JPH02180102A - Packing apparatus for goods - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To protect a package unit during the storage and transportation by counting the continuous arrays of articles, segregating the articles into individual article groups, transferring the articles to an inserting region of the package unit, firmly fastening an open end so that it is opposed to the articles, and folding an end flap. CONSTITUTION: A counting/segregating unit 32 as a first unit counts the individual can ends, and segregating them into groups. The can ends segregated into groups are collected and transferred to a packaging unit 34 as a second unit. A mounting bracket 168 and a pick-up head 64 mounted on the same are vertically reciprocated by a cylinder 176. An arm 212 comprises an end plate 210 comprising an opening, and the can ends are retained in the pick-up head 64.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to packaging devices for groups of articles, and more particularly to packaging devices for protecting groups of individual articles, such as can ends, during storage and transportation. The present invention relates to a packaging device for packaging within a sleeve material.

According to the present invention, an automatic can end packaging device has been developed. It is preferably used in conjunction with a can-end counting/sorting unit to separate stacks of individual articles into one or more storage areas or inbound "lanes" (i.e.
nbound '1anes''), pink up the can ends that were grouped and place them in the group receiving area.

They can then be advanced under the control of the insertion unit into the packaging sleeve material formed during another machine cycle. The packaging sleeve material is taken from a continuous supply of sleeve material, advanced by a shuttle mechanism, and temporarily secured to a positioning unit that secures the packaging sleeve material while it is being filled. A section 6IA flap is formed at the end of the package and the buff cage thus formed is transferred to a storage area on a continuous base.

The present invention provides means for counting and sorting successive formations of articles into individual groups of articles, means for transferring said groups of articles to an insertion area of a packaging unit, and means for advancing a predetermined length of packaging sleeve material. means for securing its open end facing the article in the insertion area; means for inserting the article into the packaging sleeve; means for cutting the packaging sleeve while supporting the package from below;
A packaging device is provided having means for folding the end flaps during transfer of the package to a storage area.

The following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to one embodiment that is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

(Left below) (Example) The can end packaging device of the present invention can be embodied in various forms and has various accessories or auxiliary features. The invention can also be practiced without utilizing the full capabilities of the device, and the device can equally package groups of articles other than can ends. However, this detailed description is for an apparatus comprising two major components, namely a counting/sorting unit and a packaging unit, and as detailed, the articles to be packaged are typically approximately 4001 can ends. It's a mountain. The packaging material is untreated kraft paper.
A gusseted, folded reel that can be easily expanded and stretched into a tubular sleeve. Methods of closing the ends include taping the folded ends on one or both sides of the package, or simply folding the ends of the package and holding the can ends therein.

Various functions are carried out by a component consisting of an automatic can ends packaging unit and auxiliary equipment, which groups, counts, and groups can ends or other items for transfer to the packaging unit. and gather them.

The best form of the can ends packaging device described above is designed as a pair of cooperating devices. One of these devices is for counting the articles, forming them into groups of articles, and assembling these groups for transport, and the other device is a packaging unit, for forming cans. End individual groups of articles are received and placed on a single infeed track and inserted into the puff cage that is being formed.

1-3 illustrate a light packaging device 30 comprising two main components. A first unit, counting/sorting unit 32, counts and sorts individual can ends.
ds) and to group them. The grouped can ends are collected and transferred to a packaging unit 34, which is a second unit.

Both counting/sorting unit 32 and packaging unit 34 include a number of independent major components.

The main components of the counting/sorting unit 32 include a plurality of guide units 36 consisting of guide rails or guide tubes.
The guiding unit 36 includes a plurality of articles (inbound units) whose end surfaces are butted against each other.
) (in this example, can end "E"). Close to the downstream end 38 of the guide unit 36 there are a plurality of so-called integrated transfer units.
over units) 40 are provided, the details of which are shown in FIGS. 4-6(a). These and other components are mounted on a counting/sorting unit frame 39.

The stitch count/sorting unit 32 includes a plurality of article group forming mechanisms 42, a plurality of article group forming mechanisms 44, and a plurality of transfer actuator mechanisms 46. Since the articles to be fed are can ends, the guiding means of the counting/sorting unit 32 are in the form of guide rails 48 having guide grooves of semi-circular cross section arranged parallel to each other. Each guide rail 48 defines a path for receiving articles from the corresponding guide unit 36. The guide rail 48 is
It extends towards the cross frame 50 and terminates below it. Underneath the cross frame 50, groups 52 of individual articles 54 are aligned prior to being transferred to the packaging unit 34.

From a functional point of view, the lower area of the cross frame 50 has the following features:
It may be referred to as an article grouping area 56.

These article grouping areas 56 are formed of a fixed stopper 58 and a movable stopper 60, and the fixed stopper 58 is for the articles on the leading end side of the article group 52, and The movable stopper 60 is for the articles on the rear end side of the article group 52. The fixed stopper 58 has a light beam and phototube device cooperating therewith.
A detector (not shown) such as a critical cell arrangement is provided, which detects and indicates that the group of articles 52 is within the guide rail 48. Details of the movable stopper 60 are shown in FIG. 2(a). As will be apparent, the accurately counted articles are held in one group by being sandwiched between the two bars 58,60.

The article group transfer unit 62 includes the above-mentioned cross frame 50, and the cross frame 50 is provided with a pickup head 64 and a drive motor 66 for driving the pickup head 64.

The drive motor 66, its controller and gear transmission drive a toothed drive belt 68.

The toothed drive belt 68 positions the head frame 70 precisely above the desired guide rail 48 in the article grouping area 56. The two guide rods 74 have eye bushings 72 that align the pick-up head 64 and arrange it so that the pick-up head 64 reciprocates in use.

FIG. 7 shows additional structural and operational details of the pick amplifier head 64 and its associated components.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the various major components of the packaging unit 34 are shown. The arrangement includes a supply reel 77 that continuously extends and supplies packaging sleeve material 78.
, an article group receiving area 80 aligned with a reciprocating article group insertion unit 82, and a sleeve end positioning unit 8.
4, and a shuttle unit 86. 1st
The figure also shows the sleeve cutting unit 88 and side frame 92 being adjustable in position. The sleeve cutting unit 88 is fixed to an example part of the main frame 90 of the packaging unit throat 34. Further, the side frame 92 is arranged on the other side of the main frame 90. For example, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 15 (8
As will become apparent in connection with the discussion of FIGS. 1 and 17, the side frame 92 is provided with a plurality of independent units/) that perform critical operations in the packaging cycle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the packaging unit 34 includes a supply reel (storage area) 76.
A roll of wrapped packaging sleeve material 78 is accommodated in the housing.

Details of the integrated transfer unit 40 and its associated components are shown in FIGS. 4-6. These components include a roller housing 94; A pair of upper and lower drum-shaped rollers 96 and 98 are arranged, which are equipped with bearings and a rotation thereof, and which are spaced apart in the vertical direction.
8 is preferably made of elastomeric material.

Each roll 96.98 is operated by a drive shaft 100, and all rolls 96.98 are operated synchronously by a drive mechanism (not shown) that operates them at the same circumferential speed. Each roll 96,98 has an opposing working surface 102, the working surface 102 having a can end 1
06 to grip it.

FIG. 4(a) shows that each can end 106 has a conical wall portion 10.
8, and the wall portion 108 allows stacking of the entire can end. This wall portion 108 and the curled portion forming the top of the can end are gripped by the working surface 102, thereby aligning the can end in an upright shape. The can ends are interlaced with each other so that they do not easily tip forward or backward from the group of articles.

