EP2121445B1 - Device and method for packaging stackable objects, particularly printed products - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine for packing stacks (3) of loose or bound printed material comprises a conveyor which moves the stack to a first work station where the base section (23) of the carton is fitted over it. It is then moved to a central unit (7) which inverts the stack and the base, after which it is passed to a second work station where a lid (24) is fitted over it. An independent claim is included for a method for packing stacks of loose or bound printed material using the machine.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for packaging a product stack, in particular printed products, according to the preambles of claims 1 and 8.

Printed matter such as e.g. Brochures, books or even loose sheets (for example, forms, business papers or the like) are often packaged in so-called slip-on lidded cartons. Slip-lid boxes have a bottom part and a substantially similar thereto and with slightly greater length and width constructed lid part, wherein in the packaging bottom and lid part are slipped from opposite sides of the product stack formed from the printed products over this, wherein the lid part on the bottom part attacks.

Slipboard boxes are classified as "Type 03" according to the common standard of the FEFCO (European Corrugated Board Manufacturers Association).

To ensure a stackability filled Stülpdeckelkartons, it is known in the packaging process of stackable products first fill the bottom part usually with a certain supernatant (ie beyond its actual height) by hand with the product stack, so when stacking several containers one above the other, the weight of the respective overlying container is carried by the underlying products and does not have to be absorbed by the side walls of the containers. Subsequently the lid part is slipped over the stack provided with the bottom part from the top thereof, wherein the dimensions of the lid part are selected such that it fits over the bottom part. As a result, the height of the filled slip-on lidding boxes may vary depending on the height of the product stack picked up by it.

The above-described packaging operation is conventionally performed manually by one or more persons located at the end of a paper processing line, with a high output of the paper processing line (today's equipment can typically produce up to a few hundred products per one page number of the individual printed product Minute) is associated with a high workload and - with increasing the number of packaging personnel - due to the usually cramped conditions leads to space problems. In addition, a manual loading of the products a high physical load of the corresponding persons, since the corresponding, often up to several kilograms heavy product stacks must be lifted and inserted into the boxes.

From the DE 37 08 896 A1 a device for filling and closing a preferably designed as a box container with stacked products is known, in which the products to be filled are introduced from below into the initially open container to be filled, the underside is then closed and then a matching lid is placed. However, this procedure is not suitable for slip lid boxes, which regularly have a solid floor. In addition, the subsequent closing of the soil when filled goods in comparison to a ground closed from the outset usually leads to the disadvantage of a reduced load capacity of the soil.

From the generic GB 874 977 A a device is known, are stored in the envelope stack with a side face down in an open-topped cardboard part and then another, downwardly open cardboard part is slipped over from above.

From the US 4,870,803 A. is a device for packaging of envelopes in cartons is known in which manually over a side surface of an envelope stack a cardboard part open on one side is inverted, and then the filled with the envelopes cardboard part is turned by 180 ° by this raised by a lever and quasi is overturned.

Against the background described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device or a method for packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, by means of which the stacked products are automated in a container can be packed with a container part in which from the outset a closed bottom and side parts are present, as is the case in particular with a slip-lid cardboard part.

The above object is achieved by a device according to the features of independent claim 1 and a method according to the features of independent claim 8.

Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

• eine erste Überstülpeinrichtung zum Ablegen des Bodens auf die Oberseite des Erzeugnisstapels,
• eine Wendeeinrichtung zum Wenden des mit dem übergestülpten Behälterteil versehenen Stapels derart, dass die offene Seite des ersten Behälterteils nach dem Wenden nach oben orientiert ist, und
• eine Deckelungseinrichtung zum Verschließen des Behälters nach dem Wendevorgang.

A device according to the invention comprises:

• a first overriding device for placing the bottom on the top of the product stack,
• a turning device for turning the stack provided with the container part stacked such that the open side of the first container part is oriented after turning upwards, and
• a capping means for closing the container after the turning operation.

