Patent Application
20160185065
1. Technical Field
The invention relates to a method and a system for automatically forming packaging boxes and packaging at least one article therein, preferably simultaneously with the formation of said packaging boxes.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,231 discloses a method relating to wrap-around packaging wherein discrete articles, such as books, are deposited upon carton blanks which are wrapped about the articles to surround all sides of the articles. Articles of different sizes such as different pack sizes of books, are wrapped with a carton formed from a blank in a continuous manner in which a standard size blank is custom trimmed to a size related to the pack size and wherein slotting and scoring means are adjusted to form the blank so that it wraps neatly about the book packs. Information on sizing from previous orders of book packs is stored and used by a controller to produce a pre-sized and pre-formed flat blank which is identical to the said previous orders. At a wrap-around station, the book packs are seated on a bottom panel of the flat customized blank, and the book packs and the blank are pushed downward forcing the carton blank through former guides to turn up end and side flaps. Next, the book packs and the partially erected box are fed horizontally to a former station where a top panel is bent over the book packs and the wrap-around packaging is finally finished by e.g., wrapping tape around the carton. Although the controller operates automatically it is the operator of the apparatus who identifies the pack size for the books and thus the operation of the apparatus is prone to human error. With the increasing availability of merchandise, products and other items through on-line retailers recent years have shown an ever increasing purchasing behavior of customers leading to an increase in parcel sending and leading to a need for packaging a huge variety of products of all kinds of shapes with a large capacity without human intervention.
DE 196 36 262 A1 and EP 0 983 940 A1 disclose methods for folding pre-sized blanks.
It is an object of the invention to provide a method for automatically forming packaging boxes and packaging at least one article therein, preferably simultaneously with the formation of said packaging boxes with which a large variety of products and articles of all kinds of shapes can be packaged without human intervention and with a high industrial capacity.
The object is achieved in accordance with the invention by providing a method for automatically forming packaging boxes, said method comprising the steps of:
Since the blank is formed by folding the panels upwards for forming the packaging box the forces exerted on the articles to be packed during folding are minimal as a result of which it is also possible to pack delicate or low weight products since the bottom panel is held by the gripping elements.
A preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention comprises the step of packaging at least one article in a packaging box, preferably simultaneously with the formation of said packaging box, said method further comprising the steps of:
wherein the method comprises the step of adjusting said longitudinal distance and/or said transverse distances based on the length and width dimensions, respectively. By using the length, width and height dimensions of said at least one article for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank the method according to the invention can be performed automatically and thus an action performed by a human operator for identifying the size of a blank for a box for packaging the articles, which human action is inherently prone to error, is redundant. In addition it is possible to form a custom sized blank of any size based on the dimensions, so that the inventive method is not restricted to choose from blank sizes previously used. Furthermore, since during displacement of the folding units supporting the custom sized blank the blank is folded it is possible to reduce the cycle time which can lead to an increased packaging capacity.
In an embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of providing an input conveyor comprising a number of input sub-conveyors positioned consecutively in conveying direction. Preferably, the method comprises the step of driving each of the input sub-conveyors independently of one another. By using a number of input sub-conveyors it is possible to convey several sets of articles, each set destined to be packaged into one custom sized box, one after the other without interference and with an increase in packaging capacity. In case the input sub-conveyors are driven independently of one another it is possible to create buffers in dependence of the downstream processing speed.
The operation of the method according to the invention can be checked when the method comprises the step of determining the number of articles present on at least one of the input sub-conveyors. Alternatively or additionally the method comprises the step of determining at which of the input sub-conveyors the at least one article is present during any given moment during conveying. In this manner it is possible to keep track of the progress of the articles during the operation of forming packaging boxes around the articles and by comparing the number of articles as determined to be present on a specific input sub-conveyor at a given moment with the expected number and position of articles it is possible to check whether the progress takes place correctly. In a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention the method then comprises the step providing an alarm signal in case the number of articles determined to be present on said specific input sub-conveyor differs from the number of said at least one article which is expected to be present thereon. Such an alarm signal can be used to automatically solve the detected discrepancy or can be used to notify a human operator that an inspection is necessary.
According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention a transfer strip is provided adjacent to the downstream end of the input conveyor or the last input sub-conveyor. It is then preferred that the method comprises the step of stopping the conveying of said at least one article by means of the last downstream input sub-conveyor. Temporarily stopping the conveyance of the articles can in some cases be necessary to properly time the conveyance of the articles with the feeding of the custom sized blank, so that a correct positioning of the articles on the bottom panel can be obtained.
In a still further embodiment of a method according to the invention a step of measuring the overall length, width and height dimensions of said at least one article by a measuring device is included, in which preferably the step of measuring the length, width and height dimensions of said at least one article by means of said measuring device is performed, preferably during conveying of said at least one article by the input conveyor. In this manner the time needed to automatically form packaging boxes can be decreased leading to a larger operating capacity.
In an advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention the step of cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank having a bottom panel based on the dimensions is performed during feeding of said blank material in feeding direction. In this manner the time needed to automatically form closed packaging boxes can be decreased leading to a larger operating capacity.
In a further embodiment of a method according to the invention the conveying direction of said at least one article is at least substantially parallel to the feeding direction of the blank material at the moment the at least one article is conveyed in horizontal direction onto the bottom panel supported by the folding units. In this manner no transverse forces are exerted on the articles when they are placed on the bottom panel, which transverse forces could lead to unintended tumbling or displacement of the articles and thus the positioning of the articles on the bottom panel can be performed in a correct manner. Preferably, the method then comprises the step of providing the blank forming apparatus in a position below the input conveyor. In this manner an apparatus for performing the inventive method can be constructed in a relatively simple manner. It is then preferred that the step of feeding the bottom panel into the supporting station comprises feeding the blank material upwards via a (shallow) S-bend from the blank forming apparatus into the supporting station so that the conveying direction of the items and the feeding direction of the blank material at least substantially coincide at the level of the input conveyor.
Forming packaging boxes and packaging items therein can be performed in a relatively easy manner when the step of feeding the bottom panel into the supporting station is performed such that a center line of the bottom panel in conveying direction is centered between the folding units of the front and rear pairs and/or when the step of conveying said at least one article from the input conveyor onto the bottom panel of the custom sized blank is performed such that a leading end of the at least one article is positioned against the leading transverse folding line of the bottom panel.
In yet a further embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of activating the blank forming apparatus for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank when said at least one article is present on the last input sub-conveyor. It is then preferred to activate the blank forming apparatus only when the number of articles as determined to be present on the last input sub-conveyor equals the expected number of said at least one article, i.e., the number of articles belonging to the order to be processed. In addition it is possible to use the total weight or the identification of the articles (e.g., by scanning a (bar) code, RFID as a parameter for activating the blank forming apparatus. In this manner the custom sized blank is formed at a stage in which it is almost certain that the correct articles to be packaged are present on the last downstream input sub-conveyor and it can thus be prevented that unintended changes in the number or position of articles necessitate that an earlier formed blank has to be discarded, not only leading to unnecessary waste of material but also leading to an unnecessary decrease of operating capacity.
