DE102014220279A1 - Method for deflating packaged objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for completely deflating packaged articles, comprising detecting the packaged article, cutting the film wrapping the articles, and removing the film, preferably completely. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method for defibrating packaged objects and the use of the method and apparatus for the complete removal of film packaging in the field of logistics, in wholesale and retail.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for completely deflating packaged articles. In particular, the invention relates to an automated defoliation method for removing plastic films from packaged articles.

State of the art

Film packaging plays an important role in many branches of industry and commerce, and its importance continues to grow. Almost all goods are now shrink-wrapped to protect them against damage or contamination before they are delivered to customers or purchased by customers. In addition to the packaging of individual goods with foils, such as CDs, books, electronics, etc. play a major role in film packaging in the food and drug manufacturing industries. For example, food packaging must fulfill a variety of tasks. This includes above all the protection of food from damage, loss and deterioration during transport and storage. Other very important areas of use of films for packaging are logistics and mail order. Especially in these areas goods of all kinds are made for shipping in small or large containers, such as. Pallets, put together and then covered with plastic films.

These film packaging must be removed when receiving the container by the customer. At present, this is done manually with a high personnel outlay, since automated methods or devices are not available in the state of the art. Especially in areas with a high throughput and a high number of supplies, such as in the automotive industry, retail and wholesale, incurred by the removal of the films high costs in the operation due to the necessary high personnel.

The DE 2 629 519 discloses a method for the partial removal of protective coatings of paint or plastic film in the welding area of sheet metal parts, in particular sheet metal parts made of stainless steel. In this method, however, the packaging film is not completely removed, but the protective coating of a sheet metal part is cut through targeted temperature action along the weld to be laid and at a predetermined distance from this and then removed the thus separated coating strip from the seam region of the sheet metal part. With the in DE 2 629 519 However, it is not possible to completely remove plastic films, and in particular to remove them due to the effect of elevated temperatures, without damaging the packaged or welded objects.

DE 20 2010 013 645 U1 discloses a device for unpacking consumer packs for baked goods. The device disclosed herein serves to remove a portion of the film of a tubular bag in which baked goods are packaged, while the other portion of this tubular bag is not removed and serves the cohesion of the baked goods until their further processing. The cutting of the film of the tubular bag is in DE 20 2010 013 645 U1 realized by a laser. However, even with the device described here, it can not be ensured that the surfaces of the packaging contents below the tubular bag are damaged by the laser beams.

When unpacking smaller and larger containers for deliveries and deliveries of goods as well as when removing film packaging from individual products, it is important not to damage the underlying products. This danger already exists in the manual removal of film packaging, for example using knives, scissors or other suitable tools, even if the manual unpacking is carried out very carefully. The mere use of a laser to cut the packaging films, as described in the prior art, would inevitably result in the radiation emitted by the laser severing the film and acting on the underlying surfaces of the packaged products, resulting in damage to the packaged products would.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus which make it possible to remove film packages and protective films without damaging the products packed therein.

Description of the invention

• – Erkennen des verpackten Gegenstandes,
• – Schneiden der die Gegenstände umhüllenden Folie, und
• – Entfernen der Folie.

The object of the invention is achieved by the provision of a method for defibrating packaged objects, comprising the steps:

• Recognition of the packaged item,
• - Cutting the film enveloping the objects, and
• - Remove the foil.

Preferably, the method is to completely remove the film.

The step of recognizing the packaged item is preceded by the further method steps. The object of this method step is to detect whether the object located under the film to be cut has a black or a differently colored surface. There are basically two different methods available for cutting the film: the thermoplastic method and the use of a laser. If, in the first method step, it is recognized that the packaged article has a black surface, the thermoplastic method is preferably used to cut the film enveloping the articles. For packaged articles in all other colors, a laser is preferably used according to the invention for cutting the film.

