Magazine and method for supplying carton blanks to a packaging machine

Abstract

A magazine (1) for supplying carton blanks (2) to a packaging machine comprises a guide unit (3) positioned to hold the stack (33) of carton blanks, a supply end (6), a follower (10), and a drive unit (14). The drive unit provides movement to the follower in the direction of the supply end (D), causing the follower to apply force to the carton blanks. A sensor device (5) generates a signal indicating the distance (d1) between the follower and the supply end, and another signal detecting whether the follower is in the blank supply position or the blank loading position (P2). The magazine controls the drive unit to provide movement to the follower when the follower is in the supply position and disables the movement of the follower when the follower is in the loading position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magazine for feeding carton blanks to a packaging machine. The packaging machine is configured to receive carton blanks from the magazine, form packages from the carton blanks, and fill the packages with food products. [Background Art]

[0002] In the food packaging industry, the use of packaging machines for converting carton blanks into packages is widespread. These packaging machines require a carton blank magazine that consistently and accurately feeds carton blanks to ensure optimal operating efficiency. However, conventional blank magazines, also referred to as blank feeding mechanisms, have limitations in terms of speed, accuracy and reliability despite many years of use, and may cause reduced production efficiency and operational shutdowns.

[0003] Conventional blank magazines often rely on either gravity-type or mechanical blank pushing devices for their function. Such devices drive blanks toward the feeding end of the magazine by utilizing the stacked weight of carton blanks or an extruding force. Although these blank magazines have succeeded in feeding carton blanks to packaging machines, they are not without problems. When using these blank magazines, non-uniform feeding, misalignment of carton blanks, and frequent stops due to carton jams may occur. In addition, the inherent disadvantage that the force acting on stacked carton blanks cannot be precisely controlled adversely affects the feeding process, and as a result, may hinder the operation of the packaging machine.

[0004] Within the scope of prior art, one can refer to Patent Document DE102013101808B4, which provides an example of existing technology related to the supply of carton blanks to a packaging machine. While this document presents a magazine capable of effectively supplying carton blanks, it highlights the need for a more robust technology for accurately determining and controlling the supply pressure acting on the blanks. For example, sensors used to adjust the pressure when supplying carton blanks to a packaging machine appear to be susceptible to disturbances.

[0005] Therefore, an innovative solution is needed that can eliminate, or at least improve, the shortcomings of conventional blank magazine operation. For example, it should effectively address at least one of the limitations such as speed, accuracy, reliability, blank replenishment of the blank magazine, and control of force applied to the blanks, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing downtime in the food packaging industry. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the limitations of the prior art specified above. One of these objects is to provide a reliable supply of blanks to the packaging machine while ensuring the efficient operation of the magazine, including convenient filling of blanks into the magazine.

[0007] At least one of these objectives, and further objectives as will become apparent from the following embodiments and description, are at least partially achieved by the carton blank feeding magazine, packaging machine, and method described in the independent claim, the embodiments thereof as defined by the dependent claim. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first aspect relates to a magazine for supplying carton blanks to a packaging machine. The magazine comprises: a guide unit for holding stacked carton blanks; a supply end located at one end of the guide unit, which allows the carton blanks to be removed from the magazine from the supply end; a follower movable along the guide unit, which allows the carton blanks to be pushed toward the supply end when the stacked carton blanks are located between the supply end and the follower; a drive unit connected to the follower, which is controllable to give the follower movement toward the supply end, thereby causing the follower to apply force to the stacked carton blanks; and a sensor device arranged to generate a signal indicating the distance between the follower and the supply end. The follower is configured to be set to either a supply position or a loading position, and the sensor device is configured to generate a signal to detect whether the follower is set to the supply position or the loading position. The magazine further comprises a processing unit operationally connected to the sensor device, which controls the drive device to give the follower movement when the follower is in the supply position, and controls the drive device to disable the follower's movement when the follower is in the loading position.

