Workpiece carrier, handling device and packaging machine

Abstract

The workpiece carrier (5) for moving at least one hood-shaped product packaging (6) and its cover element (7) comprises a base carrier (22) which has a through-opening (26) for the hood-shaped product packaging (6) in a central area. An insert element (24) is detachably placed on the base carrier (22) and has at least one recess (28) for suspending the hood-shaped product packaging (6). The recess (28) of the inserted insert element (24) is positioned above the through-opening (26) of the base carrier (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a workpiece carrier for moving at least one hood-shaped product packaging and its cover element, a handling device with several such workpiece carriers and a packaging machine with such a handling device.

[0002] In many industries, workpiece carriers are used to move workpieces between processing stations. Common solutions for workpiece carriers in the area of ​​hood-shaped product packaging include, for example, sealing pallets, bucket chains, or workpiece carriers on more flexible system concepts where individual carriages can be moved independently. However, these all share the disadvantage that a separate workpiece carrier is required for each format. Format-dependent workpiece carriers are very expensive to manufacture.

[0003] The present invention aims to create a workpiece carrier that can be adapted to various formats of hood-shaped packaging concepts with minimal effort. Furthermore, a handling device and a packaging machine using such workpiece carriers are to be designed cost-effectively.

[0004] According to the invention, the workpiece carrier for moving at least one hood-shaped product package and its cover element comprises a base carrier which has a through-opening for the hood-shaped product package in a central area. An insert element is detachably placed on the base carrier, which has at least one recess for the suspended reception of the hood-shaped product package. The recess of the inserted insert element is arranged above the through-opening of the base carrier.

[0005] In this way, for many types of format changes, the base carrier can remain unchanged and only the insert can be designed depending on the format.

[0006] Because the product packaging cover is intended to extend into or through the opening of the base carrier, the opening in the base carrier is generally, in cross-section, at least as large as, or preferably larger than, the recess in the insert element. When the outer contour of the recess and the outer contour of the opening are projected onto the same plane, the outer contour of the recess is therefore preferably located entirely within the outer contour of the opening.

[0007] The recess preferably has essentially the same size as the outer dimensions of the product packaging's lid at its upper edge, i.e., in the area of ​​its opening. At least the upper section of the lid is thus secured against lateral slippage within the recess.

[0008] The recess can have almost any shape and arrangement in the insert element, but in any case a circumferential rib of the insert element must remain.

[0009] An insert element can also have multiple recesses.

[0010] The term "central area" is not limited to a geometric center area, but can also refer to areas offset from the center but still located within the floor plan of the base support, as long as a web of the base support remains around the opening.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the insert element is a plate-shaped insert element, preferably with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 15 mm, and even more preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm. The format part is thus very easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0012] Preferably, a circumferential web of the base support projects around the placed insert element. The footprint of the base support is therefore preferably larger than the footprint of the insert element.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the base support has fixing elements on the circumferential web for fixing the cover element around its circumference. In particular, these can be fixing pins that prevent the placed cover element from slipping laterally.

[0014] To prevent the insert element from slipping on the base support, the inserted insert element is preferably placed in a recess of the base support.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the inserted element can be held magnetically to the base. A positive-locking mechanical quick-release fastener or a screw connection would also be conceivable.

[0016] A handling device according to the invention for moving hood-shaped product packaging and its cover elements comprises a guide rail and several slides that are movable along the guide rail. Each slide is connected to a base support of a workpiece carrier as described above.

[0017] The guide rail can be a linear guide rail or an endless guide rail, which, for example, has two parallel longitudinal sections and two curved sections connecting these longitudinal sections.

[0018] Preferably, the base support is detachably connected to the carriage, and particularly preferably, it is mounted directly onto the carriage. This provides greater flexibility with regard to format adjustments, as the base support of the workpiece carrier can also be easily replaced.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the slides are magnetically driven. This allows all slides to be controlled and moved independently of each other.

[0020] Preferably, the handling device further comprises a lifting device designed to lift the insert element from the base carrier, and the upper edge region of which passes through the opening in the base carrier for this purpose.

[0021] In this case, it is preferred that the lifting device has an opening or recess for the passage of the hood of the hood-shaped product packaging, which is surrounded by a circumferential rib that, when projected onto a cross-sectional plane of the recess in the insert element, surrounds the outer contour of the recess. In this way, for example, support can be provided to the edge of the contour to be formed or the sealing seam during forming or sealing processes without the base support itself having to absorb any forces.

[0022] For such a design, the opening in the base support must of course be at least as large in cross-section as the outer contour of the circumferential web of the lifting device.

[0023] The lifting device can also engage at other points on the insert element. The base support must then have corresponding openings at these points.

[0024] It is also preferred if the lifting device is used together with a sealing device for sealing the cover element onto the hood-shaped product packaging in a packaging machine according to the invention.

[0025] The sealing device then preferably works in conjunction with the lifting device in a press connection to effect a sealing of the cover element to the hood-shaped product packaging along the circumferential rib in the lifted state of the insert element.

