EP0529404A1

EP0529404A1 - Device for packing packets, particularly of cigarettes, in groups

Info

Publication number: EP0529404A1
Application number: EP92113699A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Silvano Boriani; Antonio Gamberini
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 1991-08-29
Filing date: 1992-08-11
Publication date: 1993-03-03
Also published as: JPH05193609A; BR9203379A; IT1252926B; ITBO910311A0; CN1070884A; ITBO910311A1; RU2084380C1

Abstract

A device (1) for packing packets (3), particularly of cigarettes, in groups (2), which device (1) features at least one packing conveyor element (6) for successively receiving preformed groups (2) of packets (3) from a conveyor device (4) together with respective packing elements (15) from a respective feed device (13); and an output conveyor device (7) for the packed groups (2) of packets (3); the packing conveyor element (6) being so designed as to cooperate selectively with a respective first folding device (43) for forming a cartoning device (45), and with a respective second folding device (44) for forming a wrapping device (46).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packing packets, particularly of cigarettes, in groups.
In the cigarette manufacturing industry, cigarettes are normally packed in "soft" or rigid hinged-lid packets, which are subsequently divided and packed in groups, normally consisting of ten packets arranged in two layers of five.
For forming the outer package, each group of packets is normally fed on to a cartoning machine by which it is packed inside a cardboard box to produce a so-called carton, which may or may not be fed on to a wrapping machine, normally series connected to the cartoning machine, by which the carton is wrapped in heat-seal or gummed sheet material.
Alternatively, each group of packets is fed directly, i.e. without the cardboard box, on to a packing machine, similar to the above wrapping machine, by which it is wrapped inside a sheet of gummed packing material.
Consequently, for enabling the formation of any of the above types of outer package, the end machine on the production line, usually a cellophaning machine, must be connectable parallel to the above packing machine as well as to a packing unit consisting of a series connected cartoning and wrapping machine.
To avoid the cost of such a solution, the output of the cellophaning machine is connected solely to the packing unit, the wrapping machine of which is operated together with the cartoning machine or on its own, for respectively producing outer packages with or without the cardboard box.
Though satisfactory for producing outer packages comprising both the outer wrapping and the cardboard box, the above solution presents several drawbacks in the event either one is eliminated, by virtue of the packet groups necessarily being fed through whichever of the two machines is left idle, thus subjecting them to various forms of unnecessary stress and possible damage.
A further drawback of the above solution is that each machine (wrapping, cartoning, etc.) presents exclusive design features having nothing in common with the others, thus allowing of no reduction in manufacturing costs based on component sharing, and requiring the maintenance of a large stock of different components for servicing and/or repairs.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a packing unit or device designed to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
According to the present invention, there is provided a device for packing packets, particularly of cigarettes, in groups, said device comprising at least one packing conveyor element traveling in a given direction; a conveyor device for feeding preformed groups of packets to said packing conveyor element; at least one device for supplying a respective packing element for each group of packets, and located between said conveyor device and said respective packing conveyor element; and an output conveyor device for the packed groups; and wherein said packing conveyor element presents a number of peripheral seats, each designed to receive a respective said group of packets and a respective said packing element; characterized by the fact that it also comprises folding means with which said packing conveyor element cooperates; said folding means being selected from a group of folding means comprising first folding means forming a cartoning device, and second folding means forming a wrapping device; and said packing conveyor element being so designed as to cooperate indifferently with said first and said second folding means.
A number of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.1 shows a schematic, partially sectioned operating diagram of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention;
Fig.2 shows an enlarged plan view of a first detail in Fig.1;
Fig.3 shows an enlarged view in perspective of a second detail of the Fig.1 device;
Fig.s 4 and 5 show schematic views of two simplified versions of the Fig.1 device.

With reference to Fig.s 1 and 3, number 1 indicates a device or unit for packing groups 2 of packets 3, in particular, packets of cigarettes. Each group 2 is preformed in known manner upstream from device 1, as regards both the number and arrangement of packets 3, and may comprise ten packets 3 arranged side by side in a row, as shown in Fig.3, or, according to a known alternative (not shown) arranged in two layers of five packets each.
