Method and machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles

Abstract

 A method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles 2, characterized in that it comprises the steps of depositing a first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2) inside a box-like container (3) stationary in a loading station (5); positioning, inside the box-like container (3), a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration above said first layer of bottles (2), by inserting the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) between the horizontally-arranged bottles (2) forming the first layer of bottles (2), and placing the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) resting on the lateral side of all the bottles (2) forming the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2); and depositing, inside the same box-like container (3), a second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2) above the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13), by inserting each horizontally-arranged bottle (2) of the second layer of bottles (2) within a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles and to a machine implementing such a method.

[0002] More in detail, the present invention relates to a method and a machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged wine bottles. Explicit reference to this use will be made in the following description without therefore loosing in generality.

[0003] As known, wine bottle cartoning machines are automatic or semiautomatic machines which receive in input a succession of loose bottles, and which provide in output a succession of cardboard boxes each accommodating therein a predetermined number of bottles arranged in side-by-side rows.

[0004] In other words, the bottle cartoning machines are automatic or semiautomatic machines which can place/deposit a tidy, compact group of bottles in a sequence of cardboard boxes, which are previously formed in the machine by appropriately folding a pre-shaped cardboard sheet, traditionally named blank.

[0005] Generally, the wine bottles are arranged/inserted in the cardboard boxes in vertical position, but some winemakers prefer to arrange the wine bottles horizontally, so as to maintain the bottles in the best position for preserving the wine during transport in the box.

[0006] Therefore, in these case, the bottle cartoning machine is structured to grip a row of bottles arranged in vertical position, turn the individual bottles by 90° about a vertical axis, and then delicately place/deposit the wine bottles in horizontal position (i.e. arrange them horizontally) in the cardboard box so as to form the layer of bottles in the cardboard box.

[0007] In order to reduce the dimensions of layer of bottles, some cartoning machines can turn the bottles alternatively clockwise and anticlockwise, so that the neck of one bottle is flanked by the side of the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles when the bottles are arranged in horizontal position in the cardboard box.

[0008] This arrangement is obviously replicated in symmetric manner on the possibly higher layer of bottles so that the bottles fit into one another, minimizing the volume occupied in the cardboard box.

[0009] Unfortunately, the arrangement of the bottles in horizontal position allows the bottles to rub during transport, with consequent damage to the labels possibly positioned in the contact points between the bottles. This damage is considered unacceptable when the wine bottles contain particularly high quality, expensive wine.

[0010] In order to avoid this problem, it is a consolidated practice to arrange, during cartoning of the bottles, a stiff cardboard tray between the two layers of bottles, which tray is pre-shaped so as to approximately copy the profile of the contact surface between the two layers of bottles to separate and prevent the movement of the individual bottles in the box.

[0011] Unfortunately, the shape of rigid cardboard tray is closely related to the shape and number of the bottles forming each layer of bottles and this makes it a relatively costly product which significantly impacts on the overall costs of the product packaging.

[0012] Aim of the present invention is to replace the pre-shaped cardboard tray with another element which is more cost-effective to manufacture.

[0013] In compliance with the above aims, according to the present invention there is provided a method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles as claimed in claim 1 and preferably, though not necessarily, in any dependent claim.

[0014] According to the present invention there is moreover provided a machine for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles as claimed in claim 1 and preferably, though not necessarily, in any dependent claim.

[0015] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show a non-limitative embodiment thereof, in which:

• figure 1 is a front view, with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity, of a machine for cartoning bottles in horizontal position operating according to the teachings of the present invention;
• figure 2 is a plan view of the cartoning machine in figure 1, with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity;
• figures 3, 4 and 5 are three side views of the bottle-moving head of the cartoning machine in figure 1 in an equal number of operating positions;
• figure 6 shows a part of the cartoning machine in figure 1 in a first operating position on enlarged scale, with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity;
• figures 7 and 8 show the alveolar structural element laying unit of the machine in figure 1, from two different points of view with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity;
• figures 9 and 10 show the gripping head of the alveolar structural element laying unit shown in figures 7 and 8, in two different operating positions on enlarged scale; while
• figure 11 shows a part of the cartoning machine in figure 1, already shown in figure 6, in a second operating position on enlarged scale and with transparent parts and parts removed for clarity.

