Contact device

Abstract

The invention is a contact device (1) for a case packer system that also comprises a movement assembly engageable with said contact device (1) to command it in a linear, continuous and / or alternating movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The contact device (1) comprises: i) a contact element (2) suitable for passively or actively contacting a product group, at least partially extending with respect to an imaginary plane (I), whereupon there lie a main axis (X-X) and an auxiliary axis (Y-Y) that are mutually substantially orthogonal and with respect whereto a vertical axis (V-V) extends; ii) a main body (3) comprising: a first unit (4) connectable to the movement assembly to receive the movement action; a second unit (5) engaged integrally with the contact element (2); locking means (6) comprising a first device (61) engaged with the first unit (4), a second device (62) engaged with the second unit (5) and a connection member (63) extending between the first device (61) and the second device (62). Said first unit (4) and said second unit (5) are shaped so as to mutually engage with shape coupling in a coupling direction parallel to an axis, having walls of mutual engagement that extend substantially orthogonally to the other two axes.

Description

CONTACT DEVICEDESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact device . Furthermore, the present invention relates to a case packer system which comprises a folding assembly comprising said contact device . In addition, the present invention relates to a case packer system comprising a pusher assembly comprising said contact device .

[0002] It should be noted that in this discussion, the term " case packer system" is not limited to particular shapes and / or dimensions regarding the boxes wherewith the system operates . In other words , the term " case packer system" is a generic definition referring to a system that performs an operation with, or that performs an operation on, a box or a case . Specifically, the difference between a box and a case is dimensional : a case has small dimensions , whilst a box is suitable for containing a plurality of cases .

[0003] In particular, in this discussion, the term "product group" generically refers to the product that is the subject of an operation . For example, the term "product group" refers generically to a single product element or a multiplicity of product elements also comprising an information sheet , etc . , that are subjected to a thrusting action and that are arranged within a case / box .Again, for example, the term product group refers generically to a single product element , for example a case / box, or a multiplicity of product elements and a case / box for containing product elements , wherein the case / box are the subject of specific operations , for example folding a flap thereof . The term product refers to a "blister" packs or sachet packs , or stickpack packs or vials etc .

[0004] Specifically, the contact device comprises a contact element suitable for contacting the product group . For example, the contact element is suitable for pas sively contacting the product group by providing an abutment when performing a specific operation, for example the pushing action of a pusher head . For example, the contact element is suitable for actively contacting the product group, in particular the case / box, in order to perform a specific operation, for example folding a flap thereof .

[0005] According to the present invention, the product sector for this invention is the pharmaceutical industry or the food or cosmetics industry .

[0006] According to the present invention, case packer systems are the more efficient the faster and more errorproof operations they can perform . Such requirement must , at the same time, be fulfilled in avoiding excessive complications in relation to the geometry, structure andsystems layout in such a way as to be flexible, durable and above all easy to maintain .

[0007] With particular reference to the aforementioned requirements there is also the need for the contact devices comprised in it to be suitable, in an extremely efficient and effective manner, for performing the operations thereof , whilst at the same time being simple in structure, assembly and maintenance .

[0008] The object of the present invention is to propose a contact device that succeeds in effectively fulfilling all of the aforesaid requirements . In other words the object of the present invention is that of providing a contact device with a simple structure that is extremely effective but at the same time flexible and versatile .

[0009] Such object is achieved by means of the contact device claimed in claim 1 . Such object is achieved by means of the case packer system which comprises a pusher assembly comprising said contact device claimed in claim 9 . Such object is achieved by means of the case packer system which comprises a pusher assembly comprising said contact device claimed in claim 10 .

[0010] The claims dependent upon these request protection for further features and entail further technical benefits .

[0011] In addition, further features and advantages of theinvention will become clear from the description provided below of the preferred embodiments thereof given as nonlimiting examples with reference to the accompanying figures , wherein :- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the contact device, object of the present invention, according to a first preferred embodiment ;- Figure la shows a perspective view in separate parts of the contact device of figure 1 ;- Figure 2 shows a view from above of the contact device in Figure 1 ;- Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the contact device in Figure 1 ;- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the contact device, object of the present invention, according to a second preferred embodiment ;- Figure 4a shows a perspective view in separate parts of the contact device of Figure 4 ;- Figure 5 shows a view from above of the contact device of Figure 4 ;- Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the contact device in Figure 4 .

