EP2208680B1 - Device for processing continuously transported flat objects or a quasi-endless sheet of material - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a drive unit for moving a tool (2) on a circular path (1), and a control unit for controlling the drive unit. The circular path is arranged such that a machining area (B) is aligned parallel to a conveying direction of an object or a material web. The material web or the object can be machined by a tool moved via the machining area, where the tool is swivelable in a controlled manner relative to the path such that the swivelable position of the tool is controlled independent of the adjustment of the path and is adjusted to the object or the material web to be machined.

Description

The invention is in the field of processing technology, in particular packaging technology, and relates to a device according to the preamble of the independent claim. The device is used for processing continuously successively conveyed, flat objects or a likewise continuously conveyed, quasi-endless material web, wherein a tool acts on each object or at predetermined, especially regular intervals on the material web for processing and wherein the tool at least during its action is moved to the object or the material web with the object or the material web, such that between tool and object or material web as possible no relative movement is parallel to the conveying direction. The device serves, in particular, to finish packaging continuously flat objects, in particular printed products, which are wrapped in a film web, in that the film web is transversely welded between successive articles and, if necessary, severed.

Said cross-welding and separation of the film web is carried out according to the prior art, for example, with the aid of a pair of cooperating, extending transversely to the conveying direction and parallel to the width of the film web, synchronously driven tools (welding bars and counter tool), one of which from above and Others from below affects the film web.

For this purpose, the two cooperating tools rotate in opposite directions and in such synchronism that, when they are directed against each other, they can weld and sever the film web. By a resilient mounting of the tools and by a speed adapted to the speed of the tools is ensured that for the welding and cutting a sufficient amount of time is available, while the relative speed between the distal ends of the tools and the film web for easy welding and separation is small enough. The rotating tools are thus moved during their action on the film web at a speed which is adapted to the conveying speed of the film web. During their further movement, which brings them back to the starting point for further welding and separation after welding and dicing, their speed is usually adjustable, such that the distances of the action on the film web, ie the format of the packs to be produced, can be varied , It is also known to stop the rotating movement of the tools or to suppress their action on the film web at a portion of their revolutions when the distances between the transverse welds to be created are large. In order to realize smaller distances between the transverse welds, it is also proposed to provide several pairs of tools, all tools rotate synchronously and are regularly spaced from each other.

A device which works according to the said principle is described, for example, in the publications DE-2651131 , The devices of the type mentioned are very limited in terms of the length of the path, which is available for the welding and separation of the film web. In other words, if necessary, the conveying speed must be reduced if a longer duration of action should be necessary. The devices are also limited with respect to the variability of the distances between the transverse welds, wherein these distances can not be arbitrarily small, in particular.

The first-mentioned limitation is mitigated in devices also known, in that the orbit of the tools not by a simple rotation (circular path) but by a superposition of a carriage movement parallel to the conveying direction and a lifting movement transverse to the conveying direction. Such orbits are generated, for example by means of a crank mechanism or with a reciprocating carriage, on which a separately driven lifting device is arranged. Such devices are described for example in the publications EP-0712782 or GB 1261179 , The second limitation mentioned above also applies to these devices.

From the EP-A 1 362 790 is a device for welding a web with two sub-devices known. The mirror-symmetrically arranged to the material web or the conveying surface sub-devices each comprise two tools which are resiliently secured to a center rotatable spokes and thus moved along a circular orbit. In the processing area, one tool each of a sub-device and a counter-tool of the other sub-device spring against each other, so that a certain processing pressure is exerted and the orbit of the actual tools flatten under pressure. Without counter-pressure by a counter tool or a rigid conveying surface, the orbit of the tools would be purely circular. A similar device with arranged on a wheel tools is from the WO00 / 35757 known.

These known devices have the advantage that the path of movement of the tools is aligned at least in the processing area largely parallel to the material web or the objects to be processed, although the tool is moved in a very simple manner along a circular path, namely by one on an axis rotatable rigid body, such as spokes or a drive wheel, is attached. The straight path in the processing area has advantages, in particular during welding, since the time available for processing is lengthened compared to punctiform contact only. In this case, however, a relatively large force on the Tools and counter tools or the objects or their conveying surface. The magnitude of this force depends on the position along the trajectory; It is therefore almost always greater than the force that would be necessary for the actual processing. This can lead to a considerable wear of the tools and / or their bearings. Without a counterpressure by a conveying surface or a counter tool no defined processing is possible in these examples.

It is the object of the invention to expand the abovementioned limitations of the devices according to the prior art, which serve the same purpose as the device according to the invention. Among other things, the device according to the invention should be structurally simple and low-wear. Alternatively or additionally, it should also make it possible to process the continuously successively conveyed objects or the quasi-endless material web, even if the way (necessary time of action times conveying speed), which is necessary for processing, in particular by high conveying speeds becomes long and optionally a length gets, which is in the same order of magnitude as the distances to be created between the edits. Nevertheless, it should not be necessary to mechanically change or adjust the device mechanically and / or to change the conveying speed if the device is intended to act on objects or material web in variable, in particular very small, distances.

This object is achieved by the device as defined in the independent claim. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the apparatus.

Like the devices according to the prior art, which serve the same purpose, the device according to the invention has an orbit on at least one side of the conveying path of the objects or material web on which at least two tools rotate. The tools are preferably pivotable controlled relative to the orbit, so that their pivot position regardless of a Regulated orientation of the orbit is adapted to the objects to be processed or the material web. The orbit is the path of any point moved by the tool that does not carry out the controlled pivoting motion. By controlling the pivot position succeeds without force from the outside, in particular without a force exerted by a conveying surface or a counter tool counterforce in the processing area despite a generally curved orbit a straight path of the active, cooperating with the objects or the material processing elements of the tools to realize. This has the great advantage that a structurally simple drive system can be used, for example in the form of a wheel or spokes, to which the tools are attached. Accordingly, this device can also be realized in a very space-saving manner.

