Machining tool, machining method and use of a machining tool

The processing tool for layered pulp structures addresses the inefficiencies of existing packaging methods by enabling one-step secure and eco-friendly packaging of heavy appliances with complex shapes using a base and tool plate with movable operators and a spring base.

EP4620663A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-09-24BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025154046
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-02-01
Filing Date
2025-01-27
Publication Date
2025-09-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing packaging methods for large household appliances are either time-consuming, environmentally harmful, or insufficiently secure and cushion heavy appliances, while current honeycomb panels require complex shaping and multiple handling steps, making them costly.

Method used

A processing tool for plate-shaped, layered pulp structures, comprising a base and tool plate with movable processing operators, allows simultaneous reshaping and cutting on both sides, using a spring base for easy insertion and forming packaging elements that securely package heavy appliances.

Benefits of technology

The tool enables efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly packaging of heavy appliances with complex shapes by processing pulp structures in one step, ensuring secure transport and easy recyclability.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a processing tool (2) for processing a substantially plate-shaped, layer-by-layer bonded pulp structure (26), in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels, for forming a packaging and transport element (36), comprising a base plate (4) which is provided and designed to support the pulp structure (26) in a planar manner, and a tool plate (6) which is arranged parallel to the base plate (4) and can be moved against the base plate (4) in a normal direction (X) of the base plate and the tool plate (6) in order to process the pulp structure (26). The base plate (4) comprises a first carrier plate (8) with first processing operators (10), wherein the first processing operators (10) are formed on a first side (12) of the base plate (4) facing the tool plate (6).The tool plate (6) includes a second carrier plate (16) with second processing operators (18), wherein the second processing operators (18) are formed on a second side (20) of the tool plate (6) facing the base plate (4). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for processing a pulp structure (26) and a use of the processing tool (2).
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Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing tool for processing a substantially plate-shaped, layer-by-layer bonded pulp structure, in particular in the form of a corrugated cardboard or a honeycomb panel, a method for processing the pulp structure and a use of the processing tool for producing a packaging and transport element for a large household appliance. State of the art

[0002] Household appliances, or large household appliances, are used in almost every household. To transport such a large household appliance safely from a manufacturing site to a point of sale and its final destination, it is necessary to package the appliance with minimal play and to ensure it is well padded.

[0003] For this purpose, large household appliances, for example, are packaged with foamed components. This type of packaging has the disadvantage that the foaming process, and especially the curing of the foam, is time-consuming. When unpacking the large household appliance, the cured foam can crumble, leading to unwanted contamination in the living space. Furthermore, the cured foam is difficult to recycle, resulting in large amounts / volumes of waste.

[0004] Alternatively, such large household appliances can be transported embedded in packaging chips. These packaging chips can be biodegradable and are generally at least partially reusable, but they have the disadvantage that they are insufficiently able to secure and cushion heavy large household appliances.

[0005] Another alternative is to secure the large household appliance in corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels. However, such honeycomb panels can only be used for lighter household appliances or large household appliances with simple shapes, as transport packaging for large, heavy household appliances requires complex shapes to replicate the contours of the large household appliance while still bearing / absorbing the forces acting on it, thus safely protecting the large household appliance. Currently, it is therefore necessary to layer and join several honeycomb panels after processing / cutting, which involves considerable investment, handling, labor, and therefore costs.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a way to package and transport large household appliances safely, while simultaneously being cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Summary of Revelation

[0007] This object is achieved by a processing tool according to independent patent claim 1, a method for processing a substantially plate-shaped, layered pulp structure, and by the use of the processing tool. Advantageous further developments are disclosed in the subclaims and / or described below.

[0008] Specifically, the problem is solved by the processing tool for processing a substantially plate-shaped, layered pulp structure, in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb board. The processing tool includes a base plate provided and designed to support the pulp structure flatly, and a tool plate arranged / oriented / aligned parallel to the carrier plate. The base plate and / or the tool plate are movable relative to one another or toward or against one another in a normal direction of the carrier plate and the tool plate in order to process the pulp structure. The base plate includes a first carrier plate with first processing operators, wherein the first processing operators are formed on a side of the base plate facing the tool plate.The tool plate includes a second carrier plate with second processing operators, wherein the second processing operators are formed on a side of the tool plate facing the base plate.