[0012] With reference to the accompanying figures , a contact device according to the present invention is indicated in the entirety thereof with the numeral 1 .

[0013] As mentioned, the contact device 1 , object of the present invention, is suitable for actively or passively contacting a product group .The present invention also relates to a case packer system comprising a folding assembly, wherein said folding assembly comprises a contact device 1 . The folding assembly, and in particular the contact device 1 comprised therein, is movable, by means of a special movement assembly, which in turn is comprised within the case packer system . In particular, the contact device 1 is movably commandable to command the contact element 2 in a position in which it actively contacts a case / box to fold an edge of a case / box . In other words , the contact device 1 is movably commandable in order to perform an active folding operation .

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment , the case packer system comprises a plurality of folding assemblies , preferably side by side, each suitable for operating upon a respective case / box .

[0015] The present invention also relates to a case packer system comprising a pusher assembly, wherein said pusher assembly comprises a contact device 1 . The pusher assembly, and in particular the contact device 1 , is movable, by means of a special movement assembly that , in turn, is comprised within the case packer system . Inparticular, the contact device 1 is movably commandable to command the contact element 2 in a position in which it passively contacts a product group subjected to the pushing action . In other words , the contact device 1 is movably commandable to perform a passive operation, i . e . to provide an abutment , during the movement and pushing action of the product group .

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment , the case packer system comprises a plurality of pusher assemblies , preferably side by side therebetween, each being suitable for operating upon a respective product group, i . e . , suitable for positioning the product group within the respective case / box .

[0017] With the exception of the features described below, the features of the components , and / or other assemblies of components comprised within the case packer system, within the folding assembly, within the pusher assembly, and / or within the movement assembly are not limiting for the purposes of the present invention .

[0018] The contact device 1 for a case packer system is movable by a movement assembly in order to command it in a linear movement between a retracted position and an advanced position .

[0019] The movement assembly is suitable for moving the contact device 1 in a continuous manner .

[0020] The movement assembly is suitable for moving the contact device 1 in an alternating manner .

[0021] According to the present invention, the contact device 1 comprises a contact element 2 suitable for contacting the product group .

[0022] Preferably, the contact element 2 is suitable for passively contacting the product group by providing an abutment in the execution of a specific operation, for example in a pushing operation of the product group in a case / box .

[0023] Preferably, the contact element 2 is suitable for actively contacting the product group by actively carrying out a specific operation, for example in an operation for folding an edge of a case / box .

[0024] The contact element 2 extends planarly with respect to an imaginary plane I .

[0025] Preferably, at least one portion of the contact element 2 extends planarly to said imaginary plane I .

[0026] Upon said imaginary plane I there lie a main axis X- X and an auxiliary axis Y-Y that are substantially mutually orthogonal . Furthermore, with respect to said imaginary plane I , a vertical axis V-V extends , substantially orthogonally .

[0027] Preferably, the contact element 2 is made of metal, for example steel .

[0028] The specific shape of the contact element 2 , i . e . the shape thereof with respect to the imaginary plane I , is not limiting for the purposes of the present invention .

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment , the contact element 2 has a substantially planar shape, comprising a planar or shovel element .

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment , the contact element 2 has a substantially frame shaped structure, comprising at least two beam elements that are mutually engaged, for example mutually welded, therebetween . For example, in one preferred embodiment , the frame structure comprises a base beam element and a contact beam element , for example orthogonal to the base beam element . Preferably, the contact beam element lies on said imaginary plane I .

[0031] According to the present invention, the contact device 1 comprises a main body 3 whereto the contact element 2 is engaged . When the main body 3 is moved, for example induced by the movement assembly, the movement of the contact element 2 is induced .

[0032] The contact element 2 preferably comprises a support body 20 that is suitable for engaging with said main body 3 . For example, the contact element 2 extends from said support body 20 , entirely or partially, planarly withrespect to the imaginary plane I , with said planar element or with the aforesaid frame structure .

[0033] The main body 3 comprises a first unit 4 , or base unit , a second unit 5 , or support unit , and locking means that are suitable for joining the aforesaid units .