Device 1 comprises an input conveyor device 4 (Fig.s 1 and 3) for successively depositing groups 2 on to a feeder beam 5 forming part of device 1 and located beneath and to the side of conveyor device 4.
Device 1 also comprises at least one packing conveyor element 6 traveling in the direction shown by the arrow in Fig.1; and an output conveyor device 7 for the packed groups 2 of packets 3.
In Fig.1, device 1 comprises two substantially similar packing conveyor elements 6a and 6b, each defined by a wheel 8 fitted on to a respective shaft 9, 10 and having a number of radial seats 11. Shafts 9 and 10 are arranged parallel, and rotate in steps so as to successively position seats 11 in such a manner as to cooperate with conveyor device 4 and beam 5, and, subsequently, with output conveyor device 7. Each seat 11 is designed to house a group 2 of packets 3, and presents a loading/unloading opening 12 facing peripherally outwards of wheel 8, as well as an opening at the opposite longitudinal end.
Device 1 also comprises a first and second known feed device 13 and 14 for respectively supplying a first packing element consisting of a blank 15, and a second packing element 16 consisting, for example, of a sheet of paper or other transparent or non-transparent wrapping material, which are folded about respective groups 2.
More specifically, conveyor device 4 feeds groups 2 on to conveyor element 6a located substantially tangent to feeder beam 5; and device 13 successively feeds blanks 15 between beam 5 and element 6a, so that each blank 15 is located between group 2 deposited by device 4 and a vacant seat 11 on element 6a. In the loading position, said seat 11 is aligned with a known pusher 17 for transferring group 2 from beam 5 into seat 11, and with a known counterpusher 18, both aligned facing each other and, in the example shown, located over and flush with beam 5 with which they define a loading station.
Device 14 feeds sheets 16 between conveyor element 6a and conveyor element 6b, which is mounted to the side of and on a level with element 6a, so that, at each stop of elements 6a and 6b, opening 12 of a seat 11 on element 6b is positioned facing opening 12 of a corresponding seat 11 on element 6a. A further known pusher 19 and counterpusher 20, mounted respectively on elements 6a and 6b and aligned with pusher 17 and counterpusher 18, provide for successively transferring groups 2 from respective seats 11 on element 6a into corresponding seats 11 on element 6b.
As shown in Fig.2, each blank 15 supplied by device 13 presents two opposite longitudinal portions 21 and 22, and, at each longitudinal end, four end portions 23, 24, 25 and 26; while each packing element 16 (Fig.1) presents two opposite longitudinal portions 27 and 28 as shown by the dotted lines.
For folding and securing said longitudinal portions of packing elements 15 and 16, each wheel 8 is fitted integral with a number of folding devices 29, each traveling with respective wheel 8, and cooperating with a respective seat 11 for folding a first longitudinal portion of a respective packing element 15, 16, inserted inside seat 11 together with a respective group 2 of packets 3, on to the other longitudinal portion of element 15, 16, as well as for maintaining said first longitudinal portion (portion 22 of element 15 and portion 28 of element 16) in the downfolded position by subjecting it to a predetermined pressure for a given rotation of respective wheel 8.
With reference also to Fig.3, conveyor device 4 comprises a flexible belt 30 looped about two pulleys 31 (only one of which is shown) defining, on belt 30, a feed branch 33 and a return branch 34 perpendicular to the Fig.1 plane. Belt 30 presents a number of projecting outer tabs 32, each adjacent pair of which on feed branch 33 travels along beam 5, and defines a feed pocket for a respective group 2 of packets 3. The axes A (Fig.1) of pulleys 31 slope in relation to seats 11 of adjacent conveyor element 6, so as to enable belt 30 to be positioned over pusher 17, and so enable pusher 17 to operate freely while at the same time enabling tabs 32 of feed branch 33 to travel along belt 5 for feeding groups 2 to said loading station.
