WO2018197404A1

WO2018197404A1 - Application apparatus and method for applying add-on elements in an application orientation

Info

Publication number: WO2018197404A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/060328
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas MAENNLE; Daniel Hirt
Original assignee: Sig Technology Ag
Priority date: 2017-04-27
Filing date: 2018-04-23
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Also published as: CN110869285A; US20200047935A1; JP2020517544A; DE102017109118A1; EP3615433A1

Abstract

The invention describes and presents an application apparatus (1) for applying add-on elements (2), in particular drinking straws, to packagings (13), preferably composite cardboard packagings, comprising at least one transport device (14) for transporting the packagings (13) along a transport path (15), and comprising at least one application device (38) comprising at least one applicator (22) for applying the add-on elements (2) to the packaging (13), wherein the applicator (22) is provided on the application device (38) such that it can be moved from a transfer position (24) for receiving the add-on elements (2) into an application position (27) for applying the add-on elements (2) to the packagings (13) and back again. In order to provide a reduced complexity of the design and method for application of the add-on elements in different orientations, the at least one application device (38), as a result of a movement, in particular of the applicator (22), superimposed with the movement of the applicator (22) from the transfer position (24) into the application position (27), is designed to receive the add-on elements (2) with the applicator (22) in a transfer orientation in space and to apply the add-on elements (2) with the applicator (22) in an application orientation in space inclined relative to the transfer orientation.

Description

Application device and method for applying additional elements in an application orientation

The invention relates to an application device for applying

Additional elements, in particular of straws, of packages, preferably cardboard composite packages, with at least one transport device for

Transporting the packages along a transport path and with at least one application device comprising at least one applicator for applying the additional elements to the package, wherein the at least one applicator from a transfer position for taking over the additional elements in a

Application position for applying the additional elements to the packs and back adjustable is provided on the application device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for applying additional elements, in particular of straws, to packages, preferably cardboard composite packages, in particular using said application device.

Packages are formed by a packaging and the packaged goods received therein. For example, bottles, tubular bags, cans, etc. are suitable as packaging. The present packs are primarily composite packs used as an alternative to, for example, bottles or cans. Corresponding packaging is usually in a so-called

Filling machine filled with the packaged goods and sealed, which are often referred to in carton composite packages based on their main functions, namely the forming of the packaging, the filling of the packaging and the sealing of the packaging, as a form / fill / seal machines ,

In particular flowable, that is liquid or at least pasty, packaged goods are suitable as packaged goods, which, if necessary, may still have lumpy proportions.

Dry and free-flowing packaged goods are not excluded, play in practice but not significant. In many cases there are foods in the packs

such as beverages, especially milk, juices, nectars, dairy products, and soups. In the case of beverages, the composite carton packs are also referred to as composite carton packs.

Composite packages are formed from interconnected packaging materials, which form a laminar layer structure, the so-called packing laminate. Cardboard composite packages have a paperboard layer which provides stability to the package and as a backing layer for both sides of the paperboard layer

Plastic layers can serve. Plastic layers serve as, for example

Liquid barrier. Thus, for example, the penetration of flowable products into the packing laminate, in particular the cardboard layer, or even the leakage of flowable products is also avoided, as is the penetration of moisture from the outside. Furthermore, thermoplastic materials can be sealed to form cohesive sealing seams so as to form a package and the

Close the package. The packing laminate may comprise further layers and packaging materials, for example an aluminum layer provides a barrier effect against gases and light. To fold the sheet package laminate, i. creases by machine, often creases are introduced into the packing laminate, which predefine the later fold lines. The folds form on the package

Packing edges and / or allow the molding of package bottom and / or packing head. Packaging laminates are also usually printed with a decor.

The package laminate can be cut to size prior to molding the package, creating so-called blanks. These can become so-called

Packing jacket blanks are processed further. For this purpose, the longitudinal edges are superposed and to form a longitudinal sealing seam

aufeinandergesiegelt. This gives a tubular shell or a

so-called Packungsmantelrohling or Packungssleeve. Alternatively, the package laminate may be provided as a continuous material, in particular as a roll product from which, without first producing a blank, a package can be formed directly.

Packings, such as those for food, which may be formed as cardboard composite packages are partially provided on the outside with additional components, for example, as straws, which are also referred to as drinking straws, resealable spouts and / or opening elements,

Tear tabs, which are also referred to as pull-tabs, labels or the like may be formed. For this purpose, special application devices are used, which guide the packages with a transport device along a predetermined transport path along the application device. For example, the packages can be guided past the application device or through the application device. Furthermore, a

Application device provided which comprises at least one applicator, which takes over the additional elements at a takeover position and at a

Applied application position sequentially to the moving along the transport path packs. In this case, the additional component is pressed into an adhesive provided on the package. Alternatively, the adhesive but also on

Additional element are provided. The adhesive then cures and the additive component remains permanently attached to the package until the user consciously removes the additive component from the package, such as to consume the packaged beverage.

Corresponding application devices and methods are known, for example, from DE 29 02 899 A1 or EP 1 042 172 B1. These differ, inter alia, in that the attachment of the additional elements takes place on packages that are clocked or moved continuously along the transport path. The

Alignment of the additional elements to the packs depends on the orientation of the transport path of the packs to the axis of rotation of the

Application device and / or after the alignment of the additional elements in the acquisition by the application device. Especially easy and therefore Preferred are the corresponding alignments of the clogging elements described in DE 29 02 899 A1 or EP 1 042 172 B1. Should be deviated from this, a complex configuration of the application device and a complex alignment of the individual modules to each other is required. This also requires an increased space requirement, since the individual modules can not be aligned in a common plane or at least parallel to a common plane.

