Packaging machine for packaging products in cartons

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging machine (100) with a product feed (110), a carton magazine (120), and a stationary setup station (130), which is arranged in a horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to a first conveying direction next to the carton magazine (120) and is designed such that it is stationary in the horizontal transverse direction and in the horizontal first conveying direction. The packaging machine (100) according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it further comprises a carton packing station (140), a product insert (112), and a pusher (113) which is arranged on the product insert (112) and is designed to push a group of products (O) to be packaged into a carton (K) at the carton packing station (140) in a horizontal pushing direction, wherein the pushing direction is perpendicular to the first conveying direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to a packaging machine. In particular, the invention relates to a packaging machine for packaging products in cartons and a method for doing so.

[0002] Packaging machines for packing products into cartons are already well-known. For example, packaging machines are used for packaging pharmaceutical products that are already packaged in folding cartons. Space is generally limited in the production of pharmaceutical products, so space-saving machines are also required for packaging. Furthermore, for the economical operation of the machine, especially with pharmaceutical products, it is essential that it has a high throughput (despite its compact design).

[0003] Up to now, it has not been possible to fully satisfy the above-mentioned aspects using the current state of the art.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a packaging machine that eliminates the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0005] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine in which a space-saving design and a high throughput can be achieved.

[0006] One solution according to the invention comprises a packaging machine for packing products into cartons, wherein the packaging machine has the following: a product feed for feeding products to be packed into cartons; a carton magazine in which a plurality of preferably glued carton blanks are arranged folded at least substantially flat; and a preferably stationary setup station for setting up carton blanks to form at least substantially cuboid open cartons, wherein the product feed has a first conveying direction that is at least substantially horizontal, wherein the setup station is arranged next to the carton magazine in a transverse direction that is at least substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the first conveying direction, and wherein the setup station is designed such that it is stationary at least in the transverse horizontal direction.

[0007] The packaging machine according to the invention satisfactorily solves the problem.

[0008] The packaging machine described is in particular (but not exclusively) a so-called secondary packaging machine, which is designed to produce packaging, especially large packages, by filling the products, in particular items already packaged in folding boxes, into cartons.

[0009] In this context, "horizontal" refers to a direction that extends parallel to the plane on which the packaging machine is positioned. A "vertical" direction, accordingly, is the "height direction" of the packaging machine. For example, the first horizontal conveying direction of a packaging machine is its longitudinal (extent) direction.

[0010] The term "at least substantially horizontal" is intended to cover directions that are not exactly horizontal. Rather, the horizontal conveying direction may exhibit inclinations of up to 30° in some sections. The term "at least substantially horizontal" thus includes deviations of up to 30° from the true horizontal.

[0011] In the carton magazine, the cardboard blanks are preferably folded flat and stored upright next to each other. In other words, they are lined up one after the other in the first conveying direction. To feed a cardboard blank to the erection station, the (front) blank is pulled straight (in a horizontal transverse direction) from the carton magazine to the erection station, for example, by a (suction) gripper. The carton can then be erected using another gripper.

[0012] Because the cardboard blanks are glued together, it is sufficient to stand them up by pulling on two sides, so that the essentially cuboid-shaped open boxes can be formed.

[0013] The products are preferably rectangular. For example, the products are folding boxes, which also contain, for example, pharmaceutical products.

[0014] A stationary setup station is defined as one where the (folded) box does not move from one station to another, for example, via a conveyor belt or similar mechanism. At a stationary setup station, the entire box is erected into its essentially cuboid, open shape at a single station or position. Naturally, the box itself must be moved for setup (for example, using grippers).

[0015] Accordingly, a setup station that is stationary, at least in the horizontal transverse direction, means that the carton does not move from one station to another in the horizontal transverse direction during setup. A setup station that is stationary overall is stationary in both directions: the horizontal transverse direction and the horizontal first conveying direction.

[0016] The cardboard blanks are only erected once they have been moved from the cardboard magazine to the erection station, as described above. Thus, the cardboard blank is first transported horizontally from the cardboard magazine to the erection station, where it is then erected.

[0017] The major advantage of the described packaging machine lies particularly in the fact that its design allows for a particularly compact construction (in the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine, i.e., in the primary conveying direction). The carton magazine is typically arranged so that the cardboard blanks are fed in a horizontal primary conveying direction. However, because the carton magazine in the packaging machine according to the invention feeds the cardboard blanks in a horizontal transverse direction, the packaging machine can be shortened by at least the length of the carton magazine. Furthermore, the stationary installation station also contributes to a corresponding reduction in the length and width of the packaging machine.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cardboard magazine is arranged above the product feed in such a way that the products are passed under the cardboard magazine by means of the product feed.

[0019] Alternatively, it would also be possible to arrange the cardboard magazine below the product feed.