To adjust the pivot positions, the tools are preferably controlled with a stationary link, which cooperates with the tools at least in the processing area, while they are moved along the orbit. Through this backdrop, the force acting on the objects to be processed or the material web can be precisely metered.

It is of particular advantage if, starting from a pure circular movement of the tools, which can be generated particularly easily by rotation of a rigid body, deviating from a circular path of movement of cooperating with the objects or the material web processing elements of the tools to be realized. This is done according to the invention by the circular motion, ie the mere rotation of a body, is superimposed with a controlled pivoting movement. As a result, the distance to the center of rotation can be varied controlled. Instead of a pivoting movement and a movement in the radial direction is conceivable, for example, a particular backdrop-controlled forward and backward pulling of the tool along a radially extending guide rail or sleeve.

According to a particular Auführungsform at least one rotatable about a center of rotation support element is present. In addition, the tools have a lever and a cooperating with the objects or the material web processing element. The levers are pivotally connected at a first end of the lever at a constant distance from the center of rotation with the at least one support element. The orbit described above can be identified here, for example, with the path of the first lever ends or the articulation points; the orbit is therefore circular. At a second end of the lever, the processing element is mounted. With at least one stationary link, the pivoting position of the lever is adjustable relative to the support element at least in the processing area. The support member is for example a rotatable around the center of rotation spoke or a wheel on which several tools can be hinged. The pivotable levers make it possible to change the distance of the machining elements to the center of rotation controlled by the scenery and thus to produce a flattened or even partially straight track of the machining elements, the orientation of the machining elements in the space remaining constant within a certain angular range.

According to a further embodiment, the processing elements are even coupled via two levers with the support elements. As a result, the processing elements with two degrees of freedom can be moved relative to the pure circular path. The positions of the levers relative to each other and the support element are set with two scenes each independently. As a result, not only the production of a desired shaped path of the processing elements, but also the setting of an angle of the processing elements relative to their path or to the objects to be processed or the conveying surface. For example, this can advantageously ensure that the processing element is always oriented perpendicular to the conveying surface. This has advantages, especially with a welding element.

The processing element is preferably a welding element, e.g. a welding bar. However, other functions are also possible, e.g. Label, perforate, cut through. In all cases, the force acting on the objects to be processed or the material web can be limited and kept substantially constant. For certain applications in which the material web has the necessary load capacity for carrying the objects, can therefore be dispensed with an existing addition to the web stabilizing conveying surface.

The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to devices in which the tool as a whole is moved along a circular path caused by the rotation of a rigid body, e.g. a spoke or a wheel, is given. By controlling the pivoting position, a path of the active regions, which is flattened with respect to the circular path, of tools and / or a specific orientation of the tools with respect to the objects to be processed or the material web can be produced.

If the tools are moved along arbitrarily shaped guide rails, this has the advantage that the orientation of the tools can be adjusted independently of the shape of the movement path.

There may also be provided a device in which the tools are provided with a peripheral conveyor support, e.g. a rotating conveyor belt, interact as a counter tool. Alternatively, the counter tools can also be arranged on an analogously constructed counter device. In both cases, it is possible by the inventive control of the position of the tools relative to their fixed orbit, to limit the force acting on the or the counter tools. Thus, the wear is reduced.

According to the present invention, which can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the control of the tools described above, at least two tools are present and driven independently of each other so that they can be moved simultaneously at different speeds along the orbit, so the distances between successive tools can vary during circulation. Advantageously, more than two tools are provided which circulate in the same orbit, all tools being driven at least partially independently of each other, or groups of tools (eg every other tool) being coupled to different drives, such that all the tools of a group are at any one time have the same orbital velocity, but which may be different from the velocity of rotation of the tools of other groups.

Due to the independence of the tools, it is possible with the device according to the invention that even at different processing and return speeds two (or even more than two) tools act at the same time on objects to be processed or on the material web, which is the case in the devices The technique is only possible if the distance between the operations corresponds exactly to the distance between the tools. That is, even with a relatively long, necessary for the processing way (long processing time or high conveying speed), it is possible with the inventive device to realize relatively small distances between the operations, in particular distances that are smaller than the necessary processing path.

The device according to the invention therefore has an orbit along which at least two tools rotate. The orbit has a processing area in which it advantageously runs parallel to the conveying direction of the objects or material web to be processed. The orbit may also be circular, wherein in a conventional manner a movement of the distal tool ends is realized parallel to the conveying direction by a resilient mounting of the tools or a circular motion superimposed individual, radial movement of the tools. The tools are in groups (eg every second tool in orbit or one of only two tools) independent drives fixedly coupled or it is arranged a drive along the orbit and the tools are individually selectively coupled to the drive or decoupled from the drive.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive device an even number of tools is provided, each second tool is fixedly coupled to a chain or belt drive, which is arranged for example laterally of the conveying path of the objects or material web to be processed, and the other tools are to a same or similar chain or belt drive coupled, which is arranged on the other side of the conveyor line. The two drives are controllable in the same manner as in the prior art devices, namely with a machining speed adapted to the conveying speed during machining and with a return speed adapted to the distances between the machining points to be created, wherein the Tools can also be stopped during the recirculation (return speed which is equal to zero). The two drives thus operate in regular, equal cycles and with a phase shift which is adapted to the machining distances.

