EP0804336B1 - Device for processing a blank conveyed along a transport path at a predetermined transport speed - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP95/04368 Sec. 371 Date May 2, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date May 2, 1997 PCT Filed Nov. 6, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/14204 PCT Pub. Date May 17, 1996The present invention relates to a folding machine for folding the side flaps flanking the middle section of a foldable cardboard blank. For this purpose in the frontal area of the folding machine auxiliary folding devices are arranged. In addition turning belts for the inward tilting of the side flaps can be arranged, which are provided with projections insuring that the side flaps are swung parallelly to their folding grooves.

Description

The invention relates to a device for processing a along a conveyor path with a given conveyor speed subsidized cutting according to the preamble of claim 1.

In a special embodiment, the invention relates to a folding machine for producing a folding container from a along a Conveyed conveying paths at a given speed Blank, the middle part of which is arranged laterally like a hinge Has fold grooves on which side parts sit, the initially by means of turning devices in the course of the conveying path spread position raised, increasingly along the fold grooves pivoted inward toward the longitudinal center of the blank and finally are folded from above and connected to each other.

Devices of this type, especially folding machines, are known (see eg brochure "In-Line Machine 2000", Klett corrugated cardboard machines, Remscheid or EP-A-388 649).

In the context of the present application, the terms "device to work with along a conveyor path predetermined conveying speed of subsidized blank "and "Folding machine" always used interchangeably, since all the invention basic features both in such a device as well as in such a folding machine.

Although the present invention is generally from a folding machine for the production of folding containers from flat material blanks proceeds, the present invention relates more preferably Folding machines for the production of folding containers made of cardboard. In particular, are intended as starting materials Corrugated cardboard blanks can be used.

A limitation of the invention to folding carton blanks only corrugated cardboard is not intended to be used hereby be. Therefore, in the following, unless expressly stated in other sense, the materials corrugated, Folding cardboard treated synonymously, in particular includes the term Folding carton also the general term folding container, provided that Folding container on a folding machine in the sense of this invention will be produced.

Such folding cardboard blanks exist for. B. from corrugated cardboard. For this purpose, a corrugated cardboard sheet is parallel to each folding box Shaft crimped where the side flaps are hinged to the Midsection should sit.

It is to be expressly said that the present invention also not on folding machines for the production of all sides closed folding containers is limited. Rather come too Folding machines for the production of envelope-like folding containers in Consideration. These are e.g. B. protective coverings without cover and / or without bottom. The problem with protective coverings of this type is that that the recorded object as precisely as possible in the The inside of the protective cover must fit. By eliminating Otherwise there is a risk of accidental bottom and / or lid Slipping out.

A practically relevant case occurs e.g. B. in the wrapping of Motor vehicle headlight reflectors. These reflectors are usually placed in corrugated cardboard envelopes. The inside dimension of the envelope is so narrow that the reflector is held in it.

Another application example, as I said, are folding cardboard blanks, that of a developed square box with a bottom and cover correspond.

Such boxes are usually on packaging machines processed further. For this reason, the quality of the Folding machine leaving product of particular relevance.

Such a folding cardboard blank can also be cut to the required size Slots or recesses are provided. For this the corrugated cardboard sheet in the area of the fold grooves parallel to Slotted or recessed shaft. The slot width is approximately e.g. B. 1 cm. The slot depth corresponds to the folding length of Bottom or lid. As a result, the bottom and lid of the folding box sit freely movable on the rest of the box. Usually three slots can be left out exactly. A fourth slot arises in the area of the two merged and together side flaps to be connected. One of the two side flaps also carries a so-called binding margin or glue margin. It is a tab on which also a fold groove is provided.

The fold grooves form the hinges between the Side flaps and the middle part. Usually for cuboid Boxes of four fold grooves, at least on both sides of the middle section One fold groove each is provided as well as one fold groove inside the middle section and a fold groove in the area of the two folded side flaps.

In such folding machines, the possibly pre-punched are now Blanks are promoted while at the same time on the blanks with the pre-prepared fold grooves, the first Spread side flaps gripped and in the course of the conveyor to be folded.

The folding takes place in a known manner by so-called Reversible straps, which the side flaps initially from below seize. The turning belts run from one level below a level above the middle section. The axes of the reversing belts are intertwined in such a way that the folded cardboard blank facing belt surface along the conveyor path by a total Turns 180 degrees. Usually, therefore, on everyone Side of the middle part two such reversible belts in a row arranged, each of which reversible belt only 90 degrees is entangled. The problem underlying the invention is in that the inside dimensions of all folding boxes one on one Machine-made lots in the narrowest possible tolerances hold.

In the event that the folding boxes are rectangular boxes acts in which slot-like at the ends of the fold grooves If there are recesses, this results in the sub-task, to further develop the known folding machine so that all Slot widths of a folding box with the same dimensions are producible.

The object is achieved by the device according to claim 1 and Method according to claim 25 solved.

The invention provides an embodiment for solving the problem and a further development of this embodiment.

The embodiment is based on linear clamping existing fold grooves with simultaneous inward pivoting movement of the side parts (= folding station).

The training is based on the production of nonexistent ones Groove grooves thanks to the line-shaped clamping of the blank (= Creasing station) with subordinate folding station.

