CA2677446A1 - Apparatus for and method of packaging stackable objects, in particular printed products - Google Patents
Apparatus for and method of packaging stackable objects, in particular printed products Download PDFInfo
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- CA2677446A1 CA2677446A1 CA002677446A CA2677446A CA2677446A1 CA 2677446 A1 CA2677446 A1 CA 2677446A1 CA 002677446 A CA002677446 A CA 002677446A CA 2677446 A CA2677446 A CA 2677446A CA 2677446 A1 CA2677446 A1 CA 2677446A1
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- Prior art keywords
- stack
- over
- fitting
- turning
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000007306 turnover Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/14—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
- B65B25/141—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form packaging flat articles in boxes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
- B65B43/28—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by grippers co-operating with fixed supports
- B65B43/285—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by grippers co-operating with fixed supports specially adapted for boxes, cartons or carton blanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/02—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
- B65B5/024—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks
- B65B5/028—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks for making containers from two or more blanks
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H15/00—Overturning articles
- B65H15/02—Overturning piles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H31/00—Pile receivers
- B65H31/30—Arrangements for removing completed piles
- B65H31/3081—Arrangements for removing completed piles by acting on edge of the pile for moving it along a surface, e.g. by pushing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
- B65H2701/17—Nature of material
- B65H2701/176—Cardboard
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
- B65H2701/17—Nature of material
- B65H2701/176—Cardboard
- B65H2701/1762—Corrugated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2801/00—Application field
- B65H2801/81—Packaging machines
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
- Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
- Packaging Of Special Articles (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device (10) and a method for packaging stackable objects, particularly printed products, in a container, preferably a slip-lid box made of a bottom (23) and a lid (24). The device has a first slip-on device (34) for slipping the bottom (23) with the open side thereof on a product stack (3a) from above, a turnover device (7) for turning over the stack (3b) provided with the slipped-on container part (23) by 180º about a horizontal axis such that the open side of the first container part (23) after turning over is oriented upward, and a cover device (35) for closing the container after the turnover step. Closing occurs by slipping on a slip-lid box lid part (24) over the turned, slipped-on container part (23) in a second slip-on device (35).
Description
Apparatus for and method of packaging stackable objects, in particular printed products --------------------------------------------------------------------The present invention concerns an apparatus for and a method of packaging stackable objects, in particular printed products, in a container which has at least a first container portion with a bottom and with side walls extending from the bottom, wherein the container portion is open at the side opposite to the bottom. In particular the invention concerns an apparatus for and a method of packaging printed products in telescopically fitted lid boxes.
Printed products such as for example brochures, books or also loose sheets (for example forms, business papers or the like) are frequently packaged in so-called telescopically fitted lid boxes or telescope-type boxes. Telescope-type boxes have a bottom portion and a lid portion which is of a substantially similar structure in relation thereto and which is of slightly greater length and width, wherein in the packaging operation the bottom and lid portions are telescopically fitted over the stack of products formed from the printed products, from opposite sides of the stack, with the lid portion engaging over the bottom portion.
Telescope-type boxes are classified as 'type 03' in accordance with the standard of the FEFCO (European Associations of Corrugated Board Manufacturers), which is usual in the packaging area.
To ensure stackability of filled telescope-type boxes it is known that, in the packaging operation for the stackable products, firstly the bottom portion is generally filled with a certain upward oversize (that is to say extending beyond its actual height) by hand with the stack of products so that when a plurality of containers are stacked one above the other, the weight of the respectively superposed container is carried by the products disposed therebeneath and does not have to be absorbed by the side walls of the containers. Then the lid portion is telescopically fitted over the stack provided with the bottom portion, from the top side of the stack, with the dimensions of the lid portion being so selected that it fits over the bottom portion. As a result the consequence of this can be that the height of the filled telescopic-type box varies in dependence on the height of the stack of products accommodated therein.
The above-described packaging operation is usually performed manually by one or more people disposed at the end of a paper processing line, and that, with the high delivery that it is sought to achieve in respect of the paper processing line (presentday installations can typically produce up to some hundred products per minute, depending on the number of pages in the individual printed product), is linked to a large amount of work and - with an increase in the number of packaging staff - leads to space problems because of the generally constricted conditions. In addition manual introduction of the products signifies a high level of physical stress on the corresponding people as the corresponding stacks of products which often weigh up to several kilograms have to be lifted and fitted into the boxes.
DE 37 08 896 Al discloses an apparatus for filling and closing a container, preferably in the form of a box, with products in stack form, in which the products to be introduced into the box are introduced from below into the container to be filled which is initially still open and the underside of which is then closed and then a suitable lid is fitted thereon. That procedure however is not suitable for telescope-type boxes which usually have a fixed bottom. In addition subsequent closure of the bottom when the items are introduced thereinto generally leads to the disadvantage of a reduced load-carrying capacity on the part of the bottom, in comparison with a bottom which is closed from the outset.
Having regard to the above-outlined background, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for and a method of packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, by means of which the stacked products can be packaged in an automated procedure in a container having a container portion, in which there are from the outset a closed bottom and side portions, as is the case in particular with a telescope-type box portion.
The aforementioned object is attained by an apparatus in accordance with the features of independent claim 1 and a method in accordance with the features of independent claim 28.
Advantageous configurations are set forth in the appendant claims.
An apparatus according to the invention comprises:
- a first fitting-over device for placing the bottom on the top side of the product stack, - a turning device for turning the stack provided with the container portion in such a way that the open side of the first container portion is oriented upwardly after the turning operation, and - a covering device for closing the container after the turning operation.
The term 'product stack' is used in accordance with the invention for the stack which is still unpackaged; the term 'stack' is intended to denote the product stack already provided with the first container portion.
In that respect the terms 'product stack' and 'stack' respectively, in connection with the present invention, are intended not just to embrace the situation where corresponding individual products are stacked one above the other, that is to say vertically. Rather, it is also possible to deal with stacks in which a plurality of products are arranged lying in mutually juxtaposed relationship and with the side surfaces against each other. It is also possible to package a plurality of mutually juxtaposed vertical individual stacks, for example two mutually juxtaposed stacks of printed products of DIN-A5 format which overall afford a surface of the size of a DIN-A4 sheet.
The stack preferably has a rectangular base surface and involves the shape of a parallelepiped. In accordance with the invention however it is also possible to process product stacks of a differing base surface, for example cylindrical stacks.
In accordance with the present invention it is possible to process such diverse configurations as in the packaging operation the stacks are handled in such a way that displacement of the individual products of a stack relative to each other is prevented.
It will be appreciated that the invention can also be used for packaging individual products which are not in stack form, into a respective container (for example for particularly 'thick' individual products such as for example printed products, in respect of which only a single product fits into a container).
The containers used in the context of the invention preferably involve boxes, particularly preferably telescope-type boxes. Alternatively however it is also possible to use containers consisting of materials which are entirely or partially produced from substances such as plastic materials or fibers including textile and glass fibers.
Preferably the first fitting-over device is adapted to fit the first container portion over the product stack from above. That provides that a product stack resting on a support surface can remain thereon and thus slipping of the products is avoided. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention however it is also conceivable that the first container portion is fitted from the side, with its open side, over the stack, in which case the product stack would have to be lifted somewhat. The fitting-over operation signifies a relative movement of the container portion with respect to the product stack; in that case both the box portion and/or the product stack can be moved. Preferably the product stack remains immobile during the fitting-over operation while the box portion is moved thereover. The turning device is preferably adapted for turning the stack provided with the first container portion, about a horizontal axis, through an angle of about 180 . With such a rotation through 180 , the arrangement passes through conditions in respect of which it is necessary to ensure that the products do not fall out during the turning operation, for which reason the turning device has suitable retaining means which preferably delimit the open side of the first container portion or bear against products possibly projecting beyond the edge of the first container portion.
Printed products such as for example brochures, books or also loose sheets (for example forms, business papers or the like) are frequently packaged in so-called telescopically fitted lid boxes or telescope-type boxes. Telescope-type boxes have a bottom portion and a lid portion which is of a substantially similar structure in relation thereto and which is of slightly greater length and width, wherein in the packaging operation the bottom and lid portions are telescopically fitted over the stack of products formed from the printed products, from opposite sides of the stack, with the lid portion engaging over the bottom portion.
Telescope-type boxes are classified as 'type 03' in accordance with the standard of the FEFCO (European Associations of Corrugated Board Manufacturers), which is usual in the packaging area.
To ensure stackability of filled telescope-type boxes it is known that, in the packaging operation for the stackable products, firstly the bottom portion is generally filled with a certain upward oversize (that is to say extending beyond its actual height) by hand with the stack of products so that when a plurality of containers are stacked one above the other, the weight of the respectively superposed container is carried by the products disposed therebeneath and does not have to be absorbed by the side walls of the containers. Then the lid portion is telescopically fitted over the stack provided with the bottom portion, from the top side of the stack, with the dimensions of the lid portion being so selected that it fits over the bottom portion. As a result the consequence of this can be that the height of the filled telescopic-type box varies in dependence on the height of the stack of products accommodated therein.
The above-described packaging operation is usually performed manually by one or more people disposed at the end of a paper processing line, and that, with the high delivery that it is sought to achieve in respect of the paper processing line (presentday installations can typically produce up to some hundred products per minute, depending on the number of pages in the individual printed product), is linked to a large amount of work and - with an increase in the number of packaging staff - leads to space problems because of the generally constricted conditions. In addition manual introduction of the products signifies a high level of physical stress on the corresponding people as the corresponding stacks of products which often weigh up to several kilograms have to be lifted and fitted into the boxes.