[0009] In this specification, the term "sensor device" refers to one or more sensors and may include a processing unit such as a microcontroller for converting signals generated by the sensor device into values ​​or signal formats that represent values ​​or measurements measured by the sensors.

[0010] In this specification, the supply position and the loading position refer to the operating position (also called the operating setting) of the follower.

[0011] More specifically, the processing unit is operably connected to the sensor device and receives signals from the sensor unit. Therefore, the processing unit can, for example, use the follower settings as input to perform calculations and control various operations.

[0012] The magazine of the present invention is advantageous in that it provides a means for reliably determining the timing of pushing the carton blanks to the supply end. This facilitates the reloading of new blanks into the magazine. Furthermore, the magazine of the present invention also provides a convenient means for adjusting the pressure when pushing the carton blanks to the supply end.

[0013] In some embodiments, the follower is rotatable and / or linearly movable relative to the guide unit between a supply position and a loading position. This facilitates coordinated operation between the follower, sensor device, and processing unit. The follower is rotatable and / or linearly movable relative to the guide unit. The rotational motion may be rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the guide unit. The linear movement may be movement laterally or including a linear component relative to the longitudinal axis of the guide unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the follower is rotatable and / or linearly movable relative to the drive unit between a supply position and a loading position. This has the advantage that the follower moves relative to the drive unit while the drive unit moves along the guide unit. One effect of this is that the risk of rapid wear of the drive unit with respect to its ability to move along the guide unit can be reduced.

[0015] In some embodiments, the follower is rotatable to an angle of at least 70°. Tests have shown that this angle allows for easy loading of blanks into the magazine. In some embodiments, the follower is provided with a handle for the operator to move the follower relative to the guide unit. In some embodiments, the follower is arranged in conjunction with a sensor device such that the drive unit is activated or deactivated when the follower is in the supply position or the loading position, respectively. This has the effect of the follower acting as a switch with respect to the operation of the magazine, as it is moved to either the supply position or the loading position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sensor device includes a light emitter, and the follower is positioned to block the light emitted from the light emitter when set to either a supply position or a loading position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes actuators that grant or disable the respective actions to the follower, and switches that are operably connected to the follower and arranged to control the actuators.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to determine the number of carton blanks in the guide unit based on the distance between the follower and the supply end, and a value representing the thickness of the carton blanks, as the follower moves from the loading position to the supply position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to count the number of blanks taken from the supply end and, in accordance with the number of blanks taken from the supply end, to control the drive unit to adjust the force that the follower applies to the stacked carton blanks.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to receive a signal from a sensor device indicating a first distance between the follower and the supply end; count the number of blanks removed from the supply end; receive a signal from the sensor device indicating a second distance between the follower and the supply end after the blanks have been removed from the supply end; and determine a value representing the thickness of the carton blanks based on the first distance, the second distance, and the counted number of blanks. The thickness value thus determined may be used in subsequent operations of the magazine. This value may be used to calculate the number of blanks in the magazine and adjust the force applied by the follower to the stacked carton blanks accordingly.

[0021] A second aspect relates to a packaging machine comprising the magazine according to the first aspect, including any embodiment thereof. The packaging machine is configured to receive carton blanks from the magazine, form packages from the carton blanks, and fill the packages with food products.

[0022] A third aspect relates to a method implemented by the magazine according to the first aspect, including any embodiment thereof. The method comprises: detecting whether a follower is set at a supply position or a loading position; moving the follower when the follower is set at the supply position; and disabling movement of the follower when the follower is set at the loading position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method comprises determining the number of carton blanks in the guide unit based on values representing a distance between the follower and a supply end and the thickness of the carton blanks when the follower is moved from the loading position to the supply position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method comprises counting the number of blanks received from the supply end, and adjusting the force applied by the follower to the stacked carton blanks according to the number of blanks received from the supply end.

[0025] The packaging machine and the method according to the second and third aspects, including embodiments thereof, have the same advantages as the magazine.

