EP2476546A1 - Device to align flat objects, especially foldable carton blanks - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has processing stations (27-30) arranged before and behind a turning station. The processing stations include independent conveyor elements for transporting a blank (2) through the stations. The stations are rightwardly or leftwardly transversely adjustably arranged relative to the remaining stations individually or as a composite. The conveyor elements are fixedly arranged in the turning station. The stations are modularly built. A position of each station is transmitted to a control and/or a display.

Description

The invention relates to a device for aligning flat objects, in particular folding box blanks, according to the preamble of claim 1 or 2.

In the production of folding cartons from blanks in folding carton gluing machines - depending on the box shape - different folding tabs provided with an adhesive strip have to be folded by 180 ° and glued to other blank pieces. Since the folding occurs at high speeds through the machine during the pass, usually laterally arranged folding elements are used, from which the folding tabs are folded over on the sides towards the middle. The associated crease line of the lateral folding tabs therefore runs parallel to the conveying direction.

• Einen Einleger, der die zu verarbeitenden Zuschnitte mit hoher Geschwindigkeit aus einem Stapel nacheinander abzieht und einzeln der nachfolgenden ersten Bearbeitungsstation zuführt,
• Ein Auftragwerk für Klebstoff, üblicherweise Leim, das auf die zu verklebenden Faltlappen einen Klebstoffstreifen aufträgt und
• Eine Faltstation, in der die mit einem Klebestreifen versehenen Zuschnittteile zur Herstellung einer Klebeverbindung um 180° umgelegt, also gefaltet werden.
• Im Anschluss an die Faltstation ist üblicherweise eine sogenannte Überleitstation angeordnet, in der die Schachteln gezählt, markiert und - falls schadhaft - ausgeschleust werden können.
• Danach folgt eine Pressstation, an deren Anfang ein Schuppenstrom aus gefalteten Zuschnitten gebildet wird, der in der Pressstation für einige Zeit unter Druck gehalten wird, damit die beiden Zuschnitte an der Klebenaht verbunden werden.

Folding box gluing machines for the production of folding boxes from folding box blanks have, for example, the following modules as processing stations:

• A feeder, which pulls the blanks to be processed at high speed from a stack one after the other and feeds them individually to the subsequent first processing station,
• An applicator for glue, usually glue, which applies an adhesive strip to the folding flaps to be glued and
• A folding station in which the blank parts provided with an adhesive strip are folded by 180 °, ie folded, to produce an adhesive bond.
• Following the folding station usually a so-called transfer station is arranged, in which the boxes can be counted, marked and - if defective - can be discharged.
• This is followed by a pressing station, at the beginning of which a shingled flow of folded blanks is formed, which is held in the pressing station for some time under pressure, so that the two blanks are connected to the adhesive seam.

The individual processing stations have conveying means driven for transporting the folding box blanks. These consist, for example, each one arranged on the side of the machine upper and lower conveyor belt, the lower conveyor belt is guided in a roller cheek and the upper conveyor belt in a roller rail. The conveyor belts are arranged transversely adjustable and can thus be adjusted to the respective folding carton blank format. The blanks are transported printed side down between the top and bottom conveyor belts.

From the DE 10 2004 022 344 A1 Such a folding box gluing machine is known.

Depending on the box shape, it may occur during processing (for example after the folding station) that the blank to be further processed no longer lies centrally with respect to the center axis of the next processing station. There is thus a need to align the carton blank so that it is centered with respect to the central axis of the further downstream processing stations.

If, in certain box shapes, blank parts have to be folded about two mutually perpendicular creasing lines, for example, in addition to the side flaps, also parts which form the lid of the box, the blanks are usually conveyed twice through the machine; the second time rotated by 90 °, so that the parts to be folded are each on the machine side.

In order for such cartons to be fully machined with only one pass through the machine, it is known to rotate the cartons through 90 ° as they pass before the second fold. The EP 0 881 173 B1 describes a device which, for rotating the folding boxes by up to 180 °, comprises two conveying sections next to each other along the path of the objects whose speed can be set separately. The objects lie on both conveyor lines, so that they are rotated at different speeds of the two conveyor lines about an axis perpendicular to the conveyor plane. So that the objects each assume the speed of the two conveyors, a suction device is arranged below the conveying elements, which means

Vacuum increases the frictional force between the conveyor elements and the objects.

The conveyors are stored here in a frame. The frame may be transversely offset with respect to the machine frame to orient the carton blanks centered with respect to the central axis of the further downstream processing stations of the folder gluer.

From the EP 1 593 481 A1 a device for turning flat objects is known with immovably arranged transport means for the blanks and with a controller which controls the actuators of provided before and behind the turning station transversely positionable machine components depending on the type of carton to be produced.

This solution has the disadvantage that the common transverse adjustment of all roller rails and rollers before the rotary module must be performed extremely sensitive, otherwise the setting of the machines already made is lost and a new retrofitting is required.

From the EP 2 060 514 a device for turning flat objects is known in which the conveying elements are mounted in a frame which is mounted pivotably about a pivot point in the outlet region of the device with respect to the machine frame.

All of these solutions have the disadvantage that for large blanks, the maximum working width of the machine is reduced because the blanks can not be inserted far enough outside the machine center.

The invention has for its object to provide an alternative device, can be aligned with the different box blanks and at the same time the setup times for adjustments to the machine can be reduced.

This object is achieved by a device according to the characterizing part of claim 1 or 2.

The device according to the invention for aligning flat objects has a depositor and further processing stations which each have independent conveying elements for transporting the carton blanks through the respective processing stations. The alignment is made possible by the fact that the processing stations are arranged individually or as a composite relative to the other processing stations adjustable transversely to the right or left. This solution has the advantage that even extremely asymmetric blanks can be driven centrally through the subsequent processing stations.

An alternative device has an insert and further at least one first processing station in front of a turning station, at least one turning station and at least one further processing station behind the turning station. The individual processing stations each have independent conveying elements for transporting the blanks through the respective processing stations, wherein the conveying elements are fixedly arranged in the rotating station. The alignment is made possible by the fact that the processing stations are arranged in front of and / or behind the turning station individually or as a composite with or separately from the turning station relative to the other processing stations adjustable transversely to the right or left. Due to the transverse adjustment of the complete machine group before or after the rotary module, all settings remain unchanged. Only the entry or exit position in or out of the turning station (offset to the machine center) is changed. Another advantage is that the actual machine width can be fully utilized. The infeed position in the processing station following the turning station is thus usually always in the center of the machine center.

In an advantageous embodiment, the individual processing modules are of modular construction and have, in their area facing the floor, means which enable a transverse displacement of the respective module or a composite. Particularly advantageous are means such as THK linear guide systems or grooves or guides or Wheels that interact with corresponding guides or grooves or rails in or on the ground. For these means, a replacement of the existing trusses offers by such with the new guides for the transverse adjustment.

In other preferred embodiments, the transverse adjustment is done manually by the operator or via spindles and motors. Advantageously, the position of each processing station is transmitted to a controller and / or a display. The operation of the transverse adjustment can be handled particularly advantageous over toggle switch or touchscreen in the motor solution. In order to avoid unwanted further adjustments, the individual processing stations can be fixed in the desired end position, for example via a brake or a corresponding clamping.

Figur 1

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung beispielhaft einzelne Bearbeitungsstationen einer Falschachtelklebemaschine gemäß dem Stand der Technik

Figur 2

in schematischer Darstellung den Durchlauf eines Zuschnitts durch verschiedene Bearbeitungsstationen ohne Ausrichtung des Versatzes

Figur 3

in schematischer Darstellung den Durchlauf eines Zuschnitts durch verschiedene Bearbeitungsstationen mit Ausrichtung durch Verschieben einer einzigen Bearbeitungsstation

Figuren 4 + 5

in schematischer Darstellung den Durchlauf eines Zuschnitts durch verschiedene Bearbeitungsstationen mit alternativen Ausrichtungsvarianten durch Verschieben einer einzigen Bearbeitungsstation

Figuren 6 - 8

in schematischer Darstellung den Durchlauf eines Zuschnitts durch verschiedene Bearbeitungsstationen mit alternativen Ausrichtungsvarianten durch Verschieben eines Verbundes von Bearbeitungsstationen

Figur 9

perspektivische Darstellung eines beispielhaften quer verschieblichen Drehmoduls

Figur 10

perspektivische Darstellung eines quer verschieblichen Faltbodenmoduls

The invention will be explained with reference to various embodiments. Show it:

FIG. 1

in a perspective view by way of example individual processing stations of a Falschachtelklebemaschine according to the prior art

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of the passage of a blank through different processing stations without alignment of the offset

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of the passage of a blank through various processing stations with alignment by moving a single processing station

Figures 4 + 5

a schematic representation of the passage of a blank by different processing stations with alternative alignment variants by moving a single processing station

FIGS. 6-8

a schematic representation of the passage of a blank through different processing stations with alternative alignment variants by moving a composite of processing stations

FIG. 9

perspective view of an exemplary transversely displaceable rotary module

FIG. 10

perspective view of a transversely displaceable Faltbodenmoduls

FIG. 1 shows by way of example individual processing stations of a folding box gluing machine according to the prior art.

The folder gluer starts in FIG. 1 bottom right with an insert 1, which pulls off the blanks to be processed at high speed from a stack one after the other and feeds them individually to the subsequent processing station. Following the insert 1 is followed by an alignment station 4, in which the blanks are individually aligned against a lateral stop. The alignment station is used to guide transversely positionable machine components in the form of two belt pairs, which serve as conveyor elements and can be transversely positioned via actuators.

This is followed by a primary crusher 6 and a first folding module 7. Both through the primary shredder 6 and through the folding module 7, transversely positionable machine components in the form of belt pairs guide the conveyor elements, which are positioned transversely with an actuator depending on the type of blank.

On the folding module 7 follows a turning station 9. The turning station 9 includes for rotating the blanks about a vertical axis by 90 ° two parallel juxtaposed conveyor lines whose speed is adjustable separately. The blanks are on both conveyor lines, so that they are rotated at different speeds of the two conveyor lines. The two conveyor lines contain driven rollers as conveying elements.

Subsequent to the turning station 9 is followed by a further alignment station 10, which corresponds in its construction of the alignment station behind the insert 1. It thus again contains transversely positionable machine components in the form of pairs of conveyor belts as conveying elements.

The next processing station 13 serves to perform box-type dependent processing operations; For example, further score lines are pre-broken or special folds are performed. Also through the processing station 13 lead belt pairs as conveying elements that can be positioned transversely with actuators.

This is followed by a folding station 14, in which the blank parts previously provided with an adhesive seam are folded over by 180 °. The folding station 14 includes pairs of belts as conveying elements and an adhesive applicator, which can be moved by means of actuators in their dependent of the cutting type transverse position. This is followed by a transfer station 15, from which the folded blanks, provided with not yet set adhesive seams, are exactly aligned in all parts with the subsequent collecting and pressing device 16. In the collecting and pressing device 16, a shingled stream of folded blanks is first formed, which is subsequently held under pressure for some time between conveying press belts, so that the adhesive seams set. The transfer station also contains pairs of belts, which can be transversely adjusted by means of actuators.

Furthermore, the Faltschachtelklebemaschine one or more displays 11, where the operator can read certain data and settings and change via control buttons 17. In order to prevent accessibility to the individual modules during operation, the modules are at least partially provided with safety light curtains 12, which shut down the machines when they are interrupted. Furthermore, the modules are connected to each other by a controller, not shown.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the passage of a blank 2 through various processing stations 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 of a Faltschachtelklebemaschine without an alignment of the offset of the blank 2 takes place. The blank 2 has, by way of example, a blank area 3, a blank area 5 and a folding flap 8. The processing stations used by way of example in the schematic illustration are a feeder 21, a folding module 22, a processing station 23, a rotary module 24 and subsequently two processing stations 25 and 25. The processing stations 21 to 26 have a common composite central axis 18. The blank 2 is fed centrally from the insert 21; Subsequently, in the folding module 22, the folding tabs 8 are folded over by 180 ° onto the blanking surface 5. As a result, the further transport through the processing module 22 and 23 eccentrically to the central axis 18. The blank 2 is thus already supplied to the rotating station 24 off-center, which is further enhanced by the rotation of the blank 2 by 90 ° in the rotating station 24. If no alignment of the blank 2 were to take place, it would, as shown, be transported eccentrically by the subsequent processing stations 25, 26, which would make further processing difficult.

The same problem arises even without turning station 24 in the processing of asymmetric blanks, as in FIG. 3 shown schematically. FIG. 3 shows by way of example the passage of a blank 2 through an insert 21, two folding modules 22, 22 'and further processing stations 27 to 30. Already after the first folding operation in the folding module 22 in which the folding flap 8 is folded over, the blank does not run centrally into the next one Folding station 22 'a. In order to correct the off-center onward transport, in the present example, the processing station 27 is shifted to the right by the amount X relative to the other processing stations. The center line 18 'of the processing station 27 thus differs from the center line 18 of the other workstations by the amount X. This ensures that the blank 2 is supplied again centrally at the latest the next processing station.

There are also other ways to correct the offset of a blank. These are exemplary in the FIGS. 4 to 8 based on an exemplary machine constellation according to FIG. 1 shown schematically.

FIG. 4 shows the orientation of the blank 2 by moving the processing station 21 by the amount Y to the right relative to the other processing stations 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or by shifting the other processing stations as a composite 31 relative to the processing station 21 by the amount Y to seen left in the transport direction T of the blanks 2.

FIG. 5 alternatively shows the orientation of the blank 2 by moving the processing station 26 by the amount Y to the left relative to the other processing stations 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or by shifting the remaining processing stations as a composite 32 relative to the processing station 26 by the amount Y. seen to the right in the transport direction T of the blanks 2.

FIG. 6 shows the orientation of the blank 2 by shifting the processing stations 21, 22 by the amount Y to the right relative to the other processing stations 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or by shifting the other processing stations as a composite 33 relative to the composite 34 by the amount Y seen to the left in the transport direction T of the blanks 2.

FIG. 7 shows the alignment of the blank 2 by moving the assembly 35 by the amount Y to the left relative to the other processing stations 24, 25, 26 or by moving the composite 36 relative to the composite 35 by the amount Y to the right in the transport direction T of the blanks. 2 seen.

FIG. 8 shows the orientation of the blank 2 by moving the assembly 37 by the amount Y to the right relative to the composite 38 or by moving the composite 38 relative to the composite 37 by the amount Y to the left seen in the transport direction T of the blanks 2.

Also other alignment variants, especially in alternative processing station constellations are possible.

In the Figures 9 and 10 is based on a rotary module ( Fig. 9 ) and a folding floor module ( Fig. 10 ) exemplified by which means a processing station can be made transversely displaceable. A processing station 40 has, among other things, side parts 41, 42 which are connected to one another by transverse members 43. The Querverschieblichkeit is realized in the present embodiment, characterized in that the transverse members 43, an H-shaped rail 44 is fixed, which cooperates with a C-shaped guide rail 45 which is mounted on a bar 46. The bar 46 may either be mounted directly on the floor or, as in this example, on feet 47. This embodiment is merely exemplary. Other embodiments are known to those skilled in the art, such as THK linear guide systems or alternative grooves and guides or wheels that interact with corresponding guides, grooves or rails in or on the ground. Likewise, the skilled person is able to perform the transverse adjustment, which can be done either manually or by motor, accordingly, which is why these elements, as well as a fixing or control, are not shown in detail.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

depositors

2

cut

3

cutting surface

4

aligner

5

cutting surface

6

primary crusher

7

folding module

8, 8 '

folding tabs

9

turning station

10

aligner

11

display

12

Safety Light Curtain

13

processing station

14

folding station

15

transfer station

16

Collecting and pressing device

17

Control buttons

18, 18 '

Module / composite central axis

21

depositors

22, 22 '

folding module

23

processing station

24

turning station

25

processing station

26

processing station

27

processing station

28

processing station

29

processing station

30

processing station

31

Composite of workstations

32

Composite of workstations

33

Composite of workstations

34

Composite of workstations

35

Composite of workstations

36

Composite of workstations

37

Composite of workstations

38

Composite of workstations

40

processing station

41

side panel

42

side panel

43

crossbeam

44

H-shaped profile rail

45

C-shaped guide rail

46

strip

47

stand

T

transport direction

X

displacement

Y

displacement

Claims (8)

Device for aligning flat objects, in particular folding box blanks, with a depositor and further processing stations, the individual processing stations each having independent conveying elements for transporting the blanks through the respective processing stations, characterized
that the processing stations are arranged individually or as a composite relative to the other processing stations adjustable transversely to the right or left. Apparatus for aligning flat objects, in particular folding box blanks with an inserter, at least one first processing station in front of a turning station, at least one turning station and at least one further processing station behind the turning station as processing stations, the individual processing stations each having independent conveying elements for transporting the blanks through the respective ones Having processing stations, wherein the conveying elements are fixedly arranged in the rotating station,
characterized,
that the processing stations are arranged in front of and / or behind the turning station individually or as a composite with or separately from the turning station relative to the other processing stations adjustable transversely to the right or left. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the individual processing stations are of modular design and have means in their area facing the floor, which allow a transverse displacement of the respective module or a composite. Device according to claim 3,
characterized,
that the funds are THK linear guide systems or grooves or
Guides or wheels, which interact with corresponding guides or grooves or rails in or on the ground. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized,
in that the means are fastened to crossbeams of the respective processing station. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the transverse adjustment is done manually by the operator or motorized by spindles and motors. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the position of each processing station is transmitted to a controller and / or a display. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that each processing station can be fixed in the desired end position.

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