EP1329388B1 - Method and apparatus for removing an overwrapping from cigarette packages - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for removing an overwrapping from cigarette packages Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1329388B1
EP1329388B1 EP02028162A EP02028162A EP1329388B1 EP 1329388 B1 EP1329388 B1 EP 1329388B1 EP 02028162 A EP02028162 A EP 02028162A EP 02028162 A EP02028162 A EP 02028162A EP 1329388 B1 EP1329388 B1 EP 1329388B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging
cigarette
outer packaging
cigarette packaging
laser beam
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02028162A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1329388A1 (en
Inventor
Hans-Werner Fuchs
Bernd Rabenstein
Friedrich G. Witzke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
British American Tobacco Germany GmbH
Original Assignee
British American Tobacco Germany GmbH
BAT Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1329388A1 publication Critical patent/EP1329388A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B69/00—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for
    • B65B69/0033—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for by cutting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packaging.
  • Cigarette packs are usually made of cardboard or paper and are additionally wrapped by a plastic film (for example, polypropylene), which protects the cigarettes from environmental influences (especially moisture fluctuations). Such packaged in several layers packaging can be found both in individual packs as well as in packages of, for example, 10 packs.
  • a plastic film for example, polypropylene
  • Finished cigarette packs must occasionally be unpacked in larger quantities if, for example, the plastic films or their bonding do not meet the quality requirements, if unsold and superimposed goods are to be withdrawn from the market or if the tobacco is to be recovered from shot cigarettes.
  • a device for opening a package by means of a laser beam is known from EP 0 864 501 A2.
  • US 5,476,354 describes the detachment of an outer packaging according to the preambles of claims 1 and 4.
  • This object is achieved by a method for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packaging according to claim 1.
  • the comminution of cigarette packaging together with the outer packaging is completely ruled out, which ensures that no residues of the outer packaging are contained in the possibly recyclable tobacco. Downstream separation processes for the outer packaging are therefore unnecessary. A laborious replacement of the outer packaging by hand by operating personnel is eliminated because of the provision of a separation device, so an automatic tool, which can also work faster and more reliable.
  • the outer packaging is a plastic film which surrounds a cigarette packet or a container of cigarette packets.
  • the outer packaging is a plastic film which surrounds a cigarette packet or a container of cigarette packets.
  • this can be done without the packaging board and in particular without the packaged product to damage.
  • the outer packaging is objectionable, the unwrapped, remaining cigarette packaging can be re-supplied at the appropriate place the packaging process and wrapped with a wrapper or film.
  • the cigarette packs are gripped by means of a vacuum conveyor to the outer packaging and promoted for detachment, after the detachment of the outer packaging this remains on the vacuum conveyor and the remaining cigarette packaging away from the vacuum conveyor and is removed.
  • the inventive device for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packaging is defined by the claim 4.
  • the separation device has a laser and this provides the above-described adjustment options for the laser beam.
  • the advantages of the device according to the invention essentially correspond to the advantages already discussed above for the method according to the invention.
  • this has a vacuum conveyor, which attacks the cigarette packaging on the outer packaging and promotes the separation station. It is possible to make the vacuum conveyor so that it has a perforated belt or an air-permeable belt with an underlying vacuum channel, wherein the respective band is movable and takes over the conveying task.
  • one possibility of separation is to provide a wiper which, after severing the overwrap, removes and removes the remaining cigarette package from the vacuum conveyor. It is particularly advantageous if the wiper acts on a bend of the vacuum conveyor, in particular of the suction belt at this.
  • a variation in this context is to design the vacuum conveyor so that it has a vacuum-free point behind the removal point for the remaining cigarette packs, at which the outer packaging to be released from the vacuum conveyor. You can then, for example fall down by itself from the suction belt and collected in a container, without additional work or mechanical effort for the removal of the empty outer packaging is created.
  • a vibrating device can be provided, to which the remaining cigarette packaging and the outer packaging are transferred after separation of the outer packaging, wherein the outer packaging is blown off pneumatically after shaking the remaining cigarette packet and the remaining cigarette packaging can be removed.
  • Umgriffs- or pocket conveyor which promotes the cigarette packaging in Umgriff or in pockets for separating station, as well as with a removal device, after the separation of the outer packaging, the remaining cigarette packaging from Umgriffs- or pocket conveyor transported away and away.
  • the advantage of such a Umgriffs- or pocket conveyor is that the packages are moved at precisely defined locations or on well-defined paths, so that the work of the separation device can be standardized.
  • a gripper in particular a pneumatic gripper, which grips the cigarette packaging and brings to the separation station, and a removal device, which removes the remaining cigarette packaging from the gripper after separating the outer packaging.
  • the gripping mechanism may consist of two parts with suction ports to pneumatically generate underpressure or overpressure and overall, when working according to the present invention with pneumatic means, of course, always at a suitable location a negative pressure for holding a body and also an overpressure to detach a body.
  • FIG. 1 shows the outer packaging conveying and detaching device according to an example of the present invention. It has a vacuum channel 4, on which a suction belt 3 runs, in the present example a perforated belt, which rotates in the direction of the arrow. On the perforated belt, a stack 2 of plastic wrap-wrapped cigarette packets 1 is shown on the far left.
  • the discarded and unpacked cigarette packages can be supplied by hand or by machine (for example by means of a conveyor belt with upstream sorting device) of the device.
  • the cigarette packs 1 can be positioned precisely aligned with the suction belt 3 by means of a gripper, so that they arrive in a defined position at the separating station, which is denoted by 13 in the drawing.
  • the suction belt can also run in a slightly lower position in the vacuum channel 4, so that the cigarette packs 1 are automatically aligned laterally.
  • the position and position of the cigarette packs 1 can be detected with optical control or control means or with appropriate mechanical means (photocells, optical scanner or proximity or touch switch), or it is easily ensured by a machine cycle that at a certain Timing a cigarette wrap safely arrives in the right place at the cutting station 13.
  • a laser 5 which uses a laser beam to separate the outer packaging of the cigarette pack via precisely defined separation lines, now operates at the separation station.
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 Such above-mentioned separation lines are shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
  • the cutting lines of the laser (course 10) run along the upper edges of the outer packaging 8 and along the front, lower edge, whereby a short piece of the packaging is not separated at the rear edge, so that they do not already segregate before being disposed of two parts disintegrate.
  • FIG. 3 shows a possibility in which front and side are lasered at three short edges (course 11) and also between these edges in the middle area of the sides
  • FIG. 4 shows a diagonal cut guide (course 12).
  • the courses 10, 11 and 12 are given here only as examples, it is within the scope of the invention only to ensure that the remaining cigarette packaging can be transported away from the latter with separated packaging without further notice.
  • the cigarette pack initially still remains on the suction belt and advances to its right end. At this end, the suction belt 3 bends down and runs back in circulation. At the reversal point, a scraper component 6 is provided, the upper surface of which lies substantially at the same height as the surface of the suction belt 3, and on which the remaining cigarette packet released from the outer packaging 8 comes to lie, d. H. she is pushed onto the scraper. Because there is still a negative pressure at the reversal point of the suction belt, the outer package 8, so the plastic film, adhere to the suction belt and makes with this reversal with up to a point shortly after the turning point.
  • the cigarette packs 7 freed from the outer packaging can then be fed to the further processing sequence after they have slid over the scraper.
  • the released from the outer packaging cigarette packaging is passed through the movement on the suction belt, while behind a further promotion via driven drivers or simply by the congestion of the following packaging.
  • the remaining packaging is little, preferably not damaged.
  • This can be done by the appropriate choice of the power of the laser, but also by a targeted defocusing of the beam, which controls the local energy density on the film.
  • the choice of the relative speed of the package under the laser beam allows control of the deposited power in the film.
  • the choice of the correct wavelength of the laser tailored to the absorption spectrum of the plastic film and the paper / cardboard of the remaining cigarette packaging.
  • the cigarette packs are preferably moved continuously, wherein the laser beam is tracked, but it is also possible to perform the process clocked, so to stop the suction belt or another conveyor at a certain point for a certain time, so that the Separator can do their job.
  • the wiper may be a fixed wiper or a movable wiper.
  • the suction belt and the conveyor belt this depends on the size and weight of the packages to be transported.
  • the suction belt can simultaneously be the actual conveyor belt, or be designed as a separate belt, which is moved by an additional conveyor belt (or chain or belt).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)

