ASSEMBLY FOR APPLYING AT LEAST ONE ADDITIONAL ELEMENT ON PACKAGES OF PRODUCTS

Abstract

 An assembly (1) for applying at least one additional element (A) on packages of products (P) of the type comprising a fixed frame (2) which comprises at least one station (3) configured to supply at least one additional element (A) at a time. The assembly (1) comprises: at least one rotatable disk (4), which is integral with a first drive shaft (5) coupled to the output shaft (6) of an indexing drive (7) and provided with at least two radial lanes; at least one plate (9) provided with at least one slotted guiding profile (10) on a first surface and rotatably arranged in alignment with the rotatable disk (4), such plate (9) being coupled to the cam follower (11, 12) of a cam mechanism (13) comprising at least one respective cam (14) coupled to the input shaft (16) of the indexing drive (7), which constitutes the respective drive shaft, configured to impose rotations of the at least one plate (9) according to a predefined rule of motion; at least two movable elements (17), each one having a first surface portion which is slideably engaged within a respective radial lane (8) and a respective protrusion (18), which is opposite to the first surface portion, engaged within the slotted profile (10). The rotations of the rotatable disk (4) entrain the movable elements (17) in rotation and move them in a radial direction according to the contour of the slotted profile (10); the rotations of the plate (9), imposed by the cam mechanism (13) controlled by the input shaft (16) of the indexing drive (7), produce radial translations of the movable elements (17) in accordance with the contour of the slotted profile (10). The plate (9) and the disk (4) comprise a central through hole (19), the boundary surface of the hole (19) comprising an annular recess (20) with an angular extension of less than 360°. The annular recess (20) is connected to a suction circuit adapted to feed respective grip means (21) present on the movable elements (17).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products: in particular the assembly according to the invention will be adapted to apply labels and/or decorative contoured sheets (generally obtained by punching and, in the jargon, referred to as "die-cut") on packages of products such as, for example, the individual wrappings of chocolates, pralines and the like (although the possibility is not ruled out of using the assembly for applying different additional elements on packages of different types).

[0002] In the packaging industry the need is increasingly frequent to differentiate the wrapping of products in an original manner, so as to attract attention and arouse interest in the user to make a purchase.

[0003] It often happens therefore that decorative elements can be arranged on the packages which make them more attractive or, in any case, give them greater visual impact. These decorative elements can be labels, or contoured sheets, for example die-cut sheets (with dimensions matching those of the package), which, once coupled with the package, differentiate them from others.

[0004] The use is known of devices for applying decorative elements, which operate on an additional line placed downstream of the packaging line: the product, therefore, once packaged, will be sent to the additional line which is provided with the device for applying the decorative elements.

[0005] However, this technical solution implies a considerable increase in the space occupation of the plant for carrying out the complete packaging cycle, in that downstream of the packaging line the presence of the additional line is required, which on its own requires a specific installation space.

[0006] Furthermore this solution results in the need to factor in and include a magazine or apparatus for buffering the packaged products along the additional line, placed upstream of the device for applying the decorative elements, in order to allow correct operation of the device and to coordinate its operation with the operation of the product packaging machine.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products that does not bring additional bulk to the packaging plant that includes it.

[0008] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products that does not require magazines or apparatuses for buffering the packaged products.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products that makes it possible to stably apply decorative contoured sheets on products, such as chocolates, pralines, sugared almonds, cookies, pastries, candies and the like, which are already wrapped.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products that does not require additional software for synchronization with the wrapping wheel of the packaging plant in which it will be installed.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products that is driven by the same motor that drives the wrapping wheel present in the packaging plant in which it will be installed.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products, at low cost, and which is easily and practically implemented and safely applied.

