EP0852213B1 - Device for handling stacks of blanks - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for picking up and removing stacks from blanks arranged one above the other (stack of blanks), in particular for the Manufacture of cigarette packs of the hinged box type, with several Blank stacks in rows next to each other on a base, in particular on a pallet, positioned and preferably layers formed from several rows of stacks are arranged one above the other.

Cuts from (thin) cardboard for the production of cigarette packs in particular are usually available as a blank stack of the packaging machine posed. The blanks are mainly delivered on pallets aligned in parallel rows and one above the other by thin layers Intermediate layers are separated. The emptying of the pallet and the handover the blank stack on the packaging machine, in particular on blank magazines the same, should take place automatically, that is, exclusively by machine.

GB-A-2 000 739 shows a device for handling cartons, with one Support head that can be moved laterally next to a horizontal arm on the same, wherein the horizontal arm itself can be moved up and down on a vertical support. The vertical beam extends between an upper cross beam and a lower one Cross member of a frame. The vertical support is restricted in its mobility, for example by a arranged under the support head and parallel to horizontal arm feeder for the boxes.

The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a device which is suitable, adjacent stack of blanks individually or in groups to be recorded one after the other and handed over to a conveyor.

a) die Zuschnittstapel sind einzeln oder. in Gruppen durch einen Aufnahmekopf erfassbar sowie auf einem zu einer Verpackungsmaschine oder dergleichen führenden Abförderer absetzbar,

b) der Aufnahmekopf ist einerseits durch ein Horizontalteleskop in horizontaler Ebene, insbesondere in Förderrichtung des Abförderers und andererseits entlang einer horizontal verlaufenden Traverse quer zur Förderrichtung des Abförderers hin- und herbewegbar, sowie außerdem durch ein Vertikalteleskop auf- und abbewegbar,

c) der Aufnahmekopf ist an einem Traggestell verfahrbar gelagert, wobei das Traggestell die obere, horizontale Traverse aufweist,

d) an der oberen Traverse ist das Vertikalteleskop aufgehängt und in Längsrichtung der Traverse verfahrbar,

e) das Horizontalteleskop ist mit einer Tragvorrichtung an einer Unterseite des Vertikalteleskops verbunden,

f) der Aufnahmekopf ist am Horizontalteleskop angebracht.

To achieve this object, the device according to the invention has the following features:

a) the cut stacks are single or. can be recorded in groups by a pick-up head and placed on a conveyor leading to a packaging machine or the like,

b) the pick-up head can be moved back and forth in a horizontal plane, in particular in the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor, and on the other hand along a horizontal crossmember transversely to the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor, and can also be moved up and down by a vertical telescope,

c) the receiving head is movably mounted on a support frame, the support frame having the upper, horizontal cross member,

d) the vertical telescope is suspended from the upper cross member and can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the cross member,

e) the horizontal telescope is connected to a carrying device on an underside of the vertical telescope,

f) the recording head is attached to the horizontal telescope.

In the case of a recording head which can be moved in the above sense approached every area of the storage area of the blank stacks in order to have at least one blank stack for each work cycle, but preferably several adjacent stack of blanks to grasp and the side of the pallet Feed conveyor.

The lifting or receiving head for the blank stack is on a fixed supporting frame is movably mounted, which consists of three upright supports. These are arranged so that two supports arranged on one side of the pallet an upper cross member are interconnected. The third, on the opposite side of the pallet or on the outside The support positioned on the conveyor is above that on the top End cross beam with the cross beam of the opposite Supports connected. The one at the bottom of the traverse movable recording head can therefore from a position above the stack of blanks up to a position above the conveyor be moved.

According to the invention, the conveyor is also special educated. This has a buffer, which is preferably from a storage conveyor arranged above the discharge conveyor consists.

Furthermore, a collecting container for (thin) Intermediate layers provided.

Further details of the invention relate to the configuration of the structure for the recording head, on actuators for this as well as on the design of the conveyor and the Collection container.

Fig. 1

ein Beispiel für einen Zuschnittstapel in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Vorrichtung zur Handhabung von Zuschnittstapeln in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 3

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 im Grundriß,

Fig. 4

ein Tragwerk für den Aufnahmekopf als Einzelheit der Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

einen in besonderer Weise ausgebildeten Abförderer mit Speicher in Seitenansicht.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

an example of a blank stack in perspective,

Fig. 2

a device for handling stacks of blanks in side view,

Fig. 3

2 in plan,

Fig. 4

a support structure for the recording head as a detail of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

a specially designed conveyor with storage in side view.

