Field of tfc invention

The present invention relates to grouping and/or packing machines, particularly grouping and/or packing machines for thin articles extending substantially in one plane, and more particularly for relatively flat products such as sanitary articles, tissues, napkins, packaged foodstuff, rolls, semimanufactures and so on.

Background

Known grouping and/or packing machines for sanitary articles typically comprise a so-called stacking device with a plurality of fingers which are mounted hingedly or fixedly on a conveyor belt such as a chain, which forms a closed circuit. The plurality of fingers are configured to receive one article at a time between successive fingers, such that a group of articles is received between successive fingers. The articles arc then removed as a group. Existing grouping and/or packing machines have the drawback that the stacking device typically moves discontinuously and must be brought to a stop in order to remove the group of articles. In addition, the number of articles per group is typically fixed, and the existing devices are thus not very flexible.

Summary of the invention

Embodiments of the invention have the object of providing a grouping and/or packing machine which is able to remove the articles from a stacking device with a plurality of fingers in an improved manner.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a grouping and/or packing machine according to claim 1. The grouping and/or packing machine is intended for packing articles, preferably thin articles extending substantially in one plane. The grouping and/or packing machine comprises at least one feed station, a stacking device and a gathering station. The stacking device comprises a plurality of fingers which are mounted adjacently of each other, as seen in a transport direction, hingedly or fixedly on a conveyor belt which forms a closed circuit, wherein the plurality of fingers are configured to receive at least one article between successive fingers. The at least one feed station is configured to feed at least one article between successive fingers at at least one first location. The gathering station is configured to remove a group of successive articles in the stacking device at a second location and to gather this removed group at at least one gathering location. The gathering station comprises a first and/or a second removing and pushing unit extending on respectively a first and/or second side of the stacking device. When a first and a second removing and pushing unit extend on either side of the stacking device, they are preferably arranged substantially symmetrically. The first and second removing and/or pushing unit comprises a first and/or second elongate removing part extending along mutually opposite sides of a group of successive fingers and forming an angle, ic. an angle other than 90°, with die conveyor belt, such that a group of successive articles are removed from the group of successive fingers during rotation of the conveyor belt in the transport direction. The first and/or second removing and pushing unit are further configured to push the removed group of successive articles in a direction away from the conveyor beft and toward the at least one gathering location.

Providing the gathering station with a first and/or a second removing and pushing unit extending on respectively a first and/or second side of the stacking device enables the articles to be removed and gathered in an improved manner, wherein the conveyor belt of the stacking device preferably rotates continuously. Note that, depending on for instance the size and the type of article, it is possible for either two removing and pushing units to extend on either side of the slacking device, or only one removing and pushing unit. Such a gathering device further allows the number of articles of a group to be adjusted in simple manner since the pushing cycle of the first and second removing and pushing units can be adjusted in simple manner, preferably without the teed station having to stop and while the conveyor belt can continue to run continuously. Embodiments of the invention thus preferably allow the number of articles of a group of articles which are carried to the at least one gathering location by the first and/or second removing and pushing unit to be adjusted without the grouping and packing machine having to be brought to a stop.

In a preferred embodiment the grouping and/or packing machine has the features according to any of the appended claims. In a preferred embodiment the first and/or the second removing and pushing unit comprises respectively a first and/or a second pushing conveyor belt. The first and/or a second pushing conveyor belt is preferably provided with respectively at least one first and second pushing element. The first and/or a second pushing conveyor belt is still more preferably provided with respectively at least two first and second pushing elements. An axis (i.e. a drive shaft) of the first and second pushing conveyor belt is preferably oriented perpendicularly of an axis (i.e. the drive shaft) of the conveyor belt of the stacking device. The at least one first and second pushing element is mounted on the first and second pushing conveyor belt and is dimensioned for engaging behind an article at the second location, such that a rotation of the first and second pushing conveyor belt can push the group of removed articles to the at least one gathering location. Such pushing conveyor belts allow precise setting and controlling of the pushing sequences as a function of the desired number of articles in a group. The first and/or second pushing conveyor belt optionally also form the first and/or second removing part. In the case that two or more first and/or second pushing elements are provided, they can be coupled to two or more servomechanisms.

