EP3590850B1 - Method and device for stacking and packaging of folded products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for stacking and packaging folded products, in particular package inserts such as inserts or outserts for pharmaceutical products.

Many products, especially pharmaceutical products, are supplied with folded products in the form of package inserts that contain information on the pharmaceutical product and its use. Such folded products are either placed loosely with the packaged pharmaceutical product in an outer packaging or fixed directly to the container of the pharmaceutical product. The folded products are usually folded several times by a folding machine and, if necessary, fixed by gluing. Half-finished or finished folded products are packed as stacks in receptacles, e.g. in the form of trays or boxes. These receptacles filled with folded products are then delivered to the manufacturer of the pharmaceutical products in order to enclose them with the pharmaceutical products there. Existing methods and devices for stacking and packaging folded products include either manual stacking and manual packaging of the folded products and are therefore very time-consuming and labor-intensive, or are limited in terms of the degree of automation of the packaging process and the format size of the folded products.

A method and a device for stacking and packaging folded products is for example from EP 0 271 042 A2 known. It is proposed there to stack the folded products on storage belts and to move the subsequently formed stack horizontally into a receptacle by means of a transfer device.

The invention is based on the object of providing a method for stacking and packing folded products that is optimized in terms of time expenditure and degree of automation, as well as a device for carrying out such a method.

The method according to the invention is defined in claim 1.

According to the invention, a method for stacking and packing folded products is created in which the folded products are immediately after the folded products have been folded automatically stacked and packed by devices following the folding machine. Manual intervention is not required. The time and effort required to stack and pack the folded products, as well as the associated costs, can be reduced, as can the process's susceptibility to errors.

According to the invention, before the stack of folded products is shifted into the receptacle, the method comprises releasing the stack perpendicular to the transport direction. This enables the stack of folded products to be supported perpendicular to the transport direction until the stack is shifted into the receptacle, and an unintentional shifting of the folded products is avoided. Only when the folded products are moved into the receptacle is the stack released perpendicular to the transport direction and packed into the receptacle.

This is made possible according to the invention in that the releasing of the stack perpendicular to the transport direction comprises the displacement or pivoting of at least one support element which supports the stack in the delivery area perpendicular to the transport direction.

In a first embodiment, the formation of the stack comprises the arrangement of a plurality of folded products in an upright position in a stack area by means of a feed device, and the arrangement of the stack in the delivery area comprises the conveyance of the stack formed to the delivery area along a transport path running in the transport direction as soon as the formed stack of folded products comprises a predetermined number of folded products. The entire stack is thus formed in the stacking area and only a single displacement of the entire stack in the direction of the delivery area is necessary.

• Anordnen einer Mehrzahl von Falzprodukten in aufrechter Stellung in einem Stapelbereich mittels einer Zuführvorrichtung zu einem Teilstapel,
• Verschieben des Teilstapels in Transportrichtung zu einem Sammelbereich, und
• Wiederholen dieser Schritte, bis im Sammelbereich ein Stapel mit einer vorbestimmten Anzahl von Falzprodukten gebildet ist.

In an alternative embodiment, the formation of the stack comprises the following steps:

• Arranging a plurality of folded products in an upright position in a stacking area by means of a feed device to form a partial stack,
• Moving the partial stack in the transport direction to a collecting area, and
• Repeat these steps until a stack with a predetermined number of folded products is formed in the collecting area.

In addition, the arrangement of the stack in the delivery area in this embodiment includes conveying the stack formed in the collecting area to the delivery area along a transport path running in the transport direction.

The partial stacks are easier to handle in the stacking area than the entire stack. In addition, the throughput is increased in this way, since while the stack is being shifted from the collecting area to the delivery area, the next partial stack can already be formed in the stacking area without interrupting production.

• Anordnen einer Mehrzahl von Falzprodukten in aufrechter Stellung in einem Stapelbereich mittels einer Zuführvorrichtung zu einem Teilstapel,
• Verschieben des Teilstapels in Transportrichtung zu einem Sammelbereich, der im Abgabebereich angeordnet ist, und
• Wiederholen dieser Schritte, bis im Sammelbereich und somit gleichzeitig auch im Abgabebereich ein Stapel mit einer vorbestimmten Anzahl von Falzprodukten gebildet ist. Die Teilstapel sind im Stapelbereich besser handhabbar als der gesamte Stapel. Außerdem wird auf diese Weise der Durchsatz erhöht, da während des Verschiebens des letzten Teilstapels zum Abgabebereich bereits der nächste Teilstapel im Stapelbereich ohne Unterbrechung der Produktion gebildet werden kann.

In an alternative embodiment, forming the stack and arranging the stack in the delivery area comprise the following steps:

• Arranging a plurality of folded products in an upright position in a stacking area by means of a feed device to form a partial stack,
• Moving the partial stack in the transport direction to a collecting area which is arranged in the delivery area, and
• Repeat these steps until a stack with a predetermined number of folded products is formed in the collecting area and thus at the same time also in the delivery area. The partial stacks are easier to handle in the stacking area than the entire stack. In addition, the throughput is increased in this way, since while the last partial stack is being moved to the delivery area, the next partial stack can already be formed in the stacking area without interrupting production.

