EP3375721A1 - Method for automatically inserting inserts into a container and device for carrying out the method - Google Patents
Method for automatically inserting inserts into a container and device for carrying out the method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3375721A1 EP3375721A1 EP18160368.9A EP18160368A EP3375721A1 EP 3375721 A1 EP3375721 A1 EP 3375721A1 EP 18160368 A EP18160368 A EP 18160368A EP 3375721 A1 EP3375721 A1 EP 3375721A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- supplement
- height
- transport
- free end
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/20—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
- B65B59/003—Arrangements to enable adjustments related to the packaging material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/14—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
- B65B25/141—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form packaging flat articles in boxes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/20—Belts
- B65H2404/26—Particular arrangement of belt, or belts
- B65H2404/269—Particular arrangement of belt, or belts other arrangements
- B65H2404/2693—Arrangement of belts on movable frame
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of picking goods. It relates to methods for the automatic insertion of supplements in a container according to the preamble of claim 1.
- inserts are added prior to final packaging which may include instruction leaflets, instruction manuals, samples, leaflets, flyers, CDs or the like.
- DE3835838A1 is a packaging machine for cartons from a prefabricated, folded flat blank known, which is erected to form a cross-sectionally polygonal, in particular square, open on two sides paperboard, filled and closed by folding folding flaps, wherein in the open cardboard sleeve on at least one side a carton blank can be inserted, which can be removed by an insert sender a magazine and inserted in an upright position in the cardboard sleeve.
- the publication DE31 18209C2 discloses a device for feeding leaflets in front of one with juxtaposed, in containers, such as cardboard boxes together with the leaflets to be inserted products such as tubes, bottles, blister packs od.
- the leaflets are promoted between transport belt and held before inserting the products in front of these substantially vertically by means of a arranged below the product chain brochure forceps chain in prospect tongs with the prospap tongs chain being continued in a pick-up area for the leaflets laterally from the product chain.
- the publication EP0623516A1 discloses a device for feeding package inserts, such as leaflets, leaflets or the like, in a packaged goods chain of a packaging machine, of objects such as tubes, bottles, stacks of blister packs or the like, formed packaged goods, which together with the pack inserts in packaging containers, in particular cartons , is inserted, which are guided in a packing container chain of the packing machine, with a packing slip conveyor, which transported the folded into a strip pack inserts between two endless conveyor belts, which lie along their transport path adjacent to each other, to a discharge orifice at which the conveyor belts to pulleys in be deflected to opposite directions, and with an endlessly circulating clamping forceps chain with one of the PackbeilagenstMail at the end of the strip and taking him the Packgutkette feeding clamps, which in the acquisition of the PackbeilagenstMail in a w vertical takeover level, wherein the PackbeilagenstMail are also aligned parallel to the transfer plane with the takeover and their length are substantially trans
- the publication EP1050472A2 describes a packaging machine with a circulating brochure conveying device having a plurality of holders for receiving a respective prospectus and with which the leaflet is positioned in front of a product cup a product chain, and with a Zuzhouvorrichung, with the prospectus in a transfer area in the holder of Leaflet conveyor is inserted, wherein in the transfer area, a stop for the alignment of the prospectus is arranged, wherein the stop is formed on an endlessly circulating stop belt, which extends in the transfer area at a distance and parallel to the brochure conveyor.
- the publication WO03091113A1 discloses a device for supplying leaflets from a leaflet device to a Packguttransport issued (13), with an endless transport chain, are arranged at the uniform intervals gripping elements for each leaflet, the transport chain runs parallel to this on a part of the conveying path of the Packguttransport issued and is driven synchronously with the Packguttransport issued, and wherein the leaflets are provided from the prospectus device at a transfer point, which is arranged above and laterally offset to the packaged goods transport device, wherein the transport chain an arcuate transport chain is, which is pivoted out of the plane near the conveying path of the Packguttransport prepared in the direction of the transfer point and that the transport chain is guided to the takeover point over a reaching from the level of Packguttransport achieved up to the receiving point section.
- the inventive method for the automatic insertion of supplements in a container which is intended to receive a main product, is characterized in that the open container is moved past in a transport direction at a fixed insertion station, and that when passing the insertion at least one supplement from the insertion is introduced into the open container.
