EP3576932A2

EP3576932A2 - Handling device and method for closing outer base flaps of an outer packaging

Info

Publication number: EP3576932A2
Application number: EP18700395.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Canalicchio; Alban Hutter; Markus PRINZ; Thomas Stadler
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2017-02-06
Filing date: 2018-01-04
Publication date: 2019-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-04
Also published as: CN210590752U; WO2018141498A2; EP3576932C0; DE102017201842A1; EP3576932B1; WO2018141498A4; WO2018141498A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling device for closing outer base flaps (104) of an outer packaging having fold lines (107) for inner base flaps (103) and outer base flaps (104). Said handling device comprises at least one retaining device (50) for an applied cardboard blank (101), at least one glue application unit and a closing module (10) having at least one closing unit (25) for closing the outer base flaps (104) of an applied cardboard blank (101) retained by the retaining device (50). The closing unit (25) comprises two sliding elements (20) that are movable relative to each other. The invention also relates to a method for closing outer base flaps (104) of an outer packaging.

Description

Handling device and method for closing of outer bottom flaps of a repackaging

The present invention relates to a handling device for closing outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging with the features of independent claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for closing outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging with the features of the independent

Method claim 12.

The invention relates to the production of a cardboard outer packaging, in particular to the production of a RSC carton. Under a carton outer packaging can be understood in the present context, an outer packaging, which is made from suitable carton blanks. In an RSC outer packaging, the RSC stands for "regular slotted carton", and this is the typical

Box construction with four flaps or bottom flaps on the lower box opening and four flaps or cover flaps on the upper box opening. In a rectangular carton box, the bottom flaps or lid flaps with the shorter side length are referred to as smaller flaps. The bottom flaps or longer flap side flaps that create the box length are called the main flaps. The main tabs meet in the middle where they are

for example, together with a plastic or water-activated tape

can be glued together.

The carton blank is first folded into the box construction with each upper and lower box opening open, and an overlapping side flap is glued, forming a cuboid open on both sides. Following this, the smaller inner bottom flaps having the shorter side length are folded inwardly until they are substantially perpendicular to the respective connected side wall. The outer surfaces of the corresponding folded smaller inner bottom flaps are usually with an adhesive or similar. Mistake. Now, the larger outer bottom flaps or main flaps in the direction of the smaller inner

Bottom plates folded and pressed against them, leaving the larger outer

Bottom plates or main straps adhering to the smaller inner bottom straps get connected. According to the devices known in the art, the larger outer bottom flaps of cartons are currently closed by means of hinged flaps. For each to be closed larger outer bottom flaps a flap is necessary, each flap is driven by its own pneumatic cylinder or other suitable drive. When using pneumatic cylinders, each cylinder must be set separately. Thus, to close the larger outer bottom flaps of each carton, two flaps and two suitable drives are necessary. If several boxes are to be processed at the same time, the number of required flaps and drives increases accordingly. The patent DE 43 25 181 C2 describes a handling device in which at least for the two outer surfaces of an end face a folding device is present, which has for each outer flap depending on a pre-folding unit, each

Outer flap bent and pivoted about the fold line, without bringing the outer flap to rest against the inner flaps; and a common closing unit, the operation brings the two angled outer plates to rest against the inner plates. In a first step, the outer plates are angled only about the fold line and close, for example, with the inner plates each an angle of about 20 to 30 degrees. In the course of a second stage, the already angled outer flaps are brought to bear against the inner flaps. These

Movement component can be applied by a stamp in the

Is adjusted substantially vertically to the level of the inner plates. The separation of the required for complete folding adjustment in two, substantially orthogonal aligned motion components allows for each

Movement component short adjustment paths. In view of the known state of the art, it may be considered a priority

Object of the invention are considered to provide an inexpensive closure device for closing outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging, in which the number of necessary drives is reduced. Furthermore, the necessary space requirement of such a device should be as low as possible and preferably such a device should be able to process several outer packages at the same time.

The above object is achieved by a handling device for closing outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging according to claim 1 and by a A method for closing outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging according to claim 12 solved.

The invention relates to a handling device comprising at least one holding device for a mounted carton blank. Under a mounted carton blank is understood in particular a pre-glued

Carton blank which after being pulled up is a box mold with two each other

forms opposite openings, wherein the two openings are each flanked by open bottom flaps or cover lugs. Between the bottom flaps or cover flaps and the side walls of the carton blank folding lines are formed, which allow the controlled folding or folding of the bottom flaps or cover flaps. This is particularly preferably an RSC cardboard blank.