The advantage of the invention is that regardless of the width of the fold groove for each side flap is in the millimeter range precisely positioned and at the speed of the Cut with the folding edge running along with the cut between Side flap and middle section is offered. Regarding the cut According to this invention, the processing is static. This allows not only the harmful dynamic and switch off influences that are difficult to predict, but additionally produce excellent qualities at high speed.

The distance between the two folded edges changes over the conveying path Not. In the first embodiment, in addition to being linear Clamping the blank after each side flap folded inside.

The folded edges offer the of the Reversible straps swung in the side flaps Area from the inside supporting guide on the millimeter the pivoting movement is forced.

The invention makes use of the fact that such corrugated cardboard blanks indeed, - based on the basic dimensions of the Blanks - are always folded at matching points. However, these fold grooves have a certain width, for. B. of about 1 cm. That is under the groove width Understanding the width in the cut, which is usually known as Pre-crushing rolls is generated. Here are the blanks led into the gap opposite rollers. This Rollers are the closest, the smaller than the cutting thickness is. The blank is thus squeezed in order for the subsequent attachment of the fold groove to be prepared. This creates a certain Folding area, in which the actual hinge axis then will lie.

Consequently, due to the internal structure, this has so far been the case Corrugated boxes, the geometrically accurate position of the actual Hinge axis for the pivoting movement more or less that Left to chance.

Without the measures according to this invention, the real lies Hinge axis just somewhere within the width of the Fold groove.

The folding device as a separate creasing station eliminates this Disadvantage due to the precise linear clamping of the blank over the entire cut length when creasing.

The folding device together with a turning device (= Folding station) eliminates this disadvantage with precise line-shaped Clamping of the blank while simultaneously swiveling inward the side flaps.

The linear form is inherent in all embodiments of the invention Clamping the blank using the folding device. The clamping lines can also be realized by that folding edge and corresponding contact zone in the manner of a Grip the scissors or punch on the blank.

From practical observations one could see that in cardboard blanks recessed grooves despite geometrically identical Cardboard blanks never have exactly the same internal dimensions led. The material cross section plays in the Area of the fold groove play a significant role, because there in particular the stiffening effect of the wave comes into play. Of the The course of the shaft with different rebate grooves is always clean random, so that only with this invention uniform conditions have been created for rebate grooves.

So it could be found that with corrugated cardboard depending on Course of the shaft in the rebate groove an unintended and unpredictable relocation of the actual folding zone took place. The fold zone always resulted where the folded one Cardboard cut happened to have the least bending stiffness.

Conventional creasing devices (e.g. running against each other Rolls) do not prevent the blank from being grooved immediately relaxed again as soon as he was no longer compelled to Exposed to rolling. The punctiform clamping between the Rolling ensures local deformation of the blank high pressure, but cannot be maintained downstream and is not effective upstream.

The invention differs from this essentially in that the linear clamping of the blank statically on the blank takes place over the entire cut length. The Creasing is thus carried out by a static displacement over the total cutting length. The displacement can therefore only done laterally, and not, as in the case of counter-rotating Rolling, also in or against the conveying direction.

This is particularly the case with low cardboard strengths Problem.

This shift in the actual folding zone within each Folded groove led to different in the case of pre-slit blanks Folding results with different slot widths in the Area of the superimposed side flaps. Work there Inaccuracies in the geometric position of the actual folding zone particularly severe within the fold grooves. in the The worst case scenario is the inaccuracies add the other digits.

Attempts have been made in this connection, in the rear area the conveying path, i.e. where the side flaps between 90 and 180 degrees can be folded to attach so-called folding swords.

This is just above the middle part of the Folding cardboard blank sword-like sheet metal strips, their edges pointing outwards should lie in the fold grooves. The Ends upstream of the conveyor path are clamped in place. The However, ends lying down the conveyor path project freely. The free length can be up to two meters and more. It is therefore understandable if one is already too tightly folded Cardboard cutting is easily able to cantilever Compress sword ends. On the other hand, mistakes can be made too Far pre-folded cardboard blanks are also no longer fixed because the folding swords no longer touch the fold zones. A correction of any faulty Pre-folding, too wide or too narrow, is consequently this way not possible. The intended by means of these folding swords The effect of the exact carton guidance was therefore narrow limits set. On the other hand, the free ends of the folding swords also do not clamp in place, because in the area of free ends the side flaps closed on the middle part have to lie in order to glue them together.

The invention completely deviates from this teaching, which is known per se from. The invention has recognized that a significantly increased accuracy solely through the precise application of the fold groove or through precise initiation of the folding process with millimeter precision defined folding zone can be achieved.

This is only possible on the front part of the funding path.

The side flaps are initially in the front part of the conveyor path still spread out.

If it is a creasing station, the fold grooves in the spread state introduced into the blank.

Is it the folding station the side flaps during the clamping of the blank from the spread position at least 60 degrees inwards pivoted.

The geometrically exact processing of the blank (scoring or Pre-folding) in the front area of the conveyor path is essential to the invention and requires no later correction.

