EP1422140B1 - Device and method for filling a continuous cartonmachine - Google Patents

Abstract

the continuous carton packing machine has a locally fixed shelf (1) with at least two opposing shelf faces (1.1, 1.2) set above a feeder container (3) at the rear end of which is an entrainment device (2) which projects over the locally fixed shelf laden with goods and passes contact-free between the shelf faces. A further shelf device (4) consisting of two opposing shelf faces adjoins the locally fixed shelf in the conveyor direction so that the goods can be moved from the locally fixed shelf by the entrainment device onto the second shelf device and then transferred through an opening mechanism (11) to the feeder container (3).

Description

The invention comprises an apparatus and the method for filling in particular a continuous cartoning machine. Such a device is eg in document FR 2 071 812 disclosed.

In the automatic packaging of goods and small items in folding cartons, such as patches, intermittent or continuous cartoning machines are used. Continuous cartoning machines achieve higher production speeds than intermittent machines. The devices for filling the cartoning machines are called simply "feeder". The goods to be packaged can consist of several parts individually or in groups.

In both machines, the carton or carton, hereafter abbreviated FS, directly or indirectly via a storage container, connected to a transfer unit, also called Einschieber, push-in, Einheber, lowered, filled. The FS or the reservoir are moved linearly by a chain or belt drive or by a wheel, disc or star during the filling either intermittently or continuously.

In continuous machines, however, filling with the packaged goods is often a problem. The material must first be synchronized to the speed of the continuous packaging machine prior to the process-safe transfer or be introduced into the machine in a very short period of time at a very high transport speed. For example, a transport accelerator of the packaged goods causes particularly light goods to fly or twist during acceleration, and thus can not be properly packed. A safe process can therefore often be realized only at low machine speeds or be solved by considerable technical effort or expensive special designs. If the technical effort is unreasonable or if the product to be packaged is adversely affected by the dispenser, slower intermittent cartoning machines are used.

1. a) das Ausnutzen der kurzen Zeitspanne der Überdeckung des kontinuierlich bewegten Kartons, FS oder Vorlagebehälters mit dem ortsfesten Spender des Füllgutes.
2. b) das Beschleunigen und Synchronisation des Produktes auf die Geschwindigkeit des kontinuierlich bewegten Kartons, FS oder Vorlagebehälters durch einen zusätzlichen technischen Apparat wie ein Beschleunigungsband oder -kette, eine bewegte Zange, Schieber oder ähnliches.

Im Fall a) sind hierfür hohe Spendegeschwindigkeiten und/oder beim Verpacken mehrzähliger Produkte in einem Karton oder FS viele Spendereinheiten erforderlich. Dabei ist auch die Zeitabstimmung der einzelnen Spendereinheiten ein bedeutendes Problem.
Im Fall b) erfolgt die Übergabe in den Karton, der FS oder Vorlagebehälter direkt durch den zusätzlichen technischen Apparat. Dies ist jedoch nur durch eine zusätzliche und daher oft kostspielige Antriebssynchronisation möglich.The known applied technical solutions for the filling of continuous cartoning machines therefore include either

1. a) the exploitation of the short period of coverage of the continuously moving carton, FS or storage container with the stationary dispenser of the contents.
2. b) the acceleration and synchronization of the product to the speed of the continuously moving carton, FS or storage container by an additional technical apparatus such as an acceleration belt or chain, a moving pliers, slides or the like.

In case a) high donor speeds and / or packaging of multiple products in one carton or FS many donor units are required. The timing of the individual donor units is also a significant problem.
In case b) the transfer into the box, the FS or storage container takes place directly through the additional technical apparatus. However, this is possible only through an additional and therefore often expensive drive synchronization.

