EP2226253A1 - Handling and/or packing machine for handling goods to be packaged and method for controlling same - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (10) has a handling device and an associated dimensioning part for adapting to dimensions of packaging goods to be handled, where the handling device and the dimensioning part are commonly exchangeable. The handling device and the dimensioning part are movable between a working position at the machine and a storage position in a magazine (40). Rails (44) are arranged between the machine and the magazine for horizontally conveying the handling device and/or the dimensioning part between the working position and the storage position. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a handling and/or packing machine.

Description

The invention relates to a handling and / or packaging machine for handling packaging goods and a corresponding method for the control thereof.

Partially or fully automated handling systems, which are provided with specific format parts depending on the size of the container, can be used for handling and packaging of containers and packaging goods. In this way, different container sizes can be processed depending on the machine equipment. These containers may, for example, be formed by known beverage crates with a plurality of bottles arranged therein or by containers of bottles or the like held together with film.

In known handling systems there is a change of format parts by semi-automatic coupling of the container-specific format parts and by subsequent transfer and storage in magazines. With the aid of a gripper head carrier, all format parts are positioned and manually coupled with each other. Subsequently, the complete format file unit is positioned in front of a free shelf magazine space with the aid of the gripper head carrier of the machine. A drive in the respective magazine location pulls the coupled format parts into the magazine. The introduction of the new format parts in the machine is done in reverse order.

When receiving the coupled format parts and their subsequent transfer into the magazine space of the gripper head carrier must cover a relatively long distance. For this reason and due to the eccentric center of gravity of the coupled format parts torsional forces occur, which can lead to a considerable load on the gripper head carrier. In addition, in the format part change the entire weight of the coupled unit must be moved, so that overall high stress on the drives, bearings and guides of the machine occur.

Furthermore, due to the necessary accessibility of the magazine places a relatively high machine column and possibly a relatively long transport route necessary, since all magazine locations must be reached when changing the format with the gripper head carrier. For this reason, the magazine size is limited, as normally the column height and their transverse stroke are limited, not least by the available installation height, for example. In a machine shop.

Finally, manual activities when changing the format parts are essential, but due to their location in hazardous areas unfavorable and therefore to minimize or avoid as far as possible.

From the DE 34 11 117 C2 a packing machine for packing and unpacking of containers or bottles is known which has a plurality of gripper heads and a respective holding frame for a group of gripper heads. Furthermore, a device for the adjustment of a holding frame from a storage position to the working position and a drive means for the reciprocation of the present in the working position holding frame between the layers for receiving and dispensing of the container available. The releasably secured to the packing machine holding frame with the groups of gripper heads are by means of a chassis for parking spaces of a packing machine associated, movable magazine transportable. For the vertical storage of the holding frame with the groups of gripper heads, there is the possibility of a paternoster lift, which requires a complex mechanism to move the individual magazines in the desired storage positions and to redirect. In addition, the complete mass of the stored trimmings must always be moved for each storage, whereby a significant energy input is required when changing each individual set.

The DE 37 32 283 C1 discloses a device for packing and unpacking packages in associated containers, such as boxes, cartons or the like, receivable items, such as bottles, jars, cans, etc. The apparatus comprises a gripper, pack-lifting rapier head mounted on an associated support frame is releasably fixed. The support frame is attached to a movable mounted on a stand, driven by at least one drive means supporting arm. A magazine adjacent to the support frame has a plurality of compartments for each gripper head. The magazine is designed as a tower with stationary superimposed compartments, which can be approached by the vertical movement of the support frame whose maximum, beyond the Packhub stroke at least the distance between the corresponds to the top and bottom Gefach. In this device, the entire machine stand must be adapted to the height of the magazine, so that the machine stand must be made higher than would be required for regular operation, which can lead to further disadvantages, including in terms of the stand space available for the stand.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a device and a method which conveys handling devices and format parts in magazines with simple movement sequences and removes them from them. In addition, the entire device should be space-saving designed and arranged and allow the shortest possible changeover in a product change.

