Packaging material processing line for fully automated processing of packaging material cartons, as well as computer program product and use

Abstract

Packaging material processing line (100) configured for the fully automated processing of packaging material cartons (1) into packaging material products (3) in at least one longitudinal section (x1,..., xn) of the packaging material processing line (100) by at least one processing step from the group consisting of aligning, embossing, folding, gluing, cutting, printing, and bundling, wherein the packaging material cartons (1) are arranged along a longitudinal axis (X1) of the packaging material processing line and are processed at least approximately in a principal extension plane (xy1) to produce the packaging material products; characterized in that the packaging material processing line (100) is configured to process the packaging material cartons (1) in the principal extension plane, in particular starting from a longitudinal alignment, at a predefinable angle other than 0° and other than 90° to the longitudinal axis.preferably also adjustable during processing or at least along the longitudinal axis, to align in at least one inclined position according to at least one predefined or predefinable inclined angle and to process in the at least one inclined position by at least one of the processing steps in the corresponding at least one longitudinal section, in particular inclined / tilted by at least one azimuth angle in the range of 1° to 20°, wherein the packaging material processing line (100) has a plurality of webs (11, 12, 13) that can be individually controlled at least with respect to translational displacement speed, which act on the packaging material cartons (1) on at least one side of the main extension plane at at least approximately the same longitudinal position and at at least two different transverse positions, wherein the packaging material processing line (100) is set upto control the (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position by means of the plurality of paths (11, 12, 13) based on at least two different and coordinated velocity parameters (Pg).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging material processing line for the fully automated processing of packaging material cartons into packaging material products in at least one longitudinal section of the packaging material processing line by at least one processing step from the group consisting of aligning, embossing, folding, gluing, cutting, printing, and bundling, wherein the packaging material cartons are arranged along a longitudinal axis and at least approximately in a principal plane of extension for the production of the packaging material products. Furthermore, the present invention relates to computer-implemented measures for controlling a corresponding process as well as measures for the computer-aided implementation of the operation of such a packaging material processing line, particularly in the case of continuous feed and in processes also including a folding operation of the cartons.Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a control device configured for implementing such a control system. Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of a plurality of separately controllable drives for advancing the cardboard boxes, as well as the use of a control device for controlling a material transfer at successive longitudinal sections of the packaging material processing line. In particular, the invention relates to a packaging material processing line and computer implementations, each according to the preamble of the respective independent claim. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When processing cardboard packaging materials automatically to create packaging products intended for the distribution of consumer goods to end consumers, a high degree of accuracy and quality is required for each processing step, especially since even small deviations in, for example, shape, processing condition and overall visual impression could be visible to the end consumer.

[0003] Packaging material processing lines typically comprise a sequence of sequential stations, arranged, for example, along an approximately straight line / axis in successive longitudinal sections. The packaging cartons are automatically transferred from one longitudinal section to the next, with their precise spatial alignment being crucial. This applies largely regardless of the process stage and also regardless of whether individual packaging cartons are being assembled or picked side-by-side, transferred in a staggered, overlapping arrangement, or bundled / packed batches.

[0004] Cardboard boxes typically have a rectangular base; at least one side of the base is usually straight. According to the prior art, alignment is usually performed transversely along at least one reference edge / guide, which is aligned at least approximately parallel to the processing / feed direction, with the corresponding side of the cardboard base in parallel with it. Based on this, there is interest in an improved method of aligning cardboard boxes, particularly one that advantageously affects the execution of at least one of the processing steps.

[0005] An example is publication DE 10 2021 120 511 B4, which describes a production line and a method for transferring and aligning packaging material cartons, wherein a transfer and alignment module is provided in combination with at least one control component, wherein at least one transfer parameter can be taken into account or maintained for a intended transition from a first transfer speed or cycle rate to a second transfer speed or cycle rate.

[0006] Based on the current state of the art, there is a need for further process-related options regarding the optimized arrangement and orientation of cardboard for specific processing steps. Not least, there is also interest in the greatest possible process variability, particularly when dealing with a series of processing steps that must be carried out or optimized under specific boundary conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The task is to provide a packaging material processing line for aligning cardboard boxes during fully automated processing for at least one processing step, as well as a dedicated control system. This system should enable the alignment to be implemented in a particularly efficient and advantageous manner for the respective processing step, especially when dealing with a high degree of variability in terms of different box geometries and configurations. Furthermore, the alignment process must be designed in such a way that the cardboard boxes can be handled optimally and precisely, even with numerous processing steps, while maintaining good process efficiency.

[0008] This problem is solved by a packaging material processing line according to claim 1, as well as by a computer implementation or control / regulation device according to the dependent claim, and by uses according to the dependent use claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in the respective dependent claims and in further dependent claims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0009] The following section describes the computer implementation in more detail, especially since the type of control / regulation can also well describe the relevant type of packaging material processing lines.

[0010] A computer program product is provided comprising commands which, when executed on a computer and / or in a control / regulation device, cause the computer and / or the control / regulation device to execute steps for controlling a process for the fully automated processing of packaging material cartons into packaging material products in at least one longitudinal section of a packaging material processing line by means of at least one processing step from the group consisting of aligning, embossing, folding, gluing, cutting, printing, and bundling on the computer or in a control / regulation device, in particular for controlling the following steps of such a process: controlling at least one step of aligning the packaging material cartons in the main extension plane, in particular starting from a longitudinal alignment, at a predefinable angle other than 0° and other than 90° to the longitudinal axis.preferably also adjustable angles during processing or at least along the longitudinal axis, in at least one inclined position corresponding to at least one predefined or predefinable inclined angle, wherein the packaging material cartons can be processed in the at least one inclined position by at least one of the processing steps in the corresponding at least one longitudinal section, wherein the packaging material cartons are inclined / tilted by (tilting) alignment by at least one azimuth angle in the range of 1° to 20°,wherein the manner of (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position is determined by controlling / regulating a plurality of webs that are individually controllable at least with respect to translational displacement speed and that act on the packaging material cartons at at least approximately the same longitudinal position and at at least two different transverse positions on at least one side of the main extension plane, wherein the webs are controlled based on at least two different and coordinated parameters, in particular speed and / or skew angle parameters.

[0011] Whenever the terms "procedure" or "procedural steps" are used below, they are synonymous with a reference to a computer implementation for controlling / regulating the corresponding steps, and vice versa. The computer program product is therefore computer-implemented to control / regulate the execution of the corresponding steps.