[0026] Other objects, features, embodiments, aspects, and additional features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying schematic drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the magazine disposed at the loading position. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the magazine disposed at the supply position. [Figure 3]This is a perspective view showing a magazine positioned at the supply location and overlapping carton blanks positioned near the supply end of the magazine. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view from below of the magazine guide unit when the magazine is in the loading position. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view from below of the magazine guide unit when the magazine is in the feeding position. [Figure 6] This is an overview from the perspective of the magazine's followers. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a magazine and packaging machine for manufacturing packages. [Figure 8] This is a schematic flowchart illustrating how the process is performed by the magazine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings show some of the embodiments, but not all of them. In fact, the subject matter of this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to satisfy the legal requirements to which this disclosure applies.

[0029] To the extent possible, the advantages, features, functions, apparatus, and / or modes of operation of any embodiment described and / or expected herein may be included in any other embodiment described and / or expected herein, and vice versa. Furthermore, to the extent possible, terms expressed in the singular form herein shall be construed to include the plural form and / or vice versa unless expressly otherwise specified. Thus, the terms “a” and / or “an” shall be construed to mean “at least one” or “one or more.” However, the expressions “one or more” or “at least one” may also be used herein. The terms “multiple,” “plural,” and “plurality” mean the provision of two or more elements. The term “and / or” includes any combination that includes one or more of the related enumerated elements. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element, and these do not exceed the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or configurations may not be described in detail. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in which this disclosure pertains.

[0031] The same reference numeral indicates the same component throughout the entire system.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a magazine 1 is shown. The magazine 1 is a unit that holds carton blanks 2 and supplies them to a packaging machine 32 shown in Figure 8. The magazine 1 includes a guide unit 3 extending along the top of the magazine 1. The carton blanks 2 are configured to be positioned on the top surface 4 of the guide unit 3. The carton blanks 2 are configured to be positioned as a stack of blanks 33 and placed on the top surface 4. The guide unit 3 has a first long side 7 and a second long side 8 that are parallel to each other. The guide unit 3 is slightly inclined from the second long side 8 toward the first long side 7 along with the top surface 4. A guide wall 9 is positioned along the first long side 7. Due to the inclination of the top surface 4, the stack of carton blanks 33 can be positioned by sliding toward the guide wall 9 once it is positioned on the guide unit 3. The guide wall 9 is configured to support the stack of carton blanks 33 so that the carton blanks 2 align continuously with each other and move along the guide unit 3. The magazine 1 includes a follower 10 which may be positioned along the first long side 7. The follower 10 is configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the guide unit 3. The length of the guide unit 3 may be defined as the length extending between the first end of the guide unit 3 and the supply end 6. The follower 10 includes a drive unit 14 that cooperates with an actuator 15. The actuator 15 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide unit 3. The drive unit 14 includes a lower part 25 and an upper part 26. The lower part 25 is slidably connected to the actuator 15. The lower part 25 may be connected so as to surround the actuator 15 and be configured so as to be slidably positioned along the actuator 15. Optionally, the drive unit 14 is rotatable about the actuator 15. The upper part 26 is slidable along a support bar 28 which may provide additional support for the drive unit 14. The support bar 28 is positioned to extend along the guide unit 3. The support bar 28 may include a guide wall 9. Along the support bar 28, on a side away from the guide unit 3, a projection 29 may be positioned extending along the guide unit 3. The projection 29 may be configured to be slidably fitted or connected to a notch or groove provided in the upper part 26 facing the support bar 28.

