MXPA00002733A - A packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging machine for packaging articles into cartons selected from, at least, a first carton or a second carton is described, wherein the first and second cartons are of a different type or size. The cartons are stored in at least one hopper, and picked for packing by a carton engaging means arranged to remove cartons from said at least one hopper and transport them sequentially to a first predetermined position. From there the cartons are transferred to a paper feed chain which transports the cartons to a second predetermined position, from where the cartons are combined with said articles. The paper feed chain comprises a support means carrying a first endless chain from which is depended a first set of guide lugs and a second endless chain from which is depended a second set of guide lugs. The guide lugs are interleaved to produce carton receiving zones, the length of which can be altered, for different carton sizes or types, by altering the relative positions of the first and second set of guide lugs. The support means is movable such that when the relative positions of the lugs is changed, this change can be compensated for such that the position of the first set of lugs with respect to said first predetermined position is unaltered.

Description

A PACKING MACHINE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a packaging machine for packing items such as cans and bottles in multiple packaging cartons and in particular to a packaging machine that can pack mainly items in selected cartons from one or more sizes or types of cardboard. The majority of known packing machines are delicate machines that build only one size of a type of cardboard. Therefore, modern bottling plants are required to use a plurality of packaging machines to pack different types of cardboard, each machine occupying a considerable floor space and being expensive, both to buy and to operate. A limited number of packaging machines are able to pack different sizes or types of cardboard, for example six, eight or twelve packets of a wrap around the cardboard. All such machines require adjustments when they are changed from one size or type of cardboard to another. This adjustment includes the manual removal of the total of the cartons inside the packing machine and possibly the mechanical adjustment of the components in the machine. During this period of change, which can be thirty minutes or more, a machine can not be used (known as "unproductive time"), which is an expensive delay in a bottling plant. Such a delay may still result in downtime for the entire bottling line, not just the packing machine, if problems arise during the exchange procedure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine that overcomes the technical and commercial disadvantages of known packaging machines. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine that is capable of changing from one type or size of cardboard to another with minimal unproductive time. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine for packaging articles in selected cartons from at least one first cardboard or a second cardboard, the first and second cartons being of a different type or size, the cartons being stored in at least one hopper and collected for packing by means of a carton crimping means arranged to be removed from at least one hopper and transported sequentially to a first predetermined location, from where the cartons are transferred to a paper feed chain that transports the cartons to a second predetermined location, from where the cartons are combined with such articles.

The paper feed chain comprises a support means carrying a first endless chain on which depends a first set of guide stops and a second endless chain on which a second set of guide stops, such guide stops being interleaved to produce the areas receiving the cardboard, the length of which can be altered, for different sizes or types of cardboard, by altering the relative positions of the first and second set of guide stops, and the support means can be moved from such that when the relative positions of the stops are changed, this change can be compensated in such a way that the location of the first set of stops with respect to the first predetermined location is not altered. Preferably, the relative location of the first and second "set of guide stops is arranged for control of the motor that mechanically drives one of the first and second endless chains, preferably, the location of the support means is arranged by control of an pneumatic cylinder that locates the structure Preferably, the packaging means comprise a control means that controls the operation of each of the components of the machine during the operation and exchange between cartons of different type or size.

Preferably, the packaging means comprise a first hopper for storing the first cartons and a second hopper for storing the second cartons, and transfer means for transferring the cartons from any hopper to the first predetermined location, the cardboard crimping means being operable in a first location for crimping cartons from a first hopper and a second location for crimping cartons from the second hopper. Preferably, the packaging means comprises means for placing one of the hoppers in an operative location and control means for selecting the location of the crimp means of the cardboard corresponding to the selected operational hopper. Preferably, the cardboard transfer and picking means is rotatable about a fixed axis in an orbital path. Preferably, the first and second collection positions are located at different points on the orbital path. Preferably, the packaging means comprises means for replacing one of the hoppers in an operative location in the form of a frame mounted to a second fixing axis wherein the first and second hoppers are mounted to the frame each of the hoppers being arranged in opposition around the second axis of fixation. Preferably, the operative hopper is adjacent to the orbital path of the transfer and carton collection means. Preferably, the packaging means comprises an apparatus for sequentially manipulating out of at least one hopper of collapsed cartons having opposingly arranged faces that contact the canvases and for the installed initiation thereof to an open extreme condition, the apparatus being operable with the middle of. crimping of the cardboard that sequentially crimps one of the faces that makes contact with the canvas and to remove from the hopper a collapsed cardboard that includes one of the faces that makes contact with the canvases and that transfers orbitally around an axis rotatable from from the hopper to the first predetermined location, where the. The apparatus includes fabric crimping means arranged on the outside of the path of the orbit to engage the other face contacting the canvases so that it pulls the other surface contacting the canvas in a direction away from the middle of the fabric. collection of cardboard with which initiates the opening of the cardboard.

