HANDLING OF CARDBOARD CUTTINGS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the handling of cardboard blanks.

[0002] It is known from practice to convert a flat cardboard blank into a packaging tray by aligning the sides of the cardboard blank relative to a base area of ​​the cardboard blank. Several packaging trays formed in this way can be formed into a specified format and fed to further processing steps in the specified format.

[0003] CN 109 016 635 A discloses a device in which four cardboard parts are each held on a suction plate of a carousel-like transport device. By rotating the transport device, the cardboard parts are each moved to one processing station. The processing stations include stations with movable parts for forming the cardboard parts.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved way of handling cardboard blanks to be formed.

[0005] US 2019 / 160775 A1 discloses a device for producing packaging from non- or low-thermoplastic material that can be efficiently integrated into a higher-level work process. It also discloses a forming tool that forms multiple blanks simultaneously.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for handling carton blanks is provided. The device comprises an erecting device with a plurality of engagement elements. The erecting device is configured to transition from a receiving configuration to a forming configuration. The erecting device is configured to move at least a plurality of the engagement elements to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. In the receiving configuration, the erecting device is configured to receive a group of carton blanks. The carton blanks each have a bottom region and side regions connected to the bottom region. The engagement elements are configured to erect the side regions of the carton blanks when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.The erecting device is configured to move the bottom regions of the carton blanks relative to one another when transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, so that when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, a format or grid in which the group of carton blanks is arranged is changed.

[0007] With the erecting device, several carton blanks can be formed by erecting the side areas of the carton blanks, in particular they can be formed simultaneously.

[0008] By moving the base areas of the carton blanks relative to each other, the carton blanks as a whole can be moved relative to each other. By moving the base areas of the carton blanks relative to each other, the distance between adjacent carton blanks can be changed. By moving the base areas of the carton blanks relative to each other, the group of carton blanks can be brought into a final format. The final format can be a format that facilitates further processing of the carton blanks.

[0009] The erection of the side areas of the cardboard blanks and the movement of the bottom areas of the cardboard blanks relative to one another can occur at least partially in a temporally overlapping manner, in particular simultaneously.

[0010] The erection of the side regions of a cardboard blank can take place relative to the base region of the cardboard blank. The erection of the side regions of a cardboard blank can comprise changing a three-dimensional structure of the cardboard blank. The erection of the side regions of a cardboard blank can comprise buckling or folding the cardboard blank. The erection of the side regions of a cardboard blank can comprise bending the side regions of the cardboard blank relative to the base region of the cardboard blank, each about an axis which runs along a boundary line between the base region and the respective side region. The axes can run parallel to the base region. The axes can be horizontal axes. The axes assigned to the side regions of a cardboard blank can lie in a common plane.

[0011] Preferably, each carton blank comprises four side areas. Two side areas of a carton blank can be located on opposite sides of the base area of ​​the carton blank.

[0012] The base areas of the cardboard blanks can be at least substantially rectangular. Each of the four sides of the rectangular base area can be assigned a side area.

[0013] By erecting the side areas of a cardboard blank, the cardboard blank can be formed into a packaging tray.

[0014] The erecting device can be configured to receive the carton blanks as flat carton blanks. In the case of flat carton blanks, the bottom and side regions of a carton blank can extend in a common plane.

[0015] The erecting device is configured to receive the group of carton blanks in a receiving format, wherein the carton blanks are arranged in a first grid in the receiving format. The erecting device is configured to move the base regions of the carton blanks relative to one another during the transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration such that the carton blanks are brought into a final format in which the carton blanks are arranged relative to one another in a second grid. The first grid and the second grid are different from one another.

[0016] The engagement elements can be configured to erect the side regions of the carton blanks by engaging with the side regions of the carton blanks when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

[0017] The erection device may comprise an engagement element drive assembly. The engagement element drive assembly may be configured to move at least a plurality of the engagement elements to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. The engagement element drive assembly may be configured to automatically move the engagement elements to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. The engagement element drive assembly may be electrically operable.

[0018] The erecting device can be configured to pick up the group of carton blanks in the pick-up configuration such that the carton blanks lie in a common plane. The common plane can be a horizontal plane.

