EP2851189B1 - Device and method for manufacturing boxes suitable for a top load filling with products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing boxes suitable for top load filling with products.
For the packaging of food or pharmaceutical products, a variety of different packaging boxes is known. Often folding boxes are used, the prefabricated and space-saving delivered in the collapsed state and unfolded at the filler over erector. Such a carton is for example in the DE 44 29 095 A1 or the DE 20 2008 015 493 U1 described.
The DE 280 731 A1 describes a device for unfolding such prefabricated carton blanks as part of packaging equipment. The device consists of a magazine for receiving a stack of carton blanks and an erector with a rotatably mounted pivoting lever system. In most cases, the blanks of such boxes are in one piece.
In "cigarette pack" -like packaging, filling is usually possible only through the opening of the lid. Characteristic of this type of packaging is often the presence of a collar that gives the box stability. Such a collar also serves to reclosure of the lid. Such folding boxes are for example in the DE 10 2010 011 923 A1 . DE 102009060 134 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 344 A1 described. These packages consist of an outer box and an insert that forms the collar. For the production of such a box, the carton blanks of the insert are glued by the carton manufacturer to the carton blank of the outer carton and delivered to the fillers. They set up the boxes together with the inlay similar to a folding box and fill them with products as usual. Filling is often done with flat lying boxes whose opening is arranged laterally. However, the problem here is that the cardboard of the insert forms an edge, which can be an obstacle when inserting the product.
The CN 102179958 A describes a device for the production of a top-load filling boxes suitable for use, comprising adhesive means for applying splices to parts of the liner and an erector for producing a prefolded outer box. The prefolded outer box is picked up by a transport arrangement and transported further. A holding device accommodates a prefolded insert, wherein a lifting device connected to the holding device is provided for accurately fitting the prefolded insert into the prefolded outer box.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for producing cartons which are suitable for top load filling with products.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 5.

Preferred embodiments can be found in the subclaims again.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to produce boxes which are suitable for top-load filling with products. With the device, it is possible to produce a box from two separate carton blanks, the lid of which is hinged or removable.

The inventive device consists of a first magazine for a first carton blank, which is provided for the production of an outer box. A second magazine provides another carton blank for the insert. The insert is inserted into the outer box and forms the later collar of the folded box. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one conveying device for the transport of the first carton blank of the outer box and of the further carton blank for the insert. Preferably, a separate conveyor is provided for each carton blank. An erector folds the outer box along the fold lines provided on the carton blank. Another erector erects the insert, which is inserted into the outer box in the further process. The device further comprises at least one adhesive device for applying splices to parts of the outer box and / or the insert. Preferred is a separate adhesive device for the outer box and a further adhesive device for the insert. The attachment of the splices takes place at the outer box preferably on the attachment tabs. When inserting the splices can either to the Sidewalls or the base part are attached. Typically, the splices are hot glue dots.
The device further comprises a timing belt for receiving and for further transport of the prefolded outer box. The timing belt preferably takes up the prefolded outer box and leads it to the point of use, in which the insertion of the prefolded insert into the outer box takes place. For this purpose, a holding device for holding the prefolded insert and a holding device connected to the lifting device for accurately fitting insertion of the prefolded insert are provided in the prefolded outer box. After inserting the insert, the box can be filled with the product from above (ie top-load). The filling does not meet the actual lid of the box, but on the rear wall, which is unfolded. The box is thus in the process according to the invention with the front wall on the clock belt.
In order to ensure the adhesive bond between the side parts of the insert and the side walls of the outer box, movable pressing jaws are provided on the lifting device, which press the side parts of the inserted into the outer box liner against the side walls of the outer box. Alternatively, the pressing jaws can also press the side walls of the outer box against the side parts of the insert. The pressing jaws are necessary with standard board thicknesses to compress the side parts of the insert and the side walls of the outer box for secure adhesive connection.
On the clock belt preferably transversely arranged driver are positioned. The drivers have two functions. They ensure, on the one hand, the transport of the outer box to the place of use, in which the inserts are inserted into the outer boxes. At the same time, the drivers offer a pressure surface which absorbs the pressure of the pressing jaws when the side parts of the insert inserted into the outer box are pressed by the pressing jaws against the side walls of the outer box. This back pressure is necessary so that the outer box is not unfolded by the pressing jaws again. For a thick-walled outer box may optionally be dispensed with a separate pressure surface, provided that the side walls of the outer box itself provide enough resistance. In any case, a deformation or even unfolding of the outer box is to be avoided in this process step.