In this case, the proposed folding device already enables At the beginning of the folding process, the exact positioning of the later ones Folding zone in the fold groove, regardless of the respective one Cross-sectional structure of the cardboard blank in the area of Fold groove. The folding device engages directly the crease. The between the top layers of the corrugated cardboard lying wave is flattened out so that one of speak for all fold grooves uniform cross-sectional structure can. The folded edges of the folding device extend also along the conveyor path at least to the extent that the folding zones no longer move on the rest of the funding route can.

For this reason there is a in the front area of the conveyor path exact guidance of the side flaps along the intended folding edges, and no change in the rear area of the conveyor more.

It is sufficient to use the folding device only in the front area to attach the conveyor path.

This is the longitudinal area of the Conveyed path meant on which the side flaps spread out lie.

So that's at the folding station the longitudinal area on which the side flaps are meant from a spread position to at least one right angles can be folded down.

The particular advantage results from the following combination: On the one hand, the side flaps are on the front area of the Funding path still widely spread. On the other hand, it is only in front area of the conveyor path allows the folding device also at the end, d. H. down the conveyor path, to clamp, see above that the exact position of the folded edge in the fold groove for everyone folding cartons produced on a folding machine is identical.

Unintentional running of the rebate groove (= hinge axis) is too narrow or too far pre-folded cardboard blanks prevented with it.

It is important that the two run in parallel Folded edges that attack in the fold grooves remain the same Have a distance from each other and span a plane that is parallel to the plane of movement of the funded middle section. This creates an exactly right-angled folding of the side parts enforced.

As a result, the narrowest possible area of the fold groove becomes Hinge between the middle section and the side flap. But that's it the position of the actual folding zone is geometrically exact, which also improves accuracy with slotted cardboard blanks the resulting slot width of the last slot elevated.

It is also essential that in the contact area between the folded edge, Support zone and folding cardboard blank no relative movement occurs in the conveying direction. This avoids wear and allows moreover increase the contact pressure between Bending device and box cutting. Hot running is also not to fear.

The folding device according to the invention is via a synchronous drive driven with such conveying speed that processing on the carton with the conveying speed of the Cardboard boxes are made. It is advantageous to avoid any slip to avoid, so that actually from static conditions on Cutting can be assumed.

The folded edges are preferred by continuous endless chains realized, the chain links with tab-like or web-like Point projections into the fold grooves.

Such endless chains are synchronized with the conveyor speed driven.

It is an advantage if the tab-like extensions with their outer sides facing the side flaps with respect to the Plane of the middle part an angle of no more than 90 degrees, preferably form no more than 70 degrees. There are also embodiments conceivable where the folded edges up to that point be guided down the conveyor path until the side parts approximate are merged. This makes the one available standing space between the side flap and the middle section, which increasingly smaller due to the inward swung side flap is used optimally and on the other hand a high proportion of applied pressure applied to the folding cardboard blank.

On the other hand, there is a creasing station with web-like extensions the folding edge and the corresponding contact zone to press against the blank as vertically as possible in order to the largest possible proportion of the pressure force in the desired Deform the cut in the area of the fold groove.

The features of claims 6-9 provide a further improvement production accuracy and serve in particular to the side parts of the blanks only by such pivoting forces to pivot inwards, which is between the front contact point and rear contact point between the side part and the reversible belt are not only the same size and rectified, but essentially with respect to the fold grooves on the side parts attack that the side edge of the Side part is held parallel to the crease during which Side part of the swivel movement is impressed.

This results in particular in the advantage that the side parts pivoted inwards in this way can also be pivoted precisely about the pivot axis in the fold groove when the blank has already left the area of the folding device in whole or in part. Thus, regardless of the engagement ratio between the folding device and the blank, one and the same swivel axis is always maintained in the rebate groove, the swivel axes which are relevant for the two side flaps always remaining exactly parallel. The folding container is therefore folded exactly in a cuboid shape.
The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments.

Figur 1

eine Faltmaschine in dreidimensionaler Ansicht,

Figur 2

vorderer Bereich einer Faltmaschine gemäß Fig. 1 in Ansicht von oben,

Figur 3

Aufsicht in Längsrichtung einer Faltmaschine gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 4

Seitenansicht einer Faltmaschine gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 5

Seitenansicht einer Faltmaschine gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 6

Detailansicht einer Abkantvorrichtung mit endlos umlaufender Laschenkette (hochkant liegende Laufebene),

Figur 7

Detailansicht einer Abkantvorrichtung mit endlos umlaufender Laschenkette (horizontal liegende Laufebene),

Figur 8

schematische Ansicht einer Faltmaschine mit Rillstation.

Figur 9

spezielle Ausführung der Abkantvorrichtung für Rillstation nach Fig. 8

Fig. 10 a - c

Eingriffsverhältnisse zwischen Wendegurten und Seitenteile der Zuschnitte
a) häufigster Fall
b) möglicher Grenzfall
c) theoretisch denkbarer Fall

Show it

Figure 1

a folding machine in three-dimensional view,

Figure 2

front area of a folding machine according to FIG. 1 in a view from above,

Figure 3

Top view in the longitudinal direction of a folding machine according to Figure 1,

Figure 4

Side view of a folding machine according to Figure 1,

Figure 5

Side view of a folding machine according to Figure 1,

Figure 6

Detailed view of a folding device with endless chain link chain (upright running level),

Figure 7

Detail view of a folding device with endless chain link chain (horizontal running level),

Figure 8

schematic view of a folding machine with creasing station.