[0019] Engagement elements located on opposite sides of a carton blank can be configured to perform a relative movement toward one another when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. During the relative movement, both opposing engagement elements can be moved, or only one of the opposing engagement elements can be moved. The opposing engagement elements can each engage one of the opposing side regions of the carton blank and erect the opposite side regions during the relative movement of the engagement elements toward one another.

[0020] The erecting device can be configured to receive the group of carton blanks in such a way that four engagement elements are always arranged around each carton blank. Two of the four engagement elements can be arranged opposite each other in pairs. The engagement elements arranged opposite each other in pairs can each execute a relative movement directed toward each other when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

[0021] At least one of the engagement elements can be simultaneously engaged with two carton blanks when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. In particular, the engagement element can be simultaneously engaged with one side region of each of two different carton blanks when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. The engagement element can promote the erection of both side regions with which the engagement element is engaged.

[0022] The erection device can be configured to move the engagement elements at different speeds when transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. For example, different groups of engagement elements can each be moved at a speed assigned to the group, whereby the speeds assigned to the groups can differ from one another.

[0023] The speeds at which the engagement elements are moved can be coordinated with one another and with the movement of the base regions of the carton blanks in such a way that, when changing from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, each engagement element executes a relative movement towards each side region engaging with the engagement element, in particular with a relative speed that is the same for all pairs of engagement elements and side regions engaging with the engagement element.

[0024] When the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, one or more engagement elements may remain stationary. The engagement elements that remain stationary may nevertheless each perform a relative movement with respect to the side areas with which they are engaged, particularly due to a movement of the base areas of the carton blanks.

[0025] The engagement elements can be arranged in a grid. The grid can, for example, be a rectangular grid. The erecting device can be configured to move engagement elements located further out in the grid at a greater speed than engagement elements located further in the grid during the transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. During the transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, all movements of engagement elements can be directed toward the interior of the grid.

[0026] When transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, each engagement element can remain engaged with at least one side area of ​​a carton blank.

[0027] The movement of at least several of the engagement elements when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration can comprise a movement in a common plane. The common plane can be a horizontal plane. The common plane can be a plane parallel to a plane in which the bottom regions of the carton blanks lie.

[0028] The movement of the at least several engagement elements when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration can comprise a lifting of the at least several engagement elements. The lifting of the engagement elements can, in particular, occur in engagement with at least one side region of a carton blank, thus promoting the erection of the side region.

[0029] The engagement elements can each have at least one engagement surface for engagement with a cardboard blank. The engagement surfaces can be designed as guide surfaces for erecting the side regions of the cardboard blanks. The engagement surfaces can be curved or inclined surfaces. The engagement surfaces can have an incline relative to a direction of movement of the engagement elements. The engagement surfaces can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane or have an incline relative to a horizontal plane. The engagement surfaces can be designed as concave surfaces.

[0030] The erecting device can comprise holding elements. The holding elements can be configured to hold the bottom regions of the carton blanks. The erecting device can be configured to move at least several of the holding elements to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. The movement of the holding elements can cause or promote the relative movement of the bottom regions of the carton blanks to one another. One holding element can be assigned to each carton blank and hold its bottom region. The holding elements can be configured to hold the bottom regions by means of negative pressure. The holding elements can each have a suction device for holding a bottom region of a carton blank.

[0031] The erection device may comprise a holding element drive assembly. The holding element drive assembly may be configured to move at least a plurality of the holding elements to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

[0032] The erecting device, in particular the holding element drive arrangement, can be configured to move adjacent holding elements toward each other relative to one another when the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. Thus, the distance between the base regions of adjacent carton blanks can be reduced.

[0033] The erection device, in particular the holding element drive assembly, can be configured to move the holding elements at different speeds when transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. For example, different groups of holding elements can each be moved at a speed assigned to the group, whereby the speeds assigned to the groups can differ from one another.

[0034] The speeds at which the holding elements are moved can be coordinated with one another in such a way that, when changing from the receiving configuration to the molding configuration, each holding element executes a relative movement towards each adjacent holding element, in particular with a relative speed that is the same for all pairs of adjacent holding elements.

[0035] When the erecting device transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, one or more holding elements may remain stationary. The holding elements that remain stationary may nevertheless each perform a relative movement with respect to adjacent holding elements, in particular due to a movement of the adjacent holding elements.