Therefore, the can ends are held relatively close to each other in the axial direction. A press for the can end articles exerts an axial compressive force on the articles.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the article group forming mechanism 42,
Article grouping mechanism 44 and transfer actuator mechanism 46
is shown, as well as counting probe 110 and its associated electrical connector 112. This counting probe 110 preferably emits light and
Reflected beam - determining the presence and intensity of the reflected beam
threshold strength probe (reflective beam
-threshold 1ntensity prob
e unit). The peak in reflected beam intensity generates a pulse in the associated counting device, which is held in memory for that package.

Each grouping mechanism 42 includes an up-and-down reciprocating blade 114 that engages the leading edges of ungrouped platoons of can ends to advance the platoons. temporarily stop. This blade 1
14 and its associated components cooperate with means in the form of a pair of opposing blades 116 and 118, which means are provided on the scissor mechanism 120. When the count value reaches a predetermined value, the blade 114 moves up and down in response to the count signal, thereby starting the process of dividing the formation of ungrouped can ends into a leading group and a trailing group. be done. Immediately thereafter, said blades 116, 118 move inward and said blade 1
14 and engages the trailing edge of the rearmost article of the group downstream of No. 14.

The blades 114 and 116 in rapid succession.
The operation of 118 provides a clear separation between the preceding group of articles and the following group of articles, and also eliminates the possibility of interlocking with the sides of adjacent articles, causing tipping or misfeeding. to ensure engagement with both sides of a single item.

Referring to the scissor mechanism 120, this includes left and right bell crank arms.
122 and 124, both crank arms being pivoted on pivot pins 126 and 128. An air cylinder 130 disposed on a yoke 132 and having an actuating rod 134 is connected to a clevis pin.
) 136 can be moved within a short vertical range of motion. This clevis pin 136 is disposed within an elongated hole 138 at the inner end of the crank arm 122, 124. Accordingly, when a signal is generated by the counter, the air cylinder 130 is actuated, causing the blades 116, 118 to move rapidly inwardly to engage the trailing surface of the trailing article, thereby displacing the group of articles. form. As shown in FIG. 4, the yoke 132 is placed on a moving table 140 that constitutes a part of the article group transport mechanism 44 in this example.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the upper "press brifter" (pre
The blade 114, which reciprocates up and down, is actuated by an air cylinder 142 whose actuating rod 144 terminates at its lower end in a holder 146 for the blade 114.

Referring now to FIG. 4 in detail, the operation of transfer actuator mechanism 46 will now be described. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the transfer actuator mechanism 46 is but one of several substantially identical actuators used to operate the various mechanisms of the present invention. The type of actuator now desired for use in the present invention is manufactured by the Tol-o-matlc Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its operation is within the skill of the art. ) known as “Tol-o-Matic”
atic)" cylinder. The following general description is therefore provided for ease of understanding and is only schematic.

Referring now to the lower part of FIG. 4, the transfer actuator mechanism 46 includes a cylinder 148 having an inner cylindrical wall 150 in which a reciprocating piston 152 is disposed, and an end surface of the piston 152. One end of a continuous metal strip 154 is connected to. The metal strip 154 is connected to the end cap 15 of the cylinder 148.
7 is actuated along a rotatable guide roller 156 disposed within.

The transfer actuator mechanism 46 also moves air into the cylinder 1.
50 includes a seal 158 for retention within the interior 159 of 50. The other end 160 of the metal strip 154 is connected to either end of the moving platform 140. The moving platform 140 includes a cover portion 162 having a guide portion 164 received in a longitudinally extending guide groove 166 outside the transfer actuator mechanism 46 . Thus, in operation, when pressure is applied to either end of the cylinder 14, the piston 152 moves in the opposite direction, causing the metal strip 154 to move along the guide roller 156, thereby causing movement. Platform 140 moves in the opposite direction on top of cylinder 148.

Series of commercially available units (transfer actuator mechanisms) typically include a set of protective covers for the metal strips 15, 4, for this purpose keyways shown in FIG. 6 or similar. The configuration is provided.

7 and 8, various structural and operational details of the pickup head 64 of the present invention are shown. The pink-up head 64 is of a generally known type, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,057.
This is disclosed in . However, this big-a-knob head 64 has been modified somewhat for purposes of the present invention.

The pickup head 64 basically consists of a head frame 70, a means for moving the big amplifier lid 64 onto the guide rail 48, a means for moving the pickup head 64 up and down, and - a can end or other article once gripped. and means for preventing the can end from falling from the end of the pick amplifier end 64.

FIG. 7 shows not only the structure of the head frame 70 but also the structure of the article group transfer unit 62. Pick-up head 64 includes a mounting bracket 168 that has a hole 170 for receiving a mounting bin 172 . Attachment pin 172 is provided at the bottom of actuating rod 174 extending from the bottom end of cylinder 176. According to the present invention, the cylinder 176 is mounted on the bracket 1.
68 and the pickup head 64 held thereby are reciprocated up and down.

Identical left and right guide rods 178 and 180 are supported in bearings 182 and 184 provided in head frame 70 to ensure aligned and proper vertical movement. The lower ends of the guide rods 178, 180 are attached to two mounts 190.1 on the upper frame 194 of the pink-up head 64.
92 with pins 186 and 188.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pickup head 6
4, an inverted ■-shaped groove member 196 extending in the elongated direction.
are connected to the cylinder 200 at a plurality of spaced locations by support rods 198.

Actuation of the cylinder 200 moves the support rod 198 up and down, pushing the can end or other article downwardly against the upper frame 194. As shown in FIG.
held in place by

Preferably, these sidewalls 206, 208 are made of "Lexan" polycarbonate plastic material with strong elastic memory.
made from plastic material, such as plastic material. In use, the side walls 206, 208 deform slightly outwardly as the pick-up head 64 receives a group of can ends or other articles, thereby easily pushing the group of articles into the article-receiving area of the pink-up head 64. .

The inherent elasticity of said side 5go6.208 is sufficient to restrain the article until it is forced to move by actuation of the cylinder 200 and support rod 198. Although one cylinder arrangement 200.198 has been described in detail, the other cylinder arrangement 201 shown in FIG.
It will be understood that this has a similar structure.

Referring again to FIG. 7, a pair of substantially identical left and right end gripping mechanisms is shown. Each end gripping mechanism is provided with an end plate 210 having an opening in the arm 212 to retain the can end within the pick-up head 64. Said end plate jlO preferably includes a semi-circular recess 214 (FIG. 3) so as to fit over the end 211 of the retaining rod (FIG. 1) which holds the edge of the leading can end. It is being done.

FIG. 7 shows the left end gripping mechanism in the expanded position, with the end gripping mechanism being biased toward the expanded position by spring 215. When the appropriate signal is generated, cylinder 216 is pneumatically actuated and actuating rod 21
8 in the vertical direction until it engages the lower surface of the swing arm 220. Further movement of actuation rod 218 causes
Arm 212 and end plate 210 are connected to pivot pin 22
2, thereby ensuring that the can end 54 is held within the pick-up head 64.

FIG. 8 also shows that the free end of the drive belt 68 is connected to the head frame 70 by fasteners 224, 226.

Thus, in operation, when positioning the head frame 70 such that the pickup head 64 is aligned with a particular guide rail 48, a controller (not shown) is actuated to cause the drive motor 66 to move the drive belt 68; The pick amplifier head 64 is stopped directly above the desired guide rail 48 in the article grouping area 56. Known types A, D,
C. (Automatic Drive Control) Motor drives are suitable for this purpose.

