WO2022219292A1

WO2022219292A1 - Packaging line for food or pharmaceutical products

Info

Publication number: WO2022219292A1
Application number: PCT/FR2022/050734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominique Cossais; Julie Guet; Patrick Massot
Original assignee: Synerlink
Priority date: 2021-04-16
Filing date: 2022-04-19
Publication date: 2022-10-20
Also published as: FR3121920A1; AR125709A1; FR3121920B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a product-packaging line (2) comprising: a frame (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (X); a first (6) and a second (8) packaging machine, each having a front face (28), a conveyor (20) comprising a guide rail, a first and a second support plate each comprising a housing capable of receiving a container, wherein a housing of the first support plate, located in a defined position on the first support plate, and a housing of the second support plate, located in an identical position on the second support plate, are separated by a gap (P), the first packaging machine (6) being separate from the second packaging machine (8), and the front face (28) of the packaging machines having a dimension equal to the gap (P) or to a multiple of the gap.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Packaging line for food or pharmaceutical products

The present invention relates to a packaging line for food products, such as dairy products or fruit juices.

The demand for diversified food products has grown steadily in recent years. To meet this demand, manufacturers are seeking to offer each consumer "tailor-made" food products. In particular, in the field of dairy products, the consumer has an increasingly important choice: fruit juice, liquid or semi-liquid yogurt, yogurt with or without pieces, cream, mousse, flan and prepared desert. These products are packaged in jars of different shapes and sizes. They are sold individually, in pairs, in fours or in sixes. Mass production is giving way to low-volume production of a large number of different products. This diversification forces manufacturers to use a large number of different production lines. However, these production lines are cumbersome.

It is known from document EP3 802337 to produce a production line for inhaler components. The manufacturing line includes processing machines aligned along a longitudinal axis and a conveyor suitable for moving inhaler components from one machine to another. The conveyor is made by a transmission chain forming an extended loop between two pulleys. The chain has carrying carriages attached to each other. Carrier trolleys are carried by processing machines. Processing machines can be added or removed at certain stations. However, when a processing machine is removed, all the following processing machines in the line must be moved to put them in continuity with the first processing machines because the conveyor cannot operate when there is a free space between two processing machines. Indeed, for the conveyor to operate, it is necessary to attach the carrying carriage of the conveyor placed just before the withdrawn processing machine to the carrying carriage placed just after the withdrawn processing machine. All of the carrying carriages must form a chain which is driven by one of the pulleys. The problem is similar when adding a machine. This movement of processing machines is long and requires the intervention of one or more operators. Each time the processing machine is changed, the production line must be stopped for several hours. This considerably decreases the productivity of the production line.

The first object of the present invention is to propose a packaging line capable of adapting quickly and easily to the filling of pots of different shapes, sizes with different food products such as liquid products, granular products, sparkling products, etc.

The second object of the present invention is to provide a packaging line comprising a conveyor with high precision in the positioning of the support plates relative to the packaging machines. The second object of the present invention is to propose a packaging line comprising a reliable conveyor and having a long service life.

The invention relates to a line for packaging food or pharmaceutical products in containers, said packaging line comprising:

- a frame extending in a longitudinal direction;

- at least a first packaging machine and a second packaging machine each having a front face provided with at least one work head suitable for carrying out a packaging operation on containers and/or food or pharmaceutical products,

- a conveyor arranged in line with the packaging machines, said conveyor being fixed relative to the frame, the conveyor comprising:

- a guide rail extending in the longitudinal direction,

- a first and a second support plate each comprising at least one housing suitable for receiving a container,

- a drive device suitable for moving the support plates in translation along the longitudinal direction along the guide rail, a housing for the first support plate located at a defined position on the first support plate, and a housing for the second support plate located at an identical position on the second support plate being separated by a distance called a pitch when the first support plate is aligned and adjacent to the second support plate; the first packaging machine being separate from the second packaging machine; at least the front face of the packaging machines having a dimension equal to said pitch or equal to a multiple of said pitch, said dimension being measured in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, since the packaging machines have longitudinal dimensions that are equal to or multiple of each other and the packaging machines can be moved and then fixed at a defined position relative to the conveyor, the packaging line can be modified to package food products. different. This modification may be a modification of the food product distributed, for example by replacing a machine dispensing vanilla cream with a machine dispensing chocolate cream. This modification can be a modification of the type of decontamination, for example by replacing a UV decontamination machine with a H2O2 injection decontamination machine. This modification can also be a replacement of a first packaging machine by another in order to clean the dispensing nozzle of the first packaging machine. This modification may also consist of a modification of the number of packaging machines mounted on the packaging line.

According to one embodiment, the packaging machines have a width equal to said pitch or equal to a multiple of said pitch over their entire depth, that is to say all along the transverse direction Y, the width being measured in the direction longitudinal.

According to one embodiment, the first support plate comprises a number k of housings aligned in the longitudinal direction, and in which two contiguous housings in the longitudinal direction are spaced from each other by a distance equal to a pitch divided by the number k. According to one embodiment, the distance between the at least one working head of the first packaging machine and the at least one working head of the second packaging machine is equal to Z times said pitch, Z being at least a number among 1, 2, ½, ¼.

According to one embodiment, the first packaging machine comprises several working heads and two successive working heads are separated from each other by a distance equal to M times said pitch, M being at least one number among 1 , 2, ½, ¼.

According to one embodiment, the packaging machines are able to be coupled or uncoupled to the chassis or to the conveyor, the packaging machines each comprising a coupling interface, the chassis or the guide rail comprising at least one coupling interface complementary, the packaging line being configured to be:

- in an operating state in which the coupling interfaces of the packaging machines are coupled to the at least one complementary coupling interface and the first packaging machine is adjacent to the second packaging machine, or

- in a state of rearrangement in which the mating interface of the first packaging machine is uncoupled from the complementary mating interface.

