DE102019110914A1 - Method and device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging shells - Google Patents

Abstract

Described and shown is a method for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging jackets (3), the packaging jackets (3) being folded flat around two folding edges (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jackets (3). So that a more reliable but nevertheless quick unfolding of flat-folded packing sleeves to form packing bodies open on one side can be ensured without the need for excessive equipment or procedural expenditure, it is provided that the flat-folded packing sleeves (3) are opened one after the other by a transfer gripper (50) one side between the two folding edges (6) are gripped that the flat-folded pack jackets (3) from the transfer gripper (50) along a take-off transport path (TB) of the pack jackets (3), preferably with at least partial unfolding of the pack jackets (3), with the fold edges (6) in grooves (54) opposing receptacles (53,67) each arranged in an initial position are moved, in particular pulled, that the opposing receptacles (53,67), in particular at the same time, each move from the initial position into a folded position be swiveled in the respective pack jacket (3) is held unfolded with the folding edges (6) in the grooves (54) of the receptacles (53,67) so that the unfolded packaging jackets (3) are delivered to a forming station and that the receptacles (53,67) for receiving (54) of a further package jacket (3) are each pivoted back from the folded position into the starting position.

Description

The invention relates to a method for at least partially unfolding flat-folded pack sleeves, the pack jackets being folded flat around two fold edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the pack jackets. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded pack sleeves with a magazine comprising a pack stack of pack jackets each folded flat around two fold edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the pack jackets and with a transfer gripper for gripping the front pack jacket of the pack stack on the front side of the flat-folded pack jacket between the two folding edges and moving the gripped pack jackets from the pack stack along a transport path in grooves of receptacles located in an initial position.

Methods and devices for forming packing bodies that are open on one side from packing jackets that are open on both sides have been known for some time. These methods and devices are mostly used as a first sub-step in the production of filled packs, with methods and devices for filling packs with products in different configurations also being known. Corresponding devices are mostly so-called filling machines, which are supplied with flat-folded packaging jackets and the product to be filled.

The packaging jackets are made in particular from packaging material laminate blanks, in particular by sealing the longitudinal edges of the packaging material laminate blanks onto one another. The inner longitudinal edge can be folded outwards in order to prevent moisture from penetrating into the packaging material laminate, in particular the cardboard box. Packing jackets formed from a packaging material laminate, which are open at the opposite longitudinal ends, are thus produced. The pack jackets are mostly pre-folded along four bending lines running longitudinally to the pack jacket so that the later edges of the pack, which typically has a square or rectangular cross section, can be easily and reliably formed when the pack body is open on one side. First, however, the pack sleeves are folded flat around two opposite folding edges. Two of the pre-folded bending lines are then folded back again. The other two bending lines form the folding edges. The pack jacket then essentially forms two sections which run parallel to one another and lie on top of one another with their inner sides. The flat-folded pack sleeves are transferred as a stack to a magazine of the filling machine.

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

Furthermore, for example, through the DE 10 2016 109 995 A1 a filling machine with a device for unfolding packaging sleeves which are folded flat around two folding edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sleeves, and a corresponding method for unfolding such flat-folded packaging sleeves. In this filling machine, the flat-folded pack jackets are pulled one after the other by a transfer gripper through a channel that tapers in the direction of transport of the flat-folded pack jackets, and at the end of the channel they enter grooves that are spaced a little less than the distance between the two opposite ones Folded edges of the flat-folded pack sleeves. Thus, the pack jackets are picked up already slightly unfolded and then passed on in the longitudinal direction of the pack jackets between two mold halves of a mold for unfolding the pack jackets. In the mold, the pack jackets are completely unfolded by closing the mold containing the two mold halves.

Packing bodies in this context are understood to mean containers such as 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 made of polyethylene (PE). The cardboard gives the packs sufficient stability so that the packs can be easily handled and, for example, stacked. The plastic layers protect the carton from moisture and the food from absorbing 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 material laminate.

Corresponding packaging bodies are typically filled with products in the form of food, in particular beverages, whereby predominantly flowable products come into question as 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 packing has been filled. For this purpose, the filling machines have, for example, sterilization rooms or aseptic chambers in which the pack bodies are sterilized and then filled and sealed under the most sterile conditions possible. After the packing bodies have been filled, they are typically closed in the filling machine. When using appropriate packaging material laminates, the packaging body is closed by sealing the open end.

The pack bodies, which are open on one side, are fed into a sterilization zone of the filling machine. This usually takes place in that the packing bodies are transferred one after the other to the cells of a transport device receiving the packing bodies. The transport device then ensures that the pack bodies are transported through the sterilization zone of the filling machine at a defined speed at a defined distance from one another. In the sterilization zone, the pack bodies are preheated with hot sterile air and then, typically with hydrogen peroxide, sterilized and dried with sterile air. The sterile packaging bodies are transferred to the filling and sealing zone and filled there. The opening of the filled pack body is then closed before the closed pack 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 package bodies are transported in a straight line through the filling machine by the transport device. Corresponding filling machines are also called cross-country machines. 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.

However, it has changed from the DE 10 2016 109 995 A1 The known filling machine has proven to be disadvantageous that the unfolding of the flat-folded pack sleeves cannot be achieved with the desired reliability and with the desired throughput in spite of increased expenditure on apparatus and methods.

Therefore, the present invention is 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 nevertheless rapid unfolding of flat-folded packaging casings to form packaging bodies open on one side can be ensured without this requires excessive expenditure on equipment or procedures.

• - bei dem die flachgefalteten Packungsmäntel nacheinander von einem Übernahmegreifer auf einer Seite zwischen den beiden Faltkanten ergriffen werden,
• - bei dem die flachgefalteten Packungsmäntel vom Übernahmegreifer entlang einer Abzugstransportbahn der Packungsmäntel, vorzugsweise unter wenigstens teilweisem Auffalten der Packungsmäntel, mit den Faltkanten in Nuten einander gegenüberliegender, jeweils in einer Ausgangsstellung angeordneter Aufnahmen bewegt, insbesondere gezogen, werden,
• - bei dem die gegenüberliegenden Aufnahmen, insbesondere zeitgleich, jeweils aus der Ausgangsstellung so in eine Faltstellung geschwenkt werden, in der der jeweilige Packungsmantel aufgefaltet mit den Faltkanten in den Nuten der Aufnahmen gehalten wird,
• - bei dem die aufgefalteten Packungsmäntel an eine Formstation abgegeben werden und
• - bei dem die Aufnahmen zur Aufnahme eines weiteren Packungsmantels jeweils aus der Faltstellung in die Ausgangsstellung zurückgeschwenkt werden.

