DE102017206273A1 - Apparatus and method for filling a carton - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for filling a carton (11), comprising at least one blank removal (16) for taking out a blank (10), at least one device (16) for unfolding the blank (10) into a carton (11 ), at least one filling station (26) for filling the carton (11) with products (34), at least one transport system (12) carrying the filled carton (11) to at least one further work station, in particular a folding station (44) and / or a glue application (50) and / or a Tapestation (60) transports, wherein at least one further transport system (38) is provided for particular stabilizing effect on the cardboard (11).

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for filling a carton according to the preamble of the independent claims.

A generic device is from the DE 3429761 A1 known. For erecting the folding cartons, a pivotable and translationally moving gripper arm with suction cups is provided which removes the respective front folding carton from the magazine, transports it to an anvil and then erects the folding carton together with it.

It is an object of the present invention to further increase the flexibility of the device. This object is solved by the features of the independent claims.

Disclosure of the invention

The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for filling a carton with the features of the independent claims, on the other hand, have the advantage that the flexibility of the arrangement is further increased. So now the box can be moved both continuously and clocked. For example, there are workstations in which the carton has to be moved in cycles, for example when filling, folding and applying hot glue. If, for example, the cardboard is not to be closed by hot glue but by the application of an adhesive tape, a continuous movement along a so-called tapestry is particularly suitable for this purpose. This is inventively achieved in that in addition to the usual transport system another transport system, preferably a top runner, which acts from the top to stabilize the cardboard is provided. As a result, the (lower) transport system can only be equipped with sliding catches, which move the carton only from one side in the transport direction, pushing it forward. As a result, a further type of movement is made possible when the further transport system moves the carton relative to the transport system with sliding driver and is no longer restricted in its movement by a leading driver of the transport system. Furthermore, the machine concept allows a large proportion of all components of the machine to be maintained regardless of the type of closure. In addition, the need to adjust format parts can be reduced. Furthermore, the concept is characterized by high modularity. The vertical integration is low. The components used are relatively simple.

Particularly suitably, the further transport system comprises a holder and / or a folding means and / or a Ausschubeinheit. These can be brought into contact with the cardboard so that they stabilize in the unfolded state. Particularly preferably, at least one holder is to be arranged on the diagonally opposite side with respect to the sliding carrier of the transport system, so that the unfolded cardboard is securely held in the unfolded state. In the arrangement of a folding means on the further transport system whose movement can already be used for the execution of the folding process.

In an expedient development, the further transport system comprises at least one further holder, which likewise acts on the cardboard or on at least one further cardboard during transport. The additional holder provides improved stabilization of the cardboard to be transported. Alternatively, the output power can be increased by using the further transport system to stabilize at least two cartons.

Further expedient developments emerge from further dependent claims and the description.

list of figures

• 1 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht solcher Komponenten, die für die Auffaltung des Zuschnitts und Zuführung des aufgefalteten Kartons zur Befüllstation erforderlich sind,
• 2 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn sich der Karton in der Befüllstation vor dem Befüllen befindet,
• 3 die Vorrichtung mit Oberläufer in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht, wenn der Karton gerade befüllt wird,
• 4 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn sich der Oberläufer bei in der Befüllstation befindlichem Karton zum Weitertransport positioniert,
• 5 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn der Karton zusammen mit dem Oberläufer zu einer Faltstation bewegt wird,
• 6 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn sich der Oberläufer über den Kartons in der Befüllstation und in der Faltstation positioniert,
• 7 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn sich die Kartons mit dem Oberläufer in der Faltstation und Pressstation befinden, wobei ein Leimauftrag vorgesehen ist,
• 8 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn sich der Oberläufer in Kontakt mit den Kartons in der Befüllstation und in der Faltstation befindet, bei einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer Tapestation, sowie
• 9 die Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht und darunter in der entsprechenden Draufsicht in einem Zustand, wenn der Karton fertig verschlossen wurde und der Oberläufer die Kartons freistellt.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:

• 1 the device in side view and below in the corresponding plan view of such components that are required for the unfolding of the blank and feeding the unfolded box to the filling station,
• 2 the device in side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the carton is in the filling station before filling,
• 3 the device with upper rotor in the side view and below in the corresponding plan view, when the carton is being filled,
• 4 the device in the side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the top rotor positioned in the filling station befindlichem box for further transport,
• 5 the device in side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the carton is moved together with the top rotor to a folding station,
• 6 the apparatus in the side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the top rotor positioned over the cartons in the filling station and in the folding station,
• 7 the device in side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the cartons are with the top rotor in the folding station and pressing station, wherein a glue application is provided,
• 8th the apparatus in side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the top rotor is in contact with the cartons in the filling station and in the folding station, in another embodiment with a tapestry, and
• 9 the device in side view and below in the corresponding plan view in a state when the carton has been completely closed and the top rotor leaves the boxes.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

From a blank 10 After folding, a so-called cardboard tube is first created. The box 11 includes on both sides of a lower and an upper outer flap 18 as well as two side plates each 20 , In the following steps, first the rear side flaps 20 folded inwards (we also speak of inner straps). Subsequently, the box 11 with products 36 filled on the side. After that, the front side flaps 20 folded. About the folded side flaps 20 the outer flaps 18,19 folded and then closed, for example, by glue or adhesive tape.

A blank removal 16 takes a flat blank for this purpose 10 from a magazine or a store in which a variety of blanks 10 is arranged. The blank removal 16 or the blank erector has for this purpose two relatively movable arms 17 with suction pads on. The first cut 10 is from an arm 17 gripped, removed from the stack and from the other arm on the other side of the blank 10 also seized. Through a coordinated movement of the two arms 17 becomes the flat blank 10 folded to a cardboard tube as in 1 shown. During the erection process, the two arms can 17 simultaneously by a means of movement 15 be moved in a horizontal direction. As a means of movement 15 For example, a conveyor belt could be used over which a carriage is moved, on which the two arms 17 are attached.

The poor 17 first set up the box 11 in the horizontal direction so that it is at substantially the same height as the first work station, namely a filling station 26 , This condition is in 1 shown. At the two hose ends are each side tabs 20 (vertically oriented) and the lower and upper outer plates 18,19 (horizontally oriented) on.

As in 1 the blank removal is clearly visible 16 or the blank erector over that of the moving means 15 moved carriage first the unfolded cardboard 11 on a hold-down 22 for the lower outer strap 18 over so that the folded down outer flap 18 below a guide means, for example a guide plate 24 , comes to rest. This lower guide plate 24 prevents the lower outer flap 18 aligns up again. In the embodiment, two hold-down 22 provided, each side of the conveyor belts of the transport system 12 are arranged so that they are secure on the lower outer straps 18 can act. The two guide plates 24 are each side next to a transport system 12 arranged. The guide plates 24 are aligned relative to each other with the mutually adjacent side edges so that therebetween exactly the bottom of the carton 11 comes to rest in the desired orientation. The guide plates 24 so do not protrude into the interior of the box 11 into it. This allows the guide means 24 run purely stationary, so they must not be designed to be movable or hinged. The guide plates 24 are aligned essentially horizontally. As a result, they hinder neither the lateral loading of the carton 11 with products 34 still folding the rear side flaps 20 , Rather, the products can 34 about this guide plate 24 be inserted.

The blank removal 16 or the blank erector brings the box as already described 11 in the desired position for the filling station 26 as in 2 shown. Only then will the transport system be 12 continue to clock, so the driver 14 with the back of the in the filling station 26 located boxes 11 comes in contact, compare 3 , Before that, however, the transport system remains 12 in a position where the driver 14 not the feed of the carton 11 to the filling station 26 with special needs. The blank removal 16 will again counter to the transport direction 13 moved back and stands for the removal and erection of the next blank 10 ready.

The transport system 12 includes as in plan view according to 1 this can be seen, for example, two parallel conveyor belts, on each of which synchronously running driver 14 to the sliding carton transport 11 are arranged. The transport system 12 is usually clocked operated to the carton 11 between different processing stations, namely a filling station 26 , a folding station 44 and optionally a pressing station 52 or other stations (eg glue application 50 , Tapestation 60 ) in the transport direction 13 to move.

