U.S. patent application number 11/386035 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-12 for method and unit for transferring a product on an intermittent packing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to G. D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI. Invention is credited to Andrea Biondi.
Application Number | 20070079576 11/386035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37603324 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070079576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Biondi; Andrea |
April 12, 2007 |
Method and unit for transferring a product on an intermittent
packing machine
Abstract
On a packing machine, pockets on a conveyor are fed in steps
through a transfer station; and at least one product is transferred
to/from a pocket on the conveyor when the pocket is arrested at the
transfer station during a pause between two successive steps;
before the product is transferred, the pocket is moved with respect
to the conveyor to set the pocket to a given transfer position at
the transfer station.
Inventors: |
Biondi; Andrea; (Bologna,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
26 WEST 61ST STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10023
US
|
Assignee: |
G. D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
|
Family ID: |
37603324 |
Appl. No.: |
11/386035 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/466 ;
53/234 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 65/006 20130101;
B65B 19/223 20130101; B65B 61/002 20130101; B65B 19/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/466 ;
053/234 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/28 20060101
B65B011/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 6, 2005 |
IT |
BO2005A000596 |
Claims
1) A method of transferring a product on an intermittent packing
machine; the method comprising the stages of: feeding first pockets
(12, 22, 28, 42) of a first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) of the
intermittent packing machine (1) in steps through a transfer
station (51, 55, 57, 59); and transferring at least one product (3)
to/from a first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) of the first conveyor (13,
19, 25, 39) when the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) is arrested at
the transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59) during a pause between two
successive steps; the method being characterized by comprising the
further stage, before the product (3) is transferred, of moving the
first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) with respect to the first conveyor
(13, 19, 25, 39), so that the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) is set
to a given transfer position at the transfer station (51, 55, 57,
59).
2) A method as claimed in claim 1, and comprising the further
stages of feeding a sheet (5, 6, 7) of packing material to the
first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) at a feed station (9b, 9d, 9f); and
folding the sheet (5, 6, 7) of packing material about the product
(3) carried by the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) at least one
packing station.
3) A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first pocket (12,
22, 28, 42) is moved with respect to the first conveyor (13, 19,
25, 39) into a transfer position at the transfer station (51, 55,
57, 59), and into a folding position, differing from the transfer
position, at the packing station.
4) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in the folding
position, the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) is positioned
tangentially with respect to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39),
and, in the transfer position, the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) is
at least partly extracted with respect to the first conveyor (13,
19, 25, 39).
5) A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sheet (5, 6, 7) of
packing material is folded about the product (3) by a fixed folding
member located, in a fixed position, close to the first conveyor
(13, 19, 25, 39).
6) A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the first conveyor (13,
19, 25, 39) comprises a rotary body (14, 20, 26, 40) rotating in
steps about a central first axis (15, 21, 27, 41) and supporting
the first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42); at least two products (3) are
transferred simultaneously from/to two first pockets (12, 22, 28,
42) of the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39); at the transfer station
(51, 55, 57, 59), the two first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) are
arranged flat and are aligned with each other in a straight line;
at the packing station (9c, 9e, 9g), the two first pockets (12, 22,
28, 42) are arranged in an arc and are aligned with each other
along an arc of a circle coaxial with the central first axis (15,
21, 27, 41); and each sheet (5, 6, 7) of packing material is folded
about the product (3) by a fixed folding member located, in a fixed
position, close to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39).
7) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two products
(3) are transferred simultaneously from/to two, respectively
central and lateral, first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) of the first
conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39).
8) A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein only the lateral first
pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) is moved with respect to the first conveyor
(13, 19, 25, 39) to set the lateral first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42)
to a given transfer position at the transfer station (51, 55, 57,
59).
9) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein three products (3) are
transferred simultaneously from/to three, respectively one central
and two lateral, first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) of the first
conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39).
10) A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein only the lateral first
pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) are moved with respect to the first
conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) to set each lateral first pocket (12, 22,
28, 42) to a given transfer position at the transfer station (51,
55, 57, 59).
11) A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lateral first
pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) perform two equal, opposite rotations with
respect to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) as they approach the
transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59).
12) A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first pockets (12,
22, 28, 42) assume a U-shaped arrangement at the transfer station
(51, 55, 57, 59).
13) A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, at the transfer
station (51, 55, 57, 59), the first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) are
positioned flat and are aligned with one another in a straight
line.
14) A method as claimed in claim 1, and comprising the further
stages of: feeding second pockets (22, 28, 42) of a second conveyor
(19, 25, 39) of the intermittent packing machine (1) in steps
through the transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59); and transferring the
product (3) between the first pocket (12, 22, 28) of the first
conveyor (13, 19, 25) and the second pocket (22, 28, 42) of the
second conveyor (19, 25, 39) when both the pockets are arrested at
the transfer station (51, 55, 57) during a pause between two
successive steps.
15) A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein both the first pocket
(12, 22, 28) and the second pocket (22, 28, 42) are moved with
respect to the corresponding conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39) so as to be
positioned facing and aligned with each other.
16) A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second pocket (22,
28, 42) is maintained stationary with respect to the second
conveyor (19, 25, 39), and only the first pocket (12, 22, 28) is
moved with respect to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25) to position
the first pocket (12, 22, 28) facing and aligned with the second
pocket (22, 28, 42).
17) A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least two products
(3) are transferred simultaneously from two, respectively central
and lateral, first pockets (12, 22, 28) of the first conveyor (13,
19, 25) to two, respectively central and lateral, second pockets
(22, 28, 42) of the second conveyor (19, 25, 39).