In an embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of providing the blank forming apparatus with a pair of longitudinal score line applicators for applying longitudinal score lines as folding lines to the blank material between respective panels, a single transverse score line applicator for applying transverse score lines as folding lines between respective panels, a single transverse cutter for cutting the blank material to the length of the custom size blank and a single longitudinal cutter or a pair of longitudinal cutters for cutting the blank material to the width of the custom sized blank, wherein the transverse distance between the pair of longitudinal score line applicators and/or the transverse distance between the longitudinal cutters is adjusted based on the width and height dimensions. It is then, in view of obtaining a high operating capacity, preferred, that the method comprises the step of moving the single transverse cutter along a line which is positioned at such an angle with respect to the feeding direction of the blank material that in combination with a feeding speed of the blank material and a speed of said cutter along said line a cutting line transverse to the feeding direction, i.e., perpendicular to the side edges of the blank material, is formed in the blank material. Such a cutter can be realized in the form of a displaceable rotating knife or a displaceable laser beam generator. In an alternative embodiment instead of a single transverse score line applicator two or more transverse score line applicators can be used for applying transverse score lines.
In a further embodiment of a method according to the invention after the cutting line is made the upstream blank material is retracted and/or the cutter is lifted to allow the reverse movement of the transverse cutter.
In an advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention by means of said blank forming apparatus a custom sized blank is formed having a rectangular bottom panel having a center line (centrally positioned between longitudinal folding lines) substantially parallel to the feeding direction, rectangular side panels and rectangular end panels joined to the bottom panel, rectangular corner panels joined to the end panels, a rectangular top panel joined to one of the end panels, rectangular top side panels joined to the top panel, a rectangular top end panel joined to the top panel and rectangular top corner panels joined to the top end panel, having score lines between the rectangular bottom panel, the rectangular side panels, the rectangular end panels and the rectangular top panel and having cut-outs in line with respective score lines between the corner panels and the adjoining side panels provided by a cutting-out device of the blank forming apparatus. A custom sized blank having such a constitution can be formed relatively simple and by a blank forming apparatus which is relatively simple of construction. The operating capacity can be increased further when the method comprises the step of configuring the cutting-out device comprising a pair of opposite cut-out knives such that the cut-out knives are displaced from an inactive position to an active position synchronously with feeding of the blank material in feeding direction and even further when the method comprises the step of configuring the cutting-out device such that the cut-out knives are displaced from the active position to the inactive position at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the blank material in a direction opposite the feeding direction. Since the cutting is performed during feeding of the blank material the inactive and active positions are not stationary.
In a further embodiment of a method according to the invention after cutting and creasing blank material waste blank material is automatically discharged via a waste conveyor. The waste can alternatively fall directly into a waste container.
In a further embodiment of a method according to the invention in which the positioning of the articles on the bottom panel can be performed correctly in an easy manner said at least one article is positioned centrally on the input conveyor. Alternatively or additionally said blank material and said customized blank are positioned centrally on the feeding conveyor.
In a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention said longitudinal distance and/or said transverse distances are adjustable, preferably automatically adjustable, such that the four folding units of the front and rear pair are each positioned in a desired location with respect to the blank material, preferably a location in which they are able to support a respective corner of the rectangular bottom panel. In this manner it is possible to correctly support the bottom panel independent on the size of the bottom panel, while the folding elements on the folding units for folding side panels, end panels and corner panels can then be constructed in a relatively simple manner. Preferably, during adjusting the transverse distances between respective folding units the folding units are displaced symmetrically with regard to a central line between the folding units, and preferably the adjustment of the transverse distances between the front folding units and the rear folding units is performed synchronously. In this manner the device or apparatus for adjusting the relative distances between the folding units can be realized with a relatively simple construction.
Preferably the method comprises the step of activating the at least one gripping element into the operative mode before the step of folding respective side and/or end panels of said custom sized blank upwardly and the step of keeping the at least one gripping element in the operative mode at least until folding respective side and/or end panels of said custom sized blank upwardly has been completed. In this manner it can be guaranteed that during folding the bottom panel remains fixed on the folding units even if the weight of the items supported on the bottom panel is low. In addition, in this manner folding can be performed reproducible and the risk of items tumbling over during folding is strongly reduced.
In a further embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of, during gripping of the rectangular bottom panel, allowing the at least one gripping element to move freely in a horizontal plane in order to be able to follow possible transverse movements of the rectangular bottom panel. As a result of the fact that the gripping element follows the possible transverse movements of the bottom panel, which e.g., can occur during folding of side and end panels upwardly there is no relative displacement of the gripping element with respect to the bottom panel which reduces the risk that the gripping element inadvertently loses its grip on the bottom panel. Preferably, the at least one gripping element is able to move freely in a horizontal plane, only after at least one of the folding flaps has started to fold a panel of the blank. Thus, the gripping element is in affixed position in a horizontal plane initially, when the folding flaps have not yet started to fold a panel of the blank.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of providing the at least one gripping element with a suction cup for exerting underpressure at a respective gripping position at an underside of the rectangular bottom panel, said suction cup preferably being manufactured from flexible material. It is then preferred that the method comprises the step of raising the suction cup from a lower inoperative position to an operative position in contact with the bottom panel for gripping and supporting the bottom panel, wherein the underpressure in the suction cup preferably is activated before it contacts the bottom panel, such that the suction cup can reproducibly grip the bottom panel without changing the position of the bottom panel in the supporting station.
In a still further embodiment of a method according to the invention the step of adjusting the longitudinal distance between the rear and front folding units is performed during feeding of the custom sized blank into the supporting station, preferably by starting the displacement of the front pair of folding units towards the sealing station earlier than the displacement of the rear pair of folding units. Since adjusting of the longitudinal distance between the front and rear folding units takes place during displacement of the front folding units the time needed to fold a box can be reduced so that the process capacity can be increased. Preferably, the step of raising the suction cup is started during displacement of or preferably substantially simultaneously with starting displacement of the front pair of folding units towards the sealing station so that correct gripping can be realized and processing capacity can be increased.
Preferably the method comprises the step of displacing the folding units in a direction from the sealing station to the supporting station, wherein the step of adjusting the transverse distance between respective folding units is performed during said displacement of the folding units towards the supporting station. In this manner the correct transverse position of the folding units to support a next custom sized bottom panel at the corners thereof can be assumed before the four folding units reach the supporting position thereby allowing increasing the operating capacity. Optionally it is possible that during displacement of the folding units in a direction from the sealing station towards the supporting station the transverse distances are first adjusted to a default transverse distance, e.g., in case the data for the transverse distance for the next custom sized bottom panel is not available yet and e.g., to avoid collision with in particular corner portion of panels of the blank which bend downwardly too much. In particular when the displacement of the folding units from the supporting station towards the sealing station and vice versa is independent from the relative positioning of the folding units the flexibility and the operating speed of the method can be increased.