According to one embodiment, the guide rail comprises several complementary coupling interfaces, and one of a coupling interface and a complementary coupling interface comprises at least one relief and the other comprises at least one recess, the coupling of a coupling interface and a complementary coupling interface fixing the position of a packaging machine with respect to the guide rail, in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular in the longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the coupling interfaces of the frame and the packaging machines make it possible to fix the position of the packaging machines with respect to the conveyor so that when the packaging line is in an operating state, the working heads of the packaging machines are in front of the housings for receiving the containers.

According to one embodiment, the frame or the guide rail comprises several complementary coupling interfaces and in which all the complementary coupling interfaces are spaced from each other by a distance equal to one pitch.

According to one embodiment, the chassis comprises sets of electrical connectors and/or pneumatic connectors positioned along the chassis at predefined positions, said sets being separated from each other by a distance equal to one pitch or a multiple of one step, and in which the packaging machines comprise an additional set of electrical connectors and/or pneumatic connectors.

According to one embodiment, the guide rail and/or the frame has a length in the longitudinal direction equal to a multiple G of a pitch.

According to one embodiment, the packaging line comprises a number of packaging machines greater than said multiple G.

Advantageously, the packaging line comprises a number of packaging machines greater than the number of packaging machines installed in front of the conveyor, so that when a packaging machine needs to be cleaned, it can be replaced by another without stopping the operation of the packaging line for a long time.

According to one embodiment, the packaging line comprises a set of support plates having at least one housing having a first shape and a set of support plates having at least one housing having a second shape, the second shape being different from the first form.

Advantageously, this packaging line makes it possible to fill and package containers of different shapes by changing only the support plates mounted in the guide rail.

According to one embodiment, the packaging line comprises a set of support plates having at least one housing having a first dimension and a set of support plates having at least one housing having a second dimension, the second dimension being different from the first dimension.

Advantageously, this packaging line makes it possible to fill and package containers of different sizes by changing only the support plates mounted in the guide rail.

According to one embodiment, the packaging line comprises a set of support plates having a first number of housings and a set of support plates having a second number of housings, the second number of housings being different from the first number of housings.

Advantageously, this packaging line makes it possible to fill, condition and in particular package different numbers of containers (individual bottle, yoghurt in pairs, fours or eights) by changing only the support plates mounted in the guide rail.

According to one embodiment, at least one packaging machine comprises a base and an upright carried by the base; the upright supporting the at least one work head cantilevered above the base, the conveyor being positioned between the packaging machine and the base, a main face of the first support plate facing at least one working head and an opposite main face facing the base.

According to one embodiment, the drive device is able to move the support plates according to a step-by-step movement, and in which at each step, each support plate is moved by a distance equal to said step or a multiple of said pitch, divided by the number k of slots aligned in the longitudinal direction on a support plate.

According to one embodiment, the packaging line comprises an additional conveyor extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged alongside the conveyor and in which the first packaging machine comprises four working heads aligned in the transverse direction. According to one embodiment, the support plates comprise at least one notch, and the conveyor comprises:

- a guide shaft fixed relative to the chassis and extending in the longitudinal direction,

- a first driver carrying at least one positioning finger, said first driver being rotatably mounted around the guide shaft, - at least one actuator capable of pivoting the first driver around the guide shaft to engage said at least one positioning finger in said notch of a support plate in an engaged position, and to disengage it from said notch in a disengaged position.

The conveyor comprises a second driver supporting at least one drive finger, the second driver being capable of pivoting around the guide shaft to engage said at least one drive finger in said at least one notch of a support in an engaged position, and to disengage it from said notch in a disengaged position, the second driver being movable in translation on the guide shaft, the second driver being driven by the carriage, the second driver being movable in rotation relative to the carriage and the guide shaft.

The second coach is integral in rotation with the first coach.

The first trainer includes:

- a transmission bar extending in the longitudinal direction,

- a first support bar extending in the longitudinal direction, the first support bar carrying said at least one positioning finger, and

- at least one link-bearing fixed to the transmission bar and to the first support bar, said at least one link-bearing comprises a rotation ring located between the transmission bar and the first support bar, the guide being arranged in the rotation ring.

The second trainer includes:

- a second support bar extending in the longitudinal direction and carrying said at least one drive finger,

- at least a first and a second bearings fixed to the second support bar, said first and second bearings each comprising a sliding and rotation ring and a sliding ring, the guide shaft being arranged in the sliding rings and of rotation, the transmission bar being mounted in the sliding rings.

The trolley includes:

- a drive unit provided with a through bore, said bore being traversed by the guide shaft,

- a first rotation ring fixed in the bore at one end of the drive block,

- a second rotation ring fixed in the bore at the other end of the drive block, the first rotation ring being mounted in abutment against the first bearing, the second rotation ring being mounted in abutment against the second bearing, the drive block being movable in rotation and integral in translation with respect to the first bearing and to the second bearing.

The first rotation ring and the second rotation ring are flanged rotation rings.

The conveyor has a blocking device capable of blocking the carriage around the guide shaft.

The device for locking the carriage in rotation comprises a section fixed to the frame, the section extending parallel and at a distance from the guide shaft, an arm integral with the drive block, said arm being adapted to slide on the section. The carriage comprises a frame providing a passage through which the transmission bar passes, said passage having a height and a width allowing the pivoting of the transmission bar during the displacement of the at least one positioning finger and of the at least one drive finger between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

The second carrier comprising at least one spacer fixed between the free end of the first bearing and the free end of the second bearing.

