Sheet good loading device and method of loading sheet goods

ES 2 556 835 T3

DESCRIPTION

Sheet Product Loading Device and Sheet Product Loading Method

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for loading sheet products into a container and more particularly to a device for loading sheet products into a flexible container.

Background of the invention

Deformable objects, such as pads, sheets, clothing, etc. (generally sheet products) are usually sold in deformable containers or other packaging. For example, shirts are sold in polyethylene film packaging.

But arranging deformable objects in deformable packaging poses problems. For example, a container may have an opening through which objects are loaded during manufacture, and through which objects can be dispensed later at the point of use.

If the intended position or geometry of the container changes during loading, one or more objects may not load correctly through the opening. Thus, the packaging intended to be loaded with the deformable objects to contain them inside must be properly opened to receive those objects.

Also, deformable objects must be transported from a place of origin, or another first place, to the packaging. But this stage also has problems. Objects cannot be unduly deformed during transportation or they may be damaged. If the deformable objects are sheet products, the sheet products may tear or otherwise become unusable.

Various amounts may be desirable in case several separate objects have to be arranged in the container. For example, a container having a first quantity may contain 12 of the objects, a larger container may contain 23 (or some other odd multiple) objects, and yet another container may contain a single quantity of the object. Thus, the device for loading the objects must be able to adapt to various quantities and changes in those quantities.

If the objects are not independent, for example a farinaceous powder, the same logic applies. Containers of different sizes and volumes of product may be desirable at the point of manufacture.

Once the desired number of objects is transported to the packaging, these objects must be loaded into the packaging. Dropping objects into the packaging can cause misalignment and improper loading, especially during high-speed operation.

Other problems also occur. The container can be filled with a liquid in addition to deformable objects. For example, a container with cleaning wipes in it can be moistened with a liquid detergent. A container with skin wipes can be moistened with a different liquid cleanser. Each of these containers must be able to hold deformable objects and such liquids without spilling.

Therefore, there is a demand for improved devices for loading deformable objects into deformable containers. Some attempts to do so include US Patents 2,994,997; US 3,319,394; US-3,837,138; US4,062,169; US 4,408,437; US 4,738,078; US 4,751,807; US 4,858,416; US 5,022,216; US 5,979,145; US 6,223,500; US 6,658,819; US 6,708,465; US 6,732,492; US 7,584,593, EP 768267B1; EP-1222111B1 and GB-1417082A.

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a device for arranging sheet products in a flexible container. The device has components movable in the X, Y and Z directions, mutually orthogonal. The device comprises: a transport mechanism for transporting flexible containers in a first predetermined direction; a conveying mechanism for conveying sheet products in a second predetermined direction; a plurality of extensible fingers, each of said fingers being cantilevered from a proximal end to a distal end spaced therefrom; and a mechanism for moving the plurality of fingers in the mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z directions, while said fingers are at least partially inserted into a flexible container.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of arranging sheet products in a flexible container. The method comprises the steps of: providing a flexible container with an opening for receiving the sheet products; arranging the sheet products between opposing elements to limit movement of said sheet products in a first direction; conveying the sheet products into said flexible container; arranging said sheet products between two pairs of opposing fingers, each finger extending from a proximal end to a distal end; moving the fingers to arrange the distal ends of the fingers in the flexible container; conveying the sheet products through the opening and, at least partially, into the flexible container; move fingers away from each other to

ES 2 556 835 T3 that each of said fingers moves away from the other said fingers, in such a way as to expand the opening of the flexible container; and introduce the sheet products into the flexible container. Of course, sheet products are used as an example herein without the invention being limited other than by the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1A with the drive and vertical rails removed for clarity and with a first schematic transport mechanism.

Fig. 2 is an elevation view of the device of Fig. 1B showing the fingers in a closed X position, in solid lines, and an open X position, in broken lines.

Fig. 3A is a side elevation view of the device of Fig. 1A, in the YZ plane.

