Packaging machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging machine (1) for packaging detonators (2), wherein the detonators (2) are delivered directly from detonator production in a detonator box (3) and inserted into the packaging machine (1) together with the detonator box (3), comprising: a receiving device (6) into which the detonator box (3) can be inserted in a first level, a feeding device (18) arranged in a second level, which has a plurality of spaced-apart channels (19) into which the individual detonators (2) can be fed gravimetrically from the detonator box (3), and a carrier (20) by means of which the detonators (2) fed into the individual channels (19) can be received and transported along the channels (19) into a packaging container (21).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for packaging detonators, a detonator box intended for use in the packaging machine according to the invention, and a system for packaging detonators which comprises the packaging machine according to the invention and the detonator box.

[0002] Packaging machines for packaging detonators, such as mining detonators, are generally known from the state of the art. A typical problem here is the detonators themselves, which are highly explosive and, for safety reasons, must be stored at a defined and safety-related distance from each other during production. For this purpose, detonator boxes, so-called wooden trays, are used. The detonators are delivered directly from the detonator production line and then transferred into a packaging container ready for delivery. In the packaging machines known from the state of the art, this is usually done according to the so-called pick & place principle, which, however, does not meet today's requirements for the high cycle times that such a packaging machine must ensure.

[0003] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing a packaging machine for packaging detonators that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0004] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a packaging machine having the features of patent claim 1.

[0005] The packaging machine according to the invention, which is intended for packaging detonators, comprises a receiving device into which a detonator box can be inserted in a first (height) plane, a feeding device arranged in a second (height) plane, which has a plurality of spaced-apart channels into which the individual detonators can be fed gravimetrically from the detonator box, and a carrier, via which the detonators fed into the individual channels can be received and transported along the channels into a packaging container.

[0006] The packaging machine according to the invention operates according to a gravimetric principle, with the drop height between the individual transfer stations being limited to such an extent that detonation of the detonators is excluded. The detonators, delivered from the production machine in the detonator box with a large safety margin, can be first compressed into a tight grid with very high cycle times using this packaging machine and then transferred as a compact arrangement into a space-saving packaging container, which is then suitable for further transport.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and can define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, where further preferred embodiments of the invention are presented.

[0008] The first part is the receiving device, which preferably has a movable carrier on which the detonator box can be positioned. The carrier can advantageously be designed to be movable via a linear unit, so that a row of detonators can be transferred gravimetrically from the detonator box into the feed device located below.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the channels of the feed device are designed to run spirally, thus enabling the detonators, which are delivered with a large safety distance, to be compacted particularly easily. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of channels are separated from one another by webs, in particular at an end of the feed device that supplies the detonators. In this context, it is further preferred that the webs only extend over part of the channel section, so that two adjacent channels merge into a single channel after a partial section. This allows the cycle times to be further improved, since the gravimetric transfer of each row of detonators can be transferred alternately to the feed device.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the feed device comprises a first upper element and a second lower element, and the carrier is rotatably arranged between the two elements of the feed device. Using a feed device designed in this way, different lengths of detonators can be packaged via the packaging machine.

[0011] Throughout the entire packaging process, there is always a risk that the detonators will explode due to voltage breakdowns. To prevent this, conductive materials are typically used to prevent charging and discharging. In a particularly advantageous design variant, both elements of the feeder are made of a conductive plastic. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has proven particularly advantageous in this context. In addition to its electrical conductivity, this plastic also exhibits particularly advantageous shock-absorbing properties.

[0012] The driver is preferably star-shaped, comprising a base element, via which the driver can be connected, for example, to a drive unit, and a plurality of arms extending radially from the base element. The individual arms of the driver have slot-shaped openings, into each of which a replaceable insert, which is particularly preferably made of a conductive plastic, is inserted. Here, too, it is preferably provided that the respective replaceable insert is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0013] To further increase the level of safety of the present packaging machine, it can preferably have a monitoring device by means of which the gravimetric transfer of the detonators in the area of ​​the receiving device can be detected. The monitoring device can, for example, comprise an optoelectronic device, such as a light barrier and a mirror.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring device can comprise three sensor arrangements, each arranged at different heights in the region of the receiving device. Preferably, a first sensor arrangement can be arranged above the first height in such a way that the detonators in the detonator box can be detected via it. Furthermore, a second sensor arrangement can preferably be arranged above the feed device, in particular between the feed device and the carrier, in such a way that blockages between the inserted detonator box and the feed device can be detected via it. Furthermore, a third sensor arrangement can preferably be arranged between the first upper element and the second lower element of the feed device in such a way that the detonators transferred into the channels can be detected via it.