- a container is understood to mean a container, in particular a cardboard box, or a container.
- the container may be a tub, a container or a bag.
- the container can already be designed so that it can be closed after filling and sent as a package to a recipient.
- the container can also be a plastic container, which is used only for picking of main items and supplements, emptied in a downstream shipping station and later used again for picking and reused.
- a letter or an envelope is considered, in which usually only very flat products and in particular printed products are inserted and play a role in the field of postal services.
- the main product may consist of a single or several individual articles, e.g. Books, clothing, daily necessities, food, medicines, technical devices, household articles or similar merchandise.
- a supplement may be a flyer, a brochure, a printed invoice or a printed cover letter or a user manual, generally a two-dimensional printed product. But it can also be a sample of goods, a CD or other auxiliary goods that could interest or interest the recipient of the main product.
- the at least one supplement can be moved with the container during insertion into the container.
- a continuous process is achieved overall, which manages without complicated alternating movements and is mechanically less stressful.
- such a process design enables higher process speeds.
- insertion performance can be achieved, for example - if the supplement is a flat printed product of 2500 copies per hour.
- the container is open at the top, and the at least one supplement is introduced from above into the container. This further simplifies and speeds up the insertion process.
- the insertion of the at least one supplement from a predetermined insertion height is made from successively different height containers are filled with at least one supplement, and if the predetermined insertion height automatically to the height of each filling container is set.
- the height of the container to be filled can be determined prior to insertion of the at least one supplement. This can be done by a suitable sensor that measures in front of the insertion of the incoming containers in height and possibly also in their lateral dimensions and passes the results to a controlled height adjustment.
- a suitable sensor that measures in front of the insertion of the incoming containers in height and possibly also in their lateral dimensions and passes the results to a controlled height adjustment.
- vertical light barrier chains or distance sensors or cameras arranged above the transport path can be used as sensors with a corresponding image evaluation.
- the insertion of the at least one supplement can take place by means of an insertion member, wherein the adjustment of the insertion height is carried out on the insertion member.
- a local height adjustment is mechanically simple and safe and can respond quickly to different levels of containers.
- the insertion member is arranged above the transport plane pivotable relative to the transport plane, and the adjustment of the insertion height is made by pivoting the insertion. But it is also conceivable to leave a (oblique) position of the insertion unchanged and to perform a height adjustment by a telescopic change in the length of the insertion. In further embodiments, a combined movement of the insertion member comprising a pivoting and a telescoping can be made to adjust the insertion height.
- an elongate dispensing tongue of the insertion member arranged above the transport device emits the insert to be inserted at a free end, the dispensing tongue being pivoted about a first horizontal pivot axis for height adjustment of the free end.
- the dispensing tongue is pivoted and / or telescoped such that the free end is height-adjusted along a vertical path.
- the dispensing tongue has a first leg and a second leg, which are connected via a hinge, which defines a second horizontal pivot axis.
- the free end is arranged on the second leg and is pivoted for height adjustment about the second horizontal pivot axis, wherein the joint is pivoted about the first horizontal pivot axis.
- the dispensing tongue or the first and the second leg can advantageously perform a combined pivoting movement, wherein the first leg can be pivoted about the first horizontal pivot axis and the second leg by the hinge about the second horizontal pivot axis and due to the connection to the first leg to the first horizontal pivot axis can be pivoted.
- the insertion of the at least one supplement into the open container takes place obliquely downward in the transport direction. This allows a “sliding" insertion that allows high speeds.
- the container is first filled with the main product, and that the at least one insert is subsequently introduced into the open container.
- the at least one supplement can be stored on the filled main item.
- the at least one supplement is first introduced into the open container, and that subsequently the container is filled with the main product.
- Such multiple supplements may be sequentially inserted into the container at various insertion stations.
- the supplements are first put together to form a supplement group, and that subsequently the supplement group is introduced at an insertion station into the container.
- the inventive device for carrying out the method according to the invention is characterized by a transport device for transporting the open containers on a transport plane in a transport direction at a predetermined transport speed, at which transport device at least one insertion station is arranged, which an insertion member for introducing a side dish in a on the transport device at the insertion station moving past container comprises.
