Method and apparatus for forming a stack of packages

Abstract

To provide a device capable of forming a package stack by a simple and sure operation, whose structure is compact.SOLUTION: In a removal station (104), transfusion bags are arranged in contact with each other in order to form a package stack in a stack holding device (130) made to be empty when reaching the number of the transfusion bags for forming the package stack. In the removal station, each of the transfusion bags is lifted and detached from a conveyance stretch, and is transferred to the stack holding device (130). This is carried out with a stacking stroke of a vertically movable push-in device (111), and the push-in device (111) typically comprises pushers provided on both sides of the conveyance stretch (100). The push-in device (111) further brings a larger transfer stroke than the stacking stroke, and completes the package stack through the transfer stroke. The transfusion bags are transferred into a cartridge (132).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for stacking infusion bags to form a stack of packages, and to an apparatus suitable for carrying out this method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for packaging bag packages. It has a stacking device mounted on a star-shaped handle, into which the bag packages are inserted from below. This is achieved by a counter-rotating plate mounted on a turret, which lifts the bag packages from below the conveying stretch and transfers them to a stack holding device. The stack holding device has two sections: a lower buffer storage chute and a cartridge storage chute mounted thereon. The cartridge storage chute can be moved into the cardboard packaging by pivoting the star-shaped handle to further pack the stack. To form a stack, each plate must be horizontally aligned. Each plate pushes the next bag into the buffer storage chute. A closing flap mounted on a motor-driven pivot arm is in a standby position. A counter counts the bag packages introduced into the stack. Bag packages passing this counter are automatically lifted by the turret and fed for stacking. When the number of bag packages to be included in the stack has been reached, the counter issues a signal to move a lifting plate, initially positioned below the stack chute, horizontally between the stack and the conveying stretch. This lifting plate lifts the bag packages included in the buffer reservoir. The flap moves to its closed position. The lifting plate is then returned to its standby position.

[0003] In the method known from Patent Document 2, individual infusion bags are removed from a conveying stretch interacting with a circulating conveyor belt, which delivers the individual infusion bags produced so far from the bag production device to a stacking station, where the bags are stacked to form a stack of packages. The aforementioned prior art has a feed stretch formed by two parallel conveyor belts clamping each infusion bag between them, which removes the individual infusion bags from the conveying stretch and delivers them to an introduction station, where several infusion bags are stacked to form a stack of packages. A pivotable arm is provided for this purpose, which removes the individual infusion bags from the feed stretch perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt and delivers them to a stack holding device that holds a stack of infusion bags with a corresponding stacking axis in the horizontal direction.

[0004] An alternative solution is known from US Pat. No. 5,699,499. In this prior art, infusion bags are separated on a horizontally extending production stretch by cutting the bag material forming the wrapping of the infusion material. Immediately downstream of each cutting device, the individual infusion bags fall into a rotatably mounted container. From there, the individual bags are transferred by a punch into a magazine arranged below the container, where they are placed one above the other with their stacking axis vertical. The container has a wedge surface by means of which the ejected infusion bag is centered within the container. A pusher is provided below the container to prevent the infusion bag from accidentally falling out of the container, closes to the bottom of the container, and opens synchronously with the advancement of the punch.

[0005] In this prior art, the container also serves as a buffer reservoir for ejected infusion bags in the event that a magazine is not provided below the container and the stack of packages therein is removed from the stack holding device, in which case the pushers are moved together to close the lower opening of the container.

[0006] According to Patent Document 4, a chain of linked infusion bags is folded on star wheels two bags at a time so that two infusion bags are placed next to the two preceding bags, and in this way they are transferred in the form of stacks of packages to a horizontal stacking chute. The individual stacks of packages are advanced into the stacking chute by tines carried together by a rotating belt that laterally defines the stacking chute, and are fed to a pusher that transfers the stacks of packages into a cardboard packaging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 0064709 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2812250 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102015115732 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3431400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The solutions known so far leave something to be desired. The present invention is based on the object of defining an apparatus for forming a stack of packages containing infusion bags, which is compact in structure and allows for simple and reliable stacking of infusion bags. The method is intended to allow for rapid formation of a stack of packages by stacking infusion bags, and can be carried out accordingly economically and in a space-saving manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a method for forming a package stack by stacking infusion bags is proposed, in which a single infusion bag is removed from a conveying stretch on which the individual infusion bags are fed one after the other at a distance from each other to a removal station, in which the infusion bags are arranged abutting each other to form the package stack in a stack holding device, the stack holding device is emptied when the number of infusion bags forming the package stack is reached, and the individual infusion bags are lifted and removed from the conveying stretch and transferred to the stack holding device. In the method, the individual infusion bags guided by the vertically movable push-in device in a stacking stroke of the push-in device are transferred into a buffer storage chute of the stack holding device, and in a transfer stroke of the push-in device which is larger than the stacking stroke, the infusion bags completing the package stack are lifted and removed from the conveying stretch and transferred into a cartridge storage chute of the stack holding device.