Brief description of figures

[Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a packaging line according to the present invention comprising seven packaging machines;

[Fig. 2] is a schematic view of the packaging line illustrated in Figure 1 comprising nine packaging machines;

[Fig. 3] is a schematic side view of a packaging machine coupled to the conveyor;

[Fig. 4] is a schematic front view of part of a front face of the packaging line;

[Fig. 5] is a schematic front view representing two support plates of a first set of support plates;

[Fig. 6] is a schematic front view of two support plates of a second set of support plates;

[Fig. 7] is a schematic front view of two support plates of a third set of support plates,

[Fig. 8] is a perspective view of a conveyor of one embodiment of the packaging line according to the present disclosure;

[Fig. 9] is a perspective view of a support plate;

[Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the first trainer;

[Fig. 12] is a perspective and cross-sectional view of part of the conveyor, the cross-sectional plane being illustrated in Figure 10;

[Fig. 13] is a perspective view of the second trainer;

[Fig. 14] is a sectional view of a carriage, the first driver and the second driver, the section plane being illustrated in Figure 15;

[Fig. 15] is a sectional view of the carriage of the first driver and of the second driver, the section plane being illustrated in FIG. 10;

[Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the packaging line conveyor according to the present invention;

[Fig. 17] is a view of a first stage of movement of the conveyor of the packaging luge according to the invention;

[Fig. 18] is a view of a second stage of movement of the conveyor of the packaging lug according to the invention;

[Fig. 19] is a view of a third stage of movement of the conveyor of the packaging chain according to the invention; [Fig. 20] is a perspective view of one embodiment of a packaging line comprising three packaging machines;

[Fig. 21] is a perspective view of part of the guide rail and part of a packaging machine;

[Fig. 22] is a schematic side view of a packaging machine according to a variant and two conveyors.

Detailed description of the invention

The packaging line 2 according to the present disclosure is first described in connection with Figures 1 to 7 and 12 which illustrate it schematically. A detailed embodiment of the packaging line is described in connection with FIGS. 8 to 11 .

The packaging line 2 according to the present disclosure can evolve according to the needs of the manufacturer of food products or pharmaceutical products. It is suitable for adapting to different packaging operations.

Referring to Figure 1, the packaging line 2 according to the present disclosure comprises a frame 4 extending in a longitudinal direction X, packaging machines 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 adapted to be coupled or uncoupled from the frame and a conveyor 20 extending in the longitudinal direction X.

To allow the adaptation of the packaging line to different products, the packaging machines are designed as independent machines implementing independent packaging operations. Each packaging machine 6 is distinct and independent of the other packaging machines 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18. Each packaging machine has its own drive motor and its own control unit. Thus, each packaging machine can be easily separated from the other machines and replaced by another packaging machine. New packaging machines can be added to the packaging line. Some packaging machines can be removed. The packaging machines can be moved for example by using a pallet truck 19 as illustrated schematically in Figure 3. The packaging machines 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 which can be coupled to the frame 4 can carry out different operations on the containers 21 or the products. Packaging operations may include an operation for moving containers, an operation for distributing a product, filling containers, processing containers or products, a wrapping or packaging operation. The products to be packaged can be liquid, semi-liquid, pasty or granular products. The packaging machines 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 are, for example:

- container feeding machines such as container destackers or container dispensers;

- decontamination machines such as decontamination machines by FI2O2 treatment, decontamination machines by pulsed light or decontamination machines by ultraviolet treatment;

- machines for moving containers or machines for orienting containers; - product dispensing machines such as liquid or semi-liquid product dispensing machines, granular product dispensing machines or pasty product dispensing machines;

- container closing machines such as lid removal machines, lid sealing machines, machines for fitting and screwing lids or on lids;

- control machines such as weight control machines or sealing control machines;

- labellers, inkjet marker machines, laser marker machines.

- machines for supplying and securing a decorative or functional element;

- wrapping machines, wrapping machines;

- machines for removing containers from the conveyor and machines for loading containers onto a transport conveyor.

Referring to Figure 3, the frame is formed by a support plate 34. Each packaging machine 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 comprises a base 44 carried by the frame 4 and a vertical upright 46 carried by the base. The amount 46 has a projection 48 which extends horizontally above the base. Thus, the packaging machine has a general C-shape. The projection 48 supports one or more working head(s) 22, 24, 26 cantilevered above the base 44 so as to create a space between the the working head(s) 22, 24, 26 and the base 44, space which is traversed by the conveyor 20 and the containers 21 carried by the conveyor.

The working heads 22, 24, 26 are each of a type specific to the operation that the machine performs on the container. Thus, a product dispensing machine comprises one or more food product dispensing nozzle(s). The various working heads 22, 24, 26 can for example be container unstacking heads, decontamination heads, container orientation modification heads, lid or cap dispensing heads, removal of a cap, leak control heads, weight control heads, marking heads, labeling heads, heads for supplying and securing a decorative or functional element, heads for supply and fixing of an over-cover, discharge heads for containers from the conveyor or heads for loading or unloading containers.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, each packaging machine 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 has the same dimension in the longitudinal direction X of the frame or a multiple of this dimension. In the present patent application, this dimension is called a "pitch". This dimension is referenced P in the figures. The pitch P is therefore defined as being the width of the front face 28 of a packaging machine. The “front face” is defined as being the face of the packaging machine arranged opposite the conveyor 20 and which carries the working head(s) 22, 24, 26. When the front faces 28 of the packaging machines of a packaging line have a different width, the smallest width defines the dimension of the pitch P. Each packaging machine of the packaging line therefore has a dimension in the longitudinal direction equal to one pitch or a multiple of a pitch, as can be seen in figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the distance between the working head 22 of a packaging machine 6 and the working head 24 of another packaging machine 8 which is coupled next to this packaging machine 6 is equal to a number Z of times the pitch P, the number Z being one of 1, 2, ½, ¼. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, if the packaging machine referenced 6 and the packaging machine referenced 8 are considered, the number Z is equal to 1. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, if we consider the packaging machine referenced 21 and the packaging machine referenced 23, the number Z is equal to 2.