Of course, it is also possible to replace the chain or belt drives by other suitable drives and to provide more than two independent drives, in which case every third, every fourth u.s.w. Tool is permanently connected to one of the drives.

In a further, preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a drive is provided on which all tools are optionally coupled or not. Such a drive is for example a drive based on the eddy current principle, from which the tools can be uncoupled easily (eg by mechanical stopping). In this embodiment, the movement of the tools in the orbit is determined not only by the drive but also by control means (eg stop at the output of a buffer line) through which the tools are decoupled from the drive or coupled to the drive. Advantageously, the drive runs at the processing speed, wherein the tools are buffered by a correspondingly controlled stop immediately before the processing area and a tool is released from the buffer for each processing step.

The drives, by means of which the tools circulate in the orbit, are controlled in such a way that the tools run in synchronized with the objects to be processed in the processing area. If the objects to be processed are fed exactly timed or if the material to be processed web is to be processed at predetermined, regular intervals, the drives are controlled so that the tools run into the same time in the processing area, this clock and the synchronization advantageously of a the articles feeding device is removed. It is also possible to take over clock fluctuations of this feeding device. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide for the control of the drives sensors that detect objects to be machined or their edges or corresponding markings on the material web to be processed and generate control signals for the drive of the tools. In this way it is possible to process in the same process objects with different lengths and / or different distances from each other or a material web at different distances.

The device according to the invention can be used, for example, for the transverse welding already mentioned at the beginning and, if appropriate, for the separation of a film web in which printed products which are arranged one behind the other are conveyed continuously. The tools are designed for this application in a conventional manner as a welding beam. In this case, a further device according to the invention can be provided on the opposite side of the film web, ie an orbit with synchronously driven counter tools, or a conveying surface which supports the film web and the articles in a suitable manner (eg conveyor belt). It is also possible for the transverse welding and the separation of each other provide separately arranged devices. If the material enveloping the objects is not weldable (eg paper), the tools are not equipped as welding bars, but for example as embossing agents, which imprint a pattern on the layers of the enveloping material and thereby connect these layers together, or as heating and pressing means Activate adhesive previously applied to the wrapping material web and glue the layers of the wrapping material together.

However, the device according to the invention can also be used for completely different processes, for example for trimming the edges oriented transversely to the conveying direction (eg leading edges) of the objects conveyed one after the other (tools are designed as cutting edges and the orbital motion is superimposed by a cutting movement) for applying additional elements on the objects (tools are designed as applying means and pressing means) or for printing the objects (tools are designed as printheads). The applications mentioned represent only a small part of the conceivable applications of the device according to the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

As can be seen from the above sections, the tools are very different depending on the application of the inventive device. In many cases, for example in the case of trained as a welding beam and corresponding counter tools tools, it is advantageous if the tools perform only during processing but also immediately before and then relative to objects or web to be processed only movements perpendicular to the machining objects or the material web are aligned. For this purpose, it is necessary to arrange the tools in a conventional manner pivotally relative to the orbit and to control the pivoting movement accordingly. Further additional movements of the tools relative to the orbit may also be necessary for processing and can be realized in a manner known per se.

The following features are also optional in the context of the present invention:

The position of the tool relative to the orbit can be changed by means of at least one stationary link during the tool movement along the orbit.

The backdrop can limit the force exerted on the objects to be processed or the material web by the tool force, in particular keep substantially constant.

The orbit at least in the processing area can be curved, wherein the gate is shaped such that the tools can be moved despite curved orbit in the processing area substantially along a straight path.

The tools may be movable in the processing area substantially with a constant orientation relative to the objects to be processed or the material web.

At least one supporting element rotatable about a center of rotation can be present, wherein the tools comprise a first lever and a machining element cooperating with the objects or the material web, and wherein the first levers can be pivotably connected to the at least one supporting element about a pivot axis and in one Distance from the pivot axis having the processing element, and wherein at least one stationary link may be present, with which the pivotal positions of the first lever is adjustable relative to at least one support element at least in the processing area.

The tools may include a second lever pivotally connected to the first lever about a second pivot axis, wherein the orientation of the Machining element is adjustable relative to the orbit and the objects to be processed or the material web by means of two stationary scenes.

At least one support member may be in the form of a wheel or a spoke rotatable about the axis of rotation.

The tool may comprise a welding element and a hold-down, which is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the welding element relative to this resilient.

At least one counter-tool may be provided which is capable of cooperating with the at least one tool, the counter-tool being driven circulating in an orbit and being controllably pivoted relative to the orbit such that its pivotal position is controlled independently of an orientation of the orbit adapted to be processed objects or the material web.

It can be provided at least one counter tool, z. B. as described above, which is capable of cooperating with the at least one tool, wherein the counter tool is formed by a conveyor support in the form of a circulating conveyor belt.