[0016] With reference to figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a bottle cartoning machine structured so as to receive in input a succession of loose bottles 2 arranged in vertical position and preferably made of glass, and provide in output a succession of cardboard boxes 3 or similar box-like packaging containers of substantially parallelepiped shape, each of which has inside a predetermined number of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 arranged side-by-side to one another.

[0017] The cartoning machine 1 substantially comprises a ground-resting supporting frame 4 which is provided with a loading station 5 where the bottles 2 are laid down in horizontal position inside the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5; a packaging container conveyor 6 which is fixed onto the supporting frame 4, and is adapted to step-advance a succession of cardboard boxes 3 with the opening facing upwards, along a path which crosses the loading station 5; and a bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 which is fixed on the supporting frame 4 by the side of the loading station 5, and is adapted to receive and compact the loose bottles 2 entering the machine 1, so as to form a row of bottles 2 arranged in vertical position, each one touching the adjacent one.

[0018] In the example shown, in particular, the packaging container conveyor 6 is preferably structured so as to form each box 3 starting from a pre-shaped cardboard sheet, traditionally named blank, which is picked from a blank-holding storage 8 fixed directly onto the supporting frame 4, and then step-advance horizontally the box through the loading station 5 with the opening facing upwards.

[0019] The bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, instead, preferably consists of a horizontal belt conveyor which is fixed onto the supporting frame 4 so that the end/outlet of the conveyor is arranged by the side of the loading station 5, preferably in a raised position with respect to the loading station 5; and a series of movable abutments, which are arranged in known manner above the conveyor belt, and are oriented so as to align and compact the bottles 2 advancing along the conveyor belt, so as to form, at the closed exit of the conveyor belt, a compact row of bottles 2 arranged in vertical position, ready to be transferred into the boxes 3.

[0020] The packaging container conveyor 6 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 are component parts widely known and used in the bottle cartoning filed, and therefore won't be described in further detail.

[0021] With reference to figures 1, 2 and 6, the cartoning machine 1 is further provided with a bottle-moving head 9 which is fixed onto the supporting frame 4 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above the loading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or better in the space above the loading station 5 and the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and is structured so as to be able to pick up, on command, a predetermined number of side-by-side aligned bottles 2 (three bottles, in the example shown) from the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and then to deposit such bottles 2 inside the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5.

[0022] More in detail, with reference to figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the bottle-moving head 9 is preferably structured so as to be able to:

• grip a predetermined number of bottles 2 (three bottles, in the example shown) arranged in vertical position on the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, aligned one after the other along a horizontal reference axis L;
• lifting the group of bottles 2 over the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7;
• turning/overturning the individual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal reference axis A locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row of bottles 2;
  and then
• releasing the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0023] Obviously, the bottle-moving head 9 releases the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 when it is inside the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to delicately place/deposit the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 inside the box 3 and form a layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 inside the cardboard box 3.

[0024] In the example shown, in particular, the bottle-moving head 9 is preferably structured so as to be able to turn/overturn the individual bottles 2 by 90° about respective horizontal reference axes A which are locally parallel to reference axis L of the row of bottles 2, alternatively changing the sense of rotation of the bottles 2, so that at the end of the overturning the neck of each bottle 2 is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles 3.

[0025] Furthermore, with reference to figure 5, the bottle-moving head 9 is also preferably structured so as to able to realign again to one another the bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position, so as to form a compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position.

[0026] The row of bottles 2 which is deposited into the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5 is thus a compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position.

[0027] Preferably, the bottle-moving head 9 is furthermore structured so as to able to turn, on command, about a vertical reference axis V, so as to optionally form a second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 which symmetrically replicates the spatial arrangement of the layer of bottles 2 in horizontal position previously arranged inside the box 3, and then to deposit said second layer into the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5.

[0028] More in detail, with reference to figures 3, 4 and 5, in the example shown the bottle-moving head 9 is preferably provided with a series of preferably pneumatically-actuated movable gripping members 10 that project downwards starting from an intermediate supporting structure 11 which, in turn, can move horizontally and vertically in the space above the loading station 5 and the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7.