DE 37 08 896 Al discloses an apparatus for filling and closing a container, preferably in the form of a box, with products in stack form, in which the products to be introduced into the box are introduced from below into the container to be filled which is initially still open and the underside of which is then closed and then a suitable lid is fitted thereon. That procedure however is not suitable for telescope-type boxes which usually have a fixed bottom. In addition subsequent closure of the bottom when the items are introduced thereinto generally leads to the disadvantage of a reduced load-carrying capacity on the part of the bottom, in comparison with a bottom which is closed from the outset.
Having regard to the above-outlined background, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for and a method of packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, by means of which the stacked products can be packaged in an automated procedure in a container having a container portion, in which there are from the outset a closed bottom and side portions, as is the case in particular with a telescope-type box portion.
The aforementioned object is attained by an apparatus in accordance with the features of independent claim 1 and a method in accordance with the features of independent claim 28.
Advantageous configurations are set forth in the appendant claims.
An apparatus according to the invention comprises:
- a first fitting-over device for placing the bottom on the top side of the product stack, - a turning device for turning the stack provided with the container portion in such a way that the open side of the first container portion is oriented upwardly after the turning operation, and - a covering device for closing the container after the turning operation.
The term 'product stack' is used in accordance with the invention for the stack which is still unpackaged; the term 'stack' is intended to denote the product stack already provided with the first container portion.
In that respect the terms 'product stack' and 'stack' respectively, in connection with the present invention, are intended not just to embrace the situation where corresponding individual products are stacked one above the other, that is to say vertically. Rather, it is also possible to deal with stacks in which a plurality of products are arranged lying in mutually juxtaposed relationship and with the side surfaces against each other. It is also possible to package a plurality of mutually juxtaposed vertical individual stacks, for example two mutually juxtaposed stacks of printed products of DIN-A5 format which overall afford a surface of the size of a DIN-A4 sheet.
The stack preferably has a rectangular base surface and involves the shape of a parallelepiped. In accordance with the invention however it is also possible to process product stacks of a differing base surface, for example cylindrical stacks.
In accordance with the present invention it is possible to process such diverse configurations as in the packaging operation the stacks are handled in such a way that displacement of the individual products of a stack relative to each other is prevented.
It will be appreciated that the invention can also be used for packaging individual products which are not in stack form, into a respective container (for example for particularly 'thick' individual products such as for example printed products, in respect of which only a single product fits into a container).
The containers used in the context of the invention preferably involve boxes, particularly preferably telescope-type boxes. Alternatively however it is also possible to use containers consisting of materials which are entirely or partially produced from substances such as plastic materials or fibers including textile and glass fibers.
Preferably the first fitting-over device is adapted to fit the first container portion over the product stack from above. That provides that a product stack resting on a support surface can remain thereon and thus slipping of the products is avoided. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention however it is also conceivable that the first container portion is fitted from the side, with its open side, over the stack, in which case the product stack would have to be lifted somewhat. The fitting-over operation signifies a relative movement of the container portion with respect to the product stack; in that case both the box portion and/or the product stack can be moved. Preferably the product stack remains immobile during the fitting-over operation while the box portion is moved thereover. The turning device is preferably adapted for turning the stack provided with the first container portion, about a horizontal axis, through an angle of about 180 . With such a rotation through 180 , the arrangement passes through conditions in respect of which it is necessary to ensure that the products do not fall out during the turning operation, for which reason the turning device has suitable retaining means which preferably delimit the open side of the first container portion or bear against products possibly projecting beyond the edge of the first container portion.
Preferably the covering device is in the form of a second fitting-over device which subsequently to the turning operation fits a second container portion which has a lid and side walls extending from the lid and which is open at the side opposite to the lid over the stack. That second container portion is thus preferably of a similar configuration to the first container portion, but of a slightly larger base surface, so that the side portions can slide over the stack and over the first container portion. Preferably the second container portion is the lid portion of a telescope-type box.
In alternative configurations of the invention it is also conceivable that closure of the container is effected by parts of the side portions of the first container portion, which side portions project beyond the product stack, are folded over to afford a lid. In this case the first container portion cannot be filled with products, to the edge. Closure can also be effected for example by means of elements in belt form which embrace the stack, or other means known in the state of the art.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a transport device having a transport path, along which one or more product stacks or stacks provided with the first container portion is or are respectively firstly fed to the first fitting-over device, then the turning device and then the covering device. In that way the fitting-over operation, the turning operation and the covering or closing operation can take place simultaneously. Alternatively it is also conceivable for two or three of those steps to take place at the same location, in which case in addition a feed or discharge of the unpackaged or packaged product stacks respectively is also to be ensured. Preferably the transport path is formed by at least one roller track; it can however also involve a conveyor belt, a chute or the like.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention an apparatus for packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, in telescope-type boxes, wherein each telescope-type box has a bottom portion and a lid portion, has the following devices:
- a transport device for transporting a product stack along a predetermined transport section;
In alternative configurations of the invention it is also conceivable that closure of the container is effected by parts of the side portions of the first container portion, which side portions project beyond the product stack, are folded over to afford a lid. In this case the first container portion cannot be filled with products, to the edge. Closure can also be effected for example by means of elements in belt form which embrace the stack, or other means known in the state of the art.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a transport device having a transport path, along which one or more product stacks or stacks provided with the first container portion is or are respectively firstly fed to the first fitting-over device, then the turning device and then the covering device. In that way the fitting-over operation, the turning operation and the covering or closing operation can take place simultaneously. Alternatively it is also conceivable for two or three of those steps to take place at the same location, in which case in addition a feed or discharge of the unpackaged or packaged product stacks respectively is also to be ensured. Preferably the transport path is formed by at least one roller track; it can however also involve a conveyor belt, a chute or the like.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention an apparatus for packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, in telescope-type boxes, wherein each telescope-type box has a bottom portion and a lid portion, has the following devices:
- a transport device for transporting a product stack along a predetermined transport section;
- a first fitting-over device for fitting a bottom portion over the product stack in a first transport position of said product stack;
- a second fitting-over device for fitting a lid portion over the stack provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover, in a second transport position of said product stack; and - a turning device for turning the stack provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover, in a turning position, wherein said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position.
The arrangement according to the invention of two fitting-over devices with a turning device disposed therebetween, along the transport section of a transport device, makes it possible for the operation of fitting a bottom portion and a lid portion respectively, that is required for packaging the stacked products in telescope-type boxes, from mutually opposite sides of the product stack, to be performed in fully automated mode, that is to say without the need for manual intervention on the part of an operator. At the same time the serial 'successive connection' of the first fitting-over device, the turning device and the second fitting-over device means that the individual method steps necessary for implementing the telescope-type box packaging can be carried out simultaneously in a cyclically controlled mode with a corresponding increase in throughput. That means that, during the execution of the operation of turning a product stack already provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover, the next product stack can already be provided with a bottom portion in the first fitting-over device, and so forth. Accordingly in that way the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a throughput of typically up to 20 packaged product stacks per minute.
Preferably the transport device is so adapted that it causes cyclic transport of the product stack or the stack.
Preferably the turning device has an axis of rotation above the transport path. Particularly preferably the turning device is adapted to pivot the product stack or stack substantially about its center of gravity.
- a second fitting-over device for fitting a lid portion over the stack provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover, in a second transport position of said product stack; and - a turning device for turning the stack provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover, in a turning position, wherein said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position.
The arrangement according to the invention of two fitting-over devices with a turning device disposed therebetween, along the transport section of a transport device, makes it possible for the operation of fitting a bottom portion and a lid portion respectively, that is required for packaging the stacked products in telescope-type boxes, from mutually opposite sides of the product stack, to be performed in fully automated mode, that is to say without the need for manual intervention on the part of an operator. At the same time the serial 'successive connection' of the first fitting-over device, the turning device and the second fitting-over device means that the individual method steps necessary for implementing the telescope-type box packaging can be carried out simultaneously in a cyclically controlled mode with a corresponding increase in throughput. That means that, during the execution of the operation of turning a product stack already provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover, the next product stack can already be provided with a bottom portion in the first fitting-over device, and so forth. Accordingly in that way the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a throughput of typically up to 20 packaged product stacks per minute.
Preferably the transport device is so adapted that it causes cyclic transport of the product stack or the stack.
Preferably the turning device has an axis of rotation above the transport path. Particularly preferably the turning device is adapted to pivot the product stack or stack substantially about its center of gravity.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the apparatus has a control device, by means of which the first fitting-over device, the second fitting-over device and the turning device are actuable for implementing cyclic operation.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the apparatus has a first magazine for receiving a stock of telescope-type box bottom portions and a second magazine for receiving a stock of telescope-type box lid portions, wherein the first and second magazines are adapted to receive the bottom and lid portions respectively in the flat condition thereof. In that way a large amount of bottom and lid portions which is desirable for the high throughput rates that the invention seeks to achieve can be stocked and incorporated into the automated packaging operation according to the invention, wherein the magazines are preferably arranged above the fitting-over devices whereby the required standing surface area for the apparatus according to the invention can be reduced, which is advantageous in particular for integration into existing paper processing lines with a small amount of available space.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the first fitting-over device and/or the second fitting-over device has means for erecting the side walls of the bottom portion and the lid portion respectively. That configuration has the advantage that the bottom and lid portions which are preferably in the form of 'erection boxes' can be fed from the respective magazine to the fitting-over device in the same working step and at the same time erected, whereby it is possible to achieve a further increase in the working speed and thus the throughput of the apparatus according to the invention.
