Device and method for opening a cardboard packaging

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for opening a cardboard packaging which comprises a bottom layer, a top layer and a side wall arrangement, the side wall arrangement being formed by closed side walls and / or by tabs, the top layer being provided with at least one folding tab which is folded along a folding edge onto a corresponding side wall or tab of the side wall arrangement and is connected thereto at at least one connection point, the folding tab comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and an intermediate layer arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer. The device comprises: at least one first cutting unit which is designed to cut a strip from the outer layer between the folding edge and the connection point in a cutting direction extending parallel to the folding edge; at least one compressing unit which is downstream of the first cutting unit in the cutting direction and which is designed to press the strip toward the inner layer and thus to compress the portion of the intermediate layer lying under the strip; and at least one second cutting unit which is downstream of the compressing unit in the cutting direction and which is designed to cut through the strip, the compressed portion of the intermediate layer, and the inner layer.

Description

[0001] Device and method for opening a cardboard packaging

[0002] The invention relates to a device for opening a cardboard package comprising a base layer, a cover layer and a side wall arrangement formed by closed side walls and / or by flaps, wherein the cover layer is provided with at least one folding flap which is folded along a folding edge onto a corresponding side wall or flap of the side wall arrangement and is connected to the latter at at least one connection point, wherein the folding flap comprises an inner layer, an outer layer and an intermediate layer arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0003] In the industrial processing of products packaged in cardboard packaging, there are various applications in which automated deboxing is desired. For example, a block-shaped food product such as cheddar cheese is shrink-wrapped in film for aging and packaged in a cardboard box or carton. Before further processing and division into commercially sized portions, the cheddar blocks must be removed from the boxes. This can generally be done by cutting the cardboard packaging, for example, using one or more cutting knives.

[0004] When cutting, care must be taken to ensure that the relevant cardboard layers are severed reliably and completely. This is made more difficult by unavoidable tolerances in cardboard thickness, particularly the thickness of the folding flaps, which may arise, for example, from transport and storage of the cardboard. Due to thickness variations, the cutting blade may cut into the material beneath the cardboard layer being severed. The resulting damage to other packaging layers or even the packaged product itself is undesirable.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to reliably prevent damage to packaging components that cannot be severed and / or to the packaged product.

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a device for opening a cardboard packaging according to claim 1 and a method for opening a cardboard packaging according to claim 19.

[0007] The device according to the invention for opening a cardboard packaging comprises at least a first cutting unit which is set up and designed to cut a strip from the outer layer between the folding edge and the connection point in a cutting direction which runs parallel to the folding edge, at least one compression unit which is arranged downstream of the first cutting unit in the cutting direction and is set up and designed to press the strip towards the inner layer and in the process to compress the section of the intermediate layer lying beneath the strip, and at least one second cutting unit which is set up and designed to sever the strip, the compressed section of the intermediate layer and the inner layer.

[0008] This means that the first cutting unit pre-cuts the outer layer of the folding flap to break its stability. The compression unit can then press down the intermediate layer without also compressing the sidewall or flap of the sidewall assembly located beneath the folding flap. In particular, pre-cutting the strip requires less force to compress the intermediate layer, thus causing little or no damage to the underlying cardboard layer.

[0009] Compressing the intermediate layer creates a cardboard layer with at least three layers and a well-defined thickness, which essentially corresponds to the sum of the paper thicknesses of the inner, intermediate, and outer layers. This, in turn, allows the second cutting unit to cut through safely—i.e., without cutting into an underlying cardboard layer, a (plastic) film surrounding the product, and / or the packaged product itself—regardless of the strength or thickness and consistency of the folding flap.

[0010] Two or more devices can be provided, each associated with one side of the side wall arrangement and a folding flap provided there. For example, one device can be associated with one of the two transverse folding flaps and one device with the longitudinal folding flap. The number of distributed devices per carton package can be adapted to the number of folding flaps to be severed on the respective carton package.