Fig. 3B is a sectional view in the YZ plane, taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2, showing fingers inserted into a container and a clip entering the device from above, but not shows the first transport mechanism for clarity.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view in the XZ plane, taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 1B but showing neither the container nor the first transport mechanism, for clarity.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to Figs. 1A and 1B, the device 10 of the present invention comprises a first transport mechanism 61, for moving a container 32 along a first predetermined path, a second transport mechanism 62, for moving sheet products along a second predetermined path, and a plurality of fingers 14 for opening 33 of container 32.

Device 10 is usable with a container 32 for receiving, storing, and transporting deformable objects. The invention is described below with reference to sheet products representing independent deformable objects, although the invention is only limited to what is specifically claimed herein.

Sheet products can be stored and transported in container 32 until ready for dispensing or use by a user. Container 32 may be a bag, as is known in the art, and is not part of the present invention, except as specifically claimed herein. A bag may have a repeat opening and closing opening 33 for receiving sheet products into container 32 and dispensing the sheet products therefrom.

During the operation and method described herein, the aperture 33 may be disposed upward, in or near the top of the container 32. This arrangement provides the advantage that, once the sheet products and / or articles auxiliaries and related are disposed within container 32, there is less chance of spillage, etc., until container 32 is sealed.

Container 32 can be flexible. By flexible is meant that the sides of the container 32 can be manipulated by the device 10 without undue tension or tearing. One embodiment of the bag-shaped container 32, described herein, may comprise a polyolefin film. In particular, container 32 may comprise low density polyethylene (LDPE) sides and a resealable closure, as is known in the art.

Container 32 may comprise flaccid side walls. Container 32 may be generally parallelepiped or have any other suitable shape. The shape and size of container 32 may be suitable to provide loading, containment, transportation, and dispensing of the desired sheet products. Container 32 may have two opposing main panels. The size of the container 32 can influence, if not dictate, the size of the fingers 14 described below.

Sheet products usable with the device 10 of the present invention can have any number of user functionalities. For example, sheet products may comprise disposable mops, such as those sold by the present holder under the Swiffer® trademark. This disposable mop can be used dry, wet and / or can be wettable to absorb liquids dispensed separately on the surface for cleaning. Alternatively, the sheet products may comprise one or more wipes. This wipe can be used to clean a child's skin, remove makeup, clean a hard surface, such as a table, clean a soft surface, such as tissue, etc. Obviously it has other functionalities not included in the non-limiting examples mentioned.

ES 2 556 835 T3

Each individual sheet may be disposed proximate an adjacent sheet and opening 33 of container 32. Sheet products can be individually dispensed by access from within the opening, as is known in the art. Alternatively, the sheet products can be dispensed by dispensing with access from outside the opening, as is known in the art.

By examining the invention in greater detail, a plurality of containers 32 may be provided, in known manner. Containers 32 can be moved in a first direction by a first transport mechanism 61, as is known in the art. For example, bag-shaped containers 32 may be provided in a stack, individually arranged on the transport mechanism. The first transport mechanism 61 can systematize the containers 32 so that an empty container 32 is handled immediately before the device 10, then systematized so that it is within the operable domain of the device 10, then systematized again so that it is outside and remote from device 10. The operable domain of device 10 is considered that region of device 10 where sheet products can be loaded into container 32.

The systematization of the containers 32 may be performed by the first transport mechanism 61 in a manner known and not essential to the present invention. Container 32 may remain in position long enough to load at least one sheet product into it, and perform any other operation deemed necessary or desirable.

Referring to Fig. 2, the containers 32 may be systematized in a direction referred to as the X-direction herein. As noted below, the X direction may be parallel to the translation direction of the individual fingers 14 in one pair of fingers 14, moving toward and away from the other finger 14 of that pair.

