EP3260206A1 - Station for applying fluid media to a substrate, and a method of operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a station for applying fluid media, in particular glue, to a substrate (12), such as a blank or web of material for a cigarette packet, and a method of operating the same, the station comprising at least one valve group (13a, 13b) comprises redundant valves, with at least one valve group (13a, 13b) of redundant valves, each of which can take over the function of another valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) if necessary, with each valve of the valve group (13a, 13b ) Fluid medium in each case specifically on the substrate (12) can be applied, each valve is automatically in each case from a working position (1) in which it can apply the fluid medium to the substrate in a non-working position (2, 3) in which, in the case where a first valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) is moved to the non-working position (2, 3), a second valve of the valve group for the first valve Pe (13a, 13b) in a working position (1) is movable, which takes over the function of the first valve.

Description

The present invention relates to a station for applying fluid media, in particular glue, to a substrate, such as a blank or a web of material for a cigarette packet. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a station.

Stations with glue-on glue delivery stations are well known, for example, in the cigarette packaging industry. For example, in connection with the application of individual glue portions on folding flaps of blanks for cigarette packs.

In particular, the use of high-viscosity glue often leads to contamination of glue valves and as a result to business interruptions. Only after a cleaning of the same can be continued with the application of the glue.

Proceeding from this, it is an object of the present invention to further develop the aforementioned station as well as the method mentioned above for operating the same.

This object is achieved by a station having the features of claim 1 and a method of operating the same having the features of claim 12.

Thereafter, such a station comprises at least one valve group of redundant valves, each of which (automatically) can take over the function of another valve of the valve group if necessary. With each valve of this valve group, fluid medium (in particular as a portion or in portions) can be selectively applied to the substrate. In this case, the station is designed so that each valve is automatically moved from a working position in which it can apply the fluid medium to the substrate in a non-working position (in which it can not). In this case, in the event that a first valve of the valve group is moved to the non-working position, for this first valve, a second valve of the valve group in a working position movable, which then takes over the function of the first valve.

In other words, the station has redundant, in particular similar valves, each - for example, during the cleaning of a valve of the valve group - in particular moved from its non-working position to the working position and then used instead of the valve to be cleaned, so that the station without Business interruption continue to work or can continue to operate.

In the non-working position of the valves of the valve group is in each case regularly spaced from the working position position of the valve, in particular a cleaning or flushing position.

As for the above-mentioned method of operating such a fluid-media-station, the idea of the present invention may be more broadly understood. In the event that a first valve of the valve group is generally transferred from a working state to a non-working state, it is then provided that a second valve of the valve group assumes the function of the first and automatically from a non-working state in which it no medium is applied to the substrate, transferred to a working state in which it then applies medium to the substrate. According to the invention, it would thus also be possible for one or more valves to already be in their working position when the first valve is transferred to the non-operating state, but not yet working or not yet applying any medium to the substrate, ie not in a working condition.

Periodically, it will be so that the second valve is moved from a non-working position to a working position when the first valve is transferred from the working state to the non-working state.

In the context of the invention, "substrate" is understood to mean, moreover, any article (or any material) which can be acted upon by such a fluid medium, irrespective of whether it is present as a sheet-like material, as a blank or in another form.

As a rule, portions of the fluid medium are applied successively to many substrates at such a station. For example, in a cigarette packaging machine, such a station can be used for gluing a cyclically or continuously conveyed material web or blanks conveyed cyclically successively along the station.

As regards the assumption of the function of the first valve by the second valve, according to the invention with the second valve of the valve group is applied to the substrate at the one or more positions liquid medium, where the first valve could have applied this when it is in its working position would remain or in his working condition. This is preferably achieved in the case of valves whose respective dispensing openings point to different spatial positions by suitably moving or positioning the substrate relative to the two valves. For example, if the first valve is moved from its operative position to the non-operative position and the second valve is instead used to apply the fluid medium, it may be provided that the control device of the station ensures that the substrate (for example by means of a suitable conveyor ) is moved relative to the second valve so that it can then act on the same location of the substrate with fluid medium, as would otherwise have done the first valve. Theoretically, of course, it is also conceivable to design the station or the valves in such a way that the discharge openings of the redundant valves point to one and the same spatial position in their respective working positions. For example, by being arranged at an angle to each other.

