EP1394049A1 - Singulation apparatus of a cartoning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The device removes blanks from a magazine, and moves them from extraction into a horizontal transfer position. It has a motor-driven pivot arm (5) on a carriage (2) moving in a straight line. During extraction and transfer of a blank, a pivot movement of the arm is superimposed by a straight movement of the carriage. The pivot arm is rigid, especially angled, and has suction holders (6) for individual blank extraction. Each has a holder bar (60) fastened to the pivot arm and suction bars (62) with individual vacuum suction parts (64).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a separating device Cartoning machine, in particular a carton erector, according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

In the prior art, cartoning machines are made of Cardboard blanks Form boxes in a wide variety Embodiments known. So-called Carton erector used in which the carton blanks from a horizontal starting position in the desired shape can be bent. These machines include essentially a magazine in which the cardboard blanks are stacked, a separating device for removing individual cardboard blanks and an erecting unit with ram for shaping the cut into the desired box. Before and after the erection work Usually conveyors are available to cut the carton into the erection unit or the finished box to promote from this.

The cardboard blanks are either approximately horizontal or approximately vertically in the magazine stack. In the latter In each case, they must use the separating device be pivoted through 90 ° into a horizontal position, before they can be handed over to the erector. As for the transfer of the cardboard blanks from the magazine the time required to perform the erection work of the entire machine, it should Implementation should be as simple as possible nevertheless enable a position as accurate as possible.

For example, EP-A-1'184'161 discloses an erecting machine of boxes from cardboard blanks, their separating device has a rotatable, two-part arm. The axis of rotation of the arm is below that Conveyor track so that it does not interfere with other machine components collided. The two parts of the arm are articulated together and by means of a controlled Drive can be pivoted against each other. The free one Arm part is provided with vacuum suction cups and is only used for Remove the cardboard blank from the stack, so that it can be separated. The second arm section is only used to fold the blank in a horizontal position. In this position the vacuum cups release the cardboard blank so that this is placed on a conveyor track leading to the erection unit can be. The endless circular operation of the separating device reduces the time required for the implementation of the cardboard blanks. The device has however, the disadvantage of that for the singulation and reallocation still required relatively large space is. In addition, the separating device is in its design inflexible, so for the integration of the Device in the entire machine necessary adjustments be carried out on the subsequent conveyor track have to.

EP-A-0'825'111 discloses a machine for erecting Boxes in which the separating device also has a multi-part arm. A lower one Arm part moves up and down along a curved path. In addition, it has a length-adjustable strut with a upper, swiveling arm connected, which with vacuum suction cups is provided to cut a cardboard blank from the stack of magazines can be removed and placed in a horizontal position to pan.

EP-A-0'761'535 also describes a packaging machine for Erecting, filling and closing of cartons disclosed. This will either cut cardboard or already glued but flat folded cardboard blanks from one Removal device transported to a filling station. In first embodiments, the removal device a two-armed removal frame provided with a suction cup on which is attached to a support arm. The Support arm can be swiveled by approximately 90 ° in a horizontal position Slidable in the direction of which slides conveying the already transferred blank to the filling station serves. First the swivel arm is swiveled and only then does the shift take place of the sled. In the other embodiments Tapping frame not pivoted for implementation, but instead moved up and down. These removal devices need relatively much space. Since they also the blanks up Transport to the filling station is the performance the packaging machine is severely limited.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a separating device a cartoning machine, especially one Carton erector, which is designed to save space is a flexible integration into the cartoning machine allowed and efficient implementation of cardboard blanks allows.

This object is achieved by a device with the features of Claim 1.

The separating device according to the invention is used for individual removal of cardboard blanks from a magazine and to implement the removed cardboard blank from a removal position to a transfer position. The The device has a motor-driven swivel arm and means arranged thereon for individual removal of the cardboard blank and is characterized by that the swivel arm can be moved on a straight line Sledge is arranged, during the removal and implementation of the cardboard blank a pivoting movement of the swivel arm from a linear movement of the Sled is overlaid.