Folded products such as outserts in particular generally have a substantially cuboid shape after folding, the edges of the cuboid on which the folded edges of the folded product are located are more or less rounded. Usually, the length and the width of an essentially cuboid folded product are greater than the thickness. The length and the width thereby define two base areas of the folded product which are significantly larger than the other side areas. To form space-saving stacks of folded products, it is desirable that the base surfaces of the folded products rest against one another in order to minimize the dimensions of a stack in its longitudinal direction. In this case, the base surfaces of the folded products extend essentially perpendicular to a support surface on which the folded products are arranged and form a front or back of the folded products in the transport direction. Such a position of the folded products is referred to as an upright position. Preferably the stacks formed by folded products on a substantially horizontal support surface. The base areas then extend in a substantially vertical plane.

The method therefore preferably includes the deflection of the folded products by means of the feed device, so that each folded product is fed to the stacking area from above. As a result, folded products transported horizontally are easily arranged upright in the stacking area and stacked one behind the other. The base areas of several successive folded products then adjoin one another. It is not necessary to erect the folded products using additional devices. In addition, the space requirement of a packaging device suitable for the method is not unnecessarily increased in width.

It is further preferred that the folded products are fed into the stacking area by means of the feed device in such a way that a subsequent folded product enters the stacked area at an angle relative to at least one preceding folded product and moves the at least one preceding folded product in the transport direction. A leading edge of the following folded product preferably meets a rear side of the preceding folded product facing the following folded product, so that an acute angle is formed between the facing base surfaces of the preceding and the following folded product. This ensures that the subsequent folded product lines up reliably behind the at least one preceding folded product in order to form a stack or partial stack of folded products.

It is particularly preferred that the arrangement of a plurality of the folded products in the stacking area and the conveying of the partial stack or stack of folded products into a delivery area take place between two guide devices which guide and support the folded products along the transport path. For this purpose, the guide devices are arranged opposite one another on both sides of the transport path and parallel to the transport direction. The guide devices prevent the folded products from being laterally displaced or tilted relative to one another during stacking and while the folded products are being conveyed into the delivery area.

The receptacle is preferably a tray, packaging or some other receptacle for stacks of folded products, which is particularly suitable for space-saving storage and gentle transport of folded products.

When moving the stack into the receptacle, the stack is preferably delimited on its front and back by two delimiting elements which preferably hold the stack between them and are preferably moved with the stack in the direction of the receptacle. In this way the stack can be easily compressed and is kept active while it is being shifted from two sides. This makes it easier to introduce the stack into the receptacle.

A device according to the invention for stacking and packaging folded products is defined in claim 8.

According to the invention, a device is provided in which the stacking and packaging of folded products is carried out automatically by appropriate devices. Manual intervention is not required. The time and effort required to stack and pack the folded products, as well as the associated costs, can be reduced, as can the process's susceptibility to errors. This means that increasing quality requirements in the packaging process can be met.

According to the invention, the stack is supported in the delivery area by at least one support element which is pivotable or displaceable and serves to release the stack for the transfer. In this way, the stack of folded products can remain supported until the handover and can only be released for handover in the shifting direction.

The displacement device preferably has a stamp which rests on a narrow side of the folded products that faces away from the receptacle. The stamp preferably extends in the transport direction along an entire side surface of the stack, so that it can grasp all folded products of a stack at the same time and move them together into the receptacle without damaging the folded products, moving them relative to one another and without hindering other components of the device.

Particularly preferably, the device further comprises at least two guide devices which are opposite one another, form the stacking area between them and are set up to receive and support the folded products fed by the feed device between them. The guide devices are arranged on both sides of the transport path and parallel to the transport direction. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least two guide devices extend from the stacking area to the delivery area along the transport path, so that they laterally support the partial stack or stack of folded products up to the delivery area.

In a further preferred embodiment, the distance between two opposing guide devices can be adjusted in a direction transverse to the transport direction. As a result, the distance between the guide devices can be adapted to different formats of folded products.

Each guide device preferably has a brush on a side of the guide device facing the stacking area. The brushes have bristles which extend from the guide devices into the transport path. If a folded product is inserted between the guide devices, it deforms the bristles, which thereby exert a restoring force on the folded product. This restoring force of the bristles produces a clamping effect on the folded product, as a result of which the folded product is held in its upright position, while at the same time it is possible to move the folded product in the transport direction. The rigidity of the bristles can be designed in such a way that the bristles enable the folded products to be reliably supported and, at the same time, to move the folded products easily and without damage.

In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a first and a second delimitation element, wherein the first delimitation element is arranged upstream of the delivery area in the transport direction and the second delimitation element is arranged downstream of the delivery area in the transport direction, and the first and second delimitation element delimit the delivery area at least during the Shifting the stack on both sides in the transport direction. As a result, the stack of folded products is also supported on both sides in the transport direction, so that it retains its dimensions, especially when the stack is moved into the receptacle, and has a defined length that is required to receive the stack in the receptacle. Especially the stack of folded folded products, which tend to retract to a certain extent after folding, can be compressed in the transport direction by the first and second delimitation elements in order to enable the stack of folded products to be reliably pushed into the receptacle without the foremost and rearmost folded product of the stack hit the edge of the receptacle.

