EP2885213B2 - Method and device for handling hygiene items - Google Patents

Method and device for handling hygiene items Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2885213B2
EP2885213B2 EP13756311.0A EP13756311A EP2885213B2 EP 2885213 B2 EP2885213 B2 EP 2885213B2 EP 13756311 A EP13756311 A EP 13756311A EP 2885213 B2 EP2885213 B2 EP 2885213B2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
items
compressing
group
installation
infeed conveyor
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP13756311.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2885213A1 (en
EP2885213B1 (en
Inventor
Björn BRANDHORST
Andreas Neufeld
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
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Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
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Application filed by Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2885213A1 publication Critical patent/EP2885213A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/30—Arranging and feeding articles in groups
    • B65B35/40—Arranging and feeding articles in groups by reciprocating or oscillatory pushers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/56—Orientating, i.e. changing the attitude of, articles, e.g. of non-uniform cross-section
    • B65B35/58—Turning articles by positively-acting means, e.g. to present labelled portions in uppermost position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B65B5/067—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles in bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/005—Safety-devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B63/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B63/02—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for compressing or compacting articles or materials prior to wrapping or insertion in containers or receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
    • B65B2210/02—Plurality of alternative input or output lines or plurality of alternative packaging units on the same packaging line for improving machine flexibility

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for handling (flat) objects, in particular hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or the like, the objects being transported on a substantially continuously driven feed conveyor and, following transport on the feed conveyor, being subjected to compression, according to Preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention relates to a device for handling (flat) objects, in particular hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or the like, with a feed conveyor for essentially continuous transport of the objects and with a compression device arranged downstream of the feed conveyor for compressing a group of objects , according to the preamble of claim 8.
  • the objects are usually fed on a feed conveyor, for example a compartment conveyor, and pushed off the feed conveyor by means of a pusher at an angle, in particular transversely, to the conveying direction of the same.
  • the objects are then transported directly or indirectly into the area of a compression device. This can also be done using the slide in the area of the feed conveyor.
  • the objects first pass other stations or organs and then reach the area of the compression device. There the objects are compressed as a group. Thereafter, the objects are further transported and/or packaged.
  • the invention is based on the object of further developing known methods and devices, in particular with regard to higher working speeds or improved handling of the objects.
  • a method according to the invention has the features of claim 1 to solve this problem. Accordingly, it is provided that a group of objects is pushed off the feed conveyor by a push-off device, in particular a pusher, with the pusher at least partially running along with the objects in the transport direction of the feed conveyor during the push-off and that the group of objects is fed by the push-off device to a first compression device and at least partially (pre-)compressed by this, and that the at least partially (pre-)compressed group of objects is then fed to a second compression device and subjected to further (main) compression there.
  • a push-off device in particular a pusher
  • the first compression device has two compression elements driven independently of one another, which are moved relative to one another for (pre)compressing the group of objects, while the compression elements are also moved at least partially in the transport direction of the feed conveyor.
  • this solution has the advantage or the feature that the compression movement of the compression elements can be superimposed with the follow-on movement of the compression device.
  • Another special feature of the method is that air is withdrawn from the group of objects, particularly in the second compression device, via suction bores preferably arranged in the area of a lower bottom wall of the compression device, in order to reduce the force required to compress the group of objects.
  • the group of objects can also be subjected to a negative pressure via the suction bores in order to hold the objects, for example, on the bottom wall of the compression device.
  • a next special feature of the method is that the objects or groups of objects are checked during handling in the area of the packaging machine with regard to the correct arrangement or position or number.
  • At least one optical testing device is used for this purpose, which scans the objects and/or group of objects and/or bags without contact. This is preferably done using the laser cutting method.
  • a device for solving the problem mentioned at the outset has the features of claim 7 . Accordingly, it is provided that the group of objects can be pushed off the feed conveyor by a push-off device, in particular a pusher, with the pusher being set up to be moved at least partially with the objects in the transport direction of the feed conveyor during push-off, and that a first Compression device is provided for at least partially (pre)compressing the group of objects, and that a second compression device is provided in which the at least partially (pre)compressed group of objects is subjected to a further (main) compression.
  • a push-off device in particular a pusher
  • a first Compression device is provided for at least partially (pre)compressing the group of objects
  • a second compression device is provided in which the at least partially (pre)compressed group of objects is subjected to a further (main) compression.
  • Another special feature can be that between the first compression device and the second compression device, a turning station for turning the group of objects, preferably by 90°, is arranged as required.
  • a turning station for turning the group of objects preferably by 90°
  • the rotating device can be used on a case-by-case basis.
  • An important issue when compressing objects can also be checking the position of the group of objects. This can preferably take place in the second compression device, with sensors being provided for checking the position of the group of objects, in particular with regard to checking that the objects are evenly aligned within the group.
  • the compression process can be facilitated in that the second compression device is preferably provided with suction bores for holding the group of objects, in particular in the area of a lower base wall of the compression device. Furthermore, the suction bores can also be used to hold the objects in the compression device by subjecting them to negative pressure.
  • the feed conveyor is designed as a compartmented belt, with partitions being provided between adjacent compartments of the compartmented belt, and with the slide having flexible means with which the slide rests against the partitions while the objects are being pushed off.
  • felt pads can be used for the slider, which lie against the walls of the compartments and ensure that the objects are securely grasped and pushed out and on the other hand offer the advantage that the compartments are cleaned in the process.
  • a further special feature can be a covering on the feed conveyor, which ensures that, for example, a fault in the area of the device can be rectified while the objects on the feed conveyor are being transported past the device.
  • the invention is described below using a device for grouping objects 10 . First the basic functional principle and then special details of the device are described.
  • the objects 10 can be hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or cleaning cloths and the like.
  • the objects 10 have a flat shape.
  • the objects 10 are transported by a first feed conveyor 12 and are put together in a grouping device 13 to form groups 14 of objects 10 and transported further on a further feed conveyor 15 .
  • the feed conveyor 15 passes two packaging machines 16 for wrapping groups 14 of objects 10 in (film) bags 17 .
  • groups 14 can optionally be supplied to one or the other packaging machine 16.
  • the groups 14 can also be conveyed past the packaging machines 16, into the area of a packaging machine 19 for folding boxes 20 or into the area of a packaging machine 21 for sealed packs 22.
  • the feed conveyor 15 extends along the two packaging machines 16 into the area of the packaging machine 19.
  • a third feed conveyor 23 leads from the feed conveyor 15 in the direction of the packaging machine 21.
  • the third feed conveyor 23 begins just behind the second packaging machine 16.
  • a push-off device 18 for transferring the groups 14 from the feed conveyor 15 to the feed conveyor 23 can be provided here.
  • Figures 2 to 4 show a top view of one of the two packaging machines 16 for packaging a group 14 of objects 10 in a bag 17.
  • the objects 10 are transported on the feed conveyor 15 in the transport direction 24.
  • the transport is essentially continuous, with the speed of the transport being adjustable. A standstill of the feed conveyor 15 is not intended during normal operation of the device.
  • the feed conveyor 15 is designed as a pocket chain conveyor.
  • compartments 25 formed on the feed conveyor 15, which are delimited by partitions 26 arranged transversely to the transport direction 24. Transversely to the transport direction 24, the compartments 25 are open at least in the push-off direction.
  • a plurality of objects 10 are arranged in each compartment 25 .
  • the objects 10 are arranged standing, with the objects 10 resting on a narrow side.
  • the number of items 10 in a compartment 25 can be the same in each case. However, a different number of objects 10 in the compartments 25 is also conceivable.
  • the push-off device 18 is designed as a slide 27 in the present case.
  • the slide 27 is mounted on a unit 28 so that it can be moved parallel to the feed conveyor 15 .
  • the pusher 27 has a front, transversely directed pusher plate 28, with which a group 14 of objects 10 is pushed by the feed conveyor 15, namely at an angle, in particular transversely to the transport direction 24.
  • the pusher plate 28 reaches through between the partitions 26 of the feed conveyor 15. Since the feed conveyor 15 should not be stopped when the group 14 is pushed off, the pusher 27 moves with the group 14 on the feed conveyor 15 in the transport direction 24 .
  • the slider 27 detects a group 14 that extends over a number of compartments 25 . It is also conceivable that the pusher 15 only pushes the objects 10 out of a compartment 25 in each case.
  • the slide 27 can be moved both transversely to the feed conveyor 15 and, after a group 14 has been pushed off, pivoted upwards and pulled back into an initial position. Furthermore, after a group 14 has been pushed off, the pusher 27 is moved back counter to the transport direction 24, into an initial position according to FIG 3 or. 4 .
  • the compression device 30 has two compression elements 31, for example in the form of compression jaws, which are brought into abutment against opposite lateral surfaces of the group 14 and compress them at least partially by pressing them together.
  • the compression device 30 together with the slide 27 initially runs along with the group 14 or the feed conveyor 14 in the transport direction 24 . After the group 14 has been transferred to the compression device 30, the compression elements 31 are moved together and the group 14 is thus compressed. The movement of the compression elements 31 can (at least partially) be superimposed on the tracking movement.
  • 2 shows a first phase of the pre-compression, namely the transfer of the group 14 by means of the pusher 27 from the feed conveyor 15 into the area of the compression elements 31.
  • 3 14 shows the compressor 30 during the pre-compression of the group 14 and 4 the compressor 30 towards the end of the pre-compression of the group 14.
  • the compression elements 31 are moved towards one another in the direction of the arrows 32 in order to compress the group 14.
  • Slider 27 is in 3 and 4 has already been moved back to a starting position and is held ready for the next group 14 to be pushed off.
  • the precompressed group 14 is transferred to a transfer element 33, which has the task of feeding the precompressed group 14 to a further compression device 34.
  • a pusher 35 is active, which groups 14 in Direction of the second compression device 34 deports.
  • the transfer element 33 has another, optional function, which will be described later and which deals with the alignment of the objects 10. If necessary, the transfer element 33 can also be dispensed with and the objects 10 can be transferred directly to the further compression device 34 .
  • the second compression device 34 is not designed to run along with the feed conveyor 15, but is stationary with two movable compression elements 36 which, like the compression elements 31, can be moved laterally against the group 14 in order to carry out a main compression or final compression of the group 14.