The term "product stack" is used in the invention for the still unpacked stack; the term "stack" is intended to designate the product stack already provided with the first container part.

The terms "product stack" or "stack" in the context of the present invention should not only include the case that corresponding individual products are stacked on top of each other, ie vertically stacked. Rather, stacks can be processed in which several products are arranged side by side and with the side surfaces lying against each other. It can also be packed several vertical single stack next to each other, for example two juxtaposed batches of DIN-A5 sized printed matter, resulting in an area as large as an A4 sheet.

The stack preferably has a rectangular base surface and the shape of a cuboid. Within the scope of the invention, however, product stacks with a different base area, e.g. cylindrical stacks, are processed.

In the context of the present invention, such diverse constellations can be processed, since the stacks are handled in the packaging process so that a shifting of the individual products of a stack is avoided with each other.

The containers used in the context of the invention are preferably cartons, particularly preferably slip-on cardboard boxes. Alternatively, however, containers made of materials wholly or partly made of materials such as plastics or fibers, including textile and glass fibers may also be used.

The first Überstülpeinrichtung is formed for slipping over the first container part on the product stack from above. This ensures that a product stack lying on a support surface can remain on it and thus avoid slippage of the products. The Überstülpvorgang means a relative movement of the container part relative to the product stack; In doing so, both the cardboard part and / or the product stack can be moved. Preferably, the product stack remains unmoved during the suppression process, while the cardboard part is moved over this. The turning device is preferably designed for turning the stack provided with the first container part about a horizontal axis through an angle of approximately 180 °. In such a rotation through 180 ° states are passed, in which it must be ensured that the products do not fall out during the turning process, which is why the turning means has corresponding retaining means, which preferably limit the open side of the first container part or against any protruding over the edge of the first container part products.

The capping means is formed as a second Überstülpeinrichtung, which subsequent to the turning operation, a second container part, which has a lid and starting from the lid outgoing side walls, and which is formed on the opposite side of the lid open, inverts over the stack. This second container part is thus preferably similar to the first container part, but with a slightly larger base area, so that the side parts can slide over the stack and over the first container part. The second container part is preferably the cover part of a slip-on lidding carton.

There is provided a transport device with a transport path, along which one or more product stacks or stacks provided with the first container part are respectively supplied to the first overriding device, then to the turning device and then to the capping device. Thus, slipping, turning and lidding or sealing can take place simultaneously. Preferably, the transport path is formed by at least one roller conveyor; But it can also be a conveyor belt, a slide od. Like. Act.

• eine Transporteinrichtung zum Transportieren eines Erzeugnisstapels entlang einer vorbestimmten Transportstrecke;
• eine erste Überstülpeinrichtung zum Überstülpen eines Bodenteils über den Erzeugnisstapel in einer ersten Transportposition dieses Erzeugnisstapels;
• eine zweite Überstülpeinrichtung zum Überstülpen eines Deckelteils über den mit dem übergestülpten Bodenteil versehenen Stapel in einer zweiten Transportposition dieses Erzeugnisstapels; und
• eine Wendeeinrichtung zum Wenden des mit dem übergestülpten Bodenteil versehenen Stapels in einer Wendeposition, wobei diese Wendeposition entlang der Transportstrecke zwischen der ersten Transportposition und der zweiten Transportposition angeordnet ist.

A device for packaging stackable products, in particular printed products, in slip-lid boxes, each slip-on cardboard having a bottom part and a lid part, has the following features:

• a transport device for transporting a product stack along a predetermined transport path;
• a first Überstülpeinrichtung for slipping a bottom part over the product stack in a first transport position of this product stack;
• a second Überstülpeinrichtung for slipping over a cover part on the stacked with the bottomed stack in a second transport position of this product stack; and
• a turning device for turning the stack provided with the turned-over bottom stack in a turning position, said turning position along the transport path between the first transport position and the second transport position is arranged.