[0026] In addition, further processing stations may be present in the packaging machine, for example a transfer device for cardboard blanks, at least one feeding device for products and / or inlays, and a transfer unit for cover elements.

[0027] The packaging machine may also include a forming device for creating the hood-shaped product packaging from the flat blanks. This forming device may, under certain circumstances, perform the shaping of the hood-shaped product packaging within the insert itself, acting as a die.

[0028] In general, within the scope of the invention, the workpiece carriers can also be moved by means of any other transport device, for example a bucket chain.

[0029] The insert element is generally preferably placed on the base support in such a way that its surface facing away from the base support is horizontally aligned.

[0030] The insert element can generally include one or more recesses.

[0031] It is also conceivable that several insert elements per base carrier are placed on different sections of the base carrier.

[0032] The hood-shaped product packaging is preferably made of cardboard. It can also be made of plastic.

[0033] The covering element is usually a cover card. The cover card is preferably made of cellulose, wood pulp, or recycled paper. Alternatively, a section of cover film, for example made of aluminum, can also be used as the covering element.

[0034] Basically, all combinations of plastic and cardboard are conceivable.

[0035] The products to be packaged can be any items that can be packed in hood-shaped containers. Examples include batteries, toothbrushes, air fresheners, toilet fresheners, cleaning products, DIY products, drill bits, pens (office supplies), cosmetics, electronics (USB sticks, memory cards, etc.), razors, printer cartridges, and many more. The products can also be medical devices or hygiene products.

[0036] The hood of the hood-shaped product packaging typically has a length of 5 mm to 400 mm, preferably 10 mm to 300 mm.

[0037] The hood of the hood-shaped product packaging typically has a width of 5 mm to 400 mm, preferably 10 mm to 300 mm.

[0038] The hood of the hood-shaped product packaging typically has a depth of 2 mm to 100 mm, preferably 4 mm to 80 mm.

[0039] In special embodiments, the insert element has holes which, when placed on the base support, are guided via pins on the base support for centering and holding the insert element.

[0040] The distance traveled by the insertion element during the lifting process using the lifting device is preferably 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm to 10 mm. In particular, the distance traveled should be less than the height of the fixing elements.

[0041] A typical sequence of process steps for manufacturing a hood-shaped product package with a cover element includes the following steps in the specified order: Inserting a cardboard blank into the workpiece carrier; forming the hood-shaped product packaging from the blank in the workpiece carrier using a forming device; feeding an inlay into the hood of the hood-shaped product packaging; feeding one or more products into the inlay in the hood of the hood-shaped product packaging; placing a cover element onto the filled product packaging in the workpiece carrier; sealing the cover element to the filled product packaging at least in the area of ​​a circumferential ridge around the recess in the insert element; removing the sealed product packaging from the workpiece carrier.

[0042] There are various ways to deviate from this procedure.

[0043] For example, the insertion of a blank and the shaping can be completely omitted if it is a different type of hood made of a non-foldable material.

[0044] Even if the forming step takes place, the hood-shaped product packaging can also be formed outside the workpiece carrier and only inserted into it after it has been formed. It is also conceivable that the forming takes place exclusively in the separate insert element, and the insert element, together with the formed hood-shaped packaging, is then inserted into the base carrier.

[0045] If the forming step takes place in the tool holder, it is preferred that the lifting device supports or even slightly lifts the insert during the forming process. However, other support elements are also conceivable during forming.

[0046] For certain product packaging or product shapes, inserting an inlay may not be necessary. In that case, the product(s) would be placed directly into the lid of the product packaging.

[0047] It is also conceivable that the inlay is filled with the products during the process and then inserted into the hood of the product packaging as a filled inlay.

[0048] For the purposes of this application, "handling device" refers either only to the transport device with the workpiece carriers or alternatively also to the transport device with the workpiece carriers in combination with the lifting device.

[0049] The following figures describe in more detail basic aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a packaging machine with rotating workpiece carriers; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a section of the packaging machine. Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a workpiece carrier according to the invention, showing the insert element shortly before insertion into the base carrier; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the workpiece carrier made of Fig. 3 with attached insert element; Fig. 5 is a side view of the workpiece carrier made of Fig. 4 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the workpiece carrier made of Fig. 4 with product packaging in place; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the workpiece carrier made of Fig. 6 , wherein the product packaging is shown lifted out of the recesses; Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of a sealing process with a workpiece carrier according to the invention.

[0050] The in Fig. 1 The packaging machine 2 shown comprises a guide rail 4 on which workpiece carriers 5 rotate, here counterclockwise. The workpiece carriers 5 are designed to hold hood-shaped product packaging 6 ( Fig. 6 and 7 ) and their cover elements 7 ( Fig. 6 ) are provided and pass through various processing stations in succession: a transfer device 10 for blanks of the hood-shaped product packaging, a forming device 11 for forming the hood-shaped product packaging 6 from the blanks, a feeding device 12 for inlays, a feeding device 14 for products, a transfer unit 16 for cover elements and a sealing device 18. Subsequently, the finished product packaging 6 is removed from the workpiece carrier 5.

