Blank supply unit for packaging machines with a series of interchangeable hoppers

Abstract

A feeding unit (13) for feeding blanks (1) in a packaging machine comprises: a frame (14); a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), designed to hold a stack of blanks (1), having an unloading opening (16) for unloading blanks (1) one at a time from the stack; and a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) for moving the blanks (1) along a movement path (P) that terminates in the hopper (15). To accommodate blanks (1) having different mold types, the feeding unit (13) can be adjusted by a mold type change operating means that changes the feeding unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for containing a first mold type of blanks (1) to a second configuration suitable for containing a second mold type of blanks (1) different from the first mold type. A plurality of different interchangeable hoppers (15) are provided, each associated with a corresponding die type of blank (1), and the individual hoppers (15) are removably secured to the frame (14) for being interchanged during a die type change operation, which exchanges a first hopper (15) associated with a first die type for a second hopper associated with a second die type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This patent application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102020000016729, filed on September 7, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a blank material supply unit for a packaging machine.

Background Art

[0002] A packaging machine generally bends blanks around the product to be packaged or bends blanks to obtain an empty packaging material designed to accommodate the product to be packaged inside. As a result, a packaging machine generally includes a blank material supply unit, which houses a stack of blank materials in a hopper and enables the successive extraction of single blank materials from the bottom of the stack (arranged in the area of the extraction opening of the hopper) in order to direct a single blank material towards the crease line.

[0003] In the area of the extraction opening, the hopper has a holding element that functions to support the blank material arranged inside the hopper, preventing the blank material from slipping out in an uncontrolled and disorderly state. To extract the blank material from the extraction opening of the hopper, (at least) a suction holding head engages with the blank material and pulls the blank material in a movement that allows the edge of the blank material to slide out of the holding element. During the extraction operation, the blank material generally deforms slightly to facilitate the extraction of the edge of the blank material from the holding element.

[0004] Modern packaging machines are more frequently subject to a series of technical interventions aimed at changing the format, i.e., adjusting the production of the packaging material to different formats (sizes). In other words, in order to shift from the production of a packaging material with a given size (format) to the production of a packaging material with a different size (format), the operator has to operate various parts of the packaging machine to adapt them to the new size (format). Clearly, in order to change the size (format) of the packaging material, it is necessary to use blank materials of different sizes (formats), and therefore the hopper of the supply unit has to be adjusted to accommodate and distribute blank materials of different sizes (formats).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The operation of changing the format of the blank material hopper is particularly time-consuming and complex because it is necessary to repeatedly attempt to accurately position the holding elements arranged in the area of the extraction opening. In fact, the position of the holding elements has to be the result of a complex compromise between the need to properly hold the stack of blank materials in the hopper (and thus avoid accidentally removing one or more adjacent blank materials when removing a blank material) and not damaging (denting or scratching) the edges of the blank material when removing it. That is, the holding elements have to protrude sufficiently into the extraction opening in order to properly hold the stack of blanks in the hopper, but not protrude excessively into the extraction opening so as not to damage the edges of the blank material during the extraction operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a blank material supply unit for a packaging machine, said supply unit enabling the format change to be carried out very quickly, while at the same time guaranteeing an ideal holding of the blank material (i.e., guaranteeing that the edges of the blank material are not damaged in any way during the extraction operation). According to the present invention, in the appended claims, a blank material supply unit for a packaging machine is provided. The appended claims describe embodiments of the present invention and form an essential part of the description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank material used to manufacture a packaging material designed to accommodate a group of coffee capsules. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of three different blank materials overlapping each other. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a blank material supply unit for a packaging machine, which houses a stack of blank materials. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the supply unit of FIG. 3, including a stack of blank materials. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the hopper of the supply unit of FIG. 3, without a stack of blank materials. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a part of the hopper of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a part of the hopper of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of a part of the hopper of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed front perspective view of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the supply unit of FIG. 3, without a stack of blank materials and having a support at the replacement position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another rear perspective view of the supply unit of FIG. 3, without a stack of blank materials.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates a blank material used to manufacture a packaging material (pack) designed to accommodate a group of coffee capsules as a whole.

[0009] The blank material 1 includes two (pre-weakened) longitudinal fold lines 2, and between the two longitudinal fold lines 2, there are a panel 4 constituting the upper wall of the packaging material, a panel 5 constituting the rear wall of the packaging material, a panel 6 constituting the lower wall of the packaging material, and a panel 7 constituting the front wall of the packaging material, and a plurality of (pre-weakened) transverse fold lines 3 defining them. On both sides of the panel 5, there are two panels 8 that constitute the side walls of the packaging material and are connected to the panel 5 by the two longitudinal fold lines 2. The panels 4 and 5 have an access opening for the coffee capsules, which is usually closed by a hinged lid 9.

[0010] The blank material 1 includes two wings 10 connected to the longitudinal fold line 2 and two wings 11 connected to the other longitudinal fold line 2 on the side opposite to the wings 10. In particular, the two wings 10 and 11 are arranged at both ends of the panel 6 and are connected to the panel 6 by the two longitudinal fold lines 2, and the other two wings 10 and 11 are arranged at both ends of the panel 7 and are connected to the panel 7 by the two longitudinal fold lines 2. The wings 10 delimit triangular empty spaces having vertices 12 in the region of the longitudinal fold line 2 from each other.

[0011] According to Figure 2, there are blank materials 1 having different mold forms (i.e., different sizes), all having the same conformation (i.e., the same arrangement of panels and wings), whereby corresponding packaging materials having smaller or larger dimensions (i.e., different numbers of capsules and / or capsules having different sizes for the purpose of accommodating them) are manufactured.

