EP4190544A1 - Method and transfer device for transferring folding boxes - Google Patents

Abstract

A method according to the invention for transferring folding boxes (8) by means of a transfer device (2) comprises gripping the folding box (8) by means of a first suction unit (16) on a first side surface (110); moving the folding box (8) at least in a first direction (X) into an unfolding area (18) by means of the first suction unit (16); grasping the folded box (8) by means of a second suction unit (20) in the unfolding area (18) on a second side face (112); and unfolding the at least one folding box (8) in the unfolding area (18) by moving the first suction unit (16) at least in a second direction (Y) and the second suction unit (20) at least in a third direction (Z). The first, second and third directions are perpendicular to each other. The first suction unit (16) is then detached from the folding box (8) and this is transferred to a transport device (10) or an intermediate storage facility by means of the second suction unit (20).

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a transfer device for transferring folding boxes from a magazine or a feed device to a transport device or an intermediate storage area.

Such methods and devices are used, for example, in cartoners to take flat blanks of folding boxes, i.e. cut, already folded and possibly glued or plugged together folding box blanks, from a magazine and transfer them to a suitable transport device and the flat blanks of folding boxes during this transfer unfold. The folding boxes can then be filled. Folding boxes are commonly used for packaging products or as an outer packaging for several individual packages. For example, one or more blister packs for medical or pharmaceutical products can optionally be packaged together with a product insert in a folded box.

Transfer devices are known in which a suction arm is pivotably mounted with at least one suction device gripping a folding box blank, with the suction device removing the folding box blank from a magazine, rotating it about an axis and striking a fixed link, as a result of which the folding box blank is unfolded. When hitting the backdrop, high forces act on the folding box, which can lead to damage or deformation of the same.

In order to reduce the stress on the folding boxes, transfer devices are known which have a counter-suction device in the area of the movement path of the folding boxes. The counter-suction cup is arranged on a side of the folding box opposite the suction cup and enables the folding box to be unfolded during transport through the transfer device by a relative movement between the suction cup and the counter-suction cup. Levers provided near the sucker are often used to support the unfolding and to counteract a restoring moment of the folding box.

In both cases, the suckers are usually moved on a (hypo)cycloid-shaped movement path, which means that high accelerations act on the folding boxes and that a complex movement and drive mechanism is usually required.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a method and a device which enable folding boxes to be transferred and unfolded as gently and simply as possible, and at the same time efficiently.

This object is solved by the subject matter of independent claims 1 and 10. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

• Erfassen der zumindest einen Faltschachtel mittels der ersten Saugereinheit, wobei die erste Saugereinheit mit einer ersten Seitenfläche der zumindest einen Faltschachtel in Kontakt steht, und Bewegen der zumindest einen Faltschachtel zumindest in eine erste Richtung in einen Auffaltbereich mittels der ersten Saugereinheit;
• Erfassen der zumindest einen Faltschachtel mittels der zweiten Saugereinheit im Auffaltbereich, wobei die zweite Saugereinheit mit einer der ersten Seitenfläche gegenüberliegenden zweiten Seitenfläche der zumindest einen Faltschachtel in Kontakt steht und die erste Saugereinheit weiterhin mit der ersten Seitenfläche der zumindest einen Faltschachtel in Kontakt steht;
• Auffalten der zumindest einen Faltschachtel im Auffaltbereich durch Bewegen der ersten Saugereinheit zumindest in eine zweite Richtung, die senkrecht zur ersten Richtung ausgerichtet ist, und der zweiten Saugereinheit zumindest in eine dritte Richtung, die senkrecht zur ersten Richtung und zur zweiten Richtung ausgerichtet ist;
• Lösen der ersten Saugereinheit von der zumindest einen Faltschachtel; und Übergeben der zumindest einen Faltschachtel an die Transportvorrichtung oder die Zwischenablage mittels der zweiten Saugereinheit.

A method according to the invention for transferring folding boxes from a magazine or a feed device to a transport device or an intermediate storage area by means of a transfer device that includes a first and a second suction unit, comprises the following steps:

• Grasping the at least one folding box using the first suction unit, the first suction unit being in contact with a first side surface of the at least one folding box, and moving the at least one folding box at least in a first direction into an unfolding area using the first suction unit;
• Grasping the at least one folding box by means of the second suction unit in the unfolding area, the second suction unit being in contact with a second side surface of the at least one folding box, opposite the first side surface, and the first suction unit still being in contact with the first side surface of the at least one folding box;
• Unfolding the at least one folding box in the unfolding area by moving the first suction unit at least in a second direction, which is oriented perpendicular to the first direction, and the second suction unit at least in a third direction, which is oriented perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction;
• detaching the first teat unit from the at least one folding box; and transferring the at least one folding box to the transport device or the intermediate storage area by means of the second suction unit.

In this way, a method is provided in which the at least one folding box does not have to be moved on a (hypo)cycloid-shaped movement path, as a result of which small accelerations and loads act on the at least one folding box and thus limit the efficiency of the method less severely. The necessary movement sequences can also be easily implemented. The process steps can be carried out simultaneously for a plurality of folding boxes by means of the one transfer device without great effort, which leads to a high level of efficiency. Due to the movements in the three spatial directions, the transfer device can nevertheless be designed to save space.

All steps of the method listed herein are preferably carried out in each case in the order given. In order to transfer further folding boxes, the method can include repeating the method steps for at least one further folding box.

In a state of use in which it is unfolded and closed, a folding box preferably has four side surfaces as well as a bottom and a lid. The bottom and/or the top can be opened and closed for inserting or removing products and comprise a bottom or top flap, respectively, and optionally two side flaps. The four side surfaces are usually firmly connected to each other. The four side surfaces include a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and third and fourth side surfaces which are opposite to each other and connect the first and second side surfaces to one another, respectively.

If the folding box is completely unfolded, the third and the fourth side surface are preferably aligned perpendicular to the first and second side surface. In the folded state, in which folding boxes are usually transported and provided, two of the four side surfaces are arranged in one plane and lie essentially flat on the other two side surfaces. For example, in the folded state, the first and third side panels are juxtaposed in one plane and the second and fourth side panels are juxtaposed in one plane. Consequently, an angle between the first and the third side surface and between the second and the fourth side surface is substantially 180° in this state. The angle between the second and the third side surface or between the first and the fourth side surface corresponds to substantially 0°. Deviations are possible due to the restoring forces of the folding box along the folds between the side panels.

Before the at least one folding box is detected, the method preferably includes providing the at least one folding box in the folded state.

In the unfolding area, the at least one folding box is preferably arranged in such a way that a longitudinal axis of the at least one folding box, which is aligned parallel to all four side surfaces of the folding box, is aligned parallel to the first direction. As a result, the folds between the side surfaces of the folding box are also aligned essentially parallel to the first direction and the at least one folding box can be unfolded as easily as possible by moving the first and the second suction unit in the second or third direction. When unfolding, the folds act as hinges between the side surfaces of the folding box.

