EP2687448B1 - Method and machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles - Google Patents
Method and machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2687448B1 EP2687448B1 EP20130177130 EP13177130A EP2687448B1 EP 2687448 B1 EP2687448 B1 EP 2687448B1 EP 20130177130 EP20130177130 EP 20130177130 EP 13177130 A EP13177130 A EP 13177130A EP 2687448 B1 EP2687448 B1 EP 2687448B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bottles
- collapsible
- horizontally
- loading station
- dividing element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 12
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 64
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B21/00—Packaging or unpacking of bottles
- B65B21/02—Packaging or unpacking of bottles in or from preformed containers, e.g. crates
- B65B21/025—Packaging or unpacking of bottles in or from preformed containers, e.g. crates the bottles being arranged in a head-to-bottom formation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B21/00—Packaging or unpacking of bottles
- B65B21/02—Packaging or unpacking of bottles in or from preformed containers, e.g. crates
- B65B21/08—Introducing or removing single bottles, or groups of bottles, e.g. for progressive filling or emptying of containers
- B65B21/12—Introducing or removing single bottles, or groups of bottles, e.g. for progressive filling or emptying of containers using grippers engaging bottles, e.g. bottle necks
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
- B65B35/56—Orientating, i.e. changing the attitude of, articles, e.g. of non-uniform cross-section
- B65B35/58—Turning articles by positively-acting means, e.g. to present labelled portions in uppermost position
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/20—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
- B65B61/207—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents for inserting partitions between package contents
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles and to a machine implementing such a method.
- the present invention relates to a method and a machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged wine bottles. Explicit reference to this use will be made in the following description without therefore loosing in generality.
- wine bottle cartoning machines are automatic or semiautomatic machines which receive in input a succession of loose bottles, and which provide in output a succession of cardboard boxes each accommodating therein a predetermined number of bottles arranged in side-by-side rows.
- the bottle cartoning machines are automatic or semiautomatic machines which can place/deposit a tidy, compact group of bottles in a sequence of cardboard boxes, which are previously formed in the machine by appropriately folding a pre-shaped cardboard sheet, traditionally named blank.
- the wine bottles are arranged/inserted in the cardboard boxes in vertical position, but some winemakers prefer to arrange the wine bottles horizontally, so as to maintain the bottles in the best position for preserving the wine during transport in the box.
- the bottle cartoning machine is structured to grip a row of bottles arranged in vertical position, turn the individual bottles by 90° about a vertical axis, and then delicately place/deposit the wine bottles in horizontal position (i.e. arrange them horizontally) in the cardboard box so as to form the layer of bottles in the cardboard box.
- some cartoning machines can turn the bottles alternatively clockwise and anticlockwise, so that the neck of one bottle is flanked by the side of the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles when the bottles are arranged in horizontal position in the cardboard box.
- Aim of the present invention is to replace the pre-shaped cardboard tray with another element which is more cost-effective to manufacture.
- reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a bottle cartoning machine structured so as to receive in input a succession of loose bottles 2 arranged in vertical position and preferably made of glass, and provide in output a succession of cardboard boxes 3 or similar box-like packaging containers of substantially parallelepiped shape, each of which has inside a predetermined number of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 arranged side-by-side to one another.
- the cartoning machine 1 substantially comprises a ground-resting supporting frame 4 which is provided with a loading station 5 where the bottles 2 are laid down in horizontal position inside the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5; a packaging container conveyor 6 which is fixed onto the supporting frame 4, and is adapted to step-advance a succession of cardboard boxes 3 with the opening facing upwards, along a path which crosses the loading station 5; and a bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 which is fixed on the supporting frame 4 by the side of the loading station 5, and is adapted to receive and compact the loose bottles 2 entering the machine 1, so as to form a row of bottles 2 arranged in vertical position, each one touching the adjacent one.
- the packaging container conveyor 6 is preferably structured so as to form each box 3 starting from a pre-shaped cardboard sheet, traditionally named blank, which is picked from a blank-holding storage 8 fixed directly onto the supporting frame 4, and then step-advance horizontally the box through the loading station 5 with the opening facing upwards.
- the packaging container conveyor 6 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 are component parts widely known and used in the bottle cartoning filed, and therefore won't be described in further detail.
- the cartoning machine 1 is further provided with a bottle-moving head 9 which is fixed onto the supporting frame 4 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above the loading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or better in the space above the loading station 5 and the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and is structured so as to be able to pick up, on command, a predetermined number of side-by-side aligned bottles 2 (three bottles, in the example shown) from the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and then to deposit such bottles 2 inside the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5.
- a bottle-moving head 9 which is fixed onto the supporting frame 4 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above the loading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or better in the space above the loading station 5 and the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and is structured so as to be able to pick up, on command, a predetermined number of
- the bottle-moving head 9 is preferably structured so as to be able to:
- the bottle-moving head 9 releases the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 when it is inside the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to delicately place/deposit the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 inside the box 3 and form a layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 inside the cardboard box 3.
- the bottle-moving head 9 is preferably structured so as to be able to turn/overturn the individual bottles 2 by 90° about respective horizontal reference axes A which are locally parallel to reference axis L of the row of bottles 2, alternatively changing the sense of rotation of the bottles 2, so that at the end of the overturning the neck of each bottle 2 is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles 3.
- the bottle-moving head 9 is also preferably structured so as to able to realign again to one another the bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position, so as to form a compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position.
- the row of bottles 2 which is deposited into the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5 is thus a compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position.
- the bottle-moving head 9 is furthermore structured so as to able to turn, on command, about a vertical reference axis V, so as to optionally form a second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 which symmetrically replicates the spatial arrangement of the layer of bottles 2 in horizontal position previously arranged inside the box 3, and then to deposit said second layer into the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5.
- the bottle-moving head 9 is preferably provided with a series of preferably pneumatically-actuated movable gripping members 10 that project downwards starting from an intermediate supporting structure 11 which, in turn, can move horizontally and vertically in the space above the loading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7.
- Each gripping member 10 is structured so as to be able to selectively grip and withhold an individual bottle 2 at its tubular section, and then turn/overturn the bottle 2 by 90° about an substantially horizontal reference axis A locally substantially parallel to the horizontal reference axis L of the row of bottles 2 (axes A and L are perpendicular to the plane of the sheet in figures 3, 4 and 5 ), so as to arrange the bottle 2 in substantially horizontal position.
- the movable gripping members 10 are additionally arranged on the bottle-moving head 9, or better on the intermediate supporting structure 11 of the bottle-moving head 9, so that the rotation axes A of the individual bottles are all locally parallel to the horizontal reference axis L of the row of bottles 2.
- the intermediate supporting structure 11 is instead structured so as to be able to turn, on command, by 180° about a vertical reference axis V, so to be able to turn the entire group of gripping members 10 by 180°.
- the bottle-moving head 9 is also a component which is widely known and used in the bottle cartoning field and will therefore not be described in further detail.
