Workpiece carrier, carrying equipment and packaging machine

Abstract

Workpiece carrier (5) for transferring at least one tray-type product package (6) and a covering element (7) thereof, characterised in that it comprises: a base carrier (22), in the central region of which there is a passage opening (26) for the passage of the at least one tray-type product package (6); and an insert element (24) having at least one recess (28) for receiving the at least one tray-type product package (6) in a suspended manner, the insert element (24) being detachably mounted on the base carrier (22). Wherein the recess (28) is arranged directly above the channel opening (26) when the insert element (24) is mounted on the base carrier (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workpiece carrier for transferring at least one palletized product package and its covering element, a handling device comprising a plurality of such workpiece carriers, and a packaging machine comprising such handling device. Background Technology

[0002] In many industries, workpiece carriers are used to move workpieces between processing stations. In the field of palletized product packaging, commercially available workpiece carrier solutions include, for example, sealed pallets, barrel chains, or workpiece carriers based on a more flexible system concept, where individual sliders can move independently of each other. In known prior art, these solutions all suffer from the following drawback: a separate workpiece carrier must be used for each size of packaging. However, relying on workpiece carriers of specific sizes is very costly to produce. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to create a workpiece carrier capable of adapting to palletized packaging solutions of different sizes at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, it seeks to design a cost-effective handling equipment and packaging machine incorporating such a workpiece carrier.

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a workpiece carrier for transferring at least one palletized product package and its covering element includes a base carrier having a channel opening in its central region for the at least one palletized product package to pass through. An insertion element is detachably mounted on the base carrier, the insertion element having at least one groove for suspending and receiving the at least one palletized product package. The groove of the mounted insertion element is arranged directly above the channel opening of the base carrier.

[0005] In this way, the base carrier can remain unchanged for various specification changes, and only the inserted components need to be designed according to specific specifications.

[0006] Since the product packaging tray is also designed to extend into or through the channel opening of the base carrier, the channel opening in the base carrier is typically at least as large as, or preferably larger than, the recess in the insert element when viewed in cross-section. Therefore, when the outer contour of the recess and the outer contour of the channel opening are projected onto the same plane, the outer contour of the recess is preferably completely within the outer contour of the channel opening.

[0007] The dimensions of the recess are preferably substantially the same as the external dimensions of the product packaging pallet at its upper edge, i.e., its opening area. This prevents at least the upper part of the pallet from slipping laterally within the recess.

[0008] The groove in the insert element can have almost any shape and arrangement; however, in any case, a circumferential flange of the insert element must be retained.

[0009] Multiple grooves can also be provided in an insert element.

[0010] The term "central region" is not limited to the geometric center region; it can also refer to the region that is off-center but still within the outline of the base carrier, as long as the base carrier retains a flange around the channel opening in all cases.

[0011] In a preferred configuration, the insert element is a plate-shaped insert element with a thickness preferably from 0.5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 15 mm, and most preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm. Therefore, this component is very simple and has low production costs.

[0012] Preferably, the circumferential flange of the base carrier protrudes outward around the installed insertion element. Thus, the contour of the base carrier is preferably larger than the contour of the insertion element.

[0013] In a preferred configuration, the base carrier has fixing elements on its circumferential flange for circumferentially securing the cover element. In particular, these may be fixing pins to prevent lateral slippage of the mounted cover element.

[0014] To prevent the insertion element from slipping on the base carrier, the installed insertion element is preferably inserted into the recess of the base carrier.

[0015] As an alternative or supplementary solution, the installed insertion element can be held on the base carrier by magnetic force. Mechanical quick-release fasteners or screw connections can also be considered here.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a handling device for transferring palletized product packaging and its covering elements includes a guide rail and a plurality of sliders movable along the guide rail. As described above, a base carrier of a workpiece carrier is connected to each slider.

[0017] The guide rail can be a linear guide rail or an infinite loop guide rail, for example, it has two parallel longitudinal sections and two curved sections connecting these longitudinal sections.

[0018] Preferably, the base carrier is detachably connected to the slider, and particularly preferably inserted into the slider. This provides further flexibility for sizing adjustments, as the base carrier of the workpiece carrier can also be easily replaced.

