U.S. patent application number 12/492031 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for apparatus for packaging flat articles.
Invention is credited to Bernfried Kutsch, Thomas Salm.
Application Number | 20090320413 12/492031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41396551 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090320413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salm; Thomas ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING FLAT ARTICLES
Abstract
A packaging unit and a method for wrapping flat articles which
are arranged in particular in an on-edge position is provided. The
packaging unit comprises a feeding region, in particular a feeding
table, and a dispensing unit for packet-type arrangements of flat
articles, and furthermore comprises a stock of wrapping material
present in tape form, such as, for example, bands. An articulated
arm forms a processing plane in which the wrapping material is
fixed, and the articulated arm guides the wrapping material around
the item to be packaged, in particular flat articles.
Inventors: |
Salm; Thomas; (Aachen,
DE) ; Kutsch; Bernfried; (Stolberg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC
P.O. BOX 1364
FAIRFAX
VA
22038-1364
US
|
Family ID: |
41396551 |
Appl. No.: |
12/492031 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/460 ;
53/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 13/20 20130101;
B65B 49/16 20130101; B65B 51/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/460 ;
53/206 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/48 20060101
B65B011/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 25, 2008 |
DE |
10 2008 029 766.6 |
Claims
1. A packaging unit comprising: a feeding region; a dispensing unit
for packet-type arrangements of articles; a stock configured to
accommodate wrapping material provided in tape form; an articulated
arm forming a processing plane and configured to fix the wrapping
material and guide the wrapping material around an item to be
packaged.
2. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the packaging
unit comprises a machine frame in which the stock, designed as a
magazine with wrapping material, is integrated.
3. The packaging unit according to claim 2, wherein the magazine is
integrated in the machine frame in an inclined manner and has an
open base.
4. The packaging unit according to claim 2, wherein the side of the
magazine facing the articulated arm has a plurality of holders that
are configured to fix the wrapping material.
5. The packaging unit according to claim 2, wherein the magazine is
bounded by side cheeks and has holders that are adjustable in a
vertical direction and are adjustable according to a format of the
wrapping material.
6. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the articulated
arm is of a multi-part design, and comprises a first articulated
arm section, a second articulated arm section and a third
articulated arm section that are each connected to one another in
an articulated manner.
7. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the articulated
arm forming the processing plane is provided, on its side facing
the magazine, with a plurality of vacuum grippers.
8. The packaging unit according to claim 7, wherein at least one
vacuum gripper is accommodated on each of the articulated arm
sections that are connected to one another in an articulated
manner.
9. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein a movable
pressing surface is formed on that side of the multi-part
articulated arm that faces away from the actuating cylinder.
10. The packaging unit according to claim 6, wherein, upon
actuation of at least one first working cylinder, the second
articulated arm section is pivotable into a first in-contact
position.
11. The packaging unit according to claim 10, wherein, upon
actuation of at least one second working cylinder, the multi-part
articulated arm is settable into a second in-contact position.
12. The packaging unit according to claim 11, wherein, in the
second in-contact position of the multi-part articulated arm, the
packet-type stack of flat articles arranged in an on-edge form are
compressable by a movable pressing surface.
13. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein said packaging
unit has a glue-application device with glue nozzles that are
movable transversely with respect to the processing plane and are
arranged individually or in pairs.
14. The packaging unit according to claim 13, wherein at least one
glue track, extending in a transverse direction, is applied to one
end of the wrapping material provided in tape form.
15. The packaging unit according to claim 13, wherein the
glue-application device is received by an actuating cylinder along
a transverse support extending transversely with respect to the
processing plane.
16. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein an applicator
is arranged above the stock configured to store the wrapping
material in tape form, with which applicator the outwardly facing
side of the wrapping material present in tape form can be labelled
or printed or provided with a barcode.
17. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein contact
pressure surfaces that are movable relative to each other are
received in a processing plane formed by the multi-part articulated
arm.
18. The packaging unit according to claim 17, wherein the contact
pressure surfaces are each formed by at least two stops which are
spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction and define a
clearance into which the multi-part articulated arm dips in an
extended position.
19. The packaging unit according to claim 17, wherein the contact
pressure surfaces are received on carriages that are movable with
respect to each other along a guide rail.
20. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein, after
compression of the packet-type stack of flat articles arranged in
an on-edge form by contact pressure surfaces, open ends, which are
provided with at least one glue track, of the wrapping material
present in tape form are pressed together by the movable pressing
surface.
21. The packaging unit according to claim 8, wherein the vacuum
grippers are configured as bellow-type suckers, and, in an extended
position of the articulated arm, the machining plane lies slightly
below the feeding region or a feeding table.
22. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein open ends of
the band (20) present in tape form are folded upwards and/or folded
downwards through 90.degree. by at least one pair of wings.
23. The packaging unit according to claim 1, wherein said packaging
unit is adaptable variably in terms of format to different formats
and packet heights by adjustment of glue-application heads of the
contact pressure surfaces and of stops and by interchanging at
least one articulated arm section.
24. A method for wrapping or banding articles, the method
comprising: fixing wrapping material present in tape form on an
articulated arm by application of a vacuum; precompressing a
packet-type stack of articles; transferring the wrapping material
present in tape form into a processing plane by an articulated arm;
compressing the packet-type stack of flat articles oriented in an
on-edge position, which stack has wrapping material partially
wrapped around it, by contact pressure surfaces; applying at least
one glue track to one end of the wrapping material which is present
in tape form and is fixed in the processing plane; deflecting the
multi-part articulated arm at least two deflection points in such a
manner that the wrapping material which is fixed on the articulated
arm is guided around the article; and adhesively bonding the open
ends of the wrapping material present in tape form by a movable
pressing surface.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, in the step of
transferring the wrapping material, the multi-part articulated arm,
upon pivoting down into the processing plane, pulls the wrapping
material in tape form off a lower side of a magazine.
26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the wrapping material
present in tape form is fixable on a side of the multi-part
articulated arm that faces the magazine by application of negative
pressure.