Output conveyor device 7 (Fig.1) comprises a first collecting portion 35 extending radially from a peripheral portion of conveyor element 6b located downstream from a known device 36 for heat-sealing packing element 16; a second collecting portion 37 extending radially from a peripheral portion of conveyor element 6a located downstream from the point at which groups 2 are transferred to conveyor element 6b; and a portion or channel 38 perpendicular to portions 35 and 37.
Channel 38 houses a pusher 40 for transferring packed groups 2 from collecting portions 35 and 37 into channel 38. Pusher 40 is designed to travel a predetermined distance substantially equal to the distance between respective opposite walls 39 of portions 35 and 37, and is selectively positionable at either portion. Respective pairs of pushers 41 and counterpushers 42 moving perpendicular to pusher 40 provide for unloading packed groups 2 from seats 11 on elements 6a and 6b into respective collecting portions 37 and 35.
According to the main characteristic of the present invention, device 1 comprises two different groups 43 and 44 of folding devices with which a single conveyor element 6 may cooperate indifferently. As shown in Fig.1, conveyor element 6a cooperates with predominantly peripheral outer folding devices 43, and defines, together with devices 4 and 13, a cartoning device 45 by which each blank 15 is formed into a rigid box about each group 2 of packets 3, to form a so-called carton 2a. Conversely, conveyor element 6b, identical to 6a, cooperates with predominantly integral folding devices 44, and defines, together with devices 14 and 7, a wrapping device 46 for receiving groups 2 from element 6a, with or without the rigid box, depending, as described later on, on whether blanks 15 are supplied or not by device 13, and for packing groups 2 in an outer wrapping formed by folding a respective packing element 16 about each group 2.
Folding devices 43 comprise a first movable folding device 47 sloping in relation to seat 11 facing the loading station substantially at conveyor device 4, and which provides for folding longitudinal portion 21 of blank 15 on to the longitudinal side of group 2 facing opening 12 of seat 11; folding devices 29; and a third fixed folding device 48 and fourth movable folding device 49 located about wheel 8, downstream from device 47 and separated from the same by a distance equal to the spacing of seats 11, and which provide for respectively folding portions 24 and 26.
A fifth movable folding device 50 is provided substantially at devices 48 and 49, for folding end portion 23 on to corresponding opposite portion 25. Portions 25 are folded beforehand, as blank 15 is inserted inside seat 11, by two opposed known folding tabs 51 located between device 4 and element 6a at the loading station and oriented in the insertion direction of groups 2 inside seats 11. At conveyor device 4, provision is also made for a device 52 for strain relieving blank 15, and as described in copending Italian Patent Application n. BO91A 000266, the content of which is included herein as required in the interest of full disclosure.
Folding devices 44 comprise a first movable folding device 53 substantially tangent to wheel 8, for folding longitudinal portion 27 of packing element 16 on to the longitudinal side of group 2 facing opening 12 of seat 11 facing element 6a; folding devices 29; respective first fixed folding tabs 54 inside seats 11, perpendicular to opening 12, for folding respective end portions 55 of packing element 16 (indicated for simplicity on one of groups 2 in channel 38) as group 2 is inserted inside seat 11; and second folding tabs 56 and two opposed helical folding devices 57 fixed inside collecting portion 35 of output conveyor 7.
Tabs 56 and devices 57 provide for folding in known manner on to portions 55 respective second, third and fourth end portions 58, 59, 60 (in that order) of packing element 16, as shown for simplicity on the same group 2 as portion 55, which folding operation is performed in a predetermined sequence as each group 2 is unloaded from respective seat 11.
Finally, Fig.s 4 and 5 show two simplified versions 1a and 1b of device 1, any details of which similar to those already described are indicated using the same numbering system. More specifically, device 1a comprises a single packing conveyor element 6 cooperating with folding devices 43, feed devices 4 and 13, strain relieving device 52 (if provided), pusher and counterpusher 17 and 18, and directly with output conveyor device 7, which in this case presents only one collecting portion 37, so as to form a cartoning machine 45.