Forming packaging boxes and packaging items therein can be performed relatively fast in an embodiment of a method according to the invention when the step of feeding the bottom panel onto the at least four folding units is performed without interruption after the step of cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank. Alternatively or additionally the processing speed can be increased when the step of conveying the at least one article onto the bottom panel is performed while the custom sized blank is being fed onto the folding units.
In an embodiment of a method according to the invention wherein the step of cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank by said blank forming apparatus comprises the step of cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank having a top panel downstream of the bottom panel and preferably at least one of top side panels, a top end panel and top corner panels, the method preferably comprises the step of, during transporting the custom sized blank from the supporting station towards the sealing station, gradually raising the top panel. During said raising the top panel is at the same time supported and thus prevented from inadvertently bending downwards. In addition, gradually raising the top panel can promote further folding of the top panel. The step of gradually raising the top panel is preferably performed by means of a top panel raiser, preferably comprising a slanting belt extending from the supporting station to the sealing station.
In particular when the method comprises the step of providing a top panel folder, the step of positioning the top panel folder at a top folder level above the level defined by the bottom panel based on the height dimension and the step of displacing the top panel folder in a direction from the sealing station towards the supporting station while the folding units are displaced from the supporting station towards the sealing station folding of the top panel into a position which is substantially parallel to the rectangular bottom panel can be performed reliably and quickly. Preferably, the method then comprises the step of providing the top panel folder with a pair of top folding units, the step of adjusting a top transverse distance between the top folding units based on the width dimension, and the step of activating the top folding units for folding down top side panels and/or a top end panel and/or top corner panels preferably after the top panel has been folded into the position which is substantially parallel to the rectangular bottom panel. Independent of the displacement speed of the folding units from the supporting station towards the sealing station a correct folding of top end, side and corner panels can be obtained in an embodiment of a method according to the invention when during activation of the top folding units the method comprises the step of reversing the displacement of the top panel folder so that the top panel folder is displaced in a direction towards the sealing station.
In a further embodiment of a method according to the invention comprising the step of providing the top panel folder with at least one controllable rod, preferably at least two controllable rods, which after activating the top folding units is/are activated to engage a rear wall of the custom sized box, and preferably with at least one further controllable rod, preferably at least two controllable rods, which after activating the top folding units is/are activated to engage a (respective) side wall of the custom sized box recoiling of the top end panel and the top side panels can be prevented and in addition the rods engaging the rear wall of the box at least assist in further transport of the box towards the sealing station. Preferably the controllable rod(s) engaging the rear wall is (are) used for further transport towards the sealing station together with an additional supporting element extending centrally between the folding units and extending from the supporting station to the sealing station such that the folding units can be deactivated and already be returned to the supporting station after the rod(s) has (have) taken over transport.
Although upward folding of panels can be realized by stationary guides positioned adjacent to the displacement track of the folding units from the supporting station towards the sealing station a method according to the invention can be performed by a particularly compact and versatile apparatus when in a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of providing each of the folding units of the front and rear pair and preferably the top pair with controllable end panel folding flaps and/or controllable side panel folding flaps and/or a controllable initiator for initiating the folding of a corner panel.
In a still further embodiment of a method according to the invention the method comprises the step of providing the seal applicator with displaceable seal applicator units and the step of displacing the seal applicator units based on the length, width and/or height dimensions. In this manner sealing boxes of different dimensions can be realized in a correct and automatic manner.
The invention further relates to a system for automatically forming packaging boxes, said system preferably being configured to execute the method according to any one of the preceding claims, said system comprising:
In this manner, since the blank is formed by folding the panels upwards for forming the packaging box the forces exerted on the articles to be packaged during folding are minimal as a result of which it is also possible to pack delicate products by means of the inventive system.
In an embodiment of a system according to the invention, the system is configured for packaging at least one article in a packaging box, preferably simultaneously with the formation of said packaging box, said system comprising:
wherein the control unit is configured for adjusting said longitudinal distance and/or said transverse distances based on the data indicative for the length and width dimensions, respectively. By using the length, width and height dimensions of said at least one article the control unit can control the system for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank automatically and thus actions performed by a human operator for identifying the size of a blank for a box for packaging the articles, which human action is inherently prone to error, are redundant. In addition it is possible to form a custom sized blank of any size based on the dimensions, so that the inventive system is versatility applicable and is not restricted for forming boxes out of predetermined blank sizes. Furthermore, since the operative device of the system is configured for, during displacement of the folding units supporting the custom sized blank, folding the blank, it is possible to reduce the cycle time which can lead to an increased packaging capacity.
In an embodiment of a system according to the invention the input conveyor comprises a number of input sub-conveyors positioned consecutively in conveying direction. Preferably, the control unit is configured for driving the input sub-conveyors independently of one another. By using a number of input sub-conveyors it is possible to convey several sets of articles, each set destined to be packaged into one custom sized box, one after the other without interference and with an increase in packaging capacity. In case the input sub-conveyors are driven independently of one another it is possible to create buffers in dependence of the downstream processing speed.
In a still further embodiment of a system according to the invention the system comprises a number determining apparatus operatively connected to the control unit for determining the number of articles present on at least one of the input sub-conveyors and for providing data indicative of said number of articles to the control unit. Alternatively or additionally the system comprises a position determining apparatus operatively connected to the control unit for determining at which of the input sub-conveyors the at least one article is present during any given moment during conveying and for supplying data indicative for said determined position to the control unit. In this manner it is possible to configure the control unit for keeping track of the progress of the articles during the operation of forming packaging boxes around the articles and for comparing the number of articles as determined to be present on a specific input sub-conveyor at a given moment with the expected number and position of articles so that it is possible to check whether the progress takes place correctly. The control unit is also configured for being inputted with the number of articles or items belonging to an order either manually or automatically. In a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention the control unit is configured for providing an alarm signal in case the number of articles determined to be present on said specific input sub-conveyor differs from the number of said at least one article which is expected to be present thereon. Such an alarm signal can be used to automatically solve the detected discrepancy or can be used to notify a human operator that an inspection is necessary.
According to a further embodiment of a system according to the invention a transfer strip is provided adjacent to the downstream end of the input conveyor or the last input sub-conveyor. Such a transfer strip preferably is configured to allow a correct and smooth transfer of items from the input conveyor into the supporting station and onto the bottom panel. It is then preferred that the control unit is configured for stopping the conveyance of said at least one article by means of the last downstream input sub-conveyor. Temporarily stopping the conveyance of the articles can in some cases be necessary for the control unit to properly time the conveyance of the articles with the feeding of the custom sized blank, so that a correct positioning of the articles on the bottom panel can be obtained.
