EP0983940B1 - Device for packaging objects or stacks - Google Patents

Abstract

An equipment for wrapping stacks of items, eg. printed matter, envelopes etc. has each stack (3) placed onto a flat form blank (20) on a work surface (51). Four folding modules under the work surface are fitted with hinge plates which swing up and fold the sides and ends of the pack onto the stack and fold the tags into position. The tags are coated by adjustable adhesive sprays. The spacing of the four modules is adjustable to the required size of the pack and the modules are on a mounting which can pivot about a central vertical axis to align with the packs. An upper folding mechanism (10) prepares the lid to complete the pack.

Description

The invention relates to a device for packaging of objects or of stacks of objects, in particular stack of envelopes, in an initially flat folding box blank, one bottom part, two side wall parts, Front wall parts and at least one cover part and connecting straps and possibly has corner flaps, which are indicated by fold lines and Incisions are delimited from each other and after touchdown of the object or stack on the bottom part in plant these can be folded up or turned over with a support surface for the cut and one in the starting position lower tool arranged below the contact surface with over the support surface can be swiveled upwards by 90 ° and highly displaceable beyond the contact surface Forehead folding flaps and with additional folding flaps, the folding flaps drives are associated with one device to fold the lid part and the tabs and with a device to fix the box shape of the finished folded Blank.

Such a device is known from DE 92 08 784 U. With this device, the entire folding process of the blank takes place by means of a lower tool, the two with a common one Has drive provided side folding plates each of which hinged a lid flap with its own drive is. The end wall parts are inclined in a straight line Tappets extendable upwards beyond the contact surface or forehead folding flaps erected. As a fixation device four of the box shape serve the corner areas of the box assigned staplers, with which at the same time staple tabs be placed on the stack to be packed.

In this device intended for packaging envelopes the lower tool is fixed and are the Folding flaps apart from their operational folding function not adjustable. Accordingly, with the known Only process blanks of a predetermined size and therefore only correspondingly large objects or Stapel.verpacken.

DE 196 36 262 A1 describes a device for manufacturing known from folding boxes from blanks, in which the erecting of the side wall parts and end wall parts with the help of assigned to the four corner points of the bottom part of the blank Corner modules are made on a rectangular frame made of two side members and two cross beams are mounted, the distance between them each with the help of adjustment spindles on the edge can be changed so that an adaptation to blanks with Floor parts of different sizes are possible. The fixation the erected side walls and end walls are made by Apply glue to appropriate adhesive tabs.

With this device, however, no objects or Packed in packs, but only folding boxes for retrofitting Filling made elsewhere. The folding boxes initially remain open and, accordingly, the lid flaps are missing or similar. Otherwise, the well-known works Device with a hyperextension of blanking flaps, the pressed into the already erected box blank to be raised in a post-release Position remain. Therefore, it is also not possible to use the known one Develop device so that an object or Pile already wrapped in the blank when folding it or is enveloped.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the object generic packaging device described above to improve that with simple means safely and reliably Objects or piles in blanks of different sizes Size and shape and at the same time with that Folding process can be packed.

This object is achieved in that the lower tool four the corner points of the bottom part of the on the support surface corner modules assigned to each cut with the folding flaps that the corner modules for adjustment on floor parts of different sizes in pairs in the longitudinal direction and are adjustable in the transverse direction and that the lower tool by means of a drive around the support surface vertically intersecting axis is rotatable.

By providing four corner modules and their mutual The device according to the invention can be adjusted without problems on cuts with different sized base parts to adjust. Due to the rotatability or swiveling of the lower tool and thus leave the contact surface for the cutting different box blanks correctly an intended upper tool and the fixing device or position the glue nozzle. Also be a variable feeding the cutting and application of the objects or stacks and a discharge of the finished packaging units in the desired direction.

Appropriate refinements and developments of the invention result from the subclaims. Here is particular the division into a box-side lower tool and a lid-side upper tool is advantageous because Usability and uses of the device increased be so that it is versatile. The one with it connected clarity and separation of functions increased the operational safety and performance of the device.

