EP1394049B1 - 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 area

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

State of the art

In the prior art cartoning machines, which form cartons from carton boxes, in various embodiments known. Usually, so-called carton erectors are used, in which the carton blanks are bent from a horizontal starting position into the desired shape. These machines essentially comprise a magazine in which the carton blanks are stacked, a separating device for taking out individual carton blanks and an erecting machine with forming tappet for shaping the blank into the desired carton. Conveyors are usually present before and after the erecting unit in order to convey the cardboard blank into the erecting unit or the finished box therefrom.

The carton blanks are either approximately horizontal or approximately perpendicular in the magazine stack. In the latter case, they must each be pivoted by means of the separating device by 90 ° in a horizontal position, before they can be handed over to the erecting plant. Since the time required for the transfer of the carton blanks from the magazine to the erecting unit has a significant influence on the performance of the entire machine, this implementation should be as simple as possible, but nevertheless allow a positionally accurate implementation.

Thus, EP-A-1 '184' 161 discloses a machine for erecting cartons of cardboard blanks, the separating device of which comprises a rotatable, two-part arm. The axis of rotation of the arm is below the transport path so that it does not collide with other machine components. The two parts of the arm are hinged together and pivotable against each other by means of a controlled drive. The free arm part is provided with vacuum cups and is only used to pull the carton blank from the stack, so for separating. The second arm part is used only to move the blank in a horizontal position. In this position, the vacuum cups release the carton blank so that it can be placed on a conveyor track leading to the erection work. Although the endless circular operation of the separating device reduces the time required for the implementation of the carton blanks. However, the device has the disadvantage that the space required for the separation and assignment is still relatively large. In addition, the separating device is inflexible in its design form, so that necessary for the integration of the device in the entire machine adjustments must be made on the subsequent conveyor track.

EP-A-0'825'111 discloses a carton erecting machine in which the singulating device also comprises a multi-part arm. A lower arm part moves up and down along a curved path. In addition, it is connected via a length-adjustable strut with an upper, pivotable arm, which is provided with vacuum cups, to remove a carton blank from the magazine stack and to pivot in a horizontal position.

EP-A-0'761'535 further discloses a packaging machine for erecting, filling and closing cartons. In this case, either carton blanks or already glued, but folded flat cardboard blanks are transported by a sampling device in a filling station. In first embodiments, the removal device has a two-armed, vacuum suction removal frame, which is attached to a support arm. The support arm is pivotable about 90 ° in a slidable in the horizontal direction slide, which serves to promote the already converted blank to the filling station. First, thus, the swivel arm is pivoted and then only the displacement of the carriage takes place. In the other embodiments, the removal rack is not pivoted for implementation, but moved up and down. These removal devices require a relatively large amount of space. Since they also transport the blanks to the filling station, the performance of the packaging machine is severely limited.

DE 199'14'578 discloses a separating device of a cartoning machine according to the preamble of claim 1. This device comprises a pivoting arm, which is held on a carriage. By lateral displacement of the carriage, the pivot arm is first guided along a first curved path and then along a second curved path.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a separating device of a cartoning machine, in particular a Kartonaufrichters, which is designed to save space, allows flexible integration into the cartoning and allows efficient implementation of carton blanks.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1.

The inventive separating device is used for individual removal of carton blanks from a magazine and for the implementation of the removed carton blank from a removal position into a transfer position. The device has a motor-driven pivot arm and arranged thereon means for occasional removal of the carton blank and is characterized in that the pivot arm is arranged on a linearly displaceable carriage, wherein during the removal and implementation of the carton blank pivotal movement of the pivot arm of a rectilinear movement of Is superimposed on the carriage.

The device according to the invention thus simultaneously combines a pivoting movement with a translatory movement. The removal and implementation of a single carton blank is a flowing movement in which the pivot arm is rotated by the desired angle and simultaneously pushed back and forth. This allows its location to the remaining stack each way Adjust that the closest to the stack edge of the removed carton blank is always as close to the stack surface. In addition, the transfer movement, ie the pivoting movement, can be started shortly after removal. The implementation of the carton blank from its vertical to a horizontal position can thus be realized within a minimized space, since it can move on an optimized space curve. The singling system can be formed space-saving and compact. In addition, the time required for the removal and implementation is minimized.

The path of the carriage can be formed arbitrarily long, so that the carriage after the rotation of the arm can additionally perform a purely translational movement to bring the removed carton blank to the desired transfer point. The separating device can thereby be easily integrated into cartoning machines.

The superposition of a pivoting movement with a translatory movement also has the advantage that it is easy to implement control technology.

In a preferred embodiment, the pivot arm is rigid, in particular angular, formed. This simplifies the control and also reduces the manufacturing costs.

So that the separating device is flexible with respect to changing the shapes of the carton blanks, the means arranged on the pivot arm are preferably displaceable and arranged fixable in their respective position.

Preferably, the means are arranged so that the carton blanks is gripped at at least four, preferably exactly four places. This allows better unstacking and good guidance when converting the blank. The unstacking is also or additionally improved by the means are sprung.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Short 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.