Figure 9

special design of the folding device for creasing station according to FIG. 8

10 a - c

Interaction between the reversing belts and the side parts of the blanks
a) most common case
b) possible borderline case
c) theoretically conceivable case

Unless otherwise stated below, the following applies Description always for all figures.

The figures show a folding machine 1 for producing a Folding container.

In principle, such a folding machine consists of a central one Conveyor belt 2 that is endless at conveyor speed 3 circulates. The belt surface of the conveyor belt 2 pointing outwards offers a support surface for a folding cardboard blank 5. This folding cardboard blank lies on the central conveyor belt 2 and is driven by drivers firmly connected to the conveyor belt 4 taken in the direction of conveyance 3. Such a folding cardboard blank has a central part 6, with which it on the central conveyor belt 2 rests. Are on both sides of the middle part laterally arranged fold grooves 7 are provided. The fold grooves are here with longitudinal and interrupted Double dashes marked. The fold grooves 7 lie parallel to the conveying direction 3 and make hinge-like connections between the middle part 6 and the one attached to it Side part 8 represents. Along these hinge-like fold grooves can the side parts 8 with respect to the longitudinal center 10 of the blank 5 can be pivoted inwards. So-called Reversing belts 9, which are essentially parallel to the central conveyor belt 2 lie. These are endless flat belts, that in the course of the entire funding path from one level below of the central conveyor belt 2 to a level above the central one Increase conveyor belt 2, slightly in the direction converge to the central conveyor belt 2 and at the same time with their upward facing belt outside at the end of the Funding path down, d. H. point to the central conveyor belt 2. A side part 8 lies against each of these belt outer sides. The Side part 8 must follow the entanglement of the turning belt and is lifted from the initially spread position along the fold grooves increasingly towards the longitudinal center of the blank panned and finally from above with the opposite Side part 8 folded and connected to this.

In this way, with such a folding machine, a initially unwound container blank a ring-shaped closed Folding container with at least two parallel to each other Fold grooves. It is now conceivable that the fold grooves 7 have a certain transverse extension, according to Fig. 9 also ready for creasing B called.

This transverse extension can be in the range of 1 cm, for example lie. However, this means that the actual folding zone on any Place within the groove 7.

The actual position of the folding zone is purely coincidental, unless additional measures to initiate the Folding process at a predetermined point (see Fig. 1) or unless the rebate grooves are accurate to the millimeter Cut and defined there a priori (see Fig. 8).

For this purpose, the invention provides that in the front area 11 of the entire conveyor a folding device is arranged is. This folding device 12 consists of an above the Blank 5 lying folding edge 13 and from below Cutting area corresponding to the folding edge 14.

The folded edge 13 located above the blank lies here in the longitudinal direction of the fold groove 7 linear on the blank 6. The line lies within the specified width of the fold groove 7. In this weakened area of the cut is after Embodiment Fig. 1 consequently provided a boundary edge, on which the side part is swiveled inwards 8 millimeters is while it from the central conveyor belt 2 after is promoted at the front.

For this purpose, the blank 6 is of the linear shape Folding edge 7 with a given force against the corresponding one Support zone 14 pressed. The blank 5 is consequently on both sides of the middle part 6 of the folding device provided there 12 at a predetermined position within the groove 7 clamped in a line. The distance between the clamping zones is by the arrangement of the folding devices 12 on the machine frame unchangeable, so that for the entire lot of identical folding container produced on this folding machine Internal dimensions are to be expected.

Furthermore, it is essential for both embodiments that each the folding device 12 synchronously with the conveying speed 3 is driven. For this purpose, a drive 15 is used for the Folding device 12.

The drive 15 here consists of the central machine motor 16. This machine motor usually drives all units of one such a machine. These drive means are for the sake of Clarity not shown. However, it is important that all drive trains slip-free via mechanical connections are coupled in order to achieve a synchronous movement of all parts.

In the present case, the motor 16 drives in addition to the other machine parts not shown via a common Chain 17, the pinion 18, 19 each of the same diameter, from which one (18) for driving the folding edge 13 and of which the other (19) for driving the corresponding contact zone 14 serves. The through a continuous drive shaft 20 Rotary movement of the drive 15 on the opposite folding device 12 transferred. Via an additional connection chain 17 on this page is the movement of the corresponding one Support zone 14 with the movement of the folded edge 13 also synchronously coupled.

This also applies to the execution according to. Fig. 8 at separate creasing station.

For reasons of better clarity is in the presentation according to Figure 1 the front on the right side of the blank running reversible belt not shown. From the entanglement of the Turning belt 9 shown on the left can, however recognize that the turn belt outside from initially horizontal Clockwise 90 degrees to the vertical direction is pivoted inwards.

Accordingly, the front area of the conveying path 11 is decisive for this invention is where the side part 8 is made from at least essentially spread out position (= 180 degrees) has been pivoted in so far that the angle between side part 8 and middle part 6, the apex in the Groove groove 7 is at most 120 degrees.