The linear displaceability provided is also particularly advantageous of the lower tool and thus the contact surface in vertical and horizontal. The vertical relocation enables for differently high box blanks an adaptation to the fixing device (glue nozzles) as well as the upper tool. The horizontal relocation enables in a simple way, two objects or two stacks to be packed side by side in one blank.

Figur 1:

die Vorrichtung mit wesentlichen Komponenten in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2:

in größerem Maßstab sowie schematisch eine Draufsicht auf wesentliche Merkmale des Unterwerkzeuges gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 3:

in anderem Maßstab sowie perspektivisch und schematisch wesentliche Teile des Unterwerkzeuges in zwei verschiedenen Positionen;

Fig. 4:

zum Teil im Schnitt sowie schematisch eine Seitenansicht von wesentlichen Teilen des Unterwerkzeuges gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 5:

zum Teil im Schnitt sowie in nochmals anderem Maßstab eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles A in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6:

in perspektivischer Ansicht wesentliche Teile der Führung des Oberwerkzeuges sowie von einer Hälfte des Oberwerkzeuges;

Fig. 7:

eine Einzelheit aus Fig. 6 in größerem Maßstab;

Fig. 8:

eine andere perspektivische Ansicht der Teile gemäß den Figuren 6 und 7;

Fig. 9:

eine perspektivische Ansicht ähnlich der von Fig. 6 in anderem Maßstab sowie mit einer anderen Faltschachtel;

Fig. 10:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer mit zwei aus Briefumschlägen bestehenden Reihen gefüllten Faltschachtel (Klappdeckelschachtel mit übergreifendem Deckel) vor dem Schließen des Deckels;

Fig. 11:

eine Ansicht eines Faltschachtel-Zuschnittes für die Faltschachtel gemäß Fig. 10;

Fig. 12:

eine Ansicht eines Faltschachtel-Zuschnittes für eine andere Faltschachtel (einteilige Falthüllenschachtel);

Fig. 13:

schematische Draufsichten in kleinerem Maßstab auf das Unterwerkzeug und auf gestapelte Faltschachtel-Zuschnitte in einer Bilderfolge mit den einzelnen Verfahrensschritten beim Verpacken bzw. Einschachteln eines einzigen Stapels oder Gegenstandes;

Fig. 14:

Draufsichten wie in Fig. 13 beim Verpacken eines anderen Gegenstandes;

Fig. 15:

Draufsichten wie in den Figuren 13 und 14 beim Verpacken von zwei nebeneinander angeordneten Stapeln oder Gegenständen;

Fig. 16:

in größerem Maßstab sowie zum Teil im Schnitt eine Ansicht eines Eckmoduls und

Fig. 17:

eine Draufsicht auf das Eckmodul gem. Fig.16.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of a schematic drawing. Show it:

Figure 1:

the device with essential components in a perspective view;

Fig. 2:

on a larger scale and schematically a plan view of essential features of the lower tool according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 3:

on a different scale and in perspective and schematically essential parts of the lower tool in two different positions;

Fig. 4:

partly in section and schematically a side view of essential parts of the lower tool according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 5:

partly in section and in yet another scale, a view in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6:

essential parts of the guidance of the upper tool and of half of the upper tool in a perspective view;

Fig. 7:

a detail of Figure 6 on a larger scale.

Fig. 8:

another perspective view of the parts according to Figures 6 and 7;

Fig. 9:

a perspective view similar to that of Figure 6 on a different scale and with a different folding box.