Once container 32 is loaded with sheet products and has moved out of the operating domain of device 10, additional and optional operation (s) may be performed on the sheet products and / or or containers 32. For example, liquid, such as cleaner, perfume, disinfectant, etc., can be added to container 32. A sealable closure can be added to container 32, container 32 can be closed, instructions for use or other decoration can be added to container 32, and so on.

Sheet products or other products to be loaded into container 32 can be moved by a second transport mechanism 62. The sheet products can be provided in a clip 30 having a plurality of the sheet products or even a single sheet product, such as a cleaning pad or wipe. The use of a clip 30 provides the advantage of flexibility in manufacturing, in particular that different amounts of product can be loaded into a single container 32, as desired. The manufacturer only needs to change the number of products in the clip 30 and adjust the spacing between the tapes 64 accordingly.

The second transport mechanism 62 is the clip transport mechanism 30 and may comprise one or more opposing tapes 64. The opposing tapes 64 can be juxtaposed to provide a space between them. The space is large enough to accommodate the sheet product clip 30 between them and to hold the clip 30 by friction in place so that it can be moved by the transport mechanism without damage or excessive compression.

Referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, if desired, the second transport mechanism 62 may comprise multiple pairs of tapes 64, each pair being juxtaposed to provide space between them. The pairs of tapes 64 may be arranged longitudinally in series so that a clip 30 is conveyed from a first pair of opposing tapes 64 to a second pair of opposing tapes 64, to a third pair of opposing tapes 64, and so on. This arrangement provides the advantage that the tapes 64 can be arranged to transport the pads in different directions within a common plane.

If desired, an opposing pair of tapes 64 may comprise a plurality of tapes 64 on each side of the pair. This arrangement provides the advantage that a wider passage can be provided for carrying the clip 30. The wider passage provides the advantage of being able to accommodate a larger sheet product, that there may be a slight displacement of the sheet product in the transport mechanism, etc.

The first transport mechanism 61 can transport the flexible containers 32 in a first direction. Containers 32 can be systematized to remain in position while loaded with sheet products. The second transport mechanism 62 can transport the clips 30 in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction can be inclined with respect to each other. In a more basic case, the first direction and the second direction can be mutually perpendicular. The second transport mechanism 62 can be disposed above the first transport mechanism 61, so that the clips 30 can be assisted by gravity to pass from the second transport mechanism 62 to the first transport mechanism 61.

As noted, the second transport mechanism 62 has a space in the Y direction between the opposing tapes 64 to allow the clip 30 to be transported between them. The width of said space can be adjusted to provide different widths of clips 30. If the sheet products, or other objects that make up the clip 30, are of different sizes in the XZ plane, these sizes can be received through the size of second transport mechanism 62.

ES 2 556 835 T3

But if the width of the clip 30 in the Y direction is too great for the space between the opposing tapes 64, the clip 30 will not be controlled as it passes into the container 32. Slipping or even dropping of the clip 30 can occur. If the width of clip 30 in the Y direction is too small for the space between opposing tapes 64, clip 30 will not fit properly. Sheet products may be damaged or clip 30 may get caught between tapes 64.

The device 10 of the invention can provide adjustment in the Y direction, and can especially provide multiple gap widths between the opposing tapes 64 in the Y direction. In a more basic case, the Y direction can be horizontal. This separation can be achieved by providing two opposing tracks 80. The balancer of the device 10 is arranged between the tracks 80. Preferably, the device 10 can be cantilevered from a single track 80.

One or both of the support plates 20 may be movable on the tracks 80. The other support plate 20 may be fixed or move in coordination with the first support plate 20 to provide the desired spacing. The opposing tapes 64 can at least partially move the clip 30 in the Y direction, with the respective and corresponding support plate 20. When the desired spacing between the opposing belts 64 is achieved, the second transport mechanism 62 can be locked in place on the tracks 80 so that the desired width of the gap is maintained during operation.