Device 1b, on the other hand, comprises the same conveyor element 6 cooperating with folding devices 44, device 14, heat-seal device 36 (if provided), output conveyor 7, which in this case presents only one collecting portion 35, conveyor device 4 with beam 5, which in this case is located opposite device 14, and pusher and counterpusher 17 and 18, so as to form a wrapping machine 46.
With reference to the complete device shown in Fig.1, in actual use, groups 2 of packets 3, preformed in known manner (not shown), are fed between adjacent pairs of tabs 32 up to conveyor element 6 adjacent to device 4, in the example shown, conveyor element 6a, the wheel 8 of which is so positioned as to present a vacant seat 11 facing branch 33. For cartoning group 2, device 13 feeds a blank 15 (shaped as indicated by 15a) on to a locating element (not shown) and in front of vacant seat 11, in the example shown, into strain relieving device 52; device 52 prefolds blank 15 in a U with the ends defined by portions 21 and 22 facing device 4; and pusher 17 and counterpusher 18 (the latter moving towards pusher 17 through the open end wall of seat 11) insert group 2 inside seat 11 so as to intercept prefolded blank 15 through device 52.
Blank 15 is thus folded in a U about group 2, with the open side facing away from seat 11, and is inserted inside seat 11 together with group 2. As it is inserted inside seat 11, end portions 25 of blank 15 are folded by tabs 51 located along the path of group 2 (configuration 15b); portions 21 and 22 are then folded as already described ( configurations 15c and 15d); and wheel 8 rotates one step, equal to the distance between adjacent seats 11, so as to bring the next vacant seat 11 up to device 4, and the one housing group 2 and tubular blank 15 up to folding devices 48, 49 and 50, which provide for folding portions 23, 26 and 24 (configurations 15e, 15f and 15g).
In the course of the above folding operations, folding device 29, after folding portion 22, is maintained over opening 12 of seat 11, so as to hold down and exert pressure on portions 21 and 22, which are normally gummed as they are fed off device 13, and so enable them to be gummed firmly to each other. The end portions are also preferably gummed as they are fed off device 13, so that, at this stage, blank 15 is fully folded into a parallelepiped box firmly housing group 2 to form carton 2a. Wheel 8 is then rotated one step to bring seat 11 housing carton 2a up to device 14; the next seat 11 containing a group 2 and blank 15 up to folding devices 48, 49 and 50; and a further vacant seat 11 up to device 4.
At this point, carton 2a is unloaded off conveyor 6a (after first withdrawing folding device 29 from seat 11), and wheel 8 rotated further to bring the now vacant seat 11 up to device 4, ready for the next loading/folding cycle. According to the present invention, carton 2a may be unloaded indifferently on to second conveyor element 6b, or directly on to portion 37 of output conveyor 7 (if provided). In the first case, pushers 20 and 19 are activated for transferring group 2 from seat 11 on element 6a into a corresponding seat 11 on element 6b, positioned facing device 14. In the second case, wheel 8 of element 6a is rotated one step further to bring seat 11 housing carton 2a up to portion 37, where it is gripped by pushers 41 and 42 and unloaded into channel 38.
In the event carton 2a is fed on to element 6b, it may be unloaded directly by rotating wheel 8 of element 6b so as to bring the relative seat 11 up to radial collecting portion 35 into which carton 2a is unloaded by pushers 41 and 42 as already described, or it may be wrapped further, for example, in cellophane. In the latter case, prior to transferring carton 2a from element 6a to element 6b, a wrapping element 16, e.g. a sheet of cellophane (registered trade mark) is supplied by device 14, and, as carton 2a is transferred from seat 11 on element 6a to a facing seat 11 on element 6b, is intercepted by carton 2a, folded in a U about the same, and inserted inside seat 11 on element 6b together with carton 2a, as described in connection with blank 15, so that longitudinal portions 27 and 28 project outwards of seat 11.