The first fitting-over device and/or the second fitting-over device can preferably have at least one pivotal arm with a suction device engaging a side wall of the container or lid portion. The box portions can thus be erected by applying suction to the side walls and performing a pivotal movement.
In addition the first fitting-over device can have means for lowering the erected bottom portion over the product stack and/or the second fitting-over device can have means for lowering the erected lid portion over the stack.
In that respect preferably the means for lowering the bottom portion and lid portion respectively are in the form of abutment elements which are guided from beneath the transport path along at least two mutually opposite sides of the product stack or stack respectively and at the upper ends of which there are respectively provided gripping elements which engage behind at least two oppositely disposed side walls of the container portions to be fitted over, whereupon the abutment elements are moved downwardly and in that case pull the respective container portion over the product stack or stack respectively. This configuration of the means for lowering the box portions in the form of abutment elements has the advantage that at the same time they ensure that the respective box portion can be pulled without tilting over the product stack or over the stack provided with the first box portion. It is conceivable that the above-described fitting-over devices can also be used in other packaging installations independently of other devices of the present invention, in particular the turning device.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the apparatus has separating devices to permit selective removal of an individual container portion from the container portion stack of the magazines. That makes it possible to individually separate the bottom or lid portions prior to the removal thereof from the respective magazine and thus permits quick reliable access, even at high throughput rates.
Preferably the separating device has at least one brush bar which is so adapted that during removal of the respective lowermost container portion of the container portion stack it is brought laterally into engagement therewith and thereby blocks follow-on slipping movement of the container portion disposed above the container portion just being removed, and then the at least one brush bar is brought out of engagement with the container portion stack to cause follow-on slipping movement of the next container portion. Such a separating device can also be used independently of other devices of the present invention for individually separating mutually superposed flat objects.
In a preferred configuration the transport device has a transport path extending along the transport section and at least one guide element for guiding the product stack or the stack respectively on the transport path.
That guidance of the product stack or the stack has the advantage that the products forming the stack do not in that case slip relative to each other, as could happen for example upon acceleration or deceleration of a product stack which is resting with its base surface on a conveyor belt.
In a preferred embodiment the transport path has at least three parallel rows of free-running roller tracks and each guide element has at least two guide entrainment members which are coupled together and which are movable between the roller tracks in a vertical direction into and out of the transport path plane and in a horizontal direction parallel to the roller tracks.
Particularly preferably there are provided at least three guide element pairs (preferably each in turn respectively comprising two guide entrainment members) for cyclic movement of the product stacks or the stacks along the transport path, wherein a first guide element pair is provided for moving a product stack from a feed position for the stacks as a starting position to the first fitting-over device as a target position, a second guide element pair for moving a stack from the first fitting-over device as a starting position to the turning device as a target position, a third guide element pair for moving a stack from the turning device as a starting position to the second fitting-over device as a target position, wherein each guide element pair at its starting position is moved out of the plane of the transport path in such a way that the two guide elements of a guide element pair are disposed in the transport direction immediately in front of and behind the product stack or the stack to be transported, then the guide element pairs are moved together with the product stack or the stack in the transport direction to the respective target position and then the guide element pairs are lowered again below the transport path and moved back to their starting position.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the apparatus has a first magazine for receiving a stock of telescope-type box bottom portions and a second magazine for receiving a stock of telescope-type box lid portions, wherein the first and second magazines are adapted to receive the bottom and lid portions respectively in the flat condition thereof. In that way a large amount of bottom and lid portions which is desirable for the high throughput rates that the invention seeks to achieve can be stocked and incorporated into the automated packaging operation according to the invention, wherein the magazines are preferably arranged above the fitting-over devices whereby the required standing surface area for the apparatus according to the invention can be reduced, which is advantageous in particular for integration into existing paper processing lines with a small amount of available space.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the first fitting-over device and/or the second fitting-over device has means for erecting the side walls of the bottom portion and the lid portion respectively. That configuration has the advantage that the bottom and lid portions which are preferably in the form of 'erection boxes' can be fed from the respective magazine to the fitting-over device in the same working step and at the same time erected, whereby it is possible to achieve a further increase in the working speed and thus the throughput of the apparatus according to the invention.
The first fitting-over device and/or the second fitting-over device can preferably have at least one pivotal arm with a suction device engaging a side wall of the container or lid portion. The box portions can thus be erected by applying suction to the side walls and performing a pivotal movement.
In addition the first fitting-over device can have means for lowering the erected bottom portion over the product stack and/or the second fitting-over device can have means for lowering the erected lid portion over the stack.
In that respect preferably the means for lowering the bottom portion and lid portion respectively are in the form of abutment elements which are guided from beneath the transport path along at least two mutually opposite sides of the product stack or stack respectively and at the upper ends of which there are respectively provided gripping elements which engage behind at least two oppositely disposed side walls of the container portions to be fitted over, whereupon the abutment elements are moved downwardly and in that case pull the respective container portion over the product stack or stack respectively. This configuration of the means for lowering the box portions in the form of abutment elements has the advantage that at the same time they ensure that the respective box portion can be pulled without tilting over the product stack or over the stack provided with the first box portion. It is conceivable that the above-described fitting-over devices can also be used in other packaging installations independently of other devices of the present invention, in particular the turning device.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment the apparatus has separating devices to permit selective removal of an individual container portion from the container portion stack of the magazines. That makes it possible to individually separate the bottom or lid portions prior to the removal thereof from the respective magazine and thus permits quick reliable access, even at high throughput rates.
Preferably the separating device has at least one brush bar which is so adapted that during removal of the respective lowermost container portion of the container portion stack it is brought laterally into engagement therewith and thereby blocks follow-on slipping movement of the container portion disposed above the container portion just being removed, and then the at least one brush bar is brought out of engagement with the container portion stack to cause follow-on slipping movement of the next container portion. Such a separating device can also be used independently of other devices of the present invention for individually separating mutually superposed flat objects.
In a preferred configuration the transport device has a transport path extending along the transport section and at least one guide element for guiding the product stack or the stack respectively on the transport path.
That guidance of the product stack or the stack has the advantage that the products forming the stack do not in that case slip relative to each other, as could happen for example upon acceleration or deceleration of a product stack which is resting with its base surface on a conveyor belt.
In a preferred embodiment the transport path has at least three parallel rows of free-running roller tracks and each guide element has at least two guide entrainment members which are coupled together and which are movable between the roller tracks in a vertical direction into and out of the transport path plane and in a horizontal direction parallel to the roller tracks.
Particularly preferably there are provided at least three guide element pairs (preferably each in turn respectively comprising two guide entrainment members) for cyclic movement of the product stacks or the stacks along the transport path, wherein a first guide element pair is provided for moving a product stack from a feed position for the stacks as a starting position to the first fitting-over device as a target position, a second guide element pair for moving a stack from the first fitting-over device as a starting position to the turning device as a target position, a third guide element pair for moving a stack from the turning device as a starting position to the second fitting-over device as a target position, wherein each guide element pair at its starting position is moved out of the plane of the transport path in such a way that the two guide elements of a guide element pair are disposed in the transport direction immediately in front of and behind the product stack or the stack to be transported, then the guide element pairs are moved together with the product stack or the stack in the transport direction to the respective target position and then the guide element pairs are lowered again below the transport path and moved back to their starting position.
In addition there is also provided at least one further guide element for moving the stack from the second fitting-over device to a starting position.
Preferably the drive of the guide elements is so adapted that the two guide elements at least of the first guide element pair in the starting position are at a greater relative spacing in the transport direction than in the target position so that the product stack or the stack is thereby oriented in the transport direction. The spacing of the guide elements in the starting position is selected to be greater than the length of the respective stack to be guided so that the guide elements can move out of the transport path without encountering product stacks which are possibly not exactly oriented or which have slipped somewhat. The fact that the relative spacing of the guide elements towards the target position is reduced means that the stack on the one hand is oriented and on the other hand it is positioned precisely at the location of the next processing operation.
Preferably the first and third guide element pairs are formed at the same time as means for lowering the erected bottom or lid portion out of the magazines of the first and second turning-over device. In that way the lowering movement of the guide element pairs, that is required for the cyclic transport procedure, can also at the same time be used for fitting over the box portions, in which case the guide elements ensure that the box portions are fitted one over the other in trouble-free manner.
The above-mentioned guide elements permit orientation of the product stacks in respect of the side surfaces of the stacks, that are disposed transversely to the transport direction. In order also to orient the side surfaces of the stacks, that are oriented parallel to the transport direction, prior to the operation of fitting the box portions one over the other, and to guarantee blocking-free fitment of the box portions one over the other, pairs of side abutments arranged laterally on the transport path can be provided at the first and/or the second fitting-over device, which side abutments are applied prior to the fitting-over operation against the sides of the product stacks or the stacks, that are parallel to the transport direction, so that the product stacks or the stacks are properly oriented.
Preferably at the same time the side abutments can be in the form of means for lowering the erected bottom portion or lid portion out of the magazines of the first and second fitting-over devices.