Referring to Figure 4, if a packaging machine 10 comprises several working heads 220, 221, 222, two working heads aligned successively in the longitudinal direction X are separated from each other by a distance equal to a number M of times the pitch P, the number M being at least one number among 1, 2, ½, ¼. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance which separates the dispensing nozzle 221 from the dispensing nozzle 222 is equal to 1/4P. The number M is equal to ¼. In the embodiment shown, the packaging machines have two working heads in the transverse direction Y.

Referring to Figure 3, each packaging machine 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 includes a coupling interface 30 suitable for coupling to a complementary coupling interface 32 of the conveyor 20. This coupling aims to fix the position of the packaging machine relative to the conveyor in the longitudinal direction X and in a transverse direction Y The transverse direction Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal and transverse directions are contained in a horizontal plane . The coupling interfaces 30 are arranged on the front face of the packaging machines. The coupling interface 30 of each packaging machine comprises at least one or more recesses 31 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the coupling interface 30 comprises two recesses 31 . The complementary coupling interface 32 of the conveyor comprises reliefs 33. These reliefs 33 are for example constituted by two pins fixed on a horizontal face of a longitudinal edge of a guide rail 50 of the conveyor. The recesses 31 of the packaging machines are suitable for fitting onto the reliefs 33 of the conveyor. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the coupling interface 30 also includes two screws 35 capable of being screwed into two tapped holes 37 of the conveyor.

Alternatively, the position of the reliefs and recesses is reversed. The coupling interface 30 of each packaging machine has one or more reliefs. The complementary coupling interface 32 of the conveyor has recesses suitable for receiving the relief(s) of the packaging machines.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the frame 4 also includes sets 38 of electrical connectors and/or pneumatic connectors. These sets 38 of connectors are also distributed along the longitudinal direction of the frame. Preferably, the sets 38 of connectors are separated from each other by a distance equal to a pitch P or a multiple of a pitch. These sets 38 of connectors can be positioned on the supporting structure 36, or on an upper shelf 40 carried by the frame and extending above the latter, as illustrated schematically in Figure 3. The packaging machines 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 can also comprise a set 42 of electrical connectors and/or pneumatic connectors which are arranged close to or facing the set of connectors of the chassis, when the packaging machines are coupled to the frame.

Preferably, the frame 4 has a length in the longitudinal direction X which is equal to a multiple G of a pitch P. For example, the packaging line 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, has a length equal to the pitch P multiplied by the multiple G. A number of packaging machines equal to or less than the multiple G can be coupled to this packaging line. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, one packaging machine has a width equal to two pitches P, the other machines have a width equal to one pitch P. Thus, a number G-1 of packaging machines can be coupled to the packaging line. Advantageously, the packaging line 2 can comprise a number of packaging machines greater than the multiple G. In this case, some packaging machines are not coupled to the packaging line. Uncoupled packaging machines can be overhauled, under maintenance or being cleaned. For example, a dispensing machine may be being cleaned in preparation for being used to dispense another product. This cleaning can advantageously be carried out without stopping the operation of the packaging line. Uncoupled packaging machines may also not be used for packaging a given product but may be used for packaging another product. Thus, a pulsed light decontamination machine can be uncoupled to the chassis because an ultraviolet decontamination machine more appropriate for the treatment of a given product is coupled to the packaging line 2.

The conveyor 20 is suitable for transporting the containers 21 or pots opposite the working heads 22, 24, 26 of the packaging machines to ensure the processing, filling and sealing operations of the containers. The conveyor 20 is fixed relative to the frame 4. It can be carried by the frame 4. The conveyor 20 is arranged in line with the front face 28 of the packaging machines 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18. It is positioned in the space between the working head(s) and the base 44. With reference to FIG. 8, the conveyor 20 comprises a support plate 49 fixed relative to the frame 4, a guide rail 50, a support rail 51, support plates 52, 54, 56 and a drive device 60 for the support plates along the guide rail.

The guide rail 50 and the support rail 51 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X. The guide rail 50 consists of a bar of rectangular section. Preferably, the guide rail 50 has a length in the longitudinal direction equal to a multiple G of a pitch.

The support plates 52, 54, 56 are not fixed to each other. They are independent of each other. Each support plate 52, 54, 56 has a length in the longitudinal direction X equal to a pitch P. Referring to Figures 4 to 9, each support plate 52, 54 comprises a substantially rectangular plate 53 and a drive profile 67 attached to the underside of the plate 53. In particular, the plate 53 comprises a longitudinal edge 63, an edge opposite longitudinal 64 and two transverse edges. Each plate 53 is provided with at least one housing 58 capable of receiving and carrying a container 21 .

Each drive profile 67 comprises a lower face provided with a groove 61, a flat upper face fixed along the longitudinal edge 63 of the plate 53 and four side faces. The groove 61 is fitted into the guide rail 50 so that the support plates are able to slide on the guide rail 50. The opposite longitudinal edge 64 of the support plates is carried by the support rail 51 . The side face of the drive section located on the side of the packaging machines comprises one or more notches 62 adapted to receive a positioning finger 68 or a drive finger of a drive device described below.

The drive profiles 67 are for example made of plastic material such as for example high density polyethylene.

When the support plates are mounted on the conveyor, one of their main face 59 faces the working head(s) of the packaging machines and their opposite main face 71 faces the base 44.

The support plates include housings 58 in which the containers 21 are placed during their transport on the conveyor. The housings 58 are formed by holes passing through the support plates.

The support plates can comprise one, two, four, six or eight slots 58. The slots are arranged in one, two or four rows. In each row, the housings are aligned in the longitudinal direction X. When the support plates comprise two rows, the rows are arranged one beside the other in the transverse direction Y.

In each row, if a support plate has a number k of slots aligned in the longitudinal direction X, two contiguous slots are spaced from each other by a distance equal to a pitch P divided by the number k. To measure the distance between two adjoining dwellings, the distance between the center of the first dwelling and the center of the second dwelling can be measured. For example, the support plates represented in figure 5 comprise four housings per row and two adjacent housings belonging to the same row are separated by a distance equal to P/4. According to another example, the support plates represented in FIG. 6 comprise two housings 58 per row and two adjacent housings belonging to the same row are separated by a distance P/2.