[0029] Each gripping member 10 is structured so as to be able to selectively grip and withhold an individual bottle 2 at its tubular section, and then turn/overturn the bottle 2 by 90° about an substantially horizontal reference axis A locally substantially parallel to the horizontal reference axis L of the row of bottles 2 (axes A and L are perpendicular to the plane of the sheet in figures 3, 4 and 5), so as to arrange the bottle 2 in substantially horizontal position.

[0030] The movable gripping members 10 are additionally arranged on the bottle-moving head 9, or better on the intermediate supporting structure 11 of the bottle-moving head 9, so that the rotation axes A of the individual bottles are all locally parallel to the horizontal reference axis L of the row of bottles 2.

[0031] The intermediate supporting structure 11 is instead structured so as to be able to turn, on command, by 180° about a vertical reference axis V, so to be able to turn the entire group of gripping members 10 by 180°.

[0032] The bottle-moving head 9 is also a component which is widely known and used in the bottle cartoning field and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0033] With reference to figures 1, 2, 6 and 11, the cartoning machine 1 is finally also provided with a partitioning-septum positioner 12 which is arranged by the side of the loading station 5, preferably on the side opposite to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and is structured so as to be able to automatically deposit a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 of known type inside the box 3 momentarily stationary in the loading station 5, above the layer of bottles 2 which was previously deposited in the same box 3, in order to be able to interpose the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 between two superposed layers of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0034] More in detail, the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 substantially consists of an substantially rectangular, longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a, and a series of substantially rectangular, transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b which are inserted straddling the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and at a predetermined distance from one another, with the possibility of folding freely on the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a. The partitioning-septum positioner 12 is structured so as to be able to deposit the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a in horizontal position, resting on the lateral side of all bottles 2 which form the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, and with the transversal partitioning walls 13b (two, in the example shown) in vertical position, each inserted within two immediately adjacent bottles 2 on the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0035] In the example shown, in particular, the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 consists of a longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a having a shape substantially complementary to that of the opening of the box 3, and a series of transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b (two, in the example shown) which are inserted straddling the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, orthogonally to the longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a and at a predetermined distance from one another, with the capability of freely rotating at the interaction line with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a between

• a folded position (see figure 9), in which the transversal partitioning walls 13b are completely laid down on, and thus substantially coplanar with, the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a; and
• an upright position (see figures 10 and 11), in which the transversal partitioning walls 13b are arranged substantially orthogonal to the laying plane of the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a.

[0036] In the example shown, furthermore, the longitudinal partitioning wall or panel 13a and the transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b are preferably, though not necessary made of cardboard.

[0037] When all the transversal partitioning walls 13b are in the folded position, the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 takes a flat configuration (see figure 9) which minimizes the dimensions of the dividing element 13. When instead all the transversal partitioning walls 13b are in the upright position, the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 takes a deployed configuration (see figures 10 and 11), in which the transversal partitioning walls 13b form, together with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned to accommodate an individual horizontally-arranged bottle 2.

[0038] With reference to figures from 6 to 11, the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is instead preferably structured so as to be able, in sequence, to:

• pick up a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration preferably from the top of a stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration;
• cause/induce the opening of the dividing element 13, so as to arrange the latter in a deployed configuration; and finally
• rest the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration on the layer of bottles 2 which was previously deposited inside the box 3, so as to arrange the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a resting on the lateral side of all the bottles 2 which form the entire layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 immediately underneath, and the transversal partitioning walls 13b each inserted between two immediately adjacent bottles 2 of the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0039] Obviously, when placed on the layer of bottles 2 inside the box 3, the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration has the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a arranged in horizontal position and the transversal partitioning walls 13b arranged in vertical position.

[0040] Operation of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is coordinated with that of the packaging container conveyor 6 and with that of the bottle-moving head 9, so as to be able deposit, in a completely automatic manner, a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration above the layer of bottles 2 that was previously placed inside the box 3 stationary in the filling station 5.

[0041] With reference to figures from 1 to 11, in the example shown, in particular, the partitioning-septum positioner 12 has a modular structure completely separated and independent from the rest of the cartoning machine 1, and is structured so as to be rapidly placed next to the supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1, by the side of the loading station 5 and preferably by the opposite side with respect to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, so as to be able to interact with the rest of the component parts of the cartoning machine 1.