Abstract

Process for removing the outer packaging (8) from cigarette packets (7) comprises feeding the cigarette packets to a separating station (13), removing the outer packaging using a separating device (5), and after the separating station separating the outer packaging from the remaining cigarette packets. An Independent claim is also included for a device used for carrying out the above process. Preferred Features: The plastic film surrounding a cigarette packet or a group of cigarette packets is removed. The separating device is a laser device.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Ablösen einer Umverpackung von Zigarettenverpackungen.The present invention relates to a method and a device for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packaging.

Zigarettenverpackungen bestehen meist aus Karton oder Papier und sind zusätzlich durch eine Kunststofffolie (zum Beispiel Polypropylen) umhüllt, welche die Zigaretten vor Umwelteinflüssen (speziell Feuchtigkeitsschwankungen) schützt. Solche in mehreren Schichten aufgebauten Verpackungen sind sowohl bei einzelnen Packungen zu finden als auch bei Gebinden aus zum Beispiel 10 Packungen.Cigarette packs are usually made of cardboard or paper and are additionally wrapped by a plastic film (for example, polypropylene), which protects the cigarettes from environmental influences (especially moisture fluctuations). Such packaged in several layers packaging can be found both in individual packs as well as in packages of, for example, 10 packs.

Fertige Zigarettenpackungen müssen gelegentlich in größeren Mengen wieder ausgepackt werden, wenn zum Beispiel die Kunststofffolien bzw. deren Verklebung nicht den Qualitätsansprüchen genügen, wenn nicht verkaufte und überlagerte Ware aus dem Handel zurückgenommen werden soll oder wenn der Tabak aus Schusszigaretten zurückgewonnen werden soll.Finished cigarette packs must occasionally be unpacked in larger quantities if, for example, the plastic films or their bonding do not meet the quality requirements, if unsold and superimposed goods are to be withdrawn from the market or if the tobacco is to be recovered from shot cigarettes.

