Pusher assembly

Abstract

The invention is a pusher assembly (1), for a cartoner system that comprises: - a pusher unit (2) suitable for pushing a product group, comprising a product element and leaflet, for example, into a carton; - a counter-pusher unit (3) suitable for forming an upper abutment to the product group; - a guide group (4), wherein the pusher unit (2) and the counter-pusher unit (3) are engaged with said guide group (4) to be moveable between a retracted configuration, of product group loading, and an advanced configuration, of product group introduction. Said counter-pusher unit (3) comprises a main member (30) which, in the retracted configuration, is in a position that is vertically distal from the pusher unit (2), while in the advanced configuration, is in a vertically proximal position to the pusher unit (2). Furthermore, the counter-pusher unit (3) comprises control members (32) engaged with the guide group (4) to control the position of the main element (30) as a function of the axial position of the pusher unit (3) along the guide group (4). The main member (30) comprises an abutment element (31) that extends planarly with respect to an imaginary plane (I) controlled in its movement by the control member (32) so that the abutment element (31) is always substantially parallel to the main axis (X-X).

Description

"PUSHER ASSEMBLY"DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pusher assembly .

[0002] In particular, the pusher assembly, object of the present invention is suitable for being part of a cartoner system, i.e., a system that performs positioning operations on product groups inside special cartons.

[0003] In particular, the term "carton" refers to a container with small dimensions that is specifically suitable for containing the product group: the carton has dimensions that are substantially equal to those of the product group to be housed therewithin. A "carton" is therefore different from a "box" wherein a plurality of cartons is typically stored.

[0004] In particular, the term "product group" is generically used to indicate the contents of a carton. For example, the term product group, in a generic manner, refers to a single product element, a multiplicity of product elements or a leaflet etc. The term product refers to a "blister" pack, for example containing capsules, or sachet packs, or stickpack packages or vials etc. The commodity sector wherein the present invention is preferably included is, in fact, the pharmaceuticalindustry .

[0005] Known in the state of the art are cartoner systems that perform a multiplicity of operations : picking up a carton, opening the carton, positioning the product group within the carton and closing the carton . The pusher assembly, included within said cartoner systems is suitable for performing the speci fic operations of positioning a product group within a carton, in particular performing an introduction operation .

[0006] Known cartoner systems comprise a plurality of assemblies that are suitable for performing distinct operations or else a set of operations on product groups and cartons . For example , cartoner systems comprise a plurality of pusher assemblies that are suitable for performing a plurality of operations simultaneously : cartoner systems preferably move a plurality of product groups and cartons , for example with speci fic conveyor belts that are operationally connected to said pusher ass e mb lies .

[0007] A typical requirement of said systems is clearly that of being as ef fective as possible in performing as many operations as possible as quickly as possible and in a foolproof manner . Such requirement must , at the same time , be ful filled in avoiding excessive complications inrelation to the geometry, structure and layout of the system in such a way as to have a cartoner system that is flexible, durable and easy to maintain.

[0008] With particular reference to the aforementioned requirement there is also the need for the pusher assembly to be suitable, in an extremely efficient and effective manner, for performing its operations, whilst at the same time being simple in structure, assembly and maintenance.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to propose a pusher assembly that succeeds in effectively fulfilling all of the aforesaid requirements. In other words the object of the present invention is that of providing a pusher assembly that is extremely effective but at the same time flexible and versatile.

[0010] Such object is achieved by means of the pusher assembly claimed in claim 1. Such object is achieved by means of the cartoner system that comprises the pusher assembly claimed in claim 15. The claims dependent on these request protection for further features and entail further technical benefits.

[0011] In addition, further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description provided below of the preferred embodiments thereof given as non-limiting examples in reference to the attachedfigures , wherein :- figures la and lb show two perspective views of the pusher assembly according to the present invention, respectively in a retracted configuration, of product group loading, and an advanced configuration, of product group introduction;- figures 2a and 2b show two lateral cross-sectional views of the figures la and lb ;- figure 3 shows a perspective view in separate parts of the pusher assembly;- figure 3 ' is an enlarged view of a region of figure 3 ;- figures 4a, 4b , 4c, 4d, 4e and 4 f show, respectively, the cycle of operations and movements performed by the pusher assembly, positioned respectively in the retracted configuration, a partially advanced counter-pusher configuration, an advanced counter-pusher configuration, an advanced configuration, a partial retraction configuration and a retracted configuration .

