Exchange module for a device for sealing cardboard packages, method for retrofitting a device for sealing cardboard packages and device for sealing cardboard packages

Abstract

The invention relates to an exchange module (5) for use in a device (1) for closing cardboard packaging (2), which comprises a conveying unit (3) for moving the cardboard packaging (2) in a conveying direction (F), guides (4) for guiding and aligning the cardboard packaging (2) and a closing unit for closing the cardboard packaging (2), wherein the closing unit comprises means for folding in transverse flaps (8) and longitudinal flaps (10) of a cardboard packaging (2) and an adhesive tape application device for applying an adhesive tape to a cardboard packaging (2) moving along the conveying unit (3).The invention is characterized in that the replacement module (5) is designed to replace the closure unit in the device (1), wherein the replacement module (5) comprises means (6, 7, 9) for folding in transverse flaps (8) and longitudinal flaps (10) of a cardboard packaging (2), at least one application unit (11) for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps (8), and at least one connection area (24) for connecting the replacement module (5) to the device (1). The invention further relates to a method for converting a device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an exchange module for a device for sealing cardboard packaging, wherein the exchange module comprises at least one application unit for a hot-melt adhesive. The invention further relates to a method for converting a device for sealing cardboard packaging and to a device for sealing cardboard packaging.

[0002] Adhesive tape is frequently used to seal cardboard packaging, especially outer cardboard packaging. The application of the adhesive tape is generally automated. For example, DE 1 761 692 discloses a device for sealing cardboard boxes using adhesive tape. The device comprises a conveyor for moving the boxes, guides for guiding and aligning the boxes, and an adhesive tape application device arranged above the conveyor. This device applies adhesive tape to a box moving along the conveyor, thereby sealing the box.

[0003] The use of adhesive tape is disadvantageous in several respects. Opening a package sealed with tape usually requires a tool, such as a knife. This poses a significant risk of injury, especially when many packages need to be opened quickly, as in a supermarket. Furthermore, there is also the risk of accidentally damaging the product inside the box being opened by using a knife.

[0004] Finally, the use of adhesive tape complicates the recycling process. The tape consists of a backing material coated with an adhesive, which is usually a plastic material. This plastic material generally requires different recycling streams than the cardboard packaging. However, it is not always possible to completely separate the cardboard and plastic materials, which impairs the recycling process. Given the increased environmental and sustainability awareness, this is considered an area that needs improvement.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a device with which the automated sealing of cardboard boxes can be made more environmentally friendly and sustainable in a simple and comparatively cost-effective manner.

[0006] This problem is solved by an exchange module according to claim 1, by a method for conversion according to claim 9, and by a device for closing cardboard packaging according to claim 10.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to claim 1, the invention relates to an exchange module for use in a device for closing cardboard packaging, which comprises a conveying unit for moving the cardboard packaging in a conveying direction, guides for guiding and aligning the cardboard packaging, and a closing unit for closing the cardboard packaging, wherein the closing unit comprises means for folding in transverse flaps and longitudinal flaps of a cardboard packaging and an adhesive tape application device for applying adhesive tape to a cardboard packaging moving along the conveying unit.The replacement module according to the invention is designed to replace the closure unit in the device, wherein the replacement module comprises means for folding in transverse flaps and longitudinal flaps of a cardboard packaging, at least one application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps and at least one connection area for connecting the replacement module to the device.

[0009] In other words, the invention provides for an exchange module that can be integrated into an existing device for sealing cardboard packaging with adhesive tape. The exchange module according to the invention replaces the existing sealing unit, which includes an adhesive tape application device, while other essential components of the device, such as the conveyor unit for moving the cartons and / or the guides for guiding and aligning the cartons, continue to be used.

[0010] A significant advantage of the exchange module according to the invention is that it can be integrated into an existing device for closing cardboard packaging or can replace the existing closure unit, which includes an adhesive tape application device, within such a device. Therefore, when switching the closure technology from adhesive tape to hot melt adhesive, a user does not need to replace an existing device using adhesive tape with a completely new one, which would entail considerable expense. Instead, substantial components of an existing device for closing cardboard packaging with adhesive tape can be reused by simply replacing the adhesive tape closure unit with the exchange module according to the invention, which includes an application unit for a hot melt adhesive.

[0011] For this purpose, the replacement module includes a connection area for attachment to the device. The replacement module can, for example, be welded to the device in this connection area. Alternatively or additionally, fasteners, such as screws, can be provided in the connection area by means of which the replacement module can be detachably connected to the device. The replacement module according to the invention is thus designed to be integrated into an existing device for closing cardboard packaging in a very simple manner, according to the "plug and play" principle, or to replace a closure unit comprising an adhesive tape application device in such a device.