18) A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the central first
pocket (12, 22, 28) and the central second pocket (22, 28, 42) are
positioned facing and aligned with each other at the transfer
station (51, 55, 57) without performing any movement with respect
to the respective conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39); and the lateral first
pocket (12, 22, 28) and lateral second pocket (22, 28, 42) are
positioned facing and aligned with each other at the transfer
station (51, 55, 57) by moving the lateral pockets (12, 22, 28, 42)
with respect to the respective conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39).
19) A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein three products (3) are
transferred simultaneously from three, respectively one central and
two lateral, first pockets (12, 22, 28) of the first conveyor (13,
19, 25) to three, respectively one central and two lateral, second
pockets (22, 28, 42) of the second conveyor (19, 25, 39).
20) A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the central first
pocket (12, 22, 28) and the central second pocket (22, 28, 42) are
positioned facing and aligned with each other at the transfer
station (51, 55, 57) without performing any movement with respect
to the respective conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39); and the lateral first
pockets (12, 22, 28) and lateral second pockets (22, 28, 42) are
positioned facing and aligned with each other at the transfer
station (51, 55, 57) by moving the lateral pockets (12, 22, 28, 42)
with respect to the respective conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39).
21) A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lateral first
pockets (12, 22, 28) perform two equal, opposite rotations with
respect to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25) as they approach the
transfer station (51, 55, 57).
22) A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lateral second
pockets (22, 28, 42) perform two equal, opposite rotations with
respect to the second conveyor (19, 25, 39) as they approach the
transfer station (51, 55, 57).
23) A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lateral first
pockets (12, 22, 28) perform two equal, opposite rotations with
respect to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25) as they approach the
transfer station (51, 55, 57); and the lateral second pockets (22,
28, 42) perform two equal, opposite rotations with respect to the
second conveyor (19, 25, 39) as they approach the transfer station
(51, 55, 57, 59).
24) A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first pockets (12,
22, 28) and the second pockets (22, 28, 42) assume a U-shaped
arrangement at the transfer station (51, 55, 57).
25) A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein, at the transfer
station (51, 55, 57), the first pockets (12, 22, 28) and the second
pockets (22, 28, 42) are positioned flat and are aligned with one
another in a straight line.
26) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first conveyor (13,
19, 25, 39) comprises a rotary body (14, 20, 26, 40) rotating in
steps about a central first axis (15, 21, 27, 41) and supporting
the first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42).
27) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pockets (12,
22, 28, 42) of the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) are divided into
a first number (N1) of groups, each comprising a same second number
(N2), greater than one, of first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42); and a
second number (N2) of products (3) is transferred simultaneously,
at the transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59), from/to the first pockets
(12, 22, 28, 42) of a same group of first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42)
of the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39).
28) A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first conveyor
(13, 19, 25, 39) is rotary, and comprises a member (14, 20, 26, 40)
which rotates about a respective central axis (15, 21, 27, 41) to
feed its pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) along a circular path.
29) A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first conveyor
(13, 19, 25, 39) comprises a first number (N1) of groups of pockets
(12, 22, 28, 42), rotates in steps about its central axis (15, 21,
27, 41), and, for each step, rotates by an angle equal to a full
turn divided by the first number (N1).
30) A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first pockets (12)
of a same group of first pockets (12) of the first conveyor (13)
receive a second number (N2) of products (3) simultaneously from a
feed unit (11).
31) A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first pockets (42)
of a same group of first pockets (42) of the first conveyor (39)
release a second number (N2) of products (3) simultaneously to an
output unit (44).
32) A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first pockets (12,
22, 28, 42) of a same group of first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42)
receive respective sheets (5, 6, 7) of packing material at a feed
station (9b, 9d, 9f) adjacent to the first conveyor (19, 25, 39)
and having a feed device (17, 23, 30).
33) A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the feed device (17,
23, 30) feeds a single sheet (5, 6, 7) of packing material to a
single first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) as the first pocket (12, 22,
28, 42) travels past the feed device (17, 23, 30).
34) A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the first pockets (12,
22, 28, 42) of a same group of first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) are
arrested at a transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59) where they
receive/release the products (3), and travel at substantially
constant speed, without stopping, through a feed station (9b, 9d,
9f) where they receive the sheets (5, 6, 7) of packing
material.
35) A unit for transferring a product on an intermittent packing
machine comprising a first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) having a
number of first pockets (12, 22, 28, 42); and a transfer device
(54, 56, 58, 60) for transferring at least one product (3) to/from
a first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) of the first conveyor (13, 19, 25,
39) when the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) is arrested at a
transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59) during a pause between two
successive conveying steps; the unit being characterized by
comprising an actuating device which, prior to transfer of the
product (3), moves the first pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) with respect
to the first conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) to set the first pocket (12,
22, 28, 42) to a given transfer position at the transfer station
(51, 55, 57, 59).
36) An intermittent packing machine for packing a product (3) in at
least one sheet (5, 6, 7) of packing material; the packing machine
(1) comprising: a number of conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39), each having
a number of pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) arranged along an endless path
and for receiving and conveying at least one respective product
(3); and a number of transfer devices (54, 56, 58, 60), each for
transferring at least one product (3) to/from a pocket (12, 22, 28,
42) of a respective conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) when the pocket (12,
22, 28, 42) is arrested at a transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59)
during a pause between two successive conveying steps; the packing
machine (1) being characterized in that, on each conveyor (13, 19,
25, 39), the pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) are divided into a first
number (N1) of groups, each comprising a same second number (N2),
greater than one, of pockets (12, 22, 28, 42); each transfer device
(54, 56, 58, 60) simultaneously transfers a second number (N2) of
products (3) to/from the pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) of a same group
of pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) of a respective conveyor (13, 19, 25,
39); and each group of pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) of at least one
conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) comprises an actuating device which,
prior to transfer of the product (3), moves at least one of the
pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) with respect to the conveyor (13, 19, 25,
39) to set the pocket (12, 22, 28, 42) to a given transfer position
at the transfer station (51, 55, 57, 59).