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

• - in which the flat-folded pack sleeves are gripped one after the other by a transfer gripper on one side between the two folded edges,
• - in which the flat-folded pack jackets are moved, in particular pulled, by the transfer gripper along a take-off transport path of the pack jackets, preferably with at least partial unfolding of the pack jackets, with the fold edges in grooves of mutually opposite receptacles, each arranged in a starting position,
• - in which the opposing receptacles, in particular at the same time, are each pivoted from the starting position into a folded position in which the respective pack jacket is held unfolded with the folded edges in the grooves of the receptacles,
• - In which the unfolded packaging jackets are delivered to a forming station and
• - in which the receptacles for receiving a further package jacket are each pivoted back from the folded position into the starting position.

The stated object is also achieved in a device according to the preamble of claim 11 in that a folding device is provided for pivoting the receptacles from the initial position into a folded position in which the pack sleeves are held unfolded with the folded edges in the grooves.

According to the invention, the flat-folded pack sleeves are first gripped by a transfer gripper on their free sides and transferred. The transfer gripper transports the flat-folded package jacket in a take-off transport direction along a take-off transport path in the direction of grooves in separate receptacles. As a result, the packing shells get with the folded edges into the grooves which are opposite one another and whose openings each point at least essentially in the direction of the other groove. However, the grooves are preferably arranged so close to one another that the folding edges press against the respective groove base and thus fold the pack jacket slightly. However, a corresponding partial unfolding is not necessary. Even in the event that at least partial unfolding would be desired, at least partial unfolding practically cannot occur, for example if the pack jacket does not behave as desired.

For at least partial unfolding and / or for securely holding the packaging casings in the grooves, the spacing between the groove bottoms of the grooves can therefore be somewhat smaller than the width of the flat-folded packaging casings from fold edge to fold edge. This ensures that the packing jackets are securely held in the grooves or between the receptacles. Accordingly, the take-over gripper can be separated from the pack jackets when the pack jackets are received in the grooves. In any case, it is fundamentally expedient if the transfer gripper is separated from the pack jacket before the receptacles are pivoted from their starting position into the folded position in order to unfold the pack jacket completely. The take-over gripper cannot interfere with the unfolding of the pack jacket.

For the actual unfolding of the pack jacket held in the grooves of the receptacles, the receptacles lying opposite one another are pivoted from the starting position in which the pack jacket is only slightly unfolded into the folded position. The grooves, which continue to hold the pack jacket, are pivoted in a corresponding manner. For reliable unfolding, it is useful if the recordings are pivoted at least in sections at the same time, but without this being absolutely necessary. The folded position of the receptacles is selected such that the respective pack jacket is at least substantially completely unfolded between the receptacles. Nevertheless, in this state, the pack jacket is still held more or less with the folded edges in the grooves of the receptacles. It should also be taken into account here that the pack jacket in the unfolded state exerts a certain restoring force back in the direction of the flat-folded position of the pack jacket, which force presses the unfolded pack jacket against the receptacles.

The now sufficiently unfolded package jacket is then delivered to a forming station in which the package jacket can then be further processed, in particular further shaped. For example, one end of the pack jacket can be closed in the forming station in order to form a pack bottom or a pack head. For example, the use of a mandrel wheel can be useful for this purpose. The packing body, which is closed on one side, can then be filled afterwards.

In order to be able to take up the next pack jacket and, if necessary, unfold it, the receptacles are pivoted back into the starting position after the unfolded pack jacket has been passed on to the forming station.

The process described above can then be carried out again. The corresponding process is therefore repeated many times and carried out in quick succession. The process can be carried out in a very confined space. It can also be operated very stably, so that very short cycle times can be achieved.

In terms of the device, the method described above can be carried out, for which purpose the flat-folded pack jackets are initially arranged one behind the other in a pack stack and are thus received in a magazine. The pack jackets are stacked perpendicular to one another and provided with folding edges arranged parallel to one another in alignment with one another. In the magazine, the front side of the respective foremost package jacket then always points forwards in the direction of a take-over gripper for gripping the corresponding package jacket. The front side extends between the two folding edges of the corresponding package jacket arranged laterally in the magazine. The transfer gripper moves the gripped pack jacket from the pack stack along a pull-off transport path, which can, but does not have to, preferably extend in a straight pull-off transport direction. The package jacket enters the grooves of the receptacles provided opposite one another. The grooves and the recordings are located in the Starting position. If the distance between the grooves is slightly less than the width of the flat-folded pack sleeves between the fold edges, the fold edges press against the grooves from the inside and the pack jackets are securely held between the grooves in a form-fitting and non-positive manner. The recordings and the grooves do not remain in this arrangement to one another. Rather, the recordings are pivoted from the starting position into the folded position, while the folded edges remain received in the grooves. The receptacles are pivoted relative to one another and to the pack jacket in such a way that the pack jacket is thereby at least substantially unfolded. As soon as the receptacles are arranged in the folded position, the corresponding pack jacket is at least substantially unfolded. For this reason, the folded position is preferably an end position of the receptacles. Further pivoting is then not absolutely necessary, although this is also not mandatory.

In the present case, a pack stack is preferably understood to mean a row of pack jackets which are aligned parallel to one another and bear against one another. In addition, the pack jackets of the pack stack are further preferably arranged with their edges in alignment with one another. 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 pack jackets are arranged one behind the other in the pack stack at least substantially in the horizontal direction. Due to the arrangement of the flat-folded pack jackets, however, for the sake of better understanding, the present case is referred to as a pack stack.

For the sake of better understanding and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the method and the device are described together below, without distinguishing in each case between the method and the device. However, the person skilled in the art can use the respective context to see which features are particularly preferred in relation to the method and the device.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the folded edges in the grooves of the pack jackets received in the starting position are moved, in particular pressed, by the transfer gripper at least in sections against the withdrawal transport direction. In other words, the pack jackets, while the pack jackets are held in the grooves, are partially moved back by the takeover gripper in the direction of the starting position of the pack jacket in which the takeover gripper has taken over the pack jacket. For the sake of simplicity, the backward movement can take place along the trigger transport path. In this way, the rear side of the package jacket is reliably brought into a position in which this rear side of the package jacket is bent or, if necessary, bent backwards, i.e. against the pull-off transport direction, whereby the packaging jacket can be more reliably unfolded if necessary. Alternatively or additionally, for the same purpose, the grooves can be moved from the starting position of the receptacles, in which the grooves have received the pack sleeves from the transfer gripper, further in the withdrawal transport direction, in particular along the withdrawal transport path, i.e. in continuation of the withdrawal transport direction of the packaging jackets. The transfer gripper can remain in a stationary position for the sake of simplicity. This also ensures that the rear side of the pack jacket is bent or kinked against the direction of transport or backwards, in order to make the unfolding of the pack jackets more reliable, if necessary.

