WO2008125197A1

WO2008125197A1 - Method and device for forming package groups

Info

Publication number: WO2008125197A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/002456
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans-J. Bretthauer
Original assignee: Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg)
Priority date: 2007-04-12
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Also published as: DE102007017607A1; EP2134609A1; EP2134609B1

Abstract

In order to form groups of packages (10), particularly cigarette packages, the packages (10) are fed into a grouping station (19) with no pressure, that is spaced from one another, in the production of bundled packages. A plurality of packages (10) corresponding to the group to be formed are taken over by a feed conveyor (21) and fed to the grouping station (19) along the conveyor direction. To the extent that empty spaces (53) occur when feeding the packages (1), packages (10) are fed to the grouping station from a repository (54).

Description

, arz u

Method and apparatus for forming groups of packages

description

The invention relates to a method for handling objects in connection with the formation of groups of objects, in particular in connection with the formation of packing groups, wherein the articles or packages in at least one continuous transport row of a feed conveyor supplied to a grouping station and from the continuous Transport row is a group of objects or a pack group secreted and promoted. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method.

The formation of packaging groups is a problem of packaging technology in the composition of the contents of packs of containers or large packages. Cigarette packs are marketed as a pack or as a cigarette rod, wherein usually the contents of a cigarette rod comprises a pack group with ten packs or two groups of five packs.

The object of the invention is to organize the assembly of articles, in particular packages, to form groups or groups of packages in such a way that the packages can be assembled without special mechanical stress but with high efficiency of the device for the desired groups and can be carried away.

To solve this problem, the method according to the invention is characterized by the following features:

a) the objects or packs are arranged in the continuous transport row in the region of the feed conveyor in a predetermined, contactless relative position, in particular at a distance from each other, forming empty spaces in the absence of objects or packages, b) items or packs of a subsection of the transport row separated as a unit and handed over to the grouping station, c) the unit separated from the transport line is a predetermined number of positions of the items or packages within the transport row assigned, so that at any empty spaces in the area of the subsection due to missing items or packs a correspondingly smaller number of items or packages is passed to the Gruppierstation, d) the number of as a unit to the grouping to be handed over or transferred Objects or packs are detected, e) in the case of missing items or packs, the missing number of items or packs is fed from a store in order to form a complete group in the area of the grouping station.

In the following, the simplification of packs or cigarette packs will be discussed, although other items may be handled in the same way. In particular, however, the invention is directed to the handling of cigarette packs in the manufacture of bundle packs.

The packages are supplied to the grouping station without mutual support or pressure transmission during transport, in particular on at least one feeder having delimited receptacles for one package each. The required number of packs for a pack group is removed from the infeed conveyor, in particular lifted off, and brought together in the grouping station to form a group or subgroup of closely spaced packs.

A special feature is that in case of gaps in the supply of the packs, ie empty spaces on the feed conveyor, the required number of packages for the completion of a group is supplied from a memory, so that always complete groups or subgroups can be removed. The inventory of packs in the storage area is monitored and supplemented as needed. According to a particular solution, the memory is supplied by packs from the transport row, ie in particular from the feed conveyor. Preferably, the procedure is such that the sequence of packets in the area of the incoming transport row is recognized, and any empty spaces are thereby detected. At the same time, the stock of packs in the area of the store is checked, and the group / subgroup action is initiated when the store has a sufficient number of packs to supplement missing packs when being fed to the grouping station. Furthermore is

2008006915 provided that the memory is replenished when the inventory of packages is not sufficient to fill empty spaces of a subsequently supplied unit of packages to create a complete group or sub-group. In this case, the formation of the packing groups is interrupted and the packages taken from the feed conveyor or the incoming transport line are conveyed into the store until it has the required number of packages.

The grouping station is designed in a special way with coordinated units. The packs located in a section of the incoming transport row are removed by a lifting conveyor from the feed conveyor, at the same time further conveyed in the continued transport direction and deposited on an intermediate carrier. The packages are then introduced into the grouping station to form a series of seals by a grouping conveyor, until they abut against a stop which can be moved back and forth in the conveying direction. At the same time, this also serves as a stop for the number of packages to be supplied from the store.

The pack groups are then transferred to a group conveyor, in particular a group revolver with revolver pockets for each pack group.

Further features of the invention relate to the device for assembling and for transporting the packaged or stowed packs. Details of the method and the device will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows a device for forming (packing) groups in a schematic

2 shows the area of a grouping station as a detail of the device according to FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale, FIG.