The front side flaps 20 enter the detection area of a mouthpiece 28 , The example of multi-part mouthpieces 28 each fold the side flaps 20 slightly apart at the front and thereby direct the cardboard 11 in the desired state, to the supply of the products 34 via this page to the inside of the box 11 to enable. The mouthpiece 28 includes, for example, as in 2 shown two sheets, which are substantially transverse to the transport direction 13 are oriented and can be pivoted. The mouthpieces 28 are arranged only on the loading side, ie on the side from which the products 34 the carton 11 be supplied.

There is also an inner tab impact 30 for the rear (on the side facing away from the product feed) leading side flap 20 provided, which closes these before filling. This is done via a translatory movement of the inner tab impact 30 against the transport direction 13 of the transport system 12 as indicated by an arrow. For this purpose, a movement means on the frame of the device is arranged, which the inner tab impact 30 parallel to the transport direction 13 can move.

On the same side (on the side facing away from the product feed) as the inner tab impact 30 is another inner tab impact 32 provided the lagging rear side flap 20 closes. This is done via a pivoting movement as indicated by an arrow. Thus, the side flaps 20 turned on the side facing away from the product supply and form for the products to be imported 34 a back wall. It also makes the unfolded box 11 stabilized. Now the products can 34 through a slot 36 at the front side into the inside of the box 11 to be brought. The transport system 12 remains at rest when filling.

While the carton 11 with products 34 is filled, moves another transport system such as a headstand 38 against the transport direction 13 of the transport system 12 over the just filled cardboard 11 . 3 , The further transport system in the form of a top runner 38 is above the transport system 12 arranged and can be parallel as well as transversely (in the form of a lifting or lowering movement in the direction of the carton 11 ) to the transport direction 13 of the transport system 12 to be moved. At the top runner 38 is at least a holder 42 or driver arranged. The holder 42a Can be positioned to fit with the front (leading), top corner of the carton 11 interacts with the carton 11 to stabilize. For this purpose, the top runner includes 38 an arm 41 which is parallel to the top of the carton 11 is oriented. At the rear end (on the side facing the magazine) of the arm 41 is optional another holder 42b provided with the rear, top corner of the box 11 can interact. At the top runner 38 is a Ausschubeinheit 58 arranged, which will be described in more detail later. Furthermore, on the arm 41 even more holders 43 (compare for example 8th ), as well as the holders 42 are constructed and also stabilizing on a (further) carton 11 act during transport. The further transport system 38 or the top runner 38 is namely designed so that it at least two parallel boxes 11 supports or moves. The holders 42 . 43 protrude more or less vertically down. Preferably, each one of the holders 42 respectively. 43 fixed, and the other holder 42 . 43 adjustable with the arm 41 attached to adapt to different carton sizes. Anyway, the holder must 42 . 43 can not be performed pivotally.

Once the top runner 38 the arm 41 with the two (rear) holders 42 directly above the box 11 has positioned, the arm lowers 41 and at least bring a holder 42a both in the embodiment, in contact with the side surface of the carton 11 , compare 4 , In particular, by the interaction of the leading holder 42a at the top, forward corner of the box 11 with the pushing driver 14 which points to the diagonally opposite lower trailing corner of the carton 11 can effect a safe stabilization of the unfolded carton 11 be achieved. This will prevent the carton 11 folded back during further transport. Further stability may be over the further lagging holder 42b be achieved.

The inset 36 retreats back to the starting position. The mouthpieces 28 also move back to the starting position and no longer act on the front side flaps 20 one. After the top runner 38 has lowered, the side flaps 20 on the side on which the product 34 was fed, by an inner tab impact 40 taken, compare 4 , For this purpose, the inner flap impacts 40 pivoted as indicated by arrows. The inner flap impact 40 is as a possible folding agent preferably on the top runner 38 or the arm 41 arranged. The inner flap impacts 40 stay with the further transport of the upper runner 38 in this position, so the side flaps 20 be kept in the closed position.

The filled carton 11 is from the filling station 26 brought to the next station, namely in the folding station 44 , compare 5 , For this purpose, the transport system 12 and the head runner 38 synchronous in the transport direction 13 emotional. Here the top runner stabilizes 38 over the holder 42 the cardboard 11 in the upright position. The inner flap impact 30 moves synchronously with the closed carton 11 With. Also the inner tab impacts 40 move in sync while keeping the side tabs 20 keep closed.