Preferably, the valves of the group are arranged side by side. Each valve is individually from the respective non-working position in the respective working position (and back) movable, in particular pivotable.

It can be provided that each valve of the group individually along a common axis of rotation of the valves from the respective non-working position in the respective working position (and back) is pivotable.

Preferably, each valve of the group can be automatically cleaned if necessary by a particular common or all valves of the group associated cleaning member.

As far as the non-working position is concerned, it can then be, for example, a cleaning position, into which each valve of the group, in particular the nozzle of the respective valve, can be moved individually and in which it can be cleaned with the cleaning member, in particular a rotatable cleaning roller.

The non-working position can also be a flushing position (which differs in particular from the cleaning position) in which the respective valve of the group is flushed if necessary. The rinsing is preferably carried out after a cleaning of the valve by the cleaning member. In particular, before the valve is returned to the working state or the working position.

Preferably, the valve is flushed in the course of the flushing process with the fluid medium itself. Theoretically conceivable would be a rinsing with a solvent for the respective fluid medium, in the simplest case, for example, water.

As far as the cleaning member is concerned, it can be transferred to a second position by means of a drive from a first position in which the respective valve, in particular the nozzle of the same, touches the cleaning member insofar as it is in a cleaning position, in which case this is not the case is (in which therefore no contact occurs in this constellation) and in which the respective valve without collision with the cleaning member from its working position or its cleaning position is movable into the flushing position.

In other words, in this case, the cleaning member in its first position would block the movement of the valve from its working position to the flushing position while not doing so in its second position.

As regards the further design of the valves of the valve group, it can be provided that each valve on a (own, only this assigned) movable Swivel arm is attached, which is pivotable about the common axis of rotation of all valves of the group. In other words, the plurality of pivot axes of the plurality of valves would be arranged side by side along the common axis of rotation or mounted on this and individually rotatable about this (between the valve positions described).

Preferably, each valve, in particular the respective pivot arm to which the valve is optionally attached, assigned a drive, in particular its own (the other valves or pivot arms not assigned) controllable by a control device or controlled drive, with which the respective valve or swivel arm, from the respective working position in the non-working position (and back) is movable. Such a drive may for example be a compressed air cylinder.

As regards the orientation of the valves, it is preferably provided that, in the event that all the valves of the group are in their working position, the discharge openings of the valves, in particular their nozzle openings, along a common unbent / straight line or a common non-curved plane are arranged. The valves are preferably arranged in a single row next to each other.

As regards the cleaning member, in particular the cleaning roller, it is preferably arranged above a liquid detergent detergent tray. Preferably, the detergent trough is then by means of a common drive together with the cleaning member of the respective valve blocking position in one or the position movable, in which the cleaning member does not block the movement of the valve from the working position or the cleaning position in the flushing position.

According to a further concretization of the invention, the station has at least two groups of valves each redundant in the respective group, wherein the substrate is arranged between the two groups, so that with the valves of one group the fluid medium on a first substrate side and with the valves the other group, the fluid medium can be applied to a particular opposite second substrate side. In this case, the cleaning member is arranged between the valve groups, so that the valves of both groups can be cleaned with the cleaning member.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, during operation of the station at least two valves of the group are always in a working state in which they apply fluid medium to the substrate while at least one further valve of the group is in a non-working state.

Fig. 1

eine Schrägansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufbringstation,

Fig. 2

eine vereinfachte Seitenansicht der Station aus Fig. 1 aus der Blickrichtung II in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

ein Diagramm, aus dem ein bestimmter Betriebsmodus der Station sichtbar wird.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims, the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

an oblique view of an application station according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a simplified side view of the station Fig. 1 from the viewing direction II in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a diagram from which a specific operating mode of the station becomes visible.