37) A packing machine as claimed in claim 36, wherein at least one
conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) is rotary, and comprises a member (14,
20, 26, 40) which rotates about a respective central axis (15, 21,
27, 41) to feed its pockets (12, 22, 28, 42) along a circular
path.
38) A packing machine as claimed in claim 37, wherein the rotary
conveyor (13, 19, 25, 39) comprises a first number (N1) of groups
of pockets (12, 22, 28, 42), rotates in steps about its central
axis (15, 21, 27, 41), and for each step, rotates by an angle equal
to a full turn divided by the first number (N1).
39) A packing machine as claimed in claim 38, wherein the rotary
conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39) all comprise a same first number (N1) of
groups of pockets (12, 22, 28, 42), which is common to all the
rotary conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39); and, for each step, the rotary
conveyors (13, 19, 25, 39) all rotate by a same angle equal to a
full turn divided by the first number (N1).
40) A packing machine as claimed in claim 36, and comprising a feed
unit (11) for simultaneously transferring a first number (N1) of
products (3) to the pockets (12) of a same group of pockets (12) of
a start conveyor (13).
41) A packing machine as claimed in claim 40, wherein the feed unit
(11) comprises a second number (N2) of outlets, each of which
transfers a product (3) to a respective pocket (12) of the start
conveyor (13).
42) A packing machine as claimed in claim 36, and comprising an
output unit (44), which simultaneously receives a second number
(N2) of products (3) from the pockets (42) of a same group of
pockets (42) of an end conveyor (39).
43) A packing machine as claimed in claim 42, wherein the output
unit (44) comprises a second number (N2) of output paths, which are
parallel to one another, and each of which receives a product (3)
from a respective pocket (42) of the end conveyor (39).
44) A packing machine as claimed in claim 36, for packing a group
(3) of cigarettes in an inner sheet (5) of packing material, and in
an outer sheet (6) of packing material; the packing machine
comprising: a hopper (11) having a second number (N2) of outlets; a
drum-type first forming conveyor (13) comprising a first number
(N1) of groups of first pockets (12), each comprising a second
number (N2) of first pockets (12); a first transfer device (50) for
simultaneously transferring a second number (N2) of groups of
cigarettes to the first pockets (12) of a same group of first
pockets (12) of the first forming conveyor (12); a drum-type second
packing conveyor (19) comprising a first number (N1) of groups of
second pockets (22), each comprising a second number (N2) of second
pockets (22); a second transfer device (54) for simultaneously
transferring a second number (N2) of groups of cigarettes from the
first pockets (12) of a same group of first pockets (12) of the
first forming conveyor (13) to the second pockets (22) of a same
group of second pockets (22) of the second packing conveyor (19); a
drum-type third packing conveyor (25) comprising a first number
(N1) of groups of third pockets (28), each comprising a second
number (N2) of third pockets (28); a third transfer device (56) for
simultaneously transferring a second number (N2) of groups of
cigarettes from the second pockets (22) of a same group of second
pockets (22) of the second packing conveyor (19) to the third
pockets (28) of a same group of third pockets (28) of the third
packing conveyor (25); a drum-type fourth packing conveyor (39)
comprising a first number (N1) of groups of fourth pockets (42),
each comprising a second number (N2) of fourth pockets (42); a
fourth transfer device (58) for simultaneously transferring a
second number (N2) of groups of cigarettes from the third pockets
(28) of a same group of third pockets (28) of the third packing
conveyor (25) to the fourth pockets (42) of a same group of fourth
pockets (42) of the fourth packing conveyor (39); a drying unit
(44) having a second number (N2) of output paths; and a fifth
transfer device (60) for simultaneously transferring a second
number (N2) of groups of cigarettes from the fourth pockets (42) of
a same group of fourth pockets (42) of the fourth packing conveyor
(39) to the output paths of the drying unit (44).
45) A packing machine as claimed in claim 44, wherein the drying
unit (44) comprises a second number (N2) of conveyor belts (45),
which are straight, are parallel to one another, and define the
output paths.
46) A packing machine as claimed in claim 44, and comprising a
first feed device (17) located along the periphery of the second
packing conveyor (19) to feed a first sheet (5) of packing material
to each second pocket (22) of the second packing conveyor (19).
47) A packing machine as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first
feed device (17) feeds a single first sheet (5) of packing material
to a single second pocket (22) of the second packing conveyor (19)
as the second pocket (22) travels past the first feed device
(17).
48) A packing machine as claimed in claim 44, and comprising a
second feed device (30) located along the periphery of the fourth
packing conveyor (39) to feed a second sheet (6) of packing
material to each fourth pocket (42) of the fourth packing conveyor
(39).
49) A packing machine as claimed in claim 48, wherein the second
feed device (30) feeds a single second sheet (6) of packing
material to a single fourth pocket (42) of the fourth packing
conveyor (39) as the fourth pocket (42) travels past the second
feed device (30).
50) A method of packing a product (3) in a sheet (6) of packing
material, and comprising the stages of: rotating a packing conveyor
(39) in steps about a first axis of rotation (41) to feed at least
one group of packing pockets (42) along a packing path; feeding a
sheet (6) of packing material and a product (3) into each packing
pocket (42) of the group of packing pockets (42) at least a first
transfer station (57), when the packing pocket (42) is arrested at
the first transfer station (57) during a pause between two
successive steps; folding each sheet (6) of packing material about
the respective product (3) at least one packing station; and
transferring a product (3), together with the respective sheet (6)
of packing material, from each packing pocket (42) of the group of
packing pockets (42) at a second transfer station (59), when the
packing pocket (42) is arrested at the second transfer station (59)
during a pause between two successive steps; the method being
characterized by comprising the further stages of: moving the
packing pockets (42) of the group of packing pockets (42) with
respect to the packing conveyor (39) so that, at the transfer
stations (57, 59), the group of packing pockets (42) is set to a
transfer position in which the packing pockets (42) are aligned
with one another in a straight line; moving the packing pockets
(42) of the group of packing pockets (42) with respect to the
packing conveyor (39) so that, at the packing station, the group of
packing pockets (42) is set to a folding position in which the
packing pockets (42) are aligned with one another along an arc of a
circle coaxial with the first axis of rotation (41) of the packing
conveyor (39); and folding each sheet (6) of packing material about
the respective product (3) at the packing station (9g) by means of
a fixed folding member located, in a fixed position, close to the
packing conveyor (39).
