EP1148014B1 - Device for forming piles - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine for forming a stack (24) of flat articles (12) comprises a feeder (1) which delivers the articles one after another to a transfer device (2) with carriers (17) into each of which one article is fed. They are then moved along and released with their broad side outwards to form a row.

Description

The invention relates to a device for forming stacks, which are to be formed for example from individual delivered objects. These stacks should then be packed. The objects are often flat and are delivered in their longitudinal direction. They should lie in the stacks but with their flat sides on top of each other.

A device of this kind is already known ( DE 19519707 ). Here, the objects delivered one behind the other are inserted into tangential receiving pockets of a rotating wheel and pushed out radially by 90% after one revolution of the wheel.

Furthermore, a device for grouping bags is known (US Pat. EP-A-700 832 ). The bags are fed to a transfer device which has compartments which are separated from each other by a respective transverse wall projecting from the transport belt. The transverse walls are attached to a guided around four pulleys chain. The bags are then fed to a line-up device where they collide with the transport speed of the transfer device.

In a further apparatus for forming stacks, the articles delivered one behind the other are fed to a rotating wheel with receptacles. The objects collide with the peripheral speed of the wheel against a stop ( DE 19544879 ).

Also known is a device for transporting documents, in which the documents for forming stacks strike against a fixed stop at their transport speed ( GB 1102397 ).

Also known is a device for stacking individually supplied workpieces ( DE 279230 ), in which the individually approached workpieces hit a rail of a line-up device and are thereby braked. A transfer device with dividing walls running parallel to one another is provided in order to move the braked objects laterally away. The partitions are attached to a guided around three pulleys chain.

The invention has for its object to further improve a device for forming stacks.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a device having the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The feeder delivers the articles to be packaged, which are, for example, diapers, continuously in their own longitudinal direction one behind the other. They are then taken over by a transfer device which has a receptacle for each item. From these shots, the objects are then pushed out with their broadsides ahead, to a line-up device. This line-up arranges the objects along a line next to each other, thereby creating a stack.

In a further development of the invention can be provided that the line-up device has a moving transverse stop against which the first object to be stacked each stack is applied by the transfer device, if necessary, is also pressed. The articles may be diapers which are to some extent compressible. The transfer device applies this first object against the transverse stop. As soon as the second object is pushed out of its own receptacle, this second object lays against the first object, which has already been moved laterally together with the stop. Thereby, the articles can be applied to form stacks while standing. They are always prevented from falling over by the next item.

In order then, when a stack has been completed with a certain number of items to secure this stack, it can be inventively provided that the line-up device has a second stop, which is arranged at a constant distance in the transport direction behind the first transverse stop. He will therefore also moved. Between the two transverse stops a receiving space is formed in this way, which corresponds in size to a stack of objects. The device may be designed so that the distance between the two transverse stops can be changed, to adapt the device to different stack sizes or different thickness of the objects to be stacked.

In the development of the invention it can be provided that the transverse stop or the two transverse stops associated with a stack can be moved along a closed path or are.

In a further development of the invention, the device may have a longitudinal stop, which serves to align the end edges of the objects. This longitudinal stop can be arranged stationary.

In order to be able to operate the device particularly economically and with shorter cycle times, it can be provided according to the invention in a further development that the line-up device has more than one receiving space, for example two receiving spaces, which are moved along the same path. It is particularly advantageous if both receiving spaces can be moved separately from each other.

In a further development can be provided that the plurality of receiving spaces in the direction of movement have a distance from each other. This makes it possible, for example, to be able to move one of the two recording spaces more slowly than the other, as long as there is still a distance.

For example, the device may operate so that during stacking, i. H. during the loading of individual objects, the corresponding receiving space is continuously moved while the receiving space for removal of the stack is stopped. The stack can then be pushed out laterally.

If there are two receiving spaces, while filling one receiving space, the other can be emptied at standstill.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the receptacles of the transfer device have two flat paddles, between which the articles are arranged. They are inserted by the feeder between the two paddles and thereby braked.

The transfer device is operated continuously to ensure a high operating speed of the device.

Both paddles are arranged divergently.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the paddles are arranged on a chain. With the help of this chain, the paddles can be transported over a certain path, which may differ from a circle, which is preferred by the invention.

The chain is guided around two deflection wheels.

The line-up device can in particular have a transport plate chain, in which the transport plates form the bearing surface for the objects to be stacked.

Fig. 1

eine stark vereinfachte schematische Seitenan- sicht eines ersten Teils der von der Erfindung vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

die Draufsicht auf die Anordnung der Figur 1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren Teil der von der Erfindung vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt längs Linie IV-IV in Figur 3;

Fig. 5

schematisch eine genauere Darstellung der Aufreiheinrichtung.

Fig. 6

die Ansicht eines Teils einer gegenüber der Anordnung der Figur 3 leicht geänderten Ausführungsform.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the drawing. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a greatly simplified schematic side view of a first part of the proposed device of the invention;

Fig. 2

the top view of the arrangement of FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a plan view of another part of the proposed device of the invention;

Fig. 4

a section along line IV-IV in FIG. 3 ;

Fig. 5

schematically a more detailed representation of the line-up.