The arrangement of two Überstülpeinrichtungen with an intervening turning device each along the transport path of a transport device, it is possible for the packaging of the stacked products in slip-lid boxes required slipping over of bottom or lid part of mutually opposite sides of the product stack fully automated, i. without requiring manual intervention by an operator. At the same time, the serial "series connection" of the first transfer device, the turning device and the second transfer device makes it possible for the individual method steps necessary for the realization of the slip-on cardboard packaging to be executed simultaneously with a corresponding increase in the throughput. This means that during the turning process of a product stack already provided with a protruding bottom part, the next product stack in the first transfer device can already be provided with a bottom part, etc. As a result, a throughput of typically up to 20 packaged product stacks per minute.

Preferably, the transport device is designed such that it causes a cyclic transport of the product stack or stack.

The turning device preferably has an axis of rotation above the transport path. Particularly preferably, the turning device is designed to pivot the product stack or stack substantially about its center of gravity.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device has a control device, by means of which the first slip-over device, the second slip-over device and the turning device can be actuated to carry out a cycle operation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device has a first magazine for receiving a supply of Stülpdeckelkarton-bottom parts and a second magazine for receiving a supply of Stülpdeckelkarton cover parts, wherein the first and the second magazine for receiving the bottom or lid parts in each case flat folded state are formed. In this way, a large amount of bottom or lid parts which are desirable for the high throughput rates desired according to the invention can be stored and included in the automated packaging process according to the invention, wherein the magazines are preferably arranged above the overturning devices, whereby the required shelf space for the device according to the invention is reduced can, which is particularly advantageous for integration into existing paper processing lines with little space available.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first Überstülpeinrichtung and / or the second Überstülpeinrichtung means for erecting the bottom part and the cover part. This embodiment has the advantage that the preferably designed as "Aufrichtekartons" bottom or lid parts can be supplied in the same step from the respective magazine of the suppression device and at the same time can be erected, whereby a further increase in the operating speed and thus the throughput of the device according to the invention can be achieved can.

The first overrun device and / or the second overrun device can preferably have at least one swivel arm with a suction device acting on a side wall of the container or cover part. By sucking the side walls and completing a pivoting movement, the cardboard parts can thus be erected.

Furthermore, the first override means may comprise means for lowering the raised bottom portion over the product stack and / or the second override means for lowering the raised lid portion over the stack.

In this case, the means for lowering the bottom or cover part are preferably designed as stop elements guided below the transport path along at least two opposite sides of the product stack or stack, at the upper ends of which grippers are provided which engage behind at least two opposite side walls of the container parts to be pushed over , whereupon the stop elements are moved downward, thereby pulling the respective container part over the product stack or stack. This embodiment of the means for lowering the cardboard parts as stop elements has the advantage that they simultaneously ensure that the respective cardboard part can be pulled without tilting over the product stack or over the stack provided with the first cardboard part. It is conceivable that the above-described Überstülpeinrichtungen in other packaging systems regardless of other means of the present invention, in particular the turning device to use.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises singulating means for enabling the selective removal of a single container part from the container part stacking of the magazines. This allows the separation of the bottom or lid parts before their removal from the respective magazine and thus at high throughput rates rapid and reliable access.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device has a transport path extending along the transport path and at least one guide element for guiding the product stack on the transport path. This guiding the product stack or stack has the advantage that the products forming the stack do not slip relative to each other, as for example could happen when accelerating or decelerating a product stack resting on a conveyor belt with its footprint.

Preferably, a device for automatic labeling and / or labeling of the respective bottom part and / or cover part is also provided.

The invention further relates to a method for packaging stackable products according to the features of independent claim 8.

With respect to advantageous embodiments of the method, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the device according to the invention.

Further embodiments of the invention are described in the description and the claims.