The use of the term bottom flaps is to be understood in particular not restrictive with respect to the arrangement in the finished product. A cardboard blank closed at the bottom produced by means of the handling device described here can then be tilted, for example, by about 90 ° and laterally loaded and closed, so that the tabs designated bottom tabs in the present application are laterally arranged in the finished product. Furthermore, at least one adhesive application device is provided, with which, for example, glue or another suitable adhesive can be applied to the outer sides of folded inner bottom flaps in order to glue them to the outer bottom flaps subsequently folded thereon. According to an alternative embodiment, the adhesive application device is used to apply a suitable adhesive in the region of the contact point or contact line of the two folded-in outer bottom flaps. For example, the two outer ones

Bottom plates connected by an adhesive strip.

For folding in the outer bottom flaps, a closure module is provided which comprises at least one closing unit. The closing unit includes two sliding elements that are movable relative to each other in a horizontal plane. The holding device provides first holding devices for clamping holding inner side surfaces of the mounted carton blank. In particular, the first holding devices clamp between the inner sides of two opposite side walls of the mounted carton blank.

Furthermore, the holding device comprises at least one second holding device for folding in and / or holding the at least one inner bottom flap of the

mounted carton blank. These are for example

Suction devices such as suction cups, suction cups which can be loaded with vacuum or the like The carton blank is raised in particular via a backdrop, wherein the inner bottom flaps are folded. The second holding devices attach to the folded inner bottom flaps to hold the wound carton blank. Alternatively, the second holding devices suck on the - usually two - inner bottom flaps and tighten them in the direction of between the

Side walls of the mounted carton blank formed interior, whereby the inner bottom flaps are folded and held along the fold lines by 90 °.

The invention further relates to a method for closing outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging. As a rule, the cardboard blanks are used as pre-glued flat blanks in a magazine or the like. provided and must first be raised in the two-sided open box shape. However, carton blanks that have already been drawn up can also be provided for the method.

The wound carton blank is replaced by the first and / or second

Holding means of the holding device described above grabbed, before or at the same time or directly afterwards, the inner bottom flaps along the fold lines are folded by 90 ° to the interior of the box shape out. Now, according to a first embodiment of the method, at least in some areas an adhesive can be applied to the outer side surfaces of the folded inner bottom flaps. The thus prepared cardboard blank is between two

Sliding elements arranged a closing unit. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the drawn cardboard blank is first arranged with folded inner bottom flaps between two sliding elements of a closing unit and the outer bottom flaps are closed. Now, it can subsequently be connected via a preferably position-variable, in particular height-adjustable, Adhesive applicator the adhesive are applied to the outer side surfaces of the folded inner bottom flaps.

The prepared carton blank is in particular arranged between the two sliding elements of the closing unit such that a bottom plane formed by the folded-in inner bottom tabs is located directly on or slightly above a contact plane formed by the upper side of the sliding elements.

Now, the outer bottom flaps of the prepared carton blank can be closed by folding along the respective fold line by 90 ° by the two sliding elements of the closing unit are moved towards each other in a horizontal plane, which is formed directly below the bottom plane formed by the folded inner bottom flaps of the outer packaging. In particular, the two sliding elements are moved towards each other with in each case the same relative speed until they substantially abut one another. According to a second embodiment of the method, no

Adhesive application on the outer side surfaces of the inner bottom flaps. Instead, the folded-in outer bottom flaps by means of an adhesive tape or the like. along a formed between the two folded outer bottom flaps

Contact line closed. For this purpose, it may be advantageous to move the two sliding elements of the closing unit partially away from each other again. The

Adhesive applicator can now from below an adhesive tape o.ä. muster. To press this firmly against the outer bottom flaps, the sliding elements can be moved toward each other again and optionally additionally the carton blank is additionally pressed by a downward movement of the holding device from above against the preferably spring-mounted bearing surface of the sliding elements. Furthermore, an embodiment of the method may be a combination of

Adhesive application on the outer side surfaces of the inner bottom flaps and

Provide adhesive agent on the folded-in outer bottom flaps.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the

Closure module a plurality of sealing units, each with two in one

Includes horizontal plane relative to each other movably formed sliding elements, so that within the closure module at the same time a number of carton blanks can be processed, which corresponds to the number of closing units.

