EP3564137B1 - Method and device for sealing cardboard packaging - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for closing cardboard outer packaging according to the features of the independent claims.

The invention relates to the closing of cardboard outer packaging. Conventionally known so-called RSC boxes, i.e. folding boxes with four closure flaps, are typically closed in such a way that the inner flaps are first folded in with the help of inner flap straps or the like and then the outer flaps are also folded in with the aid of lid flap straps. Between the folding in of the inner flaps and the folding in of the outer flaps, for example, adhesive can be applied to the outer sides of the inner flaps or the inner sides of the outer flaps, so that when the outer flaps are folded in, the outer flaps can also be fixed to the inner flaps. Alternatively, following the folding in of the outer flaps, an adhesive strip, for example, can be attached over the abutting edge between the two outer flaps in order to securely close the cardboard outer packaging.

The invention relates in particular to the closing of specially designed cardboard outer packaging which, in particular, is designed as a conventional RSC cardboard box in the lower area. In contrast, the upper area is designed as a quick release system, which in particular comprises two locking tabs connected to one another via folding tabs. Such a cardboard outer packaging is for example in the patent US 6 668 525 B2 described and in the Figures 1A and 1B shown schematically. The document also describes a device for closing such cardboard outer packaging. The device comprises a V-shaped centering device above a conveying device for cardboard outer packaging that has been drawn up and already closed in the bottom area. When the cardboard outer packaging is transported over the conveyor device, these first enter the central opening of the V between the arms of the centering device. As the movement continues in the conveying direction, the arms of the centering device contact the upper flaps of the cardboard outer packaging. By further bringing the arms of the V together, they become the closing flaps of the cardboard outer packaging are pressed down, thereby causing the folding flaps to fold.

The patent specification US 4215522 B describes cardboard outer packaging with flaps that have fold lines. The fold lines define triangular areas. A device for closing the cardboard outer packaging contains pressure plates that come into operative connection with the triangular areas and partially fold them inward.

A disadvantage of this known system is, in particular, that both when closing the conventional RSC boxes and when closing the specially designed cardboard outer packaging according to the patent US 6 668 525 B2 Only one cardboard outer packaging can be processed per conveyor lane, since the closing tools require a certain amount of space. In particular with the known devices for closing conventional RSC boxes, only a defined size of boxes can be processed, since the track width and the arrangement of the folding tools must be adapted to the dimensions of the boxes currently being processed.

The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for closing cardboard outer packaging with improved performance

The above object is achieved by a device, in particular by a folding device, for closing cardboard outer packaging and a method for closing cardboard outer packaging, which include the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

The method and the device are particularly intended and suitable for cardboard outer packaging, the underside of which is designed as a conventional RSC cardboard (so-called "regular slotted carton"), which is assembled in a known manner from a suitable cardboard blank and closed at the bottom, for example. by gluing or stapling or by simply hammering in. In contrast, the top is equipped with a quick release system. In particular, the cardboard outer packaging described here comprises two opposing upper closure flaps which can be folded over around approximately horizontal first folded edges, the side edges of which are each connected to one another via two folding flaps.

The folding flaps also each have an approximately horizontal second folded edge and additional inclined third folded edges, the inclined third folded edges in particular between the end points of the second horizontal one Fold edge of the folding flap and the center of a parallel, upper free edge of the folding flap are formed.

The cardboard outer packaging is unfolded in a known manner, closed at the bottom and filled with a suitable content, for example with an article combination of a defined number of identical or different articles. The articles can be, for example, filled beverage containers such as bottles or cans or other suitable products or piece goods that are to be packaged. To complete the outer packaging, the filled box must now be closed on the top.

For the implementation of a closing process according to the method described here, at least two cardboard outer packaging as a group are positioned directly adjacent to one another or slightly spaced, so that a first upper closure flap of a first cardboard outer packaging of the group is directly adjacent or slightly spaced from a second upper closure flap second cardboard outer packaging of the group is located. In particular, such a group is positioned and / or arranged on a transport device of the device according to the invention.

The device further comprises at least two folding devices that can be advanced against one another for each of the at least two cardboard outer packaging of the group. The folding devices are designed to be linearly movable transversely to a transport direction of the transport device and are brought into engagement with the folding flaps of the cardboard outer packaging to close the cardboard outer packaging. In particular, two folding devices that can be advanced against one another grip the folding flaps of each of the at least two cardboard outer packaging of the group, pressing them against each other, causing them to fold over at their respective second folded edges and third folded edges and are pressed inward, which causes the upper closure flaps to fold down .

The top surface of the closed cardboard outer packaging is formed by at least one upper closure flap. According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps can for example have largely identical dimensions and in particular each have a width between the horizontal folded edge and a free parallel edge that is approximately half the width of the top of the cardboard outer packaging between the two horizontal folded edges of the corresponds to the upper locking tabs. The width between the horizontal folded edge and the free parallel edge can preferably be somewhat less than half the width of the top of the box. When the closing flaps are folded down, the two free parallel edges of the two upper closing flaps meet in the middle and together form the top of the cardboard outer packaging. The cardboard outer packaging closed in this way can now be secured, for example by means of a previously applied adhesive strip, in particular by means of an adhesive strip that is attached centrally and parallel to the folded edges of the upper closure flaps on the top of the cardboard outer packaging and thus the two free parallel edges of the upper closure tabs covered with each other and / or connects.