Finally, the first and the second delimitation element each have an opening or recess and a stamp of the displacement device extends at least during the displacement of the stack in the transport direction from the first delimitation element to the second delimitation element and into the opening or recess in the first and in the second delimitation element. This ensures that each folded product of the stack of folded products is grasped by the stamp without the stamp and the first and second delimiting elements interfering with one another.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Stapeln und Verpacken von Falzprodukten in isometrischer Ansicht;

Fig. 2

zeigt einen Ausschnitt der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in Querschnittsansicht;

Fig. 3 und 4

zeigen vergrößerte Ausschnitte des Stapelbereichs der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in Querschnittsansicht;

Fig. 5 bis 8

zeigen einen Ausschnitt der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten während des Stapelns und Verpackens von Falzprodukten;

Fig. 9 und 10

zeigen eine Querschnittsansicht des Abgabebereichs der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in zwei Phasen des Verschiebevorgangs;

Fig. 11a

zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer Bürste einer Führungsvorrichtung in Seitenansicht; und

Fig. 11b

zeigt die Bürste nach Fig. 11a in Draufsicht.

Further preferred embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1

shows a device according to the invention for stacking and packaging folded products in an isometric view;

Fig. 2

shows a section of the device Fig. 1 in cross-sectional view;

Figures 3 and 4

show enlarged sections of the stacking area of the device Fig. 1 in cross-sectional view;

Figures 5 to 8

show a section of the device Fig. 1 at different times during the stacking and packaging of folded products;

Figures 9 and 10

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the delivery area of the device of FIG Fig. 1 in two phases of the moving process;

Figure 11a

shows an embodiment of a brush of a guide device in side view; and

Figure 11b

shows the brush Figure 11a in plan view.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for stacking and packaging folded products, in particular outserts, particularly preferably outserts glued to a closed position or closed with an adhesive flap. The device 1 comprises a feed device 2 for feeding folded products into a stacking area 4. The feed device 2 preferably connects directly to a folding device (not shown) for folding folded products 6 or forms the outlet thereof. In the stacking area 4, a stack 7 of folded products 6 is formed from individual folded products 6. The stack 7 of folded products 6, which forms a partial stack of a final complete stack 8, is then conveyed along a transport path from the stacking area 4 to a collecting area 11, in which the partial stacks 7 are lined up to form the stack 8. From there, the stack 8 is conveyed to a delivery area 10. From the delivery area 10, the stack 8 is moved into a receptacle 36 by means of a displacement device 12 (see FIG Figures 7 and 8 ) postponed.

At least in the stacking area 4, a first guide device 14 and a second guide device 16 are arranged opposite one another in a first direction so that they form the stacking area 4 between them. The guide devices 14, 16 accommodate the folded products 6 fed by the feed device 2 between them. The guide devices 14, 16 preferably extend from the stacking area 4 to the delivery area 10 in order to guide and support the folded products 6 along the transport path.

In Figs. 2 to 4 sections of the device 1 at an outlet 22 of the feed device 2 are shown in a cross-sectional view. The stacking area 4 is located at the exit 22 of the feed device 2. The feed device 2 feeds individual, successive folded products 6 to the stacking area 4. For this purpose, the feed device 2 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a first conveyor belt 18 and a second conveyor belt 20. The first and second conveyor belts 18, 20 are arranged adjacent to one another in sections, so that a folded product 6 is between a belt section of the first conveyor belt 18 and a belt section of the second Conveyor belt 20 is taken horizontally and promoted. It goes without saying that the person skilled in the art can also use alternative feed or conveying devices for folded products are known, which can be provided instead of the feed device 2.

At the outlet 22 of the feed device 2, a folded product 6 emerges from the feed device 2. In the present case, the folded product 6 leaves the gap between the first and second conveyor belts 18, 20 at the exit 22. It is preferred that the feed device 2 deflects the folded products 6 such that the folded products 6 are fed to the stacking area 4 from above. For this purpose, the first and the second conveyor belt 18, 20 preferably describe a curve which slopes increasingly downwards in the conveying direction of the folded products 6 of the feed device 2.

In the stacking area 4, a leading folded product 6 is first picked up in an upright position between the first and the second guide device 14, 16. A retaining element 25, here in the form of a spring plate, can additionally be provided in order to support the stack 7 to be formed from above and to prevent the folded products 6 from tipping over forwards. In the rear area of the stack 7, a pressure roller 35 can provide counter pressure.

In the upright position of a folded product 6, a base surface of the folded product 6 directed in a transport direction T forms a front side 6a and an opposite base surface of the folded product directed counter to the transport direction T forms a rear side 6b. To adapt to different folded product formats, the first and second guide devices 14, 16 can be moved in the first direction transversely to the transport direction T in order to adjust the distance between the guide devices 14, 16 in the first direction. The transport direction T and the first direction are preferably aligned essentially horizontally.