27. The method according to claim 24, wherein the wrapping material
present in tape form, aligned at a zero line marking, is positioned
on a deflecting point of the multi-part articulated arm.
28. The method according to claim 24, wherein at least one glue
track is applied in a transverse direction with respect to the zero
line to the wrapping material present in tape form by a
glue-application apparatus.
29. The method according to claim 24, wherein the multi-part
articulated arm is adjustable from its extended position forming
the processing plane into a second in-contact position by being
acted upon by at least two working cylinders.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, in a second
in-contact position of the multi-part articulated arm, the
packet-type stack of articles partially surrounded by the wrapping
material is compressed on an open side by a movable pressing
surface.
31. The method according to claim 24, wherein, prior to the step of
bonding, the packet-type stack of articles is compressed by two
contact pressure surfaces that are movable relative to each other.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) to German Patent Application No. 10 2008 029
766.6, which was filed in Germany on Jun. 25, 2008, and which is
herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging,
in particular banding, flat articles, such as, for example,
envelopes filled by hand or machine, which are handled in
groups.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] EP 1 160 170 A2 and EP 1 731 433 A1 disclose cardboard
packages which are stackable in the manner of boxes and can be
handled in the same manner. Said cardboard packages have the
advantage of being somewhat more space-saving and at the same time
lighter both in the empty and in the filled state and of therefore
enabling more favourable transport and removal. The cardboard
packages are reusable and are therefore environmentally friendly.
The environmental friendliness is further improved by the use of
cardboard instead of plastic in the production of said
packages.
[0006] A further possibility for a package for machine-fillable
envelopes or envelopes in general is disclosed in EP 1 352 845 B1.
According to this solution, a stack of machine-fillable envelopes
is surrounded by a flexible plastic film all the way around the
short side edges of the machine-fillable envelopes, with two
plastic plates for reinforcing the first and final machine-fillable
envelopes also being provided in order to increase the stability
and to avoid the corners of the envelopes bending over. The
operator grasps such a plastic package, lifts it up, slits the film
laterally, removes the latter, takes out the plastic plates and
disposes thereof separately and places the stack onto a feeding
belt to a further processing or handling machine.
[0007] The solution disclosed in EP 1 352 845 B1 is associated with
the disadvantage of the handling being relatively complicated. The
operator has to in each case slit open the film and remove the
slit-open film while holding the entire package together with all
of the machine-fillable envelopes in his hand above the feeding
belt. He therefore only has his two hands available for holding the
package and slitting open the film, and he therefore has to
exercise considerable skill in order to carry out said
operation.
[0008] DE 44 43 252 A1 discloses an apparatus for the banding of
products. The apparatus for the banding, strapping or the like of
products comprises a transport device for the movement forwards and
backwards of a banding tape or strapping tape which can be guided
around a product and pulled off a stock device. Furthermore, the
apparatus comprises a control device for controlling the banding or
strapping operation, and at least one first clamping device, a
blade device and a connecting device. The connecting device serves
to connect regions located one above another of the tape wrapping
around the product. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a packing
table on which to place the product, with tapes which are guided
around the product forming an overlapping region with an upper
material web and a lower material web. There is a frame device
which is fastened releasably to the apparatus, or a packing table
which can be fastened releasably to the apparatus, and also a frame
device and a packing table which can be fastened releasably to the
apparatus without a frame device. Within said frame device, the
tape is guided around some regions of the product, with it being
possible for the apparatus to be operated by means of a control
device as a fully automatic machine when the frame device is placed
on or when the packing table with the frame device is placed on,
and as a semi-automatic machine when the frame device is removed or
packing table is placed on without a frame device.
[0009] A transportable arrangement of a multiplicity of
machine-fillable envelopes lying flat on one another is
accommodated in a package. The multiplicity of machine-fillable
envelopes lying flat on one another results in the production of a
lower side formed by the lower longitudinal edges of the
machine-fillable envelopes, which edges are lined up in parallel
next to one another, and an upper side which is formed by the upper
longitudinal edges of the machine-fillable envelopes, which edges
are lined up in parallel next to one another. Two side edges of the
machine-fillable envelopes, which side edges are lined up in
parallel next to one another, form narrow sides running
perpendicularly to the lower side and to the upper side. One end
side is formed by an address side of a first machine-fillable
envelope of the multiplicity of machine-fillable envelopes;
furthermore, another end side is formed by a flap side of a final
machine-fillable envelope of the multiplicity thereof. The
multiplicity of machine-fillable envelopes is surrounded by a cover
body which is composed of a cardboard-type material, entirely or
partially surrounds the multiplicity of machine-fillable envelopes
on their lower side, their upper side and around the two end sides
and leaves them free on the narrow sides. The cover body formed in
this manner contains two pressure-resistant, rectangular discs
which are arranged on the other parts of the cover body in such a
manner that they lie on the two end sides of the multiplicity of
machine-fillable envelopes. The two rectangular discs are designed
to be relatively stronger than the other parts of the cover body,
with the cover body having a tear-open tab which is arranged on one
of the end sides 25, 26 of the multiplicity of machine-fillable
envelopes, and permits the cover body to be torn open and the cover
body to be pulled off the multiplicity of machine-fillable
envelopes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus with which flat articles can be packaged in a
very substantially automated manner and in which the groups of flat
articles are transferred into a transportable arrangement which
permits further processing taking place in a very substantially
automated manner and minimizes, and ideally entirely eliminates,
malfunctions.
[0011] Following the solution proposed according to the invention,
a packaging unit is proposed which enables a multiplicity of
articles, in particular flat articles, such as, for example,
machine-fillable envelopes or envelopes serving for other purposes,
to be wrapped in a very substantially automated manner, and enables
a band to be placed around said multiplicity of flat articles, in
particular machine-fillable envelopes, in a very substantially
automated manner.