The invention is explained below with reference to a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figur 1

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Figuren 2a-e

schematische Darstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrich- tung in unterschiedlichen Betriebsphasen des Verpackungsvor- ganges in zeitlicher Abfolge;

Figur 3

eine detaillierte perspektivische Darstellung zur Erläuterung einer erfindungsgemäßen Überstülpeinrichtung;

Figur 4

eine detaillierte, perspektivische Darstellung der ersten bzw. der gleich aufgebauten zweiten Überstülpeinrichtung gemäß der vor- liegenden Erfindung;

Figur 5

eine Detaileinsicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kartonteil- Magazins, und

Figur 6

eine Perspektivansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Wendeeinrich- tung.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a side view of a device according to the invention;

FIGS. 2a-e

schematic representations of a device according to the invention in different operating phases of the packaging process in chronological order;

FIG. 3

a detailed perspective view for explaining a Überstülpeinrichtung invention;

FIG. 4

a detailed perspective view of the first and the same constructed second Überstülpeinrichtung according to the present invention;

FIG. 5

a detailed view of a Kartonteil- magazine according to the invention, and

FIG. 6

a perspective view of a turning device according to the invention.

According to FIG. 1 For example, a device 10 according to the invention has a base frame 40 that can be moved on castors. Then a horizontally extending, without limiting the generality rectilinear transport path 1 is provided on the stackable products, such as printed products stack, successively first of a total designated 34 first Überstülpeinrichtung, then a total of 7 designated turning device and then a total designated 35 second Überstülpeinrichtung be supplied. In the Überstülpeinrichtungen 34, 35 Stülpdeckelkartonteile 23, 24 in vertically arranged magazines 4, 8 stored in a flat state, namely in the first Überstülpeinrichtung 34 slip-lid cardboard bottom parts 23 and in the second Überstülpeinrichtung 35 slip-lid cardboard cover parts 24, the latter with slightly larger Base surface are formed so that they can be slipped over the Stülpdeckelkarton-bottom parts each in the erected state. The bottom and cover parts, which are subsequently provided with the reference numerals 23, 24 both in the flat and in the erected state, are designed in a basically known manner as "erecting cartons", so that a detailed illustration and description can be dispensed with here. Typically, both the bottom and the lid parts 23, 24 have so-called stabilizer tabs that slide over the cardboard bottom during erection, "snap into" recesses in the bottom of the carton in the end position and fix the side walls automatically in the erected state, so that a once erected bottom or lid part no longer coincides by itself.

The magazines 4, 8 are arranged above the respective overrunning devices 34, 35 and in this way use the "air space" above the device 10. In order to facilitate refilling the magazines 4, 8 during operation, the magazines may also be designed as parallel arranged double magazines (not shown), wherein in each case from a magazine shaft is fed, while the other can be refilled, whereupon the refilled magazine shaft subsequently can be moved to the position of the feed slot, which only a very short interruption is required. Alternatively, the magazines can of course also be refilled during operation "from above".

In the Überstülpeinrichtungen 34, 35, the cardboard parts 23, 24 respectively erected and slipped over a stack. Between the Überstülpeinrichtungen 34 and 35 is the turning device 7, which provided with the bottom part Stack about a transverse to the transport direction designated P1, horizontal axis by an angle of 180 ° (see arrow P2) pivoted.

The transport of the stack is done as out FIG. 3 can be seen on three freewheeling trained roller conveyors 2a, 2b, 2c. From the gap extending in the transport direction between the first and the second roller conveyor 2a, 2b and the gap between the second and the third roller conveyor 2b, c, three guide element pairs 30a, 30b extend; 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b and a single guide member 33, which are each horizontally in the transport direction and vertically movable and form a kind of guide comb. In the illustrated embodiment, each guide element 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b or 33 (hereinafter referred to briefly as 30a, b-33) consists of, as shown FIG. 3 on the basis of the guide member 31 a seen from two individual, adjacent drivers, which are mechanically coupled below the transport path 1. During the transport process, the guide elements 30a, b-33 bear against the sides of the stacks lying transversely to the transport direction and move them over the roller conveyors 2a-c. In this case, the guide elements 30a, 31a, 32a and 33 are in the transport direction behind the stacks and push them forward. The remaining guide elements 30b, 31b and 31b lying in front of the stacks in the direction of transport limit the movement of the stacks. The movement of the guide elements 30a, b-33 takes place cyclically in each case from an initial position to a target position. After reaching the target position, all guide elements 30a, b-33 are lowered below the transport path 1, again returned to the transport direction P1 to its original position and then moved out again from the transport path, whereupon new stacks are added. This cyclical movement of all guide elements is effected by means of a common drive 41, which moves all guide elements 30a, b-33 in the transport direction and in the vertical direction.