By feeding a subsequent folded product 6 into the stacking area 4 and picking up the subsequent folded product 6 between the first and second guide devices 14, 16, the leading folded product 6 is shifted between the guide devices 14, 16 in the transport direction T. By repeatedly feeding a folded product 6 into the stacking area 4, picking up the folded product 6 between the guide devices 14, 16 and the associated displacement of the at least one leading folded product 6 in the transport direction T, a stack 7 is created in the stacking area 4 formed by folded products 6. Overall, a plurality of folded products 6 are arranged one behind the other in the stacking area 4 in an upright position in the transport direction T and the stack 7 of folded products 6 is thereby formed. While the folded products 6 are picked up between the guide devices 14, 16 and during the displacement of the folded products 6 in the transport direction T, the folded products 6 are supported by the guide devices 14, 16.

In order to ensure that the folded products 6 are reliably fed into the stacking area 4, it is preferred that a subsequent folded product 6 enters the stacked area 4 at an angle relative to at least one preceding folded product 6 and thereby displaces the at least one preceding folded product 6 in the transport direction T. For this purpose, the first and the second conveyor belt 18, 20 at the exit 22 of the feed device 2 are aligned slightly obliquely with respect to the folded products 6 standing upright in the stacking area 4. As a result, a subsequent folded product 6 with a leading edge 6c hits a rear side 6b of a previous folded product 6 facing the subsequent folded product 6. Preferably, at the time when the subsequent folded product 6 hits the previous folded product 6 at the exit 22 of the feed device 2 between the rear side 6b of the preceding folded product 6 and the front side 6a of the subsequent folded product 6, an acute angle α is formed. The following folded product 6 is thus reliably arranged behind the at least one preceding folded product 6 without tilting with it. In addition, the at least one preceding folded product 6 is shifted in the transport direction T as soon as the following folded product 6 hits its rear side 6b.

As in Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the device 1 comprises a feed device 32 for conveying partial stacks 7 formed in the stacking area 4 to a collecting area 11, which is described in more detail below. In addition, the device 1 comprises a conveying device 24 for conveying a finished stack 8 of folded products 6 from the collecting area 11 to the delivery area 10. The stack 8 is complete as soon as it comprises a predetermined number of folded products 6. The finished stack 8 consists of a plurality of partial stacks 7. The folded products 6 are conveyed in the feed device 32 and in the conveying device 24, preferably along a transport path 26 oriented in the transport direction T.

The conveying device 24 can be moved parallel to the transport direction T in a direction T1. In the embodiment shown, the conveying device 24 can also be moved in a direction V1 transverse to the transport direction T. The direction V1 is preferably oriented vertically. The conveying device 24 comprises a first delimiting element 28 which can be moved in the direction V1 into and out of the transport path 26.

The first delimiting element 28 serves to grasp a last folded product 6 of a stack 8 and preferably lies flat against the rear side 6b of this folded product. A second delimitation element 30 can be provided, which can be moved in a direction V2 transversely to the transport direction T. The direction V2 is preferably aligned parallel to the direction V1 and vertically.

The second delimitation element 30 forms the downstream delimitation of the delivery area 10 in the transport direction T when the conveyor device 24 conveys the stack 8 into the delivery area 10. If the stack 8 is arranged in the delivery area 10, the first delimitation element 28 forms the delimitation of the delivery area 10 upstream in the transport direction and the stack 8 is received between the first and the second delimitation element 28, 30.

How Figures 5 to 8 As can be seen, the above-mentioned feed device 32 can be moved in a direction T2 parallel to the transport direction T and in a direction V3 transverse to the transport direction T. The direction V3 is preferably aligned parallel to the directions V1 and V2 and vertically. In order to enable the movability, at least part of the feed device 32 protrudes through an opening in the support surface 40 on which the stack 7 rests.

The feed device 32 comprises a pusher 34. The pusher 34 is arranged in the stacking area 4 upstream of the stack 7 of folded products 6 formed in the stacking area 4. The slide 34 is used to grasp a last folded product 6 of a stack 7 and is preferably flat against the rear side 6b of this folded product 6. By moving the feed device 32 in the transport direction T, the feed device 32 conveys the stack 7 in the transport direction T along the transport path 26, as in FIG Fig. 2 can be seen, up to the collecting area 11, where the complete stack 8 is formed.

A stack 7 is a partial stack and comprises a predetermined number of folded products 6, which is smaller than the predetermined number of folded products 6 of a finished stack 8 in the collecting area 11. The feed device 32 conveys the partial stacks 7 so far that they can be reached by the first delimiting element 28. The feed device 32 repeats this until a plurality of partial stacks 7 form a complete stack 8. The first delimitation element 28 is then moved into the transport path 26 ( Fig. 6 ) and the conveyor device 24 conveys the stack 8 further into the delivery area 10 ( Fig. 7 ).

The feed device 32 moves back to its starting position upstream of the stacking area 4. If a new stack 7 of folded products 6 is already being formed in the stacking area 4 while the feed device 32 is not yet in its starting position, the feed device 32 is out of the transport path in direction V3 26 and moves back to its starting position at a distance from the stacking area 4.