51) A method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the packing pockets
(42) of the group of packing pockets (42) are moved with respect to
the packing conveyor (39) by rotating about respective second axes
of rotation (43) parallel to the first axis of rotation (41).
52) A method as claimed in claim 50, wherein each sheet (6) of
packing material is fed to the respective packing pocket (42)
before the product (3) is fed to the same packing pocket (42).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and unit for
transferring a product on an intermittent packing machine.
[0002] The present invention may be used to advantage in an
intermittent automatic cigarette packing machine, to which the
following description refers purely by way of example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cigarette packing machines are traditionally "intermittent"
machines, i.e. the packing conveyors are operated intermittently
(or "in steps"), in which a pause, during which the packing
conveyor pockets are stationary, alternates cyclically with a
conveying step, during which the packing conveyor pockets advance a
given distance. On an "intermittent" packing machine, groups of
cigarettes are transferred between two successive packing conveyors
during the pause.
[0004] An intermittent cigarette packing machine normally comprises
a number of packing wheels with peripheral pockets for receiving
and conveying groups of cigarettes. The groups of cigarettes for
packing are fed gradually through the packing machine, and are
transferred from one packing wheel to the next at a transfer
station defined at the point of tangency between the two wheels. At
each transfer station, two pockets of the two packing wheels are
aligned (transversely or longitudinally) and positioned facing each
other during the pause between one conveying step and the next, to
allow a push member to transfer a group of cigarettes from the
releasing pocket to the receiving pocket.
[0005] In all known intermittent packing machines, the pockets of
each packing wheel are connected rigidly to, and so perform no
movement with respect to, the packing wheel. The packing wheels are
obviously so designed and located that a releasing pocket is always
aligned facing the corresponding receiving pocket at the transfer
stations, to allow transfer of a group of cigarettes from one
pocket to the other.
[0006] Though cheap and easy to produce, packing wheels of the
above type are extremely rigid in terms of positioning, and also
have the drawback of entailing considerable design complications to
transfer more than one group of cigarettes at a time between two
adjacent packing wheels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
and unit for transferring a product on an intermittent packing
machine, and which are designed to eliminate the aforementioned
drawbacks and, in particular, are cheap and easy to implement.
[0008] According to the present invention, there are provided a
method and unit for transferring a product on an intermittent
packing machine, as claimed in the attached Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be
described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an intermittent
cigarette packing machine in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the intermittent
packing machine in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Number 1 in FIG. 1 indicates as a whole a packing machine
for producing rigid, hinged-lid packets 2 of cigarettes. Each
packet 2 of cigarettes comprises a group 3 of cigarettes normally
containing twenty cigarettes 4; an inner sheet 5 of foil packing
material enclosing group 3 of cigarettes; and a blank 6, which is
folded about group 3 of cigarettes, enclosed in inner sheet 5 of
packing material, to form a rigid, hinged-lid outer container. A
U-folded collar 7 is inserted inside an open top end of the
container to engage an inner surface of the lid when the lid is in
a closed position.
[0013] Packing machine 1 comprises a frame 8 (shown schematically
in FIG. 1), which supports a number of work stations 9 located
along a production line 10 and each comprising a respective number
of operating devices. More specifically, packing machine 1
comprises eight work stations 9: a forming station 9a for forming
groups 3 of cigarettes 4; a feed station 9b for supplying inner
sheets 5 of packing material; a folding station 9c for folding
inner sheets 5 of packing material about groups 3 of cigarettes 4;
a feed station 9d for supplying collars 7; a folding station 9e for
folding collars 7 about groups 3 of cigarettes 4 and over the
folded inner sheets 5 of packing material; a feed station 9f for
supplying blanks 6; a folding station 9g for folding blanks 6 about
groups 3 of cigarettes 4 and over the folded inner sheets 5 of
packing material; and a drying station 9h for drying packets 2.
[0014] The main operating devices of each work station 9 will be
described as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In actual fact, each work
station 9 comprises additional operating devices which the
schematic nature of the accompanying drawings does not allow to be
shown in detail.
[0015] Forming station 9a for forming groups 3 of cigarettes 4
comprises a hopper 11 having three outlets for simultaneously
feeding three groups 3 of cigarettes 4 to three pockets 12 of a
forming conveyor 13. Forming conveyor 13 comprises an octagonal
(polygonal) drum 14 which rotates intermittently (or "in steps")
about a horizontal axis of rotation 15 perpendicular to the FIG. 1
plane. Drum 14 supports four groups of pockets 12, each comprising
three pockets 12. In each group of pockets 12, a central pocket 12
is fixed with respect to drum 14, while the other two lateral
pockets 12 are hinged to drum 14 to rotate, with respect to drum 14
and under the control of a cam actuating system (not shown), about
respective axes 16 parallel to axis of rotation 15. As stated, drum
14 rotates intermittently (or "in steps") about axis of rotation
15, and, for each conveying step, rotates 90.degree. (i.e. by an
angle equal to a full turn divided by the number of groups of
pockets 12).
