packaging system, and method for packaging product groups

专利摘要:
packaging system, and method for packaging product groups is a packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of product units of varying size and / or configuration within packages, as supplied. the packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector to form an initial product unit configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into an accommodated arrangement, against the initial unit of product, in order to form an accommodated product unit. the accommodated product units can then be gripped by carrying arms of a pair of opposing loading assemblies, which move the accommodated product units into a series of packages moving through the packaging machine. then, the ends of the packages can be closed and washed, to complete the packaging of the product units inside.
公开号:BR112015026179B1
申请号:R112015026179-5
申请日:2014-04-16
公开日:2021-02-23
发明作者:Frank N. Moncrief；David F. Warner；Colin Ford
申请人:Graphic Packaging International, Llc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to the packaging of various articles, such as bottles, cans or other products in packages and, in particular, to the selection and loading of groups of products accommodated within a package, with the groups of products accommodated being controlled, when they are loaded into the packages and the ends of the packages are folded and sealed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is common for products, such as bottles, cans, bags, etc., to be selected in groups of predefined products and loaded into packages for packaging such products in sets or "units" for transport and sale. For example, it is common for soda, beer and other food products or beverages contained in cans or bottles, to be packaged in cardboard packaging, as in 6, 12, 20 and / or 24 units for sale to final consumers. Normally, the bottles or cans will be fed to a packaging machine, where they will be grouped in the desired sets or product units, that is, in groups of 6, 12, 20, 24 etc., after which, each group of bottles or cans will be placed inside or on a packaging. Packaging may comprise cardboard pouches, although matrix-style flat packaging may also be used, with the selected product groupings generally being driven or otherwise moved into such packaging pouches through one of their packaging. open ends. Then, the ends of the packages will be folded and glued in place, to create a sealed package.
[0003] Traditionally, products, such as soft drinks and beer, are sold in units of 6, 12 and 24 bottles or cans, thus providing consumers with limited choices in the number of pre-packaged products available for purchase. In recent years, when consumer tastes and preferences have changed, consumer demand for more variety in the available package sizes has increased. In response to consumer demands for more and / or different product size offerings, manufacturers are now developing and offering a greater variety of serving sized containers, such as 6, 8, or 20 cans or bottles and / or sizes of half a liter and 1 liter. As a result, there is a growing need and demand for a greater variety of package options, in addition to traditional packages with 6, 12 and 24 units.
[0004] Although consumers are looking for more options in terms of product unit sizes, it is still desirable, however, that these product packages remain as compact as possible, so as to fit inside refrigerators or on shelves with a quantity minimum space required, or being adjusted through these packages. In addition, these non-traditional sized packages often require new packaging constructions with a non-uniform size / shape, which can create a variety of problems in the selection, loading and packaging of these different sized product groups. Although attempts have been made to package packages with groups of non-traditional products, for example, groups of 8 or 16 bottles, such systems, in general, have been forced to operate at slower production rates and have been inflexible in terms of sizes and packaging configurations, which can be packaged inside, usually limited to use with a specific package size.
[0005] Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a system and method for packaging products in a variety of different non-traditional product groupings, which addresses the above and other related and unrelated problems in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Described in an abbreviated form, the present invention, in general, refers to a packaging system and method for operating that packaging system adapted to allow the selection and grouping of accommodated groups of products of various sizes and / or configurations and to load these groups, or units, of products in a series of packages, which move along a packaging path, through the packaging system, after which the packages can be closed and sealed. The present system offers flexibility in its operation, in order to accommodate the selection and packaging of a variety of product groups with different sizes and / or configurations, including units with non-traditional sizes and "accommodated" or alternating product units or groups. For example, the packaging system of the present invention can be adapted to package bottles, cans or other similar products / articles in configurations ranging from conventional 2x3-6 units, 2x6-12 units, 3x4-12 units, 4x5-20 units and 4x6-24 units, even more non-traditional units, such as 2x5-10 units, 3x5-15 units, 4x8-32 and larger units, as well as allowing the selection, grouping and packaging of accommodated product groups or alternate product arrangements , including the formation of 8, 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26 units and other sizes and / or varied configurations of packages and / or grouping of products.
[0007] In one embodiment, the packaging system will include an upstream feeding area, from a product selection and grouping area, in which products, for example, cans or bottles, will be formed in groups or product units with a desired size and configuration. The products can be fed along a first course of travel into the product selection and grouping area, through a product conveyor, with a first initial series of products being separated into lines or bands by a first primary selector. If necessary, any remaining products can be contacted by a secondary selector located downstream of the first primary selector. To form an accommodated or alternating unit configuration, the first series of products, for example, 2 to 7 rows of products, will be selected and fed through the bands of the primary selector to a conveyor with product selector, to form an initial grouping of product within a pallet of the conveyor unit with selector. An additional series of products, that is, one, two, three, four or more products, can be fed through the secondary selector bands downstream to a stop position and grab the initial product group to form the product unit. The formed product unit is then taken by the unit reducing reed to the loading station or area, in which the product unit is contacted by its loading side, through a loading arm of a first loading set or primary.
[0008] When the loading arm of the primary load assembly pushes the product unit along its conveyor unit reducer with selector, the product unit can be contacted by a movable compression plate. The compression plate can be positioned along an upstream or downstream edge of the drive gearbox and can be moved towards an opposite plate from the drive gearbox to apply a force that pushes or compresses against the product unit. . This compression movement / force, applied through the compression plate against the accommodated product unit, helps to reduce and tighten the spacing between the products of the accommodated product unit and, at the same time, can help to stabilize and guide the storage unit. product, when it is inserted into the open end of a corresponding packaging.
[0009] As product units are formed, packaging is generally fed by a packaging feeder over a packaging conveyor, which extends through the packaging system. The packages will be placed inside pallets or between handles of the packaging carrier and can still be contacted by a carrier with a suspended handle to lift the packages forming bags with open ends. The packaging bags will then be moved in sync with a pallet of the carrier with associated or corresponding selector, to receive a product unit accommodated inside.
[00010] When the product units are moved into their respective packaging, from the loading side of the packaging system, a secondary or stabilizing side loading arm can be moved through the opposite open end of the packaging to contact the unit of product, so that the product unit is contacted and maintained in a stable manner between the loading arms of the primary and secondary load assemblies. To load accommodated product units, the driving faces of the loading arms can have a substantially C or U-shaped configuration, whereby additional accommodated products, added to the product unit via the secondary selector, will be kept in a stabilized alignment , when the accommodated product units are inserted into the packaging. In addition, alternative drive face configurations, such as a substantially transverse shape, an A shape, or other drive face designs, can also be used. In addition, the selector wedges of the secondary selector can be changed, as needed, to provide a variety of selector wedge configurations, to select an additional series of one, two, three, four, or more products to feed as needed , packaging to form the desired size and / or configuration of accommodated product units or other alternate product arrangements.
[00011] The opposing loading arms of the primary and secondary loading assembly are generally moved into and out of the packages along an inclined path or in the moving phase, by which the loading arms are initially moved, towards each other. , when the accommodated product unit is moved to a loaded position, inside a package and, later, is moved in a generally synchronized movement, along the package with the accommodated product unit contacted between them, in order to transport, Stably and securely, the product unit to a loaded position, within its associated packaging. When the product unit is loaded or accommodated inside its packaging, the packaging will be moved towards / into a folding / sealing zone or area of the packaging system, in which the outer flaps of the packaging will be folded and / or locked in a closed position, and an adhesive is applied to seal the packages.
[00012] When the packages enter the folding / sealing area of the packaging system, parts of the lower end flap of the packaging, along its stabilization side, can be contacted by a first folding / fitting mechanism upstream, which folds the lower end flaps of the packages towards their closed positions. The loading arm of the secondary load set can be kept in contact with the product unit inside the package, when the lower end flaps are folded. The extreme front lower flap, along the side upstream of the package, can be contacted and pushed into its closed position by a series of lower guide rails, fixed adjacent to the travel path of the packages. At substantially the same time, a joint element, between the lower front end flaps, can be contacted and moved to an internally engaged position by a rotating locking device, although the extreme bottom flap and the rear joint element can be similarly, contacted and moved to their folded and docked positions.