In a still further embodiment of a system according to the invention the device for providing data indicative of the overall dimensions comprises a measuring device which is configured for measuring the length, width and height dimensions of said at least one article, preferably during conveying of said at least one article by the input conveyor. In this manner the time needed to automatically form packaging boxes can be decreased leading to a larger operating capacity of the inventive system. In alternative embodiments the system can include alternative devices for providing data indicative of the overall dimensions for example devices for automatic identification of the article(s) through for example barcode scanning, RFID detection, image recognition and/or looking up the dimensions in databases or even by an operator input, e.g., when handling many small batches of equally sized articles.
In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention the input conveyor and the feeding conveyor are positioned such that said at least one article is conveyable in horizontal direction onto the bottom panel supported by the folding units. In this manner no transverse forces are exerted on the articles when they are placed on the bottom panel, which transverse forces could lead to unintended tumbling of the articles and thus the positioning of the articles on the bottom panel can be performed in a correct manner. Preferably, the blank forming apparatus is positioned below the input conveyor. In this manner the system can be constructed in a compact and in a relatively simple manner. It is then preferred that the feeding conveyor comprises a (shallow) S-bend which slopes upwards from the blank forming apparatus to the supporting station so that the conveying direction of the items and the feeding direction of the blank material at least substantially coincide at the level of the output or discharge end of the input conveyor.
Forming packaging boxes and packaging items therein can be performed by the system in a relatively easy manner when the control unit and/or the feeding conveyor are configured for feeding the bottom panel into the supporting station such that a center line of the bottom panel in conveying direction is centered between the folding units of the front and rear pairs and/or when the control unit and the input conveyor are configured for conveying said at least one article from the input conveyor onto the bottom panel of the custom sized blank such that a leading end of the at least one articles is positioned against the leading transverse folding line of the bottom panel.
In yet a further embodiment of a system according to the invention the control unit is configured for activating the blank forming apparatus for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank when said at least one article is present on the last input sub-conveyor. It is then preferred that the control unit is configured for activating the blank forming apparatus only when the number of articles as determined to be present on the last input sub-conveyor equals the expected number of said at least one article, i.e., the number of articles belonging to the order to be processed. In this manner the custom sized blank is formed at a stage in which it is almost certain that the correct articles to be packaged are present on the last downstream input sub-conveyor and it can thus be prevented that unintended changes in the number or position of articles necessitate that an earlier formed blank has to be discarded, not only leading to unnecessary waste of material but also leading to an unnecessary decrease of operating capacity.
In an embodiment of a system according to the invention the blank forming apparatus comprises a pair of longitudinal score line applicators for applying longitudinal score lines as folding lines to the blank material between respective panels, a single transverse score line applicator for applying transverse score lines as folding lines between respective panels, a single transverse cutter for cutting the blank material to the length of the custom size blank and a single longitudinal cutter or a pair of longitudinal cutters for cutting the blank material to the width of the custom sized blank, wherein the transverse distance between the pair of longitudinal score line applicators and the transverse distance between the longitudinal cutters is adjustable under control of the control unit based on the data indicative for the width dimension. It is then possible to obtain a high operating capacity when the single transverse cutter is suspended to be movable along a line which is positioned at such an angle with respect to the feeding direction of the blank material and when the control unit is configured to control the movement of the single transverse cutter along the line and the feeding speed of the feeding conveyor such that the cutter forms a cutting line transverse to the feeding direction, i.e., perpendicular to the side edges of the blank material. In an alternative embodiment instead of a single transverse score line applicator the system can comprise two or more transverse score line applicators for applying transverse score lines. Such a cutter can be realized in the form of a displaceable rotating knife or a displaceable laser beam generator.
In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention said blank forming apparatus is configured for, under control of the control unit, cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank having a rectangular bottom panel having a center line (centrally positioned between longitudinal folding lines) substantially parallel to the feeding direction, rectangular side panels and rectangular end panels joined to the bottom panel, rectangular corner panels joined to the end panels, a rectangular top panel joined to one of the end panels, rectangular top side panels joined to the top panel, a rectangular top end panel joined to the top panel and rectangular top corner panels joined to the top end panel, having score lines between the rectangular bottom panel, the rectangular side panels, the rectangular end panels and the rectangular top panel and having cut-outs in line with respective score lines between the corner panels and the adjoining side panels provided by a cutting-out device of the blank forming apparatus. A custom sized blank having such a constitution can be formed relatively simple and by a blank forming apparatus which is relatively simple of construction.
In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention the blank forming apparatus and the control unit are configured for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank having a bottom panel based on the dimensions during feeding of said blank material in feeding direction. In this manner the time needed to automatically form packaging boxes can be decreased leading to a larger operating capacity of the system.
The operating capacity can be increased further when the blank forming apparatus comprises a cutting-out device comprising a pair of opposite cut-out knives, said cut-out knives being suspended to be displaceable downwards for forming cut-outs between corner panels and adjoining side panels of the custom sized blank, wherein the transverse distance between the opposite cut-out knives is adjustable based on the data indicative for the width and wherein the cutting-out device is configured for displacing the cut-out knives from an inactive position to an active position synchronously with a feeding speed of the blank material in feeding direction and even further when the cutting-out device is configured to displace the cut-out knives from the active position to the inactive position at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the blank material in a direction opposite the feeding direction.
Preferably the cutting-out device comprises a lower transverse guide, wherein the cut-out knives comprise an extension in engagement with the lower transverse guide, said lower transverse guide being positioned below the path of the blank material.
In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention the blank forming apparatus comprises a pair of longitudinal score line applicators, said longitudinal score line applicators being suspended to be displaceable downwards for applying longitudinal score lines as longitudinal folding lines to the blank material between respective panels, wherein the transverse distance between the longitudinal score line applicators is adjustable under control of the control unit based on the data indicative of the width, and wherein each of the pair of longitudinal score line applicators comprises a coupling for mechanically coupling to a respective cut-out knife, said coupling preferably being configured for allowing a relative vertical movement of a cut-out knife and a respective longitudinal score line applicator. Thus, the cut-out knives are suspended and guided such that the cutting movement of the knives is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the blank material during the cutting operation. The transverse guides move together with the cut-out knives e.g., during the cutting operation in feeding direction of the blank material. In an advantageous embodiment the cut out knives are guided between two parallel transversal guides, acting as contra bodies for a punching action punching away a strip of blank material. This way folding the blank to a well fitting box can be improved, especially when using blank material having a thickness that is relatively high compared to the dimensions of the box. As a result of the coupling and the lower transverse guide, a frame of the system for mounting the cut-out knives can be constructed light-weight while still providing a correct cutting out of blank material.
