EP0980329B1 - Process and device for applying glue on blanks for packages - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying glue on unfolded or partially folded blanks for the Production of packs, with a glue unit, the glue nozzles or movable glue application elements for applying the glue having. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for Execution of the procedure.

In the manufacture of packs, especially cigarette packs, is also increasingly used in high-performance packaging machines Glue by glue aggregates with glue nozzles on the folding flaps and transfer other areas of the blanks or packs. So-called cold glue is mainly used, which is immediate after applying and connecting the folding flaps or the like is effective.

The use of glue units with glue nozzles for processing of cold glue leads to undesirable side effects. The Glue nozzles are often dirty. In addition, glue particles occur in the area of glue units, but also in the area of others Organs of the packaging machine.

The measurement and change of the glue temperature is with glue application units known. With an application device of glue on folding flaps of boxes is a glue container with provided with a temperature sensor for the glue and with a device to adjust the glue temperature. For this purpose the glue container on the outside of the container bottom strip-shaped heating elements provided by controlled heating to keep the glue at the optimal temperature (US 3,344,767).

The invention is based on the knowledge that the control and Adjusting the glue temperature an important, but not at all is sufficient feature. The invention is accordingly the Task based on further measures to improve and maintain optimal processing properties of the glue propose.

a) ständiges oder zeitweiliges Messen der Viskosität des Leims, insbesondere Kaltleims, mittels Viskosimeter im Bereich einer Leimleitung oder im Leimbehälter des Leimaggregats und

b) Heizen oder Kühlen des Leimaggregats nach Maßgabe der gemessenen Viskosität des Leims über eine Regelstrecke, derart, dass der Leim die optimale Viskosität aufweist.

To achieve this object, the method according to the invention is characterized by the following features:

a) constant or temporary measurement of the viscosity of the glue, in particular cold glue, by means of a viscometer in the area of a glue line or in the glue container of the glue unit and

b) heating or cooling the glue unit in accordance with the measured viscosity of the glue over a controlled system such that the glue has the optimum viscosity.

The invention takes into account that when processing Cold glue problems arising as a result of operating during operation of a packaging machine changing physical conditions by maintaining an optimal viscosity - depending from the composition of the glue can. Depending on the application, the optimal glue is used. The most favorable viscosity is determined for this and then adherence to this property of the glue maintained as constant as possible. This can be done depending on the operating status be necessary, the glue or the glue aggregate bring to a higher temperature or if necessary to cool. At the start of operations, it may be a temporary one Heating the glue unit is required while the a unit's increased operating temperature Cooling may be required.

The device according to the invention is accordingly designed such that that the glue unit sensors for determining the viscosity of the Has glue. A control signal is generated by the sensors, that - via a control loop - cools the glue unit or heated.

Suitable viscosity sensors are basically for others Areas of application known. Optimal temperatures for each Glue is based on its composition or application dependent. The temperatures can be, for example, 25 ° C. or about 40 ° C. be.

According to an alternative, according to the measured viscosity compensation also over the duration of the opening of a nozzle of the nozzle assembly or across the opening width of a nozzle become. In this case, the nozzle assembly is made accordingly by those recorded by the viscosity sensors Data controlled.

Another proposal of the invention is that during intermittent shutdown of the packaging machine Glue unit is moved to a rest position. In this will the glue nozzle or all glue nozzles of the glue unit become one exposed to glue-releasing or thinning liquid, for example Water. The liquid is in a water-absorbing, elastic body, especially a sponge body. The nozzle or a nozzle head is immersed in this during the Rest phase. At the same time, this means the area of the nozzle head cleaned, especially by moving the glue unit to the rest position and the resulting sliding movement of the nozzle head along the elastic body.