Bisher werden solche Packungen entweder sehr arbeitsaufwändig mit der Hand geöffnet und von der Kunststofffolie getrennt, oder die vollständigen Packungen werden zerkleinert und nur der Tabak von den restlichen Bestandteilen getrennt. Bei dieser Zerkleinerung ist jedoch auch mit nachgeschalteten Trennverfahren keine hundertprozentige Separation der Folienreste vom Tabak möglich.So far, such packages are either very laboriously opened by hand and separated from the plastic film, or the complete packages are crushed and only the tobacco separated from the remaining components. In this comminution, however, even with downstream separation process no hundred percent separation of the film residues from the tobacco is possible.

Eine Vorrichtung zur Offnung einer Verpackung mittels eines Laserstrahls ist aus der EP 0 864 501 A2 bekannt. Die US 5,476,354 beschreibt das Ablösen einer Umverpackung gemäß den Oberbegriffen der Ansprüche 1 und 4.A device for opening a package by means of a laser beam is known from EP 0 864 501 A2. US 5,476,354 describes the detachment of an outer packaging according to the preambles of claims 1 and 4.

Es ist die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Ablösen einer Umverpackung von Zigarettenverpackungen vorzuschlagen, die einfach handhabbarr sind und sicherstellen, dass nach dem Ablösen keine Umverpackungsreste mehr an der verbleibenden Zigarettenverpackung vorhanden sind.It is the object of the present invention to propose a method and a device for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packages, which are easy to handle and ensure that no more outer packaging remains on the remaining cigarette packaging after detachment.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch ein Verfahren zum Ablösen einer Umverpackung von Zigarettenverpackungen gemäß dem Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packaging according to claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Zerkleinerung von Zigarettenverpackungen zusammen mit der Umverpackung vollständig ausgeschlossen, was sicherstellt, dass in dem eventuell wiederzuverwertenden Tabak keine Reste der Umverpackung mehr enthalten sind. Nachgeschaltete Trennverfahren für die Umverpackung sind somit unnötig. Eine arbeitsaufwändige Ablösung der Umverpackung mit der Hand durch Betriebspersonal entfällt wegen der Bereitstellung einer Trennvorrichtung, also eines automatischen Hilfsmittels, das außerdem schneller und zuverlässiger arbeiten kann.According to the invention, the comminution of cigarette packaging together with the outer packaging is completely ruled out, which ensures that no residues of the outer packaging are contained in the possibly recyclable tobacco. Downstream separation processes for the outer packaging are therefore unnecessary. A laborious replacement of the outer packaging by hand by operating personnel is eliminated because of the provision of a separation device, so an automatic tool, which can also work faster and more reliable.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren ist die Umverpackung eine Kunststoffolie, die eine Zigarettenpackung oder ein Gebinde aus Zigarettenpackungen umgibt. Für die Weiterverarbeitung ist es von besonderer Bedeutung, die umhüllende Kunststofffolie vollständig von der verbleibenden Zigarettenpackung zu trennen, wie dies erfindungsgemäß mittels einer automatisch arbeitenden Trennvorrichtung möglich ist, und im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung kann dies geschehen, ohne den Verpackungskarton und insbesondere ohne das verpackte Produkt zu beschädigen. Wenn beispielsweise nur die Kunststofffolie, also die Umverpackung zu beanstanden ist, kann die ausgepackte, verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung an geeigneter Stelle dem Verpackungsprozess erneut zugeführt und mit einer Umverpackung bzw. Folie umhüllt werden. Bei überlagerter Ware ist es ferner beispielsweise möglich, die Folie getrennt von Zigaretten und restlicher Verpackung umweltfreundlich zu entsorgen.In the method according to the invention, the outer packaging is a plastic film which surrounds a cigarette packet or a container of cigarette packets. For further processing, it is of particular importance to separate the enveloping plastic film completely from the remaining cigarette pack, as is possible according to the invention by means of an automatic separating device, and in the context of the present invention, this can be done without the packaging board and in particular without the packaged product to damage. For example, if only the plastic film, so the outer packaging is objectionable, the unwrapped, remaining cigarette packaging can be re-supplied at the appropriate place the packaging process and wrapped with a wrapper or film. For superimposed goods, it is also possible, for example, to dispose of the film separated from cigarettes and remaining packaging environmentally friendly.

Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung verwendet die Trennvorrichtung einen Laserstrahl, um die Umverpackung aufzutrennen. Laser nach heutigem Stand der Technik lassen sich sehr gut und schnell ansteuern und auf Zielpunkte richten. Damit eignen sich Laserstrahlen besonders gut, wenn Umverpackungen punkt- oder linienartig aufgetrennt werden sollen, indem sie schnell und zuverlässig auf der Trennlinie ihre Auftrenntätigkeit ausüben. Dabei wird bevorzugt die lokale Energiedichte des Laserstrahls an der Trennstelle gesteuert, und zwar durch ein oder mehrere der folgenden Maßnahmen:

  • eine Einstellung der Laserleistung,
  • eine gezielte Defokusierung des Laserstrahls,
  • eine gezielte Auswahl der Wellenlänge des Laserstrahls, abgestimmt auf das Absorptionsspektrum der Umverpackung und/oder der darunter liegenden Zigarettenverpackung,
so dass die Energiedichte an der Umverpackung im Wesentlichen maximiert und an der darunter liegenden Zigarettenverpackung im Wesentlichen minimiert wird.According to the present invention, the separator uses a laser beam to separate the overwrap. Lasers according to the current state of the art can be controlled very well and quickly and aimed at target points. Thus, laser beams are particularly well suited, if overpacks are to be separated in a point or line manner, by their fast and reliable on the parting line their breaking activity exercise. In this case, the local energy density of the laser beam is preferably controlled at the separation point, by one or more of the following measures:
  • a setting of the laser power,
  • a targeted defocusing of the laser beam,
  • a targeted selection of the wavelength of the laser beam, matched to the absorption spectrum of the outer packaging and / or the underlying cigarette packaging,
such that the energy density at the overpack is substantially maximized and substantially minimized at the underlying cigarette pack.

Bei einer Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden die Zigarettenverpackungen mittels eines Unterdruckförderers an der Umverpackung gegriffen und so zum Ablösen gefördert, wobei nach dem Ablösen der Umverpackung diese am Unterdruckförderer verbleibt und die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung vom Unterdruckförderer weg und abtransportiert wird. Hierdurch lässt es sich besonders gut bewerkstelligen, dass die Umverpackung schon während und nach dem Ablösevorgang sicher gehalten wird, wobei die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung mit den Produkten darin ohne weiteres insgesamt weggebracht werden kann.In one embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the cigarette packs are gripped by means of a vacuum conveyor to the outer packaging and promoted for detachment, after the detachment of the outer packaging this remains on the vacuum conveyor and the remaining cigarette packaging away from the vacuum conveyor and is removed. This makes it particularly easy to accomplish that the outer packaging is kept safe already during and after the detachment process, the remaining cigarette packaging with the products in it can be easily removed altogether.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Ablösen einer Umverpackung von Zigarettenverpackungen wird durch den Anspruch 4 definiert.The inventive device for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packaging is defined by the claim 4.

Auch bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Trennvorrichtung einen Laser aufweist und dieser die oben schon beschriebenen Einstellmöglichkeiten für den Laserstrahl bereitstellt.Also in the device according to the invention, it is advantageous if the separation device has a laser and this provides the above-described adjustment options for the laser beam.

Die Vorteile der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung entsprechen im Wesentlichen den oben schon für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren besprochenen Vorteilen. Gemäß einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung weist diese einen Unterdruckförderer auf, der die Zigarettenverpackungen an der Umverpackung angreift und zur Auftrennstation fördert. Dabei ist es möglich, den Unterdruckförderer so zu gestalten, dass er ein Lochband oder ein luftdurchlässiges Band mit einem darunter liegenden Unterdruckkanal aufweist, wobei das jeweilige Band beweglich ist und die Förderaufgabe übernimmt.The advantages of the device according to the invention essentially correspond to the advantages already discussed above for the method according to the invention. According to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, this has a vacuum conveyor, which attacks the cigarette packaging on the outer packaging and promotes the separation station. It is possible to make the vacuum conveyor so that it has a perforated belt or an air-permeable belt with an underlying vacuum channel, wherein the respective band is movable and takes over the conveying task.

Es gibt im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung verschiedene Möglichkeiten, die Separierung von Umverpackung und verbleibender Zigarettenverpackung zu realisieren. Wenn ein Unterdruckförderer, wie er oben angesprochen wurde, verwendet wird, besteht eine Möglichkeit der Separierung darin, einen Abstreifer bereitzustellen, der nach dem Auftrennen der Umverpackung die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung vom Unterdruckförderer weg- und abtransportiert. Dabei ist es von besonderem Vorteil, wenn der Abstreifer an einer Abbiegung des Unterdruckförderers, insbesondere des Saugbandes an diesem angreift.In the context of the present invention, there are various possibilities for realizing the separation of outer packaging and remaining cigarette packaging. When a vacuum conveyor as discussed above is used, one possibility of separation is to provide a wiper which, after severing the overwrap, removes and removes the remaining cigarette package from the vacuum conveyor. It is particularly advantageous if the wiper acts on a bend of the vacuum conveyor, in particular of the suction belt at this.

Eine Variation besteht in diesem Rahmen darin, den Unterdruckförderer so auszugestalten, dass er hinter der Abtransportstelle für die verbleibenden Zigarettenverpackungen eine unterdruckfreie Stelle aufweist, an der die Umverpackungen sich von dem Unterdruckförderer lösen. Sie können dann beispielsweise von selbst von dem Saugband herabfallen und in einem Auffangbehälter aufgefangen werden, ohne dass zusätzlicher Arbeitsaufwand oder maschineller Aufwand für den Abtransport der leeren Umverpackungen entsteht.A variation in this context is to design the vacuum conveyor so that it has a vacuum-free point behind the removal point for the remaining cigarette packs, at which the outer packaging to be released from the vacuum conveyor. You can then, for example fall down by itself from the suction belt and collected in a container, without additional work or mechanical effort for the removal of the empty outer packaging is created.