Therefore, the present invention is based on the object

Application device and the method of the type mentioned above and described in more detail above and further develop such that for the application of the additional elements in different orientations a lesser constructive and procedural effort is required. This object is in an application device according to the preamble of

Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one application device as a result of a with the adjustment of the applicator from the transfer position in the

Application position superimposed adjustment, in particular of the at least one applicator, for the adoption of the additional elements in a transfer orientation in space by the at least one applicator and for the application of

Additional elements in a tilted by the acquisition direction

Application orientation in the space is formed by the at least one applicator. Incidentally, the stated object is achieved according to claim 11 by a method for applying additional elements, in particular straws, to packages, preferably cardboard composite packages, in particular using an application device according to one of claims 1 to 10,

in which arranged in an application orientation in space

Additional elements are taken over by at least one applicator in a takeover position, in which the additional elements are adjusted by an adjusting movement of the at least one applicator from the transfer position to the application position and

wherein the additional elements superimposed by one of the adjustment of the at least one applicator from the transfer position to the application position

Adjusting movement of an application device, in particular of the at least one applicator, from the transfer orientation into one

Application orientation can be adjusted in the room. The invention has recognized that the use of application devices, which the additional components in an orientation in space, namely the

Takeover alignment, take over and in a different orientation in space, namely the application orientation, can apply, can lead to a simplified application of additional elements. This is the case, although such application devices must be constructively designed significantly more expensive, which ultimately leads to a more complex procedural handling of the additional elements. This is due to the fact that the change in the orientation of the additional elements during the adjustment of the applicators from the transfer position to the application position and thus must be done appropriately. At the same time, it should be avoided that the overall more complex adjustment of the additional elements of the transfer position in the

Application position leads to losses with regard to the reliability of the method. An undesirable system downtime and an increased reject rate can lead to increased costs for the operator of the application device.

On the cost side, despite the increased effort in terms of

Application device and its operation shown that this additional expense is justified because it surprisingly leads to a total simplification of the application device and the method for application of the additional elements. In the present case, packs are understood to mean, in particular, filled packs or containers, wherein the filling is preferably foodstuffs, in particular flowable foodstuffs. Such foods may be, for example, drinks. For food, especially drinks, additional elements such as straws, special meanings.

In principle, the packs can be made of different materials, such as plastic. Particularly expedient and customer desired, however, is the attachment of additional elements to cardboard composite packages. These are packs of a packaging material in the form of a laminate, which may have a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, for example made of polyethylene (PE). The carton provides the packages with sufficient stability to allow the packages to be easily handled and stacked, for example. The plastic layers protect the cardboard

Moisture and food before ingestion of unwanted substances from the pack. In addition, other layers, such as a

Aluminum layer, be provided, which prevents diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging material. If necessary, however, other composite packaging come from differently constructed packaging materials in question.

In the manufacture of corresponding paperboard plastic composite packings, packings which are open on one side are typically first formed from the packaging material and then filled and sealed. The finished packs can then be provided immediately afterwards or in a separate and decoupled from the filling process with at least one additional element.

Regardless of the type of pack come as additional elements in particular straws in question, which may be packaged separately for reasons of hygiene. For the sake of simplicity, plastic films are suitable for packaging. Particular preference is given to so-called blister packs, which are usually blister packs which release the view of the packaged straw. The Straws or other additional elements are then, for example, welded between two plastic films. Straws attached to the packs make it easy to consume drinks on the go, without the risk of spilling the drinks.

Instead of straws or packed straws but also, for example, spouts or closures can be set as additional elements to the packs. The packages can then be easily unscrewed, opened and / or poured, which simplifies the consumption of the packaged food. But there may also be additional components of the food as

Additional component may be provided on the package, which are mixed, for example, shortly before consumption with the rest of the food. In particular, flavors, vitamins, particulate portions or the like come into question here. Likewise, it is conceivable that the packages are provided with customer information or advertising means in the form of additional elements. These can be labels or small brochures. It is also possible giveaways or

Marketing products, such as toys or the like, set as additional elements to the packs. The at least one applicator can preferably be provided by a transfer orientation in the transfer position into an application orientation in the application position and back adjustable on the application device. This allows, in a structurally relatively simple way, for the acquisition of

Additional elements in the transfer alignment and the application of

To provide additional elements in the application orientation. By means of a corresponding adjustment of the at least one applicator, the corresponding adjustment of the additional element can be achieved simply and reliably. In this

Context, it provides itself to provide a suitable

Application alignment of the additional elements in the application position of the at least one applicator particularly when the application orientation is inclined relative to the transfer orientation. For example, simple and reliably applied an additional element in the form of a straw diagonal to the pack on this but nevertheless be taken over in a simple manner in an orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the packaging of the application device. For better understanding and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the application device and the method will be described below together, without always in each case in detail between the

Application device and the method to distinguish. However, it is apparent to the skilled person from the context, which feature each

with regard to the application device and the method is preferred.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the application device is the at least one applicator of the transfer position in the

Application position and arranged back about a positioning pivot axis pivotally mounted on the application device. This proves to be useful for bringing and applying the additional elements. and is not only constructive to realize with little effort, but also allows a very reliable and at the same time rapid application of the additional elements to the along the transport path at the application position of the applicator transported past packages. This is even more so when the applicator of the