[0036] The holding elements can be arranged in a grid. The grid can be a rectangular grid, for example. The erecting device can be configured to move holding elements located further out in the grid at a higher speed than holding elements located further in the grid during the transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. During the transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, all movements of the holding elements can be directed toward the interior of the grid.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for handling carton blanks is provided. A group of carton blanks is provided. The carton blanks each have a base region and side regions connected to the base region. The side regions of the carton blanks are erected. During the erection of the side regions, the base regions of the carton blanks are moved relative to one another, thereby changing a format or grid in which the group of carton blanks is arranged.

[0038] The side areas of the carton blanks can be erected, in particular, by engaging the engagement surfaces of engagement elements. At least several of the engagement elements can be moved to erect the carton blanks.

[0039] The base sections of the carton blanks can each be held by a holding element when erecting the side walls. At least several of the holding elements can be moved when erecting the carton blanks.

[0040] As described, the invention relates to a device for handling cardboard blanks and a method for handling cardboard blanks. The device can be suitable, designed, and / or configured for carrying out the method. The method can be carried out using the device. Features and explanations described with regard to the device can be transferred to the method. Features or explanations described with regard to the method can be transferred to the device.

[0041] In the following, the invention is further explained using embodiments with reference to the figures. Fig. 1shows a schematic plan view of a device for handling carton blanks according to an embodiment, wherein the erecting device is in the receiving configuration. Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the device in the Fig. 1 shown condition along the Figure 1 indicated section line II. Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to the embodiment with inserted cardboard blanks. Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the device in the Fig. 3 shown condition along the Figure 3 indicated section line II-II. Fig. 5 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to the embodiment after the erecting device has entered the forming configuration. Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the device in the Fig. 5 shown condition along the Figure 5indicated section line III-III. Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of a device according to an alternative embodiment, wherein the erecting device is in the receiving configuration. Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the alternative embodiment, wherein the erecting device is in the mold configuration.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a device 1 for handling cardboard blanks 3. The device 1 comprises an erecting device 5 with receiving locations 7 for cardboard blanks 3. In the illustrated embodiment, six receiving locations 7 are provided for cardboard blanks 3. A different number of receiving locations 7 for cardboard blanks 3 would also be conceivable. The receiving locations 7 for cardboard blanks 3 are arranged in a rectangular grid, which in the illustrated embodiment is a 2x3 grid.

[0043] Figure 2shows a sectional view through the device 1, wherein the section in Figure 1 indicated by line II. Figure 2 shows insertion devices 9 of the device 1. The insertion devices 9 are in Figure 1 not shown for the sake of clarity. The insertion devices 9 are configured to insert a carton blank 3 from above into each receiving position 7 of the erecting device 5. This is indicated by the arrows 11 in Figure 2 shown. The insertion devices 9 can, for example, be configured to each pick up a cardboard blank 3 from a supply and place it in a receiving station 7. For this purpose, the insertion devices 9 can each have a holding device for a cardboard blank 3, for example, a suction device or a gripper. Alternatively, it would be conceivable to provide stacking devices above the receiving stations 7 in order to stack the cardboard blanks 3 directly into the receiving stations 7.

[0044] Each receiving location 7 of the erecting device 5 comprises a holding element 13. The holding elements 13 each define a support surface 15, on which a cardboard blank 3 inserted into the respective receiving location 7 rests flat, at least in part. At least one suction opening 17 is provided in the support surface 15, through which the cardboard blank 3 can be sucked by applying negative pressure in order to hold the cardboard blank 3 on the holding element 13.

[0045] Each receiving location 7 of the erecting device 5 is surrounded by four engagement elements 19, with two adjacent receiving locations 7 being assigned to certain engagement elements 19.

[0046] The Figures 3 and 4 represent the situation after the cardboard blanks 3 have been inserted into the receiving positions 7. As can be seen from Figure 3As can be seen, each carton blank 3 comprises a base area 21 and four side areas 23 connected to the base area 21. The carton blanks 3 are in the Figures 3 and 4 situation shown as flat cardboard blanks 3. As in Figure 3 As shown, boundary lines 25 between the base region 21 and the side regions 23 of a cardboard blank 3 can optionally be pre-processed, for example by providing a predetermined crease line. The base regions 21 of the cardboard blanks 3 rest on the receiving surfaces 15 of the holding elements 13 and are sucked through the suction openings 17 and thus held on the holding elements 13.