The station 10 shown by way of example in the figures serves for applying individual portions 11 of fluid medium, here glue, to a substrate 12, here on a shoulder of a so-called cap box for cigarettes. Such a station can be part of a higher-level machine. For example, part of a corresponding packaging machine for packaging cigarettes in cigarette boxes (not shown).

The station 10 has two groups 13a and 13b of individual valves 14.1-14.6. These are in this example glue valves for applying the glue on the substrate 12. The valves 14.1-14.3 belong to the valve group 13a, the valves 14.4-14.6 to the group 13b.

With the valves 14.1-14.6 of the groups 13a, 13b, the medium portions 11 - as can be seen in the figures - are applied to two opposite sides of the substrate 12. In each case, two valves from both groups 13a, 13b are arranged on the two sides of the substrate 12 in the same vertical plane and each form a pair 14.1, 14.4 or 14.2, 14.5 and 14.3, 14.6.

It is understood that the inventive concept also includes valves for applying other fluid media or corresponding stations with a different purpose.

Each valve 14.1-14.6 is in each case attached to a (only) this associated pivot arm 15. Each pivot arm 15 is rotatably mounted. The pivot arms 15 of the valves 14.1-14.3 of the group 13a are pivotally mounted on a common axis of rotation 16a, the pivot arms 15 of the group 13b on a common axis of rotation 16b. The two axes of rotation 16a, 16b are parallel to each other.

Each valve 14.1-14-6 or each pivot arm 15 is associated with its own drive 17, with which the respective pivot arm 15 and the respective valve 14.1-14. 3 or 14.4-14.6 can be pivoted about the common axis of rotation 16a and 16b. In the present case, the drives 17 are pneumatic cylinders whose piston rods 18 are articulated to move the pivot arms 15 thereto. Of course, other drives, such as electric motors, hydraulic cylinders, etc. could be used.

Below the substrate 12 or between the valve group 13a and the valve group 13b, a cleaning device 23 is arranged, with which the individual valves 14.1-14.6 can be cleaned. The cleaning device 23 comprises an upper, in the cleaning operation rotating cleaning member 24, in this case a cleaning roller, and a lower, opposite to the cleaning roller rotating transport member 25, in this case a transport roller.

The lower transport member 25 dips into a reservoir of cleaning medium 19 and transports the cleaning medium 19 to the upper cleaning member 24. The cleaning medium 19 is located for this purpose in an upwardly open detergent trough 20 of the cleaning device 23rd

To each opposite sides of the detergent trough 20 each upwardly open dishwashing 21 a and 21 b are arranged.

The cleaning device 23 is by means of a track 26 in the direction of arrow ( Fig. 2 ), namely between the groups 13a, 13b upwards and (counter-clockwise) downwards. For this purpose, the cleaning member 24, the transport member 25 and the detergent trough 20 form a unit or these components are interconnected.

The valves 14.1-14.6 can each consist of a working position 1, cf. Fig. 1 in which they can apply the medium portions 11, are pivoted into a cleaning position 2, in which the respective glue valve 14.1-14.6, in particular the respective nozzle the same, comes into contact with the cleaning member 24 and can be cleaned by this.

Each valve 14.1-14.6 can also be moved into a flushing position, cf. Reference numeral 3, in which the respective valve 14.1-14.6 (especially after a cleaning process) (by -)) is rinsed and medium or glue residues 22 in the valve 14.1-14.6 in the respective tub 21a, 21b are flushed. For this purpose, in the flushing position through the respective valve 14.1-14.6 a certain amount of the liquid medium or the glue out and into the respective tub 21 a, 21 b passed.

Between the individual positions 1, 2 and 3, the valves 14.1-14.6, if necessary, by using the drives 17 by pivoting the respective pivot arm 15 back and forth to be moved.

