Method and device for handling web-form packaging material within a packaging machine preferably for products in the cigarette industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for handling web-form packaging material (15) within a packaging machine (10) preferably for products in the cigarette industry, wherein the packaging material (15), more particularly a continuous material web, is fed from a supply, more particularly from a reel (16), to the packaging machine (10) and is guided through the packaging machine (10) along a predefined conveying path (23), wherein the packaging material (15) is in contact with elements of the packaging machine (10) along the predefined conveying path (23), said elements serving to guide, transport, handle and / or process the material web, and wherein the packaging material (15), more particularly at the start of a packaging process and / or after interruptions in the packaging process, is threaded into the packaging machine (10) along the predefined conveying path (23) or at least a part of same up to a predefined element of the packaging machine (10), more particularly a predefined consumption point (24). According to the invention, the packaging material (15) is at least partially, preferably to a large extent, more preferably substantially, more particularly exclusively, threaded into the packaging machine (10) by an operator along the predefined conveying path (23) or at least a part of same up to a predefined element of the packaging machine (10), more particularly a predefined consumption point (24), and elements of the packaging machine (10) that are in contact with the packaging material (15) during the threading-in procedure and / or the packaging process are set at least partially into an operating state that simplifies threading-in procedure for the operator.

Description

[0001] Method and device for handling web-shaped packaging material within a packaging machine, preferably for products of the cigarette industry

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for handling web-shaped packaging material within a packaging machine, preferably for products of the cigarette industry, according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as to a device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0004] During the packaging process, for example, of cigarette packs, various (packaging) materials (paper, film, etc.) can be used, which are provided as a continuous material web on reels of the packaging machine. For the initial "filling" of the machine or for changing to a different layout / brand, these materials are wound up and brought to the machine as reels. The material web is then guided from the reel through the entire machine to the consuming unit (threading process). The material web is guided over a variety of components of the packaging machine, such as deflection rollers and / or pneumatically operated deflections.

[0005] Such methods and devices are known from the state of the art in numerous variants.

[0006] A disadvantage of the prior art solutions can be that the threading process is hindered by the packaging machine's components, for example, by escaping compressed air in the area of ​​the deflections or by active path controls. A further disadvantage is that the active components of the packaging machine consume unnecessary energy during the threading process.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known methods in such a way that an improvement is achieved with regard to the disadvantages mentioned.

[0008] A method for solving this problem has the features of claim 1.

[0009] The fundamental consideration is that components of the packaging machine which are in contact with the packaging material during the threading process and / or the packaging process are at least partially put into an operating state which facilitates the threading process.

[0010] Specifically, it is proposed that the packaging material is at least partially threaded into the packaging machine by an operator along the predetermined conveying path or at least a part thereof up to a predetermined element of the packaging machine, in particular a predetermined point of consumption, and that elements of the packaging machine which are in contact with the packaging material during the packaging process are at least partially placed in an operating state which facilitates the threading process for the operator.

[0011] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least some elements are or are taken out of operation at the beginning of the threading process and are then put into operation during the threading process as needed in order to assist the operator during the threading process.

[0012] This solution can have the particular advantage that the components do not interfere with the threading process and / or are only activated when they can assist the operator in the threading process. Furthermore, energy can be saved this way. Furthermore, it can be provided that components that negatively influence the threading process, in particular a web edge control or the like, are specifically deactivated for the threading process.

[0013] If the web edge control system mentioned above, for example, were not switched off, it would attempt to control the packaging material during the threading process.

[0014] This solution can therefore have the particular advantage that the decommissioned organs cannot hinder the threading process.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that the presence of the packaging material along the conveying path is monitored during the threading process, and that organs that are in contact with the packaging material along the conveying path are specifically put into an operating state that supports the operator during threading when the packaging material reaches the respective organ.

[0016] One advantage of this solution is that the devices are only activated when needed to assist the operator with threading. This allows for significant energy savings.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that the packaging material in the packaging machine is monitored, in particular by means of sensors, in such a way that the threading process is started if necessary.