[0020] According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the setup station is designed to set up the cardboard blanks at a height in the first conveying direction at which the cardboard magazine is also arranged.

[0021] As already mentioned, the first conveying direction is also the longitudinal (extension) direction of the packaging machine.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises an operator side, wherein the carton magazine is arranged on the operator side and the setup station is arranged behind the carton magazine, away from the operator side.

[0023] The operator side preferably runs along the product infeed. Because the carton magazine is positioned above the product infeed, both the product infeed and the carton magazine can be operated from the operator side. This ensures easy access to areas of the packaging machine that require frequent operator intervention (e.g., filling the carton magazine).

[0024] From the operator's perspective, the setup station is located behind the carton magazine. In other words, from the operator's point of view, the setup station is in the shadow of the carton magazine.

[0025] The user interface can be distinguished, for example, by having a control panel or a similar control element.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the product feeder has a stacking device which is at least configured to stack a first group of products vertically above or below a second group of products.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stacking device is further configured to transport the stacked groups of products from a lower level to a vertically higher upper level.

[0028] Of course, depending on the design, conveying from an upper level to a lower level is also possible. Thus, the stacking device generally also serves to overcome the height difference between the product feed inlet and the carton magazine.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the products are fed to the stacking device in the first conveying direction and conveyed further from the stacking device in a second conveying direction, wherein the second conveying direction is at least substantially opposite to the first conveying direction.

[0030] In this process, transport in the first conveying direction is preferably carried out by means of a conveyor belt, whereas transport in the second conveying direction is preferably carried out by means of a pusher (product feed pusher). This is primarily because the products transported in the first conveying direction are not stacked, whereas the products transported in the second conveying direction are already stacked.

[0031] This also means that the stacking device is located at the longitudinal end (in the first conveying direction) of the product feeder opposite the product inlet. The change in conveying direction also ensures that a short (longitudinal) design for the packaging machine can be achieved.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises a carton packing station for packing the cartons with products, wherein the carton packing station is arranged downstream in the first conveying direction next to the setup station.

[0033] The carton packing station is located at a height in the first conveying direction where one end of the product feed or product insertion is also located.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a product insert is arranged at the end of the product feed, at which a group of products to be packaged is collected, wherein a slide is arranged on the product insert which is designed to push the group of products to be packaged into a carton at the carton packing station in an at least substantially horizontal sliding direction, wherein the sliding direction is at least substantially perpendicular to the first conveying direction.

[0035] Here too, the arrangement and design of the individual stations results in an extremely short construction time.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises a labeling device which is designed to provide a carton with a label, preferably from below.

[0037] The labeling device preferably comprises a magazine and a labeling tongue, wherein a label is transported from the magazine to the labeling tongue. For this purpose, for example, a label transport device can be arranged that connects the magazine to the labeling tongue.

[0038] The labeling device is designed to be positioned (at least substantially) beneath the passing carton. The labeling blade extends into the carton's transport path, allowing a label to be affixed. The labeling device, or more precisely the labeling blade, is positioned so that a label can be applied to the front, end, and / or underside of the carton. This means that, depending on the blade's position, a label can be applied to the front, underside, or at an angle (front to underside). The sides of the carton refer to the direction of transport; that is, the front is at the front and the underside is at the bottom in the direction of transport.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises a carton conveying device which is designed to transport cartons from the setup station to the carton packing station and from the carton packing station to a carton sealing station, where an open carton is folded and / or glued to form a closed carton, wherein the conveying direction of the carton conveying device is in the direction of the first conveying direction.

[0040] Viewed in the direction of transport, the assembly station is thus located upstream of the carton packing station, which in turn is located upstream of the carton sealing station.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the labeling device is arranged at least substantially below the carton conveying device.

[0042] The conveying motion of the carton conveyor is also essential for labeling. This means that the labeling unit, or rather the labeling tongue itself, is stationary, and the relative movement between the carton and the tongue required for labeling is achieved by the conveying motion of the carton conveyor.

[0043] Preferably, the labeling device can be arranged together with a carton turning station designed to turn cartons.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises: a palletizing station comprising a platform and a SCARA robot arranged on the platform, which is configured to move cartons to be stored on pallets; a pallet feeder configured to feed empty pallets along a path, wherein the platform is designed in a bridge-like manner and the path runs under the platform of the palletizing station.

[0045] The packaging machine is therefore not only a secondary packaging machine, but also repackages the cartons onto pallets. Thus, the packaging machine is essentially a combination machine suitable for both packaging and palletizing.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the platform serves as an intermediate storage area for cardboard boxes to be stored on pallets.

[0047] Furthermore, the object of the invention is solved by means of a method for packaging products in cartons using one of the aforementioned packaging machines.

[0048] The product packaging process can also satisfactorily solve the task. In particular, all aspects and advantages arising from the corresponding packaging machines apply here.