[0015] A further measure for creating a high safety standard is advantageously achieved by the packaging machine comprising a packaging container receiving device arranged in a third (height) plane, which has at least two, preferably pivotable, joining aids, via which the detonators fed into the packaging container can be positioned offset from one another. This also minimizes the workload for the operator of the packaging machine according to the invention. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the packaging container receiving device has means by which the packaging container can be adjusted in three different spatial directions.

[0016] In order to prevent the detonators from falling over during the gravimetric transfer into the packaging container, it is preferably provided that the packaging machine is arranged in an inclined position with respect to a floor plane.

[0017] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an igniter box for use in the packaging machine according to the invention, comprising a pallet with a plurality of holes, each arranged in mutually offset rows, and a displaceably designed base element.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the detonator box can comprise a locking means, which is designed, for example, in the form of a locking pin. The locking means can be used to lock the base element to prevent unintentional displacement of the base element when the detonator box is filled with detonator.

[0019] Preferably, the locking means is designed in the form of a locking bolt having a locking bolt pin mounted via a spring element with a locking bolt head.

[0020] In a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a system for packaging detonators, comprising the packaging machine according to the invention and the detonator box according to the invention.

[0021] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the illustrated proportions are only schematic. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary. They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the invention in a first perspective view, Fig. 2 which in Fig. 1 shown embodiment variant in a second perspective view, Fig. 3 a partial section of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown version, Fig. 4 a variant of the detonator box in a first perspective view, Fig. 5 which in Fig. 4 shown variant of the detonator box in a second perspective view, Fig. 6a / b two sectional views of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown variant, Fig. 7 shows another section of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown variant in an exploded view, Fig. 8 a plan view of a partial section of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown version, Fig. 9 a sectional view of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown version, Fig. 10 a plan view of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown version, Fig. 11 another section of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown version, Fig. 12 a detailed view of the packaging container receiving device, and Fig. 13 a side view of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown version.

[0022] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a variant of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention, which serves for packaging detonators 2. Such detonators 2 generally comprise a cylindrical container into which the explosive is introduced in measured quantities. The container is then transported from the detonator production line, usually in a detonator box 3 made of a wood material, directly to the next workstation, which is then transferred into a packaging container ready for delivery. Since detonators are produced in very high quantities, such a packaging machine 1 must be able to guarantee very high cycle times in addition to the required safety standards.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the packaging machine 1 comprises a frame 4 which is provided with a table top 5 and on which a receiving device 6 is arranged, via which the detonator box 3 coming from production and filled with detonators 2 can be inserted in a first level.

[0024] For this purpose, the receiving device 6 has a carrier 7 (see Fig. 3) into which the detonator box 3 can be inserted by an operator of the packaging machine 1. The carrier 7 forms part of a linear unit 8, which comprises the receiving device 6 and via which the carrier 7 can be moved linearly along the rails 9. In order to fix the detonator box 3 to the carrier 7, the receiving device 6 is provided in the present case for the receiving device 6 to comprise two hold-down devices 10, via which the detonator box 3 can be clamped. Furthermore, the receiving device 6 has a pin strip 11 running transversely to the rails 9, which has two vertically projecting pins 12. A base element 13 of the detonator box 3 can be locked to the receiving device 6 via the pins 12, so that a row of holes 15, into which the detonators 2 are inserted, can be released via the linear movement of the detonator box 3, in particular of the clamped pallet 14.

[0025] Such a detonator box 3 is in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 as an example. This is intended for use in the present packaging machine 1 and, in the embodiment shown, comprises a pallet 14 made of a wooden material, which has a plurality of holes 15 positioned in rows offset from one another and in which the detonators 2 can be stored at a defined and safety-related distance from one another. The displaceably designed base element 13 can, for example, consist of a wooden plate which is displaceably inserted into two mutually parallel grooves 16 of the pallet 14. In a region at the front towards the operator, the base element 13 has two holes 17, via which the base element 13 can then be locked with the pins 12 of the receiving device 6.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the detonator box 3 from the underside. This illustration shows the two locking means 14.1, by means of which the base element 13 can be locked against unintentional displacement. The locking means 14.1 can, for example, be designed in the form of locking bolts arranged in a bore of the pallet 14 (see Fig. 6a / 6b) and the base element 13 via a mechanism. As can be seen from the two illustrations, the locking means or the locking bolt 14.1 has a locking bolt pin 14.2 mounted on a spring element 14.4 with a locking bolt head 14.3. In a locked state, the locking bolt head 14.3 engages in a recess (not shown) of the base element 13, as can be seen from Fig. 6a. As soon as the igniter box 3 is clamped into the carrier 7 of the receiving device 6, the locking pin 14.2 is pressed downwards against the spring force of the spring element 14.4, so that the locking pin head 14.3 releases the base element 13 (see Fig. 6b).