The second transport mechanism 62 may originate from a first location. The first location can be considered the place of origin of the clip 30 for the purposes of the operation and method described herein. At the first location, the clip 30 can be loaded into the transport mechanism. The paired belts 64 can move the sheet product (s) in one or more directions to a second location. The second location is the destination. The destination location may be the position in device 10 where clip 30 is loaded into container 32. Thus, the transport mechanism can control clip 30 through its path and bring it closer to container 32.

If desired, the transport mechanism can drive the clip 30 through the opening 33 of the container 32, so that the sheet products are, at least partially, and in a more basic case completely, within the container 32. After the sheet product (s) are partially or fully loaded into the container 32, the sheet product (s) can be released from contact and control of the transport mechanism of the clip 30. Control and transport of the sheet product (s) may end when the opposing pair of belts 64 flips back and no longer conveys the sheet product (s) in a forward direction. When released from the tapes 64, the clip 30 may gravity fall to the bottom of the container 32, if it is no longer there.

Maintaining control of the clip 30 until it is inserted, at least partially, through the opening 33 of the container 32, provides the unexpected advantage that misalignment between the clip 30 and the container 32 can be avoided. Misalignment, clip 30 can still be fully disposed in container 32, minimizing the loss of any sheet product that would otherwise fall out of container 32.

Control of clip 30 can occur in the Z direction. In a more basic case, the Z direction can be vertical. Device 10 can be moved in the Z direction through motor 75. Motor 75 can raise or lower device 10 as it is carried along vertical rails 76. A pair of vertical rails 76 can be provided, with the device 10 between them, as shown. Preferably, the device 10 may be cantilevered from a single vertical rail 76. The movement of the frame 22 along the vertical rails 76 offers the corresponding movement of the respective support plate 20.

Each vertical rail 76 may have a slot. The groove allows controlled movement of the balancer of the device 10 in the Z direction, that is, parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fingers 14.

The motor 75 can be connected to the balancer of the device 10 through an eccentric rod 78. The connecting rod 78 can be hingedly attached to the riser plate 80. The balancer of the device 10 can move in the Z direction on the riser plate 80.

Container 32 should be in the correct position when clip 30 is released from second transport mechanism 62. Thus, the first transport mechanism 61 for the container 32 and the second transport mechanism 62 for the clip 30 must operate in a synchronous and coordinated manner, so that the control of the sheet products by the clip transporter 30 does not end prematurely. , which would result in the clip 30 not being properly disposed within the container 32.

Thus, the systematization of the first transport mechanism 61 to arrange the container 32 in the appropriate and predetermined position in the device 10 and the release of the sheet products from the second transport mechanism 62 must be programmed so that the products are in sheets and the container 32 in the correct positions at the same time. The opening 33 of the container 32 is open for loading of the clip 30 therethrough. The release of the clip 30 from the transport mechanism of the clip 30 occurs and may occur, especially, after the sheet products are arranged, at least partially, within the container 32.

ES 2 556 835 T3

This synchronization and systematization can be achieved using a controller, as is known in the art. Any suitable servo-motor type controller can be used to control the mechanisms described herein.

The opening 33 of the container 32 can be opened and its area maximized in the X direction using the plurality of fingers 14. Although four fingers 14 are illustrated, the invention is not limited to that number. Two, three, five, six, eight, etc. fingers 14 may be used. Four fingers 14 provide the advantage of being able to arrange one finger 14 at each corner of a generally rectangular opening 33. Three fingers 14 with a generally triangular opening 33, etc. can be used.

The four fingers 14 can be arranged in two pairs. A pair of fingers 14 may be juxtaposed on each larger side of container 32. Each finger 14 may extend from a proximal end attached to a support plate 20 to a distal end spaced therefrom. Each finger 14 defines a longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end. The longitudinal axes define a common longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction can be considered the Z direction, as described herein.