[00013] As the loaded packages continue along their course of travel, the loading arms of the primary and secondary load sets are completely retracted from the packages, then the packages can be contacted by snapping and folding mechanisms downstream on both sides of the packages. The top, side and / or top end flaps on both sides of the packages and the bottom end flaps on the loading side of the packages will therefore be folded into their closed positions, with the bottom end flaps of the packages. being further folded over, or under, the extreme top flaps. An adhesive or glue material can also be applied to seal the outer flaps of the packages in their closed positions. The upper surfaces of the packaging can also be contacted by a control belt adjacent to its loading ends, the belt of which can apply a desired compressive force to it, to help provide additional stability to the products of the product units adjacent to the packaging ends. loading of the packages, when the loading arm of the loading set on the loading side or primary is moved out of contact with the loading, until the extreme flaps, along the loading side of the packaging, can be folded / closed.
[00014] The closed packages can then be moved through a compression section, in which the packages are contacted by compression belts to help seal the ends of the packages in their closed configuration. The packages can also be hooked by perforators or other actuators to activate the series of protective features of articles, which can also be supplied along the bottom panels of the packages. For example, if a series of bottles is being packaged inside the packages, fins, tongues or other protrusions can be formed inside the packages, as needed, to define the protective article features that separate the bottles or other fragile articles, sufficient to reduce the amount of direct physical contact between them, and assist in preventing breakage during handling and transportation of packages. The packages can then be removed from the packaging system for collection for storage and / or transportation.
[00015] In addition, for larger product units, such as, for example, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and / or 34-36 units, or larger units, for which it may be desirable provide additional product protection features along its central line, the product units can be fed into a rotating / dividing station, in which the product units can be rotated, for example, by approximately 90 °, and / or can also be divided into multiple ranges to facilitate storage of the collection. The rotating / dividing station can be attached to the end of the packaging system to receive the packages directly, or it can be supplied as a separate stand-alone system, in which the packaging can be fed individually, as needed or desired.
[00016] When the packages are fed into the rotating / dividing station, they can be hooked by a suspended rotation mechanism. The suspended pivoting mechanism may include a series of pivoting arms, which grip the top surface of each package. The swivel arms, in general, can include the parts or handles protruding downwards, to grip lateral surfaces upstream or downstream of the packages, respectively, and, in general, will be fixed on a support plate having a cam follower to it switched on. The cam followers make contact and move along a cam track, causing the rotating arms to be rotated, which causes the corresponding rotation of the packages by approximately 90 °. Once the packages have been rotated, they can be gripped by a series of perforators or other actuators, to activate the protective article features, which extend along the center line of the packages, as needed. The packages can then be rotated again and can be divided into multiple strips or lines for collection and storage.
[00017] Various features, objectives, advantages and aspects of the present invention can also be presented or will be evident to people skilled in the art, after considering the detailed description below, when done in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00018] Fig. 1 is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a packaging system for packaging accommodated product units and more, varying the configurations of the product unit, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[00019] Figs. 2A-2B are perspective views of the packaging system of Fig. 1.
[00020] Figs. 3A-3B are exploded views in perspective, illustrating the various operational assemblies of the packaging system of Figs. 1-2B.
[00021] Fig. 4 is a perspective view, which illustrates examples of packaging embodiments, which can be used with the packaging system, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[00022] Figs. 5A-5E illustrate several exemplary embodiments of packaging arrays and / or configurations of accommodated product units, adapted to be received inside, which can be packaged by the packaging system of the present invention.
[00023] Figs. 6A-6B are perspective illustrations of new areas for product selection and grouping of the packaging system of Figs. 1-3B.
[00024] Fig. 7A is a perspective illustration, which schematically illustrates the formation of a group of products accommodated for feeding inside a package, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00025] Fig. 7B is a plan view, illustrating the formation of an alternative group of products accommodated for feeding inside a package, using the packaging system, according to the principles of the present invention.
[00026] Figs. 8A-8B are perspective illustrations of top and bottom sides of an embodiment of the carrier unit reducing reed with selector of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[00027] Figs. 9A-9C are perspective illustrations of the folding / sealing and loading area of the packaging system of Figs. 1-3B.
[00028] Fig. 10 is a plan view, which illustrates areas of loading and selection and grouping of products in the packaging system of Figs. 1-3B.
[00029] Figs. 11A-11G are schematic views, which illustrate the selection and grouping of various examples of configuration of accommodated product units and their subsequent loading into a package.
[00030] Figs. 12A-12E are schematic illustrations showing the fitting and progressive folding of the lower end flaps on the stabilizing side of the package through the upstream folding and folding mechanism.
[00031] Figs. 13A-13D are schematic illustrations of an example of an embodiment of the folding and fitting mechanism of the folding / sealing area of the packaging system.
[00032] Fig. 14 is a perspective illustration of an example of an embodiment of a rotating / dividing station for use with the packaging system, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[00033] Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the rotating / dividing station of Fig. 14.
[00034] Fig. 16 is a side elevation view, with parts removed, which illustrate the rotation of the packages and their contact by a rotary perforator assembly to activate a series of protective article features within the packages.
[00035] Fig. 17 is a schematic illustration of the packaging rotation to contact and activate the protective features of articles inside the rotating / dividing station of Fig. 14.
[00036] It should be clear that the drawings accompanying the present description, which are included to provide a greater understanding of the present description, incorporate and constitute an integral part of this specification, illustrating various aspects, resources, advantages and benefits of the present disclosure and invention , and, together with the detailed description below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that, according to practice, various features of the drawings described herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that the dimensions of the various features and elements shown or illustrated in the drawings and / or described below in the detailed description, they can be expanded, reduced or moved to an exploded position, in order to more clearly illustrate the principles and embodiments of the present invention, as presented in the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00037] Referring now, in more detail, to the drawings, in which similar numbers indicate similar parts throughout the different views, Figs. 1A-2B schematically illustrate an example of an embodiment of a packaging system 10 and method of operation, according to the principles of the present invention, for the selection and grouping of a series of products or articles P, arranged in product units 11 of different sizes and / or configurations, for loading in C packages for packaging. Although the present invention is generally illustrated for use with packaging bottles or cans, it should be clear to those skilled in the art, that other formats of different products or articles can also be packaged by the packaging system and method of operation of the present invention. The present packaging system is also flexible in order to be able to accommodate the selection, grouping and packaging of a wide variety of product units with different sizes and configurations. For example, the packaging system can be adapted to receive, select, group and package bottles, cans or other P products in various sizes or configurations of traditional and non-traditional units, ranging from 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 24 clusters or units up to unit sizes greater than 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 or more, arranged in several rows of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7 or more products, respectively, that is, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6, 3x3, 3x4, 3x5, 3x6, 3x7, 4x4, 4x5, 4x6, 4x7, 4x8, 5x8 etc. product arrangements, as indicated in Figs. 5A-5E. Other variations of product unit sizes and configurations can also be used.