- the insertion member may comprise an elongate dispensing tongue arranged above the transport device, which dispenses the insert to be introduced at a free end.
- the dispensing tongue is aligned parallel to the transport direction and extends in the transport direction obliquely downwards, such that the free end of the dispensing tongue is located at the bottom.
- This configuration is particularly easy to adapt to variable heights of the containers to be filled.
- the free end of the dispensing tongue can be designed to be height adjustable.
- the dispensing tongue can be pivotable about a first horizontal pivot axis for height adjustment of the free end. This allows a motorized adjustment, which can be controlled according to the height of the respective containers.
- the dispensing tongue can be pivoted and / or telescoped such that the free end is vertically adjustable along a vertical path.
- the dispensing tongue may have pivotable and / or telescopic parts.
- the pivotable and / or telescopable parts may be configured to perform a combined movement of the free end of the dispensing tongue to adjust the insertion height.
- the dispensing tongue has a first leg and a second leg, which are connected via a hinge, which defines a second horizontal pivot axis.
- the free end is arranged on the second leg and pivotable about the second horizontal pivot axis, wherein the hinge about the first horizontal pivot axis is pivotable.
- the first leg is arranged pivotably about the first, preferably stationary, horizontal pivot axis.
- the dispensing tongue or the first and the second leg are advantageously configured to perform a combined pivoting movement, wherein the first leg is pivotable about the first horizontal pivot axis and the second leg by the hinge about the second horizontal pivot axis and due to the connection to the first leg also is pivotable about the first horizontal pivot axis.
- the joint offers the advantage of an additional degree of freedom in the movement of the dispensing tongue, which increases the flexibility of insertion.
- it can advantageously be achieved by the combined pivoting movement that the free end arranged on the second leg is vertically adjustable along a vertical path, so that the inserts can always be introduced into the open container essentially at the same position along the transport direction.
- successive, differently high containers can have a smaller distance from one another, which has a positive effect on the delivery rate and the conveying speed.
- a minimum distance between the containers must be complied with, which takes into account the pivot radius of the dispensing tongue.
- the first container when following a first container with a first height a second container with a smaller second height: Due to the pivot radius of the dispensing tongue, the first container usually has a "pivoting shadow", so that the second container Minimum distance to the first container must be greater than the "swing shadow" is.
- the device has a guide, in which the free end of the second leg is guided for height adjustment along the vertical path.
- the device has an insertion control configured to control the first and second legs such that the dispensing tongue performs a combined pivotal movement such that the free end of the second leg is height adjusted along a vertical path.
- the first and the second leg may comprise conveyor belts by means of which the inserts are conveyed.
- the first and / or the second leg each have an upper and / or a lower conveyor, preferably comprising an upper and / or a lower conveyor belt, between which the supplements are conveyed.
- the inserts can be conveyed between upper and lower conveyors by means of opposing upper and lower conveyor belts.
- the hinge may have lower hinges connecting the upper and lower conveyors of the first and second legs, respectively.
- the joints or the lower joints may comprise deflection rollers.
- the conveyor belts are continuously formed continuously over the joint or over the lower joints.
- a lower conveyor belt is continuously guided continuously over the first and the second leg and / or an upper conveyor belt is continuously guided continuously over the first and the second leg, so that the inserts are conveyed continuously between the lower and the upper conveyor belt can.
- the dispensing tongue further leg and joints, which offers the advantage of increasing the degrees of freedom of the insertion movement.
- the inserts can be introduced individually and at high speed on the insertion in the container, the introducer in one embodiment, a separator is preceded, which passes individual supplements to that insertion.
- the separator is preceded by a rod feeder, which conveys inserts intended for insertion to the separator.
- rod feeders are known from the print finishing and have proven where inserts must be transported from a supply stack (rod) to a singler. they form at the same time supplement storage, which must be filled only at longer intervals with appropriate supplements stack and thus save staff.
- the rod feeder can be arranged transversely to the transport device. This configuration allows a space-saving arrangement several insertion stations in a row.
- a great rapidity and flexibility is achieved if several insertion stations are arranged one behind the other along the transport device, and if each of the introduction stations each has its own insertion member.
