JP2016522124A - Apparatus and method for opening packaging carton sleeve - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanism (13) for supplying a flat carton sleeve (10) and a transport unit (14) that can be rotated around a rotating shaft (27), the transport unit (14) being a carton sleeve (10) A transport unit (14), and a carton sleeve (10) having at least one suction member (24) to be adhered to each other by suction, the suction member (24) being at a distance (26) from the rotation shaft (27). A device (12) for opening the packaging carton sleeve (10) is provided and described, comprising a conveyor belt (15) having at least one pocket (31) for receiving). In addition, a method of opening the packaging carton sleeve (10) is provided and described. In order to achieve that it is possible to ensure that the carton sleeve can be opened and transported to the conveyor belt, even with a simple design and simple procedure, between the suction member (24) and the rotating shaft (27). The distance (26) is constant so that the carton sleeve (10) is guided along a circular path (25). [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanism for supplying a flat carton sleeve and a transport unit that can be rotated around a rotation axis, the transport unit having at least one suction member that adheres to the carton sleeve by suction, The invention relates to a device for opening a packaging carton sleeve, wherein the member comprises a transport unit at a distance from a rotation axis and a conveyor belt having at least one pocket for receiving the carton sleeve.

  Furthermore, the present invention advances the carton sleeve by a step of supplying the carton sleeve by a mechanism, a step of adhering the carton sleeve to the carton sleeve by suction, and a transport unit that rotates around a rotation shaft and has at least one suction member. And a step of opening the carton sleeve by inserting the carton sleeve into a pocket mounted on a conveyor belt.

  Many devices and methods are known in the packaging art that can be used to open the flat sleeve so that the carton sleeve can be filled with its contents later. This often requires a complex opening device that pulls the flat carton sleeve away from both sides to open the flat carton sleeve.

  A device for opening of this kind is known from US Pat. The suction member adheres to the flat carton sleeve from both sides by suction. Thereafter, the opposing suction members are moved away from each other so that the faces of the opposing carton sleeves are pulled apart and the carton sleeve is opened. The solution described in US Pat. No. 6,057,049 is intended to design a machine for opening, since suction members that can be moved toward and away from each other are intended to adhere to the carton sleeve from both sides by suction. Has the disadvantage that it is very complex.

  A further option for opening a flat carton sleeve is known from US Pat. In this opening device, the carton sleeve is fed flat into a pocket on the conveyor. A rotatable arm having a suction member is mounted in each pocket and is intended to open the carton sleeve from a flat state to a cylindrical state. This opening device also has the disadvantage of a complicated design, since a rotatable arm with a suction element must be provided in each pocket.

  However, for example, if the relative speed that occurs when the carton sleeve is transported from the first station to the second station of the filling line is used to open the carton sleeve, it eliminates the need for a separate opening device. be able to. That is, while the carton sleeve is still being fed from the first station of the line that transports the sleeve forward, the sleeve "sucks" against the components of the second station on the line, so that the sleeve be opened.

  A device and method of this kind for opening, filling and sealing a carton is known from US Pat. The carton sleeve is opened by a rotating unit that pulls flat cartons from the magazine and conveys them to the conveyor belt. This step is illustrated in particular in FIGS. 15a to 15f. The carton sleeve is opened during conveyance from the rotary unit to the conveyor belt, and is clamped between a pair of L-shaped claws attached to the conveyor belt. One leg of the L-shaped claw is attached to the conveyor belt, and the other leg protrudes above the conveyor belt and is intended to hold the carton on the side. A hook is provided at one end of the extending leg and is intended to keep the carton sleeve in place between the claws. The rotating unit has an arm having a suction head, and the arm also performs a radial movement in the direction of the conveyor belt in addition to the rotational movement in order to convey the carton sleeve to the conveyor belt. By inserting the carton sleeve at the point where the conveyor belt runs on the curve and the leg that the L-shaped claw part extends is not parallel but moved, the two L-shaped carton sleeves Insertion between the nail portions becomes possible. After the carton sleeve is inserted, the conveyor belt moves again in a straight line, the claws extending and extending legs return to their normal position, and the carton sleeve is moving in parallel at this point It is clamped between the legs that extend.

