U.S. patent application number 15/321978 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-10 for an apparatus and a method for packaging piece goods and in particular containers.
This patent application is currently assigned to KRONES AG. The applicant listed for this patent is KRONES AG. Invention is credited to Richard Eschlbeck, Johannes Kirzinger, Herbert Spindler.
Application Number | 20190009937 15/321978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55642468 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190009937 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kirzinger; Johannes ; et
al. |
January 10, 2019 |
AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PACKAGING PIECE GOODS AND IN
PARTICULAR CONTAINERS
Abstract
An apparatus for packaging piece goods compilations includes a
first wrapping device for wrapping up the piece goods with a film
element, and a further wrapping device for wrapping up the piece
goods with a film element, wherein the piece goods can be fed to
the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with a film
element, and wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the
first wrapping device and the further wrapping device can be
selectively used in order to wrap the piece goods up.
Inventors: |
Kirzinger; Johannes;
(Unterhaching, DE) ; Eschlbeck; Richard;
(Vogtareuth, DE) ; Spindler; Herbert;
(Niedermoosen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRONES AG |
Neutraubling |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
KRONES AG
Neutraubling
DE
|
Family ID: |
55642468 |
Appl. No.: |
15/321978 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
March 30, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/056855 |
371 Date: |
December 23, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 11/58 20130101;
B65B 41/12 20130101; B65B 11/008 20130101; B65B 2210/18 20130101;
B65B 21/245 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00; B65B 11/58 20060101 B65B011/58; B65B 41/12 20060101
B65B041/12; B65B 59/02 20060101 B65B059/02 |
Claims
1: An apparatus for packaging piece goods compilations with a
transport device that transports a plurality of piece goods in a
specified transport direction, comprising a first wrapping device
that is suitable and intended for wrapping piece goods with a film
element, which first wrapping device has a dispensing unit with a
dispensing element circulating around the piece goods, wherein the
piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as to be
wrapped up with the film element, wherein the apparatus comprises a
further wrapping device that is suitable and intended for wrapping
up the piece goods with a film element, wherein said further
wrapping device has a dispensing unit with a dispensing element
circulating around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be
fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the
film element, and wherein during working operation of the
apparatus, the first wrapping device and the further wrapping
device can be selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods.
2: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
dispensing unit has a reception device in particular for
rotationally receiving a film roll.
3: The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the reception
device of at least one dispensing unit is accessible during
on-going operation of the apparatus for replacing a film roll with
a further film roll.
4: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a
changeover device that allows an at least partially automated
changeover of film carriers for loading the wrapping devices.
5: The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the changeover
device has a gripping device located on a movement device for
gripping and/or moving the film carriers.
6: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further
wrapping device immediately follows the first wrapping device in
the transport direction.
7: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
wrapping device has an annular carrier on which the dispensing unit
is provided.
8: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport
device has a forward feed device that pushes the piece goods into a
working area of at least one of the wrapping devices.
9: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a
second wrapping device that can be operated in a working operation
of the apparatus at least temporarily at the same time as the first
wrapping device.
10: The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second
wrapping device is designed in such a way that the piece goods are
wrapped up by the first wrapping device and the second wrapping
device in opposite directions.
11: The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the apparatus has
a second further wrapping device, wherein during working operation
of the apparatus, the second wrapping device and the second further
wrapping device can be selectively used for wrapping up the piece
goods.
12: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has
a drive device for generating the circulation movement of both the
dispensing unit of the first wrapping device and the dispensing
unit of the further wrapping device.
13: A method for packaging piece goods compilations, wherein a
transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in a
specified transport direction, and wherein a first wrapping device
wraps up piece goods with a film element, wherein said first
wrapping device comprises a dispensing unit with a dispensing
element circulating around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods
are fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with
the film element, wherein the apparatus has a further wrapping
device that at times also wraps up the piece goods with a film
element, wherein the first wrapping device has a dispensing unit
with a dispensing element that circulates around the piece goods,
wherein the piece goods are fed to the first wrapping device so as
to be wrapped up with the film element, and wherein during working
operation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and a further
wrapping device are selectively used for wrapping up the piece
goods.
14: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the piece goods are
wrapped up by at least two wrapping devices, wherein the wrapping
operation is in particular carried out at the same time using at
least these two wrapping devices.
15: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a changeover of film
carriers is carried out at least partially automatically by a
changeover device.
16: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least at times
one wrapping device is operated, whilst another wrapping device is
idle.
