DE102019101816A1 - Method and device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves (3). So that a reliable but quick unfolding of flat-folded packaging sleeves to form packaging bodies that are open on one side can be ensured, the method provides that the packaging sleeves (3) are folded flat around two folding edges (6) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sleeves (3) so that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are gripped one after the other by a take-over gripper (50) on one side between the two folding edges (6), that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) are picked up by a folding gripper (52) on the other side Gripped between the two folding edges (6) that the folding gripper (52) and the take-over gripper (50) are adjusted against each other in such a way that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are unfolded and that the folding gripper (52) and the take-over gripper (50) follow the unfolding of the flat-folded packaging sleeves (3) adjacent to or opposite one another attack the opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves (3).

Description

The invention relates to a method for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves, wherein the packaging sleeves are folded flat around two folding edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sleeves, in which the flat-folded packaging sleeves are gripped in succession by a take-over gripper on one side between the two folding edges. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves, preferably according to one of claims 1 to 10, with a magazine comprising a stack of packs each consisting of two folded edges of flat-folded packaging sleeves extending in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sleeves and with a take-over gripper for gripping each front packaging jacket of the packaging stack on the front of the flat-folded packaging jacket between the two folded edges and for moving the gripped packaging jacket away from the packaging stack.

Methods and devices for forming packaging bodies that are open on one side from packaging shells that are open on both sides have been known for some time. These methods and devices usually serve as a first sub-step in the production of filled packs, and processes and devices for filling packs with products in different configurations are also known. Appropriate devices are usually so-called filling machines. Which are supplied with flat-folded packaging sleeves and the product to be filled.

The packaging sleeves are made in particular from laminated packaging material, in particular by sealing the longitudinal edges of the laminated packaging material to one another. The inner longitudinal edge can be folded outwards in order to prevent moisture from penetrating into the packaging laminate, in particular the carton. In this way, packaging sleeves are made from a packaging laminate that are open at the opposite longitudinal ends. The packing sleeves are usually pre-folded along four bending lines running longitudinally to the packing sleeve, so that the later edges of the packing, which typically forms a square or rectangular cross section, can be easily and reliably formed when the packing body is open on one side. First, however, the packaging sleeves are folded flat around two opposite folding edges. Two of the pre-folded bending lines are folded back. The other two bending lines form the folded edges. The packing jacket then essentially forms two sections running parallel to one another and lying on one another with their inner sides. The flat-folded packaging sleeves are transferred as a stack to a magazine on the filling machine.

The front section of the packaging jacket at the front end of the stack, that is to say the front side of the flat-folded packaging jacket, is gripped by suction cups of a take-over gripper and pulled away from the stack along a folding contour of the device, the packaging jacket unfolding, typically to an at least substantially square or rectangular Cross section is formed. Both the front and the back of the flat-folded packaging jacket form two of the four sides of the unfolded packaging jacket. The unfolding also takes place along the pre-folded bending lines, two of which have formed the folded edges of the folded-up packaging jacket, since the packaging material laminate can be easily folded or folded along the, in particular pre-folded, bending lines. The correspondingly unfolded packing jacket is then pulled onto a mandrel of a so-called mandrel wheel, the cross section of the mandrel corresponding to the cross section of the packing jacket. The packing jacket initially projects outwards with a longitudinal end over the mandrel, so that the protruding part of the packing jacket can be folded against the end face of the mandrel and pressed and sealed there. The corresponding longitudinal end of the packaging jacket is closed and regularly forms the bottom of the later filled package. Alternatively, the closed end of the pack casing could also form the head of the later pack, for example if it is filled through the open bottom. Independently of this, the package body that is open on one side is filled by the open longitudinal end of the one-sided package body.

In this context, packing bodies are understood to mean containers such as, for example, composite cardboard packaging, which are at least partially formed from a packaging material laminate in the form of a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, for example of polyethylene (PE). The carton gives the packs sufficient stability so that the packs can be handled easily and, for example, stacked. The plastic layers protect the cardboard from moisture and the food from the absorption of unwanted substances from the pack. In addition, further layers, such as an aluminum layer, can be provided which prevent diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging laminate.

Corresponding packing bodies are typically provided with products in the form of Foodstuffs, in particular beverages, filled, the products being predominantly flowable products. In particular, the packing bodies are filled with food in a sterile or aseptic environment of a filling machine, since the food should have a long shelf life after the packs have been filled. For this purpose, the filling machines have, for example, sterilization rooms or aseptic chambers, in which the packing bodies are sterilized and then filled and sealed under as sterile conditions as possible. After the packing bodies have been filled, they are typically sealed in the filling machine. When using appropriate packaging laminates, the packing body is closed by sealing the open end.

The packaging bodies, which are open on one side, are introduced into a sterilization zone of the filling machine. This is usually done by successively transferring the package bodies to the cells of a transport device that receive the package bodies. The transport device then ensures that the package bodies are transported through the sterilization zone of the filling machine at a defined speed and at a defined distance from one another. In the sterilization zone, the package bodies are preheated with hot sterile air and then sterilized, typically with hydrogen peroxide, and dried with sterile air. The sterile packing bodies are transferred to the filling and sealing zone and filled there. The opening of the filled packing bodies is then closed before the closed packing is transported out of the filling and sealing zone via the transport device and then removed from the corresponding cells of the transport device.

In some filling machines, the packing bodies are transported by the transport device in a straight line through the filling machine. Corresponding filling machines are also referred to as cross-country skiers. In other filling machines, the so-called rotary machines, the packing bodies describe a more or less arc-shaped movement, which can include one or more circular arc sections. The present invention basically relates to both types of filling machines.

A method and a device for operating a forming station for unfolding packaging sleeves which have been removed from a magazine and folded flat for pushing them onto a mandrel of a mandrel wheel is shown, for example, in FIG WO 2013/053646 A1 described. In practice, such and other forming stations frequently cause malfunctions. The packaging sleeves do not regularly unfold in the way that is actually provided in terms of the method or the device.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the method and the device of the type mentioned at the outset and explained in more detail above in such a way that a more reliable but rapid unfolding of flat-folded packaging sleeves to form packaging bodies which are open on one side can be ensured.

• - bei dem die flachgefalteten Packungsmäntel nacheinander von einem Übernahmegreifer auf einer Seite zwischen den beiden Faltkanten ergriffen werden,
• - bei dem die flachgefalteten und von dem Übernahmegreifer ergriffenen Packungsmäntel von einem Faltgreifer auf der anderen Seite zwischen den beiden Faltkanten ergriffen wird,
• - bei dem der Faltgreifer und der Übernahmegreifer derart gegeneinander verstellt werden, dass die flachgefalteten Packungsmäntel aufgefaltet werden und
• - bei dem der Faltgreifer und der Übernahmegreifer nach dem Auffalten der flachgefalteten Packungsmäntel an einander angrenzenden oder gegenüberliegenden Seiten der aufgefalteten Packungsmäntel angreifen.