The timing of a packaging cycle is described below with reference to the schematic representations in FIGS. 2a to 2e explained in more detail. The control of the cycle takes place by means of a microprocessor-based control device (not shown), which operates the corresponding actuators and receives feedback by means of sensors (not shown), eg position sensors.

In the in FIG. 2a the situation shown, the stacks are each transported straight. This is a product stack 3a to be packaged, which is transported by the guide elements 30a, b to the first override device 34. At the same time, a stack 3b already provided with an erected bottom part 23 is transported to the turning device 7 by means of the guide elements 31 a, b. Furthermore, an already turned stack 3c is also simultaneously conveyed by means of the guide elements 32a, b to the second transfer device 35. The there provided with an upright lid part stack 3d is then removed by the last guide member 33 (the further Abtransportweg is not shown).

In FIG. 2b is one on the situation in FIG. 2a shown temporally following situation in which the guide elements 30a, b-33 have reached their respective target positions. The horizontal movement of the guide elements 30a, b-33 is then terminated. At the two suppression devices 34, 35, a bottom or cover part 23, 24 located in the respective magazine 4.8 was erected by means of suction grippers 6 at the time shown; This process will be described in more detail below. The slipping of the erected cardboard parts 23, 24 is now accomplished by grippers 42, which are each formed on the guide elements 30 a, 30 b and 32 a, 32 b in the form of folding hook-shaped elements, take under the edges of the respective erected cardboard part and these edges under easier Slightly widen the preload.

This is followed by a vertical lowering movement of all the guide elements 30a, b-33, whereby the cardboard parts 23 and 24 are pulled over the respective stacks 3a, 3c due to the bias of the grippers 42, the suction grippers 6 remaining open, so as not to obstruct the movement Lowering movement is in the in Figure 2c 50% completed. The Führungselementepaare 30 a, 30 b and 32 a, 32 b ensure that the carton can not tilt on the stack side surfaces, as this is the stack even during always keep it aligned. As soon as the cardboard is completely over the stack, the grippers 42 slip out of the edge of the cardboard.

How out Figure 2c With reference to the stack 3a, the product stack is preferably higher than the bottom part to be stuffed, so that a part of the product stack remains uncovered. This desired product supernatant improves the later stackability of the filled slip-on lidding cartons; On the other hand, the protruding part in the illustrated state is still prone to slipping. For this reason, the further transport of the stack takes place by lateral force application by means of the guide element pairs 30a, b-32a, b.

In the area of the turning device 7 is off Figure 2c it can be seen that a first turning fork 52 originally lowered below the transporting track 1 has lifted the stack 3b with three fork elements oriented transversely to the transport direction. A second turning fork 53 moves from above against the raised stack 3b such that the stack is clamped with a predetermined force between the preferably non-slip equipped forks 52, 53, so that the stack 3b is held in the then subsequent turning operation and no product when turning can fall out. The clamping force is controlled by sensors, so that the turning device 7 can automatically adapt to different stack heights. Once the stack 3b is clamped between the turning forks 52, 53 and has reached a height in which a rotational movement without touching the transport path 1 or the descending guide elements 31a, 31b can take place, a 180 ° rotation of the on a turntable 13th arranged turning forks 52, 53 causes. During the transport cycles, the first and second turning forks 52, 53 are retracted perpendicular to the drawing plane behind the turntable, so that the movement of the guide elements 31a, b is not blocked.