Fig. 10:

a perspective view of a folding box filled with two rows of envelopes (hinged lid box with overlapping lid) before closing the lid;

Fig. 11:

a view of a folding box blank for the folding box according to FIG. 10;

Fig. 12:

a view of a folding box blank for another folding box (one-piece folding box);

Fig. 13:

schematic plan views on a smaller scale of the lower tool and of stacked folding box blanks in a sequence of pictures with the individual process steps when packaging or nesting a single stack or object;

Fig. 14:

Top views as in Fig. 13 when packing another item;

Fig. 15:

Top views as in Figures 13 and 14 when packing two stacks or objects arranged side by side;

Fig. 16:

on a larger scale and partly in section a view of a corner module and

Fig. 17:

a top view of the corner module acc. Figure 16.

1 comprises a device 1 for packaging a from individual parts 2 such as Envelopes existing Stack 3 or any other object 3 'in a flat folding box blank 4 a lower tool 5 and an upper tool 6 and a device 7 for application of glue or instead a device for Stapling the folding box parts.

1, the folding box blank 4 is located still in a magazine while the stack to be packed 3 or object 3 'of the device 1 in the direction of Arrow a is fed and on the folding box blank 4 is stored when it is on the lower tool 5 is located. The lower tool 5 is basically movable in the direction of the double arrow b, so that on this relevant parts 8 of the folding box blank 9 (Fig. 10) glue or the like can be applied when the already filled folding box blank 9 turns on the device 7 for applying glue is moved past.

The two devices that are basically provided in mirror image 7 for applying glue are each along the Double arrow c on the folding box blank 9 back and forth can be moved away from it, i.e. it can be delivered. Furthermore, the two are Devices 7 also in the vertical direction relative to Folding box blank 9 movable or adjustable, like this the double arrow shows d.

The upper tool 6 preferably also consists of two Halves 10 provided in mirror image, which together in Direction of the double arrow e can be moved in the vertical direction and in the direction of the double arrow f about an axis 11 are pivotable. The two halves 10 of the upper tool 6 are e.g. adjustable by hand along guide elements 12 and 13, which can be guide rods (Fig. 6). The two halves 10 of the upper tool 6 are on the guide rods e.g. with the help of support blocks 14 slidably and adjustably arranged.

All components shown in Fig. 1 are in one Machine frame 15 arranged, which is only schematic in Fig. 1 is indicated. The feed device for the Stack 3 / item 3 'and the device for feeding of individual folding box blanks 4 are shown in FIG. 1 not shown for the sake of clarity. It also acts are basically known machine parts.

The one-piece to be processed with the device 1 Folding box blank 4 comprises a base part 20 (FIG. 11) and a lid member 21, between which along fold lines 22 and 23 a side part 24 is arranged, which at a finished folding box 25 (Fig. 13) a side wall forms. The cover element 21 in turn consists of a Cover part 26, which on three sides each has fold lines connected edge parts 27, 28 and 29 and on its two free corners each have a corner tab 30, 31. The two corner flaps 30 and 31 are over fold lines with the two short or end portions 27 arranged on the face, 29 connected.

Furthermore, there are each side tabs 32, 33 on the Side part 24 and side straps 34 and 35 each on the end face outside on a second side part 36, which has a another fold line 37 is connected to the bottom part 20. Finally, there are also side tabs on the bottom part 20 38 and 39, with the bottom part 20 as well Fold lines are connected like this for the other side flaps applies to the two side parts 24 and 36.

The edge parts 27, 28 and 29 extend on the finished Folding box 25 perpendicular to the plane of the lid part 26 and overlap the side walls of the folding box 25. The corner tabs 30 and 31 on the cover element 21 are smashed. The side straps 32 and 33 and 34 and 35 on the two side parts 24 and 36 together with the side plates 38 and 39 on the bottom part 20 each End walls of the folding box 25 arranged on the end face.

During the folding box blank 4 for making one Hinged lid box with overlapping lid serves and processed according to Figures 1 to 8 and 10, serves a folding box blank 4 'according to FIG. 12 for manufacture a one-piece folding case, of which one Blank 9 'shown in Fig. 9 shortly before closing is. The folding box blank 4 'in turn comprises a Bottom part 20 'and side parts 24' and 36 'as well as cover parts 26 'on each of the two side parts 24' and 36 '. There are also side flaps 32 'and 33' on the side part 24 'and 34' and 35 'on the other side part 36'. Side tabs 38 'and 39' are arranged on the bottom part 20 ' and also carry one at their free edges Auxiliary strap 40 'or 41', as shown in Fig. 12. The side parts 24 'and 36' in turn form the side walls the folding box and the side flaps 32 'to 35' and 38 'and 39' form the end walls of the folding box.