[0012] All blank materials 1 having different die formats (different sizes) can overlap with each other by using corresponding vertices 12 as position references, that is, by always keeping the corresponding vertices 12 in the same position (as shown in FIG. 2). In other words, all blank materials 1 having different die formats (different sizes) can overlap with each other by aligning the corresponding vertices 12 with each other, and as a result, the vertices 12 are in the same position (as shown in FIG. 2).

[0013] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 13 generally denotes a blank material supply unit 13 for supplying the blank material 1 in a packaging machine designed to package coffee capsules. In particular, the packaging machine includes a supply unit 13 that takes out a single blank material 1 from a stack of blank materials 1, a packaging unit that receives the single blank material 1 from the supply unit 13 and bends the blank material 1 to form an empty and open packaging material (that is, the upper wall is lifted with respect to the rest of the packaging material), a filling unit in which a robot arm inserts a single coffee capsule into the open packaging material, and a closing unit in which the filled packaging material is closed (that is, the upper wall is stationary and adhered with respect to the rest of the packaging material).

[0014] According to Fig. 3, the supply unit 13 comprises a frame 14 resting on its legs on the ground and a hopper 15 carried by the frame 14, designed to contain a stack of blanks 1 and having an unloading opening 16 (visible for example in Fig. 5) by means of which one blank 1 can be removed from the stack of blanks 1 at a time. Furthermore, the supply unit 13 comprises a conveyor 17 supported by the frame 14 and moving the blanks 1 along a straight and horizontal movement path P that ends in the hopper 15, the movement path P also being inclined relative to the horizontal with a (small or large) inclination towards the hopper 15 so that gravity tends to move the blanks 1 towards the hopper 15. Finally, the supply unit 13 comprises an unloading device (not shown) which is arranged in the region of the unloading opening 16 of the hopper 15 and which, in use, engages with the unloading opening 16 in order to remove single blanks 1 from the stack one after another and feed the blanks 1 towards the packaging unit.

[0015] The unloading device (not shown) comprises a rotating drum that rotates about its central axis, and at least one suction holding head supported by the drum and moving cyclically along a closed path through holding stations, where the holding head engages with an unloading opening 16 of the hopper 15 to unload the blank 1, and then through a subsequent release station where the holding head supplies the blank 1 to the filling unit. Because the dimensions of the unloading opening 16 are smaller than the dimensions of the blank 1 (as will be described below), the blank 1 must be elastically deformed to be unloaded from the unloading opening 16 of the hopper 15 (as would be required to hold the blank 1 inside the hopper 15 in the absence of the unloading device).

[0016] The hopper 15 has a flattened storage wall 18 having a rectangular shape (positioned approximately perpendicular to the movement path P) with a through hole 19 (better seen in Figures 5, 6, and 7) in the center that has dimensions larger than the dimensions of the blanks 1, allowing the blanks 1 to pass through the through hole 19 with a given (relatively large) gap. According to Figures 6 to 9, the hopper 15 has a plurality of support brackets 20 designed to support the stack of blanks 1 (on all sides), which are arranged around the hole 19 and attached to the storage wall 18. In other words, the support brackets 20 pass through the hole 19 and define a passage that accommodates the stack of blanks 1 with minimal gaps. Furthermore, the hopper 15 has a plurality of retaining teeth 21 and 22 that protrude into the removal opening 16 and are attached to the storage wall 18 to prevent the blanks 1 from escaping. In other words, the retaining teeth 21 and 22 extend into the removal opening 16, reducing the passage of the removal opening 16 and holding the stack of blanks 1 within the hopper 15. The retaining teeth 21 and 22 therefore enable the unloading opening 16 to have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the blank 1 so as to retain the blank 1 in the hopper 15 in the absence of operation of the unloading device. According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining teeth 21 and 22 are mounted on support brackets 20 which are in turn mounted on the receiving wall 18, i.e. each support bracket 20 is fixed directly to the receiving wall 18 support and then to the corresponding retaining tooth 21 and 22.

[0017] Hopper 15 is arranged in contact with the stack of blank materials 1 during use and is provided with a reference element 23 for establishing the position reference of the blank materials 1 in the stack of blank materials 1. In particular, the reference element 23 establishes the position of the apex 12 of each blank material 1. That is, the position reference established by the reference element 23 is configured to contact the same point of each blank material 1 regardless of the type format of the blank material 1. In particular, the reference element 23 has a triangular shape in cross section, establishes a position reference, and has an upper apex that indirectly contacts the stack of blank materials 1. That is, the apex of the triangular cross section of the reference element 23 directly contacts the apex 12 of each blank material 1 so as to establish the position of the apex 12 of each blank material 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the reference element 23 is attached to the housing wall 18 and is thus integral with the hopper 15.

[0018] As described above, the blank materials 1 (all of the same structure, i.e., the arrangement of the panel and the blade is the same) exist for manufacturing corresponding packaging materials having different type formats (i.e., different sizes). As a result, the supply unit 13 needs to be adjusted by means of a type format change operation (clearly including the entire packaging machine) so that it can accommodate blank materials 1 having different type formats. In other words, if the packaging machine has to manufacture packaging materials of different type formats (different sizes), it is necessary to stop the packaging machine, empty the packaging machine from the blank materials 1 of the old type format, adjust the entire packaging machine (and thus also the supply unit 13 of the packaging machine) to the new type format, and finally insert the blank materials 1 of the new type format. As a result, in order to include blank materials 1 having different type formats, the supply unit 13 can be adjusted by means of a type format change operation, which involves changing the supply unit 13 from a first (old) configuration suitable for including the first (old) type format of the blank material 1 to a second (new) configuration suitable for including a second (new) type format of the blank material 1 different from the first (old) type format.