Alternatively, it can be provided that, for example, before the start of the infeed movement of the folding devices and thus before the start of the resulting folding in of the folding flaps, an adhesive is applied to the inside of the upper closure flaps. In the case of complete closing, for example by a closing device which is described below and which presses down, the inner surfaces of the closing flaps are pressed, in particular, onto the outer surfaces of the folding flaps and are fixed to them via the adhesive.

According to an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that a first upper closure flap has a width between the horizontal folded edge and the free parallel edge that corresponds to a maximum of half the width of the top of the box between the two horizontal folded edges of the upper closure flaps, while a second upper closure flap has a width which corresponds approximately to the width of the top of the box between the two horizontal fold edges of the upper closure flaps. When closing by means of the above-mentioned method and / or by means of the above-mentioned device, the second upper closure flap forms the top or top surface of the closed cardboard outer packaging. In this alternative embodiment, for example, an adhesive can be applied to the outer surface of the first upper closure flap before folding over. Since the second upper closure flap is arranged at least in some areas above the first upper closure flap, an adhesive connection is thus created between the first and the second upper closure flap.

By folding in the folding flaps and the resulting folding down of the upper closure flaps, a distance between the increases first upper closure flap of the first cardboard outer packaging of the group and the second upper closure flap of the second cardboard outer packaging of the group. In particular, the distance between the free upper parallel edge of the first upper closing flap of the first cardboard outer packaging of the group and a free upper parallel edge of the second upper closing flap of the second cardboard outer packaging of the group increases.

Preferably, it is provided that all of the at least two folding devices that act on a cardboard outer packaging of the group simultaneously engage the folding flaps of all cardboard outer packaging of the group, so that all upper closure flaps of all cardboard outer packaging of the group are folded down simultaneously and synchronously. For example, it is provided that the folding devices are mechanically coupled to one another. For example, it can be provided that a folding device is driven by means of a drive and that all other folding devices are also moved synchronously due to the mechanical coupling. The mechanical coupling must be designed in such a way that the movement of a folding device in one direction causes a countermovement of the associated opposite folding device, which engages the same cardboard outer packaging. Alternatively, it can be provided that the folding devices are electronically coupled and jointly controlled electronically in order to effect a synchronous processing of all cardboard outer packaging of a group. Of course, all of the folding devices can each have their own drive, or the at least two folding devices that engage on a cardboard outer packaging and can be delivered to one another are coupled to one another in terms of movement.

The cardboard outer packagings forming a group can be fixed on the transport device by means of fixing devices, so that in particular the relative arrangement of the at least two cardboard outer packagings of the group is defined. The fixing devices can in particular be designed as clamping devices, between which the cardboard outer packagings of the group are clamped, so that the cardboard outer packagings of the group are arranged end to end within the transport device.

By pressing in the folding flaps by means of the folding devices, for example by means of rods that can be advanced against one another or the like, the upper Closing flaps of the cardboard outer packaging are largely closed. The complete closure is preferably supported by a closure device which acts from above and which in particular exerts pressure on the folded-down upper closure tabs.

At the same time, it can be provided that during the complete closing of the upper closing flaps by the downward movement of the closing device, the folding devices are moved apart and thus removed from engagement with the folding flaps.

According to one embodiment, the cardboard outer packaging is moved continuously in a transport direction during the closing. Accordingly, the folding devices are moved synchronously with the cardboard outer packaging in the transport direction during the engagement on the folding flaps. Analogously to this, in the case of a continuous transport movement of the cardboard outer packaging, the closing device must also be moved synchronously in the transport direction while the upper closure flaps of the cardboard outer packaging are pressed down.

According to an alternative embodiment, a cyclical production operation is provided, the cardboard outer packaging being moved in a transport direction, but the transport being interrupted at least briefly to close the cardboard outer packaging, in particular to bring the folding devices into engagement with the folding flaps and / or in order to end the closing process by completely folding down the upper closing tabs, for example by means of the closing device.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least two cardboard outer packagings of the group are transferred from the transport device to a further transport lane or into a further packaging module after they have been closed. According to one embodiment, the closing device can be designed to function at the same time as a transfer device, so that the at least two cardboard outer packagings are completely closed by means of the closing device acting from above and transferred from this to a further transport lane or into a further packaging module. In particular, the closing device attacks all cardboard outer packaging of a group at the same time in order to completely close them and implement them together.

The invention describes a movement profile for closing a specially designed RSC cardboard box with a quick-release closure system on the top. With the help of a two-sided linear movement to each other, the cardboard outer packaging is completely closed using the folding flaps, which have a special shape with additional beveled folded edges. This method results in a change in the distance between the upper closing flaps of the cardboard outer packaging when closing.

