DE102020115413A1 - Process for the production of packaging cushions and the associated production line - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a method for producing packaging cushions (2) from a cardboard web (3), the cardboard web (3) being guided in a feed direction (5) along a production line (1) by means of a feed device (4) and being successively manipulated in this way that packaging padding (2) arise. According to the invention, the cardboard web (3) is scored by means of a creasing device (6) so that fold lines (7) are impressed on the cardboard web (3). Side edges (9, 10) of the cardboard web (3) lying opposite one another are then folded towards one another several times in opposite folding directions. Edge strips (12) of the cardboard web (3) folded towards one another are then glued together by means of a gluing device (11), so that the cardboard web (3) is now in the form of a solid padding strip (13). Finally, the padding strip (13) is cut to length using a cutting device (14) and in this way individual packaging cushions (2) are continuously cut off from the padding strip (13). The present application also relates to a production line (1) for producing packaging cushions (2).

Description

The present application relates to a method for producing packaging cushions from a cardboard web according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present application relates to a production line for producing a multiplicity of packaging cushions according to claim 11.

The cardboard web describes a material web made of cardboard, the length of which is significantly greater than its width. The cardboard web is typically formed from several layers of paper of different thicknesses, so that the cardboard essentially describes a paper with a comparatively great thickness. In particular, the thickness of the cardboard can be at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm. The width of a typical cardboard web which is suitable for the production of packaging cushions is typically in a range between 10 cm and 50 cm, while the length of the cardboard web is generally at least 30 m, preferably at least 50 m. In any case, the length of the cardboard web clearly exceeds its width, preferably at least by a factor of 20, preferably at least by a factor of 30, more preferably at least by a factor of 50.

Packaging cushions are used to cushion the respective packaged goods and in this way to protect them from damage, in particular caused by shock loads. This applies, for example, to the packaging of plate-shaped packaging goods, which can be formed, for example, from wood-based panels from the furniture industry. Such packaged goods are particularly susceptible to suffering damage during delivery as a result of being struck by contact with or bumped into, which damage at least lastingly affects the overall visual impression of the respective packaged goods. It is therefore typically provided to protect such packaged goods with packaging cushions that surround the respective packaged goods, for example, around the edge and reduce the impact energy in the event of knocking or knocking the finished packaging together with the packaged goods therein. The packaged goods as such are therefore protected from the respective impact energy.

State of the art

In the prior art, packaging cushions in particular are known which are made of plastic and which can be manufactured industrially in a particularly simple manner. Due to the diverse possibilities of adjusting such packaging cushions with regard to their rigidity and accordingly their damping properties, such packaging cushions made of plastic are widespread.

However, packaging cushions of this type have the disadvantage that their environmental impact compared to packaging cushions made from cardboard is significantly worse. The use of plastic packaging cushions should be reduced accordingly and, if possible, avoided completely. The same applies to the use of at least one plastic component in a packaging cushion that is otherwise made of cardboard.

Accordingly, packaging cushions are already known which are made entirely of cardboard. However, these are disadvantageous insofar as their production is more complex than typical plastic cushions, since the carton usually has to be folded several times to produce the respective packaging cushion, so that the result is a packaging cushion that is technically capable of absorbing impact energy and to be broken down by deformation.

task

The present application is therefore based on the object of providing a method by means of which packaging cushions made from cardboard can be produced more easily than in the prior art.

solution

The underlying object is achieved according to the invention with the method of claim 1. Advantageous refinements result from the associated subclaims.

The method according to the invention provides that the cardboard web is guided along a production line by means of a feed device and is manipulated in several method steps, so that ultimately packaging cushions are produced. The feed device can in particular be formed by a conveyor belt, by means of which the cardboard web is guided in a feed direction along the production line, the feed direction preferably not changing during the process.

In a first method step, the cardboard web, preferably in the present case in an unfolded state, is fed to a creasing device by means of the feed device. This is suitable for providing the cardboard web with a plurality of grooves which extend parallel to the feed direction. The grooves are arranged parallel to one another and serve to at least one upper layer to weaken the paperboard web and in this way impress fold lines on the paperboard web. These have the effect that the cardboard web can crease more easily at the fold lines than in areas that were not previously creased by means of the creasing device. In this way, the fold lines form “intended kinks”; at which the cardboard web kinks as soon as a force acting perpendicular to a cardboard plane is applied to a certain section of the cardboard web. The grooves are advantageously introduced symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cardboard web, so that a left and a right half of the cardboard web can be folded symmetrically with respect to one another.

Following the creasing device, the cardboard web is guided along a folding device, by means of which the cardboard web can be folded several times. For this purpose, opposite side edges of the cardboard web are each folded several times toward one another in opposite folding directions. A particularly advantageous way in which this can be done is explained separately below.

The folded cardboard web is then fed to an adhesive device, by means of which an adhesive is continuously introduced into a gap between the edge strips of the cardboard web that are folded towards one another in the course of the advance of the cardboard web. The adhesive device can in particular comprise at least one, preferably two, nozzles by means of which a preferably flowable and / or sprayable adhesive, for example in the form of a paper glue, is applied. After the respective adhesive has been applied, the two edge strips are pressed against one another with the application of a compressive force, so that the adhesive comes into contact with mutually facing surfaces of the edge strips and the edge strips are glued to one another in this way. The cardboard web is then in the form of a firm padding strip that cannot unfold again independently in the absence of external forces.