  The solution disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,057,096 has the disadvantage that, among other things, it is very complex in design. The reason for this is that the arms of the rotating mechanism are intended to perform not only rotational movement but also radial movement in order to pull out the carton sleeves from the magazine and guide them towards the conveyor belt. . A further disadvantage is the lack of configuration variability. Since the carton sleeve is intended to be clamped between a pair of L-shaped claws in the manner as described above, the carton sleeve is clawed at the point where the conveyor belt transitions from a curved course to a straight course. Must be inserted into the part. However, there is no provision for inserting and securing a carton sleeve upstream or downstream of this transition region.

European Patent Application Publication No. 0 112 605 (A2) International Publication No. 96/23655 (A1) U.S. Pat. No. 3,060,654

  Thus, the present invention is based on the problems related to the improvement and development of the method mentioned at the beginning and presented in detail above, as well as the apparatus mentioned at the beginning and presented in detail above, with a simple design and simplicity. Even with a simple procedure, the carton sleeve can be reliably opened and conveyed to the conveyor belt.

  This problem is solved in the device according to the preamble of claim 1. In the apparatus according to the premise of claim 1, the distance between the suction member and the rotating shaft is constant, so that the carton sleeve is guided along a circular path.

  One aspect of the present invention is that the suction member and further the carton sleeve to which the suction member adheres by suction is guided or guided along a circular path. As a result of this geometrically simple suction member and carton sleeve guidance, the transport unit can be designed in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. For example, the transport unit may have a cylindrical drum as a main part. More specifically, there is no need to attach the suction member so that the suction member can move in the radial direction. This makes it very easy to attach and / or attach the suction member to the transport unit. Furthermore, as a result of the suction member being in an unchanging position, it becomes easy to supply a negative pressure to the suction member. Finally, since almost no moving parts can be required, the transport unit in the device according to the invention is characterized by being very rugged. Furthermore, omitting moving parts is advantageous in terms of (food) hygiene because the parts are not lubricated.

  One embodiment of the invention provides that the conveyor belt runs on a straight line in the region of the device. A conveyor belt running on a straight line makes it easy to insert a carton sleeve into a pocket mounted on the conveyor belt. This is because the pocket is located sufficiently close to the transport unit during the longer section than when the belt runs on a curve. Furthermore, no centrifugal force is applied when the belt runs on a straight line, which is very advantageous during high speed operation. On the other hand, when the conveyor belt passes the area of the apparatus, it is no longer necessary for the conveyor belt to travel on a straight line, and in this area, the conveyor belt can change its path. As an alternative, it can also be provided that the conveyor belt runs in a curvilinear direction in the region of the device. More specifically, the conveyor belt may run along a circular path in the region of the device. Placing the device on the curved or circular section of the conveyor belt has the advantage that the area in which the conveyor belt changes course can also be used. This allows for a very compact design of the system for opening, filling and sealing the carton sleeve.

  A further design of the present invention provides that the mechanism has at least one finger that is movably attached with a pawl separating the flat carton sleeve. It is preferable that the height of the claw portion corresponds to the height of a carton folded flat. The finger can be moved back and forth. This longitudinal linear movement can intersect with the lateral movement, and as a result, the fingers move along a generally elliptical trajectory as a whole. This design means that the finger engages exactly one carton sleeve using the claw for each cycle of movement and pushes the carton sleeve out of the bundle. The fingers can have a precisely defined range of movement so that the carton sleeve removed from the bundle can be advanced to a desired position where the suction member can adhere to the carton sleeve by suction. The location where the suction member engages the carton sleeve can be changed by changing the range of movement. For example, the moving range can be a range between 1 cm and 4 cm, and more specifically a range between 2 cm and 3 cm.

