Package forming device with setting device

Abstract

A package forming device (1) for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods (2), comprising a collecting section (3) with a conveying device (4) for the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged, preferably in the form of an imbricated stream (5), which are collected lying down and are to be packaged, and a stop device (6) arranged downstream of the collecting section for forming a counter-support in the conveying direction for the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged, wherein a setting-up device (7) is provided for setting up the flat cardboard goods (2) in an upright orientation relative to the conveying direction, wherein a control device (8) is provided for influencing and / or activating the setting-up device (7), characterized in that a position sensor (9) is provided for detecting a position of the and / or a marking on the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged,to send a signal to the control unit (8) and / or the stop device (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a package forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods, as well as to a device for carrying out packaging steps for several flat cardboard goods to be packaged together, and to a corresponding method according to claims 1 and 11. State of the art:

[0002] Boxes or cartons are often used for product packaging. To facilitate the handling of these boxes or cartons, even in large quantities, they are usually provided in the form of prefabricated, flat cardboard products that can be folded into boxes, so-called folding box cartons.

[0003] During the production of such folding boxboards, they are usually ejected from the relevant device in a continuous shingled stream and packed downstream into packages containing a desired number of folding boxboards.

[0004] Depending on the product to be packaged, such folding box cartons can vary considerably in size, shape and surface finish.

[0005] In the prior art, EP 0 118 849 A1 shows a packaging device for forming a package from foldable cardboard boxes which are conveyed in a stream-like manner on a collecting line with a stop device and a self-adjustable conveying speed.

[0006] US 4 824 093 A discloses a bundling machine for arranging and bundling documents conveyed in a shingled stream.

[0007] DE 10 2012 212 825 A1 discloses a product stacking device for forming product stacks from product groups fed in an imbricated stream. Object and advantages of the invention:

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a type of packaging that is as gentle as possible for flat cardboard goods that can be folded into folding boxes and have different sizes, shapes and / or surface properties for each batch size.

[0009] This problem is solved by independent claims 1 and 11. The dependent claims specify advantageous and expedient developments.

[0010] Accordingly, the invention relates to a package-forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard products, comprising a collecting section with a conveying device for the flat cardboard products to be packaged, preferably collected horizontally in the form of an imbricated stream, and a stop device arranged downstream of the collecting section for forming a counter-support in the conveying direction for the flat cardboard products to be packaged. This device is characterized by the provision of a positioning device for positioning the flat cardboard products in an upright orientation relative to the conveying direction.

[0011] This allows the flat cardboard goods to be packaged to be lifted at the front in the downstream area, so that the first flat cardboard goods to be packaged then hits the stop device with its flat side after further conveying movement and the subsequent ones each hit the one preceding them.

[0012] The flat cardboard items to be assembled into a package are pressed together as far as necessary for compaction and can then be further processed. For example, they can be banded to permanently secure the formed package and / or placed in packaging designed for the package.

[0013] A collection section is defined as an area of the package forming device into or onto which the flat cardboard goods to be packaged can be delivered from an upstream source. The conveying device can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt by means of which the flat cardboard goods are moved further.

[0014] Alternatively and / or additionally, a conveying device in the form of a sliding mechanism may be provided, such as an arm movably attached to a rail.

[0015] A control device can be provided to influence and / or activate the installation device. This allows the installation process to be made dependent on predefined conditions.

[0016] For example, a position sensor can be provided to detect the position of and / or a marking on the flat cardboard goods to be packaged, transmitting a signal to the control unit and / or the stop device. Upon receipt of this signal, the positioning device can be activated either immediately or with a delay, depending on whether the flat cardboard goods are to be lifted for positioning immediately or at a later time.

[0017] The latter is generally advantageous for larger dimensions of the flat cardboard product. This allows, for example, the shortest possible contact time and, in particular, the shortest possible contact distance between the surface of the flat cardboard product to be erected and the part of the erection device that effects the erection, the erector, in the most gentle way possible.

[0018] This is very important, especially for expensive and / or high-quality products, such as perfumes, etc., because the surfaces of such folding boxes are designed with attractive appearance and / or tactile properties and are therefore susceptible to damage.

[0019] It is helpful to record a reference between the flat cardboard item being set up and the distance it has traveled. For example, to precisely determine the next position of the flat cardboard item being set up.

[0020] For this purpose, a distance sensor is provided to record the distance traveled by the flat cardboard goods to be packaged and to transmit this distance to the control unit and / or the setting device.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit can be designed in such a way that it activates the setting device depending on at least one product parameter communicated to it regarding the flat cardboard goods to be packaged and their position in the conveying direction.

[0022] The at least one product parameter can be a single parameter, or more than one, from the following non-exhaustive list: - Size, structure, shape of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged, - their focus, - their surface properties such as friction, sensitivity, position of an adhesive seam, etc.

[0023] The erection device can further comprise a stand which, in the activated state of the erection device, presses from below against at least one of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged in order to erect it with respect to the conveying direction.

[0024] The stand is preferably designed as a removable part. This offers the possibility of adapting the package forming device to the properties of the flat cardboard goods it is to process into packages by selecting the most suitable stand or, if necessary, even a stand manufactured specifically for this purpose.