Preferably, the means for crimping the canvas is moved in a first plane by means of a linear servomotor. Preferably, the canvas crimping means is mounted to a slidable member in a substantially perpendicular relationship with a guide rail and wherein the sliding member moves relative to the guide rail by means of which the crimping means of the canvas moves in a direction relative to the guide rail. two planes. Preferably, the means for crimping the canvas are moved in a second plane by means of an additional linear servomotor. Preferably, the control means are arranged to control the crimp movements of the canvas. Preferably, the means for crimping the canvas comprises a suction cup and a cup holder mounted on the sliding member, the suction cup being connected to a vacuum supply during the opening of the cardboard. Preferably, the face of the contacting canvases comprises the opposing side walls of the cardboard. Preferably, the packaging means has a means of feeding the article arranged for the advancement of articles at a predetermined speed along a feeding path for combination with cartons at a measured speed. Preferably, the article feed means includes a pair of star wheels that collect items from a first feed belt and move them to a second feed belt at a predetermined speed. Preferably, the fastener blocks are disposed on opposite sides of the second feed belt to collect a predetermined number of articles and arranging them as a single unit for packing into a carton. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of articles for packaging into cartons comprising the steps of: (a) Selecting from, at least, a first card or a second card, the first and second cartons being of different type or size, such cartons being stored in. at least one hopper; (b) Collecting cartons for packaging using a cardboard crimp means arranged to remove cartons from at least one hopper and transport them sequentially to a first predetermined location; (c) Transfer the cartons to a paper feed chain that transports the cartons to a second predetermined location from where the cartons are combined with the articles, the paper feed chain comprises a support means carrying a first chain endless on which depends a first set of guide stops and a second endless chain from which a second set of guide stops, the guide stops being interposed to produce areas receiving cardboard, the length of which can be altered by different sizes or types of cardboard; (d) Altering the length by altering the relative locations of the first and second sets of guide stops; and (e) Moving the support means when the relative positions of the stops is changed, so as to compensate for the change, since the location of the first set of stops with respect to the first predetermined location is not altered. Preferably, the relative location of the first and second sets of guide stops is provided by controlling one of the motors which mechanically drives the first and second endless chain. Preferably, the location of the support means is provided by the control of the pneumatic piston that locates the structure. Preferably, the method comprises the use of a control means which controls the operation of each of the components of the machine during the operation and change between the cartons of different type or size. Preferably, the crimp means of the paperboard is positioned for crimping with cartons from a first hopper in a first location and is positioned for crimping with cartons from a second hopper, in a second location, the cardboard crimping means being movable between the first and second positions. Preferably, the method comprises placing one of the hoppers in an operative location and selecting the location of the cardboard crimping means that corresponds to the selected operational hopper. Preferably, the method includes rotating the transfer and card collecting means about a fixed axis in an orbital path. Preferably, the first and second collection positions are located at different points of the orbital path.

Preferably, the method comprises mounting the first and second hoppers on a frame in such a way that each hopper is arranged oppositely around a second fixing axis. Preferably, the method includes the location of the operative hopper adjacent to the orbital path of the transfer and carton collection means, when in use. Preferably, the method comprises sequentially manipulating out of at least one hopper of collapsed cartons having the face arranged in opposition contacting the canvases and initiating the installation thereof to an open end condition, by sequentially crimping one of the faces that makes contact with the canvases and remove from the hopper a collapsed cardboard including one of the faces that makes contact with the canvases and transfer orbitally around a pivotable axis from the hopper to the first predetermined location, where the means of canvas crimp are arranged externally to the trajectory of the orbit to link the other of the faces that makes contact with the canvases so that it pulls the other canvas that makes contact with the face in a direction away from the cardboard collection means so that initializes the cardboard opening.

Preferably, the method includes moving the crimping means in the first plane by means of a linear servomotor. Preferably, the method includes mounting the linen crimping means to a sliding member in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the guide rail and moving the sliding member relative to the guide rail by means of which the canvas, the crimping means is moved in two. blueprints. Preferably, the canvas crimping means are moved in a second plane by a linear servomotor. Preferably, the method includes the use of control means arranged to control the movement of the crimping means of the canvas. Preferably, the method includes the use of the linen crimping means comprising a suction cup and a cup holder mounted on the sliding member, and the connection of the suction cup in a vacuum supply during the opening of the cardboard. Preferably, the canvases contacting the face comprise opposite side walls of the cardboard. Preferably, the method comprises the use of article feeding means for advancing the article at a predetermined speed along a feeding path for combination with cartons at a measured speed. Preferably, the method comprises the use of a pair of star wheels for collecting articles from a first feed belt and moving them to a second feed belt at a predetermined speed. Preferably, the method comprises the use of clamping blocks on opposite sides of the second feed web to collect a predetermined number of articles and arranging them as a single unit for packing into a carton. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a control means for a packing machine as described hereinabove, the control means comprising a central process, a manual input means and a separation means controlled by a process centrally for individually placing the first and second set of guide stops and the support means carrying the guide stops on the paper feed chain. ~ Preferably, the means for positioning the support is a pneumatic cylinder. Preferably, the control means is arranged for use with a packaging machine having two hoppers accessed by a simple cardboard crimping means, wherein the control means comprises a means for positioning the cardboard crimping means in a first location for cartons crimped in the first hopper and a second location for cartons crimped in a second hopper. Preferably, the means for placing the cardboard crimping means is operable to place the crimping means in a third location, from which the cardboard crimping means can not crimp cartons in any hopper. Preferably, the medium is a pneumatic cylinder. Preferably, the control means is arranged for use with a packaging machine having an opening means for opening cartons collected from each hopper, wherein the location of the collection means on the aperture means can be altered in such a way that the opening means can open cartons collected from any hopper. Preferably, the control means comprise servomotors oriented in X and Y. Preferably, the control means is arranged for use with a baler machine having an article means in the shape of a star wheel, the control means controls the speed rotation of the star wheel.