The embodiment shown in the drawings relates the preferred field of application, namely handling of blank stacks 10 made of thin cardboard for manufacturing of hinge-lid cigarette packs. Cuts for this pack of cigarettes have a special one Contour, as shown in Fig. 1. The blank stack 10 are surrounded by a band 11 in this example. This is processed before processing the blanks, especially before the Introduction of the blank stack 10 into a blank magazine a packaging machine (not shown) severed and eliminated.

The blank stacks 10 are available on a pallet 12 posed. The blank stacks 10 are in rows 13 positioned on the pallet 12. Within the stack rows 13, the blank stacks 10 are aligned. In which In the present example, the blank stacks 10 are arranged as it is transported away by a conveyor 14 equivalent. On this are the blank stack 10 with their Longitudinal extension aligned transversely to the conveying direction (arrow 1 15).

A plurality of stack rows 13 lying side by side form a layer 16 from blank stacks 10. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, is a larger number of layers 16 one above the other stacked. The adjacent layers 16 are thin-walled Intermediate layers 17 made of paper, foil or the like from each other Cut.

To supply the packaging machine with blank stacks 10 these are sequentially gripped by a recording head 18, removed from the pallet 12 or the respective intermediate layer 17 and deposited on the conveyor 14. In the present Embodiment is the recording head 18 so designed that per work cycle several, namely four blank stacks 10 simultaneously side by side and without changing the relative position be recorded and filed. The recording head 18 is expedient formed as a suction head, which the blank 10 with suction members 33 assigned to each blank stack 10 the top, especially in the area of the banderoles 11th

The recording head 18 is movable vertically and horizontally a support frame 19 configured as a portal. This has three upright supports 20, 21, 22, which in particular Are positioned in a way. Two supports 20, 21 are on the free side of the pallet 12 arranged next to this. This Supports 20, 21 are at their upper end by a cross member 23 connected to each other. The third support 22 is on the opposite Side of the pallet 12 anchored or laterally next to the conveyor 14. This extends to immediately in the area of the pallet 12, so ends next to this. The single support 22 is with an upper, at the level of the cross member 23 extending cross member 24 connected to the cross member 23, and that because of the spatial conditions in one in Move the transport direction according to arrow 15 towards the center Level. The cross member 24 therefore extends off-center above the pallet 12.

The receiving head 18 is on the underside of the cross member 24 in Movable in the longitudinal direction thereof, ie above the pallet 12 and above the discharge conveyor 14. For up and down movements is a vertical telescope 25 on the underside of the cross member 24 movably suspended. The vertical telescope 25 consists of a upper support profile 26, which with the cross member 24 via Chassis is connected and a lower support profile 27. The latter is mounted on the upper support section 26 so that it can be moved up and down. Due to the up and down movement of the support profile 27 causes the required vertical movements of the recording head 18.

At the lower end of the vertical telescope, on the one that can be moved up and down Support profile 27, there is a carrier or a Support plate 28 for the recording head 18 or for a horizontal telescope 29, on which the recording head 18 is attached. The horizontal telescope 29 is on the underside of the support plate 28 in horizontal level retractable and extendable. The extended position is shown in broken lines in Fig. 4. The horizontal telescope 29 can, for example, be designed such that a Support arm or support profile 45 with a profile rail on the underside the support plate 28 displaceable in the manner of a carriage is. The receiving head is on the underside of the support profile 45 18 attached. In the present embodiment is the receiving head 18 in addition in the longitudinal direction of the support profile 45 movable, so that an additional telescopic effect is given is. The movements of the horizontal telescope 29 or Pickup head 18 extend parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor 14 according to arrow 15. As can be seen from FIG. 4, can the horizontal telescope 29 or its support profile 45 after be extended in both directions, i.e. also in the opposite direction Direction of conveyance of the discharge conveyor 14. The receiving head 18 is preferably non-rotatably attached to the horizontal telescope 29.

The movable organs can be moved by (electric) motors. In addition to the individual support 22 is a drive motor 30 for the Movements of the structure for the receiving head 18, namely the Vertical telescopes 25 attached to the cross member 24. An engine 31 for the movement of the vertical telescope 25 is on the side Support 22 attached. Finally, there is an engine 32 for the horizontal telescope 29 on the support plate 28. The motor 32 causes both due to appropriate gear training the retraction and extension of the support profile 45 and the relative movements of the receiving head 18 on the support profile 45.