The lowering of the prefolded insert in the prefolded outer box via a lifting device which is vertically movable. In a variant, this may also be a gripping arm formed, which is for example part of the lifting device or a robot arm. The holding device is preferably a vacuum suction device which holds the insert by negative pressure and which is movable together with the lifting device.

Fig. 1

eine isometrische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung von oben,

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung des Verfahrensablaufs,

Fig. 4

das Einsetzen der Einlage in die Außenschachtel,

Fig. 5

eine fertig produzierte Schachtel.

In Fig. 1 ist eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gezeigt, die aus einem ersten Magazin 1 für die Kartonzuschnitte 20 der Außenschachtel 21 und einem weiteren Magazin 2 für die Kartonzuschnitte 30 der Einlage 31 besteht. Die Kartonzuschnitte 20 der Außenschachtel werden über eine Fördereinrichtung 3 zu einem Aufrichter 7 befördert. Anschließend erfolgte eine Verklebung der Befestigungslaschen der Außenschachtel 21 mit einer Klebeeinrichtung 5. Bevorzugt kommt ein Heißklebeverfahren zur Anwendung, bei dem der Klebstoff nach dem Aufbringen zügig trocknet.
Von dem Magazin 2 für die Kartonzuschnitte 30 der Einlage 31 werden die Kartonzuschnitte 30 ebenfalls über eine Fördereinrichtung 4 zu einem Aufrichter 8 befördert. Anschließend erfolgt das Anbringen von Klebestellen an den Seitenteilen 53, 54 der Einlage 31.
Die vorgefalteten Einlagen 31 werden über eine Halteeinrichtung 9 (Vakuumsaugeinrichtung) gehalten und über eine Hubeinrichtung 14 in die vorgefaltete Außenschachtel 21 eingesetzt. Hierfür werden die vorgefalteten Außenschachteln 21 über ein Taktband 10 zu dem Einsatzort für die Einlagen 31 transportiert. Der Transport erfolgt über Mitnehmer 11, die quer an dem Taktband 10 angeordnet sind. Der Abstand der Mitnehmer 11 entspricht vorzugsweise dem Durchmesser der Schachtel, so dass diese passgenau in den von den Mitnehmern 11 gebildeten Aufnahmebereich einsetzbar ist. Gleichzeitig stützen die Mitnehmer 11 die Seitenwände der Außenschachtel von außen ab.
Das Einsetzen der Einlage 31 in die Außenschachtel 21 am Einsatzort erfolgt über eine vertikal bewegbare Hubeinrichtung 14, an der zwei parallel zueinander angeordnete Pressbacken 12 bewegbar angeordnet sind. Vorzugsweise sind die Pressbacken 12 schwenkbar.The invention further relates to a method according to claim 5 for the production of suitable for a top-load filling boxes. In a first embodiment, it is sufficient if a splice is applied to the base part of the insert to connect the insert to the outer box. The side parts of the insert would then rest only on the side walls of the outer box (more precisely, the side inner walls), without being glued to them.
For certain products (eg tablets or screws), it may happen that the products fall between the side wall of the outer box and the side part of the insert when filling, which is unsatisfactory. For this reason, in a preferred variant, the splices are attached to the side parts of the insert in order to connect them to the side walls of the outer box in a conclusive manner. An additional application of a splice on the base part of the insert is possible, but not necessary. The splices are preferably adhesive dots or adhesive strips. Preferably, a glue or a hot glue is used.
After attaching the splices, the folding of the outer box made from the first carton blank and the folding of the insert from the further carton blank. A lifting device allows an accurate insertion of the prefolded insert in the outer box. According to the invention, when inserting the insert into the prefolded outer box, the side parts of the insert are pressed against the side walls of the outer box by means of movable pressing jaws provided on the lifting device. Additionally or alternatively, the side walls of the outer box can be pressed against the side parts of the insert. Preferably, separate pressure surfaces are used for this, against which the side parts of the insert and / or the side walls of the outer box are pressed. Preferably, these pressure surfaces are formed on the drivers of the clock belt.
The two carton blanks for the outer box or the insert are processed separately in the device. Preliminary bonding of the insert to the outer box is no longer necessary, unlike previous devices or methods.
The carton blank for the outer box comprises a front wall, two side walls, a lid and a bottom, wherein at the free edges of the side parts, the outer edges of the lid and the bottom provided with lateral bevels fastening tabs are provided. The front wall and the two side walls have a continuous predetermined breaking line. This allows the lid to open when the box is put into use. On the front wall, a closure tab is formed, which allows a closure of the lid. The cardboard blank for the insert comprises a base part and two side parts formed thereon. At the top of the base there is a recess to allow better access to the box contents when the box is put into use. Further, located on the base part, a slot for receiving the locking tab of the outer box. The insert forms a collar when opening the outer box along the predetermined breaking line.
The front wall of the outer box is oriented downward after insertion of the pre-folded insert, so that the rear wall of the outer box is open for a top-load filling. After filling, the rear wall is preferably broken before closing the outer box along a fold line.
The device according to the invention, the method for producing boxes suitable for top-load filling with products and the boxes produced therewith are explained in more detail in one embodiment in the following drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