The device according to the invention thus combines at the same time a pivoting movement with a translatory Move. The removal and implementation of an individual Carton blanking is a flowing movement, at which the swivel arm rotated by the desired angle is being pushed back and forth at the same time. Thereby its position in relation to the remaining stack can be so set the edge closest to the stack of the removed cardboard blank always as close as possible lies on the stack surface. In addition, the transfer movement, that is, the swivel movement, shortly after the removal can be started. Implementation of the cardboard blank from its vertical to a horizontal position can thus be realized within a minimized space, since he is on an optimized space curve can move. The separation system can be training space-saving and compact. In addition, the minimized the time required for removal and implementation.

The route of the sledge can be formed as long as you like, so that the sled still after the rotation of the arm additionally perform a purely translatory movement can to cut the removed carton to the desired Bring transfer point. The separating device can be easily done in cartoning machines integrate.

The superimposition of a swivel movement with a translatory Movement also has the advantage of being is easy to implement in terms of control technology.

In a preferred embodiment, the swivel arm rigid, in particular angular, trained. This simplifies it the control and also reduces the manufacturing costs.

So that the separating device with respect to changing the Forms of cardboard blanks are flexible, the most Means arranged swivel arm preferably displaceable and arranged to be fixable in their respective position.

The means are preferably arranged such that the cardboard blanks at least four, preferably exactly four Places is taken. This enables better denesting and good guidance when moving the blank. The denesting is also or additionally improved, by the means are sprung.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent ones Claims.

Brief description of the drawing

Figur 1a

eine perspektivische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 1b

eine Ansicht der Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1a von vorne;

Figur 2a

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1a von der Seite in einer ersten Position;

Figur 2b

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1a in einer zweiten Position;

Figur 2c

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1a in einer dritten Position;

Figur 2d

eine Überlagerung verschiedener Positionen;

Figur 3a

eine perspektivische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Figur 3b

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 3a von oben;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Vereinzelungsvorrichtung gemäss einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Figur 5a

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 4 in einer ersten Position;

Figur 5b

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 4 in einer zweiten Position;

Figur 5c

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 4 in einer dritten Position;

Figur 5d

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 4 in einer vierten Position;

Figur 5e

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 4 in einer fünften Position;

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Vakuumsaugers in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform.

The subject matter of the invention is explained below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing. Show it:

Figure 1a

a perspective view of the separating device according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

Figure 1b

a view of the device according to Figure 1a from the front;

Figure 2a

1a from the side in a first position;

Figure 2b

the device according to Figure 1a in a second position;

Figure 2c

the device according to Figure 1a in a third position;

Figure 2d

an overlay of different positions;

Figure 3a

a perspective view of the separating device according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

Figure 3b

the device according to Figure 3a from above;

Figure 4

a perspective view of the separating device according to the invention according to a third embodiment;

Figure 5a

the device according to Figure 4 in a first position;

Figure 5b

the device according to Figure 4 in a second position;

Figure 5c

the device according to Figure 4 in a third position;

Figure 5d

the device according to Figure 4 in a fourth position;

Figure 5e

the device according to Figure 4 in a fifth position;

Figure 6

a perspective view of a vacuum suction device in a preferred embodiment.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

The separating device described below is part of a cartoning machine, especially one Carton erector and / or a carton capper. Cartoning machines of this type are state of the art known and are therefore not in the following in detail described. They point essentially as mentioned at the beginning a magazine with a stack of flat cardboard blanks, a separating device, an erection unit and at least one sponsor. The separating device is generally on a rack arranged the machine. However, it is also possible to provide them with their own frame. These frames are neither shown nor described in the following.

A first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b of the separating device according to the invention. It has a slide frame 1, which on above mentioned frame is attachable. The sled frame 1 has at least one management staff 10. Here there are two guide rods 10. On these guide rods 10, a carriage 2 is mounted so that it can be displaced in a straight line. The carriage 2 is driven by means of a translatory drive unit 3 driven. This drive unit 3 has a first motor 30, the drive axis with a first drive roller 31, preferably a gear wheel, connected is. The first motor 30 is preferably a servo motor with an angular drive. A first endless belt 33, preferably a first toothed belt, connects the first drive roller 31 with a first deflection roller 32, which is also preferably a gear. The Carriage 2 is firmly connected to the first endless belt 33. Other known types of translatory drives for the sledge are also possible.

The drive axis of the first motor 30 runs in this Example perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the slide 2. That is, the carriage 2 moves in at least approximately horizontal direction back and forth and the drive axis runs vertically. The basic position of the carriage 2 is detected by means of a sensor 7.

