Method and device for opening cartons

Abstract

Method for the mechanized opening of cartons (1) by means of at least two cutting units (7, 8, 29), wherein the carton (1) essentially consists of vertical side walls, upper inner flaps (2) and upper outer flaps (3) arranged above them, and lower inner flaps (27) and lower outer flaps (28), wherein the space between these components is referred to as the net volume of the carton (1), wherein no stationary or rotating blade of the cutting units (7, 8, 29) is inserted into this net volume, wherein the carton (1) is picked up and transported by a roller conveyor (15), wherein an upper adhesive strip (4) is cut by a first cutting unit (7) which is supported by a handling system (16), and wherein the first cutting unit (7) has a protective plate (9) which, when the upper adhesive strip (4) is cut, is located between the inner flaps (2) - or the goods in the carton (1) - and the upper tabs (3)and has a vertically oriented knife (10) above the protective plate (9), characterized in that the handling system (16) is designed as an articulated arm robot.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for the mechanized opening of cartons according to the preambles of claims 1 and 6.

[0002] Various devices for opening sealed cartons filled with goods are known from the prior art. For example, German patent application DE 20 2011 051 411 U1 discloses a device in which several blades arranged on a rotor cut off the upper part of a carton – just a few centimeters below the top flaps. Although guide rollers limit the cutting depth of the rotor, there is a risk that the goods – especially textiles – inside the carton will also be damaged.

[0003] Document US 7,720,567 B2 also describes a rotor, which, however, is guided in its cutting depth by a central guide roller. There is also a risk of damage to or destruction of the goods contained in the box.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to find a method and a device with which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least reduced.

[0005] The problem is solved by a method for the mechanized opening of cartons with the features of claim 1 or by a device for the mechanized opening of cartons with the features of claim 6. Subsequent claims 2 to 5 describe further developments of the method, and subsequent claims 7 to 27 describe further developments of the devices.

[0006] According to the invention, at least two different cutting units are used, one of which separates the adhesive tapes, while the other cutting unit(s) cuts them off after the upper cardboard flaps have been swung open. When separating the adhesive tapes, the tapes that connect the upper flaps to the lower cardboard are cut first.

[0007] The blade used for this process is horizontally oriented and positioned between the outer and inner flaps of the top cardboard box. This ensures that the blade never comes into contact with any potentially cutable goods inside the box. The first cutting unit then moves with a second, vertically oriented blade to the adhesive strip that secures only the outer cardboard flaps. Because a protective plate is positioned below the vertical blade, and because suction elements lift the top cardboard flaps from the bottom flaps before the blade is inserted, the vertical blade never comes into contact with the goods inside the box.

[0008] After the adhesive tapes are cut, a second, or possibly even a third, cutting unit is used. The second cutting unit has a swivel arm with suction elements. These suction elements first grip the outer cardboard flaps and swivel them approximately 180 degrees (although smaller and larger angles are also possible). A blade – possibly rotating – then cuts off the respective cardboard flap. Shortly before the flap is completely cut, additional suction elements secure it so that it can be placed down in a defined position after removal. The inner cardboard flaps are then processed in the same way. Because the outer and inner flaps are swiveled open and only then cut, the blade never comes into contact with the goods inside the box.Thus, the use of the second cutting unit also provides a reliable method for opening cartons without damaging the contents. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second cutting units can be combined into a single cutting unit. In a further embodiment, a third cutting unit can also be used, the arrangement and function of which will be explained in detail later in this description.

[0009] According to a further development of the device according to the invention, sensors are arranged on the first and / or second cutting unit which determine the position and / or dimensions of the cardboard before the cutting unit(s) are used.

[0010] According to another further development of the device according to the invention, the position of the carton – relative to the longitudinal axis of the roller conveyor – is temporarily fixed by means of a stop that can be inserted transversely to the roller conveyor.

[0011] According to another further development of the device according to the invention, the position of the carton – relative to the center of the roller conveyor – is temporarily fixed by means of at least one parallel stop which can be inserted transversely to the roller conveyor.