Die letztendliche Separierung von Umverpackung und verbleibender Zigarettenverpackung kann noch in anderen, verschiedenartigen Ausführungsformen realisiert werden, von denen einige im Folgenden beschrieben werden.The final separation of outer packaging and remaining cigarette packaging can still be realized in other, various embodiments, some of which are described below.

Eine Rütteleinrichtung kann bereitgestellt werden, an die nach dem Auftrennen der Umverpackung die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung und die Umverpackung übergeben werden, wobei die Umverpackung nach dem Ausrütteln der verbleibenden Zigarettenpackung insbesondere pneumatisch abgeblasen wird und die verbleibenden Zigarettenverpackungen abtransportiert werden können.A vibrating device can be provided, to which the remaining cigarette packaging and the outer packaging are transferred after separation of the outer packaging, wherein the outer packaging is blown off pneumatically after shaking the remaining cigarette packet and the remaining cigarette packaging can be removed.

Es besteht die Möglichkeit, die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit einem Umgriffs- bzw. Taschenförderer auszurüsten, der die Zigarettenverpackungen im Umgriff bzw. in Taschen zur Auftrennstation fördert, sowie mit einer Entnahmeeinrichtung, die nach dem Auftrennen der Umverpackung die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung vom Umgriffs- bzw. Taschenförderer weg- und abtransportiert. Der Vorteil eines solchen Umgriffs- bzw. Taschenförderers besteht darin, dass die Verpackungen an genau definierten Stellen bzw. auf genau definierten Bahnen bewegt werden, so dass sich die Arbeit der Trennvorrichtung standardisieren lässt.It is possible to equip the device according to the invention with a Umgriffs- or pocket conveyor, which promotes the cigarette packaging in Umgriff or in pockets for separating station, as well as with a removal device, after the separation of the outer packaging, the remaining cigarette packaging from Umgriffs- or pocket conveyor transported away and away. The advantage of such a Umgriffs- or pocket conveyor is that the packages are moved at precisely defined locations or on well-defined paths, so that the work of the separation device can be standardized.

Grundsätzlich ist es auch möglicht, für die Förderung der noch umverpackten Zigarettenverpackungen einen Auflage- bzw. Ketten- oder Riemenförderer zu verwenden, der die Zigarettenpackungen zur Auftrennstation fördert sowie eine Separierungseinrichtung, die nach dem Auftrennen der Umverpackung die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung vom Auflageförderer weg- und abtransportiert.In principle, it is also possible to use for the promotion of still repackaged cigarette packaging a support or chain or belt conveyor, which promotes the cigarette packs to the separating station and a separating device, the remaining cigarette packaging away from the support conveyor after removal of the outer packaging and transported away ,

Ein weiteres Beispiel ist noch ein Greifer, insbesondere ein pneumatischer Greifer, der die Zigarettenverpackungen greift und zur Auftrennstation bringt, und eine Abnahmeeinrichtung, die nach dem Auftrennen der Umverpackung die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung vom Greifer weg- bzw. abtransportiert. Der Greifmechanismus kann aus zwei Teilen mit Saugöffnungen bestehen, um pneumatisch Unter- bzw. Überdruck erzeugen zu können und insgesamt kann, wenn gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung mit pneumatischen Mitteln gearbeitet wird, natürlich immer an geeigneter Stelle ein Unterdruck zum Festhalten eines Körpers und auch ein Überdruck zum Ablösen eines Körpers erzeugt werden.Another example is still a gripper, in particular a pneumatic gripper, which grips the cigarette packaging and brings to the separation station, and a removal device, which removes the remaining cigarette packaging from the gripper after separating the outer packaging. The gripping mechanism may consist of two parts with suction ports to pneumatically generate underpressure or overpressure and overall, when working according to the present invention with pneumatic means, of course, always at a suitable location a negative pressure for holding a body and also an overpressure to detach a body.

Die Erfindung wird im Weiteren anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

Figur 1
eine Förder- und Ablösevorrichtung für Umverpackungen an Zigarettenverpackungen; und
Figuren 2 bis 4
mögliche Trennlinien an Umverpackungen.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. In the drawings show:
FIG. 1
a conveying and detaching device for outer packaging of cigarette packaging; and
FIGS. 2 to 4
possible dividing lines on outer packaging.

