AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PACKAGING PIECE GOODS AND IN PARTICULAR CONTAINERS

Abstract

An apparatus for packaging piece goods compilations includes a first wrapping device for wrapping up the piece goods with a film element, and a further wrapping device for wrapping up the piece goods with a film element, wherein the piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with a film element, and wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and the further wrapping device can be selectively used in order to wrap the piece goods up.

Claims

1: An apparatus for packaging piece goods compilations with a transport device that transports a plurality of piece goods in a specified transport direction, comprising a first wrapping device that is suitable and intended for wrapping piece goods with a film element, which first wrapping device has a dispensing unit with a dispensing element circulating around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film element, wherein the apparatus comprises a further wrapping device that is suitable and intended for wrapping up the piece goods with a film element, wherein said further wrapping device has a dispensing unit with a dispensing element circulating around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film element, and wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and the further wrapping device can be selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods.

2: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one dispensing unit has a reception device in particular for rotationally receiving a film roll.

3: The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the reception device of at least one dispensing unit is accessible during on-going operation of the apparatus for replacing a film roll with a further film roll.

4: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a changeover device that allows an at least partially automated changeover of film carriers for loading the wrapping devices.

5: The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the changeover device has a gripping device located on a movement device for gripping and/or moving the film carriers.

6: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further wrapping device immediately follows the first wrapping device in the transport direction.

7: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one wrapping device has an annular carrier on which the dispensing unit is provided.

8: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport device has a forward feed device that pushes the piece goods into a working area of at least one of the wrapping devices.

9: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a second wrapping device that can be operated in a working operation of the apparatus at least temporarily at the same time as the first wrapping device.

10: The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second wrapping device is designed in such a way that the piece goods are wrapped up by the first wrapping device and the second wrapping device in opposite directions.

11: The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the apparatus has a second further wrapping device, wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the second wrapping device and the second further wrapping device can be selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods.

12: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a drive device for generating the circulation movement of both the dispensing unit of the first wrapping device and the dispensing unit of the further wrapping device.

13: A method for packaging piece goods compilations, wherein a transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in a specified transport direction, and wherein a first wrapping device wraps up piece goods with a film element, wherein said first wrapping device comprises a dispensing unit with a dispensing element circulating around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods are fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film element, wherein the apparatus has a further wrapping device that at times also wraps up the piece goods with a film element, wherein the first wrapping device has a dispensing unit with a dispensing element that circulates around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods are fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film element, and wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and a further wrapping device are selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods.

14: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the piece goods are wrapped up by at least two wrapping devices, wherein the wrapping operation is in particular carried out at the same time using at least these two wrapping devices.

15: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a changeover of film carriers is carried out at least partially automatically by a changeover device.

16: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least at times one wrapping device is operated, whilst another wrapping device is idle.

17: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the other wrapping device, at least one film roll is replaced.

18: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the film elements are applied by at least one wrapping device in a helical or spiral form onto the product stream.

19: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the piece goods are pushed by at least one forward feed device into the working region of at least one wrapping device.

Description

[0049] Further advantages and embodiments will result from the attached drawings, wherein:

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles;

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a further view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles;

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles with a first and further wrapping devices;

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles;

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles;

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a wrapping device;

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a view of a changeover device for changing film rolls;

[0057] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7;

[0058] FIG. 9 shows a view of a film roll on a carrier;

[0059] FIG. 10a-c show three views of a film roll resting on a carrier; and

[0060] FIG. 11 shows an overall view of an apparatus with a changeover device.

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a section of a packaging machine or an apparatus 50 according to the invention. Here, containers 1 are supplied as articles or a piece stream S. Reference numeral 3 relates to a transport device that transports the containers or piece goods along the transport direction T. The transport device is here preferably made up of a plurality of transport units which may also be arranged between the individual wrapping devices 2 and 6 and thereafter. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the articles are supplied as a dual-lane infeed flow by means of the first conveyor device. This feeding device may for example be a conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor or the like.