In particular, the sliding elements of all sealing units in a

common horizontal plane so that the tops of all

Sliding elements lie in a common support plane.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that at least the

Sliding elements of a closing unit are arranged motion coupled to a common drive mechanism, in such a way that at the same time

Movement of the first sliding element of the closing unit in a first direction, a counter-movement of the second sliding element of the closing unit in the

Counter direction takes place, so that the sliding elements of a closing unit either with the same relative speed either move towards or away from each other. Due to the coupled movement of the two sliding elements, the two outer bottom flaps of a carton blank are folded or folded at the same time, whereby only a single drive is necessary.

In a closure module with a plurality of sealing units, the sliding elements of all sealing units are particularly preferred - as above

described - motion coupled to a common drive mechanism arranged so that only a single drive is necessary for the simultaneous processing of multiple carton blanks, creating a cost-effective production of the

Locking module is possible.

For example, the drive mechanism at least one of a

Drive means arranged circulating conveyor having an upper run and a lower run include, wherein one of the sliding elements of a closing unit at the upper run of the conveyor is arranged and wherein the other sliding element of the closing unit is arranged at the lower run of the conveyor. Because the

Movement direction of the lower strand is opposite to the direction of movement of the upper strand with a rotating conveyor, the arrangement of the sliding elements described causes the arranged on the upper strand sliding element of a closing unit moves in the opposite direction to the arranged at the lower strand sliding element of the closing. In a plurality of arranged on the rotating conveyor

Closing units can be provided in particular that the sliding elements of all closing units are arranged alternately on the upper run and lower run of the conveyor. A movement of the conveying means, which leads to the fact that the two sliding elements of a closing unit are moved towards each other, then simultaneously causes the adjacent sliding elements of adjacent

Move locking units apart.

Preferably, the drive mechanism may comprise two parallel guided, arranged on a common drive shaft on the drive means conveying means. The sliding elements are each arranged between the two conveying means and in each case fastened to both conveying means. Particularly preferably, the sliding elements are each arranged alternately on both sides on the upper strand of both conveying means or on both sides of the lower strand of both conveying means.

As drive means for the conveyor is an electric motor, a servo drive, etc. intended. The at least one preferably circulating conveyor is

for example, a toothed belt. In such an embodiment, in particular a plurality of sliding elements and thus a plurality of sealing units can be operated via a single servo drive or another suitable drive means. Such a central drive allows in particular a simplified, synchronous commissioning of the handling device. By setting and

Control of a single drive, the closing speed of a plurality of sealing units simply to a new product, in particular a new RSC. Carton blank, to be customized. Furthermore, the sliding elements can be positioned at the rotating conveyor at different locations, According to a further embodiment, the sliding elements of all

Closing units each have their own drive, wherein the drives are controlled via a control device such that the sliding elements of a closing unit are each movable in opposite directions and / or that each adjacent sliding elements of adjacent closing units are movable in opposite directions. Furthermore, it can be provided that the sliding elements have sprung bearing support elements which form the support surface for the outer bottom flaps of the outer packaging. By the suspension of a plurality of support elements a uniform force distribution is achieved, which in particular allows a uniform squeezing of excess adhesive, such as glue, between the inner and outer bottom flaps. The excess glue can in particular via a

Be removed removal device. Preferably, each closing unit is associated with a discharge device, for example a glue suction or the like.

Below the at least one closing unit can continue to a

Transport device for the removal of bottom closed

Carton blanks be arranged. The carton blanks closed at the bottom can be set down on the transport device by an apart movement of the sliding elements of the respective closing unit. In order to prevent the cardboard blanks closed at the bottom from falling over, twisting or the like, guide elements can be provided for the controlled setting down of the carton blanks closed at the bottom on the transport device. Here, first guide elements may be formed below the sliding elements and further second guide elements may be provided on the sliding elements. The first

Guide elements are for example as inclined guide plates parallel to

Transport device and largely orthogonal to the sliding elements of the

Closing unit (s) formed. The inclined guide plates reduce the

Impact energy of the bottom closed carton blanks on the

Transport device, whereby a dropping the carton blanks can be prevented.