[0009] In other words, the problem is solved by the machining tool with the base plate and the tool plate. The base plate and the tool plate are configured in the machining tool in a press-like and / or punch-like manner and are movable / displaceable relative to one another. Preferably, the tool plate is movable relative to the base plate, with the base plate being stationary. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the tool plate is stationary and the base plate is movable relative to the tool plate. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which both the tool plate and the base plate are movable.

[0010] Preferably, the movement is a movement in a direction normal to a planar extension of the base plate and / or the tool plate. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the movement is a folding movement about a hinge axis connecting the base plate and the tool plate.

[0011] The base plate includes the first, substantially plate-shaped support plate, which is formed with the first machining operators on a first surface. The first surface faces a gap formed between the base plate and the tool plate.

[0012] The first processing operators are elements / effectors that are intended and designed to locally process the pulp structure, in particular to reshape it, e.g., compress it, and / or separate it, e.g., punch or cut it. The first processing operators can extend away from the first surface in the positive normal direction and / or in the negative normal direction.

[0013] The tool plate includes the second, substantially plate-shaped support plate, which is formed with the second machining operators on a second surface. The second surface faces the gap between the base plate and the tool plate.

[0014] The second processing operators are elements / effectors that are provided and designed to locally process the pulp structure, in particular to reshape it, e.g., compress it, and / or separate it, e.g., punch or cut it. The second processing operators can extend away from the second surface in the positive normal direction and / or in the negative normal direction.

[0015] The core of the invention is therefore to provide a processing tool which processes the pulp structure on both sides in only one working step, wherein both the base plate and the tool plate are designed with processing operators facing each other.

[0016] Such a processing tool allows for processing board-like pulp structures with greater thicknesses without the need to re-clamp, glue, or otherwise process the pulp structure multiple times. The increased board thickness allows even heavy household appliances with complex contours to be safely packaged and transported. Furthermore, pulp structures that are easily recyclable can be used for packaging and transport.

[0017] In a first aspect, the base plate may include a spring base or be mechanically coupled to the spring base, wherein the spring base is provided and configured to support the pulp structure.

[0018] In other words, the spring base can be formed in the space between the base plate and the tool plate. The spring base forms a receiving element / receiving table / workpiece table / workpiece carrier on which the pulp structure, in the form of a plate-shaped semi-finished product, can be positioned.

[0019] The spring base can optionally have at least one stop and / or at least one recess and / or an optical marking which is designed to receive and position the cellulose structure.

[0020] The spring base can be elastically deformable. Alternatively or additionally, the spring base can include recesses corresponding to the first processing operators and / or the second processing operators. Corresponding means that the recesses are congruent with the first processing operators and / or the second processing operators in the normal direction in a plan view.

[0021] Such a spring base allows the semi-finished product and / or the already formed pulp structure to be easily and automatically inserted into or removed from the processing tool.

[0022] In a further aspect, the spring base can be arranged / mounted via spring elements at a distance from the first carrier plate in the intermediate space formed between the tool plate and the base plate.

[0023] In other words, the spring base can be mechanically connected to the first support plate. Specifically, the spring base can be connected to the first support plate via the elastic (compression) spring elements. The spring base can be arranged and positioned parallel to the first support plate.

[0024] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the spring base is mechanically connected to the second support plate. Specifically, in such an embodiment, the spring base can be connected to the second support plate via the elastic (compression) spring elements. The spring base can be arranged and positioned parallel to the second support plate (and to the first support plate).

[0025] The spring elements can in particular be designed in such a way that they can be elastically deformed / tensioned by the tool plate as a result of the movement of the tool plate against the base plate.

[0026] Such spring elements can ensure reliable engagement of the first processing operators and the second processing operators when moving the tool plate against the base plate into the pulp structure.

[0027] In a further aspect, the spring elements can be designed as compression springs, made of foam and / or as gas pressure springs.