[0062] Reference numeral 2 identifies a first wrapping device that is used for wrapping up the containers with at least one layer of stretchable film, a so-called stretch film. This film element is here preferably wrapped in a helical manner per se known onto the articles or containers which are here conveyed in a pairwise manner next to each other, wherein sufficient tension of the film element ensures a firm mechanical coherence of the article or piece goods stream.

[0063] In order to ensure a trouble-free transport of the article or piece goods stream in the first wrapping device 2, for example circulating forward feed belts (not shown) may for example laterally engage on the article or piece goods stream S, which convey the containers through the first wrapping device 2, whilst the containers 1 are wrapped up at the same time.

[0064] In the first wrapping device 2, the containers may for example slide on a bottom sliding plate (not shown), which is also wrapped up.

[0065] Reference numeral 60 relates to a first forward feed module located downstream of the first wrapping device, which is used for the onward transport of the article or piece goods stream already wrapped up with at least one layer of stretch film (typically by means of upper and lower forward feed belts). These forward feed belts may here circulate endlessly over the length of the first forward feed modules on the top and bottom sides of the article or piece goods stream and may ensure the onward transport thereof to a second wrapping device 6.

[0066] In the second wrapping device 6, also a second layer of film elements may be applied in a helical manner onto the article or piece goods stream, which is preferably carried out at a different wrapping angle to the first wrapping device 2 and/or in an opposite wrapping direction (i.e. circulation direction).

[0067] Reference numeral 61 relates to a further forward feed module and is used for the onward transport of the article and piece goods stream that is now wrapped up in several layers of stretch film. To this end, too, upper and lower forward feed belts may again be used which circulate preferably endlessly over the length of the second forward feed module 61 at the top and bottom sides of the article or piece goods stream and effect the onward transport thereof. As a result of this transport, a film packaging wrapped up in a helical manner in several layers of film elements and initially moving endlessly in the conveying direction with containers 1 packaged therein is formed, and subsequently, the levels that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the conveying device may be selectively provided with perforations, and/or packagings between consecutive containers or container pairs or groups of several conveyed containers are severed. Correspondingly, reference numerals 62 and 64 relate to cutting units or separation units used for separating the film elements. Here, these two cutting units 62, 64 may be redundantly present in order to effect higher throughput rates.

[0068] Reference numeral 66 identifies a discharge unit that discharges the bundles 1 thus created.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a lateral view of a corresponding apparatus for wrapping up bundles. Here, the containers 1 as well as the sliding plate or carrier 32 are again shown, onto which the plastic containers 1 are pushed. Reference numeral 34 identifies lateral guide elements that are used for the lateral guiding of the containers or the piece goods compilations.

[0070] Reference numerals 63 and 65 identify transport devices which here withdraw the containers already wrapped up from the first wrapping device 2. Reference numeral 72 identifies in a schematic way a cutting or separating element that cuts the film element, which in the course of this moves in a vertical direction P1.

[0071] Reference numeral 6 again identifies the second wrapping device, and here again the containers already bundled may be wrapped up. Reference numerals 76 and 78 identify two further transport devices which are again intended for withdrawing the bundles from the second wrapping device 6. Reference numeral 79 identifies a second cutting element which is also used for cutting the film element.

[0072] Reference numeral 82 identifies a transport unit for carrying away the individual bundles that have now been cut.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a further view of a wrapping device according to the invention. This shows, apart from the two first and second wrapping devices 2 and 6, also further wrapping devices 4 and 8, respectively. These two further wrapping devices 4 and 8 are used to enable the operation for example during a roll change of the first and second wrapping devices to be continued. FIG. 3 shows here two possible approaches. In the approach shown in the left-hand part of the figure, transport devices 63 and 65 are again provided between the first wrapping device 2 and the further wrapping device 4, which transport the containers forward. Also, both the first and the further wrapping devices have a sliding plate (carrier) 32 as well as lateral guide elements 34. The further wrapping device 4 may here be used alternatively with the first wrapping device 2. In the case of the second and further wrapping devices 6 and 8 shown on the right, these are arranged directly next to each other. A continuous sliding plate (carrier) 32 is also provided here, which may however also be implemented as a conveyor device. During operation, preferably one of the two wrapping devices 6 and 8 may be idle, whilst the second one applies wrappings.