According to a variant, the axis (i.e. the drive shaft) of the first and second pushing conveyor belt can be oriented parallel to an axis (i.e. the drive shaft) of the conveyor belt of the stacking device, see for instance the embodiment of figures ISA and 1SB.

According to another possible embodiment, the first and/or second pushing conveyor belt is not provided with a first and/or second pushing element, and the pushing conveyor belt itself exerts a pushing force on the articles.

In a preferred embodiment the grouping and/or packing machine further comprises a control unit for controlling the first and second removing and pushing unit and the conveyor belt, wherein the control unit is configured to have the first and second removing and pushing unit periodically perform a pushing movement while the conveyor belt rotates continuously. The control unit can further be configured to have the first and second removing and pushing unit perform a pushing movement after a predetennined number of articles have been removed.

In a possible embodiment the first pushing conveyor belt comprises one or more servomechanisms and/or the second pushing conveyor belt comprises one or more servomechanisms. In the case that a plurality of servomechanisms is used, each servomechanism can be associated with one or more pushing elements of the relevant pushing conveyor belt, such that the transport to the one or more gathering locations can be further optimized. The servomechanism can comprise an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. More generally, the pushing conveyor belts can be driven by any suitable drive means.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a grouping and/or packing machine with a transport module is provided. The transport module comprises a lifting module which is movable between a gathering location, where a group of articles is gathered in a stack, and a transport location, for instance a lower or higher location. The transport module can comprise a fourth and a fifth pushing element configured to hold and to move the group of articles between the fourth and a fifth pushing element at the second location.

The lifting module preferably comprises a first module with a chain or belt and a second module with a chain or belt, and a number of profiles connected to the first and second module, wherein the profiles are arranged and configured to support the group of articles. The first module preferably has a first side and the second modnk a second, opposite, parallel side, and the group of stacked articles can preferably be received between the first and the second side, supported by at least a first profile connected to the first side and a second profile connected to the second side. According to a variant, no profiles are provided and a group of articles is received between a conveyor belt on the first side of the first module and a conveyor belt on the second side of the second module, wherein a pushing element can optionally be provided to push the group of articles to the transport location.

In a possible embodiment the first module comprises one or more servomechanisms and the second module comprises one or more scrvomechani sms. In the case that a plurality of servomechanisrns is used, each servomechanism can be associated with a set of profiles, such mat a plurality of successive groups of articles can be transported independently of each other, optionally to different transport locations. In a possible embociiment the lifting module is configured to move a group of articles from the transport location to a second transport location, for instance an even higher or lower location, and the transport module comprises a sixth pushing element configured to push the group of articles to a packing station. The number of articles of a group can vary depending on the outfeed of the stacking device and the settings of the first and/or second removing and pushing unit.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a grouping and/or packing n-»f¾in« with a feed station is provided. The feed station is configured to alternately turn and not turn the fed articles. The feed station comprises a first pair of parallel conveyor belts and a second pair of mutually intersecting conveyor belts, and the feed station is configured to have an article pass alternately between the first pair of parallel conveyor belts and between the second pair of mutually intersecting conveyor belts.