Transfer position to the application position and back by one

Positioning axis of rotation is formed rotatable. Then, the at least one applicator can rotate about the positioning axis of rotation and thus without further succession from the transfer position to the application position and back to the takeover position, without requiring a complex

Regulation would be required. This also avoids unnecessary accelerations of moving masses.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one applicator of the

Transfer alignment to the application orientation and back by one

Alignment pivot axis pivotable or about an alignment axis of rotation be rotatably mounted on the application device. This also leads to a structurally easy to implement and at the same time easy to control adjustment of the applicators of the transfer orientation in the

Transfer position for application alignment in the application position. Not least in this way is a simple and reliable overlay of

Adjusting movements of the applicator realized, namely of the

Transfer position to the application position and back on the one hand and from the transfer alignment in the application orientation and back on the other.

To be able to exploit the advantages of an adjustment of the at least one applicator in a preferred manner, it makes sense, when the applicator in the

Application orientation relative to the transfer orientation by at least 10 °, preferably at least 20 °, in particular at least 30 °, more preferably at least 40 °, pivoted or rotated. In many cases, an adjustment by a larger angle brings advantages for the application of additional elements. Panning or turning by about 45 ° allows, for example, a

to attach a relatively long straw to a given pack. This can namely be done in a simple manner diagonally to one of the side surfaces of the pack. However, the straw can then in a vertical orientation or in an orientation parallel to the longitudinal extent of the pack of the

Application device are adopted. At the same time, larger angles, for example of more than 50 ° or beyond, may be less preferred in order to reduce the constructive effort and the structural stress of the

To keep application device low. In that case, a smaller adjustment of the applicator in the opposite direction can be offered.

When the applicator for adjusting from the transfer position to the

Application position and is pivoted back or rotated and at the same time pivoted or rotated by the transfer orientation in the application orientation and back, it can be in terms of optimal application of the

Additional elements may be useful if the alignment pivot axis or Alignment axis of rotation is significantly inclined relative to the positioning pivot axis or the positioning axis of rotation. Thus, for example, it has proven to be expedient depending on the particular application, if the

Alignment pivot axis or the alignment axis of rotation with the

Positioning pivot axis or the positioning axis of rotation forms an angle of at least 20 °, preferably at least 45 °, in particular at least 70 °, more preferably at least 80 °. In the case of an angle of at least substantially 90 °, the overlapping adjusting movements of the at least one applicator from the transfer position into the

Application position and back on the one hand and from the transfer alignment in the application orientation and back on the other hand are structurally as much as possible decoupled from each other. In other words, the pan or adjustment movements can be assigned to different spatial directions. To adjust an applicator from the transfer alignment to the

Application alignment and back structurally simple to allow the applicator may have a pivotally or rotatably held in the application device holding portion to which the applicator is held on the one hand and the applicator on the other can be pivoted or rotated on the other hand, from the transfer orientation in the application orientation and get back.

If necessary, the applicator can be connected to the holding section via a rod section, about whose longitudinal axis the applicator in the receptacle of the

Holding section can be rotated or swiveled in the application device.

For specific adjustment of the at least one applicator of the

Transfer alignment in the application orientation, especially in

Coordination with the adjustment of the applicator from the transfer position to the application position, the applicator can be assigned a control device. This control device can then adjust the applicator between the

Control takeover alignment and application alignment. Especially easy and it is reliable when the controller for compulsory

Adjustment of the applicator in the application orientation as a direct result of adjusting the applicator between the transfer position and the

Application position is formed. So can the overlapping ones

Adjusting movements of the applicator when adjusting the same of the

Transfer position in the application position and from the transfer alignment in the application orientation are easily adapted to each other.

A reliable adjustment of the applicator with a long service life of the application device, it is contrary if the at least one

Control device of the at least one applicator has at least one roll for rolling on a control cam of the application device. The role of the controller rolls when adjusting the applicator between the

Transfer position and the application position as possible forcibly on the control curve. When the applicator is rotated in operation about a positioning axis of rotation to move from the transfer position to the application position and back, it is particularly useful when the control cam is provided circumferentially on a control disc of the application device. Regardless, the applicator can be easily and selectively pivoted or rotated when the roller is connected via at least one lever means with the applicator. If the roller is displaced in one direction at least substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis of rotation or alignment pivot axis of the applicator due to the cam, this results in pivoting or turning thereof about its orientation axis of rotation or rotation due to the corresponding moment on the applicator

Alignment pivot axis.

So that many additional elements can be applied to packages in a simple and reliable manner, it makes sense if a plurality of applicators evenly distributed around a common pivot axis or axis of rotation are arranged. In this case, the applicators are preferably arranged with one another such that they form an applicator wheel. This simplifies the uniform application of many Additional elements in quick order. Incidentally, it leads to a structural simplification when it comes to the pivot axis or axis of rotation to the

Positioning pivot axis or positioning axis of the applicators is.

A convenient and reliable applicator can be used over the

Applicator have adjustable application fingers. The application finger can then hold an additional element on an additional element guide in order to move the auxiliary element from the transfer position into the application position along the

To guide additional element guide. Alternatively or additionally, the

Application finger in the application position in the direction of the pack be adjustable to apply the additional element to the package. For pressing the additional elements to the packs or to the additional element guide, the application finger can preferably be pivotable in the corresponding direction of a pack and, in particular spring-loaded. The handling of the additional elements by the application finger can be promoted if it is designed for at least partially receiving an additional element and / or for holding the additional element, in particular on the additional element guide. For this purpose, the application finger may have a receptacle corresponding to the additional element.