Preferably, the control means controls a motor that rotates the star wheel. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for controlling the operation of a packing machine, in order to change from the first cartons in a first hopper to the second cartons in a second hopper, which it comprises the steps of: (a) stopping the cardboard crimping means from-the collection of any cartons; (b) continue the paper feed chain until it is empty of cartons; (c) stopping the paper feed chain; (d) stop the supply of items; (e) relocating the cardboard crimping means and the hoppers to facilitate the -collection of the alternative hopper; (f) alternating the relative location of the first and second sets of guide stops in the paper feed chain; (g) alternating the location of the support medium with respect to the first predetermined location; and (h) restart the cardboard collection and transportation process and the supply of items. Preferably, the instruction for the change is instructed from a pre-registered control program. Alternatively, the instruction for the change is manually recorded in a control means. Preferably, the packaging machine has a means for opening cartons, which also stops during the change process. Preferably, the movement site of a collecting means in the cardboard opening means is altered before restarting to make it easier for the media to open cartons from the alternative hopper. Preferably, the means of the collection point and the collection site in the crimp means of the cardboard is altered during the change to facilitate the collection of the cartons from the alternative hopper. Preferably, the speed of supply of articles is alterable when required depending on the size or type of cartons in each of the hoppers. Preferably, the relative positions and state of movement of each of the movable components is detected using individual detectors and transmitted to the control means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: FIGURES la and Ib are perspective views of a carton type suitable for use with the machine according to the invention in its open and template forms; FIGURE 2a is a perspective view of a completely closed cardboard template suitable for use with the machine according to the invention; FIGURE 2b is a perspective view of a reinforcing and loading carton of the type illustrated in FIGURE 2a in its template form; FIGURE 3a is a perspective view of a cardboard template surrounded by wrapping suitable for use with the machine according to the invention. FIGURE 3b is a perspective view of a reinforcing and loading carton of the type illustrated in FIGURE 3a in its template form. FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the input feeding of a baler machine particularly illustrating the hopper unit, the feeding mechanism "and the paper feed chain; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the packaging machine of FIGURE 4; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view illustrating the hopper unit in a first location; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating the hopper unit in a second location; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the feeder of FIGURE 4; FIGURE 9 is an exploded view of the feed R of Figure 4: FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the vacuum feeder, the rear feeder and the paper feed chain of Figure 4; FIGURES 11, 12 and 13 are additional representations of the apparatus of Figure 10; FIGURES 14 and 15 illustrate graphs showing the location, velocity, acceleration and negated acceleration plotted against time of the servomotors X and Y arranged to move the feedback of Figures 10 to 13; FIGURE 15 is a plan view of an article feeding means; FIGURE 16 illustrates the downstream end of the baler of the Figure. FIGURE 17 is a block diagram of a control means according to the present invention; FIGURE 18 is a flow diagram of a control system according to the present invention. A mechanism according to the present invention is capable of assembling a variety of cardboard types, for example, wrapping, basket-type cartons and fully closed. Any reference in this specification to the cardboard type includes different sizes of a particular cardboard style. For example, the mechanism can load totally closed cartons for eight or twelve items. With reference to the drawings, in particular Figures la and Ib thereof, the cardboard 10 is a basket type carrier shown in Figure Ib in an installed condition ready to be loaded into articles. The cardboard 10 includes canvases 12, 14 of opposite side wall and opposite end wall sheets 16, 18 hingedly connected one to the next. The carton further includes a handle structure which interconnects the end wall canvases 16, 18 and comprises canvases 22 of transverse division and interconnects each side wall 12, 14. The base canvases 24, 26 are hingedly connected to each side wall canvas 12, 14 respectively. Referring now to Figures 2a and 2b of the drawings, a wrapping paperboard 30 shown in Figure 2a is shown in its flat collapsed form. The cardboard template includes canvases 32, 34 of opposite side wall and facing cloths 36, 38 of opposite end wall hingedly connected to one another. The carton further comprises upper canvases 40, 42 and canvases 44, 46 of base hingedly connected to the respective side walls 32, 34. The articles are inserted into the cardboard from above or, as the case may be, from below and the canvases of the upper and base part are then secured together to provide a completely closed cardboard. As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the carton 31 is a wrapper type cardboard, shown in Figure 3a in its template form. A cardboard template 31 includes a first base canvas 33, side wall 35, upper canvas 37, second side canvas 39 and base canvas 41 hingedly connected one to the next. The upper canvas 37 comprises three pairs of openings 43, 45 spaced between the side edges of the upper canvas 37 and adapted to receive the upper portion of the articles A, illustrated in Figure 3b. It is conceptualized that the cardboard may vary depending on the configuration and / or quantity of items to be packed and therefore a "machine according to the present invention is adjustable in numerous respects in such a way that it can process a wide variety of such cartons. The main arrangements that are likely to be varied are shown in Figures la, 2a and 3b in which "H" is the total height of the equivalent installed carton, the distance between the upper edge of the side wall and the base canvas. , and L "is the total length of the cardboard when the base canvases have been closed. With reference to Figures 4 to 7 of the drawings there is shown a packaging machine 50 for processing cartons, for example, of the type indicated above, the upstream end of the machine includes a dual hopper 52 in which a multiplicity of cartons 30 , 10 of basket type and totally closed in a collapsed condition are kept ready to process. The hopper unit 52 (Figures 6 and 7) comprises two (or more) hoppers 58, 60 separated in adjacent location. Each hopper 58, 60 is mounted on a frame 62, as shown in Figure 6 and 7. The frame 62 is mounted on a main arrow 64 that can be rotated about the X-X axis. Each hopper 58, 60 is a type of gravity feed by means of which the cardboard templates are held in their respective hoppers at an inclination to provide a positive feed. It is conceptualized that the hopper units could comprise any number of hoppers adapted to receive different types or sizes of cartons surrounding the rotary feeder described hereinafter.