[00038] In addition, the present invention is particularly adapted to allow the selection, grouping and packaging of accommodated or alternating product unit configurations, as well as more conventional product unit arrangements. For example, accommodated or alternate product unit configurations with alternative size, such as 10 units, 14 units (Fig. 5A), 18 units, 22 units, 26 units (Fig. 5B-5D), 40 units (Fig. 5E), or other larger or smaller accommodated or alternating units, can be packaged using the packaging system 10 of the present invention. These accommodated or alternating units can be formed in a substantially rectangular or square arrangement (Fig. 5E) or with a configuration, in general, convex (Figs. 5A-5C) or concave (Fig. 5D). It should also be understood by persons skilled in the art, that preceding unit descriptions are provided as examples only, and should not be taken as limiting the packaging system of the present invention only to package such exemplary configurations, but rather a wide variety of different sizes and / or unit configurations, including sizes and / or configurations of larger or smaller units, which can be packaged using the packaging system and associated method of operation, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[00039] Figs. 4 and 5A-5C illustrate examples of packaging C and packaging matrices B to form these packages, for packaging of various sizes and / or configurations of accommodated product units 11 (Figs. 5A-5E) of different sizes and / or configurations , who use the packaging system and associated method of operation, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Each of the packaging matrices B shown in Figs. 5A-5C, in general, includes side panels 14 and 15, a base panel 16, and can also include top panels 17A / 17B, which can be folded and glued together, to define the top or top surface 18 of each package C, as indicated in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the packages can be formed with substantially solid or unitary top panels, or in other configurations, as needed or desired. As is also shown in Figs. 5C-5D, the packages may also include a series of protective features of articles 19, such as fins, clips or other projections formed on the base or bottom panel 16. For example, as shown in Fig. 5C, a first series of protective features 19 'can be arranged in a first orientation and location adjacent to side panels 14/15, while a second series of protective features of articles 19 "can be formed in a second orientation, arranged along a longitudinal axis or line of packaging center 20, the second series of protective article features of which can be activated after loading the product unit 11 inside, to provide the desired separation and protection for the bottles or other fragile articles of the product unit inside the package.
[00040] Each of the C packages (Figs. 2A-3B and 4) also generally includes first and second stabilizing and loading side ends 21 and 22, respectively, defining openings 23 (Figs. 2B and 7A-7B) , through which the product units can be received after folding or assembling the packages forming a packaging pouch with an open end. The open ends 23 of the first and second sides of the packages 21 and 22 will, in general, be defined by a series of end flaps 25 (Figs. 5A-5C), generally including top and bottom side flaps. In one embodiment, the packages may be provided in a configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of the product unit received inside. For example, Figs. 5A-5C illustrate product units with a profile or configuration generally convex or extended, on which their packages can be formed. In this embodiment, the end flaps of the packages may include lower end flaps 26, formed at each end of the base panel 16 of each package, and separated from the base panel by fold lines 26A; bottom flaps 27, separated from the base panel 16 by fold lines 27a, extreme top or top flaps 28, separated from their respective top panels 17A / 17B by fold lines 28a, side flaps 29 (Figs. 5A-5B ) and 29 '(Fig. 5C), generally separated from the side panels 14/15 along the fold lines 29A. Lower junction elements 31 can also be formed along / between the lower end flaps 26, as indicated in dotted lines 31 in Figs. 5A-5C, although additional upper junction elements 32 can also be formed between the upper side and / or extreme upper flaps 29 and top panels 17A / 17B.
[00041] In addition, it should be clear from Figs. 5A- 5C, that other varieties of end flap arrangements, top and bottom and side panels, and joint elements can also be provided, as needed, to accommodate variations in the sizes and / or configurations of product units, including units accommodated, as shown, as well as to accommodate the packaging of different types of products, which form these product units. For example, as shown in Fig. 5C, when bottles are used as products P of product unit 11, the side panels and side flaps 29/29 'of the packages can be provided with additional fold lines, which extend through of its width, indicated in lines 33, as well as additional fold lines 34A-B between the upper side panels and extreme and lateral upper flaps, which define a substantially diamond-shaped or inclined shoulder configuration, shown at 36 in FIG. 5C, adapted to help conform the side panels to the neck shape of the bottles of the product unit, as needed or desired. As also shown in Fig. 5C, the side or top end flaps 29 can also be substantially divided or separated along the fold line 33, as indicated in 29A / 29B, to further facilitate the configuration / folding of the flaps extreme tops over the bottles at the ends of the accommodated product unit 11, to help ensure a better fitted and tightened package.
[00042] In addition, packages can be formed with substantially square or rectangular configurations, without the need for joining elements, additional extreme and / or lateral flaps, or other resources adapted to more closely match the configuration of a product unit inside, which may result in a reduction in the amount of cardboard or other materials used to form the packaging. For example, as shown in Figs. 5D- 5E, for accommodated product units 11, which have a concave or recessed configuration or a similar or, in general, rectangular arrangement with alternating or displaced rows, packages with a substantially rectangular or square shape may be used. The open spaces or recessed areas between the ends of the product rows, as indicated at 37 in Figs. 5D-5E, can provide additional space for the ends of the packages for handles or handles to be formed on the packages, and / or to provide space for inserts or other resources, if necessary or desired.
[00043] As shown in Figs. 1A-3B, the packaging system 10 can generally be constructed in a similar manner and / or incorporate the features of a packaging machine, such as a QUICKFLEX® 2100 style packaging machine, manufactured by Graphic Packaging International, Inc. The packaging system packaging 10 can thus be adapted to operate in a conventional or modern way for packaging product packages with traditional style / configuration, while also providing flexibility and additional capacity to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and / or configurations. packages, including packaging of accommodated product unit configurations or other non-traditional unit sizes or configurations, without the need for additional equipment or substantial reconstruction thereof.
[00044] As indicated in the figures, the packaging system 10 generally includes a frame 39, which defines a first loading side 40A and a second stabilizing side 40B of the packaging system, and which may include an enclosure or protectors (not shown), whose frame supports the various systems and operating sets of the packaging system 10. The packaging system, in general, also includes a feeding area 41, in which packages C and products P (Fig. 1), respectively, a selection and grouping area or zone downstream 42 is introduced into the packaging system, in which the products are selected and formed into product units, after which they pass into a loading zone or area 43 for loading. in their associated or corresponding packaging, a sealing / folding area or zone 44, and a compression area 46 at the downstream end of the packaging system, to complete the packaging of the units of product inside its associated packaging.
[00045] The feed section or area 41 of the packaging system 10 generally includes a feed conveyor 50 for transporting a series of C packages, normally arranged in a stacked series, as they are transported along the feed conveyor 50, as shown in Fig. 1. The packs are fed in series stacked along the feed conveyor 50 to a pack carrier 51, which feeds individual packs C over a pack carrier 52 (Figs. 2A, 3A-3B, 6A- 6B). An example of such a packaging loader and packaging feed conveyor 50 is shown, in general, in U.S. Patent No. 8,246,290, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, as shown in its entirety. The packaging conveyor 52 generally includes a handle or reed conveyor having a series of pusher handles 53 (Figs. 2B, 3B and 6B) carried by belts or chains 54, between which each of the packages will be received from the magazine carrier. package 51, and transported along a course of travel, as indicated by the arrow 56. As further indicated in Figs. 2A-3B, a conveyor system / assembly with handle or suspended vane 57 for lifting packages C, as, for example, shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,809,746, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, as if presented here in its entirety, will be provided along the travel path 56 of the packages to grab and lift the packages forming a bag configuration with an open end for loading products into the its interior, as indicated in Figs. 7A-7B.
[00046] As also shown in Figs. 2A, 3A-3B and 6A, the feeding section or area 41 of the packaging system 10, further includes a product feeding conveyor 60, which will feed a series of products, such as bottles or cans, along a path initial stroke, indicated by the arrow 61 on the packaging system 10. The product feed conveyor 60 generally includes a substantially flat belt having an expanded size width to accommodate a desired number of products therethrough. The product feed conveyor will feed products to the station or selection and grouping area 42, where products can be selected / separated into individual units by a series of guides 62, from a primary selector 63. Guides 62 can be moved to desired positions across the width of the product feed conveyor, as needed, to accommodate or separate the products into a desired number of ranges 64 of product lines. For example, in Figs. 2A and 6B, six guides 62 are shown in use on primary selector 63, although it should be understood that a greater or lesser number of guides 62, which define ranges of more or less products 64, can also be provided. The product ranges 64 of the primary selector 63 will separate the input products forming distinct product lines, which will be contacted by a series of selector wedges 65, which select and / or capture a desired number of products among them, to guide a first initial series of products in the vanes 66 of a product selector conveyor 67, which moves along a travel path substantially parallel to the travel path 56 of the packages, which move along the packaging conveyor.
[00047] As indicated in Figs. 6A-7B, a desired number of products from each of the product ranges is contacted and driven by the selector wedges 65 forming associated vanes 66 of the selector conveyor 67, in order to form a unit or initial grouping of product 11A, which moves substantially in parallel to the packaging for loading inside. As further illustrated in Figs. 7A-8A, each of the vanes 66 of the carrier with product selection vane 67 can generally be constructed as a unit reducing vane which, in one embodiment, may include a substantially flat base plate 68, on which the units they are loaded on an upstream wall 69, which can be fixed to the plate, and on a movable wall downstream 71. The downstream wall 71 can be fixed on rotating elements 72 (Figs. 8A-8B), such as by bearings or pins pivoting 73 (Fig. 8B), and thus can be movable through the upper surface 74 of its associated base plate 68, as indicated by the arrows 76 and 76 ', depending on the rotation of the rotating elements 72, as indicated by the arrows 77 and 77 'in Fig. 8B. A cam roller 78, or similar guide pin, can be attached to a lower surface of at least one of the rotating elements 72, and can contact a cam guide or track 79 (Figs 6A-6B), which extends along of the selector conveyor, so as to cause the rotation of the rotating elements, when the cam rollers follow along their guide or associated cam track.
