Contact device
By introducing a controllable movable contact device into the cartoning machine system, combined with folding and pusher components, the problems of low efficiency and error susceptibility in the prior art are solved, enabling efficient, flexible and easy-to-maintain product group operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480059247.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-27
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing cartoning machine systems are inefficient and prone to errors during operation, have complex structures, are difficult to maintain, and struggle to achieve efficient and flexible product group operations.
A cartoning machine system including a contact device is designed. This contact device actively or passively contacts product groups through a controllable movable contact element, combined with a folding assembly and a pusher assembly, to achieve fast and accurate operation.
It improves the operational efficiency of the cartoning machine system, reduces the error rate, maintains the system's flexibility and ease of maintenance, and is suitable for a variety of product shapes and sizes.
Smart Images
Figure CN122180634A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a contact device. Furthermore, this invention relates to a cartoning machine system including a folding assembly that includes the contact device. Additionally, this invention relates to a cartoning machine system including a pusher assembly that includes the contact device.
[0002] It should be noted that in this document, the term "cartoning system" is not limited to the specific shape and / or size of the boxes operated by the system. In other words, the term "cartoning system" is a general definition referring to a system that performs operations on or on boxes or cases. Specifically, the difference between a box and a case lies in size: cases are smaller, while boxes are designed to hold multiple cases.
[0003] Specifically, in this document, the term "product group" refers to a product as the object of an operation. For example, the term "product group" refers to a single product element or multiple product elements (including information sheets, etc.) that are subjected to a pushing force and arranged within a carton / box. As another example, the term "product group" refers to a single product element (e.g., a carton / box) or multiple product elements and a carton / box for containing the product element, wherein the carton / box is the object of a specific operation (e.g., folding its flaps). The term "product" refers to blister packaging, pouch packaging, strip packaging, or vials, etc.
[0004] Specifically, the contact device includes contact elements suitable for contacting a group of products. For example, the contact element is adapted to provide abutment when performing a specific operation (such as a pushing action of a pusher head), thereby passively contacting the group of products. For example, the contact element is adapted to actively contact the group of products (especially cardboard boxes / cartons) in order to perform a specific operation (such as folding their flaps).
[0005] According to the present invention, the product field of the present invention is the pharmaceutical industry or the food or cosmetic industry.
[0006] According to the present invention, the faster and more error-proof the cartoning machine system can perform operations, the higher its efficiency. While meeting this requirement, excessive complexity in geometry, structure, and system layout must be avoided so that the system is flexible, durable, and, most importantly, easy to maintain.
[0007] In particular, in response to the aforementioned requirements, the contact devices included in the cartoning machine system must be suitable for performing their operation in a highly efficient and effective manner, while remaining simple in terms of structure, assembly, and maintenance.
[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a contact device that effectively meets all the above requirements. In other words, the object of this invention is to provide a contact device that is simple in structure, extremely effective, yet flexible and versatile.
[0009] This objective is achieved by the contact device described in claim 1. This objective is achieved by a cartoning machine system including a pusher assembly comprising the contact device described in claim 9. This objective is achieved by a cartoning machine system including a pusher assembly comprising the contact device described in claim 10.
[0010] The dependent claims protect further features of these claims and provide further technical benefits.
[0011] Furthermore, further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of its preferred embodiments (given as non-limiting examples) with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 A perspective view of the contact device of the present invention according to a first preferred embodiment is shown; - Figure 1a Showing Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the contact device; - Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 Top view of the contact device; - Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the contact device; - Figure 4 A perspective view of the contact device of the present invention according to a second preferred embodiment is shown; - Figure 4a Showing Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of the contact device; - Figure 5 Showing Figure 4 Top view of the contact device; - Figure 6 Showing Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the contact device.
[0012] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the contact device according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.
[0013] As described above, the contact device 1 of the present invention is suitable for actively or passively contacting product groups.