[0012] With reference to the accompanying figures , a pusher assembly 1 according to the present invention is indicated with the numeral 1 .

[0013] The pusher assembly 1 , by means of an pushing operation, is suitable for pushing a product group into a carton .4RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

[0014] The object of the present invention is also a cartoner system that comprises said pusher assembly 1. Except for the features described below, the characteristics of the components and / or the other component assemblies comprised within the cartoner system are not limiting for the purposes of the present invention.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartoner system comprises a plurality of pusher assemblies 1, preferably side by side therebetween, each being suitable for operating upon a respective carton, i.e., suitable for positioning the product group within said carton .

[0016] According to the present invention, the pusher assembly 1, for a cartoner system, extends along a main axis X-X. Preferably, the pusher assembly 1 performs those operations for which it is intended in relation to said main axis X-X.

[0017] The pusher assembly 1, in relation to said main axis X-X, is configurable in a retracted configuration, of product group loading, and an advanced configuration, of product group introduction.

[0018] The pusher assembly 1 comprises a pusher unit 2 that is suitable for pushing a product group.

[0019] The pusher assembly 1 furthermore comprises acounter-pusher unit 3 that is suitable for forming an upper abutment with respect to the product group. In particular, the counter-pusher unit 3 forms an upper abutment that is suitable for avoiding any lifting of the product group.

[0020] In other words, in a cartoner system wherein product groups are moved upon one or more conveyor belts, the counter-pusher unit 3 is positionable in such a way as to delimit a space above said conveyor belt in order to avoid any undesired lifting of the product group.

[0021] According to the present invention, the pusher assembly 1 comprises a guide group 4 extending along said main axis X-X. The pusher unit 2 and the counter-pusher unit 3 are engaged with said guide group 4 and they are guidable in moving along said guide group 4.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the counter-pusher unit 3, in an advanced position, is suitable for entering, by at least a portion, within the carton.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the pusher unit 2, in an advanced position, is suitable for entering, by at least a portion, within the carton.

[0024] The pusher unit 2 comprises a rod 20 extending substantially parallel to the main axis X-X.

[0025] Preferably, said rod 20 extends between a base end 201 and a head end 202.

[0026] Preferably, the rod 20 is an extruded metal body.

[0027] The pusher unit 2 furthermore comprises a head 21 that is specifically suitable for engaging with the product group.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the head 21 is shaped to fit into a designated carton.

[0029] Preferably, an appropriate head 21 is used as a function of the shape of the carton. In other words, the pusher assembly and at the same time the cartoner system, by means of an operation for replacing the head, is toolable in order to operate with different cartons.

[0030] The pusher unit 2 furthermore comprises a coupling-uncoupling device 23 removably engaging the rod 20 and the head 21 comprising an elastic element 231 which performs a pushing action that mutually locks the head 21 and the rod 20.

[0031] In particular, the head 21 is slidably engageable with the head end 202.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the head 21 comprises a head body 210 which houses the couplinguncoupling device 23, and the rod 20 comprises a housing 2020 in which said head body 210 is at least partially housed .

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the headbody 210 axially engages with the housing 2020.

[0034] Preferably, the head body 210 extends along the main axis X-X.

[0035] Preferably, the housing 2020 extends along the main axis X-X.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling-uncoupling device 23 is housed in said head body 210.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling-uncoupling device 23 comprises a protruding element 232 engaged with the elastic element 231 so that the pushing action positions the protruding element 232 in a locking position in which the head 21 and the rod 20 are mutually connected.

[0038] Preferably, the head 20 comprises a rod opening 202' and the head 21 comprises a head opening 210' , wherein in the locking position, said protruding element 232 extends through both openings .