The cylinder 176 is then actuated and the pickup head 64 is moved so that the can end is on the side wall 206, 208 of the head 64.
It is lowered completely until it is gripped in between. This is done with the end gripping mechanisms 212, 210 in the expanded or extended position.

Cylinder 216 is then actuated and end gripping mechanism 21
2,210 hold both ends of the group of articles. Thereafter, the cylinder 176 is actuated to raise the lid 64 to the pickup. Drive motor 66 operates drive belt 68 until pick amplifier head 64 is positioned over loading or group receiving area 80 of packaging unit 34 . Then the order of operations is reversed.

When the pick-up head 64 is lowered by the cylinder 176, it is held at some distance from the group receiving area 80, and the cylinder devices 198, 200 are actuated to remove the can end from the pick-up head 64 and remove it from the article group receiving area 80. They are placed in groups in the group receiving area 80. Next, the pickup head 64 is moved to the next process position by the head frame 70, and this process cycle is repeated.

As noted, the apparatus uses a count storage device, which is programmed appropriately for the operating sequence as described, to determine the particular guide rail 48 on which a group of articles is to be picked. and appropriate counts are made for each group of articles.

9 and 10, an external view of the group insertion mechanism 230 located in the group receiving area 80 is shown. As shown, the article group insertion mechanism 23
0 includes several major components, including a semi-circular groove rail 232 for receiving and positioning end-to-end aligned articles;
It includes means in the form of. The groove rail 232 is supported by a plurality of spaced apart stands 236 that extend over the main frame 90 and are open at their downstream ends 234.

Here, the groove rail 232 is coupled to an article insertion guide mechanism 238 mounted on the transverse bulkhead 240. The article insertion guide mechanism 238 has an inlet end and an outlet end 242, 2.
44 (best shown in FIG. 11).

Now, referring to a method for transferring a group of articles through the article insertion guide mechanism 238, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a group of articles 52 disposed on the groove rail 232 and a pick amplifier head 64 positioned above it. It shows. In use, the centerline of groove rail 232 and pickup head 64 is
The items are aligned so that they can be easily lowered into the groove rails 232.

In the article group receiving area 80, the article group insertion unit 82
has a plunger 246. The plunger 246
is secured to the end of the pusher rod 250 and is adapted to pass through the article insertion guide mechanism 238 and engage the trailing article of the group of articles 52 entering the packaging sleeve 78 in the manner described. The pressing port 250 is provided on an arm 252 (FIG. 10) provided on a movable table 254 that reciprocates. The carriage 254 forms an external reciprocatable component of a 'Tol-o-matic' or similar actuator 256. The structure and operation of the actuator 256 is described above in FIG. It is basically the same as the actuator described in connection with.

With particular reference now to FIG. 9, means are provided for positioning the leading article 258 in the group of articles 52. It is in the form of a support finger 260 and the leading article 25
Forms a part of a link mechanism 262 for temporarily holding 8. Cylinder 264 includes an actuation rod 266;
As it reciprocates, the support finger 260 rises and abuts the distal end surface of the article 258. Pressing rod 250
When the support finger 260 is moved by the carriage 254 to the right in FIGS. 9 and 10, the support finger 260 is forced out of the passageway against the rightward resistance. This allows the group of articles to move to the right.

The primary functions of the support fingers 260 and associated devices in use are: - Once a group of articles is placed by the pick-up head 64, the pile of articles is removed by applying an axially downstream force to the pusher rod 250; can be preloaded, ie compressed only slightly. The support fingers 260 not only prevent the articles 258 from tipping or falling forward, but also provide a small amount of support throughout the article group 52 without undesirable movement until directed by the sequence control. Ensures that axial compressive loads can be applied. Thereafter, when additional actuation force is applied to pusher rod 250 , support fingers 260 are pushed laterally or actively pulled by actuation of cylinder 264 .

Now, with detailed reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, the article insertion guide mechanism 238, sleeve end positioning unit 8
4. Details of the shuttle unit 86 for advancing, positioning and holding the packaging sleeve material 7 are shown.

Referring first to the article insertion guide mechanism 238, it is supported by the transverse bulkhead 240 and has an inlet end and an outlet end.
A cylindrical guide tube 241 with 42,244 is provided. The inner diameter surface 270 of the guide tube 241 is sized slightly larger than the outer diameter of the article 54 to be inserted. Guide tube 241
The sleeve end positioning unit 84 has a reduced diameter cylindrical eye end 272 and other elements for receiving and retaining the leading end 274 of the packaging sleeve material 78 being advanced by the shuttle unit 86. do.

Since the articles and packaging sleeve material 78 are fed in opposite directions, the term "downstream direction" refers to a different direction for each operation, while accurately applying to re-operations. For example, the 11th
In the figure, movement to the right is downstream for the article and upstream for the sleeve material.

As shown in FIG. 11, the article insertion guide mechanism 23
8 includes a pneumatic housing 278 and radially inwardly and outwardly opposed cylindrical surfaces 280,282 forming an annular pressurizable chamber 284 in which a reciprocating annular piston 286 is disposed. There is.

The piston 280 has inner and outer O-rings 288,
290 and further includes a plurality of sloped cam surfaces 292. Pneumatic housing 278 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets 294 in which return springs 296 are housed. The return spring 29
6 acts on the end face of said annular piston 286 to return it to the retracted position.

The sleeve end positioning unit 84 also includes means for gripping the distal end 274 of the packaging sleeve material 78. Sleeve end positioning unit 84 includes a plurality of mechanisms 298 having rigid fingers 300. A gripping pad 302 is fixed to the finger 300 . Each finger 300 pivots about a pivot pin 304 in response to radial movement of roller 306. An associated spring plunger 308 biases the ends of the rollers 306 of the fingers 300 inwardly, thus raising the gripping pad 302. This is only allowed when chamber 284 is evacuated and return spring 296 extends to retract annular piston 286. When the chamber 284 is pressurized by the inflow of compressed air through the hose 310, the roller 306 causes the cam surface 292 to rise and push the gripping pad 302 into tight contact with the tip 274 of the packaging sleeve 78. Touch face down. When the pressure is released, as explained above, the annular piston 2
86 will be able to return.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the shuttle unit 86 includes two major elements, a cylinder mechanism 312 and a mandrel mechanism 314. The cylinder mechanism 312 includes a cylindrical carved bottom sleeve 316 with a circular cross section and a cylinder guide unit 31B. The cylinder guide unit 318 includes a pair of bushings 320 and 322 that are spaced apart and aligned.
, and its inner cylindrical surface engages with the guide port/nod 324. On the underside of sleeve 316, flange 32
6 is 'Tol-o-mati
C)" is fixed to the actuator of the positioning unit 330. In addition, the cylinder mechanism 312 includes two or more centering roller units 332, which cooperate with centering rollers 394 on the mandrel mechanism 314. These centering roller units 332 include centering rollers 334, which are mounted on a shaft 336 and moved to a radially inward position by a shaft translation carriage 338.

A tension spring 340 exerts a radially outward force on the shaft 336. However, the clip unit releasably engages the roller 334, normally placing it in the radially inner position shown.

Roller 334 now overlaps and is located between a pair of opposing rollers 394. As shown, a flexible packaging sleeve 78 of kraft paper material is moved over the radially inward rollers 334 and the radially outer rollers 394 . Rollers 334, 394
The slight operating clearance allows for relative movement of the packaging sleeve material when the mandrel mechanism 314 and cylinder mechanism 312 are retracted, as explained elsewhere.

The other major component of cylinder mechanism 312 is ratchet feed mechanism 346. The mechanism 346 includes a plurality of identical pawl members 348 that are pivotally mounted about an axis 350.