[0042] More in detail, the partitioning-septum positioner 12 preferably comprises: an auxiliary supporting frame 21 of substantially parallelepiped shape, which is entirely separate and independent from the main supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1, and is structured so as to be arranged by the side of, and possibly anchored to, the main supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1, beside the loading station 5; and a septum-holding storage 23 which is fixed directly onto the supporting structure 21, and is structured so as to contain/house at least one stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration.

[0043] In the example shown, in particular, the supporting frame 21 is preferably provided, on the bottom, with a appropriate number of ground-resting wheels 22.

[0044] The partitioning-septum positioner 12 is furthermore provided with a gripping head 24 which is fixed onto the supporting structure 21 so as to be able to move in horizontal and vertical direction in the space above the septum-holding storage 23 and the adjacent loading station 5 on the supporting frame 4, and is structured so as to be able, in sequence to carry out the steps of:

• picking a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration contained in the septum-holding storage 23;
• causing/inducing the opening of the dividing element 13, so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration in which the transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element 13 form, together with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle 2; and finally
• releasing the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration.

[0045] Obviously, the gripping head 24 is adapted to release the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration when it is located inside the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to deposit the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration above the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles already present inside box 3.

[0046] More in detail, the gripping head 24 is movable above the septum-holding storage 23 and the loading station 5, between a pick up position in which the gripping head 24 is located above the septum-holding storage 23, aligned with the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure in flattened configuration 13; and a release position in which the gripping head 24 is located above the loading station 5, aligned with the opening of the box 3 temporarily stationary in the loading station 5.

[0047] With reference to figures 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 11, in the example shown, in particular, the gripping head 24 is preferably fixed onto the distal end of an articulated supporting arm 25 with pantographic movement, which lies on a substantially horizontal reference plane, and has a proximal end fixed onto a support carriage 26 which, in turn, is fixed onto the supporting frame 21 with the possibility of moving vertically controlled by a motor assembly 27 fixed onto the supporting frame 21 itself.

[0048] The distal end of the articulated supporting arm 25 can turn with respect to the support carriage 26 about a vertical reference axis C, controlled by a motor assembly 28 fixed to the same support carriage 26; whereas the articulated supporting arm 25 is formed by two horizontal half-arms which are hinged to each other so as to open in scissor-like manner on the laying plane of the articulated supporting arm 25, and a cascade of gears which are capable of synchronizing the scissor-like opening of the two half-arms with the rotation of the proximal end of the articulated supporting arm 25 on the supporting carriage 26, so as that the gripping head 24 can move in space by reciprocating rectilinear motion along a horizontal rectilinear path which has a first end vertically aligned with the septum-holding storage 23, and a second end vertically aligned with the loading station 5.

[0049] The structure of the articulated supporting arm 25 with pantographic movement is described in detail in European Patent EP-1338536 to which reference is made for more information, and therefore no further details are required.

[0050] The articulated supporting arm 25 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is thus structured so as to be able to move, on command and alternatively, the gripping head 24 along a horizontal rectilinear path, between a first position, in which the articulated supporting arm 25 arranges the gripping head 24 above the septum-holding storage 23, vertically aligned with the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration; and a second position, in which the articulated supporting arm 25 arranges the gripping head 24 above the loading station 5, aligned vertically with the opening of the box 3 temporarily stopped in the filling station 5.

[0051] In the example shown, in particular the proximal end of the articulated supporting arm 25 is preferably hinged in axially rotational manner on a supporting crosspiece 26, which is fixed onto the supporting frame 21 in horizontal position, straddling two vertical uprights of the supporting frame 21 itself, with the possibly of moving vertically controlled by a motor assembly 27 fixed onto the supporting frame 21 itself.

[0052] With reference to figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 preferably comprises, instead, a supporting structure 30 which is rigidly fixed onto the lower end of a vertical pin 31 which is inserted in axially rotation manner in the distal end of the articulated supporting arm 25; and a series of preferably pneumatically-actuated, gripping members 32 that project downwards from the lower end of the supporting structure 30, so as to each rest on a respective transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration which is located on the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holding storage 23, and are structured so as to able, on command, to grip and withhold in stable manner the same transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b.