  • the second compression device 34 is set up to process one or more groups 14 . How 3 and 4 show, several groups 14 can be found one behind the other in the transport direction 37 in the compression device 34 and can be compressed at the same time.
  • the group 14 or groups 14 are pushed off and packed in a bag 17, as in 2 implied.
  • the group 14 of objects 10 is pushed by the push-off device 18 coming from the feed conveyor 15 between the compression elements 31 .
  • the end regions of the compression elements 31 facing the feed conveyor 15 are designed to diverge slightly in order to facilitate the insertion of the group 14 .
  • the distance between the compression elements 31 corresponds approximately to the width (size) of the uncompressed group 14 of objects 10.
  • Walls of the compression elements 31 against which the group 14 rests run slightly converging towards one another in the transport direction 37 so that the channel formed between the compression elements 31 for the objects 10 tapers in the transport direction 37 .
  • the group 14 of objects 10 being transported along the walls, the group 14 is correspondingly partially compressed.
  • the objects 10 are transported in the same way as on the feed conveyor 15.
  • the conveying means has transverse struts 39 oriented transversely to the conveying direction of the objects 10 as transport organs, which bear against a group 14 on the rear in the transport direction 37 and push the group 14 over the conveying path 38 .
  • Further cross braces 40 are provided for frontal contact with a group 14. The cross braces 39, 40 are arranged alternately one after the other.
  • the two groups of cross braces 39, 40 are each driven by conveyor chains 41, 42.
  • the conveyor chains 41, 42 each run on both sides of the conveyor track 38 and are connected to the cross braces 39 and 40, respectively.
  • the conveyor chains 41, 42 are guided over deflection rollers 43 in such a way that the transverse struts 39, 40 are guided along the conveyor track 38 at a distance above them in order to transport the objects 10.
  • a plurality of transverse struts 39, 40 can be distributed at equal intervals over the circumference of the conveyor chains 41, 42.
  • the distance between the cross braces 39, 40 of the same conveyor chain 41, 42 is fixed and cannot be changed.
  • the distance between the transverse struts 39, 40 of the two different conveyor chains 41, 42 can be changed in the conveying direction of the compression device 30 as a function of the length of the objects 10 to be handled.
  • the two conveyor chains 41, 42 are each driven via a drive shaft 44, 45 or a (servo) drive 46, 47 assigned to the respective drive shaft 44, 45.
  • the compression elements 31 are driven in a similar manner.
  • two drives 48, 49 are provided, each of which is used to drive a compression element 31 independently.
  • the compression elements 31 can be moved independently of the transport of the objects 10 on the feed conveyor 15 in the transport direction 24 and in the opposite direction.
  • the compression elements 31 can be moved towards one another, as shown in FIG 3 and 4 .
  • the compression elements 31 are also driven independently of the drive of the transverse struts 39, 40.
  • the drives 48, 49 are coupled to the compression elements 31 via toothed belts 50, 51, 52, 53.
  • toothed belts 50..53 are provided because the compression elements 31 are each designed in two parts, namely each with upper compression jaws 54, 55 and lower compression jaws 56, 57.
  • the associated upper and lower compression jaws 54, 56; 55, 57 are arranged at a distance from one another, so that a gap is formed between the upper compression jaws 54, 55 and the lower compression jaws 56, 57, in the region of which the transverse struts 39, 40 pass ( 6 ).
  • the compression jaws 54..57 are displaceably mounted on guides 58.
  • the toothed belt 50 drives the upper compression jaw 55.
  • the toothed belt 51 drives the upper compression jaw 54.
  • the toothed belt 52 drives the lower compression jaw 57 and finally the toothed belt 53 drives the lower compression jaw 56 at.
  • a coupling of the toothed belt 50, 52; 51, 53 namely via a transmission element 59 in each case.
  • the toothed belts 50..53 are each designed as endless belts.
  • the drives 48, 49 and deflection rollers 60 are arranged at both ends of the belts 50..53 are connected, for example by clamping ( 12 ).
  • the transfer device 33 has a transfer track 64 with side walls 62, between which the pre-compressed group 14 is pushed by means of the slide 35, namely in the area of the second compression device 34.
  • the transfer device 33 can also be used to rotate the groups 14 before they are transferred to the second compression device 34 .
  • the transfer device 33 has a turning station 63, which can be used optionally. The use of the turning station 63 is particularly advantageous when the objects 10 have a greater height than width.
  • the turning station 63 is used, which first turns the groups 14 by 90°, so that the pusher 35 then pushes the turned group 14 through a channel with side walls 62 in the direction of the second compression device 34, where in the usual way the main compression takes place.
  • the rotary station 63 is constructed in such a way that a turret 66 is driven in rotation about a horizontal axis 67 and has pockets 65 for one group 14 each.
  • a separate drive 68 is used for this purpose.
  • a group 14 of objects 10 to be rotated is pushed into a pocket 65 in the inlet area 69 of the turret 66 .
  • the turret 66 is rotated by 90° according to arrow 70 in 8 rotated so that the pocket is aligned with the subsequent compression device 34 .
  • the group 14 is pushed out by the pusher 35 and transferred to the compression device 34 .
  • the pockets 65 are each delimited on the underside by a bottom wall 71 and side walls 62 . At the top, the group 14 is held in the pocket 65 by guides 72 .
  • the transfer track 64 is structurally similar to the pockets 65, namely with side walls 62 and a bottom wall 71, but fixed and not rotatable.
  • both organs are mounted so that they can be displaced transversely to the transport direction 37 of the group 14, namely in the present case on a common carriage 73.
  • the carriage 73 can in turn be displaced on corresponding rails 74 .
  • the construction of the second compression device 34 is shown in FIG 11 and 13 . Accordingly, in the compression device 34 a group 14 or several groups 14 of objects is subjected to further compression at the same time by two compression members 75 or compression jaws. In the present case, this is done by exerting lateral pressure on the group 14 or the groups 14 according to the arrows 32.
  • the two compression elements 75 are mounted on a running carriage 76 on a running rail 77 and can be displaced transversely to the transport direction 37.
  • Spindles 80, 81, to which the carriages 76 are coupled, are driven via (servo) drives 78, 79. In this way, the rotation of the spindles 80, 81 is translated into a lateral movement of the compression members 75.
  • the group 14 or groups 14 rest on a base 82 which serves as a bottom wall.
  • Sensors 83 for detecting the position of the groups 14 are arranged in the working area of the compression elements 75, for example in the form of light barriers.
  • suction holes 84 are arranged in a grid in the base 82 or bottom wall.
  • a negative pressure can be applied to the objects 14 in the working area of the compression elements 75 via the suction bores 84 .
  • this serves to hold the objects 10 or group 14 in place and/or also to suck out air in order to reduce the force required to compress the objects 10 .
  • FIG. 9 Another in Figures 9 and 10
  • the special feature shown relates to the construction of the slide 27 in the area of the feed conveyor 15. Accordingly, the slide plate 29 is provided on the side facing the objects 10 with a support 85 made of a flexible material, such as felt.
  • This support 85 serves to ensure that narrow objects 10 are pushed out of the compartments 25.
  • the system on the upper side of the feed conveyor 15 and the lateral partitions 26 also make it possible to clean the feed conveyor 15 .
  • the support 85 is arranged in such a way that it is effective in the region of the edges of the compartments 25.
  • a final peculiarity is in the Figures 14 to 16 shown.
  • the special feature relates to the arrangement of a panel 86, which covers the feed conveyor 15 as required.
  • the paneling 14 is designed in such a way that it covers the sides and top of the feed conveyor 15 with the objects 10 or groups 14 located thereon.
  • the objects 10 can therefore not be pushed off the feed conveyor 15 when the paneling is closed.
  • the slide 27 rests to the side the disguise 86.
  • Background of the paneling 86 is a partitioning of the feed conveyor 15 from the compression device 30 or the push-off device 18. This may be necessary if there is a fault in one of the neighboring organs, maintenance work, conversion measures or the like have to be carried out. It is then necessary to protect the operator or customer service/fitter so that they do not injure themselves on the feed conveyor 15 .
  • the feed conveyor 15 can thus continue to operate through the cover 86 while work is being carried out on the adjacent organs. This is particularly advantageous when a plurality of packaging machines 16 are arranged along the feed conveyor 15 so that the objects 10 are transported past one packaging machine 16 and to another packaging machine 16 even if there is a malfunction or maintenance work.
  • the cladding 86 is designed in two parts and each carriage 87 is mounted on a running rail 88, so that the two halves of the cladding 86 can be pushed apart and pushed together, as shown in FIG Figures 15 and 16 shown.
  • 16 shows normal operation, in which the objects 10 on the feed conveyor 16 are pushed across by the slide 27 into the area of the compression device 30.
  • 15 shows the case of malfunction or maintenance, in which the area of the feed conveyor 15 is encapsulated in the area of the packaging machine 16 or the compression device 30.
  • a further special feature can consist in an optical testing device 89 which can be used to check the objects 10 or groups 14 of objects 10 .
  • the testing device 89 works with a laser, with the aid of which the objects to be tested are illuminated according to the light section method, preferably with a light band 90 at an angle of ⁇ 90°.
  • the light band 90 is detected by a sensor at a triangulation angle and the dimensions of the object are calculated on the basis of the deflection of the light band 90 and the triangulation angle.
  • 17 and 19 and 18 and 20 serve to explain the use of the measurement principle in the present technical field. So shows 17 the scanning of the objects 10 on the feed conveyor 15.
  • the testing device 89 is stationarily arranged above the feed conveyor 15 and detects the objects 10 arranged in the pockets 91 of the feed conveyor 15. By a sensor 92 which is activated by a separating web 93 between the pockets 91, the scanning is triggered in each case. In the present case, an object 10 is missing in one of the pockets 91 to be detected, which is why a gap 94 has arisen between the objects 10. The result of scanning the top of the objects 10 is in 19 shown. It can be clearly seen that the gap 94 created by the missing object 10 is visible in the measurement result.
  • 18 and 20 show another possible application in connection with the scanning of packaged objects 10. This involves scanning groups 14 of objects 10 packed in bags 17. In this case, too, a corresponding testing device 89 is arranged above the conveyor line and detects the bags 17 from above. 20 shows that by scanning the upper side of the bag 17 gaps or other misalignments in the group 14 would also be detectable in this case.
  • testing devices 89 at another point in the packaging process, as shown in figure 5 indicated, for example in the area of the compression device 30, the transfer device 33 or the compression device 34.
  • the objects 10 or groups 14 of objects 10 can also be checked in individual cases at other points in the packaging process.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Special Conveying (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Handhaben von (flachen) Gegenständen, insbesondere von Hygieneprodukten wie Windeln, Binden oder dergleichen, wobei die Gegenstände auf einem im Wesentlichen kontinuierlich angetriebenen Zuförderer transportiert und im Anschluss an den Transport auf dem Zuförderer einer Komprimierung unterzogen werden, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a method for handling (flat) objects, in particular hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or the like, the objects being transported on a substantially continuously driven feed conveyor and, following transport on the feed conveyor, being subjected to compression, according to Preamble of claim 1.

Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zum Handhaben von (flachen) Gegenständen, insbesondere von Hygieneprodukten wie Windeln, Binden oder dergleichen, mit einem Zuförderer zum im Wesentlichen kontinuierlichen Transport der Gegenstände und mit einer im Anschluss an den Zuförderer angeordneten Komprimiereinrichtung zum Komprimieren einer Gruppe von Gegenständen, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 8.Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for handling (flat) objects, in particular hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or the like, with a feed conveyor for essentially continuous transport of the objects and with a compression device arranged downstream of the feed conveyor for compressing a group of objects , according to the preamble of claim 8.