[0012] With the aid of the exchange module according to the invention, integrated into a device for closing cardboard packaging, cardboard packaging can be closed as follows: A cardboard package to be closed is moved in a conveying direction by means of the conveying unit, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. Laterally arranged guides ensure guidance and alignment of the cardboard package. By means of folding devices arranged on the exchange module, the two transverse flaps of the cardboard package are first folded in. The transverse flaps of the cardboard package are understood to be those flaps that are folded in about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the conveying direction. In the case of a cuboid cardboard package, these are generally the two short flaps.Accordingly, the longitudinal flaps of a cardboard box are understood to be those flaps that are folded inwards around a pivot axis running parallel to the conveying direction. In the case of a cuboid cardboard box, these are usually the two long flaps.

[0013] Hot melt adhesive is then applied to the two folded transverse flaps using the application unit located on the exchange module. The application unit can have one or more nozzles through which the hot melt adhesive is applied to the folded transverse flaps. Finally, the longitudinal flaps are folded inwards by means provided on the exchange module so that they lie on top of the already folded and adhesive-coated transverse flaps, thus bonding them and securely sealing the cardboard packaging.

[0014] The exchange module according to the invention thus makes it possible to switch from a sealing technique using adhesive tape to one using hot melt adhesive in a simple and cost-effective manner, thereby overcoming the disadvantages associated with adhesive tape applications. In particular, the consumption of plastic material can be significantly reduced. A major advantage is that essential components of an existing device for sealing cardboard packaging can continue to be used, so that switching from adhesive tape to hot melt adhesive is feasible for users at a comparatively manageable cost.

[0015] Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive fastening technique offers additional advantages over adhesive tape fastening. For example, there is greater flexibility in the dimensions of the longitudinal flaps, as, unlike with adhesive tape, it is not necessary for the two longitudinal flaps to lie as flush against each other as possible when folded. Instead, a significantly larger gap can remain between the two folded longitudinal flaps. It is only necessary that the hot melt adhesive is applied to the transverse flaps in areas that will subsequently be covered by the longitudinal flaps. This allows for material savings in the area of ​​the longitudinal flaps, which represents a further advantage in terms of sustainability and resource conservation.

[0016] If the cardboard packaging is intended to provide special dust protection, the longitudinal flaps can also be designed so that they overlap each other when folded, thus eliminating any gap. The bonding is then achieved simply by applying hot-melt adhesive to the two transverse flaps, which then adhere the folded, overlapping longitudinal flaps.

[0017] Finally, another advantage of hot-melt adhesive sealing is that no tools such as knives or scissors are required to open the packaging. Simply pulling or tearing the longitudinal flaps separates the adhesive bond between the flaps and the transverse flaps, allowing the packaging to be opened. This eliminates the risk of injury and / or damage to the product inside the packaging caused by the use of cutting tools.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the exchange module according to the invention comprises a support frame on which the connection area and a central support element are arranged, wherein the means for folding in transverse and longitudinal flaps as well as the at least one application unit are arranged on the support element. In other words, the exchange module can comprise an outer support frame, which can, for example, consist of four metal profiles arranged at right angles to one another and via which the exchange module can be connected to an existing device for closing cardboard packaging. For this purpose, connecting means can be arranged on the support frame in the connection area, enabling a detachable connection with the existing device.

[0019] Furthermore, a central support element is arranged on the support frame, which serves as a support for the means of folding in the transverse and longitudinal flaps, as well as for the at least one application unit. For example, the support element can be designed as a metal beam that, in the operating position of the exchange module, extends longitudinally in the conveying direction. The support element can be arranged on one of the metal profiles forming the support frame, in particular on a metal profile that extends transversely across the conveying unit in the operating position. The support element can be height-adjustable, for example, by allowing the metal profile extending transversely across the conveying unit, on which the support element is arranged, to be height-adjustable relative to the other metal profiles of the support frame.In this way, cardboard packaging of different heights can be closed using the exchange module according to the invention.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention provides that the exchange module comprises at least one first application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps and at least one second application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps, wherein the first application unit and the second application unit are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction of the cardboard packaging when the exchange module is in use position, and wherein the hot melt adhesive applied by the first application unit to the folded transverse flaps serves to seal the cardboard packaging and the hot melt adhesive applied by the second application unit to the folded longitudinal flaps serves to form a pallet securing mechanism.