[0010] In the method, individual infusion bags are placed in a stack holding device in association with a removal operation by a conveying stretch to form a package stack. The infusion bags are thus transferred directly from the conveying stretch to the stack holding device, which is a stretch that discharges the finished infusion bags from the bag production device and feeds them directly to a removal station, where they are removed from the conveying stretch, typically formed by a conveyor belt. The removal process is carried out by a removal device that acts on the infusion bags to guide them into the stack holding device. The removal device further stacks the bags in an orderly manner in the stack holding device.

[0011] As is the case with solutions known from the prior art, the stack holding device is at least partially movable in order to transfer it from a stacking position to an output position in which a stack of packagings consisting of a predetermined number of infusion bags is removed from the stack holding device, with successively produced stacks of packagings each consisting of the same number of infusion bags.

[0012] The removal device may be provided with a counter and a sensor, the sensor being data-connected to a control device for the removal device in order to activate the removal device only when the container space on the conveying stretch is in fact occupied by a completed infusion bag. The signal from the sensor and / or activation of the removal device may act as a counter for an infusion bag entering the machine control device, whereby a package stack is completed, and the stack holding device is therefore transferred from the stacking position to an output position for emptying.

[0013] Similarly, a device may be provided, for example disposed on the conveying stretch, for detecting a defective infusion bag, so that activation of the removal device is omitted when this defective bag passes through the removal station, thereby preventing the defective bag from becoming part of the stack of packages.

[0014] The finished bags are fed from the bag production device directly via a single conveying stretch to a removal station, where the infusion bags are removed from the conveying stretch. The removal process is carried out in a predetermined and controlled manner by the removal device. By moving the bags directly into the stack holding device within the framework of the removal operation, the path of movement is shortened. After being removed from the conveying stretch, the infusion bags are processed there only once for transfer to the stack holding device.

[0015] Departing from the method according to DE 10 2015 115 732 A1, in which the infusion bags fall downwards from the conveying stretch into a container under the action of gravity, the infusion bags according to the invention are lifted off the conveying stretch and transferred to a stack holding device. The active removal device there therefore imposes a constant predefined movement path on the infusion bags, determined by the action of the removal device. Contrary to the prior art of DE 10 2015 115 732 A1, the movement path does not depend on various factors such as the weight of the infusion bags or the speed of the conveyor belt, respectively.

[0016] The method according to the invention will now prove to be time- and space-saving: fewer system components are required to form a packaging stack compared to the prior art.

[0017] The solution according to the invention further takes into account in an improved manner the available space typically provided adjacent to the bag-producing machine: by elevating the infusion bags, the packaging stack is provided at a greater distance from the installation surface on which the bag-producing machine is set up, which meets the need for ergonomic working by the operating staff.

[0018] In a preferred procedure, the individual infusion bags are transferred via a stacking process to a buffer storage chute of the buffer storage section. This buffer storage chute is typically part of the stack holding device. The buffer storage chute may be provided in a stationary manner. The buffer storage chute is typically aligned with a cartridge storage chute configured to receive the entire package stack.

[0019] In a preferred procedure, the infusion bags that complete the packaging stack are lifted and removed from the conveying stretch in a transfer stroke. This transfer stroke is larger than the stacking stroke. Each stacking stroke is typically identically sized, i.e., so that the infusion bags lifted and removed from the conveying stretch reach the buffer storage chute, and the infusion bags or bags already there are pushed upward against gravity. During the transfer stroke, the infusion bags that complete the packaging stack are first fed to the remaining infusion bags in the stack in the buffer storage. The completed packaging stack is then transferred into the cartridge storage chute in a uniform motion. This means that the buffer storage chute is emptied and all of the previously stacked infusion bags that form the packaging stack are placed in the cartridge storage chute. The cartridge storage chute is used to transport the packaging stack and pack them into cardboard packaging. As mentioned previously, the cartridge storage chute can be movable between the previously described stacking position, in which the cartridge storage chute is aligned with the buffer storage chute, and an output position. The cartridge is typically pivotally mounted for this purpose.

[0020] In a preferred procedure, the transfer step is followed by a stacking step, which transfers the infusion bags on the next transport stretch to a buffer reservoir, while the cartridge is typically emptied over the duration of several stacking steps in order to transfer the package stack into, for example, a cardboard packaging.

[0021] The method according to the invention can be carried out particularly economically and effectively by rapid movements, in particular by rapid movements of the remover. In view of this, it is preferable to immediately slow down the movement of the infusion bags in the stack holding device, so that the remover can quickly prepare for the next step and ensure orderly stacking of the individual infusion bags in the stack holding device. In view of this, the infusion bags are preferably stacked in the stack holding device against the resistance of a movable resistance element. This movable resistance element slows down the infusion bags and ensures that the individual infusion bags are pressed against each other in an orderly manner in the stacking device.