[0053] Each gripping member 32 of gripping head 24 is moreover structured so at to be able to turn, on command, by approximately 90° with respect to the supporting structure 30, about a horizontal reference axis B locally and substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b on which it rests, so as to be able to selectively arrange the same transversal partitioning wall or panel 13b in the upright position.

[0054] With particular reference to figure 8, in the example shown, in particular, each gripping member 32 comprises: two suction cups 33 which are fixed in rigid manner and in radial position, on the two axial ends of a supporting shaft 35 which is fixed onto the supporting structure 30 in substantially horizontal position and is locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 which is located on the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holding storage 23; and a rotating actuator 34 which is fixed onto the supporting structure 30 and is capable of turning, on command, said supporting shaft 32 by approximately 90° clockwise and anticlockwise, so as to swivel the two suction cups 33 by approximately 90° about the rotation axis B of the supporting shaft 32.

[0055] More in detail, in the example shown the two suction caps 33 are fixed rigidly in radial position, directly onto the two axial ends of the motor shaft 34 of the rotating actuator 35 which, in turn, is fixed rigidly onto the lower part of the supporting structure 30.

[0056] The two suction caps 33 of each gripping member 32 are connected to an air suction circuit (not shown), and are fixed in rigid manner onto the motor shaft 34 of the rotating actuator 35 so as to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rotation axis B of the shaft. The rotating actuator 35 instead can turn, on command, the motor shaft by approximately 90° clockwise and anticlockwise so as to swivel the two suction caps 33 by 90° about the rotation axis B of the shaft.

[0057] The rotating actuators 35 of the gripping members 32 of gripping head 24 are furthermore fixed to the supporting structure 30 with the rotation axis B of the motor shafts 34 parallel and spaced apart; and the gripping head 24 is adapted to rest on the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration contained in the septum-holding storage 23, arranging the rotation axes B of the motor shafts 34 of the various rotation actuators 35 locally substantially parallel to the intersection lines between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the various transversal partitioning walls 13b.

[0058] Operation of the bottle cartoning machine 1 will not be described assuming that the partitioning-septum positioner 12 is already placed next to the supporting structure 4 of the cartoning machine 1, beside the loading station 5 on the opposite side with respect to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, and is also preferably rigidly anchored to the supporting frame 4 of the cartoning machine 1 by means of clamps, bolts or other mechanical connecting members of known type.

[0059] Initially, the packaging container conveyor 6 picks up a blank from the blank-holding storage 8, and then folds it so as to form a cardboard box 3 of substantially parallelepiped shape, which is then arranged in the loading station 5 with the cavity facing upwards.

[0060] More or less simultaneously, the bottle-moving head 9 places itself above the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 (or rather over the outlet of the conveyor belt of the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7), and picks up a predetermined number of bottles 2 (three bottles in the example shown) aligned to one another from the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7.

[0061] Subsequently the bottle-moving head 9 overturns the individual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal axis locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row of bottles 2 so as to form a compact row of horizontally arranged bottles 2, and then moves to the loading station 5 so as to rest/deposit the row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 delicately into the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, to compose a layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 in the cardboard box 3 (see figure 6).

[0062] More in detail, in the example shown the bottle-moving head 9 overturns the individual bottles 2 by 90° about a horizontal axis locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row of bottles 2, alternating the sense of rotation, so that the neck of each bottle 2 is locally flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles 3; and then realigns the bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position again to one another so as to form a compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position.

[0063] Subsequently, the bottle-moving head 9 moves/lowers at the loading station 5, so as to arrange/deposit the compact row of the bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position inside the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to compose the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 into box 3; and then leave the loading station 5 going back to the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7 to pick up the bottles 2 needed to form/compose the second layer of horizontal-arranged bottles 2 inside the box 3.

[0064] Preferably, after having left the loading station 5 to pick up a new row of bottles 2 from the bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, the bottle-moving head 9 moreover turns the entire assembly of gripping members 10 by 180° about the vertical axis V, so that the spatial arrangement of the second layer of bottles 2 is symmetric with respect to that of the layer of bottles 2 newly deposited in the box 3.