[0013] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products of the type comprising a fixed frame which comprises at least one station configured to supply at least one additional element at a time, characterized in that it comprises:

• at least one rotatable disk, which is integral with a first drive shaft coupled to the output shaft of an indexing drive and provided with at least two radial lanes;
• at least one plate provided with at least one slotted guiding profile on a first surface and arranged rotatably in alignment with said rotatable disk, said at least one plate being coupled to the cam follower of a cam mechanism comprising at least one respective cam coupled to the input shaft of said indexing drive, which constitutes the respective drive shaft, configured to impose rotations of said at least one plate according to a predefined rule of motion;
• at least two movable elements, each one having a first surface portion which is slideably engaged within a respective radial lane and a respective protrusion, which is opposite to said first surface portion, engaged within said slotted profile, the rotations of said rotatable disk entraining in rotation said movable elements and moving them in a radial direction according to the contour of said slotted profile, the rotations of said plate, imposed by said cam mechanism controlled by said input shaft of said indexing drive, producing radial translations of said movable elements in accordance with the contour of said slotted profile;

and in that said plate and said disk comprise a central through hole, the boundary surface of said hole comprising an annular recess with an angular extension of less than 360°, said annular recess being connected to a suction circuit adapted to feed respective grip means present on said movable elements.

[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly for applying at least one additional element on packages of products according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 from a different point of view;

Figure 3 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to and facing the plane marked with the line V-V in Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 from a further point of view;

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of an enlarged detail of a conjugate cam mechanism of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration;

Figure 10 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration;

Figure 11 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a second operating configuration;

Figure 12 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a third operating configuration;

Figure 13 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a fourth operating configuration;

Figure 14 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a fifth operating configuration;

Figure 15 is a schematic front elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a sixth operating configuration.

[0015] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an assembly for applying at least one additional element A on packages of products P.

[0016] The additional element A can be constituted by a die-cut sheet (with a contour that conforms to the specific aesthetic and practical requirements that said element is to meet on the packaged product P) or by any other component that conforms to the specific characteristics that it is desired to confer on the packaged product P.

[0017] The assembly 1 according to the invention comprises a fixed frame 2 provided with at least one station 3 which is configured to supply at least one additional element A at a time.

[0018] The assembly 1 advantageously comprises at least one rotatable disk 4, which is integral with a first drive shaft 5 coupled to the output shaft 6 of an indexing drive 7. The rotatable disk 4 comprises at least two radial lanes 8 (the accompanying figures show, by way of non-limiting example, a rotatable disk provided with five separate radial lanes 8, angularly equally spaced apart along the entire disk 4).

[0019] The assembly 1 further comprises, conveniently, at least one plate 9 provided with at least one guiding slotted profile 10 on a first surface and arranged rotatably in alignment with the rotatable disk 4.

[0020] Such at least one plate 9 is coupled to the cam follower 11, 12 of a cam mechanism 13 which comprises at least one respective cam 14, 15 which is coupled to the input shaft 16 of the indexing drive 7.

[0021] Basically the input shaft 16 of the indexing drive 7 is a through shaft and therefore, in addition to entraining the components adapted to transfer motion and defining the specific stop intervals according to a respective rule of motion, so acting as the drive shaft of the indexing drive 7, it rotates the cams 14, 15 that are keyed on it.

[0022] The cam mechanism 13 is configured to impose rotations on the at least one plate 9 according to a predefined rule of motion (which determines the extents of its angular advancements and of its angular retreats as a function of the shape and of the contour of the slotted profile 10).

[0023] The assembly 1 further comprises, advantageously, at least two movable elements 17, each one having a first surface portion (the top in the embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures) which is slideably engaged within a respective radial lane 8, and a respective protrusion (which can be positively constituted by a roller 18), protruding with respect to a surface (the lower face in the embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures), which is arranged opposite to the first surface portion, engaged within the slotted profile 10.

[0024] Rotations of the disk 4 will entrain in rotation the movable elements 17 and move them in a radial direction according to the contour of the slotted profile 10: in fact the guide lane 8 will enable each movable element 17 to move with respect to the disk 4 exclusively in a radial direction, while the protrusion 18 (for example a roller) engaged within the slotted profile 10 will determine the extent of the radial translations of each movable element 17, as well as the angular position (meaning the angle by which the rotatable disk 4 will be rotated) at which these translations will occur.

[0025] The rotations of the plate 9, imposed by the cam mechanism 13 controlled by the input shaft 16 of the indexing drive 7, will therefore produce radial translations (centripetal or centrifugal with respect to the plate 9 and to the disk 4) of the movable elements 17 in accordance with the contour of the slotted profile 10.

