EP1470909A2 - Folding apparatus and method for setting-up a tray - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for the automatic production of a cardboard box, or tray, from a flat form with prepared fold lines has the flat form placed onto a prepared recess with some of the tag bent upwards by the action. The stamp (8) presses the flat form into a shaped recess (4) thereby bending up the side panels to form a tray. The stamp is retracted and the tops of the end panels are bent inwards to press into the final position using a wider stamp obtained by a wider spacing of the two parts of the stamp. The process can be used for most types of cardboard including multi layer corrugated.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to methods of forming a Folding box made from a pre-grooved cardboard blank. Further The present invention relates to a device for Carrying out this procedure with a die, the one Opening defined, and a stamp, at least can be inserted in sections into the opening.

State of the art

Methods and devices for forming folding boxes, as for example for packaging plate-shaped Workpieces such as furniture fronts, panels, strips or The same are used in a wide variety Executions known.

The starting material is usually flat Cardboard blanks used, mostly with pre-grooved Folded edges are equipped and for example made of solid or multiple corrugated cardboard.

For example, DE 196 36 262 A discloses a folding machine in which the folding process of the cardboard blanks with several mechanically operated flaps that take place in a common Recording plane are displaceable, the cardboard blank during folding by a fixing device in the Recording level is held. This solution has proven to be proved to be quite suitable, but has the disadvantage that the several mechanically operated flaps one comparatively complex construction and control bring yourself in and for a continuous folding process Continuous processing are not suitable.

Another genus of folding devices are those that work according to the die or deep-drawing principle. So put the applicant has been folding for some time, the a die defining an opening and a stamp, which can be inserted into the opening at least in sections, exhibit. In addition to the stamp and die, the known folding devices tiltable or pivotable Folding elements on to inner flaps, which are by means of the Stamp strokes cannot be brought into their folded position can fold by tilting or swiveling.

However, these folding elements have the disadvantage that they are too complex construction and control of the Folding device and a correspondingly complicated Process sequence in order to define precisely defined tilting or To enable swivel movements. In addition, the Adaptation of the tilting or swiveling folding elements changing geometries of cardboard blanks difficult.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to simplify Process for forming a folding box from a to provide pre-grooved cardboard cut.

This object is achieved according to the present invention by a Process for forming a folding box from a Pre-grooved cardboard blank with the features of claim 1 solved. Preferred developments of the invention are in the dependent claims specified.

The present invention is based on the idea that Form a folding box from a pre-grooved one Carton cutting as much as possible on functions of the Stamp to focus on the process as well the device required to carry out the method to simplify. For this purpose, the invention provided that the stamp takes over tasks that are in the state the technology performed by additional folding elements become. More specifically, the inventive Procedure provided that the stamp after a first Insertion into the opening of a die is withdrawn, to its dimensions in at least one direction adjust and then a second insertion of the Make stamp in the opening of the die so that the cardboard blank is folded at least in sections.

In this way, the inventive Process several consecutive folding operations simple and quick way to get out of one pre-grooved cardboard blank a finished folding box manufacture. At the same time, the invention enables Procedure the use of a simplified folding device, which is described below.

According to a development of the method according to the invention the dimensions of the stamp after the second Introduce adjusted at least in one direction to thereby to cause a folding operation. The stamp therefore has one double folding function, namely on the one hand during its Insertion into the opening of the die and on the other hand by adjusting its own dimensions, thereby a large variety of folding operations on the pre-grooved Cardboard can be cut. It is particularly preferred that the dimensions of the stamp after the second insertion. This can Sections or tabs of the cardboard blank, which during the second insertion of the stamp are pre-folded simple and expeditious way in its final folded Position.

In order to insert the stamp into the opening of the second time Matrix is to ensure an optimal folding process according to a development of the method according to the invention provided that after withdrawing and before the second Insert the stamp tabs of the cardboard blank in such a way be folded or prefolded so that they are between the The opening of the die and the stamp come to rest. This makes it possible that the stamp at his second insertion optimally take up the respective tabs and can fold without the tabs or damage to the carton blank occurs.

To optimally carry out the invention Process can be achieved according to the present invention the use of a folding device with the features of Claim 4 preferred. This is characterized in that the stamp and preferably also the opening of the die Have dimensions that are at least in one direction are adjustable. As a result, a device with provided a simple construction with which can advantageously perform the inventive method. In particular, there are none in the device according to the invention additional folding elements or only comparatively simple, additional folding elements required, which in addition to the Construction also significantly controls the device simplified.

It is particularly preferred that the stamp at least has two pressure elements, the distance between which is adjustable, especially during the stamp at least is inserted in sections into the opening of the die.

With this construction, the stamp gets a simple, however variable construction, whereby the pressure elements in their geometry to the desired folding functions get voted. In this context, it is special preferred that the at least two pressure elements in can be moved relative to one another in at least one direction, especially during the stamp at least is inserted in sections into the opening of the die.