[0065] More or less simultaneously, the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 places itself above the septum-holding storage 23, and then lowers down onto the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements 13 in flattened configuration which is contained in the septum-holding storage 23, so as to arrange the gripping members 32 in abutment on the transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration which is located on top of the stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 contained in the septum-holding storage 23.

[0066] Subsequently, the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 activates the gripping members 32 so as to withhold the transversal partitioning walls or panels 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13, and then raises from the top of the stack 14 of dividing elements 13 in flattened configuration which is contained in the septum-holding storage 23, taking with it the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened position .

[0067] After having picked up a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the septum-holding storage 23, the gripping head 24 turns the gripping members 32 by 90° about an equal number of horizontal reference axes B, each of which is locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a and the transversal partitioning walls 13b on which the gripping member 32 rests, so as to force the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 to arrange itself in the deployed configuration (see figures 7, 10 and 11), in which it forms a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle 2.

[0068] More in detail, the gripping head 24 turns the gripping members 32 by 90° about an equal number of horizontal reference axis B, so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a in substantially horizontal position and the transversal partitioning walls 13b in substantially vertical position, parallel and distanced from one another.

[0069] When the bottle-moving head 9 leaves the loading station 5 after having deposited the first row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 in the box 3, the gripping head 24 of the partitioning-septum positioner 12 places itself above the loading station 5, and moves down into the box 3 stationary in the loading station 5, so as to deposit the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration on the layer of bottles 2 in the box 3, with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a resting on the lateral side of all the bottles 2 forming the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 in the box 3, and with the various transversal partitioning walls 13b interposed between the bottles 2 of the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0070] More in detail, the gripping head 24 moves down along the vertical from the loading station 5, so as to insert each of the vertically-arranged transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element 13 in a deployed configuration between two immediately adjacent bottles 2 of the layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 present inside box 3, to rest the horizontally-arranged longitudinal partitioning wall 13a of the dividing element in a deployed configuration 13 on the lateral side of all the bottles 2 which compose the same layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0071] Once the gripping head 24 moves away from the loading station 5 after having deposited the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13, the bottle-moving head 9 moves/lowers again in the loading station 5 to rest/deposit the new compact row of bottles 2 interposed in horizontal position into the box 3, above the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration, inserting each horizontally-oriented bottle 2 in a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13.

[0072] The transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 are indeed maintained in vertical position by the horizontally-arranged bottles 2 forming the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, i.e. the lower layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0073] After having deposited the second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, the packaging container conveyor 6 removes the box 3 filled with bottles 2 from the loading station 5, and positions an empty box 3 in the loading station 5.

[0074] In other words, the method for cartoning bottles in horizontal position basically envisages the steps of:

• depositing a first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 in the box-like container 3 stationary in the loading station 5;
• positioning, into the same box-like container 3 stationary in the loading station 5, a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration above said first layer of bottles 2, inserting the various transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 between the horizontally-arranged bottles 2 forming the first layer of bottles 2, and placing the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in abutment on the lateral side of all the bottles 2 forming the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2; and finally
• depositing, inside the same box-like container 3 stationary in the loading station 5, a second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2 above the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in a deployed configuration, inserting each horizontally-arranged bottle 2 of the second layer of bottles 2 within a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13.

[0075] Preferably, the step of depositing the first layer of bottles 2 in the box-like container 3, is furthermore proceeded by the steps of:

• picking up, from a bottles arranging and compacting unit 7, a predetermined number of bottles 2 arranged in a vertical position and aligned one after the other; and then
• overturning the individual bottles 2 by about 90° around a horizontal rotation axis B locally substantially parallel to the reference axis L of the row of bottles 2, so as to form a row of horizontally-arranged bottles 2.

[0076] Preferably, the step of overturning the bottles 2 in turn comprises the step of turning the individual bottles 2 about respective horizontal reference axis B while changing alternatively the sense of rotation of the bottles 2, so that, at the end of the overturning, the neck of each bottle 2 is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles 3.