[00048] As a result, the wall 71 of each reed will generally be propelled towards and away from the product unit being formed inside its associated reed as the selector conveyor is moved along its travel path, applying thus, a compressive force against the product unit. This compressive force generally results in tightening or flattening of the spacing between the products within the product unit being formed, when the product unit is contacted between the upstream and downstream walls of the reed, and can also help to guide and stabilizing the upstream and downstream rows of products in the product unit, as it is loaded into a package, as shown in Fig. 7A. The shape and / or position of the cam track 79 can still be varied and / or changed, as needed, to control the flattening and / or the intensity of compression delivered to the product unit. When such compression is not necessary, such as for moving standard or more conventional packaging and product units, the cam track can be moved out of contact with the cam rollers and / or removed, or it can be otherwise reconfigured as needed.
[00049] As additionally indicated in Fig. 11G, in one embodiment, a series of funnels or guides 81 can also be provided to assist in orienting the units or groups of products accommodated 11 in their packaging. Funnels 81 can include upstream and downstream plates 82A-82B, which are fixed in series spaced on a conveyor 83. The funnels can be moved in sync with the product units 11, and the positions or spacing between their plates a upstream and downstream can be varied or adjusted, depending on the size and / or configuration of the product units, as needed, to facilitate the movement of the product units 11.
[00050] As further illustrated in Figs. 6A-7B, a secondary selector 85 is generally located adjacent to the downstream end of the selection and grouping area 42 of the packaging system 10, in a position to receive any additional remaining products not previously selected and loaded onto a picker conveyor with a selector by primary selector 63. Thus, to move units with more conventional sizes, the secondary selector 85 does not necessarily have to be used. However, for the formation of more sizes of non-traditional units, including accommodated product units 11, as illustrated in Figs. 7A-7B, the secondary selector can receive, select and orient additional series or numbers of 11B products in a contact relationship or accommodated with the initial product unit 11A, formed on each reed by the primary selector.
[00051] As illustrated in Figs. 6A-6B and 9A-9C, the secondary selector generally includes one or more guides or rails 86, which define at least one strip or passage 87 between them, and along which additional products 11B (Figs. 9A-9C) they are received and guided forming a desired accommodated contact with the initial product unit 11A, formed within the vanes of the conveyor with selector. As further indicated in Figs. 7A-7B and 9A-9C, a series of selector wedges 88 can grab the additional series of products, which are fed by the secondary selector 85, to select and orient or direct the additional products within their accommodated relationship with the initial groupings of products inside the reeds, as shown in Figs. 11A-11C. The selector wedges 88 (Fig. 7a) can be fixed on a conveyor chain or endless mobile belt, in a desired spacing, in order to define passages or guide channels 89 between them, and are generally moved in sync with the movement of the input products, along at least one band 87 of the secondary selector 85, to select and measure the movement of the products along it. The products will be received within the channels 89 defined between the selector wedges, which will guide these products towards accommodated contact with their initial groupings of associated products 11A, to form units of accommodated products 11.
[00052] The resulting product units 11 can be formed with various numbers and arrangements of rows and products, arranged in a variety of accommodated and / or alternating configurations or more. For example, the product units may have a substantially square or rectangular arrangement, with or without openings at their ends, as shown in Fig. 5E; a generally convex arrangement, having additional products at the ends of one or more central or internal rows of products, as shown in Figs. 5A-5C and 7A; a generally concave arrangement with additional products arranged in the outermost, front and rear rows, or other rows of products, as shown in Figs. 5D and 7B; or other variations of package configurations.
[00053] As further indicated in Figs. 6A, 7 and 9A-11F, after each product unit 11 is formed within a pallet 66 of the conveyor with selector 67, which will be moved to the loading area or zone 43 of the packaging system 10, for loading forming a package Corresponding C. As the product units 11 are moved into the loading area, they can initially be contacted by a loading arm 91 from a first loading or primary assembly 92 attached along the loading side 40A of the packaging system. The primary load set 92 (Figures 9A-10) can generally include two or more belts, drive chains or other conveyors, which are moved on an elliptical course of travel in the direction of arrow 94, and which will carry a series of arms 91 chargers along them. The number of loading arms 91 can be varied, depending on the size and / or spacing of the vanes of the conveyor with selector, with each arm normally moving in sync with an associated pallet among the vanes of the conveyor with selector.
[00054] Each loader arm 91 can generally include an elongated base or body 96, which can also be formed as a pair of spaced rods or arms 97, attached to a carriage 98, which is slidably fixed over a series of supports 99, such as bars, rods etc., which in turn are connected to the drive belts or chains 93 of the primary load assembly. A cam follower 101 (Fig. 9C) can be attached to the carriage 98 of each loading arm 91 and can contact and move along a guide track 102, the position of which can be adjusted by an actuator 103, such as an actuator hydraulic or pneumatic or servomotor, or other similar actuator. This causes the carriage to be propelled, transversely, across the width of the primary load set, towards a corresponding product unit, which is transported by the conveyor with selector. The position of the track 102 can therefore be varied to control the transverse movement of the loading arms 91 in the direction of the arrows 104/104 ', in and out of contact with the product units, as necessary, to load the units of product in the packages, as indicated in Figs. 7A and 11A-11F.
[00055] A second stabilizing load set 106 can also be attached to the opposite stabilizing side 40B of the packaging conveyor 10 of the primary load set 92. The secondary load set may have a similar construction to that of the primary load assembly, usually including a conveyor mechanism 107 (Figs. 9A-9B), which may include one or more belts, chains etc., and which carries a series of carriages 108, so that the loading arms 109 are attached. A movable guide track 111 can be moved laterally along the travel path 112 of the carriages and loading arms, to control the transverse movement of the side stabilizing loading arms 109, near and away from their associated packages, which move along the packaging conveyor.
[00056] An example of a loading system, which can be used for the primary and / or secondary loading sets 92 and 106 of the packaging system 10, may include a two-tilt cylinder loader as illustrated and described in US Patent Publication No. 2010/0162668 A1, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, as if presented in its entirety.
[00057] As further illustrated in Figs. 7A and 11A-11F, in one embodiment, the loading arms 91 and 109, each of which normally includes a forward pusher plate or face, indicated at 115 and 116, respectively. In one embodiment, each pusher 115/116 of each of the loading arms 91/109 can be formed as a substantially unitary plate, as indicated in Figs. 7A and 11A-11F, or, alternatively, in another example of embodiment, can be formed from a pair of side-by-side plates, each connected to a separate arm or rod, forming its loading arm . Typically, each pusher face can also be configured to grasp various sizes or product unit configurations 11, including accommodated product units. As an example, in an embodiment, such as to form a generally concave product unit configuration or arrangement 11, as shown in Figs 7A and 11-11, the pusher plates or faces 115 and 116 can have substantially shaped configurations of C or U, each with a recessed area 117 defined between a pair of projections or claws extending forward 118. Additional products 11B selected by secondary selector 85 can be received within that recessed area 117, to support additional products 11B, when they are pushed into their accommodated position against the initial product group 11A, when the accommodated product unit 11 is loaded into the package.
[00058] As also shown in Fig. 7A, the driving faces 115 of the loading arms 91 of the primary load assembly can generally have a base or bottom 119, which projects downwards, and which is adapted to move on or in close proximity to the upper surface 74 of the base plates 68 of the vanes 66 of the carrier with selector, as the loading arms 91 move transversely through it, in order to grip and substantially stabilize a lower or bottom part of the products ( for example, bottles, as shown in the figures) of the product units, when the product units are inserted into their corresponding packaging. On the other hand, the pusher face 116 of the loading arm 109 of the secondary load assembly 106 may not require a base or bottom, which extends downwards, instead of generally grasping an upper or middle part of the parts, as indicated in Fig. 7A. In addition, the driving faces of the loading arms can be provided as changeable parts, to allow easy and quick change of these driving plates or faces, as needed, to accommodate different sizes or configurations of product units (as shown in Fig 7B) and / or to move arrangements of more conventional product units, which do not include a series of additional alternating or accommodating products, as part of those product units.
