APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING PRODUCTS IN BOXES

Abstract

A packaging apparatus for packaging products in boxes, includes: a supply station, in which the products are positioned, a discharge station arranged to receive the products from the supply station and at least one first guide and a second guide which extend along respective longitudinal axes between the supply station and the discharge station, both configured to lead a single column of products along its own longitudinal axis from the supply station to the discharge station while rotating the products about the longitudinal axis through respective rotation angles different from 0? and different from each other.

Claims

1. A packaging apparatus (1) for packaging products (2) in boxes (3), comprising: a supply station (11), in which said products (2) are positioned, a discharge station (13) which is positioned downstream of said supply station (11) and which is arranged to receive said products from said supply station (11), at least one first guide (12a) which extends along a longitudinal axis thereof between said supply station (11) and said discharge station (13), said at least one first guide (12a) being configured to lead a single column (B) of the products (2) along said longitudinal axis from said supply station (11) to said discharge station (13) while rotating said products at the same time about said longitudinal axis through a first rotation angle (R) different from 0?, at least one second guide (12b) which extends along a longitudinal axis thereof between said supply station (11) and said discharge station (13), said at least one second guide (12b) being configured to lead an additional single column (B) of the products along said longitudinal axis from said supply station (11) to said discharge station (13) while rotating said products at the same time about said longitudinal axis through a second rotation angle (S) different from 0? and different from said first rotation angle (R).

2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in a region of said discharge station (13), the distance between the respective longitudinal axes of said first guide (12a) and said second guide (12b) is less than the distance between said respective longitudinal axes in a region of said supply station (11).

3. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first rotation angle (R) is between 0? and 90?.

4. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second rotation angle (S) is between 90? and 180?.

5. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first rotation angle (R) and said second rotation angle (S) are substantially supplementary relative to each other.

6. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein between said supply station (11) and said discharge station (13) a plurality of guides (12) comprising at least said first guide (12a) and said second guide (12b) extends.

7. The packaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in said plurality of guides (12), at least one sub-group (G) of guides which is repeated at least two times within said plurality of guides is identified, the at least one sub-group (G) comprising at least said first and said second guide (12a, 12b).

8. The packaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of guides (12) are formed by the successive repetition in said at least one sub-group (G) of guides.

9. The packaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said at least one subgroup (G) of guides is formed by said first guide and said second guide (12a, 12b).

10. The packaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in said supply station (11) said products are arranged with respect to each other in accordance with a first configuration and, in said discharge station (13), said products being discharged from said plurality of guides (12) are arranged with respect to each other in a second configuration which is different from said first configuration.

11. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in said first configuration the products form successive rows (A) being introduced into said guides, wherein each row (A) being introduced is formed by products (2) which are equidistant and orientated identically.

12. The packaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in said second configuration the products (2) form a row (A) in which each product (2) is inclined with respect to the products adjacent thereto.

13. The packaging apparatus according to, claim 1, wherein said discharge station (13) comprises a gripping device (16) which is provided to take said products (2) being discharged from the plurality of guides (12) and to deposit said products (2) in one of said boxes (3) while maintaining them in said second configuration.

14. The packaging apparatus according to, claim 1, wherein said supply station (11) comprises a plurality of channels (15), in which said products are moved in single columns (B) towards said guides (12a, 12b).

15. A method for packaging products (2) in boxes (3), the method comprising: arranging a plurality of said products (2) in a first configuration in a supply station (11), sliding said products (2) from said supply station (11) to a discharge station (13) along at least one first guide (12a) and at least one second guide (12b), wherein said at least one first guide (12a) is configured to lead a single column (B) of said products (2) along a longitudinal axis thereof and to rotate said products about the longitudinal axis through a first rotation angle (R) different from 0?, and wherein said at least one second guide (12b) is configured to lead an additional single column (B) of said products (2) along a longitudinal axis thereof and to rotate said products about the longitudinal axis through a second rotation angle (S) which is different from 0? and different from said first rotation angle (R), in such a manner that said products (2) being discharged from said at least one first guide and said at least one second guide (12a, 12b) are arranged in said discharge station (13) in a second configuration which is different from the first configuration.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising taking said products (2) in the second configuration from said discharge station (13) and depositing said products (2) in said box (3) while maintaining said second configuration.

