EP2573001A2 - Device and method for applying a cut track to an outer packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has a linear guide unit (20a) which is coupled with a cutting unit (10a) having a cutting element, and a sensor unit (14a) for the detection of surface of the outer package. A positioning unit positions the outer package in the cutting position. A transport unit (16a) has a transport path (16.2a) for transporting the package. The movement distance of the cutting element, which in a defined geometric relationship to the cutting element is determined relative to the package by the sensor unit. An independent claim is included for a method for applying cutting web to a carton.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging and a method for operating such a device according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Devices for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging are known from the prior art in different embodiments. These have the task of opening a large number of outer packaging in the shortest possible time without damaging the packaged products, so that the content can be provided for removal or completely unpacked. In conventional devices for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, this object is achieved by great technical effort, wherein the settings of the parameters for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging are usually matched to a size of the outer packaging.

From the patent US 6,694,852 B1 a cutting device for outer packaging is known, which provided for transporting outer packaging transport unit, two for separating the transported outer packaging locally separate cutting units and a lifting device has, at the end of the transport unit by means of suction elements first removes the lid and then raises the contents of the package from the opened outer packaging. In the lifting device, the packaging content is separated from the outer packaging.

From the patent US 7,720,567 B2 a cutting device for outer packaging is known, which provided for transporting outer packaging transport unit, a sensor unit for measuring the height and width and the position of the outer packaging, a positioning unit for fixing the outer packaging during processing and a robot unit with a cutting device for separating the transported outer packaging having. For controlling and coordinating the transport unit, the positioning unit and the robot unit, the cutting unit cutting device comprises a computer unit which calculates a movement sequence and a pattern of the robot unit based on the determined data of the sensor unit on the outer packaging and on the stored software. More precisely, in order to be able to execute a pattern, the edge lengths of the outer packaging are measured and the measured values are transmitted to the controller, which calculates therefrom the movements of the robot unit according to the pattern.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, which allows a simple and cost-effective design a quick separation of outer packaging.

The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

An inventive device for attaching at least one cutting path to an outer packaging is characterized by a linear guide unit which is coupled or couplable with at least one cutting unit and which is provided for attaching the at least one cutting path, wherein the at least one cutting unit has at least one cutting element a sensor unit, which is provided at least for detecting a surface of the outer packaging, by a positioning unit, which is provided for positioning and / or fixing the outer packaging in a cutting position, by a transport unit with a transport path, which for transporting the outer packaging to and / or by a cutting position is provided, wherein a travel of the at least one cutting element relative to the outer packaging by a sensor signal of at least one sensor of the sensor unit can be predetermined, in a defined geometric relationship to the at least a cutting element is.

In particular, in the device for attaching at least one cutting path to an outer packaging, it may be provided that the at least one sensor is preceded by the at least one cutting element, wherein the at least one sensor and the cutting unit are both arranged simultaneously in the processing region of the outer packaging. Irrespective of the dimensions of the outer packaging, the distance between the cutting unit or the at least one cutting element and the at least one sensor can be fixed so that the position of the cutting unit is also known by a position of the at least one sensor when attaching the at least one cutting path. If the sensor unit is then informed in real time by the sensor signal that the end of the travel path has been reached, the cutting element can be moved even further until the cutting path is guided to the end of the outer packaging, or the cutting path can shortly before reaching the edge of the outer packaging end, so that the outer packaging is still closed at the corners, however, cut open as far as possible and is accordingly easy to open.

In this context, "unit" should be understood to mean in particular a total unit, which may also consist of several individual units. In an advantageous manner, high quantities of outer packaging are opened in constant quality without damaging the packaged products in a short time since the process of attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging or the process of separating the outer packaging can take place almost automatically. The dimensions of the particular rectangular outer packaging for the device according to the invention play no role, since they can individually recognize and process the respective surfaces of the outer packaging. This adaptation takes place with simple technical means and structurally cost-effective components that can work reliably on the basis of their simple function and design, high volumes of outer packaging. Advantageously, an individual measuring of the edge lengths of the outer packaging and processing of the recorded measured values can be omitted, whereby expensive sensors can be saved. Due to the defined geometric relationship between the at least one cutting element and the sensor unit or the sensor, the position of the cutting unit and of the cutting element is automatically known. This is in particular independent of the concrete dimensions of the outer packaging.

Due to the possibility of an automatic feed especially different sized outer packaging in the cutting unit eliminates laborious pre-sorting by the staff, resulting in a considerable time savings and personnel costs can be saved. Particularly advantageous, especially for the same size of the outer packaging, the continuously high throughput with a consistently constant quality, which is not possible by manual processing by personnel. An operation of the device for attaching a cutting path to a Overpacking or for the separation of outer packaging is thus possible for a long time without manual intervention. In particular, the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging or for separating outer packaging due to their compact design allows a space-saving retrofitting and integration into existing manufacturing processes.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the at least one sensor can be arranged leading the at least one cutting element. In particular, the outer packaging is scanned during cutting by the at least one sensor. Advantageously, the sensory control signals of the sensor unit can thereby be transmitted directly and in real time, whereby a rapid implementation of the movement of the guide element or of the cutting element can take place. In a further advantageous manner, the detected control signals of the sensor unit need not be stored during operation or received from a data memory, as is the case in the device of the prior art, since the inventive device with a sensor unit, the respective surfaces or edges of the Repackaging individually recorded in real time and thus time-consuming and costly programming, such as in a robot accounts. The sensors of the sensor unit detect only caused by the dimensions of the outer packaging control signals, or provide a corresponding sensor signal, which then determine the travel; However, a complex measurement of the outer packaging to provide measurements of the dimensions of the outer packaging is not. Regardless of the dimensions of the outer packaging, the distance between the cutting unit or cutting element and sensor is fixed, so that the position of the sensor and the position of the cutting unit is known.