[0018] An advantage of this solution may be that the threading process can be started automatically.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be provided that the presence of the packaging material and / or the integrity of the packaging material is monitored.

[0020] The threading process can also be started automatically in this way. Furthermore, it can be provided that the threading process in the packaging machine is monitored, in particular by means of sensors, until the

[0021] Threading process is completed.

[0022] This solution has the advantage that the threading process can be maintained automatically.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the threading process is checked based on the change in position of the packaging material or the position of the bobbin, in particular the change in position of a bobbin motor.

[0024] In this way, the threading process can be automatically detected and / or maintained.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that organs or their actuators can be driven and / or actuated electrically, pneumatically, mechanically or manually.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided that the members serve to slow down, fix and / or propel the packaging material and / or to reduce the friction of the packaging material.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that during the threading process a drive of a bobbin as a supply for the packaging material is driven at a reduced speed compared to the packaging process in order to support the threading process.

[0028] This solution can have the advantage of reducing the load on the packaging material and / or requiring the operator to exert less force to pull the packaging material along the conveyor path.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that during the threading process, deflectors for the packaging material are temporarily used to secure the packaging material, in particular by switching pneumatic deflectors from compressed air to suction operation. This solution can have the advantage of requiring fewer components or actuators, because individual components or actuators can have dual or multiple functions.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be provided that the control of the threading process and / or the elements during the threading process is carried out by a machine control of the packaging machine or manually by an operator.

[0031] According to a further teaching according to claim 14, which has independent significance, a device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims is claimed.

[0032] A device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims is proposed, wherein packaging material can be fed from a supply to a packaging machine and guided along a predetermined conveying path through the packaging machine, and wherein the packaging material is in contact with organs of the packaging machine along the predetermined conveying path, and wherein the packaging material can be threaded into the packaging machine along the predetermined conveying path or at least a part thereof up to a predetermined organ of the packaging machine.

[0033] It is provided that the device is set up so that the packaging material is at least partially threaded into the packaging machine by an operator along the predetermined conveying path or at least a part thereof up to a predetermined element of the packaging machine, and wherein the device is set up so that elements of the packaging machine which are in contact with the packaging material during the threading process and / or the packaging process can be at least partially put into an operating state which facilitates the threading process for the operator, in particular by a machine control of the packaging machine.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows: Fig. 1, a schematic three-dimensional representation of part of a packaging machine for products of the cigarette industry,

[0035] Fig. 2 a side view of the packaging machine,

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a part of the packaging machine according to Fig. 1 in an enlarged partial view,

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a part of the packaging machine according to Fig. 2 in an enlarged partial view and

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a part of the packaging machine according to Fig. 2 in an enlarged partial view.

[0039] The invention proposes a method and an associated device for preferably automatically assisting the operator in manually threading the material web into a packaging machine 10.

[0040] Figs. 1 and 2 show an overview of the packaging machine 10 along with a machine 11 connected to the packaging machine 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 10 is a film wrapping machine, as is generally known from the prior art. The connected machine 11, in this case, is a stick packer.

[0041] The packaging machine 10 has a machine frame 12 (shown in the figure). Components of the packaging machine 10 are arranged in the area of ​​a front side 13. On the opposite rear side 14, the packaging material 15 is fed from a supply in the form of several reels 16.

[0042] The following are shown as examples in Fig. 1 as organs of the packaging machine 10: pneumatic deflection 17

[0043] Railway brake 18

[0044] Deflection roller 19 Web edge control 20

[0045] Thread support 21

[0046] - another track brake 18, and

[0047] - Cutting device 22.