In the unfolding area, the first and the second side surface of the at least one folding box are preferably always aligned parallel to a first plane, which is defined by the first and the second direction. Particularly preferably, the first and second side surfaces are also arranged parallel to the first plane during movement into the unfolding area.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first plane defined by the first and second directions is oriented horizontally and the third direction is vertical. However, as long as the arrangement of the first, second and third direction relative to one another is retained, these can generally be oriented in any way in space.

The at least one folding box is moved into the unfolding area “at least in the first direction” by means of the first suction unit. This means that the first direction is the main direction of movement of the at least one folding box, but can be superimposed with a movement in the second and/or third direction. The main direction of movement is characterized in that the movement component of the at least one folding box is greater in this direction than in the other two directions. This applies analogously for the first and the second suction unit, which are moved “at least in the second direction” or “at least in the third direction” to unfold the at least one folding box in the unfolding area, as well as for all other corresponding movements described herein.

In order to enable a simple and gentle movement sequence and thus also a simple structure of the transfer device, it is preferred that the at least one folding box is moved into the unfolding area by means of the first suction unit essentially linearly and exclusively in the first direction and/or during unfolding of the at least one folding box in the unfolding area, the first suction unit is moved in the second direction and the second suction unit is moved in the third direction essentially linearly and exclusively in the second or third direction. As a result, only acceleration forces act on the at least one folding box in the direction of movement, but no appreciable centrifugal or transverse forces, as would be the case with curved movement paths.

In general, for all movements described herein, the direction specified is at least the main direction of movement. The movements preferably take place essentially linearly and exclusively in the direction specified in each case.

Unfolding the at least one folding box in the unfolding area preferably includes moving the first teat unit in the second direction and at the same time moving the second suction unit in the third direction until the third and fourth side surfaces of the at least one folding box are essentially perpendicular to the first and second side surfaces of the at least a folding box are aligned. As a result of this movement of the first and the second suction unit, the side surfaces of the at least one folding box are pivoted relative to one another and the folding box is thereby erected or unfolded.

The second suction unit is moved in the third direction in such a way that the second suction unit moves away from the first suction unit in the third direction. In other words, a distance between the first sucker unit and the second sucker unit, which is defined parallel to the third direction, increases. For example, a contact surface of one teat of the first and of the second teat unit to the folding box can be regarded as a reference point on the suction units.

If the third and the fourth side surface are arranged perpendicular to the first and second side surface, the at least one folding box is completely unfolded. However, the first and second sucker units do not have to be moved until the third and fourth side surfaces are arranged perpendicularly to the first and second side surfaces, or can be moved even further.

In one embodiment, the unfolding of the at least one folding box includes the breaking of the at least one folding box, as a result of which the restoring moments acting on the folds between the side surfaces in the folding box can be reduced. Breaking means that the at least one folding box is moved beyond the fully unfolded state. As a result, the side surfaces of the at least one folding box, which are arranged at an angle of 180° to one another in the folded state, are arranged at an angle of less than 90° to one another.

Preferably, the breaking occurs by moving the first suction unit further in the second direction and the second suction unit counter to the third direction. The second suction unit approaches the first suction unit. In other words, the distance between the first sucker unit and the second sucker unit, as defined above, becomes smaller.

The breaking of the at least one folding box can be done either only slightly beyond the fully unfolded state or up to the folded state. In the collapsed state, after breaking, the first and fourth side surfaces would be arranged essentially in one plane and the second and third side surfaces would be arranged essentially in one plane.

The at least one folding box can be transferred to the second suction unit in the broken state. In order to facilitate subsequent processing, such as transferring the at least one folding box to the transport device or introducing products into the at least one folding box, the at least one folding box is preferably pushed back into the at least one folding box before the first teat unit is released moves fully unfolded state.

The method therefore preferably includes, after the breaking and before detaching the first teat unit from the at least one folding box, moving the first teat unit counter to the second direction and at the same time moving the second teat unit in the third direction until the third and the fourth side surface of the at least one folding box are again aligned substantially perpendicular to the first and second side surfaces. The second sucker unit then moves away from the first sucker unit or the distance between the first sucker unit and the second sucker unit increases again.

Folded boxes are particularly preferably provided in the folded state arranged one on top of the other in stacks. For this purpose, a magazine can be provided which comprises at least one shaft for receiving a stack of folded boxes. The method then includes removing the at least one folding box from the magazine using the first suction unit between the gripping of the at least one folding box by means of the first suction unit and the movement of the at least one folding box into the unfolding area.

The method can be implemented particularly easily if the at least one folding box is removed from the magazine from below. A plurality of folding boxes are preferably arranged one above the other in the at least one shaft and a bottom folding box of the plurality of folding boxes rests on a first and a second support area of the shaft. For example, the first and the second support area extend along two opposite edges of the folded box so that it is accessible for the first teat unit between the first and the second support area.

• Erfassen der nach unten gewandten ersten Seitenfläche der untersten Faltschachtel der Mehrzahl von Faltschachteln in dem zumindest einen Schacht mittels der ersten Saugereinheit, vorzugsweise in einem Bereich zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Stützbereich;
• Verschieben der erfassten Faltschachtel durch eine erste Bewegung der ersten Saugereinheit parallel zur zweiten Richtung zum Lösen der erfassten Faltschachtel vom ersten Stützbereich des Schachts;
• Bewegen der ersten Saugereinheit parallel zur dritten Richtung weg von der Mehrzahl von Faltschachteln, vorzugsweise also nach unten;
• Verschieben der erfassten Faltschachtel durch eine zweite Bewegung der ersten Saugereinheit parallel zur zweiten Richtung und entgegengesetzt zur ersten Bewegung zum Lösen der erfassten Faltschachtel vom zweiten Stützbereich des Schachts und dadurch Entnehmen der erfassten Faltschachtel aus dem Magazin.

Capturing the at least one folding box and removing the at least one folding box from the magazine can include the following steps:

• Grasping the downward-facing first side surface of the bottom folding box of the plurality of folding boxes in the at least one shaft by means of the first suction unit, preferably in an area between the first and the second support area;
• Displacing the grasped folding box by a first movement of the first suction unit parallel to the second direction to detach the grasping folding box from the first support area of the chute;
• moving the first suction unit parallel to the third direction away from the plurality of folding boxes, ie preferably downwards;
• Displacement of the grasped folding box by a second movement of the first suction unit parallel to the second direction and opposite to the first movement to detach the grasped folding box from the second support area of the shaft and thereby remove the grasped folding box from the magazine.

As a result, the at least one folding box can initially be relieved of the pressure exerted by the further folding boxes of the plurality of folding boxes weighing on it and can be removed from the magazine as simply and gently as possible.