Figuren 1A bis 1C

sehr schematisch dargestellte, aufeinanderfolgende Phasen im Betrieb einer ersten, beispielhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, die eine Umlaufbahn und vier an zwei voneinander unabhängige Antriebe gekoppelte Werkzeuge aufweist;

Figur 2

eine weitere beispielhafte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, in der auf der Umlaufbahn fünf Werkzeuge umlaufen, die unabhängig voneinander an einen Antrieb ankoppelbar und von diesem abkoppelbar sind;

Figuren 3 bis 5

drei weitere ebenfalls sehr schematisch dargestellte Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, die nach dem in Figur 1 dargestellten Prinzip oder nach dem in Figur 2 dargestellten Prinzip arbeiten können;

Figur 6

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung (Prinzip gemäss Figur 1) mit vier umlaufenden Werkzeugen, die als Schweissbalken ausgebildet sind;

Figur 7

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 6 angewendet in einer Einrichtung zum Verpacken von kontinuierlich nacheinander geförderten flachen Gegenständen mit einer quasi endlosen Folienbahn;

Figur 8

der Bearbeitungsbereich der Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 6 in einem grösseren Massstab;

Figur 9

ein Beispiel für eine Vorrichtung mit an einem drehbaren starren Körper angelenkten Werkzeugen;

Figur 10

eine Weiterentwicklung des Beispiels aus Fig. 9, bei der die Werkzeuge mit zwei Freiheitsgraden gegenüber dem starren Körper beweglich sind;

Figur 11

eine Detailansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 10 zur Darstellung der Führungselemente;

Figur 12

eine Weiterentwicklung des Beispiels aus Fig. 4, bei der die Werkzeuge mit zwei Freiheitsgraden beweglich sind;

Figur 13

eine Variante der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 9.

Exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention will be described in detail in connection with the following figures. Showing:

FIGS. 1A to 1C

very schematically illustrated, successive phases in operation of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive device having an orbit and four tools coupled to two independent drives;

FIG. 2

a further exemplary embodiment of the inventive device in which circulate on the orbit five tools that can be independently coupled to a drive and decoupled from this;

FIGS. 3 to 5

three further also very schematically illustrated embodiments of the inventive device, which after the in FIG. 1 illustrated principle or after in FIG. 2 can work principle shown;

FIG. 6

a three-dimensional representation of a preferred embodiment of the inventive device (principle according to FIG. 1 ) with four rotating tools, which are designed as a welding beam;

FIG. 7

the device according to FIG. 6 applied in a device for packaging continuous flat objects conveyed one after the other with a virtually endless film web;

FIG. 8

the processing area of the device according to FIG. 6 on a larger scale;

FIG. 9

an example of a device with hinged on a rotatable rigid body tools;

FIG. 10

an evolution of the example Fig. 9 in which the tools are movable with two degrees of freedom with respect to the rigid body;

FIG. 11

a detailed view of the device Fig. 10 for the representation of the guide elements;

FIG. 12

an evolution of the example Fig. 4 in which the tools are movable with two degrees of freedom;

FIG. 13

a variant of the device Fig. 9 ,

FIGS. 1A to 1C show successive phases in the operation of a first, exemplary device according to the invention. The device has an orbit 1 (indicated by dotted line) on which four identical tools 2 rotate. The orbit 1 is arranged, for example, over a conveying surface 3 (eg conveyor belt) on which flat objects 4, which are wrapped in a quasi-endless film web (not shown), are conveyed continuously one behind the other and at a distance from one another at a conveying speed F. With the help of the tools, the film web is to be welded in the spaces between the objects 4 and, if necessary, severed. The orbit has a processing area B, in which it runs substantially parallel to the conveying speed F, and a return area, on which the tools 2 are moved back to the starting point for further processing after processing. Of the four tools 2, the two tools designated 2.1 are fixedly coupled to a first drive, the tools designated 2.2 to a second, independent of the first drive drive. The drives are not shown.

In the in Figure 1A are shown two tools (one each of the groups 2.1 and 2.2) in the processing area B and are moved with a adapted to the conveying speed F processing speed F ', that is, both drives operate at the processing speed F' and the other two tools that are in the return area, move with the processing speed F '. In the in FIG. 1B is shown phase a tool of group 2.2 in the machining area B, which means that both tools of group 2.2 are driven at the machining speed F '. The tool of group 2.1, the in Figure 1A was still in the processing area, has left this and is moved together with the other tool of group 2.1 with an independent of the processing speed F 'return speed R. In this phase, the distances between the tools of the two groups change.

In the in Figure 1C phase shown again all tools are driven at the processing speed F '.

The two drives are controlled in such a way that the tools run in synchronously with and at the same time as objects to be processed into the processing area. Due to the independence of the two drives, it is also possible to respond to detected for example by sensor means irregularities in the supply even at short notice and in particular when a tool is already in the processing area, to react by adjusting the tool movement.

Depending on the length (extension in the conveying direction F) of the objects 4 (including the distance between the objects) and depending on the conveying speed F, the processing speed F 'and the return speed R are set. In the illustrated case, the processing speed F 'is equal to the conveying speed F and the return speed R is greater than the processing speed F', since the length of the articles is less than one quarter of the orbit. If the objects are the same length as a quarter of the orbit, the return speed R is equal to the conveying speed. If the objects 4 are longer than a quarter of the orbit, the return speed R may be less than the processing speed F 'or may be the same size and the tools of each group may be stopped for a break in an operating phase in which no tool of the group in the processing area B is.

A device like that in the FIG. 1 is shown schematically, for example, realized with two chain or belt drives whose speeds are independent of each other, wherein at each of the drives every second of the tools is firmly coupled. Optionally, it is advantageous to pivotally couple the tools to the drive in a manner known per se, such that their pivotal position can be adjusted independently of a local orientation of the orbit to be adapted to the objects or material web to be processed.