If necessary, it is also advisable if the transfer gripper, after the transfer gripper has been moved back in sections counter to the withdrawal transport direction, moves the pack jacket, which is further received with its folded edges in the grooves of the receptacles, again in the withdrawal transport direction, in particular along the withdrawal transport path, particular draws. The transfer gripper can preferably be moved into a position along the withdrawal transport path into which the transfer gripper has already been moved with the same pack jacket. In particular, the transfer gripper can be moved into the intermediate position before moving back against the withdrawal transport direction or also beyond it along the withdrawal transport path. In this way, the front side of the package jacket is reliably brought into a position in which this front side of the package jacket is bent or, if necessary, kinked forward, that is, in the transport direction and away from the point at which the transfer gripper has taken over the package jacket, whereby the packing jacket can be unfolded more reliably. The back of the package jacket preferably remains bent backwards and / or nodded. As an alternative or in addition, after they have been moved further along the transport direction, in particular against the take-over gripper, they can be moved back again in sections against the withdrawal transport direction, in particular pressed. For the sake of simplicity, this can be done along the trigger transport path. Of the The packing jacket is held with its folded edges in the grooves of the receptacles. In this way, it is also achieved that the front side of the pack jacket is reliably brought into a position in which this front side of the pack jacket is bent or bent forward, i.e. in the transport direction and away from the point at which the transfer gripper has taken over the pack jacket is kinked if necessary, whereby the unfolding of the packing jacket can be done more reliably. The rear side of the package jacket also preferably remains bent backwards and / or nodded.

Basically, by moving the pack jackets accordingly by moving the receptacles and / or the transfer gripper back and forth or back and forth, you can bend or kink the back of the pack jackets backwards and bend or kink the front of the pack jackets forwards . The packing jackets are then at least slightly unfolded. This can make the further unfolding of the pack sleeves considerably easier.

The unfolding can therefore in principle be improved in that the pack jackets are bent and / or kinked in the grooves at least in sections in the take-off transport direction. In this case, the corresponding pack jacket is preferably received in the grooves of the receptacles in such a way that the front side of the pack jacket in the withdrawal transport direction is bent or kinked in the withdrawal transport direction or forward. The pack jacket can then be bent and / or kinked at least in sections against the pull-off transport direction, while the folded edges of the pack jackets continue to be received in the grooves. In particular, the rear side of the package jacket is bent and / or kinked against the withdrawal transport direction. In order to ensure this reliably, it may be advisable to bend and / or kink both the rear side and the front side of the pack jacket against the pull-off transport direction. However, the front side should preferably then be bent or kinked forwards in order to simplify further unfolding. It is therefore useful if the pack jacket is then bent and / or kinked again at least in sections in the take-off transport direction. Preferably, only the front side is bent or kinked in this direction, while the rear side of the pack jacket then remains bent or kinked in the opposite direction. Ultimately, a package jacket with the folded edges is provided in the grooves of the receptacles, the back of which is bent or kinked to the rear and whose front is bent or kinked to the front.

Preferably with corresponding, partially unfolded pack jackets, further unfolding can be achieved safely and reliably if the opposite edges of the pack jackets, in particular the folded edges, press against the grooves of the receptacles in the starting position in such a way that the pack jackets are partially unfolded . For this purpose, the packing shells are preferably somewhat less wide than the groove bases of the grooves of the receptacles are spaced apart from one another. The unfolding is forced so that the folding edges, while they are arranged in the grooves of the receptacles, are pressed against one another. In the case of pack jackets that are already slightly opened, this reliably leads to further opening of the pack jackets.

In order to be able to achieve that the pack jackets are already slightly unfolded and received in the grooves of the receptacles, the pack jackets can, before being received in the grooves, with compulsory, partial unfolding of the pack jackets by a folding edge that comes into contact with the two opposite folding edges of the pack jacket be drawn transversely to the pack jacket and in the withdrawal transport direction of the pack jackets tapering channel. The channel tapers in such a way that the package jacket does not fit through the channel in its original width between the folded edges. The folding edges are moved towards one another by the lateral boundaries of the channel when the packaging jackets are pulled through the channel, so that the packaging jackets are forcibly unfolded to at least a small extent.

In order to facilitate and accelerate the unfolding of the pack jackets, the pack jackets, which are folded flat around two fold edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the pack jackets, can initially be kept ready one behind the other in a pack stack. It is particularly preferred here if the pack jackets lie congruently on top of one another, the fold edges being aligned at least essentially parallel to one another. In this way, the pack sleeves can be taken over by the transfer gripper in quick succession. In this context, it is particularly expedient if the front flat-folded pack jacket of the pack stack is gripped by the take-over gripper in order to then be moved away in the take-off transport direction. It is also advisable if the flat-folded pack jacket gripped by the transfer gripper is moved away from the pack stack by the transfer gripper in the withdrawal transport direction along the withdrawal transport path of the pack jackets. In this way, the packing sleeves can be quickly and easily transferred to the grooves in the receptacles.

So that the takeover of the pack jackets by the takeover gripper works reliably, the pack jackets can be kept ready in such a way that the next pack jacket intended to be taken over, in particular the pack stack, rests with opposing, lateral edges on pull-off stops before the pack jacket is gripped by the takeover gripper and in the Trigger transport direction is moved away. A particularly reliable takeover of the pack jackets can be achieved if, in addition, the pack jackets are pulled off the takeover gripper through a pull-off gap that is laterally limited by the pull-off stops. Sufficient space then remains between the pull-off stops to allow the transfer gripper to grasp the pack sleeves that are held in position.

The unfolded pack jackets can be delivered one after the other, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the pack jackets, to a mandrel wheel of a molding station, in particular pushed onto the mandrels of the mandrel wheel. Packing bodies open on one side can then be formed on the mandrel wheel in the manner desired in each case. For reasons of space and to simplify the method, it is particularly advantageous if the folded-out package jacket is delivered upwards to the mandrel wheel or to a mandrel of the mandrel wheel.