[0012] After a further development of the device according to the invention, the stop and / or the parallel stop from below through the roller conveyor.

[0013] According to further developments of the device according to the invention, the second and third cutting units are arranged one above the other, and / or The second and third cutting units and the cardboard are vertically movable relative to each other in two stages, preferably the cardboard being moved, and / or the second and third cutting units are equipped with swivel arms and suction elements attached to them, and linearly movable knives are arranged near the swivel axis.

[0014] According to a further development of the device according to the invention, shafts are arranged essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller conveyor, into which the aforementioned swivel arms can throw the cut-off cardboard flaps.

[0015] Preferably, the swivel arm has a further swiveling capability that is required to throw the cardboard flaps, oriented transversely to the shaft, into the shaft.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one cutting unit is equipped with an automatic knife changer or with a knife sharpening unit.

[0017] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention are mentioned and explained in more detail in the following description section and are also disclosed in conjunction with the description and the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown schematically in the drawings. These show:

[0018] Fig. 1 a device according to the invention, wherein both cutting units are arranged on a portal handling system;

[0019] Fig. 2a–b the steps for opening a carton;

[0020] Fig. 3a–c part of the first cutting unit;

[0021] Fig. 4 the complete first cutting unit;

[0022] Fig. 5 the second cutting unit in the installed position;

[0023] Fig. 6 the second cutting unit in the view from below;

[0024] Fig. 7 a device as in Fig. 1, however with two portal handling systems, each handling system having a cutting unit arranged on it;

[0025] Fig. 8 a device similar Fig. 7, but with three cutting units.

[0026] It should first be noted that terms such as "left", "right", "front" and "back" refer only to the position in the figures of the present application and may differ in practice. It should also be emphasized that the relative sizes may differ in practice.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention which uses a handling system in portal construction 16 was implemented. Instead of the portal construction method. 16An articulated robot arm can also be used. The entire device can also be arranged in a cabin with an entrance and an exit door.

[0028] A cardboard box 1 was placed on a roller track at the rear right 15 The rollers are motorized and move the cardboard box. 1 at least near the portal 16 Since the portal 16 which is also movable within small limits, the widths for opening the box can be adjusted. 1 required movements by the handling system 16 This can be accomplished. The arrows indicate the possible travel paths.

[0029] To the cardboard 1 To bring it into the desired position, a stop is required. 18 above the roller conveyor 15 Retracted. A parallel stop moves for further positioning. 19 against the cardboard 1 , which causes it to run perpendicular to the roller track 15is brought into position. Within the scope of the invention, two parallel stops can also extend, which then hold the cardboard box. 1 for example in the middle of the roller conveyor 15 center. In a further embodiment, the longitudinal stop can be 18 and / or the parallel stop 19 also from below the rollers of the roller conveyor 15 upwards towards the cardboard box 1 be driven in.

[0030] In the Fig. 1 is a first 7 and a second cutting unit 8 on a truss 25 arranged, with this traverse 25 It can be pivoted around a vertical axis. In conjunction with the Fig. Figure 7 will also show that other configurations of the device are possible.

[0031] In connection with the Fig. 2a to Fig. Section 2c explains the term "net volume". As can be clearly seen in the figures mentioned, the goods can only make contact with the vertical side walls of the carton. 1 (without reference mark), the inner surfaces of the upper and lower inner cardboard flaps 2 , 27 and partial contact with the inner surfaces of the upper and lower outer cardboard flaps 3 , 28 have. This space represents the net volume within the scope of the invention.