Fig. 1

ein Leimaggregat mit Leimdüsen in Seitenansicht, teilweise geschnitten,

Fig. 2

das Leimaggregat gemäß Fig. 1 mit einer weiteren Einzelheit im Vertikalschnitt,

Fig. 3

das Leimaggregat gemäß Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 in Stirnansicht,

Fig. 4

ein Leimaggregat mit Leimsegmenten im Vertikalschnitt,

Fig. 5

das Leimaggregat gemäß Fig. 4 in Rückansicht,

Fig. 6

ein Leimaggregat gemäß Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 in Betriebsstellung,

Fig. 7

das Leimaggregat in einer Zwischenstellung,

Fig. 8

das Leimaggregat in Ruhestellung,

Fig. 9

eine Einzelheit IX der Fig. 8 in vergrößertem Maßstab,

Fig. 10

ein Leimaggregat gemäß Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 mit einer (zusätzlichen oder alternativen) Kühleinheit in einer Darstellung analog Fig. 2,

Fig. 11

eine auf der Grundlage von Druckluft arbeitende Kühleinrichtung in Seitenansicht.

Further details of the method and the devices are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a glue unit with glue nozzles in side view, partially cut,

Fig. 2

1 with a further detail in vertical section,

Fig. 3

1 and 2 the front view of the glue unit,

Fig. 4

a glue unit with glue segments in vertical section,

Fig. 5

4 in rear view,

Fig. 6

1 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in the operating position,

Fig. 7

the glue unit in an intermediate position,

Fig. 8

the glue unit at rest,

Fig. 9

8 shows a detail IX of FIG. 8 on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 10

1 and 2 with an (additional or alternative) cooling unit in a representation analogous to FIG. 2,

Fig. 11

a cooling device working on the basis of compressed air in side view.

The embodiments shown in the drawings of Glue units can be used particularly advantageously in the mass production of small packs, for example cigarette packs 10. Fig. 6 shows a simplified section of a folding turret 11 as part of a packaging machine for the manufacture of cigarette packs 10 of the soft cup type. A cuboid package content, namely one from an inner wrapper surrounding cigarette group, a so-called Cigarette block 12 is U-shaped from an outer blank 13 surround. Reverse in the direction of rotation of the folding turret 11 Folding tabs, namely an inner tab 14 and an outer tab 15, are to be connected to each other by glue. To this end glue is applied to the radially outward side of the inner lobe 14 applied. Thereafter, the inner tab 14 is first against the back of the cigarette block 12 and then the Outer tabs 15 also against the cigarette block 12 or against folded the outside of the inner tab 14.

The glue is applied by a glue unit 16, the one A plurality of glue nozzles arranged side by side in a row 17 has. The glue nozzles 17 are on one (lower) side a glue block 18 arranged. Lines close to these on for the supply of glue nozzles 17 with glue and with compressed air. A compressed air line 19, a glue line, is shown 20 and an electric line 21. The glue nozzles 17 give the Remove the glue in portions under pressure. For this purpose are inside of the glue block 18 valves arranged over the electrical wire 21 can be controlled. The glue is inside one Glue container (constantly) under pressure. The compressed air line 19 is used to operate a slide gate of the glue unit.

The glue block 18 is on the opposite to the glue nozzle 17 Side provided with a plate-shaped bracket 22. This in turn is connected to a slide guide 23 which is displaceable in a fixed carriage 24 and so one Movability of the glue unit 16 in the longitudinal direction of the Carriage guide 23 allows. Unless otherwise shown or described, the glue unit 16 and its Bracket or actuating mechanism in the in DE 196 48 445.6 shown and described manner.

For a long-term undisturbed operation of the glue unit 16 to ensure the glue inside the glue aggregate 16 on a specific one, for fluidity or processing kept optimal temperature. For that purpose it is Glue unit 16 heated.

In the present embodiment, a heater, and at least an electrical resistance heater in the form a heating cartridge 25, arranged in the plate-shaped holder 22. The elongated, cylindrical heating cartridge 25 is seated in a bore 26 of the bracket 22. On an open side the bore 26 connects an electric line 27 to the heating cartridge 25 on.

The heat of the heating cartridge 25 is from the bracket 22 to the Transfer glue block 18. Bracket 22 and glue block 18 exist at least partially made of heat-conducting material. The one in this Part of the glue unit 16 temperature to be generated can be empirical determined or by the technological properties of the glue.