17: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the other
wrapping device, at least one film roll is replaced.
18: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the film elements
are applied by at least one wrapping device in a helical or spiral
form onto the product stream.
19: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the piece goods are
pushed by at least one forward feed device into the working region
of at least one wrapping device.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method
for packaging piece goods and in particular containers. It has been
known for a long time from the prior art that containers are
bundled up into groups of containers, for example so-called
six-packs. Various approaches are known for this purpose. In one
approach known from the prior art, these containers are packed in a
film, which is then in turn shrunk onto the containers for example
in a shrinking tunnel.
[0002] It has recently also become known to wrap up such groups of
containers using a stretchable film (also referred to below as a
stretch film). To this end, the containers are moved into a
wrapping device and are wrapped up there using a stretchable film.
This stretchable film is then usually wound off from rolls. When
such a roll is empty, a new roll of plastic film has to be mounted,
so that the process can be continued. Thus, changeover times occur
in the prior art, during which the machine stands still.
[0003] The present invention is therefore based on the object of
providing an apparatus and a method for reducing such changeover
times. In particular, in this way the entire working efficiency of
such apparatus is to be enhanced. According to the invention, these
objects are achieved by means of the subject matter of the
independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and
developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0004] An apparatus according to the invention for packaging
compilations of piece goods includes a transport device that
transports a plurality of piece goods in a specified transport
direction. Further, the apparatus includes a first wrapping device
that is suitable and intended for wrapping a film element around
the piece goods, and this first wrapping device has a dispensing
unit with a dispensing element circulating around the piece goods,
and the piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as
to be wrapped up with the film element.
[0005] According to the invention, the apparatus includes a further
wrapping device that is suitable and intended for wrapping a film
element around the piece goods, which further wrapping device
includes a dispensing unit with a dispensing element that
circulates around the piece goods, and the piece goods can be fed
to the further wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film
element, and wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the
first wrapping device and the further wrapping device may be
selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods.
[0006] It is therefore proposed to provide a further wrapping
device that may in particular be used in cases where the first
wrapping device is idle. This may for example be the case during
repair works, however in particular also for example when a new
film roll has to be loaded onto the first wrapping device.
Conversely, the first wrapping device may be in operation, whilst
the further wrapping device is idle and for example a new film roll
is loaded thereon.
[0007] This dispensing element may include for example a carrier,
on which a film roll can be rotationally provided. Apart from that,
this dispensing element may also include deflection rollers and the
like or a dispensing edge, from which the film element can be
applied to the containers in a predefined manner. It would thus be
possible for a supply angle, under which the dispensing element
applies the film element onto the containers, to be modified.
[0008] In principle, also a simultaneous operation of the two
wrapping devices would be conceivable. It is further proposed to
design the further wrapping device and the first wrapping device in
such a way that during ongoing operation, one of the two wrapping
devices may selectively be idle. Whilst one wrapping device works
in operation, it is thus possible to load the other wrapping
device. Preferably, the two wrapping devices are designed in the
same way. In this way, an automatic loading of the wrapping devices
can be facilitated.
[0009] It would here be conceivable for each of these wrapping
devices to have two dispensing units which may for example be
disposed opposite one another. In this way, changeover processes
could be made to be even faster if needed.
[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wrapping
device has a rigid carrier. This rigid carrier may be a carrier, on
which the piece goods or the piece goods stream are/is transported
and in particular pushed on. Advantageously, this in particular
rigid carrier is also wrapped up with the film element.
Subsequently, the piece goods or containers that have already been
wrapped up can be pushed back off from this carrier. The film
element will subsequently come to lie against a side of the
containers, for example to a bottom of the containers. Preferably,
this carrier extends in the transport direction of the piece goods
or containers and in particular this carrier extends at least
partially through at least one wrapping device.
[0011] The piece goods to be wrapped may, as mentioned above, in
particular be containers, and these containers in turn may for
example be plastic bottles, glass bottles, cans, pouches or the
like.
[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, the wrapping device
may also have lateral guide elements, which are preferably wrapped
up as well. After the wrapping, the container compilations may also
be pulled off from these lateral guide elements.
[0013] Advantageously, these lateral guide elements, which may for
example be implemented in the shape of rods, extend in the
transport direction of the piece goods. Further, it would also be
conceivable for such lateral guide elements to extend continuously
both through the first wrapping device and through the further
wrapping device. In this context, preferably also two such lateral
guide elements may be present, each of which delimit the article
flow at the sides. It is again pointed out here that during normal
operation, preferably only one of these two wrapping devices works
or wraps the pieced good compilation up.