The films that can be removed by the method according to the invention are preferably plastic films. Suitable for the process according to the invention are plastic films which consist of polyolefins, such as high and low density polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Also suitable are films which consist of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), various polyesters and polycarbonate (PC). The method of the invention can also be used to cut films made from bio-based plastics such as polylactide (PLA), cellulose acetate and starch blends. Also suitable for cutting with the method according to the invention are films which consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Preferred for use in the process according to the invention are plastic films consisting of thermoplastics or copolymers of thermoplastics. Particularly preferred are plastic films which consist of polyethylene or polypropylene or which consist of copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene.

The method according to the invention is also applicable when the films to be cut are dyed or coated, for example with paints or printing decors or with adhesives.

In the thermoplastic method, the cutting of the film by means of radiant heat can be made. For the generation of radiant heat any conventional heat source can be used. Preferably, the film can be cut in sequence by contact with a heating resistor, such as by means of a thin resistance wire. The thermoplastic method of cutting the film is preferably used when the articles have a black surface under the film to be cut.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cutting of the film is carried out with a laser. In principle, all conventional lasers are suitable for use in the method according to the invention. It is preferable to use lasers that generate laser beams having wavelengths in the range of visible light. Preference is given to using lasers which generate laser radiation with wavelengths in the range from 380 to 780 nm, particularly preferably in the range from 400 nm to 700 nm, 410 nm to 650 nm, 420 nm to 600 nm, 430 nm to 550 nm or 440 to 500 nm , In a very particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cutting of the film is carried out with a laser emitting laser radiation with a wavelength of 455 nm.

In another preferred embodiment, the power of the laser is at least 0.3 W in order to ensure complete and trouble-free cutting of the film.

In order to be able to cut through the film completely, it is sufficient if the diameter of the laser beam is as small as possible. The diameter of the laser beam when impinging on the film of the packaged objects is preferably 0.01 to 2 mm, 0.01 to 1.5 mm, 0.01 to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.01 to 0.8 mm, 0, 01 to 0.6 mm, most preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mm.

The use of a laser for cutting the film in the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for articles whose color is not black. With black objects there would be a risk that the laser radiation would strike through the film and be absorbed by the black surface of the underlying objects, which would lead to the development of heat and thus damage to the surface of the objects lying under the film.

Films, in particular films of light color or transparent films absorb laser radiation but insufficient. Thus, heating the film at the location of laser beam impact is not sufficient to cut the film. In a very particularly preferred embodiment, therefore, the method according to the invention comprises applying a light- or radiation-absorbing agent to the film before cutting by means of a laser. Particularly suitable are light or radiation absorbing agents that absorb laser radiation. These are preferably color pigments. This measure has the advantage that the film specifically acted upon and energy over the melting point of the plastics, of which the film is made, can be heated. Preferably, the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agents are only partially applied to the film to be cut. It is particularly useful if the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent is applied only in the area on the packaged objects in which the film is to be cut by laser. The light and / or radiation absorbing agents for use in the process of the present invention are commercially available and include, for example, dyes, pigments and fillers. Other examples include carbon black and graphite. In a particularly preferred embodiment, simply a fast drying paint, preferably a paint or a black ink, is used as the light and / or radiation absorbing agent. In principle, lacquers of different colors, such as, for example, red, green or blue lacquers, can be used in the process according to the invention. Particularly useful is the use of a black paint or a black dye, as they absorb the laser energy best.

For a trouble-free and complete cutting of the film, it is sufficient if the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent is applied in only small layer thicknesses. Preferably, the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent is applied only in a layer thickness in the range of 1000 to 6000 nm. The light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent causes an increased heating rate only in the region in which the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent has been applied to the films to be cut and in which the laser radiation strikes the film. Due to the thin layer thicknesses, the laser energy is also absorbed only within this thin layer, which results in a reduced penetration depth of the laser radiation. The light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent is used in the method according to the invention for the fact that the energy of the laser light is converted into thermal energy. The conversion occurs shortly after the laser beam strikes the light and / or radiation absorbing agent. Due to the small layer thickness of the applied light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent and the time required for the conversion of the laser energy into thermal energy, which is very short and only about 0.1 s, it is impossible for the laser beam to the surface of the packaged items. The use of a light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent thus has the advantage that with the method according to the invention packaging films can be effectively cut without damaging the objects lying under the film to be cut. When the light and / or radiation absorbing means has converted the energy of the laser beam at the location hit by the laser beam, the film is cut on a width corresponding to the diameter of the laser beam. There are no residues on the product lying under the film. The method according to the invention can also be used if there are products under the film to be cut that are packed in a further film, eg. As for DVDs, which are welded again. In such a case, however, the lower film should be preserved and not cut. Since the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent has been applied in such a case only on the upper film, only the upper film is cut with the laser beam. The lower foil is retained.