Referring again to Fig. 2, each finger 14 can perform a translation movement toward and away from the other finger 14 of the respective pair. The translational movement can be achieved using a rack gear as known in the art, an articulated connection 16, etc. If an articulated connection 16 is selected, as shown, the articulated connection 16 comprises two elongated connecting rods 16. Each connecting rod 16 may have two opposite ends, with a juxtaposed pivot at each end. The connecting rods 16 can be arranged symmetrically oppositely.

The connecting rods 16 can be attached at a respective first end to a common pivot. Each connecting rod 16 can be attached at the respective second end to a finger 14. Thus a pair of connecting rods 16 can govern the movement of a corresponding pair of fingers 14. Each pair of connecting rods 16 can move along a plane parallel to a support plate 20. The fingers 14 can perform a simultaneous translation movement outward and away from the other finger 14 of that pair with the translation of the common pivot of the articulated connection 16 towards the opposite ends of the connecting rods 16. Conversely, the fingers 14 can effect a simultaneous translation movement inward and toward the other finger 14 of that pair with the translation of the common pivot of the articulated connection 16 away from the opposite ends of the connecting rods 16.

The common pivot may be pivotally attached to a cylinder 18. Cylinder 18 may be pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. Alternatively, the common end pivot can be controlled by an electric motor or other actuation mechanism. The cylinder 18 may have a piston that moves in a direction of extension of the cylinder 18, causing the movement of the connecting rods 16 in a different direction and movement of the respective fingers 14 of the corresponding pair in the X direction. The direction X, in which the fingers 14 carry out the translation movement, can be in a common plane and generally orthogonal to the extension direction of the cylinder 18.

The cylinder 18 can have a stroke of at least 2, 4 or 6 cm and less than 10, 8 or 7 cm, causing the corresponding pair of fingers 14 to move away in the X direction by a distance of at least 4, 6 or 8 cm and less than 24, 20 or 16 cm in response to the stroke of said cylinder 18. If the fingers 14 are inserted into the opening 33 of the container 32, the outward movement of the fingers 14 will make the same opening 33 of the container 32. If desired, the fingers 14 of each pair can be spread apart until the material on one panel of the container 32 is taut or the opposing panels of the container 32 are taut. Fingers 14 may be rigid and taper toward the distal end, as shown, to facilitate insertion into opening 33 of container 32.

The fingers 14 of the claimed invention overcome the need for gripping devices as are known in the art. The gripping devices pinch the material between them to control the opening 33 of the container 32. But the gripping devices provide the disadvantages that they can cause tearing of the flexible container 32, a more complex mechanism is needed to control the pinching of the material between them, adjustments of the gripping force must be made to adapt them to variations in thickness of the material, etc.

The fingers 14 of the present invention further overcome the need to use conveyor belts that enter the container 32, such as are known in the art. The conveyor belts have a thickness between their opposite faces approximately equal to the width of the pulley at each end plus approximately twice the thickness of the belt. This thickness offers the drawback that the interior of the belts reduces the width through which the sheet products can pass, so that the exterior of the belts has to be adapted. This adaptation requires additional material that exceeds the size of the objects and represents a waste of material. However, a more serious problem with conveyor belts is that the outer faces of the belts can rub or scrape the interior of the container 32. This rubbing or abrasion can damage the material of the container 32.

Each pair of fingers 14 can be arranged on a support plate 20, as noted above. Each support plate 20 can be hinged about a respective axis of the support plate 20. The axis can be parallel to the translation direction X of a pair of fingers 14. This direction can be parallel to the path along which the container 32 moves or systematizes. The support plates 20 may be hinged so that the fingers 14 move away in the Y direction by a distance of at least 1, 2 or 3 cm but less than 9, 7 or 5 cm.

ES 2 556 835 T3

Although two opposing support plates 20 are shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Any desired number of support plates 20 can be used, with a corresponding finger 14 or pair of fingers 14.

The support plates 20 can be separated to provide a transport space between them. The transport space can allow clip 30 to pass through and move into / into container 32.