To allow the adaptation of the packaging line to different products, the housings 58 are arranged on the support plates 52, 54 so that the characteristic described below is satisfied.

If we consider a housing 58 of a first support plate located at a defined location of this first support plate and a housing of a second support plate located at the same relative location on this second support plate, then the distance between the housing of the first support plate and the housing of the second support plate is equal to a pitch P, when the two support plates are arranged one in the extension of the other in the longitudinal direction X. For example, in FIG. 5, the distance between the housing 581 of the first support plate 52 and the housing 582 of the second support plate 54 is equal to a pitch P. Housing 581 is the first housing to the left of the top row of first support plate 52. Housing 584 is located at the same relative location on the second support plate. Namely the housing 584 is the first housing to the left of the upper row of the second support plate 54. The first support plate and the second support plate are arranged one in the extension of the other in the longitudinal direction X.

In addition, the packaging line 2 according to the present disclosure comprises several sets or sets of support plates that can be mounted alternately on the conveyor 20 depending on the product to be packaged, and the packaging that the manufacturer wishes to package. Each set of support plates being adapted to a shape of containers, to a size of containers and/or to a number of containers.

Thus, the packaging line 2 may comprise a first set 74 of support plates comprising one or more housings having a first shape and a second set 76 of support plates comprising one or more housings having a second shape. different from the first form.

For example, the packaging line 2 comprises a first set 74 of support plates shown in Figure 5 and a second set 76 of support plates shown in Figure 6. The first set 74 of support plates comprises two rows of housings with four circular-shaped slots in each row. The second set 76 of support plates has two rows of housings with two square-shaped housings in each row.

In the same way, the packaging line 2 can comprise a first set 74 of support plates comprising one or more housings having a first dimension and another set 78 of support plates comprising one or more housings a second dimension different from the first dimension.

For example, the packaging line 2 comprises a first set 74 of support plates shown in Figure 4 and a third set 78 of support plates shown in Figure 6. The first set 74 of support plates includes shaped housings circular and of radius R1 . The third set 78 of support plates includes housings of circular shape and of radius R2. Radius R2 is greater than radius R1.

Similarly, the packaging line 2 may include a first set 74 of support plates having a first number of slots and a set of support plates having a second number of slots different from the first number of slots. For example, packaging line 2 includes a first set 74 of support plates shown in Figure 5 and a fourth set of support plates, not shown. The support plates of this fourth set comprise circular housings of the same size, ie of the same radius R1, as the housings of the support plates of the first set but in fewer numbers. For example, the support plates comprise two, four or six compartments, when the manufacturer wishes to package packaged batches of two, four or six containers. The packaging line can include a greater number of sets of support plates. Each set of support plates corresponds to a container shape and/or a number of containers

Referring to Figures 10 and 12, the drive device 60 comprises a guide shaft 70 fixed relative to the frame, a first driver 72 and a second driver 74 movable in rotation relative to the guide shaft, and actuators 76 suitable for rotating the first trainer 72 and the second trainer 74.

The guide shaft 70 is fixed relative to the support plate 49. It extends in the longitudinal direction X.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the first driver 72 comprises a transmission bar 80, a first support bar 82, and several links-bearings 84 fixed to the transmission bar and to the first support bar.

The transmission bar 80 and the first support bar 82 extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction X. The positioning fingers 68 are fixed along the first support bar 82 equidistant from each other. others. The positioning fingers 68 are spaced apart from each other by a minimum distance equal to one pitch P. In the embodiment shown, the positioning fingers 68 are spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to half a pitch because each support plate 52,54 has two notches 62.

The link-bearings 84 are arranged spaced from each other all along the transmission bar 80 and the first support bar 82. The link-bearings 84 are arranged parallel to each other.

The first link-bearings 84 each comprise a through-hole having an axis directed in the longitudinal direction and a rotation ring 86 arranged in the through-hole. The through hole and the rotation ring 86 are positioned between the transmission bar and the first support bar. The guide shaft 70 is arranged in the rotation rings 86 of the bearing links 84 of the first driver 72.

The actuators 76 are fixed below the support plate 49. They are for example constituted by pneumatic cylinders. The pneumatic cylinders are each provided at their movable end with a connecting rod fixed to a link-bearing 84 as shown in Figure 12. The pneumatic cylinders are suitable for moving the link-bearings 84 according to an upward or downward vertical movement. This movement causes the first driver 72 to pivot around the guide shaft 70.

Referring to Figure 13, the second driver 74 includes a second support bar 88 and bearings 90, 92, 93 attached to the second support bar.

The second support bar 88 extends in the longitudinal direction X. It supports several drive fingers 69 arranged at a distance from each other equal to the existing distances between two positioning fingers 68. The drive fingers 69 are fixed to the second support bar 88 for example by bolting.

The bearings 90, 92, 93 are for example constituted by beams which extend perpendicular to the second support bar 88. In particular, the second coach 74 comprises a first bearing 90 and a second bearing 92 spaced apart from each other. another by a distance corresponding to the width of a drive block 110 of a carriage as described later. the second trainer also comprises other bearings 93 arranged spaced from each other all along the second support bar and fixed thereto. The bearings 90, 92, 93 are arranged parallel to each other.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the bearings 90, 92, 93 each have a first through hole directed along the longitudinal axis X and a ring 94 for sliding and rotation arranged in the first through hole. In each bearing, the sliding and rotation ring 94 is positioned adjacent to the second support bar 88. The guide shaft 70 is arranged in the sliding and rotation rings 94 of the bearings 90, 92, 93 so that the second driver 74 is adapted to pivot around the guide shaft 70 and to slide along the latter.