[0032] In the Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c also describes the steps involved in opening the box. 1 shown according to the inventive method and its method variants. In the Fig. 2a only shows the outer cardboard flaps at the top. 3 to see, which is attached to an adhesive strip 4 at their joint and at their short ends – in the area where they rest on the inner cardboard flaps 2 – with adhesive strips 5 and6 on the lower part 20 of the cardboard box 1 are sealed shut. The first step in opening them is to use a horizontally oriented knife. 10 (not shown here) the first cutting unit 7 along the arrows 21 cut in such a way that the cut is below the outer cardboard flaps 3 , but above the in Fig. 2a inner cardboard flaps not yet visible 2 Then the first cutting unit swivels. 7 , so that a vertically oriented knife 11 (not shown here) can be used. With this knife 11 is positioned centrally between the two outer cardboard flaps 3 along the adhesive strip 4 drove along it. A protective plate 9 (not visible here) is located below the knife. 11 and at the same time the outer 3 and the inner cardboard flaps 2(or the goods in the box) 1 To facilitate the insertion of the protective plate, the first cutting unit also features a suction element capable of a short vertical stroke and a short horizontal relative movement. In the Fig. 2b are the outer cardboard flaps 3 already swung open and the inner cardboard flaps 2 become visible. After removing the outer cardboard flaps 3 along the arrows 21 can – as in Fig. 2c can be seen – the inner cardboard flaps 2 swiveled and along the arrows 21 be cut off.

[0033] In the Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c will be the lower part of the first cutting unit 7 Shown from different angles. A protective plate 9 is equipped with a flange 22 equipped with which they can be attached to the upper part of the first cutting unit 7is attached. In the rear area of ​​the protective plate. 9 There is at least one knife 11 , with which the adhesive tapes 5 and 6 to be separated. In the front area of ​​the protective plate 9 The vertically oriented knife is located 10 Because this knife 10 slightly opposite the tip of the protective plate 9 Because it is slightly recessed, it cannot make cuts if incorrectly positioned against the cardboard, which provides special protection for the goods – especially textiles.

[0034] According to the invention, the cutting unit 7 Rollers are assigned to the cutting unit, preferably forming part of it. These rollers rest against the respective upper edge of the cardboard. 1 with the adhesive tapes 5 and 6 – when they are separated – they roll off. At least one roll then lies on top of the respective flap. 3up, while the other roll is attached to the relevant vertical wall of the lower carton. 20 supported. This solution has the advantage that it allows for the separation of the adhesive tapes. 5 , 6 The position and / or size of the cardboard box only needs to be measured approximately to allow the first cutting unit to function. 7 to guide the cutting unit safely along the potentially deformed edge. An elastic coupling of the first cutting unit to its guide, preferably to a boom of a handling system (not shown), is also advantageous here and is part of the invention.

[0035] In the Fig. 4 will be the first cutting unit 7 Shown fully assembled. In the front section of the unit. 7 are suction elements 12 present, which are present when the knife is applied 10 or the protective plate 9 briefly the outer cardboard flaps 3lift and at the beginning of the cutting movement of the first cutting unit 7 also remain briefly in the specific position on the cardboard. The first cutting unit 7 The cutting unit is the first to be brought into contact with the cardboard. Therefore, it makes sense for this cutting unit to be equipped with a sensor. 17 It is equipped with a sensor that can determine the position and size of the box. The sensor signal can be further processed and, if necessary, stored in a central data processing system. The first cutting unit 7 is by means of a flange 23 with the handling system 16 connectable.

[0036] With the Fig. 5 will be the second cutting unit 8 shown. This unit 8 This is used to cut off the upper (i.e., outer and inner) cardboard flaps. Absorbent elements are located here again. 12 arranged, but attached to a swivel arm 26are located. With the help of this swivel arm. 26 and the suction elements 12 can the cardboard flaps 2 and 3 It can be swung out of the box. The cutting unit then engages. 8 to detach the tabs 2 and 3 in motion, the tabs become 2 , 3 between two gliding shoes 24 Captured. Two rotating blades. 13 , 14 – of which at least one is driven, the tabs then separate. 2 , 3 off. This second cutting unit 8 is by means of a flange 23 with a handling system 16 connectable. In a further embodiment of the invention, only one rotating knife is used, which forms a cutting gap with a stationary abutment.