[0016] Feed station 9b comprises a feed device 17, which receives a
strip 18 of foil, unwound gradually off a reel (not shown), and
detaches from strip 18 of foil a succession of inner sheets 5 of
packing material which are fed individually (i.e. one at a time) to
folding station 9c.
[0017] Folding station 9c comprises a packing conveyor 19 having
two arms 20, each rotating intermittently (or "in steps") about an
axis of rotation 21 parallel to axis of rotation 15. Arms 20
support four groups of pockets 22, each comprising three pockets
22. Each group of pockets 22 comprises a central pocket 22 and two
lateral pockets 22 fixed with respect to the corresponding arm 20.
As stated, each arm 20 rotates intermittently (or "in steps") about
axis of rotation 21, and, for each conveying step, rotates
90.degree. (i.e. by an angle equal to a full turn divided by the
number of groups of pockets 22). It is important to note that
packing conveyor 19 has two arms 20, each of which supports two
groups of three pockets 22 each, and rotates about axis of rotation
21 intermittently and out of phase with respect to the other arm
20, so that, while the two groups of pockets 22 of one arm 20 are
stationary, the other two groups of pockets 22 of the other arm 20
may be moving. Obviously, the phase difference between the two
movements of the two arms 20 must be such as to avoid any
mechanical interference between the two arms 20.
[0018] Folding station 9c also comprises a fixed folding member,
which defines a packing station, is located, in a fixed position,
close to packing conveyor 19, and provides for folding inner sheets
5 of packing material about groups 3 of cigarettes 4. More
specifically, the fixed folding member comprises helical folding
devices.
[0019] Feed station 9d comprises a feed device 23 for successively
detaching collars 7 from a strip 24 of collars 7 unwound off a reel
(not shown), and for feeding collars 7 individually (i.e. one at a
time) to folding station 9e.
[0020] Folding station 9e comprises a packing conveyor 25 having
two arms 26, each rotating intermittently (or "in steps") about an
axis of rotation 27 parallel to axis of rotation 15. Arms 26
support four groups of pockets 28, each comprising three pockets
28. In each group of pockets 28, a central pocket 28 is fixed with
respect to arm 26, while the other two lateral pockets 28 are
hinged to arm 26 to rotate, with respect to arm 26 and under the
control of a cam actuating system (not shown), about respective
axes 29 parallel to axis of rotation 27. As stated, each arm 26
rotates intermittently (or "in steps") about axis of rotation 27,
and, for each conveying step, rotates 90.degree. (i.e. by an angle
equal to a full turn divided by the number of groups of pockets
28). It is important to note that packing conveyor 25 has two arms
26, each of which supports two groups of three pockets 28 each, and
rotates about axis of rotation 27 intermittently and out of phase
with respect to the other arm 26, so that, while the two groups of
pockets 28 of one arm 26 are stationary, the other two groups of
pockets 28 of the other arm 26 may be moving. Obviously, the phase
difference between the two movements of the two arms 26 must be
such as to avoid any mechanical interference between the two arms
26.
[0021] Folding station 9e also comprises a fixed folding member,
which defines a packing station, is located, in a fixed position,
close to packing conveyor 25, and provides for folding collars 7
about groups 3 of cigarettes 4 and over the folded inner sheets 5
of packing material. More specifically, the fixed folding member
comprises helical folding devices.
[0022] Feed station 9f comprises a feed device 30 for withdrawing
blanks 6 successively from the bottom of a hopper 31 and feeding
blanks 6 individually (i.e. one at a time) to folding station 9g.
Feed device 30 comprises a pickup drum 32 having a number of
suction seats 33 (only one shown in FIG. 1) for withdrawing blanks
6 from the bottom of hopper 31 and feeding the blanks to an
intermediate suction drum 34. Intermediate drum 34 feeds blanks 6
through a gumming station, where gum is deposited on the inner face
of each blank 6 by a gumming drum 35, and then releases the gummed
blanks 6 onto a feed drum 36. Feed drum 36 feeds blanks 6 through a
pre-folding station, where each blank 6 is folded along preformed
longitudinal fold lines by a pre-folding member 37, and then feeds
the gummed, pre-folded blanks 6 successively (i.e. one at a time)
to folding station 9g.
[0023] Feed drum 36 has a number of suction seats 38, each of which
engages a central portion of a blank 6 and is the same shape and
size as a group 3 of cigarettes. Pre-folding member 37 is a drum
with three lobes, which, as they rotate, fold the lateral portions
of each blank 6 against the respective suction seat 38.
[0024] Folding station 9g comprises a packing conveyor 39 having
two arms 40, each rotating intermittently (or "in steps") about an
axis of rotation 41 parallel to axis of rotation 15. Arms 40
support four groups of pockets 42, each comprising three pockets
42. In each group of pockets 42, a central pocket 42 is fixed with
respect to arm 40, while the other two lateral pockets 42 are
hinged to arm 40 to rotate, with respect to arm 40 and under the
control of a cam actuating system (not shown), about respective
axes 43 parallel to axis of rotation 41. As stated, each arm 40
rotates intermittently (or "in steps") about axis of rotation 41,
and, for each conveying step, rotates 90.degree. (i.e. by an angle
equal to a full turn divided by the number of groups of pockets
42).
[0025] It is important to note that packing conveyor 39 has two
arms 40, each of which supports two groups of three pockets 42
each, and rotates about axis of rotation 41 intermittently and out
of phase with respect to the other arm 40, so that, while the two
groups of pockets 42 of one arm 40 are stationary, the other two
groups of pockets 42 of the other arm 40 may be moving. Obviously,
the phase difference between the two movements of the two arms 40
must be such as to avoid any mechanical interference between the
two arms 40.