This object is achieved according to claim 1 by a method for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packing sleeves, the packing sleeves being folded flat around two folding edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves,

• in which the flat-folded packing sleeves are gripped one after the other by a take-over gripper on one side between the two folded edges,
• in which the flat-folded packing sleeves gripped by the take-over gripper are gripped by a folding gripper on the other side between the two folded edges,
• - In which the folding gripper and the take-over gripper are adjusted against each other in such a way that the flat-folded packaging sleeves are unfolded and
• - In which the folding gripper and the take-over gripper attack after the flat-folded packing sleeves have been unfolded on adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves.

The above object is further achieved in a device according to the preamble of claim 11 in that a transport device for moving, in particular in a straight line, the flat-folded packaging sleeves gripped by the take-over gripper into a folded position relative to a folding gripper is provided in that the folding gripper for gripping the rear side of the flat-folded packaging sleeves in the folded position is provided between the two folding edges of the flat-folded packaging sleeves and that a folding device for adjusting the folding gripper and the take-over gripper against one another is provided in such a way that the flat-folded packaging sleeves are unfolded and that the folding gripper and the take-over gripper after unfolding of the flat-folded packing sleeves on adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves.

The invention has thus recognized that at least a separate folding gripper can contribute to the fact that the flat-folded packaging sleeves can be unfolded reliably and yet quickly in order to avoid the high throughput of common ones Filling machines. In this case, the packaging sleeves, which are folded flat around two longitudinally extending folding edges, are first gripped from one side between the folding edges by a take-over gripper. The flat-folded packaging sleeves are adopted in such a way that they can be reproducibly unfolded in quick succession.

The length of the unfolded pack sleeves between the two, in particular open, ends of the unfolded pack sheath or the length of the filled and closed packs between the upper and the lower end is generally greater than the width in a direction perpendicular thereto. Therefore, in the present case, the longitudinal direction of a packaging jacket is preferably understood to mean the direction between the two open ends of the packaging jacket, in particular parallel to at least one side of the packaging jacket. As an alternative or in addition, the longitudinal direction can also be the direction between the bottom-side and the head-side end of the packing jacket or the filled and closed packing. The longitudinal direction is in particular parallel to at least one side of the packaging jacket or the packaging. In many cases, the longitudinal direction will be clear from the corresponding dimensions of the unfolded packing sleeves or the finished packs. However, the invention is not limited to such cases. The same principles can also be used for the production of very flat and at the same time very wide packs. If the packs are wider than high, the orientation of the folded edges or the longitudinal direction should not change according to the invention. Even in the case of packaging sleeves for very wide and very low packs, the longitudinal direction should extend further between the top and bottom ends of the packaging sleeve or between the open ends of the unfolded packaging sleeves.

The flat-folded packing sleeves gripped on one side by the take-over gripper are moved by the take-over gripper into a folding position in which the packing sleeves are then also gripped by a folding gripper from the other side between the two folded edges around which the packing sleeves have been folded flat. The packaging sleeves are preferably held further by the take-over gripper, even if this is not absolutely necessary. However, it is fundamentally preferred that the take-over gripper grasps the flat-folded packaging sleeves and only releases the packaging sleeves after they have been unfolded, in order to ensure reliable unfolding. It can then be avoided that misalignment of the packing sleeves occurs when unfolding and thus incorrect unfolding.

It is further preferred for the sake of the apparatus and the process simplicity if a take-over gripper and a folding gripper are used to unfold the packaging sleeves. Alternatively, however, a plurality of take-over grippers and / or folding grippers can also be used. Furthermore, in the present case, preferably the connection of the take-over gripper and / or the folding gripper to the packing sleeves, that is to say the contacting of the take-over gripper and / or the folding gripper, is referred to as gripping. The packaging sleeves, once gripped, are then considered, if necessary, to be gripped or held by the corresponding gripper. For the sake of better comprehensibility, the gripping is not to be understood too narrowly here if necessary.

This also applies to the type of contacting and holding of the packing sleeves by the take-over gripper and / or folding gripper. The gripping does not necessarily require the at least partial gripping of the packing sleeves by the corresponding gripper, as would be the case when gripping with the human hand. On the other hand, since the packing sleeves are folded flat when they are gripped, it is particularly advisable if the packing sleeves only come into contact with the respective gripper with their respective outer sides. For this purpose, the at least one take-over gripper and / or folding gripper can have, for example, at least one suction cup, in particular a row of suction cups, which comes into contact with an outside of the packing sleeves and in which such a negative pressure can be drawn that the packing jacket is prevented from accidentally slipping or Disconnect from the take-over gripper or folding gripper secured by the at least one suction cup.

The initially flat-folded packing jacket is unfolded by relative adjustment of the folding gripper and take-over gripper. When adjusting the folding gripper and take-over gripper, the shape of the unfolded packing jacket should be taken into account. The unfolded packaging sheath will regularly have an at least essentially rectangular cross section at least in sections. Thus, the outer sides of the unfolded packaging sleeves, which are initially arranged parallel to one another, can be pivoted against one another by at least substantially 90 ° when unfolded. The outer sides of the unfolded packaging sleeves can in principle be pivoted around previously provided falconers or bending lines of the packaging laminate.

In principle, for the sake of simplicity, it is preferred if the take-over gripper remains stationary when the packing sleeves are unfolded, while the folding gripper adjusts relative to the take-over gripper. in particular is pivoted. For example, the take-over gripper can be used for taking over and fixing as well as transporting the packaging sleeves into a folded position. In the folded position, the folding gripper can then grip the packing sleeves. This is preferably accompanied by a movement of the folding gripper relative to the packing jacket. The unfolding can therefore also be carried out by adjusting the folding gripper. This applies in particular if the folding gripper can be adjusted in one direction to grip the packing sleeves and at least partially adjusted in the opposite direction to unfold the packing sleeves.

The folding gripper and the take-over gripper grip the unfolded packaging sleeves in such a way that after the flat-folded packaging sleeves have been unfolded, they engage on adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packaging sleeves. This is particularly useful for unfolded packaging sleeves with a rectangular cross-section, which then have four separate outer sides when unfolded. In this case, the appropriate gripping of the take-over gripper and the folding gripper easily enables a very defined and therefore reliable unfolding of the packing sleeves.

The device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves is preferably designed in such a way that it enables the flat-folded packaging sleeves to be unfolded according to one of Claims 1 to 10. In order to be able to hold the flat-folded packaging sleeves ready for the take-over gripper, the device has a magazine in which the flat-folded packaging sleeves are received in the form of a stack of packs. Here, as described, the packing sleeves are each folded flat from two folding edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves. The respective front pack jacket of the pack stack can be gripped by the at least one take-over gripper, specifically on the front side of the corresponding flat-folded pack jacket pointing away from the pack stack. The front of the packaging jacket is limited by the head end and the bottom end and by the laterally arranged folding edges. The same applies, moreover, to the back, the front and the back of the flat-folded packaging jacket being arranged parallel to one another and preferably abutting one another with their inner sides of the pack. The flat-folded packing sleeves gripped by the take-over gripper on the respective front side of the pack sleeves are moved away from the stack of packs or the magazine by the take-over gripper after being gripped.