  Further teachings of the present invention provide that the mechanism has a hopper that guides the carton sleeve and that the central section of the hopper has an offset relative to the rotation axis of the transport unit. The length of the offset may be, for example, in a range between 1 cm and 6 cm, and more specifically in a range between 2 cm and 4 cm. Offset means that the suction member adheres by suction to the end region, not the center of the carton sleeve. This facilitates the insertion of the carton sleeve into the pocket of the carton sleeve as it extends considerably far away from the suction member when the carton sleeve is adhered by suction in its end region.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that all suction members are arranged at the same distance from the rotation axis of the transport unit. The transport unit may have two or more suction members. When a plurality of suction members are present on the transport unit, all the suction members are arranged at the same radial distance from the rotation axis of the transport unit in order to be able to reliably adhere to the carton sleeve by suction. It is advantageous. The suction members may be arranged in a row so that the carton sleeves are simultaneously bonded by suction with a plurality of suction members. Furthermore, a plurality of rows of suction members may be provided on the transport unit. In this way, a plurality of carton sleeves are bonded by suction and can be opened each time the transport unit rotates. In a preferred embodiment, the rows of suction members are evenly arranged at the same distance from each other on the area of the transport unit.

  According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the suction member is inclined at an angle with respect to a tangential plane that contacts the circular path. The angle may be, for example, in a range between 1 ° and 10 °, and more specifically in a range between 3 ° and 6 °. The suction member is preferably inclined in the rotation direction of the transport unit. This inclination has the advantage that the suction member does not remain stuck to the carton sleeve stored in the magazine. This danger exists because the peripheral part of the suction member that is not inclined is located on the tangential plane, and as a result, the front part and the last part viewed from the rotation direction of the suction member that is not inclined are the suction member. This is due to the fact that a larger radial distance is placed from the axis of rotation compared to the center of the suction member which is exactly located on the circular path to be guided. In particular, by tilting the suction member, it is possible to achieve that the foremost portion of the suction element, also viewed from the rotational direction, is located inside the circular path through which the suction member is guided. As a result of the secondary effect of reducing the risk of collision, tilt, the suction member can be properly attached to the carton sleeve. Instead of or in addition to the inclination of the suction member, the magazine containing the carton sleeve may also be inclined at an appropriate angle.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, it is defined that the pocket has two rigid side walls. In addition, a rigid rear wall can be provided. A rigid wall is understood as a wall that is resistant to bending, more specifically a wall that cannot be tilted or folded. The rigid side wall provides a more appropriate stopping point for the carton sleeve compared to the flexible or expandable side wall, which facilitates opening the carton sleeve. The rigid rear wall provides an appropriate mounting option for the side walls.

  With respect to said embodiment, it is further proposed that the pocket sidewalls extend vertically from the rear wall and / or the conveyor belt. Since the carton sleeve is also intended to be at an angle of 90 ° in the open state, opening the carton sleeve is supported by the normal of the side wall.

  Further teachings of the present invention provide that the pocket has at least one spring member that clamps the carton sleeve within the pocket. The flexible spring member allows a very secure fixation in the pocket of the carton sleeve. The spring member can be pushed back by the carton sleeve or bent sideways to insert the carton sleeve into the pocket. Particularly in the case of a rigid pocket, the rigid pocket itself does not have a strong clamping effect, so that the spring member ensures a firm holding of the carton sleeve. Thus, in a rigid pocket without a spring member, the clamping effect must be applied only by the elasticity of the carton sleeve. It has been found that the elasticity of the carton sleeve alone is less reliable than when a spring member is used, especially during high speed operation.

  In connection with this teaching, it is further proposed that the end of the spring member is configured in the shape of a hook. The hook shape allows very good engagement behind the carton sleeve and positive retention in the pocket.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the shortest distance between the circular path of the suction member and the back wall of the pocket is shorter than the length of the side wall of the pocket. This configuration means that the suction member is guided very close to the side wall of the pocket and even “enters” the pocket in the region between the side walls. This ensures that the carton sleeve is pressed deeply into the pocket, ensuring that the sleeve is fully expanded, and the force required to open it is introduced into the carton sleeve only by the suction member and the pocket. The depth at which the suction member “enters” into the pocket may range between 1 mm and 10 mm, depending on the type of carton sleeve.

  The problem described above is solved in the method according to the preamble of claim 14. In the method according to the premise of claim 14, the transport unit guides the carton sleeve along a circular path at a constant distance between the suction member and the rotating shaft.

  As already explained for the device according to the invention, guiding or guiding the carton sleeve along a circular path has the advantage that it is a very simple procedure. More specifically, it is not necessary to move the carton sleeve in the radial direction.

