EP1312551B1 - Machine for applying a transport handle to an article - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for loading a product with a Handle, comprising at least means for feeding the goods, means for Feeding a film strip material serving as a handle, and one or several rotation elements. The filmstrip material is so over the Rotation elements guided that the goods by rotation of the rotation elements opposite sides each with one end of the filmstrip material is provided, whereby the handle is formed on the packaging.

The goods to be fitted with such devices are particularly in Beverage bottles or cans packed in plastic or cardboard and others mostly goods sorted in groups. Around these grouped goods for the The packaging is easy to transport, with a handle Mistake. For this purpose, the goods are individually or grouped, e.g. in groups of six, Assembled and provided with an outer packaging with a Handle provided from a film strip material, which is usually made of Is plastic. In the goods to be provided with such a handle it is mass-produced, so there is a need for automatic Arrangement of the handles on the goods as simple, trouble-free and with a high throughput rate.

In the prior art generic devices for automatic Known loading of goods with a handle. This is a common way self-adhesive film strip material so guided over a rotating plate that a guided on a conveyor below the rotating plate Prefabricated goods package on opposite sides with each one end of the filmstrip material is provided. This is done in detail Equipped so that the plate is initially in a vertical position, with the adhesive side of the filmstrip toward the one-handle direction provided goods. The goods carried on the conveyor collide the sticky end of the filmstrip, which attaches it to the packaging of the Goods are fixed. The plate then turns into a horizontal one Position. Depending on the width of the packaging, the goods will continue on the conveyor belt led to a film strip long enough to form the handle deducted. Then the plate rotates again by 90 °, again by one vertical position. When swinging into the vertical position it will other end of the filmstrip on the side opposite the first end the goods fixed. Release agents such as cutting cause the Film strips either before fixing the second end of the handle or after it is fixed to the packaging.

Such devices known in the prior art are described, for example, in EP 0560 699 and described in US 6,234,230. The one in these Devices described work according to the same, above described principle and differ essentially in the arrangement the release agent that the filmstrip to form the final handle cut off. What they have in common, however, is that a plate is used as the rotational element is used. However, the use of a plate has disadvantages. In order to ensure that the handle to be formed has the correct length, the Goods are positioned exactly on the conveyor and the feed of the Goods on the conveyor and the corresponding movement of the plate from the horizontal to the vertical position must be very close to each other be coordinated. Otherwise the handle is too short. It is also in the state of the Technology known to arrange on the plate holding elements that the film strip usually fix in one position in the middle of the plate and thus by the movement enough film strips are removed from the plate to form the handle. The synchronism in rotation required by the use of a plate the plate and the feed of the goods is difficult to adhere to and can lead to errors to lead. This means, for example, that the handle is not long enough and therefore does not have a sufficiently large opening to make it comfortable with a To be able to reach out. To prevent this, the state of the art Technology known devices mostly sensors or means to the Determine the position of the film strip material and thus its length. Through the Furthermore, the precise coordination required cannot be the required high throughput rates can be achieved. Furthermore, such must be on top of each other coordinated settings are checked regularly, which is relatively time and is therefore expensive.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of improving a generic device in such a way that the throughput rate is increased and the attachment of the handle is less prone to failure.

The object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned, according to the invention comprises at least one rotary member having at least three arms.

The invention comes about in that no plate-shaped element is used , the disadvantages known in the prior art in an advantageous manner. So will the throughput speed by arranging at least three arms significantly increased because of the majority of arms in a given time more goods can be provided with a handle. Of course it is within the scope of the invention to use more than three arms. The poor are arranged around a rotating body.

The particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that the use of a multi-armed rotation element the difficulty of finding the right one Length of the handle to form an easily graspable handle in an elegant way and way will come. In the prior art there is as described above the problem that when using a plate, the naturally flat sides has, the film strip material not simply by rotating the plate on the opposite side can be fixed. Rather, it is necessary that Filmstrip material mostly to fix in the vicinity of the axis of rotation sufficiently long piece of film strip material, for example one To be able to pull off the dispenser roll, so that an under-graspable packaging Recessed grip is formed. In most cases, the advance of the goods on the Funding must be set precisely to ensure this.

By using a multi-armed rotary element according to the invention circumvented this problem. Between the at least three arms of the rotation element according to the invention is in each case a certain angle specified. A kind is created between the arms of the rotating element Bend, along the contours of the film strip material along the invention can be performed. This automatically creates a film strip section a predetermined length for the handle to be formed, depending on the choice of Length of the arms of the rotating element varies. This the later handle forming section is therefore independent of the position or the feed of the packaging. This eliminates that in the prior art known and disadvantageous need that the plate-shaped paddle the band withdraws and leads in cooperation with the packaging. In the by the Angular spacing and the length of the arms predetermined bend can be completely Pre-assembled handle length to be used regardless of the packaging and after the pre-assembly then the packaging are fed. The adverse dependency between the formation of the Handle and packaging is eliminated. Through the possible according to the invention Guiding the film strip material along the bend directly becomes the handle length as well as the rounded shape of the handle, so that in any case Grip recess that is easy to grasp. The device according to the invention brings about through the use of a rotating element which has at least three arms shows that the throughput rate increases when the susceptibility to faults is reduced leaves.