In a further embodiment, the inventive method is automated, preferably fully automatic feasible. For this purpose, the step of recognizing the packaged objects, in particular the color of the packaged objects, can be carried out with a means for detecting the contrast. This measure has the advantage that, depending on the nature, in particular color, of the objects under the film to be cut, the appropriate cutting method can be chosen, i. thermoplastic method for black objects or laser method for objects of all other colors.

When automated, the method according to the invention expediently comprises a means for further transport of the packaged objects to the individual devices for carrying out the method according to the invention, wherein the speed of the transport means is vorgebar. The means of transport is a conventional means of transport, preferably a conventional conveyor belt or conveyor belt.

In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength of the laser radiation and the power of the laser are adaptable to the speed of the transport means. The wavelength of the laser radiation decreases with increasing speed of the conveyor, whereas the laser power increases with increasing speed of the conveyor. According to the invention, the power of the laser must be at least 0.3 W, so that all films can still be cut at a speed of the conveyor belt near 0 m / s. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the speed at which the conveyor belt moves the packaged articles is 5 mm / s. The laser radiation for cutting the film preferably has a wavelength of 455 nm with a laser power of 2 W.

After cutting, the film may be removed from the packaged article in any conventional manner. However, it has proved to be particularly useful to release the film after cutting by means of compressed air from the packaged item. In this case, an air jet is pressed into the cut edge of the product, which has a pressure corresponding to the nature of the film. Preferably, compressed air in the range of 4 to 10 bar can be used. By compressed air, the upper part of the cut film is pushed up and can be removed there from the process. For removal, any conventional means, such as a suction device or a gripping device, can be used. The lower part of the cut film can be removed from the process in the same way, for example by means of a suction or gripping device. If necessary, the step of removing the cut film parts from the process can also be carried out manually. The lower part of the cut film can also be removed, for example, by means of small interruptions in the means of transport under the action of gravity.

• – Erkennen des verpackten Gegenstandes,
• – Auftragen eines licht- und/oder strahlunsgabsorbierenden Mittels,
• – Schneiden der die Gegenstände umhüllenden Folie mittels Laser, und
• – Entfernen der Folie.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of defiling packaged articles comprising the steps of:

• Recognition of the packaged item,
• Applying a light and / or radiation-absorbing agent,
• - Cutting the film enveloping the objects by means of laser, and
• - Remove the foil.

• – Erkennen des verpackten Gegenstandes,
• – Auftragen eines licht- und/oder strahlunsgabsorbierenden Mittels,
• – Schneiden der die Gegenstände umhüllenden Folie mittels Laser, und
• – Entfernen der Folie,

wobei der verpackte Gegenstand keine schwarze Oberfläche aufweist. In a most preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of defiling packaged articles, comprising the steps of:

• Recognition of the packaged item,
• Applying a light and / or radiation-absorbing agent,
• - Cutting the film enveloping the objects by means of laser, and
• - remove the film,

wherein the packaged article has no black surface.

The invention further relates to a device for defibrating packaged objects, comprising at least one means for recognizing the packaged article, at least one means for cutting the film enveloping the articles and at least one means for removing the film.

The at least one means for cutting the film is preferably selected from at least one heat-generating agent and / or a laser. As a heat-generating agent, any conventional means can be used in the device according to the invention, which is capable of generating temperatures which are above the melting point of the plastics from which the films to be cut are made. The heat-generating agent may be, for example, a means for generating hot air or radiant heat. The heat-generating means may also be a heating resistor, for example in the form of a thin resistance wire, which can be pressed against the film for a short time along the interface. Preferably, a soldering iron is used as the heat-generating means, which is briefly guided along the interface along the film-wrapped object along and thus leads to cutting or separating the film.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one means for cutting the foil enveloping the articles is at least one laser.