[0012] In this respect, a computer implementation is also provided for controlling / regulating a method for the fully automated processing of packaging material cartons into packaging material products in at least one longitudinal section of a packaging material processing line by at least one processing step from the group aligning, embossing, folding, gluing, cutting, printing, bundling, wherein the packaging material cartons are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the packaging material processing line and at least approximately in a main extension plane and are processed by at least one of the processing steps for the production of the packaging material products;

[0013] According to the invention, the packaging material cartons are aligned in the main extension plane, particularly starting from a longitudinal orientation, at a predefinable angle other than 0° and other than 90° to the longitudinal axis, preferably also adjustable during processing or at least along the longitudinal axis, in at least one inclined position corresponding to at least one predefined or predefinable inclined angle (parameter) and processed in the at least one inclined position at least by at least one of the processing steps in the corresponding at least one longitudinal section, particularly during continuous feeding, in particular by aligning / yawing the packaging material cartons by at least one azimuth angle in the range of 1° to 20°, in particular 2° to 15°, preferably 3° to 10°.wherein the (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position is achieved by means of a plurality of webs acting on the packaging material cartons at at least approximately the same longitudinal position and at at least two different transverse positions on at least one side of the main extension plane (in particular by static / friction engagement), which are individually controllable at least with respect to translational displacement speed and which are controlled based on at least two different and coordinated parameters, in particular speed and / or inclination angle parameters. This allows the oblique alignment to be implemented with comparatively little equipment effort, and the process measure provided for this purpose can be easily customized to specific applications or systems.For example, optimization can also be achieved with regard to specific packaging materials or cardboard box types. In particular, it has been shown that tilting / aligning the conveyor belt upstream of a press belt can facilitate the processing of cardboard boxes.

[0014] It is understood that the skew alignment, or the change from a first (angular) alignment to a second skew alignment brought about according to the invention, is preferably induced, in particular, by a speed difference between two longitudinally adjacent tracks and two tracks arranged transversely offset from each other in the same longitudinal section. At least one parameter of a control system can be used as the basis for this, e.g., at least one parameter from the group consisting of skew angle parameter (target), alignment parameter (actual), speed parameter, propulsion parameter (target displacement speed), translational displacement speed parameter (in particular also relating to speed differences in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of adjacent tracks).

[0015] Insofar as the present disclosure refers to the principal extent plane, this is to be understood, on the one hand, as a geometric reference, in particular to the support planes for the cardboard boxes defined by transfer devices, but on the other hand, not as a strictly mathematical description, especially since folded cardboard boxes arranged in at least an approximately horizontal orientation also have a certain extent in the vertical direction, and since the cardboard boxes can also be processed in a shingled-overlapping arrangement.

[0016] Where the present disclosure refers to cardboard, this is to be understood synonymously as a correspondingly rigid cardboard material which, unlike thin sheets of paper, has a comparatively high inherent stability with regard to shear, torsion and bending and can therefore be handled fully automatically, either individually or in a shingled or bundled arrangement, according to the handling steps described here.

[0017] Where the present disclosure refers to longitudinal alignment, this means an alignment of the cardboard boxes in line, particularly coaxially, with the direction of travel, and in particular an alignment of one side / edge of the cardboard boxes in line with the direction of travel. Where the present disclosure refers to yawing, this means, on the one hand, in a broader sense, an inclination starting from the longitudinal alignment in a first direction of rotation, in particular in the manner of a drifting of the cardboard box with respect to the processing / travel direction; on the other hand, in a narrower sense, also a counter-clockwise yawing movement in the manner of at least one back-and-forth oscillation of the inclined movement back to the longitudinal alignment or even beyond, and only then back to the longitudinal alignment. In this respect, longitudinal alignment can be understood as synonymous with the intended direction of travel, e.g.of an aircraft (to remain in the terminology of a vehicle-fixed coordinate system), which is understood as the direction of travel specified by the process or by the processing line for the respective cardboard packaging.

[0018] In other words, the present invention also relates to the computer implementation and the device-related implementation of a system with separately driven tracks, in particular conveyor belts, for the targeted slant alignment and optionally also lateral / transverse alignment of cardboard boxes, especially with dynamic correction capability across several machine / longitudinal sections of a processing line. The slant alignment can also be performed repeatedly in successive longitudinal sections at different angles, either in the same angular direction or oscillating in opposite directions around the vertical axis. The invention makes it possible to cleanly process even those cardboard boxes or cartons that were not properly or sufficiently precisely processed in previous steps (whether carried out on the same processing line or due to an upstream independent process), e.g.Poorly grooved or incorrectly constructed materials should be processed as precisely as possible to create cardboard that exactly matches the design specifications.

[0019] Personalized terms, unless explicitly formulated in the neuter gender, may refer to all genders within the context of this disclosure. Any foreign-language expressions or abbreviations used here are standard industry terms and are familiar to those skilled in the art. Any synonymous German terms used / available may be indicated here in parentheses for the sake of completeness, or vice versa.

[0020] It is understood that the optional implementation of AI models within the scope of the present invention, particularly for quality analysis and / or process monitoring, e.g., based on image data analysis using at least one camera unit, may comprise a computer infrastructure or data processing architecture, especially at its core at least one computing unit, which facilitates and / or makes more powerful or faster (up to real-time processing) and / or more energy-efficient, or at least partially enables, the execution of machine learning algorithms directly in / on the hardware (e.g., camera). This applies in particular to camera-based control of the skewed alignment process described here, e.g., also in the context of quality analysis. The relative positions of individual actuators and / or individual positioning components, such as...Alignment rails are detected and monitored, and their impact on the effectively achieved tilt angle is determined and evaluated. In this way, decision-making processes of neural AI networks can be implemented relatively quickly and energy-efficiently, especially in end devices (edge), for example, in the context of data processing and data storage, such as for energy-optimized data storage, and / or in conjunction with the use of spin losses or in combination with so-called spintronic measures, particularly in the case of very small and energy-efficient semiconductor devices.For example, the computer-based and chip-based tools described here include at least one of the following components: photonic AI chips, especially those with silicon photonic structures (a combination of electronic and optical data processing), spintronic semiconductor devices, optical waveguides at least partially replacing or supplementing electronic semiconductors, as well as multiplexing components, photon modulators, photodetectors, ring resonators, at least one dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) component for the simultaneous processing of multiple data channels, at least one optical circuit integrated into at least one neural network (NN) or deep neural network (DNN), and at least one photonic processor. For example, at least one NN and / or DNN is executed directly at the hardware level. As a result, particularly large datasets can be analyzed very quickly.For example, at least one photonic component is present in form printed directly onto a wafer, in particular at least one of the following photonic components: optical amplifiers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), polarization converters, splitters, optical waveguides, phase modulators. It should be understood that, in addition to such infrastructure specialized for AI applications, an implementation of so-called Neural Architecture Prediction (NAP) methods can also be used alternatively or additionally; AI models based on these can, for example, also be combined with AI architectures such as transformers, LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory), GNN (Graph Neural Network), etc.neural networks (specialized for processing information based on graphics and charts) and / or RNNs (Recurrent Neural Networks) can be combined, especially for the purpose of implementing AI measures even on at least partially comparatively old hardware, which is (still) not necessarily designed at the hardware level for an optimized application of AI measures.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the translational displacement speed of the plurality of individually controllable webs, acting on the packaging material cartons at at least two different transverse positions on at least one side of the main extension plane, is predetermined with respect to the predefinable adjustable angle of inclination for setting incrementally delimited angular values ​​or continuously variable angular changes, particularly in response to an exceeded threshold of at least one alignment parameter. This also facilitates quick, pragmatic adjustments on-site at the processing line, e.g., during visual inspection.