In the present case, a pack stack is preferably understood to mean a series of pack sleeves which are aligned parallel to one another and abut one another. In addition, the pack sleeves of the pack stack are preferably further aligned with their edges. Typically, stacks can have an at least substantially vertical stacking direction. However, this is not necessary for the pack stacks. In many cases it will even be preferred if the flat-folded packaging sleeves are arranged at least essentially one behind the other in the stack of packages in the horizontal direction. However, due to the arrangement of the flat-folded packing sleeves, a stack of packs is referred to here for the sake of clarity.

The moving away of the flat-folded packaging sleeves gripped by the take-over gripper is effected via a transport device, which preferably causes the gripped packaging sleeves to be moved straight away from the stack of packs. By means of the at least one take-over gripper and the transport device, the flat-folded packaging jacket removed from the pack stack is brought into a folded position, which is arranged in a predetermined manner relative to the folding gripper. The at least one folding gripper and the folding position are provided in such a way that the folding gripper is able to grip the back of the flat-folded packaging jacket in the folding position between the two falconers of the flat-folded packaging jacket. Furthermore, a folding device for adjusting the folding gripper and the take-over gripper against one another is provided in such a way that the flat-folded packaging sleeves are unfolded. For the sake of simplicity, the take-over gripper can remain stationary and only the folding gripper can be moved, as has already been described above. In principle, however, any relative adjustment between the folding gripper and the take-over gripper comes into question, which inevitably leads to the flat-folded packaging sleeves being unfolded. The folding device is further designed in such a way that the folding gripper and the take-over gripper act on adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packaging sleeves after the flat-folded packaging sleeves have been unfolded, in order to ensure a defined and reliable unfolding of the packaging sleeves.

For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetitions, the method and the device are described together below, without differentiating in each case in detail between the method and the device. However, the person skilled in the art can see from the respective context which features are particularly preferred in relation to the method and the device.

In a first, particularly preferred method, the folded folded packaging sheaths, which are folded around two longitudinal edges of the packed sheaths, are held behind one another in a stack of packs. This supports the defined and reliable unfolding of the packaging sleeves. For the sake of simplicity, it is advisable for the take-over gripper to grip the front, flat-folded packing jacket of the pack stack. Since, in addition, the front side of the front, flat-folded packaging jacket, which points away from the pack stack, is easily accessible for the take-over gripper, it makes sense for the take-over gripper to grip this front side of the front, flat-folded packaging jacket. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, the take-over gripper is preferably used to move the flat-folded packaging jacket gripped by the take-over gripper away from the pack stack. It is particularly expedient in terms of process technology and apparatus if the gripped, flat-folded packing sleeves are moved away at least substantially in a straight line and at least substantially perpendicular to the flat-folded packing sleeves in the pack stack. Regardless of this, it is expedient for the reliable unfolding of the packing sleeves if the flat-folded packing sleeves are brought into a folded position in a predetermined relative position to the folding gripper with the take-over gripper. After the flat-folded packaging sleeves have each been moved away from the stack of packs by the at least one take-over gripper, the packaging sleeves can expediently be gripped by the at least one folding gripper, specifically reproducibly when the flat-folded packaging sleeves are in the folded position.

The flat-folded packaging sleeves can be positioned particularly reliably and reproducibly for unfolding, in particular in the folded position, if the take-over gripper pulls the gripped flat-folded packaging sleeves, in particular when moving away from the stack of packs, against at least one take-over stop, on which the flat-folded packaging jacket is then positioned at least briefly in a fixed position . As a result, the packing sheath can be gripped reliably by the folding gripper and unfolded as such. Alternatively or reliably, the folding gripper pulls the packing jacket against at least one folding stop in the at least partially unfolded state, in particular as a result of the unfolding of the packing jacket. This makes the unfolding very reproducible and the shape of the unfolded packaging sleeve is clearly defined.

The targeted positioning of the flat-folded packaging sleeves after the packaging sleeves have been moved away from the stack of packs is very easy and reliable if the take-over gripper engages the packaging sleeve between two areas of the packaging sleeves which are in contact with take-over stops. Alternatively or in addition, the specific definition of the shape of the unfolded packing sleeves is very simple and reliable if the folding gripper engages the packing sleeve between two areas of the packing sleeves lying against folding stops.

The at least one take-over stop can also serve to unfold, in addition to the positioning of the flat-folded packaging sleeves, for example in the folded position. This can expediently be achieved if the at least one take-over stop or at least one take-over stop on the one hand and the take-over gripper on the other hand are adjusted relative to one another in such a way that the flat-folded packaging sleeves are unfolded. In other words, the adjustment of the take-over stop relative to the take-over gripper supports the unfolding of the packaging sleeves by the relative adjustment of the folding gripper to the take-over gripper. Supporting the unfolding of the packaging sleeves by at least one take-over stop is particularly effective and reliable if the take-over stop and the take-over gripper are adjusted relative to one another in such a way that the take-over stop and take-over gripper attack adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves after the flat-folded packing sleeves have been unfolded. This leads in particular to a very defined shape of the unfolded packing sleeves if the unfolded packing sleeves have a rectangular cross section at least in sections. In a preferred manner, the take-over stop can be adjusted from a stop position resting on the flat-folded packaging jacket to a shape position resting on the unfolded packaging jacket and back. Then the take-over stop can support the unfolding of the packaging jacket from the flat-folded starting position to the unfolded end position.

With regard to the adjustability of the folding gripper, it may be appropriate if the folding gripper is moved from a non-use position that does not grip the flat-folded packaging sleeves to a position of use gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves. For example, a reproducible gripping of the packaging sleeves can be achieved by the folding gripper. As an alternative or in addition, it can also ensure that the flat-folded packing sleeves can be moved away from the stack of packs unhindered by the folding gripper from the take-over gripper. Alternatively or additionally, the folding gripper of one of the flat-folded packaging sleeves gripping position of use in a unfolding position gripping the unfolded packaging sleeves. If necessary, this can enable the takeover gripper to remain stationary during this time. Regardless of this, however, a reliable unfolding of the packaging sleeves is favored.

If necessary, it can contribute to simplifying the method if the non-use position and the unfolding position of the folding gripper are at least essentially identical. The folding gripper can then be moved from the non-use position to the use position in order to grip the back of the flat-folded packaging jacket and then be moved back to the non-use position or the unfolding position while the initially folded flat packaging jacket is unfolded. The adjustment to the use position can then take place again and so on. Alternatively or additionally, the folding gripper can move in sections to the unfolded position when moving from the non-use position to the use position and / or from the use position to the non-use position. The adjustment of the folding gripper from the use position to the unfolding position into the non-use position then does not serve, for example, to unfold the packaging sheath further, but rather that the folding gripper does not hinder the gripping and transporting of the next flat-folded packaging sheath away from the stack of packs. In this case, the folding gripper can more preferably be released from the unfolded packaging jacket in the unfolding position, so that the further adjustment from the unfolding position to the non-use position does not lead to any further deformation of the already unfolded packaging jacket.