Alternatively, the conveying device 24 can also take over the partial stacks 7 from the feed device 32 and push them further into the collecting area 11. In this case, the first delimiting element 28 runs through a circumferential, repeating path for each partial stack 7.

In contrast to the embodiment shown, the feed device 32 can also be omitted. Then a complete stack 8 is formed in the stacking area 4 and the conveying device 24 conveys the complete stack 8 of folded products 6 from the stacking area 4 directly to the delivery area 10. In this case, the conveying device 24 can be moved against the transport direction T so far that the first Limiting element 28 is located in the transport direction T behind the last folded product 6 of the complete stack 8 of folded products 6 in the stacking area 4. The first delimiting element 28 is then moved into the stacking area 4 so that it rests against the rear side 6b of the last folded product 6 of the stack 8. By moving the first delimiting element 28 in the transport direction T, the stack 8 of folded products 6 is moved in the transport direction T along the transport path 26 to the delivery area 10.

In a further embodiment, the feed device 32 can also convey the partial stacks 7 as far as the delivery area 10 and form the complete stack 8 there. The conveyor device 24 can then be omitted. However, the delimiting element 28 must still be able to be moved in the vertical direction out of the transport path 26 in order to allow the partial stacks 7 to pass through.

When forming the stack 8 from the sub-stacks 7, it is preferred that each sub-stack 7 is conveyed to the same point in the collecting area 11, where it hits the last of the other sub-stacks 7 that may already be present, and the existing sub-stacks 7 continue in the transport direction T. shifts.

As in Fig. 7 As can be seen, the complete stack 8 of folded products 6 is arranged in the delivery area 10 in the vicinity of a receptacle 36, preferably above the receptacle 36. The stack 8 is preferably received between the first and second delimitation elements 28, 30, which delimit the stack 8 on both sides in the transport direction T. The first and the second delimitation element 28, 30 compress the stack 8 in the transport direction T in such a way that its length in the transport direction T is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of the receptacle 36 parallel to the transport direction T. For this purpose, the delimitation elements 28, 30 can preferably be moved at least slightly in or against the transport direction T.

The receptacle 36 is preferably a tray, packaging in the form of a box or some other receiving means for stacks 8 of folded products 6. The receptacle 36 serves to receive a complete stack 8 of upright folded products 6 at the same time and to pack it for transport.

The receptacle 36 is preferably designed to be sufficiently rigid to protect the folded products 6 from external influences, such as impacts, during transport. In addition, the receptacle 36 is preferably cuboid in order to enable space-saving storage and space-saving transport. The length of the receptacle 36 parallel to the transport direction T is preferably between 300 mm and 1,200 mm. The width of the receptacle 36 transversely to the transport direction T is preferably between 25 mm and 220 mm. In any case, the size of the receptacle 36 is to be adapted to the dimensions of the folded products 6 to be packaged.

The folded products 6 preferably have a base area of the front or rear side 6a, 6b, the minimum dimensions of which are 29 mm × 29 mm and the maximum dimensions of which are 220 × 105 mm. The thickness of the folded products 6 is preferably between 1 and 20 mm. It goes without saying that the dimensions of the folded products 6 and the receptacle 36 can be adapted as desired to the present requirements.

The receptacle 36 is removably stored in the device 1. The mounting (not shown) is designed in such a way that the receptacle 36 is always arranged in a defined position relative to the delivery area 10. The removal of a receptacle 36 filled with a stack 8 of folded products 6 and the insertion of a new, empty receptacle 36 can take place manually. The removal and insertion of a receptacle 36 can, however, also take place automatically.

How Fig. 7 It can also be seen that the device 1 further comprises a displacement device 12 for moving a stack 8 of folded products 6 transversely to the transport direction T into the receptacle 36. The displacement device 12 can be moved in a direction V4 transversely to the transport direction T for this purpose.

In the embodiment shown, the displacement device 12 is arranged at a distance from the delivery area 10 and comprises a punch 38. The punch 38 extends in the transport direction T preferably along the entire stack 8 of folded products 6 when the stack 8 is arranged in the delivery area 10. However, it is also conceivable that the first and second delimitation elements 28, 30 compress the stack 8 so tightly in the transport direction T that the stack 8 can also be displaced transversely to the transport direction T if the punch 38 is not completely along the stack 8 extends. It is also conceivable that the first and second delimitation elements 28, 30 extend partially in the transport direction T along the stack 8 and in this way, together with the punch 38, form a common contact surface for the stack 8. Finally, it is also possible for the displacement device 12 to be formed only by the first and second delimiting elements 28, 30.

Preferably, the displacement device 12 is only moved in the direction V4 after the stack 8 has been conveyed into the delivery area 10 until it reaches the stack 8 of folded products 6 is applied. In the embodiment shown, the direction V4 is oriented vertically, the stack 8 is located in the delivery area 10 below the punch 38 and the receptacle 36 is in turn arranged below the delivery area 10 and the stack 8. It goes without saying that the direction V4 can also be oriented horizontally transversely to the transport direction T and the displacement device 12 and the receptacle 36 can accordingly be arranged such that the displacement device 12 displaces the stack 8 horizontally transversely to the transport direction T into the receptacle 36. In this case, one of the lateral guide devices 14, 16 would have to be shifted or pivoted briefly out of the sliding path.