As a result, the sawtooth profile 352 can move into and out of the slot 354 on the body of the cylinder mechanism 312. In use, the shuttle unit 86
When moving to the left as shown, ie, into the feed position, the teeth 352 of the pawl member 348 move into a position of engagement with the packaging sleeve material 78. When the shuttle unit 86 is retracted or retracted, the pawl member 348 is cammed out of the passageway by a rail (not shown) and the metal sleeve 316 slides smoothly over the outer surface of the packaging sleeve 78. Allows sliding.

Referring again to FIG. 11, details of the mandrel mechanism 314 are shown. The mechanism 314 includes a front body 360, a middle body 362, and a rear body 364. The rear body 364 includes a modified conical tapered surface 366 that is designed to allow the mandrel mechanism 314 to easily return through the inner surface of the packaging sleeve 78. ing. The central body portion 362 is provided with the roller 394 described above. The front body portion 360 has an inner diameter surface 3
72, and a sleeve support member 374 is provided on the inner diameter surface 372 so as to be able to reciprocate. As shown, the front body 360 also includes an outer diameter cylindrical surface 376 over which the packaging sleeve material 78 passes during use.

(Margin below) As shown in Figures 11a to 1id, the packaging sleeve material has a cylindrical shape in the extended state, but is flat in its normal state, and in this flat state, the upper surface and It has a bottom surface and its abdomen (webs or g
ussets) are folded inward to form side edges.

Turning now to the placement and operation of sleeve support member 374, member 374 is preferably made from a plastic material and includes a cylindrical body 378. The body 378
is a bulged tip portion 3 having an inclined tip edge surface 382.
It ends at 80. A bushing 394 located in the center of sleeve support member 374 is slidable over positioning member 386. The positioning member 386 has a stopper 388 forming one end thereof and a threaded portion 390 forming the other end. The threaded portion 390 is screwed onto a threaded boss 392 that forms part of the front body portion 360. An actuation spring 396 biases the sleeve support member 374 in the direction of extension.

FIG. 12 illustrates the operation of shuttle unit 86 and the function of sleeve support member 374 during use. As shown in FIG. 11, as the packaging sleeve 78 is advanced, its distal end 274 surrounds the outer periphery of the sleeve support member 374, so that the packaging sleeve 78
It is held in a substantially cylindrical shape with an open end. The tip 380 is located slightly outside the tip 274 of the packaging sleeve material 78. In use, the cylinder mechanism 312 and the mandrel mechanism 314 are connected to the bushing rod 320 of the cylinder guide unit 318, as shown in FIG.
322, 324. These are used to align the centerline of the mandrel with the centerline of the article insertion guide mechanism 238. A portion of the packaging sleeve material 78 is attached to the mandrel mechanism 314 and the cylinder mechanism 312.
In the meantime, the packaging sleeve material 78, captured by the pawl members 348, is advanced as shown in FIG.

As the shuttle unit 86 continues to move, the distal end surface 382 of the sleeve support member 374 touches the end surface 39 of the guide tube 241.
8. The continued operation of the cylinder mechanism 312 and mandrel mechanism 314 causes the sleeve support member 374 to
is retracted into the packaging sleeve material 78 to compress the actuating spring 396. As a result, the tip 274 of the packaging sleeve material 78 extends outward, and the guide tube 241
will protrude beyond the outlet end 272.

When the tip end 274 of the packaging sleeve material 78 is in the above position and the moving platform 328 has reached its full stroke length,
The controller energizes the compressed air source to direct air through hose 310 into chamber 284 . As a result, the cam surface 292 moves the finger 300 downward, and the gripper throat 302 engages the tip 274,
Make sure to hold this.

Shuttle unit 86 is then retracted back to the right until it reaches a fully retracted position. The packaging sleeve 78 is held in this position, as shown in FIG. 13, until the pusher rod 250 is fully extended to the right, placing the entire group of articles within the packaging sleeve.

This platoon of articles is slightly axially compressible so that a situation such as that shown in FIG. 13 is achieved. The push rod 250 is then rapidly retracted while the finger 300 is in the lowered fixed position of FIG.

Just as the push rod 250 is pulled, before the individual articles of the group of articles move axially to the left, the clamp finger 40
A portion of the 0 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 13 to close the end of the package that is being formed. Finger 300 is then released by allowing compressed air to flow from chamber 284 through the ejection path. That is, the annular piston 286 is retracted, causing the spring plunger 308 to pivot the finger 300 upwardly, eg, to the position of FIG. 12. At this point, the remaining portion 401 of the packaging sleeve material 78 is an end-forming flap, which has an open end previously held over the end of the guide tube 241.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 11a to 1id, a description will be given of changes in the supply form when the packaging sleeve material 78 is moved from the supply reel 76 in the storage position to become a package wrap. A reel 402 is shown in FIG. 11a, which includes a feeding means for continuously elongating the packaging sleeve material 78. When the packaging sleeve material 78 is pulled out from the reel 402 and advanced by the sleeve end positioning unit 84, the packaging sleeve material 78 is deformed from a flat cross section to a circular cross section.

In FIG. 1ID, the packaging sleeve material 78 has edges of the upper and lower sheet portions 402, 404 in a double folded abdomen (double folded gash).
ts) 406, 408. 11th C
The figure shows that when the packaging sleeve material 78 is unrolled as described above, the inwardly folded abdomen expands and the upper and lower sheet portions 402, 404 are separated. Finally, as a result of being moved over the mandrel mechanism 314, the packaging sleeve material 78 has a substantially circular cross section suitable for receiving a can end.

If articles of manufacture with different cross-sectional shapes are selected, an appropriate unrolling configuration could be taken by the packaging sleeve. This is preferably formed for convenient storage purposes as described above.

14 and 15, a side frame 92 fixed to the main frame 90 of the packaging unit 34
details are shown enlarged.

Side frame 92 is for mounting a package support and transfer unit 410 that includes a number of major components, including a carriage mechanism (carriage mechanism), etc.
ge unit) 412, a reciprocating tray mechanism (tray assembly) 414, a pair of clamp mechanisms (clamptng assemblies)
y) 415. 416, and a pair of plow units 417, 418 for folding the end flaps of the package being formed.

Referring again to FIGS. 14 and 15, the side frame 92 includes a plurality of lateral rails 41 spaced apart from each other.
9,420 and a pair of longitudinal rails 421,422. These rails 419 to 422 are used to arrange the truck mechanism 412. The carriage mechanism 412 includes a cross frame 424 with cylindrical bushings 426 and 428 movable along lateral guide rods 430 and 432.

“Toru O Machi Tsuku (Toru O Machi Tsuku) which was explained in detail earlier
14. The cylinder 434 moves the cart mechanism 412 in the transverse direction with respect to the article group transport axis, that is, in the vertical direction in FIG.

The truck mechanism 412 also includes a pair of frame extensions 4
36,438, which are fixed to clamp support frames 440,442.

As a result, the reciprocating motion of the truck mechanism 412 causes movement of related parts.

Referring first to the tray mechanism 414, this includes not only the means in the form of a right-angled package support area 444 (see also Figures 18a-18f) used while the package sleeve is being filled; It also includes a pair of tray positioning rods 446, 448, which are secured to the cross frame 424 by bushings 450, 448.
5-2. Tray positioning rod 44
The ends 454 and 456 of 6448 are compressed springs 45
8.460 is held in an extended state relative to the clamp support frame 442. Movement of the cross frame 424 will thereby, but not necessarily, lead to movement of one of the package support areas 444. The clamping mechanism 415416 is fixed to the cross frame 424 and will thus accurately repeat the movement of the cross frame 424.