[0022] The present invention further provides an apparatus for forming a stack of packages by stacking individual infusion bags, comprising a conveying stretch on which infusion bags are conveyed from a bag production apparatus to a removal station, a removal device associated with the removal station, and a stack holding device for holding a stack of infusion bags, the removal device being adapted to move a single infusion bag from the conveying stretch to the stack holding device, the stack holding device having a buffer reservoir including a buffer storage chute configured to receive a stack of infusion bags, and a cartridge arranged on a side of the buffer reservoir facing away from the conveying stretch, the cartridge including a cartridge storage chute configured to receive a stack of infusion bags, the cartridge being movable between a stacking position in which the buffer storage chute is aligned flush with the cartridge storage chute, and a removal position in which a stack is removed from the cartridge. The removal device has movable pushers guided vertically and arranged on both sides of the conveying stretch, which are movable translationally from an initial position at the level of the conveying stretch to guide the infusion bag placed on the pusher into the stack holding device and reach an introduction position above the conveying stretch, and when transferred to the introduction position, the pushers receive the conveying stretch between them.

[0023] The apparatus typically comprises a bag-making device of a type known per se, in which a loose infusion material, in particular tea, is enclosed in a bag made of a water-permeable material to form an infusion bag. A label is typically attached to the bag by means of a thread. The label is typically fixed to the bag. The bag may further be scented and packaged. Such a bag-making device is known, for example, from EP 4046923 A1.

[0024] The finished infusion bags, optionally with scented packaging, are transported from the bag production device to a removal station via a conveying stretch, typically formed by a circulating conveyor belt. The removal device is associated with the removal station. The device therefore further comprises a stack holding device for holding a stack of infusion bags. The removal device is configured and adapted to move individual infusion bags from the conveying stretch to the stack holding device.

[0025] The removal device preferably has a vertically guided push-in device including pushers provided on both sides of the conveying stretch. The push-in device or pusher, respectively, is movable from an initial position at the level of the conveying stretch to guide the infusion bag into the stack holding device, which is arranged above the conveying stretch. In this regard, the infusion bag moved by the removal device typically rests on both pushers, i.e., the infusion bag is in contact with both sides of the conveying stretch and is then lifted, removed from the conveying stretch, and transported towards the stack holding device. This position of the removal device is called the introduction position. In the introduction position, the infusion bag is lifted to such an extent that it can be inserted into the stack holding device.

[0026] The pushers of the device therefore typically receive a conveying stretch between them, each of which is typically supported via an elongated support that may be mounted on a common carriage, the carriage being driven so as to be vertically movable and also being held below the conveying stretch in the introduction position, in this way the synchronous operation of the pushers is ensured in a simple manner, and the same height arrangement of each of the individual pushers is also ensured.

[0027] In the proposed procedure, the infusion bags are typically moved exclusively vertically. For this purpose, the pusher has a support surface for the infusion bags, which typically extends exclusively horizontally. The conveyor belt, which preferably forms the conveying stretch, is typically moved continuously. The infusion bags that are lifted and removed from the conveying stretch are typically slowed down by a stop on the pusher that defines the support surface, and the infusion bags hit the stop when the pusher is in the initial position.

[0028] With regard to the possibility of ejecting infusion bags identified as defective and preventing them from stacking, the pusher can preferably be moved to a discard position in which an infusion bag moved on the conveying stretch can be moved over and past the pusher without the stopper hitting the infusion bag. In this way, a defective infusion bag can be transported over and past the pusher and ejected from the device by the action of the conveying stretch. The defective infusion bag can be dumped, for example, at a deflection point of the conveyor belt and removed from the conveying stretch.

[0029] According to a preferred development, the stack holder has claws arranged opposite each other in the region of its insertion opening, which are pivotally mounted on the stacking chute and are typically fixed in a spring-loaded manner in a holding position, in which each claw forms a support surface for the lowermost infusion bag in the stack holder.

[0030] The claws have funnel surfaces facing each other on their undersides facing the conveying stretch. Thanks to these funnel surfaces, the claws are pivoted outward by the infusion bag or at least by the surface of the removal device when the infusion bag is inserted into the stacking chute. Then, thanks to the spring preload, the claws pivot back to their original holding position, so that the infusion bag last guided into the stacking chute is prevented from falling out of the stacking chute by the support surfaces of the claws. The claws then firmly hold the infusion bag transferred by the stacking process or the bottom bag of the stack placed in the cartridge by the transfer process, respectively, in the respective chute, while the push-in device is lowered in the direction of the conveying stretch and removed from the respective chute after the stacking process or the transfer process, respectively.

[0031] It will be appreciated that the pawl is preferably pivotable about an axis extending parallel to the elongate pusher.

[0032] As already explained in connection with the method, the stack holding device may preferably have a buffer storage section including a buffer storage chute configured to receive a stack of infusion bags. In this further development, a cartridge including a cartridge storage chute configured to receive a stack of infusion bags is provided on the side of the buffer storage chute facing away from the conveying stretch. The cartridge storage chute is configured to store at least some of the infusion bags that form the finished packaging stack.