The two folding box blanks 4 and 4 'according to the Figures 11 and 12 are representative of any other Folding box blanks mentioned and described here.

It goes without saying that fundamentally different folding box blanks are also used and especially in terms of size Folding box blanks that vary in size and format according to the process as well as the one described in detail below Device with simultaneous packaging of at least a batch or item can be processed.

According to a first embodiment, a device comprises 1 'in its simplest variant only a folding table or a lower tool 5 according to the plan view of FIG. 2, the in the machine frame 15 on a rigidly arranged console 50 e.g. is horizontally movable. The one to be packed Stack 3 or item 3 'becomes the folding table lower tool 5 fed in the direction of arrow a and after Pack in the direction of arrow b, where the folding table lower tool 5 from a not shown on the left Position again in that shown in Fig. 2 on the right Position can return.

The folding table shown in Fig. 2 simplified or Lower tool 5 points at its four corners in plan view 2 each substantially rectangular Carrying elements 51 and pivotable on the outside thereof stored folding flaps 52 and 53 and 54. The folding flap 52 is pivotable on an outside narrow side of the support member 51 arranged while the two other folding flaps 53 and 54 on the outer longitudinal side of the support element 51 together about an axis 55 are pivotable. Furthermore, the folding flap 54 is on it carrying folding flap 53 pivoted about an axis 56, 3 shows. Also about axis 56 the folding flap 52 is pivotally mounted on the support element 51.

At all four corners of the folding table or lower tool 5 are each a guide block 57 with a support element 51 serving surface as well as with the three Folding flaps 52, 53 and 54 on two intersecting each Guide elements 58 and 59 or 59 and 60 or 60 and 61 or 58 and 61 arranged (Fig. 3). The guide blocks 57 are with their contact surfaces or with their folding flaps moving towards and away from each other. This is in sync possible along parallel guide elements. Fig. 3 shows at the same time in solid lines or in dash-dotted lines Lines the positions of the four guide blocks 57 in a maximally spread apart position as well as in dashed lines in a shifted towards each other Position.

One drive 52 ', 53' provided for adjustment or 54 'is assigned to a folding flap 52, 53 and 54, such as Figures 16 and 17 show.

In the rest position according to Figures 1 to 3 and 16 and 17 are all folding flaps 52 to 54 together with the as Supporting surface supporting element 51 in a packaging plane. The parts 51 to 57 each form on the Adjustable corners of the bottom of a folding box blank arranged carrying and folding tools or corner modules 51 '.

For moving or adjusting the guide blocks 57 or corner modules Drive elements serve to move towards and away from each other 62 and 63, the overview only in Fig. 2 are shown because.

The drive elements 62 and 63 are according to the embodiment threaded spindles 62 'and 63', respectively, below the packaging level are arranged and in the center Cross 64 of the folding table or lower tool 5. Everyone The threaded spindle 62 'or 63' is a separate motor 65 and 66 assigned.

The drive element 62 designed as a threaded spindle 62 ' lies parallel and between those designed as guide rods Guide elements 59 and 61 (Fig. 2), and similarly, this is designed as a threaded spindle 63 ' Drive element 63 in parallel and between the as guide rods trained guide elements 58 and 60.

On the packaging level there are also carrying and Support strips 67 and 68 above and in approximately aligned position with the threaded spindles 62 'and 63' (Figures 1, 2 and 4). The support and support bars 67 and 68 prevent that a carton blank bends down if it together with a stack 3 or object to be packed 3 'lies on the folding table or lower tool 5.