In a further embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises a means for applying a light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent. This means for applying a light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent can be embodied as a spraying device which is suitable for applying color pigments, lacquers or paints to the regions of the films which are provided as a cutting region for the at least one laser. However, the at least one means for applying the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent can also be designed in the form of a pin for permanent marking of the cutting area provided for cutting the film by means of laser. Suitable pins for inclusion in such a holder are known in the art. Suitable permanent markers, such as permanent markers available from Edding, with which the intended cutting area can be marked in different colors, preferably in black or dark blue color, particularly preferably in black color. Particularly preferred is a device according to the invention, in which the at least one means for applying the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent is realized by a spray device, with the paints, preferably fast-drying paints, which may have different colors, on the intended cutting area of the films can be applied. It is particularly preferred if a black paint is applied to the predetermined cutting area of the films with the spraying device. The layer thickness of the light and / or radiation absorbing agent to be applied is preferably 1000 to 6000 nm. The advantages of this embodiment have been already explained in connection with the description of the method according to the invention.

In order to ensure a continuous, complete and trouble-free cutting of the film, it is expedient if the laser has a power of at least 0.3 W.

In a further embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a means for further transport of the packaged objects. This makes it possible to carry out the method according to the invention, preferably fully automatically. As a means of transport, any conventional means of transport is suitable. Particularly preferred is the use of a conventional conveyor belt or conveyor belt in the device according to the invention. The transport means has the task of transporting the packaged objects from the means for recognizing the packaged objects to the device for applying the light and / or radiation absorbing agent and further to the at least one heat generating means or alternatively to the at least one laser.

In principle, different lasers can be used to cut the films. The laser can preferably be selected based on the wavelength of the emitted laser radiation and the particular plastic used, from which the film to be cut is made. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, continuous wave laser is used. A continuous wave laser (also cw-laser of English continuous wave) is a laser that radiates a light wave of constant intensity in contrast to pulsed lasers. Laser radiation of continuous wave lasers is ideally narrow-band (monochrome, monochrome), that is, it consists only of radiation of one wavelength and is not pulsed. In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength of the laser radiation and the power of the laser are adaptable to the speed of the transport means. The wavelength of the laser radiation decreases with increasing speed of the conveyor, whereas the laser power increases with increasing speed of the conveyor. According to the invention, the power of the laser must be at least 0.3 W, so that all films can still be cut at a speed of the conveyor belt near 0 m / s. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the speed at which the conveyor belt moves the packaged articles is 5 mm / s. The laser radiation for cutting the film preferably has a wavelength of 455 nm with a laser power of 2 W.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises both at least one heat-generating means and at least one laser.

The at least one means for detecting the packaged objects can be designed as a light barrier, sensor or camera system. The at least one means for recognizing the packaged objects is preferably also suitable for making a light-dark distinction. For light-dark differentiation preferably visual methods or spectroscopic methods can be used. Particularly preferred is the use of cameras such as color cameras. As a result, articles which have a black color can be packed with objects of another color, such as blue, gray, green, red or yellow or the like. have to be distinguished. The data acquired with such a visual system, for example a camera, can be processed by a computer program which is installed on a control unit.

In a further embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a control unit. The control unit is, for example, a control computer or a process computer. By means of this control unit connected to the device according to the invention, it is possible to selectively activate the laser only when the packaged objects have no black surface. This embodiment has the advantage that damage to black packaged objects by the laser radiation can be avoided. In such a case, the black packaged articles pass through the device according to the invention without the foil being cut. The defoliation can be done manually in such a case.

If the device according to the invention comprises both at least one heat-generating means and at least one laser, it is possible by means of the control unit connected to the device according to the invention to selectively activate either the at least one heat-generating agent or the at least one laser, depending on which color the packaged Have items under the film. If a black article is detected, preferably the at least one heat-generating means for cutting the film is activated. On the other hand, if an object of another color is detected, it is preferable to activate the at least one laser to cut the film. If an object of a color other than black is detected, the control unit can also activate the at least one means for applying the light- and / or radiation-absorbing layer, thereby applying a light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent before cutting the film by means of a laser , These Embodiment has the advantage that after detecting the color of the object lying under the film, the suitable means for cutting the film can be controlled, either the at least one heat-generating agent or the at least one laser. This makes it possible to avoid damage to the object lying under the film as completely as possible.