[0048] What these elements have in common is that they are all related to the handling of the packaging material 15, which is guided along a conveyor path 23 to a consumption point 24. In the present embodiment, the packaging material 15 is consumed in the cutting device 22 by separating individual blanks from the packaging material 15, which are then wrapped as outer wrapping around packs for products of the cigarette industry in a subsequent sealing turret 25. In subsequent sealing stations, the outer wrappings are sealed, and the completed packs are transferred to the downstream machine 11.

[0049] For the purposes of the application, products of the cigarette industry are understood to include tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigarillos and the like, but also novel tobacco products such as heat-not-burn products or liquid carriers for e-cigarettes.

[0050] The packaging material 15 is guided through the packaging machine 10 as a continuous material web. In addition to the film used in the present embodiment, paper or cardboard are also conceivable as the packaging material 15. In principle, any packaging material 15 that can be guided through the packaging machine 10 as a material web can be used.

[0051] In addition to the film wrapping machine described here, the invention can of course also be used in other packaging machines 10 on which web-shaped packaging material 15 or a material web is processed.

[0052] A special feature of the packaging machine 10 shown is the feeding of the packaging material 15 from the rear 14 of the packaging machine 10. The packaging material 15 is wound up as a reel 16 and brought to the packaging machine 10 for filling (see Fig. 1). Filling means that the packaging machine 10 is equipped with new packaging material 15 before starting work. The packaging machine 10 must also be equipped with new packaging material 15 for a layout change / brand change, for example, where different or differently printed packaging material 15 is used.

[0053] As will become clear from the following description, feeding the packaging material 15 from the rear side 14 is only a preferred embodiment. The packaging material 15 can also be fed from another side.

[0054] To connect a material web that is running out with a new material web, a splicing device (not shown here) can be provided on the rear side 14 of the packaging machine 10.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a portion of the conveying path 23 of the packaging material 15 in the area of ​​the front side 13 of the packaging machine 10 in greater detail. The conveying path 23 runs via the pneumatic deflection 17 and the web brake 18, as well as via the deflection rollers 19, past the web edge control 20 into a first loop box 26. A tear-open thread 27 is applied to the packaging material 15 in front of the first loop box 26, with a further, second loop box 28 being used for the material of the tear-open thread 27. Further web brakes 18 are located adjacent to an ultrasonic sensor 29 on the first loop box 26. The packaging material 15 then passes through a print mark sensor 30, a splice sensor 31, a pair of feed rollers 32, a U-knife 33 and a thread position sensor 34 before the packaging material 15 is fed to the cutting apparatus 22 as a unit consuming the packaging material 15.

[0056] In the cutting apparatus 22, a cutting unit 35 separates a blank from the packaging material 15 and holds it ready on suction belts 36 in the path of a belt conveyor 37 transporting packs to be wrapped. In a known manner, one pack at a time is conveyed through the blank held ready, so that the blank is wrapped around the pack in a U-shape. The pack with the blank is then pushed by a pusher 38 into a pocket of a sealing turret 25 arranged adjacent to the cutting apparatus 22. During transport on the sealing turret 25, the folding of the blank around the pack continues (e.g., underfolder 39) and the blank is sealed in a first sealing station 40. In the area of ​​an elevator 41, the packs are removed from the belt conveyor 37, transported upwards and sealed in a second sealing station 42.From the elevator 41, the packs are conveyed along a third sealing station 43, where the sealing is completed. Transport is carried out by an upper belt 44 and a lower belt 45 to clamping belts 46 for transfer to the subsequent machine 11.

[0057] Along the conveyor path 23 from the reel 16 to the unit consuming the packaging material 15 (in the exemplary embodiment, the cutting device 22 as the consumption point 24), the operator of the packaging machine 10 must manually guide the packaging material 15 through the packaging machine 10 ("threading" or "threading process"). However, directly adjacent to the packaging machine 10 is the machine 11, to which the packages wrapped in a blank are transferred by means of the clamping belts 46. This machine 11 blocks the operator's direct path for feeding the packaging material 15 from the rear side 14 to the front side 13.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, an actuator or element is provided which holds the packaging material 15 during its passage between the packaging machine 10 and the adjacent machines 11, or during the transfer from the rear side 14 to the front side 13. The actuator shown here is designed as a web brake 18. The web brake 18 can fix the packaging material 15 in place using force / form and / or friction locking.