The entire folding table or the lower tool 5 are finally arranged on slide 69, 70 and with this can be moved along the console 50. A drive is used for this 71, which is not shown in Figures 1 to 3 is basically designed and arranged in the same way can be like the drive 71 of that shown in FIG. 4 Embodiment. The drive 71 is expedient a piston-cylinder device, with the help of Folding table or the lower tool 5 from the positions in Figures 1 and 2 to the left and in Fig. 4 after is movable to the right.

While the folding table or the lower tool 5 according to FIG. 2 only from a right position to a left position is movable along the console 50, the folding table or the lower tool 5 according to FIG. 4 in the direction of the double arrow g can be raised or lowered and / or in the direction of the Double arrow h pivoted about a vertical axis 72. For this purpose, the entire folding table / lower tool 5 arranged on the axis 72 and on a continuous Console 73 stored.

The lower tool 5 is according to that shown in FIG. 4 Embodiment with his sled 69, 70 on one vertically and / or rotatably / pivotably mounted support 74 arranged and partially in the position shown in FIG. 4 movable on a connecting rail 75. The drive is used for this 71, the one hand with the carrier 74 and the other with the at least partially movable on the connecting rail 75 Lower tool 5 is connected.

One that is of no further interest here in its details 4 is provided to lift the folding table / the Lower tool 5 according to the raised position Fig. 4 to move into a lowered position. the same Lifting device 76 then also serves to lift the Folding table / lower tool 5.

For rotating or swiveling the folding table / lower tool 5, a gear 77 is provided about the axis 72, whose details are also of no interest here. It is expediently integrated into the console 73 and expediently has its own motor 78.

It is understood that the lifting device 76 and / or the rotatable or swiveling storage of the folding table / lower tool 5 can be provided and that not mandatory both functions must be available.

For processing a folding box blank 4 or 4 ' it becomes such on the folding table or lower tool 5 arranged that the corner points 79 of the bottom 20, 20 'on the in each case outer corners 80 (FIGS. 1 to 3) of the Carrying elements 51 lie.

Suction elements, not shown in the figures, hold the Folding box blank 4, 4 'in a proper Location, whereupon the stack 3 or object 3 'on the Inside of the packaging of the blank 4, 4 ' is discontinued. The transport equipment required for this is not shown in the figures.

When packing, the folding flaps 53 are first belonging drives 53 'activated so that with the floor 20 side panels 24 and 36 connected by fold lines move from a horizontal position to a vertical position. Swivel together with the side parts 24 and 36 also the side tabs on the front of them 32 to 35 in a vertical position and are then at next working step bent over by the folding flaps 54, so that the stack 3 or object 3 'to be packed already on five sides in packaging material.

The folding table or the lower tool 5 is then turned on the two devices for applying glue 7 moved past, i.e. 1 moved to the left in FIG. simultaneously glue or traces of glue on the side flaps 32 to 35 plotted.

If a stack 3 is packed, it will be expedient swords also used to hold the stack and moved sideways before the folding table / lower tool 5 is moved past the glue nozzles. The swords belong e.g. to that not shown in the figures Transport device that the stack 3 on the folding box blank settles.

As soon as the side flaps 32 to 35 are provided with glue, are the side tabs located on the end face on the bottom part 20 38 and 39 pivoted up with the aid of the folding flaps 52 and on the glue track or on the side flaps 32 to 35 pressed until the glue has sufficient strength has.

Those arranged on the right and left in the device 1 Devices 7 for applying glue are longitudinal a guide rod 81 adjustable. The devices 7 each comprise a lifting device 82, each one Servomotor 83 can have. One glue application device each 84 is arranged on each lifting device 82 and with at least one glue nozzle the folding box blank to be processed 9 facing. Via a hose 85 each the glue application devices 84 are supplied with glue.

If the folding box blank 9 after applying glue has moved into an end position under the upper tool 6, the glue nozzles can be in a favorable position for later application of glue to the corner tabs 30, 31 am Cover element 21 are located.