The arrangement of the bottom side closed carton blanks feeding the further processing transport below the at least one closing unit is particularly space-saving. While the bottom closed carton blank are dropped onto the transport device, the

Holding device already grab the next mounted carton blank and prepare by retracting the inner bottom flaps for closing the outer bottom flaps. As a result, the throughput of processed cardboard blanks can be increased since the holding device is not yet closed on the bottom side

Cardboard blank has to move to a transport device and settle there. The carton blanks closed at the bottom can also only be dropped in certain processing schemes. For other processes, it may be useful to implement the carton blanks closed at the bottom for further processing with the holding tool or the holding device to another transporter. When dropping onto the transport device arranged below or during the transfer with the holding tool or the holding device, it is possible for the carton blanks closed on the bottom side to be in front of the machine

Settling on the transport unit or the feed dog to be rotated by 90 °.

For pressing the adhesive may be helpful after closing the outer bottom flaps by the feed movement of the sliding elements when the folded inner bottom flaps are pressed by a further slight downward movement of the now closed cardboard carton blank against the folded outer bottom flaps. For this purpose, for example, the holding device holding the carton blank causes a slight downward movement in the direction of the sprung bearing surface of the sliding elements supplied to one another.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a process flow for producing a unilaterally open outer packaging, in particular a RSC packaging.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a gripping device for a mounted carton blank.

Fig. 3 shows the adjustment mechanism of a closure module.

Fig. 4 shows schematically a side view of a part of

Adjusting mechanism of a closure module according to FIG. 3 in a first

Working state. 5 shows schematically a side view of a part of the adjusting mechanism of a closure module according to FIG. 3 in a transitional state between a first working state and a second working state.

Fig. 6 shows schematically a side view of a part of

Adjusting mechanism of a closure module of FIG. 3 in a second

Working state.

FIG. 7 shows the adjustment mechanism of a closure module according to FIGS. 3 and 4 from above in a first operating state.

8 shows the adjusting mechanism of a closure module according to FIGS. 3 and 6 from above in a second working state.

9 shows a perspective view of a closure module for

Closing the outer bottom flaps of an outer packaging.

FIG. 10 shows the substructure of the closure module according to FIG. 9.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention can be configured and do not constitute a final limitation. FIG. 1 shows schematically a method sequence 1 for producing a single-sided open package 120, in particular an RSC outer package , A pre-glued carton blank 100 is removed from a magazine 2 and mounted in a first method step Va in box form. In particular, the mounted carton blank 101 has a typical box shape with four bottom flaps 102 at the bottom box opening and four top flaps 105 at the top box opening. In particular, the mounted carton blank 101 has two each other

opposite small inner bottom flaps 103 and two each other

opposite and each offset between the small inner bottom flaps 103 arranged outer bottom flaps 104 (see Fig. 2). With the reference numeral 107 fold lines for bottom flaps 102 and cover plates 105 are shown in dashed lines. In the mounted carton blank 101, the bottom flaps 102 and the

Cover tabs 105 still in each case in one plane to one adjacent each

Side wall 109 of the carton blank 101 arranged so that it has two opposing openings.

The mounted cardboard blank 101 is gripped in a second method step Vb by means of a gripping device 50 (shown in greater detail in FIG. 2), wherein the

Grasping gripper arms 52 through the lid opening of the carton blank 101 and suck the 90 ° folded inner bottom flaps 102. In a third method step Vc takes place in the illustrated here

Embodiment of the method, an at least partially applying a

Adhesive 130 on the outer sides of the folded inner bottom flaps 103rd

Subsequently, in a fourth method step Vd, the outer bottom flaps 104 are folded in by means of a closure module 10 described in detail below, and the unilaterally open outer packaging 120 formed in this way is fed to further processing via a transport device 16 assigned to the closure module 10. Alternatively, the unilaterally open outer packaging 120 thus formed can be converted to a further transport unit 60 in a method step Ve by means of the gripping device 50 for further processing. This can optionally be provided to rotate the unilaterally open outer package 120 when moving by 90 °.

2 shows a schematic representation of a gripping device 50 for a mounted carton blank 101. The mounted carton blank 101 is

shown in particular cut to better represent the arranged partially inside the mounted carton blank 101 gripping device 50 can.