Brief description of the figures

The above stated and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention better understood, on the basis of the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and IB show respectively a schematic side and top view of an embodiment of a packing rnachine;

Figure 1C snows a front view of a finger of figures 1A and IB, wherein an article is placed behind the finger, Figure ID illustrates a control unit;

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show schematically a front view of a finger of figures 1A and IB, wherein an article is placed behind the finger and one or more pushing dements push against the article, wherein figure 2A uses one servomechanism on each side of the fingers, figure 2B uses two servomechanisms on each aide of the fingers, and figure 2C uses four servomechanisnis on each side of the fingers;

Figures 3A-3G show schematically in top view successive steps of the removing and pushing process for the variant of figure 2A; and figure 3C shows schematically a side view corresponding with the top view of figure 3 A;

Figures 4A-4F show sdranatically successive steps of the removing and pushing process for the variant of figure 2B; and figure AC shows schematically a side view corresponding with the top view of figure 4A;

Figure 5 shows schematically a possible step of the removing and pushing process for the variant of figure 2C;

Figures 6 A, 6B and 6C illustrate respectively a schematic side view, a front view and a top view of a lifting module;

Figures 7A-7H illustrate schematically successive positions of a group of articles in a lifting module;

Figures 8A and 8B; 9A and 9B; 10A and 10B; 11 A and 1 IB; 12A and 12B; 13A and 13B; 14A and 14B; ISA and 15B; 16A and 16B; 17A and 17B show a schematic side and top view of other embodiments of a packing machine;

Figures 18Aand 18B show a schematic view of an embodiment of a feed station.

Detailed embodiments

A first embodiment of a packing device according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 A, IB, 1C and 1 D. The grouping and/or packing machine is intended for the purpose of stacking and packing articles A The articles A are preferably thin articles extending substantially in one plane, for instance sanitary articles such as nappies, sanitary towels, tissues, napkins, foodstuffs such as packaged biscuits and so on. The thickness of the articles is typically considerably smaller, preferably at least 5 times smaller, than the width and length of the articles.

The packing machine comprises one or more feed stations 100, 100', a stacking device 200, a gathering station 300, a transport module 400 and a packing station 500. The articles are transferred from the one or more feed stations 100, 100* to the stacking device. The articles A are then removed in a stack from stacking device 200 by gathering station 300. Transport module 400 then transports the stacked articles A from gathering station 300 to packing station 500. Stacking device 200 comprises a plurality of fingers 210 which are mounted adjacently of each other, as seen in a transport direction T, hingedly on a conveyor belt 220 which forms a closed circuit According to a variant, fingers 210 can also be mounted fixedly on conveyor belt 220. Conveyor belt 220 is typically a chain. Fingers 210 are configured to receive at least one article A between successive fingers 210. Finger 210 has a height h and width b, see figure 1C. An article A typically protrudes on either side of finger 210, see figure 1C.

Feed station 100 is configured to feed at least one article between successive fingers 210 at a first location LI. Feed station 100 can be configured to feed one article A at a time between two successive fingers 210 or to feed two or more articles A at a time between two successive fingers 210. A second feed station 100' can optionally also be provided for the purpose of feeding at least one article between successive fingers 210 at a first location LI'. The first feed station 100 can thus for instance feed an article every second finger, and the second feed station 100' can then feed an article at the locations which have remained empty after passing along first feed station 100.

Gathering station 300 is configured to remove a group of successive articles A in the «mHring device at a second location L2 and to gather this removed group at a gathering location L3.

Gathering station 300 comprises a first removing and pushing unit 321 and a second removing and pushing unit 322 extending on respectively a first and second side Kl, K2 of stacking device 200, see figure IB. In another possible embodiment it is possible to provide only the first removing and pushing unit 321 or only the second removing and pushing unit 322. The first removing and pushing unit 321 has a first elongate removing part 311 extending along a first side Kl of a group of successive fingers 210. First removing part 311 here takes the form of a removing slat 311 which forms part of abase plate 310. The second removing and pushing unit 322 has a second elongate removing part 312 extending akmg a second side K2 of a group of successive fingers 210. Second removing part 312 takes the form of a removing slat 312, which likewise forms part of base plate 310. Removing slats 311, 312 form an acute angle a with conveyor belt 220, see figure 1A, such mat a group of successive articles A is removed from the group of successive fingers 210 when conveyor belt 220 rotates in the transport direction T. The first and second removing and pushing unit 321, 322 are configured to push the removed group of successive articles A in a direction away from conveyor belt 220 and toward gathering location L3.