In a particularly advantageous system according to the invention the cutting-out device comprises a pair of cam discs each cooperating with cam followers of a respective cut-out knife, each cam disc comprising an outer surface with an outer cam track and an inner surface provided with an inner cam track, one of the outer or inner cam tracks controlling the movement of the cut-out knives from the inactive position to the active position and vice versa and the other one of the outer or inner cam tracks controlling the downward and upward movement of the cut-out knives. In this manner it is due to the cam tracks possible to realize the forward speed of the cut-outs knives in feeding direction synchronously with the feeding speed of the conveyor and at a higher speed in the opposite direction and the downwards and upwards movement of the cut-out knives in an easy manner in the cam discs. In an alternative embodiment the inner cam track and the outer can track can be provided on a single surface of a cam disc. In addition in a still further embodiment two cam discs on either side can be used of which one comprises the inner cam track and the other one comprises the outer cam track. Preferably, the angle of the cutting edge of a cut-out knife with a horizontal direction is approximately 15°, while it is advantageous for cutting when the free end of the cut-out knives is provided with an indentation for forming a sharp cutting protrusion at the free end of the cut-out knife.
In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention the system comprises a waste conveyor for automatically discharging waste blank material. The waste can e.g., be discharged to a waste container.
In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention in which the positioning of the articles on the bottom panel can be performed correctly in an easy manner the input conveyor and/or the control unit is/are configured for positioning said at least one article centrally on the input conveyor. Alternatively or additionally the feeding conveyor and/or the control unit is/are configured for positioning said blank material and said customized blank centrally on the feeding conveyor.
In a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention the control unit is configured for positioning the four folding units at the supporting station downstream of the conveyor in conveying direction relative to one another by adjusting said longitudinal distance and/or said transverse distances such that the folding units of the front and rear pair are each positioned in a desired location with respect to the blank material, preferably a location in which they are able to support a respective corner of the rectangular bottom panel. In this manner it is possible under proper control by the control unit to correctly support the bottom panel independent on the size of the bottom panel, while the folding elements on the folding units for folding side panels, end panels and corner panels as a consequence are constructed in a relatively simpler manner. Preferably, the folding units and their mutual connection are configured such that during adjusting the transverse distance between respective folding units the folding units are displaced symmetrically with regard to a central line between the folding units, and preferably such that the adjustment of the transverse distances between the front folding units and the rear folding units is performed synchronously. In this manner the device or apparatus for adjusting the relative distances between the folding units can be realized with a relatively simple construction.
Preferably the control unit is configured for activating the at least one gripping element into the operative mode before folding side and end panels of said custom sized blank upwardly and for keeping the at least one gripping element in the operative mode at least until folding side and end panels of said custom sized blank upwardly has been completed. In this manner it can be guaranteed that during folding the bottom panel remains fixed on the folding units even if the weight of the items supported on the bottom panel is low. In addition, in this manner folding can be performed reproducible and the risk of items tumbling over during folding is strongly reduced.
In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention the at least one gripping element is suspended to move freely in a horizontal plane in order to be able to follow possible transverse movements of the rectangular bottom panel. As a result of the fact that the gripping element follows the possible transverse movements of the bottom panel, which e.g., can occur during folding of side and end panels upwardly, there is no relative displacement of the gripping element with respect to the bottom panel which reduces the risk that the gripping element inadvertently loses its grip on the bottom panel. Preferably, the at least one gripping element is able to move freely in a horizontal plane, only after at least one of the folding flaps has started to fold a panel of the blank. Thus, the gripping element is in affixed position in a horizontal plane initially, when the folding flaps have not yet started to fold a panel of the blank.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention, the t least one gripping element comprises a suction cup for exerting underpressure at a respective gripping position at an underside of the rectangular bottom panel, said suction cup preferably being manufactured from flexible material. It is then preferred that the suction cup is suspended for being raised from a lower inoperative position to an operative position in contact with the bottom panel for gripping and supporting the bottom panel, and that the control unit is preferably configured for activating the suction cup before it contacts the bottom panel, such that the suction cup can reproducibly grip the bottom panel without changing the position of the bottom panel in the supporting station.
Preferably, the front pair of folding units are simultaneously drivable by a front motor from the supporting station towards the sealing station and vice versa, wherein the rear pair of folding units are simultaneously drivable by a rear motor from the supporting station towards the sealing station and vice versa, and wherein the front and rear folding units are coupled such that their transverse distance is simultaneously adjustable by a transverse motor, wherein the control unit is configured for adjusting said longitudinal distance and/or said transverse distances by controlling the front, rear and transverse motors such that the folding units of the front and rear pair are each positionable in a location in which they are able to support a respective corner of the rectangular bottom panel.
In a still further embodiment of a system according to the invention the control unit is configured for adjusting the longitudinal distance between the rear and front folding units during feeding of the custom sized blank into the supporting station, preferably by starting the displacement of the front pair of folding units towards the sealing station earlier than the displacement of the rear pair of folding units. Since adjusting of the longitudinal distance between the front and rear folding units takes place during displacement of the front folding units the time needed to fold a box can be reduced so that the process capacity can be increased.
Preferably, the control unit is configured for raising the suction cup substantially simultaneously with starting displacing the front pair of folding units towards the sealing station so that correct gripping can be realized and processing capacity can be increased.
Preferably the control unit is configured for adjusting the transverse distances between respective folding units during said displacement of the folding units from the sealing station towards the supporting station. In this manner the correct transverse position of the folding units to support a next custom sized bottom panel at the corners thereof can be assumed before the four folding units reach the supporting position thereby allowing increasing the operating capacity. Optionally it is possible that, during displacement of the folding units in a direction from the sealing station towards the supporting station, the transverse distances are first adjusted to a default transverse distance, e.g., in case the data for the transverse distance for the next custom sized bottom panel is not available yet and/or to avoid collision with in particular corner portions of panels of the blank which bend too much downwards. In particular the control unit and the system are configured for displacing the folding units from the supporting station towards the sealing station and vice versa independently from the relative positioning of the folding units such that the flexibility and the operating speed of the method can be increased.
Forming packaging boxes and packaging items therein can be performed relatively fast in an embodiment of a system according to the invention when the control unit is configured for feeding the bottom panel onto the at least four folding units without interruption after cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank. Alternatively or additionally the processing speed can be increased when the control unit is configured for conveying the at least one article onto the bottom panel while the custom sized blank is being fed into the supporting station.
In an embodiment of a system according to the invention wherein the control unit is configured for controlling said blank forming apparatus for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank having a top panel downstream of the bottom panel and preferably at least one of top side panels, a top end panel and top corner panels, the system preferably comprises a top panel raiser operatively connected to the control unit for, during transport of the bottom panel from the supporting station towards the sealing station, gradually raising the top panel. During said raising, the top panel is at the same time supported and thus prevented from inadvertently bending downwards. In addition, gradually raising the top panel can promote further folding of the top panel. The step of gradually raising the top panel is preferably performed by means of a top panel raiser, preferably comprising a slanting belt extending from the supporting station to the sealing station.
