Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
  • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
  • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
  • B65B43/145—Feeding carton blanks from piles or magazines
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
  • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
  • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines

Definitions

• This invention relates to packaging of primary articles such as cans and bottles in multiple packaged cartons and is more particularly concerned with feeding such cartons in collapsed condition from a hopper and for initiating and then completing a set up operation of cartons in sequence.
• a limited number of packaging machines are capable of packaging different sizes of cartons, for example six, eight or twelve packs of a wraparound carton. All such machines require adjustment when switching from one size or type of carton to another. This adjustment includes the manual removal of all of the cartons within the packaging machine and possible the mechanical adjustment of components in the machine. During this change over period, which can be thirty minutes or more, a machine cannot be used (known as "downtime"), which is an expensive delay in a bottling plant. Such a delay may even result in downtime for the entire bottling line, not just the packaging machine, if problems arise during the changeover period.
• the present invention seeks to overcome the commercial disadvantages of known packaging machines by providing a feeder mechanism which is able to set up more than one type of carton. Further, the invention is capable of switching from one carton type to another, or between sizes with minimum downtime.
• the modular nature of the present invention enables a "fully flexible" machine to be constructed which overcomes, or at least mitigates, the problems of known machines.
• the present invention can be used with a packaging machine described in a corresponding application ( Applicant's reference D-7725. It is envisaged that the present invention can be used with various other types of packaging machine.
• the erecting mechanism of the present invention can be sold as an individual module to be fitted to new equipment or to existing equipment on a retro fit basis.
• One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for storing two different types of carton, and for selecting and transferring cartons to be packaged, which apparatus comprises a first hopper for storing a first carton type, a second hopper for storing a second carton type, carton engaging means inco ⁇ orating means to provide a first position for engaging cartons from the first hopper and a different second position for engaging cartons from the second hopper and transfer means to transfer the carton from its respective first or second hopper from the infeed end of a packaging machine.
• the apparatus may further comprise means to place one of said hoppers in an operative position and control means to select the position of carton engagement corresponding to the operative hopper selected.
• said carton pick up and transfer means may be rotatable about a fixed axis in an orbital path.
• the first and second pick up positions may be located at different points on said orbital path.
• means to place one of said hoppers in an operative position may comprise a frame mounted to a second fixed axis and wherein said first and second hoppers are mounted to the frame each hopper may be oppositely disposed about the second fixed axis.
• said operative hopper may be adjacent the orbital path of said carton pick up and transfer means.
• a method of selecting cartons held in first or second hoppers and transferring said cartons to the infeed end of a packaging machine comprises the steps of selecting one of said hoppers to be operative, placing said hopper in an operative position, positioning a carton engaging means to engage a carton stored in the operative hopper and transferring the engaged carton to said infeed end.
• a third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for storing two different types of carton, comprising a first hopper and a second hopper oppositely disposed about a fixed axis and rotatable between a first position whereby one of said first and second hoppers is in an operative position and a second position whereby the other of said first and second hoppers is in an operative position
• FIGURE la is a side view of a basket type carton supplied in a flat collapsed condition suitable for use with the machine according to the invention
• FIGURE lb is a perspective view of a basket type carton suitable for use with the machine according to the invention
• FIGURE 2a is a perspective view of a fully enclosed carton blank suitable for use with the machine according to the invention
• FIGURE 2b is a perspective view of an erected and loaded carton of the type illustrated in Figure 2a;
• FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the infeed of a packaging machine illustrating the hopper unit and feed mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the invention
• FIGURE 4 is a perspective view from the opposing side of the packaging machine illustrated in Figure 3;
• FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the invention illustrating the hopper unit in a first position
• FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the invention illustrating the hopper unit in a second position
• FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the feeder assembly shown in Figure 3 ;
• FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of the feeder assembly of Figure 7 .
• a mechanism according to the present invention is capable of storing and feeding a variety of carton types, for example wraparound, fully enclosed and basket type cartons. Any reference in this specification to carton type includes different sizes of any particular carton style, for example fully enclosed cartons for eight or twelve articles.
• carton 10 is a basket type carrier shown in Figure lb in a set up condition ready for lowering onto articles.
• the carton 10 includes opposed side wall panels 12, 14 and opposed end wall panels 16, 18 hingeably connected one to the next.
• the carton further includes a handle structure 20 which inter-connects end wall panels
• transverse partition panels 22 inter-connecting each side wall 12, 14.
• Base panels 24, 26 are hingeably connected to each side wall panel 12, 14 respectively.
• carton 30 is a fully enclosed carton, shown in Figure 2a in its flat collapsed form.
• the carton blank includes opposed side wall panels 32,34 and opposed end wall panels 36, 38 hingeably connected one to next.
• the carton further comprises top panels 40, 42 and base panels 44, 46 hingeably connected to respective side walls 32, 34.
• Articles A are inserted into the carton from above or, as the case may be, from below and the top and base panels are then secured together to provide a fully enclosed carton.
• FIG. 1 there is shown a machine 50 for processing cartons of the type outlined above.