It is not necessary that the folding devices 12 immediately grasp the blank at the start of the swiveling process. However, it is essential in any case that the swivel angle, - calculated from the spread position of the blank, is at least 60 degrees each. It is assumed that with such a swivel angle the folding zone within the fold groove 7 is already set so precisely that an unintentional shift of the specified millimeter Folding zone (= hinge axis) can no longer take place.

However, since mechanical variables such as line width, pinching force, Cardboard strength play a role, and in particular the cut in the area of the fold groove cannot be destroyed are these influencing factors with a delimitation of the exact Angular range to be taken into account. Definitely could under normal conditions, an inward swivel angle of 60 degrees already ensure the desired accuracy of the internal dimensions.

In addition, it should be expressly said that the folded edge should attack linearly in the groove, but that by no means limit this invention to continuous linear contact zones between the folded edge and the fold groove is meant. The main thing is that the linear Course of the folded edge at least with such longitudinal dimensions is that an unintentional relocation of the intended folding zone is omitted.

In addition to this, Figure 2 shows that the folded edge of a continuously rotating chain is formed. In doing so, the fold edge 13 forming chain center from the opposite Run side with a chain pressing device 21. This chain pressing device 21 has along the folding edge 13 lying sliders 22, which on associated holders 23rd to sit. A plurality of such holders 23 with sliders 22nd is arranged on a common carrier 24.

This creates a pressure zone along the chain line realized to the folded edge 13 with a predetermined force in the Press in the groove 7. Each carrier 24 is by means of a Bracket 26 transverse to the conveying direction 3 in the sense of a change in distance adjustable to the opposite carrier 24. So that the folding device 12 is different Cut dimensions adapted, in particular to make sure that the position of the folded edges 13 parallel to each other and if possible on a common level. The common plane is parallel to the plane of the blank 5.

In order to achieve the most precise folding possible, suggested that folding edges exactly in the longitudinal centers 28 of the Fold grooves 7 to lay. There, using the proposed Measures the least moment of resistance at the Swiveling movement of the side flaps can be expected.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, the corresponding ones Support zones 14 have a certain width 27, so that an edge strip remains on both sides of the folded edges 13. As a result, if the distance changes, the Carrier 24 the position of the corresponding support zone 14, namely the support belt, to be left unchanged. For this Further development of the invention comes as a corresponding one Support zone 14, the entire width 27 of the flat belt.

Figure 3 further shows that the fold edge of one of the belt edges a circumferential folding belt 30 can be formed. It is a flat belt. The axis 44 of the belt pulley 45 is with respect to the normal plane to the plane of the Cut 5 slightly inclined. It is preferably a so-called timing belt, which is somewhat lateral Can absorb forces without shifting from its running level. The belt track provided on such belts engages in a known manner in corresponding annular groove-shaped recesses the pulleys 45 a. In this way, one can certain contact pressure between the folding belt edge 30 and the fold groove 7 achieve. Due to the slight inclination of the Belt axis 44 can run against the conveying direction Belt drum with the free belt edge 31 without contact on Run past cutting. Otherwise this representation corresponds the representation according to Figures 1 and 2. Regarding the expressly mentioned features is therefore based on the previous one Description referred.

In addition, Figures 4 and 5 show a further development, at the between the end pulleys 46, 47 of the support zone forming belt strand on the underside 48 guide devices 32 are provided with which this belt drum is pressed against the underside of the blank 5.

In the case of Figure 4, the guide device consists of a Guide rail 33, which is supported on elastic brackets 34 is. On the one hand, these elastic mounts consist of a stationary receptacle 35, as well as from a longitudinally displaceable in this recording movable rail counterpart 36. the counterpart is elastic compared to the fixed receptacle with spring 37 stored and pushes against the Underside of the belt section forming the support zone 14, while at the same time the folded edge 13 is held in the opposite direction. In this way, a predetermined one is created along the groove 7 and along the length of the front region of the conveyor path constant pressing force.

However, they are particularly suitable for higher speeds Guide rollers 38 that run along the bottom of the support zone 14 forming belt strands are arranged and in the same Press elastically against this underside. Through this Measures, additional friction is avoided, wear is reduced, and yet an essentially constant contact pressure guaranteed in the fold groove area.

Furthermore, FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the folded edges 13 of Cross plates of an endless chain rotating at conveyor speed 39 are formed. This endless chain 39 lies in one one corresponding to the outer chain contour Chain guide rail 40. This chain guide rail 40 is a commercially available component and sits on a common support 49, which in turn is attached to the machine frame.

At the end of the chain guide rails 14 is a sprocket 50 arranged, one of which via the motor 16 in Revolution is offset. The chain guide rail extends along the front of the conveyor path. The recess the chain guide rail is closely the outer contour of the Chain links adjusted. Consequently, the cross brackets 41 follow exactly the linear course of the recesses along the front Area of the funding route. In this way, one can essentially constant contact pressure between the folded edge 13 and Achieve fold groove 7 or corresponding contact zone 14.

In addition to this, the guide device / chain guide rail be acted upon with hydraulic cylinders. This offers the advantage of a caliber strength or carton quality independent contact force between the folded edge and the corresponding one Contact zone.