Alternatively, but in particular additionally, the applicator may comprise a guide finger, which is preferably arranged adjacent to the application finger for cooperation with the application finger. The guide finger can be provided for supporting the transport of the additional elements to the packs and for positively guiding the additional elements from the transfer position to the application position, in particular along the additional element guide. Alternatively or additionally, the guide finger can also be designed for the positive engagement of the additional element in the transfer position. The easy and reliable transport of the packs along the

Transport path can by a, in particular shots or cams for

Interaction with packs having transport belt can be achieved. So that the transport belt does not affect the application of the additional elements, it is further expedient if the transport belt is provided on the side of the packages facing away from the at least one applicator.

In terms of method, it is particularly preferred in terms of a quick and reliable application of the additional elements, if the additional elements by a

Adjusting movement of the at least one applicator is pivoted from the transfer position to the application position about a positioning pivot axis or rotated about a positioning axis of rotation. The rotation of the applicator around the positioning axis of rotation generally allows higher

Application speeds.

With regard to the reliability and the speed of application, it is further expedient for the additional elements to be pivoted about an alignment pivot axis or for an alignment pivot axis by an adjustment movement of an application device superimposed on the transfer position in space by an adjustment of the at least one applicator from the transfer position to the application position is turned. In order to keep low the masses of the application device to be accelerated, it is particularly expedient that the at least one applicator of the

Takeover alignment in space in an application orientation in space to pivot about the alignment pivot axis or to rotate about the alignment pivot axis.

In this context, it is expedient in the sense of increasing decoupling of the overlapping adjusting movements of the applicator when the

Alignment pivot axis or alignment axis of rotation relative to the

Positioning pivot axis or the positioning axis of rotation is inclined, and although preferably at an angle of at least 20 °, more preferably at least 45 °, in particular at least 70 °, especially in particular at least 80 °. The decoupling of the nevertheless superimposed adjusting movements is achieved at an angle of at least substantially 90 °. To a sufficient and thus suitable change of the

At least one applicator can be pivoted or rotated by at least 10 °, preferably at least 20 °, in particular at least 30 °, particularly preferably at least 40 °, correspondingly about an alignment pivot axis or about an alignment axis of rotation.

If the at least one applicator, together with the application device, in particular about a common positioning pivot axis, of the

Transfer position in the application position and pivoted back, in particular rotated, also results in a structurally preferred decoupling of the individual adjustment movements of the applicator. As far as this moves together with the application device, it requires no separate drive and no separate guidance of the applicator. In addition, the orientation of the applicator for taking over and applying the additional elements can be achieved by a pure relative movement of the applicator to the application device.

On the other hand, the adjustment of the at least one applicator from the transfer orientation into the application orientation and back, which for the sake of simplicity is preferably pivoting or turning of the applicator, can be carried out with respect to the application device. The adjustment of the at least one applicator from the transfer orientation into the application orientation and back is thus in principle also independent of the adjustment of the applicator from the transfer position to the application position and back adjustable. The control of the method is greatly simplified if the at least one

Applicator due to the adjustment of the applicator between the takeover position and the application position is forcibly moved from the transfer orientation to the application orientation and back, by means of a

corresponding additional control device. It can

Abrasion phenomena are largely avoided if, for adjusting the applicator, a role of the control device on a cam of the

Rolls application device, thereby causing by adjusting the roller along the control cam, the adjustment of the applicator defined by the transfer alignment in the application orientation. If the applicator around the

Positioning axis of rotation rotates, the control cam may be provided circumferentially on a cam for continuous control of the applicator.

To avoid interference during transport of the additional elements or incorrect alignments of the clogging elements when applying the additional elements to the packages, the additional element can be at least partially received by a spring-loaded application finger, held along a

Additional element guide are guided and / or applied to a package. Each of the above functions of the application finger is used for the controlled transport of the additional elements, wherein the beneficial effects of

supplement the corresponding functions. Alternatively or additionally, the additional element can also be taken over by a guide finger in the transfer position, between the transfer position and the application position,

in particular together with the application finger and / or the

Additional element guide, are held and / or along the

Additional element guide are guided. The described functions of the

Führungsfingers also counteract a disturbed transport of the additional elements and can support each other.

To accelerate the method, an applicator wheel comprising a plurality of uniformly distributed around a common pivot axis, in particular rotation axis, arranged applicators pivoted about the common pivot axis, in particular common axis of rotation rotated. This is the For simplicity, at the pivot axis or the axis of rotation about the positioning pivot axis or the positioning axis of rotation.