[0014] The present invention also relates to a cartoning machine system including a folding assembly, wherein the folding assembly includes a contact device 1. The folding assembly (particularly the contact device 1 included therein) can be moved by a dedicated moving assembly, which itself is included within the cartoning machine system. Specifically, the contact device 1 is controllably movable to command a contact element 2 to move to a position where the contact element 2 actively contacts the carton / box to fold its edge. In other words, the contact device 1 is controllably movable to perform an active folding operation.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartoning machine system includes a plurality of folding components, which are preferably arranged side by side, each folding component being adapted to operate a corresponding carton / box.
[0016] The present invention also relates to a cartoning machine system including a pusher assembly, wherein the pusher assembly includes a contact device 1. The pusher assembly (specifically the contact device 1) is movable by a dedicated moving component, which is itself included within the cartoning machine system. In particular, the contact device 1 is controllably movable to command a contact element 2 to move to a position where the contact element 2 passively contacts a group of products subjected to a pushing action. In other words, the contact device 1 is controllably movable to perform a passive operation, i.e., to provide contact during the movement and pushing action of the product group.
[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartoning machine system includes a plurality of pusher assemblies, which are preferably arranged side by side with each other, each pusher assembly being adapted to operate a corresponding product group, i.e., to position the product group in a corresponding carton / box.
[0018] Apart from the features described below, the features of the components and / or other component assemblies included in the cartoning machine system, the folding assembly, the pusher assembly, and / or the moving assembly are not limiting for the purposes of this invention.
[0019] The contact device 1 for the cartoning machine system can be moved by a moving component to command the contact device 1 to move linearly between a retracted position and an advanced position.
[0020] This movable component is suitable for continuously moving the contact device 1.
[0021] This movable component is suitable for alternately moving the contact device 1.
[0022] According to the present invention, the contact device 1 includes a contact element 2 suitable for contacting a group of products.
[0023] Preferably, the contact element 2 is adapted to passively contact the product group by providing abutment when performing a specific operation (e.g., in the operation of pushing the product group into a carton / box).
[0024] Preferably, the contact element 2 is adapted to actively contact the product group by actively performing a specific operation (e.g., in the operation of folding the edge of a cardboard box / box).
[0025] Contact element 2 extends in a plane relative to imaginary plane I.
[0026] Preferably, at least a portion of the contact element 2 extends planarly relative to the imaginary plane I.
[0027] On this imaginary plane I, there exist a principal axis XX and an auxiliary axis YY, which are substantially orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the vertical axis VV extends substantially orthogonally relative to this imaginary plane I.
[0028] Preferably, the contact element 2 is made of metal (e.g., steel).
[0029] The specific shape of the contact element 2 (i.e., its shape relative to the imaginary plane I) is not limiting for the purposes of this invention.
[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the contact element 2 has a substantially planar shape, including a planar element or a shovel-shaped element.
[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the contact element 2 has a substantially frame-shaped structure comprising at least two beam elements joined together (e.g., welded together). For example, in a preferred embodiment, the frame structure includes a base beam element and a contact beam element, the contact beam element being, for example, orthogonal to the base beam element. Preferably, the contact beam element is located on the imaginary plane I.
[0032] According to the present invention, the contact device 1 includes a body 3, to which a contact element 2 is engaged. When the body 3 is moved (e.g., driven by a moving component), the contact element 2 is moved.
[0033] The contact element 2 preferably includes a support 20 adapted to engage with the body 3. For example, the contact element 2 extends entirely or partially from the support 20 relative to the imaginary plane I and has the planar element or the aforementioned frame structure.
[0034] The main body 3 includes a first unit 4 (or base unit), a second unit 5 (or support unit), and a locking device suitable for connecting the aforementioned units.
[0035] Unit 4 (or base unit) can be connected to the moving component to receive moving actions.
[0036] The second unit 5 (or support unit) is integrally joined to the contact element 2. For example, preferably, the contact element 2 is integrally connected to the second unit 5 (e.g., by appropriate screws and / or rivets).
