EP1717147B1 - Method and machine for closing a collapsible carton while moved by a continuous motion - Google Patents

Abstract

A box (2) to be closed includes a pair of sidewalls joined to closing flaps (17) viafold lines (16), and inserting flaps (19) joined to the closing flaps also via fold lines (18), where when closing the box, a thin tongue (38) arranged along the box conveying direction (4) guides the free edge of each inserting flap down into the box interior and into the inner surface of either box sidewall, and a tappet (45), slidingly cooperating with the tongue, runs at the speed identical to the conveying speed and tucks the inserting flaps into the box. An independent claim is also included for a device for closing a folding box.

Description

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for closing a carton during its continuous conveyance. Folding cartons, such as those used in the packaging of blister packs filled with pharmaceuticals, are delivered as a coherent flat folded blank, erected with an erector so that the four walls of the body of the carton define a cubic interior space. At the two mutually parallel walls, which have the comparatively larger width, usually hang over folding lines closing flaps. At each closing flap hangs over another fold line a tuck. The two closing flaps of such a folding box can be arranged on a common side wall (equilateral arrangement) or on the different mutually parallel side walls (staggered arrangement). In the area not covered by the side walls, the carton in the erected state has openings which are ultimately closed by the folded-over closing flaps. The insertion tabs are inserted into the interior of the carton and get into a position parallel to the system on the inner wall of the respective side walls. Such cartons have in addition to the closing flaps on side flaps or dust flaps, which are folded in front of the closing flaps in the closed position.

The closing of the carton occurs at least in the region of an opening after the insertion of the contents of the package into the erected carton. Usually, the carton is moved clocked during the closing process, ie it is followed by a series of movement phases to each other, which are always interrupted by a stoppage phase. The interaction of folding, applying, abutting, slings and the like on the relevant elements of the carton is preferably done during the Standstill phases of the carton. However, there are also already continuously operating closing devices in the sense that the cartons are continuous, ie without stoppage phases, promoted and act here the means for moving, applying, breaking of fold lines, insertion of the tuck and the like on the moving carton. These means are always arranged stationary, ie they have no component of movement in the conveying direction of the cartons.

STATE OF THE ART

From the US 3,071,910 a method and apparatus according to the preamble of claim 5 for closing a carton is known. The carton has two mutually parallel walls, which are relatively large compared to other walls. On one wall, a closing flap is arranged on a fold line and on this another fold line a free edge having insertion tab. The tuck is folded along the other folding line relative to the closing flap in a gap between a stationary carrier and a likewise fixed anvil. There is a risk of unsightly marks on the outer surface of the closing flap. The free edge of the tuck is angled relative to the other parallel wall of the carton with a guide element in the form of a trough. The known method and apparatus deal with the problem that the upper relatively large wall of the carton during continuous promotion can bend downwards, especially if the height of the carton is sized larger than the height of the article to be inserted, for example a cake tray. In such a case, the article is also not able to compensate for the deflection of the upper wall of the carton and lift them in a parallel position to the lower wall of the carton. In order nevertheless to lift the upper bent wall, a pivotally stationary mounted tongue is pivoted into the interior following the leading side wall of the folding box, so that the upper bent-through wall of the folding box is raised to a parallel position by the tongue. The device has in this area also a fixedly arranged wedge with a rising surface, so that by closing the flap with the surface of this wedge by the continuous movement of the carton, the closing flap deflected upwards and the tuck below the tongue in the free interior of the carton can be inserted. The tongue as well as the wedge are stationary relative to the carton, which is supported on a conveyor organ arranged. Since the tuck is inserted into the space between the article and the top wall of the carton, the tuck is lowered by contact with the tongue and so inserted into the interior of the carton in the vicinity of the inside of the parallel upper wall. The pivotable tongue is swung out of the interior of the folding box by the trailing side wall.

From the US 6,266,948 B1 discloses a method and apparatus for closing a carton during its discontinuous feeding, in which the carton is erected incrementally and advanced in the respectively reached stationary positions. In this case, side flaps and closing flaps are folded over in the direction of the interior of the folding box. All this happens on upright cartons, which can be filled after closing the bottom flaps from above with objects, such as a bottle. For restricting the closing flaps and the insertion tabs comb-like elements are used, which are pivotable about axes lying in the conveying direction. The pivoting of the comb-like elements takes place during the stoppage of the carton on its conveyor. The comb-like elements interlock in two coordinated pivoting movements.