- the cartoning machine 1 is finally also provided with a partitioning-septum positioner 12 which is arranged by the side of the loading station 5, preferably on the side opposite to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and is structured so as to be able to automatically deposit a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 of known type inside the box 3 momentarily stationary in the loading station 5, above the layer of bottles 2 which was previously deposited in the same box 3, in order to be able to interpose the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 between two superposed layers of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.
- a partitioning-septum positioner 12 which is arranged by the side of the loading station 5, preferably on the side opposite to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and is structured so as to be able to automatically deposit a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 of known type inside the box 3 momentarily stationary in the loading station 5, above the layer of bottles 2 which was previously deposited in the same box 3, in order to be able to
- the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 substantially consists of an substantially rectangular, longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a, and a series of substantially rectangular, transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b which are inserted straddling the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and at a predetermined distance from one another, with the possibility of folding freely on the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is structured so as to be able to deposit the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a in horizontal position, resting on the lateral side of all bottles 2 which form the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, and with the transversal partitioning walls 13b (two, in the example shown) in vertical position, each inserted within two immediately adjacent bottles 2 on the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.
- the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 consists of a longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a having a shape substantially complementary to that of the opening of the box 3, and a series of transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b (two, in the example shown) which are inserted straddling the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, orthogonally to the longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a and at a predetermined distance from one another, with the capability of freely rotating at the interaction line with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a between
- the longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a and the transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b are preferably, though not necessary made of cardboard.
- the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 takes a flat configuration (see figure 9 ) which minimizes the dimensions of the dividing element 13.
- the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 takes a deployed configuration (see figures 10 and 11 ), in which the transversal partitioning walls 13b form, together with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned to accommodate an individual horizontally-arranged bottle 2.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is instead preferably structured so as to be able, in sequence, to:
- the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration has the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a arranged in horizontal position and the transversal partitioning walls 13b arranged in vertical position.
- Operation of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is coordinated with that of the packaging container conveyor 6 and with that of the bottle-moving head 9, so as to be able deposit, in a completely automatic manner, a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration above the layer of bottles 2 that was previously placed inside the box 3 stationary in the filling station 5.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 has a modular structure completely separated and independent from the rest of the cartoning machine 1, and is structured so as to be rapidly placed next to the supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1, by the side of the loading station 5 and preferably by the opposite side with respect to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, so as to be able to interact with the rest of the component parts of the cartoning machine 1.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 preferably comprises: an auxiliary supporting frame 21 of substantially parallelepiped shape, which is entirely separate and independent from the main supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1, and is structured so as to be arranged by the side of, and possibly anchored to, the main supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1, beside the loading station 5; and a septum-holding storage 23 which is fixed directly onto the supporting structure 21, and is structured so as to contain/house at least one stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration.
- the supporting frame 21 is preferably provided, on the bottom, with a appropriate number of ground-resting wheels 22.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is furthermore provided with a gripping head 24 which is fixed onto the supporting structure 21 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above the septum-holding storage 23 and the adjacent loading station 5 on the supporting frame 4, and is structured so as to be able, in sequence to carry out the steps of:
- the gripping head 24 is adapted to release the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration when it is located inside the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to deposit the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration above the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles already present inside box 3.
- the gripping head 24 is movable above the septum-holding storage 23 and the loading station 5, between a pick up position in which the gripping head 24 is located above the septum-holding storage 23, aligned with the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure in flattened configuration 13; and a release position in which the gripping head 24 is located above the loading station 5, aligned with the opening of the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5.
- the gripping head 24 is preferably fixed onto the distal end of an articulated supporting arm 25 with pantographic movement, which lies on a substantially horizontal reference plane, and has a proximal end fixed onto a support carriage 26 which, in turn, is fixed onto the supporting frame 21 with the possibility of moving vertically controlled by a motor assembly 27 fixed onto the supporting frame 21 itself.
- the distal end of the articulated supporting arm 25 can turn with respect to the support carriage 26 about a vertical reference axis C, controlled by a motor assembly 28 fixed to the same support carriage 26; whereas the articulated supporting arm 25 is formed by two horizontal half-arms which are hinged to each other so as to open in scissor-like manner on the laying plane of the articulated supporting arm 25, and a cascade of gears which are capable of synchronizing the scissor-like opening of the two half-arms with the rotation of the proximal end of the articulated supporting arm 25 on the supporting carriage 26, so as that the gripping head 24 can move in space by reciprocating rectilinear motion along a horizontal rectilinear path which has a first end vertically aligned with the septum-holding storage 23, and a second end vertically aligned with the loading station 5.
- the articulated supporting arm 25 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is thus structured so as to be able to move, on command and alternatively, the gripping head 24 along a horizontal rectilinear path, between a first position, in which the articulated supporting arm 25 arranges the gripping head 24 above the septum-holding storage 23, vertically aligned with the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration; and a second position, in which the articulated supporting arm 25 arranges the gripping head 24 above the loading station 5, aligned vertically with the opening of the box 3 temporarily stopped in the filling station 5.
- the proximal end of the articulated supporting arm 25 is preferably hinged in axially rotational manner on a supporting crosspiece 26, which is fixed onto the supporting frame 21 in horizontal position, straddling two vertical uprights of the supporting frame 21 itself, with the possibly of moving vertically controlled by a motor assembly 27 fixed onto the supporting frame 21 itself.
- the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 preferably comprises, instead, a supporting structure 30 which is rigidly fixed onto the lower end of a vertical pin 31 which is inserted in axially rotation manner in the distal end of the articulated supporting arm 25; and a series of preferably pneumatically-actuated, gripping members 32 that project downwards from the lower end of the supporting structure 30, so as to each rest on a respective transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration which is located on the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holding storage 23, and are structured so as to able, on command, to grip and withhold in stable manner the same transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b.
- Each gripping member 32 of gripping head 24 is moreover structured so at to be able to turn, on command, by approximately 90° with respect to the supporting structure 30, about a horizontal reference axis B locally and substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b on which it rests, so as to be able to selectively arrange the same transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b in the upright position.
- each gripping member 32 comprises: two suction cups 33 which are fixed in rigid manner and in radial position, on the two axial ends of a supporting shaft 35 which is fixed onto the supporting structure 30 in substantially horizontal position and is locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 which is located on the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holding storage 23; and a rotating actuator 34 which is fixed onto the supporting structure 30 and is capable of turning, on command, said supporting shaft 32 by approximately 90° clockwise and anticlockwise, so as to swivel the two suction cups 33 by approximately 90° about the rotation axis B of the supporting shaft 32.
- the two suction caps 33 are fixed rigidly in radial position, directly onto the two axial ends of the motor shaft 34 of the rotating actuator 35 which, in turn, is fixed rigidly onto the lower part of the supporting structure 30.
- the two suction caps 33 of each gripping member 32 are connected to an air suction circuit (not shown), and are fixed in rigid manner onto the motor shaft 34 of the rotating actuator 35 so as to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rotation axis B of the shaft.
- the rotating actuator 35 instead can turn, on command, the motor shaft by approximately 90° clockwise and anticlockwise so as to swivel the two suction caps 33 by 90° about the rotation axis B of the shaft.