The movements required to remove the at least one folding box can take place one after the other or partially overlap. For example, the movement of the first suction unit parallel to the third direction can be superimposed with the first or the second movement of the first suction unit. During the first movement, however, the at least one folding box should first be completely detached from the first support area before the downward movement begins, in order to prevent damage to the at least one folding box. The second movement should only start when the first suction unit has been moved parallel to the third direction to such an extent that a collision of the at least one folding box with components of the shaft, in particular with the first support area, is avoided. After detaching the grasped folding box from the second support area, the folding box is initially only supported by the first suction unit.

The first support area can be formed by a first delimiting element of the at least one shaft. For example, the chute has a step that includes a support surface that forms the first support area for the plurality of folding boxes. The shoulder can be formed integrally with the first limiting element or by a separate component.

The second support area is designed and arranged in such a way that it enables the at least one folding box to be displaced by the first movement of the first suction unit. For example, the second support area can be arranged at a distance from a second delimiting element of the shaft in order to form a gap between the second delimiting element and the second support area, through which the folding box is displaced during the first movement.

When the folding box is shifted, it is moved along the second support area, with the load of the stack of folding boxes acting on the contact area between the folding box and the second support area. In order not to damage the folding box during displacement, the second supporting area is preferably designed in such a way that the friction between the second supporting area and the folding box is minimized. For example, the second support area can be formed by a rotatably mounted element, such as a cylinder or roller, which rotates during the shifting of the folding box by the first and the second movement of the first suction unit. As a result, there is little or no relative movement between the second support area and the folding box.

Between the steps of detaching the first suction unit from the at least one folding box and transferring the at least one folding box to the transport device or the clipboard, the method can include moving the at least one folding box to the transport device or clipboard using the second suction unit and inserting the at least one folding box include in the transport device or the clipboard by means of the second suction unit. The transfer of the at least one folding box to the transport device or the intermediate storage preferably includes the detachment of the second suction unit from the at least one folding box.

• Bewegen der zumindest einen Faltschachtel zumindest parallel zur ersten Richtung mittels der zweiten Saugereinheit; und/oder
• Bewegen der zumindest einen Faltschachtel zumindest parallel zur dritten Richtung mittels der zweiten Saugereinheit; und/oder
• Drehen der zumindest einen Faltschachtel um eine Drehachse, die parallel zur zweiten Richtung ausgerichtet ist.

The transfer of the at least one folding box to the transport device or the clipboard particularly preferably includes:

• moving the at least one folding box at least parallel to the first direction by means of the second suction unit; and or
• moving the at least one folding box at least parallel to the third direction by means of the second suction unit; and or
• Rotating the at least one folding box about an axis of rotation that is aligned parallel to the second direction.

The fact that the at least one folding box is moved at least parallel to the first and/or third direction means that the movement path includes at least one component in the indicated direction.

The at least one folding box is preferably rotated about the axis of rotation by a first angle, which is between 0° and 180°, more preferably between 45° and 135°, even more preferably about 90°.

The at least one folding box can be moved at least parallel to the third direction by means of the second suction unit, in addition to moving the second suction unit essentially linearly, by pivoting the second suction unit, for example by pivoting it up or down. As a result, the at least one folding box can also be offset parallel to the first direction. In this way, the movements in the first and the third direction are superimposed.

After the at least one folding box has been transferred to the transport device or the intermediate storage area, the method can also include moving the at least one folding box by means of the transport device in a conveying direction that is aligned parallel to the second direction. As a result, the at least one folding box is conveyed further in such a way that it is subsequently easily accessible for filling and products can be pushed in easily.

In order to increase the efficiency of the method, it is particularly preferred that the method is carried out simultaneously for a plurality of folding boxes, with the first and the second suction unit each being designed to grip the plurality of folding boxes simultaneously.

The at least one folding box consequently comprises a plurality of folding boxes, so that all the method steps described herein can be formulated and executed accordingly with the plurality of folding boxes. As a result, the plurality of folding boxes are simultaneously gripped by the first suction unit, moved into the unfolding area, there additionally grasped and unfolded by the second suction unit before finally the first suction unit detaches from the plurality of folding boxes and the second suction unit transfers the plurality of folding boxes to the transport device or the intermediate storage.

The folding boxes of the plurality of folding boxes that are processed simultaneously are preferably arranged next to one another in the second direction. This arrangement can be maintained throughout all steps. This ensures the simplest possible handling of the folding boxes during unfolding and transfer. For this purpose, the first and the second suction unit can each comprise a plurality of first or second suction cups, which are also arranged next to one another in the second direction in order to grasp and move the plurality of folding boxes.

For example, the magazine comprises a plurality of shafts which are designed in accordance with the shaft already described and are arranged next to one another in the second direction. Analogously to the at least one folding box, each of the plurality of folding boxes is then grasped in the respective shaft and removed from it, as already described.

A transfer device according to the invention for transferring folding boxes from a magazine or a feeding device to a transport device or an intermediate storage area, which is set up to unfold the folding boxes during the transfer, comprises a first suction unit with a plurality of first suction cups, which is set up to have a first side surface to grasp at least one folding box, and a second suction unit with a plurality of second suction cups, which is set up to grasp a second side surface, opposite the first side surface, of the at least one folding box. Furthermore, the transfer device comprises a first drive device which is set up to move the first teat unit in the first direction into an unfolding area of the transfer device and in the unfolding area in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second drive device which is set up to move the to move the second teat unit in the unfolding area in the third direction, which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction and to the second direction. The first and the second teat unit are designed and arranged in such a way that they are in the unfolding area are at least temporarily in engagement with the at least one folding box in order to unfold the at least one folding box.

In this way, a transfer device is provided that does not move the at least one folding box on a (hypo)cycloid-shaped movement path, which means that small accelerations and loads act on the at least one folding box and the efficiency of the method is therefore less severely limited. The necessary movement sequences can also be easily implemented.

Due to the movements in the three spatial directions, the transfer device can also be designed to save space when transferring a plurality of folding boxes. The transfer device for transferring and unfolding a plurality of folding boxes can be submitted without any problems at the same time, since only the dimensions of the first and the second sucker unit and the number of first and second suckers have to be adjusted. Other motion sequences or drive concepts are not required. As a result, the efficiency of the transfer device can be greatly increased.

The transfer device is particularly preferably set up to carry out the method according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be carried out by means of the transfer device according to the invention. All features described with reference to the method can therefore be transferred analogously to the transfer device and vice versa.

The first and the second suction unit are preferably designed separately from one another and can be driven independently of one another. As a result, the transfer device and the method it carries out can be designed as flexibly as possible and, for example, can be adapted to different sizes of folding boxes.

In the unfolding area, the first and the second suction unit are arranged at a distance from one another in the third direction and face one another, so that they can receive and grasp the at least one folding box between them. This means that the plurality of first suction cups and the plurality of second suction cups are aligned towards one another, that is to say are arranged on a side of the respective suction cup unit which faces the respective other suction cup unit.

