EP2719528A1 - Device for producing a cushioning product from paper - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a cutting platform (18) to separate a portion of the crumpled paper. An ejection shaft (20) is provided with an output channel (124) which guides the separated paper section to an output aperture (123) of the output channel. A cross-sectional height (W) and a curvature (K) of the output channel are matched to one another and/or a length of the output channel is chosen such that finger tip of user is not reached from the output aperture of the output channel to the cutting platform.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for producing a padding product from paper according to the preamble of claim 1.

For filling voids in the packaging of articles, upholstery products made from paper webs by crumpling, as well as methods and apparatus for their manufacture, are known in a variety of ways. They are based, for example, on the fact that a paper web is first folded by machine and then compressed, whereby a crumpling takes place. From this continuously generated crumpled paper web then individual sections are cut to the desired length. This can be done with the help of a cutting unit in the same device. Preparing the paper web can also be taken laterally before crumpling.

That's how it shows DE 102 42 998 A1 an apparatus for making a padding product from paper, the apparatus comprising means for crumpling a continuous paper web to produce a swaged paper tube. For this purpose, a conveyor roller with counter-roller and a crumpling roller with counter-roller are arranged one behind the other in the device in the conveying direction of the paper web. In contrast to the crumple roller, the conveyor roller is driven at a higher rotational speed, whereby the paper is first compressed between the two pairs of bearing rollers and then crumpled by the crumpling roller.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for producing padding products made of paper, which can be operated safely by an operator.

To achieve the object, it is proposed that a cross-sectional height and a curvature of an output channel of the device are coordinated so that a typical user can not reach a cutting device of the device from a dispensing opening through the dispensing channel. It is understood that the radius of curvature and the cross-sectional height are generally dimensions that lie in a same plane.

The crumpled paper is separated into user-removable padding sections by a tear plate positioned in the cutter, similar to the principle of an accelerated drop or cleaver. The invention ensures that a user can not be injured by the cutting unit. The invention is based on the idea of configuring and designing the device, in particular the ejection shaft of the device or parts thereof, so that the cutting mechanism does not become disengaged by reaching into the output channel of the ejection shaft can be achieved. The basic idea is that the human forearm is more or less a rigid rod, which can not follow a curved canal if its cross-sectional height is sufficiently small. The cross-sectional height can not be reduced arbitrarily, otherwise the crumpled paper can not be passed. The device according to the invention thus makes a significant contribution to accident prevention. The proposed geometric design of the output channel allows it at the same time to keep this relatively short, so that the device continues to build small.

In this case, the output channel may have a round or rectangular cross-section; preferred is a flat and wide trained rectangular cross-section. The output channel can be covered by a housing of the ejection shaft in such a way that in the overall picture of the device, irrespective of a possible complexity of the output channel, a visually appealing design results.

It is also possible that in the output channel in the conveying direction of the crumpled paper web slats are arranged, which stand up when reaching over the discharge opening in the output channel and thus prevent further retraction of the hand.

It is alternatively or additionally possible for the discharge chute to have at least the length of a typical human forearm. Thus, a possible reaching into the discharge chute is prevented up to the cutting unit alone on the length of the discharge chute. This possibility represents a simple and inexpensive solution, but requires more space.

All of these embodiments serve to increase the safety of operating personnel in operating the device according to the invention and to accidents or injuries avoid. It should be noted that the device is preferably operated in packaging or shipping departments, where several people use the device and not always all persons are trained in operating the device in detail.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the output channel is curved in an S-shape. This makes it possible that the longitudinal axes of the input and the output of the output channel are at least approximately aligned, ie at least approximately parallel to each other. The curvatures (radii) of the S-shape are so strongly formed that a human arm can not follow the given shape of the discharge channel. The curvatures of the S-shape can be horizontal and / or vertical. The curvatures should be as small as possible, so that the crumpled paper can easily follow the course of the discharge channel.

In addition, it is provided that a free, protruding from the device end portion of the ejection shaft is arranged substantially horizontally or inclined downwards. So it is realized that the ejected, crumpled paper automatically falls to the ground. There it may, for example, first be collected in a container to be removed from the container later during packaging in a desired amount. In particular, in the downwardly inclined embodiment, the risk is additionally reduced that lie in the output channel wrinkled pieces of paper remain.

It is also possible that the discharge chute has at least one lateral opening, optionally provided with a transparent cover, for observing the separated paper section. As a result, possible malfunctions, such as a paper jam, can be detected in the discharge chute, which can then be quickly and effectively remedied by a trained service staff.

It is also possible that the discharge chute is releasably attached to a housing of the device. The housing of the device can be self-supporting; but it may also include a stable base frame to which the discharge chute is attached. The releasable attachment may e.g. be realized by a simple and inexpensive screw.

It is particularly comfortable when the attachment comprises a snap connection. The housing could e.g. have an upwardly open groove into which a downwardly directed hook of the discharge chute against the Erdschwerkraft can be hooked form-fitting. On the opposite side of the groove / hook connection the latching connection is arranged on the housing, in which the discharge chute also engages positively. An opening of the locking connection can be done with a single handle. By such an attachment, the discharge chute, for example, can be quickly and easily loosened and repaired for service work and provides a reliable attachment of the discharge chute to the housing.

In a particularly securely designed embodiment of the device it is provided that the device comprises a security element which prevents the device being operable when the discharge chute is not attached to the housing of the device. In this case, the security element may comprise a switch, for example a magnetic switch or the like, which is arranged on a bearing surface of the ejection shaft on the housing. Only when the chute adjacent to the housing is closed by the switch, a circuit for operating the device according to the invention.

Alternatively, the security element can also comprise, for example, a sensor arranged on the bearing surface of the ejection shaft on the housing, for example a pressure sensor, or a photodiode arranged there. Only if the security element on the Housing arranged discharge chute determined, the circuit is closed.

Other features, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawing. All described or illustrated features alone or in any combination form the subject of the invention.

Figur 1

eine stark schematisierte Seitenansicht wesentlicher Komponenten einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines Polsterungsprodukts aus Papier;

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines Polsterungsprodukts aus Papier;

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Knüllwerks der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Figur 5

eine Ansicht von oben des Knüllwerks aus Figur 4;

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht des Knüllwerks aus Figur 4 oder 5;

Figur 7

eine Draufsicht auf ein Schneidwerk der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung von einer ersten Seite; und

Figur 8

eine Draufsicht auf ein Schneidwerk der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung von einer zweiten Seite.

In the drawing show:

FIG. 1

a highly schematic side view of essential components of an apparatus according to the invention for producing a padding product made of paper;

FIG. 2

a side view of the device according to the invention for producing a padding product made of paper;

FIG. 3

a perspective view of the device FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of a crumb of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 5

a view from above of the crumpling FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6

a side view of the crumpling FIG. 4 or 5 ;

FIG. 7

a plan view of a cutting mechanism of the device according to the invention from a first side; and

FIG. 8

a plan view of a cutting mechanism of the device according to the invention from a second side.

FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic side view of essential components of a device 10 according to the invention for the production of a padding product made of paper. FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the device 10 from the outside; FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device 10 from FIG. 2 diagonally from above.

The apparatus 10 essentially comprises a paper store 12, a folding table 14, a crumple 16, a cutting unit 18 and a discharge chute 20. As shown in FIGS Figures 2 and 3 it can be seen, the folding table 14, the kneading 16 and the cutting unit 18 are at least partially enclosed by a housing 22. In this case, the housing 22 may be self-supporting; but it can also include a stable base frame. The housing 22 is multi-part, so that the arranged in the housing 22 facilities, eg via lockable doors, are accessible. The device 10 is mounted on a chassis 24 on rollers to make the device 10 locally movable.

The paper store 12 may comprise two paper rolls 26a and 26b with continuous paper, wherein in the Figures 2 and 3 only the paper roll 26a is shown. Each paper roll 26a and 26b may have a weight of several 100 kg. In the resting state of the device 10, the paper rolls 26a and 26b are rotatably mounted twice. On the one hand, the paper rolls 26a and 26b lie on a pair of rotatable bearing rolls 28a and 28b, respectively, on the other hand, they lie on an inclined support surface 30a and 30b. The two bearing surfaces 30a and 30b are coated or made of a material having a high frictional resistance.

Via deflecting rollers 32a and 32b, a paper web 34 is fed to the folding table 14. In the folding table 14, a plurality of through holes 36 are provided.

The folding table 14, together with a lateral guide, not shown in the drawing, serves to turn over the edges of the flat paper web 34 so as to form a flat paper tube. During the transport of the paper web 34 on the folding table 14, air is entrained through the passage openings 36 into a gap between the paper web 34 and the folding table 14, so that the paper web 34 lies on an air cushion. As a result, the resistance between the paper web 34 and the folding table 14 is reduced.

In the conveying direction 38 of the paper web 34, the crumple 16 adjoins the folding table 14. The FIGS. 4 and 5 show the inside of the crumple 16 in detail. FIG. 4 shows the kneading 16 in a perspective view obliquely from the side; FIG. 5 shows the Knüllwerk 16 in a view from above. The kneading 16 comprises, viewed in the conveying direction 38, first a conveying roller 40 and then a crumpling roller 42. The conveying roller 40 and the crumpling roller 42 are each assigned a counter roller 44, 46.

The conveyor roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 are driven by a common drive motor 48 via a drive belt 50. The drive motor 48 is preferably a so-called stepper motor. The step motor offers the advantage that it is very precisely adjustable in its speed and can be stopped without significant lag time. A reverse run is easily possible if required.

The conveying roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 may be identical in their geometrical dimensions, in the formation of the peripheral surfaces and in the material used for the production. In this case, both rollers 40, 42 at least partially a profiled, for example, corrugated, peripheral surface have, just like the FIGS. 4 and 5 demonstrate. The two counter-rollers 44, 46 can, as it is in particular FIG. 4 shows to be identical. You can both have eg a rubberized peripheral surface. However, the counter rollers 44, 46 can also be identical in an embodiment (not shown) to the conveying roller 40 or to the crumpling roller 42, so that all four rollers 40, 42, 44 and 46 are identical.

The conveying roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 have according to FIGS. 4 and 5 a circumferential groove 52. On the one hand, abrasion, in particular of the paper web 34, can collect in the groove 52. The groove 52 prevents so that an unwanted coating on the peripheral surface of the conveying roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 is formed. On the other hand, the groove 52 provides an escape space for the crumpled paper tube 34 during processing.

The conveyor roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 are each assigned a pulley 54, 56 for driving via the drive belt 50. In the specific embodiment of the Figures 5 and 6 For example, the crimping machine 16 comprises two lateral retaining plates 58 and 60, which are connected to one another via transverse struts 62, whereby a cage-like and self-supporting housing construction for the crimping unit 16 is created. Both the conveyor roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 are rotatably mounted on rotatable bearing shafts 64, 66, whose ends are in turn rotatably mounted in the holding plates 58, 60. The drive motor 48 is disposed inside the crimping unit 16. Its drive shaft 68 penetrates the in FIG. 5 right holding plate 60 to the outside. On the outer end of the drive shaft 68 is rotatably with her a drive pulley 70 is arranged.

The bearing shaft 64 of the conveying roller 40 penetrates the holding plates 58 and 60. On an outer end of the bearing shaft 64 on the holding plate 60, a pulley 72 is arranged. This is via a drive belt 74 with the drive pulley 70th of the drive motor 48 (see FIG. 6 ). The opposite outer end of the bearing shaft 64 of the feed roller 40 passes through the holding plate 58. The pulley 54 is arranged on it. The adjacent outer end of the bearing shaft 66 of the crumple roller 42 also penetrates the retaining plate 58. On the pulley 56 is arranged. The two pulleys 54 and 56 are coupled together via the drive belt 50.

The different diameters of the two pulleys 54 and 56 cause the conveyor roller 40 to rotate at about 1.5 times the speed of the crumple roller 42. It is also conceivable in another embodiment that the crumple roller 42 and its associated pulley 56 and the conveyor roller 40 and its associated pulley 54 are integrally formed.

In an alternative, not shown embodiment of the device 10, it is also possible that a drive shaft of the drive motor 48 has two drive disks of different sizes, wherein a first drive pulley of the drive motor 48 with a larger diameter drives the feed roller 40 and a second drive pulley of the drive motor 48 with a smaller diameter, the crumple roller 42 drives.

Both counter rollers 44, 46 are arranged on a biasing device 76. The counter rollers 44, 46 are mounted within the biasing means 76 on a common frame-like support 78 which is resiliently supported relative to the transverse struts 62 by means of two spaced-apart adjustable spring elements 80. The counter rollers 44, 46 produce in this way an adjustable pressure for each counter roll on the peripheral surface of the conveying roller 40 and the crumple roller 42 and have no own drive.

In the conveying direction 38 of the paper web 34 joins the kneading 16, the cutting unit 18, which is also formed as a modular unit on its own base plate 82. The FIGS. 7 and 8th each show a plan view of the cutting unit 18 from two opposite sides, wherein FIG. 7 the actual cutting mechanism 18 and FIG. 8 a drive 84 of the cutting unit 18 shows. It can be seen that the conveying direction in the cutting unit 18 with respect to the conveying direction in the kneading unit 16 at an angle, in this case of about 90 °.

The drive 84 is designed as a cam-controlled eccentric drive. The drive 84 comprises a drive motor 86, again designed as a stepping motor, which is mounted on the in FIG. 7 shown side of the cutting unit 18 is arranged and three toothed wheels 88, 90 and 92 and two toothed belts 94, 96 a cam eccentric 98 drives, which engages via a pin 99 slidably into a slot 101 in a connecting rod 100 and is thus connected to a sliding roller 102 , This in turn is coupled to a carriage which is linearly guided in a longitudinal slot 104 present in the housing plate 82 and connected to a linearly guided clamping plate 106. This is arranged below a rectangular opening 108 in the housing plate 82, at the top thereof a cooperating in operation with the clamping plate 106 stationary counter-surface 110 is present.

Furthermore, the cutting unit 18 comprises a tear-off plate 112 arranged above the opening 108 with a tear-off edge 114 which is slightly obliquely set and provided with rip-off teeth. The tear-off plate 112 is connected to a movable cross-member 118 via two lateral push rods 116 guided linearly on the housing plate 82 is in turn connected via a connecting rod 120 with the gear 92 and the cam eccentric 98. The push rods 116 are also part of the linear guide of the clamping plate 106th Die Abreißplatte 112 is guided in a recess 122 (see FIG. 1 ).

Furthermore - seen in the conveying direction 38 of the paper web 34 - joins the cutting unit 18 of the discharge chute 20 ( FIGS. 1 to 3 ). The discharge chute 20 has inside an elongated and presently S-shaped curved discharge channel 124 (see FIG. 1 ) on. A free, protruding from the device 10 end portion of the ejection shaft 20 is arranged substantially horizontally or inclined downwards. The curvature K and the width W of the discharge channel 124 are selected so that a person can not advance with the fingertips of one hand through a discharge opening 123 in the discharge channel 124 to the cutting unit 18. This can be further assisted by having the discharge chute 20 at least the length of a typical human forearm.

The discharge chute 20 is detachably attached to the housing 22. The attachment can eg a screw connection (see screws 125 in the Figures 2 and 3 ) or a snap connection. When using the latching connection (not shown), the housing 22, for example, have an upwardly open groove into which a downwardly directed hook of the discharge chute 20 can be hooked against the Erdschwerkraft form fit. On the opposite side of the groove / hook connection, the latching connection is arranged, in which the discharge chute 20 also engages positively.

To improve accident prevention measures, the device 10 may include a security element (not shown) that prevents the device 10 from being operable when the discharge chute 20 is not attached to the housing 22. In this case, the security element may include, for example, a switch, a pressure sensor or a photocell, wherein the security element is arranged on a bearing surface of the ejection shaft 20 on the housing 22. Only at the housing 22nd adjoining discharge chute 20 is closed by the security element, a circuit for operating the device 10 according to the invention.

In the vicinity of the paper rolls 26a and 26b, a switch 126 for switching on and off the device 10 is arranged, which can be preferably operated manually in the manner of a button and is connected to a not shown in the drawing control of the device 10.

The device 10 operates as follows: The paper web 34 is withdrawn by turning on the drive motor 48 from the paper roll 26a through the conveying roller 40 with its counter-roller 44. By the in FIG. 1 essentially upwardly directed tensile force of the paper web 34 on the paper roll 26a lifts it slightly off the support surface 30a (see dashed circle 128) so that the paper roll 26a essentially rests only on the support roll 28a and thus can be rotated with little resistance , If the drive of the paper web 34 is interrupted, for example in the event of a paper tear, the paper roll 26a falls back onto the support surface 30a. Due to the friction between the bearing surface 30a and the paper roll 26a, the rotation of the paper roll 26a is strongly decelerated. A possible further rotation of the paper roll 26a due to the inertia is prevented or at least greatly reduced.

Because two paper rolls 26a and 26b can be stored in the apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 can be operated for a comparatively long time without having to bring a new paper roll from an external warehouse. In addition, when the paper of the paper roll 26a is consumed, the paper roll 26b can be used immediately, without having to be lifted out of its storage position. This is shown in the drawing by a dashed line 130. It is also possible, moreover, that at the same time of both paper rolls 26a and 26b paper is deducted, so a two-ply paper web 34 is processed in the device 10.

To insert the paper web 34 into the device 10, for example, after a paper tear or when a new roll of paper 26 a or 26 b is started, inter alia, also the button 126 serves. By actuating the button 126, the drive motor 48 is set in motion, causing the Threading is facilitated. The arrangement of the button 126 directly in the vicinity of the paper rolls 26a and 26b, the threading is facilitated and accelerated. The button 126 may also serve to briefly cause the crumple 16 to run backward to remove any paper jam that may be present.

The crumpling of the paper tube 34 in the kneading unit 16 is achieved in a manner known per se by means of the conveying roller 40 and crumpling roller 42 rotating at different rotational speeds and the respective counter-rotating rollers 44, 46.

The compressed and crumpled paper web 34 is then fed to the cutting unit 18. At the request of the operator, the clamping plate 106 is first moved against the mating surface 110 by the eccentric drive 84 described above, and the crumpled paper web 34 is thus clamped between the clamping plate 106 and the mating surface 110. As a result of the further rotation of the gear 92, the tear-off plate 112 is moved into the clamped and crumpled paper tube 34 and this is thereby separated. By further rotation of the eccentric 84 pull the tear plate 112 and then the clamping plate 106 back. A complete clamping and tearing sequence is effected by a 360 ° rotation of the gear 92 and the cam eccentric 98.

The crumpled and severed paper web 34 is fed through the subsequent paper web into the dispensing passage 124 of the Ejection shaft 20 is moved into it. The compressed paper webs 34 separated from the cutting unit 18 can then be removed at the projecting end of the discharge chute 20. Due to the elongated S-shape of the discharge chute 20, it is impossible to reach into the discharge chute 20 with the arm and the hand, for example in the event of a paper jam, so that there is a risk of the hand reaching into the area of the cutting unit 18.

Claims (7)

Apparatus (10) for producing a padding product made of paper, comprising a crimping unit (16) which compresses and / or crumples a paper web (34), a cutting unit (18) arranged downstream of said paper in the conveying direction (38), which forms a section of the crumpled paper and a discharge chute (20) having an output channel (124) leading the severed paper section to an output port (123) of the output channel (124), characterized in that a cross-sectional height (W) and a curvature (K) of the output channel (124) 124) are tuned to each other and / or a length of the dispensing channel (124) is selected so that a typical user can not reach the cutting unit (18) from the dispensing opening (123) through the dispensing channel (124). Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the output channel (124) is curved in an S-shape. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a free, of the device (10) projecting end portion of the ejection shaft (20) is arranged substantially horizontally or inclined downwards. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge chute (20) has at least one lateral opening optionally provided with a transparent cover. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejection shaft (20) is detachably fastened to a housing (22) of the device (20). Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the attachment comprises a latching connection. Device (10) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a safety element which prevents the device (10) from being operated when the discharge chute (20) does not contact the housing (22) of the device (10). is attached.

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