In the following the subject invention will be explained with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1a

a perspective view of the inventive singulation device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1b

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

FIG. 2a

the device according to Figure 1a from the side in a first position;

FIG. 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

a superposition of different positions;

FIG. 3a

a perspective view of the inventive singulation device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3b

the device according to Figure 3a from above;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of the inventive singling device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 5a

the device according to Figure 4 in a first position;

FIG. 5b

the device according to Figure 4 in a second position;

FIG. 5c

the device according to Figure 4 in a third position;

FIG. 5d

the device according to Figure 4 in a fourth position;

FIG. 5e

the device according to Figure 4 in a fifth position;

FIG. 6

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

Ways to carry out the invention

The separating device described below is part of a cartoning machine, in particular a Kartonaufrichters and / or a Kartonverdecklers. Such cartoning machines are known in the art and therefore will not be described in detail below. They have essentially as mentioned above a magazine with a stack of flat carton blanks, a separating device, a Aufrichtewerk and at least one conveyor on. The separating device is generally arranged on a frame of the machine. However, it is also possible to provide them with their own frame. These racks are neither shown nor described below.

FIGS. 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of the separating device according to the invention. It has a carriage frame 1, which is attachable to the above-mentioned frame. The carriage frame 1 has at least one guide rod 10. Here there are two guide rods 10. On these guide rods 10, a carriage 2 is mounted to be linearly displaceable. The carriage 2 is driven by means of a translatory drive unit 3. This drive unit 3 has a first motor 30, the drive axle is connected to a first drive roller 31, preferably a gear. The first motor 30 is preferably a servomotor with an angle 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 fixedly connected to the first endless belt 33. However, other known types of translatory drive for the carriage are also possible.

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

On the carriage 2, a motor-driven pivot arm 5 is arranged. The drive of the pivot arm 5 by means of a rotary drive unit 4, which is also mounted on the carriage 2. This unit 4 has a second motor 40, preferably also a servomotor with angle drive. In the example shown here, the drive axis of the second motor 40 extends in the vertical direction and the pivot arm 5 is connected to a horizontally extending deflection axis. Both motors 30, 40 are connected to a controller S of the cartoning machine. If the cartoning machine is operated in cycles, then the drives of the pivot axis 5 and of the carriage 2 are operated intermittently, preferably in time with the rest of the machine or Aufrichtewerks.

The pivot arm 5 is preferably rigid and formed into an angle. The arm 5 in this case has two legs of unequal length, wherein the first, shorter leg 50 is connected to the drive. The second, longer and free leg 51 projects beyond the carriage 2 and is provided with means for removing carton blanks. As a means, everything can be used, which is suitable for seizing and holding the carton blank during the implementation. Preferably, however, vacuum cups are used, which are connected to a vacuum source. The mentioned means therefore consist in this example of a teat holder 6 and at least one vacuum suction 64. Thus, the position of the at least one vacuum suction 64, in particular can be adjusted according to the type of cartoning and the shape of the carton blanks, the teat holder 6 has a support beam 60 and at least one suction bar 62 on. Here are two suction pads 62, each having at least one, here exactly one, suction cup 64. The support beam 60 is fixed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the pivot arm 5 fixedly attached to the free end thereof. The suction pads 62 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pivot arm 5 extending on the support beam 60, wherein they are displaceable within sliding grooves 61, 61 'in two mutually perpendicular directions and in their respective position by a fastener 63, preferably by a screw connection can be fixed ,

The mode of operation of the device according to the invention can be recognized on the basis of FIGS. 2a to 2d. M denotes a magazine with stacked cardboard blanks. The reference numeral Z shows the top, just removed from the stack carton blank. The stacked carton blanks are at least approximately perpendicular or, as shown here, inclined at a small angle relative to the vertical to the device and are brought in the implementation in an at least approximately horizontal position.

As can be seen in Figure 2a, the pivot arm 5 is pivoted up and the suction cups 64 are brought to rest against the foremost carton blank Z to remove this carton blank Z. Subsequently, the carriage 2 is moved away a short distance from the stacking surface to pull off the carton blank Z, as shown in Figure 2a. Immediately after this Pulling already starts the pivoting movement of the arm 5. In the subsequent pivotal movement of the carriage 2 is driven back to the stack surface; as can be seen in Figure 2b. In Figure 2c it can be seen that the carriage 2 is moved closer and closer to the stack surface, the more the arm 5 converts the carton blank Z and this approaching the at least approximately horizontal transfer position. In the transfer position of the carton blank Z is usually stored on a conveyor and released by raising the pressure from the vacuum suction. In Figure 2d, the movement sequence is frozen in individual positions, which are shown superimposed. It can be seen that the pivoting movement of the pivoting arm 5 and the rectilinear movement of the carriage 2 are superimposed, wherein the carriage 2 is first moved away from the stack and then towards it. In this case, the lowest edge K of the carton blank Z is always as close as possible to the stack surface. It is noteworthy that no vertical translational displacement of the pivoting arm 5 is necessary for this purposeful and space-saving implementation. If the transfer point, for example, on a conveyor, further away, so the carriage 2 can be subsequently moved without pivotal movement of the arm 5 by the desired distance.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show a second exemplary embodiment. It is essentially the same as the first example. The same parts were therefore provided with the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail. The main difference is that now the motors 30, 40 are aligned horizontally. For the carriage drive is no diversion more necessary. The drive roller 31 can be connected directly to the motor shaft. The rotary drive unit 4, however, now has a second drive roller 41 connected to the motor shaft of the second motor 40, a second deflection roller 42 and a second endless belt 43 connecting the two rollers. Again, a toothed belt drive is preferably used. Both rollers 41, 42 are mounted in the carriage 2. In both embodiments, the second motor 40 is moved with the carriage 2.