In the variant of figures 1 A-1D the first and the second removing and pushing unit 321 , 322 comprise respectively a first and a second pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 with respectively at least one first and second pushing element 341 , 342. An axis A 1 , A2 of the first and second pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 is oriented perpendicularly of an axis AM of conveyor belt 220 of slacking device 200. The at least one first and second pushing dement 341 , 342 is mounted on respectively the first and second pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 and is dimensioned for engaging behind a removed article A. hi mis way a rotation of the first and second pushing conveyor belt 331 , 332 can push the group of removed articles to gathering location L3.

In the variant of figures 1 A-l D four pushing elements 341 , 342 are provided for each pushing conveyor belt 331 , 332, although embodiments with fewer or more pushing elements are likewise possible, see below. In the case of a plurality of pushing elements 341 , 342, they can function alternately as stopping means for articles A and as pushing elements.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show schematically a front view of a finger of figures lAand IB, wherein an article is placed behind the finger and one or more pushing elements push against the article. In the variant of figure 2A one servomechanism SI ; S2 is used on each side of the fingers for the purpose of driving the respective conveyor belt 331 ; 332. In the variant of figure 2B two servomechanisms SI, S2; S3, S4 arc used on each side of the fingers for the purpose of driving the respective conveyor belt 331 ; 332. m the variant of figure 2C four servomechanisms SI, S2, SS, S6; S3. S4. S7, S8 arc used on each side of the fingers for the purpose of driving the respective conveyor belt 331; 332.

Figures 3A-3H show schematic top views of successive steps of the removing and pushing process for the variant of figure 2A. For the sake of clarity figure 3C also shows a side view

correspcoding with the top view of figure 3C. Each conveyor belt 331 , 332 is here provided with two pushing elements 341a, 341b; 342a, 342b, and these latter are in each case coupled to one servomechanism SI, S2. When the machine is started up and the first articles are fed between fingers 210, the first articles can be stopped by first and second pushing element 341b, 342b, as ilhistrated in figure 3A. The pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 can then run at approximately the same speed as conveyor belt 220, see figure 3B. When pushing element 341b, 342b has reached the final position, lying on the right here, see figure 3C, pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 is brought to a stop, such that a group of articles is gathered and optionally compressed against pushing element 341b, 342b. An additional pushing element 350 can now optionally be placed against the first article Al of the group of articles, and pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 is rotated further, such that a group of articles Al -Al 0 is pushed to the gathering location, see figures 3D and 3E. Instead of an additional pushing element 350, other means can also provide for the group of articles to be stopped, for instance a friction means or a spring means. A spring-mounted element could thus be provided at the position of pushing element 341b and/or at the position of 342b as stopping means for the articles, wherein the spring force can be overcome by the pushing force exerted by pushing elements 341a, 342a in figure 3D. The additional pushing element 350 is configured to push against the group of articles while they move toward gathering location L3 and to run synchronously along with the first and second pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 in the same direction as the first and second pushing conveyor belt 331, 332. In figure 3F a group of eleven articles is situated at gathering location L3, and a subsequent group of articles is being prepared. In figure 3G pushing elements 341a and 342a have been rotated upward, and the second group of eleven articles can be moved to location L3. In this embodiment conveyor belt 220 can thus rotate continuously while the articles are removed group by group from stacking device 200 by gathering station 300.

The skilled person will appreciate that the number of articles in a group can be changed by changing the speed and the timing (i.e. the moment at which the pushing conveyor belt starts moving and stops moving) of pushing conveyor belts 331 , 332. The numbers can thus be varied without conveyor belt 220 having to be brought

that the position and the number of pushing elements on pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 can be changed as a function of, among other factors, the type of article, the desired number of articles of a group and so on. Additional pushing elements 341a', 341b'; 342a', 342b' can optionally further be provided.