Verfahren und Vorrichtungen dieser Art sind aus der Praxis in zahlreichen unterschiedlichen Varianten bekannt. Üblicherweise werden die Gegenstände auf einem Zuförderer, beispielsweise einen Fächerförderer, zugeführt und mittels eines Schiebers vom Zuförderer winklig, insbesondere quer, zur Förderrichtung desselben abgeschoben. Danach werden die Gegenstände unmittelbar oder mittelbar in den Bereich einer Komprimiereinrichtung transportiert. Dies kann auch durch den Schieber im Bereich des Zuförderers erfolgen. Denkbar ist aber auch, dass die Gegenstände zunächst andere Stationen bzw. Organe passieren und dann in den Bereich der Komprimiereinrichtung gelangen. Dort werden die Gegenstände als Gruppe komprimiert. Danach werden die Gegenstände weiter transportiert und/oder verpackt.Methods and devices of this type are known from practice in numerous different variants. The objects are usually fed on a feed conveyor, for example a compartment conveyor, and pushed off the feed conveyor by means of a pusher at an angle, in particular transversely, to the conveying direction of the same. The objects are then transported directly or indirectly into the area of a compression device. This can also be done using the slide in the area of the feed conveyor. However, it is also conceivable that the objects first pass other stations or organs and then reach the area of the compression device. There the objects are compressed as a group. Thereafter, the objects are further transported and/or packaged.

Problematisch an bekannten Verfahren und Vorrichtungen sind zum einen die teilweise sehr hohen Anforderungen an die Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit derselben im Bereich von bis zu 1800 Produkte pro Minute. Diese Anforderungen haben sich auch deshalb erhöht, weil die Transport- und Verpackungsleistung anderer Organe innerhalb der Verpackungslinie zwischenzeitlich gestiegen ist. Bekannte Verfahren und Vorrichtungen sind für derartige Arbeitsgeschwindigkeiten aber nur bedingt geeignet, sodass es insbesondere zu Fehlstellungen der Gegenstände und/oder starkem Verschleiß an den Vorrichtungen kommt.A problem with known methods and devices is, on the one hand, the sometimes very high demands on the working speed of the same in the range of up to 1800 products per minute. These requirements have also increased because the transport and packaging performance of other organs within the packaging line has meanwhile increased. However, known methods and devices are only suitable to a limited extent for such working speeds, so that in particular misalignments of the objects and/or heavy wear on the devices occur.

Hiervon ausgehend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, bekannte Verfahren und Vorrichtungen weiterzuentwickeln, insbesondere im Hinblick auf höhere Arbeitsgeschwindigkeiten bzw. eine verbesserte Handhabung der Gegenstände.Proceeding from this, the invention is based on the object of further developing known methods and devices, in particular with regard to higher working speeds or improved handling of the objects.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe weist ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 auf. Es ist demnach vorgesehen, dass eine Gruppe von Gegenständen durch eine Abschubeinrichtung, insbesondere einen Schieber, vom Zuförderer abgeschoben wird, wobei der Schieber während des Abschiebens mit den Gegenständen in Transportrichtung des Zuförderers wenigstens teilweise mitläuft und dass die Gruppe von Gegenständen
durch die Abschubeinrichtung einer ersten Komprimiereinrichtung zugeführt und durch diese wenigstens teilweise (vor-)komprimiert wird und dass danach die wenigstens teilweise (vor-)komprimierte Gruppe von Gegenständen einer zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung zugeführt und in dieser einer weiteren (Haupt-)Komprimierung unterzogen wird.A method according to the invention has the features of claim 1 to solve this problem. Accordingly, it is provided that a group of objects is pushed off the feed conveyor by a push-off device, in particular a pusher, with the pusher at least partially running along with the objects in the transport direction of the feed conveyor during the push-off and that the group of objects
is fed by the push-off device to a first compression device and at least partially (pre-)compressed by this, and that the at least partially (pre-)compressed group of objects is then fed to a second compression device and subjected to further (main) compression there.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die erste Komprimiereinrichtung zwei unabhängig voneinander angetriebene Komprimierorgane aufweist, die zum (Vor-)Komprimieren der Gruppe von Gegenständen relativ zueinander bewegt werden, während die Komprimierorgane auch wenigstens teilweise in Transportrichtung des Zuförderers bewegt werden. Diese Lösung weist insbesondere den Vorteil bzw. das Merkmal auf, dass die Komprimierbewegung der Komprimierorgane mit der Mitlaufbewegung der Komprimiereinrichtung überlagert werden kann.According to a preferred development of the invention, it is provided that the first compression device has two compression elements driven independently of one another, which are moved relative to one another for (pre)compressing the group of objects, while the compression elements are also moved at least partially in the transport direction of the feed conveyor. In particular, this solution has the advantage or the feature that the compression movement of the compression elements can be superimposed with the follow-on movement of the compression device.

Eine weitere Besonderheit des Verfahrens besteht darin, dass der Gruppe von Gegenständen insbesondere in der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung über vorzugsweise im Bereich einer unteren Bodenwand der Komprimiereinrichtung angeordnete Saugbohrungen Luft entzogen wird, um die zum Komprimieren der Gruppe von Gegenständen erforderliche Kraft zu verringern. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die Gruppe von Gegenständen über die Saugbohrungen auch mit einem Unterdruck beaufschlagt werden, um die Gegenstände beispielsweise an der Bodenwand der Komprimiereinrichtung zu halten.Another special feature of the method is that air is withdrawn from the group of objects, particularly in the second compression device, via suction bores preferably arranged in the area of a lower bottom wall of the compression device, in order to reduce the force required to compress the group of objects. Alternatively or additionally, the group of objects can also be subjected to a negative pressure via the suction bores in order to hold the objects, for example, on the bottom wall of the compression device.

Eine nächste Besonderheit des Verfahrens besteht darin, dass die Gegenstände bzw. Gruppen aus Gegenständen während der Handhabung im Bereich der Verpackungsmaschine hinsichtlich der korrekten Anordnung bzw. Lage oder Anzahl geprüft werden. Hierzu kommt wenigstens eine optische Prüfvorrichtung zum Einsatz, die die Gegenstände und/oder Gruppe aus Gegenständen und/oder Beutel berührungslos abtastet. Die erfolgt vorzugsweise nach dem Laserschnittverfahren.A next special feature of the method is that the objects or groups of objects are checked during handling in the area of the packaging machine with regard to the correct arrangement or position or number. At least one optical testing device is used for this purpose, which scans the objects and/or group of objects and/or bags without contact. This is preferably done using the laser cutting method.

Eine Vorrichtung zur Lösung der eingangs genannten Aufgabe weist die Merkmale des Anspruchs 7 auf. Es ist demnach vorgesehen, dass die Gruppe von Gegenständen durch eine Abschubeinrichtung, insbesondere einen Schieber, vom Zuförderer abschiebbar ist, wobei der Schieber dazu eingerichtet ist, während des Abschiebens mit den Gegenständen in Transportrichtung des Zuförderers wenigstens teilweise mitbewegt zu werden, und dass eine ersten Komprimiereinrichtung vorgesehen ist, zur wenigstens teilweisen (Vor-)Komprimierung der Gruppe von Gegenständen, und dass eine zweite Komprimiereinrichtung vorgesehen ist, in der die wenigstens teilweise (vor-)komprimierte Gruppe von Gegenständen einer weiteren (Haupt-)Komprimierung unterzogen wird.A device for solving the problem mentioned at the outset has the features of claim 7 . Accordingly, it is provided that the group of objects can be pushed off the feed conveyor by a push-off device, in particular a pusher, with the pusher being set up to be moved at least partially with the objects in the transport direction of the feed conveyor during push-off, and that a first Compression device is provided for at least partially (pre)compressing the group of objects, and that a second compression device is provided in which the at least partially (pre)compressed group of objects is subjected to a further (main) compression.

Eine weitere Besonderheit kann darin bestehen, dass zwischen der ersten Komprimiereinrichtung und der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung eine Drehstation zum bedarfsweisen Drehen der Gruppe aus Gegenständen vorzugsweise um 90° angeordnet ist. Dies kann für den weiteren Verpackungsvorgang von Vorteil sein. Zu diesem Zweck kann fallweise die Dreheinrichtung zum Einsatz kommen.Another special feature can be that between the first compression device and the second compression device, a turning station for turning the group of objects, preferably by 90°, is arranged as required. This can be an advantage for the further packaging process. For this purpose, the rotating device can be used on a case-by-case basis.

Ein wichtiges Thema bei der Komprimierung der Gegenstände kann auch die Prüfung der Lage der Gruppe aus Gegenständen sein. Diese kann vorzugsweise in der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung erfolgen, wobei Sensoren zur Prüfung der Lage der Gruppe aus Gegenständen vorgesehen sind, insbesondere im Hinblick auf eine Kontrolle einer gleichmäßigen Flucht der Gegenstände innerhalb der Gruppe.An important issue when compressing objects can also be checking the position of the group of objects. This can preferably take place in the second compression device, with sensors being provided for checking the position of the group of objects, in particular with regard to checking that the objects are evenly aligned within the group.

Weiterhin kann der Komprimierungsvorgang dadurch erleichtert werden, dass vorzugsweise die zweite Komprimiereinrichtung Saugbohrungen zum Halten der Gruppe aus Gegenständen vorgesehen sind, insbesondere im Bereich einer unteren Bodenwand der Komprimiereinrichtung. Ferner können die Saugbohrungen auch dazu eingesetzt werden, um die Gegenstände durch Beaufschlagung mit Unterdruck in der Komprimiereinrichtung zu halten.Furthermore, the compression process can be facilitated in that the second compression device is preferably provided with suction bores for holding the group of objects, in particular in the area of a lower base wall of the compression device. Furthermore, the suction bores can also be used to hold the objects in the compression device by subjecting them to negative pressure.

Von Vorteil kann es sein, wenn der Zuförderer als Fächerband ausgebildet ist, wobei Trennwände zwischen benachbarten Fächern des Fächerbands vorgesehen sind, und wobei der Schieber flexible Mittel aufweist, mit denen der Schieber während des Abschiebens der Gegenstände an den Trennwänden anliegt. Beispielsweise können Filzauflagen für den Schieber zum Einsatz kommen, die an Wänden der Fächer anliegen und zum einen dafür sorgen, dass die Gegenstände sicher erfasst und ausgeschoben werden und andererseits den Vorteil bieten, dass die Fächer dabei gereinigt werden.It can be advantageous if the feed conveyor is designed as a compartmented belt, with partitions being provided between adjacent compartments of the compartmented belt, and with the slide having flexible means with which the slide rests against the partitions while the objects are being pushed off. For example, felt pads can be used for the slider, which lie against the walls of the compartments and ensure that the objects are securely grasped and pushed out and on the other hand offer the advantage that the compartments are cleaned in the process.