This object is achieved in a handling and / or packaging machine with the features of independent claim 1, characterized in that between the machine and a magazine for handling equipment and / or format parts a rail system for rapid exchange of units using the partially or fully automatically controllable magazine is arranged. The machine according to the invention is used for handling packaging goods and has at least one handling device and associated with this, adapted to the size of the packaged goods to be handled format parts. The handling device and the associated format parts are exchangeable together and are movably arranged between a working position on the machine and a storage position in the magazine. According to the handling device and the associated format parts are automatically locked together. According to the present invention, rails for approximately horizontal conveyance of the at least one interchangeable handling device and / or at least one format part associated with the handling device are arranged between the machine and the magazine. An arrangement consisting of a handling device and at least one of these associated format parts is referred to in the present context as a set. This set is moved by means of the rail system between the working position on the machine and the storage position in the magazine. The rail system can optionally have a central rail on which the parts to be replaced with the magazine can be transported without tipping. Conveniently, however, rail pairs are provided, which typically straight and largely horizontally between the machine and the magazine are arranged.

Each so-called clothing can be formed by stackable and / or interlockable format parts and an associated handling device, such as gripper heads. The format parts may also have on their underside sliders or wheels for better transport on the rails. There are preferably used several gripper heads for a set. In addition, several sets can be attached to a gripper head carrier optionally.

These handling and / or packaging machines can work cyclically as an input and unpacker for a variety of packaging goods. When packing the packaged goods arrive on a container table and are steered there in lanes, so they have a certain distance. Gripper heads, which are attached to the handling device, pick up the packaged goods and place them in waiting empty containers or crates. The format parts, also called insertion frames, serve to guide the packaged goods safely into the containers.

When unpacking, the full containers or crates stop on a trolley in a fixed position. There, the gripper heads remove the packaged goods and safely set them down again on a travel table. A packing curve results in each case from the interaction of a horizontal and a vertical movement of a gripper head carrier. The horizontal movement executes a machine boom, which is attached to a lifting column. A crank drive can provide, for example, for a gentle start-up and braking behavior. The vertical movement, however, takes place on the gripper head carrier, which in turn is mounted on the machine boom. This movement can be done via a hoist with suitably controlled motors. For the lifting column and for the machine boom so typically each separate drives are present. The packing curves can be programmed differently for full and empty containers. In the manner described, an optimized sequence of movements for the handling and / or packing machine can be realized. As drives for the container table and the container track come, for example, three-phase motors with frequency converters o. The like. In question.

For a change of the handling devices, the magazine offers facilities for horizontal and / or vertical transport of handling equipment from and to at least two separate storage positions. Thus, the change can be carried out quickly, safely and user-friendly. The magazine is preferably equipped as a shelving system with at least two stacking storage levels for handling equipment, which is associated with a combined horizontal and vertical conveyor.

In order to be able to transfer the handling devices to this magazine, the latter has at least one depositing position for the handling devices arranged laterally to a transfer position defined by a rail system. This transfer unit is set in motion by means of a lifting device. A drive of the lifting device is carried out jointly by at least one drive motor, which is preferably coupled via a gear with the lifting device. The transmission can, for example, act on rods or drive shafts which, in turn, communicate with a belt, drive belt, chain or other suitable traction means. The traction means, for example the belt or the chain, is set in motion by the movement of the rod or the drive shaft. Since the traction means is also in operative connection with the transfer unit, it can be moved in the desired manner up and down.

The grouping of the trimmings and their replacement by transferring a set to be deactivated in the magazine and by transferring a set to be activated from the magazine to the working position on the machine are partially or volllautomatisch controllable according to another embodiment. When changing the compounds can, for example, be solved by robot clutches, with an intervention of the operator is not required.

