WO2005120807A1

WO2005120807A1 - Method and device for dividing and positioning of double-tops

Info

Publication number: WO2005120807A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/000621
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Andersson; Fredrik Eriksson
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
Priority date: 2004-06-14
Filing date: 2005-04-29
Publication date: 2005-12-22
Also published as: SE527251C2; EP1758725A1; SE0401523L; SE0401523D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for dividing a double top (1), displaying two pouring portions (2) facing away from one another and therebetween two mutually facing and continuous sleeve connection portions (3), and for placing of the individual tops (9a, 9b) in a packing and filling machine. The method comprises the steps of gripping, with a first gripping device (6), an advanced double top (1) at a first pouring portion (2), placing, with the first gripping device (6), the double top (1) in a position for division, gripping the double top (1) with a second gripping device (8) at a second pouring portion (2), dividing the double top (1) supported by the two gripping devices (6, 8) along a line of division (4) between the sleeve connections portions (3) forming two individual tops (9a, 9b), and placing, by means of the gripping devices (6, 8) the two individual tops (9a, 9b) in position for subsequent production steps in the packing and filling machine. The apparatus comprises a first gripping device (6) which is disposed for gripping cooperation with a first pouring portion (2) of a double top (1), a second gripping device (8) disposed for gripping cooperation with the second pouring portion (2) of the double top (1), the first gripping device (6) being supported by a first indexing device (16a) for stepwise displacement between determined positions, and the second gripping device (8) being supported by a second indexing device (16b) for stepwise displacement between determined positions, and extension devices (13) being disposed between each respective indexing device (16) and gripping device (6, 8) for governable extension of the gripping devices (6, 8), and a dividing device (7) disposed between the two indexing devices for dividing a double top jointly supported by the two gripping devices (6, 8).

Description

A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR DIVIDING AND PLACING DOUBLE TOPS

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus^' for dividing a so- called double top and subsequent placing of the thus formed individual tops in position for subsequent production stages in a filling and packing machine for product.