The mounted carton blank 101 is held on inner side walls 110 of the box mold 101 by holding elements 51. In particular, the mounted carton blank 101 is held by the fact that between the free ends of the

Holding elements 51, a distance A is set, which corresponds to the distance between the opposite inner side walls 1 10 of the mounted carton blank 101. The holding elements 51 are on two gripper arms 52 of the gripping device 50th arranged. The two gripper arms 52 can be moved relative to each other and in particular moved toward and away from each other. Furthermore, the gripper arms 52 can be rotatable and / or variable in length. Prior to receiving the mounted carton blank 101, the gripper arms 52 are positioned relatively close to each other so that a distance between the free ends of the holding elements 51 is less than the distance A between the opposing inner sidewalls 110 of the carton blank 101 to be picked up. The gripper arms 52 of the gripping device 50 are inserted from above through the upper opening of the mounted carton blank 101 in this until the lower free ends 53 of the gripper arms 52 are arranged at a height with the fold lines 107 of the bottom flaps 102. The lower free ends 53 of the gripper arms 52 each have suction means 54 for folding the small inner bottom flaps 103 upwardly by suction. The gripper arms 52 are moved so far apart that the free ends of the holding elements 51 between the inner side walls 1 10 of the mounted carton blank 101 are braced to hold the carton blank 101.

The gripper arms 52 may also be first inserted so far into the carton blank 101 that the suction elements 54 are arranged below the fold lines 107. After detecting the small inner bottom flaps 103, the gripper arms 52 are pulled up again until the free ends 53 of the gripper arms 52 are at a level with the fold lines 107 of the bottom flaps 102. In this way, the inner bottom flaps 103 can be folded inwards.

Alternatively and / or additionally, the suction elements 54 may be rotatable and / or pivotable and / or variable in length or the like. be formed to detect the small inner bottom flaps 103 and fold upwards until they are arranged at a 90 ° angle to the side walls 1 10 and the outer bottom flaps 104.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the holding elements 51 are variable in length, so that a length between the free end of the respective holding element 51 and the attached to the gripper arm 52 end of the holding member 51 can be adjusted. Thus, a relative distance between the gripper arms 52 need not be changed for clamping the carton blank 101 on the side walls 1 10. Under certain circumstances, it may be useful to have a relative distance between the gripper arms 52 and to change the length of the holding members 51 to hold the mounted carton blank 101.

Preferably, the mounted carton blank 101 is replaced by the

Gripping device 50 held on the one hand on the clamping of the side walls 109 and on the other hand by the suction of the small inner bottom flaps 103.

According to an embodiment, not shown, the carton blank 101 is mounted on a backdrop, wherein the inner bottom flaps 102 are folded inwards by 90 °. The suction elements 54 put on the folded inner

Bottom tabs 102, whereby the mounted carton blank 101 is additionally held.

3 shows in isolation an adjusting mechanism 1 1 of an embodiment of a closure module 10 for closing the outer bottom flaps 104 of an outer packaging. The adjusting mechanism 1 1 comprises a plurality of pressing strips 20, which are designed in particular as a pressing slide. Preferably, a plurality of pressing bars 20 are mechanically coupled to each other so that they can be driven together. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 3, the drive system 30 comprises two parallel guided circulating toothed belts 31, 32. These are coupled via a common drive shaft 35 to a servo drive 33, so that the toothed belts 31, 32 are driven synchronously. The Anpressleisten 20 are arranged via fastening means 21 each between the toothed belt 31, 32 and connected to them such that a

Movement of the toothed belt 31, 32 causes a corresponding movement of the pressing bars 20. Adjacent pressing strips 20 are arranged alternately on the upper run 31 o, 32 o or lower run 31 u, 32 u of the toothed belts 31, 32. In particular, the contact strips 20a are respectively arranged on the upper run 31 o, 32o of the toothed belts 31, 32, and the contact pressure bars 20b are respectively arranged on the lower run 31u, 32u of the toothed belts 31, 32. The alternating arrangement causes juxtaposed contact strips 20a, 20b, driven by the movement of the toothed belts 31, 32, respectively to move in opposite directions. Two respectively adjacent pressure strips 20a, 20b form a so-called

Slider pair 25 that driven via the timing belt 31, 32 performs a linear opening or closing movement.

A cardboard blank 101 prepared in accordance with FIG. 2 with small inner bottom flaps 103 already folded inwards, on the outside of which an adhesive 130 (see FIG. 1) has been applied, are arranged above between two pressure strips 20a, 20b of a pair of slides 25, see FIG that the folded-in small inner bottom flaps 103 are substantially in a horizontal plane H, which corresponds approximately to a horizontal plane formed by the upper sides 22 of the pressing bars 20a, 20b (see also Fig. 4). The outer bottom flaps 104 hang down between the pressure bars 20a, 20b of a slide pair 25. The carton blank 101 is arranged in particular between the pressing bars 20a, 20b of the slide pair 25 such that the outer bottom tabs 104 are aligned parallel to the pressing bars 20a, 20b. Now the Anpressleisten 20a, 20b of a pair of slides 25 are moved towards each other. By this closing

Movement, the outer bottom flaps 104 are folded up or folded and pressed against the outer sides of the folded small inner bottom flaps 103.