According to a development of the invention Folding device is the die by at least two Frame elements formed by means of each other Control elements, in particular sliding pieces, connected in this way are that the dimensions of the opening of the die are adjustable. As a result, the variability of folding device according to the invention further increased by the Folding device easily to changing geometries of the Carton blank or the folding box to be formed is customizable. It is also conceivable in this way, even during the operation of the folding device the dimensions of the Vary the die opening, for example to fold to support.

This concept can be used particularly advantageously as a result realize that the die by at least four rod-shaped frame elements is formed, which the opening of the Define die and interact with each other using control elements, especially sliding pieces, are connected such that the Dimensions of the opening of the die are adjustable. This modular structure has proven to be very flexible and in practice proven at the same time inexpensively.

In order to insert the cardboard blank between the Opening the die and the punch a first fold According to a further development, the Folding device according to the invention provided that the Control elements opposite the opening of the die in the direction protrude from the stamp and preferably a wedge-shaped Own section. This makes it possible to pre-grooved cardboard blank between stamp and To place the die opening, for example by means of a Gripping device that when inserting the cardboard blank already a few tabs of the same through the wedge-shaped Section to be pre-folded. In this way, means of a simple static component the number of possible Folding operations further increased without the construction and To make control of the device more complex.

Nevertheless, with complex cardboard blanks or Folding boxes may be required, individual flaps of the Cardboard blank in the course of the overall process in this way fold that between the punch and the die opening come to rest, then by a lifting movement of the Stamp to be folded. For this purpose it is in accordance a development of the folding device according to the invention preferred that it has a pre-folding device which is linearly movable and by means of the individual tabs of the Cardboard section are foldable so that they between the Stamp and the rest of the cardboard blank come to rest. In contrast to the prior art, it is within the scope of present invention sufficient that the Folding device can only be moved linearly, and not is absolutely tiltable or pivotable, what the construction and Control of the device keeps it simple.

With a view to reliable and lasting Folding process is according to a further development of the present Invention further provided that the folding device a Counter-pressure device, which on the stamp opposite side of the die is arranged. This can be achieved through the interaction of the stamp and Back pressure device formed a dimensionally stable folding box become.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

shows schematically a preferred embodiment the folding device according to the invention and essential steps in the implementation of the method according to the invention;

Fig. 2

schematically shows essential process steps when forming a folding box from one pre-grooved cardboard cut according to method according to the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a folding device 1 for forming a folding box 2 'from a pre-grooved cardboard blank 2. The folding device 1 comprises a die 4, the one Opening 6 defines, and a stamp 8, at least can be inserted in sections into the opening 6. The Stamp 8 has two in the present embodiment Printing elements 10, 12, the mutual distance in The direction of the arrow 6 shown in FIG. 1d) is adjustable, the entire stamp in the direction of the in Fig. 1d) shown arrow 5 is movable.

The die 4 is through in the present embodiment four rod-shaped frame elements 14, 16, 18, 20 are formed, the frame member 20 in Fig. 1 by the frame member 18 is covered. Define the frame elements 14, 16, 18, 20 the opening 6 of the die 4 and are by means of sliding pieces 22 interconnected such that the dimensions of the Opening 6 of the die 4 are adjustable. The adjustment of the Frame elements 14, 16, 18, 20 can be manually Spindles etc. or automated using actuators etc. done.

In addition, the sliding pieces 22 are in the present Embodiment formed such that it is opposite the Opening 6 of the die 4 in the direction of the punch 8 protrude, being in the area of the supernatant wedge-shaped section 22 'is provided.

The folding device 1 further comprises a Pre-folding device 24, which is linear along the in Fig. 1c) Arrows 4 shown is movable and for example by movable elbows or the like is formed. Finally, the folding device 1 comprises one Back pressure device in the form of abutments 26 which on the the side of the die 4 opposite the punch 8 are arranged.

The operation of the folding device 1 and the Method according to the invention for forming a folding box 2 ' a pre-grooved cardboard blank 2 becomes the following with reference to Figures 1 and 2, wherein Fig. 2 each state of the carton blank before or after performing process steps shown in Fig. 1 shows.

First, the cardboard blank 2 shown in Fig. 2a) by means of a gripping device such as one Gripping arm with vacuum suction elements captured and into the Folding device 1 inserted such that the cardboard blank 2 between the punch 8 and the die opening 6 for lying comes (Fig. 1a)). The cardboard blank 2 becomes like this between the wedge-shaped sections 22 ′ of the sliding pieces 22 introduced that the tabs 2A through the wedge-shaped Sections 22 'as indicated by arrows in Fig. 1a) be folded. In this way, the in Fig. 2b) shown state of the cardboard blank 2 reached.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1b), the stamp 8 in move or insert the opening 6 of the die 4 in such a way that the side flaps 2B, 2C of the cardboard blank 2 are folded become. The cardboard blank 2 in the The die opening 6 is pushed in and the cardboard blank 2 reaches the state shown in Fig. 2c). Then the Stamp 8 withdrawn in its starting position.