If a pair of opposing support plates 20 is selected, each support plate 20 may have a respective support plate 20 axis parallel and aligned with the support plate 20 axis of the opposite support plate 20. The support plates 20 can be hinged around these axes by any known drive mechanism, such as an electric motor, hydraulic cylinder 18, pneumatic cylinder 18, etc. The drive mechanism can be attached directly to the support plate 20 or it can be connected indirectly via a drive belt, gear train, etc.

The support plates 20 can be hinged in opposite directions to cause separation of the pairs of fingers 14. This separation can be generally in the Y direction. One skilled in the art will recognize that the Y direction is the predominant direction of movement of the plate. 20 support, even if the movement is by articulation and not by translation. If the fingers 14 are inserted into the opening 33 of the flexible container 32, this simultaneous articulation can cause the opening 33 of the container 32 to open and maximize its area in the first direction using a plurality of support plates 20.

If fingers 14 translate outwardly apart and support plates 20 simultaneously articulate away from each other while fingers 14 are inserted into opening 33 of container 32, the area of ​​opening 33 can be increased in both first and second directions.

Although it has been previously described that the fingers 14 carry out a translational movement toward and away from each other in the X direction, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. The fingers 14 can rotate about an axis juxtaposed to the proximal end of the fingers 14, in known manner. This pivoting movement causes the distal ends of a pair of fingers 14 to move toward and away from each other in the X direction.

Although two support plates 20 are shown, each with a respective pair of fingers 14, the invention is not limited thereto. Two support plates 20 may be used, although a support plate 20 may have one or more fixed fingers 14. The other support plate 14 may have one or more movable fingers 14, as described above. Clip 30 may be disposed between fixed fingers 14 and pair of movable fingers 14. The separation of the movable fingers 14 allows the clip to lower into the container 32.

The first direction and the second direction can be mutually perpendicular and define an XY plane. The plane may be generally parallel to the plane of the opening 33 of the container 32.

Referring to Fig. 4, the two support plates 20 can be arranged in a frame 22. The frame 22 can perform a translational movement in the Z direction, perpendicular to the XY plane, so that the support plates 20 can move. in the direction of the frame 22. The frame 22 can move in the Z direction and effect a translation movement parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fingers 14.

If the frame 22 carries out a translational movement in the Z direction, parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fingers 14, the support plate 20, like the fingers 14, will move in that same direction. This direction can be perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction and can also be perpendicular to the plane of the opening 33 of the container 32.

The frame 22 can be made to translate motion by any known drive mechanism, such as an electric motor, hydraulic cylinder 18, pneumatic cylinder 18, and so on. The frame 22 can slide in a longitudinal slot, oriented parallel to the Z direction. The drive mechanism can be directly attached to the frame 22 or they can be connected indirectly via a transmission belt 64, gear train, etc. In a more basic case, the frame 22 can effect a vertical translation movement, especially if the fingers 14 are also oriented vertically.

Movement of the frame 22 in the direction of the fingers 14 allows the fingers 14 to enter the opening 33 of the container 32 and retract them therefrom. When the fingers 14 are inserted into the container 32, the fingers 14 can then move in the plane of the opening 33 to enlarge the opening 33 and allow loading of the sheet product through it.

Thus, with the device 10 and method of operating said device 10 according to the present invention, the fingers 14 that control the opening 33 of the container 32 can move independently in any of the X, Y and / or Z directions. That is, the fingers 14 can move in a single X, Y or Z direction, move simultaneously in any two of the X, Y, Z directions, and move simultaneously in all three X, Y, Z directions.

ES 2 556 835 T3

The dimensions and values ​​described herein should not be taken as a strict limitation to the exact numerical values ​​quoted. In fact, unless otherwise indicated, each such magnitude is intended to signify the mentioned value and a functionally equivalent interval surrounding that value. For example, a magnitude described as "40mm" is understood to mean "about 40mm".

Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that it is possible to make various changes and modifications without thereby leaving the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications contemplated within the scope of this invention.