Eine weitere Besonderheit kann eine Verkleidung am Zuförderer darstellen, die dafür sorgt, dass beispielsweise eine Störung im Bereich der Vorrichtung behoben werden kann, während die Gegenstände auf dem Zuförderer an der Vorrichtung vorbeitransportiert werden.A further special feature can be a covering on the feed conveyor, which ensures that, for example, a fault in the area of the device can be rectified while the objects on the feed conveyor are being transported past the device.

Ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung beschrieben. In dieser zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Produktionsanlage für Hygieneprodukte,
Fig. 2 - 4
eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Verpackungslinie im Bereich einer Verpackungsmaschine für die Hygieneprodukte, während verschiedener aufeinander folgender Phasen,
Fig. 5
einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 entlang Schnittlinie V - V in Fig. 3,
Fig. 6
einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 entlang Schnittlinie VI - VI in Fig. 3,
Fig. 7
einen Horizontalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 entlang Schnittlinie VII - VII in Fig. 6,
Fig.8
einen Vertikalschnitt in vergrößertem Maßstab durch die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 entlang Schnittlinie VIII - VIII in Fig. 7,
Fig. 9
ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 in vergrößertem Maßstab entsprechend Pfeil IX in Fig. 2,
Fig. 10
einen Vertikalschnitt entlang Schnittlinie X - X in Fig. 9,
Fig. 11
einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 entlang Schnittlinie XI - XI in Fig. 2,
Fig. 12
ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 in vergrößertem Maßstab entsprechend Pfeil XII in Fig. 5,
Fig. 13
ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 in vergrößertem Maßstab im Bereich XIII in Fig. 25,
Fig. 14
einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4 entlang Schnittlinie V - V in Fig. 3 mit zusätzlicher Darstellung einer Verkleidung,
Fig. 15 - 16
einen Horizontalschnitt durch das Detail gemäß Fig. 14, und
Fig. 17 - 20
mehrere schematische Darstellungen der Prüfung von Gruppen aus Hygieneprodukten mittels einer optischen Prüfvorrichtung.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. In this show:
1
a schematic plan view of a production plant for hygiene products,
Figures 2 - 4
an enlarged view of the packaging line in the area of a packaging machine for hygiene products, during different successive phases,
figure 5
according to a vertical section through the device Figures 2 to 4 along cutting line V - V in 3 ,
6
according to a vertical section through the device Figures 2 to 4 along section line VI - VI in 3 ,
7
according to a horizontal section through the device Figures 2 to 4 along section line VII - VII in 6 ,
Fig.8
a vertical section on an enlarged scale through the device according to FIG Figures 2 to 4 along section line VIII - VIII in 7 ,
9
a detail of the device according to Figures 2 to 4 on an enlarged scale according to arrow IX in 2 ,
10
a vertical section along section line X - X in 9 ,
11
according to a vertical section through the device Figures 2 to 4 along section line XI - XI in 2 ,
12
a detail of the device according to Figures 2 to 4 on an enlarged scale according to arrow XII in figure 5 ,
13
a detail of the device according to Figures 2 to 4 on an enlarged scale in area XIII in Fig. 25,
14
according to a vertical section through the device Figures 2 to 4 along cutting line V - V in 3 with additional depiction of a cladding,
15 - 16
according to a horizontal section through the detail 14 , and
17 - 20
several schematic representations of the testing of groups of hygiene products using an optical testing device.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand einer Vorrichtung zum Gruppieren von Gegenständen 10 beschrieben. Dabei wird zunächst das grundsätzliche Funktionsprinzip und danach besondere Einzelheiten der Vorrichtung beschrieben.The invention is described below using a device for grouping objects 10 . First the basic functional principle and then special details of the device are described.

Bei den Gegenständen 10 kann es sich um Hygieneprodukte wie Windeln, Binden oder Reinigungstücher und dergleichen handeln. Im vorliegenden Fall weisen die Gegenstände 10 eine flache Gestalt auf.The objects 10 can be hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or cleaning cloths and the like. In the present case, the objects 10 have a flat shape.

Die Gegenstände 10 werden von einem Converter 11 kommend durch einen ersten Zuförderer 12 transportiert und in einer Gruppiereinrichtung 13 zu Gruppen 14 von Gegenständen 10 zusammengestellt und auf einem weiteren Zuförderer 15 weiter transportiert.Coming from a converter 11 , the objects 10 are transported by a first feed conveyor 12 and are put together in a grouping device 13 to form groups 14 of objects 10 and transported further on a further feed conveyor 15 .

Der Zuförderer 15 führt an zwei Verpackungsmaschinen 16 zum Einhüllen von Gruppen 14 von Gegenständen 10 in (Folien)-Beutel 17 vorbei. Mittels Abschubeinrichtungen 18 (nicht in Fig. 1 gezeigt) können Gruppen 14 wahlweise der einen oder anderen Verpackungsmaschine 16 zugeführt werden. Wahlweise können die Gruppen 14 auch an den Verpackungsmaschinen 16 vorbeigefördert werden, in den Bereich einer Verpackungsmaschine 19 für Faltschachteln 20 oder in den Bereich einer Verpackungsmaschine 21 für Dichtpackungen 22.The feed conveyor 15 passes two packaging machines 16 for wrapping groups 14 of objects 10 in (film) bags 17 . By means of push-off devices 18 (not in 1 shown), groups 14 can optionally be supplied to one or the other packaging machine 16. Optionally, the groups 14 can also be conveyed past the packaging machines 16, into the area of a packaging machine 19 for folding boxes 20 or into the area of a packaging machine 21 for sealed packs 22.

Der Zuförderer 15 erstreckt sich ausgehend von der Gruppiereinrichtung 13 entlang der beiden Verpackungsmaschinen 16 bis in den Bereich der Verpackungsmaschine 19. Ein dritter Zuförderer 23 führt vom Zuförderer 15 in Richtung der Verpackungsmaschine 21. Der dritte Zuförderer 23 beginnt kurz hinter der zweiten Verpackungsmaschine 16. Auch hier kann eine Abschubeinrichtung 18 zur Übergabe der Gruppen 14 vom Zuförderer 15 zum Zuförderer 23 vorgesehen sein.Starting from the grouping device 13, the feed conveyor 15 extends along the two packaging machines 16 into the area of the packaging machine 19. A third feed conveyor 23 leads from the feed conveyor 15 in the direction of the packaging machine 21. The third feed conveyor 23 begins just behind the second packaging machine 16. Also a push-off device 18 for transferring the groups 14 from the feed conveyor 15 to the feed conveyor 23 can be provided here.

Fig. 2 bis 4 zeigen eine Draufsicht auf eine der beiden Verpackungsmaschinen 16 zur Verpackung einer Gruppe 14 von Gegenständen 10 in einen Beutel 17. Die Gegenstände 10 werden dabei auf dem Zuförderer 15 in Transportrichtung 24 transportiert. Der Transport erfolgt im Wesentlichen kontinuierlich, wobei die Geschwindigkeit des Transports anpassbar ist. Ein Stillstand des Zuförderers 15 ist aber im normalen Betrieb der Vorrichtung nicht vorgesehen. Figures 2 to 4 show a top view of one of the two packaging machines 16 for packaging a group 14 of objects 10 in a bag 17. The objects 10 are transported on the feed conveyor 15 in the transport direction 24. The transport is essentially continuous, with the speed of the transport being adjustable. A standstill of the feed conveyor 15 is not intended during normal operation of the device.

Der Zuförderer 15 ist in diesem Fall als Taschenkettenförderer ausgebildet. Von Bedeutung sind dabei auf dem Zuförderer 15 gebildete Fächer 25, die durch quer zur Transportrichtung 24 angeordnete Trennwände 26 begrenzt sind. Quer zur Transportrichtung 24 sind die Fächer 25 wenigstens in Abschubrichtung offen.In this case, the feed conveyor 15 is designed as a pocket chain conveyor. Of importance here are compartments 25 formed on the feed conveyor 15, which are delimited by partitions 26 arranged transversely to the transport direction 24. Transversely to the transport direction 24, the compartments 25 are open at least in the push-off direction.

In jedem Fach 25 sind mehrere Gegenstände 10 angeordnet. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Gegenstände 10 stehend angeordnet, wobei die Gegenstände 10 auf einer Schmalseite ruhen. Die Anzahl der Gegenstände 10 in einem Fach 25 kann jeweils übereinstimmend sein. Denkbar ist aber auch eine abweichende Anzahl von Gegenständen 10 in den Fächern 25.A plurality of objects 10 are arranged in each compartment 25 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the objects 10 are arranged standing, with the objects 10 resting on a narrow side. The number of items 10 in a compartment 25 can be the same in each case. However, a different number of objects 10 in the compartments 25 is also conceivable.

Die Abschubeinrichtung 18 ist im vorliegenden Fall als Schieber 27 ausgebildet. Der Schieber 27 ist parallel zum Zuförderer 15 verfahrbar an einer Einheit 28 gelagert. Ferner weist der Schieber 27 eine vordere, quer gerichtete Schieberplatte 28 auf, mit der eine Gruppe 14 von Gegenständen 10 vom Zuförderer 15 angeschoben wird, nämlich winklig insbesondere quer zur Transportrichtung 24.The push-off device 18 is designed as a slide 27 in the present case. The slide 27 is mounted on a unit 28 so that it can be moved parallel to the feed conveyor 15 . Furthermore, the pusher 27 has a front, transversely directed pusher plate 28, with which a group 14 of objects 10 is pushed by the feed conveyor 15, namely at an angle, in particular transversely to the transport direction 24.

Zum Abschub einer Gruppe 14 von Gegenständen 10 greift die Schieberplatte 28 zwischen den Trennwänden 26 des Zuförderers 15 hindurch. Da der Zuförderer 15 beim Abschub der Gruppe 14 nicht angehalten werden soll, fährt der Schieber 27 dabei in Transportrichtung 24 mit der Gruppe 14 auf dem Zuförderer 15 mit.To push off a group 14 of objects 10, the pusher plate 28 reaches through between the partitions 26 of the feed conveyor 15. Since the feed conveyor 15 should not be stopped when the group 14 is pushed off, the pusher 27 moves with the group 14 on the feed conveyor 15 in the transport direction 24 .

Im vorliegenden Fall erfasst der Schieber 27 eine Gruppe 14, die sich über mehrere Fächer 25 erstreckt. Denkbar ist auch, dass der Schieber 15 jeweils nur die Gegenstände 10 aus einem Fach 25 abschiebt.In the present case, the slider 27 detects a group 14 that extends over a number of compartments 25 . It is also conceivable that the pusher 15 only pushes the objects 10 out of a compartment 25 in each case.