[0022] It is important to understand that the tilting of each longitudinal section can also be advantageously implemented by continuously and continuously realigning the track, particularly based on static friction, through different relative speeds of transversely offset tracks. This means that the corresponding track is not constantly readjusted in speed, but can, for example, be controlled in such a way that it continuously runs slightly faster or slower than the track positioned transversely to it. For instance, the desired speed difference is specified by the path of action of the respective track and the time it takes to reach a specific longitudinal position where the desired tilting orientation is to be achieved. This parameter can also be an empirical value, such as one acquired through AI training for a particular processing line or longitudinal section, or be based on such an empirical value.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each of the tracks in the corresponding transverse position and optionally also in an individual longitudinal section position is controlled by its own / track-specific drive and optionally also regulated at least with regard to the translational displacement speed, in particular with the respective track having at least one preferably circulating transport belt. This provides, not least, maximum flexibility and variability as well as precision with regard to the manner of angling and realigning back to the longitudinal orientation.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the predefinable skew angle (parameter) of the skew is set by specifying the translational displacement velocity of at least one path with respect to at least one side of the principal extension plane, particularly also manually via a user interface. This also enables a comparatively precise setting, especially based on even very small velocity deviations.

[0025] According to one embodiment, during longitudinal feed, at least one alignment parameter relating to the transverse position of the packaging material cartons is specified, in particular both a first alignment parameter relating to the first lateral side of the packaging material cartons and a second alignment parameter relating to the second opposite lateral side of the packaging material cartons, especially specific to longitudinal sections. This facilitates the most precise possible slant alignment, also with respect to the transverse position. Since the carton can have dimensions that become smaller or larger in the transverse direction during processing, e.g., due to folding, it is advantageous if a position can be specified for both lateral transverse sides / edges, depending on the process stage.

[0026] According to one embodiment, after (oblique) alignment into a first inclined position, an alignment back to the longitudinal orientation or a further (oblique) alignment into at least one further inclined position with at least one inclined angle opposite to the first inclined position is performed, followed by an alignment back to the longitudinal orientation, particularly during at least one processing step of a folding operation (or in preparation for / following such a processing step). The respective cardboard box is thus pivoted back and forth. This enables targeted oblique alignment specifically for individual processing steps, and at the end of the process, e.g., upstream of bundling / packing, the cardboard boxes can be realigned, particularly to the original longitudinal orientation, which is typically a parallel alignment of at least one of the side edges of the cardboard box parallel to the longitudinal direction.Feed direction included.

[0027] It should be understood that the processing steps described here may also include sealing blanks and / or creasing / pre-creasing, in particular creating crease lines, e.g., under pressure on a flat blank, especially for defining fold lines. Creasing / pre-creasing can be carried out, for example, using tools such as hold-downs (e.g., to push the cardboard away), tapered rollers, or similar means that can be effectively implemented with continuous feed. A roller can also be used in combination with a cutting process, in the form of simultaneous pre-creasing and cutting (pre-creasing cutting). Specifically for the creasing process, especially with comparatively thick cardboard (significant material thickness, thick board), tilting or...A brief, one-sided increase in advance, especially successive advances on both long sides of the carton, can lead to process advantages in terms of maintaining tolerances and geometric specifications. For example, the cartons can be closed from an already folded state. Therefore, targeted tilting, particularly in the context of folding, closing, and / or creasing, can have a significant impact on the accuracy of folding cartons; in other words, the measures described here for the targeted and precise alignment of the cartons around the vertical axis can also have a direct positive effect on a finished product that is being folded or has already been folded.

[0028] For example, at least one of the processing steps includes closing blanks and / or a pre-creasing or creasing process, whether in the form of a full or hollow crease. The creasing can also be combined with a punching process. In particular, the creasing is carried out with continuous feed and simultaneously with controlled / regulated tilting, whereby the tilt angle can be adjusted, especially depending on material thickness and / or acting frictional forces.The inclined maneuvering described here, and especially the changing of the inclined orientation (oscillating around the longitudinal axis), can also compensate for errors or large tolerances, for example as follows: one lateral longitudinal side of the cardboard is inclined for a one-sided lateral creasing operation by means of a greater feed on that side, and then the other (opposite) lateral longitudinal side of the cardboard is inclined for a similarly one-sided lateral creasing operation by means of a greater feed on that side at the corresponding belt of the opposite transverse position. The respective creasing unit can thus be approached more quickly and proactively. Thanks to these process possibilities, even such cardboard boxes or...(Folding) boxes are processed which are insufficiently (pre-)scored or poorly constructed, even with thicker materials or cardboard / cartons that tend to be difficult to process.

[0029] In other words, based on sensor-based or camera-based detection of the actual current orientation of the respective packaging material cardboard or certain features such as the orientation of the creasing, the tilted maneuvering can be controlled / regulated simultaneously with the standard feed of the processing line in such a way that even poorly pre-processed packaging material cardboard can be further processed with good quality and transformed into a final product that meets quality requirements, thus avoiding the need to reject it as scrap.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the packaging material cartons are aligned and processed in a plurality of successive longitudinal sections along a movement path, wherein the movement path comprises at least a first alignment operation in a first oblique angular direction and subsequently a second alignment operation in a second opposite oblique angular direction, in particular three or four successive alignment operations with at least two or three successively opposite oblique angular directions, in particular with the packaging material cartons being realigned in their original (longitudinal) orientation after alignment operations have been carried out, e.g. transversely or parallel to the longitudinal axis, in particular during at least one processing step of a folding (or in preparation / follow-up of such a processing step).This type of inclined, drifted maneuvering of the cardboard boxes through individual processing steps, especially during a folding process, also enables both process and equipment optimization and can, last but not least, increase the degree of flexibility achievable with a predefined system configuration, e.g., with regard to an even wider range of processable types of cardboard packaging or cardboard folding boxes.