2 in transverse view and in cross section along a sectional plane MI-III of FIG. 2,

4 shows the detail according to FIG. 3 in a changed position of organs, FIG. 5 shows the grouping station essentially in a representation corresponding to FIG. 2, but with a changed position of organs, FIG.

2008006915 6 shows the grouping station according to FIG. 2 or, according to FIG. 5, after putting together a group of packs, FIG.

2 in a position for feeding a memory, FIG. 8 the grouping station in a position according to FIG. 6 in cross section in the sectional plane VIII-VIII of FIG. 6, FIG.

9 shows a detail IX of the detail according to FIG. 8, on an enlarged scale, FIG. 10 shows the detail substantially corresponding to FIG. 9 with a changed position of FIG

11, a schematic representation of the functional sequence in the formation of (packaging) groups,

12 shows a diagram of the functional sequence in an overview, FIG. 13 shows a diagram for illustrating the steps in the formation of groups.

The exemplary embodiments in the drawings deal with the handling of packs 10, in particular of cigarette packs. These have a cuboid shape with a large front side 11 and rear side 12, with narrow side surfaces 13, 14 and end faces 15. Groups 16 are to be formed from the packs 10, in the present exemplary embodiment such that the complete group 16 consists of ten packs 10, which are formed into two subgroups 17, 18. The group 16 is content of a pack of cigarettes.

The packs 10 are successively fed to a grouping station 19 for forming the groups 16 or the subgroups 17, 18. The packs 10 come in particular from a packaging machine, namely from a cellophane maker. The packs 10 are supplied individually and at a distance from each other by a packing conveyor 20 and transferred to a the packs 10 receiving feeder 21. Packing conveyor 20 and feed conveyor 21 are designed so that the packs 10 are transported under pressure or stagnation. In the area of the package conveyor 20, the packages 10 are slidably conveyed on a base 22 and transferred from an intermediate conveyor 23 to the feed conveyor 21. The intermediate conveyor 23 consists of flat belts which laterally grip the packs 10, that is to say in the region of the laterally directed end faces 15.

2008006915 The feed conveyor 21 is designed as an endless belt, in particular as a toothed belt. On the outside spacers or transverse webs 24 are attached. The webs 24 limit receptacles or pockets for one pack 10. The spacing of adjacent webs 24 are greater than the dimension of the packs 10 in the conveying direction. The packs 10 abut the respective rearward web 24, forming a front gap. The packages 10 are aligned so that they rest with a large area, namely the front 11 or back 12, on the intermediate conveyor 23 and a conveying run 25 thereof. The preferably continuously driven feed conveyor 21 passes over deflection wheels 26, 27, one of which is driven.

The feed conveyor 21 preferably transports the packs 10 continuously into the region of the grouping station 19. Above the transport path defined by the conveying run 25, a discharge wheel 28 with suction holders 29 is arranged. With the help of this organ, any defective packages that have been previously identified can be eliminated.

The arriving in the grouping 19 packs 10 are removed from the feed conveyor 21 and merged to form a group 16 or subgroup 17, 18 of closely spaced packages 10. For the removal of a plurality of packages 10, namely a portion of the feeder 21 associated unit of spaced juxtaposed packages 10 from the feeder 21 a special organ is provided, namely a preferably also continuously operating lifting conveyor 30. This takes a predetermined number of packs 10 from Fördertrum 25 by lifting movement and passes them the Gruppierstation 19 or an intermediate holder 31st

The lifting conveyor 30 is formed in a special way. The lying with their longitudinal extent transverse to the feed conveyor 21 packs 10 have a larger transverse dimension than the width of the feed conveyor 21, so that the packs 10 form a supernatant on both sides. In this area, a number of packages 10 is detected on its underside and lifted by the lifting conveyor 30 from the feed conveyor 21, transported to a higher level and at the same time in the conveying direction on. The lifting conveyor 30 has for this purpose two on both sides of the feed conveyor 21 positioned, plate-shaped supporting members 32, 33 which extend in the conveying direction. An upper support edge 34 of both carrier

2008006915 gane 32, 33 detects the packs 10 on the underside. The support edges 34 are bounded at the front end in the conveying direction by a stop 35.