In particular when the control unit is configured for controlling the blank forming apparatus for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank such that a custom sized blank is formed having a top panel downstream of the bottom panel and when the system comprises a top panel folder downstream of the supporting station operatively connected to the control unit, the top panel folder can be configured to be displaceable in height at a top folder level above the level defined by the bottom panel based on the data indicative for the height dimension and to be displaceable from and towards the supporting station, the control unit can be configured for displacing the top panel folder in a direction from the sealing station towards the supporting station while the folding units are displaced from the supporting station towards the sealing station for folding the top panel into a position which is substantially parallel to the rectangular bottom panel in a reliable and quick manner. Preferably, the top panel folder comprises a pair of top folding units, which top folding units are suspended to be displaceable with respect to one another for adjusting a top transverse distance between the top folding units based on the data indicative for the width dimension, and the control unit is configured for activating the top folding units for folding down top side panels and/or a top end panel and/or top corner panels after the top panel has been folded into the position which is substantially parallel to the rectangular bottom panel.
Optionally the top folding units can be provided with a gripping element e.g., for gripping the top panel. Independent of the displacement speed of the folding units from the supporting station towards the sealing station a correct folding of top end, side and corner panels can be obtained in an embodiment of a system according to the invention when the control unit is configured for, during activation of the top folding units, reversing the displacement of the top panel folder so that the top panel folder can be displaced in a direction towards the sealing station.
In a further embodiment of a system according to the invention the top panel folder is provided with at least one controllable rod, preferably at least two controllable rods, wherein the control unit is configured for activating the controllable rod(s) to engage a rear wall of the custom sized box, and preferably with at least one further controllable rod, preferably at least two controllable rods, which after activating of the top folding units by the control unit is/are activated to engage a (respective) side wall of the custom sized box recoiling of the top end panel and the top side panels can be prevented and in addition the rods engaging the rear wall of the box at least can assist in further transport of the box towards the sealing station. Preferably the controllable rod(s) engaging the rear wall can under control of the control unit be used for further transport towards the sealing station together with an additional supporting element extending centrally between the folding units and extending from the supporting station to the sealing station such that the folding units can be deactivated and already be returned to the supporting station after the rod(s) has (have) taken over transport. Preferably the supporting element comprises a central stationary element and a pair of side supporting elements each at either side of the stationary supporting element, wherein the side support elements are suspended such that the distance between the side support elements is adjustable under control of the control unit based on the data indicative for the width dimension.
Although upward folding of panels can be realized by stationary guides positioned adjacent to the displacement track of the folding units from the supporting station towards the sealing station a method according to the invention can be performed by a particularly compact and versatile apparatus when in a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention each of the folding units of the front and rear pair and preferably the top pair is provided with controllable end panel folding flaps and/or controllable side panel folding flaps and/or a controllable initiator for initiating the folding of a corner panel.
In a still further embodiment of a system according to the invention the seal applicator comprises displaceable seal applicator units and the control unit is configured for displacing the seal applicator units based data indicative for the length, width and/or height dimensions. In this manner sealing boxed of different dimensions can be realized in a correct and automatic manner.
To further clarify various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure and additional features and advantages of the embodiments, a more particular description of various aspects and features will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope, nor are the figures necessarily drawn to scale.
Further objects, features and advantages will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.
In
The system 1 furthermore comprises a box folding apparatus 6 for folding a box from a blank 40 (
The box folding apparatus 6 is able to fold boxes from differently shaped blanks which at least comprises a rectangular bottom panel, two side panels and two end panels and can be used to fold a so called open box which can optionally be closed with a separate cover or lid. However, a blank as shown in
The blank 40 (see
The dimensions given above are exemplary. In addition in dependency of the (stiffness) of the material of which the blanks are made the dimensions can be a little larger (by an amount of a few millimeters) in order to ensure a correct folding of the box while still providing sufficient interior volume of the box for the articles to be packaged. In an alternative embodiment the width of the top side panels and the length of the top end panel is a certain amount, preferably about 1 cm to 2 cm, larger than ½ H so that an overlapping part is obtained, which protects the items to be packaged when a seal of the box is opened.
The system 1 comprises a supporting station 7 which in
According to the invention each folding units 10-13 is provided with folding elements 14, 15, 16 (for clarity reasons in
The four folding units 10-13 including the folding elements 14-16 are thus positioned at the corners of a rectangle and thus form a support surface for the bottom panel 41. To realize a synchronous displacement in either the width and length dimension by using only one motor for each dimension each folding units 10-13 is provided with a corner connection piece 17 (for clarity reasons in
As a result of the slidability of the connection pieces 17 over the sliding rods 18, 19 with respect to each other the distance l between the two transverse connecting folding bars 19A, 19B is adjustable to correspond to the length dimension L of the bottom panel and the distance w between the two longitudinal connecting bars 18A, 18B is adjustable to correspond to the width dimension W of the bottom panel 41. These two adjustments can be performed independent from each other and e.g., automatically under control of the control unit 2 based on data regarding measured dimensions or inputted dimensions of the bottom panel, which control unit 2 is operatively connected to the motors M1, M2. In addition it is possible by using the control buttons on the console 4 to set the distances by manual input.
The four folding units used in the system 1 of
The folding unit 12 is shown in
Furthermore, the folding unit 12 is provided with folding elements, preferably an end panel folding flap 14, a side panel folding flap 15 and an initiator 16 for initiating the upward folding of a corner panel, all of which are controllable by the control unit 2. The suction cup 22 is mounted displaceable within the folding unit 12 and is provided with a rod like extension 23 which is guided in a slot 24 of a plate 24A which slot 24 is open at the underside and which plate 24A is mounted so as to move together with the end panel folding flap 14.
In the embodiment shown each suction nozzle comprises a single suction head. However, in dependence on the size of the blank to be folded each suction nozzle can in other embodiments comprise multiple suction heads and/or additional support surfaces, such as support surface 25, top surfaces of which lie in the support plane.
