EP0981480B1 - Method and device in particular for packaging flat objects - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for Stacking coming individually from a production machine flat objects, especially envelopes, with the Features of the preambles of claims 1 and 7.

Paper envelopes, both envelopes and Mailers are usually made up of one-piece, Multi-folded blanks made, it being known is, adjacent edges of the folded blanks with To be connected with the help of folded adhesive tabs. The flat ones remain in the area of the filling openings Locking tabs not glued. After making In a production machine, the envelopes are large Quantity of e.g. 500 or 1000 pieces in batches packed in boxes. The stack then lies in the area the sealing flaps only two layers of paper per envelope on each other while glued together in the area Side edges are three layers of paper on top of each other. One and the same envelope therefore shows when empty differences in thickness at different sites, the one Is one third of the maximum thickness. A stack with many For this reason, envelopes are glued in the area Tabs much thicker than in the area of just folded Edges. To this different thickness of the envelopes to balance, it is known to order them in small order each 180 ° stacked stacks by hand in shipping boxes to wrap.

This result is also already known from DE 20 18 592 B2 to achieve by machine, why a process and a device according to the preambles of claims 1 and 7 are provided. There are bags of paper or Plastic film processed, being from the rectangular flat bags in an aligned row and in the same Orientation occur, partial stacks are formed that detected between turntables and in the bag level by one perpendicular to this axis, alternating by 90 ° to the left and 90 ° to the right so that the Objects of consecutive partial stacks by 180 ° to each other are rotated, i.e. alternately on the left side edge and get up on the right side edge. Two different ones must be used Swivel movements are carried out and it results there is also the disadvantage that the partial stack after pivoting in two rows at a distance from each other stand. There is therefore an additional transverse movement to align the partial stacks in the middle again.

This method and the associated device are complex and complicated. The device comprises a variety various components, their manufacture not only is expensive, but also problematic in operation are prone to failure. This poses a particular problem also the change that is always necessary different envelope formats.

The invention has for its object a simple, less prone to failure, inexpensive and also easy on other formats convertible procedure for precise turning of flat objects and especially envelopes and a suitable device in a compact Design for handling the from a production machine to create upcoming objects or envelopes. she can then be further processed or preferably in stacks be summarized and packaged. At least in the case of Envelopes have the same items on them Make the same or different material thickness on.

To achieve this object, the invention provides the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 before that that every second sub-stack is a different one Additional swiveling by a Pivot axis is issued.

The device according to the invention has the features of characterizing part of claim 7 formed so that the gripper an additional pivoting device is assigned with a swivel axis, which can be driven in every second seized partial stack in order his objects an opposite edge orientation in Comparison to the objects of the neighboring sub-stack too give.

According to the invention, the envelopes are no longer opposed alternating left and right in two parallel Rows swung and then brought together again, rather all envelopes - summarized as a partial stack - equally raised along an arch and set down again, whereby half of the Partial stack is reoriented by an additional swivel. Accordingly, the partial stacks are already in a row aligned aligned so that a separate merge the differently edge-oriented partial stack is eliminated. So the envelopes are immediately behind the production machine recorded in the form of partial stacks and according to the desired Orientation towards one of their edges. You can then choose any of the partial stacks large piles formed for packaging and for example after reaching their target size, for example to a packaging station be delivered.

Instead of envelopes, you can also use hygiene products and other flat objects, where appropriate a similar problem exists, the invention Intermediate steps subjected and then further processed and / or packed in any way. That is part of it also that the objects or envelopes are not only for a device for nesting, but also a device can be provided for bundling. There you can put a band on it and hold it together whereupon they are either smaller Partial stack wrapped in cellophane or as a larger stack be nested.

According to the invention, the partial stack is raised and lowered a turning station that has at least one movable Carrier, which is a movable arm can act. At the free end of this arm or carrier arranged at least one also movable gripper, the is able to take a partial stack and after the Implement to release again.

In a development of the invention, the gripper can by parallel to a pivoting or rotating axis of the carrier standing gripper axis and / or around a perpendicular to it standing gripper axis can be moved. This makes it possible to meet all conceivable requirements.

Further features of the invention result from subclaims and the description in connection with the drawing.