The lifting conveyor 30 operates continuously. The support members 32, 33 are rotatably mounted on rotating, crank-like drive pulleys 36, 37, and off-center. For the implementation of the continuous translational, ie parallel movement of the lifting members 32, 33, the two drive pulleys 36, 37 on one side of the path of movement of the packs 10 are arranged side by side in the conveying direction. Each drive pulley 36, 37 is rotatably connected via transverse support pins 39, 40 with each of the support member 32, 33 arranged on both sides of the movement path of the packs 10. The drive pulleys 36, 37 are continuously driven in rotation via a preferably common shaft 38, in the same direction of rotation. This results in a parallel movement of the support members 32, 33 with a movement component in the conveying direction of the packs 10th

The lifted from the feeder 21 packs 10 are lifted by the lifting conveyor 30 in the upward direction to the level of Gruppierstation 19. This extends in the same vertical plane as the feed conveyor 21. The packages 10 are transferred from the lifting conveyor 30 to the intermediate holder 31 which is located in the (horizontal) plane of the grouping station 19. The intermediate holder 31 consists of (two) support elements on both sides of the path of movement of the packages 10. The distance of the support members 32, 33 from each other is less than the dimension of the packages 10 transverse to the conveying direction, so that a supernatant is formed. In this lateral region, the packs 10 are received by the intermediate holder 31. This consists of two extending in the direction of support elements, namely angle-shaped support profiles 41, 42 which carry the packs 10 with a lower leg and also align by an upright leg. The support profiles 41, 42 are arranged on both sides of the packs 10 on pivotable support arms 43, 44. The support profiles 41, 42 are moved from a retracted position at a distance from the movement path of the packs 10 by a corresponding pivoting movement into a carrying position (FIG. 4).

The packs 10 are now aligned with the grouping station 19, namely on a collecting conveyor for the packs 10 and on a collecting belt 45. On the upper

2008006915 Fördertrum 46, the package group 16 and one subgroup 17, 18 assembled and kept ready for removal.

The packs 10 held ready on the intermediate holder 31 are transported by a (further) conveyor into the grouping station 19, by a belt conveyor 47. This conveyor belt is arranged above the movement path of the packs 10 or above the intermediate holder 31. The belt conveyor 47 has drivers 48, 49, which at a conveying cycle of the belt conveyor 47 detects the packs 10 lying on the intermediate holder 31 by the carrier 48 located on the upper side and transported by conveying movement completely into the region of the grouping station or on the Collection belt 45 stores. The conveying cycle of the belt conveyor 47 is controlled so that the drivers 48, 49 are in their end positions respectively above and below pulleys of the belt conveyor 47. During the conveying movement of the packs 10 by the belt conveyor 47, the packs 10 located on the intermediate holder 31 are pushed together as far as the sealing position (contact of the side surfaces 13, 14) and transported away. The respective driver 48, 49 is located in the region of a lower conveyor run 50.

In the area of the grouping station 19, the packages 10 are conveyed by the belt conveyor 47 against a group stop 51. A special feature is that with the help of this can be positioned in different positions group stop 51, the entire group 16 or subgroup 17, 18 in the Gruppierstation 19 can be put together, even if due to incomplete supply of packages 10, the number of in the Grouping 19 introduced packs 10 does not correspond to the number of a group or subgroup. In any case, the incoming packs 10 run against the group stop 50, which is positioned due to controlled movement so that on the side of the supplied packs 10 a series of seals is formed, namely up to a group or subgroup. The respective position of the group stop 51 is controlled by controlling the supplied packages 10. In the present exemplary embodiment, the feed conveyor 21 is scanned contact-free with respect to the complete filling with packs by corresponding sensors 52. In the absence of packages empty spaces 53 are detected in the region of the feed conveyor 21 and thereafter the group stop 51 is controlled with respect to the position. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 5, therefore, the group stop 51 is in the group.

200800691 p pierstation 19 positioned so that the three supplied packages 10 are received in a correct position in the correct position.

To create a complete group or subset of packages 10, missing packages 10 are fed separately to the grouping station 19, filling the space on the opposite side of the group stop 51. The packages 10 to be supplemented are taken from a store 54. The memory 54 is advantageously arranged on the side opposite the feed conveyor 21 side of the grouping station 19, here in the same vertical plane. The packages 10 are therefore transported exclusively with a vertical offset, but otherwise along a continuous conveying direction. The memory 54 consists of a storage belt 55 whose upper strand 56 accommodates stored packs 10 in the horizontal plane of the grouping station 19 and the collection belt 45 respectively. The packs 10 to be supplemented are removed from the accumulator 54 against the conveying direction of the feed conveyor 21 45 fed, in particular slidably pushed and stored on this. The number of packs 10 supplemented from the store 54 corresponds to the demand on the basis of the finding of vacant or empty spaces 53. Preferably, the packs 10 supplied by means of feed conveyors 21 or by means of belt conveyors 47 and packs 10 supplemented from the store 54 are at about the same time as the grouping station 19 or the collecting belt 45 fed from opposite directions, in each case until it rests against the group stop 51 positioned in accordance with the supply of packages 10 by the belt conveyor 47.