[0011] Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first cutting unit comprises a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade arranged at a distance from the first cutting blade. The first cutting blade is configured and designed to sever the outer layer along a first severing line in the cutting direction, and the second cutting blade is configured and designed to sever the outer layer along a second severing line parallel to the first severing line in the cutting direction. Preferably, the first severing line is parallel to the folded edge.

[0013] In particular, two cutting blades are provided which are arranged offset in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction.

[0014] The distance between the first and second cutting blades can be selected as needed. For example, the distance can be adjusted to the thickness and / or stability or deformability of the intermediate layer. The distance between the first and second cutting blades in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction is, for example, between 2 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 25 mm.

[0015] To ensure that the folding flap can be detached from the side panel assembly after being severed, the first and second separation lines can each be spaced apart from both the folding edge and the connection point along their entire length.

[0016] Preferably, the blades are arranged at the same height in the cutting direction. However, they can also be offset in the cutting direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the second cutting unit comprises at least one third cutting blade, which is configured and designed to sever the strip, the compressed portion of the intermediate layer, and the inner layer along a third severing line in the cutting direction. The third severing line can be arranged between the first and second severing lines, i.e., the third cutting blade cuts between the first and second cutting blades. According to one embodiment, the first cutting blade, the second cutting blade, and / or the third cutting blade is a rotatably mounted circular blade.

[0018] The circular blades of the first cutting unit and / or the second cutting unit can have substantially the same radius. The circular blades of the first cutting unit can be mounted for rotation about the same axis of rotation. However, they can also be mounted for rotation about axes of rotation offset in the cutting direction. The axes of rotation of the cutting blades of the first cutting unit and / or the second cutting unit can be arranged perpendicular to the cutting direction.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the first cutting blade, the second cutting blade, and / or the third cutting blade may comprise a slanted blade. Fixed blades have no moving components and are therefore comparatively economical and low-maintenance.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first cutting unit further comprises at least one first cutting depth adjustment unit that defines a cutting depth of the first and second cutting blades. The first cutting depth adjustment unit ensures that the strip is reliably cut from the outer layer. The cutting depth of the first and second cutting blades can correspond at least to the nominal thickness of the outer layer and is preferably less than the sum of the nominal thickness of the outer layer and the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer in the uncompressed state.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the second cutting unit further comprises at least one second cutting depth adjustment unit that defines a cutting depth of the third cutting blade. The second cutting depth adjustment unit ensures that the strip, the compressed intermediate layer, and the inner layer are severed reliably and safely. The cutting depth of the third cutting blade can correspond to at least a sum of the nominal thicknesses of the strip (i.e., the outer layer), the compressed intermediate layer, and the inner layer and is preferably selected such that the third cutting blade does not cut, or only slightly cuts, into a sidewall or tab of the sidewall arrangement.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first cutting depth adjustment unit and / or the second cutting depth adjustment unit comprise at least one guide carriage and / or at least one rotatably mounted thrust washer. In the case where the first and / or second cutting unit comprises one or more rotary blades, the rotary blades and the thrust washer can each be mounted around the same axis of rotation, wherein the radius of the respective rotary blades is greater than the radius of the respective thrust washer. The difference between the radii here corresponds to the cutting depth of the first and second cutting blades or the third cutting blade.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the guide carriage and / or the thrust washer of the first cutting depth adjustment unit is arranged between the first and second cutting blades, on a side of the first cutting blade opposite the second cutting blade and / or on a side of the second cutting blade opposite the first cutting blade.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the guide carriage and / or the thrust washer of the second cutting depth adjustment unit is arranged above and / or below the third cutting blade in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the compression unit comprises at least one sliding shoe, which at least partially comprises an inclined and / or curved action area. The sliding shoe enables controlled pressing down of the intermediate layer. The inclined and / or curved action area can merge into a straight action area of ​​the sliding shoe or extend over the entire end face of the sliding shoe.