Preferably the turning device can have a carrier which is arranged laterally of the transport path and which is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending transversely to the transport direction and on which a first and a second turning fork are linearly movably arranged, wherein a turning fork during the transport operation for the stack into the turning device is positioned in the plane or beneath the plane of the transport path, then for the turning operation the two turning forks are moved towards each other, wherein the stack is lifted off the transport path and is clamped between the two turning forks, then the carrier with the turning forks is rotated through about 180 and finally the turned stack is lowered on to the transport path again. Products are prevented from falling out by virtue of the stack being clamped between the turning forks. The above-described turning device can also be used independently of other devices of the present invention, in particular independently of the fitting-over devices.
Preferably there is further provided a device for automatic labelling of and/or inscription on the respective bottom portion and/or lid portion.
The invention further concerns a method of packaging stackable products in accordance with the features of independent claim 28.
In that respect the method according to the invention can also be implemented in an alternative embodiment (not described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings) without an interposed turning operation. For that purpose for example it would be conceivable for the first box portion to be firstly fitted in telescopic relationship over the product stack. Then the stack together with the first box portion fitted thereover is lowered by means of grippers which come from above and which engage under the stack, into the upwardly open second box portion.
Then an entrainment member disposed at the underside of the grippers can be folded over so that the grippers which are between the two box portions can be pulled out upwardly.
In regard to advantageous configurations of the method reference is made to the foregoing description in relation to the apparatus according to the invention.
Further configurations of the invention are to be found in the description and the claims.
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by means of a preferred embodiment by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the invention, Figures 2a-e show diagrammatic views of an apparatus according to the invention in different operating phases of the packaging procedure in time sequence, Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view to illustrate a fitting-over device according to the invention, Figure 4 shows a detailed perspective view of the first and the second fitting-over devices which are of the same structure in accordance with the present invention, Figure 5 shows a detail view of a box portion magazine according to the invention, and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a turning device according to the invention.
Referring to Figure 1 an apparatus 10 according to the invention has a main frame structure 40 displaceable on guide rollers. Provided on the main frame structure is a transport path 1 which extends horizontally and without limitation in terms of generality extends in a straight line and on which stackable products, for example printed product stacks, are successively fed firstly to a first fitting-over device generally identified by reference 34, then a turning device generally identified by reference 7 and then a second fitting-over device generally identified by reference 35. In the fitting-over devices 34, 35, telescope-type box portions 23, 24 are stored in vertically arranged magazines 4, 8 in a condition of being laid flat, more specifically with telescope-type box bottom portions 23 being disposed in the first fitting-over device 34 and telescope-type box lid portions 24 being disposed in the second fitting-over device 35, wherein the latter are of a slightly larger base surface so that they can be respectively fitted in the erected condition over the telescope-type box bottom portions. The bottom and lid portions which are respectively denoted by references 23, 24 hereinafter both in the laid-flat condition and also in the erected condition are in the form of 'erection boxes' in basically known fashion so that there is no need for a detailed representation and description here. Typically both the bottom and also the lid portions 23, 24 have so-called stabiliser bars which in the erecting procedure slide over the box bottom, latch in the end position in recesses in the box bottom and automatically fix the side walls in the erected condition so that a bottom or lid portion, once erected, no longer collapses of its own accord.
The magazines 4, 8 are arranged above the respective fitting-over devices 34, 35 and in that way make use of the 'air space' above the apparatus 10. To facilitate refilling the magazines 4, 8 in ongoing operation, the magazines can also be in the form of parallel dual magazines (not shown), in which case a feed is afforded from the respective one magazine shaft while the other can be refilled, whereupon the refilled magazine shaft can then be moved into the position of the feed shaft, for which purpose only a very short interruption in operation is required. Alternatively as will be appreciated the magazines can also be refilled 'from above' in ongoing operation.
In the fitting-over devices 34, 35 the box portions 23, 24 are respectively oriented and fitted over a stack. Disposed between the fitting-over devices 34 and 35 is the turning device 7 which pivots the stack provided with the bottom portion, about a horizontal axis extending transversely with respect to the transport direction denoted by P1, through an angle of 1800 (see arrow P2).
As an be seen from Figure 3, the stacks are transported on three free-running roller tracks 2a, 2b, 2c. Extending out of the gap extending in the transport direction between the first and second roller tracks 2a, 2b and the gap between the second and third roller tracks 2b, 2c are three guide element pairs 30a, 30b; 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b as well as a single guide element 33, which are respectively movable horizontally in the transport direction as well as vertically and which form a kind of guide comb. In that respect, in the illustrated embodiment, each guide element 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b and 33 (hereinafter referred to for brevity as 30a, b-33), as can be seen from Figure 3 by reference to the guide element 31a, comprises two individual, mutually juxtaposed entrainment members which are mechanically coupled beneath the transport path 1. During the transport operation the guide elements 30a, b-33 bear against the sides of the stacks, that are disposed transversely to the transport direction, and move them over the roller tracks 2a-c. In that case the guide elements 30a, 31a, 32a and 33 are disposed behind the stacks in the transport direction and push them forwards. The other guide elements 30b, 31b and 32b which are in front of the stacks in the transport direction limit the movement of the stacks. The movement of the guide elements 30a, b-33 occurs cyclically from a respective starting position to a target position.
After the target position is reached all guide elements 30a, b-33 are lowered below the transport path 1, moved back again in opposite relationship to the transport direction P1 into their starting position and then moved out of the transport path again, whereupon fresh stacks are received. That cyclic movement of all guide elements is produced by means of a common drive 41 which moves all guide elements 30a, b-33 in the transport direction and in the vertical direction.
The time sequence of a packaging cycle is described in greater detail hereinafter by reference to the diagrammatic views in Figures 2a through 2e. Control of the cycle is afforded by means of a microprocessor-based control device (not shown) which operates the corresponding actuators and receives feedback messages by means of sensors (not shown), for example position sensors.
In the situation shown in Figure 2a the stacks are respectively just being further transported. This involves a product stack 3a to be packaged, which is transported by the guide elements 30a, b to the first fitting-over device 34. At the same time a stack 3b already provided with an erected bottom portion 23 is transported by means of the guide elements 31a, b to the turning device 7. In addition, a stack 3c which has already been turned is also conveyed at the same time by means of the guide elements 32a, b to the second fitting-over device 35. The stack 3d provided there with an erected lid portion is then transported away by the last guide element 33 (the further discharge transport path is not shown).
Figure 2b shows a situation which in time follows the situation in Figure 2a and in which the guide elements 30a, b-33 have reached their respective target positions. The horizontal movement of the guide elements 30a, b-33 is thereupon concluded. At the two fitting-over devices 34, 35, at the illustrated moment in time, a bottom or lid portion 23, 24 in the respective magazine 4, 8 was oriented by means of suction grippers 6; that operation is described in greater detail hereinafter. The step of fitting the erected box portions 23, 24 one over the other is now implemented by a procedure whereby grippers 42 which are respectively provided at the guide elements 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b respectively, in the form of hook-shaped elements which can be folded over, engage under the edges of the respective erected box portion and slightly expand those edges in a slightly prestressed condition.
A vertical lowering movement of all guide elements 30a, b-33 then follows, whereby the box portions 23 and 24 respectively, by virtue of the prestressing of the grippers 42, are pulled over the respective stacks 3a, 3c, in which case the suction grippers 6 remain opened in order not to impede the movement. That lowering movement is about 50% concluded in the Figure 2c situation. In that case the guide element pairs 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b ensure that the box cannot tilt at the stack side surfaces as they always hold the stack in an oriented and aligned condition even during the fitting-over operation. As soon as the box which has been fitted over lies completely over the stack the grippers 42 slip out of the box edge.
As can be seen from Figure 2c by reference to the stack 3a the product stack is preferably higher than the bottom portion which is to be fitted thereover so that a part of the product stack remains uncovered. That desired upwardly extending product oversize improves later stackability of the filled telescope-type boxes; on the other hand the projecting portion, in the illustrated condition, is still susceptible to slipping. For that purpose further transport of the stacks is effected by laterally applying force by means of the guide element pairs 30a, b-32a, b.
In the region of the turning device 7 it can be seen from Figure 2c that a first turning fork 52 originally lowered beneath the transport path 1, with three fork elements oriented transversely relative to the transport direction, has lifted the stack 3b. A second turning fork 53 moves from above against the lifted stack 3b in such a way that the stack is clamped fast with a predetermined force between the forks 52, 53 which are preferably designed to be slip-impeding, so that the stack 3b is held fast in the turning operation which then takes place and no product can fall out in the turning procedure. The clamping force is regulated by sensor means so that the turning device 7 can automatically adapt to different stack heights.
As soon as the stack 3b is clamped between the turning forks 52, 53 and has reached a height in which a rotary movement can occur without touching the transport path 1 or the downwardly moving guide elements 31a, 31b, a 180 rotary movement of the turning forks 52, 53 arranged on a turntable 13 is implemented. During the transport cycles the first and second turning forks 52, 53 are retracted perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing behind the turntable so that the movement of the guide elements 31a, b is not blocked.
Figure 2d shows the turntable 13 during its rotary movement. During that rotary movement the guide elements 30a, b-33 which in that portion of the cycle are lowered completely beneath the transport path 1 are moved back in opposite relationship to the transport direction into their respective starting position. In addition a fresh product stack 3a' is prepared. In order to orient the respective next box portion 23 or 24 in the magazines 4 and 8 respectively the suction grippers 6 are firstly closed.