So that the pack sleeves to be unfolded or unfolded cannot accidentally slide downwards along the grooves of the receptacles in the direction of gravity, the pack jackets to be unfolded or unfolded and held with the folded edges in the receptacles can be gripped in sections by a holding element, in particular a holding finger will. This allows the packaging jackets to be unfolded more reliably and more quickly. In addition, for reasons of space, it is particularly preferred if the unfolded packaging jackets are pushed up onto the mandrel wheel. However, it can also be provided, for example also for reasons of space, that the pack jackets should be pushed down onto the mandrel wheel. Then it would also be preferred if the holding element, in particular the holding finger, can be adjusted into a release position in which the pack jackets are no longer positively gripped underneath and can therefore be moved undisturbed by the holding element, in particular the holding finger, down onto the mandrel wheel. In addition, it would also be conceivable for the holding element, in particular the holding finger, to hold the pack jackets in a force-locking manner and not in a form-locking manner.

For adjustment, the receptacles can be pivoted from the starting position into the folded position and back, each driven by a motor, around a pivot axis. As an alternative or in addition to a motor-driven pivoting of the receptacles, however, a pneumatic and / or hydraulic pivoting of the receptacles about the pivot axis is also possible. However, this is usually associated with a higher outlay in terms of equipment and is therefore usually less preferred. This enables a simple adjustment of the receptacles, which benefits the reliability and the throughput of the pack sleeves to be unfolded.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, a transport device for transporting the takeover gripper from a takeover position for taking over the flat-folded pack sleeves up to a first end position along the take-off transport path, in particular in the take-off transport direction, for transporting the takeover gripper from the first end position into an intermediate position along the Withdrawal transport path, in particular against the withdrawal transport direction, and provided for transporting the transfer gripper from the intermediate position to a second end position in the withdrawal transport path, in particular with the withdrawal transport direction. The transport device is thus designed so that the transfer gripper is moved back in sections, that is in the opposite direction, between two movements along the trigger transport direction, in particular in the trigger transport direction. In this way, it is ensured that the pack jackets are at least slightly unfolded and the rear side of the pack jackets bends and / or kinks to the rear and the front of the pack jackets bends forwards in relation to the transport direction. The unfolding of such packing jackets, if necessary further, is then considerably simplified. For the sake of simplicity, the first end position and the second end position can be at least essentially identical. The intermediate position is then preferably on the take-off transport path and between the takeover position and the respective end position. The transfer gripper is therefore moved back and forth or back and forth in sections.

Alternatively or additionally, a transport device for transporting the receptacles from the receiving position for receiving the packs in the grooves along the withdrawal transport path, in particular in the withdrawal transport direction, and relative to the transfer gripper into an intermediate position and for transporting the receptacles from the intermediate position into the starting position along the withdrawal transport path , in particular against the withdrawal transport direction, is provided. The back and forth or back and forth movement of the pack jackets for reliable partial unfolding can therefore also take place through the receptacles after the pack jackets have been transferred to the grooves of the receptacles, while the transfer gripper preferably remains stationary and thus acts as an abutment for the pack jackets can serve. The receptacles are then initially moved further in the transport direction, so that at least the rear side of the package jacket is bent and / or kinked backwards against the transport direction. The subsequent movement of the receptacles back towards the starting position or at least in sections towards the starting position then bends and / or kinks the front of the package jacket, preferably exclusively the front of the package jacket, forwards in the direction of transport. The package jacket, which has thus been partially unfolded, can then be unfolded further simply and reliably. The package jacket is preferably further held by the transfer gripper during the movement of the receptacles back and forth. The transfer gripper is therefore preferably only released from the pack jacket when the receptacles have reached the starting position again.

The packaging jackets can be unfolded very reliably if the receptacles between the stack of packs and the grooves between one another form a channel that tapers along the withdrawal transport path, in particular in the withdrawal transport direction, in such a way that the folding edges of the packaging jackets rest against the receptacles when moving through the duct arrive and are consequently at least partially unfolded. The receptacles then serve not only to provide the grooves, but also to provide a channel which causes the pack jackets to unfold at least slightly. Since the channel between the receptacles tapers in the direction of the grooves, the folded edges of the pack sleeves come into contact with the receptacles, which consequently press the fold edges together as a result of the tapering of the channel, so that the fold edges are moved towards each other and thus fold the pack jacket slightly. A gradual tapering of the channel along the take-off transport direction means that the packaging sleeves are unfolded in the channel very gently for the packaging sleeves, in particular for the folded edges.

In order to keep the pack jackets ready for gripping by the transfer gripper in a defined manner, the magazine can have pull-off stops associated with the folding edges of the front flat-folded pack jacket for the respective front pack jacket in the pack stack. The pack jackets can be pressed against the trigger stops by a suitable device, for example with the aid of a spring means. If a pull-off gap is provided between the pull-off stops, the take-over gripper can engage the respective front, flat-folded pack jacket of the pack stack via this gap, which can make the take-over of the pack jackets by the take-over gripper easier and more reliable.

Unfolding the pack jackets can be accomplished in a simple manner in terms of apparatus if a motor drive is provided for pivoting the receptacles from the starting position into the folded position and back. As an alternative or in addition, each of the receptacles can be assigned a pivot axis about which the receptacles can be pivoted easily and reliably. In this context, it is also advisable if the pivot axes are each connected to the associated receptacle via a pivot arm extending transversely to the associated pivot axis. A suitable pivoting movement of the recordings can thus be achieved simply and reliably. Alternatively or additionally, the motor drive can be connected to the respective pivot axes via drive arms extending transversely to the associated pivot axis. A defined adjustment of the receptacle can thus be achieved in a simple manner in terms of apparatus. As an alternative or in addition to a motor-driven pivoting of the receptacles, however, a pneumatic and / or hydraulic pivoting of the receptacles about the pivot axis is also possible. However, this is usually associated with a higher outlay in terms of equipment and is therefore usually less preferred.

If a holding element, in particular a holding finger, is provided for at least partially positive engagement under the folded and / or unfolded pack jackets and held with the folded edges in the receptacles, it can reliably be avoided that the pack jackets are not held sufficiently in the grooves and thus in the direction of gravity can slide down.