In a method according to the invention for controlling a handling and / or packaging machine for handling packaging goods, which has at least one handling device and associated with this, adapted to the size of the packaged goods to be handled format parts, the handling device and the associated format parts are exchangeable together and between a working position on the machine and a storage position in a magazine movable. At least one interchangeable handling device and form at least one associated format part a so-called clothing, wherein the at least one handling device and the at least one associated format part automatically locked together and transported together on approximately horizontally extending rails between the machine and the magazine.

The trimmings can be exchanged between their working position on the machine and their storage position in the magazine. That If, for example, a change in the packaging goods is pending and the gripper heads and the format parts no longer fit for the handling of the packaged goods, they must be replaced. For this purpose, the trimmings in the magazine are conveyed horizontally and / or vertically from and to at least two separate storage positions, and the new trimmings are retrieved from the magazine and attached to the handling / or packaging machine.

The trimmings in the shelving system are conveyed in the magazine formed by means of a combined horizontal and vertical conveyor between at least two superimposed storage levels. By means of a transfer unit, which is defined by the rail system, the trimmings are transported between the transfer position and at least one laterally arranged to this storage position.

A clothing is formed, for example, by stackable and / or interlockable format parts and associated gripper heads, wherein the format parts may have on their underside sliders or wheels for transport on the rails. This device on the format parts is necessary because the carriage will pass over the device by means of the rail system. The transport into the magazine for storage is thus carried out over the rails.

The grouping of the trimmings and their replacement are automatically controlled by transferring a set to be deactivated in the magazine and by transferring a set to be activated from the magazine to the working position on the machine.

• Fig. 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung einen Ablauf eines Gerätewechsels einer Handhabungs- und/oder Packmaschine von einem Produktionsort zu einer Übergabeeinheit eines Magazins.
• Fig. 2 zeigt einen schematischen Verlauf einer Lagerung und einer Übergabe von Handhabungseinrichtungen.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsvariante einer Handhabungs- und/oder Packmaschine.
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 3.
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine weitere schematische Seitenansicht der Maschine.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended claims Drawings reference. The same components in principle have the same reference numerals and will not be explained several times.

• Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of a device change of a handling and / or packaging machine from a production site to a transfer unit of a magazine.
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic course of storage and transfer of handling equipment.
• Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a handling and / or packaging machine.
• Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the machine according to Fig. 3 ,
• Fig. 5 shows a further schematic side view of the machine.

The in Fig. 1 illustrated schematic course of a device change from a production to a transfer unit is used to represent the system in broad outline. In the exemplary embodiment, the box labeled "production location" is intended to represent a handling and / or packaging machine 10, to which the necessary equipment necessary for unpacking or packing packaging goods is attached. A more detailed description of this is based on the schematic representation of Fig. 3 given. The packaged goods can be, for example, beverage bottles or the like which are to be sorted into conventional, stackable beverage crates.

In the case of a product change, the devices, hereinafter handling devices 12 (cf. Fig. 3 ), usually exchanged. These handling devices 12 are transferred to a transfer unit 46 by means of a rail system 42. The transfer unit 46 transports the handling devices 12 further to possible storage locations 48 (cf. Fig. 2 ) arranged in the immediate vicinity of the machine 10 magazine 40. Also from this magazine 40, the necessary handling devices 12 are brought to further operation and directed to the production and handed over. The promotion of handling devices 12 preferably runs over rails 44.

The Fig. 2 shows a schematic course of storage and transfer of handling devices 12 and associated format parts 14 to the storage bins 48 of the magazine 40. The magazine 40, which may be formed, for example, by a high-bay is separated by a storage lane 41 into two rows of shelves. In this storage lane 41, the rail-bound transfer unit 46 can move in and counter to a direction of movement B to the handling devices 12 in the shelves and outsource.

The storage and retrieval of handling devices 12 and associated format parts 14 can be done arbitrarily or according to predetermined parameters. For the storage and retrieval, the transfer unit 46 via a guide system 42, which includes rails 44, out. This rail system 42 is arranged on the sides of the magazine 40, which form the storage lane 41. That is, the rail system 42 extends from the machine to the storage lane 41 and within it.