The bearings 90, 92, 93 each further comprise a second through-hole directed along the longitudinal axis X and a sliding ring 96 fixed in the second through-hole. The second through hole and the sliding ring 96 are adjacent to the sliding and rotating ring 94. In particular, the sliding and rotation ring 94 is located between the second support bar 88 and the sliding ring 96.

The transmission bar 80 of the first coach is arranged in the sliding rings 96 of the bearings 90 92, 93 so that the pivoting of the first coach 74 around the guide shaft 70 causes the pivoting of the second coach 76.

The side faces of the first bearing 90 and of the second bearing 92 arranged opposite one another advantageously comprise a shoulder 100 intended for fixing the drive block of the carriage, as explained below.

Preferably, the second carrier 74 further comprises a spacer 98 fixed between the first bearing 90 and the second bearing 92. In particular, the spacer 98 is fixed between the free end of the first bearing 90 and the free end of the second bearing 92. Thus, the spacer 98 is positioned on the side opposite the support bar 88. The spacer 98 makes it possible to maintain the gap between the first bearing 90 and the second bearing 92.

Preferably, the second trainer 74 further comprises a first reinforcing beam 102 fixed between the second bearing 92 and the following bearing 93 to reinforce the mechanical resistance to the forces of the second trainer 74.

Preferably, the second carrier 74 further comprises a second reinforcing beam 104 fixed between the first bearing 90 and the second bearing 92 on the side of the second support bar 88 to reinforce the mechanical resistance to the forces of the second carrier 74.

Referring to Figure 10, the drive device 60 further comprises a drive assembly 106 and a carriage 108 driven in translation according to a reciprocating movement by the drive assembly. The drive assembly 106 includes for example an electric motor and a ball screw. The carriage 108 is adapted to drive the second driver 74 in displacement. The second driver 74 drives the support plates 52, 54 in translation on the guide rail 50 shown in Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 14, the carriage 108 comprises a drive block 110 provided with a through bore 112 extending along the longitudinal direction X. The guide shaft 70 passes through the bore 112. The drive block 110 is mounted free in rotation around the guide shaft 70. The block drive 110 is arranged between the first bearing 90 and the second bearing 92. In particular, the drive block 110 is fixed in translation to the first bearing 90 and to the second bearing 92 so that it drives the second coach 74 in translation.

The drive block 110 is mounted free to rotate relative to the first bearing 90 and to the second bearing 92. For this purpose, the carriage 108 comprises a first rotation ring 114 fixed to the drive block at one end of the bore. 112 and a second rotation ring 116 attached to the drive block at the other end of the bore. The first rotation ring 114 is mounted in abutment against the first bearing 90. The second rotation ring 116 is mounted in abutment against the second bearing 92.

The bore 112 includes a counterbore at each of its ends. The first rotation ring 114 is fixed in the counterbore at one end of the drive block. The second rotation ring 116 is fixed in the counterbore at the other end of the drive block.

In the embodiment shown by way of example, the first rotation ring 114 and the second rotation ring 116 are flanged rotation rings. The flange of the first rotation ring and the flange of the second rotation ring are arranged between the shoulder 100 of the first bearing 90 and respectively the shoulder 100 of the second bearing 92 to reduce the wear of the carriage and the second coach 74 .

Alternatively, drive block 110 is mounted directly against shoulder 100 of first bearing 90 and shoulder 100 of second bearing 92.

The carriage 108 includes a frame 118 secured to the drive block 110. The frame 118 is adjacent to the drive block. It extends relative to the drive unit in a transverse direction. The frame 118 forms a passage 120 crossing in the longitudinal direction X. The passage 120 is crossed by the transmission shaft 80. The passage 120 has a height and a width allowing the pivoting of the transmission shaft 80 during the pivoting of the first 72 and second coach 74.

In the embodiment represented by way of example, the frame 118 is formed by two plates fixed to the drive block 110. The two plates extend in the transverse direction.

The carriage 108 further comprises a device 122 for locking the carriage in rotation. For example, the rotation blocking device 122 comprises a section 124 and an arm 126 secured to the drive unit 110. In the embodiment shown by way of example, the arm 126 is fixed to the two plates forming the frame 118 It extends in the extension thereof in the transverse direction Y.

The profile 124 is fixed to the support plate 49. It extends in the longitudinal direction X. It is located parallel to and next to the first driver 72 and the second driver 76. The arm 126 is slidably mounted around the profile 124. Preferably, the arm 126 comprises a sliding ring 128 adapted to slide on the profile.

In operation, during a first step illustrated in FIG. 17, the carriage 108 is in a position at the end of a forward movement. The first carrier 72 and the second carrier 74 are in a position in which the first support bar 82 and the second support bar 88 are in a low position. The drive fingers 69 are engaged in the notches 62 of the support plates 52, 54. The support plates are not shown in Figures 17 to 19.

During a second step illustrated in FIG. 18, the actuators 76 cause the first driver 72 to pivot. The pivoting of the first driver 72 causes the pivoting of the second driver 74. The first support bar 82 and the second support bar 88 go to a high position. The drive fingers 69 are disengaged from the notches 62 of the support plates. The locating fingers 68 are engaged in the notches 62 of the support plates. The locating fingers hold the support plates in position.

During a third step illustrated in Figure 19, the drive assembly 106 moves the carriage 108 forward of the conveyor during a return movement. The movement of the carriage 108 causes the movement of the second coach 74 by pressing the drive block 110 on the side face of the first bearing 90. The transmission bar 80 of the first coach slides in the sliding rings 96 of the bearings of the second coach 74 The first coach 72 is not moved during this movement. The positioning fingers 68 are always engaged in the notches 62 of the support plates and maintain the position thereof.

