EP0680894A2 - Method and apparatus to feed and close a wrapper, in particular to pack a stack of flat goods - Google Patents

Abstract

The packaging system extracts newspapers or periodicals from a stack and feeds them to a flexible packaging element (28), which is then sealed. The packaging element has a rectangular reception surface (30) for the newspapers or periodicals, with fixing surfaces (24, 26) on either side of it, of sufficient length for wrapping around the deposited items, with their overlapping ends secured together. Each of the fixing surfaces is initially folded at right angles to extend along the side of the deposited items, before again folding at right angle to lie across their top surface. The ends of the fixing surfaces have sealing means secured together by applied pressure. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method for loading and closing a flexible packaging element for packaging stackable goods, such as newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, catalogs, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device for carrying out the method according to the preamble of claim 7.

WO 94/04416 A1 describes a packaging element which consists of a tear-resistant fabric and / or film material. The packaging element is based on a blank which has a rectangular receiving surface for the stackable goods. On each of the four side edges of the rectangular receiving surface are Fixing surfaces pivotally arranged. In addition to a rectangular configuration with side edges of the same length as the receiving surface, these fixing surfaces can also have other surface shapes and adjoining lengths to the receiving surface. By using a tear-resistant fabric and film material, the packaging elements can be reused hundreds of times.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a method for loading and closing a flexible packaging element for packaging stackable goods which, in addition to manual and also mechanical execution of the method, is possible for all design variants of the packaging element. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide an apparatus for performing the method according to claim 1.

The object relating to the method is achieved in the invention by the features of claim 1 and the object relating to the device by the features of claim 7.

Due to the location of the receiving surface on a horizontal surface and the fixing surfaces pivoted outwards, the packaging element offers the prerequisite for one Loading with stackable goods from any direction between vertical from above and horizontal from the side. A stack of goods lying on the receiving surface is fixed against slipping, so that regardless of the inherent stability of the stackable goods, there is sufficient strength for the stack to retain its shape and orientation even when horizontal force components are attacked, which in the course of closing the fixing surfaces occur.

The vertical folding up of the fixing surfaces causes the fixing surfaces to lie flush against the side surfaces of the stackable goods and the fastening means on the fixing surfaces assume a defined position so that they are congruent with the counterparts of the fixing means of the fixing surfaces to be folded up next. The pivoting in of the fixing surfaces, which is related to the head plane of the stackable material, has the result that, in the described method, there is an automatic adaptation to different stacking heights. After the last fixing surface to be folded up was closed, a protected, transport-safe package was created as the end product.

In addition, the fourth fixing surface with its over the Folded side surface protruding head plane down and be attached to this by pressing on the vertical area of the opposite fixing surface. Even without this separate process step, the side surface protruding beyond the head plane will fall down due to the force of gravity, but especially with a small overhang and great rigidity, the fastening means will not automatically close. This closing can generally be ensured by deliberately folding downwards and by pressing.

The fixing surfaces on the side surfaces and the top plane of the stackable goods are preferably rolled under pressure. In the course of this rolling, the respective fixing surface between its edge adjoining the receiving surface and the current rolling edge is tightened and kept so tight until each stackable item has been wrapped very tightly by all fixing surfaces of the packaging element.

Alternatively, the fixing surfaces can be folded up and closed individually one after the other in the closing sequence specified by the arrangement of the closures, or two opposite fixing surfaces can be used are simultaneously folded up to the top level and then closed in the closing sequence specified by the arrangement of the closures.

The first-mentioned option is simpler in the control sequence, but the second-mentioned option saves time compared to the first and also has the advantage that the horizontal force components acting on the stackable goods are canceled out.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the stackable good is corrected in its orientation after the closing of the first two fixing surfaces. This means that any skewing of the stackable goods that may have occurred can be eliminated so that the fastening surfaces of the subsequent fixing surfaces meet their counterparts with a precise fit.

The device for carrying out the method according to claim 1 described in claim 7 enables the automatic automatic closing of a packaging element in accordance with the listed method steps in a sequence-controlled manner. The device can be integrated into existing machine lines as well as used individually.

In a further development, at least one stamp which can be extended vertically downward against the head plane by means of a drive which can be controlled by the control device is arranged above the horizontal base. With this stamp it is possible to exert pressure on the head plane of the packaging unit or the packaging element, so that the individual layers of the stackable goods are pressed together and cannot slide onto one another. This ensures security against slipping against any direction of attack by horizontal force components.

It is also possible to provide a plate which can be pressed against the head plane by means of a drive which can be controlled by the control device, above the horizontal base. This remains in the position pressed against the head plane until the first and second or the first, second and third fixing surfaces are folded up, swiveled and pressed against the head plane. The plate, which is then located between the underside of the first fixing surface and the top of the stackable goods, is then pulled out in a horizontal direction and raised or folded in so that it is not in the way of the further closing operations.