[0026] Preferably, the effective area of ​​the sliding shoe defines an offset between the first and second cutting depth adjustment units. This means that the sliding shoe acts as a ramp at which the effective area of ​​the first cutting depth adjustment unit smoothly transitions into the effective area of ​​the second cutting depth adjustment unit. The offset can be adapted to the thickness of the cardboard layer to be severed. For example, the offset essentially corresponds to a difference between the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer in the uncompressed state and the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer in the compressed state.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the compression unit comprises at least one roller mounted rotatably about a rotation axis.

[0028] For a controlled compression of the intermediate layer, a rotating surface of the roller can be aligned with an area of ​​action of the second cutting depth adjustment unit, seen in the cutting direction.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first cutting unit, in particular the first cutting depth adjustment unit, the compression unit, and / or the second cutting unit, in particular the second cutting depth adjustment unit, are designed as a compact unit, which makes the device more robust and requires less space. A compact design of the compression unit and the second cutting depth adjustment unit, in particular a (virtually) seamless transition between the sliding shoe or roller of the compression unit and the guide carriage or the starting roller of the second cutting unit, has the particular advantage that the compressed intermediate layer cannot expand significantly again before cutting.Such a design of the first cutting unit and the compression unit, in particular a (quasi) seamless transition between the guide carriage or the starting roller of the first cutting unit and the sliding shoe or the roller of the compression unit, in turn has the advantage that the cut-out strip cannot slip or fall out before being pressed towards the inner layer.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the first cutting unit, in particular the first cutting depth adjustment unit, the compression unit and / or the second cutting unit, in particular the second cutting depth adjustment unit, can be structurally separated and arranged at a distance from one another, which facilitates the maintenance and cleaning of the device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the outer layer and / or the inner layer consists of one, in particular a single, smooth cardboard layer, and the intermediate layer consists of one, in particular a single, corrugated cardboard layer. Such single-wall cardboard boxes are comparatively cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the inner layer consists of one, in particular a single, smooth cardboard layer, the intermediate layer consists of one, in particular a single, corrugated cardboard layer, and the outer layer consists of two further smooth cardboard layers, between which another corrugated cardboard layer is arranged. Such double-walled or double-layered cardboard boxes are characterized by improved stability.

[0033] When the invention is applied to this type of cardboard, the separated three-layer strip of the outer layer is also compressed.

[0034] The method according to the invention for opening a carton package comprises cutting a strip from the outer layer in a cutting direction parallel to the folding edge between the folding edge and the connection point, pressing the strip towards the inner layer and thereby compressing the portion of the intermediate layer lying beneath the strip, and severing the strip, the compressed portion of the intermediate layer and the inner layer.

[0035] The cutting of the strip, the compressed section of the intermediate layer, and the inner layer, and the pressing of the strip toward the inner layer can occur simultaneously. In particular, the compression of the section of the intermediate layer beneath the strip and the cutting depth adjustment can be performed while cutting through the same component. This procedure is particularly time-saving. It also prevents the intermediate layer from expanding again between compression and cutting.

[0036] Alternatively, the strip, the compressed section of the intermediate layer, and the inner layer can be severed before the strip is pressed toward the inner layer. In particular, the compression of the section of the intermediate layer beneath the strip and the adjustment of the cutting depth during the severing process can be performed by structurally separate components.

[0037] The process can be carried out on one, several or all folding flaps of the carton packaging, depending on requirements.

[0038] In addition, the method may further comprise unfolding or removing the cover layer after severing the strip, the compressed portion of the intermediate layer, and the inner layer to create a removal opening for a packaged product, in particular a preferably block-shaped food product. The features described with regard to the device can be applied to the features of the method in any combination.