[0051] In Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a section of the guide rail 4 with a carriage 20 attached to it and a workpiece carrier 5 connected to the carriage 20. The workpiece carrier 5 comprises a base support 22, which is mounted on the carriage 20. An insert element 24 in the form of a thin plate is placed on the base support 22. A circumferential web 23 of the base support 22 projects around the insert element 24. The two recesses 28 in the insert element 24 are arranged via two slightly larger through-openings 26 in the base support 22. The recesses 28 serve to receive the hood-shaped product packaging 6 (see figure 1). Fig. 6 and 7 Preferably, the 20 slides can be controlled individually.

[0052] In Fig. 3 The workpiece carrier 5 is shown with the insert element 24 raised, as for example shortly before the base carrier 22 is fitted with the insert element 24.

[0053] In Fig. 4 In contrast, the insert element 24 is already placed on the base support 22. Two central pins of the base support 22 have also passed through corresponding holes in the insert element 24. They serve to improve guidance during placement and to stabilize the insert element in the placed position.

[0054] To better fix the position of the insert element 24, as shown in Fig. 3 As shown, a recess 32 in the base support 22 in the form of the insert element 24 is present. Alternatively or additionally, magnets 34 can be provided in the base support 22, which magnetically hold the insert element 24, see Fig 3 and 5 .

[0055] Fixing elements 30 in the form of fixing pins serve to hold the placed cover element 7 laterally before and during the sealing process.

[0056] In Fig. 6 A finished product packaging 6 with a sealed cover element 7 is shown. Fig. 7 shows the same representation with packaging 6 removed from the workpiece carrier 5 (here without cover element).

[0057] In Fig. 8a bis 8c Figure 1 shows an exemplary sealing process for completing product packaging 6 with a sealed cover element 7. A lifting device 36 serves as a counter-element to the sealing device 18 during the sealing process. For this purpose, the lifting device 36 is moved upwards and slightly lifts the insert element 24, on which the folded edge of the product packaging 6 and the cover element 7 rest, from the base 22. The sealing device 18 is lowered and seals the cover element 7 to the rib of the product packaging 6, while the lifting device 36 holds it in place. The lifting of the lifting device 36 and the lowering of the sealing device 18 can also occur simultaneously.

Claims

1. Workpiece carrier (5) for moving at least one hood-shaped product packaging (6) and its cover element (7), with a base carrier (22) which has a passage opening (26) for the hood-shaped product packaging (6) in a central area, wherein an insert element (24) is detachably placed on the base carrier (22) which has at least one recess (28) for the suspended reception of the hood-shaped product packaging (6), wherein the recess (28) of the placed insert element (24) is arranged above the passage opening (26) of the base carrier (22).

2. Workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the insert element (24) is a plate-shaped insert element.

3. Workpiece carrier (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a circumferential web (23) of the base support (22) protrudes around the placed insert element (24).

4. Workpiece carrier (5) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatthe base support (22) on the circumferential web (23) has fixing elements (30) for the circumferential fixing of the cover element (7).

5. Workpiece carrier (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the inserted element (24) is inserted into a recess (32) of the base carrier (22).

6. Workpiece carrier (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the inserted element (24) is held magnetically on the base carrier (22).

7. Handling device for moving hood-shaped product packaging (6) and their cover elements (7), comprising a guide rail (4) and several slides (20) that are movable along the guide rail (4), wherein each slide (20) is connected to a base support (22) of a workpiece carrier (5) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Handling device according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatthe base carrier (22) is detachably connected to the slide (20), preferably is attached to the slide (20).

9. Handling device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact that the carriages (20) are magnetically driven.

10. Handling device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises a lifting device (36) designed to lift the insert element (24) from the base carrier (22), and the upper edge region of which passes through the through-opening (26) for this purpose.

11. Handling device according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the lifting device (36) has an opening or recess for the passage of the hood of the hood-shaped product packaging (6), which is surrounded by a circumferential rib which, when projected into a section plane of the recess (28) in the insert element (24), surrounds the outer contour of the recess (28).

12. Packaging machine (2) with a handling device according to one of claims 7 to 11 and a sealing device (18) for sealing the cover element (7) onto the hood-shaped product packaging (6).

13. Packaging machine (2) according to claim 12 with the handling device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the sealing device (18) works in press connection with the lifting device (36) to effect a sealing of the cover element (7) to the hood-shaped product packaging (6) along the circumferential rib in the lifted state of the insert element (24).

14. Packaging machine (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a transfer device (10) for blanks, at least one feeding device (12, 14) for products and / or inlays, and a transfer unit (16) for cover elements.

15. Packaging machine (2) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by the fact thatit further comprises a forming device (11) for forming the hood-shaped product packaging (6) from flat blanks.

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