As can be seen, the valves 14.1-14.6 are designed so that in the event that all valves are 14.1-14.6 of the groups 13a and 13b respectively in their working position 1, the discharge openings of the valves 14.1-14.6, in particular their nozzle openings , are arranged along a common non-curved / straight line or a common non-curved plane (single-row arrangement).

The individual movements of the individual movable members and components of the station 10 are in the operation of the same by an unillustrated control device of the station 10 (which may also be part of the parent machine) specified.

It is particularly important now that the valves 14.1-14.6 of each group 13a, 13b are redundant. In other words, the glue valves 14.1-14.3 of the group 13a can alternately assume the function of the respective other valve 14.1-14.3 of the same group 13a. The same applies to the valves 14.4-14.6 of group 13b.

This, as well as the general construction of the station 10, allow various advantageous methods for operating the station 10.

The relationships are explained below with reference to the valve group 13a. But they also apply mutatis mutandis for the valve group 13b.

For example, each valve 14.1-14.3 of the group 13b, when it should or must be cleaned, each automatically during the operation of the station 10 of the Working position 1, in which it can apply the fluid medium to the substrate, are moved to the cleaning position 2 or the Spülstellung 2, ie in a non-working position in which the respective valve 14.1-14.3 can apply no medium.

Only in the working position 1, the respective valve 14.1-14.3 can be in a working state, namely in a state in which it can apply the fluid medium to the substrate 12 during operation of the station 10.

If one of the valves 14.1-14.3, for example the valve 14.1 of the valve group 13a, is moved from the working position 1 into the flushing position, it is provided that for this first valve 14.1 one of the other valves, namely one of the valves 14.2, 14.3 of the valve group 13a , is moved to its corresponding working position 1 and then, instead of the valve 14.1, the medium portions 11 is applied to the substrate 12. The station 10 can thereby continue to work or continue to operate without interruption.

In order to achieve that the medium portions 11 are applied by the valve 14.2 or 14.3 at the same locations on the substrate 12, where the first valve 14.1 would have applied these, if it would remain in its working position 1 or continue without cleaning or rinsing would have continued to operate, the controller can automatically adjust by a suitable moving or positioning of the substrate 12 whose relative position to the valve 14.2 or 14.3.

For this purpose, the control can, for example, ensure that the substrate 12 is moved by means of a suitable conveyor (not shown) relative to the second valve 14.2 or 14.3 so that it subsequently applies fluid medium to the same location of the substrate 12 as otherwise the valve 14.1 would have done.

If it should be provided that the substrate 12 is not supplied with the medium at a standstill, but is moved past the valves 14.1-14.3 (by means of a conveyor), it is also conceivable to change the conveying speed for this purpose at short notice and / or the times the application of the medium portions 11 by the valves 14.2 or 14.3 respectively adapted suitably.

The cleaning device 23 can be moved by means of the track 26 in two special positions. Namely, an (upper) cleaning position in which the valves 14.1-14.3 touch the cleaning member 24 and in which the valves 14.1-14.3 can be cleaned by rotation of the cleaning member 24. On the other hand, a (lower) Maintenance position. In the maintenance position, the cleaning device 23 can be maintained in a simple manner due to better accessibility. In addition, the maintenance position allows the valves 14.1-14.3 can be moved into their flushing position and flushed in this.

For in the maintenance position of the cleaning device 23, the valves 14.1-14.3 do not collide with the cleaning member 24 or they do not touch this when the valves 14.1-14.3 between their positions 1, 2 and 3 are moved back and forth. In other words, the cleaning member 24 would block the cleaning device 23 in the (upper) cleaning position, the movement of the valves 14.1-14.3 from their respective working position 1 or from their respective cleaning position 2 in their Spülstellung 3, while not in the maintenance position of the cleaning device 23 Case is.