[0021] In other words, in addition to a first application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps, with the aim of sealing the cardboard packaging, the exchange module can also include a second application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps, thereby forming a pallet securing device.

[0022] The reason for this design is that sealed cardboard packages are typically stacked on pallets for delivery to customers. It is essential to prevent the stacked packages from shifting during loading and / or transport, which could lead to instability. To achieve this, pallet stacks are usually wrapped several times with shrink film, providing the necessary stability. A disadvantage of this method is the high consumption of plastic film and the fact that the shrink film must be laboriously removed and disposed of by the customer using cutting tools.

[0023] In contrast, an embodiment of the exchange module according to the invention, comprising a first and a second application unit for applying hot-melt adhesive, offers the advantage that hot-melt adhesive can be applied to the outside of the longitudinal flaps glued to the transverse flaps of the finished, sealed cardboard packaging by means of the second application unit arranged downstream of the first, with this adhesive application subsequently acting as pallet securing. The hot-melt adhesive applied to the outside of the longitudinal flaps, and thus to the top of a first sealed cardboard packaging, hardens very quickly after cooling and retains a certain slight tackiness, which prevents a second cardboard packaging placed on top of this first cardboard packaging during stacking from slipping relative to the first cardboard packaging.However, removing the second cardboard box from the first one later is possible without any special effort.

[0024] A particular advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that both the sealing of the cardboard packaging and the application of pallet securing can be carried out in a single device and in directly successive process steps. Thus, unlike in the prior art, two separate devices are not required: one for sealing the cardboard packaging and the other for applying stack securing. At the same time, the use of a plastic film for stack securing can be completely eliminated.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the exchange module comprises two second application units for applying hot melt adhesive to both folded longitudinal flaps. In this way, hot melt adhesive can be applied evenly to both folded longitudinal flaps to form pallet securing.

[0026] It may be provided that at least one second application unit includes a nozzle suitable for applying the hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps by spin spraying.

[0027] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the replacement module has one or more pressure rollers for pressing down the folded longitudinal flaps, wherein the at least one pressure roller is arranged between the first application unit and the second application unit. Such pressure rollers can be arranged on the support element of the replacement module and serve to exert pressure on the folded longitudinal flaps in order to strengthen the adhesive effect between the transverse flaps and the longitudinal flaps.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the at least one application unit has an interface through which a connection to a controller of the application unit can be established. The controller of the application unit itself does not have to be located directly on the exchange module; it can be designed and positioned separately.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the at least one application unit has a connection for linking to a hot-melt adhesive reservoir. Such a hot-melt adhesive reservoir does not necessarily have to be located directly on the replacement module itself, but can be designed and positioned separately.

[0030] According to claim 9, the invention also relates to a method for retrofitting a device for closing cardboard packaging, wherein the device comprises a conveying unit for moving the cardboard packaging in a conveying direction, guides for guiding and aligning the moving cardboard packaging, and a closing unit, the closing unit comprising means for folding in the longitudinal and transverse flaps of the cardboard packaging and an adhesive tape application device for applying adhesive tape to a cardboard packaging moving along the conveying unit. The method is characterized in that the closing unit is removed from the device and an exchange module according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is integrated into the device instead.

[0031] In other words, the invention also relates to a conversion method by which a device for closing cardboard packaging using adhesive tape can be converted to a device for closing cardboard packaging using hot melt adhesive in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0032] According to claim 10, the invention also relates to a device for closing cardboard packaging, comprising a conveying unit for moving the cardboard packaging in a conveying direction, guides for guiding and aligning the cardboard packaging, and means for folding in transverse flaps and longitudinal flaps of the cardboard packaging, wherein the device comprises at least a first application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps and at least a second application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps.wherein the first application unit and the second application unit are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction (F) of the cardboard packaging, and wherein the hot melt adhesive applied by the first application unit to the folded transverse flaps serves to seal the cardboard packaging, and the hot melt adhesive applied by the second application unit to the folded longitudinal flaps serves to form pallet securing. Such a device exists, for example, when an existing sealing unit comprising an adhesive tape application device in a device for sealing cardboard packaging has been replaced by an exchange module according to one of claims 3 to 8.

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1: a representation of an exchange module according to the invention, integrated into a device for closing cardboard packaging; Figure 2: a detail from Figure 1 in enlarged view.

[0034] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a device, designated as a whole by reference numeral 1, for closing cardboard packaging 2. The device 1 comprises a conveying unit 3 designed as a roller conveyor, by means of which the cardboard packaging 2 is moved in a conveying direction F. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises guides 4 for guiding and aligning the cardboard packaging 2.

