Machine for packaging products arranged in ordered groups

Abstract

The machine includes a packaging station and a feeding line configured and controlled for feeding ordered groups of products to the packaging station. The feeding line is movable with respect to the packaging station to form an access space between the packaging station and the feeding line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to machines for packaging products arranged in ordered groups, for instance groups of paper rolls, such as tissue paper rolls, or the like, or other products that must be grouped according to defined geometries to form packs or packages.STATE OF THE ART[0002]In the production of products arranged in ordered groups it is well known to provide a feeding line, along which the individual products are fed and grouped in ordered manner and from which the ordered products are synchronously inserted into a packaging machine or station, forming single groups that are then wrapped for instance in sheets of heat-sealed plastic. U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,157 discloses an example of a feeding line to form groups of ordered and superposed products towards a packaging station. This prior art feeding line is comprised of more adjacent modules, joined and connected together to obtain a continuous feeding line and synchronous movements. Once assembled and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent relates to a system that allows for easy access to a packaging station in a production line without the need to stop the whole production process. This is achieved by moving a unit with synchronizing and ordering components towards the packaging station to create an access space. A backward moving device is also provided to move the products backward when the access space is closed. This minimizes shutdown times and allows for quicker production re-start. The system also includes an entrance conveyor with a variable length to allow for proper positioning of products when they are inserted into the packaging station. The synchronizing and ordering system and the insertion members are supported by a movable unit, which keeps the products in place during movement. This eliminates any interference with the synchronizing and ordering process and ensures the proper order and position of the products.

Problems solved by technology

In these systems shutdowns may occur, for instance when the products jam along the path.

Accessing the packaging station is often difficult or impossible due to the presence of the feeding line, which usually extends in orthogonal direction with respect to the movement of the product groups in the packaging station.

It is difficult for the operator to access the involved area, i.e. the area in which the products are transferred from the feeding line to the packaging station.

Images