[0033] Magazine 1 includes a measuring device 17 for measuring the position of the follower 10 along the length of the guide unit 3. The measuring device 17 includes a sensor device 5. The sensor device 5 may be located at the first end of the guide unit 3 opposite to the supply end 6. The sensor device 5 is configured to generate a signal indicating the distance d1 between the follower 10 and the supply end 6. The follower 10 includes a handle 20. The follower 10 is configured to be set to either a supply position P1 or a loading position P2. Figure 1 shows the follower 10 in the loading position P2. Figure 2 shows the follower 10 in the supply position P1. An operator may grasp the handle 5 and move the follower 10 along the guide unit 3 to a desired position, or to either the supply position P1 or the loading position P2. The distance d1 may be defined as the distance, or length, between the position of the follower 10 in the supply position P1 and the supply end 6. The signal generated by the sensor device 5 is configured to detect whether the follower 10 is set to the supply position P1 or the loading position P2. The sensor device 5 includes a light emitter 19. The light emitter 19 is configured to generate a light ray 18. The light ray 18 is positioned to be emitted from the sensor device 5 toward the supply end 6. The light ray 18 is configured to have an extension parallel to the actuator 15. When the follower 10 changes from the supply position P1 to the loading position P2, the follower 10 is positioned to block the extension of the light ray 18 that extends along the length of the guide unit 3. The set position of the follower on the guide unit 3 or the position where the follower blocks the extension of the light ray 18 is registered as a signal and transmitted to the processing unit 16.

[0034] Positioned at the supply position P1 and movable along the guide unit 3, the follower 10 is configured to apply force to the overlap 33 of carton blanks, pushing the overlap toward the supply end 6. A drive unit 14 connected to the follower 10 is configured to give the follower 10 movement in direction D toward the supply end 6. At the supply end 6, carton blanks 2 are removed one by one from the overlap 33 of carton blanks and transported to the packaging machine 32 shown in Figure 8. The carton blanks 2 may also be removed from the supply end 6 by suction technology. To switch between the loading position P2 and the supply position P1, the follower 10 is positioned to move in a direction perpendicular to direction D. The follower 10 may be rotationally movable relative to the drive unit 14. Optionally, the follower 10 may be linearly movable relative to the drive unit 14. When configured to move linearly relative to the drive unit 14, the follower 10 may be configured to move from the side of the guide unit 3 in a direction parallel to the top surface 4. When the follower is in the supply position P1 or the loading position P2, the follower 10 may be configured to interact with the sensor device 5, and the drive unit 14 equipped with the actuator 15 is activated or deactivated, respectively. A slot 27 is provided in the upper part 26 of the drive unit 14. The slot 27 is configured to cooperate with the arm 11 of the follower 10, and the arm 11 may be configured to be movable within the slot 27. The follower 10 is positioned to rotate at an angle of at least 70° relative to the guide unit 3 or the drive unit 14. This angle of at least 70° allows the stack of carton blanks 33 to move freely back and forth on the guide unit 3 without being restricted in its movement by the follower 10. For example, when loading or maintaining the magazine 1, it is desirable to allow the stack of carton blanks 33 to move freely back and forth along the guide unit 3 without interference from the follower 10.

[0035] Magazine 1 comprises a processing unit 16. The processing unit 16 is operably connected to a sensor device 5. The processing unit 16 is configured to control the drive unit 14 to give movement to the follower 10 when the follower 10 is in the supply position P1. When the follower 10 is in the loading position P2, the processing unit 16 is configured to disable the operation of the follower 10. The processing unit 16 is operably connected to an actuator 15. The actuator 15 is positioned to determine the movement of the follower 10, which is connected to the drive unit 14, along the direction of extension of the actuator 15. The actuator 15 may be pneumatically driven, wire-driven, or electric motor-driven. A switch 35 may be operably connected to the follower 10. The switch 35 may be positioned to control and adjust the actuator 15. Optionally, the switch 35 may be positioned on the drive unit 14. The switch 35 may be positioned to communicate with the processing unit 16.