Fig. 6

the view of a part of a relation to the arrangement of FIG. 3 slightly modified embodiment.

The device proposed by the invention comprises a feeder 1, a transfer device 2 and a squaring device 3, which schematically in FIG. 3 are shown. But before describing the entire device in its entirety, first to the parts, starting with FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 1 shows the feeder 1 in a side view. The objects to be stacked are delivered between two conveyor belts 4, 5, in a horizontal orientation. The objects are, for example, folded disposable diapers, which are therefore relatively flat. The two conveyor belts 4, 5 are driven synchronized in opposite directions. They then arrive at two further conveyor belts 6, 7 which are arranged entangled, so that the diapers are now erected. Between these entangled conveyor belts 6, 7, the diapers are still oriented so that they protrude on both sides over the side edges of the conveyor belts 6, 7.

At the end of the entangled conveyor belts 6, 7, the objects to be stacked pass between two likewise counter-synchronously driven leveling belts 8. The leveling belts 8 are dimensioned so that the objects no longer project laterally, ie above and below. Of the leveling belts the objects are then transferred to the transfer device 2, from which they come to the line-up, the in FIG. 1 is shown only schematically. The described parts are mounted on a table 9, which is adjustably mounted on a machine frame 10 in height. To adjust the height, a screw 11 or another drive can be used. The drive of the various conveyor belts 4 to 8 is done via means not shown, which are driven by a servo motor. This will cause the synchronization.

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 in a top view. It can be seen that the item 12 to be stacked, which is to be stacked, projects beyond the side edges of the conveyor belts 4, 5. This also applies to the two entangled conveyor belts 6, 7.

The two equalizing belts 8 are each arranged on a machine part 13, the mutual distance of which can be changed by means of a drive 14. As a result, the last part of the feeding device can be adjusted to different thicknesses of the objects to be packed. When disturbances occur, the two parts 13 can also be moved apart.

In the leveling belt 8, the diapers can also be slightly compressed again.

Between the individual stations photoelectric sensors can be arranged to check the correct operation of the device.

At the end of the station with the leveling belts 8, the transfer device 2 is arranged, see now the FIG. 3 , The transfer device includes a schematically illustrated chain 15 or a belt to which individual retaining shoes 16 are attached. Each holding shoe 16 is used to attach a receptacle 17. These receptacles 17 are moved by the chain 15. The chain 15 is wrapped around two transport wheels 18, one of which is driven. Each receptacle is intended to receive a single item 12 to be stacked. It contains two paddles 19, 20 diverging from the shoes 16. The device is synchronized in such a way that the object 12 to be stacked is pushed by the feed device between two paddles 19, 20. The leading edge 21 of the object 12 to be stacked initially strikes the paddle 20 which is rearward in the direction of movement and is thereby braked on the one hand and inserted into the space between the two paddles 19, 20 on the other hand. It is slowed down in this way until it stops. The leading edge 21 of the object 12 to be stacked then bears against a longitudinal stop 22, which runs transversely to the feed direction of the feed device 1. In the further movement of the receptacles 17, the objects 12 are laterally pushed away from the transfer device 2, with their broadsides ahead.

Both paddles 19, 20 are flat, so that the objects 12 are not bent.

The line-up device includes a plurality of transverse stops 23, which are arranged transversely to the running direction. A first object to be stacked, which is accommodated in the receptacle 17, is laterally applied against the transverse stop 23 by the rear paddle 20 in the direction of movement. As soon as the object 12 has reached the next receptacle 17, the paddle 19 in the direction of movement of the next receptacle holds the previously lined object 12 until the next object is then pressed by the rear paddle 20.

The objects are strung in this way to stacks between each two transverse stops 23. Such a finished stack is right in FIG. 3 between two stops 23 shown. At this point, the stack 24 can be pushed out by means of a slider 25 from the line-up device. The slider 25, see FIG. 4 , Is attached to a guided above the upper edge 26 of the transverse stops 23 beam 27. This bar 27 can by means of a linear actuator 28 in the direction of the double arrow in FIG. 3 be moved.

FIG. 4 shows a section through the device of FIG. 3 , A diaper 12 is shown schematically. The transverse stops 23 are U-shaped, with the open side of the page facing the transfer device 2. This makes it possible that a paddle 19, 20 is moved through the slot 29 of the transverse stops 23 therethrough. By arranging the paddles 19, 20 on a chain 15, which is guided around a drive gear with a small radius, a space-saving and rapid deflection of the diapers can be done. The use of flat paddles 19, 20 makes it possible for the articles 12, despite their deflection, not to be bent or curved, which is particularly important in the case of double-folded diapers.

