shafts 38 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Since both bands 30, 32 are driven synchronously and are substantially identical in configuration and positioning, the securing will only be -described with reference to the first band 30 for purposes of simplicity. The mutual distance between two axes 38 is designated D and this distance can be maintained as long as the center points of the two axes 38 are located on a line L between the geometric points A and D in the figure, and are flexed on a flex roll 24, with an infinitely small radius. In most * of the cases, however, the bending roller 24 has a radius that is not negligible. In the example, the radius is designated R and is measured from the center of the bending roll to the separation line. If the center points of the axes 38 were placed on the line of separation of the band 30, see the line L in the figure, for example, on that line where the stretch is zero, the axes 38 could take a "short cut" on the point E instead of on the point D, since the inclination of the band on the bending roller 24 will deviate from the angle a. In this way, a mutual stability Y on the X axis between two axes 38 which are placed on either side of the bending roll 24, could be longer towards a distance X on the X axis between the two axes 38 which are both located on the same side of the flexure roller 24, for example in the first portion 34 of the apparatus 10 shown in the figure. In order that the axes 38 move at a substantially equal speed all the time, for example in order that the axes 38 do not lose their spacing X on the x axis when they move on the bending roller, for example , the direction of movement changes, and the axes 38 are secured to the band 30, so that the center point of each axis 38 is displaced by a distance J from the separation line L of the band. The distance J is measured in an inward direction towards the roller flexure 24, this distance being substantially at right angles to the tangent at each point of the separation line L. In the first position 34, between point A and C, the distance J is thus substantially at right angles to the second direction, and the second position 38, the distance is substantially at right angles to the third direction. The distance J - can be calculated according to the following reasoning. When calculating the difference in length K between the length CD, for example, the distance between points C and D, and the length CE, for example, the arc segment between points C and E, it is possible that it will be able to compensate the "short cut" so that Y is kept substantially as long as X. The difference K in length is a distance. in the x-axis and is used to calculate J according to the formula K j = sign where K is, as previously stated, the length difference CD minus CE, where CD = Rtan a -ó CE = 2pR to 3W K can thus be simplified according to the following K = R (tan a - a) where a is indicated in radians. By moving the center point of the shaft 38 in the distance J from the separation line L in an inward direction of the bending roller 24, the mutual distance X2 on the x axis between the two axes 38 which are placed on each side of the roller of bending 24, can be substantially as long as the mutual distance Xx on the x-axis between the two axes 38 which are both located on the same side of the bending roller 24. This understanding is facilitated if points B and Bx are considered. Point B lies on the separation line L and point Bi is the center point of an axis 38 which is moved away from the separation line L. When point B reaches the tangent point C, the band 30 starts at deviate from angle a, point Bx will be located distance K more forward. When point B reaches point E of the zero angle, point Bi is located exactly below - from point B and with this the difference in length K is compensated. The corresponding applies for point A and Ai. For the points that are located on the other side of the point E in a direction towards the second pulley (not shown), the inverse circumstance applies, for example, when point B has passed to bending roller 24, point Bi will be located below point B, for example, point Bx will be located closer to the bending roller than point B observed at point x. In this way, Xx and X2 will be of substantially equal length. Although the present invention has only been described with reference to a currently preferred embodiment, it should be obvious to the skilled person that the present invention is not restricted thereto, but that a plurality of variations and modifications are conceivable without departing from the scope of the claims. annexes. In the example, the apparatus with two bands 30, 32 has been shown, but this number can be naturally modified. Similarly, it should be obvious to the skilled person that the apparatus can be designed with flat bands or chains instead of serrated bands.

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 (9)

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

1. An apparatus for pushing a number of packaging containers that are supported in moving receptacles in a first direction in a packaging machine, the apparatus comprises the carriers by means of which the packaging containers can be pushed from a first position to a second one. position in relation to the receptacles, characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least one band, which in a first portion of the apparatus, moves in a second direction and a second portion of the apparatus moves in a third direction; wherein, a bending roller is placed between the first and the second portions; wherein the second and third directions each make an angle a with the first direction; wherein the carrier is connected to an axis that is secured to the band, by means of a clamping device; and where the center point of the axis is displaced at a distance (J) from the separation line (L) of the band in a direction substantially at right angles thereto inwardly of the bending roll, so that a mutual distance between the two axes, measured in the first direction, is substantially of equal size, however whether both axes are located in the first direction and second portion or if the axes are placed one on either side of the bending roller. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the distance (J) from the separation line < L) of the band is calculated according to the formula K j = sena where ? is the angle and K is calculated according to the formula K = R (tan a - a) where R is the radius from the center of the bending roll to the separation line (L) and where a is described in radians. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that - the carrier is provided with a surface adapted to limit butt. against the packaging container, and is articulated on the axis in such a way that the surface of the carrier can rotate at least through the angle a in relation to the axis. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first and a second pulley placed at the same height one with respect to the other, and placed on either side of the bending roller. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the band is a serrated edge. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping device for securing the shaft 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 in the shaft, the support means forms continuations of the tooth space at each end thereof, and in which support means the first part can be clamped downward; and wherein the first part at each end is connected to a second part in the form of a fork element, the fork elements are adapted to surround the axis, so that an angle of movement-β is formed between the points of stop of the first part in the support means on the axis, and -the stop point of the elements -of fork against the shaft, which is large enough so that the geometry of the shaft is able to retain the clamping device in a secured position. The apparatus according to claim 6, 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. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the flat surface of the toothed strip is adapted to abut against a corresponding surface in the depression in the shaft. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that each fork element has an outer end, which is adapted to be press-fitted each into a corresponding hole in the shaft.