Device for Overpacking at Least One Object into a Batch

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for overpacking at least one object using at least one blank of an appropriate material such as carton in order to form a batch. The device of the invention includes at least one carousel including at least one receptacle, and at least three work stations distributed about the carousel, the three stations including a work station with a distribution mechanism for distributing at least one blank of material to the at least one receptacle, a work station with a loading mechanism for loading the at least one object into the receptacle, and a work station with an unloading mechanism for unloading at least one assembled batch, wherein a mechanism for folding and/or closing the blank in order to form the overpacking are also provided.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A device for overpacking of at least one object using a blank to form a batch, wherein said device comprises a carousel which comprises at least one receptacle and at least three work stations distributed around said carousel, said three stations being comprised of a work station which comprises a distribution mechanism for at least one blank of material toward the at least one receptacle, a work station which comprises a mechanism for loading said at least one object into said receptacle and a work station which comprises an unloading mechanism for the at least one batch formed, and a mechanism for folding and/or closing the blank to form the overpacking. 
     
     
         16 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the carousel comprises at least as many receptacles as there are work stations distributed around said carousel. 
     
     
         17 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein each receptacle is sized so that it can hold at least one batch of objects. 
     
     
         18 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein each receptacle is removably affixed to the carousel. 
     
     
         19 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the distribution mechanism for the blank comprises an unstacking mechanism which makes it possible to take at least one blank from a magazine for the storage of overpacking material blanks to deliver the blank to the receptacle. 
     
     
         20 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the loading mechanism of the receptacle with objects is comprised of a mechanism for picking up at least one object among the objects delivered to the overpacking device, which can then be driven toward the receptacle where said at least one object that has been picked up is set down. 
     
     
         21 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the loading mechanism is preferably designed so that the loading mechanism can pick up at least one unit of object to be deposited in the receptacle, comprised of either the batch of objects to be overpacked or comprised of a layer of objects to be overpacked. 
     
     
         22 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the unloading mechanism of the at least one batch formed includes a grasping mechanism which makes it possible to pick up the batch or batches formed in the receptacle and to remove the batch or batches toward another processing station of the packaging line. 
     
     
         23 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein each receptacle is shaped so that it has a bottom and at least side walls, and the distribution station for the blank which has at least a bottom section, side walls and two end sections which can be folded one over the other, is placed upstream of the loading station for the objects, the distribution mechanism also being arranged so that the distribution mechanism deposits this blank at the level of the receptacle so that the bottom section of the blank rests on the bottom of the receptacle, the side walls of the blank run along the side walls of the receptacle, and the end sections of the blank project from said receptacle. 
     
     
         24 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the folding mechanism and the mechanism for the closing of the blank are all integrated into the unloading station of the at least one batch found, or into the station upstream of the unloading station, or the blanks distribution station. 
     
     
         25 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the folding mechanism and the mechanism for the closing of the blank are integrated respectively one into the unloading station of the batch or batches formed, and the other in the station upstream of the unloading station or the blanks distribution station. 
     
     
         26 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the folding mechanism and/or the closing mechanism of the blank are provided together in an additional station which is provided upstream of the unloading station of the batch or batches formed. 
     
     
         27 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the folding mechanism and/or the mechanism for the closing of the blank are provided respectively each in an independent work station upstream of the unloading station of the batch or batches formed. 
     
     
         28 . The device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the device also comprises a work station that makes it possible to deposit an insert inside at least one batch.