[0031] It is understood that the tilting from a first tilt position to a second, opposite tilt position can be implemented in various ways, e.g., with essentially constant forward speed, or by track-specific braking and / or acceleration of the cartons. Simultaneous braking and acceleration at different transverse positions can be particularly advantageous when the desired tilted forward position is to be achieved over the shortest possible distance, especially in combination with at least one stabilizing track positioned at least approximately centrally when there are three or more tracks.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the packaging material cartons are maneuvered along the longitudinal axis in a plurality of different oblique orientations, particularly in successive longitudinal sections with a specific oblique angle, especially in the manner of a back-and-forth yaw movement, particularly with the cartons over comparatively large longitudinal sections along the processing path in the so-called drifted (oblique) state. This also allows for an advantageous way of oblique orientation with respect to a respective side edge of the carton, depending on the folding and / or processing step and / or application area from the carton base (or basic geometry).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the control system is implemented such that the process is carried out over several successive longitudinal sections. In a first longitudinal section, webs are provided and controlled at a number n greater than or equal to two different transverse positions (particularly for a processing step of folding and / or cutting, or in preparation for / following thereupon). In a second longitudinal section, webs are provided and controlled at a number n+1 greater than or equal to three different transverse positions (particularly for a processing step of drying, especially after gluing, or in preparation for / following thereupon). This also enables the transfer of material between different longitudinal sections that are equipped (or can be equipped, e.g., with different numbers of belts).(for process-specific reasons), to ensure this in a particularly advantageous way, especially either without affecting the orientation or with a predefinable effect regarding a different new target orientation. Furthermore, by changing the number of webs or their relative arrangement, it is relatively easy to switch from a first, e.g., smaller, carton base format to a second, relatively larger carton base format, or vice versa, which provides further process variability, especially in the production of folding cartons, possibly in combination with cutting operations. A third web can advantageously ensure additional (positional) stabilization and better accuracy with regard to relative positions and desired orientation; in other words, a third web can, for example,Depending on the type of cardboard being processed, this may be implemented optionally, especially for stabilization purposes.

[0034] It should be understood that in a longitudinal transfer from two to three tracks, the parameters that affect the two upstream tracks can be mirrored onto the two outer tracks downstream, and the middle of the three downstream tracks can remain neutral, i.e., it can neither be accelerated nor decelerated relative to the target propulsion speed.

[0035] In particular, along the processing line, at least every change in the number of lanes (e.g. from two to three or from three to two lanes), the slant alignment is also changed, or optionally, the slant alignment is changed even more frequently.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a plurality of different skew angle parameters are specified along the longitudinal axis for each longitudinal section, and the corresponding skew angles are set. In particular, a first skew angle corresponding to a first skew angle parameter is set in a first longitudinal section, a second skew angle corresponding to a second skew angle parameter is set in a second longitudinal section, and at least one further skew angle corresponding to a further skew angle parameter is set in a further longitudinal section. This also facilitates skew alignment that is specifically optimized for each processing step, whether by a back-and-forth yaw movement or by incremental further skew adjustment by smaller or larger angular amounts.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the control is based on parameters set such that a first speed parameter corresponds to a displacement speed of a first lane arranged at a first transverse position, greater than a propulsion parameter corresponding to the target displacement speed, and a second speed parameter corresponds to a displacement speed of a second lane arranged at a second transverse position, less than the propulsion parameter. This also facilitates an inclined alignment process in which the propulsion itself is affected as little as possible, in particular without any deceleration or acceleration of the cardboard boxes, so that process integration can be implemented in a comparatively simple manner.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the (oblique) alignment for n longitudinal sections is performed by at least n-1 changes in the oblique angle, particularly in a controlled and optionally also regulated manner in at least one of the longitudinal sections. This also facilitates process optimization for numerous successive processing steps that are carried out or implemented sequentially in successive longitudinal sections. The respective angle change preferably occurs at least substantially in the area of ​​the transition from one longitudinal section to the next, e.g., by transferring paths of the longitudinal section upstream to paths of the longitudinal section downstream precisely at this point.For example, starting from their longitudinal orientation, the cardboard boxes are tilted in a first direction of rotation, then rotated back beyond the longitudinal orientation into an opposite tilted orientation, then tilted back again in the first direction of rotation, and finally processed further in their longitudinal orientation. This also makes it possible, particularly in the context of folding carton boxes, to ensure a particularly advantageous orientation of each box for different processing steps, especially on opposite edges of the respective box in the corresponding longitudinal section, whether relative to, for example, a tool, relative to other boxes in a subset, or upstream and downstream.This also creates new opportunities for constructive optimizations to the processing lines, for example with regard to good accessibility of tools or similar processing components on both lateral sides of the processing line.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position is carried out in the process context of a folding, in particular directly upstream of one or more of the folds on the respective packaging carton or on a subset of packaging cartons. This also facilitates the implementation of folding processing steps with comparatively large variability regarding the design of the fold, whereby it is advantageously easier to align the cartons at an angle than to have to adapt other processes or fittings or robots or actuators.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position is achieved by means of a plurality of webs, individually controllable at least with respect to translational displacement speed, acting on the packaging material cartons on both sides of the main extension plane (in particular, by means of static / friction engagement). These webs are controlled based on at least two different and coordinated parameters, in particular speed and / or inclination angle parameters, namely by means of at least two webs in different transverse positions on each side of the main extension plane. This also enables a comparatively precise adjustment of the oblique alignment largely independent of the packaging and the current arrangement of the cartons.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position is carried out before (upstream of) a pressing step, particularly after (downstream of) a folding step, or during folding. This also facilitates the optimization of the pressing step and the operation of at least one pressing belt, especially thanks to precise alignment specifically for this process step. The respective cardboard box can also be advantageously aligned precisely in the context of pressing (especially immediately upstream of the alignment on the pressing belt), particularly to overcome process challenges arising in connection with significant material thicknesses or thick cardboard.Tilting offers particular advantages in the context of pressing, as it allows the relative alignment to be monitored and adjusted with exceptional precision at this stage of the process, thereby facilitating and / or improving the accuracy of the pressing process itself.

[0042] It is to be understood that successive tilting operations, particularly in successive longitudinal sections, may involve centering the cardboard in relation to the transverse direction, especially in continuous feed operation, and particularly in the context of at least one folding operation.

[0043] It is also understood that the present invention is based on the concept of being able to implement dynamic correction options in a simple manner, in particular via incrementally adjustable skew angle values ​​or almost continuously variable speed profiles, each specific to the path. Advantageously, the different speeds (relative speed difference between adjacent paths in the transverse direction) are maintained permanently, in the context of static and kinetic friction. However, this type of implementation is not necessarily the only or exclusive approach, but can be supplemented or alternatively replaced by other implementation methods. In this respect, a predefined skew angle can, for example, also be achieved by a short-term orOnly brief changes in feed rate are achieved on just one of several lanes arranged transversely to each other in the same longitudinal section. For example, such a short-term increase or decrease in speed is implemented for a specific subset of cartons or for each individual carton within a short time window. This means that the lane-specific control of the feed rate is then continuous and individual for each carton or at least for each subset. Such intervention options for process optimization can also be ergonomically optimized, for example, via a user interface directly accessible on a display unit at the processing line, e.g., specific to each longitudinal section. This also facilitates the commissioning and optimization of comparatively complex, sequential processes.The processing steps include, in particular, at least one folding operation that affects the geometry of the cardboard. Based on the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can optimize the method of implementing a relative speed difference between transversely adjacent webs in a process specific to the application.