[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes
a cutting or separating unit that is suitable and intended for
separating the film element in specified regions. In this way, the
initially endlessly wrapped piece goods may be portioned, so that
in each case for example bundles of four, six or eight containers
are separated off. Advantageously, this separation element is here
designed in such a way that it separates the piece goods
compilations in predefined positions, in particular between two
containers.
[0015] To this end it would be possible for the cutting element to
move together with the piece goods compilation. In particular, a
movement of the cutting element in the transport direction of the
piece goods compilations is at least at times synchronised with a
movement of this piece goods compilation, so that in this way a
rectilinear cut is possible even during continuous operation.
However, also a cycled operation would be conceivable, during which
the piece goods compilation is stationary, whilst the cutting
element carries out a corresponding cut of the film element. In an
advantageous embodiment, the separation element moves along a
sawtooth-shaped movement path. It is conceivable here for the
separation element to be initially synchronously moved together
with the piece goods compilation and, once the cut has been carried
out, to be quickly returned into its initial position.
[0016] Advantageously, the wrapping device wraps the piece goods
compilation in a direction that extends around the transport
direction of the piece good compilation. In a further advantageous
embodiment, the transport direction is a rectilinear transport
direction. In particular, it is a horizontal transport direction.
Advantageously, the wrapping device wraps the containers or the
article stream up in a helical and/or spiral way and in particular
in a circulation direction around the transport direction of the
piece goods. However, it would here also be conceivable for the
wrapping direction to be orientated obliquely to the transport
direction.
[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device
has at least one transport belt or a transport chain. In a further
advantageous embodiment, the transport device may include a
plurality of transport devices that transport the piece goods in
sections. Thus for example, a first transport device may feed the
piece goods to a first wrapping device, a further transport device
may feed the piece goods from the first wrapping device to a second
or further wrapping device, and a further transport device may feed
the piece goods already wrapped to a separation or cutting unit.
Preferably here, the transport speeds of these transport devices
are at least partially synchronised with each other and/or matched
to each other.
[0018] Advantageously, the at least one separation element is
provided downstream in relation to both wrapping devices.
[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes
a sensor device that detects an occupancy state of the film element
within at least one wrapping device. In this way, for example the
movement condition of a film roll can be detected. As soon as for
example this film roll reaches a certain limit occupancy state, the
user may be notified about an imminent change of the film roll. It
would also be conceivable that, as soon as a certain occupancy
state of a film roll is reached, another wrapping device, for
example a further wrapping device, is put in operation. In this
way, a seamless transition during ongoing operation may be
possible, and once a change has been carried out, it is possible to
switch back to the first wrapping device. It would also be
possible, once a film roll is empty, to change initially over
(automatically) to another wrapping device.
[0020] The sensor device may for example be a sensor unit that
works in a contactless manner while detecting an occupancy state of
the film rolls. This may also for example be a weight detection
unit that detects for example the weight of a film roll and thus
indirectly a filling state. Apart from that, markings may be
applied to the film element itself, which indicate for example an
imminent end of a film roll. Such markings may in particular be
optically read out.
[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one
dispensing unit includes a reception device in particular for a
rotational reception of a film roll. Thus, for example, the
dispenser unit may include at least one roll carrier onto which for
example a film roll can be pushed. During operation, this film roll
can rotate and thus wind off the film element.
[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, this reception device
of at least one dispensing unit may be accessible during ongoing
operation of the apparatus, in order to replace one film roll with
a further film roll. It is possible here for this reception device
to be moved into a certain position for a roll change, in which a
change can be easily carried out by the user. Thus for example a
housing of the system may include a lateral opening. For the
changeover, it may be possible to move a roll carrier to this
opening so as to present a new film roll. This may here preferably
be carried out automatically and in particular also during ongoing
operation.
[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes
a changeover device that allows an at least partially automated
changeover of film carriers for loading the wrapping devices. Apart
from the term film carrier, also the term film roll will be used
below, and it is pointed out that the carrier does generally not
necessarily have to be a roll.
[0024] In this embodiment it is therefore proposed to provide a
changeover device and in particular a changeover robot, which allow
a changeover in particular of film rolls. In this way, a changeover
process, in particular also during ongoing operation, can be
carried out at least semi-automatically, preferably also fully
automatically. Preferably, this changeover device has a gripping
device located on a movement device for gripping and/or moving the
film carriers or the film rolls. This movement device may in
particular be a robot that allows a substantially free movement in
space of film carriers. This movement device may here have a
plurality of arms connected together in an articulated manner,
which in this way allow pivoting about a plurality of axes.