The cover element 21 with its edge parts 27 to 29 and with its corner tabs 30, 31 first with the help of entire upper tool from a raised position in a horizontal position according to Figures 6 to 8 pivoted. The two halves 10 of the upper tool 6 thereby press the cover element 21 on the one prepared by the lower tool 5 Folding box blank 9. At the same time, they also fold Edge parts 27 and 29 with their corner flaps 30 and 31 am Cover part 26 in a vertical position (Fig. 6) or in a Position perpendicular to the plane of the cover part 26. To do this reach, press parts of the upper tool 6 on the two edge parts 27 and 29 and press them into one vertical position.

The entire upper tool consisting of the two halves 10 6 is with the help of a suitable guide device 90 and an associated drive 91 adjustable in height stored in the machine frame 15. On the support blocks 14 (Fig. 6) are each a support arm 92 about the axis 11 pivoted, in accordance with the lowered position Fig. 6 with its free arm part 93 horizontally or parallel to the packaging level. A piston-cylinder device 94 is used to lower or raise the support arm 92 into the positions according to FIGS. 1 and 6.

On each support arm 92 three are pivotable and each for movably mounted folding flaps 95, 96 and 97 and one Lid guide 98 arranged. For each folding flap 95 to 97 belongs a drive 99, 100 or 101. The folding flaps 95, 96 and 97 are pivotable about axes 102, 103 and 104 in suitably mounted on the arm part 93. It understands yourself that all folding flaps 95 to 97 with their associated Actuators 99 to 101 adjustable in a coordinated manner are, the drives being pneumatic drives can. The associated supply lines, etc. are in the Figures not shown. Basically the same applies to the folding flaps and drives of the lower tool 5.

When depressing the lid member 21 using the Upper tool 6 press the folding flaps 95 and 96 that Cover element 21 up to the plant on the folding box blank 9, while in particular the arm parts 93 on each Half 10 of the upper tool 6 with the edge parts 27 and 29 the corner tabs 30 and 31 into that shown in Figures 6 to 8 Location presses. The arm parts 93 move from top to bottom to the area to the side of the Side tabs 38 and 39 and press with their box-side Edges on the respective edge part 27 or 29, see above that they fold down. The edge parts 27 and 29 get to the system on top of the side tabs 38 and 39, which are connected to the bottom part 20.

The flaps of the corner flaps 30 and 31 (FIG. 6) are carried out in accordance with Embodiment expediently with the help of a finger 105 on the folding flap 97 about the axis 104 is pivotable with the aid of the drive 101. As soon as the corner tabs 30 and 31 on the side part 36 (Fig. 6) lie, the folding flaps 96 press the edge part 28 into the Closed position. The free end of the folding flap 96 is for recessed the finger 105 somewhat, as the figures show.

It is understood that glue is applied to the corner flaps 30, 31 before they are thrown.

After turning over all edge parts 27 to 29 of the cover and thus after the folding box 25 is closed, it becomes e.g. discharged under the upper tool 6.

The processing of the folding box blank 4 'according to FIG. 12, the no cover element and instead two cover parts 26 ', takes place in the same device 1 basically similar process steps. How, however Fig. 9 reveals, the folding flap 97 with the finger 105 not needed at all. When processing a folding box blank 4 'therefore only the drive 101 for the finger 105 are stopped. The function and mode of operation the other elements is basically the same, the folding flap 96 for the multiple function of two Folding elements 106 and 107. The folding flap 96 engages over the fold line 108 between the side part 36 'and the cover part 26 '(Fig. 9) and lies with the folding element 106 on the edge part 28 according to FIG. 7 when processing the folding box blank 4 'on and acted upon by the folding element 107 the cover part 26 'when processing the folding box blank 4 '(Fig. 9). It is for this reason not even converting the device 1 for processing different folding box blanks required.