The embodiment of figures 3A-G further illustrates that using pushing conveyor belts 331, 332 articles can be compressed at second location L2 and/or during transport from second location L2 to gathering location 13 and/or at gathering location L3. Figures 4A-4F show schematic top views of successive steps of the removing and pushing process for the variant of figure 2B . For the sake of clarity figure 4C' also shows a side view corresponding with the top view of figure 4C. Each conveyor belt 331 ; 332 is here provided with four pushing elements 341a, 341b, 341c, 341d; 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d. Pushing elements 341a, 341c are coupled to a first servomechanism SI and pushing elements 341b, 341d are coupled to a second servomechanism S2. Pushing elements 342a, 342c are coupled to a third servomechanism S3 and pushing elements 342b, 342d are coupled to a fourth servomechanism S4. When the machine is started up and the first articles are fed between fingers 210, the first articles can be stopped by first and second pushing element 341d, 342d, as illustrated in figure 4 A. The pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 can then run at approximately the same speed as conveyor belt 220, see figure 4B. When pushing element 34 Id, 342d has almost reached the final position, lying on the right here, pushing elements 341c, 342c are set into motion, and in the final position pushing element 341 d, 342d is brought to a stop, see figure 4C, such that a group of articles is gathered and optionally compressed against pushing element 341d, 342d. Poshing elements 341a, 342a now push against the group of articles, such that the group of articles A1-A10 is pushed to the gathering location, see figures 4C and 4D. In figure 4E a group of eleven articles is situated at gathering location L3, and a subsequent group of articles is being prepared. As illustrated, this subsequent group can comprise a different number of articles, here eight articles. This is achieved by having pushing elements 341b, 342b move at a suitable moment/at the right speed, see figure 4E. In figure 4F pushing elements 341a and 342a have been rotated upward, and the second group of eight articles has been moved to location L3. A group of eleven articles can then once again be moved to location L3, see figure 4F. In this embodiment conveyor belt 220 can thus rotate continuously while the articles are removed group by group from stacking device 200 by gathering station 300, wherein the number of articles in a group can be variable. This number can here be set in simple manner by controlling seivomechanisms SI, S2, S3, S4 in a suitable manner. The numbers can thus be varied without conveyor belt 220 having to be brought to a stop. The skilled person will appreciate that the position and the number of pushing elements on pushing conveyor belt 331, 332 can be changed and that additional pushing elements can optionally be provided. The embodiment of figures 4A-F further illustrates that using pushing conveyor belts 331, 332 articles can be compressed at second location L2 and/or during transport from second location L2 to gathering location L3 and/or at gathering location L3.

Figure S shows schematically the removing and pushing process for the variant of figure 2C. Each conveyor belt 331 ; 332 is here provided with eight pushing elements 341a-h; 342a-h. Pushing elements 341 a-h are coupled to different servomechanisms SI, S2, S5, S6. Pushing elements 342a- h are coupled to different servomechanisms S3, S4, S7, S8. hi this way still more combinations of different numbers of articles can be grouped, and several groups of articles can be situated between conveyor belts 331 and 332 at the same time. The embodiment of figure 5 farther illustrates that using pushing conveyor belts 331, 332 articles can be compressed at second location L2 and/or during transport from second location L2 to gathering location L3 and/or at gathering location L3. More particularly, a first group of articles between pushing conveyor belt 331 and 332 can be compressed in a different way than a second group of articles between pushing conveyor beh 331 and 332. The distance between a first group of articles between pushing conveyor belt 331 and 332 and a second group of articles between pushing conveyor belt 331 and 332 can further be changed (optimization of the spacing between groups of articles) by suitably setting the timing and/or speed of the different servomechanisms. It is further possible to carry a first group of articles to a first gathering location L3 and a second group of products to a second gathering location L3\ wherein the second gathering location L3' lies at a distance from L3 as seen in the pushing direction. Successive groups of articles can in this way thus be associated with different outfeed stations.