Advantageously, the gripping device of the movement device can be
pivoted about at least two and particularly preferably about at
least three axes. Advantageously, these axes extend perpendicularly
relative to each other. Further, the changeover device itself may
include an in particular stationary carrier that is placed in the
region of the apparatus.
[0025] The gripping device may be a gripping device that allows a
film roll to be gripped from the inside. These film rolls usually
have a tubular cavity on the inside thereof, into which the
gripping device can engage. In a further advantageous embodiment,
this gripping device has a detection device that can detect the
presence of a label roll on the gripping device and/or can identify
a film roll.
[0026] Advantageously, this detection device may also be suitable
and intended for detecting the parameters of the film, such as for
example material characteristics and the like. In addition, this
detection device may also ensure that the film roll is seated on
the gripping device so as to conform with the rotational direction,
so as to be inserted, also as per the rotation direction, in the
apparatus or in the wrapping device.
[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus also
includes a holding device for temporarily holding and/or carrying
film rolls. It is possible here for such film rolls to be placed on
a support device by a robot device or a user. A detection device
can in this condition detect the data of the film element and can
for example also check the correct orientation in terms of a
rotational direction. Subsequently, the film roll with the
changeover device can be inserted into the machine.
[0028] It is thus for example possible for a robot to receive the
film rolls and to place them on the carrier for inspection. In this
context it is both conceivable that the rolls are directly placed
in the machine or are buffered, for example on a pallet, on a
further storage device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the
gripping device has a spreading element that can in particular be
spread apart on the inside of a film roll so as to engage in the
film roll. In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus also
has a reception container for used film rolls.
[0029] It is also possible here for a film of a further film
carrier to immediately follow on from the film of a film carrier
that has run empty.
[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, a further wrapping
device directly follows on from the first wrapping device in the
transport direction. Thus, it is for example possible for the
containers to be wrapped selectively by the first wrapping device
or by the second wrapping device and to be transported by the same
transport device, in particular by a push transport device, through
both, i.e. both the first and the second wrapping device.
[0031] Preferably, it would also be possible here for the first and
the further wrapping device to be abutting directly against each
other, for example in such a way that any elements such as drives
are mounted in such a way that a distance between the two wrapping
devices is not increased.
[0032] It would here also be possible for the dispensing unit of
the first wrapping device and the dispensing device of the further
wrapping device to be placed opposite each other in relation to the
transport path of the containers. In this way, the development of
any imbalances may be counteracted.
[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wrapping
device has an annular carrier on which the dispensing unit is
placed. Advantageously here, this annular carrier is rotationally
supported. Advantageously, this annular carrier is rotationally
supported with regard to a constant rotary axis. Preferably here,
this carrier is rotatable in relation to a rotary axis that extends
parallel to the transport direction of the piece goods. However, it
would also be conceivable here for a rotary axis of this carrier to
extend obliquely to the transport direction of the piece goods.
Advantageously, the apparatus has a drive device that drives this
rotatable carrier. Preferably here, this driving operation may be
carried out via a contact with an external circumference of this
annular carrier. Thus for example, the annular carrier may be
supported on a plurality of wheels, with at least one of these
wheels being driven by the drive unit.
[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device
has a feed device that feeds the piece goods in a working operation
towards at least one of the wrapping devices. It is thus possible
for the transport device to push the piece goods compilations onto
the above-mentioned rigid carrier, where a continuous wrapping
operation is carried out. Advantageously, as a result of a
combination of this feed movement of the piece goods compilations
and the wrapping operation, an altogether spirally shaped wrapping
of the piece goods is carried out.
[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a
second wrapping device which can be operated in a working operation
of the apparatus at least temporarily at the same time as the first
wrapping device. Thus for example, the piece goods compilations may
be wrapped during operation by two wrapping devices following on
from each other in particular in the transport direction of the
piece goods compilations. As a result, the further wrapping device
is preferably provided here as well and is supposed to be put into
operation in particular during a changeover operation as a
replacement for at least the first or the second wrapping device.
It is conceivable here for the apparatus to have just one further
wrapping device and for the film carriers to be preferably loaded
in such a way that the film carriers of the first and the second
wrapping devices will not run empty at the same time. In this way,
the further wrapping device can replace, depending on the occupancy
state of the film rolls, the first or the second wrapping device
during ongoing operation.