Fig. 1:

in Seitenansicht eine Prinzipskizze einer Vorrichtung zum Verpacken;

Fig. 2:

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in kleinerem Maßstab;

Fig. 3:

eine Ansicht wie in Fig. 1 von einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4:

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3 in kleinerem Maßstab;

Fig. 5:

eine Stirnansicht einer Wendevorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 6:

eine Draufsicht auf die Wendevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7:

eine Seitenansicht der Wendevorrichtung gemäß den Figuren 5 und 6 mit dem Greifer und seinem Antrieb in einer bis unter eine Stapelebene abgesenkten Position,

Fig. 8:

eine Ansicht wie in Fig. 7 mit dem Greifer und seinem Antrieb in einer über die Stapelebene angehobenen Position,

Fig. 9:

eine Ansicht wie in Fig. 8 mit einem noch höher angehobenen Angreifer;

Fig. 10:

eine Seitenansicht wie in Fig. 7 von einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel mit zwei Greifern;

Fig. 11:

eine Draufsicht auf die Wendevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 10 und

Fig. 12:

eine Prinzipskizze eines Greifers und seines Antriebes.

The invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawing. Show:

Fig. 1:

a side view of a schematic diagram of a device for packaging;

Fig. 2:

a plan view of the device of Figure 1 on a smaller scale.

Fig. 3:

a view as in Figure 1 of a modified embodiment.

Fig. 4:

a plan view of the device of Figure 3 on a smaller scale.

Fig. 5:

an end view of a turning device according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 6:

a plan view of the turning device according to FIG. 5;

Fig. 7:

5 shows a side view of the turning device according to FIGS. 5 and 6 with the gripper and its drive in a position lowered to below a stacking level,

Fig. 8:

7 with the gripper and its drive in a position raised above the stacking level,

Fig. 9:

a view as in Figure 8 with an even higher attacker.

Fig. 10:

a side view as in Figure 7 of a further embodiment with two grippers.

Fig. 11:

a plan view of the turning device according to FIGS. 10 and

Fig. 12:

a schematic diagram of a gripper and its drive.

A device 1 for packaging flat objects and, according to the exemplary embodiment, specifically comprises envelopes 2 behind a production machine 3 a transfer and Separation station 4, a turning station 5 and a packaging station 6 (Fig. 1).

The individually as well as continuously and at high speed 3 envelopes coming from the production machine 2 are with the help of a fan wheel 7 in the transfer and Separation station 4 parked, held there and finally as a partial stack 8 to a turning device 9 of the turning station 5 delivered. To hold the envelopes 2 and Formation of partial stacks 8 has the transfer and separation station 4 horizontally and vertically movable holding and Support elements 10 in the form of forks, separation swords and the like. These holding and supporting elements 10 are in the Machine cycle with the help of pneumatic and / or hydraulic, basically known and not in the figures drives shown in more detail in horizontal and vertical Direction or parallel and / or vertical to a stacking level 11 movable. From this stacking level 11 takes over the turning device 9 each a partial stack 8 and sets transports it to a packing station 6 assigned station 12 (assembly station), in the from the partial stacks implemented by the turning device 9 8 a stack 13 of predetermined size is formed.

The turning device 9 comprises according to that in FIGS and FIG. 2 shown an embodiment about an axis 15 movable carrier 16, one at its free end Has gripper 17 for a partial stack 8 each. The The gripper 17 is on the carrier 16 about a gripper axis 18 pivoted, which is parallel to the axis 15 of the Carrier 16 extends. The gripper 17 is also with its own Provide drive means so that it is not just a partial stack Pick up 8 different sizes and return them can, but also optionally relative to the gripper axis 18 is movable to the carrier 16.

The carrier 16 is finally in the in Figures 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment from a fan wheel 7 facing position (solid lines) by 180 ° in a layer facing the packing station 6 (dashed lines) swiveling and swiveling back from there. Its axis 15 is therefore a pivot axis. It also includes two spaced apart, one swivel arm forming arms (Fig. 2).

The fan wheel 7 provides all envelopes 2 in the same way in the transfer and separation station 4, so that each same edges a of the envelopes 2 up and all this parallel edges b are at the bottom (Fig. 1). Becomes now a partial stack 8 of the carrier 16 and its gripper 17 only implemented on the side of the packaging station 6, so are the edges a of the envelopes 2 below and the edges b are at the top. If flat objects implemented instead of envelopes 2 applies if necessary, the same for corresponding pages of the Objects.

So that a stack 13 of partial stacks 8 is formed in the station 12 is, whose envelopes 2 each alternately edges a below or above, the next partial stack 8 of its gripper 17 additionally about the gripper axis 18 by 180 ° in the direction of rotation of the carrier 16 or counter pivoted to and then in this position in the Station 12 parked. In this way it is possible with technically simple means to form a stack 13 in which the partial stacks are each offset from one another are.