During a fourth step, not shown, the actuators 76 cause the pivoting of the first 72 and the second driver 74. The first support bar 82 and the second support bar 88 move towards a low position. Positioning fingers 68 are disengaged from the notches in the support plates. The drive fingers 69 are engaged in the support plates. In particular, the drive pin 69 attached to the end of the second support bar engages a new support plate which has been loaded onto the conveyor by a loading device.

During a fifth step, the carriage 108 is driven in a forward motion. It drives the second driver 74. The drive fingers 69 of the second driver drives the support plates 52, 54. In the embodiment shown in which each support plate has two notches, two drive fingers drive a support. Alternatively, when the support plates have only one notch, each drive finger drives only one support plate. The support plates are not bonded together. They are each moved by one or two drive fingers. When the carriage is at the end of its travel; the cycle resumes at the first stage illustrated in figure 17

At the end, a handling system rotates the support plates and brings them to the other end of the conveyor.

Advantageously, the support plates can be easily removed from the rail. Thus, it is possible to remove a support plate at a location of the frame at which it is desired to replace a first food product dispensing machine with a second food product dispensing machine. The second packaging machine can then be coupled to the frame.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20, the frame 4 consists solely of a support structure. This load-bearing structure comprises two beams 180 extending in the longitudinal direction X. The beams 180 are fixed to vertical posts 182 mounted on feet. Longitudinal bars 84 are mounted between the vertical posts to create a gantry which can, for example, carry electrical or pneumatic connector assemblies. The conveyor 20 is carried by vertical flanges 186 fixed to the spar 180 and distributed along the frame. Advantageously, according to the present invention, the same packaging line 2 can be used to manufacture different products. For example, the same packaging line 2 can be used to first produce a natural yogurt then a chocolate cream topped with whipped cream. To this end, a packaging machine containing natural yogurt can be detached from the chassis and replaced by two other packaging machines, namely a filling machine suitable for dispensing chocolate desert cream and a filling machine suitable for dispensing whipped cream .

As a variant, the frame 4 comprises complementary coupling interfaces 32 capable of cooperating with coupling interfaces 30 of the packaging machines. The complementary coupling interfaces 32 are aligned along the frame in the longitudinal direction. They are spaced from each other by a distance equal to a pitch P. The complementary coupling interfaces 32 can be arranged on a support plate 34 or on a supporting structure located at the front of the support plate and not shown or on the guide rail 50 of the conveyor. To this end, the complementary coupling interface 32 of the frame 4 can comprise a cylinder of constant section which extends along the longitudinal direction X. The coupling interface 30 of each packaging machine can comprise one or more recesses (s). The recess(es) has a shape and a dimension adapted to cooperate with a part of the cylinder such as for example the upper part. Thus, by fitting the recess(es) of a packaging machine onto the cylinder, the position of this packaging machine in the transverse direction Y is fixed with respect to the frame. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the complementary coupling interfaces 32 are for example positioned on the rear beam 80 of the frame closest to the packaging machines.

According to a variant embodiment represented in FIG. 22, the packaging machines comprise four working heads in the transverse direction Y and two conveyors 20, 361 are arranged opposite them. The first conveyor 20 is arranged as in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3. The second conveyor 361 is arranged next to the first conveyor 20 in the transverse direction Y. The support rail 51 of the second conveyor 361 is adjacent to the support 51 of the second conveyor.

Advantageously, this alternative embodiment makes it possible to double the production rates. Advantageously in the present invention, the conveyor is independent of the packaging machines. The conveyor can operate in the absence of packaging machines.

Thus, one (or more) packaging machine can be removed without having to move the other packaging machines to align them adjacent to each other.

The coupling interfaces only allow the indexing of the position of the packaging machines with respect to the conveyor. Advantageously, the conveyor can operate with a limited number of support plates containing a small quantity of support plates, for example to carry out a test on a new product format.

The return of the plates from the support plates is done by another independent transport conveyor.

The invention also relates to the conveyor independently of the packaging line. The applicant reserves the right to file a divisional application only on the conveyor.

Claims

1 . Packaging line (2) for food or pharmaceutical products in containers (21), said packaging line (2) comprising:

- a frame (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (X);

- at least a first packaging machine (6) and a second packaging machine (8) each having a front face (28) provided with at least one working head (22, 24) capable of carrying out a packaging operation on containers and/or food or pharmaceutical products,

- a conveyor (20) arranged in line with the packaging machines (6, 8), said conveyor being fixed relative to the frame, the conveyor comprising:

- a guide rail (50) extending in the longitudinal direction (X),

- a first (52) and a second (54) support plate each comprising at least one housing (58) adapted to receive a container (21), the first support plate (52) not being fixed to the second plate bracket (54),

- a drive device (60) comprising at least one carriage (108) capable of performing back-and-forth movements to drive the support plates (52, 54) in translation on the guide rail (50 ), a housing (58) of the first support plate (52) located at a defined position on the first support plate, and a housing (58) of the second support plate (54) located at an identical position on the second support plate being separated by a distance called a pitch (P) when the first support plate is aligned and adjacent to the second support plate; the first packaging machine (6) being distinct from the second packaging machine (8); at least the front face (28) of the packaging machines having a dimension equal to said pitch (P) or equal to a multiple of said pitch (P ), said dimension being measured along the longitudinal direction (X).

2. Packaging line (2) according to claim 1, wherein the support plates (52, 54) comprise at least one notch (62), and wherein the conveyor (20) comprises:

- a guide shaft (70) fixed relative to the frame (4) and extending in the longitudinal direction (X),

- a first driver (72) carrying at least one positioning finger (68), said first driver being mounted so as to rotate around the guide shaft (70),

- at least one actuator (76) capable of causing the first driver (72) to pivot around the guide shaft (70) to engage said at least one positioning finger (68) in said notch (62) of a plate bracket in an engaged position, and to disengage it from said notch (62) in a disengaged position.

