EP1580134A1 - Method and device for applying labels or samples onto cardboard stacks - Google Patents

Abstract

The label applying process involves gripping the labels (8) after partly positioning stack (4), preferably using a grip device (24), and laying them on the stack so that the holding part (16) overlaps the upper side (22) and the printed or picture part (18) projects over one side surface. The labels may be fixed to a protective arc before fitting them.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for Loading a cardboard stack with labels and / or Sample samples according to the preamble of claims 1 and 8th.

Cartons made of corrugated cardboard or cardboard, which are used as outer packaging find use for a variety of goods or goods, are usually divided into two geographically and temporally separated Steps produced, a first step in which the for a certain carton required blank from a Corrugated or cardboard sheet punched out, folded, glued and is printed and in which the following generally as Cardboard boxes also referred to folded boxes several above and next to each other on a transport pallet to be stacked to the place of packing the goods or To transport goods, where they then in a second step be set up to fill and then to close.

For larger quantities punching, folding, gluing is done and printing the folding carton blanks at the first Manufacturing step usually in so-called in-line paperboard manufacturing machines, in which all of the straight mentioned processing operations are made sequentially. After leaving the machine, the finished and flat folded cardboard boxes usually too several to cardboard bundles or cardboard stacks superimposed, then by a palletizing robot individually or taken in several and in a desired packing pattern placed on a transport pallet. To the finished cardboard stack on the pallet This will become common after palletizing still wrapped in transparent film. Since from the side However, only the folded edges or cut edges of cardboard in the Stacks are visible and therefore the nature of the stacked Cardboard boxes and other details, such as dimensions, Material, folding or printing, only poorly recognized It is customary, the finished cardboard stack before the Wrapping with foil with labels and / or samples populate, which present this information clearly visible. As labels while paper sheets are called, for example in the format A3, which are provided with a label, For example, a drawing of one of the stacked Cardboard or the cardboard to be erected therefrom and a Indication of dimensions and type of material used, while as sample samples individual cardboard boxes or parts the same of the type of stacked cardboard boxes be designated. For equipping the cardboard stack with the Labels and / or samples usually become four Specimens on the four outer side surfaces of the Cardboard stack attached by moving along a fold line folded at right angles and with one on one side of the Folding line lying holding part, in sample samples usually a flap of the cardboard to be erected, between two adjacent cardboard layers are inserted in the stack, while one arranged on the other side of the fold line and overhanging the side surface of the cardboard stack Font or Mustererteil along the side surface of the stack is bent down so that after wrapping the Stack with foil through this the caption of Labels or a large part of the samples are clearly visible and easy identification of the cardboard boxes is allowed.

However, it is regarded as disadvantageous that such a Assembly of cardboard stacks with the labels and / or Sample samples must be made by hand.

Based on this, the invention is based on the object To improve the method of the type mentioned in the introduction, that cardboard stacks mechanically and preferably automatically equip with labels and / or sample samples and a device suitable for this purpose develop.

This object is achieved according to the method according to the invention solved by the respective labels and / or Samples after a partial completion of the Cardboard stack taken and from the top so on the partially finished paperboard stacks are deposited, that their holding part is the top of the cardboard stack overlaps and their font or pattern part over one of his Overlaps side surfaces. Then you can do more Cardboard layers over the holding parts of the labels and / or Sample samples are stored so that they are as in the state of Technique between two superimposed layers of Cardboard boxes are held. Preferably, the Labels and / or samples from a gripper device gripped and placed on top of the cardboard stack, after removing the other cardboard layers over the Holding parts of the labels and / or samples filed become.

To prevent the labels and / or samples until slip or close to hang up the next cardboard layer Falling ground, the holding part of each label or each Sample by stiction on the top of the partial held cardboard stack, preferably by making it a lot bigger and therefore heavier as the font part of each label or each Sample sample makes. A preferred embodiment of the invention However, it provides that the holding part of each label or each sample at the top of the partial finished cardboard stack is fixed, and indeed preferably by sticking, by expediently before depositing the labels and / or samples a glue on the Stack facing bottom of the holding part of each label or each sample applied and the holding part during depositing the labels and / or samples easily against the top of the stack is pressed.