Optionally, the device according to the invention can be equipped with a light barrier, which is located in front of the at least one laser. This embodiment has the advantage that the at least one laser or the at least one heat-generating means does not have to work in continuous operation, but only has to be put into operation when the packaged objects pass through the light barrier. This measure increases occupational safety and at the same time reduces energy costs.

In a further embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one means for detaching the cut film. After cutting the films by means of the at least one means for generating heat or with the at least one laser, the packaged objects are transported by the conveyor belt to the at least one means for removing the film. Preferably, the means for removing the film is a means for dispensing compressed air. Optionally, in the device according to the invention before the at least one means for removing the film, preferably the at least one means for discharging compressed air, another light barrier may be arranged. This embodiment has the advantage that the at least one means for discharging compressed air only has to be in operation for the duration of the passage of the packaged objects on the means of transport, i. the compressed air does not have to be delivered permanently. This measure saves costs for generating compressed air. To control the at least one means for detaching the film from the packaged objects, this is preferably connected to the control computer. The light barrier located in front of the means for discharging the compressed air is preferably also connected to the control computer. When passing through a packaged object, the light barrier emits a corresponding signal to the control computer. This signal is processed with control software installed on the control computer, and the control computer issues a signal to the at least one means for delivering compressed air, thereby actuating it. After the packaged object has passed the light barrier, a corresponding signal from the photocell is again delivered to the control computer and the at least one means for discharging compressed air can be switched off. Preferably, the switching off of the at least one means for dispensing compressed air takes place only a few seconds after complete passage of the light barrier through the packaged object, z. After 2 s, 3 s, 4 s, 5 s or up to 10 s. This measure has the advantage that it can be ensured that the packaged object can completely pass through the minimum means for dispensing compressed air and thus that the cut film can be completely detached from the object.

The cut and released from the surface of the packaged article is still on the article or the conveyor belt after the passage of the at least one means for delivering compressed air. The device according to the invention comprises in a further embodiment a means for removing the cut film. These are, for example, a suction device or a gripping device. In principle, any conventional means for removing the cut film is suitable for use in the device according to the invention. For removing the lower part of the cut film, the transport means may optionally include interruptions which allow the lower part of the cut film to simply fall off the packaged article and be collected, for example, in a waste container. In an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention it is also possible to remove the lower part of the film with a suction device or a gripping arm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one laser and at least one means for applying a light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent, but no heat-generating agent.

In one embodiment, the cutting of the film is performed on at least one side of the packaged articles. This is usually already a complete defoliation possible. In a most preferred embodiment, the cutting of the film on two sides of the product, or more preferably, is done on all sides of the product. In this case, the at least one means for applying the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent in the device according to the invention is attached to a pivot arm. By this measure it can be ensured that the light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent can be applied to two or optionally all sides of the packaged objects.

The invention further relates to the use of the method according to the invention in one Device for defoliation of packaged objects.

The method and apparatus of the present invention are generally suitable for defolating all types of packaged products and packaged items. The method and / or the device are applicable in the logistics sector, in wholesale and retail. The invention further relates to the use of the method according to the invention and / or the device according to the invention for defolating bulk containers, such. B. on transport pallets welded goods deliveries; and of small containers, wholesale, retail, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, trade and logistics etc.

Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the following figures and embodiments.

The inventive method and the device according to the invention offer all possibilities, an acceptance of goods and the provision of goods or individual parts or the like. for subsequent processes to accelerate and improve. The method and the device according to the invention can be integrated at any point in a given operating sequence. The method and apparatus are adaptable to given operations and processes, and it is possible to process almost all packaged items, regardless of their shape (cubic, round, etc.). The inventive method and the device according to the invention lead to a significant cost savings in the production preparatory area or in retail and / or wholesale, as previously performed with high manpower manual process can be automated.