[0036] The processing unit 16 is configured to acquire information from the sensor device 5. The information from the sensor device 5 is processed by the processing unit 16 to obtain the distance d1 between the follower 10 and the supply end 6. A value representing the thickness of the carton blank 2 may be preset, manually entered, or read by the processing unit 16. The follower 10 has a pressing surface 12 configured to contact and press against the pressing side 13 of a stack of carton blanks 33 placed on the guide unit 3. The other side of the stack of carton blanks 33, the supply end 6 side, is provided with a removal end 21. The carton blanks 2 are configured to be removed one by one from the removal end 21 of the stack of carton blanks 33 while the stack is pressed in the direction D towards the supply end 6. The distance d1 is defined as the distance between the supply end 6 and the position of the follower 10 located at the supply position P1 when the pressing surface 12 contacts the pressing side 13 of the stack of carton blanks 33. Based on information regarding the distance d1 and the thickness of the carton blanks 2, the processing unit 16 is configured to determine the number of carton blanks 2 placed on the guide unit 3 when the follower 10 moves from the loading position P2 to the supply position P1.

[0037] The processing unit 16 may be configured to acquire information from a counter. The counter may be a sensor located at the supply end 6. The counter is configured to count the number of carton blanks 2 that are removed from the removal end 21 of the stack when the stack 33 of carton blanks is pushed in direction D toward the supply end 6.

[0038] The processing unit 16 may be configured to control the drive unit 14 so that the force applied by the follower 10 to the overlapping blanks 33 is adjusted according to the number of blanks taken out from the supply end 6.

[0039] The processing unit 16 may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor device 5 indicating a first distance d1 between the follower 10 and the supply end 6, and to count the number of carton blanks 2 taken out from the supply end 6. After the carton blanks 2 are taken out from the supply end 6, the processing unit 16 may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor device 5 indicating a second distance between the follower 10 and the supply end 6, and to determine a value representing the thickness of the carton blanks 2 based on the first distance, the second distance, and the number of carton blanks 2 counted. The information for the first and second distances may be dynamically stored and used, and the magazine 1 may be periodically calibrated for performance optimization.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, a magazine 1 containing a stack of carton blanks 33 is shown, positioned so that the carton blanks 2 are dispensed one by one from the dispense end 21 of the stack. A follower 10 is positioned at the supply position P1. The follower 10 positioned at the supply position P1 may be positioned to move to a contact position with the stack of carton blanks 33 in order to apply force to the stack of carton blanks 33. The applied force may continue to push the stack of carton blanks 33 toward the supply end 6 until the follower 10 is positioned at the loading position P2. When the follower 10 is positioned at the loading position, the force applied to the stack stops.

[0041] Referring to Figure 4, the guide unit 3 is shown as viewed from below. The guide unit 3 comprises a lower surface 31 opposite to the upper surface 4, and a first long side 7 and a second long side 8. A sensor device 5 is positioned at one of the short sides, i.e., the first end. A supply end 6 is positioned at the other short side. The actuator 15 extends along the guide unit 3 between the two short side ends. The lower part 25 of the drive unit 14 is movably connected to the actuator 15. The follower 10 is positioned at the loading position P2. At the loading position P2, the light ray 18 can extend along the length of the guide unit 3 without being interrupted or blocked. The light ray 18 may extend parallel to the lower surface 31 of the guide unit 3 and slightly downward.

