Packaging method and apparatus

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB92/01067 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 13, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 13, 1994 PCT Filed Jun. 15, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO92/22460 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 23, 1992In a system of packaging of foodstuffs in containers (12), each container (12) has a closure of aluminium/LDPE laminate formed with a central tear panel (322) which either has a pull-tab (402) rivetted thereto or is connected to a pull-tab (321) at an, edge of the closure (1) by a narrow tear strip (323) extending up, over and down the rim of the container (12). The closures (1) are conveyed in horizontal positions pneumatically from a closure-manufacturing machine towards a downwardly inclined, vibrating, tranpsort box (110) and tilted pneumatically into vertical positions as they approached the box (110) for stacking in the box (110). On a packaging machine, the box (110) is pointed obliquely downwards and emptied by vibration to cause the closures (1) to slide from the box (110) onto a downwardly and then upwardly inclined guide surface ready for transfer to the containers (12) Bottom-closed containers (12) advance side-by-side in rows (235, 236) which are divided into rows (231-234) for filling and top-closing. The dividing mechanism (118) includes transverse belts (249) which can grip the containers (12) horizontally between them and can laterally outwardly reject faulty containers (12). The dividing mechanism is followed by an unloading device (119) comprising suction cups (278) mounted upon a modified "Watt" linkage converting rotary drive motion into approximately rectilinear motion of the cups (278), the linkage having no exposed sliding surfaces. The containers (12) are advanced through the filling and top-closing stations by a chain conveyor (68) with leading and trailing bars (296 and 292) resiliently gripping the containers (12) between them and with lower trailing bars (299) pushing lower portions of the container (12). Horizontal guide members (300, 301) guiding the bars (299) and the containers (12) are vertically adjustable, to adjust for containers (12) of various heights. A discharge belt conveyor (70) has lanes (231-234) for approved top-closed containers (12) alternating with reject lanes (311) into which selected containers (12) can be rejected by inclined rejecting plates (317).