[0012] In an embodiment, the packaging unit proposed according to
the invention, in which banding tapes which are in particular of
tape-shaped design and are produced from cardboard or a thicker
paper or the like are used, comprises a feeding region onto which
the multiplicity of flat articles to be processed is placed and
pushed in laterally in a processing plane of the packaging
apparatus proposed according to the invention. A feeding region is
understood below as meaning a feeding table, a feeding plane or as
a working plane of a handling unit.
[0013] In the machine frame of the packaging unit proposed
according to the invention, there can be a magazine in which the
bands, which are of tape-shaped configuration and are preferably
manufactured from a harder, stiffer material, such as, for example,
cardboard or multi-layered paper, are stored. Furthermore, an
articulated arm of pivotable design is arranged in the machine
frame of the packaging unit proposed according to the invention.
The pivot point or the pivot bearing of said multi-part articulated
arm is located on the side on which the magazine for accommodating
the bands is arranged, the magazine being arranged inclined on the
machine frame. The in particular multi-part articulated arm is
placed by an actuating cylinder, for example a hydraulic cylinder,
a pneumatic cylinder or the like, in contact with the inclined
lower side of the magazine in which the tape-shaped bands are
stored. On that side of the multi-part articulated arm which faces
the lower side of the magazine, said articulated arm has vacuum
grippers in the form of suction cups or the like. The latter can be
acted upon by negative pressure such that, in the state of the
multi-part articulated arm in which it is in contact with the lower
side of the magazine storing the bands, upon application of a
vacuum to the suction cups the lowermost band can be grasped by the
in particular multi-part articulated arm and fixed on the upper
side thereof. After such a grasping of an in particular tape-shaped
band and the pivoting back of the multi-part articulated arm into
the processing plane, a precompressed multiplicity of flat articles
is pushed on. The latter are in particular machine-fillable
envelopes or the like which are transported on edge, i.e. on their
lower longitudinal side edge, and, during a lateral pushing-in
operation, are pushed onto the band which is arranged on the upper
side of the multi-part articulated arm and is essentially present
in tape form. Owing to its extended position, the articulated arm
is suitable also for fixing the band, which is preferably present
in tape form, in an extended position and for ensuring said state
even while the precompressed multiplicity of flat articles
positioned on edge is pushed on.
[0014] The preferably multi-part articulated arm comprises at least
two bending points at which individual articulated arm sections can
be accommodated pivotably with respect to one another. In order to
pivot the at least two sections of the articulated arm which are
connected in an articulated manner to one another, actuating
cylinders, which may preferably be pneumatic cylinders or electric
drives, are formed on said articulated arm, the actuating cylinders
causing the generally 90.degree. deflection of the articulated
sections which are connected in an articulated manner to one
another. Furthermore, the packaging unit proposed according to the
invention comprises a glue-application device. The latter comprises
one or more band element of tape-shaped design pressed transversely
with respect to the multi-part which, in predetermined positions,
beads of glue or beads of adhesive can be applied to the band which
is preferably present in tape form. The positions at which the
respective beads of glue can be applied in the transverse direction
to the band preferably present in tape form are dependent on the
format of the flat articles to be processed, i.e. dependent on
whether the machine-fillable envelopes are DIN A4, DIN A5 formats
or smaller formats.
[0015] The bands which are stored in the magazine and can be
present in tape form are firstly aligned by means of a zero marking
placed on one of the side cheeks of the magazine. Said zero marking
serves as a reference line for the positioning of the band, which
is preferably present in tape form, by the vacuum grippers on that
side of the in particular multi-part articulated arm which faces
the magazine.
[0016] The reference line, i.e. the zero marking, can coincide with
a first bending point on the multi-part articulated arm. The
packaging unit proposed according to the invention ensures that the
flat articles which are to be processed in the packaging plane and
are on edge, such as, for example, envelopes or machine-fillable
envelopes, are enclosed during the change in position of the
articulated arm sections connected to one another in an articulated
manner by the band held on the articulated arm sections, and that
those regions, which receive the beads of glue, of the band, which
is preferably present in tape form, make contact with one another.
This takes place by precompressed, flat articles being pushed onto
the processing plane by means of a combined lateral slide with a
holding-down function. The processing plane is formed by the
extending band which is held on the multi-part articulated arm by a
number of suction grippers. The precompressed flat articles are now
compressed by laterally movable surfaces while the band, which is
held in an extended position on the inner side of the multi-part
articulated arm, has glue applied to it.
[0017] As soon as the precompressed stack of flat articles which is
pushed in, i.e. pushed onto the band, is compressed by the surfaces
which are movable laterally with respect to one another, the
holding-down device is moved out again into its set-back position
in the feeding region while the abovementioned application of glue
to the inner side of the band which is preferably in tape form
takes place.
[0018] The packaging unit proposed according to an embodiment of
the invention comprises a pressing tool which has two surfaces
which are movable relative to each other. The multiplicity of flat
articles which are on edge is compressed in the processing plane by
said surfaces such that, after the glued sections of the band
present in tape form are joined, a compact, transportable
arrangement is achieved. The precompressed stacks of flat articles
oriented in an on-edge position are preferably provided on the end
sides by the operator with stabilizing end plates produced from
cardboard. The surfaces, which further compress the precompressed
stack of flat articles, move onto said cardboard end plates and,
when the multi-part articulated arm is in the extended position,
are movable with respect to each other in the processing plane.
However, there is also the possibility that the preparation, i.e.
precompression of the flat articles including the end plates
stiffening the stack, can also be prepared fully automatically,
i.e. without an operator being used for the precompression and for
inserting the cardboard end plates.
[0019] The bands stored in the magazine and that can be present in
tape form, aligned at the zero marking, can be printed and labelled
on the subsequently outwardly facing side by an applicator arranged
above the magazine for holding the bands present in tape form. The
applicator, accommodated at the upper end of the magazine in the
machine frame of the packaging unit proposed according to the
invention, can be controlled and programmed by a commercially
available PC.