To clear the pallet 12, the pick-up head 18 moves automatically in a position above the stack of blanks to be picked up 10. In the present example, the recording head is 18th dimensioned such that four blank stacks 10 of a stack row 13 side by side without changing the relative position in a work cycle can be recorded by the recording head 18 can. This is with a corresponding number, i.e. four Suction elements 33 for grasping one stack 10 each in the area the band 11 equipped. Without rotation, the Pick-up head 18 with the blank stacks 10 raised and traversed become. In a position above the conveyor 14 (Fig. 3) the receiving head 18 is lowered until the blank stack 10 rest on the conveyor 14 - a belt conveyor. The receiving head 18 on the one hand and the discharge conveyor 14 on the other are expediently controlled so that each filed group of blank stacks 10 to the in the sealing row connected on the discharge conveyor 14 positioned stack 10.

Another peculiarity of the facility shown is in that a buffer 34 for a number of blank stacks 10 is provided. The buffer 34 is also formed as a tape storage in the present case with a corresponding arrow 35 movable in both directions Conveyor belt on which the blank stacks 10 rest. The cache 34 is dimensioned so that at least the exchange the empty pallet 12 against a new loaded one time needed can be offset to a continuous Obtain series of blank stacks on the conveyor 14.

The buffer 34 is in the present embodiment arranged above the discharge conveyor 14. A support frame 36 of the intermediate store 34 is provided with a support frame 37 of the conveyor 14 connected, such that the conveyor 14 and Buffer 34 lie one above the other in the same plane. The The conveyor 14 protrudes with one end facing the pallet 12 over the intermediate storage 34 so that a task end is created is used to place the stack of blanks 10 on the conveyor 14. Alternatively, the blank stack 10 on the Buffer 34 are stored.

Another peculiarity results from Fig. 5. An end region of the conveyor 14 is designed as a lifting conveyor 38. In the lower position, this is an extension or continuation of the conveyor 14 positioned such that stack of blanks 10 deposited in groups on the lifting conveyor 38 and can be passed on from this to the conveyor 14.

The discharge conveyor 14, the intermediate storage 34 and the lifting conveyor 38 are preferably designed as belt conveyors. The blank stacks 10 lie transversely to the conveying direction on an upper one Conveyor belt of the respective belt conveyor. The band of the Conveyor 14 is expediently only drivable in one direction, while the tape of the buffer 34 and / or the belt of the lifting conveyor 38 can be driven in both directions of movement is.

The lifting conveyor 38 can be raised and lowered in accordance with arrow 39. In this version, the blank stacks are basically 10 deposited by the pick-up head 18 on the lifting conveyor 38. If the buffer 34 is to be loaded, the Lift conveyor 38 raised to the level of the intermediate storage 34. The group of blank stacks 10 can then be in the top Transfer the position of the lifting conveyor 38 to the intermediate storage 34 become.

Conversely, the lifting conveyor 38 can also be used for the return of Cutting stacks 10 from the intermediate storage 34 to the removal conveyor 14 can be used. In this mode of operation, a group of cut stacks 10 from the intermediate storage 34 to the Lift conveyor 38 transported in its upper position. The Lift conveyor 38 is then lowered to the height of the discharge conveyor 14. The stack of blanks 10 can then be transferred to this become.

Another topic of the embodiment shown is Handling the arranged between the layers 16 of the blank stack 10 Intermediate layers 17. These are after clearing a layer 16 is gripped by the receiving head 18 and into one Collection container 40 introduced. This is right next to the Pallet arranged, and aligned to this. The length of the collecting container 40 is slightly larger than the corresponding one Dimension of the intermediate layer 17. This is in the area of a Top wall 41 via a transverse slot 42 from above through the receiving head 18 into the collecting container 40. The top wall 41 here consists of transparent material. The Collection container 40 is in the area of a wall, namely one narrow side wall 43 provided with a flap or door 44. This enables access to the collection container 40 and removal of the intermediate layers collected in this.

With a suitable design of the receiving head 18, the described System also for handling cut stacks can be used without a sleeve.