For example, the first and the second suction unit are each designed as a squeegee or suction pipe, each with a plurality of first and second suction cups. A longitudinal direction of the first and second sucker units is preferably oriented parallel to the second direction, and the plurality of first and second suckers are arranged in the second direction along the first and second sucker units, respectively. In order to be able to remove the at least one folding box from the magazine from below, as already described, the plurality of first suction cups are preferably directed upwards at least during the removal. The plurality of first suction cups can also always be directed upwards, as a result of which the first suction cup unit and the first drive device can be designed as simply as possible, since the first suction cup unit does not have to rotate.

In a preferred embodiment, the first drive device comprises a traction means, a first drive and a second drive, the first and the second drive being in engagement with the traction means and the first suction unit being firmly connected to the traction means. The traction means is stretched around in such a way that the first suction unit can be moved in the first and the second direction by means of the traction means driven by the first and/or second drive.

The traction means can include a rope, a chain, a belt or a toothed belt, for example. The first and the second drive preferably each comprise a rotary drive and a drive element connected to a drive shaft of the respective rotary drive, such as a disk, roller or cylinder, around which the traction means is partially guided. As a result, the drive element is in engagement with the traction mechanism and transmits a rotational movement of the respective rotary drive to the traction mechanism. All drives and drive elements described herein are preferably designed accordingly.

The traction means can be stretched around in such a way that the first suction unit is moved in the first direction when the first and the second drive or their drive elements rotate in the same direction at the same speed, and that the first suction unit is moved in the second direction. when the first and the second drive or their drive elements rotate in opposite directions at the same speed. rotates if only one of the first and second drives is moving, the first suction unit moves diagonally in the first plane defined by the first and second directions.

This can be achieved, for example, by stretching the traction means in a substantially H-shape, with a first leg and a second leg of the H-shape parallel to the first leg parallel to the first direction and the third leg connecting the first and second legs parallel oriented to the second direction. The first suction device is firmly connected to the traction means on the third leg. The first and the second drive can each be arranged at one end of the first and second leg. An exemplary arrangement results from the description of the figures.

In order to be able to easily remove the at least one folding box from the magazine from below, the first suction unit preferably comprises an actuator which is set up to move the first suction unit parallel to the third direction. The actuator can be designed as a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuator. For example, the first suction unit is fixedly attached to the traction means by means of a carrier and the first suction unit can be moved parallel to the third direction relative to the carrier by means of the actuator.

The second drive device can include at least one third drive for moving the second suction unit in the third direction. In a preferred embodiment, the second drive device comprises a first and a second linear guide, which are aligned parallel to the third direction, with the second suction unit being movably connected to the first and the second linear guide, and at least the third and a fourth drive, which are set up for this purpose are to move the second sucker unit along the first and the second linear guide parallel to the third direction. For example, the second teat unit longitudinally includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being movably connected to the first linear guide and the second end being movably connected to the second linear guide. The third drive can be provided for moving the second suction unit along the first linear guide and the fourth drive can be provided for moving the second suction unit along the second linear guide. Further details can be found in the description of the figures.

The second drive device can also be set up to pivot the second suction unit about a pivot axis which is aligned parallel to the second direction. For example, the second suction unit is then pivotably connected to the first and the second linear guide. The pivot axis is preferably arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the second suction unit.

Additionally or alternatively, the second drive device can also be set up to rotate the second suction unit and thus the at least one folding box about an axis of rotation that is aligned parallel to the second direction. The axis of rotation is preferably arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the second suction unit. The second drive device preferably includes a further motor, in particular a servomotor, for rotating the second suction unit about the axis of rotation. The rotational movement of the additional motor can act directly on the second suction unit or can be transmitted to it by means of suitable transmission means.

A packaging machine, in particular a cartoner, can have a filling device for inserting blister packs into the at least one folding box, a transport device for conveying the at least one folding box to the filling device, a magazine for providing a plurality of folding boxes and a transfer device according to the invention for unfolding and transferring the at least one Include folding box to the transport device.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Übergabevorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

Fig. 2

zeigt eine erste Antriebseinrichtung der Übergabevorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

Fig. 3

zeigt die erste Antriebseinrichtung nach Fig. 2 in einer Draufsicht.

Fig. 4

zeigt eine zweite Antriebseinrichtung der Übergabevorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

Fig. 5-7

zeigen die zweite Antriebseinrichtung nach Fig. 4 in unterschiedlichen Stellungen in einer Seitenansicht.

Fig. 8a-d

zeigen Teilschritte des Entnehmens einer Faltschachtel aus einem Schacht in einer Frontansicht.

Fig. 9a-g

zeigen Teilschritte des Auffaltens einer Faltschachtel in einer Frontansicht.

Further features and advantages of the present invention emerge from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1

shows a transfer device according to the invention in a perspective view.

2

shows a first drive device of the transfer device 1 in a perspective view.

3

shows the first drive device 2 in a top view.

4

shows a second drive device of the transfer device 1 in a perspective view.

Figures 5-7

show the second drive device 4 in different positions in a side view.

Fig. 8a-d

show partial steps of removing a folding box from a shaft in a front view.

Fig. 9a-g

show partial steps of unfolding a folding box in a front view.

In 1 a transfer device 2 according to the invention is shown in perspective. For a better explanation of the function of the transfer device 2, this is shown in the context of an exemplary packaging machine 4, with the features of the packaging machine 4 not having a restrictive effect on the transfer device 2. In addition to the transfer device 2, the packaging machine 4, which is embodied as a cartoner, for example, includes a filling device 6 for inserting products, for example blister packs, into at least one folding box 8, a transport device 10 for conveying the at least one folding box 8 to the filling device 6, and a magazine 12 for providing a plurality of folding boxes 8. The transfer device 2 is set up to transfer at least one folding box 8 from the magazine 12 to the transport device 10 and to convert it from a folded state into an unfolded state. It goes without saying that the plurality of folding boxes 8 can be provided in any manner instead of the magazine 12, for example by means of a feed device (not shown). Likewise, the unfolded folding boxes 8 can be transferred to devices other than the transport device 10, for example to an intermediate storage facility (not shown).

Folding boxes 8 are generally provided in the folded state. For this purpose, the magazine 12 can have a plurality of shafts 14, each shaft 14 being able to accommodate a stack of folding boxes 8 arranged one above the other. In a preferred embodiment, the folding boxes 8 are removed from the magazine 12 from below, as with reference to FIG Fig. 8a-d is explained in more detail.

The transfer device 2 comprises a first suction unit 16, which in Figures 2 and 3 is shown in more detail and is set up to detect at least one folding box 8 and to remove it from the magazine 12 . The first suction unit 16 then moves the at least one folding box 8 into an unfolding area 18 (see 9 ) of the transfer device 2. Furthermore, the transfer device 2 comprises a second suction unit 20, which in Figures 4 to 7 is shown in more detail and which is set up to grasp the at least one folding box 8, to unfold it together with the first suction unit 16 and to transfer the at least one folding box 8 to the transport device 10.