[0039] The invention is described below by way of example using advantageous embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. They show, schematically:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a cardboard packaging for a block-shaped product in an unfolded raw state;

[0041] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the cardboard packaging according to Fig. 1 in a folded and glued state;

[0042] Fig. 2B is a partial sectional side view of the carton package shown in Fig. 2A including a cutting unit provided for cutting out a strip from the outer layer of a folding flap;

[0043] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the carton package according to Fig. 1 in a state in which strips have been cut out of folding flaps;

[0044] Fig. 3B is a partial sectional side view of the carton package shown in Fig. 3A including a compression unit provided for compressing the portion of the intermediate layer lying beneath the strip;

[0045] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the carton package according to Fig. 1 in a state in which the intermediate layer has been compressed; Fig. 4B is a partial sectional side view of the carton package shown in Fig. 4A, including a cutting unit provided for severing the strip, the compressed portion of the intermediate layer, and the inner layer;

[0046] Fig. 4C is a detailed view of the partial sectional side view shown in Fig. 4B in the area of ​​the cutting unit; and

[0047] Fig. 5 to 12 different embodiments of a device according to the invention for opening a cardboard packaging.

[0048] The carton blank 11 shown in Fig. 1 is intended for folding into an elongated, cuboid-shaped carton package 12, as shown in Fig. 2A, and comprises a first longitudinal side layer 13, a bottom layer 14, a second longitudinal side layer 15, and a cover layer 16, which are connected to one another in this order. As shown, two side flaps 17 protrude from each of the longitudinal side layers 13, 15. Likewise, two bottom flaps 19 protrude from the bottom layer 14. These are shorter than the side flaps 17. Furthermore, two transverse folding flaps 21 protrude from the cover layer 16. In addition, a longitudinal folding flap 22 protrudes from one long side of the cover layer 16, which is also referred to as an "industrial flap." The carton blank 11 is cut from a single cardboard sheet in a suitable shape.

[0049] To package a product, such as a block-shaped food product, the cardboard blank 11 is placed around the product in question and folded along respective folding edges 25 to form the cardboard package 12 as shown in Fig. 2A. The bottom flaps 19 and the transverse folding flaps 21 are folded onto the side flaps 17 and joined to them at connection points 29. The joining can be achieved, for example, by gluing, stapling, or the like. In a similar manner, the longitudinal folding flap 22 is folded onto the first longitudinal side layer 13 and joined to it at a connection point 29.

[0050] As can be seen in Fig. 2B, the folding flaps 21, 22 each comprise an inner layer 34a, an outer layer 34c, and a corrugated intermediate layer 34b arranged between the inner and outer layers 34a, 34c. The intermediate layer 34b acts as a type of spacer and, together with the other two layers, ensures the necessary stability of the folding flaps 21, 22. The remaining parts of the cardboard packaging 12 can also be constructed in three layers or "single-walled."

[0051] To open the cardboard packaging 12, for example, as part of a desired further processing of a cheese block after ripening, the outer layers 34c of the two transverse folding flaps 21 and the longitudinal folding flap 22 are first cut along two parallel dividing lines 33a, 33b shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2A and 2B, wherein the dividing lines 33a, 33b run parallel to the folding edges 25. This is done by means of a first cutting unit 30, which comprises a first cutting blade 45a, a second cutting blade 45b arranged at a distance from the first cutting blade 45a, and a first cutting depth adjustment unit 88 arranged between the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b. The vertical distance 78 between the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b defines the width of the strip 43 cut from the outer layer 34c.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b are designed as circular blades that are rotatably mounted about a common rotation axis 70. However, the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b can also be designed as a fixed blade with an inclined blade 86 (see Fig. 6). It is understood that, alternatively, the first cutting blade 45a can be designed as a circular blade and the second cutting blade 45b as a fixed blade with an inclined blade 86, or vice versa.

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment of a device 10 for opening a cardboard package 12 shown in Fig. 5, the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b are arranged at the same height in the cutting direction I, i.e., they overlap in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction I. However, they can also be arranged offset from one another in the cutting direction I (not shown). For example, it is conceivable that the second cutting blade 45b is arranged downstream of the first cutting blade 45a in the cutting direction I, or vice versa.

[0054] The first cutting depth adjustment unit 88 defines a cutting depth 66 of the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b. The cutting depth 66 is selected to be slightly greater than the nominal thickness of the outer layer 34c so that the outer layer 34c can be completely severed (see Fig. 2B).