The temperature of the glue unit 16 or the glue block 18 is monitored continuously or from time to time. To this end a temperature measuring element is attached to the glue unit 16. at the present embodiment is a thermal sensor 28, especially a resistance thermometer, also in the holder 22 attached. At a distance from the heating cartridge 25 the thermal sensor 28 in a suitably designed Bore 29 of the holder 22. Heating cartridge 25 and thermal sensor 28 are accordingly arranged laterally in the holder 22. The thermal sensor 28 controls the heating cartridge 25 in accordance with the detected temperature.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show another type of glue unit 30. In this, glue is mechanically split into parts of a Transfer the pack, especially to the folds of a cigarette pack of the hinge-lid type. As glue transfer organs glue segments 31 are provided. It is about thereby rotating discs driven along the circumference segment-like elevations for the absorption and transfer of glue exhibit. Corresponding details of this glue unit 30 result from US 4,497,274.

The glue segments 31 are mounted on a common shaft 32. A lower part of the glue segments 31 plunges into one Glue container 33. A glue supply is kept in this and supplemented if necessary. The glue segments 31 take in the area correspondingly trained peripheral surfaces on and transport glue the glue in an upper area outside the glue container 33. Between the peripheral surfaces of the glue segments 31 and rotatably mounted counter rollers 34, the blank or a partially folded pack conveyed through, at transferred to the underside of folding rags or the like becomes.

The glue in the glue container 33 is tempered, that is to say approximately kept constant, selected temperature. To this The glue container 33 is heated for the purpose. In this embodiment is in a bottom wall 35 of the glue container 33 Heating arranged, namely also electrical resistance heating in the form of a heating cartridge 36. This is from a free side inserted into a bore 37 of the bottom wall 35. Electricity is supplied via an electrical line 38.

The temperature is also monitored in this glue unit 30 and then the heating cartridge 36 controlled. On the opposite of this Side of the glue container 33 is a thermo sensor 39 inserted into the bottom wall 35. The thermal sensor 39 is arranged in a bore 40 open to the side.

5, the bottom wall 35 is in one middle portion with a thickening 41. Cartridge Heater 36 and thermal sensor 39 are positioned in the area of this thickening 41, approximately in the upright longitudinal median plane of the glue container 33.

Another specialty to improve the functionality of a glue unit 16 is shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. The glue unit 16 suitably corresponds to the embodiment 1 to FIG. 3. The glue unit 30 is connected to a bracket 42, which is largely the bracket corresponds to DE 196 48 445.6. In the present For example, the holder 42 is designed or controllable in such a way that that the glue unit 16 can take three positions.

6 is the operating or working position of the glue unit 16 shown. The glue unit 16 is in an inclined position positioned to the folding turret 11 so that the glue nozzles 17 adjacent to the path of movement of the folding tabs to be glued, namely the inner tab 14 are arranged. The glue nozzles 17 are directed approximately perpendicular to the plane of the inner tab 14. This corresponds approximately to a radial alignment with Folding turret 11.

In the event of an interruption in the packaging machine area or the folding turret 11, the glue unit 16 is made 6 moved into an intermediate position 7. In this, the glue unit 16 still positioned in an inclined position. The deviation from a vertical position, however, is significantly less than in the operating position according to FIG. 6.

The glue unit is in the intermediate position according to FIG. 7 16 with the glue nozzles 17 above a collecting container 43. This is used to hold glue when the glue aggregate 16 is carried out on a trial basis, i.e. portions of glue as in the operating state dispenses via the glue nozzles 17 in order to correct them Check working method.

In the event of a long shutdown, the glue unit becomes 16 in a waiting position according to FIG. 8 moves, namely by pivoting in a retracted, upright position. A special feature this waiting position is that the glue nozzles 17 or the nozzle bores in the area of the mouths a stationary or assigned to the waiting position according to FIG. 8 Closure member can be shut off from the outside. With this particularity the glue nozzles 17 have none attached to them Closure members 44 on (Fig. 3). These closure members 44 are attached to the glue unit 16 and are in the closed position 3 moves when there is a business interruption is.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is the closure member from a fixed or stationary closure body 45 made of elastic material. It can be a Act mat or plate made of rubber, plastic or the like, in which the glue nozzle 17 with elastic deformation of the Closure body 45 with a nozzle head 46 enters. Thereby a particularly tight seal of the nozzle is achieved.