17. A packaging apparatus (1) for packaging products (2) in boxes (3), comprising: a supply station (11) in which said products (2) are moved along an advance direction (X) and are placed relative to each other according to a first configuration, a discharge station (13) which is positioned downstream of said supply station (11), a plurality of guides (12) which are interposed between said supply station (11) and said discharge station (13), wherein each of said guides extends along a respective longitudinal axis and is configured to lead a single column (B) of products (2) from said supply station (11) along the longitudinal axis and possibly to rotate the products of said single column about the longitudinal axis in such a manner that, in said discharge station (13), said products (2) being discharged from said plurality of guides (12) are arranged with respect to each other in a second configuration which is different from the first configuration, a gripping device (16) which is provided in said discharge station (13) to take said products (2) and to deposit said products (2) in one of said boxes (3) while maintaining said products (2) in said second configuration.

18. The packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each guide (12) of said plurality is configured to rotate the products (2) which are guided therein about said longitudinal axis through a rotation angle (R; S) which is different from zero and different from the rotation angle (S; R) of a guide adjacent thereto.

19. The packaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each guide (12) of said plurality is configured to rotate the products (2) which are guided therein about said longitudinal axis through the same rotation angle (T) which is different from zero.

20. A method for packaging products (2) in boxes (3), the method comprising: defining a final configuration of said products (2) in said box (3), in which at least one row (A; A) of products having a desired mutual positioning is identified, arranging in a supply station (11) a plurality of said products (2) in a first configuration, different from said final configuration, providing a plurality of guides (12) equal to the number of products of said at least one row, wherein each guide is configured to lead a single column (B) of said products along a longitudinal axis of said guide from said supply station (11) to a discharge station (13) and to rotate said products (2) about said longitudinal axis in such a manner that said products being discharged from said plurality guides (12) are arranged with respect to each other in a second configuration corresponding to said at least one row (A; A) of products having said mutual desired positioning, taking said at least one row (A; A) of products from said discharge station (13) and depositing said at least one row (A; A) of products in the box (3) while maintaining said second configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment shown, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0115] FIG. 1 is a side perspective schematic view of an apparatus for packaging products in boxes made according to the present invention;

[0116] FIGS. 2 to 4 are side perspective schematic and partial views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in successive operating configurations,

[0117] FIG. 5 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the packaging apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0118] FIG. 6 is a top view of the products in a first example of a desired packing configuration,

[0119] FIG. 7 is a side perspective schematic representation of the products as they slide inside the guides provided in the packaging apparatus of FIG. 1, in order to obtain the configuration of FIG. 6,

[0120] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from below of the schematic representation of FIG. 7,

[0121] FIG. 9 is a top view of the products in a second example of a desired packing configuration, and

[0122] FIGS. 10 and 11 are Figures similar to FIGS. 7 and 8, showing the products as they slide inside guides provided in the packaging apparatus of FIG. 1, in order to obtain the configuration of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0123] With reference to the enclosed figures, 1 globally denotes an apparatus for packaging products 2 in boxes 3, made according to the present invention.

[0124] In the embodiment herein described, the packaging apparatus 1 is placed immediately downstream of a production line 4 of capsules for brewing beverages, in particular coffee, which therefore constitute the products 2 to be packaged.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 5, the capsules 2 are substantially identical to each other and comprise a semi-rigid container, e.g. made of plastic material, suitable for containing coffee powder. In this embodiment, the container has a truncated-cone shape with a support base 2a from which a side wall 2b is erected which is flared towards an upper opening, which, in turn, is perimetrically delimited by a protruding edge 2c and is closed by a membrane coupled to such edge. The membrane and protruding edge 2c define a head 2d of the capsule 2, which is axially opposed and substantially parallel to the support base 2a.

[0126] Of course, the capsules 2 may be made from different materials and in different forms, depending on their specific use.

[0127] The production line 4 comprises a conveyor 5 arranged to move the capsules 2 between different workstations (not represented in detail and conventional per se) in which the containers of the capsules 2 are firstly filled with coffee powder and then closed with a membrane which is coupled, for example by welding, at the respective protruding edge.

[0128] In particular, the conveyor 5 is of the multi-track type and comprises a plurality of seats 6 arranged in successive rows which are substantially perpendicular to the advance direction F of the conveyor in which each container is individually positioned.

[0129] At the end of the conveyor 5, the capsules 2 are ready to be packed in the packaging apparatus 1.

[0130] The latter, in its main components, comprises an orientation unit 10, a box forming and filling unit 20 and a transporter 30 that transports the filled and packed boxes to any subsequent stations responsible for their final packaging prior to dispatch.

[0131] The orientation unit 10, in turn, comprises a pick-up device 7, arranged to take the capsules 2 from the conveyor 5 and deposit them in a supply station 11, a plurality of guides 12, placed downstream of the supply station 11, as well as a discharge station 13, arranged to receive the capsules 2 being discharged from the guides 12.