[0019] The reference element 23 of the hopper 15, in use, contacts the stack of blanks 1 to establish a positional reference for the blanks 1 in the stack of blanks 1 (establishing the position of the apex 12 of each blank 1), and is in the same position relative to the frame 14 regardless of the type of blank 1, and therefore is not moved relative to the frame 14 due to a type change operation. In other words, at the end of all type change operations, the reference element 23 of the hopper 15 is always in the same position relative to the frame 14, and as a result, regardless of the type (size) of the blank 1, the apex 12 of each blank 1 is always in the same position relative to the frame 14.

[0020] 3, 4 and 10, the supply unit 13 comprises a reference element 24 having the same cross-sectional shape as the reference element 23, is aligned with the reference element 23 so as to establish the extension direction of the reference element 23, is separate and independent from the hopper 15 and the reference element 23, is arranged along the movement path P in the area of the belt conveyor 17, is mounted on the frame 14 (just like the reference element 23) in the same position regardless of the type of blank 1 and is therefore not moved relative to the frame 14 for type change operations. In other words, during type change operations, all other adjustable elements of the supply unit 13 are moved relative to the frame 14, while the two reference elements 23 and 24 always remain in the same position relative to the frame 14 (naturally, excluding unavoidable tolerances). The reference element 23 is a (solid) extension of the reference element 24 inside the hopper 15, while from another point of view, the reference element 24 is a (solid) extension of the reference element 23 inside the conveyor 17.

[0021] According to different embodiments not shown here, reference elements 23 and 24 may be long enough so that reference element 23 also incorporates the functionality of reference element 24, or vice versa; in other words, the two reference elements 23 and 24 may constitute one inseparable housing instead of being separate and independent.

[0022] 2, the feeding unit 13 comprises a plurality of different interchangeable hoppers 15, each of which is associated with a corresponding mold type (size) of the blanks 1. In other words, an apparatus (kit) for the feeding unit 13 is provided, comprising a plurality of different interchangeable hoppers 15, each of which is associated with a corresponding mold type of the blanks 1. As a result, each hopper 15 is designed and adjusted to handle only a single corresponding mold type of the blanks 1, and therefore, during a mold type change operation, the old hopper 15 suitable for the old mold type (size) of the blanks 1 must be removed, and then a new hopper 15 suitable for the new mold type (size) of the blanks 1 must be installed.

[0023] To allow for rapid replacement of hoppers 15 during a mold type change operation, hoppers 15 are secured to frame 14 in a quickly removable manner (as a mold type change operation involves replacing an old hopper 15 associated with an old mold type with a new hopper 15 associated with a new mold type).

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the frame 14 comprises a support 25 with a seat designed to accommodate the hopper 15. In particular, the seat of the support 25 reproduces in a negative manner the (rectangular) shape of the accommodation wall 18 of the hopper 15, so that it accommodates the accommodation wall 18 inside, so that the support 25 is shaped like a rectangular frame in which the accommodation wall 18 of the hopper 15 is arranged.

[0025] The support 25 is movable on the frame 14 so as to move during a mold type change operation between a working position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the hopper 15 housed in the support 25 is coupled to and aligned with the conveyor 17, and an exchange position (shown in FIG. 10) in which the hopper 15 housed in the support 25 is disconnected from and unaligned with the conveyor 17. In the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10), the hopper 15 housed in the support 25 is relatively far from the conveyor 17 and other components of the supply unit 13 and is therefore in an unobstructed space, which greatly facilitates both the operations performed to remove the old hopper 15 from the support 25 and the operations performed to install a new hopper 15 in the support 25. In particular, the frame 14 comprises two carriages 26 carrying the support 25 and two corresponding sliding guides 27 (oriented horizontally and vertically with respect to the path of movement P), along each of which the corresponding carriage 26 slides to move the support 25 between a working position (shown in Figures 3 and 4) and an exchange position (shown in Figure 10).

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the feed unit 13 is remotely electrically operable and comprises a locking device 28 which can be actuated to restrain the support 25 (carrying the hopper 15) to the frame 14 when the support 25 is in the working position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ), i.e. the locking device 28 can be actuated to prevent the support 25 (carrying the hopper 15) from moving when the feed unit 13 is operating. By way of example, the locking device 28 can have a pneumatic actuation and can comprise a mushroom-shaped pin fixed to an edge of the support 25 and a servo-assisted clamping mechanism designed to clamp the pin to restrain the pin, and thus the support 25, to the frame 14.

[0027] Preferably, the support 25 has two upper seats 29 and two lower seats 30 (partially visible in FIG. 3 ), and each hopper 15 further comprises two pins 31 (better shown in FIG. 5 ) protruding from opposite ends of the containing wall 18 and configured to be inserted into the corresponding lower seats 30, and two latching mechanisms 32 (better shown in FIG. 5 and manually operated by means of respective levers) protruding from opposite ends of the containing wall 18 and configured to be inserted into the corresponding upper seats 29, and operable (by manually rotating the respective levers) to restrain the containing wall 18 to the support 25. The hopper 15 is coupled to the support 25 by first inserting only the two pins 31 into the corresponding lower seats 30 of the support 25, then rotating the hopper 15 about the pins 31 until the latching mechanisms 32 are inserted into the corresponding upper seats 29, and finally (manually) operating the latching mechanisms 32 to restrain the hopper to the support 25.