3. Packaging line (2) according to claim 2, wherein the conveyor (20) comprises a second driver (74) supporting at least one drive finger (69), the second driver being capable of pivoting around the guide shaft (70) for engaging said at least one drive finger in said at least one notch (62) of a support plate in a engaged position, and to disengage it from said notch in a disengaged position, the second driver (74) being movable in translation on the guide shaft (70), the second driver being driven by the carriage (108), the second driver being rotatable relative to the carriage and the guide shaft (70).

4. Packaging line (2) according to claim 3, wherein the second driver (74) is integral in rotation with the first driver (72).

5. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first coach (72) comprises:

- a transmission bar (80) extending in the longitudinal direction (X),

- a first support bar (82) extending in the longitudinal direction (X), the first support bar (82) carrying said at least one positioning finger (68), and

- at least one link-bearing (84) fixed to the transmission bar and to the first support bar, said at least one link-bearing (84) comprises a rotation ring (86) located between the transmission bar and the first support bar, the guide shaft (70) being arranged in the rotation ring.

6. Packaging line (2) according to the combination of claims 3 and 5, wherein the second coach (74) comprises:

- a second support bar (88) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and carrying said at least one drive finger (69),

- at least a first (90) and a second (92) bearings fixed to the second support bar, said first and second bearings each comprising a sliding and rotation ring (94) and a sliding ring (96), the the guide shaft (70) being arranged in the rings (94) for sliding and rotation, the transmission bar (80) being mounted in the sliding rings (96).

7. Packaging line (2) according to claim 6, wherein the carriage (108) comprises:

- a drive unit (110) provided with a through bore (112), said bore being traversed by the guide shaft (70),

- a first rotation ring (114) fixed in the bore (112) at one end of the drive block,

- a second rotation ring (116) fixed in the bore (112) at the other end of the drive block, the first rotation ring being mounted in abutment against the first bearing (90), the second rotation ring (116) being mounted in abutment against the second bearing (92), the drive block (110) being rotatable and integral in translation with respect to the first bearing (90) and to the second bearing (92).

8. Packaging line (2) according to claim 7, in which the first rotation ring (114) and the second rotation ring (116) are flanged rotation rings.

9. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conveyor (20) comprises a locking device (122) capable of locking the carriage (108) around the guide shaft (70).

10. Packaging line (2) according to claim 9, in which the device (122) for locking the carriage in rotation comprises a profile (124) fixed to the frame (4), the profile (124) extending parallel to and at distance from the guide shaft (70), an arm (126) secured to the drive unit (110), said arm (126) being adapted to slide on the section (124).

11 . Packaging line (2) according to the combination of claims 3 and 5, in which the carriage (108) comprises a frame (118) forming a passage (120) through which the transmission bar (80) passes, said passage (120) having a height and a width allowing the pivoting of the transmission bar (80) during the displacement of the at least one positioning finger (68) and of the at least one drive finger (69) between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

12. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein said second driver (74) comprising at least one spacer (98) fixed between the free end of the first bearing (90) and the free end of the second bearing (92).

13. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the packaging machines (6,8) are adapted to be coupled or uncoupled to the frame (4) or to the conveyor (20), the packaging machines (6, 8) each comprising a coupling interface (30), the frame (4) or the guide rail (50) comprising several complementary coupling interfaces (32), the packaging line (2) being configured to be:

- in an operating state in which the coupling interfaces (30) of the packaging machines are coupled to the at least one complementary coupling interface (32) and the first packaging machine (6) is adjacent to the second machine packaging (8), or

- in a state of rearrangement in which the mating interface (30) of the first packaging machine (6) is uncoupled from the complementary mating interface (32).

14. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein wherein the packaging machines (6,8) are adapted to be coupled or uncoupled to the conveyor (20), the packaging machines ( 6, 8) each comprising a coupling interface (30), the guide rail (50) comprising several complementary coupling interfaces (32), and in which one of a coupling interface (30) and a complementary coupling interface (32) comprises at least one relief and the other comprises at least one recess, the coupling of a coupling interface (30) and a complementary coupling interface (32) fixing the position of a packaging machine (6, 8) relative to the guide rail (50), in a longitudinal direction (X) and in a transverse direction (Y), the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

15. Packaging line (2) according to claim 13 or 14, in which all the complementary coupling interfaces (32) are spaced from each other by a distance equal to one pitch (P).

16. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame (4) comprises sets (38) of electrical connectors and / or pneumatic connectors positioned along the frame (4) to predefined positions, said sets (38) being separated from each other by a distance equal to a pitch (P) or a multiple of a pitch (P), and in which the packaging machines (6) comprise a set complementary (42) of electrical connectors and/or pneumatic connectors.

17. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, in which the guide rail (50) and/or the frame (4) has a length in the longitudinal direction equal to a multiple G of a pitch (P) and in which the packaging line comprises a number of packaging machines (6, 8) greater than said multiple G.

18. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which comprises a set (74) of support plates having at least one housing (58) having a first shape and a set (76) of plates support having at least one housing (58) having a second shape, the second shape being different from the first shape.

19. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which comprises a set (74) of support plates having at least one housing (58) having a first dimension and a set (78) of plates support having at least one housing (58) having a second dimension, the second dimension being different from the first dimension.

20. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which comprises a set (74) of support plates having a first number of housings (58) and a set (78) of support plates having a second number of slots, the second number of slots being different from the first number of slots.

21 . Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, in which at least one packaging machine (6) comprises:

- a base (44),

- an upright (46) carried by the base, the upright (46) supporting the at least one working head (22) cantilevered above the base, the conveyor (20) being positioned between the packaging machine ( 6, 8) and the base (44), a main face (59) of the first support plate facing at least one working head (22) and an opposite main face (71) facing the base (44).

22. Packaging line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, which comprises an additional conveyor (36) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and arranged next to the conveyor and in which the first machine of packaging (6) comprises four working heads (22, 24) aligned in the transverse direction (Y).