As can be seen in Fig. 2c), end portions of the Tabs 2C in this state still over the side tabs 2B and are intended to be used in further proceedings in the To be folded inside the folding box to be formed. In order to prepare this folding in, use the Pre-folding device 24 the folding process shown in Fig. 1c) performed, the angular elements of the Folding device 24 in the direction indicated by the arrows 4 Move direction linearly and in this way the end sections fold the tabs 2C into the position shown in Fig. 2d). Then the elements of the pre-folding device 24 withdrawn.

Finally, the end sections of the Tabs 2C inward to that shown in Fig. 2e) To finish folding box 2 '. For this purpose first the dimensions of the stamp 8 in the direction of in 1d) shown arrow 6 is reduced by the shoes 10, 12 to be driven towards each other. It should be noted, that the dimensions of the stamp 8 at the previously described process steps essentially the Dimensions of the base of the cardboard blank 2 corresponded. Based on this state, the Dimensions of the stamp in the direction of arrow 6 now reduced to a folding of the end portions of the tabs 2C to enable.

After reducing the dimensions of the stamp 8 will this again in the opening 6 of the die 4 in this way introduced that the end portions of the tabs 2C inside be folded.

With this step, the formation of Folding box 2 'has already been completed. However, it is preferred that there is now a further method step in which the dimensions of the stamp 8 in Direction of arrow 6 can be enlarged again this results in a further folding of the end sections to effect the tabs 2C. This step is particularly preferred if the end portions of the tabs 2C are provided with locking projections 2D, which can be snapped into Wells 2E of the cardboard blank 2 serve what the formed cardboard box 2 'a higher stability gives. The enlargement of the dimensions of the stamp 8 can turn in this final step can be achieved by moving the stamp shoes 18, 12 what a secure engagement of the projections 2D in the recesses 2E ensures.

Then the finished folding box 2 'from the Folding device 1 removed or by means of a suitable Facility, for example a conveyor belt or the like, are conveyed out of the folding device 1.

Claims (11)

Method for forming a folding box (2 ') from a pre-grooved cardboard blank (2), with the steps: Inserting the cardboard blank (2) between the opening (6) of a die (4) and a punch (8) which can be inserted at least in sections into the opening (6) and whose dimensions can be adjusted at least in one direction, first insertion of the stamp (8) into the opening (6) of the die (4) such that the cardboard blank (2) is folded at least in sections, Withdrawing the stamp (8) and adjusting the dimensions of the stamp (8) at least in one direction, and second insertion of the stamp (8) into the opening (6) of the die (4) such that the cardboard blank (2) is folded at least in sections. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that after the second insertion of the stamp (8), its dimensions are adjusted, in particular enlarged, at least in one direction, in particular in order to thereby effect a folding process. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, after the retraction and before the second insertion of the stamp (8), tabs of the cardboard blank (2) are folded in such a way that they are between the opening (6) of the die (4) and the stamp (8) come to rest. Folding device (1) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with: a die (4) defining an opening (6), a stamp (8) which can be inserted at least in sections into the opening (6), characterized in that
the stamp (8) and preferably also the opening (6) of the die (4) have dimensions which are adjustable at least in one direction. Folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that the stamp (8) has at least two pressure elements (10, 12) whose spacing is adjustable, in particular also during the stamp (8) at least in sections into the opening (6) of the die (4) is introduced. Folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least two pressure elements (10, 12) can be moved relative to one another in at least one direction, in particular also while the punch (8) is at least partially inserted into the opening (6) of the die (4). Folding device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the die (4) is formed by at least two frame elements (14, 16, 18, 20) which are connected to one another by means of adjusting elements (22), in particular sliding pieces, in such a way that the dimensions of the opening (6) of the die (4) are adjustable. Folding device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the die (4) is formed by at least four rod-shaped frame elements (14, 16, 18, 20) which define the opening (6) of the die (4) and by means of each other Adjusting elements (22), in particular sliding pieces, are connected such that the dimensions of the opening (6) of the die (4) are adjustable. Folding device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the adjusting elements (22) protrude from the opening (6) of the die (4) in the direction of the punch (8) and preferably have a wedge-shaped section (22 '). Folding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a pre-folding device (24) which can be moved linearly and can be folded by means of the individual tabs of the cardboard blank (2) in such a way that it is between the stamp (8) and the remaining cardboard blank Coming couches. Folding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a counterpressure device (26) which is arranged on the side of the die (4) opposite the punch (8).

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