The group 16 or subgroup 17, 18 thus formed in the grouping station 19, in particular on the collection belt 45, is conveyed away in the transverse direction, namely to a folding turret 57, which accommodates the group 16 of two subgroups 17, 18 in pockets and the group 16 wrapped in at least one blank 79.

The packs 10 removed from the grouping station 19 are first picked up by an intermediate conveyor, namely a transfer turret 58. The latter is mounted intermittently rotatingly adjacent to the grouping station 19 with an axis of rotation directed parallel to the conveying direction of the packs 10 in the region of the feed conveyor 21. The transfer turret 58 is formed in a special way, namely, consists of two lateral support disks 59, 60. These are by cross-connections, namely

2008006915 connected by cross bars 61, 62 to a structural unit with each other, which is rotatable cyclically via a centric Revolverwelle 63. Between the support disks 59, 60 pockets 64, 65 are arranged, in the present embodiment, two diametrically opposed pockets 64, 65 which are each intended to receive a complete group 16 of two superimposed sub-groups 17, 18 are determined.

The pockets 64, 65 are arranged as a separate unit between the support disks 59, 60. Each pocket 64, 65 consists of top wall 66 and bottom wall 67 and side walls 68, 69. At the other sides, which also form the introduction side for the packs 10 and the Ausschubseite, the pockets 64, 65 are open. The side walls 68, 69 are rotatably connected to the support disks 59, 60, via pivot pins 70. Important is the rotational movement of the pockets relative to the transfer turret 58 and to the support disks 59, 60 such that the pockets 64, 65 with top wall 66th and bottom wall 67 are always directed horizontally. The pockets 64, 65 thus perform a translational movement.

The packs 10 and the subgroups 17, 18 are introduced in two steps in each of the grouping station 19 facing pocket 65. In a first position (FIGS. 8, 9), a lower subgroup 17 resting on the lower wall 67 and, after a corresponding rotational movement of the transfer turret 58, the second subgroup 18 is introduced into the pocket, with a deposit on the subgroup 17. The exact position of the packs 10 or subgroups 17, 18 in the respective pocket 64, 65 is determined by stops, in the present case by a single, pivotally mounted (stationary) pocket stop 71. This limits the pocket 64, 65 at the insertion side 9) opposite the open side of the pocket 64, 65. The subgroups 17, 18 are positioned in staggered position within the pocket 64, 65 (shown at the pocket 64 in Figs. 8, 9). The offset relative position of the subgroups 17, 18 also results from kinematic specifications when inserting the packs 10 into the pockets 64, 65 in two insertion strokes. For this purpose, a transversely movable slider 72 is provided, which has a certain, predetermined insertion position. Due to the relative positions of the pockets 64, 65 when receiving the packs 10, the second subgroup 18 can not be completely inserted into the respective pocket 64, 65. The end position of the packs is determined by the pocket stop 71, namely by

2008006915 the effect of a projecting in the insertion of the subgroup 18 in the pocket 64, 65 protrusion.

The slider 72 is designed in a special way, namely, has an elongated, web-like slide head, which pushes off the respective subgroup 17, 18 from the grouping station 19, namely from the collection belt 45. Since the group stop 51 can assume different positions depending on the composition of the group or subgroup, the slider head 73 slot-like recesses 74 which are arranged in the range of possible positions of the group stop 51, such that during the Abschubbewegung the stop 51 by the respective the position associated recess 74 can pass. The slider 72 and the slider head 73 is moved along a particular movement path 75, with a horizontal insertion path and an overlying arcuate return path.

The sub-groups 17, 18 are pushed out of the pocket 64, 65 together in the region of a grouping station 19 opposite Ausschubstation 76, by a pusher 77 which is driven back and forth by a rotary drive 78, such that the group 16 from the pocket 64, 65 is ejected, transported along a conveying path and then inserted into a pocket of the folding turret 57 with the aid of a prepared blank 79. The pocket 64, 65 or the top wall 66 thereof is provided with a slot 80 for the passage of the ejector 77 or a support arm thereof.