The station 12 (assembly station) serving to form the stack 13 essentially comprises a channel-shaped one Stacking path 19 with a movable one arranged above it Clamping and holding device 20. About this clamping and holding device 20 include two movable relative to each other and adjustable spacers 21 and 22 on which each a clamping plate 23 and 24 vertically up and is arranged movable. The clamping plate 23 forms in his lowered position a rear wall of the channel-shaped Stacking path 19, on which the forming stack 13 'is supported.

To take over the partial stack 8 from the turning device 9 is a takeover device 25 with a gripper slide 26 provided one in the horizontal direction fixed, but lowerable in the vertical direction Has contact element 27. The application element 27 is on Gripper slide 26 a movable in the horizontal direction Assigned clamping element 28. With his help a offset partial stack 8 pressed against the contact element 27 can and after release by the gripper 17th drove to the envelopes 2 of the stack 13 to be formed and be pressed.

As soon as a partial stack 8 is attached to the stack 13 ' is pressed, the contact element 27, which is very thin can be lowered so that the gripper slide 26th moved back to its starting position (left in Fig. 1) can be. The stack 13 'to be built up is here between the side walls of the channel-shaped stacking section 19 with the help of profiles or the like held.

The actual packaging station is connected to the stacking section 19 6 in which the stack 13 in a cardboard blank 14 is packed. A supply stack 29 with cardboard blanks 14 is laterally offset next to the Packing station 6 (Fig. 2).

As soon as the stack 13 'in the stack path 19 the desired Has reached size, the clamping plate 24 on the holder 22nd lowered and the holder 22 is moved in the direction of the holder 21, so that the stack 13 between the two clamping plates 23 and 24 is compressed. In this situation the stack 13 on the lying in the packing station 6 Cardboard blank 14 pushed (Fig. 2). Now be Side flaps 30 and 31 of the cardboard blank 14 in principle known way erected, as well as from Fig. 1 emerges. At the same time, the stack 13 between the finally held vertical side tabs 30 and 31. As soon as this packaging step is finished the two clamping plates 23 and 24 raised again, so that the clamping and holding device 20 back to its starting position retracted over the channel-shaped stacking section 19 can be. At the same time, the clamping plate 23 lowered while the stack 13 in the packing station 6 still completely with the cardboard blank 14 until achieved a complete packaging is wrapped.

In the device shown in Figures 3 and 4 1a is a modified embodiment, where basically the same parts have the same reference numbers and additionally have the letter index a.

While most parts of the device 1a are designed the same way are like the first described embodiment, the turning device 9a has an additional provided axis 40a in the form of a pivot and / or axis of rotation for the gripper 17a. The gripper 17a is thus about a gripper axis 18a and perpendicular to it standing axis 40a pivotable. The gripper axis 18a is again parallel to the axis 15a of the carrier 16a. In addition or alternatively, the gripper 17a is also around the second gripper axis 40a pivotable.

The carrier 16a can, as shown in particular in FIG. 4, a arm or a extending perpendicular to the axis 15a Be swivel arm, with the longitudinal axis of the gripper axis 40a coincides.

To control the gripper 17a and to achieve rotary or Swiveling movements also serve as in the case of the gripper 17 its own drive, which in the case of the gripper 17a allows the received partial stacks 8a or envelopes 2a on any edge in the takeover device 25a to turn off. The function of the turning device 9a is therefore not limited to parking on two edges, but allows optional parking on all four Edges of an envelope.

Furthermore, the additional axis 40a increases the possibility of to process differently designed envelopes 2a. If necessary, the side walls 41a and 42a of the channel-shaped Stack distance 19a to be adjustable. Alike can the gripper 17a to different formats be adjustable.

Another embodiment of a modified turning device 9b is shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and comprises a machine frame 50b in which a lifting frame 51b height-adjustable at least for the carrier 16b and its gripper 17b is arranged. Also in this embodiment applies that the same parts have the same reference numbers as in the cases described first and additionally have the letter index b.

The lifting frame 51b is on the machine frame 50b with the aid of several holding and guiding elements 52b. For Height adjustment is provided by a drive 53b and a threaded spindle 54b, the lifting frame 51b via a spindle nut adjust in a manner not shown.

On the guided side parts 55b and 56b of the lifting frame 51b is the carrier 16b for its gripper 17b about an axis 15b pivotally and / or rotatably mounted.