[0026] Folding station 9g also comprises a fixed folding member,
which defines a packing station, is located, in a fixed position,
close to packing conveyor 39, and provides for folding blanks 6
about groups 3 of cigarettes 4 and over the folded inner sheets 5
of packing material. More specifically, the fixed folding member
comprises helical folding devices.
[0027] Drying station 9h comprises a linear drying conveyor 44, in
turn comprising three parallel conveyor belts 45 defining three
parallel horizontal paths for packets 2 of cigarettes.
[0028] Downstream from linear drying conveyor 44, an output
conveyor 46 receives packets 2 of cigarettes from the three
conveyor belts 45, and feeds packets 2 of cigarettes along a single
output path comprising a straight vertical initial portion at the
outlets of the three conveyor belts 45, a curved intermediate
portion, and a straight downward-sloping end portion. Output
conveyor 46 comprises a box body 47, along which runs an endless
conveyor belt 48 having a number of projections (not shown) for
pushing packets 2 of cigarettes. Packets 2 of cigarettes are held
contacting conveyor belt 48 by a number of fixed rails 49 (only one
shown in FIG. 1).
[0029] Operation of packing machine 1 will now be described with
reference to the packing operations performed successively on a set
of three groups 3 of cigarettes.
[0030] At forming station 9a, drum 14 of forming conveyor 13
advances one step (defined by a 90.degree. clockwise rotation) to
position a group of three pockets 12 in front of the three outlets
of hopper 11; when the group of three pockets 12 is arrested in
front of the three outlets of hopper 11, the three pockets 12 are
aligned with one another, and each pocket 12 is positioned axially
facing and aligned with an outlet of hopper 11. At this point, a
pusher 50 (FIG. 2), having three parallel push members, transfers
the three groups 3 of cigarettes from the outlets of hopper 11 to
the three pockets 12. Pusher 50 performs a back and forth movement,
comprising a forward stroke and a return stroke, both parallel to
axis of rotation 15, while the three pockets 12 are stationary in
front of the three outlets of hopper 11.
[0031] After three successive conveying steps (each defined by a
90.degree. clockwise rotation) of drum 14 of forming conveyor 13,
the three pockets 12 supporting the three groups 3 of cigarettes
are fed to a transfer station 51 defined between forming conveyor
13 and packing conveyor 19. Between hopper 11 and transfer station
51, there are preferably provided a control station 52 (shown
schematically) for checking groups 3 of cigarettes are complete and
the tips of cigarettes 4 are filled properly; and a follow-up
reject station 53 (shown schematically) where any incomplete groups
3 of cigarettes or groups containing cigarettes 4 with poorly
filled tips are rejected. Control station 52 comprises three
control devices (not shown) for simultaneously controlling the
three groups 3 of cigarettes in the three pockets 12 during a
pause, i.e. when each pocket 12 is stationary in front of a
respective control device; and similarly, reject station 53
comprises three reject devices (not shown), which can reject any of
the three groups 3 of cigarettes in pockets 12 during a pause, i.e.
when each pocket 12 is stationary in front of a respective reject
device.
[0032] Rotating clockwise, an arm 20 of packing conveyor 19 feeds a
group of three pockets 22 into transfer station 51. When the group
of three pockets 12 is arrested at transfer station 51, the three
pockets 12 are arranged in a U to match the arrangement of the
three pockets 22, so that each pocket 12 is positioned axially
facing and aligned with a respective pocket 22. At this point, a
pusher 54 (FIG. 2), having three parallel push members (only one
shown in FIG. 2), transfers the three groups 3 of cigarettes from
pockets 12 to pockets 22. Pusher 54 performs a back and forth
movement, comprising a forward stroke and a return stroke, both
parallel to axes of rotation 15 and 21, while the three pockets 22
are stationary in front of the three pockets 12.
[0033] Before being fed into transfer station 51, the group of
three pockets 22 on packing conveyor 19 is fed through feed station
9b, where each pocket 22 receives an inner sheet 5 of packing
material, which is folded into a tube about pocket 22. Each pocket
22 is preferably in the form of a hollow spindle, on the outside of
which an inner sheet 5 of packing material is folded into a tube,
and inside which a group 3 of cigarettes is inserted. Feed device
17 only supplies one inner sheet 5 of packing material at a time,
and so supplies three sheets 5 of foil packing material
successively to the three pockets 22 of a same group of pockets 22.
Feed device 17 feeds each inner sheet 5 of packing material to
pocket 22 as pocket 22 moves past feed device 17. The movement of
each arm 20 is preferably such that a group of three pockets 22 is
never arrested in front of feed device 17, but travels at reduced,
constant speed past feed device 17. In other words, a group of
three pockets 22 is preferably never arrested in front of feed
device 17, but travels at reduced, constant speed past feed device
17, on account of feed device 17 being designed to feed each inner
sheet 5 of packing material to pocket 22 as pocket 22 is
moving.
[0034] Once the three pockets 22 have received the three groups 3
of cigarettes at transfer station 51, 180.degree. clockwise
rotation of arm 20 of packing conveyor 19 feeds the three pockets
22 supporting the three groups 3 of cigarettes to a transfer
station 55 defined between packing conveyor 19 and packing conveyor
25. Between transfer station 51 and transfer station 55, each inner
sheet 5 of packing material is folded in known manner about pocket
22.
[0035] At the same time, rotating clockwise, an arm 26 of packing
conveyor 25 feeds a group of three pockets 28 into transfer station
55. When the group of three pockets 28 is arrested at transfer
station 55, the three pockets 28 are arranged in a U to match the
arrangement of the three pockets 22, so that each pocket 28 is
positioned axially facing and aligned with a respective pocket 22.
At this point, a pusher 56 (FIG. 2), having three parallel push
members (only one shown in FIG. 2), transfers the three groups 3 of
cigarettes from pockets 22 to pockets 28. Pusher 56 performs a back
and forth movement, comprising a forward stroke and a return
stroke, both parallel to axes of rotation 21 and 27, while the
three pockets 28 are stationary in front of the three pockets
22.