This method has the advantage that several loaded cardboard outer packaging can be closed at the same time next to one another in a transport lane. On the other hand, at least two directly adjacent cardboard boxes, which are arranged end to end within the transport lane or only with a small distance from one another, cannot be closed with conventional methods, since the cardboard box has to be approached from all four sides. Due to the compact arrangement of the cardboard outer packaging when closing, the device requires less space and can therefore be made smaller. In addition, an increase in performance can be achieved, in particular since the at least two cardboard outer packaging can be closed at the same time. In addition, the adjoining arrangement of the at least two cardboard outer packagings increases the stability of the cardboard outer packagings within the device, since they support one another.

It is also possible to process different quantities of containers. The method and the device can be used in particular for the production of small containers, i.e. cardboard outer packaging with a few articles arranged therein, for example four or six containers.

The use of cardboard outer packaging with upper closure flaps of different lengths enables, if one of the upper closure flaps is appropriately dimensioned, a complete closure of the upper side of the cardboard outer packaging: In this case, for example, glue can only be applied to the inside of the longer upper closure flap and / or the outside the shorter upper locking flap is sufficient for a secure fixation.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention in the same way. Therefore, if at any point in the description or at the definition of claims for the device according to the invention refers to certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention in the same way. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

The following remarks summarize some aspects of the invention, which has already been explained in different design variants, specify some aspects, but should not be seen as a contradiction to the explanations already given, but rather in synopsis, in case of doubt, possibly as more specific design variants and / or modifications. As already mentioned several times above, the quick-release fastener system according to the invention can thus be part of a packaging system. Flat cardboard blanks are normally provided in a magazine. These are removed by a robot or the like and pulled into cardboard outer packaging in a first pulling device, with the bottom flaps already being closed in a known manner. The cardboard outer packaging prepared in this way is arranged on a first transport device, in particular a first conveyor belt, and moved in a transport direction. It is provided here that in each case at least two cardboard outer packagings are arranged as a group directly adjacent to one another on the first conveyor belt.

The articles or piece goods to be inserted into the cardboard outer packaging, for example bottles, cans or the like, are fed in, for example in a mass flow, via a bottle inlet and separated into parallel rows, for example by aisle sheets or other suitable devices. The bottles are preferably pressed against a stop which extends perpendicular to the aisle plates. This results in a uniform arrangement of the bottles within the parallel rows.

Within a so-called packaging module, a suitable gripping device removes a corresponding number of bottles from the rows and places them in the prepared cardboard outer packaging on the conveyor belt. For example the gripping device includes so-called tulip grippers for picking up and setting down the bottles.

The conveyor belt can move continuously while the bottles are being inserted into the cardboard outer packaging. In this case, however, the gripping device must be moved synchronously with it. Alternatively, cyclic operation is conceivable, i.e. the conveyor belt is briefly stopped, the bottles are inserted into the cardboard outer packaging and the conveyor belt is restarted in order to feed the cardboard outer packaging, which is now filled with bottles, to a device for closing the top of the cardboard outer packaging, in particular a folding device. Inside the folding device, which will be described in more detail below, the upper first and second closing flaps are folded down and the cardboard outer packaging is closed in this way.

For the purpose of closing a cardboard outer packaging, several cardboard outer packaging are each placed as a group, comprising at least two cardboard outer packaging, on the first transport device and are preferably fixed there between two clamping devices arranged one after the other in the transport direction and movable with the first transport device in the transport direction. The at least two cardboard outer packaging of the group are thus arranged directly adjacent to one another or only slightly spaced from one another, with a first upper closure flap of a first cardboard outer packaging adjoining a second closure flap of the second cardboard outer packaging. A conventionally known closing by pressing down the upper closing tabs is therefore not easily possible.

While the cardboard outer packaging is filled with articles and fed to the folding device via the first transport device, they are fixed to the first transport device by the clamping device.

The folding device comprises linearly movable folding devices. In particular, for each cardboard outer packaging to be closed at the same time, the folding device has two folding devices which can be advanced towards one another and which can be formed, for example, by linear plungers. The folding devices are arranged on both sides of the first transport device and, in particular, are designed to be linearly movable orthogonally to the transport direction. In particular, the folding devices are thus arranged parallel to the upper closure flaps. The folding devices are particularly in arranged at a height above the transport surface of the first transport device, which is at least slightly greater than the carton height and less than the sum of the carton height and a length of the closure flaps.

In order to close the cardboard outer packaging of a group, the folding devices assigned to the respective cardboard outer packaging and arranged in pairs are simultaneously advanced towards one another by means of a linear movement. This causes the folding flaps to fold in, which automatically leads to the free upper parallel edges of the upper closing flaps of each cardboard outer packaging being moved downwards and towards each other.

Optionally, the folding flaps of the processed and to be closed cardboard outer packaging can have a trapezoidal recess in the respective middle area of their upper free edges. The third folded edges are formed in particular between the lower corner points of the trapezoidal recess and the corner points of the horizontal second folded edge. The folding devices, in particular the linear plungers, preferably engage in a central area of the folding flaps below the trapezoidal recess and, through their movement towards the center of the cardboard outer packaging, cause the folding flaps to be folded in around the second folded edges and the upper closure flaps to be folded down around the first Folded edges.