[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second wrapping
device is designed in such a way that the piece goods are wrapped
by the first wrapping device and by the second wrapping device in
opposite directions. In this way, a cross winding may be produced.
Advantageously here, the film elements are here wound up in a
helical manner both with the first and with the second wrapping
device, however, the respective film elements are here wound up by
the two wrapping devices in a crosswise manner relative to each
other. In this way, a higher stability of the end product can be
achieved.
[0037] Advantageously, at least one wrapping device is suitable and
designed in such a way that the dispensing unit is guided in two
opposite wrapping devices around the piece goods compilations. It
is thus for example possible for the first wrapping device to wrap
the piece goods compilations in a first circulation direction and
for the second wrapping device to wrap the piece goods compilations
in a second (in particular opposite) circulation direction. The
further wrapping device may be operated, depending on which of the
first and second wrapping devices has to be reloaded, in the
corresponding opposite circulation direction.
[0038] However, it would also be conceivable for both a first and a
second wrapping device, which are suitable and designed to run at
the same time during operation, to have associated therewith in
each case a further wrapping device, which takes over their work in
particular in case the film carriers run empty.
[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus
comprises a drive device for generating the circulation movement
both of the dispensing unit of the first wrapping device and the
dispensing unit of the second wrapping device. This means that both
the rotary movement of the dispensing unit of the first wrapping
device and the circulation movement of the dispensing unit of the
second wrapping device are driven by the same drive. It is
conceivable here that in the case of a changeover of the film
carriers, one of the two wrapping devices is decoupled so as to
enable the film carrier to be replaced in an idle condition.
Advantageously, the drive device for driving the wrapping devices
is an electric motor.
[0040] As mentioned above, advantageously at least one of the
wrapping devices can be moved in both circumferential directions.
To this end, it may be required or advantageous if not only the
rotary direction is changed, but also the position of a dispensing
unit in relation to the product flow. Preferably here, two
different positions are conceivable which are respectively
optimised in relation to one wrapping direction. Advantageously,
the first and the further wrapping devices are at times
synchronised to each other in their movement. Preferably however,
this synchronisation may be cancelled for carrying out a changeover
process.
[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a
gear drive for driving the wrapping devices or the dispensing
units.
[0042] Further it would also be possible for at least one of the
wrapping devices to be displaceable along the transport directions
of the containers. Thus, for example, for changing the label
carriers, the entire wrapping device may be disengaged from a drive
device, so as to be able to replace the film rolls in an idle
condition.
[0043] The present invention is further directed to a method for
packaging piece goods compilations, wherein a transport device
transports a plurality of piece goods in a specified transport
direction and wherein a first wrapping device wraps the piece goods
up with a film element, which first wrapping device includes a
dispensing unit with a dispensing element circulating around the
piece goods, and the piece goods are fed to the first wrapping
device so as to be wrapped up with the film element.
[0044] According to the invention, the apparatus has a further
wrapping device which also at times wraps the piece goods up with a
film element, and this further wrapping device has a dispensing
unit with a dispensing element circulating around, and the piece
goods are fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up
with the film element, and wherein during working operation of the
apparatus, the first wrapping device and the second wrapping device
are selectively used in order to wrap up the piece goods.
[0045] Advantageously, at least at times one wrapping device is
operated, whilst the other one is idle. In particular, at least at
times one wrapping device is operated whilst on the other wrapping
device film elements and in particular a roll of film elements
are/is replaced.
[0046] In a further preferred method, the piece goods are wrapped
up by at least two wrapping devices. In particular here, the
wrapping operation is carried out with both wrapping devices at the
same time. Thus, during working operation, two film elements are
applied to the product flow or to the containers. Advantageously
here, these film elements are applied by the two wrapping devices
in opposite directions. In this context, the first wrapping device
may for example apply the film element in a clockwise rotation and
the second wrapping device may apply it in a counter-clockwise
rotation.
[0047] Advantageously, the film elements are applied by the
wrapping devices to the product flow or the containers in a helical
or spiral manner.
[0048] In a further preferred method, a changeover of film element
carriers from the respective wrapping devices is carried out at
least semi-automatically by means of a changeover device. It is
thus possible for a changeover device, such as for example a
changeover robot, to take empty rolls out of the wrapping device
and to supply fully loaded rolls. Advantageously here, these film
rolls are inserted into the respective wrapping devices with a
certain rotary direction.