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5, the first cutting depth adjustment unit 88 comprises a guide carriage 46a, which slides along the outer layer 34c with as little friction as possible when the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b cut the outer layer 34c. For this purpose, the guide carriage 46a can have a suitable coating. The front edge of the unit 88 can be chamfered and / or curved to improve sliding on the outer layer 34c.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the first cutting depth adjustment unit 88 can also comprise a thrust washer 90a, which is rotatably mounted, for example, about the rotational axis 70 of the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b and has a radius that is smaller than the radius of the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b or circular blades. Here, the cutting depth 66 of the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b corresponds to a difference between the radius of the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b or circular blades and the radius of the thrust washer 90a. However, it is also conceivable for the thrust washer 90a to be rotatably mounted about a rotational axis that is different from the rotational axis 70 of the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 3A, by cutting along the dividing lines 33a, 33b by the first and second cutting blades 45a, 45b, a strip 43 is cut out of each of the outer layers 34c of the folding flaps 21, 22. This strip then rests essentially freely on the underlying intermediate layer 34b.

[0058] To produce a well-defined cardboard thickness for completely and securely severing the folding flaps 21, 22, the strip 43 previously cut by the first cutting unit 30 is pressed or pushed toward the inner layer 34a. This is achieved, as shown in Fig. 3B, by applying a force F to the strip 43 in the direction of the inner layer 34a by a compression unit 48 arranged downstream of the first cutting unit 30. By pressing the intermediate layer 34a, it changes from a corrugated to a substantially flat shape, i.e., it is pressed or compressed.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5, the compression unit 48 comprises a sliding shoe 80 with an inclined action region 74a on its end face, which is configured to press the strip 43 toward the inner layer 34a in order to gradually compress the corrugated intermediate layer 34b. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined action region 74a transitions into a straight action region 74c of the sliding shoe 80, which interacts with the depressed strip 43 (see also Figs. 6, 7, 9, and 10). However, the inclined action region 74a can also extend over the entire end face of the sliding shoe 80 (see Fig. 8).

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the sliding shoe 80 of the compression unit 48 comprises a curved action region 74b on its front side, which is designed to press the strip 43 toward the inner layer 34a in order to compress the corrugated intermediate layer 34b. The curved action region 74b has the advantage over the oblique action region 74a in that it does not have a pronounced edge that interacts with the strips 43. In the embodiment shown, the curved action region 74b transitions into a straight action region 74c of the sliding shoe 80, which interacts with the depressed strip 43. However, the curved action region 74b can also extend over the entire front side of the sliding shoe 80 (not shown).

[0061] The contact areas 74a, 74b, 74c of the sliding shoe 80 slide over the strip 43 with as little friction as possible, so that the strip 43 does not slip. For this purpose, the inclined, curved, and / or straight contact areas 74a, 74b, 74c can have a suitable coating.

[0062] In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in Fig. 10, the compression unit 48 comprises a roller 84 which is mounted rotatably about a rotation axis 82 and is designed to press the strip 43 in the direction of the inner layer 34a in order to compress the corrugated intermediate layer 34b. An offset 77 between the rotating surface of the roller 84 and an area of ​​action of the first cutting depth adjustment unit 88, in particular between the rotating surface of the roller 84 and the guide carriage 46a and / or the starting roller 90a of the first cutting depth adjustment unit 88, essentially corresponds to a difference between the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer 34b in the non-compressed state (i.e. in the corrugated state) and the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer 34b in the compressed state.The cutting through of the formed cardboard layer with a well-defined thickness consisting of the inner layer 34a, the compressed intermediate layer 34b and the outer layer 34c of the folding flaps 21, 22 takes place, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, by means of a third cutting blade 45c of a second cutting unit 30 along third cutting lines 33c in the respective cutting direction I. The cutting lines 33c are each located between the first and the second cutting line 33a, 33b and run parallel to them.