[0039] Preferably, said head opening 210' is comprised within the head body 210, and with the head body 210 housed in the housing 2020 the head opening 210' faces the rod opening 202' .

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding element 232 comprises a button end 2320pressable to position the protruding element 232 in the unlocking position. In other words, in exerting pressure on the button end 2320, overcoming the elastic action of the elastic element 231, the button end 2320 is positioned axially so as to not cross the head opening 202' and therefore to allow for the release, i.e., the extraction, of the head 21 from the rod 20.

[0041] Preferably, the button end 2320 is shaped to facilitate the mutual sliding and locking between the head 21 and the rod 20.

[0042] Fo r example, the button end 2320 is rounded or inclined in such a way as to lower itself, overcoming the elastic action of the elastic element 231 and facilitating the axial insertion of the head body 210 into the housing 2020.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic element 231 is a metal sheet. Preferably, a sheet end is engaged with the protruding element 232 whilst the other sheet end is engaged, attached thereto, to the head body 210.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the pusher unit 2 comprises a pusher base device 25 engaged with the end of the rod 20 opposite to the head 21.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the rod 20extends cantilevered from the pusher base device 25.

[0046] Preferably, said pusher base device 25 is slidingly engaged with the guide group 4 and is controllable in its movement by an external movement assembly, preferably comprised in the cartoner system.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide group 4 comprises a pusher rail 42, in relation whereto the pusher base device 25 slides.

[0048] Preferably, the pusher base device 25 has a substantially annular shape and extends around the guide group 4, in particular around the pusher rail 42.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the pusher base device 25 comprises a movement controllable inner pusher control pin 251. For example, said inner pusher control pin 251 is engageable by a movement cam comprised within said external movement assembly. The relative position along the main axis X-X of the pusher unit 2 corresponds to the relative position of the movement cam.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the counter-pusher unit 3 comprises a main member 30.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the main member 30 comprises an abutment element 31 that is specifically suitable for providing an abutment for the product group, avoiding any lifting thereof as a result ofthe pushing of the pusher unit 2. Preferably, the abutment element 31 is suitable for being in contact with the product group, or a portion thereof, thereabove.

[0052] Preferably, the main member 30 in the retracted configuration is in a vertically distal position from the pusher unit 2, while in the advanced configuration, it is in a vertically proximal position to the pusher unit 2. In other words, the main member 30 in the retracted configuration is found to be at a greater height than the height wherein it is found in the advanced configuration.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the counter-pusher unit 3 comprises control members 32 engaged with the guide group 4, wherein the control members 32 control the vertical position, i.e., the height, of the main element 30 as a function of the axial position of the pusher unit 3 along the guide group 4.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the main member 30 extends planarly and is controlled in its movement by the control members 32 so that it is always substantially parallel to the main axis X-X.

[0055] Preferably, the abutment element 31 extends planarly in relation to an imaginary plane I and said imaginary plane I is always parallel to the main axis X- X.

[0056] In other words, the abutment element 31 is moved in translation in always being parallel to the main axis X-X in exclusively varying its height.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the control members 32 comprise a counter-pusher base device 325 that is slidingly engaged with the guide group 4 and controllable in its movement by an external movement assembly, preferably comprised in the cartoner system.

[0058] Preferably, the counter-pusher base device 325 has a substantially annular shape that extends around the guide group 4.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, said counter-pusher base device 325 comprises a movement controllable inner counter-pusher control pin 3251. For example, said inner counter-pusher control pin 3251 is engageable by a movement cam that is comprised within said external movement assembly. The relative position along the main axis X-X of the counter-pusher 3 corresponds to the relative position of the movement cam.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the movement members 32 comprise a first leverage 321 comprising first ends 321' , 321" hinged to the counterpusher base device 325 and the main member 30, and a second leverage 322 comprising second ends 322' , 322" hinged tothe counter-pusher base device 325 and the main member 30.

[0061] Preferably, said first leverage 321 and said second leverage 322 are axially spaced apart.