[0028] In a further aspect, the spring elements can be arranged and formed uniformly over a planar extension of the spring base, for example, in a grid arrangement (in the normal direction in plan view). Specifically, spring elements can be formed, for example, in corner sections of the spring base. Optionally, further spring elements can be formed in a center point (in plan view) of the spring base and / or in the center points of edges / circumferential edge sections of the spring base.

[0029] In a further aspect, the first machining operators (in the normal direction) may be formed / arranged between the first support plate and the spring base.

[0030] In other words, the spring base can cover / span / cover the first processing operators. By moving the tool plate against the base plate, the spring base can be pressed onto the first processing operators and deform elastically, or it can bring the first processing operators into engagement with the pulp structure through the (optional) recesses in the spring base, thus enabling processing of the pulp structure through the spring base.

[0031] In a further aspect, the first machining operators and / or the second machining operators may be a selection of punching tools, (partial) cutting tools, embossing tools and / or compression tools.

[0032] In other words, the first processing operators and the second processing operators can include or be different types of operators / effectors / tools. Operators are generally understood to be elements that define the pulp structure (locally), for example, forming, cutting, compressing, bending, and / or folding. The first processing operators and the second processing operators can include or be the punching tool, the partial cutting tool, the embossing tool, and / or the compression tool.

[0033] In a further aspect, the first processing operators can be adapted to a contour of the large household appliance and the second processing operators can be provided and designed to form handle, stiffening and / or stand elements on the pulp structure.

[0034] In other words, the first processing operators can be provided and designed to process the pulp structure in such a way that the pulp structure contacts and fixes the large household appliance essentially without play.

[0035] The second processing operators can be provided and designed to process the pulp structure in such a way that the pulp structure has grip, stiffening and / or standing elements.

[0036] In a further aspect, the first processing operators and / or the second processing operators can be provided and designed to form wall thickness tapers in the pulp structure, at which the pulp structure can be (defined) folded and / or folded.

[0037] In a further aspect, the first processing operators and / or the second processing operators can be provided and configured to locally increase the density of the pulp structure by compressing the pulp structure, thereby increasing the local damping properties. In particular, such an increase in density can occur at contact points of areas requiring special protection.

[0038] The object of the present invention is further achieved by the method for processing the substantially plate-shaped, layer-by-layer connected pulp structure with the processing tool according to one of the above aspects for forming the packaging and transport element with the following sequence of steps: Inserting the pulp structure into the processing tool; positioning the pulp structure on the spring base; moving the tool plate and the base plate relative to each other; processing the pulp structure with the first processing operators and the second processing operators; moving the tool plate and the base plate apart; and removing the packaging and transport element from the processing tool.

[0039] In other words, the object of the present invention is further achieved by the method for processing the pulp structure in order to form a packaging tray for receiving, fixing, packaging and positioning the household appliance from the plate-shaped semi-finished product.

[0040] The process includes a first step in which the pulp structure, in the form of a plate-shaped semi-finished product, is introduced into the processing tool. Specifically, the plate-shaped pulp structure is introduced into the space between the tool plate and the base plate. The plate-shaped pulp structure is oriented / aligned essentially parallel to the tool plate and the base plate.

[0041] In a second step, the pulp structure is positioned on the spring base. The spring base can preferably include a stop against which the pulp structure can strike during positioning. The pulp structure can preferably be positioned centrally on the spring base.

[0042] In a third step, the tool plate moves toward the base plate. Specifically, the tool plate moves toward the base plate in a normal direction of the tool plate or the base plate. Alternatively, the base plate can also move toward the tool plate, or the tool plate and base plate can move toward each other. Alternatively, a closing, folding movement can also occur between the base plate and the tool plate.

[0043] In a fourth step, the pulp structure is formed using the first processing operators and the second processing operators. Specifically, the first processing operators and the second processing operators penetrate the pulp structure, punching out sections, compacting sections, bending sections, and / or similar processes. It should be expressly noted that numerous forming processes take place simultaneously on different sections of the pulp structure. The processing processes are performed simultaneously by both the first processing operators and the second processing operators.