• 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-C Details einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Auffalten von flachgefalteten Packungsmänteln in einer Seitenansicht in einer Ansicht von unten entsprechend der Blickrichtung IVB aus 4A,
• 5A-E die Vorrichtung aus 4 in unterschiedlichen Stellungen während des Auffaltens von flachgefalteten Packungsmänteln in einer Schnittansicht gemäß der Schnittebene VB-VB der 4A und
• 6A-B Details einer alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Auffalten von flachgefalteten Packungsmänteln in einer Ansicht von unten in unterschiedlichen Stellungen während des Auffaltens von flachgefalteten Packungsmänteln.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing showing only one embodiment. In the drawing shows

• 1A-B a cut of a packaging material laminate and a packaging jacket formed from the cut from the prior art, each in a plan view,
• 2 one from the package jacket according to 1B formed pack from the prior art in a perspective view,
• 3 an apparatus for producing the pack according to 2 from a packing jacket according to 1B from the prior art in a schematic representation,
• 4A-C Details of a device according to the invention for unfolding flat-folded packaging jackets in a side view in a view from below according to the viewing direction IVB 4A ,
• 5A-E the device off 4th in different positions during the unfolding of flat-folded packaging jackets in a sectional view according to the sectional plane VB-VB of FIG 4A and
• 6A-B Details of an alternative device according to the invention for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves in a view from below in different positions during the unfolding of flat-folded packaging sleeves.

In the 1A is a cut 1 of a packaging material laminate 2 as is known from the prior art and can be provided for use with the invention. The packaging material laminate 2 is designed as a laminate of several layers of material arranged one above the other. In particular, it is a cardboard / plastic composite. The packaging laminate shown 2 has two outer layers made of a thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene (PE), which seal, ie weld, the outer layers of the packaging material laminate 2 enable. In between is a structure-giving cardboard layer with one for the packaging material laminate 2 comparatively high bending stiffness 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. Further layers are also conceivable.

The cut 1 is used to manufacture a packing jacket 3 , which is formed by the fact that the outer and mutually opposite longitudinal edges 4th of the cut 1 bent 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 where the cut 1 Can be bent or creased or folded to the desired pack 7th to build. The bending lines 5 which, if necessary, can also be designed as creasing lines, simplify the shaping of the pack jacket and also ensure reliable folding. Most of the bending lines 5 are at the top 8th and at the bottom 9 of the cut 1 provided later to form the bottom and the top or gable of the pack 7th be folded. In addition, the cut 1 four essentially parallel bending lines 5 on where the cut 1 before forming the packing jacket 3 or is pre-folded afterwards. Is the packaging material laminate 2 at the bending lines 5 Once bent, the packaging laminate will be folded again 2 at the same point there is only a slight resistance to it, which is in any case significantly lower than along bending lines that were not previously folded 5 .

In the 1B is the packing jacket 3 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 jacket thus formed 3 shown. The corresponding sealing seam 10 is close to one of the two folding edges for optical reasons 6 provided along which the pack jacket 3 is folded flat. The two folding edges 6 correspond to two of the four parallel bending lines in the longitudinal direction of the package jacket 3 . The packing jacket shown 3 is consequently like this along the folding edges 6 folded flat that the front section or the front 11 of the flat-folded package jacket 3 and the back section 12 of the packing jacket 3 lie on one another. The packing coats 3 can easily be stored when folded flat. The subsequent unfolding around the four pre-folded bending lines 5 is then still easily possible. It then becomes a packing jacket 3 obtained with a rectangular cross-section.

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

In the 3 is a device 20th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 and for filling packing bodies 21st , in particular with flowable foodstuffs, and for forming filled packs 7th , so a so-called filling machine shown. The device 20th includes a magazine 22nd for keeping packing sleeves ready 3 and a device for forming packing bodies 21st from the packing coats 3 , which are closed on one side and can thus accommodate, for example, a flowable food through the remaining opening. The shown and so far preferred device 20th has a number of parallel machining lines, one of which is in the 3 just a processing line 23 is shown. Every processing line 23 is a magazine 22nd with a stack of packs 24 or a bundle of around two folded edges 6 flat-folded packing sleeves 3 assigned. The packing coats 3 are made from blanks as described above 1 of a packaging material laminate 2 have been formed whose longitudinal edges 4th are sealed together. In one device 25th for unfolding the pack sleeves 3 are the first flat-folded pack sleeves 3 from the pack stack 24 of the magazine 22nd removed and unfolded.

The unfolded packing coats 3 be up on a fixture 26th for shaping the packing body 21st passed that a mandrel wheel 27 has, which in the illustrated and thus preferred case, for example, six mandrels 28 encompasses and rotates cyclically, i.e. gradually, clockwise. In the first mandrel wheel position 1 becomes a packing jacket 3 on the thorn 28 pushed.

Then the mandrel wheel 27 rotated further in the next mandrel wheel position II, in which the mandrel 28 no work step assigned. In the mandrel wheel position III reached by turning the mandrel wheel, this is opposite to the mandrel 28 protruding longitudinal end 15th of the packing jacket 3 via a heating unit 29 heated with hot air. In the next mandrel wheel position IV, the heated longitudinal end is 15th of the packing jacket 3 through a press 30th pre-folded and in the subsequent mandrel wheel position V in the folded position by a sealing device 31 tightly closed, especially to a floor 16 , sealed. In this way it becomes a pack body closed on one side 21st obtained in the following mandrel wheel position VI from the mandrel 28 taken and for example to a cell 32 an endless transport device guided in a circle 33 is passed. In principle, however, other transport devices are also possible. The number of mandrel wheel positions or mandrels 28 and the processing steps provided there can, if necessary, be modified from the representation according to 3 and the associated description differ. In addition, a spout can be connected to the packaging material laminate in at least one further mandrel wheel position, if required. Then the longitudinal end of the pack jacket closed on the mandrel wheel is preferably the head of the later pack. Whether the packing body is filled by the later head or through the later base plays only a subordinate role in the present case.

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

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

In the 4A is the device 25th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 with a corresponding folding device 49 shown in a side view from the front. From the front in this context means from the pack stack (not shown) 24 of the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 in the magazine 22nd seen from. The device 25th for unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 includes a takeover gripper 50 for gripping the front, flat-folded pack jacket 3 and for moving away the gripped front pack jacket 3 of the package stack 24 of flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 in the magazine 22nd . For gripping the flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 indicates the takeover gripper shown, which is preferred in this respect 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 folded flat pack jacket 3 issue.

For moving away the gripped front pack jacket 3 of the package stack 24 of flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 is the Takeover gripper 50 held adjustable via a transport device, not shown. The transport device comprises a motor for the motorized drive of the transport device of the transfer gripper 50 . In the takeover position, the takeover gripper 50 the front 11 of the front, flat-folded package jacket 3 in the pack stack 24 the packing coats 3 in the magazine 22nd seize. The transfer gripper is over the transport device 50 so from the pack pile 24 away and back to the stack of packs 24 moved towards. One possible embodiment of the transport device for adjusting the transfer gripper 50 from the takeover position to the hold position is in the 10 and 11 of the DE 10 2016 109 996 A1 shown. Other configurations of the transport device are also possible.