[0035] Not shown in the figures is a sealing unit comprising an adhesive tape application device for sealing the cardboard packaging 2, which was originally part of the device 1. This sealing unit was removed from the device 1 and replaced by an exchange module designated as 5.

[0036] The replacement module 5 comprises an outer support frame 12. This frame is formed from four metal profiles 13, 14, 15, 16 arranged at right angles to each other and connected to one another. The replacement module 5 is connected to the device 1 via the support frame 12. For this purpose, connecting elements 17 in the form of screws are arranged on both sides of the support frame 12. These screws allow the support frame 12 to be screwed to the device 1 in the lower area of ​​the metal profiles 13 and 14, thus enabling a detachable connection to the device.

[0037] Furthermore, a central support element 18, designed as a metal beam, is arranged on the support frame 12. In the operating position of the exchange module 5 shown in the figures, the support element 18 extends longitudinally in the conveying direction F. The support element 18 is attached to the metal profile 16, which extends transversely across the conveying unit 3. The metal profile 16 is height-adjustable relative to the two metal profiles 13 and 14. The height of the metal profile 16 above the conveying unit 3 is adjusted using cranks 19. Since the support element 18 is attached to the metal profile 16, the support element 18 is height-adjustable together with the metal profile 16.

[0038] The exchange module 5 further comprises means 6, 7 for folding in the transverse flaps 8 of the carton packaging 2 and means 9 for folding in the longitudinal flaps 10 of the carton packaging 2. In addition, the exchange module 5 includes an application unit 11 for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps 8. The application unit 11 has two nozzles 20 for this purpose. Both the means 6, 7 for folding in the transverse flaps 8 and the means 9 for folding in the longitudinal flaps 10, as well as the application unit 11, are arranged on the carrier element 18.

[0039] The transverse flaps 8 of the carton packaging 2 are those flaps that are folded inwards around a pivot axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F. In the illustration of the figures, these are the two short flaps. Similarly, the longitudinal flaps 10 of the carton packaging 2 are those flaps that are folded inwards around a pivot axis parallel to the conveying direction F. In the illustration of the figures, these are the two long flaps.

[0040] With the aid of the exchange module 5 integrated into the device 1, cardboard packaging 2 can be closed as follows: the cardboard packaging 2 to be closed is moved in a conveying direction F by means of the conveying unit 3, which is designed as a roller conveyor. The laterally arranged guides 4 ensure guidance and alignment of the cardboard packaging 2. By means of the folding means 6, 7 arranged on the support element 18 of the exchange module 5, the two transverse flaps 8 of the cardboard packaging 2 are first folded in a manner known per se.

[0041] Hot melt adhesive is subsequently applied to the two folded transverse flaps 8 via the nozzles 20 by means of the application unit 11 arranged on the carrier element 18 of the exchange module 5. The means 9 provided on the carrier element 18 of the exchange module 5 for folding in the longitudinal flaps 10 then fold them in such a way that they lie on the already folded and hot melt adhesive-coated transverse flaps 8 and adhere to them, thereby securely closing the cardboard packaging 2.

[0042] In addition to the application unit 11, the exchange module 5, in the embodiment shown in the figures, comprises two further application units 21, 22 for applying hot-melt adhesive to the two folded longitudinal flaps 10. The two application units 21, 22 are located downstream of the application unit 11 in the conveying direction F. Hot-melt adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the folded longitudinal flaps 10, which are already bonded to the transverse flaps 8, by means of the two application units 21, 22, thus forming a pallet securing mechanism. For this purpose, the application units 21, 22 each include a spin spray nozzle. The hot-melt adhesive applied to the surface of the longitudinal flaps 10 in this way hardens very quickly after cooling and retains a certain degree of tackiness.This means that a second cardboard box 2 placed on top of the lower cardboard box 2 during stacking will not slip relative to the lower cardboard box 2. Nevertheless, the upper cardboard box 2 can still be removed from the lower cardboard box 2 without requiring any special force.

[0043] It is a particular advantage that, with the aid of such a designed exchange module 5 integrated into a device 1, both the sealing of the cardboard packaging 2 and the application of pallet securing can be carried out in a single device and in immediately successive process steps. Furthermore, the use of a plastic film for stack securing can be completely dispensed with.