Alternatively or additionally, a simplification of the method results from the fact that the packs have at least one, in particular receptacles or cams for interacting with packs, having a conveyor belt adjacent to the application position of the at least one applicator

Transportation are transported. This can be done without affecting the

Apply the additional elements to the packs. In addition, the transport speed can be easily adapted to the application speed of the

Adapt application device.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawing shows

1 shows a first application device according to the invention in one

schematic plan view,

Fig. 2 shows a detail of the application device of Fig. 1 in a schematic

Top view,

Fig. 3 shows a detail of the application device of Fig. 1 in a schematic

FIG. 4A-B shows a detail of the application device from FIG. 3 in a side view and a perspective view and an applicator of the application device from FIG. 3 in plan view. In Fig. 1, an application device 1 for applying additional elements 2 in the form of straws is shown. The application device 1 becomes a band 3 of two welded together, in particular transparent, supplied plastic films between which straws are provided at regular intervals. The band 3 is therefore by an interconnected series of

Blister packs 4 formed and fed through a feeding device 5, which has a Zuführkarussell 6 with distributed over the circumference receptacles 7 and at least partially around the Zuführkarussell 6 arranged around the tape guide 8. The Zuführkarussell 6 rotates about a central axis of rotation 9 stepwise in a clockwise direction. With each revolution step, another straw is received in a receptacle 7 of the Zuführkarussells 6. The band 3 made of plastic films and straws is held between the Zuführkarussell 6 and the tape guide 8. After each revolution step of the Zuführkarussells 6, the band 3 of plastic films and straws at a cutting position 10 of a

Separating device 11 is severed by means of a cutting blade 12. In this way, the straws are gradually separated.

Each straw, together with the plastic films between which the straws are respectively welded, an additional element 2, which is intended to be applied to a pack 13. The corresponding packages 13 are at another point of the application device 1 of a transport device 14 successively along a transport path 15 along or through the

Application device 1 transported. For this purpose, the transport device 14 has a transport belt 16 with a series of cams 17, which extend in the direction of the transport path 15 of the packs 13. The transport belt 16 extends laterally to the packs 13 and laterally to the transport path 15 of the packs 13. In the case of the illustrated preferred applicator device 1, the packs 13 are cuboid-shaped. The packs 13 could basically also have a different shape. It is not shown in detail that the transport belt 16 is designed as an endless belt and endlessly revolves around deflection rollers of the transport device 14. The separated additional elements 2 are passed on to a transfer device 18 after further rotation steps of the feed carousel 6 of the feeder 5. In this case, the individual additional elements 2 each pass into a receptacle 19 of a transfer wheel 20, which turns smoldering, ie with repeatedly varying speed, counterclockwise and cooperates in sections with a radially adjacent transfer guide 21 to the

To keep additional elements 2 in the receptacles 19 and on the

Peripheral speed of continuously with at least substantially constant speed driven applicators 22 of a

Applicator wheel 23 to accelerate, of which the additional elements 2 in one

Transfer position 24 are taken from the transfer wheel 20. As a result of the positive connection between the applicators 22 and the additional elements 2, the additional elements 2 are removed from the transfer wheel 20 and then between the corresponding applicator 22 and a

Additional element guide 25 moves in the direction of the packs 13. In this case, the applicator 22 reaches the application position 27, in which the applicator 22 the associated additional element 2 to the transported along the transport path 15 at the application position 27 of the applicator 22 pack 13, and in particular to the applicator 22 in the application position 27 facing side surface 28, passes or applied.

So that the additional element 2 is retained on the package 13, the package 13 has previously been provided with adhesive, against which the additional element is pressed. Alternatively or additionally, however, the Zusetzelement 2 could be provided with an adhesive, for example, immediately before the application of the additional element 2 or even before feeding the additional elements 2 in the form of the belt 3. In Fig. 2 is the application of the Additional elements 2 shown on the packs 13. The additional elements 2 are with the applicators 22 at the Additional element guide 25 along a circular arc section to the packages 13 and the application position 27 of the applicators 22 transports. The

Applicator wheel 23 preferably rotates in a clockwise direction continuously about a positioning axis of rotation 26. Thus, the intended applicators 22 are continuously and circularly about the positioning axis of rotation 26 of

Applicator wheel 23 moves.

The applicators 22 have a guide finger 29 which engages in the transfer wheel 20 and the additional elements 2 engages behind a positive fit. The guide finger 29 is fixedly arranged on the illustrated applicators 22, which are preferred so far. The guide finger 29 pushes the additional elements 2 out of the transfer wheel 20 and against the additional element guide 25. The additional elements 2 are partially held by an application finger 30, in particular at least partially received in a receptacle of an application finger 30. The guide finger 29 and the application finger 30 hold the additional element 2 between the

Transfer position 24 and the application position 27 of the applicators 22 in contact with the additional element guide 25. The additional elements 2 can not slip from the applicators 22, because the additional elements 2 are positively held by the guide fingers 27 of the applicators 22. In the application position 27, the application finger 30 transfers or applies the additional elements 2 to the packs 13.

The additional element guide 25 ends at or shortly before the application position 27 of the applicators 22, at which the applicators 22, the additional elements 2 to the

Hand over or apply packs 13. The packs 13 may already be provided with adhesive. If the additional elements 2 are no longer guided by the additional element guide 25 in the application position 27, the presses

Application fingers 30, the additional elements 2 against the applied to the application position 27 of the applicators 22 pack 13. The packs 13 are at the application position 27 of the applicators 22 at a speed

passed past, at least substantially the peripheral speed of the Applicators 22, in particular the transport speed of the additional elements 2 corresponds. The packages 13 are before the application of the additional elements 2 also in contact with the additional element guide 25, however, on a different guide surface 31 as the additional elements 2, namely an outer guide surface 31 and not on the coming into contact with the additional elements 2 inner guide surface 32 of the additional element guide 25th The outer guide surface 31 is provided in the illustrated and so far preferred application device 1 so that the

Packs 13 along the transport path 15 until shortly before the application of the additional elements 2 in contact with the corresponding guide surface 31 of

Additional element guide 25 arrive. Thus, the additional elements 2 and the

Packaging 13 aligned over the guide surfaces 31,32 before the transfer or application of the additional elements 2 to each other.