[0063] The third cutting blade 45c can be configured like the first and / or second cutting blades 45a, 45b of the first cutting unit 30, i.e., it can be configured as a circular blade (see, for example, Fig. 5) or a fixed blade with an oblique blade (not shown). It is also conceivable for the second cutting unit 32 to comprise not just one, but two or more third cutting blades 45c of the aforementioned type, which are located at the same height in the cutting direction I or are offset from one another in the cutting direction I.

[0064] To ensure that the respective outer layers 36 of the first longitudinal side layer 13 and the side flaps 17 are not cut when the folding flaps 21, 22 are severed, the second cutting unit 32 comprises a second cutting depth adjustment unit 92, which defines a cutting depth 68 of the third cutting blade 45c (see Figs. 4C and 5). The cutting depth 68 of the third cutting blade 45c is selected such that the third cutting blade 45c reliably severes the inner layer 34a, the compressed intermediate layer 34b, and the outer layer 34, and preferably does not damage or cut the outer layers 36 of the first longitudinal side layer 13 and the side flaps 17. In any case, it is ensured that the cardboard layer lying beneath the flap 22 to be severed is not completely severed, thus reliably protecting the product contained in the cardboard packaging 12.The second cutting depth adjustment unit 92 of the second cutting unit 32 can be configured corresponding to the first cutting depth adjustment unit 88 of the first cutting unit 30, i.e., it can comprise at least one guide carriage 46b (see, for example, Fig. 5) and / or at least one rotatably mounted thrust washer 90b (see Figs. 7 and 8). In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4B and 4C, the second cutting depth adjustment unit 92 of the second cutting unit 32 comprises a guide carriage 46b, which, with respect to a position of use of the packaging 12, is arranged above the third cutting blade 45c. However, it can also be arranged below the third cutting blade 45c (not shown). It is also conceivable for a guide carriage 46b and / or a thrust washer 90b to be arranged on both sides of the third cutting blade 45c (not shown).

[0065] As can be seen in Figs. 5 to 9 and 11, the inclined or curved area of ​​action 74a, 74b of the sliding shoe 80 defines an offset 76 between the first and second cutting depth adjustment units 88, 92. The offset 76 essentially corresponds to a difference between the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer 34b in the uncompressed state and the nominal thickness of the intermediate layer 34b in the compressed state.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the sliding block 80 of the compression unit 48 and the guide carriage 46b of the second cutting depth adjustment unit 92 are designed to be compact. The compression of the inner layer 34c and the adjustment of the cutting depth 68 for cutting or severing the folding flap 21, 22 are therefore performed by the same structural unit. The guide carriage 46a of the first cutting depth adjustment unit 90 and the sliding block 80 are separate components, i.e., they are structurally separated from one another.

[0067] In Fig. 12 an embodiment of the device 10 is shown in which the

[0068] The compression unit 48 and the second cutting depth adjustment unit 92 form a structural unit. The corresponding component has a bulge 75, which serves both to compress the intermediate layer 34b and to adjust the cutting depth 68 of the third cutting blade 45c.

[0069] However, a configuration of the device 10 is also possible in which the guide carriage 46a of the first cutting depth adjustment unit 90 and the sliding block 80 are configured as a single piece, and the sliding block 80 and the guide carriage 46b of the second cutting depth adjustment unit 92 are separate structural units (not shown). In this embodiment, the cutting depth 66 for cutting out the strip 43 and compressing the intermediate layer 34b are adjusted by the same structural unit.

[0070] According to a further embodiment, the guide carriage 46a of the first cutting depth adjustment unit 90, the sliding shoe 80 of the compression unit 48, and the guide carriage 46b of the second cutting depth adjustment unit 92 are designed as a compact unit (see, for example, Fig. 5). However, these units can also be arranged separately from one another, which simplifies maintenance of the device 10.