[0028] Preferably, the support 25 has a handle 33 that can be grasped by a user to push or pull the support 25 when it needs to be (manually) moved between the working position (shown in Figures 3 and 4) and the exchange position (shown in Figure 10). Similarly, each hopper 15 has a series of handles 34 that are fixed to the containing wall 18 of the hopper 15 and can be grasped by a user to manually handle the hopper 15. To make the hopper 15 lighter and therefore easier to manually manipulate the hopper 15, the containing wall 18 has a series of weight-reducing perforations, and furthermore the containing wall 18 is generally made from a lightweight and durable material, such as an aluminum alloy or a composite material (e.g., a carbon fiber-based material).

[0029] According to FIG. 10, the conveyor 17 includes three motor-driven conveyor belts 35 that are parallel to and adjacent to each other along the movement path P, is attached to the frame 14, and is disposed below the blank material 1 to support the blank material 1. Each conveyor belt 35 includes a belt that is closed in a ring shape around two end pulleys. The end pulleys are idler pulleys, and the other end pulley is motor-driven and receives movement from a corresponding electric motor. Preferably, the conveyor belt 35 has an independent electric motor, that is, each conveyor belt 35 is moved by its own independent electric motor. In this way, the moving speeds of the three conveyor belts 35 can be adjusted in a differentiated manner.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, each conveyor belt 35 is movably attached to the frame 14 so as to move along at least two adjustment directions D1 and D2 that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the movement path P during the form-changing operation. In particular, the adjustment direction D1 is horizontal, and the other adjustment direction D2 is vertical.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, for each conveyor belt 35, the conveyor 17 includes a carriage that (indirectly) supports the conveyor belt 35, and a slide guide (typically consisting of two rods parallel to each other) that is oriented parallel to the adjustment direction D1 and along which the carriage slides to move the conveyor belt 35 along the adjustment direction D1. In particular, there is an electric motor (i.e., an electric control actuator) that controls the movement of the carriage along the slide guide. For example, it is mechanically coupled to the carriage by means of a screw-nut screw connection (the screw is rotated by the electric motor, and thus determines the axial translation of the nut screw that engages with the screw and is integral with the carriage). A further screw-nut screw connection is attached to the carriage, and the screw oriented along the vertical adjustment direction D2 is rotated by a further electric motor, and thus determines the axial translation of the nut screw that engages with the screw and supports the conveyor belt 35.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the entire conveyor 17 (i.e., the three conveyor belts 35 having all corresponding mechanisms for translation along two adjustment directions D1 and D2) is movably attached to the frame 14 so as to move between a working position (shown in FIG. 3) where the conveyor 17 is coupled to the hopper 15 and an exchange position (shown in FIG. 10) where the conveyor 17 is decoupled and at a given distance from the hopper 15 during the mold form change operation. In particular, the movement of the conveyor 17 between the working position (shown in FIG. 3) and the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10) is effected through a horizontal translation parallel to the movement path P (and thus perpendicular to the adjustment directions D1 and D2). The main purpose of the movement of the conveyor 17, which is only carried out during the mold form change, is to move the conveyor 17 away from the hopper 15 so as to release all possible connections between the conveyor 17 and the hopper 15, thus enabling the support 25 (which carries the hopper 15) to slide. A further purpose of the movement of the conveyor 17, which is only carried out during the mold form change, is to move the conveyor 17 away from the hopper 15 so as to create a larger free space around the hopper 15 and thus facilitate the replacement of the hopper 15.

[0033] According to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the supply unit 13 comprises two carriages 36 that support the entire conveyor 17 (i.e., the three conveyor belts 35 having all corresponding mechanisms for translational movement along two adjustment directions D1 and D2), and two slide guides 37 that are oriented parallel to the movement path P and along which the carriages 36 slide to move the entire conveyor 17 between a work position (shown in FIG. 3) and an exchange position (shown in FIG. 10). In particular, there is an electric motor (i.e., an electrically controlled actuator) that controls the movement of the carriages 36 along the slide guides 37 and is mechanically coupled to the carriages 36, for example, via a screw-nut screw connection (the screw is rotated by the electric motor and thus determines the axial translation of the nut screw engaging with the screw and is integrated into one of the carriages 36).

[0034] According to Figure 6, the hopper 15 comprises (at least) a support bracket 20 protruding towards the corresponding conveyor belt 35 of the conveyor 17, supports the stack of blanks 1 along the end segment of the movement path P, and has a "U" shape defining a seat 38 at its centre into which the end of the conveyor belt 35 is inserted. The movement of the conveyor 17 only takes place during a mould change, allowing the corresponding conveyor belt 35 to move away from the seat 38, thereby allowing the support 25 (carrying the hopper 15) to continue sliding.

[0035] 8 and 9, the hopper 15 supports a number of fixed retaining teeth 21 which project into the discharge opening 16 to prevent the blanks 1 from escaping, the fixed retaining teeth 21 being mounted in a fixed position, i.e. so as not to be subject to any kind of movement.

[0036] 8 and 9, the hopper 15 also supports three movable retaining teeth 22 which protrude into the removal opening 16 to prevent the blank 1 from escaping through the removal opening 16, and unlike the fixed retaining teeth 21 (which do not move in any way and always remain in the same position), each movable retaining tooth 22 is mounted to move between an ejection position (shown in the accompanying figures) in which it protrudes a large amount into the removal opening 16, and a retracted position (not shown) in which it protrudes a small amount into the removal opening 16.

[0037] In particular, for each movable holding tooth 22 there is a resilient element 39 which urges the holding tooth towards the removal position (shown in the accompanying drawings), and each movable holding tooth 22 is associated with a position sensor 40 which is configured to detect the position of the movable holding tooth 22. The supply unit 13 comprises a control unit 41 (schematically shown in FIG. 9) which is configured to adjust the movement speed of the conveyor 17 (i.e. the conveyor belt 35 of the conveyor 17) depending on the readings received from the position sensor 40. In particular, the control unit 41 is configured to adjust the movement speed of the conveyor belt 35 so that the movable holding teeth 22 move in a synchronous motion (i.e. move in a predetermined desired time sequence) during removal of the blank 1. For example, if the right-hand movable holding tooth 22 moves with excessive lead / lag relative to the other holding teeth 22 during removal of the blank 1, the right-hand conveyor belt 35 is slowed / accelerated.