[0027] As already explained, the packaging machine 1 is designed such that the detonator box 3 filled with detonators 2 is inserted into it in a first (height) plane. In a second (height) plane arranged below, the packaging machine 1 then comprises a feed device 18 which has a plurality of spaced-apart channels 19 into which the individual detonators 2 can be gravimetrically fed from the detonator box 3 arranged above as soon as the pallet 14 is moved. The plurality of channels 19 of the feed device 18 are designed to run spirally, so that their lateral spacing, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 6 to 8, from an end supplying the detonators 2 to an end discharging the detonators 2, the diameter of the channel decreases continuously along the channel section. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the channels 19 are separated from each other by webs 19.1 at the end supplying the detonators 2. The webs 19.1 extend only over part of the channel section, so that two adjacent channels merge into a single channel, which then extends to the end of the channel section supplying the detonators 2. The distance between two adjacent channels 19 at the end feeding the detonators 2 essentially corresponds to the offset of the two rows of holes 15 in the pallet 14. In this respect, a first row arrangement of detonators 2 from the detonator box 3 can be fed gravimetrically to the channels K1, K3, K5, K7, K9, K11, K13 and K15 of the feed device 18 arranged below, whereas the next row arrangement can then be fed to the channels K2, K4, K6, K8, K10, K12, K14 and K16.

[0028] The row of detonators 2 transferred into the feed device 18 is then transported via a carrier 20 to the end of the feed device 18 where the detonators 2 are discharged, where a gravimetric transfer to a packaging container 21 then takes place again in a subsequent step.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the feed device 18, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 6, a first upper element 18.1 and a second lower element 18.2, wherein the driver 20 is rotatably arranged between the two elements 18.1, 18.2 of the feed device 18, such that by its rotary movement it transports a row of detonators 2 from the end of the feed device 18 feeding the detonators 2 to the end discharging the detonators 2.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the lower element 18.2 of the feeding device 18 is inserted into a recess 5.1 of the table top 5 and fixed thereto, as can be seen from Fig. 9. The upper element 18.1 is then positioned at a specific distance from the lower element 18.2 via spacers (not shown) and connected to it. To ensure maximum safety, the two elements 18.1, 18.2 are made of a conductive and particularly soft plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0031] To further increase the level of safety, the packaging machine 1 also includes a monitoring device 31, via which the gravimetric transfer of the detonators 2 from the detonator box 3 into the individual channels 19 of the feed device 18 can be detected, for example, to identify blockages. The monitoring device 31 can, for example, comprise an optoelectronic device, such as a light barrier. One embodiment of an advantageous arrangement of the monitoring device 31 is shown in Fig. 9. Here, the monitoring device 31 preferably comprises three opto-electronic units, each comprising a light barrier 31.1 with a mirror element 31.2 arranged opposite it. The three units are arranged at different heights to detect the gravimetric transfer. As can be seen from the illustration, a first unit is arranged above the first height in order to detect the detonators 2 still located in the detonator box 3. A second unit is then arranged above the feed device 18, in particular above the element 18.1, in order to identify any blockages that may arise during the gravimetric transfer. A third unit is arranged above the element 18.2 of the feed device 18 in order to be able to determine whether the corresponding detonator 2 was correctly transferred into the respective channel 19.

[0032] The carrier 20, via which the igniters 2 fed into the individual channels 19 can be received and transported along the channels 19 to the packaging container 21, is star-shaped in the present embodiment, such that it comprises a base element 22 and a plurality of arms 23 extending radially from the base element 22 (see Fig. 6). This is driven by a rotary drive located centrally below the table top 5. As can be seen from the figures, the individual arms 23 of the driver 20 comprise slot-shaped openings 24 (see Fig. 6), into each of which an interchangeable insert 25 with a slot-shaped opening 26 is inserted. The length of the slot-shaped opening 26 essentially corresponds to the distance between the first channel K1 and the sixteenth channel K16. In the present embodiment, the interchangeable inserts are made of the same conductive plastic as the two elements 18.1, 18.2 of the feed device 18 in order to ensure the required safety standards.