[0049] Another solution according to the invention comprises a packaging machine for arranging elements, preferably cartons, on pallets, wherein the packaging machine has the following: a palletizing station comprising a platform and a SCARA robot arranged on the platform, which is configured to move elements to be stored on pallets, preferably cartons; a pallet feeder configured to feed empty pallets along a path, wherein the platform is designed in a bridge-like manner and the path runs under the platform of the palletizing station to a pallet loading station.

[0050] The packaging machine according to the invention satisfactorily solves the problem. In particular, the described packaging machine is space-saving because the pallet feeder is located under the platform. Empty pallets can be placed under the platform, for example, using pallet trucks, forklifts, or other industrial vehicles. The empty pallets are then transported from the pallet feeder to the pallet loading station, where the pallets are loaded by the SCARA robot.

[0051] Once a pallet is fully loaded, it can be retrieved from the pallet loading station using a pallet jack, forklift, or other industrial truck. The pallet feed is therefore at least semi-automated.

[0052] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the platform serves as an intermediate storage area for elements to be stored on pallets.

[0053] The platform serves primarily as an intermediate buffer during pallet changes. This means that the SCARA robot continues to pick up items to be placed on pallets even while the pallet is being changed. However, the SCARA robot no longer moves these items directly onto a pallet, but instead temporarily stores them on the platform at the palletizing station. This allows the preceding machines or stations to continue operating at their scheduled time without interruption.

[0054] Once the new (empty) pallet has been fed from the pallet feeder to the pallet loading station, the items to be stored, which are temporarily stored on the platform, can be loaded onto the pallets.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the area of ​​the platform is larger than the area of ​​a pallet.

[0056] Preferably, the platform's length and width are slightly larger than the pallet's length and width, allowing a pallet to be positioned completely beneath the platform. This enables an extremely compact palletizing station design.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment, the Scara robot has a main body, an upper arm and a forearm, wherein the upper arm is rotatably attached to the main body about a first axis of rotation and wherein the forearm is rotatably attached to the upper arm about a second axis of rotation which is parallel to the first axis of rotation, wherein the Scara robot further has a control system which is designed to allow the forearm to cross the upper arm.

[0058] The upper arm itself is height-adjustable relative to the main body. The first and second axes of rotation are located at opposite ends of the upper arm. Preferably, the SCARA robot can further have an additional third axis of rotation on the forearm (at one end opposite the second axis of rotation), on which a picking unit (hand) for picking up the elements (cardboard boxes) is arranged.

[0059] The Scara robot is therefore highly mobile and has a wide and variable range of motion. Its upper and lower arms make it particularly possible to place elements very close to the main body or the robot's foot. This allows for optimal use of available space.

[0060] The special control system, designed to allow the forearm to cross the upper arm, expands the robot's movement capabilities. "Crossing" here refers to the forearm passing beneath the upper arm; the forearm thus moves under the upper arm. This aspect, in particular, is a special feature of the control system for the SCARA robot according to the invention.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pallets are preferably automatically loaded onto the pallet feeder by means of industrial trucks and unloaded from the pallet loading station.

[0062] This means that pallet feeding can be not only semi-automatic but also fully automatic, with automatic industrial trucks handling the bringing of empty pallets and the removal of full pallets in the fully automatic version.

[0063] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises an upstream labeling device which is designed to provide the elements with a label, preferably from below.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elements are cardboard boxes and the packaging machine further comprises a pre-connected carton sealing station where an open carton is folded and / or glued to form a closed carton.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the labeling device is arranged together with a carton turning station, which is designed to turn cartons.

[0066] At the carton turning station, the cartons can be turned so that the label can later be placed on a desired side, e.g. legibly on the pallet.

[0067] According to an advantageous further development, the labeling device is arranged at least substantially below the carton sealing station and / or below the carton turning station.

[0068] According to an advantageous embodiment, the packaging machine has the following upstream of the palletizing station: a product feed for feeding products to be packed in cartons; a carton magazine in which a plurality of preferably glued carton blanks are arranged at least substantially flat; and a preferably stationary setup station for preferably stationary setup of carton blanks into at least substantially cuboid open cartons, wherein the product feed has a first conveying direction that is at least substantially horizontal, and wherein the setup station is arranged in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction next to the carton magazine.

[0069] The aspects already mentioned regarding the product feed, the carton magazine and the setup station also apply here.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cardboard magazine is arranged above or below the product feed in such a way that the products are passed under the cardboard magazine by means of the product feed.

[0071] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the product feeder has a stacking device which is at least configured to stack a first group of products vertically above or below a second group of products.

[0072] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stacking device is further configured to convey the stacked groups of products from a lower level to a vertically higher upper level, wherein the products are fed to the stacking device in the first conveying direction and are conveyed further from the stacking device in a second conveying direction, wherein the second conveying direction is at least substantially opposite to the first conveying direction.