In the case of the cardboard outer packaging, the distance between the free upper parallel edges of the two upper closure flaps is reduced. Analogously to this, the distance between the free upper parallel edges of the upper closure flaps is reduced in the case of the other, adjacent cardboard outer packaging. In addition, the folding down of the upper closure flaps now creates a distance between the first upper closure flap of the first cardboard outer packaging and the second closure flap of the second cardboard outer packaging.

In order to completely close the upper closing flaps, which are largely folded down, a suitable closing device can optionally be placed onto the cardboard outer packaging from above. The closing device is preferably designed in such a way that it is placed simultaneously on the at least two cardboard outer packagings combined in a group and these are thus completed synchronously.

At the same time, the respective folding devices assigned to the cardboard outer packaging are moved apart so that they are no longer in engagement with the folding flaps of the cardboard outer packaging.

Furthermore, it can be provided that before the start of the infeed movement of the folding devices and thus before the start of the resulting folding in of the folding flaps, an application of adhesive takes place on the inside of the upper closure flaps. When the closure device is completely closed by the downwardly pressing closure device, the inner surfaces of the closure flaps are pressed, in particular, onto the outer surfaces of the folding flaps and are fixed to them via the adhesive.

Alternatively, an adhesive strip can be applied over the abutting edge of the centrally meeting closure flaps and in this way connect the abutting edges to one another and thus close the top of the cardboard outer packaging.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least two cardboard outer packagings of the group are transferred from the transport device to a further transport lane or into a further packaging module after they have been closed. For example, the closing device can be designed to function at the same time as a transfer device, so that the at least two cardboard outer packagings of the group are completely closed by means of the closing device acting from above and transferred from this to a further transport lane or to a further packaging module. In particular, the closing device attacks all cardboard outer packaging of the group at the same time in order to completely close them and implement them together.

In a further embodiment of a cardboard outer packaging, the first closure flap can in particular have a length that is less than the cardboard width. The second closure flap, on the other hand, has a length which is greater than the length of the first closure flaps and which approximately corresponds to the width of the box.

The cardboard outer packagings are in turn each placed as a group, comprising at least two cardboard outer packagings, on the first transport device and there preferably arranged between two one after the other in the direction of transport and fixed with the first transport device movable clamping devices in the transport direction.

The folding devices are arranged in particular at a height above the transport surface of the first transport device which is at least slightly greater than the height of the box and less than the sum of the height of the box and the length of the shorter closure flap.

In order to close the cardboard outer packaging of a group, the folding devices assigned to the respective cardboard outer packaging and arranged in pairs are simultaneously advanced towards one another by means of a linear movement. This causes the folding flaps to fold in, which automatically leads to the free upper parallel edges of the upper closing flaps of each cardboard outer packaging being moved downwards and towards each other. In addition, the folding down of the upper closure flaps now creates a distance between the first upper closure flap of the first cardboard outer packaging and the second closure flap of the second cardboard outer packaging.

When using cardboard outer packaging with upper closure flaps of different lengths, a complete closure of the upper side of the cardboard outer packaging can be achieved if one of the upper closure flaps is dimensioned accordingly. In this case, for example, glue can only be applied to the inside of the longer upper closure flap and / or the outside of the shorter upper closure flap in order to securely close and / or fix the top of the cardboard outer packaging.

The carton sealing method described here and the folding device have the advantage that several cardboard outer packagings can be sealed next to one another at the same time, whereby an increase in performance can be achieved in particular. Depending on the equipping of the cardboard outer packaging with possibly different articles or also depending on the use of different cardboard outer packaging within a group of cardboard boxes to be closed at the same time, different containers can be processed at the same time.

It is possible to arrange the folding devices of the folding device variable in height, so that the height at which the folding devices are linearly movable above the transport plane of the first transport device in a plane parallel to the Transport level are arranged, can be adapted and adjusted according to the carton height of the respective carton outer packaging. Thus, the folding device can be used variably. The variability can be further increased if the clamping devices are arranged on the first transport device in such a way that the distance between the clamping devices, between which the cardboard outer packaging of a group is arranged, can also be changed.