The closure body 45 advantageously consists of a a liquid absorbing and holding material, e.g. B. with a spongy structure. When pushing in the nozzle head 46 in the closure body 45 is the nozzle head 46 and so that the nozzle bore in a liquid Environment that a hardening of the glue in the area of the nozzle head or the nozzle bore prevented. The liquid is glue-dissolving and in the simplest case consists of water.

The liquid-absorbing closure body 45 is in one Open flat container or a bowl 47 arranged at the top. The glue nozzles 17 enter this when the glue unit 16 6 or from the intermediate position 7 moved to the waiting position shown in FIG. 8 becomes. This movement process creates a friction effect on the nozzle head 46 effective on the closure body 45, which is an additional Exerts cleaning effect on the nozzle head 46, so any glue residue removed.

The bowl 47 can be filled with liquid or water from time to time be supplied. For this purpose, the bottom of the Shell 47 connected to a feed line 48.

When the packaging machine resumes operation, that is at the end of the standstill phase, the glue unit 16 8 first into the intermediate position 7 moves. In this are several work cycles the glue nozzles 17 carried out on a trial basis. If correct Operating mode can then the glue unit 16 in the working position 6 are moved.

The supply of liquid or water to the glue nozzles 17 in the event of intermittent business interruption can also affect others Way, z. B. by immersing the glue nozzles 17 in a Liquid bath. Furthermore, those assigned to each glue nozzle 17 Closure members 44 analogous to the example in FIG. 8 be designed, that is, with an elastic closure body, which may be soaked in liquid.

In all versions of the glue unit 16, 30 this can be done with be provided with thermal insulation so that heat losses are reduced become. The heat insulation can be in the area of the glue block 10 and the bracket 22 may be arranged. In the embodiment 4 and 5, the glue container 33 with be provided with thermal insulation.

The glue units 16, 30 can also be cooled - at heating switched off. The glue units can also have a cooling unit for cooling instead of heating.

10, the holder 22 - or another part - with a continuous, open Channel 49 provided. This channel runs parallel to the glue block 18. A cooling medium is passed through the channel 49, in In this case, cooling or cold air. Through this cooling medium the entire glue unit 16 is cooled in a controllable manner and thus also the glue located in the glue block 18.

The cooling air can be generated in a suitable manner. Advantageous is a cooling unit 50, which uses the cooling air existing operating compressed air generated. Via one to a central one Compressed air system connected compressed air line 51 is Compressed air supplied via a pressure control valve 52 and through a special nozzle 53 passed through. The supplied Compressed air cooled, down to temperatures of -55 ° C. The Cooled compressed air is sent to the glue unit via a cooling air line 54 16 fed. The cooling air line is in the present Trap connected to the channel 49 via a threaded connection 55. On the side of the nozzle opposite the cooling air line 54 53, an exhaust unit 56 is connected. About this Warm air removed. A cooling unit 50 in this version is basically known for other applications.

The glue unit 16 or 30 is in the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4th illustrated embodiments with a thermal sensor 28, 39 provided. In addition or as an alternative to these thermal sensors can viscometers in the area of the feed line for glue, thus in or on the glue line 20 or in the glue container 33 or may be arranged in the glue block 18 to constantly or from time to time Time to check the viscosity of the glue and from it a control signal for supplying heat or cold to the glue unit be derived so that the glue is constantly optimal Has viscosity for processing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cigarette pack

11

folding turret

12

cigarette block

13

cut

14

inner flap

15

outer flap

16

glue assembly

17

glue nozzle

18

Leimblock

19

Compressed air line

20

glue line

21

electric line

22

bracket

23

carriage guide

24

carriage

25

Cartridge Heater

26

drilling

27

electric line

28

thermocouple

29

drilling

30

glue assembly

31

glue segments

32

wave

33

glue container

34

counter-roller

35

bottom wall

36

Cartridge Heater

37

drilling

38

electric line

39

thermocouple

40

drilling

41

thickening

42

bracket

43

receptacle

44

obturator

45

closure body

46

nozzle head

47

Bowl

48

feed pipe

49

channel

50

cooling unit

51

Compressed air line

52

Pressure control valve

53

jet

54

Cooling air duct

55

threaded connection

56

exhaust unit

Claims (13)

