EP2298653A1 - Module for a packaging train and/or a grouping unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (12) has two fastening element which is mounted in a box-shaped component at the opposite ends. The box-shaped component is connected with a support over the fastening element , and a rear wall of the box-shaped component is connected with a cross-beam.

Description

The present invention relates to a module for a packaging line and / or a grouping unit, which is formed from a cuboid, rigid frame having a plurality of frame members, wherein at least one upper frame is mounted on at least four supports, consisting of at least two side struts and has at least two respective opposite and connecting the side struts cross struts.

Such packaging lines are used for the treatment, transport, handling and / or packaging of articles, articles, containers or the like. The articles or articles can be formed, for example, by beverage containers or the like, which, for example, are also combined into containers. The articles and / or the corresponding containers are generally transported in a conveying plane or in a longitudinal direction to the machine and transferred along these longitudinal direction of individual modules. In the modules different work processes are completed. For example, packaging can be prepared, objects inserted into the packaging and / or the packaging sealed.

As a transport or conveying element is often used a horizontally extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveying plane conveyor belt or other endless circulating medium on which the objects and / or the packaging are arranged in predetermined positions or in randomly assumed positions.

Such a machine, to which the conveying element and handling devices are attached, usually consists of several frames, which are composed of solid parts or a modular manner of several individual parts. The control and / or supply units and the electrical power supply are incorporated in an associated housing. The housing may be formed as a control cabinet, which is arranged, for example, next to the machine.

The attachment of the often heavy components such as the control cabinets is often below the machine. However, there is a risk that in case of a break of the objects, which are partially filled with liquids, the units or the electrical power supply can be affected and contaminated, which can lead to damage to the machine. Even with a floor cleaning in a hall where the machine is constructed, the machine control can be damaged by splashing water damage.

In the DE 101 47 360 A1 A packaging machine is already disclosed in which a bed is associated with at least one longitudinally extending conveyor element for conveying the packages and / or the products to be packaged therein and at least one handling unit for carrying out a packaging process. This bed comprises two longitudinal rows of vertical columns. The conveyor element is mounted between the rows of columns spaced from the ground to the bed. The handling units are arranged in the upper height range of the machine. The columns are longitudinally connected by so-called column connectors. Furthermore, it is disclosed in the document that with sufficient dimensioning of the cross section of longitudinal and transverse members can be dispensed with conventional control cabinets.

The present invention is based on the object to provide a modular handling device, in which a good accessibility to the controls, parts of the hydraulic system and the pneumatic system is ensured and they are protected from dirt and damage. At the same time, the frame should fulfill a static function and record the integrated control elements and be designed to save space and weight.

This object of the invention is achieved with the subject matter with the features of the independent claim, wherein features of advantageous developments of the invention result from the respective dependent claims. The invention relates to a module for a packaging line and / or for a grouping device for objects. The packaging line or grouping device comprises a plurality of individual modules that perform the same or different work processes for packaging or handling objects. The combination of individual modules depends on the processing program of the packaging line or the grouping device. With a cartoning module can be done feeding, unfolding and gluing cardboard blanks. The cartoning module consists, for example, of a base frame on which, inter alia, two two-axis gantry robots, a cardboard magazine with separation and, in the case of a tray option, a glue application unit are mounted. The blanks are retrieved from the magazine via the robot and folded into a carton.

The separation and grouping of loose objects such as glass bottles, PET containers or cans, as well as insertion in cardboard boxes as so-called primary packaging, is handled by a feed module. The feed module also contains two gantry robots and a so-called container feed table. By means of simple gripper heads, the objects can be placed in boxes.

Furthermore, there is a base module, which is used for insertion of multipacks as Erstverpackung in cardboard boxes as secondary packaging or as a closure unit for wrap-around cartons. The basic module also has a two-axis gantry robot mounted on a base frame. The closing unit or the closing module consists of a gantry robot and a glue application unit. Depending on the processing program, these modules can be combined with each other.

The packaging line can thus be extended and configured in any way as the modules are detachably connected to each other. This configuration of modules provides great flexibility so that the machine can be extended without affecting existing formats. The packaging line can, for example, also be connected to an existing filling plant for packing cluster packs in boxes become. Another possibility is the use as Umpackanlage for a variety mix in different cardboard packaging.

The individual modules of the packaging line consist of cuboid, rigid frame. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members with at least one upper frame mounted on at least four posts. The upper frame has at least two side struts and at least two respective opposite and connecting the side struts cross struts. At least two fasteners are mounted in a box-shaped member at respective opposite ends. The fastening elements can be introduced in a form-fitting manner in the box-shaped component. The box-shaped component is connected via these fastening elements with the supports and a rear wall of the box-shaped component with the transverse struts. Furthermore, the box-shaped component has an interior, in which sensitive part of the packaging machine such as electrical controls, hydraulic and pneumatic components o. The like. Can be located. By attaching the box-shaped component to the transverse struts of the upper frame, it is ensured that the sensitive parts, which are located in the interior of the box-shaped component, are protected against contamination or other adverse effects, for example. By moisture.

The box-shaped component assumes a static support function of the frame of the module. This static support function of the box-shaped component is ensured by the fasteners. These fastening elements may, for example, have a triangular configuration and are mounted in the interior of the box-shaped component at the opposite ends or on the side walls or welded thereto. The individual fastening elements are preferably composed of sheet metal parts and welded together. Possibly. However, the fasteners can also be connected by means of rivets or by screwing.

The attachment of the fastening elements takes place on the side walls of the box-shaped component, preferably on the side walls, which are aligned in a plane with the side struts or lie. So that a solid and stable support function of the box-shaped component is ensured, the at least two fastening elements are welded to the respective side walls by means of a sufficiently sized weld. In addition, the cross braces are welded, which are attached to the rear wall outside of the box-shaped component.

The box-shaped component can be attached according to an embodiment of the module according to the invention with the already welded fasteners to the supports of the frame. This attachment is preferably via a screw, but can optionally also by welding, rivets o. The like. The fasteners and a bottom of the box-shaped component have for this purpose already prepared holes that have been introduced in the manufacture of the parts. Through the screw connection, the box-shaped component is screwed to the respective supports. This screw connection has the advantage that the box-shaped component can be released from the supports at any time as soon as a fault in the control elements occurs and they have to be maintained, repaired or replaced.

The box-shaped component has an interior, in which the electrical control is located. In order for a fitter or user to gain access to the electrical control, the interior of the box-shaped component is made accessible via an access provision element, which may be designed in particular as a flap.

The access providing element is supported by a gas pressure damper according to a preferred embodiment. The gas spring has the function of a gas spring. The gas spring is a pneumatic spring, uses the high pressure gas to provide the spring force. By providing such a spring, it can perform a supportive opening and holding function for the access providing element and thus open and hold any type of devices and / or flaps. This has the advantage in the present invention that a fitter or user does not have to hold the flap or the access providing element during an input to the control element or during a repair, but keeps it by itself.

At an outer top of the box-shaped component, a ventilation device may be mounted. This ventilation device is conveniently housed in a separate housing and is responsible for cooling the electrical controls. The electrical control elements generate a waste heat during operation. To prevent overheating of the control elements, the waste heat must be dissipated.

On an inner side of the upper frame may continue to be mounted a circumferential grid channel. This grid channel is used to accommodate and to lay cables and various lines of electrical power supply, so they must not be laid randomly and disorderly.

Furthermore, breakthroughs are present on the side struts or side cheeks, so that several modules can be put together to form a packaging line and connected to each other. The connection of the individual modules via so-called. Frame connector.

In the present invention is a box-shaped component. This box-shaped component can in particular also be a so-called industrial switch cabinet.

The invention provides several advantages over the prior art. Thus, cross members can be omitted, the extra on the frame to increase the Stability would have to be attached. Also, in the module according to the invention, the cable routes are shorter, since they extend from module to module over the upper frame. The omission of the free-standing cabinet provides more space in the machine or module environment. Even with a module change or a module transport, it is not necessary to dismantle the cabinet, as this is attached to the module or is an integral part of the module.

It should again be emphasized at this point that the modular unit according to the invention can optionally be a single station of a plurality of modules or stations of a more complex packaging line. Likewise, it may be an otherwise usable handling station, for example. In order to lift containers, containers, objects, articles o. The like. To lift, rotate, move or otherwise handle, for example, for palletizing or depalletizing. Such a module usually has a gantry robot which is suspended and stored in the stably designed frame of the modular unit according to the invention.

• Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch eine Verpackungsmaschine.
• Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch ein einziges Modul der Verpackungsstraße aus Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3a - 3c zeigen verschiedene Ansichten einer Zusammensetzung eines Rahmens.
• Fig. 4 zeigt schematisch einen Ausschnitt eines kastenförmigen Bauteils.
• Fig. 5 zeigt ein Befestigungselement.
• Fig. 6a - 6b zeigen den Zusammenbau eines kastenförmigen Bauteils mit einem Befestigungselement sowie mit Querstreben.
• Fig. 7 zeigt schematisch ein kastenförmiges Bauteil.
• Fig. 8 zeigt schematisch einen Zusammenbau eines kastenförmigen Bauteils mit einer Stütze.
• Fig. 9 zeigt schematisch eine Verbindung eines oberen Rahmens.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• Fig. 1 shows schematically a packaging machine.
• Fig. 2 schematically shows a single module of the packaging line Fig. 1 ,
• Fig. 3a - 3c show different views of a composition of a frame.
• Fig. 4 schematically shows a section of a box-shaped component.
• Fig. 5 shows a fastener.
• Fig. 6a - 6b show the assembly of a box-shaped component with a fastener and with cross struts.
• Fig. 7 schematically shows a box-shaped component.
• Fig. 8 shows schematically an assembly of a box-shaped member with a support.
• Fig. 9 schematically shows a connection of an upper frame.

The following detailed description of a plurality of possible embodiments of the invention is given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same components in principle have the same reference numerals and will not be explained several times.

The Fig. 1 schematically shows a packaging line 10, wherein this packaging line 10 can be composed of a plurality of individual modules 12 in a largely arbitrary configuration as needed. With this highly flexible designable packaging line 10 multi-stage packaging processes can be realized. Depending on the characteristics of the packaging line 10, first, second or third-party packaging can be created. The packaging line 10 allows the processing of articles 14 (see. Fig. 2 ) such as glass bottles, PET containers, cans or the like. With the packaging line 10, for example, it is possible to package loose articles 14 in cartons or to create multipacks (not shown). Furthermore, it is possible to insert multipacks in plastic boxes, cardboard boxes or wrap-around boxes or to create cluster packs in trays. Depending on the combination and number of modules 12 used, a large number of different end packages can be created on a packaging line 10 in this way. The articles 14 are transported on a conveyor element 16 by the machine and the individual modules 12. This conveying element 16 may, for example, be designed as a conveyor belt 18. in the In the present exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 10 is composed, for example, of six individual modules 14, which are each formed from a cuboid, rigid frame 20.

In the schematic representation of Fig. 2 is a single module 12 of the packaging line 10 (see. Fig. 1 ). The module 12 is composed of a cuboid, rigid frame 20 having a plurality of frame members 22. The frame members 22 comprise at least one upper frame 24, which is mounted on at least four supports 26, at least two side struts 28 and at least two respective opposite and the side struts 28 connecting cross struts 30. For better accessibility during maintenance can over doors 50, for example, with a Plexiglas disk 52 may be provided to the modules 12 approached. The plexiglass disks 52 can also serve as viewing windows 54.

The FIGS. 3a-3c show a composition of a cuboid, rigid frame 20. Die Fig. 3a shows the upper frame 24, which is composed of two side struts 28 and two opposing and the side struts 28 connecting cross struts 30. To the cross struts 30, a rear wall 34 of a box-shaped member 32 is attached. The box-shaped member 32 receives important parts such as electrical control elements (not shown).

The Fig. 3b shows the upper frame 24, in which after the assembly of the individual frame elements 22, for example, a robot 60 is used. Cabling of the robot 60 can be done after its installation with the control elements in the box-shaped component 32. After the robot 60 has been inserted into the assembled upper frame 24, the supports 26 can be mounted to the upper frame 24, as shown in FIG Fig. 3c is shown. After mounting the supports 26 work units are wired and joined together with the control elements in the box-shaped member 32.

In the Fig. 4 a section of a box-shaped component 32 is shown. The box-shaped component 32 has recesses 33. These recesses 33 are needed for further connections with other components or for other cable guides. Furthermore, the box-shaped component comprises a rear wall 34, a top 36, a bottom 38 and opposite ends 40, which may also be referred to as side walls. These components form an interior 41 of the box-shaped component 32 in the assembled state.

The Fig. 5 shows a fastener 42, which for reinforcement in the box-shaped member 32 (see. Fig. 6 ) is introduced. The fastener 42 has a triangular outline and consists essentially of welded together sheet metal parts 44 and thus forms a corner.

In the Fig. 6a the assembly of the box-shaped member 32 is shown with a fastener 42. At least two fasteners 42 are mounted in the box-shaped member 32 at the respective opposite ends or side walls 40. The assembly takes place via a fixed connection, for example, a suitable weld joint (not shown) or a stapling (not shown).

In the Fig. 6b the assembly of the transverse struts 30 is shown on the rear wall 34 of the box-shaped member 32. By attaching the fasteners 42 from the Fig. 6a and the cross struts 30 on the box-shaped member 32, this is designed as a stable component. Thus, the box-shaped member 32 performs a static support function of the frame 20 of the module 12th

The Fig. 7 shows the box-shaped member 32 with the attachment of the fasteners 42 (see. Fig. 7 ) and the transverse struts 30. Furthermore, the box-shaped component 32 has a ventilation device 44 on the upper side 36. The ventilation device 44 is housed in a separate housing 46 and responsible for cooling the electrical control elements, so that the generated during operation Waste heat can be dissipated and thus protects the electrical control elements from overheating. In the Fig. 7 are also different recesses 36 visible.

In the Fig. 8 an assembly of the box-shaped member 32 is shown with a support 26. The respective support 26 of the frame 20 (see. Fig. 3c ) is connected to the bottom 38 (see. Fig. 4 ) of the box-shaped component 32 is screwed. In order for the frame 20 to obtain the desired stability, the respective support 26 is provided with a corner on which the respective fastening elements 42 (cf. Fig. 7 ) in the interior 41 (cf. Fig. 4 ) of the box-shaped member 32 are screwed.

On the rear wall 34 of the box-shaped member 32 openings 48 are introduced. These openings 48 serve as a cable guide. The cable routing is, for example, for the robot used 60 (see. Fig. 3b ) is required for this robot 60 to be connected to the electrical control elements located in the interior 41 of the box-shaped member 32. Furthermore, a grid channel 49 is attached to the rear wall 34 of the box-shaped member 32. With this grid channel 49 more cables are securely in the frame 20 of each module 12 (see. Fig. 2 ) guided. The grid channel 41 may extend around the entire upper frame 22 of a module 12.

The Fig. 9 shows a connection between a side strut 28 and two transverse struts 30, on which the box-shaped member 32 is mounted. This connection forms the upper frame 22. In addition, it is shown how the upper frame 22 is attached to a support 26. The opening 48 in the side strut 28 is for the connection of several modules 12 (see. Fig. 1 ) necessary. Through such openings 48, the individual modules 12 can be safely merged and to a packaging line 10 (see. Fig. 1 ) be combined.

In all embodiments, the box-shaped component 32 forms a switchgear cabinet 70. Since this switchgear cabinet 70 is connected to the transverse struts 30 and the fasteners 42, it assumes a static support function of the frame 20 of the module 12th

It should finally be mentioned that the module unit 10 according to the invention can optionally be a single station of a plurality of modules or stations of a more complex packaging line 10. Likewise, it may be an otherwise usable handling station, for example. In order to lift containers, containers, articles, articles o. The like., Rotate, move or otherwise handle, for example. For palletizing or depalletizing o. The like Module 12 normally has a gantry robot 60 which is suspended and stored in the stably executed frame 20 of the modular unit 12 according to the invention.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Rather, a variety of variants and modifications are conceivable that make use of the inventive concept and therefore also fall within the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

packaging line

12

module

14

objects

16

impeller

18

conveyor belt

20

Frame, frame

22

frame elements

24

Upper frame

26

Support

28

side struts

30

crossbars

32

box-shaped component

33

recess

34

rear wall

36

top

38

bottom

40

Ends, sidewalls

41

inner space

42

fastener

44

breather

46

casing

48

openings

49

grid channel

50

door

52

plexiglass window

54

window

56

Access providing member

58

Gas Springs

60

robot

70

switch cabinet

Claims (9)

Module (12) for a packaging line (10) and / or a grouping unit, which is formed by a cuboid, rigid frame (20) having a plurality of frame elements (22), wherein at least one mounted on at least four supports (26) upper frame (24) at least two side struts (28) and at least two respective opposite and the side struts (28) connecting cross struts (30), characterized in that at least two fastening elements (42) in a box-shaped member (32) at each opposite ends (40) are mounted, wherein the box-shaped member (32) via the fastening elements (42) with the supports (26) and a rear wall (34) of the box-shaped member (32) with the transverse struts (30) is connected, and wherein the box-shaped Component (32) receives electrical control elements. A module according to claim 1, wherein an interior (41) of the box-shaped member (32) is accessible via an access providing member (56). A module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the access providing element (56) comprises a gas spring (58). Module according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the box-shaped member (32) on an outer upper side (36) has a ventilation device (44) in a separate housing (46). Module according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper frame (24) has a lattice channel (49) encircling an inner side of the upper frame (24). Module according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least two fastening elements (42) have a triangular configuration. Module according to claim 6, wherein the at least two fastening elements (42) are welded to the box-shaped component (32). Module according to claim 6 or 7, in which the at least two fastening elements (42) are screwed to the respective support (26). Module according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the box-shaped component (32) is a control cabinet (70).

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