The US 2,628,466 shows a method and apparatus for closing a carton during its delivery. The apparatus is operated continuously or intermittently, with the cartons being progressively conveyed through various stations in the apparatus. The boxes used in this case, as they are intended for example for packaging toothpaste tubes, are gradually moved through the stations and shut down accordingly. In a station, the closing flap is folded over a triangular rail, wherein folding elements are used, which are provided perpendicular to the conveying direction of the cartons movable. This movement happens during the stoppage of the carton. The free edge of the tuck can auffedern after folding on the triangular rail. It is inserted with a pivotable pressure piece, which acts on the closing flap, below a tongue in the interior of the carton, wherein the tongue is retracted during the stoppage of the folding carton into the interior. This happens simultaneously with the movement of the pressure piece.

The EP 0 576 404 A1 shows a method and apparatus for closing a carton during its delivery. The carton has two mutually parallel walls. On a wall is a closing flap and at this over a fold line a free edge having tuck provided. The tuck is folded along its fold line around a triangular rail. This is done by means of a reciprocatingly driven perpendicular to the conveying direction folding element in the form of a plate. This folding element remains outside the interior of the carton stand. Its underside serves to prevent Auffedems the tuck and puts them in a position for insertion into the interior. A pivotable plunger is used which engages the closure flap and, in conjunction with the serving as a stop plate leads to an introduction of the free edge of the tuck in the carton. The guide element and the pivotable plunger are moved only perpendicular to the conveying direction.

The US 5,729,964 shows and describes a method and a device with the features described above for closing a box with open ends by folding a lateral closing flap on which hangs over a further folding line a tuck. It is provided a guide element to squeeze the box contents, the wall parallel to the insertion tab to dive and thus to form a gap between the box contents and fussed wall, in which the tuck can be inserted. As guide element, a pivotally mounted about an axis guide table is provided, which is held down by a spring arrangement, so that it can be lifted by a cam rail against the force of a spring of the spring assembly. The guide table is formed as a solid body and has a corresponding height or thickness in order to compress the box contents and to expand the parallel wall for the purpose of gap formation. The movements of the guide table are controlled by contact with a curved path. The raising of the guide table takes place up to a position above the bottom wall of the box with appropriate distance. A likewise driven by a cam control plunger is used to insert the insertion tab and the pivoting of the closing flap. The control table is inserted into the interior of the box. The plunger does not come into contact with the control table. An interaction with the plunger is thus not recognizable. The peculiarity of this device is that the guide table is introduced into the interior of the box under bulging of the bottom wall and corresponding gap formation in the central region of the carton between the box contents and the bottom wall, which is only possible if the box contents permit. The bottom wall is thus deformed bulging down to damage the box contents as little as possible, which in turn is only possible if the bottom wall of the box is not supported from below, so that the tuck between the bulged bottom wall and the box contents in the closed position can be inserted. The plunger also comes into contact with the outside of the closing flap, so that there may be grinding marks that affect the appearance of the carton.

Another method and apparatus is known from EP 1 097 802 A2 known. The folding boxes are clocked after straightening or moved continuously in the conveying direction. The means for pre-breaking the fold line between the closing flap and the insertion tab and for inserting the insertion tab and closing the folding box are arranged stationary relative to the conveying direction of the folding boxes. The means comprise folding elements, Umlegeelemente, abutment elements, stop elements in the form of a triangular rail, abutment means in the form of a reciprocally driven plunger plate and in particular a guide table for lifting the free edge of the Einstecklasche. All these elements fulfill a satisfactory effect, in particular with clocked movement of the folding boxes with corresponding performance of the device.

However, when these mechanical means are used in conjunction with continuously conveyed cartons, there is inevitably friction between the means and the corresponding elements of the cartons where these means attack. There is a risk that the erected cartons are deformed parallelogram. This is especially the case when the interior of the erected carton is dimensioned higher than wide. Also, the insertion of the tuck then poses problems because the closing flap with the hanging tuck it gets into an imbalance to the opening of the carton. Although the free edge of the tuck is usually provided with rounding to counteract this problem. However, the performance of such devices is limited. At comparatively low powers, the result is usually a satisfactory mode of operation, while the indicated problems with higher powers occur more and more and more.