Is the box located 11 in the folding position of the folding station 44 as in 5 shown are the already folded side flaps 20 through each side of the transport system 12 arranged inner strap securing plates 46 held. This prevents the inner flaps or side flaps 20 unfold again. The inner strap securing plates 46 are arranged stationary and part of the folding station 44 , In the folding position, the top runners 38 the cardboard 11 free. For this purpose, the inner flap impacts 40 solved. The top runner 38 raises his arm 41 with the holders 42 43 upwards and then moves against the transport direction 13 of the transport system 12 to the filling station 26 back to where the next carton to be filled 11 waiting ( 6 ).

At the top runner 38 At least one further folding means is arranged in the front area, namely an outer flap folder 48 , first in 6 shown. The outer flap butterfly 48 is located on the arm 41 , in the transport direction 13 of the transport system 12 seen in front of the holders 42 , The outer flap butterfly 48 is so far from the owners 42 spaced that holder 42 a box 11 in the filling station 26 securely fix while at the same time the upper outer flap 19 in the folding station 44 located boxes 11 through the outer strap folder 48 can be pushed down. When lowering the arm 41 folds the outer flap butterfly 48 the upper outer straps 19 downward. The outer flap butterfly 48 extends across the entire width of the carton 11 or the upper outer flap 19 , The outer flap butterfly 48 can do this stationary with the arm 41 so it does not have to be connected relative to the arm 41 be formed movable or pivotable.

When lowering the arm 41 also reach the first time in 8th indicated front holder 43 for stabilization on the outsides of the folding station 44 located boxes 11 ,

The boxes 11 can now be closed in different ways, either by glue application (first embodiment according to 7 ) or by applying an adhesive tape (another embodiment according to the 8th and 9 ). The essential components such as the blank removal 16 and erector, the transport system 12 , the top runner 38 , the filling station 26 as well as in substantial parts the folding station 44 can be used almost unchanged for both variants.

In the first embodiment (sealing by glue application) is between the folding station 44 and a pressing station 52 a glue order 50 arranged. This includes in the embodiment of two glue nozzles, each in front of the front and back of the carton 11 are arranged. The box 11 is continuously moved past the glue nozzles, during which a glue application takes place. The glue nozzles apply the desired glue pattern to ensure safe closing of the box 11 to ensure. For this purpose, glue is applied to the corresponding areas of the inner flaps or side flaps 20 applied to the then the outer plates 18,19 are folded or pressed, so that the glue sets and a firm connection between the inner plates 20 and the outer plates 18,19 arises.

The transport from the folding station 44 to the pressing station 52 is done by synchronous movements of the two transport systems 12 . 38 , Synchronous to the transport system 12 so moves the head runner 38 with the cardboard 11 With. Again, the holders 42,43 act stabilizing on the moving cartons 11 one. In addition, the outer flap butterfly remains 48 in contact with the folded-down upper outer plates 19 , Depending on how the outer flap 19 should be closed, the outer lax butterfly 19 the outer flap 19 differently far or at a different angle to the front and back sides of the carton 11 wrinkles. For example, if a glue application, so is the upper outer flap 19 folded only so far down that the glue application can still be carried out safely, ie the glue nozzle in the desired manner between outer flap 19 and inner flaps can protrude.

In the area of the pressing station 52 is at the bottom of each stationary a Außenlaschenfalter 54 arranged, which is pivoted and so on the respective lower outer flap 18 acts. Also the upper outer strap folder 48 , the top runner 38 is arranged, continues to act on the upper outer flap 19 one.

If the tabs 18 . 19 . 20 are folded, and the glue application is done is through pressing units 56 the pressing station 52 the cardboard 11 pressed. This is where the press units move 56 transverse to the transport direction 13 to the front and back of the closed box 11 and presses the outer plates 18,19 on the inner plates, so that the applied glue can set.

At the top runner 38 is the ejection unit 58 arranged. The ejection unit 58 is with the arm 41 preferably pivotally connected. For example, the position of at least one holder 42 , for example, in a format change, changed, so is the Ausschubeinheit 58 together with the holder 42 postponed. The ejection unit 58 protrudes above the outer lobe butterfly 48 and acts to push out on the rear back wall of a finished closed carton 11 one. The ejection unit 58 Can move in the direction of the carton 11 be pivoted. During ejection, the holders are located 42 . 43 engaged with the boxes 11 in the area of the filling station 26 or the pressing station 52 , compare 7 , Alternatively, the Ausschubeinheit 58 also for the orientation of the transported carton 11 be used. This will be the end of the ejection unit 58 towards the holder 43 pivoted.