In Figur 1 ist die Förder- und Ablösevorrichtung für Umverpackungen gemäß einem Beispiel für die vorliegende Erfindung gezeigt. Sie weist einen Unterdruckkanal 4 auf, auf dem ein Saugband 3 läuft, im vorliegenden Beispiel ein Lochband, welches in Pfeilrichtung umläuft. Auf dem Lochband ist ganz links ein Stapel 2 aus mit Kunststofffolie umverpackten Zigarettenpackungen 1 gezeigt. Grundsätzlich können die ausgesonderten und zu entpackenden Zigarettenverpackungen per Hand oder maschinell (zum Beispiel mittels eines Förderbandes mit vorgeschalteter Sortiereinrichtung) der Vorrichtung zugeführt werden. Es besteht beispielsweise auch die Möglichkeit, die Zigarettenpackungen 1 mittels eines Greifers genau ausgerichtet auf das Saugband 3 aufzusetzen, so dass sie in definierter Lage an der Auftrennstation ankommen, die in der Zeichnung mit 13 bezeichnet ist. Das Saugband kann auch in etwas tieferer Lage im Unterdruckkanal 4 laufen, so dass die Zigarettenpackungen 1 schon automatisch seitlich ausgerichtet werden. Die Position und die Lage der Zigarettenpackungen 1 kann mit optischen Kontroll- oder Steuermitteln bzw. mit entsprechenden mechanischen Mitteln (Lichtschranken, optische Abtaster oder Näherungs- bzw. Berührungsschalter) erfasst werden, oder es wird ganz einfach über einen Maschinentakt sichergestellt, dass zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt eine Zigarettenverpackung sicher an der richtigen Stelle an der Auftrennstation 13 ankommt.FIG. 1 shows the outer packaging conveying and detaching device according to an example of the present invention. It has a vacuum channel 4, on which a suction belt 3 runs, in the present example a perforated belt, which rotates in the direction of the arrow. On the perforated belt, a stack 2 of plastic wrap-wrapped cigarette packets 1 is shown on the far left. In principle, the discarded and unpacked cigarette packages can be supplied by hand or by machine (for example by means of a conveyor belt with upstream sorting device) of the device. For example, it is also possible for the cigarette packs 1 to be positioned precisely aligned with the suction belt 3 by means of a gripper, so that they arrive in a defined position at the separating station, which is denoted by 13 in the drawing. The suction belt can also run in a slightly lower position in the vacuum channel 4, so that the cigarette packs 1 are automatically aligned laterally. The position and position of the cigarette packs 1 can be detected with optical control or control means or with appropriate mechanical means (photocells, optical scanner or proximity or touch switch), or it is easily ensured by a machine cycle that at a certain Timing a cigarette wrap safely arrives in the right place at the cutting station 13.

An der Auftrennstation arbeitet nun ein Laser 5, der mittels eines Laserstrahls die Umverpackung der Zigarettenpackung über genau definierte Auftrennlinien auftrennt.A laser 5, which uses a laser beam to separate the outer packaging of the cigarette pack via precisely defined separation lines, now operates at the separation station.

Solche oben genannten Auftrennlinien sind beispielsweise in den Figuren 2, 3 und 4 gezeigt. In Figur 2 laufen die Schnittlinien des Lasers (Verlauf 10) an den oberen Kanten der Umverpackung 8 sowie an der vorderen, unteren Kante entlang, wobei an der hinteren Kante ein kurzes Stück der Verpackung nicht aufgetrennt wird, damit diese nicht schon vor dem Entsorgen in zwei Teile zerfällt.Such above-mentioned separation lines are shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In FIG. 2, the cutting lines of the laser (course 10) run along the upper edges of the outer packaging 8 and along the front, lower edge, whereby a short piece of the packaging is not separated at the rear edge, so that they do not already segregate before being disposed of two parts disintegrate.

Die Figur 3 zeigt eine Möglichkeit auf, bei der an drei kurzen Kanten vorne und seitlich aufgelasert wird (Verlauf 11) und ebenfalls zwischen diesen Kanten im Mittelbereich der Seiten, und die Figur 4 zeigt eine Diagonalschnittführung (Verlauf 12). Die Verläufe 10, 11 und 12 sind hier nur als Beispiele angegeben, es ist im Rahmen der Erfindung lediglich sicherzustellen, dass die verbleibende Zigarettenverpackung bei aufgetrennter Umverpackung ohne weiteres von letzterer abtransportiert werden kann.FIG. 3 shows a possibility in which front and side are lasered at three short edges (course 11) and also between these edges in the middle area of the sides, and FIG. 4 shows a diagonal cut guide (course 12). The courses 10, 11 and 12 are given here only as examples, it is within the scope of the invention only to ensure that the remaining cigarette packaging can be transported away from the latter with separated packaging without further notice.

Im Weiteren wird wieder auf die Figur 1 Bezug genommen. Nachdem der Laser 5 die Umverpackung an den geeigneten Trennlinien aufgetrennt hat, verbleibt die Zigarettenpackung zunächst noch auf dem Saugband und fährt bis zu dessen rechtem Ende vor. An diesem Ende biegt sich das Saugband 3 nach unten weg und läuft im Umlauf zurück. An der Umkehrstelle ist ein Abstreiferbauteil 6 vorgesehen, dessen obere Fläche im Wesentlichen in derselben Höhe liegt wie die Oberfläche des Saugbandes 3, und auf dem die verbleibende, aus der Umverpackung 8 gelöste Zigarettenpackung zu liegen kommt, d. h. sie wird auf den Abstreifer geschoben. Weil an der Umkehrstelle des Saugbandes noch immer ein Unterdruck anliegt, bleibt die Umverpackung 8, also die Kunststofffolie, an dem Saugband haften und macht mit diesem die Umkehr mit bis zu einer Stelle kurz nach dem Umkehrpunkt. An dieser Stelle wird die Saugwirkung, also der Unterdruck unter dem Saugband abgestellt, wodurch sich die nunmehr "kopfüber" am Saugband hängende Kunststofffolie 8 lösen und durch die Schwerkraftwirkung, durch einen kurzen Druckluftstoß oder einen Abstreifer in einen Auffangbehälter 9 herabfallen kann, in dem die abgelösten Folien 8 gesammelt und dann vorzugsweise umweltfreundlich entsorgt werden können.In the following, reference is again made to FIG. 1. After the laser 5 has separated the outer packaging at the appropriate parting lines, the cigarette pack initially still remains on the suction belt and advances to its right end. At this end, the suction belt 3 bends down and runs back in circulation. At the reversal point, a scraper component 6 is provided, the upper surface of which lies substantially at the same height as the surface of the suction belt 3, and on which the remaining cigarette packet released from the outer packaging 8 comes to lie, d. H. she is pushed onto the scraper. Because there is still a negative pressure at the reversal point of the suction belt, the outer package 8, so the plastic film, adhere to the suction belt and makes with this reversal with up to a point shortly after the turning point. At this point, the suction effect, so the vacuum is turned off under the suction belt, which now solve the "overhead" hanging on the suction belt plastic film 8 and can fall down by the force of gravity, by a short burst of compressed air or a scraper in a collecting container 9, in which the detached films 8 collected and then preferably disposed of environmentally friendly.