[0042] Referring to Figure 5, the guide unit 3 is shown as viewed from below. The guide unit 3 comprises a bottom surface 31 and a first long side 7 and a second long side 8. A sensor device 5 is located at one of the short sides, i.e., the first end. A supply end 6 is located at the other short side. The actuator 15 extends along the guide unit 3 between the two short side ends. The lower part 25 of the drive unit 14 is movably connected to the actuator 15. The follower 10 is positioned at the supply position P1. The sensor device 5 comprises a light emitter 19. The follower 10 is positioned to block the light rays 18 emitted from the light emitter 19 when it is set to the supply position P1. Optionally, the follower 10 may be positioned to block the light rays 18 emitted from the light emitter 19 when the follower 10 is set to the loading position P2. The follower 10 may also include a lever member 24. The lever member 24 is a surface configured to block and obstruct the extension of the light ray 18 between the sensor device 5 and the supply end 6. When the follower 10 is positioned at the supply position P1, the lever member 24, which is part of the follower 10, is configured to be guided to an intersection position that blocks and obstructs the extension of the light ray 18. At the supply position P1, the light ray 18 from the light emitter 19 extends to the position of the follower positioned at the supply position P1, i.e., the position of the follower positioned at a certain distance from the supply end 6. The sensor device 5 is configured to record the distance of the light ray 18 from the sensor device 5 to the lever member 5 and to transmit the recorded distance as a signal to the processing unit 16. In the processing unit 16, the signal may be processed to obtain the distance d1 between the follower 10 and the supply end 6. Optionally, the sensor device 5 may be positioned at the supply end 6 to measure the distance between the follower 10 and the supply end 6.

[0043] Referring to Figure 6, the follower 10 is shown. The follower 10 includes a handle 20 for the operator to move the follower 10 relative to the guide unit 3. The operator may move the follower 10 along the guide unit 3 by pushing the handle in either direction along the guide unit 3. The handle 20 includes an arm 11 that extends to a pivot region 23. The pivot region 23 includes a pivot point 22. During operation, the follower 10 rotates about the pivot point 22. A lever member 24 is positioned in the pivot region 23. The lever member 24 is positioned to connect to the arm 11 via the pivot region 23. The lever member 24, the arm 11, and the pivot region 23 may be formed from the same material. The follower 10 includes a blade having a pressing surface 12 and a back surface 30.

[0044] Referring to Figure 7, a magazine 1 cooperating with a packaging machine 32 is schematically shown. The packaging machine 32 is configured to receive carton blanks 2 from the magazine 1, form packages 34 from the carton blanks 2, and fill the packages 34 with food. The magazine 1 and the packaging machine 32 are arranged in cooperation such that the supply end 6 communicates with the receiving opening of the packaging machine 32. An extraction unit, such as a unit utilizing suction technology, is arranged to extract carton blanks 2 one by one from the supply end 6. Each carton blank 2 may move from the supply end 6 into the packaging machine 32. In the packaging machine 32, the carton blanks 2 are formed from flat cartons into packages 34 for filling with food products. Once the packages 34 are filled with food products, they are discharged from the packaging machine and delivered for further handling, for example, to a storage facility or consumer.

[0045] Referring to Figure 8, a flowchart of method 100 including magazine 1 is shown. Method 100 includes a first step 101 of detecting whether follower 10 is set to supply position P1 or loading position P2. Then, as a second step 102, if follower 10 is set to supply position P1, move follower 10. In a third step 103, if follower 10 is set to loading position P2, the movement of follower 10 is disabled. Then, in a fourth step 104, when follower moves from loading position P2 to supply position P1, the number of carton blanks 2 in guide unit 3 is determined. The number of carton blanks 2 in this fourth step 104 is determined based on the distance d1 between follower 10 and supply end 6, and a value representing the thickness of carton blanks 2. Then, in a fifth step 105, the number of carton blanks 2 taken out from supply end 6 is counted. In the sixth step 106, the force applied by the follower 10 to the stack of carton blanks 33 is adjusted according to the number of carton blanks taken out from the supply end 6.