The takeover gripper 50 pulls the gripped packing coats 3 from the pack stack 24 along a trigger transport path TB in a trigger transport direction TR path. In the device shown and thus preferred 25th are the trigger transport path TB and the print transport direction TR straight, even if this does not have to be the case. On both sides of the transfer gripper 50 a receptacle is provided, which is in the trigger transport direction TR rejuvenates. On the one in the trigger transport direction TR seen rear end of a tapered channel 52 between two recordings 53 joins the canal 52 on every recording 53 a groove 54 on. The grooves 54 are arranged at least substantially opposite one another, specifically in relation to the take-off transport direction TR . The openings of the grooves 54 roughly in the direction of the other groove 54 .

The two recordings 53 are also due to the folding device 49 arranged pivotably and for pivoting by an electric motor drive 55 the folding device 49 intended. As in particular from the 4B-C showing are the recordings 53 each over a transverse to the respective pivot axis 56 extending swivel arm 57 with a swivel axis 56 connected to which the recordings 53 can be pivoted motor-driven. Each of the two pivot axes is in turn for this purpose 56 each across a transverse to the pivot axis 56 extending drive arm 58 with the motor drive 55 connected.

In the device shown and thus preferred 25th are the drive arms 58,59 of the two pivot axes 56 among each other via a handlebar lever 60 connected with each other. A drive arm 58 is distant with a coupling lever 61 with the output lever 62 of the motor drive 55 connected. In this way it is achieved that the recordings 53 can be pivoted defined and reliably against each other, so that the initially flat-folded packaging sleeves 3 be unfolded reliably and appropriately.

In the 5A-E is the device 25th for unfolding the flat-folded pack sleeves 3 of the 4A-B in different positions during the unfolding of the flat-folded packaging jackets 3 shown. It is in the 5A the takeover gripper 50 from the trigger conveyor TR been moved into the extended takeover position, in which the suction cups 51 of the takeover gripper 50 on the front facing front 11 of the foremost, flat-folded packaging jacket 3 issue. Some of the air is released from the suction cups 51 peeled off to create a negative pressure in the on the pack jackets 3 attached suction cups 51 to create. The flat-folded packing coats 3 are each around two folding edges 6 Folded flat and in a stack of packs 24 one after the other in the magazine 22nd recorded. The front, flat-folded pack jacket 3 lies with the opposite, the folding edges 6 associated margins 63 the front 11 on trigger stops 64 each of the front packaging jacket 3 of the package stack 24 of flat-folded packing sleeves 3 hold in a defined position. The trigger stops 64 ask because they are spaced from each other and the opposite folding edges 6 are assigned to a vent 65 ready between each other through which the transfer gripper 50 to the respective front pack jacket 3 of the magazine 22nd can be introduced. The takeover gripper 50 so grips the front facing front 11 of the front flat-folded package jacket 3 . Then the takeover gripper 50 from the extended takeover position by the transport device along the trigger transport path TB in the trigger transport direction TR moved into a retracted end position. In the present case, this represents an at least substantially rectilinear movement that is at least substantially perpendicular to the pack stack 24 , especially to the front pack jacket 3 of the package stack 24 , is aligned. A differently oriented trigger transport path TB and take-off transport direction TR however, it would also be conceivable.

In the 5B is the takeover gripper 50 shown in a first end position, in which the takeover eager 50 by the transport device from the takeover position in the trigger transport direction TR along the trigger transport path TB has been adjusted. At the latest when the transfer gripper reaches this first end position 50 get the side folds 6 of the gripped package jacket 3 in the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 . Before the packing coats 3 however in the grooves 54 the packing coats 3 however at the device shown and so far preferred 25th from the takeover gripper 50 through the canal 52 pulled, which is in the trigger transport direction TR tapered and that of which the grooves 54 providing recordings 53 is formed or laterally limited. The rejuvenation of the canal 52 is in the device shown 25th formed so that the channel 52 is wider in a front portion than the flat-folded package jackets 3 between the folds 6 and that the channel 52 is narrower in a rear section than the flat-folded package jackets 3 between the folds 6 . This will get the folded edges 6 the packing coats 3 when pulling through the canal 52 attached to the inside of the recordings 53 showing the folding edges 6 press against each other, causing the packing jackets 3 easily unfolded or bent. The resulting restoring force of the packing sleeves 3 press the folds 6 in the grooves 54 when the transfer gripper 50 the packing coats 3 far enough through the canal 52 between shots 53 pulled.

The front 11 and the back 12 of the packing jacket 3 are present along the bending lines 5 between the fold lines 6 shown bent. The front 11 and the back 12 but could alternatively or additionally also be curved. The front side is also present 11 as well as the back 12 in the trigger transport direction TR bent forward, with the back 12 but also against the withdrawal transport direction TR could be kinked. For the front 11 this does not apply because the takeover gripper 50 in the first end position with the suction cups 51 further back than the grooves 54 is arranged. There are also the recordings 53 continue in their starting position.

In the 5C is the takeover gripper 50 from the first end position against the trigger transport direction TR and along the trigger transport path TB moved back to an intermediate position. The transfer gripper is in this intermediate position 50 or are its suction cups 51 a little further in the direction of the pack stack 24 arranged as the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 . In other words, the suction cups are 51 of the takeover gripper 50 in the trigger transport direction TR arranged further forward than the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 . This ensures that the back side that was previously kinked or bent forwards 67 of the gripped package jacket 3 by the takeover gripper 50 to the rear, that is, against the trigger transport direction TR is kinked or bent. Even with this section-wise moving back of the takeover gripper 50 The grooves remain from the first end position to the intermediate position 54 having recordings 53 in their starting position.

In the 5D is the takeover gripper 50 again in the trigger transport direction TR along the trigger transport path TB has been adjusted, specifically up to a second end position, the position of which can be at least substantially identical to the first end position. The takeover gripper 50 is in the haul-off transport direction TR with the suction cups 51 arranged further back than the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 . The suction cups 51 of the takeover gripper 50 are therefore further from the pack stack 24 spaced as the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 . By adjusting the takeover gripper accordingly 50 becomes the front 11 of the gripped package jacket 3 again to the front, i.e. in the trigger transport direction TR kinked or bent. Meanwhile, the back remains 67 of the gripped package jacket 3 to the rear, i.e. in the direction of the pack stack 24 or against the take-off transport direction TR , kinked or bent. During the further adjustment of the transfer gripper 50 in the trigger transport direction TR remain the recordings 53 continue in their starting position. The grabbed pack coat 3 is therefore slightly unfolded after completion of the described sequence of movements, which means the further unfolding of the package jacket 3 simplified. The takeover gripper is used for this 50 no longer needed, which is why the transfer gripper is now removed from the package jacket 3 is released and moved into a non-use position. In this in the 5E The non-use position shown is the takeover gripper 50 in a position in the print transport direction TR seen clearly behind the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 to continue unfolding the package jacket 3 not to hinder.