In this embodiment, a pneumatic cylinder (not shown) is used to rotate the frame between two positions: the first location, as shown in Figure 6, with the first hopper 58 positioned in an operative location ready to hold fully enclosed cartons in The first hopper to be fed in the packing machine. Figure 7 illustrates the frame 62 at a second location with the second hopper 60, which contains the basket type cartons, placed in an operative location. The location of the hoppers 58, 60 is controlled by a control means detailed in the following. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the first hopper 58 is in an operative location, a fully closed cardboard is sequentially removed by a collection device, preferably in the form of a rotary vacuum feeder 66. The vacuum feeder 66 comprises sets of suckers 67, 69, for example three sets, each being connected to a driving arrow 70 by means of a driving rod 72. The arrow 70 is supported at its end by a suitable conventional bearing 71, 73, mounted to the side frame 84. The suitable drive mechanism such as a servomotor 75 is provided to rotate the driving shaft. The driving rods 72 are connected to a cam track by a cam rod and a follower which provides a uniform path for the suckers when the driving shaft is rotated. The path of the cam track facilitates the suckers to extend into the hopper to collect a cardboard in a flat collapsed condition and after which the cup and carton rotates to the input power end of the machine. In order for the template to be transferred from the inclined location to a vertical plane, it is necessary to deflect the axis of rotation of the rotary feeder from the vertical plane, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. A vacuum is applied to a set of suckers 67, 69 for removing a cardboard from the hopper 58, 60, when they come into contact with the side wall 32 of the cardboard 30. The vacuum is maintained when the cardboard is rotated to a predetermined location. In the predetermined location a vacuum interruption disconnects the supply to release the cardboard 30 from the feeder 66. If it is desired to pack a different type of cardboard eg a basket-like cardboard 10 attached to the second hoppers, a number of adjustments are made to machine. The second hopper 60 is moved to an operative location, as described above. Since the location of the second hopper in relation to the rotary feeder 66 is different from the first hopper 58, it is necessary to move the "pickup" point of the suckers 67, 69 and alter the on and off locations of the vacuum supply. These changes are carried out by the movement of the cam tracks and / or the cam which controls the supply of a vacuum to a second location. A servomotor 167, shown in Figure 8 controlled by the control system moves these sub-assemblies between the two positions. It is preferred to include a third location for the supply of vacuum: this location being the established "default" by means of which the vacuum supply is disconnected through the rotation of the suction cups. The default location is adopted during the change of cardboard or if there is a fault in the machine. Figure 8 illustrates the collection device adapted for the disadvantages of the more collapsed lower carton from the hopper unit. As described above, the preferred collection device is in the form of a vacuum feeder 66 that includes suction cups 67, 69 that are supported on cup holders 74 and 76 respectively. The cup holders 74 and 76 are preferably fixedly mounted respectively on an elongated support rod 78 that is slidably mounted respectively on a collar structure 80, whose collar structure is rigidly secured to a main rotatable arrow 70. The cup holder 74, 76 is mounted on cam rods 79 extending to the side frame 84 housing a cam track as described below. As illustrated from Figure 8, three sets of card collecting devices are provided in association "with the main rotatable arrow 70. Only one set of such devices are described in detail because the three sets of collection devices they are of the same construction which operates in an identical manner Figure 9 serves to illustrate an exploded view of the rotary vacuum feeder A fixed cam plate 82 is mounted on the interior surface of the side frame 84 and is provided with an opening 86 through which the driving arrow 70 extends.A cam track 88 is formed in the cam plate 82 fixed with cam followers (not shown) disposed within the cam track 88. The purpose of the track 88 of cam is to facilitate the cam rods 79 to be extended away from the main arrow 70 and in contact with the cardboard by removing one of the boards from the hopper 58 and turning the l cardboard in a uniform path to the paper feeder chain 100, discussed in the following. • As the cardboard is rotated from its hopper a back feeder is used to separate the opposite side canvases and to assist in the assembly of the cardboard. A plurality of vacuum interruptions are provided in the feeder mechanism 66 which is used in conjunction with a vacuum supply to establish the vacuum and cut connection points. Returning to the process of feeding a cardboard from the hopper to the paper feed chain, the main arrow rotates the collection device 66 in the direction indicated by the arrow "Z" in Figures 10 and 11. When the pickup device rotates, the suckers 67, 69 move in contact with the side walls 32 of the carton 30. A vacuum is then applied to the set of suction cups that come into contact with the walls 32 of the carton 30. In this way the cardboard is removed and then it is transferred to the paper feed chain 100. The vacuum is maintained during this state of transfer in such a way that the suction cups hold the cardboard wall. When the cardboard is deposited in the paper feed chain, a vacuum interruption disconnects the vacuum supply from the suction cups to release the cardboard. The speed of operation of the apparatus is thus improved as well as its efficiency and durability. As can be seen from Figure 12, the cardboard moves from a collapsed location to a fully installed condition in the paper feed chain 100. Of course, the final installation operation is due in part to the crimping with the feeder 90 (or cardboard opening means). Returning to the construction of the feeder 90, shown in Figures 10 to 13, comprise crimping means suitable for crimping one or more walls of the cardboard. In the present embodiment, the crimping means comprises a suction cup 92 supported on a cup holder 94 which is mounted on a sliding member 96. A suitable means is provided for moving the crimping means in the "X" and "Y" directions. For example, the sliding member 96 is in turn mounted on a transverse carriage 98 and is capable of being moved in a direction designated by the letter X. The transverse carriage 98 is preferably connected to a guide rail 99 which is fixed to a support frame (not shown): the transverse carriage being adapted to move the suction cup and the sliding member in a direction designated by the letter Y. In this way, the suction cup 92 is able to move toward or away from the feeder 66 of rotating vacuum in a direction perpendicular to the orbital path Z of the cardboard. If desired, the limit seals may be included at the ends of the sliding member and / or guide rail.

It is conceptualized that alternative components or configurations can be used to provide a mount which can be moved in X-Y directions. The sliding member 96 is moved by means of a suitable drive, for example a first linear servomotor (not shown) which is controlled by a suitable control system and the transverse carriage 98 is moved by a second drive means, for example a second linear servomotor ( not shown) that is also controllable by the control system. Therefore, the location of the feedback cups 92 can be moved to any desired location. In some embodiments, the control system is programmed to establish the appropriate X-X coordinates and to define the trajectory of the suction cup. Further details of the control system will be discussed later. In use, the feeder 90 separates one or more of the cardboard walls 34 from the opposite walls 32 held by the rotary feeder 66. In this embodiment, the opposite walls used are the side walls 32, 34. As the rotary feeder 66 transfers the carton, the sucker 92 of the feeler 90 moves forward in contact with a side wall 34 of the collapsed carton 18, shown in Figure 10. Preferably, the contact point is in a central portion of the carton. the wall that is separated. The vacuum is applied to the suction cup 92 to hold the side wall 34. When the rotary feeder 66 continues to rotate the carton forward, the sucker 92 of the feeder moves away from the rotary feeder 66 to separate the two side walls, 32, 34 as shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, the conductive pair of the suction cups 67, 69 of the rotary feeder releases the conductive end canvas 46. In this way, the cardboard is bent towards a part in reinforced condition with the side and end walls being placed in substantially trapezoidal relation. The vacuum supply of the feeder is then disconnected and the cardboard is released from the feeder shown in Figure 13. While it is preferred to use a suction cup to hold one of the walls, some embodiments may adopt alternative components, for example connecting means. mechanics . As discussed in the foregoing, the preferred "pickup" location of the sucker cup 92 of the feeder is at an approximately central point of the sideboard of the carton. This location will vary according to the type of cardboard, and in particular the dimensional variations of the lateral and extreme walls for each type of cardboard and for different sizes of cardboard.