It is known that superstructures of technical apparatuses for synchronization, the carton, the FS or the storage container for securing the filling process or at the outlet of the apparatus for completing the filling process, take this to the rescue. This happens, for example, in acceleration bands, which extend into the specially designed, eg slotted, storage containers and so lower the product in the effective range of the storage container after synchronization of the product with the continuously moving storage containers and thus secure the transfer of the product into the container. The disadvantage here is the need for additional guides or drives, which also complicates a grouping multiple contents. At low production speeds, when starting or stopping and at higher heights, it may also lead to unwanted twisting or falling over of the product.
Furthermore, all additional technical apparatus are driven for synchronization and / or they do not prevent twisting or falling over of the product during filling.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for filling cartoning machines, in particular continuous machines, which eliminates the described disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is necessary to provide a device which is constructed as simply as possible, with the contents the carton, FS or storage container synchronized absolutely error-free and no additional drive used for synchronization. The transfer of the contents should be carried out as possible in a dormant state that does not allow tipping or twisting of the contents.
Another object of the present invention is to enable the filling of boxes or FS more reliable and faster.
Another object is to provide a device required for this, which requires lower investment costs and higher availability than existing on the market special designs.

This bundle of objects is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Preferred sub-claims disclose preferred embodiments of the device. The invention also includes the method for filling a cartoning machine.

Location or direction indications, such as "at the end", "above", "vertical" or the like, refer in the following description to the conveying direction of the cartoning machine.
Of course, the boxes or FS to be filled can themselves act as storage containers and are accordingly subsumed according to the invention under the term storage container.

• 
  eine ortsfeste Ablage, bestehend aus mindestens zwei gegenüberliegenden Ablageflächen,
• 
  mindestens einem unterhalb der ortsfesten Ablage beförderter Vorlagebehälter,
• 
  ein am hinteren Ende des Vorlagebehälters befindlichen Mitnehmer,
  • 
    der über die mit Gut beladene ortsfeste Ablage hinausragt und
  • 
    berührungsfrei zwischen den Ablageflächen hindurchgeführt werden kann und
• 
  eine weitere Ablagevorrichtung, bestehend aus mindestens zwei gegenüberliegenden Ablageflächen,
  • 
    die sich in Förderichtung an die ortsfeste Ablage anschließt, so dass das Gut von der ortsfesten Ablage mit dem Mitnehmer auf die Ablagevorrichtung gefördert werden kann und
  • 
    die mit einem Öffnungsmechanismus (11) zur Übergabe des Gutes in den Vorlagebehälters versehen ist,

die gestellten Aufgaben löst.It was surprising and extremely surprising for the skilled person that a device for filling a cartoning machine comprising

• 
  a fixed shelf consisting of at least two opposite shelves,
• 
  at least one storage container conveyed below the stationary deposit,
• 
  a driver located at the rear end of the storage container,
  • 
    which protrudes beyond the loaded with good stationary tray and
  • 
    can be passed without contact between the shelves and
• 
  another storage device consisting of at least two opposite storage surfaces,
  • 
    which adjoins the stationary storage in the conveying direction, so that the goods can be promoted by the stationary storage with the driver on the storage device and
  • 
    which is provided with an opening mechanism (11) for transferring the goods into the storage container,

solves the tasks.

Fig.1

zeigt eine ortsfeste Ablage (1), bestehend aus zwei Flächen (1.1) und (1.2), jeweils fest verbunden mit Seitenwänden (5.1) und (5.2), eine zu öffnende Ablage (4), bestehend aus zwei Flächen (4.1) und (4.2) verbunden mit einem öffnungsmechanismus (11), und einen Vorlagebehälter (3) fest verbunden mit einem Mitnehmer (2)

Fig.2

zeigt zusätzlich zu Fig.1 zwei Ablagevorrichtungen (7) und (8) oberhalb der ortsfesten Ablage (1)

Fig.3

zeigt zusätzlich zu Fig.1 eine Drehablage (9) oberhalb der ortsfesten Ablage (1), alternativ zu den Ablagevorrichtungen (7) und (8) aus Fig. 2

Fig.4

zeigt zusätzlich zu Fig.1 zwei weitere Seitenwände (10), die den Beschickungsbereich der ortsfesten Ablage (1) in Maschinelaufrichtung formatbezogen begrenzen

Fig.5-9

zeigen den Verfahrensablauf für eine Packgut-Gruppe (12) von 5 Siegelbeuteln anhand einer Vorrichtung gemäß Fig.2

Fig.5

zeigt das Füllgut (12), gesammelt auf Ablagevorrichtung (7) bis zur vollständigen Anzahl (5 Stück)

Fig.6

zeigt, dass Ablagevorrichtung (8) schließt, Ablagevorrichtung (7) öffnet und die 5 Siegelbeutel auf ortsfeste Ablage (1) abgeben werden, Ablagevorrichtung (7) wird wieder geschlossen und Ablagevorrichtung (8) wieder geöffnet