[0038] Next, a mold type change operation for changing the supply unit 13 from an old configuration suitable for containing an old type (size) of blank material 1 to a new configuration suitable for containing a new type (size) of blank material 1 will be described.

[0039] First, the packaging machine is stopped, then the supply unit 13 is also stopped, and when the supply unit 13 is stopped, the old blanks 1 are removed from the supply unit 13, and when the supply unit 13 is empty (i.e. there are no blanks 1), the conveyor 17 is moved (by the action of the corresponding electric motor) from the working position (shown in Figure 3) to the replacement position (shown in Figure 10).

[0040] Only when the conveyor 17 is in the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10), the locking device 28 can operate to release (unlock) the support 25 (carrying the old hopper 15) from the frame 14. At this point, the operator can manually slide the support 25 from the working position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) to the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10). When the support 25 is in the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10), the operator can remove the old hopper 15 associated with the old die format (size) of the blank material 1 from the support 25, and then install a new hopper 15 associated with the new die format (size) of the blank material 1 on the support 25.

[0041] Normally, at this point (however, this can also occur before or after), the control unit 41 changes the position of the conveyor belt 35 of the conveyor 17 along the adjustment directions D1 and D2 (using the corresponding electric motors) so as to adjust the position of the conveyor belt 35 to the new die format (size) of the blank material 1.

[0042] When the replacement of the hopper 15 and the adjustment of the conveyor belt 35 of the conveyor 17 are completed, the operator can manually slide the support 25 from the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10) to the working position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). When the support 25 is in the working position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the locking device 28 is operated to restrain (lock) the support 25 (carrying the new hopper 15) to the frame 14. Only when the support 25 is restrained to the frame 14 in the working position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the conveyor 17 can move from the exchange position (shown in FIG. 10) to the working position (shown in FIG. 3) (by the action of the corresponding electric motor).

[0043] Finally, the new die format of the blank material 1 is loaded into the supply unit 13, and the die format change operation is completed.

[0044] As described above, during all type format change operations, both reference elements 23 and 24 remain in the same position relative to the frame 14, that is, they do not change the position of the position reference established by them relative to the frame 14 (clearly, the net of inevitable constructive tolerances). In particular, although the reference element 23 is replaced (as it is attached to the hopper 15), the position of the reference element 23 relative to the frame 14 does not change when switching from the old hopper 15 to the new hopper 15 (that is, the reference element 23 of the new hopper 15 is in exactly the same position as the reference element 23 of the old hopper 15). The reference element 24 can be replaced (to adjust its shape according to the difference in the shape of the blank material 1), or it may not be replaced, but even in the case of replacing the reference element 24, the position of the reference element 24 does not change during the replacement (that is, the new reference element 24 is in exactly the same position as the old reference element 24).

[0045] In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the conveyor 17 is active, that is, it has a motor-driven element (conveyor belt 35) that pushes the blank material 1 along the movement path P. According to different embodiments, the conveyor 17 is passive, that is, it does not have a motor-driven element and only uses gravity to push the blank material 1 along the movement path P (which clearly must be inclined relative to the horizontal).

[0046] In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the packaging machine manufactures packaging materials for coffee capsules. According to other embodiments not shown herein, the packaging machine manufactures packaging materials for food, smoking products, personal hygiene products or other products.

[0047] The embodiments described herein can be combined with each other without exceeding the protection scope of the present invention for this reason.

[0048] The above-described supply unit 13 has a number of advantages. First, the above-described supply unit 13 significantly reduces the reconfiguration time required to adjust to a new mold type (size) of the blank 1, i.e., the above-described supply unit 13 minimizes the time required to perform a mold type change, which involves changing the supply unit 13 from an old configuration suitable for accommodating the old mold type (size) of the blank 1 to a new configuration suitable for accommodating the new mold type (size) of the blank 1.

[0049] This result is achieved thanks to the fact that there are several different interchangeable hoppers 15, each associated with a corresponding mold type (size) of the blank 1, so that during a mold type change operation the entire hopper 15 is completely exchanged and the new hopper 15 installed is completely set up and adjusted to the corresponding mold type (size) of the blank 1 without the need for any additional adjustments.

[0050] This result is further achieved by the fact that the hopper 15 has a reference element 23 which, in use, is placed in contact with the stack of blanks 1, establishing a positional reference for the blanks 1 relative to the frame 14, regardless of the type (size) of the blanks 1, and therefore is not moved relative to the frame 14 due to a type change operation. The presence of the reference element 23 ensures that every time the hopper 15 is replaced, the new hopper 15 will find the blanks 1 in a pre-known position, and therefore all adjustments previously made to the hopper 15 are still fully valid and do not need to be changed (updated).

[0051] As a result, a mould type change operation only requires the exchange of the hopper 15 (which can be carried out in a few minutes thanks to the particular structure of the hopper 15), but other adjustments must be made to the holding teeth 21 and 22 (which are holding elements arranged in the area of the removal opening 16), since each hopper 15 (and therefore its holding teeth 21 and 22) is associated with (and therefore already adjusted to) one corresponding mould type (size) of the blank 1.

[0052] Furthermore, since the above-described supply unit 13 does not require complex mechanical parts, it is easy and economical to manufacture.