Immediately after or in time with the application of the additional elements 2 to the packs 13, the additional elements 2 are held by a positioning belt 33 in the appropriate position relative to the pack 13 until a

Adhesive connection between the package 13 and the additional element 2 is established. The adhesive connection reliably prevents accidental loosening or

Moving the additional element 2. The positioning belt 33 is formed as an endless belt, which rotates endlessly around deflections 34. It is the

Positioning belt 33 in the illustrated and so far preferred

Application device 1 in such a way to the applicator 23 associated

Deflection 34 led that the positioning belt 33 in the area of

Application position 27 and subsequently at least substantially parallel to the transport path 15 of the packs 13, and at a distance from the packs 13, which corresponds at least substantially to the width of the additional elements 2. In order to reliably hold the additional elements 2 in the desired position and orientation on the packs 13, the transport speed of the packs 13 corresponds at least substantially to the transport speed of the positioning belt 33. This preferably applies at least substantially in the Area in which the positioning belt 33 and the transport path are adjacent and parallel to each other.

The positioning belt 33 is brought close to the packs 13 and the additional elements 2 only in the vicinity of the application position 27 of the applicators 22. For this purpose, the deflection 34 for the positioning belt 33 has a deflection rotational axis 35, which is spaced apart from the positioning rotational axis 26 of the applicators 22 or the applicator wheel 23 in the direction of the application position 27 of the additional elements 2 to the packs 13. The axes of rotation 26,35, however, are aligned at least substantially parallel to each other in the illustrated and so far preferred application device. This and the radius of the deflection 34 ensures that the positioning belt 33 neither the feeding of the additional elements 2 to the packs 13 along the

Additional element guide 25 still hinders the actual application of the additional elements 2 by the applicators 22 in the application position 27. Rather, the positioning belt 33 is slowly brought to the additional elements 2, so that the positioning belt 33 passes only with the application of the additional elements 2 to the packs 13 in contact with the additional elements 2. In other words, a gap 36 tapering in the direction of the application position 27 of the applicators 22 forms between the additional element guide 25 and the positioning belt 33, the gap width of which in the application position 27 of the applicators 22 corresponds at least substantially to the width of the additional elements 2. So get the

Additional elements 2 at least substantially at the place of application of

Additional elements 2 by the applicators 22 in abutment with the positioning belt 33, which then holds the additional elements 2 to the packages 13 or presses against the packs 13.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the application device 1 in a side view from which the transport of the additional elements 2 from the transfer position 24 of the applicators 22 into the application position 27 of the applicators 22 and the application of the additional elements 2 to the transport belt 16 of the Transport path 15 on the applicator 23 transported past packs 13 can be seen. The additional elements 2 are removed by means of the guide finger 29 from the transfer wheel 20, not shown in FIG. 3. For this purpose, the guide finger 29 engages behind the additional element 2 and then passes the additional element 2 away from the transfer wheel 20 and towards the additional element guide 25, along which the applicator 22 moves the additional element 2 to the application position 27 of the applicator 22. In this case, the applicator 22 rotates about the positioning axis 26 like the entire applicator wheel 23. With the application of the additional elements 2 on the side surfaces 28 of the packs 13, the additional elements 2 come into abutment against the positioning belt 33, which rotates about the deflection 34. The deflection rotates about a deflection axis of rotation 35, which is spaced from the positioning axis of rotation to the application position 27, so that the positioning belt 33 passes only with the application of the additional elements 2 to the packs 13 or immediately thereafter into contact with the additional elements 2. In order to return from the application position 27 to the transfer position 24 after the application of the additional element 2 has taken place, the applicator 22, together with the applicator wheel 23, continues to rotate about the positioning axis of rotation 26.

In the case of the application apparatus 1 shown and so far preferred, the additional elements 2 are taken over in a transfer orientation by the applicators 22 in the transfer position, in which the additional elements 2 are at least in the transfer position

Aligned substantially parallel to the positioning axis of rotation 26 of the applicator 23. From this take-over alignment of the additional elements 2, the clogging elements 2 are pivoted on the way to the application position 27 of the applicators 22 in an application orientation. However, this is not about the pivoting of the additional elements 2 due to the rotation of the additional elements 2 about the positioning axis 26 for adjusting the applicators 22 of the

Takeover position 24 in the application position 27, but about a pivoting about an alignment pivot axis 37. About this alignment pivot axis 37 pivot the applicators 22 when rotating about the positioning axis of rotation 26. This has the consequence that not only the additional elements 2 between the Transfer position 24 and the application position 27 of the applicators 22 are pivoted from a transfer orientation in an application orientation, but that the applicators 22 between the transfer position 24 and the application position 27 from a transfer orientation in a

Application orientation are pivoted.