A self-adhesive is preferably used to form the handle Filmstrip material used. This is particularly preferred Pre-assembled film strip material with one on one side of the Film strip material outside surrounded by two self-adhesive sections neutral, i.e. tack-free section. This is advantageous pre-assembled film strip material in the form of rolls with Filmstrip material lengths from 5,000m to 15,000m can be used. This requires in advantageously that the film strip material is refilled less frequently must be, which is advantageous to the maintenance-free runtime of the device effect. Furthermore, non-self-adhesive film strip materials can also be used in Can be used in combination with the invention. Such can Filmstrip materials, for example by separate gluing, tacking or the like. on the goods are attached. For this purpose, the device, preferably the arms, then advantageously have the necessary means to attach the tape to fix the rotating element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the angular distance between the arms arranged on the rotating body of the rotary element are the same. This has the Advantage if the length of the arms is chosen the same that in the bend handle pieces of equal size are always formed between two arms. This requires that the handles are uniform and without deviations in the length of the Handle can be manufactured. Elaborate controls are eliminated, the handle length is predetermined and always essentially the same.

According to an advantageous development, the device according to the invention Means for adapting the film strip material to the angular geometry between the arms of the rotating element. This adjustment can, for example thereby admit that the film strip material by a vacuum to the Bend formed between the arms is adjusted. Can also adapt to the contour electrostatically.

According to a preferred embodiment, the Filmstrip material in the bend formed between the arms by means of a Against element. This adapts the course of the film strip material to the Angle geometry between the arms of the rotary element. The Counter element preferably does this by applying a certain pressure the filmstrip material is exercised so that sufficient filmstrip material peeled from a filmstrip material dispenser, such as a roll is so that the film strip material is guided along the contour of the bend and don't stretch between the arms.

According to an advantageous development, the counter element is another Rotating element that has the same number of arms as that Rotating element carrying film strip material. The arms of the second Rotating element press the filmstrip material in between the arms of the first rotational element.

Advantageously, the one acting as the counter element rotates Rotation element and the rotation element guiding the film strip material synchronous and in opposite directions. This causes the respective, as Counter element acting arm of the second rotary element automatically into the Center between two arms of the film strip material Rotation element arrives and the film strip material in the bend suppressed. The drive of the film strip material is preferably driven Rotating element with the second, acting as a counter element Rotation element coupled. This makes the movements of the opposite rotating rotating elements automatically matched and Disruptions are advantageously avoided.

The device according to the invention advantageously has at least one Release agent for cutting the film strip material. The release agents can in a manner known per se, for example from the respective arm of the Rotational element can be arranged extendable. It is particularly advantageous however, a fixed cutting edge on the device as a release agent to arrange which the film strip material guided on the rotary element separates. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the release agent becomes solid arranged on the device. That leading the filmstrip material Rotating element and the release agent are positioned so that the film strip material passed over the rotation strip is cut if the rotating rotation element is guided past the fixed release agent. The filmstrip material is caused by the momentum of the rotational movement on the Cutting edge of the release agent separated.

It is particularly advantageous in connection with a permanently positioned release agent if the rotating element leading the filmstrip at the ends of its arms has a guide element arranged at a distance from the arms, via which the filmstrip is going. The guide element can, for example be a roller, which is preferably only at one end to the side of the end of the respective arm of the rotary element is connected. This will make a Slot between the guide element and the end of the arm of the Rotation element created by which the cutting edge of the release agent the rotation can be performed. This allows the filmstrip material cut easily.

According to an advantageous development, the arms of the rotary element are in variable in length. For example, they can be extended telescopically become. This is in combination with the rotary element according to the invention easily possible and has the advantage that the length of between the arms pre-assembled handle is changeable and thus to others Dimensions of goods can be adjusted.

The rotary element consists essentially of a rotating body and the this arranged arms. According to a further advantageous embodiment the arms are arranged separably on the rotating body. This allows in advantageously replaced individual arms, for example, if damaged without the need for the entire rotating element exchange. This is another significant advantage over that in the stand the plate known in the art, which is replaced in the event of damage must become. This also requires the possibility of arms of different lengths to be arranged, for example if there are no extendable arms shall be. The device according to the invention is advantageous due to this Training extremely customizable. Furthermore, in connection with this Feature also arms that are used to attach from not self-adhesive film strip material are suitable and accordingly necessary special features for attaching the non-adhesive Have filmstrip materials on the goods. Overall, the flexibility of the Device significantly increased.