[00059] As illustrated schematically in Figs. 11A-11F, when the product units 11 are propelled towards and into their corresponding C packages (in the direction of the arrow 104), through the load arms 91 of the primary load set, the corresponding or associated load arms 109 of the set secondary load 106 will generally be moved into, and through, the open inner cavity or passage of the packages, as indicated by the arrow 121 in Figs. 11A-11C. As a result, as each unit of product is inserted into its corresponding packaging, it will be contacted from its opposite sides, to help stabilize and prevent tilting or misalignment of products, when the product units are accommodated within their packaging. . With the product units contacted by both loading arms 91/109, the movement of the loading arms 109 can then be reversed so as to move in an opposite direction, as indicated by arrow 121 ', when the loading arms 91 continue their forward movements, in the direction of arrow 104, to load the product units in their packaging, with the product units kept in a stabilized arrangement during loading, as indicated in Figs. 11D-11E. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 11F, once each product unit has been fully accommodated inside its packaging, the loading arms of the primary and secondary loading assemblies can be retracted (as indicated by arrows 104 'and 121' ), as the packages move into the folding / sealing area or zone downstream 44 of the packaging system (Figs. 1, 2B, 9A-10 and 13A-13B).
[00060] In another alternative embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7B and 11G, secondary selector 85 can further be reconfigured, as needed, to provide selection and supply of different additional arrangements of 11B products, as needed, to form other variations of product unit configurations. For example, as indicated in Figs. 7B and 11G, the secondary selector can be configured to feed additional groups of 11B products in spaced or alternating arrangements, in alignment with selected spaced rows from the initial product unit 11A, such as being fed for contact with the outermost or upstream rows and downstream of products. In that embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7B and 11G, the driving faces 115 'and 116' of the loading arms 91 and 109 of the primary and secondary load assemblies can be altered and / or configured with a configuration, in general, in the shape of A, E or substantially T; for example, having a central projecting portion 122, which extends towards the product units and borders upstream and downstream side sections 123A and 123B. The pusher faces 115 'and 116' can be provided as changeable parts, in order to replace the pusher faces 115 and 116 of the loading arms 91 and 109, or, alternatively, the loading arms themselves can be replaced, when necessary.
[00061] In this sense, although the secondary selector 85 is being shown in the illustrated embodiments, as generally feeding two additional products for contact with, for example, center rows of the initial product unit, as shown in Fig. 7A, or for contact with the front and rear rows, or the front and most extreme rows of products, as shown in Fig. 7B, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a greater or lesser number of products can also be fed for contact or alignment with several selected rows of the initial product unit, so as to form arrangements of substantially rectangular, substantially square, or generally concave and / or generally convex products. For example, as shown in Fig. 5E, three additional products, such as three additional cans, can be fed into contact with the first or front row of products, the third or central row of products, and the fifth or last row of products. , to form a product unit of a desired size and / or shape, which can be packaged using a substantially rectangular package, which does not require additional joining elements and flaps to substantially adapt the package to the shape of the product unit, such as shown in Figs. 5A-5C.
[00062] In addition, as still illustrated in Fig. 11G, the selector wedges of the secondary selector 85 can be replaced by several selector wedges with additional configuration, as indicated in 88A and 88B. The selector wedges can be provided with angled guide surfaces 90A- 90C, which define an inclined guide path or redirector upstream 89A, which can also include substantially flat guide surfaces 90D, which define a guide passage downstream 89B. It should also be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variations of configurations of the selector wedges 88A and 88B, thus defining different and / or additional configuration guide channels 89A and 89B (including additional guide channels, as needed), also can be used. Selector wedges 88A and 88B, therefore, will grab additional products being fed through the secondary selector, and guide additional products to a desired accommodated or stepped, convex or spaced product configuration, as shown in Figs. 5B, 5E, 7B and 11G.
[00063] As discussed above, the loading arms 91 (Figs. 7B and 11G) of the primary load set will grab and urge additional products along the guide channels 89A and 89B, for contact / alignment with the selected rows (or (upstream and downstream rows), although the downstream wall 71 of each unit reduction vane 66 can be moved, substantially at the same time, to its upstream wall 79, in order to flatten or reduce the size of the unit, with the flattening and / or compression intensity of the product unit 11 generally being controlled by the movement of the cam rollers 78 (Fig. 6A-6B) along the cam guide or track 79. In addition, as also illustrated in Figs. 7B and 11G, a hopper conveyor 83 can be provided between the vanes 66 of the conveyor with product selector 67 and the packaging conveyor, to move a series of funnels or guides 81 in a synchronized movement with the product unit 11, through of the reeds and towards their corresponding or associated packaging. Funnels can further facilitate the compression and orientation of each of the product units 11 into their associated packaging, as needed or desired.
[00064] As the product units are moved by the loading arms 91 of the primary load set towards their packaging, the product units can still be contacted at the opposite end or side by the loading arms 109 of the second load set stabilization 106, the pusher faces 116 of which will generally have a similar configuration, in order to jointly grasp the product units from the opposite side, to help secure the product units in their desired accommodated or alternating arrangement or configuration, when the product units are fed into the openings of their packaging. As noted above, when the product units enter their associated packaging, the loading arms 109 of the second stabilizing load set 106 can be retracted, when the carrying arms 91 of the primary load set 92 continue their forward movements, guiding, thus, the product units for their packaging, as described above. Thereafter, the packages, with their product units loaded in them, will continue along their travel path to the folding and sealing area of the packaging machine.
[00065] The selection and packaging of product units accommodated with substantially spaced or alternating and / or concave arrangements or configurations, as illustrated in Figs. 5D, 5E, 7B and 11G, allows the packaging of a variety of different sizes or product numbers in the product units, that is, 18, 20, 28, 32, 40 or other unit configurations with different sizes, whose units also they can be packaged using more conventional substantially square or rectangular packages. Such packaging may not necessarily need additional features, such as joining elements and / or additional folding flaps at the ends and / or sides of the same, in order to more accurately configure the packaging on concave product units, oblong or other similar extended shapes, as shown in Figs. 7A and 11A-11F. As a result, the use of such substantially rectangular or square packages can provide potential cost savings in the amount of cardboard material needed to form the packages, and can potentially allow for better production / packaging rates.
[00066] In addition, as noted, the packaging system 10 (Figs. 1-3B) and associated operating method, according to the principles of the present invention, still have the flexibility to allow the packaging of units and / or packaging of standard or more conventional products, for example, 12 units in 2x6, 3x4 configurations, 24 units in 4x6 configurations, etc. To move these packages or units of more conventional or standard products, the secondary selector can be deactivated and / or ignored, in such a way that the products, which are being fed into the product feed conveyor, are fed exclusively to the primary selector bands, and the driving faces and / or loading arms of the first stabilizing load assemblies can be replaced or altered by the substantially flat front pusher faces, to contact the product units and propel the product units into their associated packaging sent. In addition, when moving such product packages or packages of generally standard or more conventional size, if it is not necessary or desired to compact or reduce the size of the product units, the cam track, which guides the cam rollers of the reducing vanes of conveyor unit 66 with selector, can be removed or moved or moved to a position or location out of contact with the cam rollers, to avoid compression or downsizing of the product units. As another alternative, the secondary selector can be kept in operation, and can be used to selectively feed additional products in conjunction with the primary selector. For example, if the primary selector is to feed four to six rows, such as to form a unit of 12 or 24, the secondary selector can be operated in conjunction with the primary selector to feed an additional row or rows, as needed, to form additional product packages with larger size.
[00067] As illustrated in Figs. 11E-11F, with the product units accommodated in their packaging, the loading arms of each of the cargo assemblies can then be retracted or removed from the packaging and placed out of contact with the product units inside, after which, or simultaneously, the open ends of the packages can be closed and sealed, as the packages continue along their course of travel to the containment / sorting area 44. As indicated in Fig. 13A, as As the packages enter the folding / sealing area 44, they will normally be gripped by a first folding / locking mechanism 125 upstream. The upstream folding / locking mechanism 125, in general, can be located adjacent to a downstream end of the secondary load assembly 106, so as to grasp the lower end flaps 26 and the lower junction elements 31 of the C packages, at the along the second stabilizing side 40B of the packaging system, to initiate the closing of the packaging along the stabilizing sides of the packaging, although the loading arm 109 of the secondary loading assembly 106 can generally remain in stabilizing or engaging contact with the products outermost P of product unit 11, loaded on it, as shown in Figs. 12A, 13A and 13B. Thus, the closing of each package to seal its product unit inside can be initiated, although the product units are kept in their stabilized contact between the load arms of the primary and secondary load sets.
[00068] As mentioned above, the pusher plate 116 of the secondary loader arm 109, in general, can be formed or configured, in order to grasp the intermediate and / or upper parts of a product unit, so as to allow the arm secondary loader 109 remains in its stabilizing contact with the products during the folding and closing of the extreme lower flaps of the packaging, along its secondary or stabilizing sides, after which the secondary loader 109 can be fully retracted from the packaging, without interfere with the closing of the lower end flaps of the packaging. Once closed, the lower end flaps of the package can then provide the desired or necessary stability for the product units contained in their packages, as the remaining extreme flaps along both sides of the packages are closed and sealed. .