[0044] In a fifth step, the tool plate moves away from the base plate. Specifically, the tool plate moves away from the base plate in the normal direction of the tool plate or the base plate. Alternatively, the base plate can also move away from the tool plate, or the tool plate and base plate can move away from each other. Alternatively, an opening and folding movement can also occur between the base plate and the tool plate.

[0045] In a sixth step, the packaging and transport element formed from the pulp structure is removed from the processing tool.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the method may further comprise a subsequent step: Wrinkles in the pulp structure, particularly at partial cuts.

[0047] In other words, after the pulp structure has been formed by the first processing operators and the second processing operators, it can be folded and / or bent at defined edges. This step can take place either after the pulp structure has been removed from the processing tool or after the pulp structure has been processed but before removal. For this purpose, (hydraulic) rams, gripping hooks, folding elements, or similar devices can be incorporated into the processing tool.

[0048] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by the use of the processing tool according to one of the above aspects for producing the packaging and transport element for a large household appliance.

[0049] In other words, the processing tool can form packaging and transport elements from the plate-shaped pulp structure, which are provided and designed to receive and secure the large household appliance. Preferably, the packaging and transport elements can be provided and designed to secure the large household appliance in an outer packaging. Short description of the characters

[0050] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a machining tool according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a first perspective view of a formed packaging and transport element; Fig. 3 is a second perspective view of the formed packaging and transport element; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a partial section in the formed packaging and transport element; Fig. 5 is a third perspective view of the formed and folded packaging and transport element; and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a large household appliance with a packaging and transport element. Description of the embodiments

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying figures.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows the machining tool 2 according to the invention in a schematic sectional view. The machining tool 2 includes a (lower) base plate 4 and an (upper) tool plate 6. The tool plate 6 can be moved / displaced linearly relative to the base plate 4 in a first normal direction X, which is oriented perpendicular to a planar extension of the base plate 4 and the tool plate 6.

[0053] The base plate 4 includes a first support plate 8 and first machining operators 10. The first machining operators 10 are formed on a first surface 12 of the first support plate 8. The first surface 12 faces a gap 14 between the base plate 4 and the tool plate 6. The first machining operators 10 extend away from the first surface 12 into the gap 14.

[0054] The tool plate includes a second support plate 16 and second machining operators 18. The second machining operators 18 are formed on a second surface 20 of the second support plate 16. The second surface 20 faces the gap 14 between the base plate 4 and the tool plate 6. The second movement operators 18 extend away from the second surface 20 into the gap 14.

[0055] The first processing operators 10 and the second processing operators 18 can be punching operators, (partial) cutting operators, embossing operators and / or compression operators.

[0056] A spring base 22 is formed parallel to the first support plate 8 of the base plate 4. The spring base 22 is fixed / mounted to the first support plate 8 via spring elements 24. Specifically, the spring base 22 can be displaced in the first normal direction X parallel to the first support plate 8 via the spring elements 24. In other words, the spring elements 24 have a linear degree of freedom in the normal direction X. The spring elements 24 are compression spring elements. Specifically, they can be compression springs, foam, gas springs, or the like.

[0057] The spring base 22 is arranged in the intermediate space 14 such that the spring base 22 spans the first machining operators 10 relative to the tool plate 6. Openings (not shown) can be formed in the spring base 22 at locations where the first machining operators 10 are formed.

[0058] The spring base 22 is provided and designed to support a pulp structure 26. By moving the tool plate 6 against the base plate 4, the first processing operators 10 and the second processing operators 18 can be brought into engagement with the pulp structure 26, wherein the pulp structure 26 is plastically deformed. During the process of moving the tool plate 6 against the base plate 4, the spring base 22 is displaced in the first normal direction X and the spring elements 24 are compressed. After the conventional processing of the pulp structure 26, the tool plate 6 moves away from the base plate 4 in the first normal direction X and the spring elements 24 rebound, so that the spring base 22 moves away from the first support plate 8.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows the pulp structure 26 in a formed state in a first perspective view and Fig. 3 shows the pulp structure 26 in the formed state in a second perspective view. In the illustration in Fig. 2 This is a top side of the pulp structure 26 and the representation in Fig. 3 It is a subsurface of the cellulose structure 26.