The schematic side view of Fig. 3 shows the handling and / or packaging machine 10 for packaged goods 30. When packing the packaged goods arrive 30 on a container or machine table 28 and are there in advance in alleys (not shown) steered so that they get a certain distance and are more tangible. Gripper heads 20 receive the packaged goods 30 and put them in waiting empty containers or beverage crates 32. The containers 32 arrive via a conveyor belt 36 and are transported away via this again.

About a format part 16, the packaging goods 30 are safely passed into the container 32. However, this format part 16 is based only on the top of the container 32. The format part 16 is coupled together with the handling device 12 during a product change and as a deactivating set 14 in a magazine 40 (see. Fig. 4 ) brought.

However, in order to enable the packing or unpacking of packaging goods 30, a so-called. Packing curve is driven with a gripper head carrier 22. This packing curve is composed of horizontal and vertical movements. In order to implement the movements and to be able to depart, the gripper head carrier 22 is attached to a machine boom 24. About this machine boom 24, a horizontal movement can be transmitted to the gripper head carrier 22. These Movement is made possible by a horizontal rail system 34, which is present in the machine boom 24 and on which the gripper head carrier 22 is mounted like a trolley.

The vertical movement is made possible by a lifting column 26. At this lifting column 26, a rail system 34 is also attached to which the machine boom 24 can be moved with the integrated gripper head carrier 22 up and down in the vertical direction of movement V.

The schematic perspective view of Fig. 4 shows a handling and / or packaging machine 10 in operative connection with a magazine 40. In this magazine 40, the sets for packaged goods 30 (see. Fig. 3 ) of different types are stored. In the present embodiment, below the gripper head carrier 22, for example via a suspension 18, the handling device 12 (see. Fig. 3 ) appropriate. These handling devices 12 may be automatically or manually mounted during a change to the gripper head carrier 22.

In a product change, the entire set 14 can be replaced, i. the handling device 12 and the format part 16 can be exchanged together. For this purpose, the gripper head carrier 22, which is fastened to the machine arm 24, moved to the lowest position, so that the fitting 14 hanging thereon is lowered onto the format part 16 located underneath. This lowest position of the machine boom 24 is achieved over the stroke range of the lifting column 26. The format part 16 and the clothing 14 can be automatically coupled together during this position via a controller, so that together they form a handling device 12. Since the rail system is located below the format parts 16, however, a locking of the parts together is not absolutely necessary. It can rather be sufficient if the clothing 14 is immovably coupled to the format part 16.

The handling devices 12 are transferred in the deactivated state to a guide system 42, which communicates with a transfer unit 46 via rails 44 in connection. When transferring the handling device 12 to the transfer unit 46, a lifting device 50 is set in motion. This lifting device 50 is located outside on the magazine 40th

A drive 52 drives the lifting device 50 via a motor 54. This motor 54 is connected via an output shaft 57 with a gear 56. This gear 56 in turn drives via coupling shafts 58 to a suitable traction means 60, which is mounted outside of the magazine 40. This traction means 60 moves the transfer unit 46 in the vertical direction of movement up and down to the respective storage bins or shelves 48. From these storage bins 48, an activated handling device 12 can be fetched or a deactivated handling device 12 can be stored. The traction means 60 may suitably comprise a closed roller chain o. The like. As drive transmission means.

The Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a handling and / or packaging machine 10 according to the Fig. 4 , In this further illustration, the storage bins 48 can be seen in the magazine 40, in which the handling devices 12 can be stored. Likewise, the drive 52, which drives the lifting device 50, as well as the system of the transfer unit 46 is shown. The transfer unit 46 is attached to the conveyor belt 60 of the lifting device 50 via a fastening unit 62 and is thus up and down in the storage lane 41 (see. Fig. 2 ) of the magazine 40 movably arranged. This attachment unit 62 is also attached to the opposite side, where the handling device 12 is transferred to the transfer unit 46.

