WO1991015945A1

WO1991015945A1 - Method and machine for forming rectangular bunches

Info

Publication number: WO1991015945A1
Application number: PCT/FR1990/000271
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Reboul; Pierre-Yves DE BAKKER
Original assignee: Ateliers De Construction Et De Reparation Mecaniques Societe Nouvelle - Acorem S.N.
Priority date: 1990-04-13
Filing date: 1990-04-13
Publication date: 1991-10-31

Abstract

The machine, developed in the field of mechanical engineering, is illustrated. The operator places, for example, flowers in a U-shaped jig (10) of which the dimensions are adjusted by a wheel (3), whereby the flowers' stems rest on claws (6). The cutting and binding length is set by a slide (9). The cycle is started by pressing a button (2). The lid (11) closes over the flowers and wraps them in a heat sealing film in the jig which then bedomes rectangular. The frame (5) supporting the jig (10) and the claws (6) tilts until its roller (30), covered by two layers of film, contacts the heating resistor which seals and cuts the wrapping of the bunch while it is rectangular. Claws (7, 8) close over the stems and the jig (10) withdraws and returns to the loading position, while said claws (7, 8) pivot to bind, cut and remove the bunch on a belt conveyor. The rectangular bunches of flowers or vegetables arranged side by side provide a reduced space requirement, greater transportability and a more attractive appearance when on display.

Description

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING BOUQUETS

RECTANGULAR SECTION

The present invention relates to a method and a machine for making bouquets of rectangular section.

The technical sector of the invention is that of mechanical engineering.

It is advantageous to make bouquets in which

flowers (rosebuds or carnations), are arranged in a rectangle or square, so that the bouquets can be wrapped side by side, without any intermediate vacuum, hence a gain in space and holding during the transport or on sales displays.

The objective of the present invention is to provide means which make it possible to quickly make bouquets of rectangular or square shape and to maintain them in this form.

It is specified that the term bouquet must be taken in a general sense and that it can apply to bundles of stemmed vegetables such as leeks or asparagus, or any other product of the agricultural or agricultural sectors. industry, whose geometric shape and packaging are similar.

To date, we know machines for making bouquets of circular section, but we do not know any

capable of making rectangular or square bouquets, which are therefore made manually. Our process and our machine are the result of the necessary changes to the process and machine of Mr. Jean REBOUL, subject of patent no. 2,580,456, filed on April 22, 1965.

The objective of the invention is achieved by a method for producing bouquets of rectangular section which comprises the following series of actions:

- the flowers are placed in a template with a U-shaped section whose internal faces are previously covered with a heat-sealable film and whose horizontal bottom and one of the two vertical sides move simultaneously and proportionally so as to adapt as fair as possible for all sizes.

- a retractable cover finishes wrapping the head of the bouquet in the heat-sealable film after having, by a shutter system, folded the leaves; the section of the template then becomes rectangular. The heat-sealable film undergoes a traction created by the closing of the cover, more or less pronounced according to an arbitrary adjustment, easy to access, which has the effect of the relative tension of the film on the bouquet.

- the heat sealing and the cutting of the two strips of said film are then carried out at the closing angle of the template; the film thus forms a sleeve containing the head of the bouquet more or just hands.

- The said template retracts longitudinally on the side opposite the rods.

- the rods are gathered in bundles, linked and cut according to one of the preselected standard lengths.

- the bouquet is finally removed.

The invention results in a machine which makes it possible to produce bouquets of rectangular or square section.

A machine according to the invention, served by an operator, makes it possible to make bouquets at a rate of around sixty bouquets per hour.

A machine according to the invention has a small footprint which makes it easily transportable and low energy consumption. It allows you to make square bouquets with flowers with rigid stems or flexible stems.

A machine according to the invention comprises a template with variable geometry of section in the shape of a "U", arranged longitudinally, the horizontal bottom and one of the two vertical sides of which move simultaneously and proportionally, by means of a simple wheel, so to adapt as closely as possible to each variety of flowers. The heat-sealable film and the upper part of the flowers are placed in the template.

A machine according to the invention comprises a cover which folds down with the film on the head of the bouquet and materializes the fourth side of the section of said template which therefore becomes rectangular. This template is mounted on a vertical frame, integral with the chassis of said machine.

Said frame carries a row of bent claws located in the extension of the template to support the stems of the flowers.

The jig-frame-claw assembly swings to tension and bring the two strips of film into contact with the resistance which welds them and cuts them from the rest of the film roll; a film sleeve has therefore just been adjusted on the head of the bouquet which is then kept rectangular.

A machine according to the invention comprises other claws used for the transit of the bouquet, which close on the bundle of rods. The template retracts, then, longitudinally on the side opposite the claws, then swings back with its support frame in the initial loading position so as to allow the operator to place the following flowers.