[0060] The first processing operators 10 and the second processing operators 18 have formed punches 28, (partial) cuts 30, compressions 32 and the like in the pulp structure 26, wherein the punches 28, (partial) cuts 30 and compressions 32 are formed, a contour of a household appliance (38 in Fig. 5 ) to contact / contact.

[0061] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a partial section 30. In this partial section, the pulp structure 26 is not completely severed. Specifically, at least one cover paper 34 is intact, so that the cover paper 34 can function as a kind of foil hinge around which the pulp structure 26 can be folded.

[0062] Fig. 5 shows the pulp structure 26 in a folded state. In other words, the pulp structure 26 has been folded by the cover paper 34 ( Fig. 2 ) formed film hinges. The cellulose structure 26 thus forms a packaging and transport element 36. The folding movement Z can preferably be 90° or 180°.

[0063] Fig. 6shows the packaging and transport element 36 mounted / attached to a large household appliance 38. In other words, the large household appliance 38 is inserted into the packaging and transport element 36. Recesses 40 are formed in the packaging and transport element 36, which are matched to a contour of the large household appliance 38. Furthermore, the packaging and transport element 36 includes feet 42, which are provided and designed to support the packaging and transport element 36 with the large household appliance 38. List of reference symbols

[0064] 2 Processing tool 4 Base plate 6 Tool plate 8 First carrier plate 10 First processing operator 12 First surface 14 Intermediate space 16 Second carrier plate 18 Second processing operator 20 Second surface 22 Spring base 24 Spring element 26 Pulp structure 28 Punching 30 (Partial) cut 32 Compression 34 Cover paper 36 Packaging and transport element 38 Large household appliance / Household appliance 40 Recess 42 Stand X Normal direction Z Folding movement

Claims

1. A processing tool (2) for processing a substantially plate-shaped, layered pulp structure (26), in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels for forming a packaging and transport element (36), comprising a base plate (4) provided and configured to support the pulp structure (26) flatly; a tool plate (6) arranged parallel to the base plate (4), wherein the base plate and / or the tool plate (6) are movable relative to one another in the normal direction (X) in order to process the pulp structure (26); characterized in thatthe base plate (4) includes a first carrier plate (8) with first processing operators (10), wherein the first processing operators (10) are formed on a first side (12) of the base plate (4) facing the tool plate (6); and the tool plate (6) includes a second carrier plate (16) with second processing operators (18), wherein the second processing operators (18) are formed on a second side (20) of the tool plate (6) facing the base plate (4).

2. Machining tool (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (4) includes a spring base (22) or is mechanically coupled to the spring base (22), wherein the spring base (22) is provided and designed to support the cellulose structure (26).

3. Machining tool (2) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe spring base (22) is arranged via spring elements (24) at a distance from the first carrier plate (8) in an intermediate space (14) formed between the tool plate (6) and the base plate (4).

4. Machining tool (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring elements (24) are designed as compression springs, foam and / or gas pressure springs.

5. Machining tool (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first processing operators (10) are arranged between the first carrier plate (8) and the spring base (22).

6. Machining tool (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first machining operators (10) and / or the second machining operators (18) are a selection of punching tools, partial cutting tools, embossing tools and / or compression tools.

7. Machining tool (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe first processing operators (10) are adapted to a contour of a large household appliance (38) and / or the second processing operators (18) are provided and designed to form handle, stiffening and / or standing elements on the cellulose structure (26).

8. A method for processing the substantially plate-shaped, layered pulp structure (26) with the processing tool (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for forming the packaging and transport element (36), comprising the following sequence of steps: - introducing the pulp structure (26) into the processing tool (2); - positioning the pulp structure (26) on the spring base (22); - moving the tool plate (6) and the base plate (4) relative to one another; - processing the pulp structure (26) with the first processing operators (10) and the second processing operators (18); - moving the tool plate (6) and the base plate (4) apart; and - removing the packaging and transport element (36) from the processing tool (2).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by a subsequent step: - folding the pulp structure (26) at partial cuts (30).

10. Use of the processing tool (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for producing a packaging and transport element (36) for a large household appliance (40).

Citation Information

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