The magazine 40 can be extended upwards or in length, thus the storage bins 48 for the handling devices 12 (cf. Fig. 3 ) be enlarged without much effort.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Rather, a variety of variants and modifications are conceivable that make use of the inventive concept and therefore also fall within the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Handling / packing machine

12

handling device

14

set

16

format part

18

suspension

20

gripper head

22

Gripper head carrier

24

machines boom

26

Lifting column

28

machine table

30

Packaged goods

32

Containers, beverage boxes, boxes

34

rail system

36

conveyor belt

40

magazine

41

Lagergasse

42

Guide / rail system

44

rails

46

Transfer unit

48

Storage bin, shelf, storage position

50

lifting device

52

Drive for lifting device

54

engine

56

transmission

57

output shaft

58

coupling shafts

60

traction means

62

fixing unit

B

movement direction

V

vertical direction of movement

Claims (13)

Handling and / or packaging machine (10) for handling packaging goods (30), the at least one handling device (12) and this associated, adapted to the size of the packaged goods (30) to be handled format parts (16), wherein the handling device (12 ) and the associated format parts (16) are interchangeable and movable between a working position on the machine (10) and a storage position in a magazine (40), characterized in that the handling device (12) and the associated format parts (16) automatically with each other can be locked and between the machine (10) and the magazine (40) rails (44) for approximately horizontal transport of the at least one interchangeable handling device (12) and at least one of these associated format part (16) between the working position and the storage position are arranged. Handling and / or packaging machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one format part (16) on its underside sliders or wheels for transport on the rails (44). Handling and / or packaging machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magazine (40) means for horizontal and / or vertical transport of the handling device (12) and / or from at least two separate storage positions (48). Handling and / or packaging machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magazine (40) is designed as a shelving system with at least two stacking storage levels for the handling device (12) and the associated format parts (16) to which a combined horizontal and vertical conveyor is assigned. Handling and / or packaging machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magazine (40) at least one, arranged laterally to a transfer position defined by the rail system (42) storage position (48) for the handling device (12) and / or associated format parts (16). Handling and / or packaging machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the grouping of the sets (14) consisting of at least one interchangeable handling device (12) and at least one of the handling device (12) associated format part (16) and their replacement by transfer a set to be deactivated (14) in the magazine (40) and by transferring a set to be activated (14) from the magazine (40) in the working position on the machine (10) is automatically controlled. Method for controlling a handling and / or packaging machine (10) for handling packaging goods (30) having at least one handling device (12) and associated therewith, adapted to the size of the packaged goods to be handled (30) format parts (16), wherein the handling device (12) and the associated format parts (16) are interchangeable and movable between a working position on the machine (10) and a storage position in a magazine (40), characterized in that the at least one interchangeable handling device (12) and at least a format part (16) associated with the handling device (12) forms a clothing (14), wherein the handling device (12) and the at least one associated format part (16) are automatically locked together and mounted on approximately horizontally extending rails (44) between the machine ( 10) and the magazine (40) are transported. Method according to claim 8, wherein the sets (14) are exchanged between their working position on the machine (10) and their storage position in the magazine (40). The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the trimmings (14) in the magazine (40) horizontally and / or vertically from and to at least two separate storage positions (48) are conveyed. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the trimmings (14) are conveyed in the form of a rack system magazine (40) by means of a combined horizontal and vertical conveyor between at least two stacking storage levels. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the trimmings (14) are conveyed in the magazine (40) between a transfer position defined by the rail system (42) and at least one depositing position (48) arranged laterally therefrom. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the format members (16) have sliders or wheels for transport on the rails (44) on their underside. Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the grouping of the sets (14) and their replacement by transferring a set to be deactivated (14) in the magazine (40) and by transferring a set to be activated (14) from the magazine (40 ) is automatically controlled in the working position on the machine (10).

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