The transport device 10 can be designed in any way, for example as a conveyor chain or, as shown, as a rail 22 with a plurality of carriages 24 that can be moved along the rail 22 and each have a receptacle 26 for a folding box 8 . The rail 22 and the carriage 24 can accommodate the folding boxes 8 in any orientation, for example oriented vertically or horizontally, as in 1 implied.

A Cartesian coordinate system, which is shown in all figures, is used in particular to describe the directions of movement of components of the transfer device 2 and the at least one folding box 8 . The coordinate system is defined by a first direction X, a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, and a third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the first and second direction X, Y. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first direction X and the second direction Y are oriented horizontally and define a horizontal first plane, while the third direction Z is oriented vertically. It goes without saying that the coordinate system can also be oriented differently in space and that the transfer device 2 can be designed accordingly.

As in 1 As can be seen, the at least one folding box 8 is transferred from the magazine 12 to the transport device 10 primarily in the first direction X. In addition, the transport device 10 can also be arranged in such a way that during the transfer, the at least one folding box 8 must be moved parallel to the third direction Z upwards or downwards. The at least one folding box 8 is then preferably moved by the transport device 10 in a conveying direction F parallel to the second direction Y, for example to the filling device 6.

Already in 1 It can be seen from the magazine 12 and the transport device 10 that the transfer device 2 is preferably set up to transfer and unfold a plurality of folding boxes 8 at the same time. In the embodiment shown, up to seven folding boxes 8 can be transferred and unfolded at the same time, for which purpose the plurality of shafts 14 of the magazine 12 includes seven shafts 14 and the transport device 10 includes seven carriages 24 . The first suction unit 16 and the second suction unit 20 are preferably designed to simultaneously detect a plurality of folding boxes 8, as can be seen from the following description with reference to FIG Figures 2 to 7 results.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 the first sucker unit 16 includes a plurality of first suckers 28 which are set up to grasp the at least one folding box 8 which is to be transferred to the transport device 10 . The plurality of first suckers 28 are arranged in the second direction Y along the first sucker unit 16 . The plurality of first suction cups 28 can be arranged in pairs, with the two suction cups 28 of a pair preferably being arranged next to one another in the first direction X and the pairs of suction cups 28 being arranged spaced apart from one another in the second direction Y. Each pair of suction cups 28 is used to grip a folding box 8.

The first suction unit 16 can be designed, for example, as a suction strip and can extend further in a first longitudinal direction L1 than in two transverse directions Q11, Q12 aligned perpendicular thereto. The first longitudinal direction L1 is preferably aligned parallel to the second direction Y. The plurality of first suckers 28 are arranged on a surface 16a of the first sucker unit 16 . In order to be able to remove the folding boxes 8 from the magazine 12 preferably from below, the plurality of first suction cups 28 can be directed upwards in the third direction X.

To move the first teat unit 16 in the first direction X in the unfolding area 18 of the transfer device 2 and in the second direction Y in the unfolding area 18, the transfer device 2 comprises a first drive device 30.

The first drive device 30 preferably includes a traction means 32, for example in the form of a belt, and a first drive 34 and a second drive 36, which with the traction means 32 are engaged. For this purpose, the first drive 34 can comprise a first drive element 35 and the second drive can comprise a second drive element 37, the first and the second drive element 35, 37 each being drivable in rotation and being designed, for example, as a pulley or roller. The first suction unit 16 is firmly connected to the traction means 32, here by means of a carrier 38 which is fixed to the traction means 32 and carries the first suction unit 16.

The traction means 32 is clamped around in such a way that the first suction unit 16 can be moved parallel to the first and second direction X, Y by means of the traction means 32 driven by the first and/or second drive 34, 36. For this purpose, the traction means 32 can be clamped in an essentially H-shape, as described in more detail below. The traction means 32 can be endless and run through the first suction unit 16 or, if present, its support 38, which is fixed to the traction means 32. However, the traction means 32 can also have two ends, which are each fastened to the first suction unit 16 or to its carrier 38, preferably at opposite ends.

In this embodiment, the first drive device 30 also includes a first deflection element 40 and a second deflection element 42, around which the traction means 32 is partially guided. The first deflection element 40 is arranged in the first direction X at a distance from the first drive element 35 and the second deflection element 42 is arranged in the first direction X at a distance from the second drive element 37 . As a result, they form the first and second leg of the H-shape of the traction means 32. The first and the second deflection element 40, 42 can be mounted rotatably and can be designed, for example, as a deflection roller or roller. The axes of the first drive element 35, the second drive element 37, the first deflection element 40 and the second deflection element 42 are preferably arranged parallel to one another. A first straight line, which runs perpendicular to the axes of the first drive element 35 and the first deflection element 40, and a second straight line, which runs perpendicular to the axes of the second drive element 37 and the second deflection element 42, preferably extend parallel to the first direction X.

A first guide carriage 44 is movably mounted in the first direction X between the first drive element 35 and the first deflection element 40 . The first guide sled 44, a third deflection element 46 carries a fourth deflection element 48, around which the traction means 32 is partially guided and which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the first direction X. The axes of the third and the fourth deflection element 46, 48 are preferably arranged parallel to the axes of the first and the second deflection element 40, 42. For example, the first guide carriage 44 can be moved parallel to the first direction X along a first guide rail 50 .

A second guide carriage 52 is movably mounted in the first direction X between the second drive element 37 and the second deflection element 42 . The second guide carriage 52 carries a fifth deflection element 54 and a sixth deflection element 56, around which the traction means 32 is partially guided and which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the first direction X. The axes of the fifth and the sixth deflection element 54, 56 are preferably arranged parallel to the axes of the first and the second deflection element 40, 42. For example, the second guide carriage 52 can be moved parallel to the first direction X along a second guide rail 58 .

The deflection elements 40, 42, 46, 48, 54, 56 and the drive elements 35, 37 are preferably dimensioned and arranged such that the sections of the traction means 32 running between them extend parallel to the first direction X or parallel to the second direction Y.

The H-shaped course of the traction means 32 can be described as follows. From the first suction unit 16 or the carrier 38, the traction means 32 runs in the second direction Y to the fourth deflection element 48, wraps around the fourth deflection element 48 by approximately 90°, runs in the opposite direction to the first direction X to the first drive element 35, wraps around the first drive element 35 by about 180°, runs in the first direction X to the first deflection element 40, wraps around the first deflection element 40 by about 180°, runs in the opposite direction to the first direction X to the third deflection element 46 and wraps around the third deflection element 46 by about 90°. The traction means 32 then extends counter to the second direction Y past the first suction unit 16 or the carrier 38 to the fifth deflection element, wraps around the fifth deflection element by approximately 90°, runs in the first direction X to the second deflection element 42, wraps around the second deflection element 42 by about 180°, runs counter to the first direction X to the second drive element 37, wraps around the second drive element 37 by about 180°, runs in the first direction X to the sixth deflection element 56 wraps around the sixth deflection element 56 by approximately 90° and then runs in the second direction Y back to the first suction unit 16 or to the carrier 38.