[0132] In particular, the pick-up device 7 comprises a gripping head 8 on which a plurality of gripping elements 8a is mounted, for example of the suction cup type, arranged to engage and hold, by coupling, the individual capsules 2 transported by the conveyor 5 at the respective heads 2d.

[0133] The gripping head 8 is mounted at the end of an arm 9 and is able to move vertically and horizontally as well as to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0134] The supply station 11 includes a plate 14, on which a support plane for the capsules 2 deposited by the gripping head 8 is defined, and handling means for moving the capsules present on the plate 14 along an advance direction X, substantially rectilinear and parallel to the support plane.

[0135] The handling means, not shown in the enclosed figures, may be of any type suitable for moving the capsules 2 along the advance direction X, such as belt conveyors or air-jet conveyors.

[0136] Some channels 15 are also obtained on the plate 14, substantially parallel to the advance direction X and equally spaced from each other, within which the capsules 2 are accommodated and guided in their movement towards the guides 12.

[0137] The movement of the capsules 2 within the channels 15 of the plate 14, defines a plurality of columns of capsules 2, substantially rectilinear and parallel to the advance direction X, and schematically indicated by B in FIG. 1, as well as a plurality of rows of capsules 2, substantially rectilinear and perpendicular to the advance direction X, and schematically indicated by A in FIG. 1.

[0138] In this arrangement, the rows and columns of capsules 2 form a first ordered configuration of capsules 2, of the matrix type, with all the capsules oriented with the head 2d facing the same side (upwards from plate 14).

[0139] The guides 12, which in FIGS. 1 to 4 are hidden to better highlight the action of re-orienting the capsules 2 and in FIG. 7 just outlined in hatching in their initial part, extend between the supply station 11 and the discharge station 13 and are arranged as mutually placed side by side to receive the columns B of capsules 2 moved in the respective channels 15 along the advance direction X.

[0140] In particular, each guide 12 has its inlet at the end of a channel 15, so as to accommodate therein a single column of capsules 2 and to slidably guide it along its longitudinal axis.

[0141] Each guide 12 is advantageously inclined downwards so that the capsules 2 may slide therein by gravity alone.

[0142] In particular, each guide 12 comprises a pair of retaining walls 18, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide 12 at opposite sides of the capsules 2. In addition, on each retaining wall 18, a groove 19 is advantageously obtained which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide, and adapted to engage the capsules 2 at the respective protruding edge 2c. In this way, the capsules 2 are effectively retained within the respective guide 12 regardless of their orientation in space, in particular even when inverted.

[0143] The guides 12 are configured in such a way as to reorient and reposition the capsules 2 as they slide therein so as to move them from the first ordered configuration to a second ordered configuration which is particularly suitable for packing them.

[0144] In the example herein described, the second ordered configuration, represented in FIG. 6, provides for the capsules 2 to form a row of capsules adjacent and in contact with each other, in which each capsule is inclined with respect to the capsules adjacent thereto.

[0145] In particular, in the second ordered configuration, each row of capsules 2 being discharged from the guides 12 may be subdivided into sub-groups G of capsules (indicated in hatching in FIG. 6), repeated in succession. In the present example, each row of capsules consists of 5 sub-groups of 2 capsules each, making a total of 10 capsules per row.

[0146] In each sub-group G, one capsule 2 is inclined, with respect to a reference plane indicated by P in FIG. 6, by a first angle R between 60? and 70?, while the other capsule 2 is inclined by a second angle S between 110? and 120?.

[0147] To achieve this configuration, the guides 12 are suitably subdivided into respective first and second guides 12a and 12b, arranged alternately with each other, each of which is progressively rotated about its longitudinal axis through an overall rotation angle, measured between the inlet end and the outlet end of the guide, equal to the above-mentioned inclination angles. Thus, each first guide 12a is rotated about its longitudinal axis through a first rotation angle R between 60? and 70?, and each second guide 12b is rotated about its longitudinal axis through a second rotation angle S between 110? and 120?.

[0148] In particular, each guide 12 is rotated about its longitudinal axis in a progressive and substantially constant manner for an extension involving a prevailing longitudinal tract of the guide.

[0149] The guides 12 have respective inlets placed side by side, so as to simultaneously receive a row A of capsules 2 from the supply station 11 and, in addition, they also have the respective outlets placed side by side, so as to deliver a row A of aligned capsules to the discharge station.

[0150] Advantageously, the plurality of guides 12 therefore has, on the whole, a trend converging towards a median plane M, so as to keep the capsules 2 being discharged in a condition of close proximity, substantially in contact.