On the carriage 2 is a motor-driven Swivel arm 5 arranged. The drive of the swivel arm 5 takes place by means of a rotary drive unit 4, which is also attached to the carriage 2. This unity 4 has a second motor 40, preferably also a servo motor with an angular drive. Im shown here Example runs the drive axis of the second Motors 40 in the vertical direction and the swivel arm 5 is connected to a horizontally extending deflection axis. Both motors 30, 40 are with a control S connected to the cartoning machine. The cartoning machine operated in cycles, so are the drives the pivot axis 5 and the slide 2 operated in cycles, preferably in time with the rest of the machine or of the straightener.

The swivel arm 5 is preferably rigid and shaped into an angle. The arm 5 has two unequal long legs, with the first, shorter Leg 50 is connected to the drive. The second, longer and free leg 51 protrudes over the slide 2 and is provided with means for removing cardboard blanks Mistake. Anything can be used as a means what to take and hold the cardboard blank suitable during implementation. Preferably However, vacuum cups are used, which with a Vacuum source are connected. The means mentioned exist therefore in this example from a suction cup holder 6 and at least one vacuum suction device 64 Location of the at least one vacuum suction device 64, in particular according to the type of cartoning machine and the shape the cardboard blanks, can be adjusted, shows the Suction cup holder 6 a support beam 60 and at least a squeegee 62. There are two squeegees here 62, each of which has at least one, here exactly one, Have suction cup 64. The support beam 60 is transverse to Longitudinal direction of the swivel arm 5 running firmly on it attached free end. The suction strips 62 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the swivel arm 5 extending on the support beam 60 arranged, being within sliding grooves 61, 61 'in two mutually perpendicular Directions are shiftable and in their respective position by a fastener 63, preferably can be fixed by a screw connection.

The mode of operation can be seen from FIGS. 2a to 2d recognize the device according to the invention. With M is called a magazine with stacked cardboard blanks. The reference symbol Z shows the topmost, just the stack removed cardboard blank. The stacked cardboard blanks run at least approximately vertically or, as shown here, in one with respect to the vertical small angle towards the device and are at the implementation in an at least approximately horizontal position brought.

As can be seen in FIG. 2a, the swivel arm 5 pivoted up and the suction cups 64 to the system brought the frontmost cardboard blank Z to this cardboard blank Z can be seen. Then the Slide 2 a short distance from the stacking surface moved away to pull off the cardboard blank Z, like this is shown in Figure 2a. Immediately after this Pulling off starts the pivoting movement of the arm 5. With the subsequent swivel movement, the carriage 2 moved back to the stack surface; like this in Figure 2b can be seen. In Figure 2c it can be seen that the carriage 2 moved ever closer to the stack surface the more the arm 5 implements the cardboard blank Z. and this is the at least approximately horizontal Transfer position is approaching. In the transfer position the cardboard blank Z usually on a conveyor stored and by increasing the pressure from the vacuum cup Approved. The sequence of movements is shown in detail in FIG. 2d Frozen positions, which are shown superimposed are. It can be seen that the pivoting movement of the swivel arm 5 and the linear movement of the Carriage 2 are superimposed, the carriage 2 first is removed from the stack and then driven towards it. The bottom edge K of the cardboard blank is located Z always as close as possible to the stack surface. It is worth noting that for this targeted and space-saving implementation no vertical translational Displacement of the swivel arm 5 is necessary. In case the transfer point, for example to a conveyor, is further away, the carriage 2 can then still without pivoting the arm 5 around the desired one Distance to be moved.

A second exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b shown. It is structured essentially the same like the first example. The same parts were therefore provided with the same reference numerals and are no longer described in detail. The main difference is in that the motors 30, 40 are now aligned horizontally are. There is no redirection for the slide drive more necessary. The drive roller 31 can directly with the motor shaft. The rotary drive unit 4, however, now has one with the motor shaft of the second motor 40 connected second drive roller 41, a second deflection roller 42 and a connecting the two rollers second endless belt 43. Here too is preferred a toothed belt drive is used. Both roles 41, 42 are mounted in the carriage 2. In both embodiments the second motor 40 with the carriage 2 moved.

However, embodiments are also possible in which the rotary drive unit separate from the carriage is arranged and does not deal with this.