- the insertion station is associated with a collecting device which forms a supplement group by collecting several supplements and passes them on to the insertion.
- the collecting device can be assigned a plurality of landing stations for the supplements.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation in several steps (a) to (c) an exemplary process of inserting a supplement 15 in a already filled with a main product 14 container according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the main product 14 is shown here for the sake of simplicity as a compact, closed block, but may consist of several similar or different articles.
- the main item 14 may include shirts, pants, skirts, jackets, or the like.
- the main product 14 is already filled in a container 10, which is open in the example above and can be a cardboard box, a tub, a container or a bag.
- the container 10 may also be a plastic container used only for picking main product 14 and supplements 15, emptied in a downstream shipping station and later used again for picking and reused.
- the container 10 is according to Fig. 1 (a) already filled with the introduced into its interior 11 main product 14 when it is moved on a transport plane 12 in the transport direction at a predetermined transport speed at an (not shown) insertion station.
- the insertion station On the way past the insertion station is now according to Fig. 1 (b) in the open-topped container 10 with adapted speed a supplement 1 5 introduced so that it can be stored in the interior 11 of the container 10 on the main product 14 ( Fig. 1 (c) ).
- the insertion of the supplement 15 is preferably carried out in the transport direction 13 obliquely from top to bottom, so that the flat insert 15 rests with the lower downstream end first on the main product 14 before, according to Fig. 1 (c) is completely stored.
- the sheet-like insert 15 in the example shown may be a flyer, a brochure, a printed bill or a printed cover letter. However, it can also be a sample of goods, a CD or another supplement that could interest or interest the recipient of the main product 14.
- a supplement 15 is first inserted into the empty container 10 ( Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) ), before then the main product 14 is filled ( Fig. 2 (c) ).
- Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) the empty container 10
- Fig. 2 (c) the main product 14
- another supplement is introduced and stored on the main product 14 above, so that under and over the main product 14 supplements are stored.
- Fig. 1 While in Fig. 1 only one supplement is introduced into the container 10, according to Fig. 3 also several (same or) different supplements 15 and 16 are introduced. If this is done successively, results for the deposited on the main product 14 inserts 1 5 and 16 a natural order in which the first imported insert 15 comes to rest under the subsequently introduced supplement 16.
- Fig. 6 shows now in a perspective simplified representation of a simple embodiment of an insertion station 20 according to the invention with a height-adjustable dispensing tongue 21, the succession (a) to (c) introduces inserts in different heights 10b, 10c and 10d.
- the insertion station 20 is arranged on a transport device 17 which extends in a transport direction and forms a transport plane in which the containers 10b to 10d are moved past the insertion station 20.
- the transport device 17 may, for example, a conveyor belt or - as in the Fig. 6 shown - be a roller conveyor belt, which is either actively driven or on which the containers move due to gravity on a slope itself. In an active drive, it is much easier to coordinate the insertion process with the (uniform) transport speed of the containers in terms of movement.
- An essential component of the insertion station 20 is as an insertion, the dispensing tongue 21, with between an upper conveyor belt and a lower conveyor belt (21 a and 21 b in Fig. 7 ) in particular flat supplements in the transport direction obliquely down to the container moved past and can be delivered at the lower free end of the dispensing tongue in the open container introducing.
- At the top End of the dispensing tongue 21 is pivotally mounted about a horizontal, transverse to the transport direction oriented pivot axis, so that the free lower end of the dispensing tongue 21 can be moved up and down by pivoting about this pivot axis.
- a singler 19 is arranged, which delivers the supplements 15 individually and temporally to the moved past containers 10b-d tuned to the dispensing tongue 21, from which they are then transported obliquely down to the open container and introduced there.
- the singler 19 can be loaded with a stack of supplements, which are then separated and forwarded.
- containers 20b-d are (in adaptation to the main product 14 to be included therein) of different sizes and above all different heights. Nevertheless, in order to enable a safe insertion of the inserts regardless of size and height, the containers are aligned on the one hand in their position in the transport plane on the fixedly arranged dispensing tongue 21. On the other hand, the free end of the dispensing tongue 21 is aligned in its height to the height of the next container to be filled, so that the free end of the dispensing tongue 21 is located at a sufficient distance above the upper edge of the container. The distance may not be too large to allow a safe and controlled insertion, especially if the supplement is just a printed sheet (invoice, operating instructions, etc.).