[0044] Between the first application unit 11 and the two downstream application units 21, 22, several pressure rollers 23 are arranged on both sides of the carrier element 18, which serve to exert pressure on the folded longitudinal flaps 10 in order to increase the adhesive effect between the transverse flaps 8 and the longitudinal flaps 10. Reference symbol list

[0045] 1 Device 2 Cardboard packaging 3 Conveyor unit 4 Guide 5 Exchange module 6 Means for folding in the transverse flaps 7 Means for folding in the transverse flaps 8 Transverse flaps 9 Means for folding in the longitudinal flaps 10 Longitudinal flaps 11 Application unit 12 Support frame 13 Metal profile 14 Metal profile 15 Metal profile 16 Metal profile 17 Connecting device 18 Support element 19 Crank 20 Nozzle 21 Application unit 22 Application unit 23 Pressure roller 24 Connection area F Conveyor direction

Claims

1. Exchange module (5) for use in a device (1) for closing cardboard packaging (2), which comprises a conveying unit (3) for moving the cardboard packaging (2) in a conveying direction (F), guides (4) for guiding and aligning the cardboard packaging (2), and a closing unit for closing the cardboard packaging (2), wherein the closing unit comprises means for folding in transverse flaps (8) and longitudinal flaps (10) of a cardboard packaging (2) and an adhesive tape application device for applying adhesive tape to a cardboard packaging (2) moving along the conveying unit (3), characterized by the fact thatthe replacement module (5) is designed to replace the closure unit in the device (1), wherein the replacement module (5) comprises means (6, 7, 9) for folding in transverse flaps (8) and longitudinal flaps (10) of a cardboard packaging (2), at least one application unit (11) for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps (8) and at least one connection area (24) for connecting the replacement module (5) to the device (1).

2. Exchange module (5) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the exchange module (5) comprises a support frame (12) on which the connection area (24) and a central support element (18) are arranged, wherein the means (6, 7, 9) for folding in transverse flaps (8) and longitudinal flaps (10) and the at least one application unit (11) are arranged on the support element (18).

3. Replacement module (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatThe exchange module (5) comprises at least one first application unit (11) for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps (8) and at least one second application unit (21, 22) for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps (10), wherein the first application unit (11) and the second application unit (21, 22) are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction (F) of the cardboard packagings (2) when the exchange module (5) is in use position, and wherein the hot melt adhesive applied by the first application unit (11) to the folded transverse flaps (8) serves to close the cardboard packagings (2) and the hot melt adhesive applied by the second application unit (21, 22) to the folded longitudinal flaps (10) serves to form a pallet securing device.

4. Exchange module (5) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatthe exchange module (5) comprises two second application units (21, 22) for applying hot melt adhesive to both folded longitudinal flaps (10).

5. Replacement module (5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the at least one second application unit (21, 22) comprising a nozzle suitable for applying the hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps (10) by spin spraying.

6. Replacement module (5) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by the fact that the exchange module (5) has at least one pressure roller (23) for pressing down the folded longitudinal flaps (10), wherein the pressure roller (23) is arranged between the first application unit (11) and the second application unit (21, 22).

7. Exchange module (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatwhich at least one application unit (11) has an interface via which a connection to a controller of the application unit (11) can be established.

8. Exchange module (5) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that which has at least one application unit (11) having a connection for connection to a hot melt adhesive reservoir.

9. Method for converting a device (1) for closing cardboard packaging (2), wherein the device (1) comprises a conveying unit (3) for moving the cardboard packaging (2) in a conveying direction (F), guides (4) for guiding and aligning the moving cardboard packaging (2), and a closing unit, wherein the closing unit comprises means for folding in the longitudinal flaps and transverse flaps of the cardboard packaging (2) and an adhesive tape application device for applying adhesive tape to a cardboard packaging (2) moving along the conveying unit (3). characterized by the fact thatthe locking unit is removed from the device (1) and an exchange module (5) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is integrated into the device (1) instead.

10. Device (1) for closing cardboard packaging (2), comprising a conveying unit (3) for moving the cardboard packaging (2) in a conveying direction (F), guides (4) for guiding and aligning the cardboard packaging (2) and means (6, 7, 9) for folding in transverse flaps (8) and longitudinal flaps (10) of the cardboard packaging (2), characterized by the fact thatthe device (1) comprises at least one first application unit (11) for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded transverse flaps (8) and at least one second application unit (21, 22) for applying hot melt adhesive to the folded longitudinal flaps (10), wherein the first application unit (11) and the second application unit (21, 22) are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction (F) of the cardboard packagings (2) and wherein the hot melt adhesive applied by the first application unit (11) to the folded transverse flaps (8) serves to close the cardboard packagings (2) and the hot melt adhesive applied by the second application unit (21, 22) to the folded longitudinal flaps (10) serves to form a pallet securing device.

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