[0046] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and demonstrated above, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A magazine (1) for supplying carton blanks (2) to a packaging machine (32), wherein the magazine (1) is A guide unit (3) is positioned to hold the overlapping (33) of the carton blanks, A supply end (6) is provided at one end of the guide unit (3) and allows the carton blank (2) to be removed from the magazine (1), A follower (10) that is movable along the guide unit (3), and the follower (10) pushes the carton blank (2) toward the supply end (6) when the overlap (33) of the carton blank (2) is located between the supply end (6) and the follower (10), The follower (10) is connected to a drive unit (14), and the drive unit (14) is controllable to impart movement of the follower (10) toward the supply end direction (D), and the follower (10) applies force to the overlap (33) of the carton blanks. A sensor device (5) is arranged to generate a signal indicating the distance (d1) between the follower (10) and the supply end (6), Equipped with, The follower (10) is positioned to be set to either the supply position (P1) or the loading position (P2). The sensor device (5) is configured to generate a signal that detects whether the follower (10) is set to the supply position (P1) or the loading position (P2). The magazine (1) comprises a processing unit (16) operably connected to the sensor device (5), the processing unit being configured to control the drive unit (14) to give movement to the follower (10) when the follower (10) is in the supply position (P1), and to disable the movement of the follower (10) when the follower (10) is in the loading position (P2). Magazine (1).

2. The follower (10) is rotatable and / or linearly movable relative to the guide unit (3) between the supply position (P1) and the loading position (P2). The magazine (1) according to claim 1.

3. The follower (10) is rotatable and / or linearly movable relative to the drive unit (14) between the supply position (P1) and the loading position (P2). The magazine (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The follower (10) is rotatable at an angle of at least 70°. The magazine (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The follower (10) is equipped with a handle (20) that allows an operator to move the follower (10) relative to the guide unit (3). A magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The follower (10) is arranged to interact with the sensor device (5) such that the drive unit (14) operates when the follower is in the supply position (P1), and the drive unit (14) does not operate when the follower is in the loading position (P2). A magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The sensor device (5) includes a light emitter (19), The follower (10) is positioned to block the light rays (18) emitted from the light emitter (19) when the follower (10) is set to either the supply position (P1) or the loading position (P2). A magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The drive unit (14) includes an actuator (15) that activates or deactivates the movement of the follower (10). The follower (10) is operably connected to a switch (35) which is configured to control the actuator (15), A magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The processing unit (16) measures the number of carton blanks in the guide unit (3) as the follower (10) moves from the loading position (P2) to the supply position (P1). The distance (d1) between the follower (10) and the supply end (6), The configuration is configured to determine based on a value representing the thickness of the carton blank, A magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The processing unit (16) is The number of carton blanks (2) taken out from the supply end (6) is counted. The drive unit (14) is controlled according to the number of carton blanks taken out from the supply end (6), and the force applied by the follower (10) to the overlapping (33) of the carton blanks is adjusted. The magazine (1) according to claim 9.

11. The processing unit (16) is The sensor device (5) receives a signal indicating the first distance (d1) between the follower (10) and the supply end (6). The number of carton blanks taken out from the supply end (6) is counted. After the carton blank is removed from the supply end (6), a signal indicating the second distance between the follower (10) and the supply end (6) is received from the sensor device (5). The system is configured to determine a value representing the thickness of the carton blanks based on the first distance, the second distance, and the number of counted carton blanks. A magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A packaging machine (32) comprising a magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The packaging machine (32) is configured to receive carton blanks (2) from the magazine (1), form packages (34) from the carton blanks (2), and fill the packages (34) with food. Packaging machine (32).

13. A method (100) performed by a magazine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method (100) is Detecting whether the follower (10) is set to the supply position (P1) or the loading position (P2) (101), When the follower (10) is set to the supply position (P1), movement is given to the follower (10) (102), and When the follower (10) is set to the loading position (P2), the movement of the follower (10) is disabled (103). A method (100) comprising:

14. When the follower (10) moves from the loading position (P2) to the supply position (P1), The system includes determining the number of carton blanks in the guide unit (3) based on the distance (d1) between the follower (10) and the supply end (6), and a value representing the thickness of the carton blank (2). The method according to claim 13 (100).

15. Counting the number of carton blanks (2) taken out from the supply end (6) (105), and The force applied by the follower (10) to the overlapping (33) of the carton blanks (2) is adjusted according to the number of carton blanks (2) taken out from the supply end (6) (106). The method according to claim 14 (100), comprising:

Images