  According to an embodiment of the method, it is proposed that the transport unit always rotates at an angular velocity greater than zero. Thus, the transport unit should not be stopped at any time, as in the case of intermittent operation. The angular velocity may vary, for example, around an average value, and the angular velocity characteristics may be repeated for each carton sleeve as well. Periodic changes in angular velocity allow optimization of insertion into the carton sleeve pocket. Furthermore, the transport unit can also rotate at a constant angular velocity. A constant angular velocity has the advantage that it is a very efficient process. More specifically, no additional energy needs to be used to increase or decrease the speed of the transport unit. Furthermore, a constant angular velocity has a positive effect on the service life of the machine. On the other hand, in the operation at a variable angular velocity and further in the intermittent operation, the service life is generally shortened.

  In a further embodiment of the method, it is defined that the conveyor belt always moves at a speed greater than zero. As already mentioned with regard to the angular speed of the transport unit, the conveyor belt must also not be stopped at any time. However, periodic changes in speed, for example fluctuations around the average value, are possible. Furthermore, to ensure synchronization between the transport unit and the conveyor belt, the speed characteristic must be repeated for each carton sleeve in the conveyor belt as well. Furthermore, the conveyor belt can also move at a constant speed. Both the magnitude and direction of the speed of the conveyor belt may be constant. The speed of the conveyor belt preferably corresponds approximately to the speed of the path along which the suction member is guided along a circular path. However, if the angular speed of the transport unit and the speed of the conveyor belt change periodically, the above-mentioned equivalence should be observed with respect to the average speed, more specifically the speed at the transport point of the carton sleeve. In this way, synchronous running between the transport unit and the conveyor belt can be achieved, and the carton sleeve to which the suction member adheres by suction and the pocket assigned to the sleeve are brought together at exactly the same timing. You can be sure. Since the front end of the carton sleeve is at a greater radial distance from the rotation axis of the transport unit compared to the suction member, and thus has a faster path speed than the suction member and pocket, the carton sleeve Opening is successful anyway.

  In a further embodiment of the method, it is proposed that the carton sleeve is separated in the mechanism by a movably attached finger having a range of movement in the range between 1 cm and 4 cm. The range of movement in the direction of the carton sleeve corresponds to the distance by which the carton sleeve extracted from the bundle is advanced. The engagement position of the suction member with respect to the carton sleeve can be changed by changing the moving range.

  According to a development of the method, it is proposed that the suction member sets a negative pressure in an angular range of 350 ° <φ <10 °. In particular, it can be defined that the suction member creates a negative pressure in an angular range of about φ = 0 °. The rotation angle φ starts from 0 ° in the magazine area and increases during the rotation of the transport unit. Thus, the negative pressure can be created up to 10 ° before reaching the magazine. The rotation angle is preferably about 180 ° in the shortest distance region between the suction member and the conveyor belt. Depending on the arrangement of the magazine and the conveyor belt, the rotation angle in the area of the conveyor belt may have other values, for example in the range between φ = 120 ° and φ = 270 °. Preferably, the negative pressure should be set by sucking out air by suction just before reaching the magazine.

  In a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the suction member eliminates negative pressure in the angular range of 125 ° <φ <145 °. In particular, the suction member can be defined to eliminate negative pressure again in an angular range of about φ = 135 °. In order to release the carton sleeve, the negative pressure should be eliminated. This occurs, for example, by finishing the suction process. However, the negative pressure should be relieved after the carton sleeve contacts the pocket and before the suction member reaches the shortest distance from the conveyor belt. Thus, in a conveyor belt arrangement in the range φ = 180 °, the negative pressure is from 125 ° (ie 55 ° before reaching the shortest distance from the conveyor belt) to 145 ° (ie from the shortest distance from the conveyor belt). It should be lost again in the range between 35 ° before reaching). With a conveyor belt arrangement different from the 180 ° position, different rotation angle ranges are created in a corresponding manner in order to eliminate negative pressure.

  Finally, it is proposed that the suction member adheres to the carton sleeve by suction at a distance from the center of the carton sleeve in the range between 0 cm and 6 cm, more particularly in the range between 1 cm and 3 cm. The distance to the center may be between 10% and 40% of the width of the carton sleeve. As a result of the off-center suction to the carton sleeve, the front end of the carton sleeve is clearly farther away from the suction member than the rear end. This facilitates sufficiently deep insertion into the pocket of the carton sleeve.