Show it:

1 a device for deflating packaged articles comprising both heat-generating means and laser for cutting the film,

2 comprises a device for defibrating packaged objects, laser for cutting the film,

3 the result of a laser cutting experiment using an absorber,

4 the results of manually cutting a film by laser, but without using an absorber,

5 the results of automated laser cutting without the use of an absorber,

6 the results of automated laser cutting of a film using an absorber.

1 shows an apparatus for defibrating packaged articles comprising a conveyor belt 1 , Light-dark sensors 3 and a paint spraying system 4 for applying a black paint. For cutting the film, the device comprises both soldering iron 5 as a heat-producing agent as well as a laser 7 , To ensure that the light and / or radiation absorbing agent can be applied to at least two sides of the packaged articles, the paint spray system is 4 on swivel arms 2 appropriate. Also the soldering iron 5 are on the swivel arm 2 fastened because the soldering iron for effective and complete cutting of the film must be brought to all sides of the packaged items. Depending on whether an object is detected by the light-dark sensors, which has a black color or another color, either the soldering iron 5 or the lasers 7 put into operation for cutting the film. The device according to 1 further includes a light barrier 6 in front of the lasers 7 so the lasers 7 only be put into operation when a packaged item is actually in front of you. The device according to 1 also includes compressed air nozzles 9 , whose operation also by means of a light barrier 8th is controllable. The arrow indicates the running direction of the conveyor belt.

1 shows a device for cutting both sides of the film of packaged objects, ie the pivot arm 2 , the light-dark sensor 3 , the color spray system 4 , the soldering iron 5 , the laser 7 and the compressed air nozzle 9 are each available in duplicate.

In another embodiment, however, it is also possible that the swivel arm 2 , the light-dark sensor 3 , the color spray system 4 , the soldering iron 5 , the laser 7 and the compressed air nozzle 9 are present only once in the device according to the invention, whereby the films are cut only on one side of the package, which is sufficient in many cases for a complete defoliation.

2 shows an embodiment of the device according to 1 but without the soldering iron 5 , The embodiment of the device according to FIG has only laser 7 for cutting the film.

In another embodiment of the device according to 2 It is also possible that the swivel arm 2 , the light-dark sensor 3 , the color spray system 4 , the laser 7 and the compressed air nozzle 9 are present only once in the device according to the invention, whereby the films are cut only on one side of the package, which is sufficient in many cases for a complete defoliation.

3 shows cutting with a laser on a printed white cardboard 10 after applying a black paint 11 as an absorber. The figure proves that the cut 12 The laser is done continuously and on the white cardboard 10 no residues can be seen, ie on the one hand, the absorber is completely evaporated by the laser beam, on the other hand, no burn marks or other damage after impact of the laser beam can be seen on the white cardboard.

4 shows the results of the action of a laser on a shrink-wrapped package 20 of effervescent tablets. The Defolierungsversuch by laser was performed manually. There was no complete and consistent cutting of the film. There were only holes 21 in the slide. In addition, damage to the underlying film could not be avoided. 4 shows burn marks 22 on the packaging under the foil to be cut as a result of the action of the laser.

5 shows the defoliation of a small container 30 of sealed drug packages by laser. No absorber was used. Cutting the foil 31 was carried out by laser at a wavelength of the laser radiation of 455 nm, with a power of the laser of 2 W and a speed of the conveyor belt of 5 mm / s. The film was cut completely and consistently. However, the laser beam had broken through on the underlying packaging, resulting in a black burnout 32 led.

6 shows the defoliation of a small container 30 of sealed drug packages by laser. The absorber was black pigmented ink 33 used. Cutting the foil 31 was carried out by laser at a wavelength of the laser radiation of 455 nm, with a power of the laser of 2 W and a speed of the conveyor belt of 5 mm / s. The film was cut completely and consistently. After cutting by means of a laser beam, no damage was detectable on the packaging lying under the film.

embodiments

example 1

A Kleintebinde Nicotinell chewing gum 2 mg Cool Mint that was fully-foiled, was deflated by laser. Two lasers were used, with the first laser having a power of 2W and the second laser having a power of 0.3W. The defoliation was carried out fully automatically at a conveyor belt speed of 5 mm / s. The film was cut from two sides. The separation of the cut film was carried out with compressed air (10 bar). As an absorber pigment ink of the color black was used. The foil could be completely removed. At the individual Nicotinell packs after the removal of the foil no damages were determined by the effects of the lasers.