The additional elements 2 are in the illustrated and so far preferred

Application device 1 in the transfer alignment parallel to

Positioning axis 26 and aligned in the application orientation diagonally to the associated side surface 28 of the package 13. This is the

Additional elements 2 in the application orientation about 45 ° C relative to the positioning axis 26 inclined. The applicators 22 are doing

corresponding to a corresponding takeover alignment in a

Application orientation and swung back again, after a complete rotation about the positioning axis 26 to get back into the transfer position 24 in a starting position. In addition, the alignment pivot axis 37 is aligned at least approximately at right angles to the positioning axis of rotation 26. The pivoting of the applicators 22 about the alignment pivot axis 37 can be independent of the rotation of the applicators 22 to the

Positioning axis 26 made. Thus, the two adjustment movements of the applicators 22 can be adapted independently of each other to specific requirements. The adjustment movements of the applicators 22 are in fact carried out overlapping each other, namely the pivotal movement of the applicators 22 about the alignment pivot axis 37 in dependence on the position of the applications 22 with respect to the positioning axis 26. For this purpose, the application device 38 is provided with a cam 39 having a cam 40.

A detail of the application device 38 is shown in FIGS. 4A-B, which shows the pivoting of the applicators 22 about the alignment pivot axes 37

illustrated. On the cam 40 runs against by means of a spring means 41 against the control cam 40 employee role 42 from. The roller 42 is connected to the applicator 22 via a lever means 43, which may be designed as a pivot lever. In addition, the applicator 22 is held pivotably in a holder 45 of the application device 38 via a holding section 44. The cam 40 is provided circumferentially to the cam 39 with a closed cam track along which the applicators 22 run with their rollers 42 while rotating about the positioning axis 26. By approaching or removing the control cam 40 with respect to the applicator wheel 23, the roller 42 is pivoted about the associated alignment pivot axis 37 up or down. This pivoting movement is due to the connection of the applicator 22 via the

Lever means 43 associated with the roller 42 with a corresponding pivoting of the applicator 22, wherein the applicator 22 via the holding portion 44 is pivotally held in the receptacle or holder 45 of the applicator 22 about the positioning axis 26 rotating part of the applicator 23.

For better clarity, an applicator 22 is shown separately in FIG. 5. The applicator 22 is connected to the holding section 44 via a rod section 46. The rod portion 46 is formed in the present applicator 22 so that the alignment pivot axis 37 of the applicator 22 and the longitudinal axis of the rod portion 46 coincide. A lever means 43 for transmitting a torque to the rod portion 46 is connected to the rod portion 46. The free end of the lever means 43, the roller 42 is assigned to roll along the control cam 40. Furthermore, the rod section 46 is assigned a spring means 41 which always sets the roller 42 against the control cam 40. The control cam 40 and the rollers rolling thereon are part of the control device 50 for

Adjusting the applicators 22 about the alignment pivot axis 37.

The actual applicator 22 has a base 47, with which the applicator 22 is fixed to the applicator wheel 23 or the rod portion 46. Opposite the base 47, the guide finger 29 extends to the outside. Adjacent to that

Guide finger 29, the application finger 30 is provided, which is a Swivel axis 48 is pivotally fixed to the base 47 of the applicator 22.

In addition, a spring means 49 is provided between the base 47 and the application finger 30, which ensures the pivoting of the application finger 30 in an outer position, as far as the application finger 30 is not blocked by a positive connection. This is the case when the applicator 22 holds an additional element 2 and the

Application finger 30, the additional element 2 outward against the

Additional element guide 25 presses. After passing through the additional element guide 25 and upon reaching the application position 27 of the applicator 22, the application finger 30 no longer presses the additional element 2 against the

Additional element guide 25, but against the adjacent pack thirteenth

If necessary, the application finger 30 pivots slightly outwards in this case

Direction of Packing 13. As far as the adjacent to the applicator 22 side surface 28 of the package 13 during application of the additional element 2, however, aligned with the inner guide surface 32 of the additional element guide 25, a pivoting of the application finger 30 about the associated pivot axis 49 can be dispensed to the outside ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 application device

2 additional elements

3 band

4 blister packs

5 feeder

6 feed carousel

7 shots

8 tape guide

9 Central axis of rotation

10 cutting position

11 separating device

12 cutting blades

13 pack

14 transport device

15 transport path 16 transport belt

17 cams

18 transfer facility

19 recording

20 transfer wheel

21 Transfer Guidance

22 applicators

23 Applicator wheel

24 takeover position

25 additional element guide

26 positioner axis of rotation

27 application position

28 side surface

29 guide fingers

30 application fingers

31 Outer guide surface

32 Inner guide surface

33 positioning belt

34 diversions

35 deflection axis of rotation

36 gap

37 alignment pivot axis

38 Application device

39 cam

40 control curve

41 spring means

42 roll

43 Leverage

44 holding section

45 bracket

46 bar section

47 basis

48 pivot axis

49 spring means

50 control device

Claims

claims

1. application device (1) for applying additional elements (2),

in particular of straws, on packs (13), preferably

Cardboard composite packages, with at least one transport device (14) for transporting the packages (13) along a transport path (15) and with at least one application device (38) comprising at least one applicator (22) for applying the additional elements (2) to the package (13) wherein the applicator (22) is provided from a transfer position (24) for transferring the additional elements (2) to an application position (27) for applying the additional elements (2) to the packages (13) and adjustable back to the application device (38),

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one application device (38) as a result of one with the

Adjustment of the applicator (22) from the transfer position (24) to the application position (27) superimposed adjustment, in particular the

Applicator (22), to take over the additional elements (2) in one

Transfer orientation in space by the applicator (22) and for application of the additional elements (2) in an inclined by the transfer alignment application orientation in space by the applicator (22) is formed.