The cover guide 98 visible in FIG. 8 is used for Fold over one of the folding box blanks in Fig. 9 9 'auxiliary tabs 40' and each arranged on the end face 41 '. They are arranged on the support arms 92 and become Processing of other folding box blanks that have no auxiliary tabs 40, 40 ', not required.

The folding flaps and drives on the upper tool 6 are expedient arranged on the support arm 92 adjustable. This is necessary in order to cut them onto folding box blanks different sizes.

Figures 13 to 15 show a schematic representation Sequences of images when packing different objects in different folding box blanks.

13, e.g. consisting of envelopes Stack 3 or an object 3 'of the device 1 with their Lower tool 5 fed in the direction of arrow a. On Folding box blank 4 is in image I of Fig. 13 still in the magazine.

According to picture II, the folding box blank 4 is on the Lower tool 5 stored.

In the next picture III is the stack 3 or the object 3 'on the bottom part of the one located in the lower tool Folding box blank 4 arranged.

According to picture IV, the folding box blank 9 is largely manufactured. Only that of the upper tool, not shown 6 cover element 21 still to be processed is only something folded up to the folding box blank 9.

According to image V, the stack 3 or the object 3 'is complete packed and is then in the position according to the picture VI pivoted and shifted sideways, whereupon the packaged Stack or object in the direction of arrow a ' can be removed.

14 shows the one which is basically identical Device 1 as Fig. 13, but when packing a Stack or object 3 '' with completely different types Dimensions. The folding box blank 4 '' is also in arranged differently in his magazine than in the image sequence of Fig. 13.

According to Figure I in Fig. 14, the lower tool is first in one adapted to the stack / object 3 '' to be packed. It goes without saying that the folding box blank 4 '' differs from the blank 4.

According to picture II, the different one is again designed and folding box blank arranged differently in the magazine 4 '' arranged on the lower tool 5. Then the Stack / object 3 '' on the bottom part of the folding box blank 4 '' positioned (picture III). Then the Folding box cut together with the one to be packed Stack / object 3 '' rotated into the position shown in Figure IV, so that the 4 '' folding box blank is complete around the stack / item to be packed 3 " can (image V). The finished product or the folding box 25 '' is then with its content in the device 1 still according to picture VI after swiveling again shifted laterally and finally towards the Arrow a '' removed.

Figure 15 shows the packaging of two stacks / items 3 '' 'side by side in a folding box blank 4' '', which has a similar shape and shape as the folding box blank 4, but because of the two to be packed Parts is slightly larger.

The two stacks / objects 3 '' 'are packed again in the same device 1 and on the same Lower tool 5, the corner modules 51 ', however, one position in such a way that two stacks / objects 3 '' 'side by side arranged on the bottom part 20 '' 'and finally can be packed, as shown in pictures III ff.

First, the lower tool 5 becomes transverse in accordance with Figure I moved to the feed direction of the stack / object 3 '' ', that the lower tool 5 off-center and in orderly Position for feeding the stack / object 3 '' '. Then the top folding box blank 4 '' 'positioned on the lower tool 5 according to Figure II.

Then the stack / object 3 '' 'is off-center one half of the bottom part 20 '' 'of the folding box blank 4 '' 'and finally parts of the Folding box blank 4 '' 'folded up according to picture IV. This means that one side part 36 '' 'in particular its side flaps folded up and the side flaps 34 '' 'and 35' '' can be folded down.

Then the entire lower tool 5 with the on it folding box blank 4 '' 'or stack / object 3 '' 'across the feed direction of the next Stack / object 3 '' 'in the position shown in Figure V moved, whereupon the next stack / item 3 '' ' of the still free surface 110 of the bottom part 20 '' ' (Image VI).

Then the stack / item 3 '' 'is completely in the folding box blank 4 '' 'packed (picture VII) and if necessary after another move within the device 1 finally discharged according to Figure VIII.