Now, brush bars 44 which prevent the box portion stacks in the magazines 4 and 8 respectively from a follow-on slipping movement upon removal of the lowermost box portion 23 or 24, by virtue of engaging laterally into the stack, are briefly moved out of their condition of lateral engagement so that the box portion stacks can perform a follow-on slipping movement and the following lowermost box portion 23 and 24 respectively comes to lie against the respective suction gripper 6. In that way the box portions can be reliably individually separated and isolated. Alternatively separation of the box portions can also be effected with probe fingers or the like, instead of the above-described brush bars 44.
In the situation shown in Figure 2e the rotary movement or pivotal movement of the stack 3b through 180 is concluded. The rotary movement can be both in the clockwise direction and also in the counter-clockwise direction; for structural reasons the direction of rotation is preferably selected to alternate. The stack 3b was deposited on the transport path 1 again by lowering movement of the downwardly disposed turning fork 53 (the turning forks 52, 53 have interchanged their position). The guide elements 30a, b-33 which are moved back into their starting position are now moved out of the transport path again, which has occurred to about 50% in Figure 2e. The procedure is then cyclically repeated, as shown in Figure 2a.
So that, in the upward movement of the guide element pairs 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b, stacks which are slightly mispositioned and/or imprecisely oriented ('skewed') are not lifted off the transport path 1 and trouble-free operation of the apparatus 10 is guaranteed, the specified guide element pairs 30a, b-33 are firstly moved upwardly with a certain 'safety distance' of for example 1 cm on both sides from the expected stack position above the plane of the transport path 1 (safety distance not shown). During the transport procedure the front guide elements 30a, 31a, 32a and the rear guide elements 30b, 31b, 32b are moved towards each other by a mechanism which causes a relative movement between those groups of guide elements, more specifically until the spacing is reduced approximately to the dimensions of the stacks in the transport direction. In that way the stacks 3a-3c are exactly positioned in the transport direction and stacks which have possibly slightly slipped out of place are aligned.
As can be seen from the detail views of the fitting-over devices shown in Figures 3 and 4, orientation or centering of the stacks is also effected, transversely with respect to the transport direction P1, by means of side abutments 11a, b (associated with the first fitting-over device 34), which are arranged in paired relationship laterally of the transport path (these are not shown in Figures 2a-2e for the sake of enhanced clarity), and 12a, 12b (associated with the second fitting-over device 35). The side abutments 11a, llb; 12a, 12b are lowered and raised synchronously with the guide elements 30 through 33. The side abutments lla, lib and 12a, 12b further have hook-shaped grippers 43 which, corresponding to the function of the guide element grippers 42, engage behind the box portion edge during the lowering movement and thus ensure that the box portions can be fitted one over the other without impediment.
The grippers 43 are further designed in such a way that they press the box portion edge against the upper edge of the side abutments 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b respectively and in that way clamp the box portion respectively fast between the grippers 43 and the side abutments 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b, thereby additionally ensuring that the box portion during the lowering movement follows that movement. In that respect the clamping force is so selected that in its end position in which it bears against the product stack, the box portion automatically slips out of the clamping arrangement without being damaged in that situation.
During the transport movement of the stacks 3a and 3c respectively the spacing of the side abutments 11a and 11b, 12a and 12b is increased somewhat by an actuator. Prior to the operation of fitting the box portions one over the other the side abutments 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b respectively move together whereby the stacks 3a and 3c respectively disposed therebetween are aligned and centered in the transverse direction.
The position and maximum extension height of the guide elements 30a, b-33 and of the side abutments 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b can be adapted to the dimensions of the respective product stack 3a. In that respect the extension height is preferably so selected that the uppermost printed product of the product stack 3a is also still protected from unwanted displacement.
Figure 5 shows a box portion magazine 4 or 8 respectively with one of the total of four suction grippers 6 engaging all side parts 51 of the bottom or lid portion 23, 24. Each suction gripper 6 is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis which approximately corresponds to the erection axis of the corresponding box side part, in the erection procedure. The box side parts 51 are respectively engaged by means of a suction cup 55 which is subjected to a reduced pressure.
Alternatively it is possible to use any other suitable system for erecting the container portions. For example, in accordance with an alternative embodiment (not shown), in a modification of the Figure 5 configuration, the pivotal arm can be of such a design that it engages with an entrainment member or the like directly into the region of the bottom or lid portion, that forms the interior of the box, in which case no suction cups and no reduced-pressure sources are required.
Figure 6 shows the turning device 7 in greater detail. The turning forks 52, 53 are arranged movably in parallel slots in the turntable 13. The roller tracks 2a, 2b, 2c are of an interrupted configuration in the region of contact of the turning fork 52 so that the turning fork 52 does not stand up out of the plane of the transport path 1 in the stack transport procedure.
Alternatively, in an embodiment which is not shown here, the turning operation can also be effected about an axis substantially parallel to the transport direction. Furthermore the turning device can be formed by a contact member which engages into the box in such a way that the content of incompletely filled boxes can also be held fast in the turning operation.
Many different deviations from the above-described embodiment are conceivable in accordance with the invention. Thus, instead of a further telescope-type box being fitted over the bottom portion, closure of the box can also be effected by folding over closure elements provided on the first container portion, into a closure position. In addition the invention can also be used not only in connection with telescope-like boxes but also in connection with all packaging tasks in which material in stack form is to be packaged in an upwardly open container. It is also conceivable, instead of transportation of the stacks between a first fitting-over device, a turning device and a second fitting-over device, for those operations to be respectively implemented at the same location.
List of references 1 transport path 2a, b, c roller tracks 3a-e product stack 4 magazine for bottom portions 6 suction gripper 7 turning device 8 magazine for lid portions overall apparatus lla, ilb side abutments 12a, 12b side abutments 13 turntable 23 bottom portions 24 lid portions 30a, 30b first guide elements 31a, 30b second guide elements 32a, 30b third guide elements 33 fourth guide element 34 first fitting-over device 35 second fitting-over device 40 main frame structure 41 guide element drive 42 guide element gripper 43 side abutment gripper 44 brush bars 50 bottom 51 side walls 52 first turning fork 53 second turning fork 54 abutment plate 55 suction cup 56 lid
Preferably the drive of the guide elements is so adapted that the two guide elements at least of the first guide element pair in the starting position are at a greater relative spacing in the transport direction than in the target position so that the product stack or the stack is thereby oriented in the transport direction. The spacing of the guide elements in the starting position is selected to be greater than the length of the respective stack to be guided so that the guide elements can move out of the transport path without encountering product stacks which are possibly not exactly oriented or which have slipped somewhat. The fact that the relative spacing of the guide elements towards the target position is reduced means that the stack on the one hand is oriented and on the other hand it is positioned precisely at the location of the next processing operation.
Preferably the first and third guide element pairs are formed at the same time as means for lowering the erected bottom or lid portion out of the magazines of the first and second turning-over device. In that way the lowering movement of the guide element pairs, that is required for the cyclic transport procedure, can also at the same time be used for fitting over the box portions, in which case the guide elements ensure that the box portions are fitted one over the other in trouble-free manner.
The above-mentioned guide elements permit orientation of the product stacks in respect of the side surfaces of the stacks, that are disposed transversely to the transport direction. In order also to orient the side surfaces of the stacks, that are oriented parallel to the transport direction, prior to the operation of fitting the box portions one over the other, and to guarantee blocking-free fitment of the box portions one over the other, pairs of side abutments arranged laterally on the transport path can be provided at the first and/or the second fitting-over device, which side abutments are applied prior to the fitting-over operation against the sides of the product stacks or the stacks, that are parallel to the transport direction, so that the product stacks or the stacks are properly oriented.
Preferably at the same time the side abutments can be in the form of means for lowering the erected bottom portion or lid portion out of the magazines of the first and second fitting-over devices.
Preferably the turning device can have a carrier which is arranged laterally of the transport path and which is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending transversely to the transport direction and on which a first and a second turning fork are linearly movably arranged, wherein a turning fork during the transport operation for the stack into the turning device is positioned in the plane or beneath the plane of the transport path, then for the turning operation the two turning forks are moved towards each other, wherein the stack is lifted off the transport path and is clamped between the two turning forks, then the carrier with the turning forks is rotated through about 180 and finally the turned stack is lowered on to the transport path again. Products are prevented from falling out by virtue of the stack being clamped between the turning forks. The above-described turning device can also be used independently of other devices of the present invention, in particular independently of the fitting-over devices.
Preferably there is further provided a device for automatic labelling of and/or inscription on the respective bottom portion and/or lid portion.
The invention further concerns a method of packaging stackable products in accordance with the features of independent claim 28.
In that respect the method according to the invention can also be implemented in an alternative embodiment (not described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings) without an interposed turning operation. For that purpose for example it would be conceivable for the first box portion to be firstly fitted in telescopic relationship over the product stack. Then the stack together with the first box portion fitted thereover is lowered by means of grippers which come from above and which engage under the stack, into the upwardly open second box portion.
Then an entrainment member disposed at the underside of the grippers can be folded over so that the grippers which are between the two box portions can be pulled out upwardly.
In regard to advantageous configurations of the method reference is made to the foregoing description in relation to the apparatus according to the invention.
Further configurations of the invention are to be found in the description and the claims.
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by means of a preferred embodiment by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the invention, Figures 2a-e show diagrammatic views of an apparatus according to the invention in different operating phases of the packaging procedure in time sequence, Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view to illustrate a fitting-over device according to the invention, Figure 4 shows a detailed perspective view of the first and the second fitting-over devices which are of the same structure in accordance with the present invention, Figure 5 shows a detail view of a box portion magazine according to the invention, and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a turning device according to the invention.