Like this in the 5E is shown, the recordings 53 with the grooves 54 in which the packing jacket 3 is further added to unfold the pack jacket 3 against each other and around corresponding pivot axes 56 panned. In the present case, this pivoting of the recordings takes place 53 in the same pivoting direction shown by the arrows SR , here clockwise. Panning the recordings 53 takes place until the recordings 53 are arranged in a folded position in which the package jacket 3 is arranged in the unfolded position. In the unfolded state of the package jacket 3 is the folds 6 of the packing jacket 3 in the grooves 54 of the recordings 53 pressing restoring force is relatively low. So that the packing coats 3 However, the swivel arms do not slide down accidentally 57 of the recordings 53 directly below the gripped and / or unfolded package jacket 3 arranged. The packing coat 3 can therefore on the swivel arms 57 sit up or slip down slightly along the grooves 54 in positive contact with the swivel arms 57 get that one more slide down along the grooves 4th prevented. The packing coat 3 has a rectangular cross-section in the unfolded position. However, other cross-sections are conceivable, in particular a square cross-section.

In the next, not shown process step, the unfolded package jacket 3 along the longitudinal axis of the packing jacket 3 up on a thorn 28 one mandrel wheel 27 submitted.

Basically the recordings 53 after pivoting into the folded position and dispensing of the unfolded package jacket 3 to the mandrel wheel 27 pivoted back into the starting position in order to find the next pack jacket to be unfolded in this starting position 3 record. The method described can therefore often be carried out one after the other in the same way, so as to create a large number of packing shells 3 to be able to unfold in a short time and one after the other.

As an alternative or in addition to at least part of the illustrated adjustment of the transfer gripper, the receptacles together with the grooves can also be adjusted. For example, after the gripped pack jacket has been received in the grooves, the receptacles can be adjusted further in the take-off transport direction, with the transfer gripper being able to remain stationary as a counter bearing for the pack jacket, for example in the end position. This adjustment of the receptacles then takes place, if necessary, so far that the grooves are arranged further back in the withdrawal transport direction than the area of the package jacket gripped by the transfer gripper. It is thereby achieved that the rear side of the pack jacket is kinked or bent backwards in the direction of the pack stack or against the withdrawal transport direction. The receptacles together with the grooves can then be moved back in the direction of the starting position counter to the take-off transport direction. For the sake of simplicity, the receptacles can be adjusted at least essentially back to the starting position. The receptacles can then be pivoted to unfold the pack jacket, as has already been done in connection with FIG 5E has been shown.

In the 6A-B is a folding device 66 an alternative device for unfolding flat-folded packaging jackets shown in a view from below. The folding device is particularly suitable for multi-lane systems in which several pack sleeves are unfolded parallel to one another and delivered to the associated mandrel wheels. Such multi-lane systems are known in principle. There are receptacles for the parallel unfolding of the pack sleeves 67 supporting swivel arms 68 , 69 each grouped in pairs next to each other. Swivel arms are used by the pairs 68 , 69 one swivel arm each 68 from a first motor drive 70 driven and the other swivel arm 69 from a second motor drive 71 driven. These are the swivel arms 68 , 69 via drive arms 72 , 73 and coupling lever 74 , 75 with the two motorized drives 70 , 71 assigned output lever 76 , 77 connected so that rotating the output lever 76 , 77 via a motor drive 70 , 71 to a pivoting of the swivel arms 68 , 69 around assigned pivot axes 78 , 79 can be implemented. By swiveling the swivel arms accordingly 68 , 69 of the in the 6A position shown in the 6B The position shown is that between the swivel arms 68 , 69 or the associated recordings 67 held packing sleeves unfolded. After handing over the unfolded pack jackets to assigned mandrel wheels and then pivoting the swivel arms back out of the 6B position shown in the 6A position shown can further packing jackets in the recordings 67 the swivel arms 68 , 69 in order to unfold these packing sleeves in a further step. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to swivel the swivel arms via a single motor drive. The use of two motorized drives, however, simplifies the adjustment and control of the device for at least partially unfolding flat-folded pack sleeves.

List of reference symbols

1

Cutting

2

Packaging material laminate

3

Packing coat

4th

Longitudinal edge

5

Bending line

6th

Folding edge

7th

pack

8th

upper edge

9

edge

10

Sealed seam

11

front

12

back

13th

coat

14.15

Longitudinal end

16

ground

17th

head

18th

Packing ear

20th

contraption

21st

Packing body

22nd

magazine

23

Processing line

24

Pack stack

25th

contraption

26th

contraption

27

Mandrel wheel

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

Preheating device

40

Sterilization equipment

41

Drying device

42

Filling position

43

Filling outlet

44

Food

45

Locking device

49

Folding device

50

Takeover gripper

51

suction cup

52

channel

53

admission

54

Groove

55

motor drive

56

Swivel axis

57

Swivel arm

58.59

Drive arm

60

Handlebar levers

61

Coupling lever

62

Output lever

63

edge

64

Trigger stop

65

Take-off gap

66

Folding device

67

admission

68.69

Swivel arm

70.71

motor drive

72.73

Drive arm

74.75

Coupling lever

76.77

Output lever

78.79

Swivel axis

SR

Swivel direction

TB

Take-off conveyor

TR

Trigger transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102016109995 A1 [0005, 0010]
• DE 102016109996 A1 [0051]

Claims (17)