FIG. 2 shows in the same, very schematic way as FIG. 1 a further exemplary embodiment of the inventive device. Like elements are designated by like reference numerals. The device in turn has an orbit 1, on which five tools 2 rotate. Along the orbit two drives (not shown) are provided: a first drive, the tools 2 coupled thereto with the adapted to the conveying speed F processing speed F 'at least through the processing area B promotes, and a second drive, the coupled thereto tools 2 with a Return speed R from the output of the processing area B promotes back to its input. At the entrance of the processing area B, a stopping means S or another control element is provided, which decelerates or stops returning tools and thereby completely or partially decoupled from the second drive and optionally buffers and releases for each processing step the foremost tool in the buffer in the processing area B, that is, connected to the first drive. The braking can also be done by controlling the second drive.

Obviously, with the in the FIG. 2 represented device different object lengths (including distance between the objects) are processed, with only the control means must be set and a change in the return speed R is unnecessary. Obviously, the control means can clock the tools, that is to say the delivery cycle of the objects to be processed adjusted or sensor-controlled, whenever an object or a processing point is detected.

Of course it is also possible in the in FIG. 1 only one drive provided, such that the return speed R is equal to the processing speed F '. So that also very small object lengths can be machined, correspondingly many tools have to be provided.

One for the device according to FIG. 2 suitable drive is, for example, in the publication EP-1232974 (or US 6607073 ). It is a drive based on the eddy current principle, on which the tools can be decoupled and reconnected by a simple, mechanical stop, which stops and releases them again. It is also conceivable, in particular, if only one drive is provided (processing speed F 'same as the return speed R) to use a chain drive to which the tools are selectively coupled. Such drives are described for example in the publications CH-618 398 (or US 4201286 ) EP-276409 (or US 4892186 ) or EP-309702 (or US 4887809 ).

FIGS. 3 to 5 show in the same very schematic way as FIG. 1 further embodiments of the inventive device. These differ from the devices according to Figures 1 and 2 in particular by the shape of the orbit 1, by the number of circulating on the orbit tools 2 and / or by the design of counter tools. In all cases shown, the tools are shown as if they were driven in groups of one drive each (principle according to FIG FIG. 1 ). Of course, but the tools of all embodiments, even after the in FIG. 2 driven principle are shown.

FIG. 3 shows an arrangement of two devices according to the invention, wherein the first device (orbit 1 and tools 2) over the to be machined Objects 4 or the material web is arranged, and the second device (orbit 1 'and counter tools 2') below. Between the synchronously driven tools 2 and counter tools 2 ', the objects 4 or material web are conveyed, for example, on a conveying surface 3 (eg conveyor belt), the counter tools 2' supporting the conveying surface for processing. If a sufficiently stable material web is processed and the processing does not involve a separation of the material web, it is also possible to dispense with the conveying surface 3 and to convey and process only the material web (possibly with articles 4) between tools 2 and counter tools 2 '.

Both of tools 2 and counter tools 2 'run six in groups 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 or 2'.1, 2'.2 and 2'.3), each on one of three independent drives (not shown) are driven. In the in FIG. 3 shown operating phase, the groups move 2.1, 2.2, 2'.1 and 2'.2 with processing speed F ', while the groups move 2.3 and 2'.3 at the return speed R.

FIG. 4 shows a further arrangement of two inventive devices with cooperating tools 2 and counter tools 2 '. The two orbits 1 and 1 'are circular, being ensured by spring-mounted mounting of the tools 2 and / or the counter tools 2' that the orbits U of cooperating with the material web distal tool ends (hereinafter also referred to as processing element 38) in the processing area B. are flattened and are thus aligned parallel to the conveying direction. For example, the two groups of tools and counter tools are each arranged on a rotating wheel (not shown)

Instead of a purely resilient mounting of the tools 2 along a radially oriented guide rail 31, a cooperating with the tools 2 guide slot 30 (shown in phantom) may be present at least in part of the orbit 1, with the distance d of the tools to the center of rotation D adjustable is. The tools 2 which can be moved along the guide rail 31 in the radial direction or guide elements 32 mounted on the tools 2 are sprung in this case with a spring 33 against the guide slot 30. As an orbit 1, the web of any point on the guide rails 31 is to be considered; Here, the path of the distal end of the guide rail 31 is shown by way of example. Without the action of the guide slot 30, the tools 2 are pressed into their radially outward position (distance d corresponds to the radius of the orbit 1); under the action of the guide slot 30, the distance d is reduced controlled. In the processing area B, the tools 2 are retracted against the spring force through the gate 30 to the center of rotation. As described above, the path U of the distal tool ends in comparison to the pure circular path 1 is flattened by the action of the link 30. Thus, only a precisely metered, constant force is exerted on the conveying surface 3 and on the counter tools 2 '. The tool ends are always oriented in the radial direction.

When the tools are guided along the entire orbit 1 through the gate 30, the suspension is unnecessary.

The flattening of the trajectory against a circular path by means of cam-controlled movement of the tools is also in non-independently driven tools, e.g. used in devices with only one moving along a circular path tool. The counter device can be designed analogously (not shown here). In particular, the counter tools 2 'as the tools 2 may be controlled by guide scenes.

FIG. 5 shows a device according to the invention with a circular orbit 1 and two tools 2, wherein the tools cooperate with a conveying surface 3 and the tools are resiliently mounted. Each of the two tools is driven by its own drive (not shown).

Again, a backdrop 30 may be present, which provides for the flattening of the web U of the distal tool ends with respect to their actual trajectory 1. Thus, only a small, well-defined force is exerted on the conveyor support 3. The path of the tools 2 can be adjusted in an optimum manner relative to the conveying surface 3.