[0073] Furthermore, the solution according to the invention comprises a method for arranging elements, preferably cartons, on pallets using one of the aforementioned packaging machines. The aspects and advantages mentioned for the respective packaging machines also apply here.

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the following step: controlling the Scara robot in such a way that the forearm crosses the upper arm.

[0075] In particular, this control method expands the movement possibilities of the Scara robot.

[0076] A further solution according to the invention comprises a packaging machine for packing products in cartons, wherein the packaging machine has a product feed for feeding products to be packed in cartons, wherein the products have length P, wherein the product feed has a stacking device which is configured at least to stack a first group of products arranged side by side in a row of length R vertically above or below a second group of products which are also arranged side by side in a row of length R, wherein length R is a multiple of length P, wherein a product insert is arranged at the end of the product feed in which stacked rows of products of length R are collected, wherein a slider of length S is arranged on the product insert which is configured to push stacked rows of products of lengthwhich corresponds at least substantially to length S, to be pushed into a carton at a carton packing station in at least a substantially horizontal sliding direction, wherein the length S is at least once the length P shorter than the length R.

[0077] The packaging machine according to the invention satisfactorily solves the problem. In particular, the described packaging machine ensures that the throughput of the packaging machine can be increased or maintained at a high level despite, for example, a small footprint.

[0078] The length P of the product, where the product is preferably a cardboard folding box, is the length of the product in the (first) conveying direction of the product feeder when the product is arranged on the product feeder. In the transport direction, this corresponds to the length of the product from front to back. It also follows that the length R is a multiple of the length P, since the row with length R is composed of several products with length P. The number of products arranged in a row depends, for example, on the product length and the box size.

[0079] The length S of the slider extends perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider. This means that the length S specifies the maximum length of the row of products that can be moved into a carton in a single operation. The height of the slider, in turn, specifies the maximum height of the stacked rows of products. Therefore, the slider as a whole indicates the maximum number of products that can be moved into a carton in one operation.

[0080] The fact that the length S of the slider only corresponds at least essentially to the length of the stacked rows of products that can be conveyed into the carton with one sliding operation is due to the fact that the length S of the slider is preferably designed to be somewhat smaller in order to fit into the carton, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0081] The length S is at least once the length P shorter than the length RD, meaning that when the products are inserted, at least one product stack remains as a "residual stack" that is not pushed into the carton during this insertion process. If the length S is twice the length P shorter than the length RD, two residual stacks of products will remain.

[0082] In the packaging machine described, the stacking device is the bottleneck in the production process. That is, the stacking device dictates the overall cycle time of the packaging machine. Therefore, it is desirable that the stacking device always conveys the maximum stackable quantity (i.e., length R) of products. Length R thus corresponds to the maximum stacker length or the maximum row length of products to be stacked.

[0083] Because a higher quantity of products passes through the stacking unit in one cycle than can later be packed into the carton in a single push operation, a buffer can be built up before product insertion. This helps to speed up the overall throughput of the packaging machine. In other words, the "slow" stacking time of the stacking unit does not have as significant an impact on the throughput time of the packaging machine.

[0084] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the product insert has an atrium as a buffer zone, wherein the atrium has a length V that is at least equal to the length P.

[0085] This means that at least one stack of products can be stored in the antechamber. Ideally, several stacks (for example, two or three stacks) of products can be stored side by side in the antechamber.

[0086] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the length S during operation of the packaging machine corresponds at most, preferably at least substantially, to the length of a carton to be packed.

[0087] "Preferably at least substantially" referring to the length of the carton to be packed means, in this context, that the length S is preferably somewhat shorter than the length of the carton. This is particularly useful because the slider needs to be able to move into the carton. For example, the slider is 10 mm shorter on each side than the carton.

[0088] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the length S is adjustable at least before the packaging machine is operated and can be adapted to the length of the carton to be packed.

[0089] This means that the packaging machine can handle several different box sizes. For example, it is conceivable that the slider could be replaced with one of a different length S (or a different height).

[0090] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the maximum adjustable length Smax of the slider, which specifies the maximum row length of the products that can be inserted, is between 400 mm and 800 mm, preferably between 500 mm and 700 mm, and particularly preferably about 600 mm.

[0091] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the length V of the atrium corresponds at least substantially to half of the maximum adjustable length Smax of the valve, wherein the length V of the atrium is particularly preferably 300 mm.

[0092] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine further comprises a defective part rejection system designed to remove products that are not to be packaged before they are grouped in the stacking device.

[0093] The products that cannot be packaged may be defective products of the type to be packaged and / or non-defective products of a type that cannot be packaged. Therefore, the rejection of defective parts serves to prevent such products from being packed in cartons.