[0033] The cartridge is movable between a stacking position, in which the buffer storage chute is aligned flush with the cartridge storage chute, and an output position, in which the stack is removed from the cartridge. In this output position, the cartridge storage chute is typically not aligned flush with the buffer storage chute because the cartridge is typically pivotable to the output position from a vertical orientation of the cartridge storage chute to a substantially horizontal orientation of the cartridge storage chute. Additionally, the sides of the cartridge storage chute can be used to positively support and guide the package stack as it is output from the cartridge.

[0034] Pawls are typically provided in both the opening area of ​​the buffer storage chute and the opening area of ​​the cartridge storage chute, and the pawls can be electrically or pneumatically actuated or fixed to open or close the insertion openings.

[0035] The pawls, particularly those of the cartridge storage chute, may be preferably locked in the holding position, for example by an actuatable pneumatic cylinder. By locking the pawls in the holding position, the pawls are prevented from moving away from the holding position when the cartridges are transferred to the output position. The stack of packages is then securely confined within the cartridge storage chute.

[0036] The resistance element already discussed in relation to the proposed method can be formed, for example, by a carriage slidably mounted in a chute of the stack holding device, in particular in a cartridge storage chute. When the packaging stack is transferred into the cartridge storage chute, the movement of the infusion bags is slowed down by their weight, which also holds the individual infusion bags in a compact stack when the cartridge is transferred to the output position.

[0037] The corresponding resistance element may further be formed by a hold-down device engaging with the chute of the stack holder, particularly the buffer storage chute, and may be movable between a hold-down position within the chute where the hold-down device acts against the stack therein and a rest position where the hold-down device is realized outside the chute. This hold-down device is typically guided out of the buffer storage chute before the transfer stroke is performed. The hold-down device may include at least one tine engaging with the buffer storage chute, the tine being vertically slidable by the parallelogram structure but arranged parallel to the surface of the uppermost infusion bag within the chute. This tine may act as a resistance element solely by its own weight. The parallelogram structure may include a damper for damping the pivotal movement of its articulated arm.

[0038] Further details and advantages of the proposal will become apparent from the following description of embodiments in combination with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial perspective top view of an operating side of an embodiment of a bag production machine including an apparatus for forming a stack of packages; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a removal device in an initial position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the removal device according to FIG. 2 in the introduced position. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a buffer reservoir, with the buffer housing shown only in dashed lines for better depiction of the pawls. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of a buffer reservoir. [Figure 6] 6 shows a detail of the oblique side view according to FIG. 5, including an embodiment of the hold-down device in a raised hold-down position, where the cartridge provided above the buffer reservoir is not shown for a better depiction of the hold-down device. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a cartridge, with the cartridge housing shown in dashed lines only for better depiction of the carriage. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6, with the hold-down device in a lowered hold-down position. [Figure 9] 9 is a front view of FIG. 8, with the removal device in a discard position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view according to FIG. 9, with the removal device in the introduced position. [Figure 11] 9 is a side view according to FIG. 8, with the hold-down device in a raised hold-down position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. [Figure 13] 9 is a side view according to FIG. 8, with the hold-down device in a lowered rest position, after the stack of packages has been transferred to the cartridge. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 14 is a side view according to FIG. 13, with the hold-down device in a lowered rest position, before the first infusion bag is transferred into the buffer reservoir. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of an infusion bag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective top view of an embodiment of an apparatus for the production of bags filled with infusion material, the apparatus having essentially three areas: a storage area 2 on the left hand edge, a product area 4 on the right hand edge, and a working area 6 between the storage area 2 and the product area 4.

[0041] Bags are produced by removing consumable materials from storage area 2 which are processed to form bags in work area 6. An example of such a bag is illustrated in Figure 17, where the bag is designated by reference numeral 8. Reference numeral 10 designates a label attached to bag 8 by thread 12. The entity of bag 8, label 10, and thread 12 is received within a scented packaging 14 formed of a water-permeable film material disposed around bag 8 at edge 16 and closed by a U-shaped welded seam 18.

[0042] The product shown in Figure 17 will hereafter be referred to as the finished infusion bag 20. The finished infusion bags 20 are moved from the working area 6 to the product area 4 by a transport stretch 22 in the form of a conveyor belt, illustrated diagrammatically, the details of which can be inferred from Figure 2. A removal station 104, visible on the right-hand side of Figure 1, is arranged at the end of this transport stretch 22.

[0043] Visible in storage area 2 are supplies 24 for bag material 25, supplies 26 for labels 10, supplies 28 for thread 12, and supplies 30 for scented packaging 14, which are used as consumables in the production of finished infusion bags 20. Each of these consumables is provided on a roll from which it is wound during production.

[0044] The storage area 2 has guides for the individual webs of consumable material. The consumable material is passed through a first partition wall 32 between the storage area 2 and the working area 6. This partition wall 32 has various openings for the passage of each consumable material. In the working area 6, each batch of infusion material is placed on bag material 25 at the level of a dispensing device 36 containing a supply 37 for the infusion material. The bag material 25 is guided on a horizontal stretch 38. After the batch is placed on the bag material 25, the bag material 25 is formed into a tube containing the batch. The bag material 25, which is supplied as an endless material, is cut into length sections and thereby separated. The length sections of bag material 25 thus prepared are transferred to a first transport wheel 40a at the end of the horizontal stretch 38.

[0045] To form bags 8 configured as dual-chamber bags, at the level of the introduction station 42a, the bag material 25 is moved radially inwardly in the direction of the central longitudinal axis or axis of rotation of the first transport wheel 40a. The first transport wheel 40a rotates clockwise and delivers each bag material 25 to a different station where the bag is closed at the top and a thread 12 and label 10 are attached.

[0046] The bag 8 thus prepared and processed at the top is transferred from the first transport wheel 40a to the second transport wheel 40b, which rotates counterclockwise, except that the bag 8 is pivoted between the two transport wheels 40a and 40b so that the bottom of the bag 8 is directed radially first to reach the second transport wheel 40b. The bag 8 is then rotated within the second transport wheel 40b so that the bottom of the bag, which was oriented radially inward when introduced with the label 10 attached, is now oriented radially outward. In this orientation, i.e., pivoted 180° relative to the direction of introduction, the bag 8 thus prepared is conveyed with its bottom facing forward as it exits the second transport wheel 40b and is fed to the third transport wheel 40c. The bag is fed to the wrapping station 42b, where, as the edge 16 is formed, the scented packaging 14 is placed around not only the bag 8 but also the label 10 and thread 12. The scented packaging 14 is then sealed in a sealing station 44 shown diagrammatically, while forming a U-shaped seam 18 according to Fig. 17. The sealing station 44 is associated with a third transport wheel 40c, on which the bag 8 is gripped and transported during the sealing process.

[0047] The finished bags 20 thus produced are finally placed on the conveying stretch 22 and fed to the product area 4. For this purpose, the second partition wall 46 has a bag passage opening 48 and a return opening 49 for the conveying stretch 22.

[0048] The components previously described as part of the working area 6 are disposed forward of a base plate 50, which carries the individual components and, in some cases, separates them from drives disposed on the opposite side of the base plate 50. The area of ​​the base plate 50 facing the user separates an operating side 52 thereon from a drive side 54 at the rear of the device.

[0049] Figures 5 and 6 show a portion of a conveyor belt 100 forming the transport stretch 22 according to Figure 1, which connects a bag-producing device, marked with reference number 102 in Figure 1, to a removal station 104. In the removal station 104, the conveyor belt 100 is deflected by a deflecting wheel 105 so that a section of the conveyor belt 100, designated with reference number 106 and extending substantially horizontally, is deflected downwards. A deflected section 108, located in the conveying direction downstream of the deflecting wheel 105, is deflected beyond the vertical direction, designated with reference number V in Figure 6.

[0050] Located below the conveyor belt 100 in this vertical direction V are elements of a removal device 110, mounted in a stationary manner and shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3. This removal device 110 has a push-in device 111 including an insertion guide 112 that vertically guides a carriage 114, which is drivingly coupled to the shaft of a servo motor 118 by means of a circulating toothed belt 116. The carriages 114 carry supports 120. Two of the supports 120 each carry a single pusher 122. This pusher 122 has a flat support surface 124 and, in the direction of its movement downstream of the conveyor belt, a stop 126.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, disposed on the side of the conveyor belt 100 opposite the removal device 110 is a stack retention device 130, which includes a cartridge 132 and a buffer reservoir 134. In Figure 1, the cartridge 132 is shown in its output position A, where it is pivoted horizontally by 90 degrees relative to the stacking position S, as shown in Figure 7, except that the cartridge 132 is immediately adjacent to and aligned flush with the buffer reservoir 134 (see Figures 12, 14, and 16).

[0052] Details of the buffer reservoir 134 can be inferred from Figure 4, and details of the cartridge 132 can be inferred from Figure 7. These portions of the stack retainer 130 each have a pawl 140, 142 pivotally mounted in their respective insertion openings 136, 138, which provide access to a stacking chute 144. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, this stacking chute 144 is formed in part by a cartridge storage chute 146 for the cartridge 132 and in part by a buffer storage chute 148 for the buffer reservoir 134.

[0053] In stacking position S shown in FIGS. 11-16, cartridge storage chute 146 is aligned flush with buffer storage chute 148.

[0054] The claws 140, 142 are each pretensioned by a spring so that the bearing surfaces 150 formed by the oppositely arranged claws 140, 142 respectively define corresponding chutes 146, 148 below, while the net distance of the claws 140, 142 in the region of the insertion openings 136, 138 is less than the width of the respective infusion bag 20. On their undersides facing the conveyor belt 100, the claws 140, 142 each have funnel surfaces 152 pointing towards each other.

[0055] The spring preload is realized for the claws 140 of the buffer 134, for example, by spring elements provided between the outer surfaces of the claws 140 and spring holders 154 provided for this purpose (see FIG. 4). The claws 142 of the cartridge 132 can additionally be fixed in their holding position; for this purpose, a pneumatic plunger 155 is provided which, when activated, acts against the claws 142 and fixes the claws 142 in a position that closes the cartridge storage chute 146. As a result, the cartridge storage chute 146 is held narrow at its bottom by the claws 142, so that the lowest infusion bag 20 placed in the cartridge storage chute 146 rests on the bearing surface 150 and does not unintentionally fall out of the cartridge storage chute 146. This function is particularly important when transferring the cartridges from the stacking position S to the output position A.

[0056] For this operation, cartridge 132 in the illustrated embodiment is pivotable by pivot drive 156, which rotates a shaft on which cartridge 132, in its stacking position S, is suspended vertically downward. Compare Figure 7.

[0057] In this view, the carriage 160 can also be seen as freely slidably mounted within the cartridge storage chute 146, with its weight resting on the stack, marked with reference numeral 162, within the cartridge storage chute 146. The carriage 160 is an example of a resistance element that slows down the infusion bags introduced into the stacking chute 144 during insertion and keeps the stack 162 compact within the cartridge storage chute 146.

[0058] A further example of such a resistance element is shown in FIG. 6 in the form of a hold-down device 164. The hold-down device 164 has a bearing element 166 attached to the movable end of a pneumatic cylinder 168 so as to be movable from a hold-down position N according to FIGS. 6, 8, and 11 to a rest position R according to FIGS. 13 and 15. Two pivot arms 170 of parallelogram structure are pivotally mounted on the bearing element 166. At their other ends, the pivot arms 170 are connected to connecting elements 172 from which tines 174 protrude. In the hold-down position N, the tines 174 are located within the storage chute 148. In the rest position R, the tines 174 are located adjacent to the buffer storage chute 148, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The lifting of the tines 174 is damped by a damper 175.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown, the individual infusion bags 20 are placed at intervals on the conveyor belt 100 by the bag production device 102 to form a stack of packages. For this purpose, compared to FIG. 6, the conveyor belt 100 is provided with cams 176 at regular intervals, which carry each infusion bag 20 together. A visual inspection of the infusion bags 20 on their way to the removal device 110 is carried out. If the previous one is found to be defective during the inspection, the pusher 122 remains in the discard position U, which can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 12, where the pusher 122 is arranged generally lower than the infusion bag 20. The bag can therefore pass further through the stop 126. A defective infusion bag 20 falls off the conveyor belt 100 downstream of the deflection wheel 105 and into a collection container 178. Such a defective infusion bag 20 is shown on the right-hand side in FIGS. 6, 8, 11 and 13, and therefore in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 100 downstream from the removal station 104.

[0060] In the typical case where the infusion bag 20 passes the final inspection, the pusher 122 is moved from this discard position U to a slightly elevated initial position, where it lifts the infusion bag 20 and removes it from the conveyor belt 100. Due to the horizontal direction of the movement of the infusion bag 20 on the horizontal section 106 of the conveyor belt 100, the infusion bag 20 strikes the stopper 126 as part of its movement. In conjunction with the upward movement, the infusion bag 20 is guided into the buffer storage chute 148. The claws 140 are then pivoted outward so that the infusion bag 20 can be received within the buffer storage chute 148. This stacking stroke, indicated by reference character SH between FIGS. 9 and 10 , for inserting a single infusion bag therein typically ends immediately after the infusion bag 20 passes the bearing surface 150 of the claws 140 of the buffer storage chute 148. From this uppermost position, the pusher 122 is returned to the disposal position U before the next infusion bag 20 is made available to the removal station 104 via the conveyor belt 100 .

[0061] The operation of the pusher 122 occurs at a high frequency. The infusion bags 20 are also directed at a high speed into the buffer storage chute 148. The tines 174 of the hold-down device 164 are positioned within the buffer storage chute 148 and at a hold-down position to slow down and orderly stack the individual infusion bags 20.

[0062] At the start of the stacking process, the hold-down device 164 assumes the lowered position shown in Figure 8. The tines 174 are also raised as each infusion bag is placed in the buffer storage chute 148. In addition to the weight of the hold-down device 164 itself, the damper 175 also facilitates the orderly stacking of the individual infusion bags 20 within the buffer storage chute 148.

[0063] 9 shows the buffer storage chute 148 before the introduction of the infusion bag 20, which is shown there still lying on the conveyor belt 100. The pusher 122 is placed in the discard position U. According to FIG. 10, the pusher 122 is lifted by the stacking stroke SH and placed in its introduction position E in the insertion opening 136 of the buffer storage chute 148. It can be seen that the two pushers 122 receive the conveyor belt 100 between them at least in this introduction position E.