[0020] In order to improve the accuracy of the pressing of the
multiplicity of flat articles in the pressing tool located in the
processing plane of the packaging unit proposed according to the
invention, the surfaces producing the prestressing force, i.e. the
pressing, are arranged in carriages on a guide rail of a
longitudinal support. The longitudinal support with the guide rail
for the at least two carriages movable relative to each other
preferably extends below the processing plane, with it being
possible for the two pressing surfaces which are movable relative
to each other and are arranged on the carriages to be of
fork-shaped design. The effect which can be achieved by means of a
fork-shaped design of the contact pressure surfaces of the
carriages below the processing plane is that the preferably
multi-part articulated arm which is mounted on a joint dips into
the clearance between the individual prongs of the fork of the
contact pressure surfaces. Therefore, the effect achieved when
removing the band, which is preferably present in tape form, from
the lower side of the magazine is that the articulated arm
positions the band, which is removed in each case in an extended
position and is preferably present in tape form, between the prongs
of the fork of the contact pressure surfaces which are movable
relative to one another. The contact pressure surfaces, which are,
for example, of prong-shaped design, move together without damaging
the band present in tape form, since the flat articles which are to
be compressed are only made contact with on the outer sides. The
contact pressure force, applied by a pneumatic actuating cylinder,
is introduced via the thicker cardboard end discs into the
precompressed stack of flat articles oriented in an on-edge
position.
[0021] The working cylinders of the preferably multi-part
articulated arm are subsequently activated sequentially such that
the band fixed on the inner side of the individual articulated arm
sections by means of vacuum grippers is placed around the flat
articles in a manner corresponding to the dimensions of the
compressed stack of flat articles oriented in an on-edge position.
The band present in tape form is provided beforehand at the ends to
be joined to each other with at least one bead of glue or bead of
adhesive, depending on the format to be processed of the band which
is present in particular in tape form. If the band present in tape
form is guided by deflection of the individual sections of the
multi-part articulated arm around the stack, which is to be
provided with the band, of flat articles in an on-edge position,
the open ends, which are not yet joined to each other, of the band
present in tape form are bent through 90.degree. by at least one
pair of wings provided on an articulated arm section. The open
ends, which now lie one above another, of the band present in tape
form are pressed for a period of time of just a few seconds by a
contact surface making contact with that side of the band present
in tape form which is to be glued or joined with a cohesive
material joint before the stack of flat articles oriented in an
on-edge position, which stack is now finished, compressed and
provided with the band, is pushed out into a dispenser.
[0022] Different formats of flat articles can be processed in the
packaging unit proposed according to the invention by means of
longer bands which are accommodated in the magazine and are present
in tape form. The position of the glue nozzles can likewise be
adapted to different positions from which the at least one bead of
glue is to be applied, as can the laterally combined slide and
holding-down device.
[0023] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a machine frame of the
packaging unit proposed according to an embodiment of the invention
with a feeding region and inclined magazine for accommodating bands
present in tape form, together with an applicator assigned to the
magazine,
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the multi-part articulated
arm,
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the preferably multi-part
articulated arm, illustrated in FIG. 2, of the packaging unit
proposed according to the invention,
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a first deflected
position of the preferably multi-part articulated arm,
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a second deflected
position of the individual articulated arm sections of the
multi-part articulated arm,
[0030] FIG. 6 shows the components of the glue-application device
of the packaging unit proposed according to an embodiment the
invention with a plurality of movable glue-application heads at an
adjustable distance depending on the format and with a pair of glue
nozzles movable laterally with respect to the band to which glue is
to be applied and which is present in tape form,
[0031] FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the magazine for
accommodating the band which is preferably in tape form,
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the pressing tool for
compressing a packet comprising a multiplicity of flat articles
prior to the adhesive bonding of the ends of the band winding
around said flat articles, and
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the pressing tool
according to the illustration in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] A perspective view of the essential components of the
packaging unit proposed according to the invention can be seen in
the illustration according to FIG. 1. The illustration according to
FIG. 1 reveals that a packaging unit 10, in particular a banding
unit, has a feeding region 12 which comprises a lateral pushing-in
means 13 into a processing plane 30. The feeding region is
understood below as meaning a feeding table, a feeding plane or
else a working plane of a handling unit.
[0035] The magazine 18 which is arranged in an inclined manner is
accommodated in the machine frame 16 of the packaging unit 10, with
a number of preferably tape-shaped banding tapes 20 being stored
lying one above another in the magazine 18. An applicator 22 which
can be controlled by a commercially available PC is located above
the magazine 18. The applicator 22 is part of a labeller or other
printing head, such as, for example, an inkjet printer. When a
label which is pre-printed or is printed online is applied, said
label can protrude by at least 1 cm or else more over the end of
the banding tape 20. Subsequently, after the positioning of the
banding tape 20 in a processing plane 30, the label can be folded
therearound by means of a folding tool. By this means, the user
obtains protection against injury at the sharp cardboard box edge
during a subsequent tearing-open operation. With the applicator 22,
the bands 20 which are preferably present in tape form are printed
on the outer side such that the individual, transportable
arrangements can be identified and can be accordingly fed for
generally automated further processing. In particular, there is the
possibility of applying barcodes to the outer side of the band 20
via the applicator 22 arranged above the magazine 18 such that the
individual bands 20 can be identified mechanically.
[0036] As can furthermore be gathered from the illustration
according to FIG. 1, a zero-line marking 24 is accommodated on the
magazine 18. With each new format of flat articles or each new
packing size, the configuration of the preferably tape-shaped band
20 changes. However, the zero-line marking 24 is identical for all
products. On the basis thereof, stops which are arranged on the
magazine 18 are adjusted and an articulated arm 42, which is
described in more detail below, contact pressure surfaces 38, 40
and glue-application heads are adjusted relative thereto. The
respective, subsequent bending points of the bands can be fixed at
said zero-line marking, and different formats of bands 20 can be
aligned. The magazine 18 is preferably produced in such a manner
that the base thereof is open, and the individual bands 20 which
are preferably stored in tape form in the magazine 18 are removed
from the lower side via a preferably multi-part articulated arm 42
which is merely indicated in FIG. 1. The in particular multi-part
articulated arm 42 is described in more detail with reference to
the following figures.