In this manner, while the carriage mechanism 412 moves between the fully extended and fully retracted positions, the tray mechanism 414 is positioned such that it remains in the intermediate position, the position shown in FIG. be done. This corresponds to the rod ends 461 and 4 of the pair of positioning cylinders 464 and 466.
When the tray 62 is extended, these ends are connected to the tray positioning opening.
This is because it engages the ends 454, 456 of the throat 446,448 and prevents the tray mechanism 414 from being fully retracted. When the carriage mechanism 412 is fully retracted, the carriage mechanism, when in its operative state, has compression springs 458,
460 is compressed, but tray mechanism 414 is retained as shown. Positioning cylinders 464, 466 (these are attached to brackets 468, 4 mounted on longitudinal rails 422) only after the package has been removed and transferred to the lowered position for taping, as will be described below.
70) is stopped and the rod end 461
,． 462 is retracted to the solid line position in FIG. This retraction action allows the tray (package support area) 444 to move fully to the rearward or retracted position prior to performing any other sequence of operations.

15a, some structural details of one of the clamping mechanisms 415 are shown.

Since both clamp mechanisms 415 and 416 have the same structure,
Only one will be explained in detail. A typical ramp mechanism 415 has a clamp support frame 440 secured to a frame extension 436. The clamp support frame 440 includes a plate 4 to which a cylinder 474 is attached.
Contains 72. Actuation rod 476 of cylinder 474
terminates in a clevis 478 to which one end of a pair of actuation arms 480, 482 is pivotally attached.

Each actuation arm has a blade attachment portion 48 at its other end.
It is attached to 4,486. Each blade attachment part 484
, 486 are guided by vertical rods 488, 490.

As a result, the lifting movement of the actuating rod 476 results in an up and down reciprocating movement of the blade mounts 484, 486. These blade attachment parts 484° and 486 are, respectively,
It has clamp blades 491, 492 formed thereby or fixed thereto. In this way, a clamping action is performed in this clamping mechanism 415 with the desired strength of force provided by the air cylinder 474. The clamping force applied to the packaging sleeve material 7 pulls the packaging sleeve material and subdivides the puff cage into a central section filled with the article and end flap formations at each end.

As noted, in normal use, the carriage mechanism 41
2 moves from the retracted position towards the centerline position of the article transfer section, the clamp blade 491.49
2 are located in the expanded position, that is, in widely spaced positions.

Before the articles 52 are inserted, the downstream clamp cylinder (the cylinder on the right in FIGS. 14 and 15) is actuated to form an end stop for the articles 52 being inserted. The left-hand, i.e. upstream, clamping cylinder (with respect to the movement of the article) is connected to the pressing rod 2
50 completes its forward stroke, forcing the article into packaging sleeve material 78 and exerting a compressive force thereon;
and remains open until after retraction.

The upstream clamp blade 491492 is then moved together to grip the package end. This action also causes the packaging sleeve material 78 between the downstream clamping mechanism 416 and the retracted position of the shuttle unit 86 to
is also pulled so that packaging sleeve material 78 is easily cut by sleeve cutting unit 88 in the manner described herein.

The packaging sleeve material 78 is cut and the clamp blade 4
After 91,492 has stretched the package, the trolley mechanism 412
drive is activated. The trolley mechanism 412 includes a tray mechanism 414 and a clamp mechanism 41 that support the package.
5 and 416 to the position of FIG. 15, from which point the puff cage is lowered. However, prior to this pulling down operation, the packaging sleeve material 78 is cut as described above.
Also, as described below, vertically extending end flaps are formed at each end of the package.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the structure and operation of sleeve cutting unit 88 will be described. This unit 88 is mounted on a right-angled mounting bracket 494 secured to the main frame 90 in a suitable manner. Mounting bracket 494 includes removable fasteners 496. As best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the mounting bracket 494 includes an elongated slot 498 and a series of separate openings for the sleeve cutting unit 8.
8 to facilitate adjustable positioning.

In this manner, the position of the sleeve cutting unit 88 relative to the clamping mechanism 416 and the length of the end forming flap are determined.

In its simplest form, the sleeve cutting unit 88 is
It is designed to have a cylinder 500 adapted to extend and pull the cutter mechanism 502 and another pair of upper and lower cylinders 504506 for reciprocating the associated cutter blade up and down to cut the packaging sleeve material 78. Ru.

In this regard, each of the upper and lower cylinders 504,506 includes an actuation rod 508,510 having a blade holder 512,514 secured thereto. The upper blade holder 512 has an inclined cutting edge 5
A cutting blade 515 having a diameter of 16 is attached. Upper blade boulder 51
2 also includes a mounting leg 518, which is resiliently mounted by a pair of springs 520. Lower blade holder 5
14 has a flat insertion blade 522.

Therefore, when the actual cutting operation is performed, the installation leg 518
The lower surface 524 of the lower blade holder 514 engages the wrapping sleeve material 78 held on the upper surface 526 of the lower blade holder 514, and a further downward movement cuts the wrapping sleeve material 78.

The entire cutter mechanism 502 just described is reciprocally mounted to a transfer frame 528. Transfer frame 528 has a main frame 530 that is generally "C" shaped in end view.

The frame 530 includes upper and lower mounting portions 532, 534 that are secured around upper and lower guide rods 536, 538 and journal bearing for movement along their lengths. The guide rods are also secured to mounting brackets 540,542.

This movement of the sleeve cutting unit 88 transverse to the transport axis of the group of articles is caused by the cylinder 5 containing the actuating rod 544.
This is achieved by the operation of 00.

Actuation rod 544 is secured by bracket 546. As mentioned above, the order of operation of the sleeve cutting unit 88 in use is that the shuttle unit 86
is retracted and the clamp blade 491 on the front edge
, 492, that is, after the downstream clamping mechanism 416 is actuated, the sleeve cutting unit 88 is moved transversely into position and the blades 515, 522 reciprocate up and down to perform the cutting. . The blades 515, 522 are then pulled apart and the extensible cutter mechanism 502 is retracted from its position on the group transport axis.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a method of forming the end flaps of a package is shown. Here, one plow mechanism 417 is shown having means for forming and folding the end flaps of the package. For clarity, the package support area 444 that supports the package is
The clamping mechanism is not shown, although it is indicated by a series of phantom line steps in its sequence of operation. The clamp blade of the related clamp arm is
It will be appreciated that it is located in close proximity to both the end item within the package and the plow mechanism 417 (see Figures 14 and 15). When this is done, the flat end flaps 550 of the packaging sleeve material are formed and these are placed on the horizontal plate section 552 of the plow mechanism 417.

Because of its contoured shape, when the package support area 444 is retracted, the end flap 550 is folded into the vertical position as shown, ending up in the phantom position shown on the right side of FIG. A plow mechanism 417 or 418 is provided for each end of the package.

Now, referring to another constituent device of the device of the present invention, the 18th
The figure shows a positioning unit 554 for removal and taping of the freshly formed package. This unit 554 consists of a platform mechanism 556 and a pressing mechanism 558. These mechanisms 556, 558 transfer the formed packages to the package support and transfer unit 410.
and cooperate in lowering one or both of the end flaps 550 into a position where they can be taped to the remainder of the package in a manner described below. This operation is typically performed, e.g.
This includes lowering the height by 5 inches.

Referring now to the plant form mechanism 556, this mechanism consists of a flat platform 55 having rails 560.
Contains 9. The rail 560 is a plant form 5
59, the side on which the package opens,
18. Platform 559 forms one side of the package and prevents the package from moving to the open side, ie, to the left as shown in FIG. The support bracket 56 is attached to
2 includes one or more guide bushings 564, which are provided on the associated guide rod 566.