Example 2

A small box of aspirin direct packs (20 pieces), which was fully-foiled, was deflated by laser. It was a laser with the power of 2W used. The test was carried out fully automatically at a conveyor belt speed of 5 mm / s. The release of the film was carried out with compressed air (10 bar). The absorber used was black pigmented ink. The Aspirin Direkt packaging units were not damaged after removing the film.

Example 3

A small container Wick-VapoRub (100g), which was full-foiled, was defolated by laser. The laser had a power of 2W. The test was carried out fully automatically at a conveyor belt speed of 5 mm / s. The absorber used was black pigment ink, which was applied manually. The further defoliation steps were fully automatic. After removal of the film, no damage was observed on the Wick-VapoRub packages.

Example 4

A container of Bepanthen wound healing ointment, full-foiled, was defolated by laser. The laser had a power of 2W. The test was carried out fully automatically at a conveyor belt speed of 5 mm / s. As an absorber pigment ink of the color black was used. The absorber made for a smooth, straight cut. The film was then removed from the product with compressed air (10 bar). The Bepanthen packs showed no damage after removing the foil.

Example 5

A container of ACC cough remover with foil attached as banderole was deflated fully automatically by means of laser (power 2W) (conveyor speed of 5 mm / s). As an absorber black pigment ink was used, the film was removed with compressed air (4 bar). After removal of the banderole, no damage to the ACC cough dissolving packs was detectable.

Example 6

A package of Dolermin painkillers that had been fully foil-wrapped with stretch film was defoliated by the thermoplastic method. To cut the film, a soldering iron was used. The film was cut at 300 ° C (measured at the tip of the soldering iron). The test was carried out fully automatically (conveyor speed of 5 mm / s). The cut film was removed with compressed air (8 bar). After removing the film, traces of burns were sometimes seen on the packs of Dolermin painkillers.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

conveyor belt

2

swivel arm

3

sensor

4

Paint spray system (nozzle) for applying black paint

5

soldering iron

6

photocell

7

laser

8th

photocell

9

compressed air nozzle

10

Printed white cardboard

11

Black paint

12

Laser cut

20

shrink-wrapped pack of effervescent tablets

21

Holes in the foil

22

burn marks

30

Container of shrink-wrapped drug packages

31

Foil after cutting by laser

32

scuff

33

Black pigmented ink

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 2629519 [0004, 0004]
• DE 202010013645 U1 [0005, 0005]

Claims (10)

A method of defiling packaged articles comprising the steps of: • detecting the packaged article, • cutting the film wrapping the articles, and • removing the film, characterized in that the film is completely removed from the packaged article. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the films are plastic films, for example films consisting of polyolefins, such as high and low density polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or copolymers thereof, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyesters , Polycarbonate (PC); Bio-based plastics such as polylactide (PLA), cellulose acetate and starch blends; or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutting of the film takes place by a thermoplastic method or by means of laser. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that prior to cutting a light and / or radiation-absorbing agent is applied to the film and the light and / or radiation-absorbing agent absorbs the laser radiation. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film is released after cutting by means of compressed air from the object. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removal of the film by means of a suction device or a gripping device is performed.  Device for completely deflating packaged articles, comprising • at least one means for recognizing the packaged item; At least one means for applying a light- and / or radiation-absorbing agent, • at least one means for cutting the film enveloping the articles, and • at least one means for removing the film; characterized in that the at least one means for cutting the film is at least one heat-generating means and / or at least one laser.  Apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising at least one means for discharging compressed air.  Use of the device according to claim 7 or 8 in a defoliation method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6.  Use of the method according to the invention and / or the device according to the invention for complete defoliation of large containers and small containers in the wholesale, retail, automotive, food, pharmaceutical and trade and logistics sectors.

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