[00069] Figs. 12A-12E schematically illustrate the operation of the upstream folding / fitting mechanism for folding and fitting the lower end flaps and the lower junction elements of the packages along its secondary or stabilizer side. As indicated in Figs. 12A-13B, the folding / locking mechanism 125 generally includes a locking wheel 126 fixed on a drive shaft 127 and includes a radial projection or locking claw 128, located along its circumference. The locking wheel 126 is generally rotated, such as under the control of a drive motor or being connected to the drive system for the packaging conveyor or other operational transport elements of the packaging system, so as to be rotated for contact with the front lower junction element 31 'of each package, as indicated in Figs. 12A and 12B. The rotation of the locking wheel causes the front lower joint element to flex or bend inwards, as shown in Figs. 12B-12E, while the front end lower flap 26 'of each package is contacted, at the same time, by one or more guide rods 129, as indicated in Figs. 12A-13B, to cause the bottom extreme front flap of this package to move to its folded or closed position, as shown in Figs. 12D and 12E.
[00070] At approximately the same time, a folding and inserting element 131 upstream can similarly grip the rear extreme bottom flap 26 "and the junction element 31" of the package, as shown in Figs. 12C-12E. The folding and fitting element 131 is generally fixed on a drive shaft 132, which rotates the folding and fitting element for contact with the lower rear or downstream joining element and side and / or end flaps of each package, and can include an elongated snapping jaw or projection 133, which helps to propel the rear lower junction element inward, and the upper clamped contact end 134, which grips and pushes the rear lower end and / or side flaps towards its configuration folded, as shown in Fig. 12D. As the locking wheel 126 and the folding and locking element 131 of the initial or upstream folding / locking mechanism 125 are rotated out of contact with the joint elements and end flaps of the packages, the end flaps of the packages, subsequently, they will continue along the guide rods 129, keeping the lower end flaps of the packages in their folded / closed positions, as shown in Fig. 12E. This contact also helps to provide stability for that end of the product unit inside the package.
[00071] Although the guide rods 129 provide stability and support for the ends of the product units along the second stabilizing side 40B of the packaging system, the packages can also be grabbed by a control belt 136 along its side load 40A, as indicated in Figs. 13A, 13C and 13D, to help provide additional stability for product units in packages, as the first primary loading arms are fully retracted from the package. The control belt 136 can be a foam belt or a similar padded belt, formed by a non-stick or non-abrasive material, in order to avoid damage to the packages, when the packages are moved along it. The control belt can be driven or moved at a speed proportional to the movement of the packages along their travel path, and can apply a downward compressive force against the upper surfaces of the packages. This downward compressive force can help to create a frictional contact between the top surfaces of the packaging and the products of the product unit contained therein, to help provide additional stability to the product units adjacent to the loading ends of the packaging, until the loading ends of the packages can be closed and sealed.
[00072] As the packages proceed through the folding / sealing area 44, as indicated in Figs. 13A-13C, the side flaps along the ends of the packages and the extreme bottom flaps along the loading sides of the packages, in general, can be gripped by a folding mechanism, such as folding wheels 137, fixed on each side of the path of travel of the packages, as well as by a series of guide rails 138, to keep the folded top and side flaps of the packages, in their closed and folded positions. After that, the packages will normally be grasped on each side by a pair of folding / fitting mechanisms downstream 141A and 141B (Fig. 13C and 13D). Each of the downstream folding / engaging mechanisms 141A and 141B may include a rotating folding wheel 142, fixed to a drive shaft 143 and thus rotated with the movement of the packages by an actuator, such as a servomotor, motor stepper or similar driver 144. A series of locking jaws 146 is expandably attached within clamps 147 along a rear side surface of each bend wheel 142. Each of these locking jaws is generally driven to a retracted position through a similar spring or push mechanism 148, with the lower or inner ends 149 of the engaging claws 146 generally being rotated over, or moving over, a cam surface 151 mounted along the drive shaft 143 , in order to cause the snapping jaws to be moved between the extended and retracted positions.
[00073] In their extended positions, the locking jaws will grasp the upper junction elements of the packages, in order to urge the upper junction elements towards an inwardly folded position, when an additional set of folding wheels 152 grips and urge the extreme side and top flaps towards a folded and closed position, and the extreme top flaps are grasped by the folding wheels and propelled to their closed and folded position. In addition, the bottom or bottom bottom flaps of each package can similarly be gripped and pushed into the folded and closed position by a folding / locking mechanism 141 '. Each folding / bottom fitting mechanism may be similar in construction to the top 141A / 141B folding / fitting mechanism, but will be positioned below the packaging travel path, in a position to grip and fold the bottom bottom panels.
[00074] Subsequently, as indicated in Figs. 1, 2B and 3A-3B, the packages, with their end flaps folded to a closed position, can be moved through a series of glue or adhesive applicators 155, which will apply an adhesive material to them, to seal the ends of the packaging. Packages can be sealed, with their bottom end flaps overlapping their top end flaps, or alternatively, with their top end flaps overlapping their bottom end flaps, as needed or desired, depending on the configuration packaging and additional resources, such as the possibility of a handle or handle being provided with it. The packages are then received in the compression section 46 of the packaging system 10, passing between the compression belts 156, which will generally grab and apply a compressive force against the ends of the packages to complete the closing and sealing of the packages. packaging.
[00075] In addition, if the packages are provided with a series of article 19 protective features, formed integrally in them, as shown in Fig. 5C, the packages can be gripped by one or more actuators to activate those article protective features. , when packages are fed along the compression section of the packaging system between compression belts 156. These actuators may include rotary drills or similar systems or devices, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 655,527, whose description is incorporated by reference as if it were completely presented here.
[00076] After product units 11 (including accommodated product units) have been formed, loaded and sealed within their packaging, in one embodiment, the finished packaging can be unloaded for storage and / or transportation. In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 14-17, C packages, alternatively, can be fed to a downstream rotating / dividing station 200. For example, in some packaging constructions, it may not be practical to grasp and form one or all of the protective features of articles 19 "provided within the compression section of the packaging system, that is, for larger packages, as shown in Fig. 5C, it may be desirable to include a row of protective article features formed along the center line or longitudinal axis 20 of the These packages, in this sense, can be fed in the rotating / dividing station 200 (Fig. 14), where the packages can be rotated, in order to allow the activation of these protective features of articles, oriented along its longitudinal axis / centerline.
[00077] As also indicated in Figs. 14-17, the rotating / dividing station 200 can be attached to the packaging system 10, as a section or station downstream of it, or, alternatively, it can be formed as a separate autonomous station. As shown in Fig. 14, the rotating / dividing station 200 can be positioned in line with the compression belts 156 of the compression section 46 of the packaging system 10, in order to receive the closed / loaded packages C directly from them. The rotating / dividing system generally includes a frame or housing 201 having a rotating section 202 and a dividing section 203 defined therewith. The swivel section 202 can generally include a conveyor 206, which may include a pair of spaced conveyor belts 207 (Fig. 15) or other similar transport mechanism having non-stick surfaces to facilitate the rotation or rotation of the packages thereon, as indicated in Figs. 16 and 17.
[00078] A suspended pivoting mechanism 208 can be attached to the frame 201 of the pivoting / dividing station 200, supported on the conveyor 206. The suspended pivoting mechanism 208 may include a series of plates 209 fixed along a series of rods. guide 210, which are driven by conveyor belts or chains 211 over an elliptical travel path for contact with the packages, and which move the packages through the swivel section 202, as indicated by arrows 212. Swivel arms 213 are usually attached to the plates 209 and are thus driven into contact with the top or top surfaces 18 of packages C, as indicated in Figs. 16 and 17. Each of the swivel arms, in general, can also include parts or handles that project downwards 214, which can be spaced, in an adjustable way, to be adapted to adjust to variations in packaging sizes, and which they grab, respectively, side walls upstream and downstream 15/14 of the packages.
[00079] The swivel arms 213 can also be connected, through a rotating shaft or pin 216, to a joint 217 having a follower or cam roller 218 mounted at a distal end thereof. The cam follower 218 of each hinge 217 generally contacts a cam track 219, formed on the suspended rotation mechanism, when the plates 209 are rotated along their course of travel. As the cam followers of the swivel arms move along the cam track, the receptive movement of the hinge 217 causes the swivel arms 213 to be rotated, the corresponding rotation movement of which is transmitted to the packages, causing the rotation of the packages in a desired orientation, as indicated in Figs. 16 and 17. In one embodiment, the packages can be rotated by approximately 90 °, in order to realign their longitudinal axis 20, in order to position or locate the packages, as necessary, for contact with their protective articles resources, through of a rotary drill mechanism 221, or similar actuator, as described above, to activate the protective article features, which extend along the longitudinal axes / centerline of the packages. Other higher or lower speeds can also be provided, as needed or desired.