[0053] The present invention is also found to be advantageous in the use of a method for implementing a form change in the supply unit 13, particularly for adjusting the supply unit 13 from a first form of the blank material 1 to a second form of the blank material 1. This method preferably includes the step of changing the configuration of the supply unit 13 while holding a first reference element 23 that is in the same position relative to the frame 14 at the end of the configuration change step. This method preferably includes the step of removing a first hopper 15 associated with the first form of the blank material 1 and then, unlike the first hopper 15, attaching a second hopper 15 associated with the second form of the blank material 1. The present invention has the following aspects (configurations). [Aspect 1] A supply unit (13) for supplying blanks (1) in a packaging machine, comprising: A frame (14); a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), the hopper (15) being designed to hold a stack of blanks (1) and having a removal opening (16) through which one blank (1) at a time can be removed from the stack of blanks (1); a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) for moving the blanks (1) along a moving path (P) that ends in the hopper (15); a supply unit (13) that can be adjusted to contain blanks (1) having different mold types by a mold type change operating means, the change operating means involving changing the supply unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for containing a first mold type of the blanks (1) to a second configuration suitable for containing a second mold type of the blanks (1); a plurality of different interchangeable hoppers (15) are provided, each hopper (15) being associated with a corresponding die type of said blank (1); Each hopper (15) is removably secured to the frame (14) so as to be exchanged during a mold type change operation, which exchanges a first hopper (15) associated with the first mold type with a second hopper (15) associated with the second mold type, supply unit (13). [Aspect 2] 2. The supply unit (13) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (14) comprises a support (25) having a seat designed to accommodate the hopper (15). [Aspect 3] The supply unit (13) according to aspect 2, wherein the support (25) is movable on the frame (14) and moves between a working position where the hopper (15) housed in the support (25) is coupled to and aligned with the conveyor (17) during a mold type change operation, and an exchange position where the hopper (15) housed in the support (25) is separated from and unaligned with the conveyor (17). [Aspect 4] The frame (14) comprises at least one first carriage (26) carrying the support (25), a first, in particular horizontally oriented, slide guide (27) along which the first carriage (26) slides to move the support (25) between the working position and the replacement position, the supply unit (13) according to embodiment 3 comprising a slide guide (27). [Embodiment 5] The supply unit (13) according to embodiment 3 or 4, comprising a locking device (28) operable to lock the support (25) to the frame (14) when the support (25) is in the working position. [Embodiment 6] The support (25) has two upper seats (29) and two lower seats (30), each hopper (15) comprising two pins (31) configured to be inserted into the corresponding lower seat (30), each hopper (15) comprising two latching mechanisms (32) configured to be inserted into the corresponding upper seat (29) and functioning to lock the hopper (15) to the support (25), the supply unit (13) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5. [Embodiment 7] Each hopper (15) has a series of handles (34) gripped by an operator to manually move the hopper (15), the supply unit (13) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6. [Embodiment 8] The conveyor (17) comprises at least one conveyor belt (35), the at least one conveyor belt (35) being attached to the frame (14) and arranged under the blank material (1) to support the blank material (1), the conveyor belt (35) being movably attached to the frame (14) and moving along at least one adjustment direction (D1) perpendicular to the movement path (P), preferably along two adjustment directions (D1, D2) perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the movement path (P) during a format change operation, the supply unit (13) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7. [Embodiment 9] The conveyor (17) comprises at least one second carriage for conveying the conveyor belt (35), A second slide guide that is parallel to the adjustment direction (D1) and along which the second carriage slides to move the second carriage along the adjustment direction (D1) to move the conveyor belt (35). The supply unit (13) according to aspect 8, having the above. [Aspect 10] The conveyor (17) is movably attached to the frame (14) and moves between a working position connected to the hopper (15) and an exchange position at a certain distance from the hopper (15) without the conveyor (17) being connected during a die format change operation. The supply unit (13) according to any one of aspects 1 to 9. [Aspect 11] The hopper (15) includes a support bracket (20). The support bracket (20) protrudes toward the conveyor belt (35) of the conveyor (17), supports a stack of blank materials (1) along an end segment of the movement path (P), and has a "U" shape defined around a seat portion (38) into which the tip of the conveyor belt (35) is inserted. The supply unit (13) according to aspect 10. [Aspect 12] The hopper (15) supports at least two movable holding teeth (22) that protrude into the extraction opening (16) to prevent the blank material (1) from exiting through the extraction opening (16). Each movable holding tooth (22) can move between a protruding position where it protrudes more into the extraction opening (16) and a retracted position where it protrudes less into the extraction opening (16). For each movable holding tooth (22), an elastic element (39) that pushes the movable holding tooth toward the extraction position is provided. Each movable holding tooth (22) is associated with a position sensor (40) configured to detect the position of the movable holding tooth (22). A control unit (41) configured to adjust the moving speed of the conveyor (17) according to information received from the position sensor (40) is provided. The supply unit (13) according to any one of aspects 1 to 11. [Aspect 13] The conveyor (17) includes at least two conveyor belts (35) that are independent of each other and parallel to each other. A supply unit (13) according to aspect 12, wherein the control unit (41) is configured to adjust the movement speeds of the two conveyor belts (35) so that the two movable holding teeth (22) move synchronously during removal of the blank material (1). [Aspect 14] A feed assembly (13) as described in any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the hopper (15) supports a plurality of fixed retaining teeth (21) that protrude into the discharge opening (16) to prevent the blank (1) from slipping out. [Aspect 15] The hopper (15) a containment wall (18) that is perforated at its center so as to be crossed by the stack of blanks (1); a plurality of support brackets (20) configured to support the stack of blanks (1) and attached to the containment wall (18); a plurality of retaining teeth (21, 22) projecting into the removal opening (16) to prevent the blank (1) from slipping out, attached to the receiving wall (18) and in particular connected to the support bracket (20); The supply unit (13) according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, comprising: [Aspect 16] The supply unit (13) according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the hopper (15) is provided with a first reference element (23), which, during use, is positioned in contact with the stack of blanks (1) to establish a positional reference for the blanks (1) in the stack of blanks (1), and which is in the same position relative to the frame (14) regardless of the mold type of the blanks (1), thereby not moving relative to the frame (14) due to a mold type change operation. [Aspect 17] A method for performing a die type change in a supply unit (13) according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, in order to adjust the supply unit (13) from a first die type of the blanks (1) to a second die type of the blanks (1), comprising: removing a first hopper (15) associated with the first die type of the blank (1); installing a second hopper (15) different from the first hopper (15) and associated with the second die type of the blank; A method comprising: [Aspect 18] The supply unit (13) according to one or more of aspects 1 to 16; A packaging unit that receives a single blank material (1) from the supply unit (13) and bends the blank material (1). A packaging machine comprising the same. [Aspect 19] An apparatus for the supply unit (13) according to one or more of Aspects 1 to 16, The apparatus includes a plurality of different replaceable hoppers (15), and each hopper (15) is associated with a corresponding type format of the blank material (1).