In masked time, the said transit claws of the bouquet pivot downwards on a longitudinal axis; the rods are linked by a mechanism which is the subject of another patent not described in this text, and cut to a length arbitrarily preset, before the start of the cycle, by means of a very accessible cursor, placed in front of the corresponding graduation . The cut is obtained by a cutter.

The claws open and the bouquet is ejected at the rear of the machine which can be completed by a belt conveyor.

The mechanical movements of a machine according to the invention are all generated by pneumatic cylinders with magnetic sensors controlled by solenoid valves and by a sequential automaton which reads a program, introduced in the factory, comprising, moreover, a backup cycle, simple to use from the emergency stop, thus guaranteeing the safety of

the operator and the systematically intact return of the bouquet.

A plug placed on the automaton allows the connection of a remote control unit for each movement for the exclusive use of a breakdown technician.

The following description refers to the attached diagrams which

represent, without any limiting nature, an embodiment of a machine according to the invention.

- Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a machine according to the invention.

- Figure 2 shows the variable geometry part of the template on the slide.

- Figures 3 and 4 show schematically the automatic closing of the template, by leaf folding shutter and by cover.

- Figure 5 is a transverse view of the template which indicates the

routing of the micro-perforated film and the principle of pinching it during the closing of the cover.

- Figure 6 shows a combination of rollers used for holding, tensioning and welding the film during machine cycles.

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the automatic lock of

template cover.

- Figure 8 schematically defines the principle of tension and welding of the micro-perforated film by detailing its path.

- Figure 9 shows the different working phases of all the claws allowing the bouquet to transit from one station to another. - Figure 10 is a diagram of the carriage for binder and cutter support with its guide and adjustment of cutting length and binding.

Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a machine according to the invention, seen from its loading station.

A mechanically welded chassis (1), on braked casters, completely enclosed, integrates in a very compact way, the various components with an overall size reduced to 1.90 meters long, 1 meters wide and 1 meter high.

The operator using the machine will stand at the level of the footprints shown. The flowers, previously sorted and calibrated, are placed on the cover (14) covering the mechanical part; the cover (12) protects the electronic part. The flower heads should point to the left of the operator. The latter are arranged in the template (10) simultaneously adjusted to their size by means of the wheel (3); their rods then rest on the row of claws (6). The cutting and tying length is simply adjusted by matching the handle (9), which can be moved longitudinally, with the number of the chosen size.

The cycle is started by pressing a push button within easy reach on the console (2).

The cover (11) folds down on the template. The frame (5), supporting the template (10) surmounted by the rollers (29) and (30) and the row of claws (6), rocks transversely in the machine until contact with the lower roller (30) on the resistance of welding which welds and cuts the film sleeve wrapping the head of the bouquet.

The forks (7), mounted on a longitudinally pivoting axis, therefore support the rods of the bouquet and the forks (8), also pivoting longitudinally but on two bearings integral with the axis of the forks (7), fold back and tighten the bundle of rods.

The template (10) retracts longitudinally to the left, freeing the wrapped head from the bouquet, and the loading station swings back

spontaneously in the initial position for a new feeding. In masked time, the transit claws (7) and (8) pivot in the machine to bind, cut and evacuate the bouquet on the other side.

Figure 2 is a side view of the variable geometry template slidably mounted on the top of the tilting frame (5). This variation in geometry is obtained by manually turning the wheel (3) in "pivot" connection with the main square (16) and extended by a threaded rod which is screwed or unscrewed, depending on the direction of rotation, in a slide. (17) thus animated by a rectilinear translational movement on two axes implanted in superposition in the main square (16), and on which is fixed the movable plate (18), comb - shaped, of the template. A rod (20), in the shape of an inverted "L", and articulated by its angle in a yoke (19) fixed on the bracket (16), is driven in rotation by a secant axis to the said slide which evolves in the hole oblong from its upper lever arm. Said link transmits this movement, inversely proportional to the ratio of the lengths of its two arms, at its end, also pierced with an oblong hole and in turn driving the secant axis of a second slide (21) translating on two vertical axes also located in the main square (16). A second plate (26) in the form of a comb, materializing the movable horizontal bottom of the template, is fixed to the slide (21) which allows it to move perpendicularly and simultaneously to the other vertical comb plate (18).

The main square (16) slides longitudinally on the tilting frame (5) by means of a ball bushing (22) moving on an axis (23) integral with the frame, and two rollers (25), adjustable by eccentric, which roll on either side of a square tube of the said frame. The axis (24) is the anchoring part of the rod of the jack actuating the translation of the template on the frame.

Figures 3 and 4 show schematically the automatic closing of the template by a shutter (28) for folding the sheets and a cover (27). The end of the heat-sealable film is retained between the rollers (29) and (30), then is in contact with the internal faces of the template (10) in which the flowers are then installed.