Die von der Umverpackung befreiten Zigarettenpackungen 7 können dann, nachdem sie über den Abstreifer geglitten sind, dem weiteren Verarbeitungsablauf zugeführt werden. Auf den Abstreifer 6 wird die von der Umverpackung befreite Zigarettenverpackung durch die Bewegung auf dem Saugband übergeben, während dahinter eine weitere Förderung über angetriebene Mitnehmer oder einfach durch den Stau der nachfolgenden Verpackungen erfolgt.The cigarette packs 7 freed from the outer packaging can then be fed to the further processing sequence after they have slid over the scraper. On the scraper 6, the released from the outer packaging cigarette packaging is passed through the movement on the suction belt, while behind a further promotion via driven drivers or simply by the congestion of the following packaging.

Es gibt mehrere Möglichkeiten um sicherzustellen, dass beim Aufschneiden der Folien 8 die restliche Verpackung nur wenig, bevorzugt nicht beschädigt wird. Dies kann durch die geeignete Wahl der Leistung des Lasers geschehen, aber auch durch eine gezielte Defokusierung des Strahls was die lokale Energiedichte auf der Folie steuert. Zusätzlich erlaubt die Wahl der Relativgeschwindigkeit der Verpackung unter dem Laserstrahl eine Steuerung der deponierten Leistung in der Folie. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist aber auch die Wahl der richtigen Wellenlänge des Lasers, abgestimmt auf das Absorptionsspektrum der Kunststofffolie sowie des Papiers/Kartons der restlichen Zigarettenverpackung. Durch Zusammenwirken dieser Parameter ist es möglich, eine optimierte Einstellung zu finden, welche die deponierte Energiedichte in der Kunststofffolie möglichst maximiert und im Papier/Karton minimiert.There are several ways to ensure that when cutting the films 8, the remaining packaging is little, preferably not damaged. This can be done by the appropriate choice of the power of the laser, but also by a targeted defocusing of the beam, which controls the local energy density on the film. In addition, the choice of the relative speed of the package under the laser beam allows control of the deposited power in the film. Of particular importance, however, is the choice of the correct wavelength of the laser, tailored to the absorption spectrum of the plastic film and the paper / cardboard of the remaining cigarette packaging. By combining these parameters, it is possible to find an optimized setting which maximizes the deposited energy density in the plastic film and minimizes it in the paper / cardboard.

Durch die Auftrennstation 13 werden die Zigarettenverpackungen vorzugsweise kontinuierlich bewegt, wobei der Laserstrahl nachgeführt wird, es ist aber auch möglich, den Ablauf getaktet durchzuführen, also das Saugband bzw. eine andere Fördervorrichtung an einer bestimmten Stelle für eine bestimmte Zeit anhalten zu lassen, damit die Trennvorrichtung ihre Arbeit tun kann. Der Abstreifer kann ein feststehender Abstreifer oder ein beweglicher Abstreifer sein. Was das Größenverhältnis von Vakuumkanal (Querschnitt und Länge), Saugband und Transportband betrifft, so richtet sich dieses nach Größe und Gewicht der zu transportierenden Verpackungen. Das Saugband kann gleichzeitig das eigentliche Transportband sein, oder aber als separates Band ausgestaltet werden, welches von einem zusätzlichen Transportband (bzw. Kette oder Riemen) bewegt wird.By the separating station 13, the cigarette packs are preferably moved continuously, wherein the laser beam is tracked, but it is also possible to perform the process clocked, so to stop the suction belt or another conveyor at a certain point for a certain time, so that the Separator can do their job. The wiper may be a fixed wiper or a movable wiper. As regards the size ratio of the vacuum channel (cross-section and length), the suction belt and the conveyor belt, this depends on the size and weight of the packages to be transported. The suction belt can simultaneously be the actual conveyor belt, or be designed as a separate belt, which is moved by an additional conveyor belt (or chain or belt).