[0026] The plate 9 and the disk 4 will comprise a central through hole 19: the boundary surface of this hole 19 will conveniently comprise an annular recess 20 with an angular extension of less than 360°.

[0027] The annular recess 20 will be connected to a suction circuit adapted to feed respective grip means 21 present on the movable elements 17.

[0028] With reference to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, the disk 4 can profitably comprise at least two connecting elements 22, each one of which will be positively provided with a first end which abuts hermetically against the boundary surface of the central through hole 19, and with a second end 23 which is associable with a pipe 24 connected to a channel of a respective movable element 17 leading to respective terminal grip means 21.

[0029] The grip means 21 will be active (and therefore adapted to retain at least one respective additional element A), and connected to the suction circuit, when the respective first end of the corresponding connecting elements 22 is facing the annular recess 20; indeed, the opening present in the first end will ensure that the cavity inside the respective connecting element 22 is in communication with the annular recess 20 (and therefore that it is in a partial vacuum, given that the annular recess 22 is connected to a forced suction circuit): through the pipe 24, the partial vacuum will be extended into the channel inside the respective movable element 17 so that the grip means 21 can take advantage of the suction to retain the additional element A.

[0030] Similarly, the grip means 21 will be active (in which configuration said grip means will not be able to retain the decorative elements A) when they are disconnected from the suction circuit, i.e. when the respective first end will face the boundary surface of the hole 19 without the annular recess 20: in this case, no partial vacuum will be created inside the connecting elements 22, inside the pipes 24, and inside the channel inside the movable elements 17, and therefore the grip means 21 will not be able to retain anything by suction.

[0031] It should be noted that the station 3 configured to supply at least one additional element A at a time will be arranged along the trajectory of the grip means 21, so that the latter can retrieve, when they pass in front of said station 3, a respective additional element A.

[0032] It should be noted that, in the description of a particularly efficient embodiment, at least three radial lanes 8 are provided on the at least one rotatable disk 4, preferably at least four, even more preferably at least five (in conformity with the embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures). Each guide lane 8 will be positively adapted to accommodate, so that it can slide in a radial direction, a respective movable element 17 (in the embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, in fact, there are five movable elements 17).

[0033] It should be noted that the assembly 1 according to the invention can furthermore profitably comprise a station 25 for dispensing an adhesive substance onto an additional element A arranged on at least one respective grip means 21.

[0034] The station 25 for dispensing the adhesive substance will be arranged along the path of the grip means 21, in an angular position that is intermediate between the position corresponding to the alignment with the station 3 for supplying the additional elements A and the position corresponding to the alignment with a packaged product P, at which at least one additional element A is deposited thereon.

[0035] The assembly 1 according to the invention can furthermore comprise a control station equipped with at least one sensor of a type chosen among optical sensors, vision sensors, proximity sensors, and the like, which is configured to check for the presence of at least one additional element A, and of a predefined amount of adhesive substance thereon, while a grip means 21 passes in front of said sensor.

[0036] It should be noted that the grip means 21 can advantageously be suction cups connected to the channel of a respective movable element 17, which in turn is connected to the pipe 24 leading to at least one connecting element 22 which is connected, in predefined angular configurations in which an opening thereof is facing the annular recess 20, with the suction circuit.

[0037] The channel that is inside the movable element 17 can furthermore be conveniently provided with a branch which is open outward for the inflow of air: the purpose of the outward-open branch is to eliminate the internal partial vacuum, in the passive configuration of the suction cups (in this manner, as soon as the opening of the connecting element 22 is no longer facing the annular recess 20, the pressure inside the channel to the pipe 24 and to the grip means 21 will immediately equalize with the ambient pressure).

[0038] With reference to an embodiment of safe and stable operation, the cam mechanism 13 can profitably comprise a pair of conjugate cams 14, 15 which are coupled to the input shaft 16 of the indexing drive 7, on the side directed toward the plate 9.

[0039] The cam follower 11, 12, in such case, will be of the rocker type, i.e. comprising two arms 11 and 12 coupled to the surface of the plate 9 on the side opposite to the surface thereof provided with the slotted profile 10.

