GB914957A - Improvements in or relating to packaging machinery - Google Patents

Abstract

914,957. Packaging-machines. LOMAX Ltd., S.C., and BOND, W. T. F. Feb. 10, 1961 [Nov. 12, 1959], No. 38441/59. Class 94(1). A machine for packing layers of flat articles, such as jar lids, in boxes comprises means for assembling successive layers and gripping each layer in turn to lower it into the box. Means is provided to place a separating sheet between each two layers. Articles 10 are fed by a conveyer 11 on to a vertically moveable platform 12 which rises to enable a pusher 16 to slide a line of articles on to a platform 14. Successive lines form a group which is then engaged by suction grippers 30 on a horizontally moveable carriage 23 and raised. The carriage transports the group to above a box 31 and it is then lowered and released. The carriage also carries grippers 38 which engage a sheet from a pile 39 and when the carriage returns to its right hand position as shown, transport it to above the box. As the grippers 30 descend to gather another group, the grippers 38 descend into the box to deposit the sheet on the layer. The boxes are fed to the loading position intermittently by rollers 49 and by bars 54 on conveyer chains 52, both set in motion by movement of the supporting arms 48 by the boxes. Rails 46 hold down the box closure flaps. Detector means (not detailed) sound an alarm if a group is not complete, sense the presence of the sheets, and prevent movement of a box from the filling position until the desired number of layers is deposited. In lieu of the feed means 11, 12, 16 articles may slide down channels to a positioning table. Vibration may assist movement. The corners of the boxes may be engaged internally adjacent the mouth with resilient outward pressure during movement to the loading position.