[0077] Preferably, the step of positioning a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in deployed position above the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles 2, comprises the steps of:

• picking a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration from the top of a stack 14 of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 in flattened configuration; and
• opening the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure 13, so as to arrange it in the deployed configuration in which the transversal partitioning walls 13b of the dividing element 13 form, with the longitudinal partitioning wall 13a, a series of cells each dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle 2.

[0078] The advantages correlated with the use of the method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles described above and of the bottle cartoning machine 1 implementing such method are considerable.

[0079] Firstly, the dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 are much cheaper than rigid preformed trays, thus allowing to drastically reduce bottle packaging costs. Furthermore, the dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure 13 could be easily used also for cartoning bottles in vertical position, with all the advantages that this implies.

[0080] Lastly, but not less important, the partitioning-septum positioner 12 with modular structure may be arranged beside the loading station 5 only when the bottle cartoning machine 1 must carton horizontally-arranged bottles, to the benefit of production flexibility of the machine.

[0081] The bottle-moving head 9 may indeed be fixed onto the supporting structure 4 in easily removable manner, so as to allow the machine user to replace the bottle-moving head 9 with a new bottle-moving head specifically structured to grip the bottles 2 in vertical position at the neck and then rest the bottles 2 in the box 3 again in vertical position.

[0082] In this manner, the bottle cartoning machine may be rapidly tooled to carton bottles in both horizontal position and in vertical position.

[0083] It is finally apparent that changes and variants can be made to the cartoning machine 1 described and illustrated herein without however departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0084] For example, the partitioning-septum positioner 12 may be stably incorporated in the cartoning machine 1. In this case, the septum-holding storage 23 is fixed directly onto the supporting structure 4, and the supporting carriage 26 that supports the supporting arm 25 is fixed directly onto the supporting machine 4 with the possibility of moving freely in vertical direction.

Claims

1. Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles (2) characterized in that it comprises the steps of

- depositing a first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2) inside a box-like container (3) stationary in a loading station (5);

- positioning, inside the same box-like container (3), a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration above said first layer of bottles (2), by inserting the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) between the horizontally-arranged bottles (2) forming the first layer of bottles (2), and placing the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) resting on the lateral side of all the bottles (2) forming the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2);

- depositing, inside the same box-like container (3), a second layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2) above the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13), by inserting each horizontally-arranged bottle (2) of the second layer of bottles (2) within a respective cell of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13).

2. Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of depositing the first layer of bottles (2) inside the box-like container (3) is preceded by the step of:

- withdrawing from a bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) a predetermined number of bottles (2) arranged in a vertical position and aligned one after the other; and then

- overturning the individual bottles (2) by about 90° around a horizontal rotation axis (B) locally substantially parallel to the reference axis (L) of the row of bottles (2), so as to form a row of horizontally-arranged bottles (2).

3. Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of overturning the bottles (2) envisages to rotate the individual bottles (2) about respective horizontal reference axes (B) by alternatingly changing the rotation direction of the bottles (2), so that, at the end of the overturning, the neck of each bottle (2) is flanked by the tubular section of the two immediately adjacent bottles (3) .

4. Method for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of positioning a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration above the first layer of horizontally-arranged bottles (2), comprises the steps of:

- picking up a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration from the top of a stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration; and

- opening the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) so as to place it in the deployed configuration wherein the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element (13) form, with the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a), a series of cells each of which is dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle (2).

5. Cartoning machine (1) for cartoning horizontally-arranged bottles (2) adapted to receive a succession of loose bottles (2) arranged in upright position, and provide a sequence of packaging box-like containers (3) each of which has inside a given number of horizontally-arranged bottles (2); the cartoning machine (1) comprising:

- a loading station (5) in which the bottles (2) are laid horizontally-arranged inside the box-like container (3) which is stationary at the loading station (5);

- a packaging container conveyor (6) which is adapted to step-advance a succession of box-like containers (3) with the opening facing the top, through the loading station (5);

- a bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) which is located next to the loading station (5), and is adapted to receive and compact the loose bottles (2) entering the machine (1), so as to form a row of bottles (2) arranged in an upright position; and

- a bottle-moving head (9) which is movable in the space above the loading station (5) and the bottle arranging and compacting unit (7), and is structured so as to be able to pick up from the bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) a predetermined number of bottles (2) aligned side by side, and then deposit said bottles (2) horizontally arranged inside the box-like container (3) stationary at the loading station (5);
the cartoning machine (1) being characterized by also comprising a partitioning-septum positioner (12) which is arranged next to the loading station (5), and is structured so as to deposit, inside the box-like container (3) stationary at the loading station (5), a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13).