In particular, the servo drive 33 is controlled via a control device 40 in such a way that the upper run 31 o, 32 o of the toothed belts 31, 32 moves in a first direction of movement B1. Accordingly, the contact strips 20a arranged on the upper strand 31, 32o move in the direction of movement B1 and the pressing strips 20b arranged on the lower side 31u, 32u move counter to the direction of movement B1.

On the Anpressleisten 20 spring-mounted Andrückbleche 23 are mounted. These produce when pushing together the Anpressleisten 20a, 20b of a

Slider pair 25 a uniform pressure acting on the outside of the respective outer bottom flaps 104. In combination with the pressure exerted by the suction means 54 of the gripping device 50 on the small inner bottom flaps 103 pressure thus the outer bottom flaps 104 to the already folded and by the

Suction means 54 of the gripping device 50 held small inner bottom flaps 103 pressed, creating a on the outer sides of the inner bottom flaps 103rd

applied adhesive, such as a glue, evenly distributed and

if necessary, excess glue can be squeezed out. FIGS. 4 to 6 each schematically show lateral representations of part of the adjusting mechanism 11 of a closure module 10 according to FIG. 3 in a first working state AZ1 (FIG. 4), a transition state AZÜ (FIG. 5) and a second working state AZ2 (FIG. 6). Fig. 7 shows the adjusting mechanism 1 1 a

Closure module 10 according to Figures 3 and 4 from above in a first working state AZ1, while Fig. 8 shows the adjustment mechanism of a closure module according to Figures 3 and 6 from above in a second working state AZ2.

In the first working state AZ1, the two contact strips 20a, 20b of a slide pair 25 are spaced apart such that the carton blank 101 prepared according to FIG. 2 already has small inner bottom flaps 103 folded inwardly by the gripping device 50 between two pressing bars 20a, 20b of a slide pair 25 arranged that the folded small inner bottom flaps 103 are substantially in a horizontal plane H, which corresponds approximately to a horizontal plane, which is formed by the tops 22 of the Anpressleisten 20a, 20b. The outer bottom flaps 104 hang down between the pressure bars 20a, 20b of the slide pair 25. By the feed movement of the pressure bars 20a, 20b of the slide pair 25 shown by arrows in FIG. 5, the outer bottom flaps 104 are folded upwards along the fold lines 107 and pressed against the outer sides of the folded-in small inner bottom flaps 103. 9 shows a perspective view of a closure module 10 with an adjusting mechanism 1 1 of FIG. 3 for closing the outer

Bottom plates 104 of an outer packaging 101 (see Fig. 2), and Fig. 10 shows the below the adjusting mechanism 1 1 (see Fig. 3) arranged substructure 12 of the closure module 10 of FIG 25 can over the

Fastening means 21 at different points on the upper strand 31 o, 32o or lower drum 31 u, 32u of the timing belt 31, 32 of the drive system are positioned. Advantageously, for example, an arrangement in the region of a glue receiving device for discharging excess glue that emerges when closing and pressing the outer bottom flaps 104 to the small inner bottom flaps 103 between the small inner bottom flaps 103 and the outer bottom flaps 104. In the embodiment of a closure module 10 shown here, below the adjusting mechanism 11 (see in particular FIG

Transport device 16 for further transport of the outer packaging 120 closed on the bottom side (see FIGS. The outer packaging becomes

for example, fed to a packaging module in which the outer packaging is filled with articles and optionally closed.

The closed by the feed movement of the Anpressleisten 20a, 20b of a slider pair 25 closed packaging can be left by an apart movement of the Anpressleisten 20a, 20b of the slide pair 25 and placed on the below the adjustment mechanism 1 1 arranged transport device 16. So that the outer packaging does not overturn or twist upon settling on the transport device 16, first guide elements 17, 18 can be provided on the substructure 12. Furthermore, second guide elements 24 can be arranged to support the pressure strips 20a, 20b. On the transport unit 16, the outer packaging by lateral

Guide elements 18 out. The above the lateral guide elements 18 arranged first guide elements 17 are designed in particular as an inclined surface to advantageously reduce the impact energy of the outer packaging on the transport device 16 and thereby prevent falling over of the outer packaging.