[0047] As in Figure 4As shown, the engagement elements 19 each comprise at least one engagement surface 27. The side regions 23 of the cardboard blanks 3 are each in contact with an engagement surface 27 of the associated engagement element 19. Engagement elements 19, which are assigned to two side regions 23, comprise two opposing engagement surfaces 27.

[0048] In the Figures 1 to 4 The erecting device 5 is provided in a receiving configuration. After the carton blanks 3 have been inserted in the receiving configuration, the erecting device 5 is moved into a forming configuration. To move the erecting device 5 from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, the engagement elements 19 are moved relative to one another. In addition, the holding elements 13 are moved relative to one another. Figure 4schematically shows an engagement element drive arrangement 29 for moving the engagement elements 19 and a holding element drive arrangement 31 for moving the holding elements 13. The engagement element drive arrangement 29 and the holding element drive arrangement 31 can be controlled by a control device 33.

[0049] The directions of movement of the engagement elements 19 are shown in the Figures 3 and 4 indicated by the arrows 35. Two engagement elements 19 located opposite one another with respect to a carton blank 3 are always moved toward one another relative to transfer the erecting device 5 into the forming configuration. However, this does not necessarily mean that all engagement elements 19 actually perform a movement. In the example shown, the engagement elements 19 located between the two rows of three carton blanks 3 remain stationary, while all other engagement elements 19 are moved.

[0050] As in Figure 4 As shown, the engagement surfaces 27 of the engagement elements 19 are shaped such that, when engagement elements 19, which are opposite one another with respect to a carton blank 3, move toward one another, they promote the erection of opposite side regions 23 of the carton blank 3. The side regions 23 of the carton blanks 3 are thus erected in order to form the carton blanks 3 into packaging trays.

[0051] The holding elements 13 are moved when the erecting device 5 is brought into the mold configuration in such a way that adjacent holding elements 13 perform a relative movement towards each other. Figures 3 and 4The directions of movement of the holding elements 13 are indicated by arrows 37. In the illustrated embodiment, all holding elements 13 actually perform a movement in space. However, this is not absolutely necessary. For example, at least one holding element 13 could be stationary in space, but still exhibit a relative movement to neighboring holding elements 13, namely due to a movement of the neighboring holding elements 13.

[0052] The movement of the holding elements 13 moves the base regions 21 of the carton blanks 3, which are held by the suction effect on the holding elements 13, and thus the carton blanks 3 as a whole, toward one another. The movement of the engagement elements 19 and the movement of the holding elements 13 occur at least partially overlapping in time. The movement of the engagement elements 19 and the movement of the holding elements 13 are coordinated such that the side regions 23 of the carton blanks 3 remain in contact with the engagement surfaces 27 of the engagement elements 19 during the transition of the erecting device 5 into the mold configuration and are erected by engagement with them.

[0053] The Figures 5 and 6 show the situation after the erecting device 5 has entered the forming configuration. The side areas 23 of the carton blanks 3 have been erected, so that the carton blanks 3 have been formed into packaging trays. Figures 1 to 4The erection device 5 is in the receiving configuration. Figures 5 and 6 the erecting device 5 is in the forming configuration. In the forming configuration, the carton blanks 3 received in the receiving stations 7 are in a narrower format than in the receiving configuration. In the forming configuration, the distance between the base regions 21 of adjacent carton blanks 3 is smaller than in the receiving configuration. After the erecting device 5 has transitioned to the forming configuration, the formed carton blanks 3 can be removed from the receiving stations 7 and fed to further processing steps, for example by means of a gripper device. Alternatively, the formed carton blanks 3 received in the receiving stations 7 could be transported further as a whole by a movement of the erecting device 5 and fed to a next processing step.

[0054] The Figures 7 and 8show an alternative design of the engagement elements 19. In Figure 7 the erecting device 5 is in the receiving configuration, with the carton blanks 3 already being received in the receiving positions 7. The Figure 7 The condition shown corresponds to that in Figure 4 shown condition. In Figure 8 The erecting device 5 is in the mold configuration. Figure 8 The condition shown corresponds to that in Figure 6 shown condition.