To prevent the cardboard boxes from being deposited the labels and / or sample samples the top of the stack can be damaged by the glue, either a removable adhesive may be used, such as according to the type of adhesive on so-called post-it stickers or an already slightly cooled, but still slightly sticky Hot glue, or it may be before grabbing and dropping the Labels and / or samples a Schonbogen on the Top of the partially finished cardboard stack be placed on the subsequently the labels and / or Samples are filed and glued with their holding parts being, where to place the labels and / or pattern sheets and for laying the bow, preferably the same Gripper device is used. Basically it is too possible, the labels and / or samples already before elsewhere on a bow or stacks individual superposed cardboard boxes on one of the To glue cardboard boxes on and then put them together with the Bends or this cardboard box on top of the Store partially completed stack.

To grasp a label or sample, the Gripper device on at least one suction pad on the Approximated holding part of the label or sample and then is subjected to a negative pressure to the label or the Sample against dropping on top of the pile against to hold the suction gripper against. Preferably, each will Label or each sample with the help of several Sucker gripped, not only with his holding part but also with his font or pattern part in engagement occur, the latter when grasping expedient in one Level is arranged with the holding part and after dropping the Label or the sample along a previously prepared Fold line between the two parts folds down or by means of a suitable actuator of the gripper device is pressed down.

This allows multiple labels and / or samples stacked one above the other on a receiving surface, where they seized when needed by the gripper device and on the Top of a partially finished cardboard stack can be stored.

Another, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that always several labels and / or Sample samples taken and on top of the pile be stored, with their writing or pattern parts over survive various side surfaces of the cardboard stack. This allows the stack to be stacked on multiple pages at the same time with labels and / or samples, preferably on all four sides.

To avoid the labels and / or samples for any desired cross-sectional dimension of the to be loaded Cardboard stack in appropriate receiving positions on the Receiving area must be arranged, is in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, that the labels and / or samples in a given Patterns lie on the receiving surface and after grabbing be moved apart to the desired To bring storage positions in which their holding parts over the top of the cardboard stack and their writing or pattern parts survive over the side surfaces.

Preferably, this predetermined pattern is on the Recording area selected so that all at the same time from the Gripper taken labels and / or samples in one direction across two glue applicators can be moved, where they are gradually stopped and each on its underside with at least one and preferably two or more adhesive points are provided.

The device according to the invention is characterized by a movable Gripper device characterized, the at least one in Distance from cardboard stack on a receiving surface lying Label or a sample takes and so on the part finished stack of cardboard stacks that their holding part the top of the stack overlaps and its font or Protective part over one of its side surfaces survives.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides the gripper device comprises a plurality of suction grippers which after approaching a plurality of on one Receiving surface lying labels and / or samples with A vacuum can be applied to the labels or Samples until dropped on the top of the stack hold against the suction pads fitting.

Preferably, the gripper device comprises a plurality of Recording and storage units for labels and / or Sample samples, each with multiple suction pads are populated and divided into two orthogonal horizontal Move directions apart to those in one predetermined pattern close to each other on the receiving surface filed labels and / or samples after they have been picked up in the desired, from pile to pile according to its Cross-sectional dimensions of varying storage positions too move in which their holding parts over the top of the Cardboard boxes and their writing or pattern parts survive over the side surfaces.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention is the gripper device in the lateral direction between the Reception area for the labels to be picked up and / or Sample samples and the top of the partially completed Cardboard stack back and forth and preferably has a linear guide for a vertical support element, the along the guide in the vicinity of the receiving surface or in the Near the cardboard stack is movable. The linear guide is preferably arranged at a low altitude, so that the Cardboard stack for a palletizing robot from all sides is freely accessible after the support element with the Gripper device after depositing the labels and / or Sample samples have been moved back from the stack. The Support member preferably carries a with the receiving and Storage units for the labels and / or samples equipped boom, the appropriate horizontally aligned and is vertically movable, so he can pick up the Labels and / or samples over one or more Receiving surfaces and to place them over the top of the cardboard stack.