Unfolding the packaging sleeves becomes particularly reliable and reproducible if the folding gripper and the at least one take-over stop are adjusted parallel to one another, in particular at least essentially in the same time interval, from the use position to the unfolded position or from the stop position to the shaped position. The folding gripper and the take-over stop support each other very extensively. On the other hand, the return adjustment, that is to say the adjustment from the non-use position to the use position or from the shape position to the stop position of the folding gripper and take-over stop, is preferably carried out sequentially or independently of one another, in particular at least essentially one after the other. This can also take into account the fact that a flat-folded packaging jacket is first placed against the transfer stop before the folding gripper grips the packaging jacket from the back of the flat-folded packaging jacket.

As a defined starting position for the flat-folded packing sleeves, it is generally a good idea if the packing sleeves of the stack of packs are in contact with trigger stops with opposite, lateral edges. In this way, the packaging sleeves are reliably and precisely held ready and can also be gripped easily and reliably by the take-over gripper in this position. This applies in a special way if the packaging shells are also gripped and / or pulled off by the take-over gripper through a gap that is limited by the trigger stops.

So that the unfolded packing sleeves can then be closed on one side in order to obtain the packing bodies which are open on one side and thus obtained, it is advisable for the unfolded packing sleeves to be delivered one after the other, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves, to a mandrel wheel, particularly to the mandrels of the mandrel wheel be postponed. The mandrel wheel can be shaped and fired on one side of the packaging sleeves, which are open on both sides, in a manner known per se.

The packing bodies preferably form containers, such as, for example, composite cardboard packaging, which are formed at least partially from a packaging laminate in the form of a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, for example of polyethylene (PE). The carton gives the packs sufficient stability so that the packs can be handled easily and, for example, stacked. The plastic layers protect the cardboard from moisture and the food from the absorption of unwanted substances from the pack. In addition, further layers, such as an aluminum layer, can be provided which prevent diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging laminate. The flat-folded packaging sleeves are therefore preferably already formed from such a packaging material laminate.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, at least one take-over stop can be provided for engaging the flat-folded packing sleeves which have been gripped by the take-over gripper. In this way, the flat-folded packaging sleeves can be kept in a defined position for takeover by the takeover gripper. Ultimately, this increases the reliability of the method. It is particularly effective in this case if on each opposite side of the take-over gripper gripping the flat-folded pack sleeves at least one take-over stop for engaging the flat-folded pack sleeves and gripped by the take-over gripper is provided. In this way, the flat-folded packaging sleeves can be reliably supported on opposite edges and still be easily gripped by at least one take-over gripper.

As an alternative or in addition, at least one folding stop can be provided for engaging the unfolded packaging sleeves which are gripped by the folding gripper. As a result, the shape of the unfolded packaging jacket can be ensured and the at least one folding stop can support the reliable unfolding of the packaging jacket. This applies all the more if at least one folding stop is provided on each opposite side of the folding gripper that grips the unfolded packaging sleeves for engaging the unfolded packaging shells that are gripped by the folding gripper. This also ensures that the folding gripper can reliably grip the packing sleeves and help to unfold the packing sleeves.

The folding device can be provided to adjust the at least one take-over stop or at least one take-over stop on the one hand and the take-over gripper on the other hand. Thus, at least one take-over stop can support the unfolding of the packaging sleeves. For the sake of simplicity, it will often be preferred if the at least one takeover stop adjusts and the takeover gripper remains stationary in the meantime and holds the packing jacket there if necessary. In principle, the opposite is also possible. Both the take-over gripper and at least one take-over stop can also be adjusted if this offers advantages for the reliable unfolding of the packaging sleeves, even if this regularly requires a higher outlay on equipment. The flat-folded packing sleeves can in any case be unfolded by the relative adjustment of the take-over stop and take-over gripper, whereby it is advisable to unfold the packing sleeves if the take-over stop and the take-over gripper attack adjacent sides of the unfolded packing sleeves after the flat-folded packing sleeves have been unfolded. In order to be able to quickly unfold the packaging sleeves in a defined manner, it is also advisable if the folding device is designed to move the transfer stop from a stop position lying against the flat-folded packaging jacket to a shape position lying against the unfolded packaging jacket and back.

As an alternative or in addition, the folding device can be designed to adjust the folding gripper from a non-use position which does not grip the flat-folded packaging sleeves to a position of use gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves and back. The folding gripper can then be specifically adjusted to a position of use in order to grip the packaging sleeves at a suitable point, in particular after the take-over gripper has moved the packaging sleeves away from a stack. If the folding gripper has been moved to the non-use position, the folding gripper cannot impair the further handling of the packing sleeves. In other words, the folding gripper is limited to unfolding the packing sleeves.

The folding device can also be designed to adjust the folding gripper from a use position gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves to a folding position gripping the unfolded packaging sleeves. The adjustment from the use position to the unfolded position then brings about or supports the unfolding of the packing sleeves. The folding gripper holds the packing sleeves in places during the adjustment from the use position to the unfolded position.

In addition, it can be provided that the non-use position and the unfolded position of the folding gripper are at least essentially identical. If the unfolded position corresponds at least substantially to the non-use position, the outlay in terms of apparatus and process technology can be reduced. This applies in particular if the folding gripper in the non-use position does not impair the further handling of the packing sleeves. To ensure this, the folding gripper can be moved quite a bit further from the unfolded position to the non-use position. The folding device can then be designed in such a way that the folding gripper reaches the unfolding position in sections when moving from the non-use position to the use position and / or back.

In order to be able to guarantee a reliable unfolding of the packaging sleeves, it can be expedient to design the folding device for, in particular forcibly, coupled adjustment of the folding gripper and the take-over stop parallel to one another from the use position to the unfolded position or from the stop position to the shaped position. Then the folding gripper and the at least one transfer stop can support the unfolding of the packaging sleeves. This is particularly the case when the folding gripper and the at least one take-over stop are adjusted at least substantially in the same time interval from the use position to the unfolded position or from the stop position to the shaped position.

Alternatively or additionally, the folding device for the independent adjustment of the folding gripper and the take-over stop from the non-use position into the use position or from the molded position in the stop position. It can be further preferred if the folding gripper and the take-over stop are successively adjusted from the non-use position to the use position or from the molded position to the stop position. For example, a packaging jacket to be unfolded can first be brought into contact with the take-over stop, in particular in the folded position, in order then to be gripped by the folding gripper in a defined manner.

The flat-folded packaging sleeves can be kept ready in a very defined manner if the magazine has trigger stops for this purpose, on which opposite, lateral edges of the front packaging jacket of the stack of packs come into contact. It is furthermore expedient if a withdrawal gap is provided between the trigger stops for gripping and moving away the front packing jacket of the stack of packs with the aid of the take-over gripper. This simplifies the defined removal of the packaging sleeves from the stack of packs or from the magazine.

For simple, further shaping of the unfolded packing sleeves, in particular for closing an open end of the unfolded packing sleeves to form packing bodies that are open on one side, it is useful if a mandrel wheel with spikes for pushing the unfolded packing sleeves onto the spikes, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves, is provided.

