EP0800992B1 - Method and procedure for assembling packages of compact discs - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for packaging Compact disks (CD's) in CD boxes, with a CD box a lower part and a lid pivotally held thereon is opened, a booklet is inserted into the cover and the box is closed again by swinging the lid back becomes. The invention further relates to a device for Packaging compact disks (CD's) in CD boxes, in particular to carry out the method according to the invention, with a Device for opening CD boxes, which have a lower part and have a pivotally attached lid, with a Device for inserting a booklet into the cover and a device for closing the box by swinging back of the lid.

Well known and currently in the packaging industry used methods and devices for packaging CD's in the usual, mostly made of clear plastic Existing containers (CD boxes) is the packaging process divided into a series of successive steps. First, the empty ones, consisting of a lower part and one existing top or lid pivotally attached to it CD boxes fed, which is usually in the form of an im in essentially vertically arranged boxes existing stack is done. The boxes are made one by one removed from the stack and brought into a horizontal position, with the lid on top. Then the box opened by swinging on the lid, the lower part stays in place and the lid typically turns around is swung open at least 60 ° with respect to the horizontal. Depending on the selected sequence of subsequent operations, the lid is on this Opening movement swiveled up to 180 °.

Having provided an opened box in the manner described is on the one hand the so-called inlay card, which is called the tray, the CD load-bearing insert as well as the CD itself in this order inserted or inserted. On the other hand, the lid of the Box ready to hold the booklet. After introducing the one or more sheets of existing booklets is published in a final step the lid along with the one in it Booklet held loosely behind projections and closed the CD box in this way.

Due to the fact that the lid can be pivoted on the lower part is articulated and consequently the closing operation is inevitable consists of a swiveling or rotating movement traditionally problems in closing the box on that the booklet during the pivoting process compared to the Lid slipped. This can either result in the Booklet in a substantially vertical position of the Lid due to its weight down, i.e. in Direction on the link cover / lower part slips, or else that the booklet due to a quick closing movement the centrifugal force a little way out of the lid is thrown out. As a result, the CD box then no longer be completely closed what is disadvantageous and malfunctions in the further course of operation can pull itself.

To avoid such a shift of the booklet there are already different measures compared to the lid been proposed. First of all are on the Rounded projections on the inside of the lid, which in certain Measurements of moving the booklet inside the cover prevent what turns out to be insufficient has highlighted. It has also been suggested that Roll the booklet before folding it into the cover, fold it, fold or the like in order to improve the interaction of the side Edges of the booklet with the protrusions mentioned to reach. Apart from handling problems in particular Multi-page booklets has become such a measure however, it was also found to be inadequate. It exists hence a need for a possibility that Booklets in a suitable manner during the closing process To protect slipping.

A device for packaging compact disks is known from US Pat. No. 4,685,277 who is subjecting a booklet to a deflection, the back of which is inserted when the Presses booklets against the inside of the cover.

The object of the invention is therefore that mentioned method and the device accordingly to further develop and improve that booklets after against insertion into the lid during the closing process Fall out or slip are protected.

According to the invention, this task is further developed Generic method solved in that the booklet and the lid temporarily while swinging the lid back be firmly pressed together so that when closing a Sliding the booklet against the cover is prevented.

Furthermore, the invention provides that booklet on mechanical Is pressed against the lid.

The invention also proposes that booklet by means of a Gripper is pressed against the lid.

It is also proposed that the mechanical pressing of the Booklet against the cover under magnetic influence, preferably Electromagnetic influence.

The invention also provides that the booklet and / or the Lid is charged electrostatically, so that the resulting electrostatic attraction bottom and lid firmly pressed together.

It is also provided that the booklet and / or the cover in front Insert the booklet into the cover electrostatically is charged.

In the device category, the task specified above in further development of the generic device solved by a means of temporarily pressing together Booklet and cover while swinging back so that when Closing a sliding of the booklet against the cover is prevented.

Another embodiment is characterized by a mechanical means for pressing booklet and Cover.

The invention can be characterized by a Gripper.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized by a magnetic device, preferably electromagnetic device for mechanical pressing of booklet and cover.

According to the invention it is provided that the gripper during Closing on a circular path around the pivot axis of the lid is led.