2. Application device according to claim 1,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one applicator (22) is pivotable from the transfer position (24) into the application position (27) and back about a positioning pivot axis, in particular rotatable about a positioning axis (26), on the application device (38). Application device according to claim 1 or 2,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one applicator (22) pivots from the transfer orientation to the application orientation and back about an alignment pivot axis (37) or rotatable about an alignment axis of rotation

Application device (38) is arranged and that, preferably, the applicator (22) in the application orientation relative to the

Transfer orientation by at least 10 °, preferably at least 20 °, in particular at least 30 °, more preferably at least 40 °, pivoted or rotated.

Application device according to claim 3,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the alignment pivot axis (37) or the orientation axis of rotation with the positioning pivot axis or the positioning axis of rotation (26) forms an angle of at least 20 °, preferably at least 45 °, in particular at least 70 °, particularly preferably at least 80 °.

Application device according to one of claims 1 to 4,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one applicator (22) pivotally or rotatably in the

Appliance (38) held holding portion (44) for pivotally or rotatably holding the applicator (22) of the transfer orientation in the application orientation and is assigned back.

Application device according to one of claims 1 to 5,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one applicator (22) is assigned a control device (50) for controlling the adjustment of the applicator (22) between the transfer orientation and the application orientation and that, preferably, the

Control device (50) for forced adjustment of the applicator (22) due to the adjustment of the applicator (22) between the transfer position

(24) and the application position (27) is formed.

7. Application device according to claim 6,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one control device (50) has at least one roller (42) for unrolling on a control cam (40) of the application device (38) during adjustment of the applicator (22) between the transfer position (24) and the application position (27) and that, preferably in that the roller (42) is connected to the applicator (22) for pivoting or rotating the at least one applicator (22) via at least one lever means (43).

8. Application device according to one of claims 1 to 7,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

a plurality of applicators (22), in particular with the formation of an applicator wheel (23), uniformly distributed around a common pivot axis, in particular a common axis of rotation, is arranged around.

9. Application device according to one of claims 1 to 8,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

the at least one applicator (22) one in the direction of a

Additional element guide (25) for guiding the additional element (2) of the transfer position (24) in the application position (27) and / or in the direction of a pack (13) adjustable, in particular pivotable, and

spring-loaded application fingers (30) for at least partially receiving the additional element (2), for applying the additional element (2) and / or for holding the additional element (2), in particular on the additional element guide

(25), and / or that the at least one applicator, in particular adjacent to the application finger (30), a guide finger (29) for positively guiding the additional element (2) from the transfer position (24) to the application position (27), in particular along the additional element guide (25), and / or for positive engagement of the additional element (2) in the transfer position (27).

10. Application device according to one of claims 1 to 9,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

at least one, in particular receptacles or cams (17) for

Cooperation with packing (13) exhibiting, transport belt (16) for transporting the packs (13) along the transport path (15) is provided and that, preferably the transport belt (16) on the applicator (22) facing away from the packs (13) is provided.

11. A method for applying additional elements (2), in particular of

Straws, on packages (13), preferably cardboard composite packages, preferably using an application device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10,

- Which arranged in an application orientation in space

Additional elements (2) of at least one applicator (22) in one

Take over position (24),

- In which the additional elements (2) by an adjusting movement of the applicator (22) from the transfer position (24) in the application position (27) are adjusted and

- In which the additional elements (2) by one of the adjustment of the applicator (22) from the transfer position (24) in the application position (27) superimposed adjusting movement of an application device (38), in particular of

Applicator (22), from the acquisition orientation into a

Application orientation can be adjusted in the room.

12. The method according to claim 11,

- In which the additional elements (2) by an adjusting movement of the at least one applicator (22) of the transfer position (24) in the Application position (27) pivoted about a positioning pivot axis, in particular rotated about a positioning axis of rotation (26), and / or

Applicator (22), from the takeover alignment in space in one

Application orientation in the space around, preferably an angle of at least 20 °, preferably at least 45 °, in particular at least 70 °, particularly preferably at least 80 ° with the alignment pivot axis (37) engaging, alignment pivot axis (37), in particular by at least 10 °, preferably at least 20 °, in particular at least 30 °, particularly preferably at least 40 °, are pivoted.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12,

in which the at least one applicator (22) is forcibly moved by the transfer alignment in the application orientation and back as a result of the adjustment of the applicator (22) between the transfer position (24) and the application position (27) by a control device (50) and

- In which, preferably, when adjusting the applicator (22) has a role of

Control device (50) on a control cam (40) of the application device (38) unrolls and thereby adjusting the applicator (22) of the

Transfer alignment controls in the application orientation.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13,

- In which the additional element (2) by a spring-loaded application finger (30) is at least partially received, is guided along an additional element guide (25) and / or applied to a package (13) and / or

- In which the additional element (2) by a guide finger (29) in the

Transfer position (24) is taken over between the transfer position (24) and the application position (27), in particular together with the Application finger (30) and / or the additional element guide (25) is held and / or guided along the additional element guide (25).

Method according to one of claims 11 to 14,

in which an applicator wheel (23) comprising a plurality of uniformly distributed about a common pivot axis, in particular rotation axis (26) arranged applicators (22) pivoted about the common pivot axis, in particular common axis of rotation (26) is rotated.

Method according to one of claims 11 to 15,

in which the packs (13) have at least one, in particular receptacles or cams (17) for interacting with packs (13),

Transport belt (16) along a to the application position (27) of the

at least one applicator (22) adjacent transport path (15)

be transported.