As in Fig. 8 Finally, the stack 8 of folded products 6 is moved transversely to the transport direction T from the delivery area 10 into the receptacle 36 by means of the displacement device 12. For this purpose, the displacement device 12 is moved transversely to the transport direction T until the stack 8, with one narrow side of the upright standing folded products 6 ahead, is completely received in the receptacle 36. A stack 8 fills the entire receptacle 36. It is preferred that the first and the second delimitation element 28, 30 move transversely to the transport direction T at the same time. This ensures that the stack 8 maintains its length parallel to the transport direction T while it is being displaced by the displacement device 12. As a result, the folded products 6 of the stack 8 are not hindered by the edges of the receptacle 36 when they are pushed into the receptacle 36.

If the stack 8 of folded products 6 is completely received in the receptacle 36, the first and second delimitation elements 28, 30 and the punch 38 can be moved back in the opposite direction. It is preferred that the first and the second delimitation element 28, 30 are first moved out of the receptacle 36 so that the punch 38 retains the stack 8 during this time. This prevents individual folded products 6 from being pulled out of the receptacle 36 when the first and second delimiting elements 28, 30 are pulled out. As soon as the first and second delimitation elements 28, 30 have been removed from the receptacle 36, the punch 38 can also be withdrawn. The receptacle 36 equipped with folded products 6 is removed. A new, empty receptacle 36 is to be arranged at a corresponding distance from the delivery area 10.

According to the invention, a support surface 40 supports the folded products 6 from below. The support surface 40 preferably extends from the stacking area 4 to the delivery area 10. In the delivery area 10, the support surface 40 is formed by two support elements 39 which release the stack 8 before the stack 8 is moved into the receptacle 36 perpendicular to the transport direction T (see FIG Figures 9 and 10 ). These support elements 39 are preferably designed as L-brackets, one leg of which protrudes downward. The support elements 39 can be moved laterally outward from the delivery area 10 in order to form an opening in the support surface 40. The shifting device 12 can then shift the stack 8 of folded products 6 perpendicular to the transport direction T into the receptacle 36. During lateral displacement, the lower legs of the support elements 39 also spread the receptacle 36 laterally.

It is also conceivable to provide only one support element 39. It is also possible for the support element or elements 39 to be or are not displaceable, but rather pivotable.

As in Fig. 9 As can be seen, the first and the second delimitation element 28, 30 in a preferred embodiment each have an opening 29 or recess. This opening 29 can be a through opening which extends completely through the respective delimiting element 28, 30. For this purpose, the opening 29 can be designed as a recess of any contour that is completely surrounded by the respective delimiting element 28, 30. The opening can, however, also extend in the form of a recess from an edge of the respective delimiting element 28, 30, so that the delimiting element 28, 30, as in FIG Fig. 9 shown, having a plurality of webs which extend along the respective recess. Alternatively, the opening 29 is designed as a recess in a side surface of the respective delimiting element 28, 30 facing the delivery area 10. At least during the displacement of the stack 8 by the displacement device 12, as in FIG Figures 7 and 8 as Figures 9 and 10 As shown, the punch 38 extends in the transport direction T from the first delimitation element 28 to the second delimitation element 30 and into the opening in the first and in the second delimitation element 28, 30 in each case.

In the embodiment shown, the punch 38 extends in the transport direction T through the first and second delimiting elements 28 and 30, as in FIG Figures 7 and 8 can be seen. This ensures that the displacement device 12 or the punch 38 also fully engages the folded products 6 of the stack 8, which directly adjoin the delimiting elements 28, 30. If the openings in the delimitation elements 28, 30 are formed as recesses in an edge of the delimitation elements 28, 30 facing the receptacle 36, this enables the delimitation elements 28, 30 to be completely removed from the receptacle 36 while the displacement device 12 is on the stack 8 remains attached.

As can be seen from the above statements, at least the conveyor device 24, the feed device 32, the displacement device 12 and the first and second delimiting elements 28, 30 can be moved. For this purpose, each of these components or devices has a suitable drive. These drives are preferably formed by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or by servomotors. These are particularly easy to integrate into the overall machine and easy to control. The individual drives can be coupled to one another or controllable independently of one another. Suitable drives are to be selected by a specialist depending on the requirements.

