EP1400451A1 - Method and apparatus for packaging plate-like workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for packing flat articles (2) comprises forming a stack (4) of articles in a stacking station (10). This is adjusted and transferred to a packing station (30) where it is lowered into a carton (6) or the carton is raised around it, a new stack being simultaneously formed at the stacking station. An Independent claim is included for a machine for carrying out the method.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a method and a device for packaging plate-shaped Workpieces that are combined into workpiece stacks and in packaging is brought in.

State of the art

Various methods for Packaging of plate-shaped workpieces or from them formed workpiece stacks known. At a first The process is carried out at the end of a conveyor line on which the plate-shaped workpieces are promoted Packing box provided in which the workpieces directly and individually one above the other. The workpieces fall depending on the filling level of the packaging to different heights in the carton, resulting in a insufficient alignment of the workpieces and possibly lead to damage to the workpieces or the carton can. In addition, this procedure comparatively time-consuming and clock-dependent. As soon as namely a box with the desired number of workpieces is filled, it must be from the filling position be transported out and there must be an empty box in the Filling position can be transported. During this No workpieces from the conveyor line in the filling position are promoted. This means that the The distance between the workpieces on the conveyor track is relatively large Must be so that the packaging capacity of the device (expressed, for example, as packaged workpieces per Minute) is limited.

In a further known procedure, the Workpieces are combined in stacks and on an inclined one Conveyor line at an angle into a provided box inserted. There is a risk that the Insert the cardboard, especially its side wall, through the impact of the workpiece stack is damaged. The same also applies to the workpieces themselves unsatisfactory alignment of the workpieces.

As an alternative to feeding the workpiece stack at an angle it also known to stack the workpiece in via a hopper bring in a provided box or the box to put over a provided stack, whereby especially in the latter method, a tilting of the Cartons and the workpiece stack occurs. Overall is at all known methods to determine that they are a unsatisfactory packaging capacity or Show packaging speed.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention, a method and a device for packaging plate-shaped To provide workpieces that are enlarged Packaging capacity or increased packaging speed enable.

This object is achieved by the method for Packing plate-shaped workpieces according to claim 1 and the device for packaging plate-shaped Workpieces solved according to claim 5.

The present invention is based on the idea that collecting and aligning the plate-shaped workpieces on the one hand and the insertion of the workpieces into packaging on the other hand, they are decoupled in space and time.

Accordingly, there are with the invention Method and the device according to the invention achieved The advantages, for example, are that it is extremely high Packaging capacity or packaging speed is made possible. By decoupling collecting and Aligning the workpieces on the one hand and inserting the Workpieces in packaging on the other hand ensures that the packaging process itself as well as that Collecting and aligning the packaging in and out of the workpieces not in time or in time or in otherwise restrict. This ensures that continuously a very high number of workpieces a conveyor line can be conveyed. this makes possible not only an increased compared to the prior art Packaging capacity or packaging speed, but also a trouble-free sequence of the packaging process, which also results in a consistently high effective Packaging capacity or packaging speed contributes.

According to a development of the method according to the invention take place and align the Workpiece stack simultaneously with the alignment of the provided packaging in relation to the stack of workpieces. This will parallelize the above Process steps accomplished, which is significant Time saving and thus a further increase in Packaging capacity or packaging speed allows.

As from the following description of the invention Device becomes even clearer, it is according to one Further development of the method according to the invention is preferred, that the stack of workpieces for insertion into the packaging stored in a device movable in the insertion direction which is preferred through openings in the packaging round picks. The insertion device enables especially if they pass through the openings in the packaging reaches through, a smooth insertion of the Workpiece stack in the packaging, which is the reliability and freedom from interference in the packaging process is increased and at the same time to a further increase in Packaging capacity contributes. This thought is in the further developed method according to the invention in that the packaging when inserting the workpiece stack is spread out, thereby disrupting the process, for example by tilting the workpiece stack could largely arise when inserted into the packaging be avoided.