Figure 2d shows the turntable 13 during its rotation. During this rotational movement, the guide elements 30a, b-33, which are lowered in this section of the clock completely below the transport path 1, against the Transport direction returned to their respective starting position. In addition, a new product stack 3a 'is provided. In order to erect the next carton part 23 or 24 lying in the magazines 4 and 8 respectively, the suction grippers 6 are first closed. Now brush strips 44, which prevent the cardboard stacks in the magazines 4 and 8 by lateral engagement in the stack to slipping on removal of the lowermost cardboard part 23 and 24, briefly moved out of their lateral engagement, so that the cardboard stack can slip and that subsequent lowermost cardboard part 23 or 24 respectively comes to rest against the respective suction gripper 6. In this way, the cardboard parts can be reliably separated. Alternatively, the separation of the cardboard parts can also take place by means of lancing fingers or the like instead of the brush strips 44 described above.

In the in FIG. 2e illustrated situation, the rotation or the pivoting of the stack 3b is completed by 180 °. The rotation can be done both clockwise and counterclockwise; For structural reasons, the direction of rotation is preferably chosen to be alternating. The stack 3b was again lowered onto the transport track 1 by lowering the turn-down fork 53 (the turning forks 52, 53 have changed their position). The returned to their starting position guide elements 30a, b-33 are now moved out of the transport path, which in FIG. 2e about 50% has occurred. Subsequently, the procedure according to FIG. 2a cyclically repeated.

So that when the guide element pairs 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b are slightly misplaced and / or inaccurately aligned ("skewed") stacks are not lifted off the transport path 1 and a trouble-free operation of the device 10 is ensured, the said guide element pairs become 30a, b-33 initially raised with a certain "safety distance" of, for example, both sides 1 cm from the expected stacking position on the plane of the transport path 1 (safety distance not shown). During the transport process, the front 30a, 31a, 32a or rear guide elements 30b, 31b, 32b are moved towards each other by a mechanism which causes a relative movement between these guide element groups, and so far, until the distance is reduced approximately to the dimensions of the stack in the transport direction. In this way, the stacks 3a-3c are accurately positioned in the transport direction and possibly aligned slightly slipped stack.

As is apparent from the detailed representations of the Überstülpeinrichtungen according to the Figures 3 and 4 can be seen, also takes place an alignment or centering of the stack transversely to the transport direction P1 by means (in the FIGS. 2a-2e for reasons of clarity not shown) in pairs laterally of the transport path arranged side stops 11a, b (belonging to the first Überstülpeinrichtung 34) and 12a, 12b (belonging to the second Überstülpeinrichtung 35). The side stops 11a, 11b; 12a, 12b are lowered and raised synchronously with the guide members 30 to 33. The side stops 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b further comprise hook-shaped grippers 43, which engage behind the cardboard part edge during the lowering movement in accordance with the function of the guide element gripper 42 and thus ensure unhindered slipping over of the cardboard parts.

The grippers 43 are further designed such that they press the cardboard edge against the upper edge of the side stops 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b and clamp the cardboard part in this way between the grippers 43 and the side stops 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b , which additionally ensures that the cardboard part follows this movement during the lowering movement. The clamping force is chosen so that the cardboard part in its end position, in which it rests on the product stack, automatically slips out of the clamp, without being damaged.

During the transport movement of the stacks 3a and 3c, the distance of the side stops 11a and 11b or 12a and 12b is slightly increased by an actuator. Before the suppression process, the side stops 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b move together, whereby the stack therebetween 3a and 3c are centered and aligned in the transverse direction.

The position and maximum extension height of the guide elements 30a, b-33 and the side stops 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b is the dimensions of the respective product stack 3a customizable. In this case, the extension height is preferably selected such that even the uppermost printed product of the product stack 3a is protected from undesired displacement.