• 1A-B einen Zuschnitt eines Packstofflaminats und einen aus dem Zuschnitt gebildeten Packungsmantel aus dem Stand der Technik jeweils in Draufsicht,
• 2 eine aus dem Packungsmantel gemäß 1B gebildete Packung aus dem Stand der Technik in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 3 eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung der Packung gemäß 2 aus einem Packungsmantel gemäß 1B aus dem Stand der Technik in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 4A-B Details einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Auffalten von flachgefalteten Packungsmänteln in einer Seitenansicht in einer Ansicht von unten entsprechend der Blickrichtung IVB aus 4A und
• 5A-D die Vorrichtung aus 4 in unterschiedlichen Stellungen während des Auffaltens von flachgefalteten Packungsmänteln in einer Schnittansicht gemäß der Schnittebene VB-VB der 4A.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a drawing which represents only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawing shows

• 1A-B a cut of a packaging material laminate and a packing jacket formed from the cut from the prior art, each in a top view,
• 2nd one from the packing jacket according to 1B formed package from the prior art in a perspective view,
• 3rd a device for producing the pack according to 2nd from a packing jacket according to 1B from the prior art in a schematic representation,
• 4A-B Details of a device according to the invention for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves in a side view in a view from below corresponding to the viewing direction IVB 4A and
• 5A-D the device 4th in different positions during the unfolding of flat-folded packaging sleeves in a sectional view according to the section plane VB-VB of the 4A .

In the 1A is a blank 1 a packaging laminate 2nd described as it is known from the prior art. The packaging laminate 2nd is designed as a laminate of several material layers arranged one above the other. It is in particular a cardboard / plastic composite. The packaging laminate shown 2nd has two outer layers made of a thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene (PE), which seal, ie weld, the outer layers of the packaging laminate 2nd enable. In between is a structure-giving cardboard layer with one for the packaging laminate 2nd comparatively high bending stiffness is provided. In addition, at least one barrier layer can also be provided, which is preferably formed from aluminum, polyamide and / or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol. Additional layers are also conceivable.

The cut 1 is used to manufacture a packaging jacket 3rd , which is formed by the outer and opposite longitudinal edges 4th of the cut 1 bent over to one another and connected to one another, in particular sealed to one another. The cut 1 has a series of bend lines 5 on which the cut 1 can be bent or folded or folded to the desired package 7 to build. The bending lines 5 , which, if necessary, can also be formed as creasing lines, simplify the shaping of the packaging jacket and also ensure reliable folding. Most bend lines 5 are at the top 8th and at the bottom 9 of the cut 1 provided later for the formation of the bottom and the head or gable of the pack 7 be folded. The cut also shows 1 four substantially parallel bend lines 5 on which the cut 1 before forming the package jacket 3rd or is pre-folded afterwards. Is the packaging laminate 2nd on the bending lines 5 Once folded over, the packaging laminate is folded further 2nd at the same point there is only a slight resistance, which in any case is significantly less than along previously not yet folded bending lines 5 .

In the 1B is the packing jacket 3rd after sealing the longitudinal edges 4th of the cut 1 one on top of the other and after the subsequent flat folding of the packaging casing thus formed 3rd shown. The corresponding sealed seam 10th is close to one of the two folded edges for optical reasons 6 provided along which the packing jacket 3rd is folded flat. The two folded edges 6 correspond to two of the four parallel bending lines in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jacket 3rd . The packaging jacket shown 3rd is consequently along the folded edges 6 been folded flat that the front section or the front 11 of the flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd and the rear section or the backside 12th of the packaging jacket 3rd lie on one another. The packing coats 3rd can be easily stored in this way when folded flat. The subsequent unfolding around the four pre-folded fold lines 6 is still easily possible. It then becomes a packing jacket 3rd obtained with a rectangular cross section.

Using the corresponding flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd can the in the 2nd shown pack 7 be preserved. With the pack 7 then form the four parallel bending lines 5 in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jacket 3rd including the two folded edges 6 in the area of the jacket 13 the pack 7 the edges of the pack 7 like the pre-folded fold lines 6 previously the edges of the packaging jacket in a similar manner 3rd have formed. The longitudinal ends 14, 15 of the packaging jacket 3rd are for the formation of the soil 16 the pack 7 and to form the head 17th the pack 7 folded and sealed. On the head 17th the pack are so-called packing ears 18th formed that folded down and attached to the coat 13 the pack 7 created and sealed or glued there. With the floor 16 the corresponding packing ears are folded inwards and are therefore after forming the bottom 16 no longer recognizable as such.

In the 3rd is a device 20 for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd and for filling packages 21 , especially with flowable foods, and to form filled packs 7 , a so-called filling machine. The device 20 includes a magazine 22 to keep packing sleeves ready 3rd and a device for forming packing bodies 21 from the packing sleeves 3rd , which are closed on one side and can therefore accommodate, for example, a flowable food through the remaining opening. The device shown and so far preferred 20 has a series of parallel processing lines, one of which is in the 3rd just a processing line 23 is shown. Any processing line 23 is a magazine 22 with a stack of packs 24th or a bundle of two folded edges 6 flat folded packing sleeves 3rd assigned. The packing coats 3rd are from blanks as previously described 1 a packaging laminate 2nd been formed, the longitudinal edges 4th are sealed together. In one device 25th for unfolding the packaging sleeves 3rd are the initially flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd from the pack stack 24th of the magazine 22 removed and unfolded.

The unfolded packaging sleeves 3rd be attached to a device 26 for shaping the packing body 21 passed that a pinwheel 27 has, in the illustrated and so far preferred example, six mandrels 28 encompasses and rotates cyclically, i.e. step by step, counterclockwise. In the first mandrel wheel position 1 becomes a packing jacket 3rd on the thorn 28 pushed. Then the mandrel wheel 27 in the next mandrel wheel position 11 further rotated in the opposite of the mandrel 28 protruding longitudinal end 15 of the packaging jacket 3rd via a heating unit 29 is heated with hot air. In the next mandrel gear position III, the heated longitudinal end 15 of the packaging jacket 3rd through a press 30th prefolded and in the following mandrel gear position IV in the folded position by a sealing device 31 tightly closed, especially to a floor 16 , sealed. In this way it becomes a package body which is closed on one side 21 received, in the subsequent mandrel wheel position V from the mandrel 28 removed and for example to a cell 32 an endless transport device in a circle 33 is handed over. In principle, however, other transport devices are also possible. In the next mandrel wheel position VI is the mandrel 28 no work step assigned. The number of mandrel wheel positions or mandrels 28 and the processing steps provided there can, if necessary, depend on the illustration 3rd and the associated description. In addition, a spout can be connected to the packaging laminate in at least one additional mandrel wheel position as required. Then the longitudinal end of the packing jacket closed on the mandrel wheel is preferably the head of the later packing. In the present case, whether the packing body is filled by the future head or by the future floor plays only a subordinate role.