As from the Figures 1 to 10 As can be seen, the guide devices 14, 16 lie opposite one another, form the stacking area 4 between them and are set up to receive and support the folded products 6 successively fed by the feed device 2 to form a stack 7, 8 of upright folded products 6. The guide devices 14, 16 preferably extend parallel to the transport direction T and are opposite one another in a first direction transverse to the transport direction T, with one guide device 14, 16 being arranged on one side of the transport path 26 around the folded products 6 laterally along the transport path 26 respectively. The two guide devices 14, 16 preferably extend linearly from the stacking area 4 to the delivery area 10.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each guide device 14, 16 has a brush 42 on a side of the guide device 14, 16 facing the stacking area 4. One embodiment of such a brush is shown in FIG Figures 11a and 11b shown. Furthermore, each guide device 14, 16 comprises at least one support structure 44 (see Figs. 1 and 2 ) with which the brushes 42 are connected. The brushes 42 are preferably detachably connected to the support structure 44, for example screwed. In one embodiment, each guide device 14, 16 has a plurality of brushes 42, which are arranged parallel to the transport direction T one after the other along the respective guide device 14, 16. As a result, the guide devices 14, 16 can have a modular structure and be adapted as desired to the given requirements. For example, it is advantageous if the brushes 42 in the stacking area 4 (on the right in Fig. 4 ) have greater rigidity and / or a shorter length than in the delivery area 10 or in the further course of the guide devices 14, 16 (left in Fig. 4 ).

As in Figures 11a and 11b As shown, each brush 42 has a body 46 and a plurality of bristles 48 connected to the body 46, which are preferably arranged in a plurality of bristle bundles 50. The bristles 48 are preferably arranged in a plurality of rows 49a, 49b, 49c.

The brushes 42 are arranged on the carrier structures 44 in such a way that the bristles 48 extend into the stacking area 4 or into the transport path 26. The rows 49a, 49b, 49c are then arranged one above the other in a second direction which is oriented transversely to the transport direction T and transversely to the first direction. The second direction is preferably oriented essentially vertically. Furthermore, the rows 49a, 49b, 49c extend parallel to the transport direction T. As in FIG Figure 11b As can be seen, two adjacent rows 49a, 49b, 49c of bristles 48 are arranged offset from one another in the transport direction T.

If a folded product 6 is arranged between two opposing brushes 42, it elastically deforms the bristles 48 resting on the folded product 6. Due to the restoring force inherent in the bristles 48 in their starting position, the bristles 48 in this state have a clamping effect on the folded product 6 and support it laterally. Due to the flexibility of the bristles 48, the folded products 6 or the partial stacks 7 or stacks 8 of folded products 6 can nevertheless be displaced in the transport direction T, while the clamping effect of the respectively adjoining bristles 48 of the brushes 42 continues to act on the folded products 6. The bristles 48 advantageously have a rigidity which is sufficient to hold and support the folded products 6. At the same time, the stiffness of the bristles 48 is sufficiently low to enable the folded products 6 to be displaced in the transport direction T without damaging them.

In order to facilitate the displacement of the folded products 6 of the stack 7, 8 in the transport direction T, the bristles 48 are preferably inclined with respect to the body 46 by an angle β in the transport direction T. The angle β is defined between a side surface 52 of the body 46 to which the bristles 48 are connected and a longitudinal axis of the bristles 48 and is preferably between 45 ° and 85 °, more preferably between 70 ° and 80 °. This also ensures that the bristles 48 incline in a predetermined direction when a folded product 6 is inserted between two opposing brushes 42.

In a preferred embodiment, the bristles 48 are formed from horsehair. In particular, bristles 48 made of horsehair have a suitable rigidity and protect the folded products 6 during their transport along the transport path 26, so that no damage is caused to the folded products 6. Alternatively, however, the bristles 48 can also be formed from other natural materials, in particular animal hair, from plastic or from wire.

The body 46 of the brushes 42 is preferably formed from plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyamide (PA). The body 46 is then particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture and has a low weight. Alternatively, the body 46 can be formed from other materials such as wood or metal. In order to releasably connect the brushes 42 to the support structure 44, the body 46 preferably has threaded bores 54. The brushes 42 can then be screwed to the support structure 44. It goes without saying that those skilled in the art are familiar with alternative connection means for releasably connecting the brushes 42 to the support structure 44, which can be used as desired.

In the Figures 11a and 11b The brush 42 shown is an exemplary embodiment in which the distance A between two adjacent bundles of bristles 50 in the transport direction T is between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm. The distance B between two adjacent rows 49a, 49b, 49c of bristles 48 transverse to the transport direction T is also between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm. The brush 42 more preferably has between three and ten rows 49a, 49b, 49c of bristles 48, even more preferably between five and eight rows 49a, 49b, 49c of bristles 48. The working width C of the brush 42 is defined than the distance between the outermost rows 49a and 49c of bristles 48 in a direction transverse to the transport direction T and is preferably 10 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 20 mm to 30 mm. It goes without saying that the working width C must be adapted to the format of the folded products 6. The fiber height H of the bristles 48 is defined perpendicular to the side surface 52 of the body 46 and is preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm. Alternative dimensions are conceivable and can be selected by a person skilled in the art according to the requirements in the individual case.

The preceding explanations relate to an example in which a series of folded products 6 forms a partial stack 7 or stack 8. However, all of the embodiments described above can easily be adapted in such a way that a plurality of folded products 6 are arranged next to one another in a direction transverse to the transport direction T, preferably in the first direction. A partial stack 7 or stack 8 then comprises a plurality of rows of folded products 6 which are arranged next to one another in the direction transverse to the transport direction T and which each extend in the transport direction T.