• Figuren 1A und 1B zeigen eine Karton-Umverpackung mit einem Schnellverschlusssystem, wie es aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Befüllen und Verschließen von mindestens zwei direkt nebeneinander angeordneten Karton-Umverpackungen mit Schnellverschlusssystem.
• Figuren 3 bis 6 zeigen das Verschließen einer Karton-Umverpackungen mit Schnellverschlusssystem vermittels einer erfindungsgemäßen Faltvorrichtung, wobei die Figuren 3A, 4A, 5A und 6A jeweils eine seitliche Darstellung zeigen, und wobei die Figuren 3B, 4B, 5B und 6B jeweils eine Darstellung der Faltvorrichtung in Transportrichtung gesehen zeigen.
• Figuren 7 bis 10 zeigen das Verschließen einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Karton-Umverpackung mit Schnellverschlusssystem vermittels einer erfindungsgemäßen Faltvorrichtung.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• Figures 1A and 1B show a cardboard outer packaging with a quick release system, as is known from the prior art.
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a device for the simultaneous filling and closing of at least two cardboard outer packagings arranged directly next to one another with a quick-release closure system.
• Figures 3 to 6 show the closing of a cardboard outer packaging with a quick release system by means of a folding device according to the invention, the Figures 3A, 4A , 5A and 6A each show a side view, and where the Figures 3B, 4B , 5B and 6B each show a representation of the folding device seen in the transport direction.
• Figures 7 to 10 show the closing of a further embodiment of a cardboard outer packaging with a quick-release closure system by means of a folding device according to the invention.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The Figures 1A and 1B show a cardboard outer packaging 1 with a quick release system 2 according to the known prior art in a perspective view. In particular, shows the Figure 1A an open top cardboard outer packaging 1 and Figure 1B shows a cardboard outer packaging 1 closed at the top, which is also identified below with the reference symbol 1 *. The cardboard outer packaging 1 has a first upper closure flap 3 and a second upper closure flap 4, which can be folded over over approximately horizontal first folded edges 40. The side edges 42 of the upper closure flaps 3, 4 are connected to one another via a first folding flap 5 and a second folding flap 6.

In the example shown, the first upper closing flap 3 and the second upper closing flap 4 are designed with identical dimensions and in particular have the same length h3, h4, which each makes up about 50% of the carton width B. Furthermore, the first folding flap 5 and the second folding flap 6 are also identically dimensioned and each have an approximately horizontal second folded edge 60 and third folded edges 7, which are in particular between the end points of the second folded edge 60 of the folding flaps 5, 6 and the center of the upper free Edge 62 are formed. When the first and second closing flaps 3, 4 are folded down, the first and second folding flaps 5, 6 are bent at these second and third folded edges 60, 7, so that the first and second folding flaps 5, 6 fold inward.

After the closure, the closed cardboard outer packaging 1 * has a cardboard height h1 which essentially corresponds to the height between the cardboard bottom and the cardboard top. The sum of the lengths h3, h4 of the closure flaps 3, 4 essentially results in the box width B. If necessary, the sum of the lengths h3, h4 of the closure flaps 3, 4 can be slightly less than the box width B in order to allow simple closing with little play .

The schematic top view of the Fig. 2 shows a packaging system 9 for the simultaneous filling and closing of at least two cardboard outer packaging 1 arranged directly next to one another using a quick-release closure system 2 according to FIG Fig. 1 . Flat cardboard blanks 10 are provided in a magazine 11. These are removed by a robot or the like and pulled into cardboard outer packaging 1 in a first pulling device 12, the bottom flaps (not shown) already being closed in a known manner. The cardboard outer packaging 1 prepared in this way is placed on a first Transport device 13, in particular a first conveyor belt 14, arranged and moved in the transport direction TR. It is provided here that in each case at least two cardboard outer packagings 1 are arranged as a group 50 directly adjacent to one another on the first conveyor belt 14.

The articles 15 to be inserted into the cardboard outer packaging 1, for example bottles 16, cans or the like, are fed in, for example in a mass flow, via a bottle inlet 17 and are separated into parallel rows 19, for example by aisle plates 18 or other suitable devices. The bottles 16 are preferably pressed against a stop 20 which extends perpendicular to the aisle plates 18. This results in a uniform arrangement of the bottles 16 within the parallel rows 19.

Within a packing module 21, a suitable gripping device removes a corresponding number of bottles 16 from rows 18 and places them in the prepared cardboard outer packaging 1 on the conveyor belt 14. For example, the gripping device comprises so-called tulip grippers for picking up and setting down the bottles 16.

While the bottles 16 are being inserted into the cardboard outer packaging 1, the conveyor belt 14 can move continuously. In this case, however, the gripping device must be moved synchronously with it. Alternatively, a cyclic operation is conceivable, ie the conveyor belt 14 is briefly stopped, the bottles 16 are inserted into the cardboard outer packaging 1 and the conveyor belt 14 is restarted to transfer the cardboard outer packaging 1, which is now filled with bottles 16, to a device for closing the top of the cardboard outer packaging 1, in particular a folding device 22. Inside the folding device 22, which will be used below in connection with the Figures 3 to 10 is described in more detail, the upper first and second closure flaps 3, 4 are folded down and the cardboard outer packaging 1 is closed. The closed cardboard outer packaging 1 is also identified below with the reference symbol 1 *.

The Figures 3 to 6 show the closing of a cardboard outer packaging 1 with a quick release system 2 by means of a folding device 22 according to the invention, the Figures 3A, 4A , 5A and 6A each show a side view and where the Figures 3B, 4B , 5B and 6B each a representation of the folding device in Show the direction of transport. The cardboard outer packagings 1 shown have according to FIG Fig. 1 identically dimensioned first and second closure tabs 3, 4.