Alignment of the cardboard blanks in at least approximately vertical direction and its implementation in one at least approximately horizontal position is preferred. However, other arrangements are also possible. So he can Swivel arm 5 also larger or smaller by an angle than the 90 ° angle shown here. Corresponding the arrangement of the stack and the desired one Alignment of the transfer position also becomes the direction of displacement of the carriage 2 selected. So he can also run along an inclined plane or vertically. Preferably located on a horizontal Transfer position the axis of rotation lower than this position, so they are not with other machine components collides and the swivel angle is minimized. at Another position of the transfer position is the axis arranged accordingly. Moving parts of the Device for mass reduction and / or more specific Increase in stiffness from composite materials, e.g. fiber reinforced Plastics or in particular carbon fiber reinforced Plastics.

A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5a to 5e shown, which is part of the above Has variants. So is the rotary drive unit 4 is fixed in position and does not move with the Carriage 2. To transmit the rotational movement of the Drive motor of the rotary drive unit 4 on the A crank rod 44 is present in the swivel arm 5. In the FIGS. 5a to 5e show that here too Carriage 2 transversely depending on the unstacking position is moved forward or backward and that one corresponding pivoting movement of the swivel arm 5 is superimposed becomes. The direction of displacement of the carriage 2 is preferably in an inclined plane, whereby the slide is next to magazine M in its highest position occupies.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 are on Swivel arm 5 at least four, preferably exactly four vacuum suction cups 64 arranged. There are 64 suction cups 64 each for this at one end of a squeegee 62 in their relative to each other slidably arranged. The The use of at least four vacuum cups has the advantage that the cardboard blanks Z are securely held and guided become. In particular, this will unstack simplified.

6 shows a preferred embodiment of a vacuum suction device 64 shown. He has a mounting block 65 for detachable attachment to the squeegee 62 on and one attached to it via a spring 66 Suction head 67. The sprung design of the vacuum suction cup 64 simplifies the removal of the cardboard blank Z off the stack because of tolerances in the delivery of the carriage can be bridged and the safe investment of all Suction cups on the cardboard blank Z is guaranteed.

The device according to the invention thus enables space-saving and efficient implementation of individual cardboard blanks and can also be flexibly used in cartoning machines integrate.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

S

control

Z

carton blank

K

edge

M

magazine

1

sled frame

10

Corporate Office

2

carriage

3

Translatory drive unit

30

first engine

31

first drive roller

32

first pulley

33

first endless belt

4

Rotary drive unit

40

second engine

41

second drive roller

42

second pulley

43

second endless belt

44

connecting rod

5

swivel arm

50

first leg

51

second leg

6

suction attachment

60

beams

61

shift groove

61 '

shift groove

62

sucker bar

63

fixative

64

vacuum cups

65

mounting block

66

feather

67

suction head

7

sensor

Claims (10)

Separating device of a cartoning machine for the individual removal of carton blanks from a magazine (M) and for converting the removed carton blank (Z) from a removal position into a transfer position, the device comprising a motor-driven swivel arm (5) and means arranged thereon for the individual removal of the carton blank ( Z), characterized in that the swivel arm (5) is arranged on a rectilinearly displaceable carriage (2), with a pivoting movement of the swivel arm (5) from a rectilinear movement of the carriage (2 ) is superimposed. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer position is at least approximately horizontal and that the carriage (2) can be moved back and forth in an at least approximately horizontal direction. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the swivel arm (5) is rigid, in particular angular. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (6) arranged on the swivel arm (5) for the individual removal of the carton blank (Z) are displaceable and fixable with respect to the swivel arm (5). Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the means are a suction cup holder (6) with a support bar (60) fixedly connected to the swivel arm (5) and at least one suction bar (62) which is arranged displaceably and fixably thereon, each with at least one vacuum suction cup. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that there are two suction bars (62) each with a vacuum suction device (64). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the swivel arm (5) is pivotable by means of a drive (40) arranged on the slide (2), in particular a servo motor, which preferably has a vertically running drive axis. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the carriage (2) is operated by means of an endless belt (33), the endless belt (33) being driven by a drive (30) with a preferably vertically running drive axis. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a controller (S) is present which coordinates the movements of the carriage (2) with the pivoting movements of the pivot arm (5). Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the swivel arm (5) and the carriage (2) are driven in cycles.

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