In FIG. 5 is a cardboard part magazine 4 and 8 with one of the four total on all side portions 51 of the bottom or cover part 23, 24 acting suction pads 6 shown. Each suction gripper 6 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis which approximately corresponds to the Aufrichtungsachse of the corresponding cardboard side part in the Aufrichtvorgang. The cardboard side parts 51 are each detected by means of a vacuum applied to the suction cup 55.

Alternatively, any other suitable system for erecting the container parts may be used. For example, according to an alternative, not shown embodiment, the swivel arm in a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 5 be formed so that it od with a driver. Like. Directly engages in the carton interior forming region of the bottom or lid part, in which case no suction cups or vacuum sources are required.

In FIG. 6 the turning device 7 is shown in more detail. The turning forks 52, 53 are arranged so as to be displaceable in the parallel slots provided in the turntable 13. The roller conveyors 2a, 2b, 2c are interrupted in the area of the support of the turning fork 52, so that the turning fork 52 does not project out of the plane of the transporting web 1 during the transporting process of the stack. Alternatively, the turning process may also take place in an embodiment (not shown) about an axis substantially parallel to the transport direction. Furthermore, the turning device can be designed by a carrier engaging in the carton in such a way that the contents of incompletely filled cartons can also be held in turn.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 transport path 2a, b, c roller conveyors 3a-e product stack 4 Magazine for floor parts 6 Suction pads 7 turning device 8th Magazine for lid parts 10 total device 11a, 11b side stops 12a, 12b side stops 13 turntable 23 floor parts 24 cover parts 30a, 30b first guide elements 31a, 30b second guide elements 32a, 30b third guide elements 33 fourth guide element 34 first overrun device 35 second Überstülpeinrichtung 40 base frame 41 Guide member drive 42 Guide member gripping 43 Side stop Claw 44 brush strips 50 ground 51 side walls 52 first turning fork 53 second turning fork 54 stop plate 55 suction cup 56 cover

Claims (8)

1. Apparatus for packaging a product stack, in particular printed products, in a container which has a first container portion (23) with a bottom (50) and with side walls (51) extending from the bottom and a second container portion (24) with a lid and with side walls extending from the lid, wherein the container portions (23, 24) are open at the side opposite to the bottom (50) and the lid respectively, and are in the form of a a telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and a telescope-type box lid portion (24) respectively,
   characterised by

   - a first fitting-over device (34) for placing the bottom (50) on the top side of the product stack (3a),

   - a turning device (7) for turning the stack (3b) provided with the container portion (23) in such a way that the open side of the first container portion (23) is oriented upwardly after the turning operation, and

   - a covering device in the form of a second fitting-over device (35) for closing the container after the turning operation, wherein

   the first fitting-over device (34) is adapted to fit the first container portion (23) over the product stack (3a) from above and the turning device (7) is adapted to turn the stack (3b) provided with the first container portion (23) about a horizontal axis and through an angle of about 180°, wherein the turning device (7) has retaining means (52) to prevent products from falling out during the turning operation, and wherein
   there is provided a transport device for transporting the product stack or the stack provided with the first container portion (23) along a predetermined transport section, and wherein
   the first fitting-over device (34) is adapted to fit the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) in a first transport position of said product stack (3a), and
   the second fitting-over device (35) is adapted to fit the telescope-type box lid portion (24) over the stack (3c) provided with the bottom portion fitted thereover in a second transport position of said product stack (3c), and
   there is provided a turning device (7) for turning the stack (3b) provided with the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) fitted thereover, in a turning position, and said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that it is adapted for packaging product stacks (3a) comprising one or more mutually juxtaposed individual stacks, wherein each individual stack comprises one or more products.
3. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that it further comprises:

   a first magazine (4) for receiving a stock of telescope-type box bottom portions (23); and

   a second magazine (8) for receiving a stock of telescope-type box lid portions (24),