• the upstream end of the machine includes a dual hopper 52 in which a multiplicity of basket type and fully enclosed cartons 10, 30 in a collapsed condition are held ready for processing.
• a back feeder 54 of the type referred to in corresponding application (Applicant's reference D-7723 ) and a rotary vacuum feeder 55 are positioned adjacent the dual hopper 52.
• a paper feed chain 56 is provided to transfer cartons downstream to the loading station 57.
• the hopper unit 52 comprises two or more separate hoppers 58, 60 in adjacent positions described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 6.
• Each hopper 58, 60 is mounted onto a frame 62, as shown in Figure 3.
• the frame 62 is mounted onto a main shaft 64 which can be rotated about axis X - X shown in Figure 5.
• Each hopper 58, 60 is a gravity feed type whereby the carton blanks are held in their respective hoppers at an incline to provide a positive feed. It is envisaged that the hopper unit can comprise more hoppers adapted to receive different carton types or sizes which are preferably located surrounding the rotary feeder hereinafter described.
• a pneumatic cylinder (not shown) is used to rotate the frame 62 between two positions: the first position, as shown in Figure 5, with the first hopper 58 placed in an operative position ready for fully enclosed cartons 30 held in the first hopper 58 to be fed into the packaging machine.
• Figure 6 illustrates the frame 62 in a second position with the second hopper 60, containing the basket type cartons 10 in an operative position.
• Each hopper 58, 60 includes spaced support members 61, 63 respectively, to hold the cartons in a flat collapsed condition.
• the support members 61, 63 are fully adjustable to support different sizes and types of carton.
• the position of the hopper is controlled by a control system described in corresponding application (Applicant's reference D-7725).
• the construction of the rotary feeder 55 is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.
• the feeder mechanism 55 includes a main shaft 70 rotatable about a fixed axis.
• the shaft 70 is generally supported at its end by a suitable bearing structure 71, 73 but which is conventional and which is mounted to a side frame 72.
• Suitable driving mechanism, such as a servo motor 74 is provided to rotate shaft.
• a pick up device 68 including carton engaging means, for example suction cups 80 which are supported on cup holders and a frame 82 and 84 respectively.
• the cup holder frames 84 are preferably fixedly mounted respectively on an elongate support rod 86 which is slidably mounted respectively on a collar structure 88.
• the collar structure 88 is preferably rigidly secured to main rotatable shaft 70.
• the frames 84 are mounted onto cam rods 76 extending into the side frame 72 housing a cam track 78 hereinafter described.
• there are three sets of carton pick up devices 67, 68, 69 provided in association with the main rotatable shaft 70. Only one set of such devices such as those indicated at 68 are described in detail because all three sets of pick up devices are of the same construction operating in an identical fashion.
• Figure 8 serves to illustrate an exploded view of the internal components of the side frame 72 the rotary vacuum feeder.
• a fixed cam plate 77 is mounted on the inner surface of side frame 72 and is provided with an aperture 79 through which the drive shaft 70 extends.
• a cam track 78 is formed in the fixed cam plate 77 with cam followers (not shown) disposed within the cam track 78.
• the purpose of the cam track 78 is to facilitate the cam rods 76 to be extended away from the main shaft 70 so that the suction cups come into contact with the carton thereby to remove one of the cartons from the operative hopper 58 and to rotate the carton in a uniform path to the paper feed chain 56.
• a back feeder 54 is used to separate opposing side panels and to assist in the erection of the carton.
• a vacuum break 90 is provided in the feeder mechanism 55 which is used in conjunction with a vacuum supply to set the vacuum connection and cut off points, described below.
• the hopper unit is positioned so that one of the hoppers is in an operative position for example, the first hopper 58. Thereafter, the cartons are continuously and sequentially fed from the hopper 52 to the paper feed chain 56 by the main shaft 70 rotating the pick up device 68 in the direction indicated by the arrow, shown in figure 5. As the pick up devices 67, 68, 69 rotate, the suction cups 82 are extended to be moved into contact with a side wall 32 of the carton 30 by the path of the cam track. A vacuum is then applied to the set of suction cups 80. Thus, the carton 30 is withdrawn and then transferred to the paper feed chain
• a vacuum break 90 disconnects the vacuum supply from the suction cups to release the carton.
• the second hopper 60 is rotated by the pneumatic cylinder about shaft 64 and placed in an operative position and corresponding hopper 58 is moved to a non-operative position.
• the position of the second hopper 60 relative to the rotary feeder 55 is different to the first hopper 58, it is necessary to move the pick up (or carton engaging) point 91 of the suction cups shown in Figure 8 and to alter the "on" and “off” positions of the vacuum supply.
• These changes are carried out by moving the cam track 78 and/or the vacuum breaks 90 controlling the supply of a vacuum to a second position.
• Suitable drive means for example a servo motor 92 controlled by the control system moves these sub-assemblies between the two positions. It is preferred to include a third position for the vacuum supply: this position being the "default setting" whereby the vacuum supply is disconnected throughout the rotation of the suction cups 80. The default position is adopted during carton changeover or if there is a fault in the machine.
• the speed of operation of the apparatus is improved as well as its efficiency and durability as the carton is moved from a collapsed position to a fully set up condition.
• the final set up operation is due in part to engagement with a back feeder and a corner of the carton with the lugs which then affects complete and final set up of a carton whilst being held by the suction cup.
• the hopper and feeder mechanism of the invention has been illustrated with reference to a specific embodiment and that numerous modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.
• the hopper and feeder mechanism is able to process cartons comprising numerous configurations of groups of articles covering a range of carton size and shape, for example, four, six, eight and twelve bottles without undue time being spent in adjusting the mechanism.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
• Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
• Road Repair (AREA)
• Spinning Or Twisting Of Yarns (AREA)
• Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
• Electrically Operated Instructional Devices (AREA)
• Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
• Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
• Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
• Making Paper Articles (AREA)