Explanation of Symbols

[0054] 1 Blank material 2 Vertical fold line 3 Horizontal fold line 4 Panel 5 Panel 6 Panel 7 Panel 8 Panel 9 Lid 10 Blade 11 Blade 12 Vertex 13 Supply unit 14 Frame 15 Hopper 16 Discharge opening 17 Belt conveyor 18 Storage wall 19 Through hole 20 Support bracket 21 Fixed retaining tooth 22 Movable retaining tooth 23 Reference element 24 Reference element 25 Support body 26 Carriage 27 Slide guide 28 Locking device 29 Upper seat 30 Lower seat 31 Pin 32 Hooking mechanism 33 Handle 34 Handle 35 Conveyor belt 36 Carriage 37 Slide guide 38 Seat part 39 Elastic element 40 Position sensor 41 Control unit P movement path D1 adjustment direction D2 adjustment direction

Claims

1. A supply unit (13) for supplying a blank material (1) in a packaging machine, comprising: a frame (14); a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), designed to hold a stack of blank materials (1) and having a removal opening (16) capable of removing one blank material (1) at a time from the stack of blank materials (1); a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) and moving the blank material (1) along a movement path (P) that ends within the hopper (15). The frame (14) comprises a support (25) having a seat designed to accommodate the hopper (15). In order to accommodate blank materials (1) having different format types, the supply unit (13) can be adjusted by format change operating means, which involve changing the supply unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for containing a first format type of the blank material (1) to a second configuration suitable for containing a second format type of the blank material (1). A plurality of different interchangeable hoppers (15) are provided, each hopper (15) being associated with a corresponding format type of the blank material (1). Each hopper (15) is removably fixed to the frame (14) so as to be exchanged during a format change operation, which exchanges a first hopper (15) associated with the first format type for a second hopper (15) associated with the second format type. The support (25) is movable on the frame (14), and during a format change operation, the hopper (15) housed in the support (25) moves between a working position where it is coupled to and aligned with the conveyor (17) and an exchange position where the hopper (15) housed in the support (25) is separated from the conveyor (17) and not aligned. Supply unit (13).

2. The frame (14) comprises at least one first carriage (26) carrying the support (25). A first slide guide (27), along which the first carriage (26) slides to move the support (25) between the working position and the replacement position, and a slide guide (27), the supply unit (13) according to claim 1.

3. The supply unit (13) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a locking device (28) operable to lock the support (25) to the frame (14) when the support (25) is in the working position.

4. The support (25) has two upper seats (29) and two lower seats (30). Each hopper (15) comprises two pins (31) configured to be inserted into a corresponding lower seat (30). The supply unit (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each hopper (15) is configured to be inserted into a corresponding upper seat (29) and comprises two latching mechanisms (32) that function to latch the hopper (15) to the support (25).

5. The supply unit (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each hopper (15) has a series of handles (34) that are gripped by an operator to manually move the hopper (15).

6. A supply unit (13) for supplying a blank material (1) in a packaging machine, a frame (14), a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), designed to hold a stack of blank materials (1) and having a removal opening (16) through which one blank material (1) can be removed from the stack of blank materials (1) at a time, a hopper (15), a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) and configured to move the blank material (1) along a movement path (P) that ends within the hopper (15), In the supply unit (13), in order to accommodate blank materials (1) having different format types, the supply unit (13) can be adjusted by format change operation means, the change operation means involving changing the supply unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for including a first format type of the blank material (1) to a second configuration suitable for including a second format type of the blank material (1). A plurality of different interchangeable hoppers (15) are provided, each hopper (15) being associated with a corresponding die format of the blank material (1), each hopper (15) being removably fixed to the frame (14) so as to be exchanged during a die format change operation, said die format change operation exchanging a first hopper (15) associated with the first die format with a second hopper (15) associated with the second die format, the conveyor (17) comprising at least one conveyor belt (35), said at least one conveyor belt (35) being attached to the frame (14) and disposed under the blank material (1) so as to support the blank material (1), the conveyor belt (35) being movably attached onto the frame (14) and moving along at least one adjustment direction (D1) perpendicular to the movement path (P) during a die format change operation, a supply unit (13).

7. The conveyor belt (35) is movably attached onto the frame (14) and moves along two adjustment directions (D1, D2) perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the movement path (P) during a die format change operation, the supply unit (13) according to claim 6.