By the direct discontinuation of the bottom-side closed outer packaging, the entire process flow, in particular the further transport of the outer packaging to subsequent packaging modules can be optimized in time.

For the folding of the outer bottom flaps 104 of a cardboard blank 101 by an advancing movement of two sliding elements or contact strips 20a, 20b, a closure module 10 can also be used without a substructure 12 according to FIG.

However, if a closure module 10 has a substructure 12 according to FIGS. 9 and 10, then the outer packaging closed at the bottom does not necessarily have to be deposited on the transport device 16. For certain processes, it may be advantageous to convey the bottom closed outer package by the holding gripping device 50 to a suitable position and set down. It can be the bottom side closed packaging can be brought by a rotation of the gripping device 50 in a desired orientation, for example, a rotation of the outer packaging can be done by 90 °.

Even when depositing the outer packaging closed on a transport device 16 of the lower part 12 of a closure module 10 can be provided that after closing and pressing the outer bottom flaps 104 is provided only a rotation of the bottom side closed outer packaging,

in particular a rotation through 90 °, before the outer packaging by an apart movement of the Anpressleisten 20a, 20b of the slide pair 25 on the

Transport device 16 is discontinued. This rotation can in particular by a rotation of the outer packaging during the complete folding and

Closing process holding gripping device 50 are effected.

The bottom closed outer packaging can now in a

downstream packaging module directly with articles, such as bottles, summarized with an outer packaging product compilations, such as baskets, tray, shrink packs, multipacks, filled with bottle or similar be filled. It can also be provided that dividing elements are first inserted into the outer packaging, for example compartments, and then the articles are filled.

It is particularly advantageous in this context that with the help of a single drive a variety of outer packaging can be processed at the same time. The number of outer packages which can be closed in parallel corresponds to the number of slide pairs 25 coupled to one another in terms of drive technology. Since only one drive has to be actuated, such a closure module 10 can easily be put into operation. In particular, such a closure module 10 can be adapted quickly and easily to a new product during a product change. For example, the respective speed and the respective time interval with which the toothed belts 31, 32 are driven must be set via the control device in order to set the suitable spacing of the pressure bars 20a, 20b of the slide pairs 25 before closing the outer bottom flaps 104 of the outer packaging 101. The necessary spacing results from a width of the outer packaging 101 to be arranged between the contact pressure strips 20a, 20b of the respective slide pair 25. By adjusting the speed with which the Delivering movement of the pressing bars 20a, 20b, the closing speed can be adapted to the respective outer packaging 101.

The embodiments, examples and variations of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. Features that in

Connection with an embodiment are described for all

Embodiments applicable, provided that the features are not incompatible.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 procedure

2 magazine

10 closure module

1 1 adjustment mechanism

12 substructure

16 transport device

17 first guide element

18 lateral guide element

20 pressure bar

21 fastening device

22 top

23 pressure plate

24 second guide element

25 pairs of slides

30 drive system

31 toothed belt

31 o, 32o Obertrum

32 timing belts

31 u, 32u Untertrum

33 servo drive

35 drive shaft

40 control device

50 gripping device

51 retaining element

52 gripper arm

53 lower free end

54 suction element

60 transport unit

100 pre-glued carton blank

101 (mounted) carton blank, box shape

102 bottom flap

103 small inner bottom flap 104 outer bottom flap

105 lid flap

107 fold line

109 side wall

1 10 inner sidewall

120 unilaterally open outer packaging

130 adhesives

AZ1 first working condition

AZ2 second working state

AZÜ transitional state

H horizontal plane

Va process step, first process step

Vb process step, second process step

Vc process step, third process step

Vd process step, fourth process step

Ve process step, fifth process step

Claims

claims

1 . Handling device for closing outer bottom flaps (104) of an outer packaging with folding lines (107) for inner bottom flaps (103) and outer bottom flaps (104), the handling device comprising: at least one holding device (50) for a mounted carton blank (101) with fold lines (107 ) for inner bottom flaps (103) and outer

Bottom flaps (104),

at least one adhesive application device, and

a closure module (10) with at least one closure unit (25) for

Closing the outer bottom flaps (104) of a mounted carton blank (101) held by the holding device (50),

- The closure unit (25) comprises at least two in a horizontal plane relative to each other movably formed sliding elements (20).