The bearing surface is preferably part of a lateral Distance from the cardboard stack arranged receiving table, the additionally with one or more glue application devices can be fitted to the labels and / or sample samples after gripping through the suction pads of the intake and Storage units on their underside with one or more To provide adhesive points when depositing the labels and / or sample samples on top of the cardboard stack Make sure that the labels and / or samples are up to date Do not slip on the next cardboard layer layer or from Pile falling.

To ensure that the lying on the receiving surface Always keep labels and / or samples in the same place of be absorbed the suction pads of the gripper device can, the receiving surface is at least for smaller labels or sample samples suitably with upwardly open, the Stocked labels or samples containing cartridges, their orientation preferably the orientation of the Cartridges taken and deposited on the cardboard stack Labels or samples match, but their spacing is suitably smaller than the distance of the top of the Stack of stored labels or samples is. larger Sample samples may be separately on the receiving surface be stored there to them with the gripper device take.

If the labels and / or samples to be deposited wear different labels or different Having sizes, the support table with a plurality of over-spaced and / or juxtaposed, for Top of carton stack parallel table tops be provided, each with different cassettes can be equipped.

Since there are many different types of cardboard boxes, some of which are very large, and especially in this last case expedient already in vorgeknicktem Condition should be positioned on the receiving surface, It is not always possible when applying samples be, the receiving area with more than one or two prepared sample samples, so that possibly a further gripper unit may be provided to during the Stocking the pile with a sample sample another one Placement provided sample sample to the receiving surface supply.

To avoid that when loading a cardboard stack with very large samples either only part of the outer ones Side surfaces of the stack can be equipped with a sample sample can or the gripper device from several sides to the Stack needs to be approximated, looks another beneficial Embodiment of the invention before, the stack or as Underground serving transport pallet on a turntable make each one before dropping a single from the Gripper device taken sample rotated by 90 degrees can be.

Generally, the deposition of the labels and / or takes place Sample samples by the gripper device always in the breaks, in which the gripper of for palletizing the cardboard boxes palletizing robot not near the load to be loaded Transport pallet is located to the working stroke of the robot not to bother.

Fig. 1: eine teilweise weggeschnittene perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bestücken eines Kartonagenstapels auf einer Palette mit Etiketten und/oder Musterproben;

Fig. 2: eine perspektivische Ansicht von Teilen einer Greifereinrichtung zum Ergreifen von Etiketten und/oder Musterproben sowie zum Ablegen derselben auf dem teilweise fertiggestellten Kartonagenstapel.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. Show it:

1 shows a partially cut away perspective view of a device according to the invention for loading a cardboard stack on a pallet with labels and / or samples;

2 is a perspective view of parts of a gripper device for gripping labels and / or samples and for depositing them on the partially finished cardboard stack.

The device 2 shown in the drawing serves for Loading cardboard stacks 4 on pallets 6 with labels 8 and / or samples (not shown) containing the Identification of contained in each stack 4 Facilitate cardboard boxes 10.

The labels 8 may be, for example, paper sheets 12 (Fig. 2) act in the format DIN A3, in the middle of a have pre-stamped or perforated fold line 14, which the Sheet 12 divided into two parts, namely a holding part 16, the after the assembly of the stack 4 with the labels. 8 between two stacked cardboard 10 of the Stack 4 is held, and a writing part 18 with Printed information (not shown) on the type, the Dimensions and the material of the cardboard boxes 10 in the stack 4, the after the assembly of the stack 4 with the labels 8 via a adjacent side surface 20 of the stack 4 projects and there Hangs down vertically, leaving the caption outward points and for a viewer by a stack 4 wound shrink film (not shown) is readable. The samples are the same Cardboard boxes 10, such as those of the stack 4, which after its Equipped with a serving as a holding part flap or the like between two superposed cardboard boxes 10 of the stack 4 engage, the serving as a sample part Remains outward beyond the adjacent side surface 20 protrudes and folded against this fitting down.

To a machine assembly of the formed on the pallet 6 Stack 4 with the labels 8 or sample samples to allow will be different than before not after the completion of the Stack 4 on the four side surfaces 20, the holding parts 16 of Labels 8 or pattern parts from the outside by hand between pushed two adjacent cardboard layers. Instead, be the labels 8 or sample samples on the top 22 of the partially completed stack 4 filed, for example if this including pallet 6 is about a height, the eye level of an average viewer equivalent.