[0049] Further advantages and embodiments will result from the
attached drawings, wherein:
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for wrapping
up bundles;
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a further view of an apparatus for wrapping up
bundles;
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles
with a first and further wrapping devices;
[0053] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for
wrapping up bundles;
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for
wrapping up bundles;
[0055] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a wrapping device;
[0056] FIG. 7 shows a view of a changeover device for changing film
rolls;
[0057] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
7;
[0058] FIG. 9 shows a view of a film roll on a carrier;
[0059] FIG. 10a-c show three views of a film roll resting on a
carrier; and
[0060] FIG. 11 shows an overall view of an apparatus with a
changeover device.
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a section of a packaging
machine or an apparatus 50 according to the invention. Here,
containers 1 are supplied as articles or a piece stream S.
Reference numeral 3 relates to a transport device that transports
the containers or piece goods along the transport direction T. The
transport device is here preferably made up of a plurality of
transport units which may also be arranged between the individual
wrapping devices 2 and 6 and thereafter. In the apparatus shown in
FIG. 1, the articles are supplied as a dual-lane infeed flow by
means of the first conveyor device. This feeding device may for
example be a conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor or the like.
[0062] Reference numeral 2 identifies a first wrapping device that
is used for wrapping up the containers with at least one layer of
stretchable film, a so-called stretch film. This film element is
here preferably wrapped in a helical manner per se known onto the
articles or containers which are here conveyed in a pairwise manner
next to each other, wherein sufficient tension of the film element
ensures a firm mechanical coherence of the article or piece goods
stream.
[0063] In order to ensure a trouble-free transport of the article
or piece goods stream in the first wrapping device 2, for example
circulating forward feed belts (not shown) may for example
laterally engage on the article or piece goods stream S, which
convey the containers through the first wrapping device 2, whilst
the containers 1 are wrapped up at the same time.
[0064] In the first wrapping device 2, the containers may for
example slide on a bottom sliding plate (not shown), which is also
wrapped up.
[0065] Reference numeral 60 relates to a first forward feed module
located downstream of the first wrapping device, which is used for
the onward transport of the article or piece goods stream already
wrapped up with at least one layer of stretch film (typically by
means of upper and lower forward feed belts). These forward feed
belts may here circulate endlessly over the length of the first
forward feed modules on the top and bottom sides of the article or
piece goods stream and may ensure the onward transport thereof to a
second wrapping device 6.
[0066] In the second wrapping device 6, also a second layer of film
elements may be applied in a helical manner onto the article or
piece goods stream, which is preferably carried out at a different
wrapping angle to the first wrapping device 2 and/or in an opposite
wrapping direction (i.e. circulation direction).
[0067] Reference numeral 61 relates to a further forward feed
module and is used for the onward transport of the article and
piece goods stream that is now wrapped up in several layers of
stretch film. To this end, too, upper and lower forward feed belts
may again be used which circulate preferably endlessly over the
length of the second forward feed module 61 at the top and bottom
sides of the article or piece goods stream and effect the onward
transport thereof. As a result of this transport, a film packaging
wrapped up in a helical manner in several layers of film elements
and initially moving endlessly in the conveying direction with
containers 1 packaged therein is formed, and subsequently, the
levels that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the
conveying device may be selectively provided with perforations,
and/or packagings between consecutive containers or container pairs
or groups of several conveyed containers are severed.
Correspondingly, reference numerals 62 and 64 relate to cutting
units or separation units used for separating the film elements.
Here, these two cutting units 62, 64 may be redundantly present in
order to effect higher throughput rates.
[0068] Reference numeral 66 identifies a discharge unit that
discharges the bundles 1 thus created.
[0069] FIG. 2 shows a lateral view of a corresponding apparatus for
wrapping up bundles. Here, the containers 1 as well as the sliding
plate or carrier 32 are again shown, onto which the plastic
containers 1 are pushed. Reference numeral 34 identifies lateral
guide elements that are used for the lateral guiding of the
containers or the piece goods compilations.
[0070] Reference numerals 63 and 65 identify transport devices
which here withdraw the containers already wrapped up from the
first wrapping device 2. Reference numeral 72 identifies in a
schematic way a cutting or separating element that cuts the film
element, which in the course of this moves in a vertical direction
P1.
[0071] Reference numeral 6 again identifies the second wrapping
device, and here again the containers already bundled may be
wrapped up. Reference numerals 76 and 78 identify two further
transport devices which are again intended for withdrawing the
bundles from the second wrapping device 6. Reference numeral 79
identifies a second cutting element which is also used for cutting
the film element.