Further, the movement limiting rod 568 is connected to the support bracket 5.
It extends downward from the lower edge of 62. Movement restriction rod 56
8 is an adjustment nut 570, 57 located near its lower end.
I have 2. The lower end of the movement limiting rod 568 extends through a collar 571 attached to a bracket 573. Guide rod 566 extends between upper and lower subframe tubes 574, 576 forming part of subframe 578. This subframe 578 is also attached to a bracket 580 that rests on the end of an extension rod 582 that can run vertically (up and down).

The opposite end of extension rod 582 is within cylinder 584. The cylinder 584 is pneumatically operated to move the aforementioned components up and down in the manner described herein.

preloaded lost motion
) A spring 585 extends between the guide bushing 564 and the lower subframe tube 576 and
The two-piece mold body is movable relative to the plant form mechanism 556 and is movable relative to the groove 586 that forms part of the main longitudinal frame 90 of the packaging unit 34 .

Upper and lower subframe pipes 574.57 of subframe 578
6 carries said guide rods 566 which terminate at their upper ends in a support bracket 588 with an offset 590 supporting a cylinder 592. Cylinder 592 includes an elongated push rod 594 that has a fixed push bar 596 at its outer end.

A spring 585 is disposed between the lower subframe pipe 576 and the guide bushing 564 so that the cylinder 5
When 84 is energized, the bracket 580
moves upwardly, carrying cylinder 592 and platform mechanism 556 with it.

When the platform mechanism 556 reaches a certain height,
An adjustment napft 570 on the movement limiting rod 568 engages the lower surface of a collar 571 that is mounted by a bracket 573 on the main frame 90.

This prevents further upward movement in the plant form mechanism 556. However, the above bracket 5
80, the subframe 578 and its associated components continue to move upwardly, compressing the spring 585 and raising the cylinder 592 and its associated components against the plant form 559.

This creates a free space of sufficient height to provide working space for receiving the package. When the energy to cylinder 584 is cut off and the entire plant-form mechanism 556 is lowered, the push that was extended by first applying energy to cylinder 592 is removed from bar 5.
96 is engaged with the top surface of package "P". This protects package "P" from falling during removal and transport, as clearly shown in Figures 18a-18f.

18a-18f, the package support area @ 444 is located on the left side or center line, i.e. the article group 5.
2 along the transport axis. Assuming that the packaging sleeve 78 is filled while supported by the package support area 444 and the clamp fingers are properly actuated, the packaging sleeve 78
After a portion of the sleeve is cut by the sleeve cutting unit 88, the forming package P is removed.

FIG. 18b shows that the package P, while being held on the support tray, has a plow mechanism 417.4 for forming the end flaps.
18, thus forming an end flap 550, shown in dotted lines. The package support area 444 is then stopped sufficiently spaced above and in vertical alignment with the pushing mechanism 558. This is accomplished when tray positioning rods 446, 448 are engaged by rod ends 461, 462, as shown in FIG. A fixed package ejector 595 of FIGS. 18a-18f passing through the opening 593 and terminating in the puff cage support area 444 then engages just the side wall of the puff cage P.

As shown in Figure 18c, positioning unit 554
until movement restriction port 568 prevents further upward movement of platform mechanism 556.
be lowered. This causes platform 559 to stop just below the lower surface of puff cage support area 444.

The upward movement of pushing mechanism 558 continues when spring 585 is compressed. -1 of support bracket 588
For the deflection part 590 forming a cylinder 592,
The push bar 596 and the push rod 594 that positions it can move vertically past the puff cage P, ie to the left in FIG. 18c. Pressing is done by mechanism 558
When the maximum vertical height of (vertical height) is achieved (FIG. 18C), the cylinder 592 is actuated and the pressure is applied so that the rod 594 is placed on top of the puff cage P, either by such extension or by the above-mentioned idle movement ( An appropriate gap is left to allow the motion to occur (lost motion).

Thereafter, when the cylinder 584 is actuated in the "down" direction and the platform 559 is about to begin its downward movement,
In pressing, the bar 596 contacts the top surface of the package "P". The tray is then moved to the right, as shown in Figure 18e. However, the package ejector 595 is fixed and holds the package 1P'' above the plant form 559 and the tray (package support area) 444
Allows you to draw. This in turn occurs when positioning cylinders 464, 466 (FIGS. 14 and 15) are de-energized and compression springs 458, 460 extend, bringing tray 444 fully rearward. continue,
Package "P" is supported only by platform mechanism 556.

As shown in FIG. 18f, the plant form mechanism 5
56 and pusher mechanism 558 move together as a unit until the package "P" captured therein reaches a position where taping occurs. The aforementioned device is thus used to take advantage of idle motion and provide insertion clearance for package "P" while support tray 444 is pulled from its transfer position under package "P". ” is clearly held.

19-21 and 22a-22f, the structure and operation of a tape applicator device constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 19, the tape applicator device typically uses an adhesive (w
ater remoistenable adhesi
ve) is intended to be advanced, wetted and applied to individual lengths, such as paper tapes.

A length of tape is first applied near the edge of the top surface of package "P" and then lowered along the edge of package "P."

The presently preferred form of tape applicator device is
As shown, the tape supply wheel 600 includes a tape 602 wrapped around a roller 604.
Contains the supply of The tape is then moved through a pair of opposing feed guide rollers 606, 608 and fed horizontally through a narrow groove by a tape advance mechanism 610. The tape advancement mechanism 610 includes a cylinder 612 and an actuation rod 6 fixed to a clamp frame 616.
Contains 14. Cylinder 618 is rigidly attached to clamp frame 616.

In operation, cylinder 618 moves the outer edge of the pin clamp (not shown in detail) into engagement with the side edge of the tape. After the tape is gripped, the actuation rod 614
extends forward, advancing a length of tape equal to the rod stroke through guide plate 620. A cutter bar 622 is disposed at the ends of these guide plate guides 620 opposite a cutter bar 623 forming part of a tape repositioning mechanism 624 that reciprocates up and down.

Tape repositioning mechanism 624 includes a body 626 and a pair of opposed cylindrical guide bushings 628, 630 surrounding vertically extending guide rondros 32, 634. Body 626 is moved by cylinder 636. The cylinder 636 is secured at the end of its actuating rod 638 by a fastener 640.

Body 626 also includes a tank 642 for receiving a supply of liquid to be supplied to brush unit 644. The brush unit 644 has its end connected to the brush holder 6.
It is kept at 46. When enough liquid is applied to the brush holder chamber 64a, capillary action wets the tip of the brush.

The body 626 is overlaid by a vacuum head 650;
It in turn includes a tape pickup section 652 located below the vacuum head 650.

The vacuum head 650 also has a slot 6 extending in the vertical direction.
54, which receives a roller 656 positioned for rotation about an axis 658. 19th
In the figure, some of the operating structure of roller mechanism 659 is hidden from view. However, FIG. 21 shows the main components, including a roller frame 661, a frame bracket 663, and a cylinder 665 with an actuating rod 67. The roller shaft 658 is provided by an arm 660 that pivots about a pin 662. A spring (not shown) biases the top or roller end of the roller mechanism to the left as shown in FIG.