[0044] Advantageously, the conveyor belts are set to different speeds or controlled for different feed speeds, whereby with a general increase in feed speed, the speed increase relative to each lane (its speed difference) can be increased synchronously, especially when a speed difference is maintained continuously. Application example: The cartons should start from the inserter in a straight orientation, particularly for optimal feeding of the cartons for subsequent processing steps, and in the next longitudinal section the cartons should be gradually tilted, e.g., because such a tilt can be advantageously used in the following longitudinal section for process optimization of the corresponding processing step. Then, further downstream in at least one of the following longitudinal sections, the cartons should again be as straight as possible.The edges of the cardboard box (e.g., now in the form of a box) are aligned vertically. In this way, the cardboard box is maneuvered from one processing step to the next along the processing line by repeatedly tilting it at an angle, each time in a particularly preferred relative angular orientation, e.g., in the manner of a slalom path, e.g., at a more or less constant speed.

[0045] The aforementioned task can therefore also be solved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform steps for controlling / regulating a method according to the present disclosure on the computer, in particular a computer program product set up for controlling / regulating a plurality of drives of a packaging material processing line, each coupled to at least one transversely position-specifically arranged track, for specifying a transversely position-specific translational displacement speed for (obliquely) aligning the packaging material cartons in at least one inclined position according to at least one predefinable inclined angle, in particular over several longitudinal sections of the packaging material processing line according to several longitudinally section-specific predefinable inclined angles.Based on the aforementioned advantages, this also allows for a comparatively simple implementation of the measures described here at different points or longitudinal sections of the processing line, or at different process phases. This means that, for example, if the structural design of the cardboard boxes changes (e.g., changing folding methods and changing geometry of the cardboard boxes, depending on the order and customer), a streamlined process adjustment can be implemented, and / or an existing processing line can be easily retrofitted / reconfigured and / or extended by additional longitudinal sections.

[0046] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a packaging material processing line which is set up for the fully automated processing of packaging material cartons into packaging material products in at least one longitudinal section of the packaging material processing line by at least one processing step from the group consisting of aligning, embossing, folding, gluing, cutting, printing, and bundling, wherein the packaging material cartons are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the packaging material processing line and are processed at least approximately in a main extension plane for the production of the packaging material products by at least one of the processing steps; wherein, according to the invention, it is provided that the packaging material processing line is set up to process the packaging material cartons in the main extension plane, in particular starting from a longitudinal orientation,at a predefinable angle other than 0° and other than 90° to the longitudinal axis, preferably also adjustable during processing or at least along the longitudinal axis, aligned in at least one inclined position according to at least one predefined or predefinable inclined angle (parameter) and to be processed in at least one inclined position by at least one of the processing steps in the corresponding at least one longitudinal section, in particular with continuous feed, in particular inclined / tilted by at least one azimuth angle in the range of 1° to 20°, in particular 2° to 15°, preferably 3° to 10° (yawing), wherein the packaging material processing line has a plurality of lanes that can be individually controlled at least with regard to translational displacement speed,which act on the packaging material cartons at least on at least one side of the main extension plane (in particular by static / friction engagement) at at least approximately the same longitudinal position and at at least two different transverse positions, wherein the packaging material processing line is configured to control, and optionally also regulate, the (oblique) alignment into the at least one inclined position by means of the plurality of tracks based on at least two different and coordinated speed parameters, in particular configured to carry out a method described above. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be realized, in particular also with regard to a streamlined device-technical implementation, especially concerning changes in the context of the drives specifically for the tracks.

[0047] The tracks can, for example, each be designed as a separately driven transport belt or at least have one.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the majority of webs, which are individually controllable at least with respect to translational displacement speed and act on the packaging material cartons at at least two different transverse positions on at least one side of the main extension plane, can be controlled incrementally or continuously with respect to the predefinable adjustable angle of the tilt, in particular by means of or via a user interface, especially with the possibility of visual inspection of the cartons in the respective longitudinal section. This enables, not least, a particularly spontaneous, pragmatic, and targeted adjustment and optimization of the tilting method and the tilted maneuvering, so that switching between different orders, configurations, and materials is also comparatively easy to accomplish.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line has a lane-specific drive for each of the lanes in the corresponding transverse position and optionally also for an individual longitudinal section position. This drive allows the corresponding lane to be controlled and optionally also regulated, at least with regard to its translational displacement speed. In particular, the respective lane has at least one preferably circulating transport belt (or similar friction-fit translational propulsion means). This also enables the implementation of tilting and tilted maneuvering across processing steps, especially over several longitudinal sections.

[0050] For example, in a particular longitudinal section of the processing line, two or three lanes with different transverse positions are provided, and at each transverse position, upper and lower lanes, in particular also transport belts (or similar propulsion means), can be provided with separately controllable drives for different speeds, i.e., four separately controllable drives with two transverse positions, and six separately controllable drives with three transverse positions.

[0051] For example, at least one individually controllable drive unit with multiple drives is provided for each longitudinal section.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line has at least one alignment rail, preferably at least one alignment rail that can be aligned in a transverse position and / or at an angle. The packaging material processing line is configured to align or position the packaging material cartons during longitudinal feed according to at least one alignment parameter relating to the transverse position, particularly in a longitudinal section-specific manner. This enables further positioning optimization measures, especially in the context of processing steps in which the (transverse) width of the cartons is changed, e.g., during folding or upstream / downstream of a fold. The corresponding alignment rail can optionally also be equipped with a track, in particular a circulating belt.

[0053] Optionally, a corresponding alignment rail can be arranged to be moved translationally in the transverse direction and optionally also driven.

[0054] Advantageously, an inlet and / or outlet angle can be set for a respective longitudinal section, in particular by means of respective alignment rails, especially for setting and fine-tuning an advantageous (oblique) alignment for the corresponding longitudinal section of, in particular, cut cardboard boxes.