Finally, the padding strip is fed to a cutting device, by means of which it is cut to length transversely to its direction of advance. In this way, individual packaging cushions are successively cut off from the cushion strip. While the cushioning strip is preferably in the form of an endless strip, which is produced continuously by means of the production line, the final transfer into individual packaging cushions takes place by means of the described cutting to length of the cushioning strip. Here, the individual length of a respective packaging cushion can be adjusted particularly easily by making the cut guided by means of the cutting device at a desired point on the cushion strip.

The method according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, it enables the production of a large number of packaging cushions by means of an assembly line production in which a respective cardboard web is processed continuously, preferably at a constant speed. In other words, it is possible that the cardboard web does not have to stand still at any point in time, so that the cardboard web is not fed to individual processing devices in a timed manner, but is continuously guided along processing devices that process the cardboard web during its movement towards the cushioning strip and finally the packaging cushions. This type of procedure is particularly advantageous with regard to the overall output of the production line. In other words, the method according to the invention allows a particularly large number of individual packaging cushions to be produced in a certain period of time.

Another important advantage is that the packaging cushions can be produced fully automatically. This means that no direct involvement of at least one machine operator is required to manufacture the packaging cushions. In particular, no manual interventions are required on the packaging cushion as such or on the cardboard web on which it is based. The involvement of employees in the manufacture of the packaging cushions is accordingly limited to maintenance work and any repairs that may be required.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a first folding step, a left outer section, viewed in the feed direction, which extends from an associated left side edge of the cardboard web to a first fold line facing the left side edge, is folded in a clockwise direction by means of the folding device folded up in relation to a cardboard plane of the cardboard web. At the same time, partially overlapping in time or following in time, a right outer section, viewed in the feed direction, as a further component of the first folding step, which extends from an associated right side edge of the cardboard web to a first fold line facing the right side edge, in a counterclockwise folding direction Folded up in relation to the cardboard level. The outer sections of the cardboard web are then each in a raised position. The cardboard web previously lying flat on the feed device is in this way changed, as it were, towards a U-profile, viewed in its cross-section in the course of the entire first folding step. Advantageously, there is a folding angle in the folding step by which the outer sections are folded up in relation to the plane of the carton, in each case between 80 ° and 100 °, preferably between 85 ° and 95 °, more preferably 90 °.

In a second folding step carried out by means of the folding device, the outer sections located in their upper position are then folded over further, this taking place in each case in a folding direction following the first folding step. In other words, the left outer section viewed in the feed direction is folded further clockwise and the right outer section viewed in the feed direction is further folded counterclockwise. Again, this can happen at the same time, partially overlapping, or one after the other. The folding takes place in such a way that the outer sections are each folded over onto a surface of the remaining cardboard web. As a result, the cardboard web then has double-layer edge strips lying opposite one another. Advantageously, these edge strips do not directly abut one another, but rather delimit a free space between them in which the cardboard web is only present in one layer. A width of the free space advantageously corresponds at least essentially to the amount twice the thickness of the cardboard web.

In a third folding step, which is carried out by means of the folding device according to the preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the edge strips are folded up towards each other opposite the box plane, the folding again taking place in accordance with the respective folding direction of the previous folding steps. Advantageously, the cardboard web, which previously lay flat on the feed device, is in the form of a rectangular (unglued) padding strip with the conclusion of the third folding step, which can, in particular, be solid, i.e. has no planned cavities between individual cardboard sections.

Advantageously, when the third folding step is carried out, the two edge strips are each folded up in accordance with their folding direction by a maximum of 85 °, preferably a maximum of 80 °, relative to the plane of the box. This ensures that the edge strips jointly delimit a gap at their upper ends and, in particular, do not yet come into direct contact with one another. In this state, the unfinished strip of upholstery is roughly V-shaped. This enables an adhesive to be introduced into said upper gap by means of the adhesive device which follows the folding device. Only after the adhesive has been introduced are the edge strips finally pressed against one another as explained above and glued to one another in this way, as a result of which the cushioning strip is completed.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be particularly advantageous if the two folded-up edge strips are kept at a distance by means of a separating element in the course of their being fed to the adhesive device. This separating element ensures that a gap remains between mutually facing surfaces of the edge strips, into which the adhesive can be introduced as explained above.

As already indicated above, the method according to the invention is of particular advantage when the cardboard web is guided along the production line without interruption by means of the feed device. In particular, the cardboard web should not be stopped as planned during the process, and preferably should not be slowed down.

The feed device is advantageously operated at a constant feed speed. This can in particular be in a range between 15 m / min and 35 m / min, preferably between 20 m / min and 30 m / min. This feed rate offers a sufficient output of packaging cushions with at the same time good processability of the cardboard web along the production line. In particular, the feed rate allows the upholstery strip to be cut to length by means of the cut-to-length device without the feed device having to be stopped.