The automatic cycle begins with the output of the cylinder rod (32) which switches a cam link (31), causing the cover to close.

(27) with the heat-sealable film and the partial folding of the flap (28). At the end of closing, the cover (27) comes into direct contact with the flap

(28) and therefore ends a simultaneous closure by coming to stall under the roller (30).

FIG. 5 is a transverse view of the template (10) which indicates the path of the film (35) under the angle iron (33) of the frame, along the axis (34) of film conveyor and the border of the cover (27) , between the internal faces of the template (10) and the flowers, finally pinched between the two retaining rollers (29) and (30).

It also indicates the presence of a film clip (36), made necessary when the cover is closed. This film clamp is oriented by a groove made in the vertical comb plate (18); It is stabilized by a roller (39), coated with a material having a strong

adhesion with the film (35), maintained in contact against the film by a spring levering on the axis of said roller and by two small rollers on the other side of the plate.

A micro-jack (38) longitudinally translates the clamp (36) which rolls on the packaging film (35) with a stroke approximately equal to the diameter of said roller.

The adjustment of the tension of the film on the bouquet is obtained by delaying more or less the action of the clamp during the closing of the cover because, as soon as it is removed, the tension is no longer collected by said clamp but by the bouquet.

FIG. 6 represents a combination of two superimposed rollers used for retaining, tensioning and welding the micro-perforated film (35) during the cycle.

The upper roller (29) is mounted idly on its axis. It is composed of several circular ribs, each marking its imprint in the flexible coating, with a high coefficient of friction and high thermal resistance, of the lower roller (30) which is itself mounted on two free wheels (42) not allowing its rotation only in one direction. The film (35) is therefore retained in one direction over its entire width, thanks to the ribs whose effective pressures at the points of contact between the rollers are generated by two springs (43) located at the ends.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the automatic latch (44) of the cover (27) of the template. In the cycle, after closing the cover (27) which has a locking pin at its end, the frame (5) supporting the template (10) and the forks (6), the upright (46) of which is one of the two upper extensions, tilts in the machine and moves away from the angle iron (48) of the chassis, thus releasing the link (45) which undergoes the force of the spring (47) giving it a rotational movement around its represented axis. This movement is reflected in the opposite direction to the latch lever (44) which applies its vee against the tenon of

lid.

This one is spontaneously centered and powerfully immobilized. The phenomenon is reversed and the lock opens when the frame finishes returning to the initial position.

Figure 8 schemaτiquemenτ defines the principle of tension and welding of the micro-perforated film by detailing its path.

The frame (5) supporting the template (10), extended above by the two rollers (29) and (30) for retaining the film (35), rocks in the machine, actuated by the jack (52), During this tilting, the counterweight (61), placed downstream of the roller (53), catches the slack of the film until the passage of the roller (29) under the rod (34) which then causes a new traction of the film.

A comb (49), integral with the welding resistance support (50) fixed to the chassis, intercepts at the end of tilting the film (35) and wedges it between the two rollers over a defining length, in conjunction with the adjustment obtained by the clamp (36), optimal tension of the packaging film on the bouquet. It is then that the lower roller comes into contact with the resistor (50) which makes its mark on the flexible material with good thermal resistance of said roller. During this docking, there are, in fact, two stretched layers of film (35) between two weaves (51) coated with non-stick with high thermal resistance, interposed between the lower roll (30) and the resistance (50).

The frame (5) supporting the template (10) is therefore immobilized and the welding and then the cutting are done. The good result of the latter also depends on the location of the cover border under the lower roller and on its locking.

Figure 9 shows the different work phases of all the claws allowing the bouquet to transit from one station to another. The loading claws (6), having received a batch of rods, rock with the frame (5) and transmit the bouquet to the transit claws (7).

The clamping claws (8) are closed on the rod bundle by the "jack / lever" system while the template (10) retracts, thereby freeing the head from the bouquet.

The frame (5) straightens and the assembly (7) - (8) pivots, using the "jack-rack / pinion-claw pin" system, with the flowers which are then tied and cut. After which, the clamping claws (8) open; the bouquet descends on a belt conveyor which advances by one step per cycle and the claws (7) and (8) return for a new loading.

Figure 10 is the diagram of the carriage supporting the binder and the cutter, with its guide.

A lever (59), easily maneuverable from the work station, allows the cutting and tying length to be adjusted simultaneously. To do this, simply rotate it and move it longitudinally to match the moving cursor with the notch (60).

indicating the chosen length. The carriage (55) is guided by an axis (56) and rolls on a frame member.

The binding as well as the cutting to length of the stems which is made by a cutter actuated by a jack (57) are carried out automatically in cycle course. The cutting-edge cutter edges partially take up the curve of the transit claws and come into contact with the rod bundle at the end of their rotation.