[0094] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the product feed has a first conveying direction that is at least substantially horizontal, wherein the rejection of defective parts is arranged downstream of the stacking device in the first conveying direction, preferably next to the stacking device. This means that, viewed in the first conveying direction, the defective parts are sorted out downstream of the stacking device.

[0095] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the products are fed to the stacking device in the first conveying direction and conveyed further from the stacking device in a second conveying direction, wherein the second conveying direction is at least substantially opposite to the first conveying direction.

[0096] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine has a preferably optical control device (for example, a camera) which is designed to recognize whether a product is a product that should not be packaged, wherein the packaging machine is further designed, when the control device recognizes a product that should not be packaged, to control the rejection of the incorrect part in such a way that it removes the product that should be packaged.

[0097] The incorrect parts rejection system may also include a collection container in which the products that are not to be packaged are collected.

[0098] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control device is arranged upstream of the stacking device in the first conveying direction, preferably next to the stacking device.

[0099] Thus, the inspection device is positioned before the stacking device, and the defective part rejection device is positioned after the stacking device. This arrangement ensures, in particular, that the necessary time is available for processing the signals received by the inspection device (e.g., an image from a camera).

[0100] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stacking device is further configured to transport the stacked groups of products from a lower level to a vertically higher level.

[0101] Furthermore, a solution according to the invention consists in specifying a method for packaging products in cartons using one of the aforementioned packaging machines.

[0102] Accordingly, the task can also be solved satisfactorily using this method, whereby the individual aspects of the packaging machines are applicable to the method.

[0103] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0104] The drawings show in: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a packaging machine from the operator side according to the present invention; Fig. 2 a further schematic top view of the packaging machine according to the present invention; Fig. 3 a further schematic top view of the packaging machine according to the present invention from a side opposite the operator side; and Fig. 4 to Fig. 7 Schematic diagrams of the insertion process of products into cartons according to the present invention.

[0105] The following will first address Fig. 1 Reference is made to provide an overall overview of the packaging machine according to the invention. 100 to specify.

[0106] The packaging machine 100 serves to produce O in boxes K to pack them and then place them on pallets Z to stack.

[0107] The packaging machine indicates this. 100 at its entrance a product feed 110 on. The product feed 110 serves to produce O the packaging machine 100 to supply.

[0108] Regarding the products O These could be, for example, folding boxes. The products O are moved along a first conveying direction that is at least substantially horizontal. This is the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine shown in the FIGS. 100 In Fig. 1. The conveying direction is from left to right. The product inlet is located at one end of the packaging machine. 100(arranged here on the left side). On the other side of the product feed. 110 (here on the right) is a stacking device 111 arranged.

[0109] The stacking device 111 stacks a first group of products O vertically across a second group of products. The groups of products O are each arranged in a row of length R. In the example shown here, there are four products. O The stacking device stacks the units, each with length P, in a row with length R. Length R is therefore four times length P. In this example, the stacking device stacks... 111 seven groups of products O one on top of the other.

[0110] In Fig. 1 is on the right (i.e., in the first conveying direction downstream) next to the stacking device 111 a defective part rejection 114These are arranged. They serve to remove products that are not to be packaged from the packaging process.

[0111] At the stacking device 111 The conveying direction of the products changes O This is how the products are O in Fig. 1. From this point on, the products are conveyed from right to left, and thus in the opposite direction to the first conveying direction. In particular, the products are conveyed up to a product insertion point. 112 promoted.

[0112] Further in the second conveying direction, next to the product insertion 112 a cardboard magazine 120 arranged, in which cardboard cutouts C They should be stored folded. In a transverse direction, at least essentially horizontal and perpendicular to the first (and also the second) conveying direction, next to the cardboard magazine. 120 is a setup station 130 arranged where the cardboard blanks CThey can be installed. In the first conveying direction downstream from the installation station. 130 There is a cardboard packing station. 140 , where the boxes were set up K can be packed.

[0113] The packaging is done from the product insert 112 here, namely in a sliding direction that is at least essentially horizontal, into a cardboard box K the one at the carton packing station 140 is arranged. The pushing direction is perpendicular to the first (and also second) conveying direction, and thus parallel to the transverse direction.

[0114] Fig. Figure 1 shows the packaging machine 100 from an operator side, from which the packaging machine 100 It can be operated. This also means that the product feed can be adjusted. 110 extends along the operating side (from left to right). Additionally, the cardboard magazine... 120and the rejection of incorrect parts 114 also located on the operator side. In particular, the product feed runs along this route. 110 under the cardboard magazine 120 Here. Even the stacked products. O run along the operator side, from which they then proceed to the product insertion 112 being pushed away.

[0115] This also means that the setup station 130 and the carton packing station 140 It is not arranged facing the operator side. Rather, the installation station is located there. 130 from the operator's side in the shadow of the cardboard magazine 120 and the carton packing station 140 is located in the shadow of the product insert 112 .