The leading sensor unit guarantees during the entire operation of the device a fast collision-free movement of the mutually movable units and elements, in particular of the cutting element, and thus a trouble-free course of the process. Due to the sensor unit, the device according to the invention for separating overpacks, unlike the prior art, does not require a costly robot or time-consuming programming effort. The sensor unit can be particularly space-saving and with less weight integrated into the device, which advantageously results in a space-saving design of the device and thus in addition a significant material savings and cost savings is possible. The weight-reduced device according to the invention for separating overpacks is thus particularly agile and time-saving, so that the sensor unit and thus the cutting element from the ready position can be moved responsively and quickly in the processing position or on the lateral surfaces at any height of the outer packaging, regardless of size the outer packaging and without programming the movement, as required in the prior art. Another significant advantage over the prior art is that the sensor unit allows the production of a sensor-controlled device for separating overpacks, which can be performed with relatively little design effort or low material costs and is therefore much cheaper.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the at least one linear guide unit can have a guide element which can be moved in a vertical direction, on which the at least one sensor of the sensor unit is mounted or storable. Advantageously, the sensor unit is thus located directly in the region of the cutting path and is preferably infinitely movable via a guide element in a vertical plane. Thus, the sensor unit at different heights a Detecting the outer packaging or a surface of an outer packaging safely sensor, whereby the sensor unit additionally fulfills a control function or safety function during operation of the device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the at least one cutting unit can be mounted on the guide element or be storable. Advantageously, thereby the sensor unit and the cutting unit are arranged on a guide element to save space next to each other. Accordingly, both are simultaneously in the processing area of the outer packaging and can be moved via the guide element preferably in a vertical plane continuously and thus edit at different heights, a surface of an outer packaging or provided a large surface of an outer packaging with a perforation. Furthermore, the cutting unit can be transported from the ready position quickly to the processing position or to the lateral surfaces at any height of the outer packaging. It is particularly advantageous that the cutting unit is automatically interchangeable during operation of the device and thus no unwanted downtime occurs.

Furthermore, the cutting unit may have a cutting head which carries the at least one cutting element, wherein at least two cutting elements are provided on a circumference of the cutting head, which are arranged at a distance from the circumference of the cutting head. Advantageously, for the inventive device, the cutting head in an embodiment with only one cutting element or another embodiment with multiple cutting elements are executed, both embodiments of the cutting unit having a space-saving sized cutting head with interchangeable cutting elements, whereby the travel for mounting a cutting path on the Shortening the outer packaging and reducing the processing time. Advantageously, the design of the cutting unit ensures with a plurality of cutting elements a particularly long life or life of the individual cutting elements.

Preferably, each cutting element can be arranged between two sliding surfaces. Advantageously, two sliding surfaces are preferably supported with a defined pressure on a surface of the outer packaging. The cutting element arranged between two sliding surfaces ensures with a defined cutting depth or penetration depth into the surface of the outer packaging, which may be uneven, thus a reproducible quality cut. In particular, the sliding surfaces according to the invention during the cutting process allow a fast and safe process or frictionless sliding along the outer packaging, which can be processed in a short time high quantities of the outer packaging.

Conveniently, each of the cutting elements can be assigned to a different surface of the outer packaging. So that the two sliding surfaces of the cutting head abut the surface of the outer packaging and, in order to attach a continuous cutting path to the outer packaging, neither the cutting head nor the outer packaging must be rotated by 90 °. This results in a relatively fast alignment of the cutting head on the surface of the outer packaging, whereby the processing time decreases. In addition, this has the advantage that all surfaces of the outer packaging can be processed quickly in constantly the same quality, since each side surface of the outer packaging is assigned a respective cutting element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the at least one cutting element can perform a horizontal and / or vertical cutting. Advantageously, the cutting element may be designed in the form of different tools and thus perform a variety of movements, so as to perform even more complicated patterns, so that many desired cuts or designs of outer packaging produced are. Advantageously, the cutting element can act both as a tool carrier and as a cutting tool itself. In this way, a secure holding and moving of the tool is particularly possible, so that the respective horizontal or vertical cuts can actually be implemented or carried out and thereby the operation of the device for separating outer packaging can proceed undisturbed.

Preferably, the at least one cutting element can have an adjustable cutting depth. Advantageously, for cutting different thicknesses of the outer packaging, the depth of cut can preferably be adjusted continuously without damaging the contents of the outer packaging. By cutting elements designed in this way, a consistent cutting depth or cutting quality of the cut outer packaging is ensured.

A favorable realization of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging can provide that the same sensor, which recognizes the surface of the outer packaging, senses the travel path of the at least one cutting element. Advantageously, such a sensor of the device according to the invention simultaneously fulfills a plurality of functions, whereby not only the installation space and weight of the cutting element are reduced, but also the amount of data of the resulting control signals. In contrast to the prior art, this requires no complicated data processing with complex programs, whereby the detection and implementation of the control signals in a movement of the cutting element can be done quickly.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the outer packaging may be displaceably mounted in the cutting position along the transport direction. Advantageously, the transport unit allows by simply moving the outer packaging in and contrary to the transport direction a very fast processing of all four surfaces of the outer packaging. Due to this embodiment, the production of such a device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging is particularly space-saving and cost-effective, since the outer packaging moves only along the transport path and no additional installation space is needed.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the outer packaging can be displaceable in the cutting position transversely to the transport direction. In an advantageous manner, an outer packaging can thus be moved past a stationarily arranged cutting unit past the cutting position by simple means, whereby such a device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging can also be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner in contrast to the prior art.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the outer packaging can be rotatably mounted in the cutting position on the transport path. Advantageously, this embodiment of the transport path allows a rotation of the outer packaging, preferably in each case by 90 °, the transport path can be integrated into the device particularly simple and space-saving, whereby a very fast processing of all four surfaces of the outer packaging is possible.

If the transport unit has a rotating device or a carriage device, this has the advantage that the user can be offered several embodiments of the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, which guarantee qualitatively equivalent processing quality. These differ in the technical equipment, in the processing speed and in the size. The embodiment with the rotating device has a high processing speed, in particular due to the simultaneous two-sided processing of the outer packaging with two cutting elements. The user However, it can also select a suitable variant according to its spatial conditions and thus integrate the optimum device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging into its working process.