  The invention will be explained in more detail below using the drawings showing only one preferred embodiment.

1 shows a blank for folding and forming a carton sleeve known from the prior art. 1B shows a carton sleeve in a flat folded state, formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1A, known from the prior art. 1B shows the carton sleeve of FIG. 1B in an open state. Fig. 2 shows a top view of an apparatus for opening a carton sleeve according to the present invention. 1 shows a system known from the prior art for filling packaging with foodstuffs.

  FIG. 1A shows a blank 1 known from the prior art that can form a carton sleeve. The blank 1 may comprise a stack of different materials, for example paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, more specifically aluminum. The blank 1 has a plurality of fold lines 2 intended to facilitate folding of the blank 1 and to divide the blank 1 into a plurality of panels. The blank 1 can be divided into a first side panel 3, a second side panel 4, a front panel 5, a rear panel 6, a seal panel 7, four bottom panels 8, and four gable panels 9. The carton sleeve can be formed from the blank 1 by folding the blank 1 so that the seal panel 7 can adhere to the front panel 5 and more specifically can be fused.

  FIG. 1B shows a carton sleeve 10 known from the prior art in a flat folded state. Features already described with respect to FIG. 1A are presented with corresponding reference signs in FIG. 1B. The carton sleeve 10 is formed from the blank 1 shown in FIG. 1A. For this purpose, the blank 1 was folded so that the sealing panel 7 and the front panel 5 overlap, so that both panels can be fused flat. Thereby, the seam 11 in the longitudinal direction is formed. In FIG. 1B, the carton sleeve 10 is shown in a flat folded state. In the state described above, the side panel 4 (hidden in FIG. 1B) is under the front panel 5, whereas the other side panel 3 is the rear panel 6 (hidden in FIG. 1B). It becomes on. The plurality of carton sleeves 10 can be bundled in a very space-saving manner in a flat folded state. Therefore, the carton sleeve 10 is often bundled at a place where it is manufactured and transported one by one to a place where it is filled. Until it arrives, the carton sleeve is not pulled out of the bundle and opened to fill the contents, for example foodstuffs.

  FIG. 1C shows the carton sleeve 10 of FIG. 1B in the opened state. Here, features already described with respect to FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B are presented with corresponding reference signs. The open state is formed between adjacent panels 3, 4, 5, 6 each having an angle of about 90 °, so that the carton sleeve 10 has a square or rectangular cross section depending on the shape of the panel. It is understood as having a configuration. Accordingly, the opposing side panels 3 and 4 are arranged in parallel to each other. The same applies to the front panel 5 and the rear panel 6.

  The carton sleeve 10 used may have different dimensions (“form”). The width of the side panels 3, 4 may be in the range between 30mm and 80mm. The width of the front panel 5 and the rear panel 6 may be in a range between 40 mm and 120 mm. Thus, the flat folded carton sleeve 10 has a width in the range between 70 mm (30 mm + 40 mm) and 200 mm (80 mm + 120 mm). Finally, the height of the side panels 3, 4 and the front and back panels 5, 6 may be in the range between 50 mm and 250 mm. For example, a filled and sealed carton sleeve having a fill volume of 80 ml will have an outer dimension of 47 mm × 32.5 mm × 55 mm. Thus, a carton having a fill volume of 2000 ml will have an outer dimension of 114 mm × 74 mm × 245 mm.

  FIG. 2 shows a top view of a device 12 for opening a carton sleeve 10 according to the present invention. The apparatus 12 includes a mechanism 13 for supplying a flat carton sleeve 10, specifically a separating mechanism 13, a transport unit 14, and a conveyor belt 15.