[0064] 11 and 12 show the growth of the stack 162 in the buffer storage chute 148, while the hold-down device 164 is simultaneously lifted. Just before reaching the number of infusion bags 20 that will constitute the package stack, the hold-down device 164 slides horizontally from its hold-down position N, shown in FIG. 11, to a rest position R, shown in FIG. 13, by activation of the pneumatic cylinder 168. This is followed by a further pusher stroke, which introduces the infusion bags into the stacking chute 144. During this further stroke, the last infusion bag 20 is lifted and removed from the conveyor belt 100, completing the package stack, and this last infusion bag 20 is moved behind the jaws 142 of the cartridge storage chute 146. This transfer stroke, indicated by reference character UH between Figures 5 and 16, causes the stack 162 of infusion bags 20 that has grown to that point in the buffer storage chute 148 to be lifted by any further infusion bags 20 to be introduced, so that the entire stack of packages is guided into the cartridge storage chute 146 in one stroke.

[0065] Figures 13 to 15 show the situation with this last infusion bag 20 still resting on the conveyor belt 100. Figure 16 shows the end position of the pusher 122 during the transfer stroke UH. The buffer storage chute 148 is empty. All of the infusion bags 20 are now placed in the cartridge storage chute 146 as a package stack 180. Between Figures 13 and 15, the tines 174 have returned to their original lowered position due to their own weight. Following the transfer stroke UH and the retraction of the removal device 110 to the discard position U, the tines 174 are again positioned in the hold-down position N, so that the next infusion bag 20, which will eventually become the topmost infusion bag of the package stack 180 to be subsequently stacked, is introduced into the buffer storage chute 148 with its back to the tines 174 in the manner described above.

[0066] As the package stack 180 is transferred into the cartridge storage chute 146, the vertical motion of the package stack 180 is slowed by the carriage 160. The weight of the individual infusion bags 20 ensures that they are stacked in a compact manner within the package stack 180.

[0067] While additional infusion bags 20 are stacked in the buffer storage chute 148, the cartridge 132 is pivoted to the output position shown in Figure 1. The package stack 180 is removed. The cartridge 132 is then again placed in the stacking position S.

[0068] It can be seen that a new stacking stroke SH is performed immediately after the transfer stroke UH. Each stacking stroke SH is identical. Each stacking stroke SH is set so that the infusion bag 20 to be newly added to the stack 162 is moved behind the bearing surface 150 of the claw 140. The newly added infusion bag 20 presses the stack 162 further upward in the buffer storage chute 148. This reduced distance of the remover 110 for vertically lifting the individual infusion bags 20 allows the packaging stack 180 to be produced quickly and therefore economically. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 2. Storage Area 4 Product areas 6 Working area 8 Bags 10 Labels 12 Thread 14 Fragrance packaging 16 Edge 18 Sealing Seam 20 Finished infusion bag 22 Transport Stretch 24 Bag material supplies 25 Bag material 26 Label 10 Supplies 28 Supplies for Yarn 12 30 Aromatic Packaging Supplies 14 32 First Partition Wall 34a Opening for bag material 34b Opening for label 34c Opening for thread 34d Opening for scented packaging 36 Distribution device 37 Infusion supplies 38 Horizontal Stretch 40a First transport wheel 40b Second transport wheel 40c Third Transport Wheel 42a Introduction Station 42b Wrapping Station 44 Sealing Station 46 Second Partition Wall 48 Bag Passing Wall 49 Return opening 50 base plate 52 Operating side 54 Drive side 100 conveyor belt 102 Bag production equipment 104 Removal Station 105 Deflector Wheel 106 Horizontal Section 108 Deflected Section 110 Removal device 111 Push-in device 112 Pusher Guide 114 shuttle 116 Toothed Belt 118 Servo motor 120 Support part 122 Pusher 124 Support surface 126 Fastener 130 Stack Retention Device 132 cartridges 134 Buffer reservoir 136 Introduction opening 138 Introduction opening 140 nails 142 Nails 144 Stacking Chute 146 Cartridge storage chute 148 Buffer Storage Chute 150 bearing surface 152 Hopper surface 154 Spring holder 155 Plunger 156 Pivot Drive 160 shuttle bus 162 stacks 164 Pressing device 166 Bearing Elements 168 Pneumatic Cylinder 170 Pivoting Arm 172 connecting elements 174 Tyne 175 Damper 176 Cam 178 Collection Container 180 package stack A Output Position E. Introduction position F Conveying direction N Pressing position R rest position S Stacking Position SH stacking process U Disposal position UH transfer process V vertical direction

Claims

1. A method for forming a package stack (180) by stacking infusion bags (20), wherein a single infusion bag (20) is removed from a conveying stretch (22; 100), and on the conveying stretch (22; 100), individual infusion bags (20) are successively supplied to a removal station (104) at a distance from each other. At the removal station (104), the infusion bags (20) are arranged in contact with each other in a stack holding device (130) to be emptied when the number of infusion bags (20) forming the package stack (180) is reached. The individual infusion bags (20) are lifted and removed from the conveying stretch (22; 100) and transferred to the stack holding device (130). In the method, in a stacking stroke (SH) of a pushing-in device (111), the individual infusion bags (20) guided by the vertically movable pushing-in device are transferred into a buffer storage chute (148) of the stack holding device (130), and in a transfer stroke (UH) of the pushing-in device (111) greater than the stacking stroke (SH), the infusion bags (20) that complete the package stack (180) are lifted and removed from the conveying stretch (22; 100) and transferred into a cartridge storage chute (146) of the stack holding device (130).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the infusion bags (20) that complete the package stack (180) are transferred into the cartridge storage chute (146) during the transfer stroke (UH).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that immediately after the transfer stroke (UH), the infusion bag lifted and removed from the conveying stretch (22; 100) is guided into the buffer storage chute (148), and at the same time, the cartridge (132) forming the cartridge storage chute (146) is emptied.

4. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, upon detection of a defective infusion bag (20), the push-in device (111) is moved to a discard position (U), in which the defective infusion bag (20), moved on the conveying stretch (22, 100), can be moved over and beyond the push-in device (111) and removed from the conveying stretch (22, 100) downstream of the push-in device (111).

5. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the infusion bag (20) is transferred into the stack holding device (130) against the resistance of a resistance element (160; 164), the resistance element (160; 164) being movable at least during the stacking process into the stack holding device (130).

6. a conveying stretch (22, 100) on which the infusion bags (20) are conveyed from the bag production machine (102) to a removal station (104); a removal device (110) associated with said removal station (104); and a stack holding device (130) for holding a stack (162) of infusion bags (20), the stack holding device (130) being configured to hold individual infusion bags (20) together to form a package stack (180), the stack holding device (130) being configured to hold ... a stack (162) of infusion bags (20), the stack holding device (130) being configured to hold a stack (162) of infusion bags (20) and the package stack (180) being configured to hold individual infusion bags (20) and to hold a stack (162) of infusion bags (20), the stack holding device (130) being configured to hold the removal device (110) is adapted to transfer a single infusion bag (20) from the conveying stretch (22, 100) to the stack retention device (130); The stack holding device (130) a buffer reservoir (134) including a buffer reservoir chute (148) configured to receive a stack (162) of infusion bags (20); a cartridge storage chute (146) configured to receive a stack (162) of infusion bags (20), the cartridge (132) being disposed on a side of the buffer reservoir (134) facing away from the conveying stretch (22, 100); an apparatus in which the cartridge (132) is movable between a stacking position in which the buffer storage chute (148) is aligned flush with the cartridge storage chute (146) and a removal position in which a stack (162) is removed from the cartridge (132); the removal device (110) comprises vertically guided, movable pushers (122) provided on both sides of the conveying stretch (22, 100), The device is characterized in that the movable pushers (122) are movable in translation from an initial position at the level of the conveying stretches (22, 100) to guide the infusion bag (20) placed on the movable pushers (122) into the stack holding device (130) and reach an introduction position (E) above the conveying stretches (22, 100), and when transferring to the introduction position (E), the movable pushers (122) receive the conveying stretches (22, 100) between themselves.

7. The movable pusher (122) is configured to perform a stacking stroke (SH), in which the movable pusher (122) is moved to the buffer storage chute (148); and 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the movable pusher (122) is configured to perform a transfer stroke (UH) that is greater than the stacking stroke (SH), and in the transfer stroke (UH), the movable pusher (122) is moved into the cartridge storage chute (146).

8. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the buffer reservoir (134) comprises claws (140) arranged oppositely in the region of the insertion opening (136), the claws (140) being pivotally mounted in the buffer reservoir (134) and forming, in a spring-suspended holding position, a bearing surface (150) for the lowest infusion bag in the buffer reservoir (134), and the stacking stroke (SH) ends at the level of the insertion opening (136) of the buffer reservoir (134).

9. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the cartridge (132) comprises claws (142) arranged oppositely in the region of the insertion opening (138), the claws (142) being pivotally mounted in the cartridge (132) and forming, in a spring-loaded holding position, a bearing surface (150) for the lowermost infusion bag in the cartridge (132), and the transfer stroke (UH) ends at the level of the insertion opening (138) of the cartridge (132).

10. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the pawl (142) can be fixed in the spring-suspended holding position.

11. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the claws (142) form funnel surfaces (152) directed towards each other on the underside of the claws (142) facing the conveying stretch (22, 100).

12. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a carriage (160) is slidably mounted within a stacking chute (144) of the stack retainer (130).

13. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, characterized in that a hold-down device (164) engages with a stacking chute (144) of the stack holding device (130) in a hold-down position (N), the hold-down device (164) being slidable between the hold-down position (N) in which the hold-down device (164) operates from above contact with the stack (162) and a rest position (R) in which the hold-down device (164) is provided outside the stacking chute (144).

14. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein each pusher (122) comprises a support surface (124) for the infusion bag (20) and a stop (126) downstream of the support surface (124) and protruding above the support surface (124).

15. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the pusher (122) can be moved to a discard position (U) in which an infusion bag (20) moved on the conveying stretch (22, 100) can be moved over and past the pusher (122) without hitting the stop (126).

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