Appropriately, the transport path may have a recess for receiving the rotating device or the carriage device. Advantageously, this means that both the rotating device and the carriage device are integrated to save space in the transport unit. In particular, the stationary arranged rotary device allows for a single additional processing step, namely by a simple 90 ° rotation, a very fast processing of all four surfaces of the outer packaging. Due to the multifunctional design of the carriage device with integrated positioning and transport unit, the production of the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging is particularly practical and inexpensive. These alternative designs can be used as low-cost alternatives to a robot and thereby avoid the programming effort for a robot. Furthermore, this is a safe and gentle transport of outer packaging possible.

In a further embodiment of the inventive device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the linear guide unit can be arranged parallel to the transport path and be movable perpendicular to the transport path. Advantageously, the linear guide unit is designed such that it can be moved continuously vertically over the transport path in a horizontal plane, and preferably automatically reach and process the side surfaces facing it of different sized or wide outer packaging, which are transported in the device according to the invention can. Thus, the cutting unit can process a wrapping over the entire length at a height.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the linear guide unit can be arranged perpendicular to the transport path and be movable parallel to the transport path. Advantageously, the linear guide unit is designed such that it can be moved continuously in parallel over the transport path in a horizontal plane and preferably automatically reach and process the lateral surfaces thereof of differently sized or wide outer packaging, which are transported into the device according to the invention can. Thus, the cutting unit can process a wrapping over the entire length at a height.

Conveniently, two movable in a horizontal direction linear guide units can be provided. In particular, the outer packaging can be placed between the two linear guide units. Advantageously, this results in a simplified embodiment of the transport unit, since the outer packaging is stopped during processing in the transport unit of the device. Furthermore, a secure storage and trouble-free operation of the vertical movement of the guide element and thus the cutting unit during operation of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging is ensured.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the positioning unit can be in operative connection with the cutting unit. Advantageously, the cutting unit serves not only for receiving the cutting element, but also for housing and integration of various functional devices, such as the positioning unit, which is provided for fixing the outer packaging in the cutting device. An essential advantage of the present embodiment lies in the compact expedient arrangement of the various components, such as for example, the positioning unit and the cutting unit, with a large available movement space in the vertical direction, whereby not only a low-lying cutting area but also a high-lying cutting area can be achieved within the device. In principle, the compact design results in short machining paths and, as a result, large quantities of outer packaging can be processed logistically, resulting in a great saving of time.

Conveniently, the positioning unit may comprise at least one clamping device, which is in each case connected to a guide element of the linear guide unit or with the carriage device. Advantageously, the cutting unit and the clamping device can be arranged on a guide element to save space one above the other or spatially separated from each other. In the embodiment with the rotating device, the two cutting units and the clamping devices are always positioned at almost the same height on the outer packaging, so that the cutting unit and the clamping device in the same place or at least at a defined location on the outer packaging, whereby the risk of disruption of Operation is reduced. In contrast, in the embodiment with the carriage device, the cutting unit and the tensioning device are arranged in such an advantageous manner spatially separated that their functions are optimally executed or can not interfere with each other, which also ensures a trouble-free machining process. In addition, it is of particular advantage that the carriage device fulfills both the function of a transport unit and the function of a positioning unit and thus the manufacturing costs of the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging can be significantly reduced.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the clamping device may be designed as a clamping bar, which can be applied to at least one surface of an outer packaging. Particularly advantageous is the space-saving and yet in a horizontal Direction expediently large contact surface of the clamping bars. This is based on the contact with the outer packaging over a large area against this, the contact is detected by an anticipatory sensor and thus damage to the contents of the outer packaging is avoided by the clamping device.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the cutting unit and the positioning unit can be actuated independently of one another. In particular, a collision or a malfunction of the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging is thereby reliably avoided, since the movements of the cutting unit and the positioning unit take place successively, or both are inactive after detachment from the outer packaging.

Furthermore, the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging may have an abutment device which is provided for intercepting outer packaging in the transport unit. Advantageously, the stop device is housed in the transport unit such that it is ideally positioned even at high volumes and can be easily adjusted by simple technical means to the transport process.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the stop device can be arranged in the transport direction in an end region of the rotary device or the carriage device and / or following the rotary device or the carriage device. Thus, no additional installation space is required for the stop device. Advantageously, this can be done by simple means a defined position determination. The stop device according to the invention requires in terms of the function of the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging only a small effort.

In one embodiment, the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging may have an electric drive unit which is provided for driving the cutting unit and / or the positioning unit and / or the transport unit. Advantageously, the electric drive unit in the cutting device can be tailored to the particular requirement or to the respective size of the outer packaging, by selecting the electric drive, the tripping times and thus the speeds of the cutting unit and / or the positioning unit and / or the transport unit can be influenced. The electric drive unit is preferably designed as a servomotor or as a stepper motor, which is arranged inside or outside in the axial extension of the cutting unit and / or the positioning unit and / or the transport unit, so that a simple control of the mechanism is achieved. The electric drive unit has for the intended functions an optimal arrangement with a favorable line of force. Since the device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging operates essentially automatically, the result is a constant operation with calculable quantities.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging, the cutting unit, the positioning unit, the sensor unit and the rotating device or the slide device may be arranged in a housing. Advantageously, all functionally relevant units are compactly housed in a housing by the concentrated spatial arrangement of the cooperating units and devices of the cutting device. As a result, all movements of the cooperating units and devices of the cutting device preferably have short travels, resulting in a considerable time savings and cost savings. In addition, a processing of the outer packaging in large quantities is possible in a short time. By the independent control of the cutting unit, the positioning unit, the sensor unit and the rotating device or the Carriage device in the cutting device according to the invention, the adjustable units can be adjusted in an advantageous manner individually to the outer packaging.