In the embodiment shown in
Thereafter the control unit 2 activates the end panel folding flap 14 such that the end panel 44 is caused to be folded partly upwards and the side panel folding flap 15 to fold the side panel 42 partly upwards. In addition the initiator 16 is raised over a corresponding distance (see
The end panel folding flap 14, the side panel folding flap 15 and the initiator 16 are mounted such in the folding unit such that the above described activation can be realized by using only one activator 26. In other, not shown embodiments, the end and side panel folding flaps and initiator can be driven by separate drivers which are separately activated by the control unit. Ultimately the end panel folding flap 14 and the side panel folding flap 15 are folded so as to take in a vertical position as shown in
Folding the top panel 50 over the upstanding side panels as shown in
In
Articles or items 67, 68 to be packaged are substantially horizontally conveyed in conveyance direction C indicated by the arrow by an input conveyor 69, which can be realized by any known means, such as endless conveyor belts, roller conveyors, etc. The articles to be conveyed can be positioned centrally on the input conveyor 69 and during conveyance this central position can be maintained. The input conveyor 69 comprises a number of input sub-conveyors of which only two 69A, 69B have been shown. The input sub-conveyors 69A, 69B are positioned consecutively in conveying direction, and include a last downstream input sub-conveyor 69B. Indicators 70A-70C (of which 70B, 70C are shown partly in
The system 61 is furthermore provided with a transfer strip 71 adjacent to the downstream end of the last downstream input sub-conveyor 69B (see also
Transport of items or articles belonging to an order of a customer onto a specific input sub-conveyor can be realized by (not-shown) transport means which e.g., can be formed by conveyor belts which are oriented transverse to the input conveyor 69 and the operation of which can also be controlled by the control unit 62.
In the system 61 the measurement device 70A is included for measuring the dimensions and optionally weight of items 67, 68 to be packaged and for providing data indicative for the measured dimensions and optionally weight to the control unit 62. The measurement device 70A measures the length, width and height of the items 67, 68 to be packaged while the articles are conveyed such that the capacity of the system can be increased. The measurement device 70A is communicatively connected to the control unit 62 for providing data indicative for the measured dimensions to the control unit 62. Such a connection can be hardwired or wireless.
The system 61 furthermore comprises a blank forming station 72 comprising a blank forming apparatus 73 for cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank for example from blank material which is fed out of a stock or storage 75 of default blanks In the embodiment shown in
The blank forming apparatus 73 will be more detailed described with reference to
Feeding of blank material is performed by a feeding conveyor 76 which is operatively connected to the control unit 62. In
Waste blank material remaining after formation of the custom sized blank falls down on a waste conveyor 79 and is discharged via this waste conveyor 79 preferably in a direction WM transverse to the conveying direction C.
At the supporting station 77 downstream of the input conveyor in 69 at least four folding units 80, 81, 82, 83 are positioned. The folding units 80-83 are provided with a controllable suction cup as gripping element for gripping the bottom panel and are constructed as shown and described with reference to
Although the control unit 62 can control the rear pair of folding units 80, 81 such that their distance with regard to the transfer strip 71 stays constant throughout folding, in the embodiment shown in
The sealing station 84 is thus positioned downstream of the supporting station 77 and comprises a seal applicator apparatus 85 which is operatively connected to said control unit 62 for sealing a folded packaging box.
Between the supporting station 77 and the sealing station 84 a top panel folder 86 is positioned downstream of the supporting station 77, which top panel folder 86 is operatively connected to the control unit 62. The top panel folder 86 is displaceable in height at a top folder level TL above the level defined by the bottom panel 41, which height is adjustable based on the data indicative for the measured height dimension. Furthermore, the top panel folder 86 is displaceable from and towards the supporting station 77 and in particular the control unit 62 is configured for displacing the top panel folder 86 in a direction from the sealing station 84 towards the supporting station 77 while the folding units 80-83 are displaced from the supporting station 77 towards the sealing station 84 for folding the top panel 50 into a position which is substantially parallel to the rectangular bottom panel 41, as will be described below.
The operation of the system 61 will be described with reference to
The four folding units 80-83 are positioned at the supporting station 77 and the transverse distance w between the folding units of the front pair and rear pair is already adjusted to the measured width and thus also to the width W of the bottom panel. The longitudinal distance l between the front and rear pair is adjusted to an initial distance which can be smaller than the length of the bottom panel as determined on the measured length. Preferably, this initial distance is set to the smallest length dimension of bottom panels to be processed in the system.
During cutting and creasing blank material into the custom sized blank the feeding conveyor 76 feeds the custom sized blank to the supporting station 77 such that the top end panel 53 is first transported over the folding units 80-83 and the rest of the blank follows. Based on the measured dimensions and the feeding speed of the feeding conveyor 76 the control unit 62 activates the front motor FM for the front folding units 82, 83 to start moving the front folding units 82, 83 in the direction of the sealing station and activates the suction cups of the folding units 82, 83 (the position as indicated in
Simultaneously, the control unit 62 activates the last downstream sub-conveyor 69B at such timing that the items are transported in horizontal direction onto the rectangular bottom panel supported at the supporting station such that the items 67 are positioned as close as possible to the folding line connecting the bottom panel 41 with the bottom end panel 44. In
The bottom panel is thus fed into the supporting station 77 such that a center line of the bottom panel in conveying direction is centered between the folding units of the front and rear pair and in addition the items are conveyed centralized.
During further feeding of the blank and based on the measured length and the feeding speed of the feeding conveyor 76, the control unit 62 activates the rear motor RM for the rear folding units 80, 81 to start moving the rear folding units 80, 81 in the direction of the sealing station and activates the suction cups of the rear folding units 80, 81 (the position as indicated in
Also indicated in
Up to now the folding elements of the folding units 80-83 have not been activated and may preferably be only activated after all the suction cups have gripped the bottom panel in order to ensure a correct folding. In addition, to be sure that the end panel 45 has left the feeding conveyor before upwardly folding of this panel is started the control unit 62 first displaces all the folding units over a safety distance SD towards the sealing station 84 before it activates the folding elements. This safety distance can be dependent on the measured length and height dimensions. In
During further displacement of the folding units 80-83 supporting the blank 40 and the items 67 supported thereon in conveying direction towards the sealing station 84 the folding units are activated such that the folding elements fold corner, side and end panels of the custom sized blank upwardly in the same manner as described with reference to
In
The top panel guides 93 can be mounted pivotally on the top panel folder 86. During further transport of the top panel folder in the direction of the supporting station and further displacement of the folding units towards the sealing station the top panel will be folded into a horizontal position as shown in
Thereafter the control unit 62 activates the top folding units 94, 95 for folding down top corner panels 54, 55, top side panels 51, 52 and a top end panel 53 as indicated in
During further transport towards the sealing station 84 the top corner, end and side panels are completely folded downwards and the top panel raiser has been completely lowered, as indicated in
The top folding units 94, 95 are provided with controllable rods 96, 97 and 98, 99 (see also
The control unit 62 is thus configured for activating the suction cups of flexible material into the operative mode such that they grip the bottom panel at respective gripping position at its underside before corner, side and end panels of said custom sized blank are folded upwards. Furthermore, the control unit is configured for keeping the suction cups gripping element in the operative mode at least until folding of corner, side and end panels of the custom sized blank upwardly has been completed, but preferably until also top corner, top side and top end panels have been completely folded downwards.