[0055] It is understood that repositioning or realigning alignment rails is not necessarily required for the tilting / skewed alignment according to the invention; rather, the skewed alignment can be achieved essentially or exclusively by different track feed speeds or belt speeds; however, under certain boundary conditions, the accuracy of the alignment can be increased or at least verified by means of alignment rails, and / or further variation options or adjustment options or control / regulation options can be implemented.For example, depending on the type of cardboard, the alignment rails are positioned in predefined transverse positions and angular orientations in order to effect the skewed alignment of the cardboard in a longitudinal section-specific manner, based solely or essentially on differences in feed rate, for the alignment process as such.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line is set up to realign the cardboard packaging material after (angled) alignment into a first inclined position, then back into the longitudinal orientation, or into at least one further inclined position with at least one angle opposite to the first inclined position, and then back into the longitudinal orientation, particularly in successive longitudinal sections. This also facilitates a process in which the cardboard boxes are to be aligned successively on one of the two opposite (transverse) sides and optionally also arranged in a transverse position-specific manner.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line has several consecutive longitudinal sections, wherein in a first longitudinal section webs are provided at a number n greater than or equal to two different transverse positions and are controllable / adjustable, and wherein in a second longitudinal section webs are provided at a number n+1 greater than or equal to three different transverse positions and are controllable / adjustable. This enables, not least in the context of folding and with regard to the (transverse) width of the cardboard sheets changing with increasing processing time / position, e.g., in the context of a folding process, longitudinal section-specific optimization on the one hand with regard to feed rate and on the other hand with regard to (oblique) alignment.

[0058] By using a different number of webs per longitudinal section, e.g. once at two and once at three different transverse positions, process optimization can also be achieved, for example, in the context of a processing step of folding, in which the width of the cardboard boxes is changed.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line has a control unit that communicates with a multitude of web-specific drives and includes at least one computing unit. This unit is configured to control the transversely position-specific drives of successive longitudinal sections of the packaging material processing line in such a way that, based on longitudinal section-specific skew angle parameters, the material transfer from one longitudinal section to the next is possible even with changing target skew orientation and / or a changing number of transversely position-specific webs, in conjunction with a change from a first skew angle to a second skew angle. This also allows for stepwise optimization of individual longitudinal sections without jeopardizing the optimized flow of the entire process.

[0060] Depending on the type of cardboard box or carton, e.g., depending on the height-to-width ratio, it is advantageous when setting up and optimizing the respective processing line to pay particular attention to ensuring that the functionality of individual tools, such as a creasing tool, is not impaired; advantageously, a third lane (central lane between at least two other lanes at the same transverse position) can be implemented or used as a central guide, optionally also as transport securing for flaps, depending on the station (process stage, longitudinal section), which can achieve further optimization, position stabilization and accuracy, especially with regard to folding processes.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line is configured to specify the (oblique) alignment for n longitudinal sections by at least n-1 changes in the oblique angle, particularly in a controlled and optionally also regulated manner in at least one of the longitudinal sections, especially for n greater than or equal to three (3). This also facilitates scaling of the process, particularly by separating the individual processing steps in longitudinal sections and aligning the cartons specifically for each step; in this way, for example, any number of processing steps with optimized relative oblique alignment of the cartons can be implemented in sequence, e.g., five or seven consecutive processing steps.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the packaging material processing line has a control device configured to correlate an instantaneous first skew angle parameter of a first longitudinal section with an instantaneous second skew angle parameter of a second longitudinal section and to generate an instantaneous skew angle transfer parameter. This parameter specifies the instantaneous amount of yaw (the target change in skew angle) to be transferred to the packaging material cartons during the transfer from the first to the second longitudinal section. In this way, fine-tuning / optimization of the skew angle in a longitudinal section or for a processing step upstream of further longitudinal sections or processing steps with different skew angle specifications can be easily performed. This allows for the optimization of the respective processing step without affecting the subsequent downstream processing steps.to disrupt their fine-tuning.

[0063] According to one embodiment, at least two webs in different transverse positions are provided for the corresponding longitudinal section on each side of the main extension plane. This also facilitates a process in which a single carton, several stacked cartons, or generally different material thicknesses need to be handled reliably and variably.

[0064] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using a plurality of drives for the propulsion of packaging material cartons in a packaging material processing line, wherein the drives are each correlated with a web of the packaging material processing line acting on the cartons in a transverse position-specific and longitudinal section-specific manner, wherein the drives can be controlled and optionally also regulated based on at least one parameter for at least one process of angling the cartons such that the cartons are moved by means of the webs from a first (slant) orientation into at least one slant orientation to be assumed with a slant angle predefinable by means of the drives, in particular in a packaging material processing line according to the present disclosure.This allows the aforementioned advantages to be realized, especially with regard to a comparatively easy-to-implement retrofit option for existing processing lines already in operation in the field and which may need to be functionally expanded.

[0065] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using a control device in combination with at least one control component for controlling a material transfer from a first longitudinal section to a second longitudinal section during the processing of packaging material cartons by a packaging material processing line, wherein a plurality of drives, each correlated with a transverse position-specific and longitudinal section-specific path of the packaging material processing line, are controlled based on at least one of the at least one control component or directly the drives, and based on at least one specified speed parameter to control the process of skewing.that the packaging material cartons are transferred by means of the webs, particularly based on static friction, from a first (oblique) orientation assumed in the first longitudinal section to a second oblique orientation assumed in the second longitudinal section, especially in a method according to the present disclosure. This also facilitates a design in which the order-specific implementation of the manner of oblique positioning and oblique maneuvering can be easily customized.

[0066] It is understood that, based on the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can conduct investigations and further developments to optimize the manner of tilting and tilted maneuvering along the processing line and across multiple steps or longitudinal sections, in particular also experimental investigations and / or test runs based on incremental changes in angle and / or speed and / or adjustments regarding the number and transverse position of the tracks and / or regarding the design of conveyor belts (or similar propulsion means). In doing so, the person skilled in the art can also make use of common methods for computer-aided generation of action options and / or for computer-aided identification of optimization potential.In the context of the present invention, a person skilled in the art is, in particular, an engineer with several years of professional experience in the field of design and engineering of packaging material processing lines and thus automated processing steps.