The described device can with only minor modifications instead of the glue application 50 the cardboard 11 with an adhesive tape in a so-called tapestation 60 close. The glue order 50 is replaced in the second embodiment by the Tapestation 60 , Closing a box 11 Now takes place via the continuous application of an adhesive tape (tape) for connecting the adjacent areas of the lower and upper outer plates 18,19. Only the outer strap butterfly 54 (the glue application at the pressing station 52 is arranged) is now in the area of the folding station 44 assembled. In the folding station 44 The upper and lower outer plates 18,19 are now completely folded. The box 11 becomes synchronous by both the transport system 12 with driver 14 as well as through the holders 43 the upper runner 38 continuously through the tapestation 60 method. Here, the tape is applied to the closed outer plates 18,19.

During the outer-leaflet 48 the upper outer flap 19 when glue application moves only slightly down, closes the outer lobe butterfly 48 in the closure variant with the Tapestation 60 the outer flap 19 completely.

Then the top runner drives 38 free, 9 , This is the arm 41 raised so that the holder 42 . 43 no longer in engagement with the boxes 11 in the folding station 44 and the tapestry 60 are located. Only on the Ausschubeinrichtung 58 can the provided with the tape finished carton 11 from the transport system 12 be ejected. The top runner 38 moves back to the in 4 shown position.

The device described is particularly suitable for repackaging already packaged products, especially in the food industry. However, the use is not limited to this.

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 3429761 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Device for filling a cardboard (11), comprising at least one blank removal (16) for taking out a blank (10), at least one device (16) for unfolding the blank (10) to a cardboard (11), at least one filling station (22) for filling the carton (11) with products (34), at least one transport system (12), the at least one further workstation, in particular a folding station (44) and / or a glue application (50) and / or the filled carton (11) a tapestation (60) transported, characterized in that at least one further transport system (38) is provided for particular stabilizing effect on the cardboard (11). Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that as a further transport system at least one upper rotor (38) is provided, which is arranged above the transport system (12) for acting on the cardboard (11) from above. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) at least one holder (42,42a, 42b, 43), which acts on at least one carton (11) during transport. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) comprises at least one further holder (42,43), which also acts on the carton (11) or on at least one further carton (11) during transport. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system (12) only comprises at least one sliding driver (14) which acts on the cardboard (11). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) comprises at least one holder (42,43) which can be arranged so that the holder (42,43) on a diagonal to the driver (14) opposite side of the carton (11). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) at least one folding means (40, 48), in particular a Außenlaschenfalter (48) and / or an inner tab impact (40) comprises. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding means (40) is designed to be relatively movable relative to the further transport system (38). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) comprises at least one ejection unit (58) which can act on a carton (11) auszuschiebenden and / or cardboard to be aligned (11). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) comprises at least one arm (41) on which at least one holder (42, 43) and / or at least one folding means (48) and / or at least one ejection unit (58) is arranged and the arm (41) transversely to the transport direction (13) of the transport system (12) is designed to be movable. A method of filling a carton (11), wherein at least one blank removal (16) removes a blank (10), at least one device (16) unfolds the blank (10) into a carton (11), the carton (11) in one Filling station (22) with products (34) is filled, wherein at least one transport system (12) the filled cardboard (11) to at least one other workstation, in particular a folding station (44) and / or a glue application (50) and / or a Tapestation (60), transported, characterized in that at least one further transport system (38) is provided, which acts in particular stabilizing during transport on the cardboard (11). Method according to the preceding method claim, characterized in that the further transport system (38) lowers at least one holder (42, 43) in order to come into contact with the cardboard (11). Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) lifts at least one holder (42, 43), moves the holder (42, 43) counter to the transport direction (13) of the transport system (12) and subsequently lowers it again , Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the further transport system (38) moves at least one folding means (40, 48) for folding in at least one tab (19, 20) of the carton (11). Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that at least one outfeed unit (58) arranged on the further transport system (38) is moved for pushing out a carton (11).

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