[0151] At the outlet of the guides 12, there is provided a stop mechanism (not shown in the figures) which is selectively operable to retain the capsules 2 within the respective guide 12, preventing them from being discharged, or to release the capsules so that they can reach the discharge station 13.

[0152] In particular, the stop mechanism is configured to let a single capsule 2 be discharged from each guide 12 simultaneously, so that, in each stop mechanism opening cycle, a row A of capsules arranged in the second ordered configuration is discharged from the guides 12.

[0153] The discharge station 13 comprises a plurality of gripping devices 16, radially placed on a carousel 17 rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis.

[0154] Each gripping device 16 is arranged to receive the row of capsules 2 being discharged from the guides 12 and to deposit them, while keeping them in the second ordered configuration defined by the guides, in a box 3.

[0155] For this purpose, each gripping device 16 may comprise a pair of grippers intended to laterally engage the row of capsules 2 being discharged from the guides 12, at the protruding edges 2c. Each gripping device 16 is also advantageously provided with a radial movement, thus making it easier to either properly receive the capsules 2 being discharged from the guides 12 and deposit them into the box 3.

[0156] The unit for forming and filling the boxes 20 comprises a carousel 21, having a horizontal rotation axis, provided with a plurality of equipment 22, radially extended from the carousel 21 and arranged to form, in cooperation with one or more members external to the carousel 21, a box 3 from a cardboard sheet 3a, suitably shaped and creased (called blank) supplied individually to an equipment 22 by a feeder 23.

[0157] Such operation of forming the box 3, providing for example folding subsequently the blank and gluing together respective panels at predefined points, is in itself well-known in the packaging machine sector and will therefore not be explained in further detail.

[0158] The carousel 21 is synchronously associated with the carousel 17 of the discharge station 13, such that each row of capsules 2 taken from a gripping device 16 is deposited into a box 3, formed but not yet closed, brought at the gripping device 16 by a respective equipment 22 of the carousel 21.

[0159] The box forming and filling unit 20 also comprises a box closing station (not shown) which provides to close the box 3 after the capsules 2 have been inserted.

[0160] The packaging apparatus 1 operates according to the following modes.

[0161] The pick-up device 7 takes a plurality of capsules 2 from the conveyor 5 after they have been appropriately filled with coffee powder and closed with a membrane (FIG. 1).

[0162] The gripping head 8 is then raised by the arm 9 until it is at the height of the supply station 11 (FIG. 2), rotated through 90? so as to align the gripping elements 8a with the channels 15 (FIG. 3), moved over the plate 14 and finally lowered to deposit the capsule 2 into the channels 15 of the plate 14 (FIG. 4).

[0163] The capsules 2 are then moved along the advance direction X in respective columns B to the inlet of the guides 12 where they are engaged at the protruding edges 2c in the grooves 19 of the side retaining walls 18.

[0164] The capsules 2 then slide by gravity along their respective guides 12 and, during this sliding movement, are also rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of the guide in which they are accommodated through the first or second rotation angle.

[0165] The effect of the capsules 2 sliding within the guides 12 is well represented in FIGS. 7 and 8, where the repositioning and re-orientation movement to which each single column of capsules 2 is subjected within the respective guide 12 is highlighted.

[0166] The capsules being discharged from the guides 12 then assume the second configuration described above, which is equal to the desired configuration for packing them as shown in FIG. 6.

[0167] Each row of capsules being discharged from the guides 12 is then taken by one of the gripping devices 16 and carried by the carousel 17 to a box 3, formed and opened, retained by an equipment 22 of the carousel 21, within which it is deposited.

[0168] The box 3, containing the capsules arranged in the desired configuration, is then closed at the following box closing station and deposited on the transporter 30, which provides to bring it to the following stations.

[0169] The packaging apparatus 1 therefore allows to arrange the products being discharged from a production line according to a variety of configurations in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0170] It will be noted that the configuration of the capsules being discharged from the guides can easily be varied by changing the form of the individual guides, depending on the specific arrangement required for packing the capsules 2.

[0171] For example, if the capsules 2 are required to assume a configuration with a constant inclination between adjacent capsules, it is sufficient to form the guides so that they rotate about their own longitudinal axis through a same rotation angle.

[0172] FIGS. 9 to 11 show this second embodiment. FIG. 9 shows the desired packing configuration of the capsules 2, in which the capsules are all inclined by an angle T equal to 90? with respect to the reference plane P, while FIGS. 10 and 11 show the repositioning and re-orientation movement to which each individual column of capsules 2 is subjected within the respective guide 12. In this way, each row A of capsules being discharged from the supply station is reconfigured into a row A corresponding to the desired packing configuration shown in FIG. 9.