In the case of Figure 6, the axes 51 of the sprockets are essentially arranged parallel to the plane 42 of the blank 5. However, the axes 51 can avoid an early collision with the inward-pivoted side parts 8 easily Longitudinal center 10 of the blank 5 may be inclined. In any case however, the axes are also perpendicular to the conveying direction 3 arranged to make relative movements between the cross brackets 41 and to avoid the blank 5. The cross straps 41 have such arrangement of the axis 51 radially outwards, - related on axis 51 -.

The embodiment according to FIG. 7 differs from this in that that here the axes 51 of the end sprockets 50 essentially perpendicular to the plane 42 of the blank 5, the Cross brackets 41 are now angled so far that they in essentially parallel to the axes 51, ie between exact parallel and positively inclined outwards (Fig. 7), aligned are and point to the blank 5.

Figure 8 shows that the folding device too suitable as a separate station 55 for the production of fold grooves is.

In the case of such a machine, 3 a feed station 52, possibly an inking station 53, a Slot station 54 arranged one behind the other. There can now be one Creasing station 55 can be provided, with which the incoming Flat blanks are grooved in the conveying direction. Serve for this Bending devices as described above. It in this case, however, the inward pivoting of the Side parts, so that the pre-grooved flat blanks into one Stack 56 are promoted.

In particular, such embodiments come into consideration in which the support zone 14 forms a longitudinal groove 58 which of one or two raised longitudinal regions 59 is flanked. The Folding edge forms the counterpart to a longitudinal web 60 Longitudinal groove, which is essentially opposite to the longitudinal groove 58 (see Fig. 9). The longitudinal web 60 can fit snugly into the longitudinal groove 58 are pressed in so that the blank is linear clamped and at the same time statically grooved at least at times becomes.

It can be seen that the distance between the folded edge 13 and corresponding contact zone 14 is less than the thickness D of material cutting. In this area, the Cut flat by constricting the side areas.

The constriction takes place continuously, so that ultimately the Width B of the groove can not be set exactly. in the however, the width B essentially includes the constricted one Area.

A downstream folding station 57, as above, can also be used described, be provided.

In addition to this, FIGS. 10a to c show a further development of the invention, which is suitable for the side parts 8 of the Folds 6 inwards so that practically a cuboid Cardboard is created.

The section of a conveyor belt 2 is shown first, the moves in the direction of travel 3. On the conveyor belt 2 the middle part 6 of the blank and is on a trailing edge carried by the driver 4 in the conveying direction.

The folding grooves 7 are already introduced with the folding device been. However, the folding device can also be in the fold grooves 7 are. Because of the constantly moving forward central conveyor belt 2 therefore sweep over the existing Fold grooves 7 along the conveyor path a so-called driving area, which forms a geometric driving line. Within this Driving lines, the middle part 6 is moved, the side parts 8 must now be folded. The reversing straps are used for this 9, of which that longitudinal section is shown, which is currently interacting with the side parts 8. The Turning belts 9 increase with respect to the linear driving areas the fold grooves 7 from below to above and run from outside to inside together, as is also based on Figure 1 is shown.

In principle, the turn belts are not exactly parallel the side parts 8. However, the belt outer sides 62 run in in each case convergent to the front edges highlighted in the drawing of the side parts 8 and are there. Depends on the The respective belt geometry therefore creates front contact points 61, which, according to FIG. 10a, faces the groove 7 Belt edge 64 can lie, according to Figure 10b over the entire Belt width can extend or according to 10c in the area of Belt edge 63 facing away from the groove 7 are arranged.

The difference in FIGS. 10 a - c therefore essentially exists in the different possible contact points 61 between the outside of the belt 62 and the - highlighted here in the drawing - To show the front area of the side parts. As a result the fact that the axes of the belt deflection rollers (see Fig 1) are intertwined at a certain angle, therefore there is a for the rear areas of the side parts 8 predetermined geometric position relative to the outside of the Reversible straps 9. In any case, it can be assumed that in the rear area of the side parts 8 between the belt outside 62 and the outside of the side part 8 is an immediate one Touch is excluded.

One of the belt edges, here 64, is closer to the outside the side flap 8 as the other of the belt edges (here 63).

In order for the side flap 8 to be as geometrically clear as possible To get the system on the turn belt 9 is on one of the two belt edges 63, 64 provide an increase 65.

In a preferred embodiment, this increase should continue on spaced belt edge 63 lie in terms of the Hinge axis forming groove 7 a favorable lever distance to swing in the side flap 8.

The peculiarity is that the increase 65 itself so far above the belt outside 62 that the side part 8 with its rear area also guided there becomes. It is thus created in addition to the front contact point 61 here also a rear contact point 66, preferably with a Larger lever arm with respect to the fold groove 7 on the side part 8 attacks. In addition to the requirement that the side part 8 on the rear contact point 66 should also be, is beyond to ensure that the side edge 67 is held practically exactly parallel to the groove 7, while the blank is driven in the conveying direction and during the side part 8 is pivoted inwards.

