Packaging machine and method for supplying containers in a packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine is described having a grouping device for grouping containers comprising a supply device ( 2 ) which consecutively with a predetermined speed supplies containers ( 5 ) to a working station ( 20 ) and a grouping device ( 6 a - 6 d, 60 a - 60 d ) grouping containers on the supply device ( 2 ). The grouping device comprises a sensor element ( 70 ) for detecting the supply of a container ( 5 ) and at least two stopper elements ( 6 a - 6 d, 60 a - 60 d ) which are, for stopping the motion of subsequent containers, successively moved at a time which is determined from the time of detection of the supply of a container ( 5 ) and from the speed of the supply device ( 2 ), while the supply device ( 2 ) keeps on supplying containers ( 5 ).

1 . A packaging machine with a grouping device for grouping containers, comprising: 
 a supply device which supplies containers consecutively with a predetermined speed to a working station; and    a grouping device grouping containers on the supply device, wherein the grouping device comprises:    a sensor element for detecting the supply of the respective containers;    a first stopper element for stopping the motion of a first container; and    at least a second stopper element for stopping the motion of a subsequent container, moved at a time which is determined from the time of detection of the supply of a container and from the speed of the supply device, while the supply device keeps on supplying containers.    
   
   
       2 . A packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the supply device is a conveyor belt running continuously.  
   
   
       3 . A packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the stopper elements are adjustable such that the containers have a pre-determinable distance relative to each other after grouping.  
   
   
       4 . A packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the stopper elements reach into the motion of the containers on the supply device from above or laterally.  
   
   
       5 . A packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the stopper elements are collectively movable in the direction towards the working station for transporting grouped containers to the working station.  
   
   
       6 . A packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the second stopper element is moved behind the first container.  
   
   
       7 . A method for grouping containers in a packaging machine comprising the steps: 
 a) consecutively supplying containers in a direction towards a working station with a predetermined speed and detecting the supply of the respective containers with a sensor element;    b) stopping a first container with a first stopper element while the supply device keeps on supplying containers; and    c) introducing a second stopper element into the direction of movement of the containers behind the first container at a time which is determined from the time of detection of the supply of a container and from the supply speed.    
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , further comprising the step of stopping a second container at the second stopper element while the supply device keeps on supplying containers.