With regard to the design of the invention It is preferred device that the alignment station a has first gripping device which between the Collection position and the packaging position is movable. It is particularly preferred that the first Gripping device for the workpiece stack from the collecting station is recordable, and in particular at the same time can be aligned. Accordingly, the invention fulfills Gripping device a number of tasks with a single constructive element, namely the inclusion of the Workpiece stack from the collecting station, the alignment of the Workpiece stack and finally the process of Workpiece stack in the packaging position. In this way the device according to the invention receives a simple one Construction that still has a high number of functions can execute.

Especially when it comes to recording and aligning at the same time of the workpiece stack simultaneously with the alignment of the provided packaging in relation to the stack of workpieces To be able to carry out, it is according to a training of device according to the invention preferred that the Alignment station additionally a second gripping device has, by means of which the folded packaging movable and especially in relation to the workpiece stack can be aligned.

To the above functions of the first and second To meet gripping device appropriately, these are preferred each with opposite, U-shaped devices, in particular formed by a pair of pliers. The pair of pliers can be designed in various ways, provided that Gripping and aligning the workpiece stack or Packaging is made possible. Has been particularly advantageous however, a configuration proved to be such is designed so that the pair of pliers itself a Has essentially unchangeable shape, and gripping and aligning is done by having the pliers face up be approached to the workpiece stack or the carton. For this purpose, it is advisable that the surfaces of the pair of pliers, that come into contact with the stack of workpieces Slightly taper the contact direction to ensure a secure grip and to ensure alignment.

In terms of bringing about and maintaining one aligned state between the workpiece stack and the According to a further development, packaging is Device according to the invention preferred that the first and the the second gripping device, in particular the first and second pair of pliers, in a fixed positional relationship to each other stand, and in particular can be moved together. hereby is achieved with the approach of the Gripping devices on the workpiece stack or the packaging a defined, aligned state is brought about, which remains unchanged until the Gripping devices the workpiece stack or the packaging release again.

A crucial factor for a trouble-free and time-saving packaging of the workpieces is the insertion of the Workpiece stacks in the packaging itself possible tilting of the workpiece stack on the packaging avoid, it is according to a training of Device according to the invention preferred that the first Gripping device a device for inserting the Has workpiece stack in the packaging. As special It has proven advantageous that the device for Introducing is formed by pivotable expansion tabs are preferably provided on the first pair of pliers. This Spreading tabs can be used as soon as the pack Workpiece stack and packaging for insertion stand ready to be pivoted out to edge sections the packaging comes to the plant and spread it open, so that the stack of workpieces cant on the packaging is avoided.

A fast, intermittent packaging process also requires that the stack of workpieces placed in a package are quickly conveyed out of the packaging position to the not to impede further process flow. To this end has the alignment station according to a development of device according to the invention a third gripping device, especially a third pair of pliers, which between the Collection position and an output position is movable. This third gripping device enables one with one Workpiece stack filled packaging immediately after Packing process recorded and in the delivery position can be moved to where it follows Packaging process does not interfere. To control the third Simplify gripping device or completely on a to be able to do without them, and at the same time automatically a coordination of the work cycle of the third Gripping device to the first and second gripping device achieve, it is preferred according to the invention that the third Gripping device with the first and / or second Gripping device is coupled.

According to the invention, the packaging process itself can thereby be further simplified and accelerated that the Packaging station has a lifting device, by means of the workpiece stack in the packaging position is movable and in particular can be inserted into the packaging. As a result, at least the first and optionally also the second gripping device of additional process tasks relieved, and the linear movement of the workpiece stack in the packaging inside can be done efficiently by your own Lifting device can be carried out to another Accelerate and improve the reliability of the Procedure contributes. It is particularly preferred that the Lifting device is formed by plungers or telescopic bolts, which can be extended linearly.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

shows schematically the rough flow of a preferred Embodiment of the method for packaging plate-shaped workpieces;

Fig. 2

to

Fig. 8

each schematically show a side view a preferred embodiment of the Device according to the invention for packaging plate-shaped workpieces, the figures different steps of the Method according to the invention for packaging illustrate plate-shaped workpieces;

Fig. 9

shows schematically a front view and a Side view of a stack of workpieces in one Embodiment of an inventive Gripping device is included;