  The mechanism 13, also described as “magazine”, has a housing 16 having a hopper 17. The hopper 17 can hold a bundle of flat carton sleeves 10. The hopper 17 has a central section 18, and the central section 18 passes through the center of the carton sleeve 10 placed in the hopper 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the central cross section 18 may be aligned perpendicular to the conveyor belt 15. Further alternatively, the central cross section 18 may be inclined with respect to the vertical line. Furthermore, the mechanism 13 has a plurality of finger portions 19 arranged in a line in the front and rear direction, and each finger portion 19 has a claw portion 20. The height of the claw portion 20 roughly corresponds to the height of the carton sleeve 10 that is folded flat. The finger portion 19 performs a periodic movement for extracting the carton sleeve 10 from the bundle, and a movement range 21 of the movement is indicated by an arrow in FIG. As the finger 19 moves back and forth, the finger 19 uses the claw 20 to push the carton sleeve 10 out of the mechanism 13 through the opening 22 in each movement cycle, and the carton sleeve opens the opening 22. To the transport unit 14. The remaining carton sleeve 10 is constantly fed by the force F towards the fingers 19 so that the continuous withdrawal and separation of the carton sleeve 10 is ensured.

  The transport unit 14 includes a drum 23 on which a plurality of suction members 24 are mounted. The preferred drum 23 shown in FIG. 2 in this respect has a cylindrical shape and thus a circular cross-sectional area. Four rows of suction members 24 are each arranged on a circular path 25 having a constant distance 26, that is, a radius, and the circular path 25 passes through the center point of the suction member 24. The suction members 24 are fixed in position, and as a result, all the suction members 24 are always at the same constant distance from the rotation shaft 27. The drum 23 rotates around the rotation shaft 27 at an angular velocity ω and a rotation angle φ. The mechanism 13 and the transport unit 14 are arranged such that an offset 28 is created between the rotation shaft 27 of the transport unit 14 and the central section 18 of the mechanism 13. Due to the movement range 21 of the finger portion 19 and the offset 28, the suction member 24 adheres to the end portion of the carton sleeve 10 by suction instead of the center of the carton sleeve 10.

  The suction member 24 adheres to the carton sleeve 10 by suction in the region of the mechanism 13 (at a rotation angle of about φ = 0 °), and during further rotation of the drum 23, the carton sleeve is rotated (about φ = 180 ° rotation). Negative pressure may be applied via a cable (not shown in FIG. 2) for transport to the conveyor belt 15 (in the corner). The suction member 24 is preferably slightly inclined so that the end of the suction member 24 is on a plane 29 that is inclined at an angle α with respect to the tangential plane 30 of the circular path 25. Thus, the suction member 24 is slightly inclined toward the rotation direction of the drum 23 and is in a more appropriate position for bonding to the carton sleeve 10 by suction.

  The conveyor belt 15 runs on a straight line in the section shown in FIG. 2 and has a speed v. The conveyor belt 15 may be a belt or a chain. A plurality of pockets 31 are attached to the conveyor belt 15 and serve to receive the carton sleeve 10. The pocket 31 includes a rear wall 32 and two side walls 33. The rear wall 32 extends parallel to the conveyor belt 15 and is coupled to the conveyor belt 15. The side walls 33 extend vertically from the rear wall 32, and thus the side walls 33 are arranged parallel to each other. The rear wall 32 and the side walls 33 are made of metal and do not have hinges or the like, so that a rigid pocket 31 is included herein. The pocket 31 has two spring members 34, which are preferably arranged on each side wall 33. The spring member 34 has a protruding end 35 made of an elastic material such as spring steel or flexible plastic and configured in the shape of a hook. The hook shape allows the spring member 34 to hold or securely tighten the carton sleeve 10 in place within the pocket 31.

  The pockets 31 are arranged at a fixed distance from each other, and the fixed distance is also described as a “pass”. The distance 36 substantially corresponds to the length of an arcuate portion extending along the circular path 25 between two adjacent suction members. In the case of the four suction members 24, the distance 36 corresponds to approximately a quarter of the circumference of the circular path 25. The conveyance unit 14 is disposed to face the conveyor belt 15 so as to take the shortest distance 37 between the circular path 25 of the suction member 24 and the rear wall 32 of the pocket 31. The shortest distance 37 is slightly shorter than the length of the side wall 33 of the pocket 31 so that the suction member 24 “enters” the pocket to a depth 37 ′ in the region between the side walls 33 of the pocket. Collisions can be prevented by providing the side wall 33 of the pocket 31 and the spring member 34 with recesses that can be guided through the suction member 24.