If the first and the second drive 34, 36 or the first and the second drive element 35, 37 rotate at the same speed in the same direction, the first sucker unit 16 is moved in the first direction X. If the first and the second drive 34, 36 or the first and the second drive element 35, 37 rotate at the same speed in opposite directions, the first sucker unit 16 is moved in the second direction Y.

It can be seen that the first drive device 30 is designed essentially independently of the other components of the transfer device 2 . As a result, the first suction unit can be driven independently.

In order to also be able to move the first suction unit 16 parallel to the third direction Z, the first suction unit 16 can comprise at least one actuator 60 which can be provided between the carrier 38 and the first suction unit 16 in the illustrated embodiment. The actuator 60 can be designed, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder.

The at least one folding box 8 is unfolded in the unfolding area 18 by the interaction of the first and the second suction unit 16, 20. To move the second suction unit 20 in the unfolding area 18 in the third direction Z and to then transfer the at least one folding box 8 to the transport device 10 by means of the second suction unit 20, the transfer device 2 comprises a second drive device 62, which is Figures 4-7 is shown in more detail, in which the second suction unit 20 can also be seen better.

The second sucker unit 20 has a plurality of second suckers 63 . The second suction unit 20 can be designed, for example, as a suction bar which extends further in a second longitudinal direction L2 than in two transverse directions Q21, Q22 aligned perpendicular thereto. The second longitudinal direction L2 is then preferably aligned parallel to the second direction Y. The plurality of second suckers 63 are juxtaposed in the second longitudinal direction and preferably on a surface 20a of the second sucker unit 20 arranged. Analogously to the plurality of first suction cups 28, the plurality of second suction cups can be arranged in pairs.

If the plurality of first teats 28 in the unfolding area 18 are directed upwards in the third direction X, as in FIG 2 1, the plurality of first suckers 63 should face downward in the third direction X as shown in FIG 4 shown. As a result, the plurality of first suction cups 28 and the plurality of second suction cups 63 in the unfolding area 18 are directed towards one another and can hold the at least one folding box 8 between them and grasp it at the same time. For reasons of clarity, the first suction unit is 16 in 4 only indicated by dashed lines.

The second drive device 62 can include a third drive 64 which is set up to move the second suction unit 20 in the third direction Z. In the embodiment shown, the second drive device 62 includes a total of four belt drives, one of which includes the third drive 64 . Furthermore, a fourth drive 66, a fifth drive 68 and a sixth drive 70 can be provided for each belt drive. It goes without saying that other types of drive can be selected or only some of the belt drives shown can be used.

The second drive device 62 preferably comprises a first linear guide 72 and a second linear guide 74, here also a third linear guide 76 and a fourth linear guide 78, which are aligned parallel to the third direction Z. Two linear guides are arranged on each side of the second suction unit 20 . The second suction unit 20 is movably connected to the first and the second linear guide 72, 74 and here also to the third and the fourth linear guide 76, 78.

More specifically, a first end 20b of the second sucker unit 20 is rotatably connected to a first arm 80 and a second end 20c of the second sucker unit 20 opposite the first end 20b in the longitudinal direction L2 is rotatably connected to a second arm 82 . The first arm 80 is movably mounted on the first linear guide 72 by means of a third guide carriage 84 and the second arm 82 is movably mounted on the second linear guide 74 by means of a fourth guide carriage 86 . Particularly preferably, the first arm 80 is also movably mounted on the third linear guide 76 by means of a fifth guide carriage 88 and the second arm 82 by means of a sixth guide carriage 90 the fourth linear guide 78 mounted. The guide carriages can each be moved along the linear guide.

In order to move the guide carriages 84, 86, 88, 90 along the respective linear guide 72, 74, 76, 78, each guide carriage 84, 86, 88, 90 is connected to a first, second, third and fourth traction means 92a, b, c, d set, which is in engagement with a third, fourth, fifth or sixth drive element 94a, b, c, d of the respective drive 64, 66, 68, 70 and from this and a respective seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth deflection element 96a , b, c, d is spanned. Each traction means 92a, b, c, d preferably runs parallel to the third direction Z between the drive element 94a, b, c, d and the deflection element 96a, b, c, d.

This structure has the advantage that the second suction unit 20 can be moved safely and precisely parallel to the third direction Z in order to gently unfold the at least one folding box 8 . For this purpose, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth guide carriages 84, 86, 88, 90 are arranged at the same height in the third direction Z and are moved simultaneously and at the same speed parallel to the third direction Z, as in FIG figure 5 to see.

However, if the guide carriages 84, 86, 88, 90 are moved to different heights in the third direction Z, the second suction unit 20 is pivoted about a pivot axis S, which is aligned parallel to the second direction Y. As in Figures 6 and 7 As can be seen, the fourth guide carriage 86 (and analogously the opposite third guide carriage 84) can be arranged further down than the sixth guide carriage 90 (and analogously the opposite fifth guide carriage 88), whereby the second arm 82 inclines upwards and thus the at least one folding box 8 is pivoted upwards. If, on the other hand, the fourth guide carriage 86 (and analogously the opposite third guide carriage 84) is arranged further up than the sixth guide carriage 90 (analogously the opposite fifth guide carriage 88), the second arm 82 is inclined downwards and the at least one folding box 8 is pivoted downwards .

In addition, from the synopsis of Figures 5 to 7 It can be seen that the second drive device 62 can be designed in such a way that the at least one folding box can be rotated about an axis of rotation D, which is aligned parallel to the second direction Y or to the second longitudinal direction L2 of the second teat unit 20. This is done for example by the rotatable mounting of the second suction unit 20 between the first and the second arm 80, 82.

A separate drive can be provided for rotating the second suction unit 20 about the axis of rotation D. However, a suitable transmission mechanism can also be provided, which converts the movement of the carriages or traction means along the linear guides or the relative movement between the carriages on one side of the second suction unit 20 into a corresponding rotation of the second suction unit.

Before using the Fig. 8a-d and Fig. 9a-g the method according to the invention is described, results from the synopsis of Fig. 8a-d and the 1 an exemplary structure of the at least one shaft 14 of the magazine 12, from which the at least one folding box 8 can be removed. Each shaft 14 can accommodate a stack 98 of folded boxes 8 arranged one on top of the other. The lowermost folding box of the stack 98 rests on a first support area 100 and on a second support area 102 of the chute 14 . The first and the second support area 100, 102 preferably extend along two opposite edges 8a, b of the folding box 8, so that it is accessible for the first teat unit 16 between the first and the second support area 100, 102.