2. A handling device according to claim 1, wherein the holding device (50) comprises first holding means (51) for clamping holding inner side surfaces (1 10) of the mounted carton blank (101), and wherein the

Holding device (50) at least one second holding device for folding and / or holding the at least one inner bottom flap (103) of the

drawn carton blank (101), in particular suction means (54) for folding and / or holding the inner bottom flaps (103) of the mounted carton blank (101).

3. Handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure module (10) comprises a plurality of closing units (25) each with two in a horizontal plane relative to each other movably formed sliding elements (20), wherein the sliding elements (20) of all closing units (25) in particular are arranged in a common horizontal plane. Handling device according to claim 3, wherein at least the sliding elements (20) of a closing unit (25) are arranged in a motion-coupled manner on a common drive mechanism (30), whereby an opposite movement can be carried out by the sliding elements (20) of the closing unit (25) or wherein the sliding elements (20) all closing units (25)

motion-coupled to a common drive mechanism (30) are arranged, wherein by the sliding elements (20) of a closing unit (25) each have an opposite movement is feasible and wherein by the directly adjacent sliding elements (20) adjacent closure units (25) each have an opposite movement is feasible ,

Handling device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the drive mechanism (30) comprises at least one arranged on a drive means circulating conveyor having an upper run (31 o, 32o) and a lower run (31 u, 32u), wherein one of the sliding elements (20) of a closing unit (25) on the upper run (31 o, 32o) of the conveyor is arranged and wherein the other sliding element (20) of the closing unit (25) on the lower run (31 u, 32u) of the conveyor is arranged.

Handling device according to claim 5, wherein the drive mechanism (30) has two parallel, via a common drive shaft (35) on the

The sliding elements (20) are each arranged between the two conveying means and are fastened in each case to both conveying means, in particular wherein the sliding elements (20) alternately on both sides on the upper strand (31 o, 32o) of both conveying means or on both sides of the lower strand ( 31 u, 32u) of both conveying means are arranged.

Handling device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the drive means is a servo drive (33) and / or wherein the at least one circulating conveyor is a toothed belt (31, 32).

Handling device according to claim 4, wherein the sliding elements (20) of all closing units (25) each have their own drive, wherein the

Drives via a control device (40) are driven in such a way, each of the sliding elements (20) of a closing unit (25) respectively

are oppositely movable and / or the respective adjacent - 3 -

Sliding elements (20) of adjacent closing units (25) in each case

are movable in opposite directions.

9. Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding elements (20) comprise sprung support elements (23).

10. Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein

below the at least one closing unit (25) a transport device (16) is arranged for the removal of cardboard blanks (120) closed at the bottom, the cardboard blank (120) closed at the bottom by an apart movement of the sliding elements (20) of the respective closing unit (25) are deductible on the transport device (16),

in particular wherein guide elements (17, 18, 24) are provided for the controlled settling of the bottom-closed carton blank (120) on the transport device (16).

1 1. Handling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one closing unit (25) is associated with a discharge device for discharging excess adhesive (130).

A method of closing outer bottom flaps (104) of an overwrap with fold lines (107) for inner bottom flaps (103) and outer flaps (104), the method comprising at least the following steps:

- Grasping a mounted carton blank (101), wherein at the same time or subsequently, the inner bottom flaps (103) along the fold lines (107) by about 90 ° to the interior of the box shape of the mounted

Carton blank are folded down;

- Arrangement of the carton blank (101) between two sliding elements (20) of a closing unit (25);

Closing or folding in the outer bottom flaps (104) of the

Carton blank (101) by a feed movement of the two sliding elements (20) of the closing unit (25) in a horizontal plane. - 4 -

13. The method of claim 12 using a handling device

according to one of claims 1 to 1 1.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein prior to closing or folding the outer bottom flaps (104) at least partially an adhesive (130) on the outer side surfaces of the folded inner bottom flaps (103) is applied, and / or wherein after sealing or collapse of the outer bottom flaps (104) at least partially an adhesive (130) at a contact point of the two folded outer bottom flaps (104) is applied.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the folded inner bottom flaps (103) by a further slight downward

Movement of a now closed bottom carton blank (120) against the folded outer bottom flaps (104) are pressed and / or wherein the bottom closed carton blank (120) is transported to further processing modules to further packaging modules, wherein the bottom side

closed carton blank (120) can be rotated by about 90 ° before it is supplied for further processing and / or for depositing the bottom closed carton blank (120) on a transport device (16), the two sliding elements (20) of the closing unit (25) within the

Horizontal plane to be moved apart.