FIG. 6 shows in detail a preferred embodiment of the inventive device. This corresponds essentially to the device shown schematically FIG. 1 , The four provided tools 2 have support beams 10 and attached to the support beam 10 welding beam 11, wherein support beam 10 and welding bar 11 extending between two walls 12. At the mutually facing sides of the two walls 12 rails 13 are arranged, which define the orbit of the tools 2 and in which the support beams 10 are rotatably or at least pivotally guided, such that the position of the welding beam relative to the orbit by means of stationary backdrop during the Tool movement is variable along the orbit. Every second support beam is coupled to a first belt drive. The first belt drive has two toothed belts 15.1, to which the ends of the support beams 10 are attached and which run over two gears 16.1, which are arranged coaxially in pairs, wherein a pair of coaxial gears is driven via a first drive shaft 17.1. The other two support beams 10 are coupled to a second belt drive, that is, they are also attached to two toothed belt 15.2, which also run over two gears 16.2, which are arranged coaxially with the gears 16.1 of the first belt drive and two of which via a second Drive shaft 17.2 are driven. The toothed belts 15.1 and 15.2 run in pairs next to each other in addition to the gears guided by further guide means in an orbit, which is adapted to the orbit of the support beam 10. The orbit of the welding beam 11 is determined not only by the orbit of the support beams 10 but also by the pivotal movement of the support beam 10.

In the FIG. 6 shown device is characterized not only by their versatility to adapt to the format of the objects to be packaged but also by their smooth running, especially in comparison with devices having crank gears or reciprocating device parts.

FIG. 7 shows an application of the device according to FIG. 6 , This is used in a device for the packaging of flat objects, such as printed products, by means of a quasi endless film web 20 to the film web 20, which has been previously placed around the successively spaced and continuously conveyed objects (not shown), in the intervals between to cross-weld the objects and, if necessary, to cut them.

The device comprises the device areas known per se, which serve the following functions: feeding the flat objects (device area 21), feeding the quasi endless film web 20 (device area 22), turning the film web 20 around the row of flat objects (device area 23) Longitudinally welding the film web 20 (device region 24), pressing the row of flat objects (device region 25) wrapped by the film web, cross welding and separating the film web 20 between the articles (device region 26) and transporting the individually wrapped flat articles (device region 27) ,

FIG. 8 shows the processing area of the device according to a somewhat larger scale FIG. 6 , From the FIG. 8 It can be seen that the processing area, in which the tools effectively act on the film web and for this purpose are conveyed at the same speed as the film web, is flanked by an inlet region in which the tools approach the film web and, in particular, are inserted between successive articles , and a discharge area in which the tools are removed from the film web and in particular extended between successive objects. Both in the inlet area and in the outlet area, it is advantageous if the welding bars are aligned perpendicular to the film web and as possible perpendicular to this and moved away from this (no or at most small relative speed between the tool and film web in the conveying direction). This is realized by the orbit in the inlet area and outlet area, the support beams are pivoted so that the welding bars are aligned perpendicular to the film web. Advantageously, further, the orbit 1 in the inlet region and outlet region is substantially straight-line and the speed of the tools is slightly larger than the processing speed F 'in adaptation to the slope of the orbit. By the above adjustments, it is possible to retract the welding bars very accurately in the distances between the objects and extend again, such that these distances can be limited to a minimum even with relatively thick objects, which means a significant saving in film at high volumes ,

FIG. 9 shows an example of a device with two support members 34 in the form of about a center of rotation D rotatable spokes. At the distal ends of the support members 34 each have a tool 2 is attached. The two spokes 34 are as in the example Fig. 4 independently drivable, so that the angle between them and thus the distance of the tools can be varied. For applications in which a constant angle or distance of the tools is sufficient, the support members 34 may also be rigidly coupled together and / or it can also be used only one drive. Likewise, only a single tool 2 may be present.

The tools 2 here comprise a processing element 38, which cooperates in the application with the object to be processed or the material web. The processing element 38 includes, for example, a welding element 38.1 and a hold-down 38.2. A first lever end 36 of a lever 35 is pivotally connected to the distal end portion of the support member 34 about a pivot axis S1. The processing element 38 is at this lever 35 at a distance from the pivot axis S1 arranged. The angle α between the lever 35 or its lever axis and the support element 34 is variable. The angle γ between the lever 35 and the direction of action of the processing element 38 defined by the orientation of the welding element 38.1 and the hold-down 38.2 is constant at about 90 ° in this example, but can be varied in a further development of the device (cf. Fig. 10 ).

The levers 35 have a guide element 32, here in the form of a roller, which cooperates with a stationary guide slot 30 in the form of a circumferential groove. As a result, the pivotal position of the lever 35 relative to the support member 34 and thus the pivotal position of the tools 2 relative to the circular orbit 1 is adjustable. Thus, the distance d of the processing elements 38 can be adjusted to the center of rotation. The guide slot 30 is here shaped so that the distance d is always greater than or equal to the radius r of the orbit 1, wherein the distance d in the processing area B changes so that a path U is generated with an approximately straight section. This also makes it possible to produce an angle β which is approximately constant at least regionally in the processing region B, from here about 90 to 100 ° between the conveying surface 3 and the processing element 38.

The guide slot 30 in the form of a circumferential groove here comprises two spaced apart guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2, which guide the guide member 32 on both sides and so adjust the distance d and simultaneously the orientation of the processing element in space or the angle β relative to the conveying surface. To produce a web U with a straight section, the guide slot 30 in the processing area B has parallel to the conveying surface 3 extending straight guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2. If the lever 35 is biased against one of the guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2, the other guide surface is unnecessary.