Claims (12)

1. Method for stacking and packing folded products (6), said method comprising the following steps:

   - forming a stack (8) of folded products (6) which are disposed in an upright position so as to be behind one another in a transport direction (T);

   - disposing the stack (8) of folded products (6) in a dispensing region (10) in the proximity of a receptacle (36); and

   - displacing the stack (8) of folded products (6) perpendicularly to the transport direction (T), from the dispensing region (10) into the receptacle (36), by means of a displacement device (12),

   characterized in that
   releasing the stack (8) perpendicularly to the transport direction (T) takes place prior to the stack (8) of folded products (6) being displaced into the receptacle (36), wherein the releasing of the stack (8) perpendicularly to the transport direction (T) comprises the displacing or pivoting of at least one support element (39) which in the dispensing region (10) supports the stack (8) perpendicularly to the transport direction (T).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the forming of the stack (8) comprises the disposal of a plurality of folded products (6) in an upright position in a stacking region (4) by means of an infeed device (2); and
   in that the disposal of the stack (8) in the dispensing region (10) comprises the conveying of the formed stack (8) to the dispensing region (10) along a transport path (26) that runs in the transport direction (T) as soon as the formed stack (8) of folded products (6) comprises a predetermined number of folded products (6).
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the forming of the stack (8) comprises the following steps:

   - disposing a plurality of folded products (6) in an upright position in a stacking region (4) so as to form a partial stack (7) by means of an infeed device (2);

   - displacing the partial stack (7) in the transport direction (T) to a collection region (11); and

   - repeating these steps until a stack (8) having a predetermined number of folded products (6) is formed in the collection region (11); and

   that the disposal of the stack (8) in the dispensing region (10) comprises the conveying of the formed stack (8) from the collection region (11) to the dispensing region (10) along a transport path (26) that runs in the transport direction (T).
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the forming of the stack (8) and the disposal of the stack (8) in the dispensing region (10) comprises the following steps:

   - disposing a plurality of folded products (6) in an upright position in a stacking region (4) so as to form a partial stack (7) by means of an infeed device (2);

   - displacing the partial stack (7) in the transport direction (T) to a collection region (11) which is disposed in the dispensing region (10); and

   - repeating these steps until a stack (8) having a predetermined number of folded products (6) is formed in the collection region (11) and thus in the dispensing region (10).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said method comprises deflecting the folded products (6) by means of the infeed device (2) such that each folded product (6) is fed from above to the stacking region (4).
6. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the feeding of the folded products (6) into the stacking region (4) by means of the infeed device (2) takes place in such a manner that a subsequent folded product (6) enters the stacking region (4) so as to be oblique relative to at least one preceding folded product (6) and displaces the at least one preceding folded product (6) in the transport direction (T) .
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stack (8), when said stack (8) is being displaced into the receptacle (36), at the front side and rear side thereof is delimited by two delimitation elements (28, 30) which preferably hold the stack (8) therebetween and are preferably moved conjointly with the stack (8) in the direction of the receptacle (36).
8. Device (1) for stacking and packing folded products (6), comprising:

   an infeed device (2) for feeding singularized, successive folded products (6) into a stacking region (4);

   at least one conveyor device (24) for conveying in a transport direction (T) a stack (8) or a partial stack (7) of upright folded products (6) formed from the folded products (6) into a dispensing region (10) ;

   a support face (40) which supports the folded products (6) from below, wherein the support face (40) in the dispensing region (10) is formed by at least one support element (39) which supports the stack (8) in the dispensing region (10);

   a receptacle (36) which is disposed in the proximity of the dispensing region (10); and

   a displacement device (12) for displacing the stack (8) of folded products (6) disposed in the dispensing region (10) perpendicularly to the transport direction (T), from the dispensing region (10) into the receptacle (36),

   characterized in that

   the at least one support element (39) is pivotable or displaceable and, prior to the stack (8) being displaced into the receptacle (36), serves for releasing the stack (8) perpendicularly to the transport direction (T) .
9. Device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the displacement device (12) has a ram (38) which bears on a narrow side of the folded products (6) .
10. Device (1) according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said device (1) furthermore comprises at least two guiding devices (14, 16) which lie opposite one another and therebetween form the stacking region (4), and which are specified for receiving and supporting therebetween the folded products (6) that are fed in from the infeed device (2) .
11. Device (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said device (1) comprises a first and a second delimitation element (28, 30), wherein the first delimitation element (28) in the transport direction (T) is disposed upstream of the dispensing region (10), and the second delimitation element (30) in the transport direction (T) is disposed downstream of the dispensing region (10), and in that the first and the second delimitation element (28, 30) in the transport direction (T) delimit the dispensing region (10) on both sides at least during the displacement of the stack (8).
12. Device (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the first and the second delimitation element (28, 30) have in each case one opening (29) or clearance, and a ram (38) of the displacement device (12), at least during the displacement of the stack (8), in the transport direction (T) extends from the first delimitation element (28) to the second delimitation element (30) and in each case into the opening (29) or clearance in the first and in the second delimitation element (28, 30).

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