Priority Applications (13)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=10819331

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (18)

Cited By (3)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (3)

• 1997
  • 1997-09-19 GB GBGB9719951.7A patent/GB9719951D0/en not_active Ceased
• 1998
  • 1998-09-18 ZA ZA988590A patent/ZA988590B/xx unknown
  • 1998-09-21 CN CN98811146A patent/CN1278772A/zh active Pending
  • 1998-09-21 DK DK98946115T patent/DK1015321T3/da active
  • 1998-09-21 PL PL339410A patent/PL193081B1/pl not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-09-21 CA CA002303949A patent/CA2303949C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-09-21 AT AT98946115T patent/ATE229909T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-09-21 PT PT98946115T patent/PT1015321E/pt unknown
  • 1998-09-21 JP JP2000511688A patent/JP4005309B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-09-21 IL IL13514298A patent/IL135142A0/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-09-21 AU AU93199/98A patent/AU747330B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1998-09-21 DE DE69810318T patent/DE69810318T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-09-21 KR KR1020007002902A patent/KR100666803B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-09-21 ES ES98946115T patent/ES2189242T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1998-09-21 EP EP98946115A patent/EP1015321B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1998-09-21 WO PCT/US1998/019523 patent/WO1999014126A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1998-09-21 HU HU0100477A patent/HUP0100477A2/hu unknown
• 2001
  • 2001-01-05 HK HK01100130A patent/HK1029560A1/xx not_active IP Right Cessation

Patent Citations (3)

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