The packing body taken from the mandrel wheel 21 with the open longitudinal end pointing upwards in the associated cell 32 , in particular a cell chain, by a filling machine 34 transported. The packing body gets into an aseptic chamber 35 which is a sterilization zone 36 and a fill and seal zone 37 includes through which the packing body 21 are transported in the transport direction symbolized by the arrows from left to right. The transport of the package body 21 does not have to be straight, but can also be done in at least one arc or even in a circle.

The aseptic chamber 35 becomes sterile air via appropriate sterile air connections 38 fed. The packing body 21 are through a preheater 39 preheated in succession by blowing with hot sterile air. Then the packing body 21 by means of a sterilizing device 40 , preferably sterilized by means of hydrogen peroxide, whereupon the packing body 21 by applying sterile air through a drying device 41 dried and after the transition from the sterilization zone 36 in the filling and sealing zone 37 in a filling position 42 below a filling spout 43 to be brought. There the packing body 21 one after the other with food 44 filled. The filled packing bodies 21 then with a closing device 45 by folding the top of the package body 21 and sealed seals. The filled and closed packages 7 are then from the cells 32 the transport device 33 taken. The now empty cells 32 be with the transport facility 33 further towards the mandrel wheel 27 moved to there more packing bodies 21 to record.

In the 4A is the device 25th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd shown in a side view from the front. In this context, from the front means the pack stack, not shown 24th of the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd in the magazine 22 seen from. The device 25th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd includes a takeover gripper 50 for grasping the front, flat-folded packing jacket 3rd and for moving the gripped front packaging jacket away 3rd of the pack stack 24th of flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd in the magazine 22 . For gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd points out the illustrated and preferred takeover gripper 50 five suction cups 51 on. Another number of suction cups 51 would also be conceivable. On the suction cups 51 a vacuum can be drawn when the suction cups 51 with their openings on a flat-folded packing jacket 3rd issue.

For moving the gripped front packaging jacket away 3rd of the pack stack 24th of flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd is the takeover gripper 50 held adjustable via a transport device, not shown. The transport device comprises a motor for driving the transport device of the take-over gripper by motor 50 . The transport device is designed so that the take-over gripper 50 can be adjusted from a retracted stop position to an extended take-over position and back. As a result of the transport device, this adjustment can take place in alternating sequence and at a high frequency. In the takeover position, the takeover gripper can 50 the front 11 of the front flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd in the pack stack 24th the packing coats 3rd in the magazine 22 seize. The takeover gripper stops in the retracted stop position 50 the packing jacket 3rd during the unfolding of the packaging jacket 3rd . A possible configuration of the transport device for adjusting the take-over gripper 50 from the takeover position to the holding position is in the 10th and 11 of the DE 10 2016 109 996 A1 shown. Other configurations of the transport device are also possible.

Furthermore, the device shown and preferred in this respect 25th for unfolding the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd a folding gripper 52 intended. For gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd shows the illustrated and so far preferred folding gripper 52 three suction cups 53 on. Another number of suction cups 53 would also be conceivable. On the suction cups 53 a vacuum can be drawn when the suction cups 53 with their openings on a flat-folded packing jacket 3rd issue. The folding gripper 52 is from a folding device 54 driven and can thus be adjusted from a non-use position to a use position and back. When adjusting the folding gripper 52 The folding gripper moves from the non-use position to the use position 52 just as in sections in the opposite direction to the unfolded position. The folding gripper grips in the use position 52 that of the takeover grab 50 in the retracted holding position, the flat-folded packing jacket is held 3rd . When adjusting the folding gripper 52 The folding gripper supports from the use position to the unfolded position 52 unfolding the flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd . Then the folding gripper 52 in the non-use position to take over the next flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd from the pack stack 24th and the transport of the pack shell taken over 3rd in the folded position by the takeover gripper 50 not to hinder. Then the folding gripper 52 adjusted again from the non-use position over the unfolded position to the use position, around there the next flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd to seize and unfold.

For adjusting the folding gripper 52 this is with the folding device 54 connected, like this also in the 4B is shown. In the illustrated and in this respect preferred device 25th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd includes the folding device 54 a folding gripper swivel axis 55 one hand with the folding gripper 52 and on the other hand with a folding gripper swivel drive 56 connected is. The folding gripper swivel drive 56 includes an engine 57 for motorized folding gripper 52 , a rotatable output lever 58 of the engine, a swivel lever 59 the swivel axis and the output lever 58 and the swivel lever 59 connecting coupling lever 60 . This allows the motor to rotate 57 in a pivoting movement of the folding gripper 52 around the folding gripper swivel axis 55 be implemented.

Incidentally, in the illustrated and in this respect preferred device 25th for unfolding the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd three Takeover stops 61,62,63 are provided on which the flat-folded packing sleeves 3rd get into a defined system in the folded position, with the two opposite edges 64 the front 11 of the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd adjacent to the two folded edges 6 and with a section in between. When unfolding the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd the three takeover stops remain 61-63 in the illustrated and so far preferred device 25th for unfolding the packaging sleeves 3rd further in plant on the corresponding edges 64 the packing coats 3rd . To do this, one of the three takeover stops 63 from one on the flat-folded packing jacket 3rd abutting position in a on the unfolded packing jacket 3rd adjoining shape position and adjusted back.

This adjustment of the takeover stop 63 is also by the folding device 54 causes. In the illustrated and in this respect preferred device 25th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd includes the folding device 54 here a stop pivot axis 65 on the one hand with the takeover stop 63 and on the other hand with a stop swivel drive 66 connected is. The stop swivel drive 66 includes an engine 67 for driving the transfer stop by motor 63 , a rotatable output lever 68 of the motor 67 , a swivel lever 69 the swivel axis and the output lever 68 and the swivel lever 69 connecting coupling lever 70 . This allows the motor to rotate 67 in a pivoting movement of the takeover stop 63 around the stop pivot axis 65 be implemented.

As an alternative to the illustrated and, in this respect, preferred exemplary embodiment, only a single motor could also be provided. In principle, a servomotor is possible as the motor, which enables more precise monitoring and control.

In the 5A-E is the device 25th for unfolding the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd of the 4th in different positions during the unfolding of the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd shown. It is in the 5A the takeover gripper 50 has been moved from the transport device into the extended take-over position in which the suction cups 51 of the takeover gripper 50 on the front facing the front 11 the foremost, flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd issue. Air from the suction cups 51 is subtracted to create a vacuum in the on the packing sleeves 3rd adjacent suction cups 51 to create. The flat-folded packaging sleeves 3rd are each around two folded edges 6 folded flat and in a pack stack 24th in a row in the magazine 22 added. The front, flat-folded packing jacket 3rd lies with the opposite, the folded edges 6 associated edges 64 the front 11 on deduction stops 71 on the front packing jacket 3rd of the pack stack 24th of flat folded packing sleeves 3rd hold in a defined position. The trigger stops 71 as they are spaced from each other and the opposite folded edges 6 are assigned a deduction gap 72 between them ready, through which the takeover gripper 50 on the front packing jacket 3rd of the magazine 22 can be introduced. The takeover gripper 50 thus grabs the front facing the front 11 of the front flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd . Then the takeover gripper 50 moved from the extended take-over position by the transport device into a retracted stop position. This represents an at least substantially rectilinear movement that is at least substantially perpendicular to the pack stack 24th , especially with the front packing jacket 3rd of the pack stack 24th , is aligned.