Wie aus Fig. 5 ersichtlich, kann der Schieber 27 sowohl quer zum Zuförderer 15 bewegt werden, als auch nach Abschub einer Gruppe 14 nach oben geschwenkt und in eine Ausgangsstellung zurück gezogen werden. Ferner wird der Schieber 27 nach dem Abschub einer Gruppe 14 entgegen der Transportrichtung 24 zurückbewegt, in eine Ausgangsstellung gemäß Fig. 3 bzw. Fig. 4.How out figure 5 As can be seen, the slide 27 can be moved both transversely to the feed conveyor 15 and, after a group 14 has been pushed off, pivoted upwards and pulled back into an initial position. Furthermore, after a group 14 has been pushed off, the pusher 27 is moved back counter to the transport direction 24, into an initial position according to FIG 3 or. 4 .

Mittels des Schiebers 27 wird die Gruppe 14 von Gegenständen 10 in den Bereich einer ersten Komprimiereinrichtung 30 abgeschoben, die zu einer Vorkomprimierung der Gruppe 14 dient. Die Komprimiereinrichtung 30 verfügt über zwei Komprimierorgane 31, beispielsweise in Form von Komprimierbacken, die an gegenüberliegenden Seitenflächen der Gruppe 14 zur Anlage gebracht werden und diese durch Zusammendrücken wenigstens teilweise komprimiert.By means of the slide 27, the group 14 of objects 10 is pushed into the area of a first compression device 30, which serves to pre-compress the group 14. The compression device 30 has two compression elements 31, for example in the form of compression jaws, which are brought into abutment against opposite lateral surfaces of the group 14 and compress them at least partially by pressing them together.

Um einen kontinuierlichen Betrieb der Vorrichtung zu ermöglichen, ist vorgesehen, dass die Komprimiereinrichtung 30 zusammen mit dem Schieber 27 zunächst in Transportrichtung 24 mit der Gruppe 14 bzw. dem Zuförderer 14 mitläuft. Nach Übergabe der Gruppe 14 an die Komprimiereinrichtung 30 werden die Komprimierorgane 31 zusammenbewegt und so die Gruppe 14 komprimiert. Die Bewegung der Komprimierorgane 31 kann dabei (wenigstens teilweise) mit der Mitlaufbewegung überlagert sein.In order to enable continuous operation of the device, it is provided that the compression device 30 together with the slide 27 initially runs along with the group 14 or the feed conveyor 14 in the transport direction 24 . After the group 14 has been transferred to the compression device 30, the compression elements 31 are moved together and the group 14 is thus compressed. The movement of the compression elements 31 can (at least partially) be superimposed on the tracking movement.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine erste Phase der Vorkomprimierung, nämlich die Übergabe der Gruppe 14 mittels des Schiebers 27 vom Zuförderer 15 in den Bereich der Komprimierorgane 31. Fig. 3 zeigt die Komprimiereinrichtung 30 während der Vorkomprimierung der Gruppe 14 und Fig. 4 die Komprimiereinrichtung 30 gegen Ende der Vorkomprimierung der Gruppe 14. 2 shows a first phase of the pre-compression, namely the transfer of the group 14 by means of the pusher 27 from the feed conveyor 15 into the area of the compression elements 31. 3 14 shows the compressor 30 during the pre-compression of the group 14 and 4 the compressor 30 towards the end of the pre-compression of the group 14.

Die Komprimierorgane 31 werden in Richtung der Pfeile 32 aufeinander zubewegt, um die Gruppe 14 zu komprimieren. Der Schieber 27 ist in Fig. 3 und 4 bereits in eine Ausgangsstellung zurückbewegt worden, und wird für den Abschub der nächsten Gruppe 14 bereitgehalten.The compression elements 31 are moved towards one another in the direction of the arrows 32 in order to compress the group 14. Slider 27 is in 3 and 4 has already been moved back to a starting position and is held ready for the next group 14 to be pushed off.

Nach Abschluss der Vorkomprimierung in der Komprimiereinrichtung 30 (Fig. 4) wird die vorkomprimierte Gruppe 14 an ein Übergabeorgan 33 übergeben, welches die Aufgabe hat, die vorkomprimierte Gruppe 14 einer weiteren Komprimiereinrichtung 34 zuzuführen. In der Übergabevorrichtung 33 ist ein Schieber 35 aktiv, der die Gruppe 14 in Richtung der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung 34 abschiebt.After completion of the pre-compression in the compressor 30 ( 4 ) the precompressed group 14 is transferred to a transfer element 33, which has the task of feeding the precompressed group 14 to a further compression device 34. In the transfer device 33, a pusher 35 is active, which groups 14 in Direction of the second compression device 34 deports.

Das Übergabeorgan 33 hat noch eine weitere, optionale Funktion, die später beschrieben wird und die sich mit der Ausrichtung der Gegenstände 10 befasst. Gegebenenfalls kann auf das Übergabeorgan 33 auch verzichtet werden und die Gegenstände 10 unmittelbar an die weitere Komprimiereinrichtung 34 übergeben werden.The transfer element 33 has another, optional function, which will be described later and which deals with the alignment of the objects 10. If necessary, the transfer element 33 can also be dispensed with and the objects 10 can be transferred directly to the further compression device 34 .

Die zweite Komprimiereinrichtung 34 ist nicht mitlaufend mit dem Zuförderer 15 ausgebildet, sondern ortsfest mit zwei beweglichen Komprimierorganen 36 ausgebildet, die wie die Komprimierorgane 31 seitlich gegen die Gruppe 14 bewegt werden können, um eine Hauptkomprimierung bzw. abschließende Komprimierung der Gruppe 14 vorzunehmen.The second compression device 34 is not designed to run along with the feed conveyor 15, but is stationary with two movable compression elements 36 which, like the compression elements 31, can be moved laterally against the group 14 in order to carry out a main compression or final compression of the group 14.

Die zweite Komprimiereinrichtung 34 ist dazu eingerichtet eine oder mehrere Gruppen 14 zu verarbeiten. Wie Fig. 3 und 4 zeigen, können mehrere Gruppen 14 hintereinander in Transportrichtung 37 in der Komprimiereinrichtung 34 Aufnahme finden und gleichzeitig komprimiert werden.The second compression device 34 is set up to process one or more groups 14 . How 3 and 4 show, several groups 14 can be found one behind the other in the transport direction 37 in the compression device 34 and can be compressed at the same time.

Nach Abschluss der Hauptkomprimierung wird die Gruppe 14 bzw. werden die Gruppen 14 abgeschoben und in einen Beutel 17 verpackt, wie in Fig. 2 angedeutet.After completion of the main compression, the group 14 or groups 14 are pushed off and packed in a bag 17, as in 2 implied.

Nachfolgend werden weitere Besonderheiten der soweit beschriebenen Vorrichtung im Detail erörtert:
Die Gruppe 14 aus Gegenständen 10 wird durch die Abschubeinrichtung 18 vom Zuförderer 15 kommend zwischen die Komprimierorgane 31 geschoben. Die dem Zuförderer 15 zugewandten Endbereiche der Komprimierorgane 31 sind dabei leicht divergierend ausgebildet, um das Einschieben der Gruppe 14 zu erleichtern. Der Abstand der Komprimierorgane 31 zueinander entspricht dabei zu diesem Zeitpunkt etwa der Breite (Größe) der unkomprimierten Gruppe 14 von Gegenständen 10.Further special features of the device described so far are discussed in detail below:
The group 14 of objects 10 is pushed by the push-off device 18 coming from the feed conveyor 15 between the compression elements 31 . The end regions of the compression elements 31 facing the feed conveyor 15 are designed to diverge slightly in order to facilitate the insertion of the group 14 . At this point in time, the distance between the compression elements 31 corresponds approximately to the width (size) of the uncompressed group 14 of objects 10.

Wandungen der Komprimierorgane 31, an denen die Gruppe 14 anliegt, verlaufen in Transportrichtung 37 leicht konvergierend zueinander, sodass der zwischen den Komprimierorganen 31 gebildete Kanal für die Gegenstände 10 sich in Transportrichtung 37 verjüngt. Durch den Transport der Gruppe 14 von Gegenständen 10 entlang der Wandungen wird die Gruppe 14 entsprechend teilweise komprimiert. Der Transport der Gegenstände 10 erfolgt dabei wie auf dem Zuförderer 15.Walls of the compression elements 31 against which the group 14 rests run slightly converging towards one another in the transport direction 37 so that the channel formed between the compression elements 31 for the objects 10 tapers in the transport direction 37 . As a result of the group 14 of objects 10 being transported along the walls, the group 14 is correspondingly partially compressed. The objects 10 are transported in the same way as on the feed conveyor 15.

Während des kontinuierlichen Transports der Gegenstände 10 durch die Komprimiereinrichtung 30 ruhen die Gegenstände 10 auf einer Förderbahn 38, die sich im Bereich der Komprimiereinrichtung 30 erstreckt. Das Fördermittel weist im vorliegenden Fall quer zur Förderrichtung der Gegenstände 10 ausgerichtete Querstreben 39 als Transportorgane auf, die in Transportrichtung 37 rückseitig an einer Gruppe 14 anliegen und diese über die Förderbahn 38 schieben. Weitere Querstreben 40 sind vorgesehen zur vorderseitigen Anlage an einer Gruppe 14. Die Querstreben 39, 40 sind abwechselnd aufeinander folgend angeordnet.During the continuous transport of the objects 10 through the compression device 30, the objects 10 rest on a conveyor track 38 which extends in the area of the compression device 30. In the present case, the conveying means has transverse struts 39 oriented transversely to the conveying direction of the objects 10 as transport organs, which bear against a group 14 on the rear in the transport direction 37 and push the group 14 over the conveying path 38 . Further cross braces 40 are provided for frontal contact with a group 14. The cross braces 39, 40 are arranged alternately one after the other.

Die beiden Gruppen von Querstreben 39, 40 werden jeweils über Förderketten 41, 42 angetrieben. Die Förderketten 41, 42 verlaufen jeweils auf beiden Seiten der Förderbahn 38 und sind mit den Querstreben 39 bzw. 40 verbunden. Die Förderketten 41, 42 werden über Umlenkrollen 43 derart geführt, dass die Querstreben 39, 40 mit Abstand oberhalb der Förderbahn 38 entlang geführt werden zum Transport der Gegenstände 10.The two groups of cross braces 39, 40 are each driven by conveyor chains 41, 42. The conveyor chains 41, 42 each run on both sides of the conveyor track 38 and are connected to the cross braces 39 and 40, respectively. The conveyor chains 41, 42 are guided over deflection rollers 43 in such a way that the transverse struts 39, 40 are guided along the conveyor track 38 at a distance above them in order to transport the objects 10.

Über den Umfang der Förderketten 41, 42 können jeweils mehrere Querstreben 39, 40 in gleichmäßigem Abstand verteilt sein. Der Abstand der Querstreben 39, 40 derselben Förderkette 41, 42 ist fest vorgegeben und nicht veränderbar. Der Abstand der Querstreben 39, 40 der beiden verschiedenen Förderketten 41, 42 ist hingegen in Abhängigkeit von der Länge der zu handhabenden Gegenstände 10 in Förderrichtung der Komprimiereinrichtung 30 veränderbar.A plurality of transverse struts 39, 40 can be distributed at equal intervals over the circumference of the conveyor chains 41, 42. The distance between the cross braces 39, 40 of the same conveyor chain 41, 42 is fixed and cannot be changed. The distance between the transverse struts 39, 40 of the two different conveyor chains 41, 42, on the other hand, can be changed in the conveying direction of the compression device 30 as a function of the length of the objects 10 to be handled.