The lever 35 and thus the processing elements 38 are pulled in the manner of a rocker arm in the direction of rotation behind the support members 34. Your weight is at least partially absorbed by the scenery 30 in the processing area B. The remaining force serves to press the processing elements 38 against the conveying surface 3. In the example shown, the distance between the distal ends of the blank holder 38.2 and the welding element 38.1 is thereby varied, so that a material web 20 can be welded.

FIG. 10 shows an evolution of in Fig. 9 illustrated device in which the distance d of the processing element 38 to the center of rotation D and the orientation of the processing element 38 in space, ie the angle β relative to the conveying surface 3 are independently adjustable. In this way can be compared to the total length of the web U of the processing elements 38 produce longer sections in which the web U is parallel to the conveying surface 3 and the processing elements 38 have a predetermined orientation in space.

The processing element 38 is as in Fig. 9 pivotally connected to the support elements 34. As Fig. 11 shows, the machining element 38 and support member 34 connecting lever is designed as a double lever and includes a U-shaped first lever member 35 and disposed therein, relative to the first lever member 35 resiliently mounted second lever member 37. The double lever 35/37 is as a whole about the pivot axis S1 pivotally, wherein the two lever members 35, 37 can be deflected relative to each other. The processing element 38 is located on the second lever part 37; a cooperating with a first guide slot 30 control 32 is disposed on the first lever member 35. As above with respect to Fig. 9 described, the distance d is adjusted by the angle α between the first lever 35/37 and the support member 34 is varied with the first link 30. However, the processing element 38 is not rigid, but pivotally connected to the first lever 35 about the second pivot axis S2. The angle γ between the first lever 35/37 and the processing element 38 can therefore be independent of the angle α can be set. For this purpose, a second guide slot 30 ', which cooperates with a further guide element 40, here also in the form of a guide roller, is used. The further guide element 40 is coupled to the processing element 38 via a second lever 39. It is located at a distance from the further pivot axis S2. In principle, the guide elements 32, 40 can be located at any position on the first or second lever 35/37 or 39, provided that a distance to the respective pivot axis S1 or S2 is respected. The processing element 38 may also be located anywhere on the second lever 39.

By first lever with first and resiliently arranged second lever member 35, 37, the processing element 38 can be moved relative to the first guide member 32, for example, to withdraw for particularly thick objects or a jam of objects with respect to the predetermined by the first link 30 path. In this case, the pivot axis S1, which is normally aligned with the axis of the control element 32, shifts relative thereto. As a result, the flexibility and interference immunity of the device is increased. Such a measure could also according to the device Fig. 9 be provided.

The guide slots 30, 30 'here again each comprise two guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2 and 30'.1, 30'.2 which are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction. With a spring 42, the first lever 35 are biased against the radially outer guide surface 30.1 of the first guide slot 30. In order for the tracks of the corresponding guide elements 32, 40 to approach one another or even to intersect, these motion paths lie in different planes running parallel to the plane of representation. This is in Fig. 11 shown.

With the in 10 and 11 shown embodiment of a device with hinged on a rotating support member via two pivotable lever processing element succeeds despite pure rotating movement of the support elements about a center of rotation to produce a straight path of the processing elements and an at least partially constant and freely selectable orientation in the room.

To stabilize the entire device, the in FIGS. 9 and 10 The arrangement shown to be executed mirror-symmetrically to a plane extending parallel to the plane of representation. The support elements 34 are, for example, mirror-symmetrically on opposite sides of the conveyor support 3. The processing elements 38 can be arranged on elongated beams 41 perpendicular to the plane of representation, which are mounted at their outer ends on a respective support element 34 and define here, for example, the second pivot axis S2 (see. Fig. 11 ). Stabilizing struts 42 can also be arranged along the first pivot axis S1.

FIG. 12 shows a variant of in Fig. 4 illustrated device, in addition to the variation of the distance d of the processing element 38 from the center of rotation D by means of the first guide slot 30, the orientation of the processing element 38 is adapted to a second guide slot 30 '. The processing element 38 therefore has as in the example Fig. 10 two degrees of freedom, so that despite a pure rotary drive a desired path U and a predetermined orientation can be generated with greater precision.

As in Fig. 4 is a tool 2 on a rotatable support member 34, here in the form of a wheel, mounted and in the radial direction, that is displaceable perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A position in the editing area is shown by solid lines; two further positions before entry into the processing area or at its end are shown in dashed lines. A punch 43 is movable in a guide sleeve 31 'and biased against the outside with a spring 33. At the distal end of the punch 43 is a guide element 32 in the form of a roller, which is guided at least in the processing area B through the first link 30. The processing element 38 is pivotally connected to the distal punch end about a pivot axis S2. By sliding the guide member 32 along the first guide slot 30 during rotation of the support member 34, the distance d is adjusted. The first guide slot 30 is here shaped so that a running in the processing area B parallel to the conveying surface 3 track U of the processing elements 38 is generated. The guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2 of the first guide slot 30 also run at least partially parallel to the conveyor surface 3. Since the processing elements 38 are biased against the outside, it is sufficient if the first guide slot 30 is only in the processing area corresponding portion of the orbit 1.

The processing element 38 is connected via a lever 39 to a second guide element 40, also in the form of a roller. As the second guide element 40 slides along the second guide slot 30 'during the rotation of the carrier element 34, the angle γ between the processing element 38 and the punch 43 is adjusted. In the present case, the second guide slot 30 'is shaped so that the orientation of the processing element 38 in the space or relative to the conveying surface 3 at least in the processing area B remains the same. In this way, a constant angle β in the processing region B of approximately 90 °, i. vertical action on the material web to be realized. Likewise, it is possible to lower the processing element in this orientation on the web.