Claims (14)

  1. A method for removing an outer packaging (8) from cigarette packaging, wherein the cigarette packaging is moved to an opening station (13), the outer packaging (8) is opened at the opening station (13) by means of a separating device (5), and the outer packaging and the remaining cigarette packaging are separated after the opening station (13), characterised in that:
    a) the plastic film (8) removed surrounds a cigarette packet (7) or carton of cigarette packets;
    b) the separating device (5) uses a laser beam to open the plastic film (8); and in that
    c) the local energy density of the laser beam at the location of separation is controlled such that the energy density is substantially maximised at the outer packaging (8) and substantially minimised at the cigarette packaging beneath it.
  2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the local energy density of the laser beam at the location of separation is controlled using one or more of the following measures:
    - setting the laser output;
    - systematically defocusing the laser beam;
    - systematically selecting the wavelength of the laser beam, adjusted to the absorption spectrum of the outer packaging and/or the cigarette packaging beneath it.
  3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cigarette packaging is conveyed for removal by means of a vacuum conveyor (3, 4) which acts on the outer packaging (8), wherein after the outer packaging (8) has been removed, it remains on the vacuum conveyor (3, 4) and the remaining cigarette packaging is transported off and away from the vacuum conveyor.
  4. A device for removing an outer packaging (8) from cigarette packaging, comprising: an opening station (13), to which the cigarette packaging is moved; a separating device (5) at the opening station (13), by means of which the outer packaging (8) is opened; and a separating means after the opening station (13), by means of which the outer packaging (8) and the remaining cigarette packaging are separated; characterised in that in order to remove the plastic film (8) surrounding a cigarette packet (7) or carton of cigarette packets, the separating device (5) comprises a laser, in order to open the outer packaging (8) by means of the laser beam; and in that the laser comprises a control for the local energy density at the location of separation, using which the energy density is substantially maximised at the outer packaging (8) and substantially minimised at the cigarette packaging beneath it.
  5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the laser comprises one or more of the following setting devices, in order to control the local energy density of the laser beam at the location of separation:
    - a setting device for the laser output;
    - a focusing and defocusing means for the laser beam;
    - a setting device for systematically selecting the wavelength of the laser beam, adjusted to the absorption spectrum of the outer packaging and/or the cigarette packaging beneath it.
  6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a vacuum conveyor (3, 4) which acts on the outer packaging (8) of the cigarette packaging and conveys it to the opening station.
  7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the vacuum conveyor comprises a punched or air-permeable belt (3) with a vacuum channel (4) beneath it.
  8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a scraper (6) which, once the outer packaging (8) has been opened, transports the remaining cigarette packaging off and away from the vacuum conveyor (3, 4).
  9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the scraper acts on the vacuum conveyor at a curve of the vacuum conveyor, in particular a curve of the suction belt.
  10. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the vacuum conveyor comprises a vacuum-free location which is downstream of the location for transporting off the remaining cigarette packaging and at which the outer packaging (8) is released from the vacuum conveyor.
  11. The device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a shaking means, to which the remaining cigarette packaging and the outer packaging (8) are transferred once the outer packaging (8) has been opened, wherein the outer packaging is blown off and the remaining cigarette packaging is transported off.
  12. The device according to claim 4 or 5, comprising: a circumferential grip or pocket conveyor which conveys the cigarette packaging to the opening station in circumferential grips or pockets; and an extraction means which, once the outer packaging (8) has been opened, transports the remaining cigarette packaging off and away from the circumferential grip or pocket conveyor.
  13. The device according to claim 4 or 5, comprising: a bearing conveyer or chain or belt conveyer which conveys the cigarette packaging to the opening station; and a separating means which, once the outer packaging (8) has been opened, transports the remaining cigarette packaging off and away from the bearing conveyer.
  14. The device according to claim 4 or 5, comprising: a claw, in particular a pneumatic claw, which grabs the cigarette packaging and takes it to the opening station; and an extraction means which, once the outer packaging (8) has been opened, transports the remaining cigarette packaging off and away from the claw.
EP02028162A 2002-01-22 2002-12-19 Method and apparatus for removing an overwrapping from cigarette packages Expired - Lifetime EP1329388B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10202271 2002-01-22
DE10202271A DE10202271B4 (en) 2002-01-22 2002-01-22 Method and device for detaching an outer packaging of cigarette packets

Publications (2)

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EP1329388A1 EP1329388A1 (en) 2003-07-23
EP1329388B1 true EP1329388B1 (en) 2006-06-07

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AT (1) ATE328799T1 (en)
DE (2) DE10202271B4 (en)

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US11981507B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2024-05-14 Robotica, Inc. Tote handling system with tote handler and method of using same
US11981023B2 (en) 2020-01-17 2024-05-14 Robotica, Inc. Tote handling system with integrated hand and method of using same

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US11981507B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2024-05-14 Robotica, Inc. Tote handling system with tote handler and method of using same
WO2022194567A1 (en) * 2021-03-16 2022-09-22 Panpac Engineering A/S Method of opening an outer bag of a pre-filled double-bag and an opening device therefore

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ATE328799T1 (en) 2006-06-15
DE50207094D1 (en) 2006-07-20
DE10202271B4 (en) 2005-10-27
DE10202271A1 (en) 2003-07-31
EP1329388A1 (en) 2003-07-23

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