[0037] According to the present invention, the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are shaped to engage with each other by shape fitting.
[0038] This shape fit occurs along a connection direction parallel to an axis, such as the main axis XX or the vertical axis VV.
[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection direction is parallel to the axis to which the contact element 2 moves.
[0040] According to the invention, the shape fit between the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 has mutually engaging walls that extend substantially orthogonally to the other two axes.
[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the first unit 4 includes a first protrusion 41, and the second unit 5 includes a first housing 51.
[0042] Preferably, the first protrusion 41 and the first housing 51 extend parallel to the connection direction and include respective first engagement walls 410', 410", 510', 510", which extend substantially orthogonally to at least one of the other two axes (e.g., auxiliary axis YY).
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the first unit 4 includes a second protrusion 42, and the second unit 5 includes a second housing 52.
[0044] Preferably, the second protrusion 42 and the second housing 52 extend parallel to the connection direction and include respective second engagement walls 420', 420", 520', 520", which extend substantially orthogonally to at least one of the other axes (e.g., the vertical axis VV).
[0045] In other words, the connection between the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 is made in such a way that the joint walls are arranged such that lateral forces relative to the connection direction are dissipated in the joint between the walls.
[0046] For example, the lateral force is caused by the inertia of the moving action of the contact element 2.
[0047] For example, the lateral force is caused by the direct or indirect pushing action of the contact element 2 when it comes into contact with the product group.
[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the first unit 4 is male, while the second unit 5 is female.
[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the first protrusion 41 is integrally formed with the first unit 4.
[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the first protrusion 41 is formed by an additional component, such as a pin, tooth, or bolt (as shown in the figures). Figure 4a and Figure 6 The illustrated embodiments are exemplary.
[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the second protrusion 42 is integrally formed with the first unit 4.
[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the second protrusion 42 is formed by an additional component (e.g., a pin, tooth, or bolt).
[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 are positioned to be axially offset along the insertion direction.
[0054] Preferably, the lateral forces in different directions are discharged between the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 at axial positions relative to the insertion direction and in different regions.
[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking device 6 includes a first device 61 engaged with the first unit 4, a second device 62 engaged with the second unit 5, and a connecting member 63 extending between the first device 61 and the second device 62.
[0056] The connecting member 63 can be configured in an open / unlocked configuration and a closed / locked configuration. In the open / unlocked configuration, the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are axially movable relative to each other. In the closed / locked configuration, the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are axially fixed relative to each other.
[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking device 6 is lever-type. The connecting member 63 is preferably hinged to the second device 62, and in the closed / locked configuration, the connecting member 63 engages the first device 61. The first device 61 is preferably of the type including a connecting region in which the connecting member 63 is accommodated.
[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, in a closed / locked configuration, the connecting member 63 is adapted to hold the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 in a connected position so that they are held in an axially connected position where there is an engagement between the engaging walls.
[0059] Innovatively, this contact device fully achieves its intended purpose by overcoming typical problems of existing technologies.
[0060] Advantageously, in practice, this contact device is suitable for integration into cartoning machine systems designed for rapid handling operations and numerous cycles.
[0061] Advantageously, the contact device is extremely flexible and also easy to maintain.
[0062] Advantageously, this contact device is particularly suitable for allowing the movement of large, shovel-shaped elements.
[0063] Advantageously, the replacement of contact elements can be performed through simple and intuitive operation, preferably between the first unit and the second unit.
[0064] Advantageously, the replacement of contact elements can be carried out through a simple, guided, and error-proof operation, preferably between the first and second units.
[0065] Advantageously, the contact device provides an engagement between the first and second units that is wear-resistant and, apparently, break-resistant.
[0066] Advantageously, the shape of the contact element depends on the specific application of the contact device, while providing the same body. Advantageously, in embodiments where the contact device is included within a folding assembly and is adapted to function as an active contact element, the contact element is designed to include a frame structure. Advantageously, in embodiments where the contact device is included within a pusher assembly and is adapted to function as a passive contact element, the contact element may be designed to include a planar element or a shovel-shaped element.