From the EP 1 373 072 B1 For example, a method and apparatus for closing a carton by folding a closure flap is known. The cartons are cyclically moved in the conveying direction or stopped. The means for moving, applying, inserting elements of the carton are arranged stationary to the conveying direction of the cartons and are thus moved as it were transverse to the conveying direction or brought to act. There are folding and abutment means for folding the flap and applying the fold line provided between the closing flap and tuck on a triangular rail acting as a stop means. The abutment means are used to break the fold line between the closing flap and tuck and fulfill their effect outside the interior of the carton. In a further station second abutment means are provided which cooperate with a guide table which is pivotable about an axis extending in the conveying direction, wherein the pivoting takes place against the force of a spring by the abutment means touches on the surface of the guide table. The guide table serves to raise the free edge of the tuck in such a relative position that it is above the parallel side wall, usually the bottom wall, the carton in front of the opening to be closed. The tuck is introduced from this raised position out by the abutment means in the interior of the carton. The tuck is applied to the inner wall of the bottom wall at the latest after the pivoting of the guide table. Between the mechanical elements in the individual stations and the parts of the folding box on which these elements act, friction is generated during the continuous conveyance of the folding boxes from one station to the next station. This friction can cause grinding marks on the outside of the carton, which affect the aesthetic impression. The performance of such a closure device with clocked movement of the cartons is limited.

From the DE 199 35 789 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for closing cartons is known. Again, the carton has a body and at least one closing flap with tuck on. There are various mechanical means for applying, folding, breaking the fold line between tuck and closing flap as well as for insertion of the tuck provided in the interior of the carton. These agents work exclusively outside the interior of the carton. To move the tuck on a bending edge of a triangular rail and threading the tuck in the body, these mechanical means are moved together across the conveying direction of the cartons. The mechanical means used are arranged stationary relative to the conveying direction of the cartons, it remains open whether the cartons are clocked or continuously moved in the conveying direction.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to provide a method and apparatus for closing a carton during their continuous promotion, with which an increase in performance is possible. The occurrence of sanding marks and the other problems encountered should be reduced or avoided.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention with the features of independent claim 1 and 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The new method of closing a carton during its continuous conveyance uses a tongue. Under a tongue is - in contrast to a control table - a very thin element understood that can be inserted without significant damage to the box contents in the gap between the box contents and the wall, for example, the lower bottom wall. The tongue can for example consist of a blank of spring steel sheet and have a thickness of about 0.8 mm. The tongue can thus consist of inherently elastic material and / or be slightly elastic in any case, as required for raising, inserting and lowering the tongue. The use of a tongue achieves two functions. First, the tongue serves to raise the free edge of the tuck in an altitude above the lower bottom wall. On the other hand, the inserted into the interior of the carton tongue performs leadership function for the tuck when closing the closing flap in cooperation with the plunger. The tongue remains over a certain period of time and thus over a corresponding distance in the carton. It can be pulled out during or after the complete pivoting of the closing flap in the closed position of the closed carton. The thin and flexible tongue can be used even if the bottom wall of the carton is supported during its continuous promotion on a conveyor belt in the area of action of the tongue from below. The areas of action of tongue and plunger must at least cover each other. Tongue and pestle become with one during their interaction with the folding box Speed moves in the conveying direction, which corresponds at least approximately to the speed of the continuous conveyance of the carton on the conveyor belt. In this way, relative movements between folding box and tongue as well as ram in the conveying direction are avoided or at least reduced, so that, for example, grinding marks on the outer surface of the folding box are avoided.

The tongue can be advantageously lowered in the interior of the carton on the inside of the parallel wall by taking advantage of the natural elasticity of a carton and without significant bulging of the parallel wall. When a box of sealed blister packs containing medicines is packed in the carton as box contents, a free space is provided on the bottom blister pack anyway, which can be used for the movements of the tongue inside the carton.

The tongue is preferably pulled out only after the complete closing of the carton from a gap between the edge of the parallel, not significantly bulged wall and the other fold line between the closing flap and tuck. This is also the case when the further fold line between the closing flap and the insertion tab is cut at both ends, as is useful for locking the insertion tab to the dust flaps of the folding box.