In the 5B is the takeover gripper 50 shown in the retracted stop position. The takeover gripper stops in this position 50 the still flat folded packing jacket 3rd in a folded position in which the packing jacket 3rd on the takeover attacks 61-63 is present. Each of the two opposite and the folded edges 6 associated margins 64 a takeover stop 61.63 assigned to the respective edge 64 of the packaging jacket 3rd holds in place. Another takeover stop is located between the two outer takeover stops 61, 63 62 provided on which the flat-folded packing jacket 3rd in the folded position.

The folding gripper 52 is still in the side non-use position, in which the folding gripper 52 transporting the flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd from the pack stack 24th the packing coats 3rd in magazine 22 not hindered to the folded position. Subsequently, however, the folding gripper 52 driven by the folding device 54 adjusted from the non-use position to the use position. The folding ripener 52 is done with the help of the folding gripper swivel drive 56 around the folding gripper swivel axis 55 pivoted. The motor 57 for motorized folding gripper 52 adjusts the connected output lever 58 outwards and pulls the coupling lever 60 in the same direction. This is the on the coupling lever 60 connected swivel levers 59 and the to the pivot lever 59 connected folding gripper swivel axis 55 pivoted so that the folding gripper 52 comes into the use position.

In the 5C is the folding gripper 52 shown in the position of use in which the folding gripper 52 the still flat folded packing jacket 3rd seizes. The folding gripper 52 takes hold of the previous back 12th of the packaging jacket 3rd from the takeover gripper 50 points away. The folding gripper 52 is now adjusted back to the unfolded position, in which the previously flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd is unfolded. At the same time it becomes the folding gripper 52 averted takeover stop 63 from the in the 5C shown stop position in the shape position. Adjusting the folding gripper 52 and adjusting the takeover stop 63 this forces the packaging jacket to be unfolded 3rd . The folding gripper swivel drive 56 is in the opposite direction about the folding gripper pivot axis 55 pivoted. The motor 57 for motorized folding gripper 52 adjusts the output lever 58 to do this backwards and pulls the coupling lever 60 in the same direction. This will make the swivel lever 59 and the folding gripper swivel axis connected to it 55 pivoted back so that the folding gripper 52 returned to the unfolded position. Adjusting the takeover stop 63 is also done by means of the folding device 54 . For this purpose, this has a motor 67 for driving the transfer stop by motor 63 on the one output lever 68 having. The output lever 68 is moved inwards so that the coupling lever 70 is also shifted in this direction. The one on the coupling lever 70 provided swivel lever 59 then swings the on the swivel lever 59 articulated takeover stop 63 around the stop pivot axis 65 from the stop position to the molded position.

As a result, the folding device arrives 54 in the in the 5D shown position in which the packing jacket 3rd is unfolded and both at the three takeover stops 61-63 as well as two folding stops 73 , 74 and at a fold-up stop 75 is present. There is one swiveling take-over stop 63 now in the shape position and is in the illustrated and so far preferred device 25th for unfolding packaging sleeves 3rd firmly with the unfolding stop 75 connected. The takeover attack 63 and the associated unfolding stop 75 are now on opposite sides of an edge 76 of the unfolded packaging jacket 3rd at, the edge 76 through a folded edge 6 of the flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd is formed. The middle takeover stop 62 lies adjacent to another edge 77 of the unfolded packaging jacket 3rd from a beige line not previously bent 78 is formed. The outer, non-swiveling take-over stop 61 and an adjacent folding stop 73 lie on opposite sides of another edge 79 or another previous folded edge 6 on. The further folding stop 74 lies adjacent to an edge 80 from a bending line not previously bent 81 is formed.

To avoid the unfolding stop 75 already when moving the packing sleeves 3rd in the folded position according to 5B in which the packing coats 3rd attached to the takeover stop 63 should arrive in an undesirable manner with the fold-up stop 75 collides, the unfolding stop 75 if necessary together with the takeover stop 63 something compared to that in the 5B shown position must be rotated counterclockwise. If this is the case, it can further be provided that the folding stop 75 if necessary together with the takeover stop 63 is then pivoted back again in the opposite direction. And preferably until that in the 5D shown position is reached, in which the fold-up stop 75 if necessary together with the takeover stop 63 is positioned so that the unfolded packaging jacket 3rd both on the unfolding stop 75 as well as the takeover stop 63 is present.

The unfolded packaging jacket 3rd will now be in the longitudinal direction of the packing jacket 3rd down or up on a thorn 28 a pinwheel 27 pushed. Then the folding gripper 52 swung out again from the unfolded position into the non-use position. In addition, the swiveling outer transfer stop 63 pivoted back to the stop position. Swiveling the folding gripper 52 and the takeover stop 63 takes place as described via the folding device 54 in the opposite direction. In this way the device arrives 25th for unfolding packaging sleeves 3rd back to the starting position according to 5A and the same process steps are carried out again to create a further, flat-folded packaging jacket 3rd unfold.

Reference list

1

Cutting

2nd

Packaging laminate

3rd

Packing jacket

4th

Longitudinal edge

5

Bending line

6

Folded edge

7

pack

8th

upper edge

9

edge

10th

Sealed seam

11

front

12th

back

13

coat

14.15

Longitudinal end

16

ground

17th

head

18th

Packing ear

20

contraption

21

Packing body

22

magazine

23

Processing line

24th

Pack stack

25th

contraption

26

contraption

27

Pinwheel

28

mandrel

29

Heating unit

30th

Press

31

Sealing device

32

cell

33

Transport device

34

Filling machine

35

Aseptic chamber

36

Sterilization zone

37

Filling and sealing zone

38

Sterile air connection

39

Preheater

40

Sterilizing device

41

Drying facility

42

Filling position

43

Filling spout

44

Food

45

Closing device

50

Takeover gripper

51

suction cup

52

Folding gripper

53

suction cup

54

Folding device

55

Folding gripper swivel axis

56

Folding gripper swivel drive

57

engine

58

Output lever

59

Swivel lever

60

Coupling lever

61-63

Takeover stop

64

edge

65

Stop pivot axis

66

Stop swivel drive

67

engine

68

Output lever

69

Swivel lever

70

Coupling lever

71

Trigger stop

72

Trigger gap

73-74

Folding stop

75

Unfolding stop

76-77

Edge

78

Bending line

79

Edge

80

Edge

81

Bending line

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2013/053646 A1 [0009]
• DE 102016109996 A1 [0055]

Claims (17)