[0037] It is furthermore revealed in the illustration according to
FIG. 1 that a glue-application apparatus 26 comprising a number of
gluing nozzles 32 either individually or in a paired arrangement is
accommodated above the processing plane 30 of the packaging unit
10. The glue nozzles 32 are assigned the transverse direction with
respect to the bands 20 in the processing plane 30 by an actuating
cylinder drive 28 which is assigned to the glue-application device
26. Via the glue nozzles 32, which can be gathered together in an
individual arrangement or else in pairs with respect to one
another, beads of glue are applied in the transverse direction to
the band 20 as soon as the latter, fixed by vacuum grippers 48 on
the side facing the lower side of the magazine 18, is transferred
into the processing plane 30. The vacuum grippers 48 on the
preferably multi-part articulated arm 42 which is merely indicated
can be gathered schematically from the perspective illustration in
FIG. 1.
[0038] A longitudinal support 36 extends below the processing plane
30. A pressing tool which has prong-like pressing surfaces, cf.
reference signs 38 and 40, is held on said longitudinal support.
The fork-shaped pressing surfaces 38, 40 can be adjusted with
respect to one another by an actuating cylinder (not illustrated in
FIG. 1) such that a packet of a multiplicity of machine-fillable
envelopes which are on edge, which packet is arranged between the
fork-shaped pressing surfaces 38, 40, can be compressed and air can
escape from the interior of the machine-fillable envelopes or from
the flat articles. This compression operation is variable in terms
of time and in terms of the level of pressing force. A
predeterminable precompression time can take place with a lower
pressing force, and subsequently the entire pressing force can be
applied in order to reach the actual packing size.
[0039] The in particular multi-part articulated arm 42 which is
merely indicated perspectively in the illustration according to
FIG. 1 is fastened rotatably to a bearing side 34 of the machine
frame 16. Bearing point 34 is located in particular at the lower
end of the magazine 18 such that, upon corresponding actuation of
an actuating cylinder, the articulated arm 42 can be placed with
the side having the vacuum grippers 48 against the open lower side
of the magazine 18 from where it grasps the band 20, which faces
the vacuum grippers 48 and is preferably present in tape form, and
transfers it into the processing plane 30.
[0040] It can furthermore be gathered from the illustration
according to FIG. 1 that the packaging unit 10 is arranged on
rollers such that the mobility of said packaging unit within a
factory building is ensured. Accordingly, the mobile packaging unit
10 can advantageously be positioned in a variable manner
corresponding to the working sequences.
[0041] According to the illustration in FIG. 1, both the feeding
region 12 and the dispenser 14 are advantageously located on the
packaging unit 10 proposed according to the invention at a distance
from the floor space of the machine frame 16, which is movable on
rollers, of the packaging unit 10. As a result, logistical further
processing components, such as, for example, pallets or conveyor
belts or the like, can be used in an optimal manner in order to
integrate the packaging unit 10 proposed according to the
invention.
[0042] The articulated arm of the packaging unit 10 proposed
according to the invention can be seen in an extended position in
the illustration according to FIG. 2.
[0043] In the illustration according to FIG. 2, the preferably
multi-part articulated arm 42 is illustrated in side view. The
articulated arm 42 is moved via an actuating cylinder 44, the
abutment of which is indicated by reference sign 50, and is
fastened to a fixing point of the machine frame 16 of the packaging
unit 10 proposed according to the invention.
[0044] It can furthermore be seen in the illustration according to
FIG. 2 that the upper side of the preferably multi-part articulated
arm 42 has a number of vacuum grippers 48 which can be designed,
for example, as suction cups or suction plates or the like. The
vacuum grippers 48, in particular designed as suckers which are
provided on the multi-part articulated arm 42, are preferably
formed by bellows and are arranged in such a manner that, after the
bellows has contracted, the band 20 comes to lie somewhat below the
processing plane 30. This avoids a collision between the band 20
and the pushed-on stack of flat articles oriented in an on-edge
position. Starting from its articulated arm bearing 46, the in
particular multi-part articulated arm 42 comprises a first
articulated arm section 52 on which a first working cylinder 64 is
held. By means of the first working cylinder 64, which may be a
hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder, a further, second articulated
arm section 56 is deflected about a first bending point 54. A
further, third articulated arm section 60 is coupled at a second
bending point 58 to the second articulated arm section 56 which can
be actuated by means of the first working cylinder 64. A further,
second working cylinder 66 is located on the third articulated arm
section 60. The third articulated arm section 60 can be moved via
said working cylinder 66 about the second bending point 58 relative
to the second articulated arm section 56.
[0045] According to the side view in FIG. 2, in the region of the
vacuum grippers 48, the in particular multi-part articulated arm 42
comprises a first pair of wings 68 and a second pair of wings 70.
With the pairs of wings 68 and 70, a section of the band 20
preferably present in tape form is raised during the initial
bending of the articulated arm 42, which has a plurality of
articulated sections, and, after the final bending of the
multi-part articulated arm 42 has taken place, the open end of the
preferably tape-shaped band 20 is folded over downwards before the
ends, which lie one above another, of the band 20 present in tape
form are adhesively bonded.
[0046] It can moreover be seen from the illustration according to
FIG. 2 that a stop surface 62 is formed above the articulated arm
bearing 46 of the in particular multi-part articulated arm 42. When
the actuating cylinder 44 is acted upon or actuated, the multi-part
articulated arm 46, which is fastened below the magazine 18 in the
machine frame 16 of the packaging unit 10, is moved about a
pivoting path 72, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2.