After the rods 96-99 have been put into engagement with the box, the suction cups of the folding units 80-83 are deactivated for releasing the bottom panel and the rear and front motors of the four folding units are controlled by the control unit 62 such as to reverse to movement of the folding unit to return them to the supporting station 77, as indicated in
In the meantime at the sealing station 77 the seal applicator 85 comprising seal applicator units 85A, 85B which are displaceable in height and in transverse distance away from and towards each other has applied the sealing tape 74 (
In
In
In
In
The blank forming apparatus 73 comprises a single transverse cutter 102 for cutting blank material to length for a custom sized blank. The single transverse cutter 102 is suspended to be movable along a line or guide 103 which is positioned at an angle with respect to the feeding direction F of the blank material 101. The control unit 2, 62 is configured to control the movement of the single transverse cutter 102 by means of motor TCM along the line 103 and the feeding speed of the feeding conveyor such that the cutter 102 forms a cutting line in the blank material which is transverse to the feeding direction, i.e., which is perpendicular to the side edge of the blank material. The single transverse cutter 102 can comprise a rotatable knife 104 and a counter roller 105.
Although in embodiments the blank forming apparatus can comprise a single longitudinal cutter for cutting the custom sized blank to width the blank forming apparatus 73 shown in
The blank forming apparatus 73 furthermore comprises a single transverse score applicator 108 for applying transverse score lines as transverse folding lines to the blank material 101 between respective panels. The transverse score applicator 108 comprises an upper transverse score roller 109 with score ridges 110 and a lower counter score roller 111 optionally also provided with score ridges. A score ridge can be formed of a single ridge or multiple ridges closely spaced next to each other in order to form multiple score lines closely spaced next to each other. Rotation of the rollers 109, 111 is effected by means of a motor TSM under control of the control unit 2, 62 based on data indicative for the measured dimensions and the feeding speed of the blank material.
A pair of longitudinal score applicators 112, 113 (see also
The couplings 114, 115 are configured for allowing a vertical movement of a cut-out knife 116, 117 relative to a respective longitudinal score applicator 112, 113, which is realized in the embodiment shown in
Each cut-out knife 116, 117 comprise an extension 121 (only shown for cut-out knife 117 in
The cutting-out device 120 is suspended so as to be displaceable from an inactive position in which the cut-out knives 116, 117 are raised (
In the embodiment shown in
Although it is possible to configure the control unit 2, 62 such that it is possible to produce blanks with different kinds of shapes and panels, the blank forming apparatus can be used in a particularly advantageous manner for, under control of the control unit, cutting and creasing blank material into a custom sized blank having a rectangular bottom panel having a center line substantially parallel to the feeding direction, rectangular side panels and rectangular end panels joined to the bottom panel, rectangular corner panels joined to the end panels, a rectangular top panel joined to one of the end panels, rectangular top side panels joined to the top panel, a rectangular top end panel joined to the top panel and rectangular top corner panels joined to the top end panel, having score lines between the rectangular bottom panel, the rectangular side panels, the rectangular end panels and the rectangular top panel and having cut-outs in line with respective transverse score lines between the corner panels and the adjoining side panels provided by the cutting-out device 120 of the blank forming apparatus.
In
The top folding unit 95 is provided with a controllable end panel (53) folding flap 139 and a controllable side panel (52) folding flap 140 and a controllable initiator 141 for initiating the folding of a corner panel (54). In distinction from the folding units 80-83 the top folding units in this embodiment do not comprise gripping elements or suction cups but are provided with a controllable, vertically displaceable pushing element 142 for pushing down a respective corner of the top panel onto the upstanding side panels. However, in alternative embodiments the top folding units also comprise gripping elements. When the top folding units are in a correct position above the corners of the top panel the control unit 2, 62 activates the top folding unit 95 such that first the pushing element 142 is lowered for pushing and keeping the respective corner of the top panel 50 down. Thereafter the initiator is lowered into the position indicated by reference number 141′ for initiating downward folding of the top corner panel 54. Then the side panel folding flap 140 is activated (
As discussed above the top folding units 94, 95 are furthermore provided with controllable rods 96, 97 and 98, 99 which are activated, i.e., lowered, under control of the control unit 62 after the box is completely folded. The rods 98 and 99 engage the side surfaces of the box, whereas the rods 96, 97 engage the rear surface of the box. The rods 96-99 keep the box 67′ in shape and prevent recoiling of the panels of the blank and can be used to transport the box.
The system may comprise further devices, preferably controlled by the control unit, such as for example: a device for supplying filling material, e.g., shredded paperboard, chips, filling bags or foam, into the box, for filling up possible empty spaces inside the box; an address printer for printing addresses directly onto the box or on an address sticker, which address sticker is adhered to the box by means of a sticker module; a scale for weighing the box including the items, a franking unit. In addition a wrapping unit may be present to wrap the box into for example gift paper. As an alternative to an applicator for applying tape to the box to seal it, it is possible to use a glue applicator which applies glue to appropriate panels for sealing the box. In addition sealing the box is in alternative embodiments performed by strapping, stapling or poly-wrapping.
In an embodiment illustrated in
In an embodiment illustrated in
The force on the cardboard panels in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation during folding can increase with a larger surface of the panel and a higher speed, due to air resistance. Longer panels also may involve a higher momentum exerted at the cardboard panel by the flap (longer lever arm of center of mass and a higher mass). Moreover, the forces exerted on the cardboard during the folding may be higher for parts of the cardboard more remote from the axis of rotation due to the higher speed and thus higher forces due to air resistance. Supporting a larger part of the panel during the folding also reduces the holding force needed by the suction element close to the axis of rotation, and thus reduces the risk that the suction element will lose grip on the cardboard.
Preferably, the folding flaps of the folding units are provided as telescopic flaps. Flaps of extendible length are particularly beneficial to support handling of a large variety of box sizes. A long flap will limit the ability to handle small sizes as the flap may interfere with other machine parts that need to be arranged close to each other due to the small box dimensions. Preferably, such extendible/telescopic flaps can be adapted automatically depending on the box sizes.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), in case a larger box needs to be handled longer folding flaps can be provided. In this case, in this case the size of the folding flaps is limited by the minimum size that needs to be handled.
A further embodiment is shown in
The segmented folding flaps 214, 215 shown in
The corner folding flaps and also the support units can be at least partially nested in adjacent flaps or support units, as shown in
Flaps of extendible length are shown in
The folding units as shown in
In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), at least one blowing unit for a blowing action almost parallel to the cardboard flap may be provided, for example slightly inclined towards the panel to be folded. Such blowing unit may comprise a blowing nozzle that could rotate along with the flap. Such blowing nozzle could be physically connected to a folding flap.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2013/051704 | Jan 2013 | EP | regional |
| 13169285.7 | May 2013 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2014/000215 | 1/29/2014 | WO | 00 |