[0072] Reference numeral 82 identifies a transport unit for
carrying away the individual bundles that have now been cut.
[0073] FIG. 3 shows a further view of a wrapping device according
to the invention. This shows, apart from the two first and second
wrapping devices 2 and 6, also further wrapping devices 4 and 8,
respectively. These two further wrapping devices 4 and 8 are used
to enable the operation for example during a roll change of the
first and second wrapping devices to be continued. FIG. 3 shows
here two possible approaches. In the approach shown in the
left-hand part of the figure, transport devices 63 and 65 are again
provided between the first wrapping device 2 and the further
wrapping device 4, which transport the containers forward. Also,
both the first and the further wrapping devices have a sliding
plate (carrier) 32 as well as lateral guide elements 34. The
further wrapping device 4 may here be used alternatively with the
first wrapping device 2. In the case of the second and further
wrapping devices 6 and 8 shown on the right, these are arranged
directly next to each other. A continuous sliding plate (carrier)
32 is also provided here, which may however also be implemented as
a conveyor device. During operation, preferably one of the two
wrapping devices 6 and 8 may be idle, whilst the second one applies
wrappings.
[0074] Reference numerals 63 and 65 in turn identify a conveyor
unit that withdraws the bundles from the wrapping devices 6 and
8.
[0075] Again, separation elements are provided which are used for
separating the bundles or the film elements that wrap them up.
[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, again first and second
wrapping devices 2 and 6 as well as further wrapping devices 4 and
8 respectively associated therewith are provided. In these views,
too, the first wrapping device 2 as well as the further wrapping
device 4 on the one hand and the second wrapping device 6 as well
as the further wrapping device 8 are located together or one
immediately behind the other.
[0077] In a further embodiment (not shown) it would also be
possible for a first wrapping device 2 as well as a second wrapping
device 6 as well as a further wrapping device 4 to be provided.
Here, this further wrapping device 4 may be located in the
transport direction T between the first wrapping device 2 and the
second wrapping device 6. Once a roll is empty, this further
wrapping device can selectively take over the operation of the
first wrapping device 2 or of the second wrapping device 6.
[0078] FIG. 5 shows a further schematic view of an apparatus
according to the invention. In this apparatus, three wrapping
devices 2, 4, 6 are shown here. In addition, however, further
wrapping devices may follow in particular on the right-hand side.
Between these individual wrapping devices, in each case transport
or conveyor devices 63, 65 are shown. These may in particular be
forward feed devices that withdraw the containers for example from
the wrapping devices 2, 4. Reference numeral 15 identifies a film
roll. The wrapping device 4 may here be used when a film roll is to
be replaced on the first wrapping device 2 or the second wrapping
device 6. To this end, at least the further wrapping device 4 is
suitable and intended to be operated in different circulation
directions.
[0079] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a wrapping device. This has
an annular carrier generally identified with 25, which is here
rotatable along the arrow P2 in the corresponding rotational
direction. On this carrier, a dispensing unit 30 is provided, which
is shown schematically and only as a whole. This has a dispensing
element or a reception device 31, on which a roll 15, which is only
schematically shown, with a film element 12 that can be wound off
therefrom is provided for example in a rotational manner. This film
element 12 is used for wrapping up the piece goods compilation 10.
Here again the carrier 32 is shown, which is also wrapped up, as
well as the lateral guide elements 34. After the wrapping, as shown
above, the piece goods compilation 10 is pulled off from the
carrier 32 and the lateral guide elements 34.
[0080] Reference numerals 92 and 94 identify wheels that are used
for storing the circulating carrier 25. It is possible here for
just one of these wheels to be driven as well.
[0081] As mentioned, it is preferably also possible for the carrier
25 to be moved in two different directions of rotation. It is also
preferably possible for the carrier roll with the film element to
be mounted on its rotatable carrier 31 in two ways on the left-hand
or the right-hand side, in order to control the wrapping direction
correspondingly.
[0082] Advantageously, a rotary speed of the carrier 25 is
synchronised with a forward feed speed of the piece goods
compilations 10.
[0083] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a changeover device 100 for
changing film rolls 15. This changeover device 100 has a gripping
device 102 that can grip the film roll 15 for a changeover
operation. Advantageously here, this gripping device 102 has an
internal gripper that can be pushed into an opening 115 (cf. FIG.