Portions 27 and 28 are folded and secured, as described for portions 21 and 22, by means of folding device 53 and folding device 29 on seat 11; after which, the end portions at each end of element 16 are folded, portion 55 by fixed tabs 54 during insertion inside seat 11, and portions 58, 59 and 60 by tabs 56 and helical folding devices 57 during unloading into collecting portion 35, which is performed as already described.
Finally, for simply wrapping groups 2, i.e. without the cardboard box, this is done by simply disabling supply of blanks 15 by device 13, in which case, group 2 is inserted inside seat 11 on element 6a; fed by element 6a, without undergoing any operation, up to a vacant seat 11 on element 6b; inserted inside seat 11 on element 6b together with wrapping element 16, which, in this case, may be a sheet of printed paper, foil or cellophane; and wrapped in element 16 by means of folding devices 29, 53, 54, 56 and 57.
The advantages of the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. On the one hand, it provides for a versatile, all-purpose machine of modular design, by virtue of duplicating the same element (wheel 8), for performing different functions: cartoning, wrapping or both. On the other hand, using the same units, it also provides for forming special-purpose machines - wrapping or cartoning machines - which are nevertheless convertible into a flexible, all-purpose machine by simply adding on one component (another wheel 8) together with the relative accessories.
As such, either one of the special-purpose machines may be upgraded cheaply, easily and rapidly, thus enabling substantial saving at the manufacturing stage, by virtue of both the special- and all-purpose machines featuring the same main component (wheel 8). Finally, the present invention also provides for precise handling of groups 2 with no chaffing, thus eliminating or at least minimizing the possibility of the products being damaged. In the case of the all-purpose version shown in Fig.1, the second (wrapping) portion of the device may even be skipped altogether when not required.

Claims

A device (1) for packing packets (3), particularly of cigarettes, in groups (2), said device (1) comprising at least one packing conveyor element (6) traveling in a given direction; a conveyor device (4) for feeding preformed groups (2) of packets (3) to said packing conveyor element (6); at least one device (13; 14) for supplying a respective packing element (15; 16) for each group (2) of packets (3), and located between said conveyor device (4) and said respective packing conveyor element (6); and an output conveyor device (7) for the packed groups (2); and wherein said packing conveyor element (6) presents a number of peripheral seats (11), each designed to receive a respective said group (2) of packets (3) and a respective said packing element (15; 16); characterized by the fact that it also comprises folding means (43; 44) with which said packing conveyor element (6) cooperates; said folding means (43; 44) being selected from a group of folding means comprising first folding means (43) forming a cartoning device (45), and second folding means (44) forming a wrapping device (46); and said packing conveyor element (6) being so designed as to cooperate indifferently with said first and said second folding means (43, 44).
A packing device (1) as claimed in Claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first and second packing conveyor element (6a, 6b), the first (6a) being located opposite said conveyor device (4), and the second (6b) being located between said first packing conveyor element (6a) and said output conveyor device (7); a second device (14) being provided between said first and second packing conveyor element (6a, 6b), for supplying a second packing element (16) for each said group (2) of packets (3); push means (17, 18; 19, 20) being provided at said first and second packing conveyor element (6a, 6b) for transferring each said group (2) of packets (3) from said conveyor device (4) into a respective seat (11) on said first packing conveyor element (6a), and from this through said second feed device (14) into a respective seat (11) on said second packing conveyor element (6b), so as to insert both said group (2) of packets (3) and said second packing element (16) inside said seat (11) on said second conveyor element (6b).
A packing device (1) as claimed in Claim 2, characterized by the fact that said output conveyor device (7) comprises a first collecting portion (35) extending radially from said second packing conveyor element (6b); and a second collecting portion (37) substantially identical to the first, and extending radially from said first packing conveyor element (6a), immediately downstream from said second packing conveyor element (6b) in relation to the traveling direction of said first packing conveyor element (6a); said output conveyor device (7) comprising a channel (38) perpendicular to said first and second collecting portion (35, 37) and housing a movable push element (40) moving a predetermined distance for transferring each said group (2) of packets (3) from said respective first or second collecting portion (35, 37) into said channel (38).