In particular, the Figures 3 to 6 a movement profile for closing a cardboard outer packaging 1 is shown. The cardboard outer packaging is each placed as a group 50 comprising at least two cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 on the first transport device 13 and there preferably between two clamping devices 25 arranged one after the other in the transport direction TR and movable with the first transport device 13 in the transport direction TR fixed. The at least two cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 of group 50 are thus arranged directly adjacent to one another or only slightly spaced from one another, with a first upper closure flap 3-1 of a first cardboard outer packaging 1-1 attached to a second closure flap 4- 2 of the second cardboard outer packaging 1-2 borders. A conventionally known closing by pressing down the upper closing tabs 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, 4-2 is therefore not easily possible.

While the cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 is filled with articles (not shown) and fed to the folding device 22 via the first transport device 13, they are fixed to the first transport device 13 by the clamping device 25.

The folding device 22 comprises linearly movable folding devices 23. In particular, the folding device 22 has two folding devices 23, for example linear plungers 24, which can be moved towards one another for each cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 to be closed at the same time. The folding devices 23 are arranged on both sides of the first transport device 13 and, in particular, are designed to be linearly movable orthogonally to the transport direction TR. In particular, the folding devices 23 are thus arranged parallel to the upper closure flaps 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, 4-2. The folding devices 23 are in particular arranged at a height h22 above the transport surface of the first transport device, which is at least slightly greater than the carton height h1 and is less than the sum of the carton height h1 and the length h3, h4 of the closure flaps 3, 4.

In order to close the cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 of a group 50, the folding devices 23 assigned to the respective cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 and arranged in pairs are simultaneously moved towards one another by means of a linear movement ( Figures 4 and 5 ). This causes the folding flaps 5, 6 to fold in, what automatically leads to the free upper parallel edges 30 of the upper closure flaps 3-1, 4-1 and 3-2, 4-2 of each cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 being moved downwards and towards one another. In contrast to the in Fig. 1 Cardboard outer packaging 1 shown have the folding flaps 5, 6 of the cardboard outer packaging 1 according to the in the Figures 3 to 6 The illustrated embodiment has a trapezoidal recess 8 in the middle area of its upper free edge (cf. Figure 3A ). The third folded edges 7 are formed in particular between the lower corner points of the trapezoidal recess 8 and the corner points of the horizontal second folded edge 60. The folding devices 23, in particular the linear plungers 24, preferably engage in a central area of the folding flaps 5, 6 below the trapezoidal recess 8 and, through their movement towards the center of the cardboard outer packaging 1, cause the folding flaps 5, 6 to be folded in around the second Fold edges 60 and the folding down of the upper closure flaps 3-1, 4-1 and 3-2, 4-2 around the first fold edges 40 (cf. Figure 3A ).

In the case of the cardboard outer packaging 1-1, the distance A30 between the free upper parallel edges 30 of the upper closure flap 3-1 and the upper closure flap 4-1 is reduced. Analogously to this, in the case of the cardboard outer packaging 1-2, the distance between the free upper parallel edges 30 of the upper closure flap 3-2 and the upper closure flap 4-2 is reduced. In addition, by folding down the upper closing flaps 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, 4-2, a distance d now arises between the first upper closing flap 3-1 of the first cardboard outer packaging 1-1 and the second closing flap 4-2 the second cardboard outer packaging 1-2.

In order to completely close the upper closing flaps 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, 4-2, which are largely folded down, according to FIG Figure 5B a closing device 26 can be placed onto the cardboard outer packaging 1 from above. The closing device 26 is preferably designed in such a way that it is placed simultaneously on the at least two cardboard outer packagings 1-1, 1-2 combined in a group 50 and these are thus completed synchronously. At the same time, according to Figure 6B the respective folding devices 23 assigned to the cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 are moved apart so that they are no longer in engagement with the folding flaps 5, 6 of the cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2.

Furthermore, it can be provided that before the start of the infeed movement of the folding devices 23 and thus before the start of the resulting folding in of the Folding flaps 5, 6, an application of adhesive on the inside of the upper closure flaps 3-1, 3-2, 4-1 and / or 4-2 takes place. When completely closing by the downwardly pressing closing device 26, the inner surfaces of the closing flaps 3-1, 3-2, 4-1 and / or 4-2 are pressed, in particular, onto the outer surfaces of the folding flaps 5, 6 and are fixed to them via the adhesive . Alternatively, an adhesive strip can be applied over the joint edge of the centrally meeting closure flaps 3-1, 4-1 or 3-2, 4-2 and thus connect the joint edges to one another and thus close the top of the cardboard outer packaging 1, 1 *.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least two cardboard outer packagings 1-1, 1-2 of the group 50 are transferred from the transport device 13 to a further transport lane or in a further packaging module after they have been closed. For example, the closing device 26 can be designed accordingly to function at the same time as a transfer device 28, so that the at least two cardboard outer packagings 1-1, 1-2 of the group 50 are completely closed by means of the closing device 26 acting from above and from this to another Transport lane or can be implemented in another packaging module. In particular, the closing device 26 acts simultaneously on all cardboard outer packagings 1-1, 1-2 of the group 50 in order to completely close them and implement them together.

