System and method for applying opening devices onto packages

Abstract

A system ( 14 ) and a method for applying opening devices ( 2 ) onto packages ( 3 ) of pourable food products are provided. The system comprises a package conveyor ( 6 ) for feeding the packages along a predetermined path (P) and an application apparatus ( 13 ) for applying the opening device; onto the packages on the package conveyor. The application apparatus comprises an optical detection unit ( 30 ) for detecting an application point on one of the packages ( 20 ) on the package conveyor. The application apparatus further comprises a pick and place unit ( 36 ) for receiving application information regarding the detected application point from the optical detection unit, picking one of the opening devices and placing it onto said one of the packages on the package conveyor by means of the application information.

1 . A system for applying opening devices onto packages of pourable food products, said system comprising a package conveyor for feeding said packages along a predetermined path and an application apparatus for applying said opening devices onto said packages on said package conveyor, wherein said application apparatus comprises an optical detection unit for detecting an application point on one of said packages on said package conveyor and a pick and place unit for receiving application information regarding said detected application point from said optical detection unit, picking one of said opening devices and placing it onto said one of said packages on said package conveyor by means of said application information.  
   
   
       2 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said application point is defined by a prelaminated hole on said one of said packages.  
   
   
       3 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said optical detection unit comprises a camera for recording an image of said one of said packages, wherein said image contains said application point.  
   
   
       4 . A system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said optical detection unit further comprises processing means for producing said application information means for producing said application information by comparing said image with a reference image containing a reference system, and obtaining a location of said application point with respect to said reference system.  
   
   
       5 . A system as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said reference system includes an ideal location of the application point corresponding to the application point on a perfect package.  
   
   
       6 . A system as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said reference system includes an ideal location of the application point in relation to a mark being fixed with respect to said package conveyor, said ideal location corresponding to the application point on a perfect package.  
   
   
       7 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein said application information contains a movement pattern for said pick and place unit for placing said one of said opening devices onto said one of said packages.  
   
   
       8 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said optical detection unit is arranged integral with said pick and place unit.  
   
   
       9 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said optical detection unit is arranged adjacent to said package conveyor at a distance from said pick and place unit.  
   
   
       10 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pick and place unit comprises at least one robot with at least one robot arm.  
   
   
       11 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pick and place unit comprises at least one robot with three robot arms said at least one robot being able to operate in three dimensions.  
   
   
       12 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said application apparatus further comprises a gluing unit for applying glue onto said opening devices before picking.  
   
   
       13 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it further comprises a supply station for feeding said packages to said package conveyor.  
   
   
       14 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it further comprises a package support rail for supporting said packages during the application of said opening devices by securing said packages between said support rail and said package conveyor.  
   
   
       15 . A system as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said package support rail is adjustable to permit application of opening devices onto packages of various sizes.  
   
   
       16 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it further comprises a number of separated guiding devices for guiding said packages, said guiding devices being fixed to and movable with said package conveyor so as to feed said packages along said predetermined path.  
   
   
       17 . A system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said guiding devices each comprises at least one carrier finger for supporting and conveying said packages.  
   
   
       18 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it further comprises a feeding apparatus for feeding said opening devices to said application apparatus.  
   
   
       19 . A system as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein it further comprises a feeding apparatus for feeding said opening devices to said gluing unit, whereupon said opening devices are being picked by said pick and place unit.  
   
   
       20 . A method for applying opening devices onto packages of pourable food products, comprising the steps of feeding said packages along a predetermined path by a package conveyor and applying said opening devices onto said packages on said package conveyor, wherein it further comprises the steps of optically detecting an application point on one of said packages on said package conveyor; producing, from said optically detected application point, application information for controlling a pick and place unit; and picking one of said opening devices and placing it onto said one of said packages on said package conveyor by means of said pick and place unit and in accordance with said application information.  
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein said application point is defined by a prelaminated hole on said one of said packages.  
   
   
       22 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein it further comprises the step of recording an image of said one of said packages, wherein said image contains said application point.  
   
   
       23 . A method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein said application information is produced comparing said image with a reference image containing a reference system, and obtaining a location of said application point with respect to said reference system.  
   
   
       24 . A method as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein said reference system includes an ideal location of the application point corresponding to the application point on a perfect package.  
   
   
       25 . A method as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein said reference system includes an ideal location of the application point in relation to a mark being fixed with respect to said package conveyor, said ideal location corresponding to the application point on a perfect package.  
   
   
       26 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein said application information contains a movement pattern for said pick and place unit for placing said one of said opening devices onto said one of said packages.  
   
   
       27 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein it further comprises the step of applying glue to said opening devices before picking.  
   
   
       28 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein it further comprises the step of feeding said packages to said package conveyor.