[00080] As additionally indicated in Fig. 17, when the packages enter the rotating / dividing station 200, the packages can be grasped on both sides of it, by a series of handles 225 carried by belts or chains of a locking mechanism. initial transport 226. Handles 225 help to propel or move C packages along their travel path, over and along conveyor belts 207 with swivel section 206. As the claw arms begin to rotate or reorient the the handles 225 can be moved away from contact with them. After the packages are rotated by a desired amount, the packages can still be gripped by a series of downstream handles or impellers 227, attached along chains, belts or other transport mechanisms of a secondary conveyor 228. The handles 227 to downstream of the secondary conveyor 228 will grab and urge the packages along the straps 207 of the swivel section conveyor 206 when the punch mechanism 221 grabs the packages.
[00081] Although FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the punch mechanism 221 as generally including a rotating wheel 231 having a series of claws, perforators or other projections 232 fixed in spaced series around the circumference of the wheel 231, it should be clear that other variations of mechanisms for gripping the packages and activating the protective article features inside can also be used. Once the centerline row of protective packaging article features has been activated or formed inside, the packages can be reoriented or rotated back to their original orientation, or they can be rotated to form another orientation, as needed or desired. , as shown in Figs. 16 and 17.
[00082] Then, the packages will be passed to the section 203 of the swivel station / partition 200, when the swivel arms of the suspended rotation mechanism are rotated out of contact with the packages. As shown in Figs. 15 and 17, the division section 203, in general, includes a transport mechanism 235, which may comprise a series of blades or transport plates 236, slidably fixed along the rails 237, the ends of which are fixed to the straps, chains or other similar transport elements, as shown in 238. As shown in Fig. 15, the division section 203 can be separated or arranged with two or more bands 239 formed along it. As packages are transported forward through the dividing section, packages can be divided and directed to form multiple strips as needed or desired. To divide the packages into strips, the groups of blades, which support each of the packages, can be controlled, so that they can be moved laterally along their support rails 237, resulting in the packages being separated and divided forming two or more strips. 239, arranged along the division section. The following packages can be collected for storage and / or transportation, as will be understood by people skilled in the art.
[00083] It should be clear to people skilled in the art, that the invention is not limited to the methodology, devices, devices, materials, specific applications etc., described here, as these may vary. In addition, it should be made clear that the terminology adopted in this document is used, for the purpose of describing only particular embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "one", "one" and "a", "o" include references in the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00084] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein, which have the same invention, are intended, and it should be clear that any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in practice or construction of the invention.
[00085] The foregoing description, in general, illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be clear to people skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the construction described above, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as described herein, and that it is further expected that all matter contained in the The above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted to encompass various modifications, changes, combinations etc., of the embodiments described above, which should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, various aspects and features of the present invention, as described herein, can be selectively exchanged with each other and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present invention.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[0001]
1. PACKAGING SYSTEM, comprising: product selection and grouping area (42) having a primary selector (63) to form an initial group of products (11A) within a pallet (66) of a conveyor with product selector ( 67) moving along a travel path, and a secondary selector (85) to select and direct an additional product or series of products (11B) to contact the initial product group (11A), to form a unit of product (11) on the reed (66); a first loading assembly (92) comprising a movable loading arm (91) for grasping and directing the product unit (11) from a first side and directing the product unit (11) into a package (C) , and a second loading assembly (106) comprising a loading arm (109) for grasping and directing the product unit (11) from a second side, a folding area (44) adapted to grasp and fold a series of extreme flaps (26) for the packaging (C), to a closed position, characterized in that the product unit (11) is captured between the loading arms (91, 109) of the first and second load sets (92, 106) being that the loading arms (91, 109) are moved along a travel path in order to move each unit of product (11) captured between them, to a loading position inside the package (C).
[0002]
2. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a rotating / dividing station (200) downstream of the folding / sealing area (44).
[0003]
3. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one load set (92) comprises a primary load set (92) fixed along a first side (40A) of the packaging system ( 10), and a secondary load set (106) fixed along a second side (40B) of the packaging system (10), the primary and secondary load sets (92, 106) each comprising at least one mobile loader arm (91, 109) adapted to move in and out of an open end of the package (C), so as to grip the product unit (11) between them and propel the product unit (11) into a loaded position inside the package (C).
[0004]
4. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that at least one mobile loading arm (91) of at least the primary load assembly (92) comprises a pusher face (115, 116) configured to grasp and sustaining the additional product or series of products (11B) selected by the secondary selector (85), to guide the products to contact the initial product group (11A), to form the product unit (11).
[0005]
5. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the primary and secondary selectors (92, 106) each comprise a series of selector wedges (62, 88) each configured to guide products or series of selected products into the vanes (66) of a product selector conveyor (67), to form the accommodated product unit (11).
[0006]
6. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the vanes (66) of the conveyor with product selector (67) comprise unit reducing vanes (66).
[0007]
7. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the unit reducing vanes (66) comprise a base (68) and upstream and downstream walls (69, 71), in which at least one of the walls upstream or downstream (69, 71) is movable for the product unit (11) received on the base (68), in order to compress the product unit (11) between the upstream and downstream walls (69, 71).
[0008]
8. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first and second load sets (92, 106) comprise loading arms (91, 109), each having a pusher face (115, 116) configured for grasp the product unit (11) formed by the products selected by the primary and secondary selectors, and in which the loading arms (91, 109) of the first and second load sets (92, 106) are movable for contact with the product units from their opposite sides, to grab and hold the product units between them, to load the package (C).
[0009]
9. PACKAGING SYSTEM, according to claim 8, characterized in that the driving faces (115, 116) of the loading arms (91, 109) are configured with a recessed area (117) to hold product units (11) of substantially convex shape therebetween, or with at least one projecting part (122) adapted to grasp a product unit (11) substantially concave between them.
[0010]
10. METHOD FOR PACKING GROUPS OF PRODUCTS, characterized by the fact that it comprises: moving a series of products (P) along a product feed (41); selecting groups (11A) of products (P) and forming product units (11) within the vanes (66) of a conveyor with selector (67) moving along a travel path; grab each of the product units (11) from a first side (40A) with a loading arm (91) of a first load set (92) and propel each of the product units (11) towards a packaging (C); gripping each of the product units (11) from a second side (40B) opposite with a loading arm (109) of a second load set (106), such that the product units (11) are captured between the first and second loading arms (91, 109); moving the first and second loading arms (91, 109) along the travel path of the product units (11) and into the package (C) so as to move the captured product unit (11) between them, to a loading position inside the package (C); retract the loading arms (91, 109) from the package (C); and grasping and closing an open end of the package (C).
[0011]
11. METHOD, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it still comprises selecting additional groups (11B) of products (P) with a secondary selector (85) and directing the additional groups (11B) of products (P) for contact with products selected from the product units (11A) within the vanes (66) of the carrier with selector (67), to form alternate or accommodated product units (11).
[0012]
12. METHOD according to claim 11, characterized in that the alternating or accommodating product units (11) comprise substantially convex or concave unit configurations.
[0013]
13. METHOD, according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that selecting the additional groups (11B) of products (P) comprises grasping a series of products (P) with a plurality of selector wedges (88), the selector wedges ( 88) defining guide passages (89) between them, which are configured to guide the products (P) of the additional product groups (11B) (P) to contact selected product rows (P) of the product unit (11A ), to form the product units (11) with a desired accommodated or alternating configuration.
[0014]
14. METHOD, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it still comprises flattening the product units, before gripping each product unit (11) with the loading arms of the first and second loading sets.
[0015]
15. METHOD, according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises moving the packages (C) to a folding / sealing area (44) for contact with a series of folding / fitting mechanisms (125, 141A1. 141B) positioned adjacent to the open ends of the packages (C), move a series of locking jaws (146) to contact a series of joint elements (31) of the packages (C), and push the joint elements (31) into position folded, grab and urge the top and bottom flaps (26) of the packs (C) to a folded position, and apply an adhesive material to close and seal the ends of the packs (C).