[0062] Preferably, the distance between the first ends 321' , 321" and that between the second ends 322' , 322" coincides .

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the second leverage 322 comprises a control element 3225, preferably a wheel, slidingly engaged with the guide group 4 so as to control the relative position of the second leverage 322, and therefore the vertical position of the main member 30.

[0064] Preferably, the guide group 4 comprises a counter-pusher track 43 extending along the main axis X- X, comprising a first portion 431, a slide portion 432, and a raised second portion 433, wherein in the advanced configuration, the control element 3225 is engaged with the first portion 431, while in the retracted configuration, the control element 3225 is engaged with the second portion 432.

[0065] In other words, the control element 3225 engaged with the counter-pusher track 43 modifies its vertical position, i.e., its height, as a function of the height of the portion of the counter-pusher track 43 whereupon it slides .

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the second leverage 322 comprises two control elements 3225, for example two wheels, that are arranged on two opposite sides .

[0067] Preferably, the guide group 4 comprises two counter-pusher units 43 whereupon said control elements 3225 slide.

[0068] According to one preferred embodiment, the guide group 4 also comprises advanced and retracted end-of- travel elements engageable in abutment by the pusher unit 2 and by the counter-pusher unit 3, for example respectively comprising appropriate vertical protrusions.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the control members 32 comprise an elastic pulling member 329 engaged with the main member 30 and the counter-pusher base device 325 so as to perform an elastic pulling action suitable for moving them towards each other according to the advanced configuration.

[0070] Preferably, the pulling member 329 is a helical spring .

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the movement assembly moves forward first the counter-pusher unit 3 and then the pusher unit 2.

[0072] Preferably, the movement assembly moves backwardthe counter-pusher unit 3 and the pusher unit 2 simultaneously .

[0073] Preferably, the movement assembly moves backward first the counter-pusher unit 3 and then the pusher unit 2.

[0074] Innovatively, the pusher assembly fully fulfills the intended object in overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

[0075] Advantageously, as a matter of fact, the pusher assembly is moved in an efficient manner thereby improving the timescales of its operation cycle.

[0076] Advantageously, the pusher assembly comprises a pusher unit that performs axial movements that are controlled in an extremely timely and precise manner. Advantageously, the pusher assembly comprises a counterpusher unit that performs axial movements that are controlled in an extremely timely and precise manner.

[0077] Advantageously, the pusher assembly is extremely flexible, also being the object of simple maintenance operations .

[0078] Advantageously, replacing the head of the pusher unit is carriable out by means of simple and intuitive operations .

[0079] Advantageously, mounting the head onto the rodis carriable out by means of simple , guided and foolproof operations .

[0080] Advantageously, the counter-pusher unit performs controlled and fatigue-proof and contextually breakageproof movements .

[0081] Advantageously, the possibility is avoided of a product element , or i f envisaged multiple product elements , comprised within the product group, being li fted due to the pushing of the pusher unit or due to the presence , when included, of the leaflet .

[0082] Advantageously, the counter-pusher unit is moved in such a way as to enter and subsequently exit , by at least a portion, the respective carton without running the risk of intercepting and damaging the walls of the carton .

[0083] Advantageously, the counter-pusher unit is moved in such a way as to perform the respective movements in avoiding impacting upon and potentially crumpling the leaflet .

[0084] Advantageously, the aforementioned circumstantial advantages for the pusher assembly are equally present within the cartoner system .