Claims

1 - Method for making bouquets of rectangular section characterized by the following actions:

- the flowers are arranged in a template with a U-shaped section whose internal faces are previously covered with a heat-sealable film and whose horizontal bottom and one of the two vertical sides move simultaneously and proportionally so as to adapt as fair as possible for all sizes.

- a retractable cover finishes wrapping the head of the bouquet in the heat-sealable film after having, by a shutter system, folded the sheets; the section of the template then becomes rectangular. The heat-sealable film undergoes a traction created by the closing of the cover, more or less pronounced according to an easily accessible adjustment, which has the effect of the relative tension of the film on the bouquet.

- the heat sealing and the cutting of the two strips of said film are then carried out at the closing angle of the template; the film thus forms a sleeve containing the head of the bouquet more or less justly.

- The said template retracts longitudinally on the side opposite the rods.

- the bouquet is finally removed.

2 - Machine for making bouquets of rectangular section, characterized in that it comprises a section template in the shape of a "U" whose dimensions vary proportionally by the manual rotation of its knurled button extended by a threaded rod which thus moves, on two superimposed axes, the vertical movable plate in the shape of a comb. This plate transmits, perpendicularly, its rectilinear translational movement, by means of an articulated link, to the second horizontal movable plate sliding, too, on two parallel axes and the comb-shaped part of which continuously fits into that of the said vertical plate.

3 - Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said template takes a rectangular section when its cover closes under the action of a jack, thus ending to wrap with film

heat sealable the fourth side of the bouquet which is therefore maintained, at most fair, rectangular for the following phases of packaging tension and sealing. A set of levers using this closing movement of the cover, will have allowed the flap placed in front of said cover to be folded down beforehand.

4 - Machine according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the said template comprises a film clamp composed of a tenon sliding longitudinally, under the action of a micro-jack, "in a groove made on the upper left of the vertical "comb plate". A small roller integral with the said tenon, sheathed with an adherent coating,

rolls, with a contact pressure generated by a spring, on the internal face of said plate by pinching the edge of the packaging film which must be retained during the traction caused by the closing of the cover. It is by delaying the action of the said clamp during the closing of the cover, that one acts on the final tension of the packaging around the head of the bouquet.

5 - Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said template slides in rectilinear translation, longitudinally, on its support frame by means of two ball bushings on a shaft, and two rollers rolling on either side of a square tube of the structure of said frame. A jack generates this translation of the template which frees the head of the bouquet so that it continues its bunching cycle.

6 - Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that said template support frame, extending longitudinally the latter by a row of curved claws for the support of flower stems, and holding between its two upper uprights two retaining rollers film, tilts longitudinally on its base, by the action of a jack, to allow the welding of the packaging film and give the relay to the transit claws which will engage the bouquet to the other stations.

7 - Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that said film retaining rollers dominating the template and the tilting frame, pinch the end of the unwound film. The upper roller, mounted idly on its axis, presses, by means of two springs and its row of circular ribs distributing the pressure in contact points, on the film and the flexible coating of the lower roller mounted on free wheels

authorizing the passage of said film only in the direction of unwinding.

8 - Machine according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the said rollers intercept, at the end of tilting of the support frame, a comb therefore interposed between them while driving and wedging the two ends of the packaging film , thus creating a certain tightening of the head of the bouquet. The switchover stop is caused by the warm border of the resistance, veiled with a fine non-stick weave, against which the lower roller comes to rest covered with the same fine weave and two thicknesses of the heat-sealable film; welding and cutting spontaneously follow.

9 - Machine according to claims 2 to 8, characterized in that it comprises two rows of curved claws, one for receiving and passing the bouquet on the cutting, binding and evacuation stations, the other for folding and tightening in the first, said bouquet. The clamping claws are aligned on an axis pivoting longitudinally on a second axis, parallel to the first, pivoting, too, and carrying the row of transit claws; the rotation of the assembly is ensured by the "pinion / rack" system.

10 - Machine according to claims 2 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a carriage support for binder and cutter, guided by a longitudinal axis and rolling on a beam of the chassis of the machine. Said carriage is indexable in translation from the work station to simultaneously adjust the standard cutting and tying length. The cutting edges of said cutter actuated by cylinder, partially resume the curve of the transit claws and come into contact with the bundle of rods at the end of its rotation.

11 - Machine according to claims 2 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a sequential controller integrally managing the normal cycle and the emergency stop cycle from a program definitively introduced in the factory. A plug, placed on the PLC, will authorize the operation step by step by the connection of a special box of

troubleshooting.

12 - Machine according to claims 2 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a mechanically welded chassis, on braked casters, completely enclosed, integrating, in a very compact manner in a

small footprint, all electrical, pneumatic components and mechanical sub-assemblies.