The laying down of the labels 8 or sample samples on the stack 4 takes place with the aid of a gripper device 24 of the device 2, which in the illustrated embodiment of four Label cassettes 26 on top of a table top 28 a receiving table 30 each simultaneously a label. 8 takes the four labels 8 out of the cassettes 26 then lift them one after the other in one direction over two Glue applicator nozzles 32 moved to the undersides of the labels 8 each with two adhesive dots (not visible), before the gripper device 24 along a in low Distance parallel to the ground and to a side surface 20 of the Stack 4 and the pallet 6 extending guide rail 34 in the proximity of the partially finished cardboard stack 4 is moved to the labels 8 on its upper side 22nd store and their upper side 22 overlapping holding parts 16th by means of the glue points temporarily to fix, until from a palletizing robot (not shown) more cardboard boxes 10 stored on the top 22 of the stack 4 and the Holding parts 16 additionally between the cardboard boxes 10th be clamped.

The gripper device 24 consists essentially of a motor along the guide rail 34 movable vertical support column 36, and one on the side of the Shooting table 30 and the cardboard stack 4 on the Supporting column 36 protruding and along the support column 36 in vertical direction movable boom 38, the total four receiving and storing units 40 (FIG. 2) for labels 8 or sample samples that are incomplete and only partial are shown. The receiving and storage units 40 are each with several down-facing and with negative pressure equipped with suction pads 42, 44 and can with the help of two mounted on the boom 38, separated controllable servomotors (not shown) in pairs in two mutually orthogonal directions A and B apart and be moved together, one (A) of the two directions perpendicular to the guide rail 34 and the other (B) in parallel to do this.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing has each receiving and storage unit 40 three at a distance from each other at the corners of a triangle arranged smaller Suction gripper 42 (see Fig. 2), of which two on the Holding part 16 and one on the writing part 18 to one touching label 8 are lowered to this label. 8 then by applying a vacuum to all three Suction pads 42 record. In addition, each assigns Pick-up and storage unit 40 some larger suction pads 44th individually, to grasp the holding part of larger ones Samples or together for taking Schonbogen (not shown), of the gripper device 24 of one or more, also next to the guide rail 34th arranged Schonbogenstapeln (not shown) added and each after settling a thicker layer of Cardboard boxes on the entire top 22 of the partial or completely finished cardboard stack 4 launched become.

The receiving table 30 has several more, in the vertical Distance from the table top 28 arranged table tops, only one of which is shown at 46 in FIG. On each Table top are four cassettes 26 for different Labels 8 or samples arranged as shown in Fig. 1 for the Table top 28 shown, so that the boom 38 for Grab the desired labels 8 or samples in one above the respective table top 28, 46 located position procedure and then lowered to the suction pads 42 of the Recording and storage units 40 with the labels 8 in the To bring cartridges 26 into contact. As far as possible are the Cassettes 26 on the individual table tops 28, 46 always like this arranged that the four receiving and storage units 40 during Pick up the labels 8 or sample samples respectively occupy the same positions, so that a programming different recording positions is unnecessary.

The arrangement of the cassettes 26 on the table tops 28, 46 is further chosen so that their orientation of the orientation of the Labels 8 in their storage position on the top 20 of the Stack 4 corresponds. That is, the fold lines 14 of the Labels 8 in the cassettes 26 are each parallel to the Side surface 20 of the cardboard stack 4 aligned at the the respective label 8 should be stored. For reasons of space are the distances between the cassettes 26 on the Table tops 28, 46 smaller than the distances between the Storage positions of the individual labels 8 or sample samples on the stack 4, resulting in a horizontal Divergence of the receiving and storage units 40 at Transport to cardboard stack 4 compensated to the desired extent can be.