- the rotating actuators 35 of the gripping members 32 of gripping head 24 are furthermore fixed to the supporting structure 30 with the rotation axis B of the motor shafts 34 parallel and spaced apart; and the gripping head 24 is adapted to rest on the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration contained in the septum-holding storage 23, arranging the rotation axes B of the motor shafts 34 of the various rotation actuators 35 locally substantially parallel to the intersection lines between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the various transversal partitioning walls 13b.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is already placed next to the supporting structure 4 of the cartoning machine 1, beside the loading station 5 on the opposite side with respect to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and is also preferably rigidly anchored to the supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1 by means of clamps, bolts or other mechanical connecting members of known type.
- the packaging container conveyor 6 picks up a blank from the blank-holding storage 8, and then folds it so as to form a cardboard box 3 of substantially parallelepiped shape, which is then arranged in the loading station 5 with the cavity facing upwards.
- the bottle-moving head 9 places itself above the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or rather over the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and picks up a predetermined number of bottles 2 (three bottles in the example shown) aligned to one another from the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7.
- the bottle-moving head 9 overturns the individual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal axis locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row of bottles 2 so as to form a compact row of horizontally arranged bottles 2, and then moves to the loading station 5 so as to rest/deposit the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 delicately into the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, to compose a layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 in the cardboard box 3 (see figure 6 ).
- the bottle-moving head 9 overturns the individual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal axis locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row of bottles 2, alternating the sense of rotation, so that the neck of each bottle 2 is locally flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles 3; and then realigns the bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position again to one another so as to form a compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position.
- the bottle-moving head 9 moves/lowers at the loading station 5, so as to arrange/deposit the compact row of the bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position inside the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to compose the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 into box 3; and then leave the loading station 5 going back to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 to pick up the bottles 2 needed to form/compose the second layer of horizontal-arranged bottles 2 inside the box 3.
- the bottle-moving head 9 moreover turns the entire assembly of gripping members 10 by 180° about the vertical axis V, so that the spatial arrangement of the second layer of bottles 2 is symmetric with respect to that of the layer of bottles 2 newly deposited in the box 3.
- the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 places itself above the septum-holding storage 23, and then lowers down onto the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements 13 in flattened configuration which is contained in the septum-holding storage 23, so as to arrange the gripping members 32 in abutment on the transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration which is located on top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holding storage 23.
- the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 activates the gripping members 32 so as to withhold the transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13, and then raises from the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements 13 in flattened configuration which is contained in the septum-holding storage 23, taking with it the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened position .
- the gripping head 24 After having picked up a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the septum-holding storage 23, the gripping head 24 turns the gripping members 32 by 90° about an equal number of horizontal reference axes B, each of which is locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning walls 13b on which the gripping member 32 rests, so as to force the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 to arrange itself in the deployed configuration (see figures 7 , 10 and 11 ), in which it forms a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle 2.
- the gripping head 24 turns the gripping members 32 by 90° about an equal number of horizontal reference axis B, so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a in substantially horizontal position and the transversal partitioning walls 13b in substantially vertical position, parallel and distanced from one another.
- the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 places itself above the loading station 5, and moves down into the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to deposit the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration on the layer of bottles 2 in the box 3, with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a resting on the lateral side of all the bottles 2 forming the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 in the box 3, and with the various transversal partitioning walls 13b interposed between the bottles 2 of the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.
- the gripping head 24 moves down along the vertical from the loading station 5, so as to insert each of the vertically-arranged transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration between two immediately adjacent bottles 2 of the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 present inside box 3, to rest the horizontally-arranged longitudinal partitioning wall 13a of the dividing element in a deployed configuration 13 on the lateral side of all the bottles 2 which compose the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.
- the bottle-moving head 9 moves/lowers again in the loading station 5 to rest/deposit the new compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position into the box 3, above the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration, inserting each horizontally-oriented bottle 2 in a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13.
- transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 are indeed maintained in vertical position by the horizontally-arranged bottles 2 forming the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, i.e. the lower layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.
- the packaging container conveyor 6 After having deposited the second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, the packaging container conveyor 6 removes the box 3 filled with bottles 2 from the loading station 5, and positions an empty box 3 in the loading station 5.
- the method for cartoning bottles in horizontal position basically envisages the steps of:
- the step of depositing the first layer of bottles 2 in the box-like container 3, is furthermore proceeded by the steps of:
- the step of overturning the bottles 2 in turn comprises the step of turning the individual bottles 2 about respective horizontal reference axis B while changing alternatively the sense of rotation of the bottles 2, so that, at the end of the overturning, the neck of each bottle 2 is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles 3.
- the step of positioning a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in deployed position above the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles comprises the steps of:
- the dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 are much cheaper than rigid preformed trays, thus allowing to drastically reduce bottle packaging costs. Furthermore, the dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 could be easily used also for cartoning bottles in vertical position, with all the advantages that this implies.
- partitioning-septum positioner 12 with modular structure may be arranged beside the loading station 5 only when the bottle cartoning machine 1 must carton horizontally-arranged bottles, to the benefit of production flexibility of the machine.
- the bottle-moving head 9 may indeed be fixed onto the supporting structure 4 in easily removable manner, so as to allow the machine user to replace the bottle-moving head 9 with a new bottle-moving head specifically structured to grip the bottles 2 in vertical position at the neck and then rest the bottles 2 in the box 3 again in vertical position.
- the bottle cartoning machine may be rapidly tooled to carton bottles in both horizontal position and in vertical position.
- the partitioning-septum positioner 12 may be stably incorporated in the cartoning machine 1.
- the septum-holding storage 23 is fixed directly onto the supporting structure 4, and the supporting carriage 26 that supports the supporting arm 25 is fixed directly onto the supporting machine 4 with the possibility of moving freely in vertical direction.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles and to a machine implementing such a method.
- More in detail, the present invention relates to a method and a machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged wine bottles. Explicit reference to this use will be made in the following description without therefore loosing in generality.
- As known, wine bottle cartoning machines are automatic or semiautomatic machines which receive in input a succession of loose bottles, and which provide in output a succession of cardboard boxes each accommodating therein a predetermined number of bottles arranged in side-by-side rows.
- In other words, the bottle cartoning machines are automatic or semiautomatic machines which can place/deposit a tidy, compact group of bottles in a sequence of cardboard boxes, which are previously formed in the machine by appropriately folding a pre-shaped cardboard sheet, traditionally named blank.
- Generally (s. e.g.
FR 2 217 248 - Therefore, in these case, the bottle cartoning machine is structured to grip a row of bottles arranged in vertical position, turn the individual bottles by 90° about a vertical axis, and then delicately place/deposit the wine bottles in horizontal position (i.e. arrange them horizontally) in the cardboard box so as to form the layer of bottles in the cardboard box.