For this purpose, FIGS. 10 a - c each show a geometric line A, which represents the pivot axis in the groove 7, and a line C, which with the side edge to be pivoted inwards 87 coincides. Lines A and C are exact here shown in parallel. Due to the height dimension of the elevation 65 So the side part 8 is supported so that the line C is exactly parallel to line A. The continuously swiveling inward Reversible belt 9 ensures practically accurate compliance this parallelism as long as and while the side part 8 from spread position until completion of the cut (see Figure 1) is pivoted inwards.

It should also be taken into account that the front contact point 61 and the rear contact point 66 in principle only punctiform can rest on the side part in order to cross-migrate the point of attack between the reversible belt and the side part during the Exclude inward pivoting movement.

If you want to additionally prevent the side part 8 from bending, it is additionally proposed that the front contact point 61 and the rear contact point 66 by means of a common envelope 68 to connect, which is also linear on the side part 8 should lie. This can be achieved, for example, by that along the envelope 68 from the rear nip 66 proceeding continuously to the front contact point 61 reducing elevations 65 are arranged, the points of contact with the side parts 8 each on the envelope 68 should lie. Here, too, only point contact be preferred so that ideally the envelope 68 only is a line.

The envelope 68 should be particularly preferably diagonally from the rear contact point 66 via the turning belt 9 to the front Touch point 61 run. However, this is not a requirement. It essentially depends on the amount of increase 65 to be dimensioned such that the side edge 67 of the side part 8 is exactly parallel to the fold groove 7 when the side part 8 is on the elevation 66 is supported.

Furthermore, there is no exact match of the length of the side part 8 with the length of the envelope 68. Much more the envelope 68 can also be longer than the side part 8. In this way, such a turn belt 9 for processing different folding cardboard dimensions indispensable.

REFERENCE SIGN LISTING

1

Folding machine

2nd

central conveyor belt

3rd

Conveyor speed

4th

Carrier

5

Folding cardboard blank

6

Middle section

7

Fold groove

8th

Side panel

9

Reversible belt

10th

Longitudinal center

11

front area

12th

Folding device

13

Folded edge

14

Contact zone

15

drive

16

engine

17th

Chain

18th

pinion

19th

pinion

20th

Drive axle

21

Chain press device

22

Slider

23

holder

24th

carrier

25th

Machine frame

26

bracket

27

Width of the contact area

28

Longitudinal center of the fold groove

29

all-round folding strap

30th

Strap edge (folding)

31

Belt edge (free)

32

Guide device for support zone

33

Guide rail

34

elastic bracket

35

stationary recording

36

Rail counterpart, roller counterpart

37

feather

38

Leadership role

39

revolving endless chain

40

Chain guide rail

41

Cross strap

42

Cut level

43

entire funding path

44

axis

45

Belt pulley

46

End pulley

47

End pulley

48

bottom

49

carrier

50

Sprocket

51

Sprocket axis

52

Feed station

53

Inking station

54

Slot station

55

Creasing station

56

stack

57

Folding station

58

Longitudinal groove

59

raised longitudinal area

60

Longitudinal web

61

front contact point

62

Belt outside

63

further spaced belt edge

64

more closely spaced belt edge

65

increase

66

rear contact point

67

Side edge

68

Envelope

A

Hinge axis of the rebate groove

B

Groove width

C.

Parallel to A

D

Material blank thickness

Claims (25)

1. Device for processing a blank (5) conveyed along a conveyor path (43) at a predetermined conveyor speed (3), wherein, as a development of a folded container, the blank (5) comprises a middle part (6), on which laterally disposed side parts (8) are located, which, in order to produce the folded container, are pivoted along folding channels (7), between the middle part (6) and side part (8), inwards towards the longitudinal middle (10) of the blank (5) and are finally laid together and connected to each other, wherein in the front region (11) of the conveyor path a folding device (12) is provided engaging the blank (5) from above and below, which folding device is driven in synchronism with the conveyor speed (3) and lies on the upper side of the blank (5) longitudinally in the folding channel (7), where,
   on the underneath of the blank (5), it comprises a corresponding support zone (14), and wherein
   the folding device (12) is a component of a folding station (57) and engages with the blank (5) in that front region (11) of the conveyor path on which the side parts (8) are inwardly pivoted out of the spread-out position by an angle of in each case at least 60 degrees along already provided folding channels,
   characterised in that

   1.1 the folding device (12), with linear folding edges (13) extending in the longitudinal direction of the folding channels (7), lies in a linear manner in the folding channels in such a way that at this site

   1.2 in each case a linear defining edge is produced at which, during the pivot movement, the respective side part (8) abuts internally and is guided.
2. Device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that

   the inwardly directed pivoting angle between the middle part (6) and side part (8) amounts to between 60 degrees and at least 110 degrees.
3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2,
   characterised in that

   a further folding device (12) is formed as a channel station (55) at which, in front of the folding station (57), folding channels (7) are applied to blanks (5) which are initially still unfolded.
4. Device according to claim 3,
   characterised in that

   the channel station (55) is a separate module which is disposed between the drawing in station (52) and the folding station (57) of a folding machine (1).
5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4,
   characterised in that

   a channel station (55) is provided cooperating with a slit station (54) in order to prepare blanks (5) from corrugated cardboard for further processing (56; 57).
6. Device according to one of claims 1 - 5,
   characterised in that