[0085] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet contingent needs , which changes all fall within thescope of protection as defined in the following claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pusher assembly (1) for a cartoner system, comprising:- a pusher unit (2) suitable for pushing a product group, comprising a product element and a leaflet, for example, into a carton;- a counter-pusher unit (3) suitable for forming an upper abutment with respect to the product group;- a guide group (4) extending along a main axis (X-X) , wherein the pusher unit (2) and the counter-pusher unit (3) are engaged with said guide group (4) to be movable along the main axis (X-X) between a retracted configuration, of product group loading, and an advanced configuration, of product group introduction; wherein the counter-pusher unit (3) comprises a main member (30) which, in the retracted configuration, is in a vertically distal position from the pusher unit (2) , while in the advanced configuration, is in a vertically proximal position to the pusher unit (2) , wherein the counter-pusher unit (3) comprises control members (32) engaged with the guide group (4) , wherein the control members (32) control the vertical position, i.e. the height, of the main element (30) as a function of the axial position of the pusher unit (3) along the guide group (4) ; wherein the main member (30) comprises an abutment element(31) extending planarly with respect to an imaginary plane (I) , wherein the main member (30) is controlled in its movement by the control members (32) so that the abutment element (31) is always substantially parallel to the main axis (X-X) .

2. Pusher assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control members (32) comprise a counter-pusher base device (325) slidingly engaged with the guide group (4) and controllable in its movement by an external movement assembly, preferably included in the cartoner system, a first leverage (321) comprising first ends ( 321 ’ , 321") hinged to the counterpusher base device (325) and the main member (30) , and a second leverage (322) comprising second ends ( 322 ’ , 322") hinged to the counter-pusher base device (325) and the main member (30) , wherein the first leverage (321) and the second leverage (322) are axially spaced apart from each other, wherein the distance between the first ends ( 321 ’ , 321") and that between the second ends ( 322 ' , 322") coincides .

3. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second leverage (322) comprises a control element (3225) , preferably a wheel, slidingly engaged with the guide group (4) so as to control the relative position of the secondleverage (322) , and therefore the vertical position of the main member (30) .

4. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the guide group (4) comprises a counter-pusher track (43) extending along the main axis (X-X) , comprising a first portion (431) , a slide portion (432) , and a raised second portion (433) , wherein in the advanced configuration, the control element (3225) is engaged with the first portion (431) , while in the retracted configuration, the control element (3225) is engaged with the second portion (432) .

5. Pusher assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control members (32) comprise an elastic pulling member (329) engaged with the main member (30) and the counter-pusher base device (325) so as to perform an elastic pulling action suitable for moving them towards each other according to the advanced configuration.

6. Pusher assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher unit (2) comprises a rod (20) extending substantially parallel to the main axis (X-X) , a head (21) suitable for engaging the product group, and a coupling-uncoupling device (23) removably engaging rod (20) and head (21) comprising an elastic element (231) which performs a pushing action that mutually locks head (21) and rod (20) .

7. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the head (21) comprises a head body (210) which houses the coupling-uncoupling device (23) , and the rod (20) comprises a housing (2020) in which said head body (210) is at least partially housed.

8. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the coupling-uncoupling device (23) comprises a protruding element (232) engaged with the elastic element (231) so that the pushing action positions the protruding element (232) in a locking position in which the head (21) and the rod (20) are mutually connected.

9. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the rod (20) comprises a rod opening ( 202 ’ ) and the head (21) comprises a head opening (210' ) , wherein in the locking position, said protruding element (232) extends through both openings .

10. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the protruding element (232) comprises a button end (2320) pressable to position the protruding element (232) in the unlocking position.

11. Pusher assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the button end (2320) is shaped to facilitate the mutual sliding and locking between head (21) and rod (20) .

12. Pusher assembly (1) according to any one of thepreceding claims, wherein the elastic element (231) is a thin metal sheet.

13. Pusher assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher unit (2) comprises a pusher base device (25) engaged with the end of the rod (20) opposite to the head (21) , wherein said pusher base device (25) is slidingly engaged with the guide group (4) and is controllable in its movement by an external movement assembly, preferably included in the cartoner system.

14. A cartoner system comprising at least one pusher assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one movement assembly engaged with the pusher unit (2) and the counter-pusher unit (3) to move them along the guide group (4) .

15. Cartoner system according to claim 14, wherein the movement assembly moves forward first the counter-pusher unit (3) and then the pusher unit (2) , and either moves backward the counter-pusher unit (3) and the pusher unit (2) simultaneously or moves backward first the counterpusher unit (3) and then the pusher unit (3) .

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