Preferably, the push-in tab is pre-broken before being pushed into the interior of the carton to the other folding line to the closing flap with a stop and under the action of folding and applying means. The pre-breaking serves to prepare a meaningful force attack of the tongue on the tuck so that when raising the tongue, the unit of closing flap and tuck not pivoted against the fold line of the closing flap against the closing direction, but the angle on the other folding line between the closing flap and tuck further is reduced. At the end of the Vorbrechvorgangs or at the latest at the beginning of the closing process results in a defined angular position between the parallel wall, closing flap and tuck.

The device for closing a folding box during its continuous promotion has as a guiding element the thin tongue already described, which is driven in a controlled manner relative to the interior of the carton in two mutually perpendicular directions. The thin tongue is also in the third direction corresponding to the Moving direction of the carton is moved at a speed in the conveying direction, which corresponds at least approximately to the speed of continuous delivery of the carton on the conveyor belt. The three addressed directions or the levels defined therewith are mutually perpendicular. The controlled movement of the tongue in the vertical direction is largely without contact with the carton. Only when lifting the tuck there is a linear contact with the tongue without affecting the carton in the edge region of the tuck. The controlled movement of the tongue in the horizontal plane transversely to the conveying direction is done without contact to the outside of the carton. The controlled movement of the tongue in the horizontal plane in the conveying direction takes place at least approximately at the speed of the continuous conveyance of the folding box on the conveyor belt, at least over a certain distance. What applies to the tongue, applies essentially unchanged for the cooperating with the tongue plunger, because even the reciprocatingly driven plunger is moved in the conveying direction of the carton at a speed which corresponds at least approximately to the speed of continuous delivery of the carton , This is the case at least point by point.

Advantageously, a plurality of tongues is arranged on a driven carrier element. The tongues are seated on a carrier element which moves the tongues at least over a distance in the conveying direction of the device parallel to a conveyor belt carrying the erected folding boxes. As a carrier element is in particular a belt in question, which is driven circumferentially around two rollers. If the belt is made of elastic material, this is usually sufficient for the height mobility of the tongues. The rollers are arranged with vertical axes at the same distance to the conveyor belt and ensure that the tongues accompany the carton on a defined distance in the conveying direction.

Furthermore, a plurality of rams can be arranged on a driven carrier. The carrier moves the plunger, at least when reaching the closed position of the closing flap parallel to the erected folding boxes conveyor belt. Also for the realization of the carrier, there are various possibilities. Also, the carrier can be realized as a belt drive. Also a circular conveyor is possible. The support member for the tongues and the support for the plunger may be summarized or consist of a common element.

It can be provided in a vertical position above the bottom wall of the respective carton a stationary slide for lifting the respective tongue and the respective Einstecklasche. It is useful if the tongues are each provided on their underside with a protruding cam, so that the lowering of the tongues in the carton when leaving the cam of the slide is possible by a defined by the cam height step-like control.

It should be provided a common drive for the support member and the carrier, which contains a fixed geared connection. In this case, a vote on the pitch arrangement of the tongues and the plunger is required so that always a tongue works in sync with a plunger.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the entire description. Further features are the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to each other and their relative arrangement and operative connection - refer. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different claims differing from the chosen relationships is also possible and is hereby stimulated. This also applies to those features which are shown in separate drawing figures or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

zeigt Seitenansicht der Vorbrechstation der Vorrichtung.

Fig. 2

zeigt einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie II-II in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3

zeigt einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie III-III in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4

zeigt einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie IV-IV in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5

zeigt einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie V-V in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf wesentliche Elemente der Schließstation.

Fig. 7

zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Schließstation.

Fig. 8

zeigt einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie VIII-VIII in Fig. 6.

Fig. 9

zeigt das Zusammenwirken zwischen Stößel und Zunge zu Beginn eines Schließvorgangs der Schließklappe.

Fig. 10

zeigt einen weiteren Schritt im Bereich des Schließvorgangs.

Fig. 11

zeigt das Erreichen der Schließstellung der Schließklappe.

Fig. 12

zeigt die Stellung der Teile nach Beendigung des Schließvorgangs.

In the following the invention will be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

Fig. 1

shows side view of the Vorbrechstation the device.

Fig. 2

shows a section along the line II-II in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3

shows a section along the line III-III in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4

shows a section along the line IV-IV in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5

shows a section along the line VV in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 6

shows a plan view of essential elements of the closing station.

Fig. 7

shows a side view of the closing station.

Fig. 8

shows a section along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6 ,

Fig. 9

shows the interaction between plunger and tongue at the beginning of a closing operation of the closing flap.