Likewise, the trajectory of the suction cup that separates the two walls will also vary with the type of particular cardboard that is assembled. It is conceptualized that the sucker may follow an oscillatory path similar to that described in WO 92/15450. Alternatively, a rotating trajectory could be used for some cartons. An advantage of the feedback feeder is the flexibility offered by the system. In particular, the feedback device is capable of moving the suction cup 92 to any location to adopt any number of trajectories within the limits of the end detent of the sliding member 96 and the transverse carriage 98. An example of the paths followed together with the speed and acceleration components of the drive means X and Y is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. By pre-programming the control system, the path location of the suckers .92 It can be pre-established, thus reducing the amount of unproductive time when exchanging cardboard types or styles. In accordance with this invention, the speed of operation of the apparatus is improved as well as its efficiency and durability. The paperboard 30 continues in its orbital path until it comes into contact with the paper feed chain 100. In particular, the conductive end 102 of the cardboard 30 comes to confront the leading stop 104 of the paper feed chain 100. The guide stop 104 guides the conductive end 102 away from the suckers 67, 69 of the rotary feeder 66, thereby placing the front end canvas 46 and the side canvas 34 in a substantially perpendicular relationship. At the same time, the back stop 106 moves in contact with the back end canvas to assist in completing the collection. Subsequently, the suckers 67, 69 of the rotary feeder 66 release the cardboard 30 and continue to move in the "Z" direction and the cardboard 30 is moved downstream to the loading station by the paper feed chain 100. Returning to the construction of the paper feed chain 100 as illustrated in Figures 4 and 10, it comprises upper and lower side stop chains 108 and 110. Each set is similar in construction and includes endless chains having a plurality of stops 104 and 106 of driving and towing. The upper chain 108 includes driving stops 104 and the lower chain 110 comprising rear stops 106. Each established chain moves forward by means of drive, for example, one or more servomotors controlled by the control system. In order to alter the collection of machine from one type of cardboard to another, it is necessary to alter the distance D between the collection and towing stops. Therefore, during the change, the servomotor controlling the lower chain moves the trailer stop 106 relative to the pickup stop 104 to increase or decrease the distance between the stops. For example, the side walls of the basket-like cardboard are shorter than the completely closed cardboard such that if the change of cardboard is from a completely closed cardboard to a basket-type cardboard, then the distance D is reduced. Likewise, the opposite change means that the distance D is increased. In this mode, the distance between the collection and towing stops is increased or reduced by 10 centimeters. The relative movement of the tow stop 106 will alter the location at which the harvest stop 106 comes into contact with the rear end board of the cardboard described above. If necessary the back stop 106 comes into contact with the end canvas while it is being rotated. If the back stop 106 moves forward, the contact point also moves forward. To restore the contact point to the correct location, it is necessary to move the paper feed chain 100 backwards by the corresponding distance (ie 10 centimeters). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that if the stop 106 moves away from the pickup stop to increase the distance D, then the paper feed chain will have to be moved forward by a corresponding distance. A pneumatic cylinder (not shown) is used to move the endless paper feed chain 100. The reinforced paperboard is moved forward by the paper feed chain 100 and is held in place by a horizontal plate (not shown) and on the module 111 that the cardboard descends. The base panels 46 of the paperboard are then folded outwardly by the guides 114 placed on either side of the cardboard. After the cartons have been installed, they are transferred to the loading station 120. In this way, the cartons stop crimping with the paper feed chain 100 and the crimp is gradually transferred when the cartons move downstream to a module 11 descending the cardboard, shown in Figures 3 and 4. The module that the carton comprises a conveyor, for example, a pair of side stop chain sets 112 mounted on the tables 113 respectively that are inclined downward, towards the loading point 114. each side stop chain suit 112 is a construction similar that includes an endless chain 115 driven by a motor, such as a servomotor. Suitable means connected to the side stop chain assemblies are provided for periodically crimping cartons supplied from the paper feed chain.

In this embodiment, the paperboard crimping means comprises a plurality of guide pin stops 116 mounted on the endless chain which are operable to engage the opposite base panels 24, 26 of a cardboard and to retain base panels 24, 26 , side panels 12, 14 and end panels 16, 18 in an installed condition when moving downstream. Each stop 116 is preferably substantially wedge-shaped and comprises a support stage 117 arranged at an acute angle with respect to a fictitious vertical plane. A plurality of bolts, for example four bolts 118 are mounted at spaced intervals along the support face 117. Each bolt 116 is placed on the support face 117 in such a way that during use they are received in the corresponding openings of the base panel which is supported by what engages the cardboard, in this mode, only the conduction of three of the four Bolts are required for basket-type carton.Of course, for longer cartons such as fully closed cartons, all bolts are used, on the contrary, a smaller carton may only need to be crimped by two of the bolts. The endless chain is moved by a motor, for example a servomotor, as each stop 64 moves along the path of a cam track (not shown) The cards 10 are maintained in a horizontal plane by the stops 116 when they are descending by endless chain game 113 to station 120. It is conceptualized that the descent module can be used for load cartons with different article configurations, for example, two rows or three rows. Accordingly, either or both sets of chains and tables are movable towards or away from each other, by means of a pneumatic cylinder (not shown). In addition, the cardboard descent module can be raised or lowered by hydraulically driven columns that support the boards. The hydraulically driven pneumatic cylinder and / or column can be controlled by means of suitable control. The articles such as bottle 122 are fed into the machine by an end feed conveyor 124 and the line pressure of the bottles is controlled by an internal feed star wheel 126, as is well known (Figure 16). The articles are separated into groups of the correct number per carton 30 by means of a series of article holders 128 which also controls the flow of the articles in such a way that they can be introduced to the cardboard at the same speed as the cardboard flows. Returning to the construction of the article holder assembly 128 placed on either side of the article conveyor, pairs of four blocks or spacer elements 131 mounted on the separate endless chains are provided. Each block comprises four recesses 133 semicircular placed immediately and capable of receiving part of a bottle or can. The endless chain is mounted on a table. One or both fastener assemblies can be mounted towards or away from the article conveyor according to whether two or three rows of articles are required. In this embodiment, the fastener assembly moves toward the second fastener assembly when it is desired to pack two rows of articles. In this way, each mounting of the fastener is adapted to the fastening part of these articles forming each external row, as shown in Figure 16. The distance between the internal feed star wheel also tapers to ensure that the flow of Article is restricted to two rows, when required or moved to leave three rows when required. In those cartons that require six items arranged in two rows or three items each, the fastener sample in each fastener block remains empty. For those cartons that require three rows of items, the central row of articles moves forward by means of the configuration adopted in Figure 15. In this way, the correct number of items is selected.