[0047] It can be seen from the plan view, illustrated in FIG. 3, of
the in particular multi-part articulated arm 42 that the upper side
of the latter in the extended state has a plurality of vacuum
grippers 48. While two vacuum grippers 48 which have a relatively
large diameter are arranged on the first articulated arm section 52
and on the third articulated arm section 30, a pair of vacuum
grippers 48 is located on the central, i.e. second, articulated arm
section 56. The suction plates or suction grippers of said vacuum
grippers have somewhat smaller dimensions with regard to their
diameter than the vacuum grippers 48 which are accommodated on the
first articulated arm section 52 and the third articulated arm
section 60. By means of the spaced-apart, individual vacuum
grippers 48 on the second articulated arm section 56, lateral
stabilization of the band 20 present in tape form as it is being
pulled out of the downwardly open chamber of the magazine 18
arranged in an inclined manner in the machine frame 16 is possible.
The vacuum grippers 48 are formed in particular by bellows which
are arranged in such a manner that, after the bellows has
contracted, the band 20 lies somewhat below the processing plane
30, thus avoiding a collision between a precompressed stack of flat
articles oriented in an on-edge position with the side edge of the
band 20 as said stack is being pushed on laterally.
[0048] It is moreover revealed in the plan view according to FIG. 3
that the in particular multi-part articulated arm 42 has an
extendable pressing surface 62. Pressing surface 62, which is
actuated via a cylinder, extends when the open ends, which can each
be provided with at least one bead of glue, are adhesively bonded
to one another in order to produce the band. The bonding point is
pressed together by means of the extendable pressing surface
62.
[0049] Operating positions of the in particular multi-part
articulated arm 42 which is illustrated in side view and in plan
view in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be seen in a schematic manner from the
illustration according to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0050] FIG. 4 shows that the multi-part articulated arm 42, which
is illustrated in its extended position 74 in FIG. 3, is
transferred into a first in-contact position 76. For this purpose,
the at least one working cylinder 64, which is flange-mounted on
the first articulated arm section 52, is actuated such that the
second articulated arm section 56 passes into a 90.degree.
deflection about the first bending point 54 relative to the first
articulated arm section 52 which is in a horizontal position. As a
result, the pair of vacuum grippers 48 arranged on the upper side
of the second articulated arm section 56 is adjusted into its
vertical position. As before, the third articulated arm section 60
is in its starting position, i.e. runs parallel to the second
articulated arm section 56, which has already been deflected, such
that the first in-contact position 76 is provided essentially by
means of an L shape of the articulated arm 52.
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a further, second in-contact position of the in
particular multi-part articulated arm 42 according to FIGS. 2 and
3.
[0052] In the second deflected position, illustrated in FIG. 5, of
the multi-part articulated arm, the third articulated arm section
60 is also transferred by a corresponding actuation of its at least
one working cylinder 66 into the deflected position, i.e. is
deflected via the second bending point 58 between the second
articulated arm section 56 and the third articulated arm section
60. As a result, the multi-part articulated arm 42 adopts a
position essentially indicated by a U according to the illustration
in FIG. 5. When the multi-part articulated arm 42 according to
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 is transferred from the extended position 74 into
the first in-contact position 76 according to FIG. 4 and
subsequently into the third in-contact position 78 according to
FIG. 5, a band which is fixed and held by the vacuum grippers 48
and is present in tape form undergoes a deflection, i.e. a bending,
at the edges respectively located in the region of the bending
points 54 and 58. By means of the pairs of wings 68 and 70 on the
in particular multi-part articulated arm 42, in the U position the
open end of the band 20 is placed entirely around the compressed
stack of flat articles oriented in an on-edge position. In this
context, the first pair of wings 68 serves to raise the band
through 90.degree. and the second pair of wings 70 serves to
subsequently fold over the open end of the band 20 likewise through
90.degree..
[0053] Instead of the vacuum grippers 48 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3,
4 and 5 and the positions thereof on the multi-part articulated arm
42, the vacuum grippers 48 can also be arranged at different
positions than the positions illustrated in the drawings; it is
solely of importance that the band 20 which is fixed by the vacuum
grippers 48, is held on the upper side of the multi-part
articulated arm 42 and is in tape form remains fixed in a
mechanically stable manner in its extended position 74 on the upper
side of the multi-part articulated arm 42 and said fixing can also
be retained in the processing plane 30 according to the
illustration in FIG. 1, in which a preassembled, packet-type stack
of flat articles is pushed by the lateral pushing-in means 13
laterally onto the processing plane 30.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows that the packaging unit 10 proposed according
to the invention has a glue-application apparatus 26 which is
movable relative to the bands 20 fixed in an extended position 74.
The glue-application device 26 comprises, for example, a pair of
glue nozzles 84 and at least one individual glue nozzle 82. Both
the individual glue nozzle 82 and the pair 84 of glue nozzles is
movable along a transverse support 88 corresponding to a direction
of movement 90 of the glue-application device 26. For this purpose,
an actuating cylinder 28 can be provided in the transverse support
88--even though it is not illustrated in FIG. 6. The glue nozzles
82 and 84 are supplied via suitably designed connecting lines 86
which, if necessary, can also be heated in order to vary the
viscosity of the adhesive to be applied, whether it be glue,
adhesive or the like, within the optimum limits for the particular
processing operation.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the magazine 18 which is
accommodated in the machine frame 16 and is fitted there in an
inclined manner. The articulated arm bearing 46, which is
illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 3, of the in particular multi-part
articulated arm 42 is located at the lower end of said
magazine.
[0056] It can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 7
that the magazine 18 is essentially bounded by an upper and a lower
transverse support and side cheeks 96 are formed on two mutually
opposite transverse supports which run parallel to each other.
Reference sign 94 denotes adjustable stops which are located within
the magazine 18 at the lower end of the trough-shaped depression
which is bounded by the two mutually opposite side cheeks 96. The
base of the magazine 18 is open. The base of the magazine 18 is
formed by the tape-shaped bands 20 which are in each case stored
therein and rest with their edge regions on holders denoted by
reference sign 92. Holders 98 are likewise located in the upper
region of the magazine 18, which holders can be adjusted upwards or
downwards in the vertical direction in accordance with the makeup
of the bands 20 which are to be processed and are present in
particular in tape form such that the band located in each case at
the bottom and bands 20 in tape form which are stacked on said band
cannot protrude into the working region of the packaging unit 10
proposed according to the invention.