- In order to reduce the dimensions of layer of bottles, some cartoning machines can turn the bottles alternatively clockwise and anticlockwise, so that the neck of one bottle is flanked by the side of the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles when the bottles are arranged in horizontal position in the cardboard box.
- This arrangement is obviously replicated in symmetric manner on the possibly higher layer of bottles so that the bottles fit into one another, minimizing the volume occupied in the cardboard box.
- Unfortunately, the arrangement of the bottles in horizontal position allows the bottles to rub during transport, with consequent damage to the labels possibly positioned in the contact points between the bottles. This damage is considered unacceptable when the wine bottles contain particularly high quality, expensive wine.
- In order to avoid this problem, it is a consolidated practice to arrange, during cartoning of the bottles, a stiff cardboard tray between the two layers of bottles, which tray is pre-shaped so as to approximately copy the profile of the contact surface between the two layers of bottles to separate and prevent the movement of the individual bottles in the box.
- Unfortunately, the shape of rigid cardboard tray is closely related to the shape and number of the bottles forming each layer of bottles and this makes it a relatively costly product which significantly impacts on the overall costs of the product packaging.
- Aim of the present invention is to replace the pre-shaped cardboard tray with another element which is more cost-effective to manufacture.
- In compliance with the above aims, according to the present invention there is provided a method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles as claimed in
claim 1 and preferably, though not necessarily, in any dependent claim. - According to the present invention there is moreover provided a machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles as claimed in
claim 1 and preferably, though not necessarily, in any dependent claim. - The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show a non-limitative embodiment thereof, in which:
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figure 1 is a front view, with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity, of a machine for cartoning bottles in horizontal position operating according to the teachings of the present invention; -
figure 2 is a plan view of the cartoning machine infigure 1 , with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity; -
figures 3, 4 and 5 are three side views of the bottle-moving head of the cartoning machine infigure 1 in an equal number of operating positions; -
figure 6 shows a part of the cartoning machine infigure 1 in a first operating position on enlarged scale, with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity; -
figures 7 and8 show the alveolar structural element laying unit of the machine infigure 1 , from two different points of view with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity; -
figures 9 and 10 show the gripping head of the alveolar structural element laying unit shown infigures 7 and8 , in two different operating positions on enlarged scale; while -
figure 11 shows a part of the cartoning machine infigure 1 , already shown infigure 6 , in a second operating position on enlarged scale and with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity. - With reference to
figures 1 and2 ,reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a bottle cartoning machine structured so as to receive in input a succession ofloose bottles 2 arranged in vertical position and preferably made of glass, and provide in output a succession ofcardboard boxes 3 or similar box-like packaging containers of substantially parallelepiped shape, each of which has inside a predetermined number of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 arranged side-by-side to one another. - The
cartoning machine 1 substantially comprises a ground-resting supportingframe 4 which is provided with aloading station 5 where thebottles 2 are laid down in horizontal position inside thebox 3 temporarily stationary in theloading station 5; apackaging container conveyor 6 which is fixed onto the supportingframe 4, and is adapted to step-advance a succession ofcardboard boxes 3 with the opening facing upwards, along a path which crosses theloading station 5; and a bottles arranging and compactingunit 7 which is fixed on the supportingframe 4 by the side of theloading station 5, and is adapted to receive and compact theloose bottles 2 entering themachine 1, so as to form a row ofbottles 2 arranged in vertical position, each one touching the adjacent one. - In the example shown, in particular, the
packaging container conveyor 6 is preferably structured so as to form eachbox 3 starting from a pre-shaped cardboard sheet, traditionally named blank, which is picked from a blank-holding storage 8 fixed directly onto the supportingframe 4, and then step-advance horizontally the box through theloading station 5 with the opening facing upwards. - The bottles arranging and compacting
unit 7, instead, preferably consists of a horizontal belt conveyor which is fixed onto the supportingframe 4 so that the end/outlet of the conveyor is arranged by the side of theloading station 5, preferably in a raised position with respect to theloading station 5; and a series of movable abutments, which are arranged in known manner above the conveyor belt, and are oriented so as to align and compact thebottles 2 advancing along the conveyor belt, so as to form, at the closed exit of the conveyor belt, a compact row ofbottles 2 arranged in vertical position, ready to be transferred into theboxes 3. - The
packaging container conveyor 6 and the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7 are component parts widely known and used in the bottle cartoning filed, and therefore won't be described in further detail. - With reference to
figures 1 ,2 and6 , thecartoning machine 1 is further provided with a bottle-movinghead 9 which is fixed onto the supportingframe 4 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above theloading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or better in the space above theloading station 5 and the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and is structured so as to be able to pick up, on command, a predetermined number of side-by-side aligned bottles 2 (three bottles, in the example shown) from the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7, and then to depositsuch bottles 2 inside thebox 3 temporarily stationary in theloading station 5. - More in detail, with reference to
figures 3, 4, 5 and6 , the bottle-movinghead 9 is preferably structured so as to be able to: - grip a predetermined number of bottles 2 (three bottles, in the example shown) arranged in vertical position on the bottles arranging and compacting
unit 7, aligned one after the other along a horizontal reference axis L; - lifting the group of
bottles 2 over the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7; - turning/overturning the
individual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal reference axis A locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row ofbottles 2; and then - releasing the row of horizontally-arranged
bottles 2. - Obviously, the bottle-moving
head 9 releases the row of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 when it is inside thebox 3 stationary in theloading station 5, so as to delicately place/deposit the row of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 inside thebox 3 and form a layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 inside thecardboard box 3. - In the example shown, in particular, the bottle-moving
head 9 is preferably structured so as to be able to turn/overturn theindividual bottles 2 by 90° about respective horizontal reference axes A which are locally parallel to reference axis L of the row ofbottles 2, alternatively changing the sense of rotation of thebottles 2, so that at the end of the overturning the neck of eachbottle 2 is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediatelyadjacent bottles 3. - Furthermore, with reference to
figure 5 , the bottle-movinghead 9 is also preferably structured so as to able to realign again to one another thebottles 2 interposed in horizontal position, so as to form a compact row ofbottles 2 interposed in horizontal position. - The row of
bottles 2 which is deposited into thebox 3 stationary in theloading station 5 is thus a compact row ofbottles 2 interposed in horizontal position. - Preferably, the bottle-moving
head 9 is furthermore structured so as to able to turn, on command, about a vertical reference axis V, so as to optionally form a second layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 which symmetrically replicates the spatial arrangement of the layer ofbottles 2 in horizontal position previously arranged inside thebox 3, and then to deposit said second layer into thebox 3 temporarily stationary in theloading station 5. - More in detail, with reference to
figures 3, 4 and 5 , in the example shown the bottle-movinghead 9 is preferably provided with a series of preferably pneumatically-actuated movable grippingmembers 10 that project downwards starting from an intermediate supportingstructure 11 which, in turn, can move horizontally and vertically in the space above theloading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7. - Each
gripping member 10 is structured so as to be able to selectively grip and withhold anindividual bottle 2 at its tubular section, and then turn/overturn thebottle 2 by 90° about an substantially horizontal reference axis A locally substantially parallel to the horizontal reference axis L of the row of bottles 2 (axes A and L are perpendicular to the plane of the sheet infigures 3, 4 and 5 ), so as to arrange thebottle 2 in substantially horizontal position. - The