[0067] Summary: In the fully automated processing of precisely aligned packaging cartons, particularly using packaging material processing lines that combine several processing steps, the alignment process is advantageously carried out in close coordination with at least one of the processing steps. In a computer implementation or in a method for the fully automated processing of packaging cartons into packaging products in at least one longitudinal section of a packaging material processing line, the packaging cartons are arranged along a longitudinal axis and at least approximately in a principal plane of extension, particularly in an at least approximately horizontal arrangement; wherein the packaging cartons, particularly in the context of folding, are aligned in the principal plane of extension, particularly starting from a longitudinal orientation,at a predefinable angle other than 0° and other than 90° to the longitudinal axis, preferably also adjustable during processing or at least along the longitudinal axis, aligned in at least one inclined position according to at least one predefined or predefinable inclined angle and processed in the at least one inclined position by at least one of the processing steps in the corresponding at least one longitudinal section, in particular during continuous feeding, in particular by aligning / tilting the packaging material cartons by at least one azimuth angle in the range of 1° to 20°, in particular 2° to 15°, preferably 3° to 10°,wherein the (oblique) alignment into at least one inclined position is achieved by means of a plurality of webs, each individually controllable at least with respect to translational displacement speed, acting on the packaging material cartons at at least approximately the same longitudinal position and at at least two different transverse positions on at least one side of the main extension plane, which are controlled based on at least two different and coordinated parameters, in particular speed and / or inclination angle parameters. This allows the oblique alignment to be carried out in a process-oriented manner for an optimized orientation of the cartons in each processing step, particularly in continuous processing, especially with at least approximately constant feed rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0068] The invention is described in more detail in the following drawings, whereby reference numerals not explicitly described in a particular drawing are made to the other drawings. They show: Fig. 1 in a top view of a packaging material processing line according to an embodiment, set up to execute a control / regulation according to computer implementations according to embodiments; Fig. 2A in top view of a packaging material processing line according to an embodiment, with cardboard boxes indicated, which are processed over several longitudinal sections of the processing line based on a control / regulation according to computer implementations according to embodiments; Fig. 2B in schematic representation in top view cardboard boxes which are processed over several longitudinal sections of a processing line not shown along the longitudinal axis or feed direction of the processing line based on a control / regulation according to computer implementations according to exemplary embodiments, here using the example of five longitudinal sections and four changes in slant angle; Fig. 3 schematically represented steps according to a control / regulation according to computer implementations according to exemplary implementations; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0069] The invention will first be explained with general reference to all reference numerals and figures. Specific features or individual aspects, or aspects of the present invention that are clearly visible / representable in the respective figure, will be addressed individually in connection with that figure.

[0070] A packaging material processing line 100 or a computer implementation for controlling / regulating a process for the fully automated processing of packaging material cartons 1 into packaging material products 3 in at least one longitudinal section x1,... is provided., xn of a packaging material processing line 100 by at least one processing step from the group aligning, embossing, folding, gluing, cutting, printing, bundling, wherein the packaging material cartons 1 are arranged along a longitudinal axis X1 and at least approximately in a principal extension plane xy1 (processing plane) to produce the packaging material products and are processed by at least one of the processing steps; wherein the packaging material cartons 1 are in the principal extension plane, in particular starting from a longitudinal orientation, at a predefinable angle other than 0° and other than 90° to the longitudinal axis, preferably also adjustable during processing or at least along the longitudinal axis, in at least one inclined position corresponding to at least one predefined or predefinable inclined angle α (orazimuth angle (also referred to here as yawing) is aligned and in at least one inclined position by at least one of the processing steps in the corresponding at least one longitudinal section x1,..., xn are processed, in particular by aligning / tilting the packaging material cartons 1 by means of at least one azimuth angle in the range of 1° to 20°, in particular 2° to 15°, preferably 3° to 10°, wherein the (tilting) alignment into the at least one tilt position is effected by means of a plurality of webs 11, 12, 13 which are individually controllable at least with respect to translational displacement speed Pg and which act on the packaging material cartons 1 at at least approximately the same longitudinal position and at at least two different transverse positions on at least one side of the main extension plane, and which are controlled on the basis of at least two different and coordinated parameters P, in particular speed and / or tilt angle parameters.

[0071] Preferably, at least one parameter P is considered or processed for the control process described here, e.g., at least one of the parameters Pα, Pa, Pg, Pv, PΔv, where Pα is a skew angle parameter (target angle), where Pa is an alignment parameter (actual angle), where Pg is a velocity parameter, where Pv is a propulsion parameter (target displacement velocity), where PΔv corresponds to a translational displacement velocity or a corresponding parameter, in particular also with regard to a / the velocity difference between two longitudinally adjacent tracks (in particular corresponding to a relative acceleration or deceleration from one to the next track).

[0072] A multitude of drive units 10 (especially per longitudinal section) enables longitudinal section-specific control of the drive mode, with individual drives 10.1 advantageously implemented for each track. Thus, in a (first) longitudinal section, in which, for example, two tracks arranged transversely to each other are provided (first track 11, second track 12), a first upper track 11a and a first lower track 11b, as well as a first upper track 12a and a second lower track 12b, can be provided, for example, each equipped with a first conveyor belt 11.1 for the first tracks and a second conveyor belt 12.1 for the second tracks. The same applies to longitudinal sections with three tracks arranged transversely to each other: a third upper track 13a and a third lower track 13b can each be equipped with a third conveyor belt 13.1. Optionally, each track can also be defined by an alignment rail 15.guided, wherein the corresponding alignment rail is preferably adjustable in an inclined position and / or in a transverse offset position.

[0073] Via a user interface 30, in particular on a display unit 40 provided on the processing line 100, a user or operator can make settings and, in particular, also specify the type of control, e.g., fine-tune an inclination (on the one hand, of machine components such as alignment rails, or on the other hand, of the cardboard boxes). For this purpose, a gradual adjustment option can be provided, whereby the system can automatically determine which speed difference must be specified for adjacent webs in order to achieve a predefined angle change. The user interface 30 thus interacts with a control unit 20, which in turn communicates with a plurality of control components 21 and issues commands to them or receives data or signals from them, e.g.also data from a camera unit or image data acquisition unit 21d, which may optionally also be set up for image data evaluation, e.g. in an implementation as an edge component.

[0074] The control / regulating device 20 communicates or is operatively connected with at least one of the drives / propulsion units and with at least one control component 21, in particular a plurality of control components 21 from the group actuator 21a, measuring transmitter 21b (in particular rotary encoder), sensor 21c, camera unit 21d, as schematically shown in Fig. 2A indicated. A camera or image data acquisition system can also be implemented as a control component 21. For example, at least one camera unit communicating with the control / regulation device 20 is implemented on the processing line in such a way that the evaluation of at least one quality characteristic during the at least one (oblique) alignment process enables at least documentation and optionally also the implementation of a control / regulation based on (real-time) data from the at least one camera unit, e.g., through AI-supported image data analysis with regard to at least one defect characteristic, whereby the image data analysis can also be performed decentrally at the respective hardware component.

[0075] The following section explains special features of the invention with reference to individual figures or embodiments.

[0076] In Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the arrangement of the tracks in the respective longitudinal sections in a top view. For example, in the Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a processing line with three, four or five material transfer points with changing (oblique) orientation, approximately 20 separately controllable conveyor or belt drives are provided.

[0077] In Fig. Furthermore, alignment rails 15 are indicated (highlighted here only in one longitudinal section), by means of which, for example, the infeed and / or outfeed angle can be changed / adjusted. The alignment rails 15 or tracks of a specific longitudinal position are arranged with a specific transverse offset y11 relative to each other. The alignment rails can define the tracks 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b or the course of the tracks and thus the path of movement of conveyor belts or similar conveying devices. In this way, the desired / predefined inclined angle or the corresponding (inclined) orientation of the cartons can be specified in a particularly precise manner for the respective longitudinal section. Preferably, in each longitudinal section, both upper (top-side) and lower (bottom-side) conveyor belts 11.1, 12.1, 13 are located at several transverse positions.1 provided, each of which can be controlled via individual drives, in particular for setting individual / different propulsion speeds (the tracks or belts specify an angle change, either at a predefined longitudinal position or continuously during propulsion).