Referring to Figure 1 an apparatus 10 according to the invention has a main frame structure 40 displaceable on guide rollers. Provided on the main frame structure is a transport path 1 which extends horizontally and without limitation in terms of generality extends in a straight line and on which stackable products, for example printed product stacks, are successively fed firstly to a first fitting-over device generally identified by reference 34, then a turning device generally identified by reference 7 and then a second fitting-over device generally identified by reference 35. In the fitting-over devices 34, 35, telescope-type box portions 23, 24 are stored in vertically arranged magazines 4, 8 in a condition of being laid flat, more specifically with telescope-type box bottom portions 23 being disposed in the first fitting-over device 34 and telescope-type box lid portions 24 being disposed in the second fitting-over device 35, wherein the latter are of a slightly larger base surface so that they can be respectively fitted in the erected condition over the telescope-type box bottom portions. The bottom and lid portions which are respectively denoted by references 23, 24 hereinafter both in the laid-flat condition and also in the erected condition are in the form of 'erection boxes' in basically known fashion so that there is no need for a detailed representation and description here. Typically both the bottom and also the lid portions 23, 24 have so-called stabiliser bars which in the erecting procedure slide over the box bottom, latch in the end position in recesses in the box bottom and automatically fix the side walls in the erected condition so that a bottom or lid portion, once erected, no longer collapses of its own accord.
The magazines 4, 8 are arranged above the respective fitting-over devices 34, 35 and in that way make use of the 'air space' above the apparatus 10. To facilitate refilling the magazines 4, 8 in ongoing operation, the magazines can also be in the form of parallel dual magazines (not shown), in which case a feed is afforded from the respective one magazine shaft while the other can be refilled, whereupon the refilled magazine shaft can then be moved into the position of the feed shaft, for which purpose only a very short interruption in operation is required. Alternatively as will be appreciated the magazines can also be refilled 'from above' in ongoing operation.
In the fitting-over devices 34, 35 the box portions 23, 24 are respectively oriented and fitted over a stack. Disposed between the fitting-over devices 34 and 35 is the turning device 7 which pivots the stack provided with the bottom portion, about a horizontal axis extending transversely with respect to the transport direction denoted by P1, through an angle of 1800 (see arrow P2).
As an be seen from Figure 3, the stacks are transported on three free-running roller tracks 2a, 2b, 2c. Extending out of the gap extending in the transport direction between the first and second roller tracks 2a, 2b and the gap between the second and third roller tracks 2b, 2c are three guide element pairs 30a, 30b; 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b as well as a single guide element 33, which are respectively movable horizontally in the transport direction as well as vertically and which form a kind of guide comb. In that respect, in the illustrated embodiment, each guide element 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b and 33 (hereinafter referred to for brevity as 30a, b-33), as can be seen from Figure 3 by reference to the guide element 31a, comprises two individual, mutually juxtaposed entrainment members which are mechanically coupled beneath the transport path 1. During the transport operation the guide elements 30a, b-33 bear against the sides of the stacks, that are disposed transversely to the transport direction, and move them over the roller tracks 2a-c. In that case the guide elements 30a, 31a, 32a and 33 are disposed behind the stacks in the transport direction and push them forwards. The other guide elements 30b, 31b and 32b which are in front of the stacks in the transport direction limit the movement of the stacks. The movement of the guide elements 30a, b-33 occurs cyclically from a respective starting position to a target position.
After the target position is reached all guide elements 30a, b-33 are lowered below the transport path 1, moved back again in opposite relationship to the transport direction P1 into their starting position and then moved out of the transport path again, whereupon fresh stacks are received. That cyclic movement of all guide elements is produced by means of a common drive 41 which moves all guide elements 30a, b-33 in the transport direction and in the vertical direction.
The time sequence of a packaging cycle is described in greater detail hereinafter by reference to the diagrammatic views in Figures 2a through 2e. Control of the cycle is afforded by means of a microprocessor-based control device (not shown) which operates the corresponding actuators and receives feedback messages by means of sensors (not shown), for example position sensors.
In the situation shown in Figure 2a the stacks are respectively just being further transported. This involves a product stack 3a to be packaged, which is transported by the guide elements 30a, b to the first fitting-over device 34. At the same time a stack 3b already provided with an erected bottom portion 23 is transported by means of the guide elements 31a, b to the turning device 7. In addition, a stack 3c which has already been turned is also conveyed at the same time by means of the guide elements 32a, b to the second fitting-over device 35. The stack 3d provided there with an erected lid portion is then transported away by the last guide element 33 (the further discharge transport path is not shown).
Figure 2b shows a situation which in time follows the situation in Figure 2a and in which the guide elements 30a, b-33 have reached their respective target positions. The horizontal movement of the guide elements 30a, b-33 is thereupon concluded. At the two fitting-over devices 34, 35, at the illustrated moment in time, a bottom or lid portion 23, 24 in the respective magazine 4, 8 was oriented by means of suction grippers 6; that operation is described in greater detail hereinafter. The step of fitting the erected box portions 23, 24 one over the other is now implemented by a procedure whereby grippers 42 which are respectively provided at the guide elements 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b respectively, in the form of hook-shaped elements which can be folded over, engage under the edges of the respective erected box portion and slightly expand those edges in a slightly prestressed condition.
A vertical lowering movement of all guide elements 30a, b-33 then follows, whereby the box portions 23 and 24 respectively, by virtue of the prestressing of the grippers 42, are pulled over the respective stacks 3a, 3c, in which case the suction grippers 6 remain opened in order not to impede the movement. That lowering movement is about 50% concluded in the Figure 2c situation. In that case the guide element pairs 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b ensure that the box cannot tilt at the stack side surfaces as they always hold the stack in an oriented and aligned condition even during the fitting-over operation. As soon as the box which has been fitted over lies completely over the stack the grippers 42 slip out of the box edge.
As can be seen from Figure 2c by reference to the stack 3a the product stack is preferably higher than the bottom portion which is to be fitted thereover so that a part of the product stack remains uncovered. That desired upwardly extending product oversize improves later stackability of the filled telescope-type boxes; on the other hand the projecting portion, in the illustrated condition, is still susceptible to slipping. For that purpose further transport of the stacks is effected by laterally applying force by means of the guide element pairs 30a, b-32a, b.
In the region of the turning device 7 it can be seen from Figure 2c that a first turning fork 52 originally lowered beneath the transport path 1, with three fork elements oriented transversely relative to the transport direction, has lifted the stack 3b. A second turning fork 53 moves from above against the lifted stack 3b in such a way that the stack is clamped fast with a predetermined force between the forks 52, 53 which are preferably designed to be slip-impeding, so that the stack 3b is held fast in the turning operation which then takes place and no product can fall out in the turning procedure. The clamping force is regulated by sensor means so that the turning device 7 can automatically adapt to different stack heights.
As soon as the stack 3b is clamped between the turning forks 52, 53 and has reached a height in which a rotary movement can occur without touching the transport path 1 or the downwardly moving guide elements 31a, 31b, a 180 rotary movement of the turning forks 52, 53 arranged on a turntable 13 is implemented. During the transport cycles the first and second turning forks 52, 53 are retracted perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing behind the turntable so that the movement of the guide elements 31a, b is not blocked.
Figure 2d shows the turntable 13 during its rotary movement. During that rotary movement the guide elements 30a, b-33 which in that portion of the cycle are lowered completely beneath the transport path 1 are moved back in opposite relationship to the transport direction into their respective starting position. In addition a fresh product stack 3a' is prepared. In order to orient the respective next box portion 23 or 24 in the magazines 4 and 8 respectively the suction grippers 6 are firstly closed.
Now, brush bars 44 which prevent the box portion stacks in the magazines 4 and 8 respectively from a follow-on slipping movement upon removal of the lowermost box portion 23 or 24, by virtue of engaging laterally into the stack, are briefly moved out of their condition of lateral engagement so that the box portion stacks can perform a follow-on slipping movement and the following lowermost box portion 23 and 24 respectively comes to lie against the respective suction gripper 6. In that way the box portions can be reliably individually separated and isolated. Alternatively separation of the box portions can also be effected with probe fingers or the like, instead of the above-described brush bars 44.
In the situation shown in Figure 2e the rotary movement or pivotal movement of the stack 3b through 180 is concluded. The rotary movement can be both in the clockwise direction and also in the counter-clockwise direction; for structural reasons the direction of rotation is preferably selected to alternate. The stack 3b was deposited on the transport path 1 again by lowering movement of the downwardly disposed turning fork 53 (the turning forks 52, 53 have interchanged their position). The guide elements 30a, b-33 which are moved back into their starting position are now moved out of the transport path again, which has occurred to about 50% in Figure 2e. The procedure is then cyclically repeated, as shown in Figure 2a.
So that, in the upward movement of the guide element pairs 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b, stacks which are slightly mispositioned and/or imprecisely oriented ('skewed') are not lifted off the transport path 1 and trouble-free operation of the apparatus 10 is guaranteed, the specified guide element pairs 30a, b-33 are firstly moved upwardly with a certain 'safety distance' of for example 1 cm on both sides from the expected stack position above the plane of the transport path 1 (safety distance not shown). During the transport procedure the front guide elements 30a, 31a, 32a and the rear guide elements 30b, 31b, 32b are moved towards each other by a mechanism which causes a relative movement between those groups of guide elements, more specifically until the spacing is reduced approximately to the dimensions of the stacks in the transport direction. In that way the stacks 3a-3c are exactly positioned in the transport direction and stacks which have possibly slightly slipped out of place are aligned.