[0037] The Fig. 6 shows the same component as Fig. 5, however, this is the second cutting unit 8Viewed from below, so to speak. This representation is necessary because it allows for the inclusion of additional suction elements. 12 They reveal elements that would otherwise remain hidden. These suction elements 12 They serve to secure the cardboard flaps. 2 and 3 shortly before the final separation from the lower cardboard box 20 to hold on to the tabs that are eventually cut off 2 and 3 They can be directed via a conveyor belt or chute to a collector as waste. This allows these suction elements to be used. 12 during the still ongoing process of separating the tabs 2 , 3 To prevent slippage, vertical and horizontal flexibility is again provided for this assembly.

[0038] With the Fig. 7 will be a variant of Fig. 1 shown. Here are two handling systems. 16 arranged and each of these handling systems 16 is equipped with one cutting unit each7 , 8 provided.

[0039] Within the scope of the invention, the roller conveyor 15 It can also be designed as a two-lane system. Regardless of whether it is a two-lane system, but especially when used with it, it is advantageous if at least one of these roller conveyors 15 is equipped with a rotating station, so that the boxes 1 being able to switch from one roller conveyor to another.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention allows for the use of fixed blades instead of fixed blades (as in 10 , 11 ), rotating blades can also be used. Conversely, with the rotating blades shown here (as with 13 , 14 ), fixed blade knives can also be used.

[0041] In the Fig. There are a total of three cutting units (8). 7 , 8 , 29 above the roller conveyor 15 arranged. On the cutting unit 7This does not need to be discussed further here, as it is already mentioned in connection with the Fig. 1, Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 was adequately treated.

[0042] In the Fig. 8 is the front cardboard box already with the cutting unit 7 It has been cut along its upper adhesive strips. The front, upper, outer cardboard flap. 3 Something then stood up, covering the rear, upper, outer cardboard flap. Unlike the Fig. 1 and Fig. 7 there is not only another second cutting unit 8 , but there is also a third cutting unit 29 The cutting units 8 and 29 are arranged here in a housing indicated by dashed lines (without reference numerals). It is also possible within the scope of the invention that the first cutting unit 7is also located in this housing. The first cutting unit can also be positioned... 7 then move along rails inside the housing – without a portal arrangement.

[0043] It is also possible within the scope of the invention that the two cutting units 8 and 29 along the roller conveyor 15 are arranged one behind the other, so that there are a total of three processing stations for one carton 1 come about, or the cutting units 8 and 29 are stacked vertically on top of each other, as in the Fig. Figure 8 is shown. It is also possible within the scope of the invention that the cutting units 8 and 29 to the box 1 lower, or that the cardboard 1 one after the other in two stages to the cutting units 8 and 29 is moved. Against this background, one can generally say that the cardboard box is moving. 1and the cutting units 8 , 29 move relative to each other.

[0044] If you look at the dotted lines that extend vertically from the corners of the cardboard 1 emerging, one first arrives at the level of the cutting unit. 8 to two swiveling rows with suction elements 12 These rows of suction elements 12 swivel to the surfaces of the upper, outer tabs 3 Hold them firmly, swivel them outwards, and one knife per swivel unit passes through the cardboard flap near the swivel axis. 3 The arrows near the pivot axis do not indicate the cutting direction, but only the cutting position. The pivoting mechanism then allows the cut cardboard flaps to fall into a disposal chute.

[0045] After detachment, the train drives in the Fig. 8 the box one step higher, at the level of the with 29designated third cutting unit. Here, two more rows of suction elements pivot. 12 onto the now exposed inner, upper cardboard flaps 2 . Analogous to cutting the cardboard flaps 3 , the tabs will now be 2 Unfolded, cut, and disposed of. It is advantageous if the swivel mechanism of the cutting unit... 29 is equipped with an additional swivel option to adjust the tabs 2 with its longitudinal edge parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller conveyor 15 to swivel so that these tabs 2 can be thrown into the same disposal shaft as the tabs 3 .

[0046] In a further embodiment, the device according to the invention can also be provided with a station for changing the blades.

[0047] The invention also includes provisions for a knife sharpening station.