[0057] Owing to the fact that the magazine 18 has an essentially
open base surface, when the multi-part articulated arm 42 is
pivoted upwards about the articulated arm bearing 46 thereof, the
band 20 which is in each case located at the bottom, is fixed by
holders 92 and 98 and is present in tape form can be grasped, upon
actuation of the vacuum grippers 46, and removed from the magazine
18 and, when the in particular multi-part articulated arm 42 is
pivoted downwards, can be transferred into the processing plane 30
of the packaging unit 10. In the processing plane 30, said band 20
which is grasped by the multi-part articulated arm 42 and is
present in tape form is then present in an extended position
74.
[0058] A pressing tool can be seen on a larger scale from the
illustrations according to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0059] In the perspective overall illustration of the packaging
unit 10 according to FIG. 1, a longitudinal support 36, which is
only illustrated rudimentarily, runs below the processing plane 30
in which the multi-part articulated arm 42 in its offset position
is essentially in an extended position 74. A guide rail extending
parallel to the multi-part articulated arm 42 runs on the upper
side of said longitudinal support 36. This is made apparent in
FIGS. 8 and 9 by reference sign 100. The stop and pressing surfaces
38, 40, which can be seen in the illustration in FIGS. 8 and 9 and
partially also in the illustration according to FIG. 1, are guided
on said guide rail 102. Said pressing surfaces 38, 40 are
preferably spaced-apart prongs of a fork such that sufficient space
remains between the individual prongs for the multi-part
articulated arm 42 to be able to be pivoted about its articulated
arm bearing 46 from its extended position 74 in the processing
plane 30 into a position in contact with the lower side of the
magazine 18, and vice versa. Therefore, when the multi-part
articulated arm 42 is pivoted away about its articulated arm
bearing 46, a sucked-up band 20 which is grasped by the vacuum
grippers 48 of the multi-part articulated arm 42 can be positioned
into the processing plane 30 and, when the multi-part articulated
arm 42 is pivoted downwards into the processing plane 30, moves
between the prongs which constitute the two pressing surfaces 38,
40 which are movable relative to each other.
[0060] As is furthermore revealed in the illustrations according to
FIGS. 8 and 9, the contact pressure surfaces 38 and 40 which are
represented by prongs are held on carriages 102 and 104 which are
movable relative to each other by means of an actuating cylinder
106. After a packet-type stack of machine-fillable envelopes which
are oriented on edge are pushed onto a band 20 serving as a base
and the individual articulated sections 46 and 60 of the
articulated arm are deflected and accordingly the multiplicity of
flat articles have the band 20 which is present in tape form
wrapped around them, the machine-fillable envelopes, so as to
mention an example of flat articles, which have the band 20 wrapped
around them and are on edge, are compressed by means of the
pressing tool illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. For this purpose, a
cardboard wall or a surface manufactured from another stiffer
material is preferably located at the ends of the packet of
machine-fillable envelopes which is to be compressed such that the
axial force which is exerted during the compression of the packet
of a multiplicity of machine-fillable envelopes and is produced in
the actuating cylinder 106 does not result in the flat articles
being damaged. Upon actuation of the actuating cylinder 106, the
pressing surfaces 38, 40 move relative to each other such that
trapped air, whether in the interior of the machine-fillable
envelopes, whether between the individual envelopes standing on
edge next to one another, is squeezed out and the stack is
compressed before the open ends of the bands 20 are adhesively
bonded. Since this takes place mechanically, an essentially
fatigue-free operation of the packaging unit 10 proposed according
to the invention is ensured.
[0061] The packaging operation will be described again and
explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 which
have been described in detail above:
[0062] First of all, the packet-type stacks of machine-fillable
envelopes, which are supplied in on-edge form, to be processed in
each case are passed by the operator of the packaging unit 10
proposed according to the invention to the feeding region 12 and
manually compressed. In accordance with experience, the operator
always places the flat articles, such as, for example, envelopes,
in a preferred direction into the combined slide 11. The later user
places the compressed block of flat articles, such as, for example,
envelopes, which is provided with the band 20 into a magazine of an
envelope-filling machine. It has to be ensured here that the
closure flap of the envelopes--so as to mention a customary
example--is always positioned unambiguously.
[0063] The in particular multi-part articulated arm 42 is
subsequently pivoted up in the pivoting direction 72 onto the lower
side of the magazine 18 storing the bands 20 present in tape form.
The vacuum grippers 46 which face the lower side of the magazine 18
are acted upon with negative pressure such that the respectively
lowermost of the bands 20 which are present in tape form in the
magazine 18 and are stored there is grasped and transferred in an
extended position 74 into the processing plane 30 during the
downwards pivoting movement of the multi-part articulated arm 42.
When the band 20 present in tape form is grasped, it is ensured
that the zero reference line 24 thereof comes to lie on one of the
bending points 54, 58 of the multi-part articulated arm 42.
[0064] After the band 20, which is present in tape form and is
fixed in an extended position 74 by the vacuum grippers 48, lies in
the processing plane 30, the preassembled packet of
machine-fillable envelopes or flat articles or the like present in
an on-edge position is pushed in laterally. Said preassembled group
present in packet form is pushed onto the inner side of the band 20
present in tape form. In this case, the respectively outermost end
sides of said preassembled packet are each located opposite the
first pressing surface 38 and the second pressing surface 40
between which the articulated arm 42, which is in an extended
position 74, is located in an extended position 74 as before.
[0065] At the upper end, i.e. at the end facing the applicator 22,
the band 20, which is provided on its outer side with a barcode or
with a writing zone or with a label by the applicator 22, can be
prepared by the glue-application device 26 in the transverse
direction corresponding to the path of movement of the glue nozzles
82, 84. The label can be applied protruding over the end of the
glued band 20 such that the operator is protected from a cardboard
box turning out to have a sharp edge.