A packing device (1) as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, characterized by the fact that said packing conveyor element (6) consists of a wheel (8) mounted for rotation about its axis and having a number of radial said seats (11), each having an input opening (12) facing peripherally outwards of said wheel (8).
A packing device (1) as claimed in Claim 4, characterized by the fact that said seats (11) are so designed as to leave projecting from the same a respective first (21) and second (22) longitudinal portion and respective end portions (23; 26) of said packing element (15) folded in a U about a respective group (2) of packets (3); said first folding means (43) comprising a first movable folding device (47) mounted obliquely in relation to said seats (11) substantially at said conveyor device (4), for folding said first longitudinal portion (21) of said packing element (15) on to the longitudinal side of said group (2) facing said opening (12) in said seat (11); a number of second folding devices (29), one for each said seat (11), integral with said wheel (8) and moving to and from said seat (11), for folding said second portion (22) of said packing element (15) on to the first (21) and holding it in the downfolded position for a given rotation of said wheel (8); and a third fixed folding device (48) and fourth movable folding device (49) located about said wheel (8) and separated circumferentially from said first folding device (47) by a distance equal to the spacing of said seats (11), for respectively folding at least one of said end portions (23, 24, 26); said wheel (8) being powered so as to rotate in steps of a given angle in a given direction, and so feed said seats (11) successively to said conveyor device (4) and said output conveyor device (7).
A packing device (1) as claimed in Claim 5, characterized by the fact that, at said conveyor device (4), there are provided a device (52) for strain relieving said packing element (15); and respective fixed folding tabs (51) facing away from said opening (12), for folding respective first opposite end portions (25) of said packing element (15) as this is inserted inside said seat (11).
A packing device (1) as claimed in Claim 6, characterized by the fact that said first folding means (43) comprise a fifth movable folding device (50) located at said third and fourth folding devices (48, 49) in relation to said wheel (8), for folding on to said first end portions (25) of said packing element (15) respective second end portions (23) opposite the first; said third and fourth folding devices (48, 49) being designed to fold on to said first and second portions (25, 23) respective third (24) and fourth (26) opposite end portions of said packing element (15) projecting from said seat (11) and perpendicular to said first and second end portions (25, 23).
A packing device (1) as claimed in Claim 4, characterized by the fact that said seats (11) are so designed as to leave projecting from the same a respective first and second longitudinal portion (27, 28) and respective end portions (55, 58-60) of said packing element (16) folded in a U about a respective said group (2) of packets (3); said second folding means (44) comprising a first movable folding device (53) substantially tangent to said wheel (8), for folding said first longitudinal portion (27) of said packing element (16) on to the longitudinal side of said group (2) facing said opening (12) in said seat (11); a number of second folding devices (29), one for each said seat (11), integral with said wheel (8) and moving to and from said seat (11), for folding said second portion (28) of said packing element (16) on to the first (27) and holding it in the downfolded position for a given rotation of said wheel (8); respective first fixed folding tabs (54) housed inside said seats (11), for folding respective first end portions (55) of said packing element (16) as said group (2) is inserted inside said seat (11); and second folding tabs (56) and a first and second helical folding device (57) for folding respective second (58), third (59) and fourth (60) end portions of said packing element (16), in a predetermined sequence, on to said first portions, as said group (2) of packets (3) is unloaded from said seat (11); said second tabs (56) and said first and second helical devices (57) being fixed to said collecting portion (35) of said output conveyor device (7) extending radially from said wheel (8).
A packing device (1) as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, characterized by the fact that said device (4) for conveying said groups (2) of packets (3) comprises a flexible belt (30) looped about pulleys (31) and having a number of peripheral projecting outer tabs (32), each adjacent pair of which houses a said group (2) of packets (3); said belt (30) being so positioned as to travel substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said packing conveyor element (6), and being looped about an axis (A) sloping in relation to said seats (11) on said element (6); a push element (17) being provided beneath said belt (30) for transferring said group (2) of packets (3) located between said two adjacent tabs (32) on said belt (30) into a seat (11) on said packing conveyor element (6).