The individual parts of the folding boxes are turned by 90 ° or 180 ° in relation to their position in the flat folding box blank angled. These initially flat folding box blanks are not on the bottom tool with the help of shown suction cups (vacuum) held. When moving sideways the filled and finished folding box 25 the suction elements must not be damaged become. For this reason it is provided that a contact between the folding box 25 and the suction elements at Ejection of the folding box 25 does not exist.

Claims (13)

1. Apparatus for packaging articles (3') or stacks (3) of articles, in particular stacks of envelopes, in an initially flat collapsible box blank (4; 4') which has a bottom portion (20; 20'), two side wall portions (24, 36; 24', 36'), end wall portions (27, 29, 38, 39; 38', 39') and at least one lid portion (26, 26') as well as connecting flaps (28, 32 to 35; 32' to 35', 40', 41') and optionally comer flaps (30, 31) which are delimited from each other by fold lines (22, 23, 37) and cuts and after the article (3') or stack (3) is placed on the bottom portion (20; 20') are pivoted up or folded over to bear thereagainst, comprising a support surface (51) for the blank (4, 4') and a lower tool (5) arranged in the starting position beneath the support surface (51) and having side folding flaps (52) which are pivotable upwardly through 90° over the support surface (51) and end folding flaps (53) which are displaceable upwardly over the support surface (51) and comprising further folding flaps (54), wherein respective drives (52', 53', 54') are associated with the folding flaps (52, 53, 54), a device (6) for turning over the lid portion (26; 26') and the flaps (28, 30 to 35; 32' to 35', 40', 41') and a device (7) for fixing the box shape of the blank (4; 4') in the finished folded condition, characterised in that the lower tool (5) has four comer modules (51') which are associated with the comer points (79) of the bottom portion (20; 20') of the blank (4; 4') laid on the support surface (51) and which have the respective folding flaps (52, 53, 54), that the comer modules (51') for adaptation to bottom portions (20; 20') of different sizes are displaceable in paired relationship in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction and that the lower tool (5) is rotatable by means of a drive (77, 78) about an axis (72) vertically intersecting the support surface (51).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the lower tool (5) can be raised and lowered by means of a linear drive (76).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that arranged between the pairs of comer modules (51') are longitudinally extending and/or transversely extending support bars (67, 68) which with their top side lie in the plane of the support surfaces (51) formed jointly by the comer modules (51').
4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that a respective folding flap (54) of the lower tool (5) is movable with another folding flap (53) and in addition is pivotable with respect thereto.
5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that there are provided two parallel longitudinal guides (58, 60) and two parallel transverse guides (59, 61), on which the four comer modules (51') are mounted displaceably in paired relationship.
6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that there are provided drive devices (62, 66; 63, 65) for displacement of the comer modules (51').
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 and claim 6 characterised in that the drive devices (62, 66; 63, 65) have two screwthreaded spindles (62, 63) which cross centrally at the centre (64) of the lower tool (5) and which connect the longitudinal guides (58, 60) and the transverse guides (59, 61) respectively to each other displaceably in opposite relationship.
8. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the lower tool (5) is movable horizontally along a support member (50) supported on the machine frame (15).
9. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the device for fixing the box form has a glue applicator device (7) which is movable relative to the lower tool (5).
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 characterised in that the nozzles of the glue applicator device (7) are adjustable in respect of height and are movable towards and away from the collapsible box blank (9) disposed on the support surface (51).
11. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the device for folding over the flaps (28, 30 to 35; 32' to 35', 40', 41') is formed by an upper tool (6) which is arranged above the support surface (51) and which has halves (10) movable towards and away from each other, with respective displaceable folding flaps (95, 96, 97).
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 characterised in that each half (10) of the upper tool (6) has a carrier arm (92) which is pivotable by means of a drive (94) about a horizontal axis (11) and which carries the folding flaps (95, 96, 97) and the drives (99, 100, 101) thereof.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 characterised in that the upper tool (6) which is displaceable between a raised rest position and a lowered operative position at the same time presses the upstanding lid portion (26, 26') down on to the collapsible box blank (9, 9') or the stack (3) or article (3').

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