[0071] In the embodiment shown with reference to Figs. 2B, 3B, 4B and 4C, the outer layer 34c of the folding flap 21, 22 is a single, smooth cardboard layer. However, it is also conceivable for the outer layer 34c to consist of two smooth cardboard layers, between which a further corrugated cardboard layer is arranged. This means that the folding flap 21, 22 is a so-called "double-walled" or "double-layered" cardboard (not shown). The other parts of the cardboard packaging 12 can also be designed with two layers. In this case, the strip 43 cut out by the first cutting unit 30 accordingly consists of at least two smooth cardboard layers and one corrugated cardboard layer. The cutting depths 66, 68 of the first and second cutting units 30, 32 are selected to be correspondingly larger.It is understood that the configurations of the first cutting unit 30, the compression unit 48 and the second cutting unit 32 described with reference to the various embodiments of the device 10 can be combined in any desired manner.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] 10 Device

[0074] 11 Cardboard cutting

[0075] 12 cardboard packaging

[0076] 13 first longitudinal side position

[0077] 14 Floor position

[0078] 15 second long side position

[0079] 16 top layer

[0080] 17 side flap

[0081] 19 Bottom flap

[0082] 21 transverse folding flap

[0083] 22 long folding flaps

[0084] 25 fold edge

[0085] 29 junction

[0086] 30 first cutting unit

[0087] 32 second cutting unit

[0088] 33a-33c dividing line

[0089] 34a-34c inner, intermediate and outer layer

[0090] 35 Side wall arrangement

[0091] 36 outer layers of the first longitudinal side layer and the side flaps

[0092] 43 stripes

[0093] 45a-45c cutting blades

[0094] 46a, 46b Guide carriage

[0095] 48 compression unit

[0096] 66 Cutting depth of the first and second cutting blade

[0097] 68 Cutting depth of the third cutting blade

[0098] 74a to 74c Influence areas of the sliding shoe

[0099] 75 bulge

[0100] 76, 77 offset

[0101] 78 vertical distance between the first and second cutting blades

[0102] 80 sliding shoe

[0103] 82 Rotation axis of the roller

[0104] 84 roll

[0105] 86 blade

[0106] 88 first cutting depth adjustment unit

[0107] 90a, 90b thrust washer

[0108] 92 second cutting depth adjustment unit

Claims

Claims 1 . Device (10) for opening a cardboard packaging (12) comprising a bottom layer (14), a cover layer (16), each of which is in particular substantially rectangular, and a side wall arrangement (35) formed by closed side walls (13, 15) and / or by side flaps (17), wherein the cover layer (16) is provided with at least one folding flap (21, 22) which is folded along a folding edge (25) onto a corresponding side wall (13, 15) or side flap (17) of the side wall arrangement (35) and is connected to the latter at at least one connection point (29), wherein the folding flap (21, 22) comprises an inner layer (34a), an outer layer (34c) and an intermediate layer (34b) arranged between the inner layer (34a) and the outer layer (34c), wherein the device (10) comprises: at least one first cutting unit (30) which is designed and constructed to in a cutting direction (I) which runs parallel to the folding edge (25),to cut a strip (43) from the outer layer (34c) between the folded edge (25) and the connecting point (29), at least one compression unit (48) arranged downstream of the first cutting unit (30) in the cutting direction (I), which compression unit is designed and configured to press the strip (43) towards the inner layer (34a) and thereby compress the section of the intermediate layer (34b) lying beneath the strip (43), and at least one second cutting unit (32) arranged downstream of the compression unit (48) in the cutting direction (I), which second cutting unit is designed and configured to sever the strip (43), the compressed section of the intermediate layer (34c), and the inner layer (34b).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting unit (30) comprises a first cutting blade (45a) and a second cutting blade (45b) arranged at a distance from the first cutting blade (45a), wherein the first cutting blade (45a) is set up and designed to sever the outer layer (34c) along a first severing line (33a) in the cutting direction (I), which is in particular parallel to the folded edge (25), and the second cutting blade (45b) is set up and designed to sever the outer layer (34c) along a second severing line (33b) parallel to the first severing line (33a) in the cutting direction (I).

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second dividing lines (33a, 33b) are each spaced apart along their entire length from both the folding edge (25) and the connecting point (29).

4. Device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first cutting blade (45a) and the second cutting blade (45b) are at the same height in the cutting direction (I) or are arranged offset in the cutting direction (I).