   wherein the first and second magazines (4, 8) are adapted to receive the bottom and lid portions (23, 24) respectively in the flat condition thereof.
4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the first fitting-over device (34) and/or the second fitting-over device (35) has means (6) for erecting the side walls of the bottom portion (23) and the lid portion (24) respectively.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 characterised in that
   the means for erecting the telescope-type box bottom portion and the telescope-type box lid portion have at least one pivotal arm in the form of a suction gripper (6) and having a suction device (55) engaging a side wall of the container or lid portion respectively, and/or
   the first fitting-over device (34) has means (30a, 30b) for lowering the erected bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) and/or the second fitting-over device (35) has means (32a, 32b) for lowering the erected lid portion (24) over the stack (3c), wherein preferably
   the means for lowering the erected bottom portion (23) and/or the means for lowering the erected lid portion (24) are in the form of abutment elements (30a, 30b; 32a, 32b) which are guided from beneath the transport section (1) along at least two mutually opposite sides of the product stack or stack (3a, 3c) respectively and at the upper ends of which there are respectively provided gripping elements (42) which engage behind at least two oppositely disposed side walls of the container portions (23, 24) to be fitted over, whereupon the abutment elements (30a, 30b; 32a, 32b) are moved downwardly and in that case pull the respective container portion (23, 24) over the product stack (3a) or stack (3c) respectively.
6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that
   it further comprises a separating device for permitting selective removal of an individual bottom or lid portion (23, 24) from a stock of bottom or lid portions, wherein preferably
   the separating device has at least one brush bar (44) which is so adapted that during removal of the respective lowermost container portion of the container portion stack it is brought laterally into engagement therewith and thereby blocks follow-on slipping movement of the container portion disposed above the container portion just being removed, and then the at least one brush bar (44) is brought out of engagement with the container portion stack to cause follow-on slipping movement of the next container portion.
7. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that for orientation of the product stacks (3a) and/or the stacks (3c) transversely relative to the transport direction (P1) there is provided on the first and/or the second fitting-over device (34, 35) a pair of side abutments (11a, 12a) which are arranged laterally on the transport section and which prior to the fitting-over operation are applied against the sides of the product stacks (3a) and the stacks (3c), that are parallel to the transport direction (P1), so that the product stack or the stack is oriented, wherein preferably
   the side abutments (11a, 12a) are in the form of means for lowering the erected bottom portion (23) or lid portion (24) out of the magazines (4, 8) of the first and second fitting-over devices (34, 35).
8. A method of packaging a product stack, in particular printed products, in a container with a first container portion (23) which has a bottom (50) and side walls (51) extending from the bottom, wherein the first container portion (23) is open at the side opposite to the bottom (50), and a second container portion (24) which covers the first container portion at the open side, with a lid and with side walls extending from the lid, wherein the second container portion is open at the side opposite the lid, wherein the first container portion is in the form of a telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and the second container portion is in the form of a telescope-type box lid portion (24),
   characterised by the steps

   a) fitting the first telescope-type box bottom portion (23) with its open side over a product stack (3a),
   turning the stack in such a way that the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) is open upwardly,

   b) closing the first telescope-type box bottom portion (23) by applying the second container portion (24) against the stack in a direction in opposite relationship to the movement in step a),
   wherein
   the method further comprises the following steps:

   transporting a product stack (3a, b, c) along a predetermined transport section;

   fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) over the product stack (3a) in a first transport position of said product stack (3a);

   fitting the telescope-type box lid portion (24) over the product stack (3c) provided with the bottom portion (23) fitted thereover, in a second transport position of said product stack (3c); and

   - turning the stack (3b) provided with the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) fitted thereover in a turning position, wherein said turning position is arranged along the transport section between the first transport position and the second transport position, and wherein the turning operation is effected between the operation of fitting the telescope-type box bottom portion (23) and the operation of fitting the telescope-type box lid portion (24).

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