The conveying elements involved in the handling of the packs 10 are aligned in a common vertical longitudinal plane or positioned on both sides of this (imaginary) longitudinal center plane. The feed conveyor 21 is arranged so that the conveying plane, namely the conveying strand 25, the height is below the level of Gruppierstation 19 and the collection belt 45 with conveying strand 46. The final phase of the transport of the packages 10 through the belt conveyor 47 and the supply of packages 10 from the memory 54 take place in the same horizontal plane in opposite directions of conveyance. Preferably, the packages 10 are slidingly slid onto the collection belt 45. The storage belt 55 has at least one catch 90 whose position in the region of the upper run 56 corresponds to the number of packs 10 in the storage 54. The driver 90 is a stop for the packs 10 in the region of the

2008006915 The carrier 90 is moved with the storage belt 55 in accordance with the stored packs 10.

In a special way, a deflection unit 81 is formed, which allows an immediate transition of the storage belt 55 in the collecting belt 45. Both endless organs are guided over the common deflection unit 81. This has a main shaft 82 which is rotatably mounted in support walls 83, 84 of a machine frame or a frame wall 85. On the main shaft 82 deflecting pulleys 86, 87 are arranged for narrow single straps, which together form the storage belt 55. Accordingly, two spaced apart individual stops are provided, which together form the common carrier 90 for the packs 10 in the memory 54 due to matching position. In a central portion of the main shaft 82, namely between the deflecting pulleys 86, 87, a rotatable deflecting body 88 is rotatably supported for the collecting belt 45, such that the deflecting body 88 is rotatable independently of the drive of the storage belt 55 to an independent movement of the collection belt 45th to allow with the group stop 51.

A special feature is the handling of packages and groups with the described or a similarly trained device. This function will be explained with reference to the graphical representations in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13.

The packs 10 are transported in the region of the feed, that is, in particular on the feed conveyor 21, in a predetermined relative position at a distance from each other. In the absence of packages 10 each creates an empty space 53, which runs along without changing the transport formation. In the region of the feed, the packs 10 are detected, in particular by sensors 52. The figure schematically shows the number n of packs 10 in the region of a test section X or a partial section Y, respectively. The test section X corresponds to a number of receptacles or pockets of the feed conveyor 21 corresponding to the number of a group 16. The partial section Y corresponds to the number of packs 10 for a subgroup 17, 18. By the preferably simultaneous detection of both the test section X and In the example in FIG. 11, in order to produce a complete group 16, a pack 10 is to be supplemented from the memory 54, namely at the Formation of the first subgroup 17.

2008006915 The (four) packages 10 of the test section Y are conveyed in a corresponding position against the group stop 51, while preferably a package 10 is simultaneously conveyed from the memory 54 against the other side of the group impact 51. For the second subgroup 18, in this example in FIG. 11, it is not necessary to supplement packages 10 from the memory 54.

According to a special measure, the memory 54 is charged in the same way as the grouping station 19. When the memory 54 is under-occupied, the function of the grouping station 19 is switched off to form the groups or subgroups. Packages 10 are taken over by the feed conveyor 21 in the manner described, conveyed through the grouping station 19 into the storage 54. The packs 10 are thereby slidably conveyed over the collecting belt 45 and received and transported in the region of the storage 54 by the storage belt 55. During the feeding of packages 10 to the store 54, the collection belt 45 is adjusted with the group stop 51 so that the group stop 51 does not interfere with the transport of the packages 10 to the store 54 (position according to FIG. 7).

The number of packs 10 in the memory 54 may be arbitrary. However, it is advantageous to store packs 10 adapted to the requirements. According to a particular embodiment, the store 54 is designed for a maximum number of packs 10 which is smaller by one pack 10 than the number of packs 10 of a group 16 (inventory A ) or a subgroup 17, 18 (part B). Accordingly, in the case of ten packs 10 of a group 16, the store 54 contains up to nine packs 10. If, in the extreme case, the feed conveyor 21 has nine empty spaces 53 in the region of the test line X, the corresponding total content of the store 54, ie the stock A, is to form the group 16. In the preferred embodiment, the composition of the groups is designed to form (two) subgroups 17, 18 in successive steps. The empty spaces 53 are determined in the region of the test section X and with regard to the assignment to the subgroup 17, 18 in the area of the subsection Y. Accordingly, the stock A of packs 10 in the memory 54 of the complete group 16 and a subset B of a single subgroup 17, 18th assigned. If, due to exceptional circumstances, ten successive empty spaces 53 are detected in the area of the feed conveyor 21, grouping is not carried out and preferably the machine is switched on for checking.