BACKGROUND ART There are numerous different types of packages available on the market for different forms of contents. These packages may, for example, be manufactured from aluminium, plastic or laminated paperboard. Material and composition are selected depending upon the type of product for which the package is intended. The group of packages which is intended principally here is a group which consists of a. sleeve, a top and a bottom, the top being of a plastic material with or without barrier properties. For example, the sleeve and bottom may be of laminated paperboard of one piece formation, while the top may be of injection moulded or blow moulded thermoplastic and be applied and sealed to the sleeve. One example of such a package is described in WO 98/32666. In certain cases, problems may arise in storing, handling, orienting and finally placing a top in the correct position in order, in a later production stage, to apply and seal the top to the sleeve. These problems have been partly solved by the production of so-called double tops. A double top is two continuous tops displaying pouring portions which are turned to face away from one another and which each include an opening arrangement and therebetween two mutually facing and continuous sleeve connection portions. Hereby, two tops may be supplied together as a single unit, it being ensured that the double tops are supplied in configurationally stable form and without the risk of contamination, since nothing can penetrate either in to or out from the double tops during transport or storage. This is described, for example, in EP 0 960014. Remaining challenges in this art consist, int. al., of dividing the double tops and thereafter handling the individual tops so that the risk of contamination and deformation is minimised and also that tops which are not entirely rotational symmetric be oriented in response to the position of their associated sleeve. It is also desirable to be able, in a packing and filling machine to divide, at speed and within a limited space, the double tops and then place the individual tops correctly, still without deformation and contamination, for subsequent production stages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to realise a method and an apparatus for dividing a double top displaying two pouring portions facing away from one another and therebetween two mutually facing and continuous sleeve connection portions, as well as for placing the individual tops in a packing and filling machine, the method and the apparatus obviating, countering or wholly eliminating the above-mentioned remaining challenges and needs in the art. This object is attained by means of a method and an apparatus according to the appended independent Claims. The method comprises the steps of: gripping, with a first gripping device, an advanced double top at a first pouring portion, placing, with the first gripping device and by means of rotational indexing, the double tops in a position for division, gripping, with a second gripping device, the double top at a second pouring portion, dividing the double top supported by the two gripping devices along a line of division between the sleeve connection portions so as to form two individual tops, and placing, by means of the gripping devices and by means of rotational indexing, the two individual tops in position for subsequent production stages in the packing and filling machine. In addition, the method according to the invention may advantageously include the step that a cutting device is brought into cutting engagement with the double top along the line of division. For example, a cutting device may be caused to rotate around the line of division of the double top, the cutting device being, during rotation, brought into cutting engagement with the double top. Alternatively, the double top may be caused to rotate about its own axis and be moved during rotation against a stationary cutting device in order to divide the double top along the line of division, or alternatively combinations thereof may be employed. It may here also be advantageous that the cutting device is in active cutting engagement with the double top only during one revolution, since this has proved to have positive effects on resulting incision surfaces. In order to grip the top, an area in the gripping device may be provided with reduced air pressure so as to hold the double top fast by suction. On the placing by the gripping devices of the two individual tops in a position for subsequent production steps, a mutual rotational displacement of the tops 9a, 9b may advantageously be realised about their own axes in order that tops which are not completely rotational symmetric can be oriented in response to their associated sleeves which are mutually rotationally offset. This rotational offsetting of sleeves may be because the sleeves, in an earlier production stage, have been offset, for example corresponding to 180°. Within the scope of the method, a configurationally stable support may also be applied to the sleeve connection portions on each side of the line of division in order, at least when the double top is located in position for division and when the division is carried out, to prevent possible deformation of the tops and their incision surface. Preferably, the configurationally stabilising support is active throughout the entire time the double top or the individual tops are handled by a gripping device. In one embodiment, the method may display a rotational indexing between three positions of the first gripping device, comprising: position 1 - gripping an advanced double top, position 2 - placing the double top in position for division, and position 3 - discharging the first individual top. Rotational indexing between three positions may also be employed for the second gripping device, comprising: position 1 - resting position 2 - gripping the free pouring portion of a double top placed in position for division, and position 3 - discharging the second individual top. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first gripping device disposed to grip a double top at a first pouring portion, a second gripping device disposed to grip the double top at a second pouring portion, a first rotation indexing device for stepwise displacement of the first gripping device between determined positions, a second rotation indexing device for stepwise displacement of the second gripping device between determined positions, extension devices disposed between each respective rotation indexing device and gripping device for governable extension of the gripping devices, as well as a division device disposed between the two rotation indexing devices for dividing a double top jointly supported by the two gripping devices. The apparatus may preferably include three extensibly disposed gripping devices at each rotation indexing device. These three gripping devices may be extensibly disposed in three separate directions making a right angle to one another. The rotation indexing devices may also each display three determined positions of rotation, e.g. in steps of 120°, about an indexing axis which may be described as parallel with a line through the points (n, n, n) in a right-angle coordinate system where the axes of the coordinate system are parallel with the three extension directions of the gripping devices. The rotation indexing devices may be mutually oriented so that they display one of their respective three separate directions oriented parallel and directed towards one another, that they display another of their respective three separate directions oriented parallel and similarly directed vertically downwards and that they display the last of their respective three separate directions (6i and 8i) directed from one another and parallel with a normal axis to a plane which in turn is parallel with the two previously mentioned respective directions. The gripping device may, for example, include an area displaying governable reduced air pressure for releasable fixing of the double top in that this may be held fast by suction at this area. Alternatively, the fixing function of the gripping device may be realised by mechanical gripping means cooperating with a grippable configuration of the pouring portion, such as a collar, a projection or the like. The gripping device may further advantageously display a configurationally stabilising support for abutment in connection to the line of division of the double top. This configurationally stabilising support may be in the form of one or more surfaces which continuously or discontinuously extend around the double top in connection with the line of division. The dividing device may display a circumferential cutting edge at a radial distance from a centre line for cutting division of a double top disposed in the division device, the radial distance of the cutting edge from the centre line being preferably adjustable. Alternatively, the division device may include a unit with a cutting laser beam or other material cutting means suitable for the double top. Further characterising features and advantages inherent in the present invention will be obvious to a person skilled in the art studying the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One currently preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying Drawings in which identical or similar parts have been given the same reference numeral and further in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates one example of a double top; Fig. 2 schematically shows in perspective view an indexing arrangement in an apparatus according to the present invention; and Fig. 3 schematically shows in front elevation an apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRDPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 shows one example of a double top 1, displaying two pouring portions 2 facing away from one another and two mutually facing and continuous sleeve connecting portions 3. The line along which the double top 1 is intended to be divided has been illustrated by means of a broken line 4. In the illustrated example, the pouring portions 2 display a rotational symmetric configuration converging towards each pouring opening. The pouring portions further include opening arrangements, in the form of screw caps 5. It should be understood that a pouring portion 2 may be given other configurations converging towards a pouring opening depending on the desired design and desired packaging expression, and that a pouring opening may be given different forms and opening arrangements, for example a pull tab, membrane, screw cap etc. In the present preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises two indexing devices 16a and 16b for indexing the gripping devices 6 and 8, respectively, between three positions which are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 with the supplements of i, ii and iii, respectively, for the gripping devices 6 and 8. The indexing device 16a includes a servomotor 19a for governable rotation in steps of 120° about an indexing axis 17a. At the outgoing shaft of the servomotor 19a there are fixedly disposed three slides 13 a, each one of which being in a position to linearly, displaceably support a gripping device 6 so that this gripping device 6 will, as a result of the linear displacement, be extensible in three different directions. Said three different directions make a right angle to one another, these directions being described as parallel with the main axes in a three-dimensional, right-angled coordinate system. In analogy herewith, said indexing axis 17a can be described in the same coordinate system as coaxial with a line through the points (n, n, n). In the present embodiment, the second indexing device 16b is substantially identical and also includes a servomotor 19b for governable rotation in steps of 120° about an indexing axis 17b. At the outgoing shaft of the servomotor 19b there are fixedly disposed three slides 13b, each one of which being in a position linearly, displaceably to support a gripping device 8 so that this gripping device 8 will, as a result of the linear displacement, be extensible in three different directions. Said three different directions make a right angle to one another, and these directions may be described as being parallel with the main axes in an own three-dimensional, right- angled coordinate system. In analogy herewith, said indexing axis 17b may be described in the same coordinate system as coaxial with a line through the points (n, n, n). The mutual orientation of the indexing devices 16a and 16b is apparent from Fig. 2 and 3 and may be described such that they display one of their respective three separate directions oriented in parallel and directed towards one another (see 6ii and 8ii), that they display a second of their respective three separate directions oriented parallel and equally directed vertically downwards (see 6iii and 8iii) and that they display a third of their respective three separate directions (see 6i and 8i) which is directed from one another and in parallel with a normal axis to a plane which in turn is parallel with the two previously mentioned directions of the indexing devices 16a and 16b. The indexings of the indexing devices here takes place simultaneously. The given configuration of the indexing devices 16a, 16b entails- that a gripping device 6, 8 is located in each position and that, on