Fig.7

zeigt, dass die Füllgutgruppe (12) auf der Ablage (1) durch den Mitnehmer (2) in Richtung der zu öffnenden Ablage (4) mitgeführt wird und dadurch eine automatische Synchronisation mit dem Vorlagebehälter (3) stattfindet

Fig.8

zeigt in seitlicher Ansicht, dass Ablage (4) öffnet, wenn die Füllgutgruppe die Ablage (1) vollständig verlassen hat und so Füllgutgruppe (12) in den Vorlagebehälter (3) abgelegt wird

Fig. 9

zeigt in perspektivischer Ansicht den Verfahrensablauf von Fig. 8

For a better explanation of the device according to the invention and of the method, FIGS. 1 to 4 show different embodiments of the device according to the invention and FIGS. 5 to 9 show the basic process sequence using the example of four-edge-sealed bags or bags as filling material to be donated as a group of five into a continuous packaging machine.

Fig.1

shows a fixed tray (1), consisting of two surfaces (1.1) and (1.2), each firmly connected to side walls (5.1) and (5.2), an openable tray (4), consisting of two surfaces (4.1) and ( 4.2) connected to an opening mechanism (11), and a storage container (3) fixedly connected to a driver (2)

Fig.2

shows in addition to Figure 1, two storage devices (7) and (8) above the fixed tray (1)

Figure 3

1 shows, in addition to FIG. 1, a rotary tray (9) above the stationary shelf (1), alternatively to the shelf devices (7) and (8) from FIG. 2

Figure 4

shows in addition to Figure 1, two further side walls (10) which limit the loading area of the stationary tray (1) in machine orientation format related

Fig.5-9

show the procedure for a packaged goods group (12) of 5 sealed bags based on a device according to Fig.2

Figure 5

shows the contents (12), collected on storage device (7) to the complete number (5 pieces)

Figure 6

shows that storage device (8) closes, storage device (7) opens and the 5 sealed bags on stationary tray (1) are discharged, storage device (7) is closed again and storage device (8) opened again

Figure 7

shows that the product group (12) on the tray (1) by the driver (2) in the direction of the tray to be opened (4) is carried and thereby takes place an automatic synchronization with the storage container (3)

Figure 8

shows in a lateral view that tray (4) opens when the group of contents has left the tray (1) completely and so Füllgutgruppe (12) is placed in the storage container (3)

Fig. 9

shows a perspective view of the procedure of FIG. 8

The device according to the invention consists of a stationary tray (1) for the product to be packaged (product). The tray (1) comprises at least two opposite storage surfaces (1.1 and 1.2), on which the filling material is deposited before filling.
On the cardboard to be filled, the FS or a storage container (3) a driver or driver finger (2) is mounted, which can pass through the fixed tray (1) in the machine direction without colliding with the same by contact between the shelves (1.1 and 1.2) is passed. The sequence of movements of the storage containers shown in the figures, the machine direction is directed forward.

The driver can be firmly attached to the storage container or even at the end of the storage container on the conveyor belt or on the cartoner chain.
It is only important that the driver protrudes beyond the tray (1) loaded with goods, as illustrated for example by FIGS. 6 and 7, and is preferably designed and / or arranged such that the depositing of the product (12) from the tray (4 ) can take place without problems in the storage container (3).

The driver (2) synchronized exact position with respect to the transfer without additional driven equipment, the entrainment of the contents with the storage container. This eliminates the need for additional guides or drives. The driver (2) moves the contents in the machine direction / conveying direction of the stationary tray (1) on a second tray (4). This storage device (4) is analogous to tray (1) from at least two opposite storage surfaces (4.1) and (4.2) and additionally comprises an opening mechanism (11) (indicated in Fig. 1 by the arrows). As soon as the contents have completely left the stationary tray (1), the second tray (4) can be opened via the mechanism. The opening of the second tray (4) can be done by a separate drive or alternatively also by an opening mechanism, which is activated by the driver (2) or the cartoner chain, ie alternatively realized without an additional separate drive.
As shown in Fig. 1, the tray (4) by simply folding according to the arrows (11) shown open and release the contents for transfer to the storage container (Fig. 8, 9). Likewise, the opening of the movable second tray (4) can be realized by a linear movement or rotational movement.

The opening mechanism (11) of the tray (4) is activated by the driver (2), the storage container (3), the cartoner chain or another component of the cartoning machine moving synchronously with the machine speed. The activation and its conception can be adapted to the given circumstances and does not represent a great circumstance for the person skilled in the art.

Due to the entrainment of the contents with the driver (2), the medium has a synchronized with the feed tank (3) speed. That in the relative system between the product and the container (3), the product thus has a speed of 0, i. the contents are at rest and fall without affecting the storage tank (3). The product is always dormant in the relative system, regardless of the production speed, whereby a secure transfer is guaranteed and no dropping or twisting of the contents is observed. This is an advantage over known devices for filling in particular continuous cartoning machines.

Due to the structural design of the stationary tray (1) and the driver (2) is the entrainment of one or more products that are located on the fixed shelf, always ensured. The driving height can be designed individually and projects depending on the goods to be filled and number per group beyond the loaded with good stationary storage. This ensures that the driver (2) takes all goods to be filled from the stationary storage (1).

The fixed tray (1) can also be designed so that the contents laterally to the machine direction with respect to the transfer into the storage container already on loading of the fixed tray (1) and throughout the entire process flow the contents by adjacent side walls (5) to the stationary Tray (1) can not change the desired orientation.
Fig. 1 illustrates the basic structure of the side walls (5), which prevent slippage of the contents during the loading of the tray (1) and (4). The side walls adjacent to the respective shelf sides (1.1, 1.2 or 4.1, 4.2) are marked accordingly with (5.1) or (5.2).
Alternatively, the orientation of the filling material can also be carried out only during the movement of the filling material through the driver (2), ie after the synchronization, by eg oblique design or employment of the adjacent side walls (5). That is, the perpendicular to the tray (1) and / or (4) existing side walls (5.1) and (5.2), between which the contents is conveyed, are parallel or in one in the conveying direction certain angle α, preferably from 0 ° (parallel) to 45 °, arranged to each other. This can be done while driving an orientation of the contents on the tray (1). For example, by a V-shaped running of the side walls a plurality of loose on the tray (1) lying, to be packaged plaster strips pushed together on the lateral dimensions of the carton. This leaves a possible slipping of the contents when loading the tray (1) with the contents without consequences.

The bearing surfaces (1.1) and (1.2) of the tray (1) and their distance from one another are designed according to the invention adapted to the corresponding material to be filled. The storage surfaces (1.1) and (1.2) can be flat, grooved in the machine direction or have any other functional shape. The same applies to the shelves (4.1) and (4.2) of the tray (4) to be opened.

For loading the stationary tray (1) with the material to be filled is significantly more time available than with direct filling of the original container. It is only necessary to ensure that the driver (2) is not in the area of the stationary deposit (1) during loading, which is taken up by the contents on the stationary deposit (1) according to the product length. As soon as the driver (2) has left this area of the tray (1), the tray (1) can be loaded until the carrier (2) of the next storage container comes into the area of the tray (1) and the contents are filled with the storage container (1). 3) synchronized. The available time of loading the tray (1) results from the distance between the original container to each other minus the Füllgutlänge in the machine direction and the production speed. The distance from each other is usually much greater than the size of the storage container in the machine direction. Thus, the time period for the loading of the fixed tray (1) is significantly greater than the time period for direct filling, which is determined by production speed and dimensional difference of cardboard, FS or original container length and Füllgutlänge in the machine direction. This greater available loading period is another significant advantage of the apparatus of the present invention, enabling higher production speeds and reducing the number of dispensing devices required on the packaging machine.

Preferably, further side walls (10), as shown in Fig. 4, in the feed of the fixed tray (1) with identical orientation as the driver (2) can be installed above the driver to limits when loading the stationary storage in the machine direction to ensure the feed in the machine direction and define the area of the fixed tray (1) format-related. The period of time for the loading of the stationary tray (1) is thereby optimized for the size of the contents. Ie on the side walls (10) and a slipping of the contents in the conveying direction on the tray (1) is prevented.

For the device according to the invention is given with the side walls (5) and / or (10) a Füllgut-format adjustability and thus are no format parts and their complex custom-made necessary. In Fig. 4, this format adjustability is shown by arrows.

On the fixed storage individual contents as well as several contents, so-called group formation, can be positioned simultaneously. Due to the large time required for the loading of the fixed storage and the resulting possible group formation, the total number of dispensers and filling stations can be reduced.

For the fixed tray loading, fixed conventional dispensing devices such as chutes, friction wheel feeders, gripper conveyors, finger chains or belt conveyors with and without top rollers, as well as product conveyors with any embodiment of the belts, such as flat belts, toothed belts, other belts, cords, treadmills, may be used. For loading, a robot can also be used.

So that the selected device for feeding the stationary tray (1) does not work in stop-and-go mode, but can also operate continuously, the fixed tray can be preceded by a buffer, collecting and / or grouping station (7, 8).
The apparatus accordingly preferably comprises one or more depositing devices (7, 8) which are arranged above the stationary tray (1) and are provided with an opening mechanism (11) which allows the goods to be deposited on the depositing devices (8) Allow storage devices (7) or directly on the tray (1).

As shown in Fig. 2, these storage devices (7, 8), for example, four horizontally movable storage combs. Make two opposing ridges a storage level and are moved synchronously. The grouping station shown in Fig. 2 thus consists of a lower shelf level (7) and an upper shelf level (8), which can open or close the product filling area by a horizontal movement (in Fig.2 marked level (7) in the closed position and Level (8) open). The lower shelf level (7) opens when the desired number of contents is reached and the driver (2) is not in the area of the fixed shelf (1). The upper shelf level (8) closes when the desired number of contents on the lower shelf level (7) is reached and opens again when the drop from the lower shelf level (7) on the fixed shelf (1) has taken place and the lower shelf level ( 7) is closed again. Through the upper shelf level (8), the feeding and grouping of the dispenser according to the invention for a continuous cartoning machine can also be carried out continuously.

Alternatively, the grouping station can also consist of only one storage level (7) in a simplified manner, if the group formation of the contents for the overall process is not time-critical, i. the speed of the dispenser according to the invention is not limited.

The opening of the storage devices (7) and (8) can be carried out by a linear movement or rotational movement. Likewise, the opening of the movable second tray (4) can be realized by a linear movement or rotational movement. The storage devices / storage levels (7) and (8) can be designed as a comb as in Fig. 2 or as a continuous tray as the second, openable tray (4) or grooved in machine direction or in any other shape.

The loading, buffering, collecting and / or grouping station (7) and (8) above the tray (1) can alternatively be realized according to the invention by a rotary tray (9). The rotary tray (9) consists of two opposite, four-armed wings (9.1, 9.2), as shown in Fig. 3. The four arms of a wing are each arranged at 90 ° to each other. By oppositely rotating the two wings (9.1, 9.2), the tray is opened and closed at the same time, ie the contents of the next storage, eg on the fixed shelf (1), and at the same time two new shelves (two other wing arms = new pair of wings = new tray) for the next batch / grouping. In the simultaneity of opening and closing the tray (9) by a movement, the opposite direction 90 ° rotation of the wing, there is the great advantage of a rotary tray. This saves movement time for the storage areas and also the waiting time between the movements opening and closing, which is required for the discharge of the contents to the subsequent storage (fall time). A rotary tray (9), when usable for the contents, is therefore the fastest alternative for a loading, buffering, collecting and / or grouping station.
The rotary tray (9) according to the invention of this device according to the invention is also characterized in that the next arms of the right and left wings of the rotary tray (9) in the process are designed so that they can not only form the next tray, but before that lateral boundary perpendicular to the machine direction for the tray to be loaded (the pair of wings) form. That is, they are advantageously embedded in the side walls (5) and thus form the Ausrichtungsbegrenzung for the contents. The same applies to the pair of wings loaded with contents after an anticlockwise 90 ° rotation. It again forms the lateral boundary perpendicular to the machine direction for the product below the rotary tray (9) and is also designed and arranged so that the transfer of the filling material to the side walls (5) is trouble-free possible (Fig. 3).
The tray (1) of the device according to the invention can thus be fed via a rotary tray (9), as shown in Fig. 3, or the feed can alternatively also on a plurality of rotary shelves (9), which are above the tray (1) arranged one above the other, respectively.
The embodiment of the rotary tray can be constructed contrary to the described shape of the rotary tray (9) in Figure 3, alternatively, at least two opposite, oppositely rotating wing or rotor shafts whose arms of any number at an angle of 3 ° to 360 ° to each other are arranged, and without side walls (5) are operated on the filling device according to the invention or by slotted side walls (5) through their wings / rotors. In a multi-armed rotary vane system, even the stationary tray (1) can be substituted by two wing arms opposite each other, referred to as a pair of wings. The pairs of wings of the same rotary tray lying above this pair of wings then form the collecting and grouping station above the substituted stationary deposit (1), the last pair of wings. The driver (2) then conveys the contents of the last pair of wings on the subsequent opening tray (4). In this embodiment, the tray (1) is formed by an opposite pair of wings of the rotary tray (9). While the driver (2) on this tray (9) lying good on the tray (4), the tray (9) is considered to be stationary. The storage surfaces of the opposite pair of wings (as shelves 1.1, 1.2)) of the rotary tray (9) do not have to be horizontal, so that the good possibly on the End tips of the wings can rest. This is the case with pairs of wings, which are not arranged at 90 ° to each other. Subsequently, by oppositely rotating the rotary tray (9), that above the tray (1, formed from an opposite pair of wings of the tray (9)) kontiniuerlich loaded shelf surface (9) of the overlying pair of wings to the shelf (1).

Due to the mirror-image structure of the dispenser according to the invention, the left and right side wall (5), the left and right stationary tray (1), the left and right to open tray (4) and also the left and right part of the storage device (7,8 , 9) above the tray (1) are pulled apart in a simple manner and thus implement the adjustability to different formats also perpendicular to the machine direction. In this case, the storage devices (4, 7, 8, 9) to be opened and closed are operated separately on the left and right (FIG. 4).

If the left and right shelves of the storage devices to be opened and closed (4,7,8,9) for reasons of exact synchronization and cost reasons despite format adjustability by a drive (instead of two drives), this is also in a simple manner a corresponding structural design feasible.
The storage surfaces (4.1) and (4.2) of the openable storage device (4) are then, for example, not mechanically connected to the tray (1) or with the side walls (5), but stationary to the cartoner arranged so that for the format adjustment perpendicular to Machine direction sufficient free space (6) for the surfaces (1.1) and (1.2) of the tray (1) connected to the side walls (5.1) and (5.2) is available (Fig. 1). This means that the side walls (5.1) and (5.2) can be moved closer or further to each other depending on the width of the goods to be packaged without affecting the entire apparatus and the opening mechanism (11) of the tray (4). The storage surfaces of the tray (4) are thus not constructively connected to the sliding side walls (5) or the shelf (1) and allow by moving the side walls (5) in the region of the free space (6) adaptation to the Füllgutbreite without the costly conversions or conversions to the device must be made and without the provided with the opening mechanism (11) tray (4) is adversely affected. The same applies to the storage (4), the same applies to the storage devices (7, 8, 9) above the shelf (1).

The side walls (5) can therefore be mechanically rigidly connected to the shelf (1) and / or they are mechanically connected to the shelves (4, 7, 8, 9) to be opened. Preferably, however, the side walls (5) can also be arranged displaceably relative to the shelves (1) and / or (4) and / or (7, 8) and / or (9).

The shelves of the shelves (1), (4), (7), (8) and / or (9) may be flat, comb-like, grooved, rounded, consisting of round rods, perforated or have any other suitable shape and embodiment.

Since the time and place of opening the second tray (4) are not critical, i. can be done at any time, the transfer of the contents of the tray (4) in the storage container (3) not only in free fall but also guided and / or supported completed and so the transfer security between storage (4) and storage container ( 3) are further increased. In the relative system, this is possible even with a device not synchronized with the reservoir (3).

The device of the invention is characterized in particular by its simple structure, very low investment costs, ease of use, high ease of maintenance, the possibility of rapid troubleshooting and the resulting high availability, which ultimately leads to higher productivity of a continuous cartoning machine.

By the device applications for continuous cartoning machines are developed, which have not yet been used due to excessive technical complexity, low availability and / or high investment costs for the product dispensers for continuous cartoning.

The method according to the invention, which can be realized by the device described, is shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 with a buffering and grouping station consisting of comb-like storage devices (7, 8) for four-edge-sealed bags or bags in its course.

Figure 5 shows that the product / sachets (12) are collected at the bottom shelf level (7) until the desired number (clustering) is achieved. Then closes the upper shelf level (8), so that the loading unit without stop, ie can continuously equip the dispenser according to the invention of a continuous cartoning machine on shelf level (8) with sealed bags.

The lower shelf level (7) is opened when there is no catch (2) in the area of the fixed shelf (1) required by the product (sealed bags). The length of the area in machine direction is format dependent, i. depending on the length of the product (sealed bag) in the machine direction. If necessary, this area can be limited by the additional side walls (10) (FIG. 4). When the lower tray level (7) is opened, the product / group (12) of sealed bags falls onto the stationary tray (1). Subsequently, the lower storage level (7) is immediately closed again and then the upper storage level (8) opened again (Fig. 6).

The storage containers (3) connected to the drivers (2) are moved continuously. The driver (2) on the storage container synchronizes the product / the contents, such as the sealed bag, with the storage container (3). The driver (2) pushes the sealed bag group (12) from the stationary tray (1) to the later to be opened second tray (4). The side walls (5) fix the position of the sealed bag thereby perpendicular to the machine direction (Fig. 7).

The movable second tray (4) opens when the sealed bags have left the stationary tray (1) completely. The product / the sealing bags fall in the relative system "continuously moving storage container" (3) resting in the storage container (Fig. 8, 9)

The device according to the invention and the described method for filling continuous cartoning machines has proven to be more reliable and faster, in particular in the case of tubular and sealed bags, as a product to be dispensed, especially due to its simple structure compared to other technical special constructions. This in particular at significantly lower investment costs. As a result, this technology according to the invention, which baffles the person skilled in the art by the simple construction, represents a competitive advantage, at least in the industry that packages hoses and sealed bags.
For example, with the device according to the invention, a doubling of the production speed of very light products, such as sealed bags filled with plaster strips, is achieved when packaging into a folding box.

The device according to the invention can be made of any materials and material combinations according to the requirements for a damage-free and fast packaging of a good.

Claims (21)

1. Arrangement for filling a cartoning machine, comprising

   

   a stationary shelf (1) made up of at least two opposite shelf surfaces (1.1, 1.2),

   

   at least one supply container (3) which is conveyed beneath the stationary shelf,

   

   a driver (2) which is located at the rear end of the supply container (3),

   

   which projects beyond the stationary article-laden shelf (1) and

   

   which can be guided through between the shelf surfaces (1.1, 1.2) in a contact-free manner,

   

   a further shelf arrangement (4) made up of at least two opposite shelf surfaces (4.1, 4.2),

   

   which follows the stationary shelf (1) in the conveying direction, in which case the article or articles can be conveyed from the stationary shelf (1), by the driver (2), onto the shelf arrangement (4), and

   

   which is provided with an opening mechanism (11) for transferring the article or articles into the supply container (3).
2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cartoning machine is operated continuously or intermittently.
3. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the presence of side walls (5) which are adjacent to the shelf (1) and/or shelf arrangement (4) and, as seen in the conveying direction, are arranged parallel to one another or at an angle α, preferably in a range of 0° to 45°, in relation to one another and constitute a product-guiding means and/or product-aligning means in the machine-operating direction.
4. Arrangement according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by the presence of one or two side walls (10) which, as seen in the conveying direction, are arranged vertically above the stationary shelf (1) and above the driver (2) and which are rigid or can be displaced in the conveying direction.
5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more shelf arrangements (7, 8) are present above the shelf (1), and these shelf arrangements are provided with an opening mechanism which allows the article or articles to be set down from the shelf arrangement (8) on the shelf arrangements (7) located therebeneath and/or, from these shelf arrangements, on the shelf (1).
6. Arrangement according to Claim 5, characterized in that the shelf arrangements (7, 8) above the stationary shelf (1) are made up of one or more rotary shelves (9) which are each constructed from two mutually opposite, four-armed blade structures (9.1) and (9.2) which rotate in opposite directions and of which the arms are arranged at 90° in relation to one another in each case, and these rotary shelves simultaneously open and close the shelf with just one movement, a 90° rotation of the blade structures (9.1) and (9.2) in opposite directions.
7. Arrangement according to Claim 6, characterized in that the blade-structure arms (9.1) and (9.2) of the rotary shelf (9) are configured such that they form a lateral boundary in the direction perpendicular to the machine-operating direction above and/or beneath the shelf arrangement and/or the stationary shelf (1), and the blade structures are arranged so as to allow destruction-free transfer to the article-guiding side walls (5).
8. Arrangement according to Claim 5, characterized in that the shelf arrangements above the stationary shelf (1) are made up of one or more rotary shelves which are each constructed from at least two mutually opposite blade-structure or rotor shafts which rotate in opposite directions and of which the arms, in any desired number, are arranged at an angle of 3° to 360° in relation to one another, and these rotary shelves engage, if appropriate, through slotted side walls (5) by way of their blade structures/rotors.
9. Arrangement according to Claim 8, characterized in that the mutually opposite arms of the two blade structures of the rotary shelf, which together form a shelf, substitute the stationary shelf (1), and the top blade-structure pairs of the same rotary shelf form the collecting and grouping station (7).
10. Arrangement according to one of Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the side walls (5) are connected in a mechanically rigid manner to the shelf (1) and/or are connected mechanically to the shelves (4, 7, 8, 9) which are to be opened.
11. Arrangement according to one of Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the side walls (5) are arranged such that they can be displaced in relation to the shelves (1) and/or (4) and/or (7, 8) and/or (9).
12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shelf arrangements (4), (7) and/or (8) can be opened by a linear movement or a rotary movement.
13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the right-hand and left-hand sides of the shelf arrangements (4) and/or (7) and/or (8) and/or (9) are actuated in each case by a separate, synchronized drive or by a separate, non-synchronized drive.
14. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the right-hand and left-hand sides of the shelf arrangements (4) and/or (7) and/or (8) and/or (9) are actuated by just one drive, and format adjustability of the side walls (5) in the direction perpendicular to the machine-operating direction is provided by free spaces (6) or sliding shafts or cardan shafts.
15. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shelf (4) is opened by an opening mechanism (11) which is activated by the driver (2), the supply container (3), the cartoning chain or some other cartoning-machine component moving synchronously with the speed of the machine.
16. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfaces of the shelves (1), (4), (7), (8) and/or (9) are planar, comb-like, grooved, rounded, made up of round bars, are perforated or in any other suitable form.
17. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for charging the arrangement, use is made of conventional stationary distributing arrangements, in particular chutes, frictional-wheel feeders, gripper-type conveyors, finger chains, belt conveyors with and without upper belts, product conveyors with suitable forms of belt, in particular flat belts, toothed belts, bands or aprons, or a robot.
18. Method of filling a cartoning machine, characterized in that

    

    the article or articles which are to be introduced is or are set down on a stationary shelf (1), made up of at least two opposite shelf surfaces (1.1, 1.2), as long as there is no driver (2) located in that region of the stationary shelf (1) which is occupied by the article or articles,

    

    the article or articles is or are carried along by means of a driver (2) located at the end of a supply container (3) which is conveyed beneath the stationary shelf,

    

    the driver (2) being guided through between the shelf surfaces (1.1, 1.2) in a contact-free manner,

    

    the article or articles is or are conveyed from the shelf (1) onto a shelf arrangement (4) made up of at least two opposite shelf surfaces (4.1, 4.2),

    

    the shelf (4) is then opened as soon as the article or articles has or have left the stationary shelf (1) in its or their entirety, and

    

    the article or articles is or are transferred into the supply container (3).
19. Method according to Claim 18, characterized by the presence, above the stationary shelf (1), of one or more shelf arrangements (7, 8, 9) which, in the first instance, are provided with the article or articles and then discharge the article or articles, by way of an opening mechanism, onto the shelf (7) beneath or the stationary shelf (1), the lower shelf level (7) or (9) opening only when there is no driver (2) located in that region of the stationary shelf (1) which is occupied by the article or articles.
20. Use of the arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 17 as a product-transfer means within continuously or intermittently operating production installations.
21. Use of the arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 17 for filling cartons, folding boxes and/or supply containers or cartoning machines with tubular bags and sealed bags, paper cards, cardboard cards or plastic cards and/or envelopes, carrier bags or the like.

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