   with respect to the travel regions of the folding channels (7) turning belts (9) rising from the bottom to the top and running together from the outside towards the inside to pivot the side parts (8) are provided and lie with a front contact point (61) of their belt outer side (62) in the front region of the side parts (8) and, with one of their belt edges (63) are spaced further from the rear region of the side parts than with the other of the belt edges (64), wherein at this location the turning belts (9), on one of the two belt edges (63, 64), preferably on the more distantly spaced belt edge (63), are provided with a raised part (65) of which the height is such that the side part (8) is guided with its rear region also lying thereon (rear contact point 66) in such a way that the side edge (67) which is to be pivoted inwards is held practically precisely parallel (A; C) with the folding channel (7).
7. Device according to claim 6,
   characterised in that

   the raised part (65) extends from the rear contact point (66) diagonally over the turning belt (9) to the front contact point (61), and that

   the height thereof decreases continuously as far as the front contact point (61).
8. Device according to claim 6 or 7,
   characterised in that

   the turning belts (9) are twisted along the conveyor path in such a way that the front contact point (61) lies in the region of one belt edge and that the rear contact point (66) lies in the region of the other belt edge.
9. Device according to claim 7,
   characterised in that

   the raised part (65) extends along a substantially linear contour (68) and, from the contour (68) towards both belt edges, falls in each case in such a way that the contour (68) lies in a linear manner on its side part (8).
10. Device according to one of claims 1 - 9,
    characterised in that

    the folding edge (13) and support zone (14) are located on continuously turning traction means (chain, band, belt (29, 39)).
11. Device according to one of claims 1 - 10,
    characterised in that

    the folding edge (13) and support zone (14) are formed directly by continuously turning traction means (chain, band, belt (29, 39)).
12. Device according to claim 11,
    characterised in that

    the folding edge (13) is formed by one belt edge (30) of a side of a belt, running at the conveyor speed, of an endlessly turning folding belt (29), of which the other belt side (31) runs back in a contact-free manner with respect to the blank.
13. Device according to one of claims 10 or 11,
    characterised in that

    the support zone (14) is formed by the broad side (27) of a belt side running at the conveyor speed.
14. Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, with a channel station (55) according to one of claims 3 to 5,
    characterised in that

    the folding edge (13) and support zone (14) of the channel station (55) are formed by traction means of which one is provided with longitudinal channel (58) and of which the other is provided with the longitudinal ridge (60) engaging therein.
15. Device according to one of claims 10 - 14,
    characterised in that

    between the end deflection rollers of the traction means side forming the support zone, on the underneath of which side are provided guide devices (32) to press the traction means side - preferably in an elastic (34) manner - against the underneath of the blank (5).
16. Device according to claim 15,
    characterised in that

    the guide devices (32) consist of elastically mounted rollers (38).
17. Device according to claim 15,
    characterised in that

    the guide devices (32) consist of elastically mounted guide rails (33).
18. Device according to claim 11,
    characterised in that

    the folding edge (14) is formed by transverse tabs (41) of an endless chain (39) running at the conveyor speed.
19. Device according to claim 18,
    characterised in that

    the axes (51) of the end chain wheels (50) lie substantially parallel to the plane (42) of the blank and perpendicular to the conveyor direction (3), and that

    the transverse tabs (41) point radially outwards with respect to the axis (51), away from the chain members.
20. Device according to claim 18,
    characterised in that

    the axes (51) of the end chain wheels (50) lie substantially perpendicular to the plane (42) of the blank, and that the transverse tabs (41) are aligned substantially in the direction of the axes (51) and point towards the blank (5).
21. Device according to one of claims 1 - 20,
    characterised in that

    the folding devices (12) are located on each side on a support (24), and that each support (24) is adjustable in the sense of a change of spacing with respect to the respective opposite support (24).
22. Device according to claim 21,
    characterised in that

    the corresponding support zones (14) comprise a predetermined width, within which the spacing of the folding edges (13) can be changed.
23. Device according to one of claims 1 - 22,
    characterised in that

    the folding edges (13) lie in the longitudinal middles (28) of the folding channels (7).
24. Device according to one of claims 1 - 23,
    characterised in that

    the folding edges (13) are rounded in their contact zones which come into contact with the blank (5) in such a way as to avoid damage to the cardboard.
25. Method for producing a folded container from a blank (5) conveyed at a predetermined conveyor speed (3), on the middle part (6) of which blank are located laterally disposed side parts (8), which are raised from an initially spread-out position along hinge-like folding channels (7) by means of turning devices (9) in the course of the conveyor path (43), are pivoted inwards along the folding channels (7) increasingly towards the longitudinal middle (10) of the blank (5) and are finally laid together and connected to each other from above, wherein folding edge (13) and support zone (14) are driven together at the conveyor speed (3) at least during an inwards pivoting movement of at least 60 degrees,
    characterised in that

    the blank (5) is clamped in along the folding channels (7) in a linear manner between a linear folding edge (13) lying in the pivoting direction and a corresponding support zone (14) lying opposite the folding edge (13), and that

    the folding edge (13) offers a linear defining edge, on which the respective side part (8) abuts on the inside and is laterally guided during the pivoting movement.

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