[0055] In the embodiment of the Figures 7 and 8Each holding element 19 comprises a stem portion 41 and an engagement portion 39 attached thereto. The engagement surface 27 of an engagement element 19 is formed by a surface of the engagement portion 39 of the engagement element 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 39 is spherical. Other shapes of the engagement portion 39 would also be possible, for example, an ellipsoidal shape or a trapezoidal shape. The engagement portions 39 are each attached to an upper end of the stem portion 41.

[0056] As indicated by arrows 35 in Figure 7 As shown, the engagement elements 19 are moved relative to each other in a horizontal plane when the erecting device 5 transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration. This movement corresponds to the movement of the engagement elements 19 of the Figures 1 to 6 The movement symbolized by the arrows 35 is a Figure 7The movement of the engagement elements 19 symbolized by arrows 43 is superimposed horizontally upwards. The lifting of the engagement elements 19 promotes the erection of the side areas 23 of the carton blanks 3. Otherwise, the functioning of the Figures 7 and 8 described embodiment of the functioning of the Figures 1 to 6 described embodiment, particularly with regard to the movement of the holding elements 13.

Claims

1. Device (1) for handling cardboard blanks (3), comprising: an erecting device (5) with a plurality of engagement elements (19); wherein the erecting device (5) is configured to transition from a receiving configuration to a forming configuration; wherein the erecting device (5) is configured to move at least several of the engagement elements (19) to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration; wherein the erecting device (5) in the receiving configuration is configured to receive a group of cardboard blanks (3) each having a bottom region (21) and side regions (23) connected to the bottom region (21); wherein the engagement elements (19) are configured to erect the side regions (23) of the cardboard blanks (3) when the erecting device (5) transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration; and characterized in that the erecting device (5) is configured to move the bottom regions (21) of the cardboard blanks (3) relative to each other upon transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration, such that a format or grid in which the group of cardboard blanks (3) is arranged is changed, when the erecting device (5) transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the erecting device (5) is configured to receive the group of cardboard blanks (3) in the receiving configuration such that the cardboard blanks (3) lie in a common plane.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein engagement elements (19) lying on opposite sides of a cardboard blank (3) are configured to perform a relative movement directed towards each other when the erecting device (5) transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the erecting device (5) is configured to receive the group of cardboard blanks (3) such that four engagement elements (19) are arranged around each cardboard blank (3), wherein two of the four engagement elements (19) are opposite to each other in pairs.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the engagement elements (19) is simultaneously engaged with two cardboard blanks (3) when the erecting device (5) transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the erecting device (5) is configured to move the engagement elements (19) at different speeds when transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (19) are arranged in a grid, and wherein the erecting device (5) is configured to move engagement elements (19) located at positions further outward in the grid at a greater speed than engagement elements (19) located at positions further inward in the grid when transitioning from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the at least several of the engagement elements (19) when the erecting device (5) transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration comprises a movement in a common plane.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the at least several of the engagement elements (19) when the erecting device (5) transitions from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration comprises lifting the at least several of the engagement elements (19).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (19) each have at least one engagement surface (27) for engagement with a cardboard blank (3), wherein the engagement surfaces (27) are configured as guide surfaces for erecting the side regions (23) of the cardboard blanks (3).

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the erecting device (5) comprises holding elements (13) configured to hold the bottom regions (21) of the cardboard blanks (3), wherein preferably the erecting device (5) is configured to move at least several of the holding elements (13) to transition from the receiving configuration to the forming configuration.

12. Method for handling cardboard blanks (3), comprising: providing a group of cardboard blanks (3), wherein the cardboard blanks (3) each have a bottom region (21) and side regions (23) connected to the bottom region (21); and erecting the side regions (23) of the cardboard blanks (3); characterized in that the bottom regions (21) of the cardboard blanks (3) are moved relative to each other when erecting the side regions (23), such that a format or grid in which the group of cardboard blanks (3) is arranged is changed.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the side regions (23) of the cardboard blanks (3) are erected by engagement with engagement surfaces (27) of engagement elements (19), wherein at least several of the engagement elements (19) are moved to erect the cardboard blanks (3).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the bottom regions (21) of the cardboard blanks (3) are each held by a holding element (13) when erecting the side walls (23), wherein at least several of the holding elements (13) are moved when the cardboard blanks (3) are being erected.