8. The conveyor (17) is, at least one second carriage for conveying the conveyor belt (35), a second slide guide, parallel to the adjustment direction (D1), along which the second carriage slides to move the conveyor belt (35) along the adjustment direction (D1), The supply unit (13) according to claim 6 or 7, having.

9. A supply unit (13) for supplying a blank material (1) in a packaging machine, a frame (14), a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), designed to hold a stack of blank materials (1) and having a discharge opening (16) capable of taking out one blank material (1) at a time from the stack of blank materials (1), a hopper (15), a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) and moving the blank material (1) along a movement path (P) ending within the hopper (15), comprising. In order to include blank materials (1) having different mold forms, the supply unit (13) can be adjusted by mold form changing operation means, and the changing operation means changes the supply unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for including the first mold form of the blank material (1) to a second configuration suitable for including the second mold form of the blank material (1). In the supply unit (13), a plurality of different replaceable hoppers (15) are provided, and each hopper (15) is associated with a corresponding mold form of the blank material (1). Each hopper (15) is removably fixed to the frame (14) so as to be exchanged during the mold form changing operation, and the mold form changing operation exchanges the first hopper (15) associated with the first mold form with the second hopper (15) associated with the second mold form. The conveyor (17) is movably attached to the frame (14), and during the mold form changing operation, it moves between a working position connected to the hopper (15) and an exchange position at a certain distance from the hopper (15) without the conveyor (17) being connected. Supply unit (13).

10. The hopper (15) comprises a support bracket (20), the support bracket (20) protruding towards the conveyor belt (35) of the conveyor (17) and supporting a stack of the blank material (1) along an end segment of the movement path (P), and having a seat (38) into which the tip of the conveyor belt (35) is inserted, the supply unit (13) according to claim 9.

11. A supply unit (13) for supplying a blank material (1) in a packaging machine, a frame (14), a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), designed to hold a stack of blank materials (1) and having a removal opening (16) through which one blank material (1) can be removed from the stack of blank materials (1) at a time. Hopper (15), a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) and moving the blank material (1) along a movement path (P) that ends within the hopper (15). In order to include blank materials (1) having different die formats, the supply unit (13) can be adjusted by die format change operation means, and the change operation means changes the supply unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for including the first die format of the blank material (1) to a second configuration suitable for including the second die format of the blank material (1). In the supply unit (13), a plurality of different replaceable hoppers (15) are provided, and each hopper (15) is associated with a corresponding die format of the blank material (1), each hopper (15) is removably fixed to the frame (14) so as to be replaced during the die format change operation, and the die format change operation exchanges the first hopper (15) associated with the first die format with the second hopper (15) associated with the second die format, the hopper (15) supports at least two movable holding teeth (22) protruding into the extraction opening (16) in order to prevent the blank material (1) from passing through the extraction opening (16), each movable holding tooth (22) can move between a retracted position protruding less into the extraction opening (16) and an extraction position protruding more into the extraction opening (16), for each movable holding tooth (22), an elastic element (39) that pushes the movable holding tooth towards the extraction position is provided, each movable holding tooth (22) is associated with a position sensor (40) configured to detect the position of the movable holding tooth (22), A supply unit (13) is provided with a control unit (41) configured to adjust the moving speed of the conveyor (17) according to the information received from the position sensor (40).

12. The conveyor (17) includes at least two conveyor belts (35) that are independent of each other and parallel, The control unit (41) is configured to adjust the moving speeds of the two conveyor belts (35) so that the two movable holding teeth (22) move synchronously during the extraction of the blank material (1). The supply unit (13) according to claim 11.

13. The hopper (15) supports a plurality of fixed holding teeth (21) protruding into the extraction opening (16) to prevent the blank material (1) from passing through. The supply unit (13) according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A supply unit (13) for supplying a blank material (1) in a packaging machine, comprising: a frame (14); a hopper (15) supported by the frame (14), designed to hold a stack of blank materials (1) and having a discharge opening (16) through which one blank material (1) can be removed from the stack of blank materials (1) at a time; a conveyor (17) supported by the frame (14) for moving the blank material (1) along a travel path (P) that ends within the hopper (15). In order to accommodate blank materials (1) having different format types, the supply unit (13) can be adjusted by format change operating means, which involve changing the supply unit (13) from a first configuration suitable for accommodating a first format type of the blank material (1) to a second configuration suitable for accommodating a second format type of the blank material (1). A plurality of different interchangeable hoppers (15) are provided, each hopper (15) being associated with a corresponding format type of the blank material (1). Each hopper (15) is removably fixed to the frame (14) so as to be exchanged during a format change operation, which involves exchanging a first hopper (15) associated with the first format type for a second hopper (15) associated with the second format type. The hopper (15) comprises: a receiving wall (18) perforated at the center so as to be traversed by the stack of blank materials (1); a plurality of support brackets (20) configured to support the stack of blank materials (1) and attached to the receiving wall (18); a plurality of retaining teeth (21, 22) protruding into the discharge opening (16) to prevent the blank material (1) from slipping out and attached to the receiving wall (18). The supply unit (13).

15. The supply unit (13) according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of retaining teeth (21, 22) are connected to the support brackets (20).

16. A method of performing a format change in a supply unit (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for adjusting the supply unit (13) from a first format of the blank material (1) to a second format of the blank material (1), comprising: removing a first hopper (15) associated with the first format of the blank material (1); attaching, unlike the first hopper (15), a second hopper (15) associated with the second format of the blank material; A method comprising the steps of:

17. A packaging machine comprising: the supply unit (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and a packaging unit that receives a single blank material (1) from the supply unit (13) and bends the blank material (1).

18. An apparatus for the supply unit (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: a plurality of different interchangeable hoppers (15), each hopper (15) being associated with a corresponding format of the blank material (1).

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