In addition, the arrangement is chosen so that two of the cassettes 26 from opposite directions partially in between the two other cassettes 26 remaining free space 50th engage, wherein the distance of the mutually facing edges the labels 8 in these latter cassettes 26th smaller than the distance of the two glue application nozzles 32 in FIG this direction is such that the of the suction pads 42 of the Pick and place units 40 from each of the four cassettes 26 recorded labels 8 by a stepwise movement the support column 36 and the arm 38 along the Guide rail 34 in the direction of the cardboard stack. 4 successively over the pair of glue application nozzles 32 can be moved to the bottom of each Labels 8 aufzuspritzen two glue points in a for Folding line 14 parallel to each other on the side Holding part 16 of the labels 8 are arranged.

The glue is expediently a hot glue, until reaching the cardboard stack 4 already so far has cooled, that he only with low adhesion to the Top of the cardboard 10 adheres, this adhesive force However, sufficient to the holding parts 16 of the labels 8 and / or Sample samples until laying on the following layer of Cardboard 10 to fix on the stack top 22. On the On the other side, the adhesive dots remain on subsequent detachment the labels 8 or samples fully adhere to them, without damaging the cardboard 10 or for Adhesion of adhesive residues on these comes.

Claims (15)

A method for loading a cardboard stack with labels and / or samples, wherein a holding part of each label or each sample in a horizontal orientation between two stacked cardboard layers of the stack is introduced, while over a neighboring outer side surface of the cardboard stack protruding visible font or The pattern part is suspended downwards in vertical alignment along the side surface, characterized in that the respective labels (8) and / or samples are gripped after a partial completion of the cardboard stack (4) and from above on an upper side (22) of the partially finished Cardboard stack (4) are stored, that their holding part (16) overlaps the top (22) and their writing or pattern part (18) over one of its side surfaces (20) protrudes. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the labels (8) and / or samples are gripped by a gripper device (24) and placed on the top (22) of the cardboard stack (4). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding part (16) of the labels (8) and / or sample samples on the upper side (22) of the partially finished cardboard stack (4) is fixed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the labels (8) and / or sample samples attached to a Kartonagenlage or on a Schonbogen before gripping and together with the Kartonagenlage or the Schonbogen on the top (22) of the partially finished cardboard stack (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the labels (8) and / or sample samples are positioned on a receiving surface (28, 46) in a predetermined pattern before being grasped by the gripper device (24). A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the labels (8) and / or samples are positioned on the receiving surface (28, 46) so that their orientation of the alignment of the labels (8) and / or samples on the cardboard stack (4). equivalent. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of labels (8) and / or samples are deposited simultaneously on the upper side (22) of the cardboard stack (4), wherein their writing or pattern parts (18) via different side surfaces (20 ) of the cardboard stack (4). Apparatus for loading a cardboard stack with labels and / or samples consisting of a holding part arranged after completion of the cardboard stack in horizontal alignment between two superposed cardboard layers of the cardboard stack and one projecting beyond an adjacent outer side surface of the cardboard stack and along the side surface in vertical orientation hanging below the visible hardcopy or pattern part are made, characterized by a movable gripper means (24) for gripping of at least one label (8) or at least a pattern sample, and for storing the label (8) or of the pattern sample on the partially completed carton stack (4) in that the holding part overlaps the upper side (22) and the writing or pattern part (18) projects beyond one of its lateral surfaces (20). Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the gripper device (24) comprises a plurality of suction pads (42, 44), which are acted upon by an approximation to the to be taken labels (8) or samples with a negative pressure. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the gripper device (24) comprises a vertically movable arm (38) which is movable over the receiving surface (28, 46) and over the top (22) of the cardboard stack (4). Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the gripper device (24) has a plurality of with suction pads (42, 44) equipped receiving and storage units (40) for labels (8) and / or samples, which are in let two orthogonal horizontal directions move apart and together. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by a laterally spaced from the cardboard stack (4) arranged receiving table (30) with at least one to the top (22) of the cardboard stack (4) parallel receiving surface (28, 46) from which the labels (8) and / or samples are taken by means of the gripper device (24). Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by at least one and preferably a plurality of upwardly open label and / or sample sample cassettes (26) in an alignment of the labels (8) and / or samples on the cardboard stack (4) corresponding arrangement the receiving table (30) are positionable. Device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by an adhesive application device (32) for applying an adhesive to the underside of the labels (8) and / or sample samples prior to placement on the staple (4). Device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by a turntable as a base for a carton stack (4) receiving transport pallet (6).

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