[0116] Overall, the facilities and stations that require frequent access by an operator are located towards the operator side, whereas those where intervention is rarely or never necessary are located away from the operator side.

[0117] The boxes K are from the setup station 130 via a cardboard conveyor system 160 to the carton packing station 140 transported. The conveying direction of the carton conveyor system 160 This is parallel to the first direction of production.

[0118] The cardboard conveyor system 160 promotes the boxes K continue to a cardboard sealing station 170 and a cardboard turning station 175 .

[0119] Then the boxes K from a Scara robot 182 recorded, which is on a platform 181 a palletizing station 180 is arranged. The palletizing station180 This serves to... K on pallets Z to transport.

[0120] This requires a pallet feeder. 190 arranged, which the palletizing station 180 or a pallet loading station 191 empty pallets Z supplies.

[0121] The following section explains selected individual aspects of the present invention in more detail. Each of these individual aspects can be claimed separately (for example, within the framework of a divisional application). Furthermore, all individual aspects can be combined with one another, so that packaging machines or methods containing one, several, or all of the individual aspects can be claimed.

[0122] On the one hand, the individual effects of each aspect lead to improvements in those aspects. On the other hand, several or all of the effects of the individual aspects combined result in an overall improved packaging machine that is also space-saving despite high throughput. CARTON MAGAZINE

[0123] The following describes aspects that are particularly relevant to the cardboard magazine. 120 These are related to other individual aspects (such as the rejection of incorrect parts). 114 , the palletizing station 180 , the labeling device 150 or the stacking device 111 ) combinable.

[0124] As in the Fig. 1 to Fig. The cardboard magazine can be seen in section 3. 120 above the product feed 110 arranged. Cardboard cutouts are used. C from the cardboard magazine 120perpendicular to the first conveying direction (and second conveying direction) of the product feed 110 from an operator side to an installation station 130 removed. For example, the cardboard blanks can be C , which are preferably pre-glued, by means of a (suction) gripper from the cardboard magazine 120 can be taken.

[0125] In Fig. 1 is in the shadow of the cardboard magazine 120 a (pre-glued) cardboard cutout C shown, folded in the setup station 130 is arranged. As can also be seen, the cardboard cutout extends C in a transverse direction (to the first conveying direction). The cardboard blank C is in a transverse direction from the cardboard magazine 130 drawn by combining it with other cardboard cutouts C folded flat and aligned upright next to each other in the first conveying direction.

[0126] In Fig. 2 is the cardboard cutout C already into a box K It has been installed and is no longer visible from the operator's side (it is located in the shadow of the installation station). 130 However, the cardboard box K from the opposite side, in Fig. Shown in section 3, the cardboard cutout is visible there. C shown, which leads to an open cardboard box that is at least essentially cuboid in shape K has been set up in such a way that it is equipped with products O It can be filled from the (at least essentially horizontal) transverse direction. For this purpose, the cardboard box is K from the cardboard conveyor system 160 to the carton packing station 140 promoted.

[0127] Because the "cardboard feed direction" leads to the setup station 130 perpendicular to the "product feed direction" (first conveying direction), space can be created in the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine.100 Savings can be achieved.

[0128] In its position in the packaging machine 100 is the cardboard magazine 120 (arranged towards the operator side) and easily accessible for an operator. Thus, the carton magazine 120 They can simply be refilled. Wrong part rejection

[0129] As especially in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen at one end of the product feed. 110 a defective part rejection 114 arranged. This includes the rejection of incorrect parts. 114 Viewed in the first direction of conveyance, downstream from the stacking device 111 arranged.

[0130] The rejection of incorrect parts 114 For example, it has a motion sensor that transports the incorrect part onto a chute, which in turn transports the incorrect part into a receiving container.

[0131] With the rejection of incorrect parts 114A control device (not shown) is coupled or functionally connected. This control device serves to detect incorrect parts, i.e., products that should not be packaged. The control device could, for example, be an optical device such as a camera.

[0132] The control device is preferably located upstream in the first conveying direction (i.e., in front of) the stacking device. 111 arranged 111 arranged.

[0133] Because of the control device and the counterfeit part rejection 114 By arranging them at different positions in the direction of flow, the processing time required to detect and reject defective parts can be guaranteed. 114 to control it accordingly.

[0134] The rejection of incorrect parts is particularly preferred. 114 and the control device is positioned in the same location in the first conveying direction. This requires correspondingly fast data processing of the data recorded by the control device. PALLETIZING STATION WITH PLATFORM AND SCARA ROBOT

[0135] The next aspect concerns in particular the palletizing of the boxes. K on pallets Z .

[0136] As in Fig. 2, which can be seen, indicates the palletizing station 180 a platform 181 on, which is designed like a bridge. On the platform 181 is the Scara robot 182 arranged, the boxes K or, more generally, elements on palettes Z turns off.