[0036] Before being fed into transfer station 55, the group of
three pockets 28 on packing conveyor 25 is fed through feed station
9d, where each pocket 28 receives a collar 7, which is folded into
a U inside pocket 28. Feed device 23 only supplies one collar 7 at
a time, and so supplies three collars 7 successively to the three
pockets 28 of a same group of pockets 28. Feed device 23 feeds each
collar 7 to pocket 28 as pocket 28 moves past feed device 23. The
movement of each arm 26 of packing conveyor 25 is preferably such
that a group of three pockets 28 is never arrested in front of feed
device 23, but travels at reduced, constant speed past feed device
23. In other words, a group of three pockets 28 is preferably never
arrested in front of feed device 23, but travels at reduced,
constant speed past feed device 23, on account of feed device 23
being designed to feed each collar 7 to pocket 28 as pocket 28 is
moving.
[0037] Once the three pockets 28 have received the three groups 3
of cigarettes at transfer station 55, 180.degree. clockwise
rotation of arm 26 of packing conveyor 25 feeds the three pockets
28 supporting the three groups 3 of cigarettes to a transfer
station 57 defined between packing conveyor 25 and packing conveyor
39. When the group of three pockets 28 is arrested at transfer
station 57, the three pockets 28 are aligned with one another in a
vertical line.
[0038] At the same time, rotating anticlockwise, an arm 40 of
packing conveyor 39 feeds a group of three pockets 42 into transfer
station 57. When the group of three pockets 42 is arrested at
transfer station 57, the three pockets 42 are aligned with one
another in a vertical line to match the arrangement of the three
pockets 28, so that each pocket 42 is positioned radially facing
and aligned with a respective pocket 28. At this point, a pusher
58, having three parallel push members, transfers the three groups
3 of cigarettes from pockets 28 to pockets 42. Pusher 58 performs a
back and forth movement, comprising a forward stroke and a return
stroke, both perpendicular to axes of rotation 27 and 41, while the
three pockets 42 are stationary in front of the three pockets
28.
[0039] Before being fed into transfer station 57, the group of
three pockets 42 on packing conveyor 39 is fed through feed station
9f, where each pocket 42 receives a blank 6, which is folded into a
U inside pocket 42. Feed device 30 only supplies one blank 6 at a
time, and so supplies three blanks 6 successively to the three
pockets 42 of a same group of pockets 42. Feed device 30 feeds each
blank 6 to pocket 42 as pocket 42 moves past feed device 30. The
movement of each arm 40 of packing conveyor 39 is preferably such
that a group of three pockets 42 is never arrested in front of feed
device 30, but travels at reduced, constant speed past feed device
30. In other words, a group of three pockets 42 is preferably never
arrested in front of feed device 30, but travels at reduced,
constant speed past feed device 30, on account of feed device 30
being designed to feed each blank 6 to pocket 42 as pocket 42 is
moving.
[0040] Once the three pockets 42 have received the three groups 3
of cigarettes at transfer station 57, 180.degree. anticlockwise
rotation of arm 40 of packing conveyor 39 feeds the three pockets
42 supporting the three groups 3 of cigarettes to a transfer
station 59 defined between packing conveyor 39 and drying conveyor
44. Between transfer station 57 and transfer station 59, each blank
6 is folded in known manner about group 3 of cigarettes.
[0041] When the group of three pockets 42 is arrested at transfer
station 59, the three pockets 42 are aligned with one another in a
vertical line, so that each pocket 42 is positioned radially facing
and aligned with a respective inlet of a respective conveyor belt
45 of drying conveyor 44. At this point, a pusher 60, having three
parallel push members, transfers the three packets 2 of cigarettes
containing the three groups 3 of cigarettes from pockets 42 to
conveyor belts 45 of drying conveyor 44. Pusher 60 performs a back
and forth movement, comprising a forward stroke and a return
stroke, both perpendicular to axis of rotation 41, while the three
pockets 42 are stationary in front of the three conveyor belts 45
of drying conveyor 44.
[0042] The three conveyor belts 45 of drying conveyor 44 feed the
three packets 2 of cigarettes containing the three groups 3 of
cigarettes to output conveyor 46, which receives the three packets
2 of cigarettes containing the three groups 3 of cigarettes from
the three conveyor belts 45, and feeds packets 2 of cigarettes
along the single output path. It is important to note that the
output path of output conveyor 46 is initially vertical and
therefore perpendicular to the three horizontal paths of the three
conveyor belts 45, so that, when transferring packets 2 of
cigarettes from the three conveyor belts 45 to output conveyor 46,
packets 2 of cigarettes are all brought together along a common
output path.
[0043] As will be clear from the foregoing description, a number of
conveyors 13, 19, 25, 39 are provided, each of which has a number
of pockets 12, 22, 28, 42 arranged along an endless path and for
receiving and conveying respective groups 3 of cigarettes; and
groups 3 of cigarettes are transferred from each conveyor 13, 19,
25 to the next conveyor 19, 25, 39 at a transfer station 51, 55, 57
defined between the two conveyors 13, 19, 25, 39. The pockets 12,
22, 28, 42 of each conveyor 13, 19, 25, 39 are divided into a
number N1 of (four) groups, each of which comprises the same number
N2 of (three) pockets 12, 22, 28, 42; and, at each transfer station
51, 55, 57, a number N2 of (three) groups 3 of cigarettes are
transferred simultaneously from the pockets 12, 22, 28 in a given
group of pockets 12, 22, 28 on the releasing conveyor 13, 19, 25 to
the pockets 22, 28, 42 in a given group of pockets 22, 28, 42 on
the receiving conveyor 19, 25, 39.