[0067] Advantageously, the aforementioned advantages of the contact device also exist in the cartoning machine system (whether in a configuration where the contact device is included in a folding assembly or in a configuration where the contact device is included in a pusher assembly).
[0068] Obviously, those skilled in the art can modify the above invention to meet occasional needs, and all such modifications fall within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A contact device (1) for a cartoning machine system, the cartoning machine system further comprising a moving component capable of engaging the contact device (1) to command the contact device to move linearly, continuously, and / or alternately between a retracted position and an advanced position, wherein, The contact device (1) includes: i) A contact element (2) adapted to passively contact a product group by providing abutment when performing a specific operation, or adapted to actively contact a product group to perform a specific operation, wherein the contact element (2) extends at least partially relative to an imaginary plane (I) on which a main axis (XX) and an auxiliary axis (YY) are provided, the main axis (XX) and the auxiliary axis (YY) being substantially orthogonal to each other, and a vertical axis (VV) extending relative to the imaginary plane (I); ii) Body (3), said body (3) comprising: - First unit (4), or base unit, which can be connected to the moving component to receive moving actions; - The second unit (5), or support unit, is integrally joined with the contact element (2); - Locking device (6), the locking device (6) includes a first device (61) engaged with the first unit (4), a second device (62) engaged with the second unit (5), and a connecting member (63) extending between the first device (61) and the second device (62), the connecting member (63) being configurable to an open / unlock configuration and a closed / lock configuration; The first unit (4) and the second unit (5) are shaped to engage each other by form fit in a connection direction parallel to, for example, a main axis (XX) or a vertical axis (VV). The first unit (4) and the second unit (5) have mutually engaging walls that extend substantially orthogonally to the other two axes.
2. The contact device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first unit (4) includes a first protrusion (41), and the second unit (5) includes a first housing (51), wherein the first protrusion (41) and the first housing (51) extend parallel to the connection direction and include respective first joint walls (410', 410", 510', 510"), the first joint walls (410', 410", 510', 510") being substantially orthogonal to at least one of the other two axes, such as an auxiliary axis (YY).
3. The contact device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The first unit (4) includes a second protrusion (42), and the second unit (5) includes a second housing (52), wherein the second protrusion (42) and the second housing (52) extend parallel to the connection direction and include respective second joint walls (420', 420", 520', 520"), the second joint walls (420', 420", 520', 520") extending substantially orthogonal to at least one other axis, such as a vertical axis (VV).
4. The contact device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first protrusion (41) and / or the second protrusion (42) are integrally formed in the first unit (4).
5. The contact device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first protrusion (41) and / or the second protrusion (42) are formed by additional components, such as pins or teeth.
6. The contact device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and in conjunction with claims 2 and 3, wherein, The first protrusion (41) and the second protrusion (42) are positioned to be axially offset along the insertion direction.
7. The contact device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking device (6) is lever-type, wherein the connecting member (63) is hinged to the second device (62) and engages the first device (61) in the closed / locked configuration.
8. The contact device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, In the closed / locked configuration, the connecting member (63) is adapted to hold the first unit (4) and the second unit (5) in an axially connected position.
9. A cartoning machine system comprising a moving component and a folding component, the folding component being movable under the control of the moving component to perform a folding action on a product group comprising cartons / boxes, wherein, The folding assembly includes a contact device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the contact device (1) being controllably movable to command the contact element (2) to move to a position where the contact element (2) actively contacts the carton / box to fold the flaps of the carton / box.
10. A cartoning machine system comprising a moving component and a pusher assembly, the pusher assembly being movable under the control of the moving component to perform a pushing action on a product group into a carton, wherein, The pusher assembly includes a contact device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for controlling the contact element (2) in a position, preferably in a forward position, in which the contact element (2) passively contacts the product group by providing abutment to the product group subjected to the pushing action.