[0034] The first unit 4 , or base unit , is connectable to the movement assembly to receive the movement action .

[0035] The second unit 5 , or support unit , engaged integrally with the contact element 2 . For example, preferably, the contact element 2 is integrally connected to said second unit 5 , for example by means of appropriate screws and / or rivets .

[0036] According to the present invention, the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are shaped so as to mutually engage with shape coupling .

[0037] The shape coupling occurs in a coupling direction parallel to an axis , for example, the main axis X-X or the vertical axis V-V .

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment , said coupling direction is parallel to the axis in relation whereto the movement of the contact element 2 takes place .

[0039] According to the present invention, the shape coupling between the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 has mutual engagement walls that extend substantially orthogonally to the other two axes .

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment , the first unit 4 comprises a first protrusion 41 and the second unit 5 comprises a first housing 51 .

[0041] Preferably, the first protrusion 41 and the first housing 51 extend parallel to the coupling direction and comprise respective first engagement walls 410 ' , 410" , 510 ' , 510" which extend substantially orthogonally to at least one of the other two axes , for example the auxiliary axis Y-Y .

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment , the first unit 4 comprises a second protrusion 42 , and the second unit 5 comprises a second housing 52 .

[0043] Preferably, the second protrusion 42 and the second housing 52 extend parallel to the coupling direction and comprise respective second engagement walls 420 ' , 420" , 520 ' , 520" extending substantially orthogonally to the other at least one axis , for example the vertical axis V- V .

[0044] In other words , the coupling between the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 is performed in such a way as to have engagement walls arranged in such a way that transverse actions with respect to the coupling direction are discharged into the engagement between said walls .

[0045] For example, said transverse actions are due to the inertia of the movement action of the contact element 2 .

[0046] For example, said transverse actions are due to the direct or indirect pushing action whereto the contact element 2 is subjected when in contact with the product group .

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment , the first unit 4 is male, whilst the second unit 5 is female .

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment , the first protrusion 41 is obtained in one piece in the first unit 4 .

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment , the first protrusion 41 is obtained with an additional component , for example a pin or a tooth or a peg (as shown by way of example in the embodiment shown in the appended Figures 4a and 6 ) .

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment , the second protrusion 42 is obtained in one piece in the first unit 4 .

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment , the second protrusion 42 is obtained with an additional component , for example a pin or a tooth or a peg .

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment , the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 are positioned to be axially offset along the insertion direction .

[0053] Preferably, the transverse actions of different directions are discharged between the first unit 4 andthe second unit 5 in axial positions , with respect to the direction of insertion, within different regions .

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment , the locking means 6 comprise a first device 61 engaged with the first unit 4 , a second device 62 engaged with the second unit 5 and a connection member 63 extending between the first device 61 and the second device 62 .

[0055] Said connection member 63 is configurable in an opening / unlocking configuration and a closing / locking configuration . In the opening / unlocking configuration, the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are mutually axially movable . In the closing / locking configuration, the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are mutually axially fixed .

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment , the locking means 6 are of the lever type . The connection member 63 is preferably hinged to the second device 62 and in the closing / locking configuration it engages the first device 61 . The first device 61 is preferably of the type comprising a coupling region wherein the connection member 63 is housed .

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment , the connection member 63 , in a closing / locking configuration, is suitable for keeping the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 in a coupled position, keeping them in an axiallycoupled position wherein there is the engagement between the engagement walls .

[0058] Innovatively, the contact device fully fulfills the intended purpose by overcoming the typical problems of the prior art .

[0059] Advantageously, in fact , the contact device is suitable for being integrated into a case packer system that is suitable for performing fast handling operations and innumerable cycles .

[0060] Advantageously, the contact device is extremely flexible, also being the object of simple maintenance operations .

[0061] Advantageously, the contact device is particularly suitable for allowing the movement of shovel elements of significant dimensions .

[0062] Advantageously, replacement of the contact element may be performed by means of simple and intuitive operations , preferably operating between the first unit and the second unit .

[0063] Advantageously, replacement of the contact element may be performed by means of simple, guided and errorproof operations , preferably operating between the first unit and the second unit .