[0040] By virtue of the conjugate profiles of the two cams 14 and 15 and by virtue of the presence of a cam follower constituted by two arms 11, 12, the rotation movements of the plate 9 generated by such cams 14 and 15 will always be positively guided, so ensuring a greater precision in terms of position and rapidity in the performance of these movements.

[0041] It should be noted that the assembly 1 according to the invention can furthermore usefully comprise a springback pusher 26 which, actuated by a protrusion 27 protruding from the perimeter surface of the plate 9, facilitates the detachment of the at least one additional element A from the grip means 21 that retains it. This ensures that the additional element A will remain stably fixed on the package of the product P, even if a slight vacuum (a pressure less than the ambient pressure) were to accidentally remain inside the grip means 21 which could only result in a weak retention of the element A on the respective grip means 21.

[0042] The present invention extends its protection to a packaging plant 100 provided with a wrapping wheel 101 configured to wrap at least one product P with at least one respective sheet.

[0043] The wrapping wheel 101 will be provided with a plurality of successive operating stations along the respective direction of rotation, each one configured to perform respective operations for folding and/or bonding the sheet according to the intended packaging arrangement.

[0044] The plant 100 will further comprise the assembly 1 according to the invention, arranged along the trajectory described by the product P on the wrapping wheel 101, downstream of the operating station 102 adapted to complete the wrapping of the product P with the above-mentioned sheet.

[0045] The wrapping wheel 101 will be profitably connected to a driving shaft of a respective motor.

[0046] The input shaft 16 of the indexing drive 7, constituting the drive shaft of the assembly 1, is mechanically coupled to the driving shaft by means of a transmission element of the type chosen among belt elements 103 and pulleys 104, chain elements and pulleys, gear elements, magnetic gear elements, and the like.

[0047] The wrapping wheel 101 will further comprise clamping units 105 for at least one respective product P of a type chosen among chocolates, pralines, sugared almonds, cookies, pastries and the like, which is at least partially covered by means of at least one respective sheet.

[0048] Advantageously the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, by providing an assembly 1 for applying at least one additional element A on packages of products P that does not result in a considerable bulk for the packaging plant 100 that comprises it, potentially even fitting within the bounds of the plant 100 (therefore without requiring any extension of the corresponding space occupation in plan view).

[0049] Conveniently the assembly 1 according to the invention does not require magazines or apparatuses for buffering the packaged products, in that it can operate synchronously with the packaging plant 100 that comprises it, thus ensuring that a completely finished packaged product is obtained in output from the plant 100.

[0050] Advantageously the assembly 1 according to the invention makes it possible to stably apply decorative contoured sheets A on products P, such as chocolates, pralines, sugared almonds, cookies, pastries, candies and the like, which are already wrapped.

[0051] Profitably the assembly 1 according to the invention does not require software for synchronization with the wrapping wheel of the packaging plant 100 in which it will be installed, by virtue of the fact that transmission of motion is handled completely by mechanical means starting from a single shaft to supply the effort force.

[0052] Usefully, on the basis of the foregoing explanations, the assembly 1 according to the invention can be driven by means of the same motor that drives the wrapping wheel present in the packaging plant 100 in which it will be installed.

[0053] Positively the assembly 1 according to the invention is easily and practically implemented and at low cost: such characteristics make the assembly 1 according to the invention and the plant 100 that comprises it innovations that are safe in use.

[0054] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0055] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0056] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0057] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000024507 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An assembly for applying at least one additional element (A) on packages of products (P) of the type comprising a fixed frame (2) which comprises at least one station (3) configured to supply at least one additional element (A) at a time, characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one rotatable disk (4), which is integral with a first drive shaft (5) coupled to the output shaft (6) of an indexing drive (7) and provided with at least two radial lanes;

- at least one plate (9) provided with at least one slotted guiding profile (10) on a first surface and arranged rotatably in alignment with said rotatable disk (4), said at least one plate (9) being coupled to the cam follower (11, 12) of a cam mechanism (13) comprising at least one respective cam (14) coupled to the input shaft (16) of said indexing drive (7), which constitutes the respective drive shaft, configured to impose rotations of said at least one plate (9) according to a predefined rule of motion;