movable gripping members 10 are additionally arranged on the bottle-movinghead 9, or better on the intermediate supportingstructure 11 of the bottle-movinghead 9, so that the rotation axes A of the individual bottles are all locally parallel to the horizontal reference axis L of the row ofbottles 2. - The intermediate supporting
structure 11 is instead structured so as to be able to turn, on command, by 180° about a vertical reference axis V, so to be able to turn the entire group of grippingmembers 10 by 180°. - The bottle-moving
head 9 is also a component which is widely known and used in the bottle cartoning field and will therefore not be described in further detail. - With reference to
figures 1 ,2 ,6 and11 , thecartoning machine 1 is finally also provided with a partitioning-septum positioner 12 which is arranged by the side of theloading station 5, preferably on the side opposite to the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7, and is structured so as to be able to automatically deposit a dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 of known type inside thebox 3 momentarily stationary in theloading station 5, above the layer ofbottles 2 which was previously deposited in thesame box 3, in order to be able to interpose the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 between two superposed layers of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - More in detail, the dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 substantially consists of an substantially rectangular, longitudinal partitioning wall orpanel 13a, and a series of substantially rectangular, transversal partitioning walls orpanels 13b which are inserted straddling thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a, orthogonally with respect to thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a and at a predetermined distance from one another, with the possibility of folding freely on thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a. The partitioning-septum positioner 12 is structured so as to be able to deposit the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a in horizontal position, resting on the lateral side of allbottles 2 which form the layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2, and with thetransversal partitioning walls 13b (two, in the example shown) in vertical position, each inserted within two immediatelyadjacent bottles 2 on the same layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - In the example shown, in particular, the dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 consists of a longitudinal partitioning wall orpanel 13a having a shape substantially complementary to that of the opening of thebox 3, and a series of transversal partitioning walls orpanels 13b (two, in the example shown) which are inserted straddling thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a, orthogonally to the longitudinal partitioning wall orpanel 13a and at a predetermined distance from one another, with the capability of freely rotating at the interaction line with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a between - a folded position (see
figure 9 ), in which thetransversal partitioning walls 13b are completely laid down on, and thus substantially coplanar with, thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a; and - an upright position (see
figures 10 and11 ), in which thetransversal partitioning walls 13b are arranged substantially orthogonal to the laying plane of thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a. - In the example shown, furthermore, the longitudinal partitioning wall or
panel 13a and the transversal partitioning walls orpanels 13b are preferably, though not necessary made of cardboard. - When all the
transversal partitioning walls 13b are in the folded position, the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 takes a flat configuration (seefigure 9 ) which minimizes the dimensions of thedividing element 13. When instead all thetransversal partitioning walls 13b are in the upright position, the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 takes a deployed configuration (seefigures 10 and11 ), in which thetransversal partitioning walls 13b form, together with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned to accommodate an individual horizontally-arrangedbottle 2. - With reference to figures from 6 to 11, the partitioning-
septum positioner 12 is instead preferably structured so as to be able, in sequence, to: - pick up a dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration preferably from the top of astack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration; - cause/induce the opening of the dividing
element 13, so as to arrange the latter in a deployed configuration; and finally - rest the dividing
element 13 in a deployed configuration on the layer ofbottles 2 which was previously deposited inside thebox 3, so as to arrange thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a resting on the lateral side of all thebottles 2 which form the entire layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 immediately underneath, and thetransversal partitioning walls 13b each inserted between two immediatelyadjacent bottles 2 of the same layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - Obviously, when placed on the layer of
bottles 2 inside thebox 3, the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration has thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a arranged in horizontal position and thetransversal partitioning walls 13b arranged in vertical position. - Operation of the partitioning-
septum positioner 12 is coordinated with that of thepackaging container conveyor 6 and with that of the bottle-movinghead 9, so as to be able deposit, in a completely automatic manner, a dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration above the layer ofbottles 2 that was previously placed inside thebox 3 stationary in thefilling station 5. - With reference to figures from 1 to 11, in the example shown, in particular, the partitioning-
septum positioner 12 has a modular structure completely separated and independent from the rest of thecartoning machine 1, and is structured so as to be rapidly placed next to the supportingframe 4 of thecartoning machine 1, by the side of theloading station 5 and preferably by the opposite side with respect to the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7, so as to be able to interact with the rest of the component parts of thecartoning machine 1. - More in detail, the partitioning-
septum positioner 12 preferably comprises: an auxiliary supportingframe 21 of substantially parallelepiped shape, which is entirely separate and independent from the main supportingframe 4 of thecartoning machine 1, and is structured so as to be arranged by the side of, and possibly anchored to, the main supportingframe 4 of thecartoning machine 1, beside theloading station 5; and a septum-holding storage 23 which is fixed directly onto the supportingstructure 21, and is structured so as to contain/house at least onestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration. - In the example shown, in particular, the supporting
frame 21 is preferably provided, on the bottom, with a appropriate number of ground-restingwheels 22. - The partitioning-
septum positioner 12 is furthermore provided with a grippinghead 24 which is fixed onto the supportingstructure 21 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above the septum-holding storage 23 and theadjacent loading station 5 on the supportingframe 4, and is structured so as to be able, in sequence to carry out the steps of: - picking a dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23; - causing/inducing the opening of the dividing
element 13, so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration in which thetransversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividingelement 13 form, together with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arrangedbottle 2; and finally - releasing the dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration. - Obviously, the gripping
head 24 is adapted to release the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration when it is located inside thebox 3 stationary in theloading station 5, so as to deposit the dividingelement 13 in a deployed configuration above the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles already present insidebox 3. - More in detail, the gripping
head 24 is movable above the septum-holdingstorage 23 and theloading station 5, between a pick up position in which the grippinghead 24 is located above the septum-holdingstorage 23, aligned with the top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure in flattenedconfiguration 13; and a release position in which the grippinghead 24 is located above theloading station 5, aligned with the opening of thebox 3 temporarily stationary in theloading station 5. - With reference to
figures 1 ,2 ,6 ,7 ,8 and11 , in the example shown, in particular, the grippinghead 24 is preferably fixed onto the distal end of an articulated supportingarm 25 with pantographic movement, which lies on a substantially horizontal reference plane, and has a proximal end fixed onto asupport carriage 26 which, in turn, is fixed onto the supportingframe 21 with the possibility of moving vertically controlled by amotor assembly 27 fixed onto the supportingframe 21 itself. - The distal end of the articulated supporting
arm 25 can turn with respect to thesupport carriage 26 about a vertical reference axis C, controlled by amotor assembly 28 fixed to thesame support carriage 26; whereas the articulated supportingarm 25 is formed by two horizontal half-arms which are hinged to each other so as to open in scissor-like manner on the laying plane of the articulated supportingarm 25, and a cascade of gears which are capable of synchronizing the scissor-like opening of the two half-arms with the rotation of the proximal end of the articulated supportingarm 25 on the supportingcarriage 26, so as that the grippinghead 24 can move in space by reciprocating rectilinear motion along a horizontal rectilinear path which has a first end vertically aligned with the septum-holdingstorage 23, and a second end vertically aligned with theloading station 5. - The structure of the articulated supporting