On a traverse 57b in the lower area of the lifting frame 51b is the drive 58b with its for control and power transmission serving components for the shaft / axis 15b arranged. According to the exemplary embodiment, the power transmission takes place from the drive 58b to the carrier 16b Using a belt 59b.

The purpose of the height adjustable in the machine frame 50b stored and guided lifting frame 51b therein, according to the carrier 16b together with its gripper 17b Fig. 7 to below e.g. formed by a stack plate Lower stacking level 11b or over at different heights the stacking level 11b to be able to arrange, as in the Figures 8 and 9 is shown.

7, the turning device 9b is below that Level of the stack level 11b lowered, so instead of one automatic operation also a purely manual operation is possible.

The arrangement of the carrier 16b and its gripper 17b in different heights above the stacking level 11b according to the Figures 8 and 9 results in the support 16b and 16b Gripper 17b provided in the area of the transfer station 4b Take over partial batches with very different formats and after the transfer in the area of the takeover device 25b can turn off.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 9 the gripper 17b should preferably be from the transfer station 4b back and forth to the takeover device 25b be pivotable again. The envelopes raised and then discontinued or implemented and again placed on the same or a different edge. Around to return to its starting position, the gripper 17b but also describe a full circular movement of 360 °. For this purpose, the lifting frame 51b must at least in the area of Gripper 17b be U-shaped. To achieve sufficient In principle, it can also be U-shaped at the top be closed (not shown in Fig. 5).

It is also understood that the belt 59b for one complete rotation of the gripper 17b about the axis 15b must lie outside the path of movement of the gripper 17b.

5 shows transport straps 60b serving as carrying elements and 61b, but only when the turning device is lowered 9b and are used for manual handling. she are provided as an option and can be used if necessary they form the stacking level 11b, to which also an auxiliary table Heard 66b.

6 finally shows that the gripper 17b two fixed stops 62b and two adjustable, together with the fixed stops 62b Holding elements serving stops 63b. The partial stack 8b are between the fixed stops 62b and adjustable stops 63b fixed, as shown in the Dashed lines in Fig. 6 is indicated.

To adjust the adjustable stops 63b on the Fixed stops 62b to and from these can be one at a time Serve drive 64b, which is, for example pneumatic drive can act. Other drives 65b are each provided to the adjustable stops 63b additionally move away from and towards each other. she the stops 63b move apart when the gripper 17b when swiveling back in the transfer area behind the serrated lock washer is pivoted over the partial stack 8. In the back The dead center of the gripper 17b are the stops 63b their drives 65b moved together and then hold the Partial stack 8 with the help of their drives 64b and the stops 62b.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is beyond also important insofar as the gripper 17b which is specifically a gripper device with Help of the carrier 16b about a single axis / gripper axis 40b is pivotable or movable, which is perpendicular to the axis 15b stands around which the carrier 16b in the turning device 9b is pivotable or movable.

According to a further embodiment, that in the figures 10 and 11, there can be two Grippers 17c are located on a carrier 16c. The same applies here again, that the same parts have the same reference numbers as before and also have the letter index c.

The grippers 17c are - based on their circular movement - arranged diagonally to each other.

Fig. 10 shows the turning device 9 with under the stacking level 11 placed grippers 17c, so that a manual operation is easily possible. However, it is understood that the Gripper 17c with its carrier 16c as well as the last one Embodiment described in a lifting frame 51c are stored so that they are up to the required height the stacking level 11c can be moved.

As can finally be seen from FIG. 12, it belongs to a carrier 70 expediently a differential gear 71. Basically the same applies to those in FIGS to 11 illustrated embodiments.

The differential gear 71 comprises a housing 72 in which Axes or shafts 73 and 74 corresponding to the swivel and / or axes of rotation for the carrier of the first described Embodiments and at least one gripper axis 75 for a gripper 76 (in solid lines) or also a second gripper axis 77 for a second gripper 78 (dashed lines) are stored.

A bevel gear 83 to belongs to each axis / shaft 73 to 77 84.

Rigidly connected to the housing 72 of the differential gear 71 is a drive element 85, in which it is in accordance with Embodiment and in accordance with the belt drive the turning device 9b (Fig. 5) around a pulley acts. The housing is connected to a belt 86 72 and the gripper (s) 76 and 78 for the implementation of Partial stacks moved, the own movements (swivel and / or rotary movements) of the gripper (s) 76, 78 with Help from at least one electromagnetic clutch 87 to be controlled. With two or more grippers 76 and 78 or in the case of a rotary movement of the gripper (s) 76, 78 about the axis 73, 74, the belt 86 must be outside the Path of movement of the / the gripper 76, 78 lie.