According to the invention, the method for attaching at least one cutting path to an outer packaging comprises a plurality of steps, in which first an outer packaging is introduced into a cutting position, then a sensor is delivered, which detects a surface of the outer packaging in the cutting position, then a cutting head with at least one Cutting element is applied during or after detection of the surface of the outer packaging and finally a cutting head along the outer packaging is guided along in a first direction until an end of the outer packaging is detected in the first direction on the basis of a sensor signal. Advantageously, this is a simple and inexpensive way a reliable method for attaching at least one cutting path to an outer packaging feasible by a single sensor unit detects the surfaces of the outer packaging and controls the cutting head along the surfaces of the outer packaging.

Preferably, the cutting head may be guided along the outer packaging in at least a second direction orthogonal to the first direction until an end of the outer packaging in the second direction is detected on the basis of a sensor signal. Preferably, this is a simple sensor-controlled method, which can be processed inexpensively and economically useful in large packages of high quality packaging and open.

Advantageously, the passing of the cutting head can be repeated until a desired number of directions have been traveled along the outer package. As a result, an overpack in short processing cycles in high quantities can be processed very precisely and quickly.

In an advantageous embodiment, two parallel surfaces of the outer packaging can be simultaneously cut open or cut. As a result, an overpack can be processed in short processing cycles in high volumes particularly precise and cost-effective. Advantageously, the method according to the invention makes possible a round machining of all lateral surfaces of the outer packaging at twice the speed, whereby the method for applying at least one cutting path to an outer packaging, in contrast to the prior art, can be used particularly cost-effectively and economically.

Conveniently, the outer package after a cutting operation in one direction by an angle, in particular by 90 °, are rotated. As a result, the processing time when attaching at least one cutting path to an outer packaging can be additionally reduced, since the surface to be processed of the outer packaging is always arranged parallel to the cutting unit and thus the cutting unit does not have to be moved around the outer packaging.

drawing

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

They show by way of example:

Fig. 1

in a perspective view of an inventive device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging with a housing having a cutting unit, a sensor unit, a positioning and at least partially surrounds a transport unit and a control element disposed on an outer side of the housing;

Fig. 2

in a side view of the device according to the invention Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

in a plan view of the device according to the invention Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4a

in a perspective view of a cutting unit with a cutting head with cutting elements and with sensors that detect a surface of an outer packaging;

Fig. 4b

in a perspective view of the cutting unit with the sensors Fig. 4a sensing a travel path along an area of the overpack;

Fig. 4c

in a perspective view of the cutting unit Fig. 4a which senses another surface of the overpack to apply another cutting path,

Fig. 4d

in a perspective view of the cutting unit Fig. 4a when applying a cutting path to a surface of the outer packaging;

Fig. 5

in a plan view of the cutting head of the cutting unit, with cutting elements and sliding surfaces;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a side view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging with a cutting unit, a transport unit and a carriage device;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging with a housing which surrounds a cutting unit, a positioning unit and at least partially a transport unit with a rotating device; and

Fig. 8

in a perspective view of a section of a front view with a arranged in the rotating stop means of the device according to the invention from Fig. 7 ,

Embodiments of the invention

In the figures, the same or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

The FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 show an embodiment of an inventive device for attaching a cutting path to an outer packaging 18 with at least one linear guide unit 20a, 20b, 20c, with the at least one cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c is coupled or coupled, which is provided for attaching the at least one cutting path A. , wherein the at least one cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c at least one cutting element 10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1 c, and a sensor unit 14a, 14b, 14c, which at least for detecting a surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18 is provided, and a positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c which is provided for positioning and / or fixing the outer package 18 in a cutting position X, and a transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c with a transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c, 22.2 , 36.1, 40.1, which is provided for transporting the outer packaging 18 to and / or by a cutting position X, wherein a travel S of the at least one Schn relative to the outer packaging 18 by at least one sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 of the sensor unit 14a, 14b, 14c can be predetermined by a corresponding sensor signal in a defined geometric relationship to the at least one cutting element 10.1 a, 10.1b, 10.1c. In the following context, "cutting from a cutting path on an outer packaging" can also mean cutting, slicing, separating, opening or perforating an outer packaging 18.

The above-mentioned five units 10a, 10b, 10c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c, 16a, 16b, 16c and 20a, 20b, 20c of the device for attaching a cutting path A to an outer packaging 18 are in operative connection to each other or are functionally connected to each other, ie the linear guide unit 20a, 20b, 20c is coupled to the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c, which in turn communicates with the sensor unit 14a, 14b, 14c, which in turn communicates with the positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c, which in turn communicates with the Transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c is coupled. In order to coordinate the movements with one another, the device according to the invention for separating overpacks 18 preferably has a plurality of electric drive units, not shown here, for driving the linear guide unit 20a, 20b, 20c and / or the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c and / or the positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c and / or the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c are provided, wherein the electric drive units comprises a plurality of individual drives not shown here.

In the present exemplary embodiments, the electric drive units are preferably designed in each case as a servomotor or as a stepping motor, which is inside or outside in the axial extension of the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c and / or the positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c and / or the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c is arranged. That Each individual outer packaging 18 has, during the separation of the outer packaging 18, contact with the five units 10a, 10b, 10c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c, 16a, 16b, 16c, 20a, 20b, 20c of the cutting device.

For transporting the outer packaging 18 through the device for attaching a cutting path A to an outer packaging 18, the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c is provided, which according to FIG FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7, 8 is perpendicular to one side of the housing 32a, 32c and penetrates.

The transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c preferably has a station device 40, a carriage device 36 or a rotating device 22. As in the FIGS. 1 . 3 and 6 to 8 it can be seen that the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c of the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c centrally in the housing 32a, 32b, 32c a recess for receiving the station device 40, the carriage means 36 or the rotating device 22, each with a further in Transport direction 16.1 oriented transport path 22.2, 36.1, 40.1 is equipped. In the present exemplary embodiments, the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c, 22.2, 36.1, 40.1 is preferably designed as a roller conveyor 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c, 22.2, 36.1, 40.1, whereby other conveying devices that appear meaningful to a person skilled in the art are also provided , For example, a conveyor belt, for transporting outer packaging 18 are conceivable.