As can be seen from the detail views of the fitting-over devices shown in Figures 3 and 4, orientation or centering of the stacks is also effected, transversely with respect to the transport direction P1, by means of side abutments 11a, b (associated with the first fitting-over device 34), which are arranged in paired relationship laterally of the transport path (these are not shown in Figures 2a-2e for the sake of enhanced clarity), and 12a, 12b (associated with the second fitting-over device 35). The side abutments 11a, llb; 12a, 12b are lowered and raised synchronously with the guide elements 30 through 33. The side abutments lla, lib and 12a, 12b further have hook-shaped grippers 43 which, corresponding to the function of the guide element grippers 42, engage behind the box portion edge during the lowering movement and thus ensure that the box portions can be fitted one over the other without impediment.
The grippers 43 are further designed in such a way that they press the box portion edge against the upper edge of the side abutments 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b respectively and in that way clamp the box portion respectively fast between the grippers 43 and the side abutments 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b, thereby additionally ensuring that the box portion during the lowering movement follows that movement. In that respect the clamping force is so selected that in its end position in which it bears against the product stack, the box portion automatically slips out of the clamping arrangement without being damaged in that situation.
During the transport movement of the stacks 3a and 3c respectively the spacing of the side abutments 11a and 11b, 12a and 12b is increased somewhat by an actuator. Prior to the operation of fitting the box portions one over the other the side abutments 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b respectively move together whereby the stacks 3a and 3c respectively disposed therebetween are aligned and centered in the transverse direction.
The position and maximum extension height of the guide elements 30a, b-33 and of the side abutments 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b can be adapted to the dimensions of the respective product stack 3a. In that respect the extension height is preferably so selected that the uppermost printed product of the product stack 3a is also still protected from unwanted displacement.
Figure 5 shows a box portion magazine 4 or 8 respectively with one of the total of four suction grippers 6 engaging all side parts 51 of the bottom or lid portion 23, 24. Each suction gripper 6 is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis which approximately corresponds to the erection axis of the corresponding box side part, in the erection procedure. The box side parts 51 are respectively engaged by means of a suction cup 55 which is subjected to a reduced pressure.
Alternatively it is possible to use any other suitable system for erecting the container portions. For example, in accordance with an alternative embodiment (not shown), in a modification of the Figure 5 configuration, the pivotal arm can be of such a design that it engages with an entrainment member or the like directly into the region of the bottom or lid portion, that forms the interior of the box, in which case no suction cups and no reduced-pressure sources are required.
Figure 6 shows the turning device 7 in greater detail. The turning forks 52, 53 are arranged movably in parallel slots in the turntable 13. The roller tracks 2a, 2b, 2c are of an interrupted configuration in the region of contact of the turning fork 52 so that the turning fork 52 does not stand up out of the plane of the transport path 1 in the stack transport procedure.
Alternatively, in an embodiment which is not shown here, the turning operation can also be effected about an axis substantially parallel to the transport direction. Furthermore the turning device can be formed by a contact member which engages into the box in such a way that the content of incompletely filled boxes can also be held fast in the turning operation.
Many different deviations from the above-described embodiment are conceivable in accordance with the invention. Thus, instead of a further telescope-type box being fitted over the bottom portion, closure of the box can also be effected by folding over closure elements provided on the first container portion, into a closure position. In addition the invention can also be used not only in connection with telescope-like boxes but also in connection with all packaging tasks in which material in stack form is to be packaged in an upwardly open container. It is also conceivable, instead of transportation of the stacks between a first fitting-over device, a turning device and a second fitting-over device, for those operations to be respectively implemented at the same location.
List of references 1 transport path 2a, b, c roller tracks 3a-e product stack 4 magazine for bottom portions 6 suction gripper 7 turning device 8 magazine for lid portions overall apparatus lla, ilb side abutments 12a, 12b side abutments 13 turntable 23 bottom portions 24 lid portions 30a, 30b first guide elements 31a, 30b second guide elements 32a, 30b third guide elements 33 fourth guide element 34 first fitting-over device 35 second fitting-over device 40 main frame structure 41 guide element drive 42 guide element gripper 43 side abutment gripper 44 brush bars 50 bottom 51 side walls 52 first turning fork 53 second turning fork 54 abutment plate 55 suction cup 56 lid
Claims (33)
1. An apparatus for packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, in a container which has at least a first container portion (23) with a bottom (50) and with side walls (51) extending from the bottom, wherein the container portion (23) is open at the side opposite to the bottom (50), characterised by - a first fitting-over device (34) for placing the bottom (50) on the top side of the product stack (3a), - a turning device (7) for turning the stack (3b) provided with the container portion (23) in such a way that the open side of the first container portion (23) is oriented upwardly after the turning operation, and - a covering device (35) for closing the container after the turning operation.
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the first fitting-over device (34) is adapted to fit the first container portion (23) over the product stack (3a) from above and the turning device (7) is adapted to turn the stack (3b) provided with the first container portion (23) about a horizontal axis and through an angle of about 180°, wherein the turning device (7) has retaining means (52) to prevent products from falling out during the turning operation.
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that it is adapted for packaging product stacks (3a) comprising one or more mutually juxtaposed individual stacks, wherein each individual stack comprises one or more products.
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 characterised in that the covering device is in the form of a second fitting-over device (35) which subsequently to the turning operation fits a second container portion (24) which has a lid and side walls extending from the lid and which is open at the side opposite to the lid over the stack (3c) having the first container portion (23).
5. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 1 through 4 characterised in that there is provided a transport device having a transport path (1), along which one or more product stacks (3a) or stacks (3b, 3c) provided with the first container portion is or are respectively firstly fed to the first fitting-over device, then the turning device and then the covering device.
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 or claim 5 characterised in that - the first container portion is in the form of a telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and the second container portion is in the form of a telescope-type box lid portion (24), and - there is provided a transport device for transporting the product stack or stack along a predetermined transport section, - the first fitting-over device (34) is adapted for fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) in a first transport position of said product stack (3a), - the second fitting-over device (35) is adapted to fit the telescope-type box lid portion (24) over the stack (3c) provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover in a second transport position of said product stack (3c), and - there is provided a turning device (7) for turning the stack (3b) provided with the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) fitted thereover, in a turning position, and said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position.
7. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 1 through 6 characterised in that the transport device is so adapted that it causes cyclic transport of the product stack or the stack.
8. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 1 through 7 characterised in that the turning device has an axis of rotation above the transport path.
9. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 1 through 8 characterised in that the turning device is adapted to pivot the product stack or stack substantially about its center of gravity.
10. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 6 through 9 characterised in that it further comprises:
a control device, by means of which the first fitting-over device (34), the second fitting-over device (35), the turning device (7) and the transport device are actuable for implementing cyclic operation.
a control device, by means of which the first fitting-over device (34), the second fitting-over device (35), the turning device (7) and the transport device are actuable for implementing cyclic operation.
11. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 6 through 10 characterised in that it further comprises:
a first magazine (4) for receiving a stock of telescope-type box bottom portions (23); and a second magazine (8) for receiving a stock of telescope-type box lid portions (24), wherein the first and second magazines (4, 8) are adapted to receive the bottom and lid portions (23, 24) respectively in the flat condition thereof.
a first magazine (4) for receiving a stock of telescope-type box bottom portions (23); and a second magazine (8) for receiving a stock of telescope-type box lid portions (24), wherein the first and second magazines (4, 8) are adapted to receive the bottom and lid portions (23, 24) respectively in the flat condition thereof.
12. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 6 through 11 characterised in that the first fitting-over device (34) and/or the second fitting-over device (35) has means (6) for erecting the side walls of the bottom portion (23) and the lid portion (24) respectively.
13. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 6 through 12 characterised in that the means for erecting the telescope-type box bottom portion and the telescope-type box lid portion have at least one pivotal arm in the form of a suction gripper (6) and having a suction device (55) engaging a side wall of the container or lid portion respectively.
14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 or claim 13 characterised in that the first fitting-over device (34) has means (30a, 30b) for lowering the erected bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) and/or the second fitting-over device (35) has means (32a, 32b) for lowering the erected lid portion (24) over the stack (3c).
15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 characterised in that the means for lowering the erected bottom portion (23) and/or the means for lowering the erected lid portion (24) are in the form of abutment elements (30a, 30b; 32a, 32b) which are guided from beneath the transport path (1) along at least two mutually opposite sides of the product stack or stack (3a, 3c) respectively and at the upper ends of which there are respectively provided gripping elements (42) which engage behind at least two oppositely disposed side walls of the container portions (23, 24) to be fitted over, whereupon the abutment elements (30a, 30b; 32a, 32b) are moved downwardly and in that case pull the respective container portion (23, 24) over the product stack (3a) or stack (3c) respectively.
16. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 6 through 15 characterised in that it further comprises a separating device for permitting selective removal of an individual bottom or lid portion (23, 24) from a stock of bottom or lid portions.
17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 16 characterised in that the separating device has at least one brush bar (44) which is so adapted that during removal of the respective lowermost container portion of the container portion stack it is brought laterally into engagement therewith and thereby blocks follow-on slipping movement of the container portion disposed above the container portion just being removed, and then the at least one brush bar (44) is brought out of engagement with the container portion stack to cause follow-on slipping movement of the next container portion.
18. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 7 through 17 characterised in that the transport device has a transport path (1) extending along the transport section and at least one guide element (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33) for guiding the product stack or the stack (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) respectively on the transport path (1).
19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18 characterised in that the transport path (1) has at least three parallel rows of free-running roller tracks (2a, 2b, 2c) and each guide element (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33) has at least two guide entrainment members which are coupled together and which are movable between the roller tracks (2a, 2b, 2c) in a vertical direction into and out of the transport path plane and in a horizontal direction parallel to the roller tracks.
20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18 or claim 19 characterised in that there are provided at least three guide element pairs (30a, 30b; 31a, 31b; 32a, 32b) for cyclic movement of the product stacks or the stacks (3a, 3b, 3c) along the transport path (1), wherein a first guide element pair (30a, 30b) is provided for moving a product stack (3a) from a feed position for the stacks as a starting position to the first fitting-over device (34) as a target position, a second guide element pair (31a, 31b) for moving a stack (3b) from the first fitting-over device (34) as a starting position to the turning device (7) as a target position, a third guide element pair (32a, 32b) for moving a stack (3c) from the turning device (7) as a starting position to the second fitting-over device (35) as a target position, wherein each guide element pair at its starting position is moved out of the plane of the transport path (1) in such a way that the two guide elements of a guide element pair are disposed in the transport direction (P1) immediately in front of and behind the product stack or the stack (3a, 3b, 3c) to be transported, then the guide element pairs are moved together with the product stack or the stack in the transport direction (P1) to the respective target position and then the guide element pairs are lowered again below the transport path (1) and moved back to their starting position.
21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 characterised in that there is provided at least one further guide element (33) for moving the stack (3c) from the second fitting-over device (35) to a starting position.
22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21 characterised in that a drive (41) of the guide elements (30a, 30b; 31a, 31b; 32a, 32b) is so adapted that the two guide elements at least of the first guide element pair (30a, 30b) in the starting position are at a greater relative spacing in the transport direction (P1) than in the target position so that the product stack (3a) or the stack (3b, 3c) is thereby oriented in the transport direction.
23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 and one of claims 18 through 22 characterised in that the first and third guide element pairs (30a, 30b;
32a, 32b) are formed at the same time as means for lowering the erected bottom or lid portion (23, 24) out of the magazines (4, 8) of the first and second turning-over device (34, 35).
32a, 32b) are formed at the same time as means for lowering the erected bottom or lid portion (23, 24) out of the magazines (4, 8) of the first and second turning-over device (34, 35).
24. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 6 through 23 characterised in that for orientation of the product stacks (3a) and/or the stacks (3c) transversely relative to the transport direction (P1) there is provided on the first and/or the second fitting-over device (34, 35) a pair of side abutments (11a, 12a) which are arranged laterally on the transport path and which prior to the fitting-over operation are applied against the sides of the product stacks (3a) and the stacks (3c), that are parallel to the transport direction (P1), so that the product stack or the stack is oriented.
25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 and claim 24 characterised in that at the same time the side abutments (11a, 12a) are in the form of means for lowering the erected bottom portion (23) or lid portion (24) out of the magazines (4, 8) of the first and second fitting-over devices (34, 35).
26. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 1 through 25 characterised in that the turning device (7) has a carrier (13) which is arranged laterally of the transport path and which is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending transversely to the transport direction and on which a first and a second turning fork (52, 53) are linearly movably arranged, wherein a turning fork (52) during the transport operation for the stack into the turning device is positioned in the plane or beneath the plane of the transport path and the other turning fork (53) is positioned above the transport path, then for the turning operation both turning forks (52, 53) are moved towards each other, wherein the stack (3b) is lifted off the transport path (1) and is clamped between the two turning forks (52, 53), then the carrier (13) with the turning forks is rotated through about 180°
and finally the turned stack (3b) is lowered on to the transport path (1) again.
and finally the turned stack (3b) is lowered on to the transport path (1) again.
27. Apparatus as set forth in one of claims 1 through 26 characterised in that it further has a device for automatic labelling of and/or inscription on the respective bottom portion (23) and/or lid portion (24).
28. A method of packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, in a container with a first container portion (23) which has a bottom (50) and side walls (51) extending from the bottom, wherein the first container portion (23) is open at the side opposite to the bottom (50), and a second container portion (24) which covers the first container portion at the open side, characterised by the steps a) fitting the first container portion (23) with its open side over a product stack (3a), b) closing the first container portion (23) by applying the second container portion (24) against the stack in a direction in opposite relationship to the movement in step a).
29. A method as set forth in claim 28 characterised in that the stack is turned between step a) and step b) in such a way that the first container portion (23) is open upwardly.
30. A method as set forth in claim 28 or claim 29 characterised in that in the closure operation the second container portion (24) is lowered on to the stack.
31. A method as set forth in one of claims 28 through 30 characterised in that closure of the first container portion (23) in step b) is effected by fitting a second container portion (24) which has a lid (56) and side walls extending from the lid (56) and which is open at the side opposite to the lid (56), over the first container portion (23).
32. A method as set forth in one of claims 28 through 31 characterised in that the first container portion is in the form of a telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and the second container portion is in the form of a telescope-type box lid portion (24), wherein the method comprises the following steps:
- transporting a product stack (3a, b, c) along a predetermined transport path;
- fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) in a first transport position of said product stack (3a) ;
- fitting the telescope-type box lid portion (24) over the product stack (3c) provided with the bottom portion (23) fitted thereover, in a second transport position of said product stack (3c); and - turning the stack (3b) provided with the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) fitted thereover in a turning position, wherein said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position, and wherein the turning operation is effected between the operation of fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and the operation of fitting the telescope-type box lid portion (24).
- transporting a product stack (3a, b, c) along a predetermined transport path;
- fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) in a first transport position of said product stack (3a) ;
- fitting the telescope-type box lid portion (24) over the product stack (3c) provided with the bottom portion (23) fitted thereover, in a second transport position of said product stack (3c); and - turning the stack (3b) provided with the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) fitted thereover in a turning position, wherein said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position, and wherein the turning operation is effected between the operation of fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and the operation of fitting the telescope-type box lid portion (24).
33. A method as set forth in claim 28 or claim 29 characterised in that closure of the first container portion is effected by folding over closure elements provided on the first container portion, into a closure position.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP07103085.2 | 2007-02-26 | ||
| EP07103085A EP1961660A1 (en) | 2007-02-26 | 2007-02-26 | Device and method for packing stackable objects, in particular printing products |
| PCT/EP2008/051954 WO2008104476A1 (en) | 2007-02-26 | 2008-02-18 | Device and method for packaging stackable objects, particularly printed products |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2677446A1 true CA2677446A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002677446A Abandoned CA2677446A1 (en) | 2007-02-26 | 2008-02-18 | Apparatus for and method of packaging stackable objects, in particular printed products |
Country Status (5)
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|---|---|
| US (1) | US20100031612A1 (en) |
| EP (3) | EP1961660A1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE511473T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2677446A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008104476A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102008063828A1 (en) | 2008-12-20 | 2010-06-24 | Dürselen GmbH | Method and device for aligning stacked structures |
| WO2013028125A1 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-02-28 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Apparatus and method for folding a secondary package |
| CN106742266A (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2017-05-31 | 武汉人天包装自动化技术股份有限公司 | Rotary-tray |
| CN112830287B (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2023-06-02 | 辑美包装印刷科技(厦门)有限公司 | Automatic paperboard stacking device |
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| US4550549A (en) * | 1982-11-22 | 1985-11-05 | Reinfeld Nyles V | Apparatus and method of packing articles |
| US4674261A (en) * | 1986-06-25 | 1987-06-23 | Sabel Herbert John | Machine for loading and closing a shipping case with a telescopic lid |
| US4870803A (en) * | 1987-05-07 | 1989-10-03 | Winkler & Duennebier Maschinenfabrik Und Eisengiesserei Kg | Method and apparatus for packing envelopes in cartons |
| US5025612A (en) * | 1989-11-29 | 1991-06-25 | Roberts Systems, Inc. | Inverted tray container loading apparatus |
| DE4018024A1 (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1991-12-12 | Rovema Gmbh | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING BAGS |
| US5136826A (en) * | 1991-10-29 | 1992-08-11 | Cbw Automation, Inc. | Stacked container handling apparatus and process |
| US5348147A (en) * | 1993-09-08 | 1994-09-20 | Moore Business Forms, Inc. | Carton for bulk pack cut single paper |
| DE10146790B4 (en) * | 2001-09-22 | 2006-06-08 | Grützmacher, Frank | Apparatus for filling cuboid containers with filled envelopes |
-
2007
- 2007-02-26 EP EP07103085A patent/EP1961660A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2008
- 2008-02-18 WO PCT/EP2008/051954 patent/WO2008104476A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-02-18 CA CA002677446A patent/CA2677446A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-02-18 EP EP08709084A patent/EP2121445B9/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2008-02-18 EP EP11168070A patent/EP2363344A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-02-18 AT AT08709084T patent/ATE511473T1/en active
- 2008-02-18 US US12/527,998 patent/US20100031612A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE511473T1 (en) | 2011-06-15 |
| EP2121445A1 (en) | 2009-11-25 |
| EP2121445B1 (en) | 2011-06-01 |
| US20100031612A1 (en) | 2010-02-11 |
| EP2363344A1 (en) | 2011-09-07 |
| WO2008104476A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
| EP1961660A1 (en) | 2008-08-27 |
| EP2121445B9 (en) | 2012-01-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20140218 |