[0059] In detail, this means: The operator is located on the rear side 14 and manually guides the packaging material 15 over the deflection rollers 19 and the pneumatic deflections 17 to the web brake 18. There, the packaging material 15 is secured so that the operator can release it. The operator then makes his way around the packaging machine 10, where he then grasps the packaging material 15 again at the front side 13 and can thread it further through the packaging machine 10. Further actuators or elements can also be provided further along the conveyor path 23. For example, Fig. 4 shows a further web brake 18 for securing the packaging material 15, for example in the area of ​​the first loop box 26. This enables the operator to apply a tear-off thread 27 to the packaging material 15. On the other hand, the operator can, for example, prepare the loop in the first loop box 26.Once this work has been completed, the track brake 18 is released again and the operator can continue the threading process (see Fig. 5).

[0060] In addition to the web brakes 18 just described, actuators or components used include feed rollers 32 (for conveying the packaging material 15) and / or valves of the pneumatically operated deflectors 17 (for reducing friction). However, in general, all possible actuators or components for braking, securing, and / or conveying the packaging material 15 are conceivable.

[0061] All actuators and components are controlled according to the procedure for automatically supporting the operator during the manual threading process. The machine control system automatically detects that an operator is about to thread or is currently threading packaging material 15 and controls the necessary actuators and components accordingly (switching on compressed air in the deflectors 17, opening / closing the web brakes 18, etc.). The goal is to control only those actuators and components that are currently needed.

[0062] The method for the threading process is as follows: The threading process can be initiated manually by the operator. For this purpose, the operator can, for example, start the process using a button or inputs on the machine monitor (machine visualization). The threading process can also be initiated automatically by querying the condition of the packaging material 15. For this purpose, for example, the position of a pendulum (not shown) in the tear position can be detected. This pendulum is only in this tear position (deflection to the full stop) if it is not loaded with packaging material 15. The pendulum position is detected using sensors or rotary encoders. Pendulums of this type are known from the prior art. The detection that the first loop box 26 is not filled with packaging material 15 can also be used to automatically start the threading process. The presence orThe absence of the packaging material 15 can be detected by the ultrasonic sensor 29 (see Fig. 4 and 5).

[0063] What both variants have in common is that the absence of packaging material 15 is detected.

[0064] Another option for actively controlling the actuators or components is to detect an active pull on the packaging material 15 by the operator during threading. The reel 16 is fixed to a drivable holder (not shown) on the packaging machine 10. This holder is driven by a motor (servo motor) during normal operation, so that the reel 16 is rotated during the packaging process (controlled unwinding of the packaging material 15). During threading, the motor of the active reel 16 is initially de-energized. If an operator pulls on the packaging material 15, the position value of the reel motor changes (due to rotation of the servo), and the actuators are enabled for targeted control.

[0065] Additionally, it can be provided that the bobbin motor can also be actively rotated at a low speed during the threading process. This would allow the packaging material 15 to be unwound slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing the tension in the packaging material 15.

[0066] In order to actively control only the actuators or elements required at a given time, the sensors in the packaging machine 10 are used. The presence or position of the packaging material 15 at different locations in the packaging machine 10 can be checked via the sensors distributed throughout the packaging machine 10 (see Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 5). The individual actuators or elements can be specifically controlled when the operator has reached the respective point during threading where the function of the respective actuator or element is required.

[0067] Such sensors can be, as shown in the figures: Web edge sensor of the web edge control 20

[0068] Ultrasonic sensor 29 on the loop box

[0069] Encoder on the pendulum

[0070] - Splice sensor 31 and / or print mark sensor 30.