The articles gradually cease to be in contact with the fastener assembly and are transferred to the loading station by means of the article conveyor. In the loading station 120 illustrated in Figure 4 the cartons are introduced to the article group from above when the group of cardboard and articles move forward in unison. The cardboard is lowered onto the articles due to the downward inclination of the endless chain set in the cardboard descent module, as described above. As illustrated in Figure 3, the lateral movement of the board at the loading station is controlled by a pair of guides placed above each set of chains and adapted to receive the free edges of each base canvas. The vertical movement of the cardboard is minimized by a pressure band placed above the endless chain sets and adapted to apply downward pressure to the handle structure or when the box may be the upper canvas. It is conceptualized that in some embodiments, the pressure band can be replaced by fixed guides or, where appropriate, vertically mounted endless chains and stop sets in accordance with common practice. Once the cartons have been loaded with articles, they are transferred by means of the article conveyor and / or pressure belt to an additional set of endless chain with side stops 210 which are used to transfer the cardboard to the external feed end of the carton. machine. During this step, the base canvases are folded around the underside of the cardboard by means of suitable bending for example fixed guides (not shown) and are interconnected by a locking mechanism known in the art. A second pressure band 212 is provided to prevent unwanted upward movement of the conveyor. Returning to the construction of the carton type of wrapping, as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b the machine is first adjusted to receive cartons of this type. In this way, the first and second pressure bands 206, 212 are also mounted on units shown in Figure 17 which are adjustable in a vertical plane by computer controlled servomotors. In order to modify the machine to receive wrapping cartons of the type illustrated in Figures 3a and b, the article grouping mechanism is adjusted as described above, to supply the required number of rows of articles. The hopper 200 illustrated in Figure 17 holds a multiplicity of cardboard jigs 31 that are easily attached for processing. The templates are then removed sequentially by means of a vacuum-mounted feeder 202.

In this embodiment, the vacuum feeder 202 is mounted horizontally and is similar in construction to the feeder indicated above. It is conceptualized that suitable feeders known in the art can be used. In this embodiment, the rotary feeder is provided with a cam track which facilitates the transfer of the cardboard to be placed directly on the group of articles. The appropriate control means is used to control the transfer of cardboard and article in such a way that its movement is coordinated. In other embodiments, the insoles are removed from the hopper 200 and fed one at a time for paper feed chain sets such that the base linens and the side liners are supported. The articles are introduced to the loading station 204 by means of the article conveyor in the same manner as described above. In the loading station 204, the upper portions of the articles are inserted through the openings 43 and 45 as the cartons descend. In this embodiment, this process is accomplished by the first band 206 which is placed in a central region to lower the upper canvas and allow the neck portions of the article to pass through the openings. In this modality, the first pressure band is mounted on a hydraulic platform 208, which is capable of being raised or lowered according to the type of cardboard. The appropriate control means is used to control the level of the platform. When the cartons are moved downstream by the side stop chain sets 210, the side sheets 35 are folded into a substantially perpendicular relationship with the upper sheet 39 by fixed guides (not shown) and the part of the reinforced paperboard is transferred to the top sheet 39. second set of endless chain that transfers the cardboard to the feed end of the machine. In this embodiment, the second pressure band 212, used to minimize movement of the upper canvas / handle structure can be raised or lowered as is appropriate for the cardboard. Also, the endless chain set 210 moves separately or brought very close together by means of horizontal adjustment which are mechanically controlled and driven by servomotors (not shown). The base is constructed by known means 214 and, where appropriate, the canvases retaining the articles are formed by known means 216. In this way the cardboard is secured to complete the packaging operation. Figure 18 is a block circuit diagram illustrating electrical and electronic control of the baler 50.

Figure 18 illustrates a control means 130 having a central processor 132, a manual input means 134 through which the instructions that can be programmed are specified and a screen 136 indicating the use of the useful information to the operator of the machine. The central processor 132 and the screen 136 can display operational information, such as, the speed of operation of the machine and its compliance with security requirements, in the normal way. In addition, the central processor 132 and the display 136 may also indicate information specific to the present machine, such as the feeder 58, 60 that is being used. The location of the stops 104 and 106 guides and the support means 112 and the location of the feeder 66 and the feeder 90. All of this information is provided through sensors generally shown at 138. As discussed above, the means 130 control also controls the positions of the movable components as well as the speed of movement of the variable speed components. For example, the central processor 132 controls the motors 140 that drive the feed means (drive belt, star wheel and block) that move articles 122 to be packaged at (the input power input end of) the machine 50.

The processor 132 also controls the location of the feeder 66 through the drive of a pneumatic cylinder 142 as well as the location of the feeder 90 through the programmed control and excerpt of the servomotors 144 X and Y. In addition, the central processor 132 also controls the paper feed chain 100 through the control of either or both of the servomotors 146 that control the endless chains from which the stops 104 and 106 guides are dependent. As well as the pneumatic cylinder 148 which controls the location of the support structure 112. Suitable control means may be included to place the carton load module support tables in the desired location for a particular type or size of carton to control the pneumatic cylinder and / or hydraulically actuated columns 96, 98. The means of control. They can also control them. motors that drive each of the endless chains to control and adjust the speed and to synchronize the total production of cardboard according to the type and / or size of the cardboard. Additionally, the control means can control the feeding of wrapping paperboard and loading apparatuses to place the apparatus in operative or inoperative conditions as described in the above.

As will be discussed in the following, the positions and speeds of these devices can be manually inserted or a specific program prescribed in the central processor can be loaded for control of the packing machine. Also for the controlled change of the machine from one type or size of cardboard to another can be the result of a prescribed program or a manual input signal, as discussed in the following. With respect to Figures 19, the change process is initiated (box 150) either due to a manual input request (box 152) or through which the machine reaches the end of a preprogrammed run (box 154). The first step in the system is to cause the feeder 66 to stop the selected cartons from one of the hoppers 58, 60 (box 156). At this time the feeler or cardboard opening means 90 is also retained (box 158). The paper feed chain 100 is continuous to operate until the cartons are empty. In "the present invention the four cartons placed between the first and second predetermined locations are required to be removed from the chain 100. However, a different prior art incorporating this removal is not manual although the paper feed chain 100 is continuous. to operate until these cartons are removed for filling at the carton filling station 120, in the normal way (box 160). At this point the paper feed chain 100 is stopped (box 162). The detectors, as discussed in the foregoing, can provide the central processor 132 with information of a number of items to be packaged in such a way that the article feeding means can be stopped at a point such that all of the necessary items have been advanced for the packing of the four cartons mentioned in the previous (box 164). At this point the guide stops 104 and 106 in the paper feed chain are relocated, one with respect to the other, as discussed above (box 166), and the support means is relocated with respect to the first default location, also as discussed in the previous (box 168). The feeder 66 is then relocated for use with the other hopper 58, 60, as discussed above (box 170). Also, the program under which the location of the cup 92 in the feeder or carton opening apparatus 90 is opened is controlled in such a way that the device will operate with the cardboard feeder 66 so that the cartons are opened from the hopper that is now being used (box 172).