[0074] Reference numerals 63 and 65 in turn identify a conveyor unit that withdraws the bundles from the wrapping devices 6 and 8.

[0075] Again, separation elements are provided which are used for separating the bundles or the film elements that wrap them up.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, again first and second wrapping devices 2 and 6 as well as further wrapping devices 4 and 8 respectively associated therewith are provided. In these views, too, the first wrapping device 2 as well as the further wrapping device 4 on the one hand and the second wrapping device 6 as well as the further wrapping device 8 are located together or one immediately behind the other.

[0077] In a further embodiment (not shown) it would also be possible for a first wrapping device 2 as well as a second wrapping device 6 as well as a further wrapping device 4 to be provided. Here, this further wrapping device 4 may be located in the transport direction T between the first wrapping device 2 and the second wrapping device 6. Once a roll is empty, this further wrapping device can selectively take over the operation of the first wrapping device 2 or of the second wrapping device 6.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows a further schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention. In this apparatus, three wrapping devices 2, 4, 6 are shown here. In addition, however, further wrapping devices may follow in particular on the right-hand side. Between these individual wrapping devices, in each case transport or conveyor devices 63, 65 are shown. These may in particular be forward feed devices that withdraw the containers for example from the wrapping devices 2, 4. Reference numeral 15 identifies a film roll. The wrapping device 4 may here be used when a film roll is to be replaced on the first wrapping device 2 or the second wrapping device 6. To this end, at least the further wrapping device 4 is suitable and intended to be operated in different circulation directions.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a wrapping device. This has an annular carrier generally identified with 25, which is here rotatable along the arrow P2 in the corresponding rotational direction. On this carrier, a dispensing unit 30 is provided, which is shown schematically and only as a whole. This has a dispensing element or a reception device 31, on which a roll 15, which is only schematically shown, with a film element 12 that can be wound off therefrom is provided for example in a rotational manner. This film element 12 is used for wrapping up the piece goods compilation 10. Here again the carrier 32 is shown, which is also wrapped up, as well as the lateral guide elements 34. After the wrapping, as shown above, the piece goods compilation 10 is pulled off from the carrier 32 and the lateral guide elements 34.

[0080] Reference numerals 92 and 94 identify wheels that are used for storing the circulating carrier 25. It is possible here for just one of these wheels to be driven as well.

[0081] As mentioned, it is preferably also possible for the carrier 25 to be moved in two different directions of rotation. It is also preferably possible for the carrier roll with the film element to be mounted on its rotatable carrier 31 in two ways on the left-hand or the right-hand side, in order to control the wrapping direction correspondingly.

[0082] Advantageously, a rotary speed of the carrier 25 is synchronised with a forward feed speed of the piece goods compilations 10.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a changeover device 100 for changing film rolls 15. This changeover device 100 has a gripping device 102 that can grip the film roll 15 for a changeover operation. Advantageously here, this gripping device 102 has an internal gripper that can be pushed into an opening 115 (cf. FIG. 8) of the film roll 15. This gripping device is here provided on a pivotable arm 108. This pivotable arm 108 in turn is located on a further, also pivotable arm 104 via a joint 106. Reference numeral 110 identifies a main carrier of the changeover device. As a result of the plurality of joints shown here, in particular a pivoting motion of the gripping unit about a plurality of axes is possible, here in particular about at least three axes which are in particular perpendicular to each other. In this way, the film roll 15 can be positioned in any desired way in a certain working area.