FIG. 5 shows in greater detail but schematically a line-up of the transfer device facing away from the side, ie in FIG. 3 from above or in FIG. 4 from the right. The line-up device contains two receiving spaces for each stack of articles. Each receiving space is bounded by two transverse stops 23. Between the two transverse stops 23, a plurality of plates 30 is arranged, which are attached to a conveyor plate chain 31, 32. There are two such transport plate chains 31, 32 are provided, each forming a receiving space for a stack. Both conveyor plate chains run along the same closed path and are driven by servomotors. Both transport plate chains 31, 32 are driven independently of each other. In the direction of movement of the line-up device, ie along the path which the transport plate chains 31 and 32 describe, the two receiving spaces 30 are at a distance from each other. This means that the two receiving spaces 30 can be moved at different speeds, for example, until the respective distance has shrunk to zero. In the present mode of operation, the receiving space, which is in the unloading position right in Fig. 3 is, stopped, while the receiving space in the transfer device 2 is continuously moved. To push out the finished stack, it makes sense to stop the receiving space 30. Pushing out a finished stack can be both forward and in FIG. 3 shown as well as to the rear.

The arrow 34 in FIG. 5 , corresponding to the arrow 34 in FIG FIG. 3 , shows in which direction the finished stack is pushed out to get to the packaging machine. The packaging machine can be arranged immediately adjacent.

How to get out of FIG. 3 However, it can be seen, also pushing out in the opposite direction is possible because the line-up device operates along a line. The return of the transverse stops 23 occurs along the lower run of the circulating belts.

It is conceivable to let the device work for two packaging machines by the possible pushing out in two opposite directions.

The ability to push the finished stack in two different directions, but has another advantage. In the event that a stagnation occurs in the packaging machine, for example, because packaging material must be refilled, the device can push the stack also backward, ie opposite to the arrow 34. There, the stacks can be stored on mobile tables, for example. On the other hand, if then a stoppage occurs in the feeder, for example, also when retooling the manufacturing machines, the intermediately stored stacks by hand or by means of a device inserted back into a receiving space and are introduced from there by means of the slider in the packaging machine.

The slider can in particular be equipped so that with him the pushing out to the rear is possible, even if this is not the normal case.

Depending on the length of the line-up device can also be provided that is pushed out not only at one point to the packaging machine, but optionally also from several positions. Since the point at which the stopping of the conveyor plate chain is to take place can be defined by a controller, the device can also be adapted to different positions of the packaging machine.

At the in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment, each receptacle 17 is arranged on a holding shoe 16. The holding shoe 16 includes two divergent paddles 19, 20. In the in FIG. 6 shown slightly modified embodiment, each retaining shoe 16 is formed of two parts 16 a, 16 b, which have the same configuration in the rectilinear course of the chain 15 as the holding shoe 16 of the embodiment according to FIG. 3 , At each part 16 a, 16 b of the holding shoe 16 a paddle 20, 19 is attached. The two parts 16a, 16b are attached to separate chain links. This results in the deflection to a forceps movement, which causes the objects to be treated 12 are pulled even more secure against the longitudinal stop 22. In FIG. 6 Only the transfer device 2 is shown, which should be thought to be arranged in the same place and in the same orientation with respect to the rest of the device.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for forming stacks (24) from individual articles (12), with

   1.1 an article feeding device (1), which

   1.1.1 delivers the articles (12) successively in their longitudinal direction,

   1.2 a transfer device (2), which

   1.2.1 features several receptacles (17) for a respective article (12),

   1.2.2 moves the receptacles (17) along a closed path and

   1.2.3 pushes the articles (12) with their wide sides facing forwards out of the receptacles (17), and with

   1.3 a lining-up device (3), which lines up the articles (12) along a line besides one another,
   characterised in that

   1.4 the receptacles of the transfer device (2) feature two diverging paddles (19, 20), which are mounted on a chain (15) guided around two pulleys (18), and

   1.5 the transfer device (2) is synchronised in such a manner that the front edge of the article to be stacked (12) first runs against the rear paddle (20) in the direction of motion and is thus slowed down.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lining-up device (3) features at least one accompanying transverse limit stop (23), against which each first article (12) of every stack (24) is pressed by the transfer device (2).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lining-up device (3) features a longitudinal limit stop (22), on which the face edges (21) of the articles (12) lie.
4. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lining up device (3) features at least one receiving space (30) for a stack (24), which is demarcated by two transverse limit stops (23).
5. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receving space (30) is movable along a closed path.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, with two receiving spaces (30) movable along the same path.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein both receiving spaces (30) can be moved separately from one another.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the receiving spaces (30) feature spacing from one another in the direction of motion.
9. The apparatus according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a receiving space (30) is moved continuously during the stacking process and is halted to remove the stack (24).
10. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (2) is moved continuously.
11. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lining up device features at least a conveyor plate chain (31, 32).
12. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal of the stacks from the lining-up device occurs in a transverse direction relative to the lining-up direction of the lining-up device.
13. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal of the stack (24) is possible in two opposite directions.
14. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a slider is provided for the removal of the stack (24), the slider being if necessary double-acting.
15. The apparatus according to one of the claims 4 to 14, wherein an empty receiving space (30) at the removal point can also be filled by circumventing the article-feeding device (1) and the transfer device (2), particularly manually.
16. The apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 15, wherein the removal of a stack (24) from a receiving space (30) is also possible in a direction facing away from the packaging machine.

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