Large container loading system for a packaging machine

摘要

A large container loading system and method for a packaging machine includes an infeed conveyor and a transfer flight. An array of pivotable cradle lugs is carried by the transfer flight in synchronized movement with cartons on an adjacent carton flight. Containers are moved into the cradle lugs in an upright orientation and the cradle lugs and containers are reoriented to a substantially horizontal or sideways orientation before being pushed into their cartons by an inserter assembly. A transfer block or a support conveyor may be positioned between each of the cradle lugs and an aligned open container to support a container as it moves between a cradle lug and a carton.

主权项

1. A packaging machine comprising:
a transfer flight having a reorientation region; a plurality of cradle lugs arranged in spaced relationship along the transfer flight; a conveyor assembly for moving the cradle lugs in a downstream direction along the transfer flight; an articulating attachment between each cradle lug and the conveyor assembly, the articulating attachment facilitating movement of the cradle lug from a first orientation to a second orientation; and a control mechanism coupled to each cradle lug for progressively moving the cradle lugs from the first orientation to the second orientation as the cradle lugs are conveyed through the reorientation region of the transfer flight, wherein each cradle lug of the plurality of cradle lugs comprises a cradle extending from a base for at least partially supporting a container in the cradle lug as the cradle lug moves from the first orientation to the second orientation, and at least one puck is removably disposed in at least one cradle lug of the plurality of cradle lugs adjacent the respective base for engaging the container in the at least one cradle lug as the cradle lug moves from the first orientation to the second orientation.