[0025] For this purpose, the contours of the stand can preferably be adapted to the nature of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged in their contact area, in particular with regard to angles, radii, bevels, coatings, etc.

[0026] To operate the stand, the stand can have a lifting mechanism acting on the stand, so that the flat cardboard items to be packaged are lifted on one side. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a piston rod controlled by a cylinder.

[0027] For flat cardboard goods with particularly sensitive surfaces, the erection device can, alternatively or additionally, have a pivoting mechanism acting on the erector, so that the flat cardboard goods to be packaged are pivoted upwards on one side.

[0028] Further advantageously, the erection device, in particular the stand in the erected state, can be arranged so as to be movable in the conveying direction of the flat cardboard goods relative to the stop device and / or conversely, the stop device relative to the erection device, in particular relative to the stand in the erected state.

[0029] This allows the erection device and / or the erector to be moved in the conveying direction along with the flat cardboard goods it has erected until they rest against the stop device and have been joined together to form the intended package by further pushing the individual flat cardboard goods against each other.

[0030] This results in a gentle feed movement of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged, without any relative movement between the downstream first and the erector.

[0031] Cylinder and / or spindle and / or belt drives etc. can be provided for these movements.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a device for carrying out packaging steps for a plurality of flat cardboard products to be packaged together, which device comprises a package forming device. This package forming device can be designed according to one or more of the previously described embodiments of package forming devices.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods by bringing them along a collecting path, preferably in the form of an imbricated stream, and conveying them with a conveying device for these flat cardboard goods against a stop device arranged downstream of the collecting path to form a counter bearing in the conveying direction, wherein the flat cardboard goods are set up in a standing orientation relative to the conveying direction by means of a setting up device during this conveying movement.

[0034] The positioning device positions the flat cardboard goods depending on the position of a flat cardboard goods and at least one product parameter.

[0035] The at least one product parameter may be a single parameter or more than one, from the following non-exhaustive list: - Size, structure, shape of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged, - their focus, - their surface properties such as friction, sensitivity, position of an adhesive seam, etc.

[0036] The package forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods, as well as the related method, can be briefly explained in other words as follows.

[0037] The erection unit is required to move the first folding box cartons, separated as a batch from the incoming shingle stream, from the horizontal position to the vertical position, i.e., to erect them. In the subsequent process, this separated shingle stream is pushed together to form a bundle.

[0038] A sensor is activated by the incoming shingle flow. From this point on, a rotary encoder and stored product data are used to calculate the path until the folding box cartons reach the set-up position. The shingle flow is set up by the extension movement of the set-up device.

[0039] During erection, the decisive factor is the point at which the folding box is hit by the erector. Depending on the product, the path until the erector extends is stored in the recipe, i.e., the control program.

[0040] The advantage of this setup function is that it can respond to a wide variety of product parameters. Product parameters of folding boxboards can include: -Size, structure, shape -Focus -Surface properties such as friction, sensitivity, position of glue seam, etc.

[0041] A further advantage is the design of the stand as a replaceable part.

[0042] The stand can be designed in various shapes with different angles, radii, bevels, coatings, etc. so that any product feature can be accommodated.

[0043] Another design of the stand can be implemented as follows. The stand unit is additionally equipped with a device that enables a rotating movement. This design has the advantage, especially for larger formats, that the surface is not damaged by the increased weight and unfavorable center of gravity during the stand-up process. The folding box cartons run over the stand and are then placed on the surface without any relative movement. Description of an example:

[0044] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0045] Accordingly, the following show examples and schematically: Fig. 1: A package forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods. Fig. 2: A detailed view of the package forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods, with a setting device for the flat cardboard goods in an inactive position. Fig. 3: A further detailed view of the package forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods, with a setting device for the flat cardboard goods in the active position. Fig. 4: A further detailed view of the package forming device for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods, with a setting device for the flat cardboard goods in Fig. 2 alternative, inactive position. Fig. 5: Another detailed view of the package forming device, in which the setting device with the flat cardboard goods set up with it is shown in the illustrations in the Fig. 2 to 4 have advanced against a stop device to form a counter bearing in the conveying direction for the flat cardboard goods.

[0046] Accordingly, the Fig. 1 a package forming device 1 for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods 2. This comprises a collecting section 3 with a conveying device 4 and / or 14 for the, in the form of an imbricated stream 5 (cf. Fig. 2), flat cardboard goods collected lying down and to be packaged 2.

[0047] The conveying device 4 may, for example, comprise at least one conveyor belt 4. Alternatively and / or additionally, a conveying device 14 may also be provided, e.g., in the form of a sliding mechanism, such as an arm movably mounted on a rail and corresponding gripping means.

[0048] Downstream of the collecting section 3, a stop device 6 is arranged to form a counter bearing in the conveying direction 4 for the flat cardboard goods 2 to be packaged.

[0049] Furthermore, a setting device 7 is provided for setting up the flat cardboard goods 2 in a standing orientation relative to the conveying direction of the conveying device 4, 14.

[0050] A control device 8 is provided to influence and / or activate the setting device 7.