The schematic Figures 7 to 10 show the closing of a further embodiment of a cardboard outer packaging 1, 1-1, 1-2 with a quick-release closure system by means of a folding device 22 according to the invention, the Figures 7 to 9 each show a side view of the folding device 22. Fig. 10 shows in particular a perspective view of the closed cardboard outer packaging 1 * produced in this way.

In the embodiment of a cardboard outer packaging 1, 1-1, 1-2 shown here, the first closure flap 3, 3-1, 3-2 has a length h3 that is less than the cardboard width B (see also FIG Figures 1 ). The second closure flap 4, 4-1, 4-2, on the other hand, has a length h4 which is greater than the length h3 and approximately corresponds to the box width B, in particular h4 ≤ B.

The cardboard outer packagings are in turn each placed as a group 50 comprising at least two cardboard outer packagings 1-1, 1-2 on the first transport device 13 and fixed there preferably between two clamping devices 25 arranged one after the other in the transport direction TR and movable with the first transport device 13 in the transport direction TR. For a description of the folding process by means of the folding devices 23, refer to the description of the Figures 3 to 6 referenced.

The folding devices 23 are in particular arranged at a height h22 above the transport surface of the first transport device 13, which is at least slightly greater than the carton height h1 and is less than the sum of the carton height h1 and the length h3 of the shorter closure flap 3.

In order to close the cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 of a group 50, the folding devices 23 assigned to the respective cardboard outer packaging 1-1, 1-2 and arranged in pairs are simultaneously moved towards one another by means of a linear movement ( Figures 4 and 5 ). This causes the folding flaps 5, 6 to fold in, which automatically leads to the free upper parallel edges 30-3, 30-4 of the upper closing flaps 3-1, 4-1 and 3-2, 4-2 of each cardboard outer packaging 1 -1, 1-2 are moved down and towards each other. In addition, by folding down the upper closing flaps 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, 4-2, a distance d now arises between the first upper closing flap 3-1 of the first cardboard outer packaging 1-1 and the second closing flap 4-2 the second cardboard outer packaging 1-2.

One according to Figures 7 to 9 manufactured sealed cardboard outer packaging 1 * is in Fig. 10 shown in perspective. Since the length h4 preferably corresponds approximately to the carton width B or is slightly smaller than the carton width B, the outside of the closure flap 4 essentially forms the top of the closed cardboard outer packaging 1 *.

When using cardboard outer packaging 1 with upper closure flaps 3, 4 of different lengths, a complete closure of the upper side of the cardboard outer packaging 1, 1 * can be achieved with appropriate dimensioning of one of the upper closure flaps 4, 4-1, 4-2. In this case, for example, glue can only be applied to the inside of the longer upper closure flap 4, 4-1, 4-2 and / or the outside of the shorter upper closure flap 3, 3-1, 3-2, around the top of the carton - Outer packaging 1, 1 * to be securely closed and / or fixed.

The carton sealing method described here and the folding device 22 have the advantage that several cardboard outer packagings 1 can be sealed next to one another at the same time, which in particular enables an increase in performance to be achieved. Depending on the equipping of the cardboard outer packaging 1 with possibly different articles or also depending on the use of different cardboard outer packaging within a group 50 of cardboard boxes to be closed at the same time, different containers can be processed at the same time.

Provision can be made to arrange the folding devices 23 of the folding device 22 in a height-variable manner, so that the height h22 at which the folding devices 23 are arranged above the transport plane of the first transport device 13 so that they can move linearly in a plane parallel to the transport plane, corresponding to the carton height h1 of the respective carton outer packaging 1 can be adjusted and set. Thus, the folding device 22 can be used variably. The variability can be further increased if the clamping devices 25 are arranged on the first transport device 13 in such a way that the distance between the clamping devices 25, between which the cardboard outer packaging 1 of a group 50 is arranged, can also be changed.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description are of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the cardboard outer packaging and / or parts the folding device or other drawn elements impaired in any way in his understanding would. The figures enable the person skilled in the art, as a reader, to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description using the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the folding device according to the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the claims below.

List of reference symbols

1

Cardboard outer packaging

1*

sealed cardboard outer packaging

2

Quick release system

3

first upper closure flap

4th

second upper closure flap

5

first folding flap

6th

second folding flap

7th

third fold edge

8th

trapezoidal recess

9

Packaging line

10

Cardboard blanks

11

magazine

12th

Winding device

13th

first transport device

14th

first conveyor belt

15th

items

16

bottle

17th

Bottle inlet

18th

Alley sheet

19th

line

20th

attack

21st

Packing module

22nd

Folding device

23

Folding device

24

Linear slide

25th

Clamping device

26th

Locking device

28

Transfer device

30th

free upper parallel edge of an upper closure flap

40

first folded edge

42

Side edge between the upper closure flap and the folding flap

50

Group of at least two cardboard outer packaging

60

second folded edge

62

upper free edge

A30

Distance between free upper parallel edges of the upper closing flaps of a cardboard outer packaging

B.