[0137] Because the platform 181 Since it is arranged in a bridge shape, it is possible to use an empty pallet. Z below the platform 181to store. If the in Fig. 2 seen left palette Z Once fully loaded, it is picked up by a (preferably automated) forklift truck, and the pallet feeder 190 transports an empty pallet Z , which are below the platform 181 temporarily stored, to the pallet loading station 191 .

[0138] If the old pallet Z is driven away and the new pallet Z not yet at the pallet loading station 191 No cartons can be used for a period of time while the pallet is being changed. K on pallets Z to be loaded. So that the preceding stations can continue working at their cycle time and the palletizing station can proceed. 180 Unless this leads to an extension of the cycle time, the boxes will be K on the platform 181 temporarily stored.

[0139] The Scara robot is used for this purpose. 182designed to be so flexible that it can handle boxes K It can even be parked in its immediate vicinity. The Scara robot 182 has a main body 186 on. Attached to the main body is an upper arm. 183 about a first axis of rotation 183 (at one end of the upper arm) rotatable on the main body 186 Attached. At the other end of the upper arm. 183 is the first end of a forearm 184 It is attached so that it can rotate around a second axis of rotation. At the second end of the forearm. 184 is a hand 185 Mounted and rotatable around a third axis of rotation. At hand. 185 It is a receiving unit for cardboard boxes. K The three axes of rotation are each aligned parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper arm... 183 along the main body 186 Height adjustable.

[0140] Thus, the Scara robot 182Overall, it is extremely agile and has a large range of motion.

[0141] A special feature here is the control of the Scara robot. 182 This is trained in such a way that it is possible to operate the Scara robot. 182 to control it in such a way that the forearm 184 under the upper arm 183 passes through it. The forearm 183 It can therefore be rotated completely (360 degrees). LABELING DEVICE

[0142] The next individual aspect concerns a labeling device. 150 , which is arranged to fit on cardboard boxes K to apply labels.

[0143] As particularly in Fig. The labeling device can be identified as 3. 150 below the carton conveyor 160 arranged. In particular, the labeling device can 150 below in an area of ​​the carton sealing station 170 and / or the carton turning station 175be arranged.

[0144] The labeling device 150 has a labeling tongue 151 and a labeling magazine 152 open. The labeling tongue 151 is facing the direction of the cardboard conveyor 160 in front and reaches into the box K into the old transport route.

[0145] Thus, the movement of the cardboard box K through the cardboard conveyor system 160 to the fact that the cardboard box K with the labeling device 150 or, in particular, the labeling tongue 151 comes into contact. It is possible to put a label on the cardboard box. K to raise.

[0146] Depending on the orientation of the labeling tongue 151 The label can be applied to a front, a bottom, or to both a front and bottom (i.e., over the edge). Stacking device and product insert

[0147] In the following, a further aspect of the present invention is described, which serves in particular to improve the throughput of the packaging machine. 100 to increase.

[0148] The stacking device 111 is trained to produce an initial group of products O which are arranged side by side in a row of length R, vertically across a second group of products O to stack them, which are also arranged in a row with length R. The products O The products themselves, viewed in the row direction, have a length P. This also corresponds to the length (from front to back) of the products. O in the primary funding direction.

[0149] At the stacking device 111 This is the bottleneck of the packaging machine. 100 Therefore, it is desirable here to have the highest possible quantity (long series of products). O) are stacked on top of each other. Thus, the stacking device 111 Preferably always fully loaded. From the stacking device 111 The stacked cartons arranged in a row with length R become part of the product insert. 112 transported (as in Fig. 2 can be seen using the product feed slider 116 ).

[0150] From the product insert 112 A number of products will be O in a cardboard box K pushed. This refers to the number of products inserted in a single pushing operation. O less than the number of products stacked on top of each other in a stacking operation O In particular, the slider indicates 113 a length S that is shorter than the length R. Put simply, if the length S is shorter than the length R by one time P, a stack of products remains. OIf the length S is twice the length P shorter than the length R, two stacks will remain standing next to each other.

[0151] Therefore, the product insert 112 a forecourt as a buffer zone in which the stacks of products O can remain stationary. This makes it possible for the product insertion to 112 operates at a higher rate than the stacking device 111 .

[0152] The principle will be illustrated below using the following example: Fig. 4 to Fig. 7 will be explained.

[0153] The FIGS are a schematic representation of the functionality from the operator's perspective. The stacking device is shown. 111 arranged on the right and the product insert 112 It is located on the left. The product feed slide is also still there. 116 depicted.

[0154] In Fig. 4 you can see the slider 113with its length S. In the product insert 112 There are no products yet. O arranged. The stacking device 111 has the first products O , more precisely, six stacks of products O provided.

[0155] In Fig. The product feed slider has 5 116 the products O already in the product slot 112 pushed, with only four stacks subsequently being pushed from the slider 113 can be postponed further.