However, embodiments are also possible in which the rotary drive unit is arranged separately from the carriage and does not move with it.

An orientation of the carton blanks in at least approximately vertical direction and their implementation in an at least approximately horizontal position is preferred. However, other arrangements are also possible. Thus, the pivot arm 5 can also be pivoted by an angle greater or smaller than the angle shown here 90 °. According to the arrangement of the stack and the desired orientation of the transfer position and the direction of displacement of the carriage 2 is selected. It can thus also run along an inclined plane or vertically. Preferably, in a horizontal transfer position, the axis of rotation is lower than this position, so that it does not collide with other machine components and the pivot angle is minimized. In another position of the transfer position, the axis is arranged analogously. Furthermore, moving parts of the device for the purpose of mass reduction and / or specific increase in stiffness of composite materials, eg fiber-reinforced Plastics or in particular carbon fiber reinforced plastics used.

FIGS. 4 and 5a to 5e show a third embodiment, which has a part of the variants mentioned above. Thus, 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 pivot arm 5, a connecting rod 44 is present. In FIGS. 5 a to 5 e it can be seen that here too the carriage 2 is moved transversely forward or backward depending on the unstacking position and that a corresponding pivoting movement of the pivoting arm 5 is superimposed. The displacement direction of the carriage 2 is here preferably in an inclined plane, wherein the carriage adjacent to the magazine M assumes its highest position.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 at least four, preferably exactly four vacuum suction 64 are arranged on the pivot arm. Each two vacuum suction cups 64 are each arranged displaceably in each case at one end of a suction strip 62 in their relative position. The use of at least four vacuum cups has the advantage that the carton blanks Z are held and guided securely. In particular, the unstacking is simplified.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a vacuum suction device 64. It has a mounting block 65 for releasable attachment to the suction bar 62 and a sprung spring 66 attached thereto Suction head 67. The sprung design of the vacuum suction 64 simplifies the removal of the carton blank Z from the stack, since tolerances in the delivery of the carriage can be bridged and the safe investment of all suction cups on the carton blank Z is guaranteed.

The inventive device thus enables a space-saving and efficient implementation of individual carton blanks and can also be flexibly integrated into cartoning machines.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

S

control

Z

carton blank

K

edge

M

magazine

1

sled frame

10

Corporate Office

2

carriage

3

Translational drive unit

30

first engine

31

first drive roller

32

first pulley

33

first endless band

4

Rotary drive unit

40

second engine

41

second drive roller

42

second deflection roller

43

second endless band

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)

1. A separating arrangement for a cartoning machine for the individual removal of carton blanks from a magazine (M) and for shifting the removed carton blank (Z) from a removal position into a transfer position, the arrangement having a motor-driven pivoting arm (5) and means arranged thereon for removing the carton blank (Z) on its own, wherein the pivoting arm (5) is arranged on a carriage (2) which can be displaced in a rectilinear manner, it being the case that, as the carton blank (Z) is removed and shifted, a pivoting movement of the pivoting arm (5) is superposed by a rectilinear movement of the carriage (2), characterized in that the pivoting arm (5) can be pivoted by means of a drive (40) mounted on the carriage (2).
2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transfer position is at least more or less horizontal, and wherein the carriage (2) can be displaced back and forth in an at least more or less horizontal direction.
3. The arrangement as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the pivoting arm (5) is of rigid, in particular angled, design.
4. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means (6) arranged on the pivoting arm (5), for removing the carton blank (Z) on its own, can be displaced and fixed in relation to the pivoting arm (5).
5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the means are constituted by a sucker mount (6) with a carrier bar (60), which is firmly connected to the pivoting arm (5), and at least one sucker strip (62), which is arranged such that it can be displaced and fixed on the carrier bar and has in each case at least one vacuum sucker.
6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein in each case two sucker strips (62) each with a vacuum sucker (64) are provided.
7. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pivoting arm (5) can be pivoted by means of a servomotor, which preferably has a vertically running drive shaft.
8. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the carriage (2) is operated by means of an endless belt (33), the endless belt (33) being driven by means of a further drive (30) with a preferably vertically running drive shaft.
9. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a control means (S) is provided, this coordinating the movements of the carriage (2) with the pivoting movements of the pivoting arm (5).
10. The arrangement as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pivoting arm (5) and the carriage (2) are driven cyclically.

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