arm 25 with pantographic movement is described in detail in European PatentEP-1338536 to which reference is made for more information, and therefore no further details are required. - The articulated supporting
arm 25 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is thus structured so as to be able to move, on command and alternatively, the grippinghead 24 along a horizontal rectilinear path, between a first position, in which the articulated supportingarm 25 arranges the grippinghead 24 above the septum-holdingstorage 23, vertically aligned with the top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration; and a second position, in which the articulated supportingarm 25 arranges the grippinghead 24 above theloading station 5, aligned vertically with the opening of thebox 3 temporarily stopped in the fillingstation 5. - In the example shown, in particular the proximal end of the articulated supporting
arm 25 is preferably hinged in axially rotational manner on a supportingcrosspiece 26, which is fixed onto the supportingframe 21 in horizontal position, straddling two vertical uprights of the supportingframe 21 itself, with the possibly of moving vertically controlled by amotor assembly 27 fixed onto the supportingframe 21 itself. - With reference to
figures 7 ,8 ,9 and 10 , the grippinghead 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 preferably comprises, instead, a supportingstructure 30 which is rigidly fixed onto the lower end of avertical pin 31 which is inserted in axially rotation manner in the distal end of the articulated supportingarm 25; and a series of preferably pneumatically-actuated, grippingmembers 32 that project downwards from the lower end of the supportingstructure 30, so as to each rest on a respective transversal partitioning wall orpanel 13b of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration which is located on the top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23, and are structured so as to able, on command, to grip and withhold in stable manner the same transversal partitioning wall orpanel 13b. - Each gripping
member 32 of grippinghead 24 is moreover structured so at to be able to turn, on command, by approximately 90° with respect to the supportingstructure 30, about a horizontal reference axis B locally and substantially parallel to the intersection line between thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning wall orpanel 13b on which it rests, so as to be able to selectively arrange the same transversal partitioning wall orpanel 13b in the upright position. - With particular reference to
figure 8 , in the example shown, in particular, each grippingmember 32 comprises: twosuction cups 33 which are fixed in rigid manner and in radial position, on the two axial ends of a supportingshaft 35 which is fixed onto the supportingstructure 30 in substantially horizontal position and is locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a and thetransversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 which is located on the top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23; and a rotatingactuator 34 which is fixed onto the supportingstructure 30 and is capable of turning, on command, said supportingshaft 32 by approximately 90° clockwise and anticlockwise, so as to swivel the twosuction cups 33 by approximately 90° about the rotation axis B of the supportingshaft 32. - More in detail, in the example shown the two
suction caps 33 are fixed rigidly in radial position, directly onto the two axial ends of themotor shaft 34 of the rotatingactuator 35 which, in turn, is fixed rigidly onto the lower part of the supportingstructure 30. - The two
suction caps 33 of each grippingmember 32 are connected to an air suction circuit (not shown), and are fixed in rigid manner onto themotor shaft 34 of the rotatingactuator 35 so as to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rotation axis B of the shaft. The rotatingactuator 35 instead can turn, on command, the motor shaft by approximately 90° clockwise and anticlockwise so as to swivel the twosuction caps 33 by 90° about the rotation axis B of the shaft. - The rotating
actuators 35 of the grippingmembers 32 of grippinghead 24 are furthermore fixed to the supportingstructure 30 with the rotation axis B of themotor shafts 34 parallel and spaced apart; and the grippinghead 24 is adapted to rest on the top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23, arranging the rotation axes B of themotor shafts 34 of thevarious rotation actuators 35 locally substantially parallel to the intersection lines between thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the varioustransversal partitioning walls 13b. - Operation of the
bottle cartoning machine 1 will not be described assuming that the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is already placed next to the supportingstructure 4 of thecartoning machine 1, beside theloading station 5 on the opposite side with respect to the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7, and is also preferably rigidly anchored to the supportingframe 4 of thecartoning machine 1 by means of clamps, bolts or other mechanical connecting members of known type. - Initially, the
packaging container conveyor 6 picks up a blank from the blank-holdingstorage 8, and then folds it so as to form acardboard box 3 of substantially parallelepiped shape, which is then arranged in theloading station 5 with the cavity facing upwards. - More or less simultaneously, the bottle-moving
head 9 places itself above the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or rather over the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and picks up a predetermined number of bottles 2 (three bottles in the example shown) aligned to one another from the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7. - Subsequently the bottle-moving
head 9 overturns theindividual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal axis locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row ofbottles 2 so as to form a compact row of horizontally arrangedbottles 2, and then moves to theloading station 5 so as to rest/deposit the row of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 delicately into thebox 3 stationary in theloading station 5, to compose a layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 in the cardboard box 3 (seefigure 6 ). - More in detail, in the example shown the bottle-moving
head 9 overturns theindividual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal axis locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row ofbottles 2, alternating the sense of rotation, so that the neck of eachbottle 2 is locally flanked by the tubular section of the two immediatelyadjacent bottles 3; and then realigns thebottles 2 interposed in horizontal position again to one another so as to form a compact row ofbottles 2 interposed in horizontal position. - Subsequently, the bottle-moving
head 9 moves/lowers at theloading station 5, so as to arrange/deposit the compact row of thebottles 2 interposed in horizontal position inside thebox 3 stationary in theloading station 5, so as to compose the layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 intobox 3; and then leave theloading station 5 going back to the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7 to pick up thebottles 2 needed to form/compose the second layer of horizontal-arrangedbottles 2 inside thebox 3. - Preferably, after having left the
loading station 5 to pick up a new row ofbottles 2 from the bottles arranging and compactingunit 7, the bottle-movinghead 9 moreover turns the entire assembly of grippingmembers 10 by 180° about the vertical axis V, so that the spatial arrangement of the second layer ofbottles 2 is symmetric with respect to that of the layer ofbottles 2 newly deposited in thebox 3. - More or less simultaneously, the gripping
head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 places itself above the septum-holdingstorage 23, and then lowers down onto the top of thestack 14 of dividingelements 13 in flattened configuration which is contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23, so as to arrange thegripping members 32 in abutment on the transversal partitioning walls orpanels 13b of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration which is located on top of thestack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23. - Subsequently, the gripping
head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 activates the grippingmembers 32 so as to withhold the transversal partitioning walls orpanels 13b of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13, and then raises from the top of thestack 14 of dividingelements 13 in flattened configuration which is contained in the septum-holdingstorage 23, taking with it the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened position . - After having picked up a dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the septum-holdingstorage 23, the grippinghead 24 turns the grippingmembers 32 by 90° about an equal number of horizontal reference axes B, each of which is locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a and thetransversal partitioning walls 13b on which the grippingmember 32 rests, so as to force the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 to arrange itself in the deployed configuration (seefigures 7 ,10 and11 ), in which it forms a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arrangedbottle 2. - More in detail, the gripping