[0051] A position sensor 9 is provided to detect a position of and / or a marking on the flat cardboard goods 2 to be packaged in order to emit a signal to the control unit 8 and / or the stop device 7.

[0052] A distance sensor 10 is provided to record the distance traveled by the flat cardboard goods to be packaged and to transmit this distance to the control unit.

[0053] In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the erection device 7 comprises a stand 7.1 which, in the activated state of the erection device 7, when the flat cardboard goods have been conveyed a correspondingly far, presses at least against one of the flat cardboard goods 2 to be packaged from below in order to erect it with respect to the conveying direction. In the illustrations of Fig. For reasons of clarity, the flat cardboard goods 2 are shown in Figures 2 to 4 still removed from this position.

[0054] The installation device 7 has a lifting mechanism 7.2 acting on the stand 7.1, so that the stand 7.1 can be lifted ( Fig. 3) and, if the flat cardboard goods have been advanced accordingly, the flat cardboard goods 2 to be packaged can be lifted on one side.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the installation device 7 can have a pivoting mechanism 7.4 acting on the stand 7.1 ( Fig. 4) so that the flat cardboard goods to be packaged can be swung up on one side.

[0056] In order to be able to move the erected, flat cardboard goods 2 further in the conveying direction, the erection device 7, in particular the erector 7.1 in the erected state, can be arranged so as to be movable in the conveying direction of the flat cardboard goods 2 relative to the stop device 6 and / or conversely, the stop device 6 relative to the erection device 7, in particular relative to the erector 7.1 in the erected state.

[0057] For this purpose, for example, an adjusting mechanism 11 can be provided which acts on the setting device 7, in particular on the setting device 7.1, and / or on the stop device 6.

[0058] Fig.5 shows the flat cardboard goods 2 erected by the erector 7.1 together with the latter advanced against the stop device 6, shortly before contact with the latter. List of reference symbols: 1 package forming device 2 flat cardboard goods 3 collection route 4 Conveyor device 5 Scale flow 6 Stop device 7 Installation device 7.1 Stand 7.2 Lifting mechanism 8 Control device 9 Position sensor 10 displacement sensor 11 Adjusting mechanism 14 Conveyor device

Claims

[1] Package forming device (1) for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods (2), comprising a collecting section (3) with a conveying device (4) for the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged, preferably in the form of an imbricated stream (5), collected lying down, and a stop device (6) arranged downstream of the collecting section for forming a counter-support in the conveying direction for the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged, wherein a setting-up device (7) is provided for setting up the flat cardboard goods (2) in a standing orientation relative to the conveying direction, wherein a control device (8) is provided for influencing and / or activating the setting-up device (7), characterized bythat a position sensor (9) is provided for detecting a position of and / or a marking on the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged in order to emit a signal to the control unit (8) and / or the stop device (6). [2] Packet forming device according to claim 1, characterized by that a distance sensor (10) is provided for detecting the distance travelled by the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged and for transmitting this distance to the control unit (8). [3] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (8) is designed such that it activates the setting-up device (7) depending on at least one product parameter communicated to it relating to the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged and their position in the conveying direction. [4] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one product parameter can be a single parameter or more than one, from the following non-exhaustive list: - Size, structure, shape of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged, - their focus, - their surface properties such as friction, sensitivity, position of an adhesive seam, etc. [5] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the erecting device (7) comprises a stand (7.1) which, in the activated state of the erecting device (7), presses from below against at least one of the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged in order to erect it with respect to the conveying direction. [6] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the stand (7.1) is designed as a replaceable part. [7] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the erection device (7) has a lifting mechanism (7.2) acting on the erector (7.1) so that the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged are lifted on one side. [8] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the erection device (7) has a pivoting mechanism acting on the erector (7) so that the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged are pivoted upwards on one side. [9] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the erection device (7), in particular the erector (7.1) in the erected state, is arranged to be movable in the conveying direction of the flat cardboard goods (2) relative to the stop device (6) and / or conversely, the stop device (6) relative to the erection device (7), in particular relative to the erector (7.1) in the erected state. [10] Packet forming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contours of the stand (7.1) are adapted to the nature of the flat cardboard goods (2) to be packaged in their contact area, in particular with regard to angles, radii, bevels, coatings, etc. [11] Method for forming a package from a number of flat cardboard goods (2) by bringing them along a collecting section (3), preferably in the form of an imbricated stream (5), and conveying them with a conveying device (4) for these flat cardboard goods (2) against a stop device (6) arranged downstream of the collecting section (3) to form a counter-bearing in the conveying direction, wherein the flat cardboard goods (2) are set up in a standing orientation relative to the conveying direction by means of a setting-up device (7) during this conveying movement, wherein a control device (8) is used to act on and / or activate the setting-up device (7), characterized by that the setting-up device (7) sets up the flat cardboard goods (2) depending on the position of a flat cardboard goods (2) and at least one product parameter. [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized bythat at least one product parameter is a single parameter or that it is more than one from the following non-exhaustive list: - Size, structure, shape of the flat cardboard goods to be packaged, - their focus, - their surface properties such as friction, sensitivity, position of an adhesive seam, etc.

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