The plate is preferably polished on both sides in order to reduce the friction with respect to the underside of the first fixing surface and the top of the stackable goods, so that the stackable goods do not slip when the plate is pulled out.

In addition, a packaging height sensor can be provided, the signal of the control device serving to limit the maximum vertical travel of the driving arm relative to the packaging element. This measure allows the driver arms to adapt automatically to different heights of the stackable goods forming a packaging unit and to pivot the fixing surfaces precisely along the upper edge of the respective side surface of the stackable goods to the head plane.

In a practical embodiment of the device, the driver arm carries a rotatably mounted brush roller. The brush roller can also include a brake. Using a brush roller, the fixing surfaces can be rolled off particularly well on the side surfaces and the head plane of the stackable goods under pressure. The brushes offer a resilient surface, the bumps on the surface of the fixing surfaces, as z. B. caused by fasteners or reinforcing straps are adjusted. At the same time, there is also a high adhesive force between the brush roller and the surface of the fixing surface. This effect can be used if the brush roller is braked by the brake, since the fixing surface is then kept taut over the entire rolling edge during the movement of the driving arm.

A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the packaging height sensor comprises a two-part light barrier arrangement consisting of a transmitter / receiver combination and a reflector or of a transmitter and a separate receiver, of which one part on a rod that can be extended with the stamp and the other part on one the driving arm movable linkage is arranged.

This version includes the stamp, which is already available for printing on the head plane, in the packaging height sensor. As soon as the stamp has moved against the head plane of the stackable goods as a stop, it automatically specifies via the height position of the part of the light barrier arrangement fastened to its linkage how high the driving arm carrying the other part of the light barrier arrangement can move until the head plane reaches is and must accordingly switch the direction of movement of the driver arm from vertical to horizontal.

The punch drive and the driver arm drives can comprise pneumatically bidirectionally actuable piston / cylinder arrangements. Since most travels only have to be covered between two end points without the exact control of intermediate points being important, this type of drive offers advantages over other types of drive in terms of speed and simplicity.

In order to also be able to control points lying between two end points, as is necessary for the piston / cylinder arrangement for the vertical direction because of possible differences in the packaging height, the piston / cylinder arrangement can additionally be controllable simultaneously in both actuation directions during the execution of a piston stroke. This compensates for the forces acting in both directions, so that the piston immediately stops in its current position. Then it is possible to move the piston by external forces.

In addition to the possibility of the fixing surfaces of the packaging element to close with only one driving arm and to implement the driving arm or to rotate the packaging element, a practical embodiment provides that a pair of driving arms with separate driving arm drives are provided for two mutually opposite fixing surfaces and that the driving arms are aligned parallel to one another and in the parking position outside the vertical projection of the area occupied by the receiving surface during the closing phase are arranged. This makes it possible to close two opposing fixing surfaces without repositioning the driver arms or rotating the packaging element. This provides a speed advantage for a packaging cycle.

In a further development, two pairs of driver arms with separate driver arm drives are provided and the axes of the driver arms of one pair are offset at right angles to the axes of the other pair. A separate driver arm is provided for each fixing surface. The packaging element can therefore remain in some orientation from the loading to the end of the closing of the fixing surfaces.

The pairs of drive arms can alternatively be in a single one Locking station integrated or divided into a pair of driver arms in separate locking stations. A single locking station is advantageous in the case of a small space requirement if a long cycle sequence is permitted at the same time. The separate closing stations can be integrated into a packaging line and enable closing processes to take place simultaneously at both closing stations. This allows you to work with a short cycle.

A practical embodiment of the device provides that the transport device has a conveyor belt which is driven by a drive motor which can be started and stopped by means of the control device, and comprises a roller conveyor which adjoins the conveyor belt. The driver arms of a first closing station are parked in pockets of a transport table on both sides of the conveyor belt. The first closing station is assigned a position sensor, the signal of which serves the control device to stop the conveyor belt and start the actuation of the stamp and the driving arms. The driver arms of a second closing station are parked between the rollers of the roller conveyor. The second closing station is assigned a position sensor, the signal of the control device for stopping the roller conveyor and starting the actuation of the stamp and the driving arms.

In this device, the packaging element to be closed is transported by means of the conveyor belt both to the first closing station, positioned there and transported further to the second closing station. The packaging element is oriented such that the fixing surfaces to be folded up first lie transversely to the direction of transport and the fixing surfaces to be folded up last lie on the conveyor belt along the transport direction. Depending on the width of the transport table, the fixing surfaces to be folded up first lie flat on the transport table or hang down with their free ends. The described parking positions of the driver arms enable the driver arms to fold up the fixing surfaces immediately after the packaging element has run into the respective closing station, but they do not interfere with the transport.