- at least two movable elements (17), each one having a first surface portion which is slideably engaged within a respective radial lane (8) and a respective protrusion (18), which is opposite to said first surface portion, engaged within said slotted profile (10), the rotations of said rotatable disk (4) entraining in rotation said movable elements (17) and moving them in a radial direction according to the contour of said slotted profile (10), the rotations of said plate (9), imposed by said cam mechanism (13) controlled by said input shaft (16) of said indexing drive (7), producing radial translations of said movable elements (17) in accordance with the contour of said slotted profile (10);

and in that said plate (9) and said disk (4) comprise a central through hole (19), the boundary surface of said hole (19) comprising an annular recess (20) with an angular extension of less than 360°, said annular recess (20) being connected to a suction circuit adapted to feed respective grip means (21) present on said movable elements (17).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said disk (4) comprises at least two connecting elements (22), each one of which is provided with a first end (23), which abuts hermetically against the boundary surface of said central through hole (19), and with a second end, which is associable with a pipe (24) connected to a channel of a respective movable element (17) leading to terminal grip means (21), said grip means (21) being active and connected to said suction circuit when the respective first end (23) faces said annular recess (20) and being passive, disconnected from said suction circuit, when the respective first end (23) faces said boundary surface of said hole (19) externally with respect to said annular recess (20), said station (3) configured to supply at least one additional element (A) at a time being arranged along the trajectory of said grip means (21).

3. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least three of said radial lanes (8) are provided on said at least one rotatable disk (4), preferably at least four, even more preferably at least five, each guiding lane (8) being adapted to accommodate, so that it can slide in a radial direction, a respective movable element (17).

4. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a station (25) for dispensing an adhesive substance onto said additional element (A) arranged on at least one respective grip means (21), said station (25) for dispensing said adhesive substance being arranged along the path of said grip means (21) in an angular position that is intermediate between the position corresponding to alignment with said station (3) for supplying said additional elements (A) and the position corresponding to alignment with a packaged product (P), with consequent deposition thereon of at least one additional element (A).

5. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control station equipped with at least one sensor of a type chosen among optical sensors, vision sensors, proximity sensors, and the like, and configured to check for the presence of at least one additional element (A), and/or of a predefined amount of adhesive substance thereon, on at least one grip means (21) of a respective movable element (17).

6. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said grip means (21) are suction cups connected to said channel of a respective movable element (17), which in turn is connected to said pipe (24) leading to said at least one connecting element (22) connected to said suction circuit, through said annular recess (20), said channel being provided with a branch which is open outward for the inflow of air, so eliminating the internal partial vacuum, in said passive configuration of said suction cups.

7. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cam mechanism (13) comprises a pair of conjugate cams (14, 15) which are coupled to the input shaft (16) of said indexing drive (7) on the side directed toward said plate (9), said cam follower (11, 12) being of the rocker type with the arms of said rocker coupled to the surface of said plate (9) on the side opposite to the surface thereof provided with said slotted profile (10).

8. A packaging plant, characterized in that it comprises

- a wrapping wheel (101) configured to wrap at least one product (P) with at least one respective sheet, said wrapping wheel (101) being provided with a plurality of successive operating stations along the respective direction of rotation, each one configured to perform respective operations for folding and bonding said sheet according to the intended packaging arrangement,

- at least one assembly (1), according to at least one of the preceding claims, arranged along the trajectory described by said product (P) on said wrapping wheel (101) downstream of the operating station (102) adapted to complete the wrapping of said product (P) with said sheet.

9. The plant according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said wrapping wheel (101) is connected to a driving shaft of a respective motor, said input shaft of said indexing drive (7), constituting the drive shaft of said assembly (1), being mechanically coupled to said driving shaft by means of a transmission element of the type chosen among belt elements (103) and pulleys (104), chain elements and pulleys, gear elements, magnetic gear elements, and the like.

10. The plant according to at least one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said wrapping wheel (101) comprises clamping units (105) for at least one respective product (P) of a type chosen among chocolates, pralines, sugared almonds, cookies, pastries and the like, which is at least partially covered by means of at least one respective sheet.

Drawing