Fig. 10

shows a further step in the closing process.

Fig. 11

shows the achievement of the closed position of the closing flap.

Fig. 12

shows the position of the parts after completion of the closing process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 shows a section of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 in side view. The individual erected folding box 2 is moved or conveyed on a conveyor belt 3, which is driven in the conveying direction 4 according to the indicated arrow. The body of each carton 2 initially has two mutually parallel walls 5 and 6. The wall 5 represents the upper bottom wall and the wall 6, the lower bottom wall of the carton 2, wherein the carton rests with the wall 6 on the conveyor belt 3. The folding box 2 has two likewise mutually parallel side walls 7 and 8, which complement the body of the folding box 2. On the side walls 7 and 8 depend on unspecified fold lines dust flaps 9 and 10, which have already been folded over previously by means not shown in the closing plane 11 and thus transferred to the closed position. The closing plane 11 lies in the opening, which are formed by the viewer facing edges of the walls 5, 6, 7 and 8. The walls 5, 6, 7, 8 form a base body 12, on which the folding box 1 via Cams 13 are held in an erected rectangular shape. More specifically, the conveyor belt 3 additionally has a shroud 14, which is moved synchronously to the conveyor belt 3. The folding box 2 is in the in Fig. 1 left state already filled with box contents 15, which is located behind the closing level 11 and is not indicated in detail.

The viewer of the Fig. 1 facing edge of the wall 5 passes over a fold line 16 in a closing flap 17, which in Fig. 1 in the plane of the wall 5 is located. The closing flap 17 is connected via a further fold line 18 in a tuck 19, which on the left side of Fig. 1 is also arranged in the plane of the wall 5, on the right side of the Fig. 1 however, it is angled downwards.

In the middle of Fig. 1 a pre-crushing station 20 is indicated, through which the folding boxes 2 are guided in the erected by the cam 13 position. The Vorbrechstation 20 serves the targeted folding over the tuck 19 relative to the closing flap 17 about the further fold line 18. The Vorbrechvorgang is based on the Fig. 2 to 5 according to the in Fig. 1 indicated sectional views clarified.

Fig. 2 allows the relative position and arrangement of the closing flap 17 relative to the wall 5 and further recognize the relative arrangement and position of the tuck 19 relative to the closing flap 17.

In Fig. 2 as it were the inlet of the pre-crushing station 20 illustrates. There is a driven roller pair of a roller 21 and a counter-roller 22 dargstellt there. The roller 21 is according to arrow 23 ( Fig. 1 ) is driven at a peripheral speed which corresponds to the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 3 and thus of the folding boxes 2 in the conveying direction 4. Each carton 2 is thus clamped in the region of the closing flap 17 between the rollers 21 and 22 and pushed as it were by this force attack at this point by the Vorbrechstation 20. This serves in any case to avoid an inclined position between the closing flap 17 and the main body 12 of the folding box 2. The tuck 19 is intended between the representation of FIGS. 2 and 3 be bent from the solid position in the dashed double-headed position. It closes the further bend in this direction as indicated by arrow 24, as in Fig. 3 shown on. In this case, the closing flap 17 between a further roller 25, z. B. in the form of a Ball bearings, and a stop 26 out. With the roller 25, which acts on the printed outside of the closing flap 17 or contact, a sliding friction is avoided. The stop 26, however, may be provided fixed to the Vorbrechstation 20, because the contact of the stopper 26 with the inside of the closing flap 17 can lead to any significant damage. In the field of Vorbrechstation 20 in the conveying direction 4 folding and applying means 27, z. B. provided in the form of a stationary guide rail, which extends in the conveying direction 4 by the Vorbrechstation 20 with a lower mold edge 28 continuously downward, so that ultimately according to Fig. 4 the tuck 19 passes around the further folded edge 18 relative to the closing flap 17 in a rectangular position. If you were to finish the Vorbrechstation 20 at this point, so the always existing Auffederungsvermögen such folded flaps, here the Einstecklasche 19, to the fact that the angle between the flap 17 and Einstecklasche 19 would again greater than 90 °, which for the further processing of the cartons during the closing process would be disadvantageous. To counteract such springing, the stopper 26 has a recess 29 which, as shown in FIGS Fig. 3 to 5 recognizable, can extend over a certain axial length. The folding and abutting means 27 has in association with the recess a roller 30, with which the Einstecklasche 19 is ruptured about the further fold line 18 in an angular position, which is characterized by a smaller angle than 90 ° between Einstecklasche 19 and closing flap 17. The arrangement of the roller 30 and the formation of the recess 29 are dimensioned and matched so that, taking into account the resilience of the tuck 19 relative to the closing flap 17 after leaving the Vorbrechstation 20 between the closing flap 17 and tuck 19 results in an angle of about 90 ° is. It can also be slightly smaller or slightly larger than 90 °.