- the orientation of the free end of the dispensing tongue 21 is controlled in accordance with a height measurement, which is made on the incoming containers before reaching the insertion station 20.
- a height sensor (27 in Fig. 7 ) provided as a distance sensor or height-sensitive light barrier determines the position of the upper edge (s) of the incoming container and causes the dispensing tongue 21 (if necessary) in time for a corresponding pivoting operation.
- Fig. 6 (a) comes to a very shallow container 10b to the insertion station 20 and the dispensing tongue 21 is pivoted downwards accordingly, so that the supplement 15 can be safely delivered to the container 10b ( Fig. 6 (b) ).
- next container 20c is very large and tall.
- dispensing tongue 21 is pivoted upwards, so that a secure insertion process is ensured ( Fig. 6 (c) ). The process then repeats for the next medium-sized container 10d.
- Fig. 7 shows the block diagram of a complete insertion system 30 according to an embodiment of the invention for picking supplements to the corresponding main product.
- the illustrated insertion system 30 comprises a transport device 17, with which an insertion member in the form of a dispensing tongue 21 cooperates.
- the obliquely downwardly directed dispensing tongue 21 comprises an upper belt conveyor 21a and a lower belt conveyor 21b, between which the inserts are transported to the transport device 17.
- the supplements are introduced individually by a singler 19 in the dispensing tongue 21.
- the singler 19 receives the inserts (eg in a shingled arrangement) from a bar feeder 25.
- a printing station 26 can be used, which prints in the context of picking specific supplements (invoices, letters, etc.) and sends to the separator 19.
- a motorized pivoting device for the dispensing tongue 21 is arranged. Panning and transport drive the dispensing tongue 21 are of an insertion control 24 controlled on the one hand receives data from a height sensor 27 on the height of the containers to be filled and on the other hand receives control commands from a picking system 22.
- the picking system 22 is coupled to a data memory 23 in which data (names, addresses, etc.) of customers or recipients of the picked goods and inserts are stored in the form of a database.
- orders for commissioning are entered at an order entry.
- the transport device 17 can be controlled directly by the picking system 22, but alternatively also by the insertion control 24.
- a simplified insertion station operating according to the invention is reproduced, in which a separator 19 for the inserts is arranged laterally and transversely to the transport direction of the transport device 17 on a frame 31.
- the parallel to the transport direction or transport device 17 aligned dispensing tongue 21 is here connected to the singler 19 by a corner conveyor 29, which conveys the transversely applied inserts in the transport direction to the dispensing tongue 21.
- Fig. 8 shown configuration allows, according to Fig. 9 at an insertion 33, the supplements by means of a transverse to the transport device 17 arranged bar feeder 32 to save space in a scale flow or the like for singler 19 and then individually via the corner conveyor 29 of the dispensing tongue 21 supply.
- the supplements by means of a transverse to the transport device 17 arranged bar feeder 32 to save space in a scale flow or the like for singler 19 and then individually via the corner conveyor 29 of the dispensing tongue 21 supply.
- flat supplements such as leaflets, flyers or the like
- - stack of supplements are placed by an operator on the rod feeder 32, which are then transported coordinated to the singler 19.
- FIG. 10 further shows that a plurality of transport branches 17a, 17b can be brought together to form the transport device 17 in front of the introduction device 34 in order to bring together containers 10, which come from different warehouses or provisions, for the insertion of the inserts in the introduction device 34.
- Fig. 11 in an introducer 40 different supplements about corresponding landing stations 36a, b, 37a, b and 38a, b put together before inserting to garnish groups in which they are passed to a collecting device 39 and then as a supplement group via a dispensing end of the collecting device 39 arranged dispensing tongue 21 of already explained type are introduced into a container transported past.
- the collecting device 39 is formed in the example shown as a conveyor belt, that the inserts to be collected are placed one after the other.
- the transport device 17 may - as the example of Fig. 11 indicates - after the introducer 40 in a curve to subsequent, serve the further processing facilities.