If a located in the working position 1 or the rinse position 3 valve 14.1-14.3 to be cleaned, the cleaning device 23 - if it is not yet in the cleaning position, but in the maintenance position - transferred to their cleaning position or moves, the valve 14.1-14.3 moved into its cleaning position and then cleaned the valve by rotation of the cleaning member 24.

If a located in the working position 1 or the cleaning position 2 valve 14.1-14.3 to be rinsed, the cleaning device 23 - if it is not yet in the maintenance position - moved to its maintenance position, then the valve 14.1-14.3 in its Spülstellung third procedure and finally rinsed.

It is conceivable to provide that in operation the individual valves 14.1-14.3 of the group 13a are chronologically one after the other in a fixed sequence in the working state to distribute any wear of the valves 14.1-14.3 evenly to all valves 14.1-14.3. For example, initially only the first valve 14.1 could be in a working state. If this then needs to be cleaned, it is transferred to the non-working state. Its function then takes over the valve 14.2. If, at a later time, the valve 14.2 has to be cleaned, the valve 14.3 is instead moved to the working state, etc. The (temporarily cleaned) valve 14.1 would not be returned to the working state until the valve 14.3 has to be cleaned.

Incidentally, the station 10 can also be operated to increase the capacity so that during operation at least two valves 14.1-14.3 or 14.4-14.6 of the group 13a or 13b are in their respective working position 1 and fluid medium on the substrate Apply 12, while (only) at least one other valve 14.1-14.3 or 14.4-14.6 the group 13a and 13b in the cleaning position 2 or the Spülstellung 3 and the function of one of the two valves 14.1-14.3 or 14.4-14.6 takes over as soon as one of the two has to be cleaned. The connections can also be based on the Fig. 3 be traced, in which the valves 14.1-14.3 over a continuous operating time (abscissa) the individual positions 1, 2 and 3 (ordinate) are plotted, in which the valve 14.1-14.3 are located.

In principle, it is also conceivable that all valves of the groups 13a, 13b in operation, if this would be necessary, for example due to particularly high clock rates, work simultaneously or are simultaneously in their working state.

As those skilled in the art will recognize, many different embodiments of the invention are conceivable without departing from the basic concept thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

working position

2

cleaning position

3

flushing

10

station

11

portions

12

substratum

13a

group

13b

group

14.1

Valve

14.2

Valve

14.3

Valve

14.4

Valve

14.5

Valve

14.6

Valve

15

swivel arm

16a

axis of rotation

16b

axis of rotation

17

drive

18

piston rods

19

cleaning media

20

Detergent tray

21a

wash tub

21b

wash tub

22

Media or glue residues

23

cleaning device

24

cleaning means

25

transport member

26

traversing

Claims (16)