[0078] In the Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the process of tilting and maneuvering the cardboard boxes in the processing direction along the feed axis of processing line 100, with reference to the respective cardboard box in the corresponding longitudinal section. Fig. In 2A, five longitudinal sections x1, x2, x3, ..., xn are indicated, between which a change in the angle of inclination occurs, so that the cardboard boxes can be advantageously aligned for the respective processing step, in particular in such a way that the optimal angular alignment can be ensured for the corresponding processing step. Fig. In addition, two or three individual, web-specifically controllable drives 10.1 are indicated for the longitudinal sections x1 and x2, respectively. The reference numerals xy1' and xy1 illustrate that the webs can act on, or be provided for, both an upper side of the main extension plane (or carton) and a lower side of the main extension plane (or carton). Fig. 2B illustrates in detail the pendulum motion of the cardboard boxes around the vertical axis caused by tilting them in opposite directions. The following are shown in Fig. The angles mentioned in 2B are to be understood as exemplary values ​​for illustrative purposes. A person skilled in the art can adjust the angles of inclination depending on the process and type of carton. Thus, for example, changes in angle of inclination Δα at the transitions from one longitudinal section to the next occur in the range of 15° and 30°, with the larger angle difference advantageously achieved by means of at least three strips arranged with a transverse offset from each other (here using the example of the transition between the second and third longitudinal sections x2, x3, see Figure 2B). Fig. 2A), but it can also be achieved using only two transversely offset bands. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the transverse dimension (y) of the cardboard decreases more and more with progressive processing in the longitudinal direction (x), thus illustrating a folding process; in other words: in this embodiment, the open blank becomes narrower from a fold or folding station onwards, as it is folded. Fig. 2B also indicates that the cardboard boxes do not necessarily have to be processed as individual units (whether overlapping in a shingled fashion or lying completely separate on their own), but can also be arranged as subsets of several cardboard boxes, e.g. as stacks of three or five. Fig. In 2B, the longitudinal axis X1 (processing / drive direction) and the longitudinal orientation x100 are also indicated (only in the first and last longitudinal sections are the cardboard boxes in this example aligned exactly lengthwise), and the coordinate system also generally indicates the three spatial directions x, y, z (longitudinal, transverse, vertical). With reference to Fig. 2B, the (instantaneous) skew angle α of the corresponding cardboard can also be differentiated with respect to an instantaneous longitudinal section in which the corresponding cardboard is currently being processed, namely into an inlet angle α' and an outlet angle α'', whereby an angle change specification (parameters Pα and Pa, or their correlation) can correspond to a difference between these two angles.

[0079] It is understandable that the in Fig. The oblique angle indicated in 2B can also be significantly smaller, i.e., it does not necessarily have to be in the range of 15°, but could, for example, also be only in the mid-single-digit range. The angles α' and α'' in Fig. The amounts 2B were chosen particularly with regard to the clearest possible illustration of the concept according to the invention.

[0080] The alignment rails and tracks are only indicated in the figures. A person skilled in the art can specify or adapt the device-related design of these components to the specific application. The present invention is not limited to a specific device-related implementation of these components, but is generally based on the concept of being able to individually drive or actuate the respective track, particularly with regard to the propulsion / circulation speed of at least one belt or similar propulsion means. Optionally, the (relative) lateral position and / or the angular alignment of the corresponding propulsion means can be implemented in an adjustable manner.

[0081] In Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the relationship between steps of a computer implementation according to exemplary embodiments and control measures based on a plurality of parameters P: Step S0 corresponds to a more or less arbitrary processing step, e.g., in the context of fully automated processing of folding carton boards. Step S1 corresponds to an operation of (oblique) alignment to a predefined / predefinable angle for the corresponding longitudinal section or for a very specific processing step. Step S2 corresponds to a transfer from one longitudinal section to a subsequent longitudinal section, and this transfer can optionally take place either including step S1 or during neutral passage without angle change, e.g., in combination with stopping or accelerating the cartons, e.g., when forming subsets or stacks, or when moving the cartons into an overlapping, shingled arrangement.Conversely, during singulation, step S3 corresponds to a further (angled) alignment at another predefined / predefinable angle, e.g., in a further longitudinal section further downstream, particularly for a further (different) processing step than further upstream. Step S4 can be, by way of example, a more or less arbitrary processing step downstream of at least one (angled) alignment (i.e., a step without including further angular alignment measures), e.g., the compaction of cardboard boxes.

[0082] The in Fig. The three suggested diamond-shaped fields between the individual steps illustrate intervention and variation possibilities for the skilled person to adapt the sequence or the manner of a control / regulation to a specific type of cardboard packaging or a specific sequence of processing steps. Reference symbol list 1 Packaging material - cardboard box 2 Subset from several cardboard boxes 3 Packaging material product 10 drive units (especially per longitudinal section) 10.1 Single drive, railway-specific 11 first lane 11a, 11b first lane top, first lane bottom 11.1 First conveyor belt (propulsion device) 12 second lanes arranged with a transverse offset to the first lane 12a, 12b second lane top, second lane bottom 12.1 second transport belt 13 third lanes arranged with a transverse offset to the first and second lanes 13a, 13b third lane top, third lane bottom 13.1 third transport belt 15 Alignment rail, preferably adjustable in an inclined position 20 Control / regulating device 21 Control component 21a Actuator 21b Sensor (especially rotary encoder) 21c Sensor 21d camera unit 30 User interface / surface 40 display units 100 packaging material processing line S0 processing step S1 (Oblique) Alignment at predefined / predefinable slant angles S2 Transfer from one longitudinal section to a subsequent longitudinal section S3 further (slant) alignment in further predefined / predefinable slant angles S4 processing step downstream of at least one (slant) alignment P parameters, e.g. Pα, Pa, Pg, Pv, PΔv Pα Slant angle parameter (target) Pa alignment parameters (actual) Pg speed parameters PV drive parameters (target displacement rate) PΔv translational displacement velocity or corresponding parameter xy1' upper side of the principal extension plane xy1, lower side of the principal extension plane x1, x2, x3, ..., xn first, second, third (further), ..., nth longitudinal section X1 Longitudinal axis, processing / drive direction x100 Longitudinal alignment xy1 Main extension level, processing level y11 Lateral offset between two adjacent paths of the same longitudinal position α Oblique angle or azimuth angle (yawing) α' Inlet angle α'' Run-out angle x, y, z Spatial directions, especially longitudinal, transverse, vertical QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 120 511 B4

[0005]

Images