The basis of the Fig. 1 to 5 illustrated Vorbrechstation 20 is formed and arranged for pre-breaking the fold line 18, so a unit of closing flap 17 and Einstecklasche 19, which depends on the upper wall 5. It is understood that the corresponding conditions apply to a unit of a closing flap and a tuck, which is arranged on the wall 6, but on the other side of the main body 12 of the carton 2 (staggered arrangement). If, however, an equilateral arrangement is realized, so hang on the wall 5 at both ends two units of closing flap and tuck, Corresponding to the arrangement of a second Vorbrechstation 20 in a symmetrical arrangement and training to a longitudinal center plane through the middle of the conveyor belt 3 according to the conveying direction 4. For The invention is therefore ultimately indifferent to which Wall hanging to be closed unit of closing flap 17 and tuck 19. In all cases, filled with box contents 15 cartons 2 must ultimately be closed.

The Fig. 6 to 8 show a particularly preferred embodiment of a closing station 31 of the device 1, as it is located downstream of the pre-crushing station 20. It can Fig. 7 the continued side view of Fig. 1 represent while Fig. 6 shows a top view from above. The closing station 31 is arranged in the conveying direction 4 on the right side of the conveyor belt 3. Since such folding boxes 2 generally have two units of closing flap 17 and insertion tab 19, a further closing station 31 is provided on the other side in a corresponding symmetrical or reverse symmetrical arrangement, which is not shown here for reasons of clarity. The 6 and 7 let the conveyor belt 3 recognize which is continuously driven according to the conveying direction 4. Fig. 6 indicates that the conveyor belt 3 has two adjacent belts, each carrying cam 13, so that changed by simple relative adjustment of the belt against each other, the cam width and thus the device can be set to a different format of cartons 2, the cartons 2 then have a smaller or larger width in the region of the walls 5 and 6, always in comparison to the illustration of Fig. 1 to 5 ,

The formation of the closing station 31 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 explained, wherein the Fig. 7 and 8th to be added in addition. The closing station 31 has two rollers or rollers 32, 33 with axes 34, 35 arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The roller 33 is only indicated for reasons of clarity. To the two rollers 32 and 33, a support member 36, for example in the form of a belt, which, as will be explained below, is driven circumferentially according to arrow 37 extends. Arranged on the carrier element 36 with a corresponding pitch to one another, matched to the pitch of the cams 13 of the conveyor belt 3, are tongues 38 which are very thin, for example blanks made of spring steel sheet, and which extend radially outward from the surface of the carrier element 36 protrude. The carrier element 36 is driven at a speed which corresponds to the speed of the conveyor belt 3, wherein it is ensured by a geared connection that in each case a tongue 38 in operative connection to the center of the pitches of the cams 13 at each point of the conveyor belt with one folding box 2 occurs. The tongues 38 may each have a downwardly projecting cam 39 on its underside, which with a stationary slide 40 cooperates. The slide 40 is formed rising in its course from bottom to top, so that the tabs 38 sit with their cams 39 on the beginning of the slide 40, while they are raised in the region of the end of the slide so that the tongues 38 in a Altitude above the inside of the lower wall 6 of the carton 2 are located. The tongues 38 have a rounded or symmetrical bevelled shape, so that they can enter with their projecting point or rounding into the interior 41 of a folding box 2, even with different formats of folding boxes 2, ie in folding box series different width of the walls 5 and 6th

Each insertion tab 19 has a free edge 42 which, when the tongues 38 rotate, makes contact with the tongues 38 in the end region of the slide track 40 (FIG. Fig. 8 ), so that the insertion tab 19 is raised with its free edge 42 in an altitude above the inner side 43 of the lower wall 6 and enters the interior 44, as is apparent from Fig. 8 is recognizable. The cam 39 is still on the slide 40. As soon as the cam 39 but leaves the slide 40 ( Fig. 9 ), the tongue 38 moves in the interior 44 of the main body 12 of the carton 2 down until it rests on the inside 43 of the wall 5. Also, the tongue 38 projects into the interior 44 of the main body 12 of the carton 2. The height mobility of the tongue 38 can be effected by an elastic design of the tongues 38 themselves and / or by a certain elasticity of their storage on the support member 36th