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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CA2907900C|2018-02-20|

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JP2016515504A|2016-05-30|

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US20180346164A1|2018-12-06|

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US10807746B2|2020-10-20|

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AU2014254036B2|2017-11-30|

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NZ712618A|2017-05-26|

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EP2986513B1|2018-10-31|

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MX362803B|2019-02-13|

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JP6315631B2|2018-04-25|

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US10071828B2|2018-09-11|

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EP2986513A4|2016-12-14|

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CA2907900A1|2014-10-23|

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WO2014172409A1|2014-10-23|

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US20140311091A1|2014-10-23|

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CN105143050A|2015-12-09|

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BR112015026179A2|2017-07-25|

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MX2015014170A|2015-12-16|

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CN105143050B|2017-04-05|

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ES2700577T3|2019-02-18|

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EP2986513A1|2016-02-24|

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AU2014254036A1|2015-10-15|

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法律状态:
2018-06-26| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, LLC (US) |

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2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|

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2019-12-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|

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2019-12-17| B25G| Requested change of headquarter approved|Owner name: GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, LLC (US) |

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2020-12-22| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|

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2021-02-23| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 16/04/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201361854154P| true| 2013-04-17|2013-04-17|

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US61/854,154|2013-04-17|

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PCT/US2014/034280|WO2014172409A1|2013-04-17|2014-04-16|System and method for packaging of nested products|

---