According to an advantageous development, the arms are on a rotating body arranged, which is expandable in its scope. This makes it possible in advantageously that the distance or the angular distance between the arms can be changed and thus further adjustments to different Packaging or packaging sizes can take place. This also exists the possibility of arranging several arms on the rotating body. These will preferably inserted into slots provided for this purpose in the rotating body and fixed.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the Rotation element controlled by torque. The rotating element rotates as soon as a product is transported against an arm, at an angle that connects to the Number of arms arranged is adjusted. In the case of a three-armed Rotating element by 120 °. The rotation element is advantageous driven by a torque-sensing servo motor, which itself can be controlled easily and precisely. Due to the torque-dependent rotation ensures that the arms do not hit the goods and these to damage. The torque for controlling the rotation is advantageous adjustable, which is particularly suitable for adapting to light or heavy goods Advantage is. In addition, the torque controlled rotation of the Also feed the filmstrip material so that it rotates of the rotary element is entrained in the feed, i.e. that the drive the supply of the film strip material essentially by the rotating Rotational element is given. This advantageously eliminates expensive Adjustment work to synchronize these processes.

According to an advantageous development, the rotary element can have means for at least briefly fixing the film strip material to the arms of the Have rotation element. This advantageously prevents Slipping of the film strip material from the arms or out of the contour of the Bends formed between the arms of the rotary element.

Fig. 1a bis 1e

schematisch die prinzipielle Arbeitsweise einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum automatischen Bestücken von Ware mit einem Tragegriff.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures. Show:

1a to 1e

schematically the principle of operation of a device according to the invention for automatically loading goods with a handle.

Figures 1a to 1e explain in a schematic view the operation of device according to the invention. Since these representations only explain the basic principle, all components of the Show device, since these are known in the prior art.

Figure 1a shows how the prefabricated goods 1a to 1c do not have a shown conveyor moves like a conveyor belt in the conveying direction F. becomes. The rotary element 3 has three arms 4a to 4c, via which the Filmstrip material 5 is performed. The arms 4 are at the same angle w to one another arranged on the rotating body 11. This causes a bend 15 between each Poor 4 formed. The filmstrip material 5 is one not shown Roll unwound and via means for feeding the film strip material 6 Rotation element 3 supplied. The film strip material 5 is due to the Rotational movement of the rotating element 3 unwound from the roll. At the A separating means 7 is also arranged in the device. The release agent 7 consists of a cutting edge 8, which is arranged in a stabilizing cylinder 9. On second rotation element 10 is above that leading the film strip material 5 Rotating element 3 arranged.

In the situation shown in FIG. 1a, the goods 1a were already with a Handle 2 provided. Now it is a matter of providing the goods 1b with a handle. The arm 4a of the rotating member 3 is in a vertical position. The For the sake of clarity, this arm 4a standing vertically in FIG. 1a is in all Figures marked dark to its position while loading goods 1b easier to track with a handle. On the vertical arm 4a there is a loose end 12 of the later handle 2 forming Filmstripmaterial 5. The area forming the end 12 is self-adhesive. The self-adhesive side points towards the goods 1b. This is not about that shown conveyed in the direction of conveyance F and abuts against vertical arm 4a and thus against the self-adhesive end 12 of the Filmstrip material 5. The end 12 is fixed on one side to the goods 1b.

In Figure 1b is now shown how the rotary movement of the individual Rotation elements are carried out. As can be seen, that is what it is all about Filmstrip material 5 leading rotation element 3 and that as a counter element acting rotary element 10 in opposite directions. The Rotating element 3 rotates counterclockwise, as a counter element acting rotary element 10 rotates clockwise. This Direction of rotation are shown by arrows 13 and 14. By the rotation of the rotating element 3 counterclockwise that will be the handle forming filmstrip material 5, which along the between the arms 4a and 4b formed bend 15 is guided over the goods 1b. As can be seen was the filmstrip material 5 by the rotational movement of the Rotating element 3 past the separating means 7, the cutting edge 8 Has cut film strip material 5, so that in turn two self-adhesive Ends 16 and 17 arise. The separation takes place when one of the arms is vertical stands.