8) of the film roll 15. This gripping device is here provided on a
pivotable arm 108. This pivotable arm 108 in turn is located on a
further, also pivotable arm 104 via a joint 106. Reference numeral
110 identifies a main carrier of the changeover device. As a result
of the plurality of joints shown here, in particular a pivoting
motion of the gripping unit about a plurality of axes is possible,
here in particular about at least three axes which are in
particular perpendicular to each other. In this way, the film roll
15 can be positioned in any desired way in a certain working
area.
[0084] Reference numeral 120 identifies a detection device that can
detect for example data of the film roll 15, such as for example a
film material or an occupancy state or the like.
[0085] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a changeover device 100.
Here again, the arm 108 can be seen, on which the gripping device
102 is provided. As a result of the degrees of freedom, the film
rolls 15 can be engaged by their openings 115 and can in this way
for example be lifted off from a pallet.
[0086] FIG. 9 shows a view of a film roll 15 provided on a carrier
140. This film roll has here a marking 128 that shows a wind-off
direction. In addition, further markings 127, 129 may be provided,
which allow an optical detection device to ensure an accurate
alignment of the film roll. Reference numeral 126 schematically
identifies (not shown in more detail) a further marking, from which
for example properties of the label roll, such as a material, may
be read. For example, a barcode, a QR code or the like may be
located here. Reference numeral 122 identifies lateral guide
elements, which may for example also be adapted to a width of the
film roll 15.
[0087] FIGS. 10a to 10c show further views of the film roll 15
provided on the carrier 140. Here, too, lateral guides 122 can be
seen. Reference numeral 142 identifies a top edge of the carrier,
which ultimately limits the receptacle for receiving the label
roll.
[0088] FIG. 11 shows a further overall view of an apparatus
according to the invention with a changeover device 100. A user B
can here carry out this changeover semi-automatically or manually,
but ultimately this changeover device 100 is advantageously used
for receiving the individual film rolls 15 and for feeding them to
the overall apparatus 1. Reference sign A identifies an action
radius of the changeover device. It is also possible here for the
changeover device 100 to load film rolls onto several wrapping
devices. It would also be possible here for the changeover device
100 to be displaceable in the transport direction T in order to
change film rolls in different places of the apparatus 1. Reference
numeral 152 identifies a reception container for empty rolls.
[0089] Reference numeral 142 identifies an optical detection device
in order to identify for example film rolls 15. This optical
detection device 142 may also be used for detecting a position of
the changeover device or of individual film rolls. Reference
numeral 144 identifies a control device, by means of which the
changeover device can be controlled. Via an input device 146, a
user can for example input data, such as data that is
characteristic for a product change.
[0090] The applicant reserves the right to claim all of the
features disclosed in the application documents as being essential
to the invention, in as far as they are novel over the prior art
either individually or in combination. It is further pointed out
that also features were described in the individual figures which
may be advantageous by themselves. A person skilled in the art will
immediately recognise that a certain feature described in a figure
may also be advantageous without taking over further features from
this figure. A person skilled in the art will further recognise
that advantages may result also from a combination of several
features shown in individual or in different figures.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0091] 1 Containers [0092] 2 First wrapping device [0093] 3
Transport device [0094] 4 Further wrapping device [0095] 6 Second
wrapping device [0096] 8 Further wrapping device [0097] 10 Piece
goods compilation [0098] 12 Film element [0099] 14 Article or piece
goods stream/film element [0100] 15 Film roll [0101] 25 Circulating
(annular) carrier [0102] 30 Dispensing unit [0103] 31 Dispensing
element/reception device [0104] 32 Sliding plate/carrier [0105] 34
Lateral guide elements [0106] 50 Apparatus [0107] 60 First forward
feed module [0108] 61 Further forward feed module [0109] 62, 64
Cutting or separating unit [0110] 63, 65 Transport device/conveyor
unit [0111] 66 Discharge device [0112] 72, 79 Cutting or separating
element [0113] 76, 78 Further transport device [0114] 82 Transport
unit [0115] 92, 94 Wheels [0116] 100 Changeover device [0117] 102
Gripping device [0118] 106 Joint [0119] 108 Pivotable arm [0120]
110 Main carrier [0121] 115 Opening [0122] 120 Detection device
[0123] 122 Lateral guide [0124] 128 Marking [0125] 126, 127, 129
Further markings [0126] 140 Carrier [0127] 144 Control device
[0128] 146 Input device [0129] 152 Reception container [0130] P1
Vertical direction [0131] P2 Direction of rotation [0132] S Article
or piece goods stream [0133] T Transport direction [0134] B
User
* * * * *