Der Antrieb der beiden Förderketten 41, 42 erfolgt über jeweils eine Antriebswelle 44, 45, bzw. einen der jeweiligen Antriebswelle 44, 45 zugeordneten (Servo)Antrieb 46, 47.The two conveyor chains 41, 42 are each driven via a drive shaft 44, 45 or a (servo) drive 46, 47 assigned to the respective drive shaft 44, 45.

Der Antrieb der Komprimierorgane 31 erfolgt in ähnlicher Weise. Hierzu sind zunächst zwei Antriebe 48, 49 vorgesehen, die zum unabhängigen Antrieb jeweils eines Komprimierorgans 31 dienen. Auf diese Weise lassen sich die Komprimierorgane 31 unabhängig vom Transport der Gegenstände 10 auf dem Zuförderer 15 in Transportrichtung 24 und in entgegengesetzter Richtung bewegen. Weiterhin können die Komprimierorgane 31 aufeinander zubewegt werden, entsprechend der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 3 und 4. Der Antrieb der Komprimierorgane 31 erfolgt dabei auch unabhängig von dem Antrieb der Querstreben 39, 40.The compression elements 31 are driven in a similar manner. For this purpose, two drives 48, 49 are provided, each of which is used to drive a compression element 31 independently. In this way, the compression elements 31 can be moved independently of the transport of the objects 10 on the feed conveyor 15 in the transport direction 24 and in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the compression elements 31 can be moved towards one another, as shown in FIG 3 and 4 . The compression elements 31 are also driven independently of the drive of the transverse struts 39, 40.

Die Kopplung der Antriebe 48, 49 mit den Komprimierorganen 31 erfolgt über Zahnriemen 50, 51, 52, 53. Im vorliegenden Fall sind vier Zahnriemen 50..53 vorgesehen, weil die Komprimierorgane 31 jeweils zweiteilig ausgebildet sind, nämlich mit jeweils oberen Kompressionsbacken 54, 55 und unteren Kompressionsbacken 56, 57. Die jeweils zusammengehörigen oberen und unteren Kompressionsbacken 54, 56; 55, 57 sind mit Abstand zueinander angeordnet, sodass zwischen den oberen Kompressionsbacken 54, 55 und den unteren Kompressionsbacken 56, 57 ein Spalt gebildet ist, in dessen Bereich die Querstreben 39, 40 durchlaufen (Fig. 6).The drives 48, 49 are coupled to the compression elements 31 via toothed belts 50, 51, 52, 53. In the present case, four toothed belts 50..53 are provided because the compression elements 31 are each designed in two parts, namely each with upper compression jaws 54, 55 and lower compression jaws 56, 57. The associated upper and lower compression jaws 54, 56; 55, 57 are arranged at a distance from one another, so that a gap is formed between the upper compression jaws 54, 55 and the lower compression jaws 56, 57, in the region of which the transverse struts 39, 40 pass ( 6 ).

Die Kompressionsbacken 54..57 sind an Führungen 58 verschieblich gelagert. Der Zahnriemen 50 treibt die obere Kompressionsbacke 55 an. Der Zahnriemen 51 treibt die obere Kompressionsbacke 54 an. Der Zahnriemen 52 treibt die untere Kompressionsbacke 57 an und schließlich treibt der Zahnriemen 53 die untere Kompressionsbacke 56 an. Um die Bewegungen der Kompressionsbacken 54, 56; 55, 57 zu synchronisieren, ist eine Kopplung der Zahnriemen 50, 52; 51, 53 vorgesehen, nämlich über jeweils ein Transmissionselement 59.The compression jaws 54..57 are displaceably mounted on guides 58. The toothed belt 50 drives the upper compression jaw 55. The toothed belt 51 drives the upper compression jaw 54. The toothed belt 52 drives the lower compression jaw 57 and finally the toothed belt 53 drives the lower compression jaw 56 at. In order to control the movements of the compression jaws 54, 56; 55, 57 to synchronize is a coupling of the toothed belt 50, 52; 51, 53, namely via a transmission element 59 in each case.

Die Zahnriemen 50..53 sind jeweils als endlose Gurte ausgebildet. An den beiderseitigen Enden der Gurte sind einerseits die Antriebe 48, 49 angeordnet bzw. Umlenkrollen 60. Die Kopplung der Kompressionsbacken 54..57 mit den Zahnriemen 50..53 erfolgt mittels Mitnehmern 61, über die die Kompressionsbacken 54..57 mit den Zahnriemen 50..53 verbunden sind, beispielsweise durch Verklemmen (Fig. 12).The toothed belts 50..53 are each designed as endless belts. The drives 48, 49 and deflection rollers 60 are arranged at both ends of the belts 50..53 are connected, for example by clamping ( 12 ).

Eine weitere Besonderheit der Vorrichtung ist in Fig. 7 und 8 gezeigt. Es geht dabei um die Konstruktion der Übergabevorrichtung 33. Wie vorstehend beschrieben, weist die Übergabevorrichtung 33 eine Übergabebahn 64 mit seitlichen Wandungen 62 auf, zwischen denen die vorkomprimierte Gruppe 14 mittels des Schiebers 35 hindurchgeschoben wird, nämlich in den Bereich der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung 34. Die Übergabevorrichtung 33 kann aber auch dazu benutzt werden, die Gruppen 14 vor der Übergabe an die zweite Komprimiereinrichtung 34 zu drehen. Hierzu weist die Übergabevorrichtung 33 eine Drehstation 63 auf, die wahlweise zum Einsatz kommen kann. Der Einsatz der Drehstation 63 ist insbesondere dann von Vorteil, wenn die Gegenstände 10 eine größere Höhe als Breite aufweisen. In einem solchen Fall kommt dann die Drehstation 63 zum Einsatz, die die Gruppen 14 erst um 90° dreht, sodass der Schieber 35 danach die gedrehte Gruppe 14 durch einen Kanal mit seitlichen Wandungen 62 in Richtung der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung 34 abschiebt, wo in üblicher Weise die Hauptkomprimierung stattfindet.Another special feature of the device is in 7 and 8th shown. It is about the construction of the transfer device 33. As described above, the transfer device 33 has a transfer track 64 with side walls 62, between which the pre-compressed group 14 is pushed by means of the slide 35, namely in the area of the second compression device 34. The However, the transfer device 33 can also be used to rotate the groups 14 before they are transferred to the second compression device 34 . For this purpose, the transfer device 33 has a turning station 63, which can be used optionally. The use of the turning station 63 is particularly advantageous when the objects 10 have a greater height than width. In such a case, the turning station 63 is used, which first turns the groups 14 by 90°, so that the pusher 35 then pushes the turned group 14 through a channel with side walls 62 in the direction of the second compression device 34, where in the usual way the main compression takes place.

Konstruktiv ist die Drehstation 63 im vorliegenden Fall so gebildet, dass ein Revolver 66 um eine horizontale Achse 67 drehend angetrieben wird und Taschen 65 für jeweils eine Gruppe 14 aufweist. Hierzu dient ein separater Antrieb 68. Eine Gruppe 14 von zu drehenden Gegenständen 10 wird im Einlaufbereich 69 des Revolvers 66 in eine Tasche 65 eingeschoben. Danach wird der Revolver 66 um 90° entsprechend Pfeil 70 in Fig. 8 gedreht, sodass die Tasche mit der anschließenden Komprimiereinrichtung 34 fluchtet. Danach wird die Gruppe 14 durch den Schieber 35 ausgeschoben und an die Komprimiereinrichtung 34 übergeben. Die Taschen 65 sind jeweils unterseitig durch eine Bodenwand 71 sowie seitliche Wandungen 62 begrenzt. Oberseitig wird die Gruppe 14 durch Führungen 72 in der Tasche 65 gehalten.In the present case, the rotary station 63 is constructed in such a way that a turret 66 is driven in rotation about a horizontal axis 67 and has pockets 65 for one group 14 each. A separate drive 68 is used for this purpose. A group 14 of objects 10 to be rotated is pushed into a pocket 65 in the inlet area 69 of the turret 66 . Thereafter, the turret 66 is rotated by 90° according to arrow 70 in 8 rotated so that the pocket is aligned with the subsequent compression device 34 . Thereafter, the group 14 is pushed out by the pusher 35 and transferred to the compression device 34 . The pockets 65 are each delimited on the underside by a bottom wall 71 and side walls 62 . At the top, the group 14 is held in the pocket 65 by guides 72 .

Die Übergabebahn 64 ist konstruktiv ähnlich aufgebaut wie die Taschen 65, nämlich mit seitlichen Wandungen 62, sowie einer Bodenwand 71, allerdings feststehend und nicht drehbar.The transfer track 64 is structurally similar to the pockets 65, namely with side walls 62 and a bottom wall 71, but fixed and not rotatable.

Um im Betrieb der Vorrichtung zwischen der Drehstation 63 und der Übergabebahn 64 wechseln zu können, sind beide Organe quer zur Transportrichtung 37 der Gruppe 14 verschieblich gelagert, nämlich im vorliegenden Fall auf einem gemeinsamen Laufwagen 73. Der Laufwagen 73 ist wiederum auf entsprechenden Laufschienen 74 verschiebbar.In order to be able to switch between the turning station 63 and the transfer path 64 during operation of the device, both organs are mounted so that they can be displaced transversely to the transport direction 37 of the group 14, namely in the present case on a common carriage 73. The carriage 73 can in turn be displaced on corresponding rails 74 .

Die Konstruktion der zweiten Komprimiereinrichtung 34 ergibt sich aus Fig. 11 und 13. In der Komprimiereinrichtung 34 wird demnach eine Gruppe 14 oder mehrere Gruppen 14 von Gegenständen gleichzeitig durch zwei Komprimierorgane 75 bzw. Komprimierbacken einer weiteren Komprimierung unterzogen. Dies erfolgt im vorliegenden Fall durch Ausüben von seitlichem Druck auf die Gruppe 14 bzw. die Gruppen 14 entsprechend der Pfeile 32. Die beiden Komprimierorgane 75 sind über Laufwagen 76 an einer Laufschiene 77 gelagert und quer zur Transportrichtung 37 verschiebbar. Über (Servo-)Antriebe 78, 79 werden Spindeln 80, 81 angetrieben, mit denen die Laufwagen 76 gekoppelt sind. Auf diese Weise wird die Drehung der Spindeln 80, 81 in eine seitliche Bewegung der Komprimierorgane 75 umgesetzt. Während der Komprimierung ruht die Gruppe 14 bzw. ruhen die Gruppen 14 auf einer Unterlage 82, die als Bodenwand dient.The construction of the second compression device 34 is shown in FIG 11 and 13 . Accordingly, in the compression device 34 a group 14 or several groups 14 of objects is subjected to further compression at the same time by two compression members 75 or compression jaws. In the present case, this is done by exerting lateral pressure on the group 14 or the groups 14 according to the arrows 32. The two compression elements 75 are mounted on a running carriage 76 on a running rail 77 and can be displaced transversely to the transport direction 37. Spindles 80, 81, to which the carriages 76 are coupled, are driven via (servo) drives 78, 79. In this way, the rotation of the spindles 80, 81 is translated into a lateral movement of the compression members 75. During compression, the group 14 or groups 14 rest on a base 82 which serves as a bottom wall.