Method for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves (3), the packaging sleeves (3) being folded flat around two folding edges (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sleeves (3), - in which the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are gripped one after the other by a take-over gripper (50) on one side between the two folded edges (6), - in which the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) are gripped by a folding gripper (52) on the other side between the two folding edges (6), - In which the folding gripper (52) and the take-over gripper (50) are adjusted against each other in such a way that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are unfolded and - In which the folding gripper (52) and the take-over gripper (50) attack after folding the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) on adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves (3). Procedure according to Claim 1 , - in which the folded edges (6), which are folded flat in the longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves (3), are kept ready one behind the other in a stack of packs (24), - in each of which the front flat-folded packing sleeve (3) of the pack stack ( 24) is gripped by the take-over gripper (50), in which the flat-folded packing jacket (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) away from the pack stack (24), in particular in a folded position relative to the folding gripper (52) and / or in particular in a straight line and perpendicular to the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) in the stack of packs (24) is moved, and - in which the packing sleeves (3) after the flat-folded packing sleeve (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) is moved away from the stack of packs (24), in particular in the folding position from which the folding gripper (52) is gripped. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2nd , - in which the take-over gripper (50) pulls the flat-folded packing sleeves (3), especially when moving away from the stack of packs (24), against at least one take-over stop (61, 62, 63) and / or - in which the folding gripper (52) pulls the Packing jacket (3) pulls against at least one folding stop (73, 74) in the at least partially unfolded state, in particular as a result of the unfolding of the packing jacket (3). Procedure according to Claim 3 , - in which the take-over gripper (50) grips between two areas of the packing jacket resting on take-over stops (61, 62, 63) on the packing jacket (3), and / or - in which the folding gripper (52) grips between two on folding stops (73, 74 ) adjacent areas of the packing jacket (3) on the packing jacket (3). Procedure according to Claim 3 or 4th , - in which the at least one take-over stop (63) or at least one take-over stop (63) on the one hand and the take-over gripper (50) on the other hand are adjusted in such a way that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are unfolded and - in which the take-over stop (63) and after the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) have been unfolded, the take-over gripper (50) engages on adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves (3) and - in the case of, preferably, the transfer stop (63) from a stop position lying against the flat-folded packing jacket (3) is adjusted into a mold position lying against the unfolded packing jacket (3) and back. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , - in which the folding gripper (52) is moved from a non-use position that does not grip the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) to a position of use gripping the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) and / or - in which the folding gripper (52) is moved from one of the flat-folded packing sleeves (3 ) gripping position of use is adjusted to a unfolding position gripping the unfolded packaging sleeves (3). Procedure according to Claim 6 , - in which the non-use position and the unfolded position of the folding gripper (52) are at least substantially identical and / or - in which the folding gripper (52) when moving from the non-use position to the use position and / or from the use position to the non-use position in sections in the Unfolded position. Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7 , - in which the folding gripper (52) and the take-over stop (63) are adjusted parallel to one another, in particular at least essentially in the same time interval, from the use position to the unfolding position or from the stop position to the shaped position and / or - in which the folding gripper (52) and the take-over stop (63) are adjusted independently of one another, in particular at least essentially one after the other, from the non-use position into the use position or from the shape position into the stop position. Procedure according to one of the Claims 2 to 8th , - in which the pack sleeves (3) of the pack stack (24) with opposite, lateral edges (64) abut trigger stops (71) and - in which, preferably, the pack sleeves (3) from the take-over gripper (50) by one of deduction gap (72) are deducted from the trigger stops (71). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , in which the unfolded packing sleeves (3) are released one after the other, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves (3), to a mandrel wheel (27), in particular pushed onto the mandrels (28) of the mandrel wheel (27). Device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves (3), preferably according to one of the Claims 1 to 10th , with a magazine (22) comprising a pack stack (3) each consisting of two fold edges (6) which are folded flat in the longitudinal direction of the pack sleeves (3) and with a take-over gripper (50) for gripping each of the front pack sleeves (3 ) of the pack stack (24) on the front side (11) of the flat-folded pack casing (3) between the two folded edges (6) and for moving the gripped pack casings (3) away from the pack stack (24), characterized in that a transport device for, in particular a straight line Moving the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) into a folding position relative to a folding gripper (52) is provided such that the folding gripper (52) for gripping the rear side (12) of the flat-folded packing sleeves located in the folded position ( 3) is provided between the two folded edges (6) of the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) and that a folding device (54) for Ve the folding gripper (52) and the take-over gripper (50) are provided against one another in such a way that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are unfolded and that the folding gripper (52) and the take-over gripper (50) after unfolding the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) on each other attack the adjacent or opposite sides of the unfolded packing sleeves (3). Device after Claim 11 , characterized in that at least one take-over stop (61, 62, 63) for engaging the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) and, preferably, on opposite sides of the take-over gripper (50) gripping the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) In each case at least one take-over stop (61, 62, 63) is provided for abutment of the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) gripped by the take-over gripper (50) and / or that at least one fold-over stop (73, 74) for abutment of the unfolded and from the fold-out gripper (52) seized packing sleeves (3) and, preferably, at least one folding stop (73, 74) is provided on each opposite side of the folding gripper (52) gripping the unfolded packing sleeves (3) for engaging the unfolded packing sleeves (3) seized by the folding gripper (52) is. Device after Claim 12 , characterized in that the folding device (54) for adjusting the at least one take-over stop (63) or at least one take-over stop (63) on the one hand and the take-over gripper (50) on the other hand is provided in such a way that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are unfolded and that the take-over stop (50) and the take-over gripper (63), after the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) have been unfolded, engage on adjacent sides of the unfolded packing sleeves (3) and that, preferably, the folding device (54) is designed to accommodate the take-over stop (63) to be adjusted from a stop position resting on the flat-folded packing jacket (3) to a shape position resting on the unfolded packing jacket (3) and back. Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 13 , characterized in that the folding device (54) for adjusting the folding gripper (52) from a non-use position which does not grip the flat-folded packaging sleeves (3) into a use position gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves (3) and back and / or for adjusting the folding gripper (52) is formed from a use position gripping the flat-folded pack sleeves (3) into a unfolded position grasping the unfolded pack sleeves (3) and that, preferably, the non-use position and the unfolded position of the folding gripper (52) are at least substantially identical and / or the folding device (54) in this way is designed such that the folding gripper (52) reaches sections of the unfolded position when being adjusted from the non-use position to the use position and / or back. Device after Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the folding device (54) for, in particular forcibly, coupled adjustment of the folding gripper (52) and the take-over stop (63) parallel to one another, in particular at least essentially in the same time interval, from the use position to the unfolded position or from the stop position is formed in the shaped position and / or that the folding device (54) for independent, in particular at least essentially connected in series, adjustment of the folding gripper (52) and the transfer stop (63) from the non-use position into the Use position or from the molded position to the stop position is formed. Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 15 , characterized in that the magazine has trigger stops (71) for abutting opposite lateral edges (64) of the front packing jacket (3) of the pack stack (24) and that, preferably, the trigger stops (71) have a trigger gap (72 ) for gripping and moving away the front packaging jacket (3) of the stack of packs (24). Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 16 characterized in that a mandrel wheel (27) with spikes (28) is provided for pushing the unfolded packing sleeves (3) onto the spikes (28), preferably in a longitudinal direction of the packing sleeves (3).

Images