The invention further provides that the gripper on a support arm is held on two parallel swivel arms is guided in a parallelogram, with the gripper on the circular path moves.

Another embodiment of the invention proposes that the gripper is pivotally held on the support arm.

A special embodiment is characterized by a coupling device between a swivel arm and the Gripper for inevitable coupling of the swivel position of the Gripper to the position of the swivel arm.

The invention is characterized by a device to control the gripping function of the gripper depending on its swivel position relative to the support arm.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized by a Cam disk and a scanning roller.

Another embodiment is characterized by a Device for electrostatically charging the booklet.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized by a comb-like Electrode arrangement for charging the booklet, over the the booklet is to be moved when it is inserted into the cover.

Finally, the invention is characterized by a device for electrostatically charging the lid.

The invention is based on the knowledge that the Friction between booklet and cover to solve the problem Task take advantage of the booklet at a shift against the lid when it is firmly against the Cover is pushed out.

Is in connection with the fact that the gripper is pivotable on the Support arm is held, a coupling device between the Swivel arm and the gripper for the inevitable coupling of the Swivel position of the gripper to the position of the swivel arm provided, one can during the closing process certain orientation of the gripper with respect to the cover achieve, for example, an unchanging orientation.

Furthermore, in the event that, as in a particular Embodiment of the invention is provided Device for controlling the gripping function of the gripper in Dependence on its swivel position relative to the support arm provided which expediently a cam disc and can include a scanning roll, it can be achieved that the gripper at the transition to a certain one Swivel position (for example at the beginning of the closing process) begins to grip and when another is exceeded Swivel position (for example at the end of the swivel process) lets go again.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description, in which an embodiment is explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Teils einer Vorrichtung zum Verpacken von CD's, bei dem das Schließen der CD-Box ausgeführt wird; und

Fig. 2 bis 5

Aufbau und Funktionsweise eines Greifers, wie er bei der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 verwendet wird.

It shows:

Fig. 1

is a schematic side view of part of a device for packaging CD's, in which the closing of the CD box is carried out; and

2 to 5

Structure and operation of a gripper, as used in the device of FIG. 1.

Fig. 1 explains in a highly schematic representation a possible embodiment of an inventive Contraption. The device shown is part a complete packaging unit can be seen at the other facilities for feeding and opening the empty CD boxes, for inserting the booklet into the lid, as well if necessary for further operations. For the purpose of the presentation or for the solution of the task the invention, it is completely indifferent whether the mentioned stations or facilities in a row or arranged in a circle, and like the rest Facilities work in detail.

In the illustration in FIG. 1, the only requirement is that that a CD box 1 opened to 180 ° with a lower part 1a and cover 1b is provided or supplied. The open CD box lies horizontally on a support 2, For example, a conveyor belt. The lower part 1a is in this Stage with the inlay card, CD carrier and of the CD itself. A booklet 3 is on the Cover or is between holding projections located on the cover (not shown) and lid inserted. To complete the packaging process of the CD in the Box is only missing the closing of the lid, this around the articulation point or the hinge 1c Swing the lower part around and onto the lower part, this closing, comes to rest.

Fig. 1 shows the position of the device in three successive Phases I. to III. the closing process, the relevant parts with solid lines, are shown in dashed and dotted lines.

To explain the basic mechanical structure the device was initially only moved to illustrated device parts (phase I.) reference taken. On a base frame 4 is in a suitable manner a carrier 5 held. A first swivel arm 8 is on one End section around a horizontal, perpendicular to the display plane extending axis 6 rotatable on the carrier 5 held. A second swivel arm 9 is in the corresponding Way pivoted about a second axis 7 and parallel aligned with the first swivel arm. The two Swivel arms carry at their opposite end sections a support arm 10, also with bearings horizontal axes of rotation 11, 12 are provided. From the parallelogram structure of this four-bar system can be seen that the support arm 10 to an overall circular Movement is capable of changing its orientation does not change with respect to the beam 5, i.e. the Support arm 10 always remains horizontal. The movement of the support arm 10 is driven by a toothed belt 31. or similar controlled, which on the one hand over one in both Directions drivable drive wheel 13 and the other runs over pulleys, not shown, whose axes of rotation agree with the pivot axes 6, 7 and the are each firmly connected to the swivel arms 8 and 9. If the drive wheel 13 is driven by a motor or the like. in rotation is moved clockwise (arrow 14) the rollers rotatable about the axes 6, 7 also in rotation offset clockwise, and the swivel arms 8, 9 move the support arm 10 from the solid line shown position I. first up. For one This applies to the drive in the opposite direction (arrow 15) reverse.

At the end section of the support arm 10 facing the CD box a gripper, designated as a whole by 16, is held, its structure and operation with reference to Fig. 2 to 5 is explained.

A gripper body held on a rotatable shaft 17 18 carries on the one hand a fixed abutment 19 and on the other hand, a gripping arm pivotable about an axis 20 21. The one at the top in FIG. 2, designed for gripping End portion of the gripper arm 21 is like the abutment 19 provided with a soft pad to avoid scratching to avoid sensitive surfaces. The opposite End section of the gripping arm 21 serves as an actuating arm, on which a rotatable roller 22 is held.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the gripper body 18 is still on a tilting arm 24 is pivotable about an axis 23. The lower end section facing away from the gripper arm 21 the rocker arm 24 carries a further roller 25, which by a Axis 25b is rotatable and with its outside on a Cam 26 rolls. The other, facing the gripper arm 21 End portion of the rocker arm 24 contacts the roller 22 of the gripper arm 21 on the outside thereof. The gripper arm 21 is by means of a spring (not shown) in the gripping direction, i.e. 2 to 5 clockwise, prestressed, the spring force via the roller 22, the rocker arm 24 and the roller 25 is transferred to the cam disk 26.

1 to explain the function of the gripper and 2 referenced in context. When the drive wheel turns 13 passes through the support arm 10 in a clockwise direction starting from the already explained position I. (extended Lines) the position II offset by approx. 90 °. (dashed lines) and finally reaches the turn around position III offset by about 90 ° to this. (dotted Lines), which can be seen essentially in the closed position corresponds to the cover 1b. The held on the bracket 10 Gripper 16 or the center of its shaft 17 follows the semicircular, dash-dotted lines Trajectory 30.

So that the orientation of the gripper or that of the gripper arm and the abutment with respect to the lid 1b to be held remains as unchanged as possible during this movement the gripper as a whole is pivoted relative to the support arm 10 become. This is achieved by having one For reasons of clarity, only shown in phase II. additional timing belt 32 or similar between two not in detail depicted roles, of which one, the Axis coincides with axis 12, with the swivel arm 9 is firmly connected and the other, whose axis with the axis 17 coincides with the gripper body 18 connected is. The toothed belt 32 thus provides a positive coupling between the angular positions of the swivel arm 9 on the one hand and the gripper body 18 on the other hand, or in other words, between the progress of the closing process and the position of the gripper.

The actual gripping function of the gripper 16, i.e. the Swiveling movement of the gripper arm 21 in the direction of the abutment 19, is controlled in that the movable Roller 25 of the rocker arm 24 in the previously described Swiveling movement of the gripper body in relation to the 10 fixed, profiled cam discs on the support arm 26 rolls. 3 to 5 show schematically how the radial distance of the roller 25 from the shaft 17 at different Swivel positions changed and that to the Roller 22 transmitted movement of the rocker arm 24 the position of the gripper arm 21 controls. The corresponds to Angle specification "-5 °" in the first approximation of position I. (Fig. 1) and the indication "167.5 °" about the position III.

How the three movement phases shown in Fig. 1 clearly show, the position of the gripper body remains in this way 18, which are best determined by the position of the Abutment 19 can be tracked throughout Pivotal movement with respect to the lid 1b unchanged. The profiling of the mentioned cam 26 is here adjusted so that the gripper moves from a position of about -5 ° (Fig. 2) begins to close (Fig. 3), shortly afterwards is completely closed (Fig. 4) and over the largest range of closing swivel movement in this closed position remains. Just before placing the lid 1b on the lower part of the CD box 1a, i.e. shortly before reaching with III. designated position in Fig. 1, the gripper opens again (Fig. 5), so that the gripper arm 21 emerge from the area of the CD box and it can be closed completely.

The fact that the gripper arm 21 in the manner described Booklet 3 and the cover 1b essentially during the entire closing process against the abutment 19 and thus the two parts pressed together, slipping of booklet and cover due to the frictional force exclude between the two parts to the extent necessary the contact or gripping force in this Embodiment e.g. by changing the spring hardness the spring that grips the gripper arm can be adjusted. An alternative would of course also be one Forced control for the gripping movement itself in question.

As an example of another embodiment of the inventive Principle, a temporary pressure force between Making the cover and booklet is an option referenced, at least one of the two parts electrostatically charge and mutual attraction for to use the purpose of the invention. It has been here The booklet was found to be advantageous immediately charge electrostatically before inserting it into the lid, where high voltages of several 1000 V are used become. The lid of the CD box is earthed so that the resulting potential difference for a corresponding strong attraction. Because of the large available standing contact surface between cover and Booklet is also here, although the local pressure is of course less than in the first example, a satisfactory one Effect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

CD box

1a

lower part

1b

cover

1c

hinge

2

carrier

3

booklet

4

base frame

5

carrier

6

first axis

7

second axis

8th

first swivel arm

9

second arm

10

Beam

11

Schwenkache

12

swivel axis

13

drive wheel

14

arrow

15

arrow

16

grab

17

wave

18

gripper body

19

abutment

20

axis

21

claw arm

22

role

23

axis

24

rocker arm

25

role

25b

axis

26

cam

30

trajectory

32

toothbelt

Claims (14)

1. Method for packing compact disks (CD's) in CD boxes (1), in which a CD box (1) with a bottom part (1a) and a lid (1b), which is pivotably retained at the latter, is opened, a booklet (3) is inserted in the lid (1b) of the box (1) and the box (1) is closed by pivoting the lid (1b) back, characterised in that the booklet (3) and the lid (1b) are temporarily pressed firmly against one another while pivoting the lid back, so that there is no possibility of the booklet (3) sliding with respect to the lid (1b) when closing takes place.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the booklet (3) is mechanically pressed against the lid (1b).
3. Method according to Claim 2, characterised in that the booklet (3) is pressed against the lid (1b) by means of a gripper (16).
4. Method according to Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the booklet (3) is mechanically pressed against the lid (1b) under magnetic influence, preferably electromagnetic influence.
5. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the booklet (3) and/or the lid (1b) are/is electrostatically charged, so that the resulting electrostatic attractive force presses the bottom and the lid (1b) firmly against one another.
6. Method according to Claim 5, characterised in that the booklet (3) and/or the lid (1b) are/is electrostatically charged before inserting the booklet (3) in the lid (1b).
7. Apparatus for packing compact disks (CD's) in CD boxes (1), for carrying out the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, with a device for supplying and opening empty CD boxes (1) which comprise a bottom part (1a) and a lid (1b), which is pivotably retained at the latter, with a device for inserting a booklet (3) in the lid (1b) and a device for closing the box (1) by pivoting the lid (1b) back, characterised by a means for temporarily pressing the booklet (3) and the lid (1b) firmly against one another while the latter is pivoted back, so that the booklet (3) is prevented from sliding with respect to the lid (1b) when closing takes place.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterised by a mechanical means for pressing the booklet (3) and the lid (1b) against one another.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that the mechanical means is a gripper (16).
10. Apparatus according to Claim 8 or 9, characterised by a magnetic device, preferably an electromagnetic device, for mechanically pressing the booklet (3) and the lid (1b) against one another.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the gripper (16) is guided during the closing action along a circular path about the pivot axis (1c) of the lid (1b).
12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the gripper (16) is retained at a carrier arm (10) which is guided at two parallel pivot arms (8, 9) like a parallelogram, wherein the gripper (16) moves along the circular path.
13. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, characterised by a coupling device between a pivot arm (8, 9) and the gripper (16) for positively coupling the pivot position of the gripper (16) to the position of the pivot arm (8, 9).
14. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterised by a comb-like electrode arrangement for charging the booklet (3), by means of which arrangement the booklet (3) can be moved when inserted in the lid (1b).

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