an isometric view of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a representation of the device from above,

Fig. 3

a representation of the procedure,

Fig. 4

inserting the insert into the outer box,

Fig. 5

a finished box.

In Fig. 1 a device according to the invention is shown, which consists of a first magazine 1 for the carton blanks 20 of the outer box 21 and another magazine 2 for the carton blanks 30 of the insert 31. The carton blanks 20 of the outer box are conveyed via a conveyor 3 to an erector 7. Adhesive device 5 subsequently glued the fastening straps of the outer box 21. A hot glue method is preferably used in which the adhesive dries quickly after application.
From the magazine 2 for the carton blanks 30 of the insert 31, the carton blanks 30 are also conveyed via a conveyor 4 to an erector 8. Subsequently, the attachment of splices takes place on the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31st
The pre-folded inserts 31 are held by a holding device 9 (vacuum suction device) and inserted via a lifting device 14 into the prefolded outer box 21. For this purpose, the prefolded outer boxes 21 are transported via a cycle belt 10 to the place of use for the inserts 31. The transport takes place via carriers 11, which are arranged transversely on the timing belt 10. The distance of the driver 11 preferably corresponds to the diameter of the box, so that it fits exactly into the receiving area formed by the carriers 11. At the same time support the carriers 11, the side walls of the outer box from the outside.
The insertion of the insert 31 in the outer box 21 at the place of use via a vertically movable lifting device 14, are arranged on the two mutually parallel pressing jaws 12 movable. Preferably, the pressing jaws 12 are pivotable.

About the vacuum suction 9, the prefolded insert is held on the lifting device 14 and guided by this down into the outer box 21. After inserting the insert 31 into the outer box 21, the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31 are pressed by the two pressing jaws 12 against the side walls 41, 42 of the outer box 21. To avoid unfolding of the outer box 21, the carriers 11 provide a pressure surface 13, which withstand the contact pressure of the pressing jaws 12 and thus ensures a secure adhesive connection between the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31 and the side walls 41, 42 of the outer box 21.

In Fig. 2 the device according to the invention is shown from above. It can be seen the erector 7 for the carton blanks 20 of the outer boxes 21 and the erector 8 for the carton blanks 30 of the inserts 31. Further, the adhesive device 5 for the outer boxes 21 and the adhesive device 6 for the setting of the adhesive dots on the parts of the insert 31 is shown.