In the following context, the "first embodiment" in particular an embodiment of the device for attaching a cutting path A to an outer packaging 18 with the station device 40 according to the FIGS. 1 to 3 , under "second embodiment" in particular a further embodiment of the cutting device with the carriage means 36 according to FIG. 6 and under "third embodiment" in particular a further embodiment of the cutting device with the rotator 22 according to the FIGS. 7 and 8th be understood.

In order to machine the surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18, the sequence of processing steps in the three embodiments is different. In the following context, "edge" of an outer packaging 18 may also be an edge of an outer packaging 18.

In the present exemplary embodiments, it is preferable for the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c, the sensor unit 14a, 14b, 14c, the positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c, the station device 40 and / or the carriage device 36 and / or the rotary device 22 to be housed in a housing 32a. 32 b, 32 c arranged, which consists of square hollow sections a rectangular frame construction forms. However, there are also other arrangements of the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c, the sensor unit 14a, 14b, 14c, the positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c of the station device 40, the carriage device 36 or the rotating device 22 or embodiments of the invention, which appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art Housing 32a, 32b, 32c conceivable.

Preferably, the lateral openings of the rectangular frame construction of the housing 32a, 32b, 32c may in principle be provided with side panels 32.3a, 32.4a of a transparent material, such as plastic. In addition, when positioning the outer package 18 on the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c side plates with a rectangular opening for the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c and the outer packaging to the frame structure of the housing 32a, 32b, 32c are mounted. This is preferably a housing 32a, 32b, 32c made of a metallic material, although other materials that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art for the housing 32a, 32b, 32c are also conceivable.

According to the FIGS. 1 . 2 . 6 to 8 the housing 32a, 32b, 32c is on a further housing which can be balanced or aligned horizontally via height-adjustable screws and thus the housing 32a, 32b, 32c for the operator in a user-friendly and ergonomically advantageous height is accessible.

The provision of outer packaging 18 and the loading of the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c with outer packaging 18 can be done manually, automatically and / or semi-automatically via the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c of the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c. The outer package 18 is transported for processing in the housing 32 a, 32 b, 32 c of the cutting device. In this case, the device for attaching a cutting path A to an outer packaging on an anchor device 22.1, 22.1a, 22.1c, which for trapping outer packaging 18 in the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c is provided. This can be arranged in the transport unit 16a, 16b, 16c, in an end region of the station device 40, the carriage device 36 or the rotating device 22, the stop device 22.1 also following the station device 40, the carriage device 36 or the rotating device 22 in the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c can be arranged. Thus, the outer package 18 is stopped in the right position for processing.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the at least one linear guide unit 20a has a guide element 28a that can be moved in a vertical direction 26, on which the at least one sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 of the sensor unit 14a is mounted or storable. The guide element 28a is a component which is arranged perpendicular to a stationary cross member 42 and which is movable in an horizontal direction 24b along the cross member 42 via an electric drive unit. For processing the outer packaging 18, the linear guide unit 20a is arranged perpendicular to the transport path 16.2a and movable parallel to the transport path 16.2a and there are provided two movable in a horizontal direction 24a linear guide units 20a.

Preferably, the at least one cutting unit 10a is also mounted or storable on the guide element 28a. Both the sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 of the sensor unit 14a and the cutting unit 10a are thereby arranged close to the construction space on the guide element 28a and can accordingly be moved simultaneously both in the horizontal direction 24b and in the vertical direction 26. In this case, the at least one sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 arranged ahead of the at least one cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d, whereby the sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 in a fixed geometric relationship to the cutting element 10.1a , 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d. As a result, the leading sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 detects the surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18 and stops the feed movement before the cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d the surface 18a, 18b , 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer package 18 touched. In the present Embodiment are mounted in the cutting unit 10a vertically directed sensors 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, which also horizontally acting sensors 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 or alternatively a combination of both can be used to save space.

The same sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, which detects the surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18, detects the path S of the at least one cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d. Thus, the cutting element 10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1 c, 10.1d very precise and without loss of time by the leading sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14 along the surface to be machined 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer package 18 out.

For detecting a surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e or an edge of the outer packaging 18, various sensor types can be used as sensors 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, such as optoelectronic sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors or mechanically acting sensors. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor 14. 1, 14. 2, 14. 3, 14. 4 is designed as a laser probe, although other sensor types that appear meaningful to a person skilled in the art, for example as mentioned above, are also conceivable. If the sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, which is designed, for example, as a laser probe, moves along the outer packaging 18, this emits a first sensor signal. Reached as a laser sensor sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 reaches an edge of the outer packaging 18, the sensor signal changes accordingly.

The cutting unit 10a used according to FIG. 5 a cutting head 10.1, which carries the at least one cutting element 10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1 c, 10.1d, wherein at least two cutting elements 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d are provided on a circumference of the cutting head 10.1, the circumference the cutting head 10.1 are arranged spaced.

At the cutting head 10.1, each cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d is arranged between two sliding surfaces 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4 and each of the cutting elements 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d is another surface 18a, 18b , 18c, 18d associated with the outer packaging 18. As a result, no adjustment or rotation of the cutting head 10.1 is necessary when editing the outer packaging 18, whereby a short processing cycle per outer packaging 18 can be achieved.

To illustrate the invention show the FIGS. 1 to 4d In the first exemplary embodiment, a preferred embodiment of the device for attaching at least one cutting path A to an outer packaging 18. To open an outer packaging 18 quickly, the outer packaging 18 is brought into a cutting position X, in which a sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, a surface 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e of the outer package 18 detected in the cutting position X, is delivered. According to FIG. 4a the cutting head 10.1 is moved in the vertical direction 26 down to the outer packaging 18, while the sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 determines the remaining distance to the outer packaging 18.