1. Process for applying glue to non-folded or partially folded blanks for producing packs (10), having a glue unit (16, 30) which has glue nozzles (17) or movable glue-application elements for applying the glue, characterized by:

   a) constant or intermittent measurement of the viscosity of the glue, in particular cold glue, by means of viscosometers in the region of a glue line or in the glue container of the glue unit, and

   b) heating or cooling of the glue unit (16, 30) via a controlled system in accordance with the measured viscosity of the glue, such that the glue has the optimum viscosity.
2. Process according to Claim 1, characterized by constant or intermittent measurement of the temperature of the glue unit (16, 30) or of the glue, the heating or cooling also taking place in accordance with the measured temperature.
3. Process according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature of the glue unit (16, 30) and/or of the glue is monitored by temperature sensors (28, 39), and in that the heating or cooling of the glue unit (16, 30) is also controlled via the controlled system in accordance with the established temperature.
4. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that, during a movement out of an operating position or into the same, a glue unit (16) with glue nozzles (17) can be moved with sliding action past an underlying cleaning surface, in particular an elastically compressible underlying surface, by way of the glue nozzles (17) or nozzle heads (46) arranged at ends of the same.
5. Apparatus for applying glue to non-folded or partially folded blanks for producing packs (10), having a glue unit (16, 30) which has glue nozzles (17) or movable glue-application elements (31) for applying the glue, characterized in that at least one viscosometer for measuring the viscosity of the glue is arranged in the region of a glue line or in the glue container of the glue unit (16, 30), and in that the glue unit (16, 30) has heating elements, in particular heating cartridges (25, 36), and/or cooling elements, in particular at least one cooling unit (50), it being possible for the glue unit to be heated or cooled via a controlled system in accordance with the measured viscosity of the glue such that the glue has the optimum viscosity.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, characterized in that the glue unit (16, 30) or the feed lines also has/have sensors for establishing the temperature of the glue unit (16, 30) or of the glue, it also being possible for the glue unit (16, 30) to be heated or cooled in accordance with the measured temperature.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, in the case of a glue unit (16) with a glue block (18) and mount (22) for the latter, the heating element, in particular the heating cartridge (25), is arranged in the mount (22) and heat can be transmitted from the latter to the glue block (18) by heat conduction.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, in the case of a glue unit (30) with a glue container (33), heating elements, in particular heating cartridges (25), are arranged in walls of the glue container (33), preferably in a base wall (35).
9. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the glue unit (16) has at least one cooling unit (50), in particular a compressed-air cooling unit (50), which feeds cooled air to the glue unit (16), preferably in the region of at least one open channel (49) in the region of the mount (22) of the glue unit (16).
10. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the glue unit (16), having glue nozzles (17), can be moved out of an operating position adjacent to a movement path for blanks or packs, in particular cigarette packs, (10) into a retracted position, and in that, during the movement of the glue unit (16), the glue nozzles (17) can be moved past a stationary cleaning element.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or one of the further claims, characterized in that, in a position in which it is retracted out of the operating position, in particular in a standby position, the glue unit (16) with glue nozzles (17) butts, by way of the glue nozzles (17) or the nozzle heads (46) thereof, against a stationary closure body (45), the closure body (45) preferably consisting of elastically compressible material and the glue nozzles (17) or the nozzle heads (46) thereof penetrating some way into said closure body (45), the latter being elastically deformed in the process.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or one of the further claims, characterized in that, in a position in which it is retracted out of the operating position, in particular in a standby position, the glue unit (16) with glue nozzles (17) dips, by way of the glue nozzles (17) or the nozzle heads (46) thereof, into a liquid which prevents the glue from hardening, in particular into the liquid-containing closure body (45) consisting of foam, sponge or the like.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, characterized in that the liquid-absorbing closure body (45) is arranged in a container, in particular in a shallow basin (47) which is open at the top and to which liquid or water can be fed.

Images