[0048] In practice, after the boxes are filled... 1 with goods in the box 1 If necessary, a cut protection layer – a cardboard plate – is inserted into the top layer of goods. This cut protection is located below the upper, inner cardboard flap. 2 The net volume is only reduced slightly as a result. For such cases, a further development of the invention provides that, in addition to the features already mentioned, the device according to the invention also includes a technical means by which this cut protection is removed after the carton has been opened. 1 is removed. In one version, this cut protection can be removed immediately after unfolding the cardboard flaps. 2 and 3 or according to another variant, after detaching the cardboard flaps 2 and 3 take place.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described, but also includes, in particular, variants that can be formed by combining features or elements described in connection with the present invention. The patent claims filed with the application are proposed formulations without prejudice to the obtaining of further patent protection disclosed in the application. Reference symbol list 1 carton 2 inner upper cardboard flaps 3 outer top cardboard flap 4 upper adhesive strips 5 side adhesive strips 6 side adhesive strips 7 first cutting unit 8 second cutting unit 9 Protective plate 10 vertical knives on the first cutting unit 11 horizontal knives on the first cutting unit 12 Suction element 13 knives on the second cutting unit 14 blades on the second cutting unit 15 roller conveyor 16 handling system 17 Sensor 18 attacks 19 Parallel stop 20 bottom carton 21 Separation cut 22 Flange of the protective plate 23 Flange for coupling to handling system 24 ice skates 25 traverse 26 Swivel arm 27 inner lower cardboard flap 28 outer bottom cardboard flap 29 third cutting unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0050] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0051] DE 202011051411 U1

[0002] US 7720567 B2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Methods for the mechanized opening of cartons ( 1 ) using at least two cutting units ( 7 , 8 , 29 ), where the cardboard box ( 1 ) essentially consisting of vertical side walls, upper inner ( 2 ) and the upper outer cardboard flaps arranged above them ( 3 ) and lower inner ( 27 ) and lower outer ( 28 ) Cardboard flaps, whereby the space between these components is referred to as the net volume of the cardboard, characterized by that no fixed or rotating blade of the cutting units ( 7 , 8 , 29 ) is included in this net volume. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that – first the adhesive strips ( 5 , 6 ) longitudinally separated, or the adhesive strip ( 4 ) are cut crosswise, which form the upper cardboard flaps ( 2 , 3) with the lower cardboard box ( 20 ) connect; – then the adhesive strip ( 4 ) is split lengthwise, which separates the two upper cardboard flaps ( 3 ) connects them; – then the outer top cardboard flaps ( 3 ) essentially swung open and cut off between 90 and 200 degrees; – then the inner upper cardboard flaps ( 2 ) essentially swung open and cut off between 90 and 200 degrees. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the swinging up of the outer ( 3 ) and inner cardboard flaps ( 2 ) essentially at an angle of 180 or 90 degrees. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the recording of the width or height or longitudinal orientation of the carton ( 1 ) at least partially automatically. [5] Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the determination for the driving positions of the cutting units ( 7 , 8 , 29 ) at least partially automatically. [6] Device for the mechanized opening of cartons ( 1 ) with inner upper ( 2 ) and the outer upper cardboard flaps arranged above them ( 3 ), characterized by that a first cutting unit ( 7 ) is present, which is used to separate the adhesive strip ( 4 , 5 , 6 ) is used, whereby this cutting unit ( 7 ) a protective plate ( 9 ) exhibits, which becomes apparent when the upper adhesive strip is separated ( 4 ) between the inner flaps ( 2 ) – or the goods in the box ( 1 ) – and the upper flaps ( 3 ) is located and above the protective plate ( 9 ) a vertically oriented knife ( 10 ) exhibits. [7] Device according to claim 5, characterized bythat the first cutting unit ( 7 ) at one horizontal end of the protective plate ( 9 ) at least one horizontally oriented knife ( 11 ) has, with which the adhesive strips ( 4 , 5 , 6 ), are separated, which are the inner ( 2 ) and outer cardboard flap ( 3 ) with the lower cardboard box ( 20 ) connect. [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the first cutting unit ( 7 ) with at least one suction element ( 12 ) interacts, which, viewed in the cutting direction, is the protective plate ( 9 ) is positioned in front and can perform short horizontal and vertical strokes to attach the outer cardboard flaps ( 3 ) before cutting the adhesive strip ( 4 ) to be able to lift something, preferably the suction element 12 Part of the cutting unit. [9] Device according to claims 6 to 8, characterized bythat a second cutting unit ( 8 ) is present, which the outer ( 3 ) and inner flaps ( 2 ) from the lower box ( 20 ) separates. [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by that the second cutting unit ( 8 ) at least one suction element ( 12 ) to swing open the cardboard flaps ( 2 , 3 ) has the suction element ( 12 ) swiveling on the second cutting unit ( 8 ) is arranged. [11] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by that the first ( 7 ) and the second cutting unit ( 8 ) fixed blade knives ( 10 , 11 , 13 , 14 exhibit. [12] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by that the first ( 7 ) or the second cutting unit ( 8 ) at least one rotating knife ( 10 ,11 , 13 , 14 exhibit. [13] Device according to claim 12, characterized by that in the second cutting unit ( 8 ) a rotating, disc-shaped knife ( 13 ) is used, which preferably has a second rotating, disc-shaped blade ( 14 ) forms a shearing gap. [14] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 13 comprising a roller conveyor ( 15 ) for transporting and opening the boxes ( 1 ), characterized by that the roller conveyor ( 15 ) a rotary station with a vertical swivel axis is assigned to rotate the cartons ( 1 ) to bring it into the desired longitudinal orientation. [15] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 14 comprising a handling system ( 16 ), characterized by that the handling system ( 16 ) is constructed in portal style. [16] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 14 comprising a handling system ( 16 ), characterized by that the handling system ( 16 ) is designed as an articulated arm robot. [17] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 16, characterized by that at the first ( 7 ) and / or second cutting unit ( 8 ) Sensors ( 17 ) are attached, which determine the dimensions of the cardboard box ( 1 ) can determine. [18] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 17, characterized by that a roller track perpendicular to the roller track ( 15 ) retractable stop ( 18 ) temporarily the position of the carton ( 1 ) – relative to the longitudinal axis of the roller conveyor ( 15 ) – fixed. [19] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 18, characterized by that by means of at least one perpendicular to the roller conveyor ( 15 ) retractable parallel stop ( 19) temporarily the position of the carton ( 1 ) – relative to the center of the roller track ( 15 ) – is fixed. [20] Device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by that the attack ( 18 ) and / or the parallel stop ( 19 ) from below through the roller conveyor ( 15 ) reach through. [21] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 20, characterized by that a further, third cutting unit ( 29 ) is available. [22] Device according to claim 21, characterized by that the second ( 8 ) and third cutting unit ( 29 are arranged one above the other. [23] Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by that the second ( 8 ) and third cutting unit ( 29 ) and the cardboard box ( 1 ) are vertically movable relative to each other in two stages, preferably with the cardboard box being movable. [24] Device according to at least one of claims 21 to 23, characterized by that the second ( 8 ) and third cutting unit ( 29 ) with swivel arms ( 26 ) and suction elements attached to it ( 12 ) are equipped and that linearly movable knives are arranged near the pivot axis. [25] Device according to at least one of claims 21 to 24, characterized by that essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller conveyor ( 15 ) shafts are arranged in which the swivel arms ( 26 ) the cut-off cardboard flaps ( 2 , 3 ) can be thrown in. [26] Device according to claim 24, characterized by that swivel arm ( 26 ) has a further swivel option, which allows the cardboard tabs oriented perpendicular to the shaft ( 2 , 3 ) must be thrown into the shaft. [27] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 26, characterized by that at least one cutting unit ( 7 , 8 , 29 ) equipped with an automatic blade changer or a blade sharpening unit.

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