  The carton sleeve 10 is opened in the following steps. First, the carton sleeve 10 is pushed out from the supply mechanism 13 through the opening 22 by the claw portion 20 of the finger portion 19. Therefore, the suction member 24 of the transport unit 14 adheres to the carton sleeve 10 by suction, and advances the sleeve along the circular path 25. After the drum 23 rotates about one third (φ = 120 ° rotation angle), the carton sleeve 10 approaches the conveyor belt 15 and the pocket 31 assigned to the carton sleeve 10. The transport unit 14 and the conveyor belt 15 are arranged with respect to each other so that the end portion 38 of the carton sleeve 10 extending in the rotational direction when viewed from the front faces the pocket 31 first. Technically speaking, the corner between the rear wall 32 of the pocket 31 and one of the side walls 33 serves as a stop for the end 38. As soon as the end 38 of the carton sleeve 10 contacts the pocket 31, forces (other than centrifugal force) are introduced only at two locations on the carton sleeve 10. First, the region of the suction member 24 that guides the carton sleeve 10. Second, the front end 38 of the carton sleeve 10. Both these locations are separated by a distance of 39. Due to the specific arrangement of the transport unit 14 with respect to the conveyor belt 15 and the specific speed and direction of movement of the transport unit 14 and the conveyor belt 15, the distance 39 continuously decreases during insertion of the carton sleeve 10 into the pocket 31. The result is achieved. Thus, two opposing forces 40 and 41 are introduced into the carton sleeve 10, and the carton sleeve 10 is opened by these forces. The carton sleeve 10 is opened only as a result of the action of the suction member 24 and the pocket 31 on the carton sleeve 10. On the other hand, an independent opening device is not necessary.

  To open as described, an accurate and sufficiently deep insertion into the pocket 31 of the carton sleeve 10 is required. Even with a single rotational movement of the drum 23, the occurrence of accurate and sufficiently deep insertion is mainly due to the fact that the suction member 24 is not at the center of the carton sleeve 10, but at a distance 42 from the center of the carton sleeve 10. Due to the fact that it adheres by suction at a distance. This distance 42 roughly corresponds to the sum of the moving range 21 and the offset 28, and may be, for example, a range between 0 cm and 6 cm, more specifically a range between 1 cm and 3 cm. With respect to the width of the carton sleeve 10, the distance to the center 42 may range between 10% and 40% of the width of the carton sleeve 10.

  FIG. 3 shows a system 43 known from the prior art (Patent Document 1) for filling a carton with foodstuffs. Since FIG. 3 is intended only to be illustrative of possible coverage of the device 12 for opening the carton sleeve 10 according to the present invention, the individual stations of the system 43 are only schematically illustrated in FIG. Not shown. The carton sleeve 10 (not shown in FIG. 3) is opened by the station 44 and conveyed to the pocket 31 on the conveyor belt 15. Station 44 can be replaced by a device 12 according to the invention. The system 43 includes a first rotary conveyor 45 in which the gable panel 9 of the carton sleeve 10 is folded in advance. Thereafter, the carton sleeve 10 passes through a station 46 where the bottom panel 8 of the carton sleeve 10 is pre-folded. After being folded in advance, the bottom panel 8 of the carton sleeve 10 is folded and sealed at the station 47. Thereafter, the conveyor belt 15 is guided around a second rotary conveyor 48 in which the carton sleeve 10 whose bottom side is sealed is filled with foodstuffs. At the further station 49, the gable panel 9 of the carton sleeve 10 is folded and sealed. Thereafter, the carton sleeve 10 filled and sealed at this point is taken out of the pocket 31 of the conveyor belt 15 at the station 50 and sent out from the system 43.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Blank 2 Folding line 3, 4 Side panel 5 Front panel 6 Rear panel 7 Seal panel 8 Bottom panel 9 Gable panel 10 Carton sleeve 11 Longitudinal joint 12 Carton sleeve opening device 13 Carton sleeve supply mechanism 14 Conveyance unit 15 Conveyor belt 16 Housing 17 Hopper 18 Central cross section 19 Finger part 20 Claw part 21 Movement range 22 Opening part 23 Drum 24 Suction member 25 Circular path 26 Distance 27 Rotating shaft 28 Offset 29 Plane 30 Tangent plane 31 Pocket 32 Rear wall 33 Side wall 34 Spring member 35 Spring member end 36 Distance between pockets 37 Shortest distance 37 'Depth 38 Carton sleeve end 39 Distance 40, 41 Force 42 Distance 43 System 44 Station (open)
45 Rotating conveyor (fold the gable panel in advance)
46 stations (fold the bottom panel in advance)
47 stations (seal bottom)
48 Rotating conveyor (filling)
49 stations (seal gables)
50 stations (send out)
F Force ω Angular speed of transport unit φ Rotation angle of transport unit v Speed of conveyor belt α Inclination