Eine weitere Besonderheit der Komprimiereinrichtung 34 ist in Fig. 13 bezeigt. Im Arbeitsbereich der Komprimierorgane 75 sind Sensoren 83 zur Detektion der Lage der Gruppen 14 angeordnet, beispielsweise in Form von Lichtschranken.Another special feature of the compression device 34 is in 13 indicated. Sensors 83 for detecting the position of the groups 14 are arranged in the working area of the compression elements 75, for example in the form of light barriers.

Auf diese Weise können Fehlstellungen wie in Fig. 13 erkannt werden. Weiterhin sind in der Unterlage 82 bzw. Bodenwand Saugbohrungen 84 in einem Raster angeordnet. Über die Saugbohrungen 84 können die Gegenstände 14 im Arbeitsbereich der Komprimierorgane 75 mit einem Unterdruck beaufschlagt werden. Dies dient zum einen zum Festhalten der Gegenstände 10 bzw. Gruppe 14 und/oder auch dazu, Luft abzusaugen, um die zur Komprimierung der Gegenstände 10 notwendige Kraft zu reduzieren.In this way, misalignments as in 13 be recognized. Furthermore, suction holes 84 are arranged in a grid in the base 82 or bottom wall. A negative pressure can be applied to the objects 14 in the working area of the compression elements 75 via the suction bores 84 . On the one hand, this serves to hold the objects 10 or group 14 in place and/or also to suck out air in order to reduce the force required to compress the objects 10 .

Eine weitere in Fig. 9 und 10 gezeigte Besonderheit betrifft die Konstruktion des Schiebers 27 im Bereich des Zuförderers 15. Demnach ist die Schieberplatte 29 auf der zu den Gegenständen 10 weisenden Seite mit einer Auflage 85 aus einem flexiblen Material, wie beispielsweise Filz, versehen. Diese Auflage 85 dient dazu, sicherzustellen, dass auch schmale Gegenstände 10 aus den Fächern 25 ausgeschoben werden. Ferner ist durch die Anlage an der Oberseite des Zuförderers 15 und den seitlichen Trennwänden 26 auch eine Säuberung des Zuförderers 15 durchführbar. Fig. 9 lässt erkennen, dass die Auflage 85 so angeordnet ist, dass sie im Bereich von Rändern der Fächer 25 wirksam ist.Another in Figures 9 and 10 The special feature shown relates to the construction of the slide 27 in the area of the feed conveyor 15. Accordingly, the slide plate 29 is provided on the side facing the objects 10 with a support 85 made of a flexible material, such as felt. This support 85 serves to ensure that narrow objects 10 are pushed out of the compartments 25. Furthermore, the system on the upper side of the feed conveyor 15 and the lateral partitions 26 also make it possible to clean the feed conveyor 15 . 9 shows that the support 85 is arranged in such a way that it is effective in the region of the edges of the compartments 25.

Eine letzte Besonderheit ist in den Fig. 14 bis 16 dargestellt. Die Besonderheit betrifft die Anordnung einer Verkleidung 86, die den Zuförderer 15 bedarfsweise abdeckt.A final peculiarity is in the Figures 14 to 16 shown. The special feature relates to the arrangement of a panel 86, which covers the feed conveyor 15 as required.

Die Verkleidung 14 ist im vorliegenden Fall so ausgebildet, dass sie den Zuförderer 15 mit den darauf befindlichen Gegenständen 10 bzw. Gruppen 14 seitlich und oberseitig abdeckt. Bei geschlossener Verkleidung können daher die Gegenstände 10 nicht vom Zuförderer 15 abgeschoben werden. Entsprechend ruht der Schieber 27 seitlich neben der Verkleidung 86.In the present case, the paneling 14 is designed in such a way that it covers the sides and top of the feed conveyor 15 with the objects 10 or groups 14 located thereon. The objects 10 can therefore not be pushed off the feed conveyor 15 when the paneling is closed. Correspondingly, the slide 27 rests to the side the disguise 86.

Hintergrund der Verkleidung 86 ist eine Abschottung des Zuförderers 15 von der Komprimiereinrichtung 30 bzw. der Abschubeinrichtung 18. Dies kann erforderlich sein, wenn bei einem der benachbarten Organe eine Störung vorliegt, Wartungsarbeiten, Umbaumaßnahmen oder dergleichen durchgeführt werden müssen. Es ist dann erforderlich den Bediener bzw. Kundendienst/Monteur zu schützen, damit dieser sich nicht am Zuförderer 15 verletzt. Der Zuförderer 15 kann also durch die Verkleidung 86 weiter betrieben werden, während an den benachbarten Organen Arbeiten durchgeführt werden. Dies ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft, wenn mehrere Verpackungsmaschinen 16 entlang des Zuförderers 15 angeordnet sind, sodass die Gegenstände 10 auch bei einer Störung oder Wartung einer Verpackungsmaschine 16 an dieser vorbei und zu einer anderen Verpackungsmaschine 16 transportiert werden.Background of the paneling 86 is a partitioning of the feed conveyor 15 from the compression device 30 or the push-off device 18. This may be necessary if there is a fault in one of the neighboring organs, maintenance work, conversion measures or the like have to be carried out. It is then necessary to protect the operator or customer service/fitter so that they do not injure themselves on the feed conveyor 15 . The feed conveyor 15 can thus continue to operate through the cover 86 while work is being carried out on the adjacent organs. This is particularly advantageous when a plurality of packaging machines 16 are arranged along the feed conveyor 15 so that the objects 10 are transported past one packaging machine 16 and to another packaging machine 16 even if there is a malfunction or maintenance work.

Im vorliegenden Fall ist die Verkleidung 86 zweiteilig ausgebildet und jeweils Laufwagen 87 an einer Laufschiene 88 gelagert, sodass die beiden Hälften der Verkleidung 86 auseinander- und zusammengeschoben werden können, wie in Fig. 15 und 16 dargestellt. Fig. 16 zeigt dabei den Normalbetrieb, bei dem die Gegenstände 10 auf dem Zuförderer 16 quer durch den Schieber 27 in den Bereich der Komprimiereinrichtung 30 abgeschoben werden. Fig. 15 zeigt den Fall der Störung bzw. Wartung, bei der der Bereich des Zuförderers 15 im Bereich der Verpackungsmaschine 16 bzw. der Komprimiereinrichtung 30 gekapselt ist.In the present case, the cladding 86 is designed in two parts and each carriage 87 is mounted on a running rail 88, so that the two halves of the cladding 86 can be pushed apart and pushed together, as shown in FIG Figures 15 and 16 shown. 16 shows normal operation, in which the objects 10 on the feed conveyor 16 are pushed across by the slide 27 into the area of the compression device 30. 15 shows the case of malfunction or maintenance, in which the area of the feed conveyor 15 is encapsulated in the area of the packaging machine 16 or the compression device 30.

Eine weitere Besonderheit kann in einer optischen Prüfvorrichtung 89 bestehen, die zur Kontrolle der Gegenstände 10 bzw. Gruppen 14 von Gegenständen 10 zum Einsatz kommen kann. Die Prüfvorrichtung 89 arbeitet mit einem Laser, mit dessen Hilfe die zu prüfenden Objekte nach dem Lichtschnittverfahren vorzugsweise mit einem Lichtband 90 unter einem Winkel von < 90° beleuchtet werden. Dabei wird das Lichtband 90 unter einem Triangulationswinkel mit einem Sensor erfasst und die Abmessungen des Objekts anhand der Auslenkung des Lichtbands 90 und des Triangulationswinkels berechnet.A further special feature can consist in an optical testing device 89 which can be used to check the objects 10 or groups 14 of objects 10 . The testing device 89 works with a laser, with the aid of which the objects to be tested are illuminated according to the light section method, preferably with a light band 90 at an angle of <90°. In this case, the light band 90 is detected by a sensor at a triangulation angle and the dimensions of the object are calculated on the basis of the deflection of the light band 90 and the triangulation angle.

Fig. 17 und 19 bzw. 18 und 20 dienen zur Erläuterung des Einsatzes des Messprinzips im vorliegenden technischen Gebiet. So zeigt Fig. 17 die Abtastung der Gegenstände 10 auf dem Zuförderer 15. Die Prüfvorrichtung 89 ist oberhalb des Zuförderers 15 ortsfest angeordnet und erfasst die in den Taschen 91 des Zuförderers 15 angeordneten Gegenstände 10. Durch einen Sensor 92 der durch einen Trennsteg 93 zwischen den Taschen 91 aktiviert wird, wird dabei jeweils die Abtastung ausgelöst. Im vorliegenden Fall fehlt in einer der zu erfassenden Taschen 91 ein Gegenstand 10, weshalb eine Lücke 94 zwischen den Gegenständen 10 entstanden ist. Das Ergebnis der Abtastung der Oberseite der Gegenstände 10 ist in Fig. 19 gezeigt. Man kann deutlich erkennen, dass die durch den fehlenden Gegenstand 10 entstandene Lücke 94 sich im Messergebnis sichtbar abzeichnet. 17 and 19 and 18 and 20 serve to explain the use of the measurement principle in the present technical field. So shows 17 the scanning of the objects 10 on the feed conveyor 15. The testing device 89 is stationarily arranged above the feed conveyor 15 and detects the objects 10 arranged in the pockets 91 of the feed conveyor 15. By a sensor 92 which is activated by a separating web 93 between the pockets 91, the scanning is triggered in each case. In the present case, an object 10 is missing in one of the pockets 91 to be detected, which is why a gap 94 has arisen between the objects 10. The result of scanning the top of the objects 10 is in 19 shown. It can be clearly seen that the gap 94 created by the missing object 10 is visible in the measurement result.

Fig. 18 und 20 zeigen einen weitere Einsatzmöglichkeit im Zusammenhang mit der Abtastung von verpackten Gegenständen 10. Es handelt sich dabei um eine Abtastung von in Beuteln 17 verpackten Gruppen 14 von Gegenständen 10. Auch in diesem Fall ist eine entsprechende Prüfvorrichtung 89 oberhalb der Förderstrecke angeordnet und erfasst die Beutel 17 von oben. Fig. 20 lässt erkennen, dass durch Abtastung der Oberseite der Beutel 17 auch in diesem Fall Lücken oder andere Fehlstellungen in der Gruppe 14 erkennbar wären. 18 and 20 show another possible application in connection with the scanning of packaged objects 10. This involves scanning groups 14 of objects 10 packed in bags 17. In this case, too, a corresponding testing device 89 is arranged above the conveyor line and detects the bags 17 from above. 20 shows that by scanning the upper side of the bag 17 gaps or other misalignments in the group 14 would also be detectable in this case.