one indexing, the gripping device is displaced to a subsequent position in a cycle. The cycle is: position 1, position 2, position 3, position 1 and so on. Compared with processing one double top at a time, it will readily be perceived that it is highly favourable for productivity to have one double top in each position at any given time. Such a cycle for a pair of gripping devices 6, 8 will be described below in that the journey of a double top through the apparatus is described. When the gripping device 6, by means of the indexing device 16a, has been indexed to its first position 6i, the gripping device 6 is extended out towards an awaiting double top 1 and an area 12 in the gripping device displaying governable reducible air pressure is activated so that the double top 1 is held fast by suction. The gripping device according to the present embodiment further displays a continuous, annular abutment surface 11 for configurationally stabilising abutment against the most proximal sleeve connection portion when the double top is disposed in the gripping device. Thereafter, the gripping device 6 is returned carrying the double 1 to its retracted position. The gripping device 8i in the second indexing device 16b is at rest in its first position. The indexing devices 16a and 16b are simultaneously initiated and indexed to the second position. When in the second position, the first gripping device 6ii is once again extended out. This time to a position where the gripped double top 1 is located in position for division in a dividing device 7. The second gripping device 8ii which, in construction, function and suspension, is identical to the first gripping device, is extended and meets the free end of the double top 1. The area 12 of the gripping device displaying governable, reducible air pressure is activated, the abutment surface 11 enters into configurationally stabilising abutment against the sleeve connection portion and the double top 1 is now carried from two directions by the two gripping devices 6ii, 8ii jointly. The dividing device 7 comprises a knife 10 running about a centre axis 15 and disposed at an adjustable distance therefrom, the knife being oriented with its edge directed in towards the centre axis 15. The dividing device 7 is thus disposed to receive the double top 1 oriented so that, on the one hand, the centre axis 15 of the dividing device 7 constitutes the normal axis to a plane (the plane of division) comprising the line of division 4 of the double top, and, on the other hand, the path of the knife 10 coincides with this plane of division. After any possible fine tuning of the position of the double top in the dividing device 7, division of the double top into individual tops 9a, 9b is commenced. The knife 10 is caused to rotate about the double top and cut along its line of division 4. In this embodiment, the knife runs along a cam surface 14 which governs the distance of the edge to the centre line 15 of the dividing device. In the starting position, the knife is disposed at a radial distance from the centre axis of the dividing device, which permits free passage of the double top. When the knife is subsequently activated, it begins to rotate and the radial distance is reduced so that the edge, during the movement from outwards and in penetrates through the periphery of the double top and, in this cutting position, continues around the entire line of division, whereafter the radial distance of the knife to the centre axis is once again increased until the knife is given free clearance. The result will be two separate and individual tops 9a, 9b which are steadily grasped in each extended gripping device 6ii and 8ii, respectively. The gripping devices 6ii and 8ii return to their inner positions before the indexing to the third position takes place. In the third position, the gripping devices 6iii, 8iii are once again extended, this time each towards its mandrel wheel 18a, 18b in order to transfer thereto the tops 9a, 9b in that the area of governable, reducible air pressure 12 of each respective gripping device is deactivated. If desired, the areas 12 may also temporarily be supplied with increased air pressure, in which event the tops are aspirated out of the gripping devices. After discharge, the gripping devices 6iii, 8iii are returned to their respective retracted positions and subsequently they are indexed to their starting positions 6i and 8i, respectively. As is clearly apparent from Fig. 3 and the foregoing description, the indexing devices 16a and 16b are oriented such that they both cooperate in said second position where they are capable of linearly extending out the gripping devices 6ii and 8ii towards one another. Further, they are oriented such that, in the third position, they discharge the individual tops substantially vertically and in a downward direction. In those cases where it is desired that the individual tops be positioned rotationally offset through 180°, as may occur, this may be realised with the above disclosed configuration in that the indexing devices 16a and 16b are regulated so that their directions of rotation about said indexing axes 17a and 17b, respectively, will be equal, i.e. clockwise or alternatively counter-clockwise. The above described embodiments and above mentioned possible variations do not constitute an exhaustive listing of alternative embodiments of the present invention, and neither should they be considered as constituting limitations of the interpretation of the scope of protection thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method of dividing a double top (1) displaying two pouring portions (2) facing away from one another and therebetween two mutually facing and continuous sleeve connection portions (3) and for placing the individual tops (9a, 9b) in a packing and filling machine, characterised by the steps of: gripping, with a first gripping device (6), an advanced double top (1) at a first pouring portion (2), placing, with the first gripping device (6) by means of rotational indexing, the double top (1) in a position for division, gripping, by a second gripping device (8), the double top (1) at a second pouring portion (2), dividing the double top (1) supported by the two gripping devices (6, 8) along a line of division (4) between the sleeve connection portions (3) forming two individual tops (9a, 9b), and placing, by means of the gripping devices (6, 8) by rotational indexing, the two individual tops (9a, 9b) in a position for subsequent production steps in the packing and filling machine.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that a cutting device (10) is brought into cutting engagement with the double top (1) along the line of division (4).