[0033] As already explained, a further gravimetric transfer takes place at the end of the feed device 18 that discharges the detonators 2. For this purpose, the table plate 5 comprises an opening in this area, through which the detonators 2 fall into the packaging containers 21 positioned below the opening in a compact row arrangement, which is caused by the spiral course of the channels 19. In order to optimize the packaging process, the packaging machine 1 in the present embodiment comprises a packaging container receiving device 27 arranged in a third (height) plane with a receiving plate 28 on which the packaging container 21 is positioned (see Fig. 9 and Fig.10). This comprises, on the one hand, two pivotable joining aids 29, by means of which the detonators 2 fed into the packaging container 21 can be positioned offset from one another, as well as further means by which the packaging container 21 can be adjusted in three different spatial directions. As soon as the packaging container 21 has been filled, the entire packaging container receiving device 27 can be moved via a linear drive 30 to the operator, who removes the filled packaging container 21 and replaces it with an empty one. The packaging container receiving device 27 is then moved back to its starting position and refilled by first inserting a new detonator box 3 into the receiving device 6.

[0034] As can also be seen from the figures, the packaging machine 1 is arranged at an incline relative to a floor level. This essentially ensures that the detonators 2, which are gravimetrically transferred into the packaging container 21, do not fall over and thus disrupt the packaging process. List of reference symbols 1 packaging machine 2 detonators 3 igniter box 4 frame 5 Table top 5.1 Recess 6 Recording device 7 carriers 8 Linear unit 9 rails 10 hold-down clamps 11 pin header 12 pens 13 Floor element 14 pallets 14.1 Locking device / locking bolt 14.2 Locking pin 14.3 Locking bolt head 14.4 Spring element 15 holes 16 grooves 17 holes 18 Feeding device 18.1 upper element 18.2 lower element 19 channels 19.1 Bridges 20 carriers 21 packaging containers 22 Basic element 23 arms 24 slit-shaped opening of the arm 25 interchangeable inserts 26 slot-shaped opening of the interchangeable insert 27 Packaging container receiving device 28 Mounting plate 29 joining aids 30 linear actuators 31 Monitoring device 31.1 Light barrier 31.2 Mirror element

Claims

[1] Packaging machine (1) for packaging detonators (2), wherein the detonators (2) are delivered in a detonator box (3) directly from the detonator production and are inserted into the packaging machine (1) with the detonator box (3), comprising: a receiving device (6) into which the detonator box (3) can be inserted in a first plane, a feed device (18) arranged in a second plane, which has a plurality of spaced-apart channels (19) into which the individual detonators (2) can be fed gravimetrically from the detonator box (3), and a carrier (20) via which the igniters (2) fed into the individual channels (19) can be picked up and transported along the channels (19) into a packaging container (21). [2] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second level is arranged below the first level. [3] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channels (19) of the feed device (18) are formed spirally. [4] Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed device (18) has a first upper element (18.1) and a second lower element (18.2) and the driver (20) is rotatably arranged between the two elements (18.1, 18.2) of the feed device (18). [5] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the two elements (18.1, 18.2) of the feed device (18) consist of a conductive plastic, in particular of polyetheretherketone. [6] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the driver (20) is star-shaped in such a way that it comprises a base element (22) and a plurality of arms (23) extending radially from the base element (22). [7] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the individual arms (23) of the driver (20) comprise slot-shaped openings (24) into each of which an interchangeable insert (25) with a slot-shaped opening (26) is inserted. [8] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein each of the interchangeable inserts (25) consists of a conductive plastic, in particular of polyetheretherketone. [9] Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a monitoring device by means of which the gravimetric transfer of the detonators (2) in the region of the receiving device (6) can be detected. [10] Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a packaging container receiving device (27) arranged in a third plane, which has at least two, preferably pivotable, joining aids (29) by means of which the igniters (2) fed into the packaging container (21) can be positioned offset from one another. [11] Packaging machine (1) according to claim 10, wherein the packaging container receiving device (27) has means by which the packaging container (21) can be adjusted in the three different spatial directions. [12] Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (6) has a carrier (7) which can be moved, preferably via a linear unit (8), and on which the igniter box (3) can be positioned. [13] Packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is arranged in an inclined position with respect to a floor plane. [14] Igniter box (3) for use in a packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pallet (14) with a plurality of holes (15) which are each arranged in mutually offset rows, and a displaceably designed base element (13). [15] Ignition box according to claim 14, wherein it comprises a locking means (14.1) by means of which the base element (13) can be locked to the pallet (14). [16] System for packaging detonators (2), comprising a packaging machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13 and a detonator box (3) according to claim 14 or 15.

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