2008006915 The controller is further designed so that after detecting the number of empty spaces 53 in the test section X or the section Y of the feed conveyor 21, a comparison with the inventory of packs 10 in the memory 54. If a sufficient number is available to complete a group 16 or subgroup 17, 18 in the memory 54, the formation of the group or subgroup is initiated. If, however, the number of packages 10 in the memory 54 is not sufficient to form a group 16 or at least one subgroup 17, 18, the process of group formation is in the described manner disabled and packs 10 of the test section X or at least 10 packs Branch Y are conveyed to the memory 54.

The above check is performed permanently. Before the formation of a group 16 or subgroup 17, 18, it is checked in each case whether the inventory in the memory 54 is sufficient, for example, to determine empty spaces 53 identified, ie to complete missing packages 10 for a group or subgroup. If the supply of packages 10 is not sufficient, the memory is first filled up in the manner described before the next step for group formation is carried out.

Additionally or alternatively, the package 54 may be supplied with packages 10 in other ways, for example by hand or by machine via a refill tower 89.

This is arranged directly in the region of the transition from the memory 54 to the grouping station 19, to the side of the storage belt 55. A respective lower pack

10 may by a slide 91 through a side opening 92 below from the

Nachlegeturm 89 ejected and stored on the storage belt 55 and the upper strand 56.

The device for handling the packs 10 may alternatively also be designed such that the incoming packs 10 are removed from the feed conveyor 21 by being pushed off in a horizontal plane, that is to say by sideways sliding off. This is possible, for example, with a comb-like guide member, which runs along with it during the continuous movement of the feed conveyor 21 and causes the Abschub via a transverse movement component. The pusher is dimensioned so that the number of deported packs 10 for a group 16 or subgroup 17, 18 are determined. In addition to the feed conveyor 21 is in this alternative

2008006915 same level provided a level for merging the packs 10. The incoming packages 10 may, as described, be detected by the belt conveyor 47 or similar conveyor and conveyed to the grouping station 19. This can be formed in the same way as in the described embodiment.

2008006915 March 6, 2008/9312

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 pack 56 upper run

11 Front 57 Folding turret

12 Back 58 Transfer turret

13 side surface 59 carrier disc

14 side surface 60 carrier disc

15 end face 61 crossbar

16 group 62 crossbar

17 Subgroup 63 Revolver Wave

18 subgroup 64 bag

19 grouping station 65 bag

20 packing conveyor 66 top wall

21 Feeder 67 Underwall

22 Base 68 Sidewall

23 intermediate conveyor 69 side panel

24 bridge 70 pivot

25 conveying section 71 pocket stop

26 diverter wheel 72 slide

27 Guide wheel 73 Slide head

28 Ausschleuserad 74 recess

29 suction holder 75 trajectory

30 Lifting conveyor 76 Extension station

31 intermediate holder 77 pusher

32 support member 78 rotary drive

33 support member 79 cut

34 supporting edge 80 slot

35 Stop 81 Deflection unit 6 Drive disk 82 Main shaft 7 Drive disk 83 Supporting wall 8 Shaft 84 Supporting wall 9 Supporting pin 85 Frame wall 0 Supporting pin 86 Deflection pulley 1 Carrying profile 87 Deflection pulley 2 Carrying profile 88 Deflection body 3 Supporting arm 89 Reloading tower 4 Supporting arm 90 Carrier 5 Collecting belt 91 Pusher 6 Transporting belt 92 Opening 7 Belt conveyor 8 driver X test track 9 driver Y segment 0 conveyor run A Inventory 1 group stop B Partial stock 2 Sensor n Number of packs 3 Empty space 4 Storage 5 Storage volume

2008006915

Claims

6 March 2008 / 9312Patent claims

Method for handling objects in connection with the formation of groups of articles, in particular in connection with the formation of pack groups (16, 17, 18), the articles or packs (10) being arranged in at least one continuous transport row of a feed conveyor (10). 21) is fed to a grouping station (19) and from the continuous transport row a group of articles or a group of packages (16, 17, 18) is separated and conveyed away, characterized by the following features: a) the articles or packages (10) are in the continuous non-contact transport row in the region of the feed conveyor (21) arranged in predetermined relative position, in particular at a distance from each other, to form empty spaces

(53) in the case of missing items or packages (10), b) items or packages (10) of a subsection (X, Y) of the transport line are separated as a unit and transferred to the grouping station (19), c) those separated from the transport line Unit is associated with a predetermined number of positions of the items or packages (10) within the transport row, such that with any empty spaces (53) in the region of the subsection (X, Y) a correspondingly smaller number of items or packages (10) d) the number of objects or packs (10) to be transferred or transferred as a unit to the grouping station (19) is detected by sensors (52), e) in the case of missing items or Packs (10), the detected missing number of objects or packages (10) to form a complete group (16, 17, 18) in the grouping station (19) from a memory (54) is supplied.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the grouping station (19) formed in continuation of the conveying direction of the continuous transport row of the packages (10) following the feed conveyor (21) and the memory (54) in the respect

2008006915 lenthe continuous transport row opposite side of the grouping station (19) is formed, in particular as a continuous supply row of packages (10), wherein packs for completion of the group (16, 17, 18) in the conveying direction of the transport row opposite conveying direction in the Gruppierstation (19) be encouraged.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the grouping station (19) formed group (16, 17, 18), optionally after addition of the memory (54), transversely to the conveying direction of the feed conveyor (21) the area of the grouping station (19) are conveyed under transfer to a group conveyor or to a transfer turret (58).

4. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that in the Gruppierstation (19) subgroups (17, 18) of several, in particular five juxtaposed packs (10) are formed and that at least two subgroups (17, 18 ) are brought together after the successive pushing out of the grouping station (19) to form a complete group (16), in particular by arranging the two subgroups (17, 18) one above the other.

5. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that packages (10) for forming a group (16, 17, 18) from the feeder (21) lifted and in a plane above the conveying plane of the feed conveyor (21 ), but in the same vertical plane, are introduced into the grouping station (19).

6. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the number of packages (10) or the occupation of packing stations in the region of the feed conveyor (21) is checked, in particular along a test track X and / or along a partial route Y and that thereafter the delivery of packages (10) from the store (54) to form a group (16) or subset (17, 18) is controlled.

7. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the memory (54) with packages of the transport row or from the feed conveyor (21) supplied packages (10) is filled as needed, in particular in such a way that Content of the memory (54) is checked and supplemented if the

2008006915 number of packs (10) in memory is less than the number of packs required to complete a group (16) or subset (17, 18).

8. The method according to claim 7 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the Gruppierstation (19) is put out of action when in

Area of the test section X no packs (10) are detected.

9. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the memory (54) as required by fed by the feed conveyor (21) packings (10) is filled, in particular in such a way that upon detection of a subset in Memory (54) the Gruppierstation (19) put out of action and by the feeder (21) incoming packages through the Gruppierstation (19) through the memory (54) are promoted.

10. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the test section (X) and / or the sub-section (Y) and simultaneously the memory (54) are checked, either the Gruppierstation exclusively by packs (10) of the Feed conveyor or packs (10) of the feed conveyor (21) on the one hand and by packs (10) from the memory (54) on the other hand supplied or the Gruppierstation (19) is disabled for transporting packs (10) in the memory (54) ,

11. The method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the formation of a group (16) of two superimposed sub-groups (17, 18) this in the transverse Abschub from the Gruppierstation (19) successively in a common bag (64, 65) of an intermediate conveyor, in particular a transfer turret (58) are introduced, wherein first a sub-group (17) for forming a lower layer of packages (10) and then the second sub-group (18) in the pocket (64, 65) under tray on the first inserted TeM group (17) is introduced.

12. Device for handling objects in connection with the formation of groups of objects, in particular in connection with the formation of groups (16, 17, 18) from packs (10) in the production of bundle packs.

2008006915 gene, wherein the packages (10) by a particular continuously running Zuför- (21) in a continuous transport row a Gruppierstation (19) can be fed to the formation of a group (16) or sub-groups (17, 18) of the bundle pack, characterized by the following features: a) the packs (10) are arranged without contact in the region of the feed conveyor (21), in particular by webs (24) of the feed conveyor (21) with a corresponding distance from each other, b) packs (10) of a subsection of the feed conveyor (21 ), namely in the region of a test section (X) or a partial section (Y) are removable by a connecting conveyor, in particular by a lifting conveyor (30) from the feed conveyor (21) and continuing the conveying movement to a higher level, namely the level of Gruppierstation (19) can be conveyed, c) the packs (10) supplied by the lifting conveyor (30) can be conveyed by a further conveyor, in particular by a belt conveyor (47). with carriers (48, 49) in continuation of the direction of movement in the Gruppierstation (19) for forming the group (16) or subgroup (17, 18) insertable.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the from the feed conveyor (21) removed packs (10) are deductible on an intermediate carrier, in particular on a lateral support members (32, 33) having intermediate holder (31) whose supporting members (32 , 33) extend in the plane of the grouping station (19), the packs (10) held ready by the intermediate holder (31) being removed by the belt conveyor (47) from the support members (32, 33) and into the grouping station (19 ) are insertable.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the supporting members (32, 33) of the intermediate holder (31) extending in the conveying direction, on both sides of the movement path of the packages (10) in the region of the lifting conveyor (30) extending angle profiles are formed, which are mounted on pivotable support arms (43, 44) and for taking over packages (10) from a laterally retracted position in the region of the packs (10) are movable, such that these with sideward edge portions on the support members (32 , 33) rest.

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15. The apparatus of claim 12 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the occupation of packing stations in the region of the feed conveyor (21), in particular between the webs (24), verifiable along a test section (X) and / or along a section Y. and that according to determined empty spaces (53) packs (10) from a memory (54) separately the Gruppierstation (19) are supplied, such that in the grouping of the group (16) or subgroup (17, 18) corresponding number of packages (10) is present.

16. Device according to claim 15 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the store (54) is arranged on the side of the grouping station (19) opposite to the feed conveyor (21) or to the intermediate holder (31), preferably in FIG the embodiment with a storage belt (55) which extends in the same vertical plane as the feed conveyor (21), wherein a storage plane of the packages (10) in the region of the memory (54), in particular an upper run (56) of a storage tape ( 55), in the plane of the grouping station (19) or a support for the packs (10) in the region of the grouping station (19).

17. The device according to claim 13 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the lifting conveyor (30) of two on both sides of the movement path of the packages (10), in particular on both sides of the feed conveyor (21) mounted (plate-shaped) supporting members (32 , 33) which, by a continuously rotating parallelogram along a movement path with a lifting component and a conveying component in the direction of Gruppierstation (19).

18. Device according to claim 12 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the packs (10) held ready on the intermediate holder (31) in the plane of the grouping station (19) are conveyed by a conveyor, in particular by one above the packs (10). arranged belt conveyor (47) with preferably two drivers (48, 49) detectable, overcoming distances can be pushed together and conveyed into the Grupping, in particular under storage on a collecting belt (45).

19. Device according to claim 12 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the packs (10) in the region of the grouping station (19) on a

2008006915 Group stop (51) which is movable within the grouping station (19) and can be positioned such that the packages (10) fed from the feed conveyor (21) and optionally packs (10) from the memory (54) form an ordered group (51). 16) or subgroup (17, 18) in the Gruppierstation (19) are aligned.

20. The device according to claim 19 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the group (16) or subgroup (17, 18) by a transversely movable slide (72) from the Gruppierstation (19) are pushed off, wherein a slide head ( 73) is formed like a comb and has recesses (74) which correspond to the possible positions of the group stop (51) in the grouping station (19).

21. Device according to claim 12 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the groups (16) or subgroups (17, 18) can be fed from the grouping station (19) in the transverse direction to an intermediate conveyor, in particular a cyclically rotating transfer turret (17). 58) with pockets (64, 65) for receiving a group (16) or of two superimposed sub-groups (17, 18).

22. Device according to claim 21 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the transfer turret (58) has a plurality, in particular two pockets (64, 65), which successively by rotation of the transfer turret (58) in a receiving station adjacent to the grouping (19 ) are movable, wherein the open on two opposite sides pockets (64, 65) in a first receiving position a first subgroup (17) and in a second, staggered receiving position the second subgroup (18) record with storage on the first subgroup (17 ), preferably by introducing the subgroups (17, 18) through the slider (72).

23. Device according to claim 21 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the pockets (64, 65) can be moved during rotation of the transfer turret ((64), which can be moved with a rotation axis directed parallel to the conveying direction of the packages (10) in the region of the feed conveyor (21). 58) are rotatable relative to the transfer turret (58), such that the pockets (64, 65) perform an overall translational movement due to rotation relative to the transfer turret (58).

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24. The device according to claim 21 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the group (16) consisting of the subgroups (17, 18), in a Ausschubstellung diametrically opposite to the charging position in the Gruppierstation (19) by a pusher ( 77) can be pushed out of the respective pocket (64, 65) and inserted into a folding turret (57) for attaching at least one blank (79) as an envelope of the group (16).

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