Weiterhin ist es auch denkbar die Prüfvorrichtungen 89 auch an anderer Stelle im Verpackungsprozess anzuordnen, wie in Fig. 5 angedeutet, beispielsweise im Bereich der Komprimiereinrichtung 30, der Übergabevorrichtung 33 oder der Komprimiereinrichtung 34. Auch an anderen Stellen im Verpackungsprozess kann eine Kontrolle der Gegenstände 10 oder Gruppen 14 von Gegenständen 10 im Einzelfall erfolgen sein. Bezugszeichenliste 10 Gegenstand 39 Querstrebe 11 Converter 40 Querstrebe 12 Zuförderer 41 Förderkette 13 Gruppiereinrichtung 42 Förderkette 14 Gruppe 43 Umlenkrollen 15 Zuförderer 44 Antriebswelle 16 Verpackungsmaschine 45 Antriebswelle 17 Beutel 46 Antrieb (Querstrebe) 18 Abschubeinrichtung 47 Antrieb (Querstrebe) 19 Verpackungsmaschine 48 Antrieb (Komprimierorgan) 20 Faltschachtel 49 Antrieb (Komprimierorgan) 21 Verpackungsmaschine 50 Zahnriemen 22 Dichtpackung 51 Zahnriemen 23 Zuförderer 52 Zahnriemen 24 Transportrichtung 53 Zahnriemen 25 Fach 54 obere Kompressionsbacke 26 Trennwand 55 obere Kompressionsbacke 27 Schieber 56 untere Kompressionsbacke 28 Einheit 57 untere Kompressionsbacke 29 Schieberplatte 58 Führung 30 Komprimiereinrichtung 59 Transmissionselement 31 Komprimierorgan 60 Umlenkrolle 32 Pfeil 61 Mitnehmer 33 Übergabevorrichtung 62 Wandung 34 Komprimiereinrichtung 63 Drehstation 35 Schieber 64 Übergabebahn 36 Komprimierorgan 65 Taschen 37 Transportrichtung 66 Revolver 38 Förderbahn 67 Achse 68 Antrieb 69 Einlaufbereich 70 Pfeil 71 Bodenwand 72 Führung 73 Laufwagen 74 Laufschiene 75 Komprimierorgan 76 Laufwagen 77 Laufschiene 78 Antrieb 79 Antrieb 80 Spindel 81 Spindel 82 Unterlage 83 Sensoren 84 Saugbohrungen 85 Auflage 86 Verkleidung 87 Laufwagen 88 Laufschiene 89 Prüfvorrichtung 90 Lichtband 91 Tasche 92 Sensor 93 Trennsteg 94 Lücke Furthermore, it is also conceivable to arrange the testing devices 89 at another point in the packaging process, as shown in figure 5 indicated, for example in the area of the compression device 30, the transfer device 33 or the compression device 34. The objects 10 or groups 14 of objects 10 can also be checked in individual cases at other points in the packaging process. reference list 10 Object 39 cross brace 11 Converter 40 cross brace 12 feeder 41 conveyor chain 13 grouping device 42 conveyor chain 14 group 43 pulleys 15 feeder 44 drive shaft 16 packaging machine 45 drive shaft 17 bag 46 drive (crossbar) 18 deportation facility 47 drive (crossbar) 19 packaging machine 48 drive (compression element) 20 folding box 49 drive (compression element) 21 packaging machine 50 timing belt 22 sealing packing 51 timing belt 23 feeder 52 timing belt 24 transport direction 53 timing belt 25 Academic subject 54 upper compression jaw 26 partition wall 55 upper compression jaw 27 slider 56 lower compression jaw 28 Unit 57 lower compression jaw 29 slide plate 58 guide 30 compression device 59 transmission element 31 compression organ 60 pulley 32 Arrow 61 driver 33 transfer device 62 wall 34 compression device 63 turning station 35 slider 64 transfer track 36 compression organ 65 bags 37 transport direction 66 revolver 38 conveyor track 67 axis 68 drive 69 inlet area 70 Arrow 71 bottom wall 72 guide 73 trolley 74 running rail 75 compression organ 76 trolley 77 running rail 78 drive 79 drive 80 spindle 81 spindle 82 document 83 sensors 84 suction holes 85 edition 86 disguise 87 trolley 88 running rail 89 testing device 90 light band 91 Bag 92 sensor 93 divider 94 gap

Claims (13)

  1. Method for handling (flat) items (10), in particular hygiene products such as nappies, sanitary napkins, or the like, wherein the items (10) are transported on an infeed conveyor (15) which is driven in a substantially continuous manner, and, subsequent to transportation, are subjected to compressing on the infeed conveyor (15), wherein a group (14) of items (10) by a shunting installation (18), in particular by a slide (27), is shunted from the infeed conveyor (15), wherein the slide (27) during shunting at least partially runs conjointly with the items (10) in the transportation direction (24) of the infeed conveyor (15), and that the group (14) of items (10) by the shunting installation (18) is infed to a first compressing installation (30) and by the latter is at least partially (pre-) compressed, and wherein thereafter the at least partially (pre-) compressed group (14) of items (10) is infed to a second compressing installation (34), and in the latter is subjected to further (main) compressing, so that the first compressing installation (30) during (pre-) compressing at least partially runs conjointly in the transportation direction (24) of the infeed conveyor (15).
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first compressing installation (30) has two compressing members (31) which are driven in a mutually independent manner and which, for (pre-) compressing of the group (14) of items (10) are moved in relation to one another and independently of one another while the compressing members (31) are also at least partially moved in the same direction as the infeed conveyor (15) or in a direction opposite thereto.
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compressing installation (30) or the compressing members (31), respectively, is or are at least partially continuously operated or moved, respectively.
  4. Method according to Claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that in order to reduce the force required for compressing the group (14) of items (10), air is extracted from the group (14) of items (10), in particular in the second compressing installation (34), by way of suction bores (84) which are preferably disposed in the region of a lower base wall (82) of the compressing installation (34).
  5. Method according to Claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that in order for the group (14) of items (10) to be retained, the group (14) of items (10) is impinged with negative pressure, in particular in the second compressing installation (34), by way of suction bores (84) which are preferably disposed in the region of a lower base wall (82) of the compressing installation (34) .
  6. Method according to Claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the items (10) and/or groups (14) of items (10) and/or bags (17) with items (10) are scanned by at least one testing device (89) with a view to an orderly design embodiment and/or arrangement and/or number of the items (10), wherein the testing device (89) preferably operates in a non-contacting manner, in particular according to the laser-cutting method.
  7. Device for handling (flat) items (10), in particular hygiene products such as nappies, sanitary napkins, or the like, having an infeed conveyor (15) for the substantially continuous transportation of the items (10) and having a compressing installation (30), which is disposed so as to follow the infeed conveyor (15), for compressing a group (14) of items (10), characterized in that the group (14) of items (10) by a shunting installation (18), in particular by a slide (27), is capable of being shunted off the infeed conveyor (15), wherein the shunting installation (18) is adapted for being at least partially moved conjointly with the items (10) in the transportation direction (24) of the infeed conveyor (15) during shunting, and that a first compressing installation (30) is provided for at least partially (pre-) compressing the group (14) of items (10), and which during (pre-) compressing at least partially runs conjointly in the transportation direction (24) of the infeed conveyor (15), and that a second compressing installation (34) is provided, in which the at least partially (pre-) compressed group (14) of items (10) is subjected to further (main) compressing.
  8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that a rotary station (63) for rotating the group (14) of items (10) on demand preferably by 90° is disposed between the first compressing installation (30) and the second compressing installation (34).
  9. Device according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that sensors (83) for testing the position of the group (14) of items (10) are provided preferably in the second compressing installation (34), in particular with a view to checking a uniform alignment of the items (10) within the group (14).
  10. Device according to Claim 7 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that preferably the second compressing installation (34), in particular in the region of a lower base wall (82) of the compressing installation (34), has suction bores (84) for retaining the group (14) of items (10), and/or for suctioning air during compressing of the group (14) of items (10).
  11. Device according to Claim 7 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the infeed conveyor (15) is configured as a compartment belt, wherein partition walls (26) are provided between adjacent compartments (25) of the compartment belt, and wherein the slide (27) has flexible means (85) by way of which the slide (27) bears on the partition walls (26) during shunting of the items (10).
  12. Device according to Claim 7 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the compressing installations (30, 34) are at least partially part of a device for packing the items (10), and that in the case of an at least partial interruption of the operation of the device a cladding (86) is positionable on the infeed conveyor (15) in such a manner that the items (10) on the infeed conveyor (15) are transported past the device, and an operator of the device is protected by the cladding (86).
  13. Device according to Claim 7 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that at least one testing device (89) for testing the items (10) and/or the groups (14) and/or the bags (17) with a view to an orderly design embodiment and/or arrangement and/or number of the items (10) is disposed along the conveying path of the items (10) and/or of the groups (14) of items (10) and/or of the bags (17) having items (10), wherein the testing device (89) preferably operates in a non-contacting manner, in particular according to the laser-cutting method.
EP13756311.0A 2012-08-20 2013-08-15 Method and device for handling hygiene items Active EP2885213B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012107599.9A DE102012107599A1 (en) 2012-08-20 2012-08-20 Method and device for handling hygiene articles
PCT/EP2013/002455 WO2014029481A1 (en) 2012-08-20 2013-08-15 Method and device for handling hygiene items

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2885213A1 EP2885213A1 (en) 2015-06-24
EP2885213B1 EP2885213B1 (en) 2016-10-12
EP2885213B2 true EP2885213B2 (en) 2023-03-01

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EP13756311.0A Active EP2885213B2 (en) 2012-08-20 2013-08-15 Method and device for handling hygiene items

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US (1) US20150203231A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2885213B2 (en)
CN (1) CN104540740B (en)
AR (1) AR092134A1 (en)
BR (1) BR112015002783B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102012107599A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2015002201A (en)
WO (1) WO2014029481A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
BR112015002783A2 (en) 2017-07-04
CN104540740A (en) 2015-04-22
MX2015002201A (en) 2015-05-08
EP2885213A1 (en) 2015-06-24
CN104540740B (en) 2017-09-26
WO2014029481A1 (en) 2014-02-27
EP2885213B1 (en) 2016-10-12
DE102012107599A1 (en) 2014-05-15
US20150203231A1 (en) 2015-07-23
BR112015002783B1 (en) 2020-11-24
AR092134A1 (en) 2015-03-25

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