Plungers 45 are provided parallel to the tongues 38. In the in Fig. 6 illustrated embodiment, three plungers 45 are arranged on a support 46. The carrier 46 is also driven according to arrow 37, but only about the axis 35, wherein the plunger 45 in the off Fig. 6 identifiable parallel position. The mechanical means for effecting this are not shown in detail for the sake of clarity. Each plunger 45 has one on the one hand bent ( Fig. 6 ), on the other hand diagonally ( Fig. 12 ) extending leading edge 47 which engages in the region of the further fold line 18 on the unit of closing flap 17 and tuck 19 and in cooperation with the tongue 38 causes the insertion of the tuck 19 and the movement of the closing flap 17 in the closed position in the closing plane 11. This process will become apparent from the sequence of the drawings 8 to 12 particularly clear.

Especially Fig. 6 indicates that each tongue 38 extends over a distance 48 with its tip in the interior 44 of the main body 12 of the carton. During the action of the tongue 38, a plunger 45 is additionally brought to act, wherein the closing process takes place, as indicated by the drawing sequence of 8 to 12 was hinted at. The closing process can end in a locking of the both sides slit tuck 19 behind the dust flaps 9 and 10 (details not shown). Also for this purpose and the necessary repressions the leading edge 47 of each plunger 45 is inclined ( Fig. 12 ) educated.

The lowering of the tongues 38 in the inner space 44 of the basic body 12 of the folding box 2 can also be achieved by a stationary cam bar 49 (FIG. FIGS. 9 and 10 ) can be achieved, which bends the bearing of the tongues 38 via two vertical bolts in the context of the elasticity of the carrier element formed as a belt 36, that the tip of the tongue 38 is lowered in the interior 44 on the inside 43 of the lower wall 6 of the carton 2.

Finally, it is possible to provide a common drive 50 for the carrier element 36 and the carrier 46, which is connected via a bevel gear stage (FIG. Fig. 8 ) is transferred to the two elements. This is ensured by a common drive 50 with a fixed geared connection, that in each case a plunger 45 with a tongue 38 as intended enters into operative connection with a folding box 2. But it is also possible, for example, to arrange both the tongues 38 and the plunger 45 only on a single common support 46 and to bring with uniform circular circulation to act. In the latter case, the matching speed of the tongues 38 and plunger 45 with the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 3 in the conveying direction 4 is then reached only pointwise, ie the distance 48 shrinks to a point, while the in Fig. 6 illustrated embodiment, the tongues 38 brings about the distance 48 to act, wherein the tongues 38 in the region of the distance 48 has the matching speed to the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 3 in the conveying direction 4 and here only the plunger 45 pointwise acting with the same speed. This is quite tolerable, since it is only a slight difference in speed before and after the point addressed, which causes only a negligible friction on the outside of the other folded edge 18 and so far does not affect the pressure on the outside of the carton 2. Sanding scraper or sanding marks were certainly not found here. Fig. 6 shows further that the tongue 38 only after the completion of the insertion movement of the Inserting tab 19 and after complete transfer of the closing flap 17 is pulled out of the resulting gap in the closed position, wherein the outer contour of the carrier 46 prevents the closing flap 17 is pulled out again. Furthermore, the outer contour of the carrier 46 is provided with recesses in order not to hinder the next incoming folding box, the closing flap is not yet in the closed position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

folding

3

conveyor belt

4

conveying direction

5

wall

6

wall

7

sidewall

8th

sidewall

9

dust flap

10

dust flap

11

ScNießebene

12

body

13

cam

14

shroud

15

box contents

16

fold line

17

closing flap

18

further fold line

19

tuck

20

prebreaking

21

role

22

counter-roller

23

arrow

24

arrow

25

role

26

attack

27

Folding and applying agents

28

shaped edge

29

recess

30

role

31

closing station

32

roller

33

roller

34

axis

35

axis

36

support element

37

arrow

38

tongue

39

cam

40

slipway

41

inner space

42

edge

43

inside

44

inner space

45

tappet

46

carrier

47

leading edge

48

route

49

cam tray

50

drive

Claims (11)