For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the cutting device comprises a cutting knife which can be inserted and withdrawn again perpendicular to the feed direction of the cardboard web in a cross section of the cushioning strip. The cutting knife can in particular be driven pneumatically. When using such a cutting device, the padding strip is to a certain extent “chopped off”, the cutting process taking place so quickly that the padding strip preferably does not have to be slowed down or stopped. A “run-up” of the upholstery strip against the cutting knife of the cutting device can then be neglected due to the high cutting speed.

The method according to the invention is also of particular advantage when a total of six grooves are made in the cardboard web by means of the grooving device. Regardless of the number of grooves, it is also advantageous if the grooves are introduced symmetrically into the surface of the cardboard web in relation to a longitudinal axis of the cardboard web. In this way, the cardboard web can be folded symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis, starting from its two side edges, so that finally the cushion strip formed and the packaging cushions made from it are designed mirror-symmetrically based on a mean plane of symmetry. The combination of such a configuration with the introduction of a total of six grooves accordingly enables the cardboard web to be folded three times per side, so that the finished packaging cushion consequently has a total of six folds.

As already indicated above, it can be particularly advantageous if the cardboard web is processed in such a way that ultimately a solid cushion strip and consequently massive packaging cushions are present that have no structural cavities. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the fold lines are introduced by means of the creasing device in coordination with a width of the cardboard web in the latter in such a way that the cardboard web is folded into a solid cushion strip as a result of its manipulation by means of the folding device. The folding lines are preferably designed in such a way that the originally unfolded cardboard web is transferred to the solid padding strip by means of a total of six folds, which are further preferably divided into three folding steps carried out symmetrically from both side edges of the cardboard web.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be of particular advantage when the separated packaging cushions are tilted over to one side by 90 ° about their longitudinal axis by means of a tilting device. This can be advantageous in particular with regard to further processing of the packaging cushions, in particular integrated into a fully automated packaging process, depending on the orientation in which the packaging cushions are ultimately installed in a packaging and applied to the respective packaging item.

The underlying object is achieved in terms of device technology by means of a production line with the features of claim 11. Advantageous refinements result from the associated subclaims.

The production line according to the invention is suitable for producing a large number of packaging cushions starting from a continuous cardboard web without interruption and preferably fully automatically, that is to say without the direct involvement of at least one machine operator. For this purpose, the production line comprises a feed device, by means of which the cardboard web can be moved in a feed direction along the production line. The feed device can in particular be formed by a conveyor belt on which the cardboard web can be placed. In particular, the feed device extends along a straight line, so that the cardboard web is continuously guided in a straight line and therefore not deflected. Furthermore, the production line comprises a creasing device, by means of which the cardboard web can be impressed with a plurality of fold lines which are oriented parallel to the feed direction. Furthermore, the production line comprises at least one folding device by means of which the cardboard web can be folded, in particular mutually opposite side edges of the cardboard web can be folded toward one another several times in the opposite folding direction. In this way, the cardboard web can be folded into a cushion strip. The folding device can in particular comprise several folding stages, as will be explained separately below. Furthermore, the production line comprises a gluing device, by means of which the edge strips of the cardboard web that are folded towards one another can be glued to one another, so that the cushioning strip is produced. Finally, the gluing device is followed by a cutting device, by means of which individual packaging cushions can be successively separated from the cushion strip.

The method according to the invention described above can be carried out particularly easily by means of the production line according to the invention. The advantages resulting therefrom have already been set out above. In particular, the possibility is created of producing packaging cushions made entirely of cardboard, with production being possible in large numbers within a short period of time. The finished packaging cushions are preferably completely free of plastics and thus have an advantage over the plastic packaging cushions widespread in the prior art in terms of their environmental compatibility.

In an advantageous embodiment of the production line according to the invention, the folding device comprises three folding stages. By means of a first switching stage, two mutually opposite outer sections of the cardboard web can be folded up in opposite directions of fold, each with respect to a cardboard plane of the cardboard web. The outer sections each extend from one of the side edges of the cardboard webs to a respective first fold line which faces the respective side edge.

In order to carry out the folding, it is particularly advantageous if the folding device has at least one elongated folding element in its first switching stage, by means of which a force can be applied to at least one of the outer sections of the cardboard web in such a way that it is folded up along the fold line opposite the cardboard plane of the cardboard web . Such a folding element can in particular be formed in such a way that it receives the respective side section starting from its unfolded state and applies at least one force component to the outer section which causes a torque about the first fold line. The folding element advantageously acts in such a way that the effective force acting on the outer section takes place perpendicular to a surface of the outer section. It is particularly advantageous here if the folding element is designed in such a way that it follows the folding movement of the outer section. It is important here that an effective width of the cardboard webs decreases in the course of each folding step, since some of the cardboard webs are moved out of the plane of the carton. In view of this fact, in the interest of a continuous production of packaging cushions, it is advantageous if the folding element - viewed in the feed direction of the cardboard webs - extends in the direction of a central region of the cardboard web so that the folding element follows the folding of the outer section. A corresponding configuration results in particular on the basis of the exemplary embodiment below.

Furthermore, it can be of particular advantage if the folding device is designed symmetrically in the first folding stage and therefore comprises at least two folding elements which are each assigned to one of the lateral outer sections of the cardboard web. The folding elements advantageously extend jointly along a first folding path which is assigned to the first folding step. This makes it possible for the cardboard web to be folded synchronously at its two side edges as it is guided along the first folding step, so that the opposing outer sections of the cardboard web are folded up in the opposite folding directions. According to the above explanation, the folding elements extend along the folding path and, so to speak, conically towards one another in the direction of the central region of the cardboard web, whereby a continuous engagement of the folding elements with the respective outer section is ensured.

The folding elements can in particular comprise elongated guide rods which have a round cross section. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the folding elements have a plurality of rollers which can interact with a respective section of the cardboard web so that the cardboard webs can roll on the rollers in the course of their guidance along the associated folding path, the rollers nevertheless being suitable for the to apply the respective section of the cardboard web with a force that causes the desired folding. Compared to a folding element in the form of a guide rod, such a folding element, which has a plurality of rollers, offers the advantage that the cardboard web is opposed to a lower cleaning force in the course of being guided along the respective folding step of the folding device.

In the advantageous embodiment of the production line according to the invention, in which the folding device comprises three folding stages, the outer sections folded up in the first folding stage can be folded over by means of the second switching stage of the folding device in such a way that the outer sections are turned over onto a surface of the remaining cardboard web and the cardboard web is now opposite one another , double-layer edge strips. The second folding step is advantageously equipped with at least one folding element, with at least two folding elements furthermore preferably being present, which are arranged symmetrically to one another along a folding path of the second folding step and are each assigned to an edge strip. The folding elements can in particular be designed as described above, that is to say, for example, in the form of elongated guide rods and / or with a plurality of rollers. According to the above explanation, it is particularly advantageous if the respective folding element, viewed in the feed direction of the cardboard web, extends onto a longitudinal axis of the cardboard web in order to follow the cardboard web in the course of its folding, since an effective width of the latter in the course decreases with each fold.

By means of the third folding stage of the folding device, the previously formed edge strips can finally be folded up in relation to the plane of the carton, this also following the previous respective folding direction. In the third folding stage, too, it is advantageous if the folding device comprises folding elements as described above.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the production line according to the invention, it comprises at least one separating element, by means of which the folded-up edge strips can be kept at a distance at least in an upper end region. This is advantageous insofar as an adhesive is to be introduced between the edge strips by means of the gluing device, so that the folded-up edge strips can be glued to one another. For this it is necessary that there is a gap between the edge strips into which the adhesive can be introduced. The separating element can be used to ensure that this gap is present and that surfaces of the edge strips facing one another do not inadvertently lie against one another.

In order to securely connect the edge strips to one another after the application of the adhesive, the adhesive device advantageously comprises at least one pressing element, by means of which the two edge strips can be pressed against one another. The pressure element can in particular comprise two pressure rollers which correspond to one another and which together delimit a gap. The gap is dimensioned in such a way that the cushion strip formed in the course of its guidance along the pressure element is pressed together, in particular the mutually facing surfaces of the two edge strips are pressed against each other.

Furthermore, such a production line can be of particular advantage, which comprises a cutting device upstream of the creasing device, by means of which the cardboard web can be cut in its longitudinal direction and thereby separated into at least two separate cardboard webs. The use of such a cutting device enables packaging cushions to be produced in parallel, with the separate cardboard webs each being processed individually. The processing can differ from one another, in particular with regard to a configuration of the packaging cushions to be produced, so that, for example, packaging cushions are produced with different lengths, for example for use with a rectangular plate component whose length exceeds its width. The “long packaging cushions” can then be used particularly well to protect the longitudinal edges of the panel component and the “short packaging cushions” to protect the transverse edges of the panel component.

Finally, such a production line can be particularly advantageous, the cutting device of which comprises a cutting knife which can be inserted and withdrawn again perpendicular to the feed direction of the cardboard web in a cross section of the cushioning strip. Such a cutting knife can be formed, for example, by a metallic blade which can preferably be driven by means of a pneumatic drive. By means of such a drive, the cutting mechanism can be shot into the cross section of the cushioning strip in a particularly simple manner, so that a respective packaging cushion can be “chopped off” as it were from the cushioning strip.

Figure list

• 1: Eine isometrisch Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Fertigungsstraße,
• 2: Eine Rilleinrichtung der Fertigungsstraße gemäß 1,
• 3: Eine 1. Faltstufe einer Falteinrichtung der Fertigungsstraße gemäß 1,
• 4: Eine 2. Faltstufe der Falteinrichtung der Fertigungsstraße gemäß 1,
• 5: Eine Trocknungsstrecke der Fertigungsstraße gemäß 1,
• 6: Ein Detail einer Ablängeinrichtung der Fertigungsstraße gemäß 1,
• 7: Eine schematische isometrisch Darstellung einer zu faltenden Kartonbahn,
• 8: Die Kartonbahn gemäß 6, wobei Außenabschnitte nach Durchlaufen einer 1. Faltstufe hochgefaltet sind,
• 9: Die Kartonbahn gemäß 7, wobei die Außenabschnitte nach Durchlaufen einer 2. Faltstufe hin zu jeweils einem Randstreifen umgefaltet sind,
• 10: Die Kartonbahn gemäß 8, wobei die Randstreifen aufeinander zu gefaltet sind, sodass sich ein Polsterstreifen ergibt, und
• 11: Eine grafische Veranschaulichung eines gesamten Faltvorgangs einer Kartonbahn.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment that is shown in the figures. It shows:

• 1 : An isometric view of a production line according to the invention,
• 2 : A creasing device of the production line according to 1 ,
• 3 : A 1st folding stage of a folding device according to the production line 1 ,
• 4th : A 2nd folding stage of the folding device according to the production line 1 ,
• 5 : A drying line according to the production line 1 ,
• 6th : A detail of a cutting device according to the production line 1 ,
• 7th : A schematic isometric representation of a cardboard web to be folded,
• 8th : The cardboard web according to 6th , whereby outer sections are folded up after going through a 1st folding step,
• 9 : The cardboard web according to 7th , wherein the outer sections are folded over to form an edge strip after passing through a 2nd folding step,
• 10 : The cardboard web according to 8th , wherein the edge strips are folded towards each other so that a cushion strip results, and
• 11th : A graphic illustration of an entire folding process for a cardboard web.

An embodiment of a production line according to the invention 1 that is in the 1 until 6th shown comprises a feed device 4th , which is designed in the form of a conveyor belt. By means of the feed device 4th is an in 7th shown cardboard web 3 in one conveying direction 5 movable and in this way along the production line 1 manageable. The cardboard web 3 is practically endless here. Thus, their length is significantly greater than their width 29 so that from a cardboard web 3 a variety of packing pads 2 can be produced. Along the production line 1 becomes the cardboard web 3 that when fed to the production line 1 is in an unfolded, flat state, initially by means of an in 2 shown grooving device 6th "Grooved" so that in the cardboard web 3 a total of six fold lines 7th are formed. The fold lines 7th are related to a longitudinal axis 32 the cardboard web 3 symmetrically arranged. From opposite side edges 9 , 10 out in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32 viewed the cardboard web 3 after passing through the creasing device 6th consequently pairs of first, second and third fold lines 7th on. By means of the creasing device 6th becomes the cardboard web 3 , which in the example shown is formed by several layers of paper glued together, cut on the surface and weakened as a result, so that there are, so to speak, intended kinks where the cardboard web 3 in the course of an applied folding force that is perpendicular to a cardboard plane 20th works. In the context of the present application, these grooves form the fold lines mentioned 7th along which the cardboard web 3 kinks and is therefore foldable. After the introduction of these fold lines 7th into the cardboard web 3 it is particularly easy to use the cardboard web 3 by means of the folding device 8th fold in the way you want.

The creasing device 6th that are in a feed area 22nd the production line 1 is arranged, here comprises a plurality of scoring disks 28 , the two creased edges each 41 exhibit. The creasing device shown here 6th is suitable for making a total of twelve grooves in the cardboard web 3 bring in. The grooved cardboard web 3 is then separated in the middle by means of a cutting device not shown in the figures, so that two separate cardboard webs are 3 half the width. The explanation of the further production line 1 always takes place below with reference to one of these two cardboard webs 3 . The use of an originally wider cardboard web 3 , which is then shared, offers the possibility of doubling the production capacity. It is also possible to use packing pads 2 different lengths at the same time. This is useful with regard to the packaging of a wide variety of packaged goods, since these are typically rectangular, so that packaging cushions 2 for a long side and other (namely shorter) packaging pads 2 are required for a short side of the respective packaged goods.

Following the introduction of the fold lines 7th by means of the creasing device 6th as well as the separation becomes a respective cardboard web 3 by means of a folding device 8th towards a strip of upholstery 13th folded. The folding device 8th comprises a total of three folding steps 15th , 16 , 17th running one after the other along the production line 1 be run through. The folding steps 15th , 16 , 17th are suitable for this, the cardboard web 3 to the upholstery strip 13th to fold.

In the example shown, the first folding step 15th the folding device 8th a total of three folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 which are particularly good based on 3 result. The folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 are on the production line shown here 1 based on a respective cardboard web 3 Arranged symmetrically on both sides, so that in the course of guiding the cardboard web 3 along the first folding step 15th both opposite outer sections 18th , 19th the cardboard web 3 at the same time and in the same way, but are folded towards one another in opposite directions of folding. The following explanation of the individual folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 only refers to one side of the cardboard web 3 , ie regarding the folding of the outer portion 18th . The explanations nevertheless apply analogously to the similarly designed folding elements of the first folding stage 15th on the opposite side of the cardboard web 3 with the other outer section 19th apply.

The folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 each comprise an elongated, inherently straight roller carrier which comprises a plurality of rollers. These rollers are arranged freely rotatable on the roller carrier, so that the cardboard web 3 running along the respective folding element 34 , 35 , 36 is guided along, can roll over the rollers with respect to the respective roller carrier. The individual folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 are each arranged rotated relative to one another with respect to their respective longitudinal axes.

Thus is the first folding element 34 oriented in such a way that the rollers meet the outer section 18th the cardboard web 3 “From below”, ie perpendicular to the plane of the box 20th grasp. As can be seen from the representation of 3 results, has the first folding element 34 one in the feed direction 5 increasing orientation. The folding element 34 is accordingly suitable for the associated outer section 18th at the bottom 39 and easy to lift. As the cardboard web 3 the fold lines described above 7th has, this leads to lifting of the outer portion 18th to that the outer section 18th opposite an adjacent area of the cardboard web 3 is folded up. This will be the outer section 18th as it were by one through the associated fold line 7th defined axis of rotation relative to the rest of the cardboard web 3 turned. This inevitably goes hand in hand with the fact that the effective width 33 the cardboard web 3 compared to an original width 29 reduced as their effective height increases. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 related to the feed direction 5 are oriented slightly inwards, that is, towards a central area 37 the cardboard web 3 extend. In this way the folding elements 34 , 35 , 36 as it were, the folding movement of a respective section of the cardboard web 3 tracked.

Following the first folding element 34 becomes the already partially folded up outer section 18th to the second folding element 35 passed, which - as stated above - compared to the first folding element 34 is twisted about a longitudinal axis. This offers the advantage that the roller carrier of the second folding element 35 the rollers arranged thereon also in one opposite the first folding element 34 Can accommodate changed orientation, so that the rollers the meanwhile slightly inclined outer section 18th the cardboard web 3 better support and be able to continue the intended folding movement. In particular, running surfaces of the running rollers are at least essentially parallel to an underside of the respective outer section 18th , 19th arranged. Also the second folding element 35 is opposite to the feed direction 5 oriented inclined, so that in the course of guiding the cardboard web 3 along the first folding step 15th the outer section 18th further up in relation to the rest of the cardboard web 3 is folded.

Finally the cardboard web 3 to the third folding element 36 passed that in the same way based on its longitudinal axis compared to the previous folding element 34 , 35 is twisted. The roll carrier of the third folding element 36 is oriented in such a way that the rollers arranged on it are at least substantially rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation and therefore the guide surfaces of the rollers are suitable for the outer section 18th the cardboard web 3 to support laterally. The third folding element 36 is also related to the feed direction 5 laterally towards the central area 37 the cardboard web 3 inclined, so that by the action of the third folding element 36 the outer section 18th up to a fold angle 27 of 90 ° in relation to the plane of the box 20th twisted superscript can be folded.

The first folding step 15th the folding device 8th is finished as soon as the outer sections 18th , 19th each have reached their high position as a result of the above folding movements, in which they each have a folding angle in the present example 27 of 90 ° in relation to the plane of the box 20th are folded up. This state can be seen particularly well on the basis of 8th .

Then the cardboard web 3 to a second folding step 16 the folding device 8th hand over. This can be seen particularly well on the basis of 4th . The second folding stage 16 comprises a total of two folding elements 38 , which are formed here by elongated round bars. These round bars are so relative to the feed direction 5 the cardboard web 3 aligned so that it is towards the central area 37 the cardboard web 3 extend towards each other and inclined slightly downwards. In this way, there is a spacing between the folding elements belonging to one another 38 along the second folding step 16 successively reduced. The inclination of the folding elements 38 downwards combined with their orientation towards each other has the technical effect that the folded up outer sections 18th , 19th the cardboard web 3 are further folded following their respective previous folding direction. This is where the cardboard web 3 along their second fold lines 7th kinked, as can be seen particularly well on the basis of the representation 8th results. The folding elements 38 consequently lead to a certain extent that the outer sections 18th , 19th are further forced towards each other inwards and downwards, thereby affecting the outer sections 18th , 19th exerted folding force causes the described further folding. Once the cardboard web 3 the second folding stage 16 happened are the outer sections 18th , 19th completely on one surface 21 the cardboard web 3 turned over so that the cardboard web 3 henceforth a double-layered edge strip on their opposite edges 12th trains. This condition of the cardboard web 3 is particularly good based on 9 recognizable.

Finally, using the production line shown here 1 the cardboard web 3 by means of a third folding step 17th towards the desired upholstery strip 13th folded. For this purpose, the previously pre-formed edge strips are used 12th following their respective previous folding direction further folded towards one another, the edge strips 12th each along the third fold lines 7th the cardboard web 3 be folded up. The fold lines 7th are in the example shown in this way in the cardboard web 3 introduced that in the course of folding up the edge strips 12th one between the facing end faces 25th the marginal strip 12th remaining space 40 is filled in completely. In this way, the finished padding strip has 13th , which works particularly well here on the basis of 10 results, no structural cavities and is accordingly solid. Folding up the edge strips 12th by means of the third folding step 17th is accomplished in a manner comparable to the first folding stage by means of correspondingly oriented folding elements, which are formed here by roller carriers with rollers arranged on them.

In the example shown is the third folding stage 17th the folding device 8th designed in such a way that they cover the edge strips 12th the cardboard web 3 not yet fully folded up, ie the surfaces facing each other 23 the marginal strip 12th not yet bring them into direct contact with each other. A folding angle of the edge strips 12th compared to the original box level 20th is consequently less than 90 °, for example 85 °. This way it remains between the edge strips 12th first a gap 24 , which is based in particular on 11th results. This is based on the idea that for the purpose of permanent fixation of the finished upholstery strips 13th the two edge strips 12th be glued together by introducing an adhesive, so that the finished padding strip 13th cannot unintentionally unfold independently.

The production line according to the invention has corresponding features 1 via an adhesive device 11th , by means of which said adhesive between the edge strips 12th , namely in the gap space described 24 , can be introduced. The gluing device 11th is directly the third folding stage of the folding device 8th assigned. It interacts here with a stationary separating element, not shown in the figures, which is located between the edge strips 12th is arranged and contributes to the fact that this is not inadvertently before being fed to the adhesive device 11th are pressed against each other and thereby the gap 24 is locked. The separating element can in particular be wedge-shaped, and in this way the edge strips 12th reliably keep them away from each other. By means of the gluing device 11th then the glue gets into the gap 24 introduced, whereupon the edge strips 12th are pressed against each other by means of appropriate pressure rollers with the application of a compressive force, so that the surfaces 23 the marginal strip 12th come into direct contact with each other and stick together.

Then to the gluing device 11th is the now finished padding strip 13th how he looked 10 results, along a drying section 26th guided along which the adhesive can dry and develop its adhesive effect. Ultimately, the strip of upholstery will be endless until then 13th a cutting device 14th fed, by means of which the padding strips 13th cut through and in this way individual packaging cushions 2 getting produced. The cutting device 14th comprises in the example shown one above the padding strip 13th arranged cutting knife, which by means of a pneumatic drive in the cross section of the padding strip 13th can be shot, whereby the latter is "chopped off" so to speak. The individual packaging cushions 2 can be produced in any length by means of this method in a particularly simple manner, with other packaging cushions being used for the production of other packaging cushions 2 only the programming of the cutting device 14th needs to be changed.

The production line shown here is a special feature 1 then to the cutting device 14th also a tilting device 30th , by means of which the pre-cut packaging cushions 2 around its longitudinal axis 31 Can be "overturned". First of all, there are the packaging cushions 2 still in their orientation according to the representation in 10 before. For further automated processing of the packaging cushions 9 , in particular in the context of a method for fully automatic packaging of packaged goods, it can be advantageous if the packaging cushions 2 towards their "standing position" according to 10 be brought into a "lying position". This is due to the fact that the packaging cushion 2 , in particular in the course of packaging, plate-shaped packaging goods such as furniture panels, are placed in their lying position along the edges of the respective packaging goods. The tilting device 30th consequently contributes to the packing cushion 2 can then be processed further without manual intervention, for example by means of a gripping robot.

As a result, it is by means of the production line according to the invention 1 A large number of packaging cushions are particularly easy to use 2 fully automatically and exclusively based on cardboard made of paper. A special feature here is that the production line according to the invention 1 continuously, that is to say in particular without stopping the feed device 4th , can be operated. This is where the cardboard web 3 driven constantly at a feed rate of, for example, 25 m / min. Manual intervention by a machine operator on the production line 1 or other staff is not required. Instead, the packaging cushions 2 produced fully automatically. A stop of the feed device 4th is also used to cut the cushion strip to length 13th not necessary because the cutting knife of the cutting device has to be shot in 14th happens so quickly that the padding strip 13th does not move significantly against the cutting knife.

List of reference symbols

1

Production line

2

Packing padding

3

Cardboard web

4th

Feed device

5

Feed direction

6th

Creasing device

7th

Fold line

8th

Folding device

9

Margin

10

Margin

11th

Gluing device

12th

Edge strips

13th

Upholstery strips

14th

Cutting device

15th

first folding step

16

second folding stage

17th

third folding stage

18th

Outer section

19th

Outer section

20th

Carton level

21

surface

22nd

Infeed area

23

surface

24

Gap space

25th

Front side

26th

Drying section

27

Folding angle

28

Scoring disc

29

broad

30th

Tilting device

31

Longitudinal axis

32

Longitudinal axis

33

effective width

34

Folding element

35

Folding element

36

Folding element

37

Midrange

38

Folding element

39

bottom

40

free space

41

Creased edge

Claims (15)

A method for producing packaging cushions (2) from a cardboard web (3), wherein the cardboard web (3) is guided in a feed direction (5) along a production line (1) by means of a feed device (4) and is successively manipulated using the following method steps in such a way that Packaging cushions (2) are created: a) The cardboard web (3) is fed to a creasing device (6) and is creased by means of the creasing device (6) parallel to the feed direction (5) so that fold lines (7) are impressed on the cardboard web (3). b) The grooved cardboard web (3) is guided along a folding device (8), in the course of which opposite side edges (9, 10) of the cardboard web (3) are folded towards one another several times in the opposite folding direction. c) The folded cardboard web (3) is fed to an adhesive device (11) by means of which an adhesive is continuously introduced into a gap (24) between the edge strips (12) of the cardboard web (3) that are folded towards one another as the cardboard web (3) is advanced and the two edge strips (12) are subsequently pressed against one another and glued to one another in this way, so that the cardboard web (3) is now in the form of a solid padding strip (13). d) The padding strip (13) is fed to a cutting device (14), by means of which the padding strip (13) is cut to length transversely to its feed direction and in this way individual packaging pads (2) are continuously cut from the padding strip (13). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the cardboard web (3) is folded several times by means of the folding device (8) in the following folding steps: i) Two opposing outer sections (18, 19) of the cardboard web (3), each extending from one of the side edges (9 , 10) of the cardboard web (3) extend up to a respective facing, first fold line (7), are folded up in opposite directions of fold in relation to a cardboard plane (20) of the cardboard web (3) so that the outer sections (18, 19) each are in a superscript; ii) The outer sections (18, 19) in the upright position are further folded over, each following a folding direction of the first folding step, so that the outer sections (18, 19) are turned over onto a surface (21) of the remaining cardboard web (3) and the Cardboard web (3) henceforth forms opposing, double-layer edge strips (12); iii) The edge strips (12) are - in each case following a folding direction of the second folding step - folded up towards each other in relation to the box plane (20). Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the outer sections (18, 19) are folded up in the first folding step by a folding angle (27) between 80 ° and 100 °, preferably between 85 ° and 95 °, more preferably 90 °, relative to the box plane (20) . Method according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that the two edge strips (12) are folded up in the third folding step by a folding angle of a maximum of 85 °, preferably a maximum of 80 °, with respect to the plane of the box (20). Method according to one of the Claims 2 until 4th , characterized in that the two folded-up edge strips (12) are kept at a distance by means of a separating element in the course of their feeding to the adhesive device (11), so that the gap between the mutually facing surfaces (23) of the edge strips (12) can be unintentionally pressed shut (24) is prevented. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cardboard web (3) is guided along the production line (1) without interruption by means of the feed device (4). Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the feed device (4) is operated at a constant feed speed, preferably at a feed speed in the range between 15 m / min and 35 m / min, preferably between 20 m / min and 30 m / min. Method according to one of the claims, characterized in that the creasing device (6) makes a total of six creases in the cardboard web (3). Method according to one of the claims, characterized in that the folding lines (7) are introduced into the latter in coordination with a width (29) of the cardboard web (3) that the cardboard web (3) as a result of its manipulation by means of the folding device (8) as well as the adhesive device (11) is processed into a solid padding strip (13). Method according to one of the claims, characterized in that the separated packaging cushions (2) are tipped over to one side by 90 ° about their longitudinal axis (31) by means of a tilting device (30). A production line (1) for the uninterrupted production of a multiplicity of packaging cushions (2) from a continuous cardboard web (3), comprising - a feed device (4) by means of which the cardboard web (3) can be moved in a feed direction (5) along the production line (1), - a creasing device (6) by means of which the cardboard web (3) can be impressed with a plurality of fold lines (7) oriented parallel to the feed direction (5), - At least one folding device (8), by means of which mutually opposite side edges (9, 10) of the cardboard web (3) can be folded several times towards one another in the opposite folding direction, so that the cardboard web (3) can be folded towards a cushion strip (13), - an adhesive device (11) by means of which the edge strips (12) of the cardboard web (3) which are folded towards one another can be glued to form the cushioning strip (13), - A cutting device (14), by means of which individual packaging cushions (2) can be successively separated from the cushioning strip (13). Production line (1) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the folding device (8) comprises three folding steps (15, 16, 17), whereby by means of a first folding step (15) two opposite outer sections (18, 19) of the cardboard web (3), each extending from one of the Side edges (9, 10) of the cardboard web (3) extend up to a respective first fold line (7), in each case can be folded upwards in the opposite folding direction opposite a cardboard plane (20) of the cardboard web (3), so that the outer sections (18, 19) are each in an upright position, whereby by means of a second folding step (16) the upstanding outer sections (18, 19) - each following a folding direction of the first folding step (15) - can be further folded in such a way that the outer sections (18, 19) onto a surface (21) of the remaining cardboard web (3) are turned over and the cardboard web (3) henceforth forms opposing, double-layer edge strips (12), whereby by means of the third folding step (17) the edge strips (12) - each egg Nem folding direction of the second folding step (16) following - can be folded up compared to the box plane (20). Production line (1) according to Claim 12 , characterized by a separating element, by means of which the folded-up edge strips (12) can be kept at a distance, so that unintentional pressing shut of a gap (24) present between the mutually facing surfaces (23) of the edge strips (12) is prevented. Production line (1) after one of the Claims 11 until 13th , characterized in that the folding device (8) has at least two folding elements (34, 35, 36) arranged symmetrically to a longitudinal axis (32) of the cardboard web (3) and extending along a folding step (15) of the folding device (8), wherein the folding elements (34, 35, 36) each - viewed in the feed direction (5) of the cardboard web (3) - interact with a laterally outer section of the cardboard web (3), the folding elements (34, 35, 36) - over a distance of the Folding step (15) viewed - are oriented in the direction of a central region (37) of the cardboard web (3) running towards one another. Production line (1) after one of the Claims 11 until 14th , characterized in that the cutting device (14) comprises a cutting knife which can be inserted and retracted perpendicular to the feed direction (5) of the cardboard web (3) in a cross section of the cushioning strip (13).

Images