[0044] In the embodiment shown, each group of pockets 12, 22, 28,
42 comprises three pockets 12, 22, 28, 42, so that, at each
transfer station 51, 55, 57, three groups 3 of cigarettes are
transferred simultaneously. In alternative embodiments not shown,
each group of pockets 12, 22, 28, 42 may comprise a different
number of pockets 12, 22, 28, 42 greater than one (e.g. two or
four).
[0045] In the embodiment shown, the conveyors 13, 19, 25, 39 are
all rotary, i.e. each comprise a drum 14, 20, 26, 40 supporting the
pockets 12, 22, 28, 42 and rotating about a respective central axis
15, 21, 27, 41 to feed the pockets 12, 22, 28, 42 along a circular
path. In a different embodiment not shown, forming conveyor 13 and
packing conveyor 39 are belt conveyors.
[0046] In the embodiment shown, conveyors 13, 19, 25, 39 all
comprise a same number N1 of (four) groups of pockets 12, 22, 28,
42, which is common to all of conveyors 13, 19, 25, 39. In a
different embodiment not shown, forming conveyor 13 and packing
conveyor 39 comprise a number N1 of eight groups of pockets 12 and
42 respectively, and packing conveyor 19 and packing conveyor 25
comprise a number N1 of four groups of pockets 22 and 28
respectively.
[0047] In the embodiment shown, pockets 28 of packing conveyor 25
and pockets 42 of packing conveyor 39 are divided into four groups
of pockets 28 and four groups of pockets 42; in each group of
pockets 28, 42, the central pocket 28, 42 is connected in a fixed
position (i.e. rigidly) to packing conveyor 25, 39, while the two
lateral pockets 28, 42 are hinged to packing conveyor 25, 39 to
rotate between an extracted position at transfer stations 55, 57,
59 and a withdrawn position at feed stations 9d, 9f. In the
extracted position, pockets 28, 42 of packing conveyor 25, 39 are
at least partly extracted with respect to packing conveyor 25, 39,
and are aligned with one another in a straight line, whereas, in
the withdrawn position, pockets 28, 42 of packing conveyor 25, 39
are positioned tangentially with respect to packing conveyor 25, 29
and therefore aligned in an arc of a circle.
[0048] In the embodiment shown, packing conveyors 19, 25, 39 have
respective pockets 22, 28, 42, each of which receives a group 3 of
cigarettes at a first transfer station 51, 55, 57, releases the
group 3 of cigarettes at a second transfer station 55, 57, 59, and
receives an inner sheet 5 of packing material, a collar 7, or a
blank 6 at a feed station 9b, 9d, 9f having a feed device 17, 23,
30. Each group 3 of cigarettes is transferred to a pocket 22, 28,
42 and is transferred from pocket 22, 28, 42 while pocket 22, 28,
42 is stationary at the first transfer station 51, 55, 57 and
second transfer station 55, 57, 59 respectively; whereas, the inner
sheet 5 of packing material, collar 7, or blank 6 is transferred to
a pocket 22, 28, 42 as pocket 22, 28, 42 travels through feed
station 9b, 9d, 9f and is moving with respect to feed device 17,
23, 30. In other words, the movements of conveyors 19, 25, 39 are
such that each pocket 22, 28, 42 is arrested at transfer stations
51, 55, 57, 59, but is not stopped at feed station 9b, 9d, 9f, and
so travels through feed station 9b, 9d, 9f at substantially
constant speed.
[0049] As will be clear from the foregoing description, packing
conveyor 39 rotates in steps about axis of rotation 41 to feed four
groups of packing pockets 42, each having three packing pockets 42,
along a packing path. A blank 6 and a group 3 of cigarettes 4 are
fed into each packing pocket 42 of a group of packing pockets 42 at
feed station 9f and transfer station 57 respectively, as packing
pocket 42 travels through feed station 9f and, respectively, is
arrested at transfer station 57 during a pause between one step and
the next. Next, each blank 6 is folded about respective group 3 of
cigarettes 4 at the packing station by the corresponding fixed
folding member located in a fixed position close to packing
conveyor 39. Finally, a group 3 of cigarettes 4, together with
respective blank 6, is transferred from each packing pocket 42 of a
group of packing pockets 42 at transfer station 59, when packing
pocket 42 is arrested at transfer station 59 during a pause between
one step and the next. Packing pockets 42 of a group of packing
pockets 42 are moved with respect to packing conveyor 39 so that,
at transfer stations 57 and 59, the group of packing pockets 42 is
set to a transfer position in which packing pockets 42 are aligned
with one another in a straight line. Moreover, packing pockets 42
of a group of packing pockets 42 are moved with respect to packing
conveyor 39 so that, at the packing station, the group of packing
pockets 42 is set to a folding position in which packing pockets 42
are aligned with one another along an arc of a circle coaxial with
axis of rotation 41 of packing conveyor 39, thus enabling each
blank 6 to be folded about respective group 3 of cigarettes by the
fixed folding member.
[0050] Packing machine 1 as described above has numerous
advantages. In particular, it provides for high output, by
performing the packing operations simultaneously on three pockets,
while at the same time allowing a relatively long time interval in
which to perform each packing operation. As such, each packing
operation can be performed extremely accurately, with no need for
complicated, untried technical solutions. Moreover, given the step
operation of the packing conveyors, packing machine 1 as described
above is cheap and easy to produce and set up. This is achieved by
means of the particular method of transferring products between two
intermittent conveyors, which provides for troublefree transfer of
a number of products at the same time.
[0051] Given the numerous advantages obtained, the above method of
transferring products between two intermittent conveyors may also
be applied to other automatic cigarette packing machines (e.g.
cellophaning and cartoning machines) or automatic machines for
packing other types of products (e.g. confectionary, beverages, and
drugs).
* * * * *