FIG. 1c shows in particular the positioning of the filmstrip material 5 leading rotation element 3 to the one forming the counter element Rotational element 10 recognizable. The rotation elements 3 and 10 are the same dimensioned and arranged so that the arm of one Rotating element in vertical position exactly in the middle of between two arms 4 shows formed bend 15 of the other rotary element. Because the Arms 4 of the rotating elements 3 and 10 are each of the same length, which extends vertically standing arm of the one rotating element (in the present arm 4c of the Rotational element 3) up to the incline of the bend 15 of the other Rotation element (in the present case rotation element 10). However, there is a touch not mandatory. The arm 4d of the rotary element forming the counter element 10 runs in the position shown in Figure 1c substantially parallel to the Filmstrip material 5, which is withdrawn from the roll, not shown. This positioning has the effect, as can be seen in FIG. 1d, that the further rotation of the two rotation elements 3 and 10 of the arm 4d of the rotating element 10 presses on the film strip material 5 and thus helps to pull this out of the feeding means 6. In this representation the Function of the rotating element 10 acting as a counter element can be seen. This causes the filmstrip material 5 through the through its arm 4d exerted pressure in the contour of the bend 15, which is between the arms 4a and 4c is formed, is pressed. As can also be seen in FIG. 1d, the Rotational movement of the rotating element 3, the portion forming the handle of the film strip material 5, which in the between the arms 1a and 1b trained bend 15 lies over the goods 1b to the first end 12 opposite side of the goods 1c performed.

Figure 1e shows the completion of an operation of the device. In the position shown, the arm 4b is now in a vertical position. The self-adhesive end 16 is fixed in this position to the goods 1b, whereby a finished handle 2 is formed on the goods 1b. The goods are now transported on the conveyor until the goods 1c to the vertical positioned arm 4b of the rotary element 3 butts, whereby the end 17 of the Filmstrip material 5 is fixed on the right side of the goods 1c. Then can start a new cycle. As can also be seen in FIG. 1e, there is now also the arm 4d of the rotating element 10 in a vertical position and is thus in the middle of the between the arms 4a and 4c trained bend 15. This will the film strip material 5 of the contour of Bend 15 adjusted because so much by the pressure exerted by the arm 4d Filmstrip material 5 is unwound as necessary to run along the contour the bend 15 to be performed. This causes the length of the later formed handle 2 is already specified at this point, ie in is essentially pre-assembled. The positioning of the filmstrip 5 in the Bend 15 can be supported, for example by vacuum, electrostatic Attraction or clamping means to prevent the filmstrip material slips out of the bend again. Determining the length of the handle is therefore advantageously completely independent of contact with the goods, so that there are no coordination difficulties or errors. This will ensures that the recessed grip 18 is always sufficiently large to be from a To be caught.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1a to 1c

Would

2

handle

3

the filmstrip rotating element

4a to 4d

poor

5

Film strip material

6

Means for feeding the filmstrip material

7

release agent

8th

cutting edge

9

cylinder

10

rotating element acting as counter element

11

rotating body

12, 16, 17

self-adhesive ends of the film strip material

13

Counterclockwise rotation

14

Clockwise rotation

15

crook

w

Angle between arms 4

18

grip

Claims (13)

1. Apparatus for automatically applying a carrying handle (2) to an article (1a, 1b, 1c) including

   means for supplying the article,

   means for supplying a film strip material (5) acting as the carrying handle,

   a first rotation element (3)

   whereby the film strip material (5) is so guided over the first rotation element (3) that the article is provided, by rotation of the rotation element (3), with a respective end of the film strip material on opposing sides, characterised in that the first rotation element (3) has at least three arms.
2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the angular spacing of the arms of the first rotation element (3) is the same.
3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it includes means for matching the film strip material (2) to the angular geometry between the arms of the first rotation element (3).
4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that it includes a counter-element (10) which matches the film strip material to the angular geometry between the arms of the first rotation element (3).
5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, characterised in that it includes a second rotation element (10), which constitutes the counter-element and has the same number of arms as the rotation element guiding the film strip material.
6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, characterised in that the second rotation element (10), which acts as the counter-element, and the first rotation element (3), which guides the film strip material, rotate in synchronism and in opposite directions.
7. Apparatus as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it includes at least one severing means (7) for cutting the film strip material.
8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the at least one severing means is fixedly arranged, whereby the first rotation element (3), which guides the film strip, and the severing means (7) are so arranged with respect to one another that the film strip guided over the first rotation element (3) is cut when the rotating first rotation element (3) is moved past the fixed severing means (7).
9. Apparatus as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the first rotation element (3), which guides the film strip, includes a guide element, which is arranged on the ends of its arms (4a, 4b, 4c) spaced from the arms and over which the film strip is guided.
10. Apparatus as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the length of the arms of the first rotation element (3) is variable.
11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, characterised in that the arms (4a, 4b, 4c) are telescopically extendable.
12. Apparatus as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the arms are arranged on a rotary body (11), whose periphery may be enlarged.
13. Apparatus as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the arms may be separably arranged on the rotary body (11).

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