When the cutting position X has been reached and detected during or after detection of the surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18, the cutting head moves slightly away from the surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18, around the To bring cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d in the cutting position. The resulting distance or the height is stored. Subsequently, a cutting head 10.1 with at least one cutting element 10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1 c, 10.1d to a surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer package 18 according to Figure 4c created or prepositioned. The cutting head 10.1 is guided along the outer packaging 18 in a first direction 24a until, on the basis of a sensor signal, one end of the outer packaging 18 in the first direction 24a is detected. When the end of the first surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18 is reached, the advancing movement stops and the cutting head 10.1 becomes along the second surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer package 18 in at least a second, to the first direction 24a orthogonal direction 24b guided along the outer package 18 to cut these until on the basis of a sensor signal one end of the outer package 18 in the second direction 24b is detected , If the sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 passes over the surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18, the actual position of the cutting head 10.1 is used in order to calculate the final dimension to be traveled. The illustrated sequence or the passing along of the cutting head 10.1 is repeated on each surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18 until a desired number of directions 24a, 24b have been traveled along the outer packaging 18 and until the outer packaging 18 is completely opened or closed the predetermined pattern has been produced.

As in the FIGS. 1 to 3 can be seen, in the first embodiment, the housing 32a of the rectangular frame construction a metallic bottom plate 32.1a and additionally parallel to the transport path each have a transparent side plate 32.3a, 32.4a, of which the side plate 32.4a is double-winged and can be opened or closed. As additional aids in positioning the outer packaging 18 on the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c, tunnel elements 30 can be provided on both sides outside the housing 32a, 32b, 32c FIG. 1 be placed on the transport path 16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c.

In the present embodiment, the device according to the invention for attaching a cutting path A to an outer packaging 18 within the housing 32a on a storage device 46 which is equipped with a plurality of cutting heads 10.1, which can be replaced automatically with increased cutting resistance. During operation of the device, the operating personnel can open the side plate 32.4a and replace the worn cutting heads 10.1 or insert new cutting heads 10.1 into the storage device 46. Preferably, a control cabinet is arranged with a control panel 44.1 below the side plate 32.4a.

In the second embodiment is according to FIG. 6 the outer packaging 18 in the cutting position X transversely to the transport direction 16.1 slidably. In order to move the carriage device 36 parallel to the transport unit 16b into a cutting position X, the carriage device 36 has an electric drive. The guide rails 36.2a, 36.2b of the carriage device 36 are preferably connected to the bottom plate 32.1b of the housing 32b.

To better illustrate the interior of the cutting device was in FIG. 6 on the representation of the enclosing frame structure and the side plates of the housing 32b in the FIG. 6 waived. In the delivery state, however, the second embodiment, as the first embodiment, a frame construction with a metallic bottom plate 32.1 b and side plates 32.3a, 32.4a.

In the second embodiment, the cutting unit 10b is preferably connected to the bottom plate 32.1b of the housing 32b, which may be connected in an alternative embodiment with a cover plate of the housing 32b, not shown here. The tensioning device 12.1b of the positioning unit 12b is integrated in the carriage device 36 and is in accordance with FIG. 6 in the horizontal direction 24b to each other or moved apart. In this case, the clamping device 12.1b comprises two clamping strips 12.2b, 12.2d, which can be applied to opposite surfaces 18a, 18c of an outer packaging 18, wherein the clamping bar 12.2d designed as a fixed stop angle of the carriage means 36 and arranged parallel to the clamping bar 12.2d clamping bar 12.2b is movable by an electric drive. Both clamping strips 12.2b, 12.2d have over the transport path 36.1 on a projection and are thus on the surfaces 18a, 18c of the outer packaging 18 can be applied.

First, the outer package 18 is moved on the positioning unit 12b in the cutting position X and on both sides of the clamping bars 12.2b, 12.2d of the clamping device 12.1b fixed in the carriage device 36. The slide device 36 is moved into an end position of the cutting position X and then the sensor-dependent guide element 28b is moved in a vertical direction 26 in the cutting position X. The height of the outer packaging 18 is sensed, but not measured and stored. The guide element 28b thus reaches a defined height.

Since the positioning unit 12b is in operative connection with the cutting unit 10b, the sensor-controlled cutting unit 10b is likewise already in the correct machining position. Here, the cutting unit 10a and the positioning unit 12b are independently operable, i. the movements of the cutting unit 10b and the positioning unit 12b take place successively.

In order that the surfaces 18.1a, 18.1b, 18.1c, 18.1d of the outer packaging 18 can be processed, the linear guide unit 20b has a guide element 28b which is movable in a vertical direction 26 and on which at least one cutting head 10.1 is adjustably mounted in a horizontal direction 24a , Thus, the vertical and the horizontal feed of the sensor unit 14b and the cutting head 10.1 takes place simultaneously and in parallel, whereby the process of feeding the sensor unit 14b is accomplished very quickly, since the cutting unit 10b is mounted on pneumatic carriage and thereby can be moved almost without friction. As a result, large but very small outer packaging 18 can be edited.

In the present second exemplary embodiment, a feed of the cutting element 10.1b takes place only in a vertical plane parallel to the transport direction 16.1, since the cutting element 10.1b of the cutting unit 10b is connected to the bottom plate 32.1b of the housing 32b parallel to the transport unit 16b. Therefore, the carriage device 36 takes over the movement of the outer package 18 in the horizontal direction 24b past the cutting element 10.1 b, thereby additionally processing the surfaces 18c, 18d in the horizontal direction 24b or the orthogonal to the surfaces 18a, 18c of the outer packaging 18 aligned surfaces is possible. The separation of the individual surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d takes place exclusively one after the other and during the entire machining operation, the clamping device 12.1b remains closed and thus the outer packaging 18 is fixed in the clamping device 12.1b. In principle, a sensor-dependent movement of the guide element 28b to an anticipatory sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 detects the end or the beginning of the outer packaging 18 and brakes or switches off the electrical drives via an electric drive in a vertical direction 26. The height of the outer packaging 18 is sensory detected, but not measured and stored. After each processing step, the cutting unit 10b is slightly removed from the machined surface 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18, so that a trouble-free sequence or movement of the outer packaging 18 can be ensured over the cutting element 10.1b.

First, one of the side surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer package 18 is processed. The outer packaging 18 is moved from its initial position along the cutting unit 10b by the transport unit 16b in the direction of the end position of the cutting position X or perpendicular to the transport direction 16.1, which then manipulates the surface 18a of the rear side of the outer packaging 18 unchanged in its vertical position. For this purpose, the cutting unit 10b is moved along the rear side of the outer packaging 18 in the opposite direction or in the transport direction 16.1 in order to machine the surface 18a of the rear side. Subsequently, the outer packaging 18 is moved along the cutting unit 10b out of the end position of the processing position in the direction of the transport unit 16b or perpendicular to the transport direction 16.1, which during the movement of the outer packaging 18 then one of the two lateral surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18th processed. Finally, a sensor-dependent movement of the cutting unit 10b takes place along the first surface 18c of the outer packaging 18, or in the transport direction 16.1 to a leading sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, the end of the outer packaging 18 detects and turns off an electric drive. Thus, the cutting element 10.1b of the cutting unit 10b has once been guided around the outer packaging 18 and has machined the surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d. Now opens and lowers the clamping bar 12.2b of the clamping device 12.1 b between the transport path 36.1 and solves the fixation of the outer packaging 18. The carriage 36 moves back to its original position in the transport unit 16b and the processed outer packaging 18 is removed from the device for separating Umverpackungen 18 transported by the transport unit 16 b. The slide device 36 advantageously allows a cost-effective rounding of all lateral surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer packaging 18.

A further variant of the second embodiment of the device for separating overpacks 18 provides an arrangement of the cutting unit 10b perpendicular to the transport direction 16.1 above the transport unit 16b or a position of the cutting unit 10b rotated by 90 °. The outer packaging 18 is displaceably mounted in the cutting position X along the transport direction 16.1. In this case, the carriage device 36 is also movable within the transport unit 16b in the transport direction 16.1 and has a free space within the transport unit 16b for the movement of the carriage device 36. The columns 38.1, 38.2 of the cutting unit 10b are then connected outside the transport unit 16b fixed to the bottom plate 32.1b or a cover plate of the housing 32b. Advantageously, due to this arrangement of the cutting unit 10b, the apparatus for separating overpacks 18 narrower than the original variant of the second embodiment, or nearly as wide as the transport path 16.2b, 36.1, but slightly longer in the transport direction 16.1.

As in the FIGS. 7 and 8th can be seen, in the third embodiment, the linear guide unit 20c arranged parallel to the transport path 16.2c and perpendicular to the transport path 16.2c movable. There are two linear guide units 20c movable in a horizontal direction 24b intended. These allow two parallel surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e of the outer package 18 to be simultaneously cut open or cut.

It is particularly advantageous that the outer packaging 18 is rotatably mounted in the cutting position X on the transport path 16.2c. The processed on the rotating device 22 outer package 18 is rotated after a cutting operation in a direction 24a, 24b by an angle, in particular by 90 °, in the housing 32c. As a result, all vertical surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18 can be processed by the cutting unit 10c in a short time and transported out of the housing 32c via the transport path 16.2c of the transport unit 16c. The rotating device 22 is preferably connected to the bottom plate 32.1 c of the housing 32c.

To transport the outer packaging 18 by the cutting device, the transport paths 16.2c and 22.2 are each driven by an electric drive.

So that the outer packaging 18 can not tip over during the subsequent processing or move, the cutting device comprises a positioning unit 12c, which has at least one clamping device 12.1c, which is provided with a guide element 28c and a linear guide unit 20c.

According to the FIGS. 7 and 8th In the last exemplary embodiment, the two clamping devices 12.1c of the positioning unit 12c are moved toward and away from each other in the horizontal direction 24b via a counter-rotating spindle with right-hand thread and left-hand thread, which is driven by an electric drive. The electric drive unit of the spindle and the guide elements 28c of the positioning unit 12c are preferably connected to the cover plate 32.2c of the housing 32c. The clamping devices 12.1c are designed as clamping strips 12.2c, the opposite surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of an outer packaging 18 can be applied. First of all, the outer packaging 18 positioned on the rotary device 22 is centered on both sides via the supplied clamping strips 12.2c of the clamping device 12.1c in the horizontal direction 24b, but an alignment on one side of the outer packaging 18 is also conceivable. In parallel, a sensor-dependent movement of the guide element 28c to an anticipatory sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 detects the end of the outer packaging 18 and switches off the electric drives via the electric drives in a vertical direction 26. The height of the outer packaging 18 is sensory detected, but not measured and stored. The guide element 28c with the clamping strips 12.2c thus reaches a defined height, wherein the outer packaging 18 is fixed.

In order that the surfaces 18.1a, 18.1b, 18.1c, 18.1d of the outer packaging 18 can be processed, the at least one linear guide unit 20c has a guide element 28c which is movable in a vertical direction 26 and to which the at least one sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 of the sensor unit 14c is stored or storable. In addition, the at least one cutting unit 10c is mounted or storable on the guide element 28c. Thus, the vertical and the horizontal feed of the sensor unit 14c and the cutting head 10.1 takes place simultaneously and in parallel, whereby the process of feeding the sensor unit 14c is accomplished very quickly, since the cutting unit 10c is mounted on pneumatic carriage and thereby can be moved almost without friction. In this case, large but also very small outer packaging 18 can be processed, since the cutting unit 10c has two movable in a horizontal direction 24b linear guide units 20c, which are movable over the transport path 16.2c. Thus, the cutting unit 10c has a relatively large action area and thus can handle a wide variety of outer packages 18.

The device according to the invention for separating overpacks 18 allows the separation of only one surface 18a, 18b, 18c or 18d, from two surfaces at the same time or from all four surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d of an outer packaging 18. In order to machine the surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18, the clamping devices 12.1c after machining the first surface 18a and both surfaces 18a, 18c of the outer packaging 18 is opened and the rotating device 22 rotates the outer packaging 18 by 90 °. When opening the clamping devices 12.1c, the cutting unit 10c remains unchanged in its height position. The clamping devices 12.1c then enclose the outer packaging 18 and, depending on the setting, the cutting unit 10c processes one or two further surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18. The rotary device 22 advantageously enables an all-round processing of all lateral surfaces 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the outer packaging 18.

In the third embodiment, according to the FIGS. 8 and 9 the housing 32c, the lower and upper openings of the rectangular frame construction of the housing 32c closed with a metallic bottom plate 32.1c and metallic cover plate 32.2c.

If the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c is in the correct position, the at least one cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c can execute a horizontal or vertical cut. During the cutting process, the cutting elements 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c arranged on both sides of the outer packaging 18 are moved either directly over the guide elements 28a or on pneumatically mounted carriages along the guide elements 28b, 28c. The cutting length is detected and regulated by a leading sensor 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4. The cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c can have different cutting geometries or perform tool movements. The at least one cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c can rotate or be rigidly clamped in a device. In the present embodiment, the cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c is designed as a rigid cutting head 10.1 to ensure the smoothest possible sequence when separating the outer packaging 18 and the highest possible To reach quantities when separating the outer packaging 18. However, other cutting elements 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable, such as, for example, a rotating knife or a thin hot element. It is also a so-called perforation cut feasible, the corners of the outer packaging 18 are not processed. During constant operation, the device for attaching at least one cutting path A to an outer packaging 18 can thereby process calculable quantities. Thus, when used in an operation, the cutting device can be concretely incorporated as a commercially computable unit in a business calculation.

Preferably, according to FIG. 5 the at least one square cutting head 10.1 has an adjustable cutting depth, which can be designed to be controllable, and at least one sliding surface 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, which is arranged projecting on respectively one corner of the cutting head 10.1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cutting element 10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c is arranged between two sliding surfaces 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. The sliding surface 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d is preferably formed as a spacer and consists of two mutually spaced vertically arranged rotatable rollers 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. The difference between the outer edge of the sliding surface 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d and the cutting element 10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1c forms the depth of cut. The trained as a spacer sliding surface 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d thus fulfills two functions in the present embodiment. The first function is the maintenance of a defined depth of cut, even on uneven surfaces of the outer packaging 18, and the second is a virtually frictionless guidance of the outer packaging 18 by the cutting device. The cutting head 10.1 can be integrated into the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c as a rotationally fixed element or as a 90 ° rotatable element.

When the machining operation is completed, the cutting unit 10a, 10b, 10c, and the positioning unit 12a, 12b, 12c via an electric Driven apart in their initial position or moved back to their normal position.

Claims (15)

Device for attaching at least one cutting path (A) to an outer packaging (18) comprising: at least one linear guide unit (20a, 20b, 20c) to which at least one cutting unit (10a, 10b, 10c) is coupled or coupled, which is provided for attaching the at least one cutting path (A), wherein the at least one cutting unit (10a, 10b, 10c) has at least one cutting element (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c), a sensor unit (14a, 14b, 14c) which is provided at least for detecting a surface (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) of the outer packaging (18), a positioning unit (12a, 12b, 12c), which is provided for positioning and / or fixing the outer packaging (18) in a cutting position (X), - A transport unit (16a, 16b, 16c) with a transport path (16.2a, 16.2b, 16.2c, 22.2, 36.1, 40.1), which is provided for transporting the outer packaging (18) to and / or by a cutting position (X) .
wherein a travel path (S) of the at least one cutting element (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c) relative to the outer packaging (18) by a sensor signal of at least one sensor (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4) of the sensor unit (14a, 14b, 14c) can be predetermined, which is in a defined geometric relationship to the at least one cutting element (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d). Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4) is arranged ahead of the at least one cutting element (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d). Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one linear guide unit (20a, 20b, 20c) has a guide element (28a, 28b, 28c) movable in a vertical direction (26), on which the at least one sensor (14.1, 14.2, 14.3 , 14.4) of the sensor unit (14a, 14b, 14c) is stored or storable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cutting unit (10a, 10b, 10c) on the guide element (28a, 28b, 28c) is mounted or storable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting unit (10a, 10b, 10c) has a cutting head (10.1) which carries the at least one cutting element (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c, 10.1d), at least two cutting elements ( 10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1 c, 10.1 d) are provided on a circumference of the cutting head (10.1), which are arranged at a distance from the circumference of the cutting head (10.1). Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each cutting element (10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1c, 10.1d) between two sliding surfaces (34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4) is arranged, in particular each of the cutting elements (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c ) is associated with another surface (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) of the outer packaging (18). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same sensor (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4), which detects the surface (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) of the outer packaging (18), the travel path (S) of the at least one cutting element (10.1 a, 10.1 b, 10.1 c). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer packaging (18) is displaceably mounted in the cutting position (X) along the transport direction (16.1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer package (18) in the cutting position (X) transversely to the transport direction (16.1) is displaceable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer packaging (18) in the cutting position (X) on the transport path (16.2c) is rotatably mounted. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear guide unit (20c) parallel to the transport path (16.2c) arranged and perpendicular to the transport path (16.2c) is movable, or wherein the linear guide unit (20a) perpendicular to the transport path (16.2a) arranged and parallel to Transport web (16.2a) is movable, or wherein two in a horizontal direction (24a, 24b) movable linear guide units (20a, 20c) are provided. Method for attaching at least one cutting path (A) to an outer packaging (18), in particular in a device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Inserting the outer packaging (18) into a cutting position (X), - delivering a sensor (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4), which detects a surface (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) of the outer packaging (18) in the cutting position (X), - applying a cutting head (10.1) with at least one cutting element (10.1a, 10.1b, 10.1c) during or after detection of the surface (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) of the outer packaging (18), Accompanying the cutting head (10.1) along the outer packaging (18) in a first direction (24a) until an end of the outer packaging (18) in the first direction (24a) is detected on the basis of a sensor signal. Method according to claim 12, wherein the cutting head (10.1) is guided along the outer packaging (18) in at least one second direction (24b) orthogonal to the first direction (24a) until, on the basis of a sensor signal, one end of the outer packaging (18) in the second direction (24b) is detected. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the passing of the cutting head (10.1) is repeated until a desired number of directions (24a, 24b) are traveled along the outer package (18). Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein two parallel surfaces (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) of the outer package (18) are simultaneously cut or cut, and / or wherein the outer package (18) after a cutting operation in one direction (24a, 24b) is rotated by an angle, in particular by 90 °.

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