In Fig. 3 the process of the invention is explained in more detail. Starting point are two separate carton blanks, wherein a carton blank 20 is used to produce an outer box 21 and another carton blank 30 is used to produce a liner 31 for the finished carton. The carton blank 20 for the outer box 21 is provided in stacks by a magazine 1. The carton blanks 30 for the inserts 31 are provided by another magazine 2. The erection of the two carton blanks 20, 30 takes place via the two erectors 7, 8.

The carton blank 20 for the outer box 21 comprises a front wall 40, a left side wall 41, a right side wall 42 and a rear wall 43. On the rear wall 43 is a groove 60 for unfolding. Further, the carton blank 20 includes a bottom 52 and a lid 58. On the side walls 41, 42 fastening tabs 44, 45, 48, 49, 50 are formed on the outer edges. Furthermore, a fastening tab 46 and on the outer edge of the bottom 52, a fastening tab 47 are formed on the outer edge of the lid 58. The fastening tabs 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 preferably have a slope, in order to avoid over-folding of the corners when erecting.

The carton blank 30 for the insert 31 comprises a base part 55, a left side part 53 and a right side part 54. At the top of the base part 55 there is a recess 56 and a slot 57. The upper part of the insert 31 forms the later Collar of finished box. The slot 57 serves to receive a locking tab 51, which is formed on the front wall 40 of the outer box 21.

In Fig. 4 the tailor-fit insertion of the insert 31 into the outer box 21 is explained in more detail. The carton blank 20 for the outer box 21 and the carton blank 30 for the insert 31 are prefolded by erectors 7, 8. The prefolded outer box 21 is transferred to a timing belt 10 and arranged on this between two drivers 11, whose distance corresponds to the diameter of the outer box 21 arranged therebetween. As a result, the side walls 41, 42 of the outer box 21 are securely held. Before inserting the insert 31, the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31 are provided with adhesive dots. In the enlarged detail below, the state is shown in which the insert 31 is inserted into the outer box 21 and in which the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31 against the side walls 41, 42 of the outer box 21 have been pressed. For this purpose, the drivers 11 each have on the inner sides of the receiving region a pressure surface 13 which stabilizes the side walls 41, 42 of the outer box 21 and counteract the contact pressure. In the variant shown, the splices 15 are located on the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31. In a variant can also be provided that the splices not on the side parts 53, 54 of the insert 31, but on the side walls 41, 42 of the outer box 21 are attached. The box shown lies with the front side 40 on the timing belt 10. The rear wall 43 of the box is opened, so that a top-load filling of the box of products is possible. It is particularly advantageous here that the diameter of the open rear wall 43 is considerably larger than the diameter of the lid 58, which facilitates the filling.

In Fig. 5A a finished manufactured box is shown, in which the rear wall 43 is opened. It can be seen the two side walls 41, 42, the bottom 52 and the later cover 58. The lid 58 is connected via the still visible fastening tab 44 with the side wall 42. Significantly, the slopes of the mounting tabs 46, 47, 48 can be seen, which connect accurately when folding down. Furthermore, one recognizes the predetermined breaking line 59, along which the opening of the lid 58 takes place when the box is put into use.

In Fig. 5B is shown a ready made box after putting into use. The lid 58 was opened along the predetermined breaking line 59 and opened to the rear. A closure flap 51 allows the lid 58 to be closed by means of a slot 57 formed on the base part 55 of the insert 31.

It can also be clearly seen how the insert 31 forms the collar for the box. The recess 56 allows easier access to the contents of the package.