[0019] In a preferred configuration, the sliders are magnetically driven. This means that all sliders can be controlled and moved independently of each other.

[0020] Preferably, the conveying device further includes a lifting device designed to lift the insertion element from the base carrier, wherein the upper edge region of the base carrier passes through a channel opening in the base carrier.

[0021] In this case, preferably, the lifting device has an opening or recess for the passage of a pallet for palletized product packaging, which is surrounded by a circumferential flange that surrounds the outer contour of the recess when projected onto the cross-section of the recess in the insertion element. In this way, for example, during forming or sealing, the edge of the profile to be formed or the seal can be supported, while the base carrier itself does not need to bear any force. For such a configuration, the channel opening in the base carrier must, of course, be at least as large in cross-section as the outer contour of the circumferential flange of the lifting device.

[0022] The lifting device can also be engaged at other locations where the insert element is inserted. In this case, the base carrier must have corresponding openings at these locations.

[0023] It is also preferred when the lifting device is used in conjunction with a sealing device in a packaging machine for sealing the covering element onto the palletized product packaging.

[0024] At this time, the sealing device is preferably used in conjunction with the lifting device in the press connection so that the sealing of the covering element onto the pallet-type product packaging is achieved along the circumferential flange when the inserted element is lifted.

[0025] In addition, the packaging machine may contain other processing stations, such as a transfer device for carton blanks, at least one supply device for products and / or liners, and a transfer unit for covering elements.

[0026] The packaging machine may also include a forming device for forming palletized product packages from a flat blank. In some cases, the forming device may act as a mold to perform the forming of the palletized product packages in an insert element.

[0027] Typically, within the scope of this invention, the workpiece carrier can also be moved by any other conveying device, such as a barrel chain.

[0028] Insertion elements are typically placed on the base carrier in a horizontal orientation that is away from the surface of the base carrier.

[0029] Insertion elements typically include one or more grooves.

[0030] It is conceivable that multiple insertion elements can be placed on different parts of each base carrier.

[0031] Palletized product packaging is preferably made of cardboard. It can also be made of plastic.

[0032] The covering element is typically a backing card. This backing card is preferably made of cellulose, wood pulp, or waste paper. Alternatively, a covering film portion, for example made of aluminum, can also be used as the covering element.

[0033] In principle, all combinations of plastic and cardboard are acceptable.

[0034] The product to be packaged can be any product that can be placed in a tray-style package. Examples include batteries, toothbrushes, air fresheners, toilet fresheners, cleaning agents, DIY products, aspirated drills, pens (office supplies), cosmetics, electronic products (USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.), razors, printer cartridges, and many other products. The product can also be a medical product or hygiene product.

[0035] Pallets for palletized product packaging typically have a length of 5mm to 400mm, preferably 10mm to 300mm.

[0036] Pallets for palletized product packaging typically have a width of 5mm to 400mm, preferably 10mm to 300mm.

[0037] Pallets for palletized product packaging typically have a depth of 2mm to 100mm, preferably 4mm to 80mm.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the insert element is provided with holes that are guided through guide pins on the base carrier when it is placed on the base carrier to achieve centering and fixation of the insert element.

[0039] During the lifting process using the lifting device, the movement distance of the inserted element is preferably 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm to 10 mm. In particular, this movement distance should be less than the height of the fixed element.

[0040] A typical process flow for producing palletized product packaging with covering elements includes the following steps in sequence:

[0041] - Load the cardboard blank into the workpiece carrier;

[0042] - Use a forming device to form blanks into palletized product packages in a workpiece carrier;

[0043] - Feed the liner into the pallet of the palletized product packaging;

[0044] - Feed one or more products into the pallet liner of the palletized product packaging;

[0045] - Place the cover element on the already filled product packaging in the workpiece carrier;

[0046] - At least the circumferential flange area around the insertion recess will seal the cover element to the filled product packaging;

[0047] -Remove the sealed product packaging from the workpiece carrier.

[0048] There are several possibilities for deviating from this method.

[0049] For example, if other types of trays are made of non-foldable materials, the blank insertion and forming steps can be completely omitted.

[0050] Even if a molding step is performed, the palletized product packaging can be molded outside the workpiece carrier and then inserted into it after molding. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the molding process takes place entirely in a separate insert element, which is then inserted into the base carrier along with the molded palletized packaging.

[0051] If the forming process takes place in a workpiece carrier, it is preferable to use a lifting device to support the inserted element or even slightly lift it during the forming process. However, other support elements may also be considered during the forming process.

[0052] For certain product packaging or shapes, the inner liner may be omitted. In this case, the product will be directly loaded into the product packaging tray.

[0053] It is also conceivable that the liner is filled along with the product during the process, and then placed into the product packaging tray as a pre-filled liner.

[0054] In the context of this application, the term "transportation equipment" refers to a conveying device with a workpiece carrier, or alternatively, to a conveying device with a workpiece carrier and a lifting device. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a packaging machine with a continuously running workpiece carrier;

[0056] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the packaging machine shown;

[0057] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a workpiece carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state of the insertion element before it is inserted into the base carrier;

[0058] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The workpiece carrier shown is a perspective view after the insertion element is installed and in place.

[0059] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Side view of the workpiece carrier shown;

[0060] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The workpiece carrier shown is a perspective view after being inserted into the product packaging.

[0061] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The perspective view of the workpiece carrier shown indicates that the product packaging is being ejected from the groove.

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the sealing process using a workpiece carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 The packaging machine 2 shown includes a guide rail 4, along which a workpiece carrier 5 circulates in a counter-clockwise direction in this case. The workpiece carrier 5 is used to receive palletized product packages 6. Figure 6 and 7 ) and its covering element 7 ( Figure 6 The product then passes through each of the following processing stations in sequence: a transfer device 10 for palletized product packaging blanks, a forming device 11 for forming the blanks into palletized product packaging 6, a supply device 12 for the inner liner, a supply device 14 for the product, a transfer unit 16 for the covering element, and a sealing device 18. Subsequently, the finished packaging 6 is removed from the workpiece carrier 5.

[0064] Figure 2 A section of guide rail 4 is shown, to which a slider 20 is connected, and the workpiece carrier 5 is connected to the slider 20. The workpiece carrier 5 includes a base carrier 22 inserted into the slider 20. A thin-plate insert element 24 is mounted on the base carrier 22. A circumferential flange 23 of the base carrier 22 protrudes outward around the insert element 24. Two recesses 28 in the insert element 24 are arranged directly above two slightly larger channel openings 26 in the base carrier 22. The recesses 28 are used to receive a pallet-type product package 6, see [reference needed]. Figure 6 and 7 Preferably, slider 20 can be controlled independently.

[0065] Figure 3 The workpiece carrier 5 is shown, in which the insertion element 24 is raised, for example, showing the state shortly before the insertion element 24 is assembled onto the base carrier 22.

[0066] And in Figure 4 In this configuration, the insertion element 24 has been placed on the base carrier 22. Furthermore, two center pins on the base carrier 22 have passed through corresponding holes in the insertion element 24. These pins serve to improve guidance during placement and provide stability once in place.

[0067] To better fix the position of the insertion element 24, a recess 32 with a shape matching the insertion element 24 can be provided in the base carrier 22, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Alternatively or supplementarily, a magnet 34 can be provided in the base carrier 22 to magnetically hold the insertion element 24 in place; see [reference]. Figure 3 and Figure 5 .

[0068] The fixing element 30, in the form of a fixing pin, is used to provide lateral support for the installed cover element 7 before and during the sealing process.

[0069] Figure 6 The finished product packaging 6 and the covering element 7 sealed on it are shown. Figure 7 The same view is shown, in which package 6 (without cover elements) is being removed from workpiece carrier 5.

[0070] Figures 8a to 8c An exemplary sealing process is shown for completing product packaging 6, to which the cover element 7 is sealed. During the sealing process, the lifting device 36 acts as a corresponding element of the sealing device 18. To this end, the lifting device 36 moves upward, slightly lifting the insert element 24 from the base carrier 22, on which the folded edge of the product packaging 6 and the cover element 7 are supported. The sealing device 18 presses down and seals the cover element 7 onto the flange of the product packaging 6, while the lifting device 36 provides a reaction force. The rising of the lifting device 36 and the pressing down of the sealing device 18 can also be synchronized.

Claims

1. A workpiece carrier (5) for transferring at least one pallet-type product package (6) and its covering element (7), characterized in that, include: The base carrier (22) has a channel opening (26) in its central region for the passage of the at least one pallet-type product package (6); The insertion element (24) is detachably mounted on the base carrier (22), and the insertion element (24) has at least one groove (28) for suspending the at least one tray-type product package (6), wherein the groove (28) of the installed insertion element (24) is arranged directly above the channel opening (26) of the base carrier (22).

2. The workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion element (24) is a plate-shaped insertion element.

3. The workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential flange (23) of the base carrier (22) protrudes outward around the installed insertion element (24).

4. The workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base carrier (22) is provided with a fixing element (30) on the circumferential flange (23) for circumferentially fixing the covering element (7).

5. The workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installed insertion element (24) is inserted into the recess (32) of the base carrier (22).

6. The workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installed insertion element (24) is held on the base carrier (22) by magnetic force.

7. A handling device for transferring palletized product packaging (6) and its covering element (7), characterized in that, include: The guide rail (4) and a plurality of sliders (20) that can move along the guide rail (4); Multiple workpiece carriers (5), each of the workpiece carriers (5) having a base carrier (22) having a channel opening (26) in its central region for at least one of the pallet-type product packages (6) to pass through; The insertion element (24) is detachably mounted on the base carrier (22), the insertion element (24) having at least one groove (28) for suspending the at least one tray-type product package (6), and the groove (28) of the installed insertion element (24) is arranged directly above the channel opening (26) of the base carrier (22). In this embodiment, the base carrier (22) of each workpiece carrier (5) is connected to one of the sliders (20).

8. The handling equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base carrier (22) is detachably connected to the corresponding slider (20).

9. The handling equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base carrier (22) is inserted into the corresponding slider (20).

10. The handling equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The slider (20) is magnetically driven.

11. The handling equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes: A lifting device (36) is configured to lift the insertion element (24) from the base carrier (22), wherein the upper edge region of the base carrier (22) passes through the channel opening (26).

12. The handling equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lifting device (36) has an opening or recess for a tray of the tray-type product package (6) to pass through, the opening or recess being surrounded by a circumferential flange that, when projected onto the cross-section of the groove (28) in the insertion element (24), surrounds the outer contour of the groove (28).

13. A packaging machine (2), comprising: A handling device for transferring palletized product packaging (6) and its covering element (7), said handling device comprising: The guide rail (4) and a plurality of sliders (20) movable along the guide rail (4); and Multiple workpiece carriers (5), each workpiece carrier (5) includes a base carrier (22), the base carrier (22) having a channel opening (26) in its central region for at least one of the pallet-type product packages (6) to pass through; The insertion element (24) is detachably mounted on the base carrier (22). The insertion element (24) has at least one groove (28) for suspending the at least one tray-type product package (6). When the insertion element (24) is mounted on the base carrier (22), the groove (28) is arranged directly above the channel opening (26). Furthermore, the base carrier (22) of each of the workpiece carriers (5) is connected to one of the sliders (20); and A sealing device (18) is used to seal the covering element (7) onto the palletized product package (6).

14. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes: The lifting device (36) is configured to lift the insertion element (24) from the base carrier (22), for which the upper edge region of the base carrier (22) passes through the channel opening (26); and, The sealing device (18) cooperates with the lifting device (36) in a press-fit connection to achieve a seal between the covering element (7) and the pallet-type product package (6) along a circumferential flange while the insert element (24) is lifted.

15. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, Further includes: A device (10) for transferring billets, At least one supply device (12, 14) for the product or lining, and Transfer unit (16) for covering element (7).

16. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, Further includes: A forming device (11) is used to form the tray-type product packaging (6) from a flat blank.

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