[0156] In Fig. 6 are the four movable stacks with the slider. 113 The S length has already been inserted into the box. Two stacks of products O The remaining quantity stays in the anteroom of the product insertion. 112 stand. Furthermore, the stacking device has 111 six stacks of products again O provided.

[0157] In Fig. Figure 7 shows how the product feed slider 116 the products O from the stacking device 111 to the product insert 112 has moved it. Now the first four stacks can be moved from the slider. 113 in a cardboard box K to be transported. The product feed slide can then be used. 116 Position the remaining four stacks, and these can also be removed from the slider. 113 into the box K be promoted.

[0158] Here the described process starts again from the beginning (i.e., at Fig. 1) on.

[0159] Overall, the throughput of the packaging machine can thus be determined. 100 increase, or rather, this is not increased by the stacking device 111 limited. Reference symbol list 100 packaging machines 110 Product feed 111 Stacking device 112 Product Insert 113 sliders 114 Incorrect part rejection 115 Control device 116 Product feed slides 120 cardboard magazine 130 setup station 140 Carton packing station 150 labeling equipment 151 Labeling tongue 152 Labelling magazine 160 Carton conveyor system 170 Carton sealing station 175 Carton turning station 180 palletizing station 181 Platform 182 Scara robots 183 upper arm 184 forearm 185 Hand 186 Main body 190 pallet feeder 191 Pallet loading station O product K cardboard C Cardboard cutout Z Palette

Claims

[1] Packaging machine (100) for packaging products (O) in cartons (K), wherein the packaging machine (100) comprises the following: - a product feed (110) for feeding products (O) to be packed in cartons (K); - a cardboard magazine (120) in which a plurality of preferably glued cardboard blanks are arranged folded at least substantially flat; and - a preferably stationary setup station (130) for setting up cardboard blanks to form at least substantially cuboid open cartons (K), wherein the product feed (110) has a first conveying direction that is at least substantially horizontal, wherein the setup station (130) is arranged in an at least substantially horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction next to the carton magazine (120), and wherein the setup station (130) is designed such that it is stationary at least in the horizontal transverse direction. [2] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the carton magazine (120) is arranged above the product feed (110) such that the products (O) are passed under the carton magazine (120) by means of the product feed (110). [3] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setup station (130) is configured to set up the cardboard blanks at a height in the first conveying direction at which the cardboard magazine (120) is also arranged. [4] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 3, wherein the packaging machine (100) further comprises an operator side, and wherein the carton magazine (120) is located on the operator side and the setup station (130) is located behind the carton magazine (120) away from the operator side. [5] Packaging machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product feed (110) has a stacking device (111) which is configured at least to stack a first group of products (O) vertically above or below a second group of products (O). [6] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 5, wherein the stacking device (111) is further configured to convey the stacked groups of products (O) from a lower level to a vertically higher upper level. [7] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the products (O) are fed to the stacking device (111) in the first conveying direction and are conveyed further from the stacking device (111) in a second conveying direction, wherein the second conveying direction is at least substantially opposite to the first conveying direction. [8] Packaging machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging machine (100) further comprises a carton packing station (140) for packing the cartons (K) with products (O), wherein the carton packing station (140) is arranged downstream in the first conveying direction next to the setup station (130). [9] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 8, wherein a product insert (112) is arranged at the end of the product feed (110) in which a group of products (O) to be packaged is collected, wherein a slider (113) is arranged on the product insert (112) which is configured to push the group of products (O) to be packaged into a carton (K) at the carton packing station (140) in an at least substantially horizontal sliding direction, wherein the sliding direction is at least substantially perpendicular to the first conveying direction. [10] Packaging machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging machine (100) further comprises a labeling device (150) which is designed to provide a carton (K) with a label, preferably from below. [11] Packaging machine (100) according to at least claim 8, which further comprises a carton conveying device (160) configured to transport cartons (K) from the setup station (130) to the carton packing station (140) and from the carton packing station (140) to a carton sealing station (170) where an open carton (K) is folded and / or glued to form a closed carton (K), wherein the conveying direction of the carton conveying device (160) is in the direction of the first conveying direction. [12] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 10, wherein the labeling device (150) is arranged at least substantially below the carton conveying device (160). [13] Packaging machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging machine (100) further comprises: - a palletizing station (180) comprising a platform (181) and a Scara robot (182) arranged on the platform (181), which is designed to move cartons (K) to be stored on pallets (Z); - a pallet feeder (190) designed to feed empty pallets (Z) along a path, wherein the platform (181) is designed as a bridge and the path passes under the platform (181) of the palletizing station (180). [14] Packaging machine (100) according to claim 13, wherein the platform (181) serves as an intermediate storage area for cartons (K) to be placed on pallets (Z). [15] Method for packing products (O) into cartons (K) using a packaging machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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