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Voilà, simple and reliable, this is how the automatic size change of an unscrambler should be: that’s how LACO (*) came into being. Its principle is very simple: we have automated the normal operations that up to now were carried out by hand so obtaining a system that does not upset the machine’s simplicity. Less that 2 minutes of operator presence are required: size change is then completed autonomously by LACO. What if a fault occurs in the control electronics? Unlikely, but if it does happen the operations can be finished manually reducing, in any case, the normal time required by the operator to carry out a size change by at least 50%. (*) Patent pending

General description

LACO’s great revolution is that the size change does not occur simultaneously on the whole machine (considerable mechanical complications causing lack of reliability) but in sequence, step by step, on all the machine’s funnels. The whole sequence is managed by the PLC and obviously does not require the operator’s presence. Sometimes bottles getting jammed during production can damage one of the funnels, so stopping the traditional automatic size change systems completely: the traditional systems but not LACO. LACO carries out the size change on all the undamaged funnels, and when it comes across a damaged funnel, after making a few repeat attempts, it goes on to the next one and signals to the operator which funnel requires maintenance work. Take the best, choose the Leader.

The licenses

The lifter box is reduced with extreme simplicity by pneumatically raising a foldaway striking plate.

The geometry of the funnel is modified by the rotation of a cam. In the event of a fault in the electronics this cam can be rotated by hand making the operation faster, in any case, than a traditional size change.

The upper pocket is set according to bottle height by a linear drive controlled by a brushless motor. In the event of a fault in the electronics this positioning can be completed manually making the operation faster, in any case, than a traditional size change.

LACO can also be fitted on existing machines (retrofitted). In fact, it is by keeping the same system of hooking of the funnels/cradles that makes them interchangeable with a traditional size change.

The presence of the operator is required only for the setting of the adjustable outfeed star wheel. This operation, which can be carried out without tools, can be completed in less than 2 minutes. Several LACO stations can be fitted on the machine in order to further reduce the time required by the system to complete the procedure. In the case of multiple stations, in the event of a fault in one of the stations the system logic allows the operations that have not been completed by the faulty station to be transferred to the other station(s).