Furthermore, each shaft 14 has a first delimiting element 104 and a second delimiting element 106, which laterally support the received stack 98 and delimit the respective shaft 14, for example in or counter to the second direction. The delimiting elements 104, 106 are in 1 seen in the form of side walls of the shafts 14, it being understood that a first delimiting element 104 of one shaft 14 can also form a second delimiting element 106 of an adjacent shaft 14.

The first support area 100 can be formed by the first delimiting element 100 which has, for example, a step or projection with a bearing surface 100a forming the first support area 100 . The second support area 102 is preferably designed in such a way that it allows the lowermost folding box 8 to be displaced parallel to the second direction Y. For this purpose, the second support region 102 can be spaced apart from the second delimiting element 106 in the third direction Z, in order to leave a gap 108 between the second delimiting element 106 and the second support area 102, through which the folding box 8 can be displaced.

At the start of the method, the first suction unit 16 grasps at least one folding box 8 in order to move it into the unfolding area 18 . Preferably, the first suction unit 16 removes the at least one folding box from the magazine 12, as now based on FIG Fig. 8a-d is described.

The first suction unit 16 grasps a downward-facing first side face 110 of the bottommost folding box 8 of the plurality of folding boxes 8 in the shaft 14 ( Figure 8a ), preferably by means of a first suction cup 28 or a pair of first suction cups 28. For this purpose, the first suction cup unit 16 can engage in an area of the first side surface 110 of the folding box 8 which is freely accessible between the first support area 100 and the second support area 102 of the shaft 14 is. By a first movement of the first suction unit 16 parallel to the second direction Y, the folded box 8 that has been grasped is then shifted parallel to the second direction Y and thereby released from the first support area 100 ( Figure 8b ). The edge 8b of the folding box 8 previously arranged on the second supporting area 102 passes through the gap 108 between the second delimiting element 106 and the second supporting area 102. In order to protect the folding box 8 during this relative movement between the second supporting area 102 and the folding box 8, the second support area 102 comprise a rotatably mounted element, for example in the form of a roller, a rod or a roller.

If the folding box 8 has been completely detached from the first support area 100 and has been displaced parallel to the second direction Y to such an extent that a subsequent collision with the first support area 100 or other components of the magazine 12 can be avoided, the first suction unit 16 moves parallel to the third direction Z down, as in Figure 8c shown. The folding box 8 is then displaced parallel to the second direction Y and opposite to the first movement by a second movement of the first suction unit 16 and is thereby also detached from the second support area 102 ( Figure 8d ). The folding box 8 has now been removed from the magazine 12 . It can be seen that with the first suction unit 16 having a plurality of first suction cups 28 according to FIG Figures 2 and 3 a plurality of folding boxes 8 can be removed from the magazine at the same time and is then carried by the first suction unit 16 .

After the at least one folding box 8 has been gripped by the first suction unit 16, the first suction unit 16 moves the at least one folding box 8 in the first direction X into the unfolding area 18 (see 1 , 4 , 9 ). In the unfolding area 18, the at least one folding box 8 is unfolded by the first and the second suction unit 16, 20, as with reference to FIG Fig. 9a-g described, in each of which a representative front view of a folding box 8 in the unfolding area 18 is shown looking in the first direction X.

As in Figure 9a As can be seen, the at least one folding box 8 is first gripped by the second suction unit 20, in particular by one or a pair of second suction cups 63, on a second side surface 112 opposite the first side surface 110. In the initially folded state of the folding box 8, as in Fig. 8a-d and Figure 9a shown, two of the four side surfaces of the folding box 8 are arranged in one plane and lie essentially flat on the other two side surfaces. Here, the first side surface 110 and a third side surface 114 are arranged in one plane and the second side surface 112 and a fourth side surface 116 are arranged in one plane. In the fully unfolded state of the folding box 8, the third and fourth side surfaces 114, 116 are then aligned perpendicular to the first and second side surfaces 110, 112 (cf. 9c,g ). Furthermore, the folding box has a bottom and a lid, which are formed, for example, by a bottom flap 118 and a top flap 120, respectively, which Figures 4 and 5 are easy to recognize.

The folding box 8 is unfolded by moving the first suction unit 16 in the second direction Y and at the same time the second suction unit 20 in the third direction, as in FIG Figure 9b shown. As a result of this sequence of movements, the second side surface 112 of the folding box 8 is lifted off the first side surface 110 and the first side surface 110 is pushed under the second side surface 112 . Preferably, the first teat unit 16 is moved in the second direction Y and, at the same time, the second teat unit 20 is moved in the third direction Z, until the third and fourth side surfaces 114, 116 of the folding box 8 are essentially perpendicular to the first and second side surfaces 110 , 112 are aligned and the folding box 8 is fully unfolded ( 9c ). The movement of the second suction unit 20 takes place in such a way that a direction parallel to the third direction Z is defined Distance H between the first suction unit 16 and the second suction unit 20 increases.

The restoring moments acting in the folding box 8 can be reduced by the folding box 8 being broken open. For this purpose, after the folding box 8 has been completely unfolded, the first suction unit 16 is moved further in the second direction Y, while the second suction unit 20 is moved in the opposite direction to the third direction Z, as in FIG Figures 9d and 9e to see. The distance H between the first and the second suction unit 16, 20 is thereby reduced and the folding box 8 is moved in the direction of the folded state. A minor break, something like in Figure 9d , may already be sufficient. However, the folding box 8 can also be completely broken up into the folded state ( Fig. 9e ). In this case, deviating from the in Figure 9a In the folded state shown, the first and fourth side surfaces 110, 116 are arranged in one plane and the second and third side surfaces 112, 114 are arranged in one plane.

It is preferred that the folding box 8 is moved back into the fully unfolded state after being broken, which is why the first sucker unit 16 is moved counter to the second direction Y and the second sucker unit 20 is moved in the third direction Z (see FIG Figures 9f and 9g ).

After unfolding, the first suction unit 16 is detached from the at least one folding box 8 and the second suction unit 20 can transfer the at least one folding box 8 to the transport device 10 . In order to bridge a height offset between the unfolding area 18 and the transport device 10, the second suction unit 20 can move the at least one folding box 8 parallel to the third direction Z, as shown in FIG figure 5 implied. Additionally or alternatively, the second suction unit 20 can pivot the at least one folding box 8 upwards or downwards about the pivot axis S (see Fig Figures 6 and 7 ). In addition, the second teat unit 20 can, if desired, rotate the at least one folding box 8 about the axis of rotation D, as also shown in FIG Figures 6 and 7 to see. While the first and second side surfaces 110, 112 are aligned parallel to the first plane in the unfolding area 18, they are aligned, for example, perpendicular to the first plane after rotation about the axis of rotation D and can thus be transferred to the transport device 10, as in 1 shown.

Overall, a method and a transfer device are provided in this way, by means of which a plurality of folding boxes 8 can be transferred and unfolded at the same time without any problems, with the folding boxes 8 being handled gently.