- Fig. 12a shows a side view of another embodiment of an insertion station 41 with a dispensing tongue 42, which has a first leg 421 and a second leg 422, which are connected via a hinge 423.
- the first leg 421 is pivotally connected to a singler 19 about a first horizontal pivot axis H1 via a corner conveyor 29.
- the hinge 423 defines a second horizontal pivot axis H2 about which the free end 424 of the dispensing tongue 42 and the second Leg 422 is pivotable.
- the hinge 423 in turn is pivotable about the first horizontal pivot axis H1.
- the first leg has an upper conveyor 421a and a lower conveyor 421b and the second leg has an upper conveyor 422a and a lower conveyor 422b between which the inserts 15 are conveyed by means of counter-rotating conveyor belts 425, 426.
- the hinge 423 has lower hinges 423a, 423b with pulleys connecting the upper conveyors 421a, 422a and lower conveyors 421b, 422b of the first and second legs 421, 422, respectively.
- the conveyor belts 425, 426 are continuously formed on the lower joints 423a, 423b running.
- Fig. 12a shows the dispensing tongue 42 in a configuration with an insertion height, which is adapted to the height of the transported by means of the transport device 17 at the insertion station 41 container 10g.
- the container 10g has a main product 14 to which or on which the supplement 15 should be placed.
- Fig. 12b shows a side view of the insertion station 41 Fig. 12a , wherein the free end 424 of the dispensing tongue 42 has been adjusted in height due to the higher container 10h.
- the free end 424 of the dispensing tongue 42 disposed on the second leg 422 has been height adjusted along the vertical path A by means of a combined pivotal movement of the first leg 421 and the second leg 422.
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Abstract
Bei einem Verfahren zum automatischen Einführen von Beilagen (15) in ein Behältnis (10), welches zur Aufnahme einer Hauptware (14) vorgesehen ist, wird im Rahmen einer Kommissionierung eine grosse Schnelligkeit und Flexibilität dadurch erreicht, dass das offene Behältnis (10) in einer Transportrichtung (13) an einer ortsfesten Einführstation vorbeibewegt wird, und dass beim Passieren der Einführstation wenigstens eine Beilage (15) aus der Einführstation in das offene Behältnis (10) eingeführt wird.In a method for the automatic insertion of supplements (15) in a container (10), which is provided for receiving a main product (14), a large speed and flexibility is achieved in the context of a picking, characterized in that the open container (10) in a transport direction (13) is moved past a stationary insertion station, and that at least one supplement (15) is introduced from the insertion station into the open container (10) when passing through the insertion station.
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf das Gebiet der Kommissionierung von Waren. Sie betrifft Verfahren zum automatischen Einführen von Beilagen in ein Behältnis gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The present invention relates to the field of picking goods. It relates to methods for the automatic insertion of supplements in a container according to the preamble of
Sie betrifft weiterhin eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens.It further relates to a device for carrying out this method.
Im Zuge des sich immer weiter verbreitenden E-Commerce kommt der automatischen Kommissionierung der Waren und Gebinde eine immer grössere Bedeutung zu. Geht ein Auftrag über bestimmte Waren oder Handelsartikel ein, werden im Rahmen der automatische Kommissionierung die bestellten Waren aus einem Lager oder einer anderen Bereitstellung entnommen, zu der Bestellung entsprechenden Warengruppen zusammengeführt, Versandfertig verpackt und dann über den Versand auf den Weg zum Besteller/Empfänger gebracht.In the course of ever-expanding e-commerce, the automatic picking of goods and containers is becoming more and more important. If an order is received for certain goods or merchandise, as part of the automatic order picking the ordered goods are taken from a warehouse or other provision, merged to order the corresponding product groups, packed ready to ship and then brought to the customer via the shipping on the way ,
In den meisten Fällen werden vor der endgültigen Verpackung noch mit zu verschickende Beilagen zugefügt, die Beipackzettel, Bedienungsanleitungen, Warenproben, Prospekte, Flyer, CDs oder dergleichen umfassen können.In most cases, inserts are added prior to final packaging which may include instruction leaflets, instruction manuals, samples, leaflets, flyers, CDs or the like.