[0071] In general, all possible sensors of different types can be used that enable the recognition / detection of the packaging material 15. This also allows individual components of the packaging machine 10 to be shut down in a targeted manner. For example, the web edge control 20 can be deliberately switched off during the threading process so that it does not constantly attempt to readjust the web position.

[0072] For the exemplary embodiment, this means in detail: The operator has placed a bobbin 16 on the drivable holder and the threading process is started (manually or automatically). The operator now pulls on the packaging material 15 and the valve for the pneumatic deflection 17 is activated (see Fig. 3). This supplies the deflection 17 with compressed air, reducing the friction between the deflection 17 and the material web. When the machine reaches the passage between the packaging machine 10 and the adjacent machine 11, the web brake 18 is automatically opened so that the operator can thread the packaging material 15 here. The web brake 18 then closes again and fixes the packaging material 15. The opening and closing process can be carried out manually by the operator (manual operation) or automatically by appropriate sensors (as described above).

[0073] In the automatic variant, the web brake 18 can be driven pneumatically, electrically, mechanically, etc. All other actuators or components of the packaging machine 10 are still inactive.

[0074] Once the packaging material 15 is secured, the operator can walk to the front 13 of the packaging machine 10, grasp the packaging material 15, and continue the threading process. To do this, the web brake 18 is automatically released (sensor-controlled) by pulling on the packaging material 15 or opened manually by the operator. The next pneumatic diverter 17 is then activated (the compressed air valve is opened) as soon as the operator arrives at it with the packaging material 15 (the presence of the packaging material 15 is detected by sensors).

[0075] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the pneumatic deflectors 17 could also be used as fixation devices. Depending on the requirements, switching between compressed air operation and suction operation is then possible.

[0076] These steps continue throughout the entire packaging machine 10 until the operator arrives at the consuming unit (here, cutting device 22) with the packaging material 15. All actuators or components already activated up to this point are further controlled as needed.

[0077] To relieve tension on the packaging material 15, the reel motor can be operated at a reduced speed as described above. The feed rollers 32 shown in the figures are also driven in this way, relieving the operator's workload when feeding the packaging material 15.

[0078] Once the operator has reached the consuming unit (as shown in Fig. 2), the threading process is terminated. Here, too, both variants are possible: manually via operator input or automatically via sensor detection.

[0079] In an alternative or further development of the method described above, it can also be provided that the respective organs or actuators can be operated by the operator himself or a second operator.

[0080] For example, it can be provided that a button or the like is arranged on each organ or actuator, or that such a button is assigned to each organ or actuator. Once the operator has reached the respective organ or actuator with the packaging material 15, he or she presses the button to activate or control the organ or actuator accordingly.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the activation or control can also be performed by a second operator as soon as the operator arrives at the respective organ or actuator with the packaging material 15. Activation by the second operator can also be performed via the button or via the machine control system, in particular via an input command on a control panel or machine monitor or a machine visualization system.

[0082] *****

[0083] List of reference symbols

[0084] 10 Packaging machine 34 Thread position sensor

[0085] 11 Machine 35 Cutting unit

[0086] 12 Machine frame 36 Suction belt

[0087] 13 Front 37 Belt conveyor

[0088] 14 Back 38 Insert

[0089] 15 Packaging material 39 Underfolder

[0090] 16 Bobine 40 first sealing station

[0091] 17 Deflection 41 Elevator

[0092] 18 Railway brake 42 second sealing station

[0093] 19 Deflection roller 43 third sealing station

[0094] 20 Web edge control 44 Upper belt

[0095] 21 Thread support 45 Bottom chord

[0096] 22 Cutting device 46 Clamping belt

[0097] 23 Conveyor path

[0098] 24 consumption points

[0099] 25 sealing revolvers

[0100] 26 first loop box

[0101] 27 Tear-off thread

[0102] 28 second loop box

[0103] 29 Ultrasonic sensor

[0104] 30 Print mark sensor

[0105] 31 Splice sensor

[0106] 32 Feed roller

[0107] 33 U-knives

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for handling web-shaped packaging material (15) within a packaging machine (10), preferably for products of the cigarette industry, wherein the packaging material (15), in particular a continuous material web, is fed from a supply, in particular from a reel (16), to the packaging machine (10) and guided along a predetermined conveying path (23) through the packaging machine (10), wherein the packaging material (15) is in contact along the predetermined conveying path (23) with elements of the packaging machine (10) which serve in particular to guide, transport, handle and / or process the material web, and wherein the packaging material (15), in particular at the start of a packaging process and / or after interruptions of the packaging process, along the predetermined conveying path (23) or at least a part thereof to a predetermined element of the packaging machine (10),in particular a predetermined consumption point (24), is threaded into the packaging machine (10), characterized in that the packaging material (15) is threaded at least partially, preferably predominantly, most preferably substantially, in particular exclusively, by an operator along the predetermined conveying path (23) or at least a part thereof up to a predetermined element of the packaging machine (10), in particular a predetermined consumption point (24), into the packaging machine (10), and that elements of the packaging machine (10) which are in contact with the packaging material (15) during the threading process and / or the packaging process are at least partially placed in an operating state which facilitates the threading process for the operator.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some members are or are taken out of operation at the beginning of the threading process and are then put into operation during the threading process as needed to assist the operator in the threading process.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for the threading process, organs are specifically taken out of operation which Negatively influence the threading process, in particular a web edge control (20) or the like.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the threading process the presence of the packaging material (15) along the conveying path (23) is monitored, and that organs which are in contact with the packaging material (15) along the conveying path (23) are specifically placed in an operating state which assists the operator during threading when the packaging material (15) reaches the respective organ.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging material (15) in the packaging machine (10) is monitored, in particular by means of sensors, in such a way that the threading process is started if necessary.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the presence of the packaging material (15) and / or the integrity of the packaging material (15) is monitored.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threading process in the packaging machine (10) is monitored in particular by means of sensors until the threading process is completed.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threading process is checked based on the change in position of the packaging material (15) or the position of the reel (16), in particular the change in position of a reel motor.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that organs or their actuators can be driven and / or actuated electrically, pneumatically, mechanically or manually.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elements for braking, fixing and / or propulsion of the packaging material (15) and / or to reduce the friction of the packaging material (15).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the threading process, a drive of a reel (16) as a supply for the packaging material (15) is driven at a reduced speed compared to the packaging process in order to support the threading process.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the threading process, deflections (17) for the packaging material (15) are temporarily used to fix the packaging material (15), in particular by switching pneumatic deflections (17) from compressed air to suction operation.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control of the threading process and / or the members during the threading process is carried out by a machine control of the packaging machine (10) or manually by an operator.

14. Device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein packaging material (15), in particular a continuous material web, can be fed from a supply, in particular from a reel (16), to a packaging machine (10) and guided along a predetermined conveying path (23) through the packaging machine (10), and wherein the packaging material (15) is in contact along the predetermined conveying path (23) with elements of the packaging machine (10) which serve in particular to guide, transport, handle and / or process the material web, and wherein the packaging material (15), in particular at the beginning of a packaging process and / or after interruptions of the packaging process, can be threaded into the packaging machine (10) along the predetermined conveying path (23) or at least a part thereof up to a predetermined element of the packaging machine (10), in particular a predetermined point of use (24),characterized in that the device is designed so that the packaging material (15) at least partially, preferably predominantly, highly, preferably essentially, in particular exclusively, by an operator along the predetermined conveying path (23) or at least a part thereof up to a predetermined element of the packaging machine (10), in particular a predetermined point of consumption (24), into the packaging machine (10), and wherein the device is designed such that elements of the packaging machine (10) that are in contact with the packaging material (15) during the threading process and / or the packaging process can be at least partially placed in an operating state that facilitates the threading process for the operator, in particular by a machine control of the packaging machine (10). *****

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