head 24 turns the grippingmembers 32 by 90° about an equal number of horizontal reference axis B, so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a in substantially horizontal position and thetransversal partitioning walls 13b in substantially vertical position, parallel and distanced from one another. - When the bottle-moving
head 9 leaves theloading station 5 after having deposited the first row of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 in thebox 3, the grippinghead 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 places itself above theloading station 5, and moves down into thebox 3 stationary in theloading station 5, so as to deposit the dividingelement 13 in a deployed configuration on the layer ofbottles 2 in thebox 3, with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a resting on the lateral side of all thebottles 2 forming the layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 in thebox 3, and with the varioustransversal partitioning walls 13b interposed between thebottles 2 of the same layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - More in detail, the gripping
head 24 moves down along the vertical from theloading station 5, so as to insert each of the vertically-arrangedtransversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividingelement 13 in a deployed configuration between two immediatelyadjacent bottles 2 of the layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 present insidebox 3, to rest the horizontally-arrangedlongitudinal partitioning wall 13a of the dividing element in a deployedconfiguration 13 on the lateral side of all thebottles 2 which compose the same layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - Once the gripping
head 24 moves away from theloading station 5 after having deposited the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13, the bottle-movinghead 9 moves/lowers again in theloading station 5 to rest/deposit the new compact row ofbottles 2 interposed in horizontal position into thebox 3, above the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration, inserting each horizontally-orientedbottle 2 in a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13. - The
transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 are indeed maintained in vertical position by the horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 forming the first layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2, i.e. the lower layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - After having deposited the second layer of horizontally-arranged
bottles 2, thepackaging container conveyor 6 removes thebox 3 filled withbottles 2 from theloading station 5, and positions anempty box 3 in theloading station 5. - In other words, the method for cartoning bottles in horizontal position basically envisages the steps of:
- depositing a first layer of horizontally-arranged
bottles 2 in the box-like container 3 stationary in theloading station 5; - positioning, into the same box-
like container 3 stationary in theloading station 5, a dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration above said first layer ofbottles 2, inserting the varioustransversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 between the horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 forming the first layer ofbottles 2, and placing thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in abutment on the lateral side of all thebottles 2 forming the first layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2; and finally - depositing, inside the same box-
like container 3 stationary in theloading station 5, a second layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2 above the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration, inserting each horizontally-arrangedbottle 2 of the second layer ofbottles 2 within a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsiblealveolar structure 13. - Preferably, the step of depositing the first layer of
bottles 2 in the box-like container 3, is furthermore proceeded by the steps of: - picking up, from a bottles arranging and compacting
unit 7, a predetermined number ofbottles 2 arranged in a vertical position and aligned one after the other; and then - overturning the
individual bottles 2 by about 90° around a horizontal rotation axis B locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row ofbottles 2, so as to form a row of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2. - Preferably, the step of overturning the
bottles 2 in turn comprises the step of turning theindividual bottles 2 about respective horizontal reference axis B while changing alternatively the sense of rotation of thebottles 2, so that, at the end of the overturning, the neck of eachbottle 2 is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediatelyadjacent bottles 3. - Preferably, the step of positioning a dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 in deployed position above the first layer of horizontally-arrangedbottles 2, comprises the steps of: - picking a dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the top of astack 14 of dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration; and - opening the dividing element with collapsible
alveolar structure 13, so as to arrange it in the deployed configuration in which thetransversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividingelement 13 form, with thelongitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arrangedbottle 2. - The advantages correlated with the use of the method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles described above and of the
bottle cartoning machine 1 implementing such method are considerable. - Firstly, the dividing elements with collapsible
alveolar structure 13 are much cheaper than rigid preformed trays, thus allowing to drastically reduce bottle packaging costs. Furthermore, the dividing elements with collapsiblealveolar structure 13 could be easily used also for cartoning bottles in vertical position, with all the advantages that this implies. - Lastly, but not less important, the partitioning-
septum positioner 12 with modular structure may be arranged beside theloading station 5 only when thebottle cartoning machine 1 must carton horizontally-arranged bottles, to the benefit of production flexibility of the machine. - The bottle-moving
head 9 may indeed be fixed onto the supportingstructure 4 in easily removable manner, so as to allow the machine user to replace the bottle-movinghead 9 with a new bottle-moving head specifically structured to grip thebottles 2 in vertical position at the neck and then rest thebottles 2 in thebox 3 again in vertical position. - In this manner, the bottle cartoning machine may be rapidly tooled to carton bottles in both horizontal position and in vertical position.
- It is finally apparent that changes and variants can be made to the
cartoning machine 1 described and illustrated herein without however departing from the scope of the present invention. - For example, the partitioning-
septum positioner 12 may be stably incorporated in thecartoning machine 1. In this case, the septum-holdingstorage 23 is fixed directly onto the supportingstructure 4, and the supportingcarriage 26 that supports the supportingarm 25 is fixed directly onto the supportingmachine 4 with the possibility of moving freely in vertical direction.
Claims (14)
- Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles (2) characterized in that it comprises the steps of- depositing a first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2) inside a box-like container (3) being stationary in a loading station (5);- positioning, inside the same box-like container (3), a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration above said first layer of bottles (2), by inserting the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) between the horizontally-arranged bottles (2) forming the first layer of bottles (2), and placing the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) resting on the lateral side of all the bottles (2) forming the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2);- depositing, inside the same box-like container (3), a second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2) above the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13), by inserting each horizontally-arranged bottle (2) of the second layer of bottles (2) within a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13).
- Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of depositing the first layer of bottles (2) inside the box-like container (3) is preceded by the step of:- withdrawing from a bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) a predetermined number of bottles (2) arranged in a vertical position and aligned one after the other; and then- overturning the individual bottles (2) by about 90° around a horizontal rotation axis (B) locally substantially parallel to the reference axis (L) of the row of bottles (2), so as to form a row of horizontally-arranged bottles (2).
- Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of overturning the bottles (2) envisages to rotate the individual bottles (2) about respective horizontal reference axes (B) by alternatingly changing the rotation direction of the bottles (2), so that, at the end of the overturning, the neck of each bottle (2) is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles (3) .
- Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of positioning a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration above the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2), comprises the steps of:- picking up a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration from the top of a stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration; and- opening the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) so as to place it in the deployed configuration wherein the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element (13) form, with the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a), a series of cells each of which is dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle (2).