5. Device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cutting unit (32) comprises at least one third cutting blade (45c) which is arranged and designed to sever the strip (43), the compressed section of the intermediate layer (34c) and the inner layer (34b) along a third dividing line (33c) in the cutting direction (I).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the third dividing line (33c) is arranged between the first and second dividing lines (33a, 33b).

7. Device (10) according to at least one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first cutting blade (45a), the second cutting blade (45b) and / or the third cutting blade (45c) is a rotatably mounted circular blade.

8. Device (10) according to at least one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first cutting unit (30) further comprises at least one first cutting depth adjustment unit (88) which defines a cutting depth (66) of the first and second cutting blades (45a, 45b).

9. Device (10) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second cutting unit (32) further comprises at least one second cutting depth adjustment unit (92) which defines a cutting depth (68) of the third cutting blade (45c).

10. Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first cutting depth adjustment unit (88) and / or the second cutting depth adjustment unit (92) comprises at least one guide carriage (46a, 46b) and / or at least one rotatably mounted thrust washer (90a, 90b).

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the guide carriage (46a) and / or the thrust washer (90a) of the first cutting depth adjustment unit (88) is arranged between the first and second cutting blades (45a, 45b), on a side of the first cutting blade (45a) opposite the second cutting blade (45b) and / or on a side of the second cutting blade (45b) opposite the first cutting blade (45a).

12. Device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the guide carriage (46b) and / or the thrust washer (90b) of the second cutting depth adjustment unit (92) is arranged above and / or below the third cutting blade (45c) in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction (I).

13. Device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression unit (48) comprises at least one sliding shoe (80) which at least partially comprises an oblique and / or curved action area (74a, 74b).

14. Device (10) according to claim 13, wherein the area of ​​action (74a, 74b) of the sliding shoe (80) defines an offset (76) between the first and the second cutting depth adjustment unit (88, 92).

15. Device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression unit (48) comprises at least one roller (84) mounted rotatably about a rotation axis (82).

16. Device (10) according to claim 15, wherein a circumferential surface of the roller (84) is aligned with an area of ​​action of the second cutting depth adjustment unit (92) as seen in the cutting direction (I).

17. Device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cutting unit (30), in particular the first cutting depth adjustment unit (88), the compression unit (48) and / or the second cutting unit (32), in particular the second cutting depth adjustment unit (92), are formed in one piece.

18. Device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cutting unit (30), in particular the first cutting depth adjustment unit (88), the compression unit (48) and / or the second cutting unit (32), in particular the second cutting depth adjustment unit (92), are arranged structurally separately from one another.

19. A method for opening a cardboard package (12) comprising a bottom layer (14), a cover layer (16), each of which is in particular substantially rectangular, and a side wall arrangement (35) formed by closed side walls (13, 15) and / or by side flaps (17), wherein the cover layer (16) is provided on at least one side with a folding flap (21, 22) which is folded along a folding edge (25) onto a corresponding side wall (13, 15) or side flap (17) of the side wall arrangement (35) and is connected thereto at at least one connection point (29), wherein the folding flap (21, 22) each comprises an inner layer (34a), an outer layer (34c), and an intermediate layer (34b) arranged between the inner layer (34a) and the outer layer (34c), the method (100) comprising: Cutting a strip (43) from the outer layer (34c) in a cutting direction (I) parallel to the folded edge (25) between the folded edge (25) and the connecting point (29); Pressing the strip (43) towards the inner layer (34a) and thereby compressing the portion of the intermediate layer (34b) lying beneath the strip (43); and Cutting the strip (43), the compressed portion of the intermediate layer (34c) and the inner layer (34b).

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the severing of the strip (43), the compressed portion of the intermediate layer (34c) and the inner layer (34b) and the pressing of the strip (43) towards the inner layer (34a) take place simultaneously, or wherein the severing of the strip (43), the compressed portion of the intermediate layer (34c) and the inner layer (34b) takes place before the pressing of the strip (43) towards the inner layer (34a).

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