Claims (15)

Method for transferring folding boxes (8) from a magazine (12) or a feed device to a transport device (10) or an intermediate storage area by means of a transfer device (2) which comprises a first and a second suction unit (16, 20), the method includes the following steps: Grasping the at least one folding box (8) by means of the first suction unit (16), the first suction unit (16) being in contact with a first side surface (110) of the at least one folding box (8), and moving the at least one folding box (8) at least in a first direction (X) in an unfolding area (18) by means of the first teat unit (16); Gripping the at least one folding box (8) by means of the second suction unit (20) in the unfolding area (18), the second suction unit (20) having a second side surface (112) of the at least one folding box (8) opposite the first side surface (110) in is in contact and the first teat unit (16) continues to be in contact with the first side surface (110) of the at least one folding box (8); Unfolding the at least one folding box (8) in the unfolding area (18) by moving the first suction unit (16) at least in a second direction (Y), which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction (X), and the second suction unit (20) at least in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y); Detaching the first teat unit (16) from the at least one folding box (8); and Transferring the at least one folding box (8) to the transport device (10) or the intermediate storage area by means of the second suction unit (20). Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one folding box (8) is moved into the unfolding area (18) by means of the first suction unit (16) is substantially linear and only in the first direction (X); and or
when unfolding the at least one folding box (8) in the unfolding area (18), moving the first teat unit (16) in the second direction (Y) and the second teat unit (20) in the third direction (Z) essentially linearly and exclusively in the second or third direction (Y, Z) takes place. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the unfolding of the at least one folding box (8) in the unfolding area (18) comprises:
Moving the first teat unit (16) in the second direction (Y) and at the same time the second teat unit (20) in the third direction (Z) until a third and a fourth side surface (114, 116) of the at least one folding box (8) Are aligned substantially perpendicular to the first and second side surface (110, 112) of the at least one folding box (8). Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that the unfolding of the at least one folding box (8) comprises the breaking of the at least one folding box (8), the breaking taking place by:
Moving the first sucker unit (16) further in the second direction (Y) and the second sucker unit (20) counter to the third direction (Z). Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that after the breaking of the at least one folding box (8) and before the detachment of the first suction unit (16) from the at least one folding box (8), the method further comprises:
Moving the first teat unit (16) counter to the second direction (Y) and at the same time moving the second teat unit (20) in the third direction (Z) until the third and the fourth side surface (114, 116) of the at least one folding box (8) again are aligned essentially perpendicular to the first and second side surface (110, 112) of the at least one folding box (8). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the gripping of the at least one folding box (8) by means of the first suction unit (16) and the moving of the at least one folding box (8) into the unfolding area (18), the removal of the at least one folding box (8) from the magazine (12) by means of the first suction unit (16), wherein the magazine (12) comprises at least one shaft (14) in which a plurality of folding boxes (8) are arranged one above the other and in each case a lowermost folding box (8) of this plurality of folding boxes (8) is supported on a first and a second support area (100 , 102) of the shaft (14) rests, wherein the detection of the at least one folding box (8) and the removal of the at least one folding box (8) from the magazine (12) comprises the following steps: Grasping the downward-facing first side surface (110) of the bottom folding box (8) of the plurality of folding boxes (8) in the at least one shaft (14) by means of the first suction unit (16); Displacing the grasped folding box (8) by a first movement of the first suction unit (16) parallel to the second direction (Y) to detach the grasped folding box (8) from the first support area (100) of the chute (14); moving the first sucker unit (16) downward parallel to the third direction (Z); Displacement of the grasped folding box (8) by a second movement of the first suction unit (16) parallel to the second direction (Y) and opposite to the first movement to detach the grasped folding box (8) from the second support area (102) of the shaft (14) and thereby Removing the detected folding box (8) from the magazine (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer of the at least one folding box (8) to the transport device (10) or the intermediate storage further comprises: moving the at least one folding box (8) at least parallel to the first direction (X) by means of the second suction unit (20); and or moving the at least one folding box (8) at least parallel to the third direction (Z) by means of the second suction unit (20); and or Rotating the at least one folding box (8) about an axis of rotation (D), which is aligned parallel to the second direction (Y), by means of the second suction unit (20) by a first angle of between 0° and 180°, preferably between 45° and 135°, more preferably about 90°. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the at least one folding box (8) has been transferred to the transport device (10) or the clipboard, the at least one folding box (8) is also moved by means of the transport device (10) or the clipboard in a conveying direction (F) which is oriented parallel to the second direction (Y). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is carried out simultaneously for a plurality of folding boxes (8), the first and the second suction unit (20) each being designed to grip the plurality of folding boxes (8) simultaneously. Transfer device (2) for transferring folding boxes (8) from a magazine (12) or a feed device to a transport device (10) or a clipboard, the transfer device (2) being set up and comprising to unfold the folding boxes (8) during the transfer : a first sucker unit (16) with a plurality of first suckers (28), which is set up to grasp a first side surface (110) of at least one folding box (8); and a second sucker unit (20) with a plurality of second suckers (63), which is set up to grasp a second side face (112) of the at least one folding box (8) opposite the first side face (110); a first drive device (30) which is set up to move the first teat unit (16) in a first direction (X) in an unfolding area (18) of the transfer device (2) and in the unfolding area (18) in a direction relative to the first direction (X) to move perpendicular second direction (Y); and a second drive device (62) which is set up to move the second teat unit (20) in the unfolding area (18) in a third direction (Z) which is aligned perpendicularly to the first direction (X) and to the second direction (Y). ; wherein the first and the second teat unit (16, 20) are designed and arranged in such a way that in the unfolding area (18) they are at least temporarily in engagement with the at least one folding box (8) in order to unfold the at least one folding box (8). Transfer device (2) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first suction unit (16) and the second suction unit (20) are designed separately from one another and can be driven independently of one another. Transfer device (2) according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first drive device (30) comprises:
a traction means (32), a first drive (34) and a second drive (36), the first and the second drive (34, 36) being in engagement with the traction means (32) and the first teat unit (16) fixed with is connected to the traction means (32), the traction means (32) being stretched around in such a way that the first suction unit (16) can be moved in the first and second directions (X, Y) by means of the traction means (32) driven by the first and/or second drive (34, 36). Transfer device (2) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first suction unit (16) further comprises an actuator (60) which is set up to move the first suction unit (16) parallel to the third direction (Z). . Transfer device (2) according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the second drive device (62) is also set up to rotate the at least one folding box (8) about an axis of rotation (D) which is parallel to the second direction (Y ) is aligned. Transfer device (2) according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the second drive device (62) comprises: first and second linear guides (72, 74) aligned parallel to the third direction (Z), the second sucker unit (20) being movably connected to the first and second linear guides (72, 74); at least a third and a fourth drive (64, 66) which are set up to move the second suction unit (20) along the first and the second linear guide (72, 74) parallel to the third direction (Z).

Images