6. Cartoning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the partitioning-septum positioner (12) comprises a septum-holding storage (23) which is structured so as to contain/accommodate at least one stack (14) of dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration; and a gripping head (24) which is movable in the space above the septum-holding storage (23) and the adjacent loading station (5), and is structured so as to be able to, in sequence,

- pick up from the top of the stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) a dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration;

- cause the opening of the dividing element (13), so as to arrange the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in a deployed configuration wherein the transversal partitioning wall (13b) of the dividing element (13) form, with the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a), a series of cells each of which is dimensioned so as to accommodate a horizontally-arranged bottle (2), and finally

- release the dividing element (13) in a deployed configuration.

7. Cartoning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the gripping head (24) is movable above the septum-holding storage (23) and the loading station (5), between a withdrawing position in which the gripping head (24) is located above the septum-holding storage (23), aligned with the top of stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) in flattened configuration; and a release position wherein the gripping head (24) is located above the loading station (5), aligned with the opening of the box-like container (3) stationary in the loading station (5).

8. Cartoning machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the gripping head (24) is movable in the space with a rectilinear reciprocating motion, along a horizontal rectilinear path that has a first end vertically aligned with the septum-holding storage (23), and a second end vertically aligned with the loading station (5).

9. Cartoning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the gripping head (24) is fixed on the distal end of an articulated supporting arm (25) with pantographic movement, which lies on a substantially horizontal reference plane, and has the proximal end fixed on a support carriage (26) which, in turn, is vertically movable under control of a motor assembly (27).

10. Cartoning machine according to claim 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the gripping head (24) comprises a supporting structure (30), and a series of gripping members (32) which projects downwards from the supporting structure (30), so as to be able to rest each on a respective transversal partitioning wall (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) placed on top of the stack (14) of dividing elements with collapsible alveolar structure (13) contained in the septum-holding storage (23), and are structured so to firmly grasp and hold, on command, the same transversal partitioning wall (13b); each gripping member (32) of the gripping head (24) being structured so as to rotate by approximately 90° with respect to said supporting structure (30), about a reference axis (B) locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13) and the transversal partitioning wall (13b) against which it rests.

11. Cartoning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that each gripping element (32) comprises two suction cups (33) which are fixed in rigid manner and in a radial position, on the two axial ends of a supporting shaft (34) which is substantially horizontal and locally substantially parallel to the intersection line between the longitudinal partitioning wall (13a) and the transversal partitioning walls (13b) of the dividing element with collapsible alveolar structure (13), and a rotary actuator (35) which is able to rotate, on command, said supporting shaft (34) by approximately 90° clockwise or anticlockwise, so as to swivel the two suction cups (33) by approximately 90° around the rotation axis (B) of said supporting shaft (34) .

12. Cartoning machine according to any claim 5 to 11, characterized by comprising a ground-resting main supporting frame (4), which supports the loading station (5), the packaging container conveyor (6), the bottle arranging and compacting unit (7) and the bottle-moving head (9); and in that the partitioning-septum positioner (12) has a modular structure separate and independent from the rest of the components of the cartoning machine (1), and is structured so as to be positioned close to the supporting frame (4) of the cartoning machine (1), beside the loading station (5), so as to be able to interact with the rest of the components of the cartoning machine (1).

13. Cartoning machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the partitioning-septum positioner (12) comprises an auxiliary supporting frame (21) which is separate and independent from the main supporting frame (4) of the cartoning machine (1), directly supports the septum-holding storage (23) and the gripping head (24) of the partitioning-septum positioner (12), and is structured so as to be approachable to the main supporting frame (4) of the cartoning machine (1), next to the loading station (5).

14. Cartoning machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the auxiliary supporting frame (21) is provided on the bottom with ground-resting wheels (22).

Drawing