The device described above is particularly advantageous in connection with a facility accordingly EP 0 706 946 can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

blank stacks

11

banderole

12

palette

13

stacking

14

discharge conveyor

15

arrow

16

location

17

liner

18

Up head

19

supporting frame

20

support

21

support

22

support

23

crossbeam

24

traverse

25

vertical telescope

26

support section

27

support section

28

support plate

29

Horizontal telescope

30

drive motor

31

engine

32

engine

33

suction element

34

cache

35

arrow

36

supporting frame

37

supporting frame

38

handling trucks

39

arrow

40

Clippings

41

upper wall

42

slot

43

Side wall

44

door

45

support section

Claims (12)

1. Arrangement for picking up and transporting away stacks of blanks arranged one above the other (blank stack 10), in particular for producing cigarette packs of the hinge-lid-box type, a plurality of blank stacks (10) being positioned one beside the other in stack rows (13) on an underlying surface, in particular on a pallet (12), and layers (16) preferably formed from a plurality of stack rows (13) being arranged one above the other, having the following features:

   a) the blank stacks (10) can be grouped individually or in groups by a pick-up head (18) and can be set down on a removal conveyor (14) leading to a packaging machine or the like,

   b) the pick-up head (18) can be moved back and forth by a horizontal telescope (29), on the one hand, in a horizontal plane, in particular in the conveying direction of the removal conveyor (14), and, on the other hand, along a horizontally running crossmember (24), transversely to the conveying direction of the removal conveyor (14), and, moreover, can be moved up and down by a vertical telescope (25),

   c) the pick-up head (18) is mounted in a displaceable manner in a load-bearing framework (19), the load-bearing framework (19) containing the top, horizontal crossmember (24),

   d) the vertical telescope (25) is suspended on the top crossmember (24) and can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the crossmember (24),

   e) the horizontal telescope (29) is connected to a load-bearing arrangement on an underside of the vertical telescope (25),

   f) the pick-up head (18) is fitted on the horizontal telescope (29).
2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the load-bearing framework (19) comprises two upright supports (20, 21), connected to one another by a transverse member (23), alongside the pallet (12) and, opposite this, an individual support (22) alongside the removal conveyor (14), the crossmember (24) running from the individual support (22), above the removal conveyor (14) and the pallet (12), and being connected to the transverse member (23) of the supports (20, 21).
3. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pick-up head (18) is fastened on the underside of the crossmember (24) by way of the vertical telescope (25), the vertical telescope (25) preferably comprising a top, fixed load-bearing profile (26), which can be displaced on the crossmember, and a further, bottom load-bearing profile (27), which is fitted such that it can be moved up and down on the load-bearing profile (26) and on which the pick-up head (18) is fitted.
4. Arrangement according to Claim 3 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the horizontal telescope (29), for the purpose of moving the pick-up head (18) in a horizontal plane, is connected to the load-bearing arrangement, in particular load-bearing plate (28), on the underside of the vertical telescope (25), and in that a load-bearing element for the pick-up head (18), in particular an elongate load-bearing profile (45), can be displaced in the manner of a carriage on the load-bearing plate (28).
5. Arrangement according to Claim 4 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the pick-up head (18) can be displaced on the horizontal telescope (29) or on the load-bearing profile (45) of the same, in particular in the longitudinal direction thereof.
6. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the pick-up head (18) is set up for simultaneously picking up a plurality of adjacent blank stacks (10), preferably such that the blank stacks (10) are arranged on the pick-up head (18) in the formation corresponding to the relative position on the removal conveyor (14), that is to say, in particular, with the longitudinal extent transverse to the conveying direction.
7. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that an interim store (34) for receiving a supply of blank stacks (10) is arranged in the operating region of the pick-up head (18), preferably above the removal conveyor (14) and parallel thereto, such that the pick-up head (18) can be used for setting down blank stacks (10) alternatively on the removal conveyor (14) or in the interim store (34).
8. Arrangement according to Claim 7 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the interim store (34) has a conveying mechanism for receiving the blank stacks (10), in particular a conveying belt which can be driven in both directions.
9. Arrangement according to Claim 7 or one of the further claims, characterized in that arranged in the region of an end of the removal conveyor (14) which is assigned to the pick-up head (18) is a lifting mechanism, for the purpose of receiving a group of blank stacks (10) and conveying the same to the interim store (34) or, from the latter, to the removal conveyor (14).
10. Arrangement according to Claim 9 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the lifting mechanism for the blank stacks (10) is a lifting conveyor (38) which has a conveying mechanism for conveying the blank stacks (10) in one direction or the other as blank stacks are received or discharged.
11. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that arranged adjacent to the pallet (12) is a collecting container (40) for receiving thin intermediate layers (17) arranged between adjacent layers (16) of the blank stacks (10), the collecting container (40) having, on the top side, a slot (42) for introducing the intermediate layers (17) by way of the pick-up head (18).
12. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that each blank stack (10) is enclosed by a band (11), and in that the pick-up head (18) has suction elements (33) for gripping the blank stacks (10) on their top side.

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