In addition, the first and / or second closing station can have a mechanical stop for the defined positioning of the packaging element. This stop is controllable by means of a control device Swivel drive can be swiveled out of the transport path for the purpose of stopping in the transport path and for further transport. With the help of these stops, an exact positioning of the packaging element in the closing stations can always be ensured. Incorrect positioning caused by the conveyor belt or the roller conveyor running in this way is avoided.

The device can be supplemented by a packaging element laying device, which comprises a carriage with a lifting frame, which can be moved between a packaging element store and a laying place of the horizontal documents by means of a drive controlled by the control device, on which suction holders are arranged.

As a result, the packaging elements stacked in a packaging element store can be separated by sucking on the top layer in each case and can be mechanically positioned on the horizontal base of the closing device.

The suction cups are expediently distributed over an area which corresponds at least to the size of the receiving area of the packaging element. The packaging element is held several times so that it is in a horizontal orientation can be transported from the packaging element store to the place of installation.

Each suction holder can comprise a flexible mouthpiece designed as a bellows, which is fastened on a tube which is displaceably mounted in the lifting frame against spring pressure. The suction cups can adapt to unevenness, differences in height or inclined surfaces.

The packaging element storage preferably comprises a mobile container with a lifting platform which can lie loosely in the container and on which a stack of opened packaging elements rests. At the parking position of the mobile container, the lifting platform can be raised and lowered by means of a pair of articulated scissors. The articulated scissors can alternatively be attached stationary or on the mobile container and can be actuated by a stationary drive controlled by the control device. The packaging element store can comprise a height sensor, the signal of the control device for tracking the lifting platform after the removal of packaging elements.

With the help of the mobile container, the replenishment can be started Packaging elements are quickly provided at the packaging element store. After each separation of the stack of packaging elements which rests on the lifting platform and shrinks, it can be raised by means of the articulated scissors actuated by the drive in such a way that the packaging element located above always assumes approximately the same level. This eliminates the need to adjust the stroke of the lifting frame to the stack height.

If the respective upper layer of the stack of packaging elements is approximately at the same height level as the supporting surface of the transport device, the stroke distance of the lifting frame to be covered is also small. By using a stationary drive and a stationary articulated scissors for the lifting platform, the mobile containers can be built more simply and easily.

The mobile container can comprise a magazine delimited by vertical positioning and guide rails for the packaging elements to be kept in the correct position. The design of the magazine ensures that from the first to the last packaging element, everyone has the same position before the transfer to the place of laying the horizontal base of the locking device. With the same sequence of movements of the movable carriage, the packaging elements are therefore repeatedly placed at the same point on the horizontal surface and are prepared to accommodate the stackable goods without correcting their alignment.

According to a further development, a loading device can be used for loading an open packaging element lying on the horizontal base with stackable goods, which comprises a carriage with a gripper that can be moved between an intermediate storage for the stackable goods and a loading location of the receiving surface of the packaging element by means of a drive controlled by the control device .

This loading device enables automatic loading of a packaging element lying on the horizontal base of the closing device in accordance with the machine cycle.

The grippers can have two blades that can be moved synchronously in opposite directions towards and away from one another by means of a drive that can be controlled by the control device, each having a vertical lateral stop surface and a plurality of mutually facing horizontal tines include. With the help of the grippers designed in this way, the stackable goods are fixed both from below and from the side. In this case, any previously shifted layers of the goods are centered.

Each blade is preferably articulated on the slide by means of parallelogram swivel arms in such a way that the blades pass through an arcuate path between their two end positions. In addition, the interim storage facility can provide a web-shaped support device for the stackable goods. It is then possible for the horizontal tines of the blades to be flush with the spaces between the webs and for the blades to be vertically positioned in relation to the support device in such a way that the tines dip into the lower vertex of their movement path between the webs below the support level and at least in the retracted position above raise the support level.

The parallelogram swivel arms ensure that the blades are always aligned in any position. Due to the path passed through when the blades are opened and closed and the height positioning relative to the support device, the stackable goods can be obtained from both sides during the same movement sequence reach under and lift at the same time. A separate lifting device is not necessary. To load a packaging element, it is sufficient to move the movable carriage longitudinally with the stackable material gripped by the gripper and to open the gripper quickly over the bearing surface of the packaging element.

The web-shaped support device can be formed from rollers of a roller conveyor. As a result, the prepared stacks of stackable goods can automatically roll into the intermediate storage as soon as a stack has been removed for the purpose of loading a packaging element.

The closing stations, the packaging element store and the loading device form independent units in each individual process stage, which can also be individually and variably adjusted. In complex programming, different stacking behavior and mass movements such as e.g. B. large format stack of magazines can be responded to.

Furthermore, the control device can enable individual control of the units, which, in the event of a packaging accident, temporarily eliminates the interlinking and eliminates malfunctions allows. In the case of a subsequent overall chaining, it is also possible to continue the packaging phases for each unit at the point where they were interrupted due to the accident.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung aus einer Schließvorrichtung, einer Verpackungselementauflegevorrichtung und einer Beschickungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 2 a - e

einzelne Schließphasen einer ersten Schließstation und

Fig. 3 a - e

einzelne Schließphasen einer zweiten Schließstation

In der perspektivischen Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 befindet sich links eine Schließvorrichtung mit einer ersten und zweiten Schließstation 40, 42, zu denen Verpackungselemente 28 mit stapelbarem Gut mittels einer Transportvorrichtung befördert werden. Die Transportvorrichtung bildet gleichzeitig die Unterlage für die Aufnahmefläche 30 der Verpackungselemente 28. Das stapelbare Gut bei der hier beschriebenen Vorrichtung sind Tageszeitungen, die statt der bisher üblichen Verpackung in Einmalfolie nunmehr mit wiederverwendbaren Verpackungselementen umweltentlastend verpackt werden können. Abfallproduzierende Verpackungsautomaten werden vollwertig ersetzt.Further developments of the invention result from the claims, the further description and the drawing, on the basis of which the method and device are explained. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

2 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention comprising a closing device, a packaging element laying device and a loading device,

Fig. 2 a - e

individual closing phases of a first closing station and

Fig. 3 a - e

individual closing phases of a second locking station

1, there is a closing device on the left with a first and second closing station 40, 42, to which packaging elements 28 are transported with stackable goods by means of a transport device. The transport device also forms the base for the receiving surface 30 of the packaging elements 28. The stackable goods in the device described here are daily newspapers, which can now be packed in an environmentally friendly manner with reusable packaging elements instead of the previously used packaging in single-use film. Waste producing packaging machines are fully replaced.

On the right, in the extension of the closing device, there is a packaging element placement device 48 with a movable carriage 52, which serves to present packaging elements 28 from a packaging element store 50.

A loading device is arranged transversely to the locking device. This comprises a movable carriage with a gripper 54, which transfers the stacks 58 daily newspapers located in an intermediate storage 56 to the receiving surface 30 of the packaging element 28.

For the sake of completeness, the preparatory work to create packs of newspapers ready for packaging should be mentioned.

In the initial situation there are so-called staplers in a printing house, in which the finished newspapers or magazines fall into a collecting shaft after feeding in a stream-like manner. Newspaper stacks of any size can be formed in the stacker. The stackers turn e.g. after every 10 layers, the entire stack by 180 °, so that one-sided bulging of the stack at the newspaper crease is avoided and a fairly uniform stack height is achieved. In the case of extremely thick weekend editions or if there is a high number of ads, package heights are specified in the stacker, which comply with the maximum weight of 15 - 18 kg. The total or layer quantities per package can change.

The stacker ejects this stack of newspapers untied to the conveyor belt. The stacks then run in the direction of the packaging lines via dust conveyor or roller conveyors. The device according to the invention can be integrated at a relatively arbitrary position of such a storage section of a packaging line in the printing house. The technical integration does not require any expensive conversions on the part of a print shop.

It is assumed that by suitable facilities such. B. crossovers, the unbound newspaper stack 58 reach along the side in the intermediate storage 56 to the loading device. As soon as the first stack 58 moves against a stop, a gripper 54 is activated by means of a common control device.

This gripper 54 travels with the horizontal tines of its blades under the stack 58 and lifts it off a support device. The tines are arranged so that they are aligned with the gaps between the webs of the support device consisting of rollers of a roller conveyor. When the gripper 54 is in the closed position, the stack of newspapers 58 rests on the tines on the long side on the right and left in each case with more than a third of its format width. The stack 58 is automatically stabilized in its position again by paddle pressure during the brief lifting over the rollers. Subsequently, the gripper 54 moves the stack 58 exactly to the predetermined position of a packaging element 28.

Slight sagging of the stack 58, in particular with high filling with advertising inserts, is possible and desired in the middle of the stack. A very quick opening of the bucket causes an optimally positioned stacking with the smallest drop height.

Already while the gripper 54 travels over the presented packaging element 28 by means of a carriage with a stack of newspapers 58, the next stack of newspapers 58 already reaches the intermediate storage 56 and can be picked up again immediately after the gripper 54 has returned.

In a partially upstream process, a packaging element 28 has been placed on a conveyor belt 44 before the precisely positioned stack of a newspaper 58 and rests there until it is filled.

For the correct presentation of a packaging element 28 on the conveyor belt 44, it is necessary that a mobile container filled with packaging elements 28 first occupies its parking position in front of the conveyor belt 44. The container comprises a lifting platform on which a stack with approximately 100 opened packaging elements 28 rests, as well as a drive for the cubic platform. These elements form the packaging element store 50. Vertical positioning and guide rails, which are a magazine, are arranged in the four cutting angles of the lifting platform form for the packaging elements. At the same time, these positioning and guide rails stabilize the entire stack of packaging elements during all manipulations in the mailroom of a publishing house and when the lifting platform is lifted to prevent it from slipping.

The mobile container also consists of a frame that can be moved on a barrel axis and a steering axis. Mechanical brakes secure the container on a loading ramp for manual filling with the packaging elements returned by the carriers. A precise material control is possible and necessary when filling.

A completely filled container is moved manually or mechanically via a floor guide to a predetermined position in front of the conveyor belt 44 and locked.

A hydraulic drive controlled by the control device automatically raises the lifting platform to the most favorable manipulation level after the removal of five or ten packaging elements, for example. Here, the removal base for the uppermost packaging elements 28 is the same or slightly higher than the base of the downstream horizontal base of the locking device.

The packaging elements 28 are opened and stacked in a precisely defined position on the lifting platform with only slight free hanging of the fixing surfaces 20, 22. The ground clearance gained due to the low free slope enables sensible, economical filling of a single container.

Height sensors are used to determine whether the container is completely or partially filled. Furthermore, a remaining filling amount of e.g. only ten or even five packaging elements are automatically recognized and reported.

The cross-faced placement of the packaging elements 28 on the lifting platform of a container favors, in particular, the manipulation of the packaging elements with the lowest possible lifting height during the movement between the container and the place of placement. This favors short, fast transport routes for the presentation of the packaging elements for filling.

The packaging elements 28 are separated and transported using a movable carriage 52, on which a lifting frame with suction holders is attached. The suction cups can be mounted at different positions of the lifting frame if necessary.

By means of these suction holders, the packaging elements 28 presented stacked in the container are separated, namely raised from the manipulation level and presented to the conveyor belt 44 exactly at a predetermined position. This separation and template manipulation of the packaging elements 28 can be adjusted to any format. In the case of different base surface formats and shape configurations of a packaging element 28, suitable suction positions on the support surface 30 and the fixing surfaces 24, 26 are determined.

The carriage 52 with the lifting frame and the suction holders is initially defined above the container. The lifting frame with the suction cups is quickly lowered at a relatively short distance from the packaging element 28 in the container, the necessary vacuum already building up in this phase. Immediately after contact of the suction holder with the support surface 30 and the fixing surfaces 24, 26 of the packaging element 28, these are sucked in, raised by means of the lifting frame and moved horizontally to the place of installation by means of the carriage 52 and exactly deposited there.

When the packaging element 28 is put down, the fixing surfaces 20, 22 pointing transversely to the transport direction and laterally projecting beyond the transport table fall down freely, while the fixing surfaces 24, 26 pointing longitudinally to the transport direction come to lie flat on the conveyor belt 44.

During the return of the carriage 52 with the suction holders over the next packaging element 28 on the container, the gripper 54 moves the newspaper stack 58 over the placed packaging element 28 and, by quickly opening the gripper 54, sets the unbound newspaper stack 58 positioned on the receiving surface 30 of the opened packaging element 28 from. After the gripper 54 returns to the starting position, the conveyor belt 44 is started and the packaging element 28 with the newspaper stack 58 lying thereon is conveyed to the first closing station 40.

Parallel to the return of the gripper 54 and the renewed gripping of a newspaper stack 58 that is already in position, a further packaging element 28 is sucked in by the container and presented to the conveyor belt 44. Contacting the template of a packaging element 28 with the loading of a newspaper stack 58 and the transport of the filled packaging element 28 to the closing station 40 takes place in a sequence control.

The cycle sequence of a template filling and departure process of a packaging unit enables an almost complete chaining of packaging units which have been presented empty and which have already been filled and which run to the closing station 40. The distance between the mutually facing, flat on the conveyor belt 44 fixing surfaces 24 to 26 adjacent packaging elements 28 is about a hand's breadth. These cycle sequences run continuously for a container with packaging elements 28.

Before entering the predetermined position in the first and / or second closing station 40, 42, the still open packaging element 28 can pass through a centering device which is located on the right and left next to the conveyor belt 44. The task of the centering device is to readjust inaccuracies when the unbound newspaper stack 58 is placed on the packaging element 28 before it is closed. Such inaccuracies may be possible primarily in the upper area of a newspaper stack 58 filled with advertising inserts.

As soon as the packaging element 28 has reached the first closing station 40, the conveyor belt 44 is stopped. In the first closing station 40, two stamps 14, 16 (FIG. 2 a) which can be extended vertically from above and two carrier arms with brush rollers 32, 34 (FIG. 2 a) are sunk into rectangular slots to the side of the conveyor belt 44. For the closing process, the driver arms with brush rollers 32, 34 (FIG. 2a) emerge from these slots, are first lifted vertically and then moved horizontally over the top plane 12 (FIG. 2a) of a stack 58.

The sequence of a closing process is illustrated in Figures 2a to 2e. Immediately after the conveyor belt 44 has stopped, a first stamp 14 moves vertically onto the top plane 12 of the unbound stack of newspapers 58 and fixes it (FIG. 2a). When viewed in the direction of transport, the stamp 14 attacks somewhat to the left of the center.

The driver arm on the right in the direction of transport then moves up vertically with its brush roller 32 and engages under the first fixing surface 20. The fixing surface 20 is pressed lightly against the right side of the stack 58 rolled until the driver arm has reached the head plane 12 (Fig. 2 b). Then the brush roller 32 rolls the fixing surface 20 over the head plane 12. The stamp 14 remains in position until the brush roller 32 has already rolled the fixing surface 20 over the center of the stack.

Immediately after reaching the center, a second stamp 16 moves somewhat to the right of the center onto the just closed fixing surface 20 and holds it in the closed position reached. At the same time, the first stamp 14 moves back into its starting position. Parallel to this, the fixing surface 20 now rolls off completely (FIG. 2 c).

The brush roller 32 remains in front of the second stamp 16 approximately at the center of the stack. Now the left driver arm with its brush roller 34 engages under the jacket side to the left of the transport direction and lifts it with slight pressure on the left side of the stack 58 up to the top plane 12 (FIG. 2 d).

While the left brush roller 34 now also rolls the second fixing surface 22 under the head plane 12 with slight pressure, the second punch 16 and the right brush roller 32 move back into their starting position (FIG. 2 e). When rolling over the head plane 12, the fastening means of the first and second fixing surfaces 20, 22 are closed. The fasteners can be Velcro. Then the left brush roller 34 also moves back to its starting position.

After the closing processes in the first closing station 40 have ended, the conveyor belt 44 is started again and the partially closed packaging element 28 is transported to the second closing station 42. Before that, the packaging element 28 can pass through another centering device and its alignment can be corrected again. The further position correction favors in particular the linear entry of the packaging element 28 into the second closing station 42.

Before the second closing station 42 is reached, the conveyor belt 44 ends and a roller conveyor 46 with driven rollers follows (FIG. 3 a). When entering the second closing station 42, the packaging element 28 moves with the newspaper stack 58 against two stops pivoted into the transport path and thus comes to a standstill immediately. After the packaging element 28 has stopped, the stops pivot out of the transport path.

In certain positions in the roller conveyor 46 of the second closing station 42, driver arms with brush rollers 36, 38 are installed parallel to the rollers. In their starting position, these brush rollers 36, 38 lie transversely to the running direction at the level of the roller conveyor 46 and can be moved vertically and horizontally.

After the packaging element 28 has stopped, the fixing surfaces 24, 26 still to be closed are each flat in front of and behind the stack 58. The third fixing surface 24 is located behind and the fourth fixing surface 26 with integrated grip elements in front of the stack of newspapers centrally located in the second closing station 42 58.

The sequence of the closing process in the second closing station 42 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 a to 3 e. Parallel to the stop message, a stamp 18 again moves to the middle of the front third of the newspaper stack 58 and holds it in position with pressure while the third fixing surface 24 is being closed (FIG. 3 a).

This pressure favors the stabilization of the position of the packaging unit, while the rear one located on the back of the stack and related to the transport direction Carrier arm with its brush roller 36 engages under the third fixing surface 24 and, under slight pressure, rolls it onto the stack of newspapers 58 down to the head plane 12 (FIG. 3b).

Immediately after reaching the head plane 12, the brush roller 36 rolls the fixing surface 24 horizontally on the head plane 12 of the packaging unit. Shortly before reaching the center of the head plane 12, the stamp 18 moves back into its starting position (FIG. 3 c).

Approximately in the middle of the now stacked newspaper stack 58, the rear brush roller 36 rests on the top level 12 of the package. In this case, the already closed fixing surface 24 is held in position until the front driving arm, viewed in the direction of transport, has also rolled up the fourth fixing surface 26 with its brush roller 38, initially with slight pressure on the stack side lying in the front (FIG. 3 d) and then horizontally above rolls the top level 12 of the package. The fastening means between the fixing surfaces 24, 26 are closed by the pressure.

The fourth fixing surface 26 of the packaging element 28 always has the greatest length in its cut. she thus not only covers the entire top level 12 of the packaged stack of newspapers 58, but is again guided vertically downward on the opposite side of its assignment.

After the front brush roller 38 has reached approximately the center of the head plane 12, the rear brush roller returns to its starting position. The front brush roller 38 rolls parallel to this completely over the head plane 12 and then rolls the fourth fixing surface 26 under relative pressure vertically down onto the back of the package from FIG. 3 e).

In this advantageous, vertical fastening, which may show only a few centimeters of surface coverage, all tensile and load loads of a packaging unit formed in this way are absorbed.

After the fourth fixing surface 26 is closed, the closing process is ended. The roller conveyor 46 starts up again and guides the fully packaged newspaper package onto the downstream conveyor belts to the loading ramp. Parallel to the package departure, the front brush roller 38 is returned to its starting position in the roller conveyor 46. The attacks are then back in the Transport path swiveled.

Such a sealed packaging unit can be safely removed from the transport device for loading. Even removal under hectic mailroom conditions ensures securely closed packaging units for newspaper or magazine packages. The largest possible filling quantities, which in tests were beyond the permissible standard of 15 - 18 kg, showed when filled with e.g. B. 25 - 30 or more kg of reliably manageable packaging units.

The exactly mirror-image overlap that can be achieved with the device and thus contacts of the respectively assigned fixing surfaces ensure a high level of transport protection of the goods packaged in this way against wind and weather and against damage during handling.

Claims (38)

Method for loading and closing a flexible packaging element for packaging stackable, in particular sheet-like goods, such as newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, catalogs, the packaging element having a rectangular receiving surface for the stackable goods, on the side edges of which a fixing surface is arranged, respectively each adjoins at least a part of the side edge of the receiving surface, the fixing surfaces forming the four side surfaces and top surfaces each having at least such a length that they at least partially overlap each other with their top surfaces on the top of the stackable goods, the four fixing surfaces also being detachable Fastening means are provided which fasten the respectively opposite fixing surfaces to one another, and one on the top surface of the fixing surface to be folded up last when closing further side surface is arranged, which can always be fastened to the side surface of the opposite fixing surface by releasable fastening means in the filled state of the packaging element, characterized in that the packaging element is supported with its receiving surface by a horizontal base in the open state, while the fixing surfaces are pivoted outwards , and a unit of the stackable goods to be packaged is placed in a congruent alignment with the receiving surface, that subsequently the stackable goods are fixed against slipping at least during the attack of horizontal force components and that the fixing surfaces along the side surfaces of the stackable goods are then each perpendicular to Fold up the head plane and then swivel it horizontally onto the head plane, the second, third and fourth surfaces to be swiveled onto the head plane to the overlapping one below Surface is pressed to close the fasteners. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth fixing surface with its side surface projecting beyond the head plane is folded down and fastened to the vertical region of the opposite fixing surface by pressure. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing surfaces on the side surfaces and the top plane of the stackable goods are rolled under pressure. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fixing surfaces are folded up and closed individually one after the other in the closing sequence predetermined by the arrangement of the closures, and that the folding up of the next fixing surface only begins as soon as the previous fixing surface has reached its end position has reached. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that two opposite fixing surfaces are simultaneously folded up to the head plane and then closed in the closing sequence predetermined by the arrangement of the closures. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the alignment of the stackable material is corrected after the closing of the first two fixing surfaces. Device for carrying out the method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one driver arm serving for folding up and pivoting a fixing surface (20, 22, 24, 26) of the packaging element (28) is arranged in the parking position below the level of the horizontal base (10) and is aligned with its axis parallel to the horizontal base (10) and parallel to one of the side edges of the receiving surface (30) that the packaging element (28) and / or the driving arm can be moved vertically and horizontally relative to one another by means of a drive, and the driving arm on the outside acts on the fixing surface (20, 22, 24, 26) of the packaging element (28) and that the drive is controlled by a control device according to a closing sequence program. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one punch (14) which can be extended vertically downwards against the head plane (12) by means of a drive which can be controlled by the control device is arranged above the horizontal base (10). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that above the horizontal base (10) counter to a drive which can be controlled by the control device the head plane (12), which can be pressed on, is arranged, which after folding up, swiveling and pressing the first (20) and the second (22) or the first (20), second (22) and third fixing surface (24) onto the head plane (12 ) can be pulled out horizontally between the first fixing surface (20) and the top of the stackable goods (58). Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the plate is polished on both sides. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a packaging height sensor is provided, the signal of the control device serving to limit the maximum vertical travel of the driving arm relative to the packaging element (28). Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the driver arm carries a rotatably mounted brush roller (32). Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the brush roller (32) comprises a brake. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized characterized in that the packaging height sensor comprises a two-part light barrier arrangement consisting of a transmitter / receiver combination and a reflector or of a transmitter and a separate receiver, one part of which is attached to a rod (14) which can be extended and the other part to one with the driving arm movable linkage is arranged. Device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the stamp drive comprises a pneumatically bidirectionally actuable piston / cylinder arrangement. Device according to one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that the driving arm drive comprises a pneumatically bidirectionally actuable piston / cylinder arrangement for the vertical direction and a pneumatically bidirectionally actuable piston / cylinder arrangement for the horizontal direction. Apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least the pneumatically bidirectionally actuable piston / cylinder arrangement for the vertical direction by means of the control device during the execution of a piston stroke simultaneously in both directions of actuation is controllable. Device according to one of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that a pair of driver arms with separate driver arm drives are provided for two mutually opposite fixing surfaces (20, 22; 24, 26) and in that the driver arms are aligned parallel to one another and in the parking position outside the vertical projection the area occupied by the receiving surface (30) during the closing phase are arranged. Device according to one of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that a pair of driver arms with separate driver arm drives are provided for two adjoining fixing surfaces (20, 24; 22, 26) and that the driver arms are aligned at right angles to one another and in the parking position outside the vertical Projection of the area occupied by the receiving surface (30) during the closing phase are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the pair of driver arms and the packaging element (28) are rotatable relative to one another in at least one 90 degree step about a vertical axis. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that two pairs of driver arms are provided with separate driver arm drives and the axes of the driver arms of one pair are offset at right angles to the axes of the other pair. Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the two pairs of driver arms are integrated in a single closing station. Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that each pair of driver arms is arranged in a separate closing station (40, 42) and that the two closing stations (40, 42) along a linear horizontal, as a base (10) for the receiving surface (30) of the Packaging element (28) serving transport device are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the transport device comprises a conveyor belt (44) which is driven by a drive motor which can be started and stopped by means of the control device, and a roller conveyor (46) adjoining the conveyor belt (44), that the driver arms a first closing station (40) on both sides of the conveyor belt (44) in Bags of a transport table are parked that the first closing station (40) or the conveyor belt (44) is assigned a position sensor, the signal of the control device for stopping the conveyor belt (44) and starting the actuation of the stamp (14) and the driving arms that the driver arms of a second closing station (42) are parked between the rollers of the roller conveyor (46), and that the second closing station (42) or the roller conveyor (46) is assigned a position sensor, the signal of the control device for stopping the roller conveyor (46) and Start the actuation of the stamp (18) and the drive arms. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the first and / or second closing station (40; 42) has a mechanical stop for the defined positioning of the packaging element (28) with the stackable material with respect to the driver arms and that the stop is controlled by a control device by the control device Swivel drive for the purpose of stopping in the transport path and for further transport is pivotable out of the transport path. Device according to one of claims 7 to 25, characterized in that for placing a packaging element (28) with its receiving surface (30) on the horizontal base (10) serves a packaging element laying device (48), which slides between a packaging element store (50) and a laying place of the horizontal documents (10) by means of a drive controlled by the control device ( 52) with a lifting frame on which suction cups are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the suction holders are distributed over an area which corresponds at least to the size of the receiving area (30) of the packaging element (28). Apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the suction holders each comprise a flexible mouthpiece designed as a bellows, which is fastened on a tube which is displaceably mounted in the lifting frame against spring pressure, and in that the tubes are connected to a suction unit which can be controlled by the control device. Apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the packaging element store (50) comprises a mobile container with a lifting platform on which a stack opened packaging elements (28), and a drive which can be controlled by means of the control device. Apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the lifting platform rests in the mobile container and can be raised and lowered at the parking position of the mobile container by means of articulated scissors acting centrally, the articulated scissors being fixed or attached to the container and by a stationary one controlled by the control device Drive can be actuated. Apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the packaging element store (50) comprises a height sensor, the signal of the control device for tracking the lifting platform after the removal of packaging elements (28). Apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that the respective upper layer of the stack of packaging elements (28) lies approximately at the same height level as the transport device. Device according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the mobile container is delimited by vertical positioning and guide rails Magazine for correct storage of the packaging elements (28) comprises. Device according to one of claims 7 to 33, characterized in that for loading an open packaging element (28) lying on the horizontal base (10) with stackable goods, a loading device is used which has an intermediate storage (56) for the stackable goods and a Loading location of the receiving surface (30) of the packaging element (28) comprises a carriage with a gripper (54) which can be moved by means of a drive controlled by the control device. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the gripper (54) comprises two blades, which can be moved synchronously in opposite directions towards and away from one another by means of a drive which can be controlled by the control device, each having a vertical lateral stop surface and a plurality of mutually facing horizontal tines. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that each blade is articulated on the slide by means of parallelogram swivel arms in such a way that the blades between run through an arcuate path in both of their end positions. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that the intermediate bearing (56) provides a web-shaped support device for the stackable material, that the horizontal tines of the blades are aligned with the gaps between the webs and that the blades are positioned in height relative to the support device so that the tines in the Immerse the lower vertex of their path of movement between the webs below the support level and lift them above the support level at least in the retracted position. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the web-shaped support device is formed from rollers of a roller conveyor.

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