Fig. 10

shows schematically a front view and a Side view of a stack of workpieces made up of a Gripping device according to the present invention is placed in a packaging.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The basic flow of an embodiment of the The method according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1 represented by means of a flow chart. In step A the workpieces are first checked with regard to on quality features such as surface quality, Dimensions, etc. In step B are based on the workpiece inspection Workpieces of poor quality (second Choice) and removed in step B '. Those Workpieces that are of sufficient quality are collected in step C and to Workpiece stacks summarized. At the same time, in Process step B 'a packaging box laterally conveyed. The packaging box was previously from a Cardboard stack removed with a suitable device folded and placed in a cardboard buffer. Subsequently the tool stack formed in method step D in inserted the packaging box in this way The package formed is transported out in method step E.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, one is described below Embodiment of the device according to the invention Packaging of plate-shaped workpieces described, which to carry out those shown schematically in Fig. 1 Process steps C, C ', D and G capable and suitable is. The device 1 initially comprises one Conveyor 8, for example a conveyor belt or a Roller conveyor, for feeding plate-shaped Workpieces 2 in a collecting station 10. The collecting station 10 has a stop 12, for example a plate or vertical support to the movement of the plate-shaped Stop workpieces 2 in a collecting position. In the Collecting position, the workpieces 2 rest on clocked down Pads 14, the pads 14 with each in the Collecting position arriving workpiece 2 their height change that from the conveyor 8 another Workpiece 2 on a workpiece stack 4 in the collecting position can be filed.

The clocking pads 14 can, for example, by Bolts can be formed by a chain or Belt drive are driven and controlled, so they change their height in cycles. It is particularly advantageous doing so, at least two sets of alternating bolts to use, which alternately pick up workpiece stack 4 can, so that always bolts for receiving workpieces 2 in the collective position are available.

In addition, the invention includes Packaging device 1 an alignment station 20, the one first gripping device 22 and a second gripping device 24 having.

The gripping devices are in the present Embodiment each by opposite, U-shaped Pliers formed, the pliers legs essentially are horizontal and the open sides of the U shape associated pairs of pliers are facing each other. In addition, the two pliers of a pair of pliers are in a direction which leads to the drawing plane of FIGS. 2 to 8 is essentially vertical, individually or movable together.

The first pair of pliers 22 and the second pair of pliers 24 are arranged one above the other and together in such a way coupled that they have a defined alignment with each other have. The inner contours of the U-shaped pliers are in the Case of the first pair of pliers 22 on the packaged Workpiece stack 4 and in the case of the second pair of pliers 24 matched to packaging box 6. The pairs of pliers are able to move through at least one pair of pliers Essentially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIGS. 2 to 8 a workpiece stack 4 or a packaging box 6 take. In addition, the first pair of pliers is 22 designed such that when recording a Workpiece stack 4 simultaneously align the individual workpieces 2 of the workpiece stack 4 to each other he follows. This can be achieved, for example, by that the inner wall of the U-shaped pliers profile is in Tapered towards the closed side of the profile or narrowed.

Furthermore, the first gripping device or the first Pair of pliers 22 with a device for inserting a Workpiece stack 4 equipped in a packaging box 6, which in the present embodiment by means of expansion tabs 28 is formed, which is pivotable on the legs of the first Pair of pliers 22 are attached. The expansion tabs 28 are preferably attached to the first pair of pliers 22 such that they swing out below the first pair of pliers 22 lying packaging box 6 can spread.

The alignment station also includes a third Gripping device 26 in the present embodiment is also formed by a pair of pliers, which basically has the same properties as the second Pair of pliers 24. The third pair of pliers 26 is with the first Pair of pliers 22 and / or the second pair of pliers 24 such coupled that it moves the same at the same time reconstructs. In addition, the three gripping devices with each other not just essentially perpendicular to Drawing plane of Figures 2 to 4, but also in a direction in which the workpiece stack 4 and the Packing box 6 from the collecting position into one Packaging position should be moved, this Direction parallel to in the present embodiment Direction of the conveyor belt 8 is.

The packaging device 1 further comprises one Packing station 30, the lifting device 32 and one Device 34 for moving the packaging carton 6 having. The lifting device 32 is in the present Embodiment by vertically arranged telescopic bolts formed a shelf at its upper end own that can be moved vertically. The device 34 for Method of packaging boxes 6 can be a separate one Be lifting device, but is preferably integral by the second pair of pliers 24 formed. The second is accordingly Pair of pliers 24 can then also be moved vertically.

Another is connected to the packaging station 30 Conveyor belt 38 for discharging filled packaging boxes 6 ' on.

The sequence of the method according to the invention using the packaging device 1 described above described below with reference to Figures 2 to 8.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, by means of Conveyor belt 8 to be packaged, plate-shaped workpieces 2 the collecting station 10 promoted, hit the stop there 12 to then collected on the workpiece stack 4 to become. The workpiece stack 4 rests on the downclocking pads 14, the amount of which is cyclically so is set that the conveyor belt 8 more Convey plate-shaped workpieces 2 onto the workpiece stack 4 can.

For elongated workpieces, such as Flooring elements, it is in terms of capacity Packing device preferred that the workpieces 2 on the conveyor belt 8 substantially perpendicular to it Longitudinal direction, i.e. are promoted in the transverse direction.

As soon as the workpiece stack 4 has a desired number packaging, plate-shaped workpieces 2, for example in the present embodiment 6 pieces, become the workpiece stack 4 in question Editions 14 shut down and there will be further editions 14 'are provided on which a further workpiece stack 4 can be collected (see FIG. 3). That way ensures that the conveyor belt 8 workpieces 2 continuously into the collecting station 10 can be promoted, what a continuous Process flow and thus the total capacity and Speed of the packaging device of the highest Meaning is. At the same time, although not in Fig. 3 expressly shown, at the latest with the lowering of the Pads 14 a packaging box 6 in one position conveyed below the workpiece stack 4, wherein it is on an exact positioning or alignment of the Packing boxes 6 in relation to the workpiece stack 4 too not arrive at this time.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, in another Method step of on the lowered pads 14 available workpiece stack 4 and the one below Packing carton 6 ready from the first pair of clamps 22 and the second pair of clamps 24 added. In doing so - thanks to the training and arrangement of the pairs of clamps - the Workpieces 2 of the workpiece stack 4 with each other aligned and the packaging box 6 to the workpiece stack 4 aligned. Then the pairs of clamps 22 and 24, which are coupled to one another as stated above, together from the collective position to a packaging position process that shown in Figures 2 and 4 Embodiment is to the right of the collection position.

5 illustrates the further process sequence. On the one hand, the collection position shown in Fig. 2 and 3 process steps shown. simultaneously for this purpose, the Workpiece stack 4 and the packaging box 6 of the Clamp pairs 22 and 24 to the lifting device 32 and the Device 34 for moving the packaging. More specifically are the packaging box 6 and the stack of workpieces 4 in the packaging position above the lifting device 32 that the lifting device 32 are extended vertically can, thereby through corresponding openings 36 in the bottom of the Boxes 6 reaches through and with their storage area comes to rest on the underside of the workpiece stack 4. in the The packaging carton 6 is essentially at the same time the device 34 movable in the vertical direction for Packaging procedure adopted. Then the Workpiece stack 4 and the packaging box 6 of the Clamp pairs 22 and 24 released so that the one in FIG shown state is reached.

Now the actual packaging process is carried out at which the lifting device 32, which the workpiece stack 4th is lowered in such a way that the workpiece stack 4 in the packaging box 6 is stored. In addition or also alternatively, it is also possible that the device 34 for Procedure of packaging is moved vertically to the Place the workpiece stack 4 in the packaging box 6 perform, so that finally the state shown in Fig. 6 is reached in which a filled with workpieces Packing box 6 'is provided.

The phase of placing the workpiece stack 4 in the Packaging carton 6 is shown again in FIGS. 9 and 10 shown in more detail, particularly with regard to the Device 28 for inserting the workpiece stack 4 into the Packing box 6. As already explained above, is means 28 for insertion herein Embodiment formed by expansion tabs 28 which on the first pair of pliers 22 are pivotally mounted. During the Inserting the workpiece stack 4 into the packaging box 6, or shortly before, the expansion tabs 28 become like this pivots that it is on the upper inner edge of the carton 6 come to the plant and spread it out. In the further course the packaging process not only prevent them Tilting the workpiece stack 4 at the edges of the Packaging boxes 6, but also form a kind Funnel through which the workpiece stack 4 safely into the Packing box 6 is guided.

As can be seen from Fig. 7, the next Method step the three pairs of pliers 22, 24 and 26 such move the first and second pair of pliers 22, 24 into the Collection position and the third pair of pliers 26 in the Arrive packaging position. The first and the second Pair of pliers 22, 24 then perform the in connection with FIG. 4th to 6 explained process steps. At the same time takes the third pair of pliers 26 in the packaging position Ready packaging box filled with workpieces 6 'on.

Finally, as shown in Fig. 8, in another Process step that with regard to the first and second pair of pliers 22, 24 corresponds to that shown in FIG. 5, the filled packaging 6 'from the packaging position to the another conveyor belt 38 moves, with which the filled Packaging box 6 'finally from the Packing device 1 is conveyed. This is the Packaging process completed.

It can be the case with the plate-shaped workpieces act of course any objects, for example floor elements, furniture parts, sheets or like.

Claims (15)

Method for packaging plate-shaped workpieces (2), comprising the steps: Providing a stack of workpieces (4) to be packed, which comprises at least one workpiece (2) being conveyed in, in a collecting position; Picking up and simultaneously aligning the workpiece stack (4) in the collecting position; Moving the workpiece stack (4) into a packaging position and at the same time providing a further workpiece stack (4) to be packed in the collecting position; Aligning a provided packaging (6) with respect to the workpiece stack (4); Moving the workpiece stack (4) and / or the packaging (6) in such a way that the workpiece stack (4) is inserted into the packaging (6); Conveying the packaged workpiece stack (4). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the picking up and simultaneous alignment of the workpiece stack takes place simultaneously with the alignment of the packaging provided with respect to the workpiece stack. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the workpiece stack (4) for insertion into the packaging (6) is placed on a device (14) which can be moved in the insertion direction and which preferably extends through openings (36) in the packaging (6) , Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the workpiece stack (4) is inserted , the packaging is spread open by means of a device for insertion, in particular expanding tabs (28). Device (1) for packaging plate-shaped workpieces (2), comprising: a collecting station (10) for providing a stack of workpieces (4) to be packaged, which comprises at least one workpiece (2) being fed in, in a collecting position; an alignment station (20) for aligning the workpiece stack (4) and for moving the workpiece stack (4) into a packaging position; a packaging station (30) for packaging the workpiece stack (4), which has at least one device for moving the workpiece stack (32) or one device for moving a packaging (34). Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the alignment station (20) has a first gripping device (22) which can be moved between the collecting position and the packaging position. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that by means of the first gripping device (22) the workpiece stack (4) can be picked up from the collecting station, and in particular can be aligned at the same time. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment station (20) has a second gripping device (24), by means of which an introduced packaging (6) can be moved and in particular aligned with respect to the workpiece stack (4). Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first and / or the second gripping device (22, 24) are each formed by opposite, U-shaped devices, in particular by a pair of pliers. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first and the second gripping device (22, 24), in particular the first and the second pair of pliers, are in a fixed positional relationship to one another, and in particular can be moved together. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a device for inserting (28) the workpiece stack (4) into the packaging (6). Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the device for insertion (28) is formed by pivotable expansion tabs, which are preferably provided on the first pair of pliers (22). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment station has a third gripping device (26), in particular a third pair of pliers, which can be moved between the collecting position and an output position, and preferably with the first and / or second gripping device (22, 24) is coupled. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging station (30) has a lifting device (32) by means of which the workpiece stack (4) can be moved in the packaging position and in particular can be inserted into the packaging (6). Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the lifting device (32) is formed by plungers or telescopic bolts which can be extended linearly.

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