As in the previously described embodiments, the first guide slot 30 contributes to metering the force acting on the conveying surface 3. There may be one or more tools. With several tools, these can be driven synchronously or at different speeds.

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of the invention with a basic structure, the Fig. 9 equivalent. At the distal ends of four spoke-like support elements 34, a tool 2 is pivotally mounted in each case via a trailing lever 35 in the direction of rotation. The pivoting position, ie the angle α between the lever 35 and the support element 34, is adjusted with a guide slot 30. The guide slot 30 is not here in the form of a groove as in Fig. 9 but has the shape of a closed ring with two outwardly oriented, circumferential guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2. These guide surfaces 30.1, 30.2 are scanned by a pair of guide members 32, 32 '. By flattening the guide slot 30 in the processing area, a path U of the processing elements 38 running at least in regions parallel to the conveying surface 3 can be generated.

In contrast to the device according to Fig. 4 where the processing elements 38 always point in the radial direction, can be achieved in this variant by the articulation of the processing element 38 via the lever 35 to the support member 34 that the orientation of the processing element 38 is relatively constant relative to the conveying surface 3 at least in the processing area. However, the subregion of the web U, in which it runs parallel to the conveying surface 3 and in which the angle β does not change significantly, is shorter in comparison to the total length of the web U than, for example, at Fig. 10 and 12 ,

As in FIGS. 9 and 10 The angle between each pair of spokes can be left constant depending on the requirements or varied by an additional drive.

Claims (19)

1. A device for processing flat objects (4) which are conveyed one after another in a continuous manner at a conveying speed (F), or a continuously conveyed, quasi endless material web (20), said device comprising

   - tools (2) driven in a revolving manner on a revolving path (1),

   - drive means for moving the at least one tool (2) on the revolving path (1), and

   - control means for controlling the drive means,

   wherein the revolving path (1) is arranged in a manner such that a processing region (B) of this is aligned essentially parallel to a conveying direction of the objects (4) or material web (20), and the objects (4) or material web (20) can be processed by way of the tools (2) moved through the processing region (B), and
   wherein the tools (2) can be moved through the processing region (B) by the drive means at a processing speed (F') adapted to the conveying speed (F),
   characterised in that the drive means are designed to move groups of tools (2) on the revolving path (1) independently of other groups of tools, in a manner such that different tools (2) are movable on the revolving path (1) simultaneously at different speeds, and wherein the drive means comprise at least two drives, wherein in each case an equal number of tools (2), i.e. a group of tools, is fixedly coupled on each drive.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that an even number of tools is provided, wherein each second tool is fixedly coupled to a drive.
3. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that more than two drives which are independent of one another are provided, wherein each third, each fourth etc., tool is fixedly coupled on one of the drives in each case.
4. A device according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the drive means or the control means can be operated in an essentially regular cycle, which is adapted to the conveying of the objects (4) to be processed or the material web, or in a sensor-controlled manner.
5. A device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each of the drives can be controlled in a cyclic operation, in which a tool movement at a processing speed (F') alternates with a tool movement at a return speed (R) which is different to the processing speed (F') and/or with a tool standstill, wherein the cyclic operation of the at least two drives differs by a phase shift.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that the return speed (R) can be set.
7. A device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the at least two drives are chain drives or belt drives, which are separate from one another.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that four tools (2) and two drives are provided, wherein the tools (2) are coupled to the one or to the other drive in an alternating manner.
9. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive means comprise at least one drive, which is designed for a coupling and decoupling of the tools (2), and that the control means are designed in order, individually, to decouple the tools (2) from the drive or to couple them to the drive.
10. A device according to claim 9, characterised in that a single drive is provided, by way of which the tools (2) can be driven in the coupled condition along the complete revolving path (1), at the processing speed (F').
11. A device according to claim 10, characterised in that two drives are provided, wherein the tools (2) are movable at the processing speed (F') at least through the processing region (B) by way of a first drive, and at a return speed (R) which is different from the processing speed (F'), along the remainder of the revolving path (1) by way of a second drive.
12. A device according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the control means comprise a stop means (S) which acts on tools (2) directly in front of the processing region (B), that the drive is designed in a manner such that tools (2) stopped by the stop means (S) drag relative to the drive, and that the stop means (S) can be controlled for a buffering of the tools (2) and a release of individual tools (2) into the processing region (B).
13. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tools (2) are pivotable relative to the revolving path (1) in a controlled manner.
14. A device according to claim 13, characterised in that the revolving path (1) in the processing region (B) runs parallel to the conveying direction, and, flanking the processing region, comprises a run-in region and a run-out region, in which run-in and run-out regions the revolving path runs to the objects (4) to be processed or material web, or runs away therefrom, and that the tools (2) in the processing region, in the run-in region and in the run-out region, are directed perpendicularly to the objects (4) or the material web.
15. A device according to claim 14, characterised in that the speed of the tools (2) in the run-in region and run-out region is adapted to an angle between the revolving path (1) and the conveying direction.
16. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tools (2) comprise welding bars (11).
17. A use of a device according to one of the preceding claims, for the transverse welding of a quasi endless material web (20) between flat objects (4), which are inserted into the material web (20) one after another and distanced to one another.
18. A use according to claim 17, characterised in that a conveyor surface (3) is provided as a counter-tool for the tools (2) of the device.
19. A use according to claim 17, characterised in that a further device according to one of the claims 1 to 14 is arranged cooperating with the device, wherein the tools (2') of the further device are designed as counter-tools for the tools (2) of the device, and are driven synchronously with these.

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