Finally, the article feeding means is controlled in such a way that the appropriate number of items is provided by the packing station 120 in the approximate time as discussed in the above, (box 174). After each of these steps have been taken, the packaging machine 50 can be reinitialized and the cartons removed from the hopper recently used to fill in the usual way (box 176). It should be noted that the reinitialization of the carton packing process and the article supply process are controlled in such a way that no items go unpacked and no cardboard is supplied to the packing station without the corresponding items. The modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, alternate detectors and alternate placement means, each of the movable articles may be used without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims. Further, while the preferred embodiment described herein is for loading bottles within cartons, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to cartons for bottles. The invention can be used with machines for packing cans, cardboard "partitions" and other containers in cartons. In addition, the present invention is capable of processing cartons comprising numerous article group configurations that cover a range and size of cardboard configuration, for example four, six; eight and twelve bottles without spending undue time adjusting the mechanism.

Claims (57)

1. CLAIMS 1. A packaging machine for packaging items into selected cartons of at least one first carton or second carton, the first and second cartons being of a different type and size, the cartons are stored in at least one hopper, and they collect for packaging by means of paperboard strips arranged to remove cartons from at least one hopper and transport them sequentially to a first predetermined location, from where the cartons are transported to a paper feed chain that transports the cartons to a second predetermined location in where the cartons are combined with the articles, the paper feed chain is characterized in that it comprises a support means carrying a first endless chain on which depends a first set of guide stops and a second endless chain of which depends on a second set of guide stops, the stops are interleaved to produce cardboard receiving areas, the length of which can be modified for different types or sizes of cardboard, by modifying the relative locations of the first and second sets of guide stops, and the support means can be moved so that when the positions relative to the stops are changed, this change can be compensated for such location of the first set of stops with respect to the first predetermined location is not altered. The packing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the relative location of the first and second sets of guide stops is arranged for control of the motor that drives one of the first and second endless chain. 3. The packaging machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the location of the support means is arranged for the control of a pneumatic cylinder that places the structure. The packing machine according to a preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a control means that controls the operation of each of the components of the machine during the operation and change between the cartons of different type or size. The packaging machine according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a first hopper for storing the first cartons, and a second hopper for storing the second cartons, and transfer means for transferring the cartons from any hopper to the first predetermined location , the cardboard crimping means being operable in a first location for crimping cartons from the first hopper and a second location for crimping cartons of the second hopper. The packaging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises means for placing one of the hoppers in an operative location and control means for selecting the location of the cardboard crimping means corresponding to the selected operational hopper. The packaging machine according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the means for collecting and transferring cardboard are rotated about an axis fixed in an orbital trajectory. The packing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and second collection positions are located at different points in the orbital path. The packaging machine according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it comprises means for placing one of the hoppers in an operative location in the form of a frame mounted to a second fixed shaft and wherein the first and second hopper Each hopper is mounted to the frame being oppositely arranged around the second fixed axis. The packaging machine according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the operating hopper is adjacent to the orbital path of the cardboard collection and transfer means. A packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an apparatus for sequentially manipulating a hopper of collapsed cartons that are arranged opposite to the canvases that make contact with the face and for the initial installation thereof in a condition extreme open, the apparatus being operable with paperboard crimping means that sequentially crimps one of the faces that makes contact with the canvases and to remove from the hopper a collapsed cardboard that includes one of the faces that makes contact with the canvases and that transfers orbitally around from a pivotable shaft of the hopper to the first predetermined location, wherein the apparatus includes canvas engaging means exposed from the outer side of the orbit path to engage the other of the faces that makes contact with the canvas in such a way that it pulls the other canvas that makes contact with the face away from the cardboard installation means, thereby initiating the opening of the cardboard. 12. The packaging machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for engaging the canvas are moved in a first plane by means of a linear servomotor. The packaging machine according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the linen engaging means is mounted to a sliding member in a substantially perpendicular relationship with a guide rail and and wherein the sliding member moves relative to the rail guide by means of which the means of setting of the canvas moves in two planes. The packing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for engaging the canvas are moved in a second plane by means of an additional linear servomotor. 15. The packaging machine according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the control means are arranged to control the movement of the means of engagement of the canvas. The packaging machine according to any of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the means of crimping the canvas comprises a suction cup and a cup holder mounted on the sliding member, the suction cup being connected to a supply of vacuum during the opening. of the cardboard. The packing machine according to any of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the canvases that make contact with the face comprise the opposition. of the side walls of the cardboard. The packaging machine according to any preceding claim, having an article feeding means arranged for advancing articles at a predetermined speed along a feeding path by combination with cartons at a measured speed. The packaging machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the article feeding means includes a pair of star wheels that collect articles from a first feed belt and moving it to a second feed belt at the predetermined speed . 20. The packaging machine according to claim 19, characterized in that the clamping blocks are arranged on opposite sides of the second feed belt to collect a predetermined number of articles and arrange them as a single unit for packaging in a cardboard. 21. A method of packaging articles in cartons, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) selecting, at least a first cardboard or a second a cardboard, the first and second cardboard being of a different type or size). the cartons being stored in at least one hopper; (b) collecting cartons for packaging using a cardboard crimp means arranged to remove cartons from at least one hopper and transport them sequentially to a first predetermined location; (c) transfer the cartons to a paper feed chain that transports the carton 10 to a second predetermined location from where the cartons are combined with the articles, the paper feed chain comprises a support means carrying a first endless chain from which 15 is dependent on a first set of guide stops and a second endless chain on which a second set of guide stops is dependent, the guide stops are interposed to produce areas receiving cardboard, the 20 length of which can be altered for different sizes or types of cardboard; (d) altering the length to alter the relative location of the first and second set of guide stops; and (e) moving the support means when the relative locations of the stops are changed, so that it compensates for the change, such that the location of the first set of stops with respect to the first predetermined location is altered. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the relative location of the first and second sets of guide stops is arranged for the control of one of the motors that automatically drives the first and second endless chains. 23. The method according to claim 21 or claim 22, characterized in that the location of the support means is arranged by the control of a pneumatic piston that locates the structure. 24. The method according to claims 21 to 23, which uses a control means that controls the operation of each of the components of the machine during operation and change between cartons of different type or size. 25. The method according to any of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the cardboard crimping means is positioned for crimping with cartons from a first hopper in a first location and is positioned for crimping with cartons from one second hopper, in a second location, the cardboard crimping means being movable between the first and second positions. 26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that it comprises placing one of the hoppers in an operative location and selecting the location of the cardboard crimping means corresponding to the selected operational hopper. 27. The method according to any of claim 25 or claim 26, characterized in that the means for collecting and transferring cardboard are rotated about a fixed axis in an orbital path. 28. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that the first and second collection positions are located at different points in the orbital trajectory. 29. The method according to any of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that it comprises mounting the first and second hoppers on a frame in such a way that each hopper is arranged oppositely around a second fixed axis. 30. The method according to any of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the operating hopper is adjacent to the orbital path of the cardboard collection and transfer medium when in use. 31. The method according to any of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that it comprises sequentially manipulating out of at least one hopper of collapsed cartons having facing faces arranged opposite and initiating the installation thereof in an open finished condition. , by sequentially crimping a canvas that makes front contact and removing from the hopper a collapsed cardboard that includes one of the canvases that make contact with the front and that transfers orbitally around a rotatable axis from the hopper to the first location predetermined, wherein the canvas engaging means is disposed outside the orbit path to engage the other canvases that contact face-to-face in such a manner that it pulls the other canvas that contacts the front in a direction away from the middle of cardboard collection so it starts the cardboard opening. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that it comprises moving the crimping means in the first plane by a linear servomotor. 33. The method according to claim 31 or claim 32, characterized in that it comprises mounting the linen crimping means to a sliding member in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the guide rail and moving the sliding member in relation to the guide rail according to which the middle canvas of crimping is movable in two planes. 34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that it comprises moving the crimping means of the canvas in a second plane by a linear servotor. 35. The method according to any of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that the control means are arranged to control the movement of the linen crimping means. 36. The method according to any of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the canvas crimping means comprises a suction cup and a cup holder mounted on the sliding member, and connects the suction cup ~ a vacuum supply during the opening of the paperboard. 37. The method according to any of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that the front contacting canvases comprise the opposite side walls of the cardboard. 38. The method according to any of claims 31 to 37, characterized in that it comprises arranging article feeding means for advancing articles at a predetermined speed along a feeding path to combine with cartons at the measured speed. 39. The compliance method 38, characterized in that it comprises using a pair of star wheels to collect articles from a first feed belt and move it to a second feed belt at a predetermined speed. 40. The method of conformity 39, characterized in that it comprises fastener blocks arranged on opposite sides of the second feed belt to collect a predetermined number of articles and arrange them as an individual unit for packing in a cardboard. 41. The control means for a baler as set forth in any of the claims. 1 to 20, the control means is characterized in that it comprises a central process, a manual input means, and separation means controlled by the central processor for individually placing the first and second sets of guide stops and the support means carrying the stops guide on the paper feed chain. 42. The control means according to claim 41, characterized in that the means for positioning the support means is a pneumatic cylinder. 43. The control means as set forth in claim 41 or claim 42, for use with a baler machine having two hoppers accessed by a simple cardboard crimping means, wherein the control means comprises means for placing the medium of crimping cardboard in a first location for crimping cartons in the first hopper and a second location for crimping cartons in a second hopper. 44. The control means according to claim 43, characterized in that the means for placing the cardboard crimping means is operable to place the crimping means in a third location, from which the cardboard crimping means is not used. You can crimp cartons in any hopper. 45. The control means according to claim 43 or claim 44, characterized in that the means for placing the cardboard crimping means is a pneumatic cylinder. 46. The control means according to any of claims 43 to 45, for use with a baler machine having an opening means for opening selected cartons of each hopper, wherein the moving site of the selection means in the The open medium can be altered in such a way that the opening means can open selected cartons of any hopper. 47. The control means according to claim 46, characterized in that the control means comprises oriented servomotors X and Y. The control means according to any of claims 41 to 47, for use with a baler machine is characterized in that has an article feed means in the form of a star wheel, the control means controls the rotational speed of the star wheel. 49. The control means according to claim 48, characterized in that the control means controls a motor that rotates the star wheel. 50. The control system for controlling the operation of the packaging machine according to any of claims 1 to 20, in order to change the first cartons in a first hopper to the second cartons in a second hopper, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) stopping the cardboard crimping means from selecting any cartons; (b) continue the paper feed chain until it is empty of cartons; (c) stopping the paper feed chain; (d) stop the supply of items; (e) relocating the cardboard crimping means and the hoppers to facilitate the collection of the alternative hopper; (f) altering the relative location of the first and second sets of guide stops in the paper feed chain; (g) altering the location of the support medium with respect to the first predetermined location; and (h) reinitialize the collection and transportation of cardboard and the supply of items. 51. The control system according to claim 50, characterized in that the instruction for change is ready from a pre-inserted program. 52. The control means according to claim 50, characterized in that the instruction for change is manually entered into a control means. 53. The control system according to any of claims 50 to 52, characterized in that the packaging machine has a means for opening cartons, which is also stopped during the change process. 54. The control system according to claim 53, characterized in that the site of movement of the selection means in the cardboard opening means is altered before reinitializing to allow the medium to open the cartons of the alternative hopper. 55. The control system according to any of claims 50 to 54, characterized in that the selection point and site of the selection means in the cardboard crimping means is altered during the change to facilitate the collection of cartons starting from the alternative hopper. 56. The control system according to any of claims 50 to 55, characterized in that the speed of supply of articles is alterable when required depending on the size or type of cartons in each of the hoppers. 57. The control system according to any of claims 50 to 56, characterized in that the relative locations and state of movement of each of the movable components is detected using individual sensors and transmitted to the control means.