As will be explained in more detail below, after a length of tape has been advanced to be beneath tape pickup section 652, both this and tape repositioning mechanism 624
The tape is raised together so that it is then exactly above the axis. As a result, the cutters 622 and 623 cut the tape. In the raised position, a vacuum is applied to the upper surface of the tape, which upper surface is connected to the tape pickup part 6.
It is held on the lower surface of 52.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 22a and 22b,
Due to the tape pickup section 652 being moved from the position shown to the position shown in FIG. 22, the tape is threaded past the brush and
It's wet. Since the tape was now above the top surface of package "P", it was held in the tape pickup section 652 by the vacuum while being raised further, as shown in Figure 22b. At this point, the roller remains in its slot 654.

In Figures 22a-22f, the entire head support unit 664 is then moved completely to the left in Figures 22b-22e. When the positioner moves to the position of FIG. 22b, it has passed through the window 669 in the end plate 671 that holds the end of package "P". As shown in FIG. 22c, when the tape pickup section 652 is positioned over the package °P'', the tape pickup section 652 is then lowered, so that
The wet bottom surface of the tape engages the top surface of package "P" and the tape begins to adhere to package "P". During this time the package "P" is subjected to a force F (22a
) relative to the end plate 671.

The roller support unit (FIG. 21) is then lowered and the tape is rubbed along the end surface of the puff cage "P" by rollers 656.

The roller assembly is then returned to its uppermost position and allowed to reenter slot 654, as shown in FIG. 22d. The entire assembly is then raised, removed from contact with the ends of package "P", as shown in Figure 22e, and then rested on top of package "P", as shown in Figure 22f. You are pulled from the position you are in.

In this context, it will be appreciated that the head support unit can move significantly to the right. It will be positioned in that position as shown in FIG. There it can be loaded again. The vacuum head 650 and associated components, shown in detail in Figures 20 and 22a-22f, are partially behind the tape positioning and wetting unit.

Referring now to one aspect of the overall operation of the apparatus, a detailed description of the control system of the present invention will not be given since this control system is not a necessary part of the operation of the apparatus of the present invention. Thus, while inventive forms of control device may be used with the present device, its basic operation can be performed simply by a series of detectors and appropriate sequence control. In this way, a certain number of can ends are
After passing through the integrated transfer unit, the advancing unit can be energized. A proximity switch determines the arrival of a group of items at the end of the inbound lane. A simple storage device is suitable for positioning the pick-up head, which, when so positioned, lowers for picking up and dropping off groups of articles.

Other sequence controls are used to initiate shuttle advancement, positioning and gripping the packaging sleeve, and clamping one end thereof, followed by article insertion.

Once the insertion operation is completed, the second clamp is operated as described above. The cutting of the packaging sleeve material, the transfer of the package and its subsequent positioning for repositioning on the tape applicator can be carried out by known types of sequence control. Measures of any known type are therefore provided to ensure that a particular operation is not undertaken before the necessary preconditions have been achieved. Movement limit switches, proximity detectors and the like can be provided for operational control and safety measures as may be implied.

The invention has been described in detail with respect to a pile of can ends that are easily assembled together and have a circular cross section.

Of course, if other types of manufactured articles were to be processed by equipment consistent with the spirit of the invention, the handling equipment would be suitably designed to receive and handle such articles. Similarly, the cross-sections of packaging sleeves and other elements will be suitably shaped for such articles.

According to the invention, kraft paper is used for packaging articles. This is because it is a material that has historically proven satisfactory in the beer and beverage industry. A type of natural glue that can be remoistened with water.
nable type natural glue a
dhesives) are accepted in this industry.

However, other packaging materials can also be used, such as various types of plastics, if otherwise suitable for the end use considered. Adhesive or solvent-containing tape (
pressure 5ensitivive or 5ol
vent-c.

retaining tapes, or heat activated or heat fused products.
or hot melt products) may also be used if that use is accepted from other standpoints.

Throughout the specification, cylinder bodies of the "Tol-o-matic" brand are preferred for use with the present invention.
cylinder positioners) have been illustrated. However, if desired, other pneumatic, electric or hydraulic or purely mechanical positioners can also be used.

The apparatus described is such that most of the operations take place in a single plane, with only taping and transport to the storage area, articles being grouped, fed across, inserted, and the ends of the puff cage formed. It was placed so that it ran several inches below the plane of the plane. However, the device could also be constructed neatly so that the spacing is greater vertically than horizontally.

Where relative movement is illustrated, in many cases, as known to those skilled in the art, the fixed and movable elements in relative relationship could have their functions reversed without loss of the effectiveness of the invention. .

It will thus be found that the present invention provides a new packaging apparatus and method having numerous advantages and characteristics, including those pointed out herein and others inherent in the invention. A preferred embodiment has been described by way of example. However, it is anticipated that changes may be made to the described form of the apparatus and method without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article packaging apparatus according to the present invention, including a counting/sorting unit for receiving, counting and sorting a plurality of can ends into individual groups, and for packaging groups of such articles. It shows how to move into the unit and the layout and main components of the packaging unit. FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the counting/sorting unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 2a is an enlarged side view, partially in elevation and partially removed, showing an end support arrangement for a group of articles placed in the counting/sorting unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is an end view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1, showing the pick-up head positioning individual articles from the gathering area of the counting/sorting unit to the article insertion position of the packaging unit. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the counting/sorting unit with portions removed and other portions cut away, showing portions of the integrated transfer unit, the counting mechanism, and the supply; Figure 3 illustrates several components of a sorting mechanism used to sort a continuous train of articles into individual groups. FIG. 4a is a partially purely graphical side view showing details of the operation of the grouping mechanism used to group articles into groups of articles. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the integrated transfer unit taken along line 5--5 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the article grouping mechanism taken along line 6--6 in FIG. Other details of the group formation mechanism are shown. FIG. 7 is an end view of the article group transfer unit of the apparatus, including the pick-up head. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pickup head and head positioning mechanism taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a side view of the group receiving area of the packaging unit of the present invention, showing the pick-up head and part of the group insertion unit. 10 is a plan view of the group receiving area taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the main components of the article insertion guide mechanism and shuttle unit used to feed packaging sleeve material to the sleeve end positioning unit of the present invention. Figures 11a to 11d are schematic diagrams showing a cross section of the packaging sleeve material as it moves from the storage position to the puff cage forming position. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 11 showing the next step knob in the packaging sleeve advancement and positioning unit carried out by the shuttle unit and the sleeve end positioning unit; FIG. 13 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12, showing the final stage of the article insertion step. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the side frame of the device;
components for positioning the packaging sleeve material and supporting the sleeve material during package formation; Figure 3 shows an overview of some of the mechanisms used to form and fold end forming flaps on certain sleeves. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 14, showing the device in another state of use. Figure 15a is an end view of one of the clamping mechanisms used to form the ends of the puff cage, taken along lines 15a-15a of Figure 15; FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the sleeve cutting device of the present invention. 16A is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 16 taken along line 16a-16a of FIG. 16. FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a plow mechanism used to form and fold end flaps on a forming package made by the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an end view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of the forming package from the article insertion position with its end flaps held and tape sealing the ends of the package; The part of the apparatus used to move it to the position where it will be applied is shown. Figures 18a-18f are partly purely graphical end views showing the various steps in moving the forming package from its support position to the tape service position. FIG. 19 is a side view of the tape storage, advancement, and application mechanism of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a partially graphical side view illustrating a step in the process of applying a section of tape to a package. FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line 21-21 of FIG. 20 showing the tape applicator roll associated with the package whose ends are being taped. Figures 22fa1 to 22 (Figure f1 is a graphical illustration showing a certain sequence of steps performed by the tape applicator used. 30... Goods group packaging device, 32... Counting/sorting Unit, 34... Packaging unit, 36... Guide unit, E... Can end, 40... Integrated transfer unit,
42... Article group forming mechanism, 44... Article group forming mechanism, 46... Transfer actuator mechanism, 48... Guide rail, 52... Article group, 56... Article grouping area,
58...Fixed stopper, 60...Movable stopper, 6
2... Article group transfer unit, 64... Big up head, 70... Head frame, 77... Supply reel, 78... Packaging sleeve material, 80... Article grouping area, 82 ... Article group insertion unit, 84 ... Sleeve end positioning unit, 86 ... Shuttle unit, 88 ... Sleeve cutting unit, 90 ... Main frame, 92 ... Side frame, 230 ... Article group forming mechanism, 232... Groove rail, 238... Article insertion guide mechanism, 241... Guide tube, 250... Pressing rod, 254... Moving table, 260... Support finger, 262 ... Link mechanism, 218 ... Pneumatic housing, 284 ... Chamber, 286 ... Annular piston, 292 ... Cam surface, 296 ... Return spring, 300 ... Finger, 306 ... Laura, 30
B... Spring plunger, 312... Cylinder mechanism, 314... Mandrel mechanism, 318... Cylinder guide unit, 330... Positioning unit, 3
32... Centering roller unit, 334... Centering roller, 346... Ratchet feeding mechanism, 370...
・Guide tube, 374... Sleeve support member, 378...
- Cylindrical body part, 380... Tip part, 394... Centering roller, 396... Operating spring, 400...
Clamp finger, 401... End forming flap, 4
02... Reel, 403... Upper sheet part, 404...
...lower seat part, 406,408...abdomen (gusset part)
, 410... package support transfer unit, 412...
・・Dolly mechanism, 414 ・・Tray mechanism, 415, 41
6... Clamp mechanism, 417.418... Plow mechanism, 430.432... Lateral guide rod, 434...
... Cylinder, 444 ... Package support area (tray), 446.448 ... Tray positioning rod, 4
64... Positioning cylinder, 474... Cylinder,
502...Cutter mechanism, 500...Cylinder, 50
4,506... Cylinder, 515... Cutting blade, 52
2... Insertion blade, 554... Positioning unit, 55
6... Plant form mechanism, 558... Pressing mechanism, 584... Cylinder, 592... Cylinder, 59
5...Package ejector, P...Package,
610...Tape advance mechanism, 612-...Cylinder,
618... Cylinder, 624... Tape repositioning mechanism, 636... Cylinder, 644... Brush unit, 659... Roller mechanism, 664... Head support unit, 665... Cylinder applicant Serve Industries Inc.

