Patent GB-1197244-A (GB)
Title: Method and Apparatus for Automatically Packing Confections
IPC: B65B5/06
Filed: 1968-08-09
Abstract: 1,197,244. Packing arrays of confections. TENCHI KIKAI K.K. 9 Aug., 1968 [10 Aug., 1967], No. 38076/68. Heading B8C. An apparatus for packing a predetermined array of confections, e.g. two rows of six, comprises means for removing from the bottom of a stack a plate containing an array of, for example, eight rows of six confections, conveying and separating the array into sets of two rows of six, transferring these rows into base sheets which have been opened out after removal from the base of a stack and closing the edges a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , a 4  of the base member around the twelve confections b. Unstacking means.-The trays c carrying an array of confections b are vertically stacked in box frame 1. The lowest tray as supported above forwardly extending rails 3 by supporting members. A vertically movable frame is located below the stack and is raised into contact with the bottom tray, the supporting members being pivoted out of position by this vertically movable frame. This frame when lowered releases the supporting members so that they support the next tray and the bottom tray is lowered on to the rails 3. Transporting means.-The trays are moved forward on rails 3 by pushing members 24 on chains driven by sprockets 26a and move forwards until the front row of confections abuts stop-bar 31. A regulating bar 42a moves forwards to maintain the confections in the correct array, holding rods 38 are lowered for the same purpose and the plate c continues out from under the confections. Discharge members 40 on conveyer 39 move the array of confections on to conveyer belt 47 which comprises idle rollers disposed in parallel between endless chains trained around sprockets 48a, 49a. Dividing means.-The array of confections is separated into arrays of " two by six " by a roller 52 on which are mounted suitably spaced dividing members 54. The dividing members pass between every two rows of confections and as the peripheral speed of the roller is less than that of the belt, the array of confections is separated. A pushing member 57 which advances to the right at the level of conveyer 47 and returns at a higher level pushes the twelve pieces into a confection receiving member 59 Packing apparatus.-The confection receiving members 59 are mounted on an endless conveyer 62 passing over sprockets 60a, 61a. Base sheets "o" are supplied on to this container in a folded condition by an oscillating pusher plate 80 which forces the bottom base sheet from a stack and are aligned with the confection receiving members 59. The ends of base sheets are opened by hooks mounted on rotating wheels, the rear end member is partially closed by a guide rail 90 and, by engagement of a cam wheel with triangular cam 89, the contents of the confection receiving members are forced into the base sheet, the leading edge of the movable base of the confection receiving member raising the sides of the base sheet. The confection receiving member is returned to its original position, the front flap of the base member is closed by a guide rail 91 and the packed confection is discharged on to guide rails 92.