Finally, it is understood that a particularly useful and inexpensive design is achieved when a Gripper 76 relocates and turns the partial stack during the other grippers 78 only implement the partial stacks and none Own movement. Own movements of partial stacks can basically be one in an envelope level or one lying in one plane of the object Axis and / or around a plane that intersects this plane at right angles Axis take place while the partial stack along a curve section is implemented.

Claims (20)

1. A method of stacking flat articles (2), in particular envelopes, which come separately from a production machine (3), wherein partial stacks (8) are each formed from a respective plurality of articles (2), the partial stacks (8) are displaced and pivoted differently in alternate relationship in such a way that the articles (2) of successive partial stacks (8) are oriented in opposite relationship in respect of the position of two parallel edges (a, b) and the partial stacks (8) are brought together to form a stack (13), wherein all partial stacks (8) are equally displaced by pivotal movement about an axis (15) which extends parallel to the plane of the articles (2), characterised in that there is imparted to each second partial stack (8) an additional pivotal movement about a pivot axis (18, 40a), which produces the different orientation.
2. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that all partial stacks (8) are equally pivoted through 180° about the axis (15).
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the pivot axis (18) for the additional pivotal movement extends parallel to the axis (15).
4. A method according to claim 3 characterised in that the additional pivotal movement about the pivot axis (18) is effected as a return pivotal movement in relation to the displacement pivotal movement about the axis (15).
5. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the additional pivotal movement is about a pivot axis (40a) extending at a right angle to the axis (15) and is 180°.
6. A method according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the additional pivotal movement about the pivot axis (18, 40a) is effected during the displacement pivotal movement about the axis (15).
7. Apparatus for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a stacking surface (11) for the arriving articles (2), at least one gripper (17) for taking over partial stacks (8) of the articles (2) from the stacking surface (11) and a pivoting device (9) having a carrier (16) for the gripper (17), the carrier being pivotable about an axis (15), wherein the pivoting device (9) is arranged with the axis (15) parallel to the plane of the arriving articles (2), characterised in that associated with the gripper (17) is an additional pivoting device with a pivot axis (18, 40a) which is drivable at each second gripped partial stack (8) in order to impart to its articles (2) an edge orientation in opposite relationship in comparison with the articles (2) of the adjacent partial stacks (8).
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 characterised in that the carrier (16) is reciprocatingly pivotable about the axis (15) and/or is mounted rotatably and drivably through 360°.
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 characterised in that the gripper (17) arranged on the carrier (16) is pivotable relative to the carrier (16) about a gripper axis (18) extending parallel to the carrier axis (15).
10. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 9 characterised in that the gripper (17a) arranged on the carrier (61, 60) is pivotable about a gripper axis (40a) which is perpendicular to the axis (15a) about which the carrier (16a) is movable.
11. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 10 characterised in that each gripper (17b) has a first abutment (62b) and a second abutment (63b) which are movable relative to each other.
12. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 10 characterised in that each gripper (17b) has two respective stationarily arranged abutments (62b), with each of which there is associated a respective movable abutment (63b), wherein the abutments (63b) which are movable with respect to the stationary abutments (62a) are also movable away from each other and towards each other.
13. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 12 characterised in that a station (12) serving to form the stack (13) is associated with a packaging station (6) and has a channel-shaped stacking section (19, 19a) for bringing together a plurality of partial stacks (8) set down by the carrier (16) to form a complete stack (13).
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 characterised in that the stacking section (19a) has side walls (41a and 42a) which are adjustable in respect of their mutual spacing.
15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14 characterised in that a clamping and holding device (20) is associated with the channel-shaped stacking section (19) to move a complete stack (13) out of the stacking section (19) into the packaging station (6).
16. Apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 15 characterised in that a transfer device (25) with a gripper carriage (26) is associated with the channel-shaped stacking section (19) at the end thereof which is towards the carrier (16), for the partial stacks (8) set down by the carrier (16).
17. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 16 characterised in that the carrier (70) of the pivoting device (9) includes a differential transmission (71) and at least one electromagnetic clutch (87).
18. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 17 characterised in that the carrier (16b, 16c) of the pivoting device (9b, 9c) and its gripper (17a, 17b) are arranged adjustably in respect of height.
19. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 18 characterised in that two or more grippers (76 and 78) are provided on the carrier (70) of the pivoting device.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19 characterised in that the grippers (76 and 78) are arranged in diametral relationship with each other on the carrier (70).

Images