Claims (17)

[Claims] (1) An apparatus for sequentially packaging groups of articles in an annular packaging sleeve material, comprising means for receiving a group of substantially identical articles arranged end-to-end, and a reserve. a wrapping mechanism; means for receiving a continuous length of formed packaging sleeve material and positioning the same for feeding an open end thereof to a downstream packaging mechanism; reciprocatable edge-engaging means for engaging an edge of the packaging sleeve proximate the open end of the material; the edge-engaging means and a package-forming portion of the packaging sleeve; transport means including means for advancing the packaging sleeve material in a downstream direction from a first position to a second position proximate the article group insertion area and for returning the edge engaging means to the first position; means for positioning an edge of the packaging sleeve material in the article insertion area to provide an end opening for receiving the articles;
means for releasably retaining the open edge in the open position of the group insertion area; means for inserting the group of articles into a packaging sleeve of the end opening;
first and second for engaging said packaging sleeve material;
are spaced apart from each other, thereby placing the packaging sleeve at a central portion containing the group of articles, and at the second portion of the packaging sleeve downstream of the first clamping means and upstream of the second clamping means, respectively. first and second clamping means for separating a package formed from said packaging sleeve material from said continuous length of packaging sleeve material into a new opening; means spaced upstream from the second clamping means for cutting the packaging sleeve material to form an end thereon and folding the end flap formation so as to close the package; Apparatus for packaging groups of articles comprising a combination of means for enabling end flaps to be created to close the ends of the package and means for transferring said package thus formed to a package storage area. 2. An apparatus for packaging a group of articles according to claim 1, further comprising means for taping at least one of said end flap formations of said packaging sleeve material to an adjacent end of said package. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for continuously supplying preformed articles to said means for receiving said articles. 4. The apparatus for packaging groups of articles as claimed in claim 1, wherein said articles are can ends, said can ends including a conical portion so that said can ends overlap when grouped. (5) the means for receiving the continuous length of packaging sleeve material comprises a supply reel, and the packaging sleeve material is a continuous length of tubular material made of kraft paper that is folded into a flat state; 2. A packaging device for a group of articles according to claim 1. (6) When the packaging sleeve material is in the flat state,
6. Apparatus for packaging articles as claimed in claim 5, including gussets folded inwardly over themselves and lying on opposite sides of the length of said packaging sleeve. (7) said reciprocatable edge engaging means for engaging an edge of said packaging sleeve material comprises a shuttle unit having an outer cylinder and a coaxially disposed inner mandrel; 2. Apparatus for packaging groups of articles according to claim 1, wherein the mandrels are spaced apart by working gaps to permit passage of the packaging sleeve material therethrough. (8) At least one of the cylinder and the mandrel includes an engagement roller and at least the other includes a roller pocket, so that in use, when the packaging sleeve material is disposed within the working gap, the cylinder and the mandrel 8. Apparatus for packaging groups of articles according to claim 7, wherein said working gap between mandrels is maintained. (9) said transfer means for advancing and returning said shuttle unit has cooperating guide means on said cylinder and on other parts of said apparatus, and said transfer means for moving said cylinder between said first and second positions; Apparatus for packaging groups of articles according to claim 7, further comprising an actuator adapted to move the group of articles. (10) the means for positioning an edge of the packaging sleeve material in the group insertion area includes a cylindrical collar having a cylindrical edge on an outer surface of one end for receiving the edge; 2. The apparatus for packaging groups of articles as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cylindrical edge has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of said packaging sleeve material and slightly larger than the diameter of said articles to be packaged. (11) the means for releasably retaining the open edge comprises a plurality of gripping fingers disposed around the collar, the gripping fingers engaging the edge of the packaging sleeve material; 11. Apparatus for packaging groups of articles according to claim 10, which is mounted for rocking movement between the joined and released parts. 12. The means having gripping fingers are associated with a single annular pneumatic piston, whereby the gripping fingers can be actuated simultaneously by the application of pneumatic pressure.
Packaging equipment for the group of articles described in paragraph. (13) each of said spaced-apart clamping means has a pair of opposing fingers that move between open and closed portions, said clamping means further comprising: said fingers being parallel to each other during operation; 2. An apparatus for packaging groups of articles as claimed in claim 1, including a finger actuator and guide means constructed and arranged to locate and maintain said position. (14) a support frame for the finger, the support frame being mounted for reciprocating motion perpendicular to an axis along which the article is fed into the packaging sleeve material, such that the package is Claim 13: When moved towards the storage area, the package can be held at its ends between the clamping fingers.
Packaging equipment for the group of articles mentioned in Section 1. (15) the means for inserting the group of articles comprises a push rod having an end engageable with an end article of the array of articles; An apparatus for packaging groups of articles according to claim 1, including a bidirectional actuator. (16) The means for receiving the group of articles comprises a groove rail of generally semi-circular cross-section and having at least one open end, the groove rail being aligned with the article insertion guide element. A packaging device for a group of articles according to item 1. (17) said means for folding said flaps comprises at least one stationary plow device positioned proximate said one of said clamping means, whereby moving said package causes folding of said flaps; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said end flaps are formed by moving through said plow and folding.