Box width

d

Distance between a first upper closing flap of a first cardboard outer packaging and a second upper closing flap of a second cardboard outer packaging

h1

Carton height

h22

height

h3, h4

Length of the locking tabs

TR

Transport direction

Claims (14)

1. A method for closing the top sides of outer cardboard packages (1), which outer cardboard packages (1) in each instance comprise two top closing flaps (3, 4) located opposite one another, which closing flaps (3, 4) can be folded over about approximately horizontal first folding edges (40), with the side edges (42) of the closing flaps (3, 4) in each instance being connected to one another by two fold-in flaps (5, 6), wherein the fold-in flaps (5, 6) in each instance comprise approximately horizontal, second folding edges (60) and, formed diagonally thereto, third folding edges (7), characterised in that, in order to carry out a closing procedure, at least two outer cardboard packages (1) are positioned as group (50) directly abutting on one another or slightly spaced apart such that a first top closing flap of a first outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50) is located directly abutting on or slightly spaced apart from a second top closing flap of a second outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50),
   and wherein in each instance at least two folding devices (23), which are advanceable toward one another, engage with the fold-in flaps (5, 6) of each of the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) of the group (50), press the fold-in flaps (5, 6) toward one another, and fold them over about their particular second folding edges (60) and third folding edges (7), whereby a folding-down of the top closing flaps (3, 4) is caused.
2. The method according to claim 1, in which a distance (d) between the first top closing flap of the first outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50) and the second top closing flap of the second outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50) increases, in particular, a distance between a free top parallel edge of the first top closing flap of the first outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50) and a free top parallel edge of the second top closing flap of the second outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the folding devices (23) engage simultaneously with the fold-in flaps (5, 6) of each of the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) of the group (50).
4. The method according to one of the previous claims, in which the top closing flaps (3, 4) of the outer cardboard packages (1) are largely or approximately closed by pressing in the fold-in flaps (5, 6), wherein a subsequent complete closing is supported by a closing device (26), which acts from above.
5. The method according to claim 4, in which the folding devices (23) are moved apart during the complete closing of the top closing flaps (3, 4) of the outer cardboard packages (1) by a downward movement of the closing device (26).
6. The method according to one of the previous claims, in which the outer cardboard packages (1) are moved continuously in a transport direction (TR) during the closing procedure.
7. The method according to claim 6, in which the folding devices (23) are moved in transport direction (TR) synchronously with the outer cardboard packages (1) during the engagement with the fold-in flaps (5, 6), and/or wherein the closing device (26) is moved in transport direction (TR) synchronously with the outer cardboard packages (1) while the top closing flaps (3, 4) of the outer cardboard packages (1) are being pressed down.
8. The method according to one of the previous claims, in which the outer cardboard packages (1) are moved in a transport direction (TR), wherein the transport is at least briefly interrupted for the closing of the outer cardboard packages (1), in particular, in order to bring the folding devices (23) into engagement with the fold-in flaps (5, 6) and/or to finish the closing procedure by complete folding-down of the top closing flaps (3, 4).
9. The method according to one of the claims 4 to 8, in which the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) of the group (50) are completely closed and transposed onto a further transport lane or into a further packaging module by means of the closing device (26), which acts from above.
10. An apparatus (22) for closing the particular top sides of outer cardboard packages (1), which outer cardboard packages (1) comprise two top closing flaps (3, 4) located opposite one another, which can be folded over about approximately horizontal first folding edges (40), with the side edges (42) of the closing flaps (3, 4) in each instance being connected to one another by two fold-in flaps (5, 6), wherein the fold-in flaps (5, 6) in each instance comprise approximately horizontal, second folding edges (60) and, formed diagonally thereto, third folding edges (7),
    characterised in that the apparatus has at least one transport device (13) for groups (50) comprising in each instance at least two outer cardboard packages (1) to be closed, wherein the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) of each group (50) are positioned within the transport device (13) directly abutting on one another or slightly spaced apart, such that a first top closing flap of a first outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50) is arranged directly abutting on or slightly spaced apart from a second top closing flap of a second outer cardboard package (1) of the group (50),
    and wherein the apparatus furthermore comprises two folding devices (23) for each of the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) of the group (50), which folding devices (23) are advanceable toward one another, and which are movable in a linear manner transverse to the transport direction (TR) of the transport device (13),
    wherein the folding devices (23) are bringable into engagement with the fold-in flaps (5, 6) of the outer cardboard packages (1) for the purpose of closing the outer cardboard packages (1).
11. The apparatus (22) according to claim 10, in which the transport device (13) has securing devices (25) by means of which the relative arrangement of the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) within each group (50) is determinable.
12. The apparatus (22) according to claim 10 or 11, in which all folding devices (23) engaging with the at least two outer cardboard packages (1) of the group (50) are coupled with each other, in particular, coupled and/or designed in a synchronously movable manner.
13. The apparatus (22) according to one of the claims 10 to 12, which comprises at least one closing device (26) by which a pressure is applicable from above onto the top closing flaps (3, 4) of the outer cardboard packages (1).
14. The apparatus (22) according to claim 13, in which the closing device (26) is simultaneously designed as transposing device by means of which closed outer cardboard packages (1*) are transposable onto a further transport device or into a further processing module, in particular, wherein all closed outer cardboard packages (1*) of the group (50) are transposable simultaneously.

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