1. A method for closing a cardboard box (2) during continuous conveyance, the cardboard box having two walls (5, 6) being arranged parallel to each other, one wall (5) over a folding line (16) being in connection with a closing flap (17), the closing flap over a further folding line (18) being in connection with an insetting flap (19) having a free extending rim (42), the insetting flap (19) is bend along the further folding line (18) with respect to the closing flap (17), the free extending rim (42) of the insetting flap (19) being lifted by a guiding element with respect to the other parallel wall (6) of the cardboard box (2) and the insetting flap (19) by a ram (45) being pushed into the cardboard box (2), the guiding element and the ram (45) during the cooperation with the cardboard box (2) being moved in the conveying direction (4) with a speed being at least about the same as the speed of the continuous conveyance of the cardboard box (2), characterized in that the free extending rim (42) of the insetting flap (19) is lifted by a thin tongue (38) serving as the guiding element with respect to the parallel wall (6) of the cardboard box (2) and the tongue (38) is introduced into the interior (44) of the cardboard box (2) near to the inner surface (43) of the parallel wall (6), in that the insetting flap (19) by the ram (45) under guidance of the tongue (38) is pushed into the cardboard box (2) and the tongue (38) is pulled out of the interior (44) of the cardboard box (2).
2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the tongue (38) in the interior (44) of the cardboard box (2) is lowered down to the inner surface (43) of the parallel wall (6) using the natural elasticity of the cardboard box and without substantially beating out of the parallel wall (6).
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that after closing of the card board box (2) the tongue (38) is pulled out of a gap between the rim of the parallel and not substantially beat out wall (6) and the further folding line (18) between the closing flap (17) and the insetting flap (19).
4. The method of at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that prior to the pushing of the insetting flap (19) into the interior (44) of the cardboard box (2) the insetting flap (19) is prefolded along the further folding line (18) in the direction of the closing flap (17) limited by a stop (26) and under the influence of folding and pushing means (27).
5. An apparatus for closing a cardboard box (2) during continuous conveyance, the cardboard box having two walls (5, 6) being arranged parallel to each other, one wall (5) over a folding line (16) being in connection with a closing flap (17), the closing flap over a further folding line (18) being in connection with an insetting flap (19) having a free extending rim (42), including a guiding element for lifting the free extending rim (42) of the insetting flap (19) with respect to the closing flap (17) and the other parallel wall (6) of the cardboard box (2), and a ram (45) being driven back and forth for pushing the insetting flap (19) into the interior (44) of the cardboard box (2), especially of claim 1, the guiding element being moved in accordance with the conveying direction (4) of the cardboard box (2) with a speed in the conveying direction (4) being at least about the same as the speed of the continuous conveyance of the cardboard box (2), characterized in that a thin tongue (38) serving as guiding element is provided, the thin tongue being driven in two directions perpendicular to each other in a controlled manner with respect to the interior (44) of the cardboard box (2).
6. The apparatus of claim 5, characterized in that the ram (45) being driven back and forth is moved in the conveying direction (4) of the cardboard box (2) with a speed being at least about the same as the speed of the continuous conveyance of the cardboard box (2).
7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a plurality of tongues (38) is arranged on a driven supporting element (36), and in that the supporting element (36) moves the tongues (38) parallel to a conveyor belt (3) carrying the erected cardboard boxes (2) at least along a distance (48) in the conveying direction (4) of the apparatus (1).
8. The apparatus of at least one of the claims 5 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of rams (45) is arranged on a driven support (46), and in that the support (46) at least when the rams enter the closing position of the closing flap (17) moves the rams (45) parallel to the conveying belt (3) carrying the erected cardboard boxes (2).
9. The apparatus of at least one of the claims 5 to 8, characterized in that a stationery track (40) is arranged for lifting the involved tongue (38) and the involved insetting flap (19) in a height position above the bottom wall (6) of the involved cardboard box (2).
10. The apparatus of at least one of the claims 5 to 9, characterized in that a common drive (50) having a fixed gear connection is arranged to drive simultaneously both the supporting element (36) and the support (46).
11. The apparatus of claim 8, characterized in that the outer shape of the support (46) is designed in a manner to hold the closing flap (17) of the cardboard box (2) in the closed position during pulling out of the tongue (38).

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