Claims (12)

1. Apparatus for producing cartons that are suitable for top load filling with products, comprising:

   - a first magazine (1) for a first cardboard blank (20) of an outer carton (21),

   - a second magazine (2) for an additional cardboard blank (30) of an insert (31) for the outer carton (21),

   - at least one conveying device (3, 4) for transporting the first carboard blank (20) of the outer carton (21) and the additional cardboard blank (30) for the insert (31),

   - at least one adhesive device (5, 6) for attaching adhesive points to parts of the outer carton (21) and/or of the insert (31),

   - an erecting means (7) for producing a pre-folded outer carton (21),

   - an additional erecting means (8) for producing a pre-folded insert (31),

   - a timed belt (10) for receiving and further transporting the pre-folded outer carton (21),

   - a holding device (9) for holding the pre-folded insert (31),

   - a lifting device (14), connected to the holding device (9), for placing the pre-folded insert (31) precisely into the pre-folded outer carton (21), characterised in that movable clamping jaws (12) are provided on the lifting device (14), which clamping jaws press the side parts (53, 54) of the insert (31), which is placed into the outer carton (21), against the side walls (41, 42) of the outer carton (21) and/or press the side walls (41, 42) of the outer carton (21) against the side parts (53, 54) of the insert (31).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that drivers (11) are positioned on the timed belt (10) so as to be transverse thereto, which drivers define a receiving region for receiving and holding an outer carton (21) and comprise a pressure surface (13) that counteracts the pressure of the clamping jaws (12) when the side parts (53, 54) of the insert (31), which is placed into the outer carton (21), are pressed against the side walls (41, 42) of the outer carton (21) by the clamping jaws (12).
3. Apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the holding device (9) is a vacuum suction device that is movable together with the lifting device (14).
4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that an additional adhesive device (6) for the insert (31) is provided in addition to the adhesive device (5) for the outer carton (21), and an additional conveying device (4) for the cardboard blank (30) of the insert (31) is provided in addition to the conveying device (3) for the cardboard blank (20) of the outer carton (21).
5. Method for producing cartons that are suitable for top load filling, comprising the steps of:

   - providing a first cardboard blank, provided with fold lines, for an outer carton,

   - providing an additional cardboard blank, providing with fold lines, for an insert for the outer carton,

   - attaching adhesive points to parts of the outer carton and/or of the insert,

   - folding the first cardboard blank to form an outer carton,

   - folding the additional cardboard blank to form an insert for the outer carton,

   - holding the pre-folded insert by means of a holding device,

   - placing the pre-folded insert precisely into the pre-folded outer carton by means of a lifting device that is connected to the holding device, characterised in that, when the insert is being placed into the pre-folded outer carton, the side parts of the insert are pressed against the side walls of the outer carton and/or the side walls of the outer carton are pressed against the side parts of the insert, by means of movable clamping jaws provided on the lifting device.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that, when the insert is being placed into the pre-folded outer carton, the side parts of the insert are pressed against the side walls of the outer carton and/or the side walls of the outer carton are pressed against the side parts of the insert.
7. Method according to either claim 5 or claim 6, characterised in that the side parts of the insert and/or the side walls of the outer carton are pressed against a separate pressure surface.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the pre-folded outer carton is received by a timed belt and is transported further to the location at which the insert is placed in, the outer carton being held by drivers that simultaneously form the pressure surface for the side parts of the insert and/or the side walls of the outer carton when the side parts of the insert or the side walls of the outer carton are pressed on.
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adhesive points of the insert are attached to the side parts thereof and/or the base part thereof that is defined on both sides by the side parts.
10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cardboard blank for the outer carton comprises a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls, a lid and a base, fastening tabs having lateral inclined surfaces being provided on the free edges of the side parts and on the outer edges of the lid and of the base, the front wall, the rear wall, the two side walls, the lid and the base comprising a continuous predetermined breaking line, and a closure tab being provided on the front wall, and in that the cardboard blank for the insert comprises a base part and two side parts, a recess and a slit for receiving the closure tab of the outer carton being provided on the upper edge of the base part, and the insert forming a collar when the outer carton is opened along the predetermined breaking line.
11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the front wall of the outer carton is oriented downwards after the pre-folded insert has been placed into the pre-folded outer carton, and the rear wall of the outer carton is opened for top load filling.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the rear wall is raised along a fold line before the outer carton is closed.

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