In an embodiment (not illustrated) the tint and second pushing conveyor belt 331 , 332 themselves can form the first and second removing part. In this case the group of articles A must extend to a position against the first and second pushing conveyor belt such that the group of articles A is held between the first and second pushing conveyor belt when passing therebetween. The first and second pushing conveyor belt then preferably rotate continuously together with conveyor belt 220 of stacking device 200. The removing slats 311, 312 can then be omitted or replaced with conveyor belts.

The grouping and/or packing machine preferably further comprises a control unit 600 for controlling the first and second removing and pushing unit 321 , 322 and conveyor belt 220 of stacking device 200. Control unit 600 is preferably configured to have the first and second removing and pushing unit 321 , 322 periodically perform a pushing movement (see also figure ID) while conveyor belt 220 rotates continuously. In other wards, control unit 600 is preferably configured to have the first and second removing and pushing unit 321 , 322 perform a pushing movement after a predctennined number of articles have been removed.

In the embodiment of figures 1 A-1D the axis AM of conveyor belt 220 is oriented horizontally and conveyor beh 120 is oriented obliquely downward at the second location 12, as seen in the transport direction T. Conveyor belt 220 rotates at least around two shaft parts 231, 232 with different diameters. The diameter of the first shaft part 231 is greater than the diameter of the second shaft part 232 and the first location LI lies at the position of first shaft part 231, preferably at the position where the fingers are oriented roughly horizontally. According to a variant (not illustrated) conveyor beh 220 rotates in the reverse direction, the articles are fed at a first location close to the second, smallest shaft part 232, the second, smallest shaft part 232 lies higher than first shaft part 231 and the second location L2 is provided at the position of a conveyor belt 220 running obliquely downward, as seen in the transport direction T.

The first and second removing slats 311 , 312 are here oriented substantially horizontally, such that a substantially horizontal pushing movement in the direction of gathering location L3 is possible.

Transport module 400 is configured to transport the group of articles at gathering location L3 to a packing location LS. In the illustrated embodiment transport module 400 comprises a lifting module 410 which is movable between gathering location L3, via a higher location L4, and a packing location LS. The transport module can further comprise a fourth and a fifth pushing element 440, 450 which are configured to hold and to move the group of articles between the fourth and a fifth pushing element 440, 450 at higher location L4. These fourth and fifth pushing elements further function as guide dements for guiding the group of articles from gathering location L3 to packing location LS. The transport module comprises a sixth pushing dement 460 configured to push the group of articles from packing location L5 (which is thus actually a location directly upstream of packing station 500) to packing station 500. Packing station 500 is configured to pack the group of transported articles in a packaging V. Transport module 400 is further illustrated in figures 6A, 6B and 6C. Lining module 410 comprises two sets, each with a rotating chain or belt 411, 412 and a number of profiles 421, 422 connected to chains 411, 412 and arranged and configured to support the group of articles, and optionally a number of profiles 423, 424 comiected to chains 411, 412 and arranged and configured to extend over the group of articles. Profiles 421-424 are parallel. Chains 411, 412 have parallel axes Al A2\ Chain 411 has a first side which is oriented parallel to a second side of chain 412, such that articles can be situated and can be transported between the first side of chain 411 and the second side of chain 412. The articles are preferably held between four profiles 421-424, although the skilled person will appreciate that additional profiles may be provided, and that two profiles 421, 422 is also an option for some products. Several sets of profiles 421-424 can further be provided at a mutual pitch distance on chains 411, 412. Transport module 400 can further be configured with more than three locations L3, L4, L5 lying one above the other, wherein lifting module 410 is then adjusted accordingly and is for instance given a longer form with more sets of profiles 421-424. Acccrcling to a variant, locations L4 and L5 can lie below location L3. According to a variant of the lifting module, a plurality of servomechanisms can be provided for driving a plurality of groups of profiles 421-424. In the case that a plurality of servomechanisms is used, each servomechanism can thus be associated whh a set of profiles 421-424, such that a plurality of successive groups of articles can be transported independently of each other, optionally to different transport locations L4, L5. In mis way the height of a group of profiles 421-424 can be adjusted on the fly. A first group of articles transported by a first group of profiles 421-424 could thus for instance be carried to a first height L5 and a second group of articles transported by a second group of profiles 421 -424 could be carried to a second height L5\ so that two outfeeds for two packing stations are provided at different heights. The skilled person will appreciate that many variants can be envisaged depending on the desired speed, the packing station used and so on. According to a variant, no profiles are provided and a group of articles is received directly between the conveyor beh 411 on the first side of a first set and a conveyor belt 412 on the second side of the second set, wherein a pushing element can optionally be provided to push the group of articles, for instance upward or downward, to transport location L4.