[0066] The band 20, which is present in tape form and is in an
extended position 74, is positioned somewhat below the processing
plane 30 by the vacuum grippers 48 which are provided with a
bellows. This avoids that, during the subsequent, lateral
pushing-on of the precompressed stack via the combined slide and
holding-down device 11, a collision of said stack with the edge of
the tape 20 is prevented.
[0067] Subsequently, the precompressed packet of flat articles
oriented in an on-edge position, such as, for example, envelopes,
is compressed by the contact pressure surfaces 38, 40, with it
being possible for the pressing force in a first substep to be
smaller than at the end of the compression. The forces which occur
during the compression and are produced by the contact pressure
surfaces 38 and 40 are absorbed via reinforced end plates at the
ends of the packet-type stack.
[0068] The next processing step is the actuation of the at least
one working cylinder 64 which is held on the first articulated arm
section 52 which is in a horizontal position. As a result, the
second articulated arm section 76 is raised through 90.degree.
about the first bending point 54. This constitutes a "short" side
of the band 20 which forms the preassembled stack of flat articles,
such as, for example, machine-fillable envelopes. When the second
articulated arm section 56 is raised about the first bending point
54, a corresponding bending of the band 20 through 900 takes place
analogously to the 90.degree. deflection of the second articulated
arm section 56. Since said band remains fixed to the upper side of
the second articulated arm section 56 by the pair of vacuum
grippers 46, said section of the band 20 follows the deflecting
movement of the second articulated arm section 56 through
90.degree. about the first bending point 54 (cf. also the
illustration according to FIG. 4).
[0069] It can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 5
that, in order to transfer the band 20 which is present in tape
form, the upper side of a stack of a packet-type number of
machine-fillable envelopes present in an on-edge position is
transferred the third articulated arm section 60 about the second
bending point 58 by actuation of at least one second working
cylinder 66. As a result, the multi-part articulated arm 42,
according to the illustration in FIG. 5, takes up its second
in-contact position 78 corresponding to a U shape. In said
position, the stack of machine-fillable envelopes present on edge
is enclosed on three sides by the articulated arm sections 52, 56,
60 of the multi-part articulated arm 42. This means that the band
20, the individual sections of which follow the pivoting operations
during the pivoting movement of the articulated arm sections 56 and
60, surrounds the packet-type stack of machine-fillable envelopes
on three sides. If the multi-part articulated arm 42 is in the U
position illustrated in FIG. 5, then, via laterally arranged
folding tools, in this case the second pair of wings 70, the end of
the band 20 preferably present in tape form is placed completely
through 90.degree. around the formed and compressed stack or block
of flat articles oriented in an on-edge position, such as, for
example, around a block of envelopes, which is to be provided with
the band 20.
[0070] It is revealed from the illustration according to FIGS. 2
and 3 that the articulated arm 42 has the movable pressing surface
62 on its open side (cf. FIG. 5). Said pressing surface 62 extends
in order to press together the mutually overlapping, open ends of
the band present in tape form, which ends are provided with at
least one bead of glue or bead of adhesive, during the bonding
operation such that the required bonding force is rapidly
produced.
[0071] By means of the movable pressing surface 62 which is acted
upon via a dedicated actuating cylinder, those sections of the band
20 present in tape form which have the beads of glue or beads of
adhesive are pressed against each other, thus resulting in a
cohesive material joint between the mutually overlapping, open ends
of the band 20 present in tape form, which ends are provided with
beads of glue.
[0072] Before those sections of the band 20 which are provided with
beads of glue are pressed together, the packet-type stack of
machine-fillable envelopes or other flat articles which has the
band 20 wrapped around it on three sides is compressed. This
position of the preferably multi-part articulated arm 42 can best
be seen in FIG. 5.
[0073] The actuating cylinder 106, which is best illustrated in
FIGS. 8 and 9, pulls the prong-shaped pressing surfaces 38, 40
towards each other such that air remaining in the flat articles,
for example machine-fillable envelopes, or air enclosed between the
individual flat articles, for example machine-fillable envelopes,
is pressed out of the packet-type stack.
[0074] Finally, cardboard surfaces placed on the end sides of the
packet-type stack are acted upon in such a manner that damage to
the respectively outer machine-fillable envelopes oriented by the
address zone side or the flap side are not damaged.
[0075] After the air is pressed out of the flat articles, such as,
for example, machine-fillable envelopes, the open ends of the band
20 can be adhesively bonded by means of the stop surfaces 62. Until
the bonding connection, the beads of adhesive of which can also run
offset with respect to one another, is cured, the stop surface 62
is pressed against the stack for a number of seconds, with it being
leant against the packet-type stack of a multiplicity of
machine-fillable envelopes or flat articles, which stack is
enclosed by the band 20. In this case, the second articulated arm
section 56 which is deflected about the first bending point 54 by
the at least one first working cylinder 64 forms the abutment for
the axial force caused by the pressurization of the stop surface 62
during the pressing operation after the adhesive bonding.
[0076] The packaging unit 10 proposed according to the invention is
moreover distinguished in that it brings about the possibility of
adaptation to the particular format of the stack to be processed or
of the flat articles to be processed, such as, for example,
envelopes, cardboard box bases or the like. The first possibility
which should be mentioned is that of adjusting the positions of the
vacuum grippers 46, which are preferably formed by a bellows, and
of the pairs of wings 68, 70 with respect to the packet length. By
the possibility of adjustment thereof, the location at which the
ends of the band 20 present in tape form are folded over in each
case through 90.degree. can be adapted to the particular format of
the flat article or stacked packet to be processed. Furthermore,
there is the possibility of modifying the packaging unit proposed
according to the invention with respect to adjustability with
regard to the packet height by replacing the articulated arm
section 56 or the separation thereof at a separating point. If a
higher packet shape, i.e. a greater sectional length of the
articulated arm section 56 is desired, the latter can be
interchanged with just a few actions such that a higher packet
height can be wrapped around by a band 20 which is advantageously
fixed on the inner side by means of the vacuum grippers 48 of the
multi-part articulated arm 42.
[0077] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *