WO2017167423A1

WO2017167423A1 - Apparatus and method for the angle and speed-based packaging of piece goods batches

Info

Publication number: WO2017167423A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/082846
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes KIRZINGER; Heiner Schäfer; Herbert Spindler; Thomas Wimmer; Manuel Kollmuss; Jürgen Werner; Christian Hastreiter; Andreas Fritsch; Richard Eschlbeck
Original assignee: Krones Ag
Priority date: 2016-04-01
Filing date: 2016-12-29
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Also published as: DE102016106004A1; EP3436356A1; CN209889180U

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for packaging piece goods batches (10), having a transport device (3), which transports a plurality of piece goods (1) in a predefined transport direction (14) at the forward feed speed (v_s), having a first wrapping device (2), which is suitable and intended to wrap a film element (12) around the piece goods, wherein said first wrapping device (2) has a dispensing unit (30) running around the piece goods, which runs around the piece goods (1) at a peripheral speed (v_u) and which is arranged at an angle (α) relative to the transport direction (T), wherein the piece goods (1) can be fed to the first wrapping device (2) in order to be wrapped with the film element (12), wherein the angle (α) can be chosen as a function of the forward feed speed (v_s) of the piece goods (1) and/or the peripheral speed (v_u) of the dispensing unit (30).

Description

Apparatus and method for angular velocity-based packaging of

Cargo compilations

description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging Stückgutzzusammenstellungen with a wrapping device according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to such a wrapping device having the features of patent claim 6. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for packaging Stückgutzzusammenstellungen according to the preamble of claim 9.

From the prior art, a plurality of methods and apparatus for packaging piece goods and Stückgutzzusammenstellungen by means of a wrapping device are known. For example, DE 199 55 830 A1 describes a corresponding method and a corresponding device for wrapping an object or a plurality of objects.

DE 37 27 076 A1 also shows a device for wrapping objects with a film web in the form of a stretch film in order to hold the articles together. The film web is wound around it by a wrapping unit around the packing groups. By rotating the support ring in a plane transverse to the conveying direction of the packing groups, the film web is wound around the continuously transported packing groups such that the edge regions of the film web form overlaps. This creates continuous wrappings.

EP 0 140 301 A1 describes a method and an apparatus for the helical wrapping of packages or containers in a shrink-wrapping film, in which the film is drawn off under tension from two supply rolls and by means of one (or more) supply roll guide device (s) is guided around a winding cross-section.

Also in EP 0 149 227 A2 a similar method or a similar device is described in which the packages are wrapped by two counter-rotating and inclined supply rolls. By means of this so-called cross-winding can be achieved that a torsional stress occurring through the film is canceled and thus no risk of displacement of the packaged items threatens. In accordance with the requirements for ever-faster production, it has proven to be disadvantageous that a change of parameters such as the packaging speed can lead to an increased instability of the piece goods compilations and a smooth process flow can not be guaranteed. The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packaging Stückgutzzusammenstellungen available in which piece goods are packed particularly cost effective and time-saving and the quality of the piece goods compilation and process reliability are optimized. This object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for packaging piece goods compilations has a transport device which transports a multiplicity of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction T in an article or unit flow at the feed speed v _s . In addition, it has a first wrapping device which is suitable and intended to wrap the piece goods with a film element. This first wrapping device has a circulating dispensing unit which circulates the piece goods at the rotational speed v _u . The dispensing unit is arranged at a predetermined angle α relative to the transport direction T of the piece goods. The piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped with the film element.

According to the invention, the angle α can be selected and / or changed as a function of the feed rate v _{s of} the piece goods and / or the rotational speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit. This angle is in particular selectable to change a feed angle and / or angle of attack relative to the transport direction of the piece goods. Advantageously, the angle α is an opening angle of a conical path on which the dispensing unit rotates the piece goods, while the film element is supplied to the piece goods. The angle α can stand for the angle in which the dispensing unit is inclined as a whole to the transport direction of the piece goods, and / or for the angle at which a film roll arranged on the dispensing unit is inclined, and / or for the angle in which an output element from which the film element is supplied to the piece goods, is inclined. In particular, under the direction of the dispensing unit, which is used as a leg for determining the angle α, that direction can be understood that is perpendicular to the direction in which the film element leaves the dispensing unit.

The piece goods may in particular be containers, beverage containers, plastic containers, glass containers, cans and the like. In principle, however, the device according to the invention is suitable for packaging virtually any piece goods compilation and any piece goods.

The wrapping device advantageously wraps around the piece goods compilation in a direction running around the transport direction of the piece goods compilation. In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport direction is a straight-line transport direction. In particular, it is a horizontal transport direction. Advantageously, the wrapping device wound around the article stream helical and / or spiral and in particular in a direction of rotation about the transport direction of the cargo around.

Advantageously, the dispensing unit of the wrapping device is arranged on a ring-shaped or sleeve-shaped carrier. Advantageously, this annular support is rotatably mounted. Advantageously, this annular support is rotatably mounted with respect to a constant axis of rotation. In this case, this support is preferably rotatable relative to a rotation axis which runs parallel to the transport direction of the piece goods. However, it would also be conceivable that an axis of rotation of this carrier runs obliquely to the transport direction of the piece goods. Advantageously, the device has a drive device which drives this rotatable carrier. In this case, this drive can preferably take place via contact with an outer circumference of this annular carrier. For example, the annular support may be mounted on a plurality of wheels, wherein at least one of these wheels is driven by the drive means. The piece goods are advantageously moved during their transport in the transport direction through the ring or sleeve-shaped carrier through. Advantageously, the piece goods while the film element is fed from a longitudinal side of the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit is arranged pivotably on the carrier in particular.

In an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing unit is attached at one of its ends to the carrier, while the other end of the dispensing unit is designed to float freely in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a moving mechanism, in particular a pivoting mechanism is preferably attached to the fixed end of the dispensing unit, so that the dispensing unit can advantageously be pivoted from a position parallel to the transport direction T such that the free end selectively moves toward or away from the piece goods becomes. However, it would also be conceivable to attach the dispensing unit so that the dispensing unit is attached at both ends in the longitudinal direction. In this case, it would be possible to provide a pivoting mechanism at both ends of the dispensing unit.

However, it would also be conceivable to attach the pivoting mechanism to another position of the dispensing unit - for example in the middle of the longitudinal axis. In this case, a pivoting of the dispensing unit leads to an approach of one end of the dispensing unit to the cargo and to a distance of the other end of the dispensing unit of the cargo.

In all embodiments, the angle α preferably corresponds to the angle which is enclosed by the article or piece flow of the piece goods and the longitudinal axis of the dispensing unit and / or the film rolls arranged thereon and / or the output device. The angle α can - since preferably pivoting in both directions is possible - take both positive and negative values. An angle of 0 ° is understood to mean a direction under which the longitudinal direction is parallel to the transport direction of the piece goods.

Advantageously, the dispensing unit runs on a circular or bowling alley-shaped orbit around the cargo, the exact orbit over the angle α and / or the lateral distance can be controlled to the transport direction. The device preferably also has a control device for controlling the feed rate v _{s of} the piece goods and / or the rotational speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit and / or the angle α. With this control device, in particular the speeds v _s and v _u and the angle α can be selectively synchronized with each other or decoupled from each other. In this way, it is possible, for example, that when the feed rate v _{s of} the piece goods changes, only the angle α is changed, but the circulation speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit remains constant. However, it would also be possible to keep the angle α constant and to change the circulation speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit. A change of both the angle α and the rotational speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit would be conceivable. Analogous considerations also apply with respect to a desired change in the circulation speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit.

The control device can be operated either manually or automatically. Thus, it may in particular be possible for the control device to be programmed in such a way that an automatic angle change takes place when the feed rate v _s changes without the circulation speed v _u undergoing a change or, for example, only a change in a certain order of magnitude. Comparable is also possible in the case of a change in the rotational speed v _u .

The change of the angle α can be technically realized in many ways. For example, pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical or other known

Part-turn actuators conceivable. The dispensing unit is advantageously designed such that it is suitable for feeding a film element from a film supply to the piece goods.

In one embodiment, the film supply can be attached, for example in the form of a roll of film to the dispensing unit. In this case, at least one dispensing unit has a receiving device for, in particular, rotatable receiving a film roll. Thus, for example, the dispensing unit may have at least one roller carrier on which, for example, a film roll can be pushed. In operation, this film roll can rotate and thus unwind the film element. In this embodiment, the roller carrier is advantageously arranged pivotably on the carrier so that the angle α corresponds to the angle between the roller carrier - and thus also the longitudinal direction of the film roll - and the article or unit flow of the piece goods. In addition, the dispensing unit may have at least one and preferably a plurality of deflection rollers, via which the film element is deflected. Furthermore, an example slot-shaped output element can be provided, from which the film element is supplied to the piece goods.

In another embodiment, it is also conceivable that the dispensing unit has a kanten-shaped element over which the film element is withdrawn from a film supply. In this case, the angle α is preferably the angle between the edge-shaped element and the article or unit flow of the piece goods.

Advantageously, the film element in all embodiments of the dispensing unit the piece goods supplied in sheet form. In particular, the film element is preferably guided wrinkle-free.

The film element is preferably a stretchable film, in particular a stretchable stretch film or stretch film which has a typical film thickness of the order of 10 μm. When wrapping the piece goods, this film can stretch, with strains being less than 20% of the length of the relaxed film typical.

The movement of the dispensing unit, with which it circulates the piece goods, can be achieved in particular by the fact that the carrier rotates while the dispensing unit is fixedly attached thereto. However, it would also be conceivable to firmly attach the carrier while the dispensing unit is running along it. The movement can take place in relation to the transport direction of the piece goods both clockwise and counterclockwise.

The stability of the packed Stückgutzzusammenstellungen can be particularly increased if not only a single-layer wrapping the Stückgutzzusammenstellungen done by the wrapping device, but an overlapping winding. A stronger overlap of the individual windings of the film element lead to an increased stability of the piece goods compilation. On the other hand, too great an overlap of the individual windings leads to a slowing down of the packaging process. For this reason, it is necessary to select the degree of overlap depending on the specific requirements of the respective package. The degree of overlapping can be regulated in particular by means of a change in the angle α dependent on the feed rate v _s and / or the rotational speed v _u . Advantageously, in the transport direction T of the piece goods downstream of the first wrapping device, a second wrapping device is arranged, which is suitable and intended to wrap the piece goods with a further film element. As a result, an increased stability of the packaged piece goods compilations can be achieved. A particularly high stability can be achieved if the winding direction of the second wrapping device is opposite to the winding direction of the first wrapping device. As a result, a so-called cross-winding is achieved, in which the wraps are applied in two intersecting layers to the cargo. Advantageously, the further wrapping device is designed in the manner described above.

To increase the stability of the packaged piece goods compilations, it is also possible that after the first and second wrapping device further additional wrapping devices are arranged. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wrapping device has a rigid carrier. This rigid carrier can be a carrier on which the piece goods flow is transported and, in particular, pushed on. Advantageously, this particular rigid support is also wrapped by the film element. Subsequently, the piece goods or containers that are already umwi- disgusted be pushed back or pulled by this carrier. The film element will then be applied to one side of the containers, for example to a bottom of the containers. This carrier preferably extends in the transport direction of the piece goods or containers and in particular this carrier extends at least partially through at least one wrapping device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the Umwickelungseinnchtung also on side guide elements, which are also preferably wrapped with. After wrapping the Stückgutzzusammenstellungen can also be deducted from these side guide elements.

Advantageously, these side guide elements, which may be designed, for example, rod-shaped, extend in the transport direction of the piece goods. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable that such lateral guide elements extend, for example, continuously both through the first wrapping device and through possibly existing further wrapping devices. In this case, two such side guide elements could preferably be present, which limit the article flow laterally. In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a feed device which pushes the piece goods in a working operation of at least one of the wrapping devices and / or which withdraws the already wrapped piece goods from the wrapping device. Thus, it is possible that the transport device pushes the piece goods compilations on the above-mentioned rigid support and there is a continuous wrapping. Advantageously followed by a combination of this feed movement of the piece goods compilations and the wrapping a total helical wrapping of the cargo.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a cutting or separating unit, which is suitable and intended to cut through the film element at predetermined areas. In this way, the initially endless wrapped piece goods can be portioned, about each pack with four, six or eight containers are separated. Advantageously, this separation unit is designed such that it separates at defined locations, in particular between two containers, the piece goods compilations.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a wrapping device for wrapping piece goods with a film element. These are the piece goods in a predetermined transport direction T at the feed speed v _s fed to be wrapped with the film element. The wrapping device has a piece of goods circulating dispensing unit, wherein the dispensing unit rotates the piece goods in the rotational speed v _u and is arranged at an angle α relative to the transport direction T.

According to the invention, the angle α can be selected as a function of the feed rate v _{s of} the piece goods and / or the rotational speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit.

In particular, it is a wrapping device as used in the device shown above, i. that all the features embodied for the wrapping device of the device described above are also advantageous for the wrapping device described here.

The present invention is further directed to a method for packaging unit load assemblies, wherein a transport means transports a plurality of piece goods in a predetermined transport direction T at the feed rate v _s , and wherein a first wrapping device wraps the piece goods with a film element. This first wrapping device in this case has a dispensing unit, which rotates the piece goods in the rotational speed v _u , and which is arranged at an angle α relative to the transport direction T, the piece goods are fed to the first wrapping device to be wrapped with the film element.

According to the invention, the angle α is selected as a function of the feed rate v _{s of} the piece goods and / or the rotational speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit.

In this case, the device described above is particularly adapted and intended to carry out this method, i. that all the features implemented for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here, and vice versa.

In an advantageous method, the dispensing unit circulates the piece goods along a circular or bowling alley, thereby winding the film element around the piece goods.

Advantageously, the feed rate v _{s of} the piece goods and / or the rotational speed v _{u of} the dispensing unit and / or the angle α can be controlled and changed via a control device. In this case, it is possible, in particular, to selectively synchronize or decouple the speeds Vs and Vu and dnr angle α.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device for wrapping containers;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a wrapping device;

Fig. 3 is a side view of a wrapping device. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a packaging machine or a patented device 50. Here are piece goods 1 as article or Piece flow S supplied. The reference numeral 3 denotes a transport device which transports the containers or piece goods along the transport device T. The transport device is preferably composed of several transport units, which can also be arranged between the individual Umwickelungseinnchtungen 2 and 6 and thereafter. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the piece goods are supplied as a two-lane inlet by means of the first conveyor. This feeder can be, for example, a conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor or the like. The reference numeral 2 denotes a first wrapping device, which serves to wrap the piece goods with at least one layer of a stretchable film, a so-called stretch film. In this case, this film element is preferably wound helically in a manner known per se to the articles or containers conveyed side by side here in pairs, a sufficient tension of the film element ensuring the firm mechanical cohesion of the article or piece goods flow.

In order to ensure a trouble-free transport of the article or piece goods stream in the first wrapping device 2, for example, circumferential feed belts (not shown) laterally attack the article or piece goods stream S, which promote the piece goods 1 through the first wrapping device 2, while the piece goods 1 are wrapped simultaneously.

In the first wrapping device 2, the piece goods 1 can, for example, slide on a lower sliding plate (not shown), which is also wrapped.

The reference numeral 60 refers to a first feed module downstream of the first wrapping device, which serves for the further transport of the already wrapped with at least one layer of stretch film article or Stückgutstroms (typically by means of upper and lower feed belts or feed belt). These feed belts or feed belts can circulate endlessly along the length of the first feed module on the upper and lower sides of the article or piece goods stream and provide for its further transport to a second wrapping device 6. In the second wrapping device 6, the article or Stückgutstrom can also be applied helically with a second layer of film elements, which preferably takes place in a different winding angle than in the first wrapping device 2 and / or in an opposite winding direction (ie circulation direction).

The reference numeral 61 refers to a further feed module and serves for a further transport of the now wrapped with multiple layers of stretch film article or Stückgutstroms. Again, upper and lower feed belts or feed belts can be used in turn, which rotate over the length of the second feed module 61 preferably endlessly on the upper and lower sides of the article or Stückgutstroms and cause its further transport. By means of this transport, a film wrap wound with multi-layered film elements and initially moving endlessly in the conveying direction is formed, with piece goods 1 packed therein, wherein the planes can then optionally be provided with perforations perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the conveying device and / or packaging between successive containers or container pairs or groups of several transported piece goods 1 is severed. Accordingly, the reference numerals 62 and 64 refer to cutting units or separation units, which serve to separate the film elements. In this case, these two cutting units 62, 64 can be present redundantly, in order to bring about higher throughput speeds.

The reference numeral 66 denotes a discharge device, which carries away the resulting containers. FIG. 2 shows a roughly schematic representation of a wrapping device. This has a designated in its entirety by 25 annular support which is rotatable here along the arrow P2 in the corresponding direction of rotation. On this carrier a roughly schematically and drawn only in its entirety dispensing unit 30 is arranged. This has a dispensing element or a receiving device 31, on which, for example, a roll 15, which is shown only schematically, is arranged with a film element 12 which can be unwound therefrom. Also shown here is the carrier 32 which is co-wound, as well as the side guide elements 34. After wrapping, as mentioned above, the piece goods assembly 10 is pulled off the carrier 32 and the side guide elements 34. The reference numerals 92 and 94 designate wheels which serve to support the revolving carrier 25. In this case, one of these wheels can also be driven.

In this case, it is preferably also possible that the carrier 25 can be moved in two different directions of rotation. It is also preferably possible that the carrier roll can be arranged with the film element in two ways on the left or right side of its rotatable support 31 to control the Umwickelungsrichtung accordingly.

Upon rotation of the carrier 25, the dispensing unit 30 arranged thereon is moved along the arrow P2. The dispensing unit 30 thereby rotates the piece goods compartments 10 at the circumferential speed v _u and wraps them with the film element 12.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a wrapping device. The piece goods 1 are thereby moved by the transport device 3 in an article or unit flow S in the transport direction T through the wrapping device 2. In this case, the piece goods 1, the feed rate v _s , while they are circulated by the dispensing unit 30 at the rotational speed v _u . The conical orbit of the dispensing unit 30 is shown in dashed lines. While the dispensing unit 30 rotates the piece goods 1, they are wrapped by the film element 12.

The dispensing unit 30 is arranged at the variable angle (a) relative to the transport direction (T). The angle (a) is adjustable via a pivot mechanism, not shown. The control of the feed rate v _s , the rotational speed v _u and the angle (a) is possible by means of a control device, also not shown. In the figure, the angle (a) is in the same plane as the transporting direction (T), which corresponds to an axis around which the dispensing unit runs.

Furthermore, in this figure as well, the carrier 32 and the side guide elements 34, which are co-wrapped, can be seen.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. It is further pointed out that features have also been described in the individual figures, which in themselves are advantageous. can be liable. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a particular feature described in one figure can also be advantageous without taking over further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 containers

2 first wrapping device

3 transport device

6 second wrapping device

10 piece assortment

12 foil element

15 film roll

25 circumferential (annular) carrier

30 dispensing unit

31 dispensing element / receiving device

32 sliding plate / carrier

34 side guide elements

50 device

60 first feed module

61 further feed module

62.64 Cutting or separating unit

63,65 Transport device / Feed unit

66 discharge device

92, 94 wheels

P2 direction of rotation

S article or piece of electricity

T transport direction

v _s Feed rate of piece goods

v _u Circulation speed of the dispensing unit

α Angle between the dispensing unit and the transport direction of the piece goods

Claims

claims

1 . Apparatus for packing piece goods compilations (10) with a transport device (3), which transports a plurality of parcels (1) in a predetermined transport direction (T) at the feed speed v _s , with a first wrapping device (2) which is suitable and intended for this purpose is to wrap the piece goods with a film element (12), said first wrapping device (2) has a piece goods encircling dispensing unit (30) which rotates the piece goods (1) at a peripheral speed v _u , and which at an angle (a ) is arranged relative to the transport direction (T), wherein the piece goods (1) of the first wrapping device (2) can be fed to be wrapped with the film element (12),

characterized in that

the angle (a) in dependence on the feed rate (v _s ) of the piece goods (1) and / or the rotational speed (v _u ) of the dispensing unit (30) is selectable.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the device (1) has a control device with which the feed rate (v _s ) of the piece goods (1) and / or the rotational speed (v _u ) of the dispensing unit (30) and / or the angle (a) are controllable.

3. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the orbit of the dispensing unit (30) is circular or conical about the piece goods.

4. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that in the transport direction (T) of the piece goods downstream of the first wrapping device (2) a separation unit (62) is arranged, which separates sections of piece goods compilations (10) wrapped with the film element.

5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

in the transport direction (T) of the piece goods downstream of the first wrapping device (2) a second wrapping device (6) is arranged, which is suitable and intended to wrap the cargo (1) with a further film element.

6. wrapping device (2) for wrapping piece goods with a film element (12) to which the piece goods (1) in a predetermined transport direction (T) with the feed speed (v _s ) can be supplied to be wrapped with the film element (12) in which the dispensing unit (30) rotates the piece goods (1) at the peripheral speed (v _u ) and is arranged at an angle (a) relative to the transport direction (T),

characterized in that

7. wrapping device according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the dispensing unit (30) is arranged on a ring-shaped or sleeve-shaped carrier (25).

8. wrapping device according to claim 7,

characterized in that

the dispensing unit (30) is pivotally mounted on the carrier (25).

9. A method for packaging piece goods compilations (10), wherein a transport device transports a plurality of piece goods (1) in a predetermined transport direction (T) at the feed rate (v _s ), and where in a first wrapping device (2) the piece goods with a film element (12) wrapped, said first wrapping device (2) comprises a dispensing unit (30) which rotates the piece goods (1) in the rotational speed (v _u ), and which in a Angle (a) is arranged relative to the transport direction (T), wherein the piece goods (1) of the first wrapping device (2) are supplied to be wrapped with the film element (12), characterized in that

the angle (a) in dependence on the feed rate (v _s ) of the piece goods (1) and / or the rotational speed (v _u ) of the dispensing unit (30) is selected.

10. The method according to claim 8,

characterized in that

the dispensing unit (30) rotates the piece goods (1) along a circular or bowling alley, thereby winding the film element (12) around the piece goods (1).