[0084] Reference numeral 120 identifies a detection device that can detect for example data of the film roll 15, such as for example a film material or an occupancy state or the like.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a changeover device 100. Here again, the arm 108 can be seen, on which the gripping device 102 is provided. As a result of the degrees of freedom, the film rolls 15 can be engaged by their openings 115 and can in this way for example be lifted off from a pallet.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows a view of a film roll 15 provided on a carrier 140. This film roll has here a marking 128 that shows a wind-off direction. In addition, further markings 127, 129 may be provided, which allow an optical detection device to ensure an accurate alignment of the film roll. Reference numeral 126 schematically identifies (not shown in more detail) a further marking, from which for example properties of the label roll, such as a material, may be read. For example, a barcode, a QR code or the like may be located here. Reference numeral 122 identifies lateral guide elements, which may for example also be adapted to a width of the film roll 15.

[0087] FIGS. 10a to 10c show further views of the film roll 15 provided on the carrier 140. Here, too, lateral guides 122 can be seen. Reference numeral 142 identifies a top edge of the carrier, which ultimately limits the receptacle for receiving the label roll.

[0088] FIG. 11 shows a further overall view of an apparatus according to the invention with a changeover device 100. A user B can here carry out this changeover semi-automatically or manually, but ultimately this changeover device 100 is advantageously used for receiving the individual film rolls 15 and for feeding them to the overall apparatus 1. Reference sign A identifies an action radius of the changeover device. It is also possible here for the changeover device 100 to load film rolls onto several wrapping devices. It would also be possible here for the changeover device 100 to be displaceable in the transport direction T in order to change film rolls in different places of the apparatus 1. Reference numeral 152 identifies a reception container for empty rolls.

[0089] Reference numeral 142 identifies an optical detection device in order to identify for example film rolls 15. This optical detection device 142 may also be used for detecting a position of the changeover device or of individual film rolls. Reference numeral 144 identifies a control device, by means of which the changeover device can be controlled. Via an input device 146, a user can for example input data, such as data that is characteristic for a product change.

[0090] The applicant reserves the right to claim all of the features disclosed in the application documents as being essential to the invention, in as far as they are novel over the prior art either individually or in combination. It is further pointed out that also features were described in the individual figures which may be advantageous by themselves. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognise that a certain feature described in a figure may also be advantageous without taking over further features from this figure. A person skilled in the art will further recognise that advantages may result also from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0091] 1 Containers [0092] 2 First wrapping device [0093] 3 Transport device [0094] 4 Further wrapping device [0095] 6 Second wrapping device [0096] 8 Further wrapping device [0097] 10 Piece goods compilation [0098] 12 Film element [0099] 14 Article or piece goods stream/film element [0100] 15 Film roll [0101] 25 Circulating (annular) carrier [0102] 30 Dispensing unit [0103] 31 Dispensing element/reception device [0104] 32 Sliding plate/carrier [0105] 34 Lateral guide elements [0106] 50 Apparatus [0107] 60 First forward feed module [0108] 61 Further forward feed module [0109] 62, 64 Cutting or separating unit [0110] 63, 65 Transport device/conveyor unit [0111] 66 Discharge device [0112] 72, 79 Cutting or separating element [0113] 76, 78 Further transport device [0114] 82 Transport unit [0115] 92, 94 Wheels [0116] 100 Changeover device [0117] 102 Gripping device [0118] 106 Joint [0119] 108 Pivotable arm [0120] 110 Main carrier [0121] 115 Opening [0122] 120 Detection device [0123] 122 Lateral guide [0124] 128 Marking [0125] 126, 127, 129 Further markings [0126] 140 Carrier [0127] 144 Control device [0128] 146 Input device [0129] 152 Reception container [0130] P1 Vertical direction [0131] P2 Direction of rotation [0132] S Article or piece goods stream [0133] T Transport direction [0134] B User