A station for applying fluid media, in particular glue, to a substrate (12), such as a blank or web of material for a cigarette packet, having at least one valve group (13a, 13b) of redundant valves, each of which functions as a valve other valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) can take over, with each valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) fluid medium in each case specifically on the substrate (12) can be applied, each valve automatically each of a working position (1), in the it can apply the fluid medium to the substrate is movable to a non-working position (2, 3), wherein in the event that a first valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) moves to the non-working position (2, 3) is, for the first valve, a second valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) in a working position (1) is movable, which takes over the function of the first valve. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that with the second valve on the substrate (12) at the one or more positions liquid medium can be applied, where the first valve this could have applied, if it remained in the working position (1), in particular by suitable positioning of the substrate (12) relative to the second valve. Station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valves of the group (13a, 13b) are arranged side by side, and that each valve individually from the respective non-working position (2, 3) in the respective working position (1) (and back ) is movable, in particular pivotable. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each valve of the group (13a, 13b) individually along a common axis of rotation (16a, 16b) of the respective non-working position (2, 3) in the respective working position (1) (and back) is pivotable, and / or that each valve of the group (13 a, 13 b), in particular the nozzle of the respective valve, each individually in a (first) non-working position - cleaning position - is movable, in which it is with a cleaning member (24), in particular a rotatable cleaning roller, can be cleaned, and / or that each valve of the group (13a, 13b) in each case individually in a (second) non-working position (3) - flushing position - is movable. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning member (24), in particular the cleaning roller, all the valves of the group (13a, 13b) is associated, and that the cleaning member (24) by means of a drive (17) of a first position in which the respective valve, in particular the nozzle of the same, when it is in the cleaning position (2), the cleaning member (24) touches, is movable in a second position, in which this is not the case and in the respective valve without collision with the cleaning member (24) from the working position (1) or the cleaning position (2) in the flushing position (3) is movable. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each valve is fixed to a movable pivot arm (15) which is pivotable about the common axis of rotation (16a, 16b). Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the event that all the valves of the group (13a, 13b) are in their working position (1), the discharge openings of the valves, in particular their nozzle openings, along a common straight Line or a common non-curved plane are arranged. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning member (24), in particular the cleaning roller, is arranged above a detergent trough (20) having a liquid detergent, and that the detergent trough (20) is moved together with the cleaning member (24) when the cleaning member (24) is moved from the first position to the second position. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each valve by a drive (17), in particular by its own, this associated drive (17), from the respective working position (1) in the non-working position (2, 3), in particular in the cleaning position (2) or the rinsing position (3) (and back) is movable. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot arms (15) on which the valves are respectively mounted, are mounted on a common axis of rotation (16a, 16b), and in that each pivot arm (15) is driven by a drive (15). 17), in particular by its own drive (17), such as a pneumatic cylinder, is movable. Station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the station (10) comprises at least two groups (13a, 13b) of respectively redundant valves in the group (13a, 13b), the substrate (12) between the two groups (13a, 13b) is arranged so that with the valves of one group (13a) the fluid medium on a first substrate side and the valves of the other group (13b) the fluid medium on a particular opposite second substrate side can be applied, wherein between the Valve groups (13a, 13b), the cleaning member (24) is arranged so that the valves of both groups (13a, 13b) with the cleaning member (24) are cleaned. Method for operating a station (10) for applying fluid media, in particular glue, to a substrate (12), such as a blank or a material web for a cigarette packet, preferably a station (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, with at least one valve group (13a, 13b) of redundant valves, each of which can take over the function of another valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) if necessary, with each valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) fluid medium each targeted to the Substrate (12) can be applied, wherein each valve is automatically movable from a non-working position (2, 3) in a working position (1), in which it can apply the fluid medium to the substrate, characterized in that in the case a first valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) of is transferred to a working state in a non-working state, a second valve of the valve group (13a, 13b) assumes the function of the first and this automatically from a non-working state in which it does not apply medium to the substrate (12), in a working state is transferred by applying medium to the substrate. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the second valve is transferred from the non-working state to the working state when the first valve is moved from a working position (1) to a non-working position (2, 3), and / or the second valve is moved from a non-working position (2, 3) to a working position (1) when the first valve is transferred from the working state to the non-working state. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 12-13, characterized in that each valve of the group (13a, 13b) is automatically cleaned if necessary by a particular common cleaning member (24), in particular after the respective valve from its respective working position ( 1) was moved to a cleaning position (2), and / or that each valve of the group (13a, 13b) is flushed as needed, in particular after it has been cleaned, preferably with the liquid medium, preferably after the respective valve from a cleaning position (2) in a flushing position (3) has been moved. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 12-14, characterized in that the cleaning member (24) from a first position in which the respective valve, in particular the nozzle thereof, when it is in a cleaning position (2), the cleaning member (24) is touched, moved to a second position, in which this is not the case, and in which the respective valve without collision with the cleaning member (24) from the working position (1) or the cleaning position (2) in a flushing position ( 3) is movable, before the valve is moved into the flushing position (3). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 12-15, characterized in that during operation of the station (10) always at least two valves of the group (13a, 13b) are in a working state and apply fluid medium to the substrate, during at least another valve of the group (13a, 13b) is in a non-operating state.

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