[0064] Advantageously, the contact device provides for engagement between the first unit and the second unitwhich is wear-proof , and clearly breakage-proof .

[0065] Advantageously, the shape of the contact element is a function of the specific application of the contact device, providing for the same main body . Advantageously, in the embodiment wherein the contact device is comprised within a folding assembly and the contact device is suitable for acting as an active contact element , the contact element is designed to comprise the frame structure . Advantageously, in the embodiment wherein the contact device is comprised within a pusher assembly and the contact device is suitable for acting as a passive contact element , the contact element may be designed to comprise the planar or shovel element .

[0066] Advantageously, the aforesaid circumstantial advantages for the contact device are also present within the case packer system, both in the configuration wherein the contact device is comprised within a folding assembly, and in the configuration wherein the contact device is comprised within a pusher assembly .

[0067] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet contingent needs , which changes all fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A contact device (1) for a case packer system also comprising a movement assembly engageable with said contact device (1) to command it in a linear, continuous and / or alternating, movement between a retracted position and an advanced position, wherein the contact device (1) comprises : i) a contact element (2) suitable for passively contacting a product group by providing an abutment when performing a specific operation or suitable for actively contacting a product group to perform a specific operation, wherein the contact element (2) extends at least partially planarly to an imaginary plane (I) on which a main axis (X-X) and an auxiliary axis (Y-Y) lie substantially mutually orthogonal and with respect to which a vertical axis (V-V) extends; ii) a main body (3) comprising:- a first unit (4) , or base unit, connectable to the movement assembly to receive the movement action;- a second unit (5) , or support unit, engaged integrally with the contact element (2) ;- locking means (6) comprising a first device (61) engaged with the first unit (4) , a second device (62) engaged with the second unit (5) , and a connection member (63) extending between first device (61) and seconddevice (62) and configurable in an opening / unlocking configuration and a closing / locking configuration; wherein the first unit (4) and the second unit (5) are shaped so as to mutually engage with shape coupling in a coupling direction parallel to an axis, for example, the main axis (X-X) or the vertical axis (V-V) , having mutual engagement walls extending substantially orthogonally to the other two axes.

2. Contact device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first unit (4) comprises a first protrusion (41) , and the second unit (5) comprises a first housing (51) , wherein the first protrusion (41) and the first housing (51) extend parallel to the coupling direction and comprise respective first engagement walls (410', 410", 510',510") extending substantially orthogonally to at least one of the other two axes, for example the auxiliary axis (Y-Y) .

3. Contact device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first unit (4) comprises a second protrusion (42) , and the second unit (5) comprises a second housing (52) , wherein the second protrusion (42) and the second housing (52) extend parallel to the coupling direction and comprise respective second engagement walls (420', 420", 520', 520") extending substantially orthogonally to the other at least one axis, for example the vertical axis(V-V) .

4. Contact device (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first protrusion (41) and / or the second protrusion (42) are obtained in one piece in the first unit (4) .

5. Contact device (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first protrusion (41) and / or the second protrusion (42) are obtained with an additional component, for example a pin or a tooth.

6. Contact device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claims 2 and 3, wherein the first protrusion (41) and the second protrusion (42) are positioned to be axially offset along the insertion direction.

7. Contact device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (6) are of the lever type, wherein the connection member (63) is hinged to the second device (62) and in the closing / locking configuration engages the first device (61) .

8. Contact device (1) according to claim 7, wherein in the closing / locking configuration, the connection member (63) is adapted to keep the first unit (4) and the second unit (5) in an axially coupled position.

9. A case packer system comprising a movement assemblyand a folding assembly movably commandable by the movement assembly to perform a folding action on a product group comprising a case / box, wherein the folding assembly comprises a contact device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , movably commandable to command the contact element ( 2 ) in a position in which it actively contacts a case / box to fold a flap of a case / box .10 . A case packer system comprising a movement assembly and a pusher assembly movably commandable by the movement assembly to perform a pushing action on a product group inside a case, wherein the pusher assembly comprises a contact device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , for controlling the contact element (2 ) in a position, preferably advanced, in which it passively contacts , by performing an abutment for, a product group subjected to the pushing action .

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