A 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 pack sleeves (3) are gripped one after the other by a transfer gripper (50) on one side between the two folded edges (6), - in which the flat-folded pack jackets (3) from the transfer gripper (50) along a take-off transport path (TB) of the pack jackets (3), preferably with at least partial unfolding of the pack jackets (3), with the fold edges (6) in grooves (54) opposite one another , each of the receptacles (53, 67) arranged in an initial position are moved, in particular pulled - in which the opposing receptacles (53, 67) are each pivoted from the starting position into a folded position, in particular at the same time, in which the respective pack jacket (3) is unfolded with the folded edges (6) in the grooves (54) of the receptacles ( 53.67) is held, - In which the unfolded pack sleeves (3) are delivered to a forming station and - in which the receptacles (53,67) for receiving (54) a further package jacket (3) are each pivoted back from the folded position into the starting position. Procedure according to Claim 1 - In the case of the pack jackets (3) received with the folding edges (6) in the grooves (54) of the receptacles (53,67) located in the starting position by the transfer gripper (50) at least in sections against the take-off transport direction (TR), in particular along the Trigger transport path (TB), moved, in particular pressed, and / or with the grooves (54) from the initial position of the receptacles (53, 67) relative to the take-over gripper (50) further in the direction of the trigger transport direction (TR), in particular along the trigger transport path ( TB), moved, in particular pressed, and - in which, preferably, the pack sleeves (3), which are at least partially moved back against the take-off transport direction (TR) and received with the folding edges (6) in the grooves (54), are removed by the transfer gripper (50) Moved, in particular pulled, in the withdrawal transport direction (TR) again, at least in sections, and / or the opposite of the take-over gripper (50) further in the direction of the withdrawal route nsport direction (TR) moved and with the folded edges (6) in the grooves (54) received packaging jackets (3) with the grooves (54) relative to the take-over gripper (50) against the take-off transport direction (TR) are moved back, in particular pressed. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 - in which the pack jackets (3) are at least partially bent and / or kinked in the grooves (54) in the take-off transport direction (TR), - in which the pack jackets (3) are then bent at least in sections against the take-off transport direction (TR) and / or remain kinked in the grooves (54) and - in which the pack jackets (3) are then bent and / or kinked again at least in sections in the take-off transport direction (TR). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 - In the case of the opposite edges (63) of the pack jackets (3), in particular the folding edges (6), being pressed against the grooves (54) of the receptacles (53,67) in the starting position in such a way that the pack jackets (3) partially unfolded. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th in which the pack jackets (3) before being received in the grooves (54) with forced, partial unfolding of the pack jackets (3) by one of the two opposing folded edges (6) of the pack jacket (3) coming into contact and extending across the pack jacket (3) and in the withdrawal transport direction (TR) of the packaging jackets (3) tapering channel (52) are pulled. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 - in which the folded edges (6) folded flatly around two in the longitudinal direction of the pack jackets (3) are kept ready one behind the other in a pack stack (24), - in which, preferably, the front flat-folded pack jacket (3) in each case of the pack stack (24) is gripped by the transfer gripper (50) and - in which, more preferably, the flat-folded pack casing (3) gripped by the transfer gripper (50) is taken from the pack stack (24) by the transfer gripper (50) along the take-off transport path (TB) of the Packing jackets (3) is moved away. Procedure according to Claim 6 - in which the pack jackets (3) of the pack stack (24) rest with opposite lateral edges (63) against pull-off stops (64) and in which, preferably, the pack jackets (3) from the transfer gripper (50) by one of the trigger stops (64) limited trigger gap (65) are deducted. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th - In which the unfolded pack jackets (3) one after the other, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the pack jackets (3), in particular upwards The mandrel wheel (27) of a forming station are delivered, in particular pushed onto the mandrels (28) of the mandrel wheel (27). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , in which the folded pack sleeves (3) held with the folded edges (6) in the receptacles (53, 67) are positively gripped from below by a holding element, in particular holding fingers. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , in which the receptacles (53,67) are pivoted about a pivot axis (56,76,77), in particular driven by a motor, for adjustment from the starting position into the folded position and back. Device (25) for at least partially unfolding flat-folded packaging sleeves (3), preferably according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , with a magazine (22) comprising a stack of packs (3) of pack jackets (3) folded flat in each case around two fold edges (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the pack jackets (3) and with a transfer gripper (50) for gripping the front pack jacket (3) in each case ) of the pack stack (24) on the front side (11) of the flat-folded pack jacket (3) between the two folding edges (6) and moving the gripped pack jackets (3) from the pack stack (24) along a transport path (TB) in grooves (54) of receptacles (53,67) located in an initial position, characterized in that a folding device (49,66) for pivoting the receptacles (53,67) from the initial position into a folded position in which the pack sleeves are unfolded with the folded edges (6) held in the grooves (54) is provided. Device according to Claim 11 , characterized in that a transport device for transporting the take-over gripper (50) from a take-over position for taking over the flat-folded pack sleeves (3) to a first end position along the withdrawal transport path (TB), in particular in the withdrawal transport direction (TR), for transporting the transfer gripper ( 50) from the first end position to an intermediate position along the withdrawal transport path (TB), in particular against the withdrawal transport direction (TR), and for transporting the transfer gripper (50) from the intermediate position to a second end position along the transport path (TB), in particular in the withdrawal transport direction (TR), is provided. Device according to Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that a transport device for transporting the receptacles (53,67) from the receiving position for receiving the package jackets (3) in the grooves (54) along the withdrawal transport path (TB), in particular in the withdrawal transport direction (TR), and relative to Transfer gripper (50) is provided in an intermediate position and for transporting the receptacles (53,67) from the intermediate position to the starting position counter to the withdrawal transport path (TB), in particular counter to the withdrawal transport direction (TR). Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 13 , characterized in that the receptacles (53, 67) between the pack stack (24) and the grooves (54) form a channel (52) tapering along the withdrawal transport path (TB), in particular in the withdrawal transport direction (TR), that the folding edges (6) of the pack jackets (3) come into contact with the receptacles (53, 67) when they are moved through the channel (52) and are consequently at least partially unfolded. Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 14th , characterized in that the magazine (22) has the folding edges (6) of the front flat-folded pack jacket (3) associated with withdrawal stops (64) for the front pack jacket (3) in the pack stack (24) and that between the withdrawal stops (64) is a withdrawal gap (65) is provided for engaging the transfer gripper (50) on the front flat-folded pack jacket (3) of the pack stack (24). Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 15th , characterized in that a, in particular motorized, drive (55, 70, 71) is provided for pivoting the receptacles (53, 67) from the starting position into the folded position and back, and / or that the receptacles (53, 67) each have one Pivot axis (56,78,79) is assigned and that the pivot axis (56,78,79) in each case via a swivel arm (57,68,69) extending transversely to the associated pivot axis (56,78,79) with the associated receptacle (53,67) is connected and / or that the, in particular motorized, drive (55,70,71) via drive arms (58,59) extending transversely to the associated pivot axis (56,78,79) with the respective pivot axis ( 56,78,79) is connected. Device according to one of the Claims 11 to 16 , characterized in that a holding element, in particular a holding finger, is provided for at least partially positively engaging underneath the folded pack sleeves (3) held with the folded edges (6) in the receptacles (53).

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