3. The method as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that a cutting device (10) is caused to rotate about the double top; and that the cutting device (10), during rotation, is brought into cutting engagement along the line of division (4).

4. The method as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the double top is caused to rotate about its own axis so that a stationary cutting device divides the double top (1) along the line of division (4).

5. The method as claimed in Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the cutting device (10) is only brought into active cutting engagement with the double top (1) during one revolution.

6. The method as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, characterised in that an area of reduced air pressure (12) is formed in the gripping device in order to grip the double top (1).

7. The method as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, characterised in that configurationally stable supports (11) are applied to the sleeve connection portions (3, 3) on either side of the line of division (4).

8. The method as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, characterised in that a rotational indexing between three positions is employed for the first gripping device (6) gripping the advanced double top (1) at the first pouring portion (2), comprising: position 1 - gripping an advanced double top (1), position 2 - placing the double top in position for division, and position 3 - discharging the first individual top (9a).

9. The method as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that a rotational indexing between three positions is employed for the second gripping device (8) gripping the double top at the second pouring portion, comprising: position 1 - resting, position 2 - gripping the free pouring portion (2) of one double top (1) placed in position for division, and position 3 - discharging the second individual top (9b).

10. The method as claimed in Claim 9, characterised in that the gripping devices (6, 8), on indexing from position 2 to position 3, mutually rotationally displace the tops (9a, 9b) about their respective own axis in order to meet a corresponding relative rotational displacement in sleeves in a future production step.

11. An apparatus for dividing a double top, displaying two pouring portions facing away from one another and therebetween two mutually facing and continuous sleeve connection portions, and for placing the individual tops in a packing and filling machine, characterised in that the first gripping device (6) is disposed for gripping cooperation with a first pouring portion (2) of a double top (1); that a second gripping device (8) is disposed for gripping cooperation with a second pouring portion (2) of the double top (1); that the first gripping device (6) is supported by a first rotational indexing device (16a) for stepwise displacement between determined positions; that the second gripping device (8) is supported by a second rotational indexing device (16b) for stepwise displacement between determined positions; that extending devices (13) are provided between each respective rotational indexing device (16) and gripping device (6, 8) for governable extension of the gripping devices (6, 8); and that a dividing device (7) is provided between the two rotational indexing devices for dividing the double top jointly carried by the two gripping devices (6, 8).

12. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that three gripping devices (6; 8) are extensibly disposed at each respective rotational indexing device (16a; 16b).

13. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, characterised in that the three gripping devices at each rotational indexing device are extensibly disposed in three separate directions, said three separate directions making a right angle to one another.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the rotational indexing devices (16a, 16b) each display three determined rotational positions.

15. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 12 to 13, characterised in that the rotational indexing devices (16a, 16b) are each disposed to rotate in steps of 120°, about an indexing axis (17a; 17b) which may be described as parallel with a line through the points (n, n, n) in a right-angled coordinate system where the axes of the coordinate system are parallel with the three directions of extension of the gripping devices (6; 8).

16. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that the rotational indexing devices (16a and 16b) are mutually oriented so that they display one of their respective three separate directions oriented parallel and directed towards one another (6ii and 8ii); that they display a second of their respective three separate directions oriented parallel and equally directed vertically downwards (6iii and 8iii); and that they display a third of their respective three separate directions (6i and 8i) directed from one another and in parallel with a normal axis to a plane which in its turn is parallel with the two previously mentioned respective directions.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 16, characterised in that the gripping device (6, 8) includes a region of governably reduced air pressure (12) for releasable fixing of the double top at a pouring portion (2).

18. The apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the gripping device (6, 8) includes a configurationally stable support surface (11) intended for configurationally stabilising abutment in association with the line of division (4) of the double top (1).

19. The apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 18, characterised in that the dividing device (7) displays a cutting edge (10) disposed at an adjustable radial distance from a centre line (15) and moveable about this centre line for cutting division of a double top (1) disposed in the dividing device (7).