Figures 7A-7H illustrate a possible packing sequence when transport module 400 of figures 6A- 6C is used. A group of articles G is first carried by gathering station 300 to gathering location L3, see figures 7A-7C. Pushing element 3S0 here guides this movement. The group of articles O at location L3 is then transported by lifting module 410 to location L4, see figure 7D and 7E. Lifting module 410 is briefly brought to a stop and the group of articles is moved to the right with pushing elements 440, 4S0 to location L4_R, see figure 7F. The lifting module is men set into motion again so as to move profiles 421-424 further upward to location L5, see figure 7G. From location LS, the group of articles is arranged in a packaging V using pushing element 460, see figure 7H. Profiles 421-424 now move back to the starting position (location L3) for receiving a new group of articles A. As shown in figures 6A-6C the lifting module can be provided with a plurality of sets of profiles 421-424 and so on, such that a packing from location LS, a movement to the right at location L4 and the receiving of a new group of articles at location L3 can be performed simultaneously, see also figures 7G and 7H.

Figures 8 A and 8B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1 A-1B in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. In this variant a group of articles is brought from location LS to a location L5' adjacent thereto, and two groups of products arc packed collectively in a packaging V.

Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1 A-1B in which similar components are &O*gn*t*A with the same reference numerals. Packing station 500 comprises here a conveyor belt 550 with an arm 560 provided with pushing element 460. The arm is shown in a first position PI on the far left and in a second position P2 on the far right. Aim 560 is configured to push a group of articles into packaging V. Conveyor belt 550 moves the arm from the left to the right and back. Accenting to a variant, multiple groups of packets can be placed one behind the other at location L5, and the conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of arms 560. Conveyor belt 550 can then preferably rotate in steps instead of moving reciprocally.

Figures 1 OA and 10B illustrate another embodiment of a packing machine in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment a rotation axis AM of conveyor belt 220 is oriented horizontally and conveyor belt 220 is oriented obliquely upward at the second location L2, as seen in the transport direction T of conveyor belt 220. The first and second removing parts 311, 312 are here oriented substantially vertically, such that a substantially vertical pushing movement in the direction of gathering location L3 is possible. In this embodiment a pushing element 470 is provided to move the articles A from gathering location L3 to a packing location L5. This pushing element 470 is configured to cause a horizontal pushing movement such that the articles are fed rotated through a quarter turn to the packaging V.

Figures 11 A and 1 IB illustrate another embodiment of a pecking machine in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment a rotation axis AM of conveyor belt 220 is oriented horizontally and conveyor belt 220 is oriented obliquely downward at the second location L2, as seen in the transport direction T of conveyor belt 220. The first and second removing parts 311, 312 are here oriented substantially vertically, such that a substantially vertical pushing movement in the direction of gathering location L3 is possible. The articles are here thus carried away vertically downward to gathering location L3. In this embodiment a pushing element 470 is further provided to move the articles A from gathering location L3 to a packing location L5.

In such an embodiment the stack of articles A can here be moved to location L3 both in a product transport direction of stacking device 200 and in the opposite direction. In figures 11 A and 1 IB the stack of articles A moves from stacking device 200 to location 13 in the product transport direction.

Figures 12A and 12B illustrate yet another embodiment of a packing machine in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals, hi this embodiment a rotation axis AM of conveyor belt 220 is oriented vertically. The first and second removing parts 311, 312 are oriented substantially horizontally and form an angle with the transport direction T of conveyor belt 220. The articles are here thus carried away horizontally, to the right in the drawing, to gathering location L3. In this embodiment a pushing element 470 is further provided to move the articles A from gathering location L3 to a packing location LS. In this variant it is an option to omit the upper or lower removing and pushing unit 322, 321. Figures 13A and 13B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1 A-1B in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. The packing station comprises here additional pushing elements 590, 59S and guide profiles 570, 580 to guide the group of articles during packing. The stack of articles is here thus delivered transversely of the product transport device. It is thus possible to obtain a different product configuration in the packing station. Figures 14A and 14B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1 A-1B in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. The group of articles A is here carried directly from a gathering location L3 into the packaging V. Packing station 500 comprises for this purpose a conveyor bch 550 with two pushing arms 560, 560' which are configured to move a group of articles A from gathering location L3 into packaging V.

Figures 15A and 15B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1 A-1B in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. Just as in the variant of figures 14A and 14B, the group of articles A is here carried directly from a gathering location L3 into packaging V. Packing station 500 comprises for this purpose a conveyor belt 447 with two pushing arms 445, 446 which are configured to move a group of articles A from gathering location L3 into packaging V. The removing parts are here further embodied as conveyor belts 351, 352 with horizontal axes A3. In addition to the removal function, these conveyor belts 351, 352 thus also have a transport function. In this way the transport to gathering location L3 can be further optimized. Conveyor belts 351, 352 can optionally be provided with additional pushing elements 361 , 362. Pushing elements 361 , 362 will here thus be able to contribute in similar manner to the transporting of groups of articles to gathering location L3. Pushing elements 341, 342 and pushing elements 361, 362 can thus co-act in order to move groups of articles to gathering location L3, for instance in a way which is similar to the sequence described above for figures 4A-4F and figure 5. In a variant of the embodiment of figures 15 A and 1 SB the first pushing conveyor belt 331 and the second pushing conveyor beh 332 may be omitted. In yet another variant it is possible that only the first pushing conveyor belt 331 or only the second pushing conveyor belt 332 is omitted. It is further also possible to provide additional conveyor belts with horizontal axes parallel to conveyor belts 351, 352 and above conveyor belts 351, 352, m order to also guide the articles toward gathering location L3 along an upper side. These additional conveyor belts can optionally also be provided with pushing elements.

Figures 16A and 16B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1A-1B in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. The articles A are here fed via a feed station 100 which feeds the articles in a direction perpendicularly of the transport direction T of conveyor belt 220.

Figures 17A and 17B illustrate a variant of the packing machine of figures 1 A-1B in which similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. Fingers 210 are here placed further apart and allow a plurality of articles A, A' to be fed between two successive fingers 210. Figures 18A and 18B illustrate a possible embodiment of a feed station 100. The feed station is configured to alternately turn and not turn the fed articles A. Feed station 100 comprises for this purpose a first pair of parallel conveyor belts 110, 120 and a second pair of mutually intersecting conveyor belts 130, 140. Feed station 100 is configured to have an article A pass alternately between the first pair of parallel conveyor belts 110, 120 and between the second pair of mutually intersecting conveyor belts 130, 140. The division in the product flow which ensures that a fed article moves alternately between conveyor belts 110, 120 and between conveyor belts 130, 140 can for instance take place by means of pressure, for instance a vacuum chamber below and above with an associated drive. According to an alternative, a mechanical means such as a mechanical gate can be used for this purpose.

The skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments and that many modifications and variants are possible within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.