- Cartoning machine (1) for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles (2) adapted to receive a succession of loose bottles (2) arranged in upright position, and provide a sequence of packaging box-like containers (3) each of which has inside a given number of horizontally-arranged bottles (2); the cartoning machine (1) comprising:- a loading station (5) in which the bottles (2) are laid horizontally-arranged inside the box-like container (3) which is stationary at the loading station (5);- a packaging container conveyor (6) which is adapted to step-advance a succession of box-like containers (3) with the opening facing the top, through the loading station (5);- a bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) which is located next to the loading station (5), and is adapted to receive and compact the loose bottles (2) entering the machine (1), so as to form a row of bottles (2) arranged in an upright position; and- a bottle-moving head (9) which is movable in the space above the loading station (5) and the bottle arranging and compacting unit (7), and is structured so as to be able to pick up from the bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) a predetermined number of bottles (2) aligned side by side, and then deposit said bottles (2) horizontally arranged inside the box-like container (3) being stationary at the loading station (5);the cartoning machine (1) being characterized by also comprising a partitioning-septum positioner (12) which is arranged next to the loading station (5), and is structured so as to deposit, inside the box-like container (3) being stationary at the loading station (5), a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13).
- Cartoning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the partitioning-septum positioner (12) comprises a septum-holding storage (23) which is structured so as to contain/accommodate at least one stack (14) of dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration; and a gripping head (24) which is movable in the space above the septum-holding storage (23) and the adjacent loading station (5), and is structured so as to be able to, in sequence,- pick up from the top of the stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration;- cause the opening of the dividing element (13), so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration wherein the transversal partitioning wall (13b) of the dividing element (13) form, with the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a), a series of cells each of which is dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle (2), and finally- release the dividing element (13) in a deployed configuration.
- Cartoning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the gripping head (24) is movable above the septum-holding storage (23) and the loading station (5), between a withdrawing position in which the gripping head (24) is located above the septum-holding storage (23), aligned with the top of stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration; and a release position wherein the gripping head (24) is located above the loading station (5), aligned with the opening of the box-like container (3) stationary in the loading station (5).
- Cartoning machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the gripping head (24) is movable in the space with a rectilinear reciprocating motion, along a horizontal rectilinear path that has a first end vertically aligned with the septum-holding storage (23), and a second end vertically aligned with the loading station (5).
- Cartoning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the gripping head (24) is fixed on the distal end of an articulated supporting arm (25) with pantographic movement, which lies on a substantially horizontal reference plane, and has the proximal end fixed on a support carriage (26) which, in turn, is vertically movable under control of a motor assembly (27).
- Cartoning machine according to claim 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the gripping head (24) comprises a supporting structure (30), and a series of gripping members (32) which projects downwards from the supporting structure (30), so as to be able to rest each on a respective transversal partitioning wall (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) placed on top of the stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) contained in the septum-holding storage (23), and are structured so to firmly grasp and hold, on command, the same transversal partitioning wall (13b); each gripping member (32) of the gripping head (24) being structured so as to rotate by approximately 90° with respect to said supporting structure (30), about a reference axis (B) locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) and the transversal partitioning wall (13b) against which it rests.
- Cartoning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that each gripping element (32) comprises two suction cups (33) which are fixed in rigid manner and in a radial position, on the two axial ends of a supporting shaft (34) which is substantially horizontal and locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) and the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13), and a rotary actuator (35) which is able to rotate, on command, said supporting shaft (34) by approximately 90° clockwise or anticlockwise, so as to swivel the two suction cups (33) by approximately 90° around the rotation axis (B) of said supporting shaft (34) .
- Cartoning machine according to any claim 5 to 11, characterized by comprising a ground-resting main supporting frame (4), which supports the loading station (5), the packaging container conveyor (6), the bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) and the bottle-moving head (9); and in that the partitioning-septum positioner (12) has a modular structure separate and independent from the rest of the components of the cartoning machine (1), and is structured so as to be positioned close to the supporting frame (4) of the cartoning machine (1), beside the loading station (5), so as to be able to interact with the rest of the components of the cartoning machine (1).
- Cartoning machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the partitioning-septum positioner (12) comprises an auxiliary supporting frame (21) which is separate and independent from the main supporting frame (4) of the cartoning machine (1), directly supports the septum-holding storage (23) and the gripping head (24) of the partitioning-septum positioner (12), and is structured so as to be approachable to the main supporting frame (4) of the cartoning machine (1), next to the loading station (5).
- Cartoning machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the auxiliary supporting frame (21) is provided on the bottom with ground-resting wheels (22).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000134A ITTV20120134A1 (en) | 2012-07-18 | 2012-07-18 | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING BOTTLES IN A CORICATED POSITION |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2687448A1 EP2687448A1 (en) | 2014-01-22 |
EP2687448B1 true EP2687448B1 (en) | 2015-04-29 |
Family
ID=46845935
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20130177130 Active EP2687448B1 (en) | 2012-07-18 | 2013-07-18 | Method and machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2687448B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2542038T3 (en) |
IT (1) | ITTV20120134A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITUB20155339A1 (en) * | 2015-11-02 | 2017-05-02 | Ape Impianti Srl | PAPER-SANDING MACHINE WITH CLAMPING DEVICE. |
CN106927074B (en) * | 2017-03-27 | 2019-02-01 | 靖江市开发区康隆纸管机械厂 | A kind of intelligence paper tube recrater |
CN108438301B (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2020-09-11 | 东莞市正太合盈化工设备有限公司 | Soft package mouth and paperboard placing integrated machine |
CN113753295A (en) * | 2021-09-26 | 2021-12-07 | 芜湖东旭光电装备技术有限公司 | Glass panel packaging equipment |
CN113928664B (en) * | 2021-10-28 | 2022-11-11 | 上海第二工业大学 | Interior machine of detaining and interior machine production line of detaining |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1231613B (en) * | 1963-07-13 | 1966-12-29 | Schickedanz Ver Papierwerk | Process for the automatic packaging of bottles |
FR2172468A5 (en) * | 1972-02-14 | 1973-09-28 | Pont A Mousson | |
DE2234583A1 (en) * | 1972-07-14 | 1974-01-31 | Haensel Otto Gmbh | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A MULTIPACK FOR BOTTLES OR THE LIKE |
FR2217248B1 (en) * | 1973-02-09 | 1977-08-19 | Faiveley Sa | |
IT1236204B (en) * | 1989-11-08 | 1993-01-19 | AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT WITH SINGLE SOCKET DEVICE FOR DIVIDING OR "HONEYCOMB" STRUCTURES TO BE PULLED OUT AND SUCCESSFULLY CONTAINERS OR "CARTONS" FOR BOTTLES AND SIMILAR. | |
ITTO20020157A1 (en) | 2002-02-25 | 2003-08-25 | Oma Srl | DEPALLETISING MACHINE. |
DE10353103B4 (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2007-05-03 | Krones Ag | Containers for containers, method for creating a folded compartment and a device therefor |
-
2012
- 2012-07-18 IT IT000134A patent/ITTV20120134A1/en unknown
-
2013
- 2013-07-18 ES ES13177130.5T patent/ES2542038T3/en active Active
- 2013-07-18 EP EP20130177130 patent/EP2687448B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2687448A1 (en) | 2014-01-22 |
ITTV20120134A1 (en) | 2014-01-19 |
ES2542038T3 (en) | 2015-07-29 |
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