Claims (22)

A device (12) for opening a carton sleeve (10) for packaging,
A mechanism (13) for feeding the flat carton sleeve (10);
At least one suction member (24), which can be rotated around a rotation axis (27), wherein the transport unit (14) adheres to the carton sleeve (10) by suction; A transport unit (14), wherein the suction member (24) is at a distance (26) from the rotational axis (27);
A conveyor belt (15) having at least one pocket (31) for receiving the carton sleeve (10);
A device (12) comprising:
The distance (26) between the suction member (24) and the rotating shaft (27) is constant, so that the carton sleeve (10) is guided along a circular path (25). Feature device (12).   2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor belt (15) runs on a straight line in the region of the device (12).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor belt (15) travels in a curvilinear direction in the region of the device (12).   The said mechanism (13) has at least one movably mounted finger (19) with a claw (20) separating the flat carton sleeve (10). The apparatus of any one of -3.   The mechanism (13) has a hopper (17) for guiding the carton sleeve (10), and the central cross section (18) of the hopper (17) has the rotating shaft (27) of the transport unit (14). 5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an offset (28) relative to.   All the suction members (24) are arrange | positioned in the said same distance (26) from the said rotating shaft (27) of the said conveyance unit (14), The one of Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Equipment.   The said attraction | suction member (24) inclines at angle ((alpha)) with respect to the tangent plane (30) which contact | connects the said circular path | route (25), The one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. apparatus.   A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pocket (31) has two rigid side walls (33).   9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pocket (31) has a rigid rear wall (32).   10. A device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the side wall (33) of the pocket (31) extends perpendicularly from the rear wall (32) and / or the conveyor belt (15). .   11. The pocket (31) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pocket (31) has at least one spring member (34) that clamps the carton sleeve (10) into the pocket (31). apparatus.   12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the end (35) of the spring member (34) is configured as hook-shaped.   The shortest distance (37) between the circular path (25) of the suction member (24) and the rear wall (32) of the pocket (31) is the side wall (33) of the pocket (31). The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is shorter than the length. A method of opening a carton sleeve (10) for packaging,
a) supplying the carton sleeve (10) by a mechanism (13);
b) adhering to the carton sleeve (10) by suction, and the carton sleeve (10) by means of a transport unit (14) rotating around a rotating shaft (27) and having at least one suction member (24). Step forward,
c) opening the carton sleeve (10) by inserting the carton sleeve (10) into a pocket (31) mounted on a conveyor belt (15);
A method comprising:
The transport unit (14) guides the carton sleeve (10) along a circular path (25) at a constant distance (26) between the suction member (24) and the rotating shaft (27). A method characterized by:   15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the transport unit (14) always rotates at an angular velocity (ω) greater than zero.   The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the transport unit (14) rotates at a constant angular velocity (ω).   17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the conveyor belt (15) always moves at a speed (v) greater than zero.   18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the conveyor belt (15) moves at a constant speed (v).   The carton sleeve (10) is separated in the mechanism (13) by a movably attached finger (19) having a movement range (21) ranging between 1 cm and 4 cm. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18.   20. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the suction member (24) sets a negative pressure in an angular range of 350 [deg.] <[Phi] <10 [deg.].   21. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the suction member (24) eliminates the negative pressure in an angular range of 125 [deg.] <[Phi] <145 [deg.].   When the suction member (24) has a distance (42) in the range between 0 cm and 6 cm, more specifically in the range between 1 cm and 3 cm, from the center of the carton sleeve (10), the carton sleeve (10 The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, which is adhered by suction.

Images