Um den Prozess des Hinzufügens von Beilagen innerhalb der Kommissionierung ebenfalls automatisieren zu können, müssen Verfahren und Vorrichtungen bereitgestellt werden, die das Hinzufügen von derartigen Beilagen zu der eigentlichen Hauptware auf eine unkomplizierte, flexible, schnelle und sichere Weise ermöglichen.In order to also automate the process of adding supplements within the picking process and apparatus must be provided which allow the addition of such supplements to the actual main product in an uncomplicated, flexible, fast and secure manner.
In der Vergangenheit ist eine Vielzahl von Vorschlägen gemacht worden, wie man Beilagen in Warenverpackungen einbringen kann.In the past, a large number of proposals have been made on how to incorporate side dishes in packaged goods.
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Diese bekannten Verfahren und Vorrichtungen sind in der Regel jedoch wenig flexibel, mechanisch aufwändig und in der erreichbaren Geschwindigkeit begrenzt.However, these known methods and devices are usually less flexible, mechanically complex and limited in the achievable speed.
Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Verfahren zum automatischen Einführen von Beilagen in ein Behältnis, welches zur Aufnahme einer Hauptware vorgesehen ist, anzugeben, welches ein sicheres schnelles und flexibles Einführen ermöglicht und sich einfach in ein Warenkommissionierungssystem einbinden lässt.It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for automatically inserting inserts into a container, which is provided for receiving a main item, which allows a secure fast and flexible insertion and can be easily integrated into a goods picking system.
Es ist weiterhin eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens zu schaffen.It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus for carrying out the method.
Die Aufgaben werden durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen und in der vorliegenden Beschreibung und den Figuren gegeben.The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims and in the present description and the figures.
Das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren zum automatischen Einführen von Beilagen in ein Behältnis, welches zur Aufnahme einer Hauptware vorgesehen ist, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das offene Behältnis in einer Transportrichtung an einer ortsfesten Einführstation vorbeibewegt wird, und dass beim Passieren der Einführstation wenigstens eine Beilage aus der Einführstation in das offene Behältnis eingeführt wird.The inventive method for the automatic insertion of supplements in a container, which is intended to receive a main product, is characterized in that the open container is moved past in a transport direction at a fixed insertion station, and that when passing the insertion at least one supplement from the insertion is introduced into the open container.
Unter Behältnis wird dabei ein Behälter, insbesondere eine Kartonschachtel, oder ein Gebinde verstanden. Das Behältnis kann eine Wanne, ein Container oder auch eine Tasche sein. Das Behältnis kann bereits so gestaltet sein, dass es nach dem Befüllen verschlossen und als Paket an einen Empfänger geschickt werden kann. Das Behältnis kann aber auch ein Kunststoff-Container sein, der nur zum Kommissionieren von Hauptware und Beilagen verwendet, in einer nachgeordneten Versandstation entleert und später erneut zum Kommissionieren eingesetzt und wiederverwendet wird. Nicht als Behältnis im Sinne der Anmeldung wird dagegen ein Brief oder ein Kuvert angesehen, in die üblicherweise nur sehr flache Produkte und insbesondere Druckprodukte eingeschoben werden und die auf dem Gebiet des Postwesens eine Rolle spielen.A container is understood to mean a container, in particular a cardboard box, or a container. The container may be a tub, a container or a bag. The container can already be designed so that it can be closed after filling and sent as a package to a recipient. The container can also be a plastic container, which is used only for picking of main items and supplements, emptied in a downstream shipping station and later used again for picking and reused. Not a container in the sense of the application, however, a letter or an envelope is considered, in which usually only very flat products and in particular printed products are inserted and play a role in the field of postal services.
Die Hauptware kann aus einem einzelnen oder mehreren einzelnen Artikeln bestehen, z.B. Büchern, Kleidungsstücken, Artikeln des täglichen Bedarfs, Lebensmittel, Arzneimittel, technischen Geräten, Haushaltsartikeln oder vergleichbarer Handelsware.The main product may consist of a single or several individual articles, e.g. Books, clothing, daily necessities, food, medicines, technical devices, household articles or similar merchandise.
Eine Beilage kann ein Flyer, ein Prospekt, eine gedruckte Rechnung oder ein gedrucktes Anschreiben oder eine Bedienungsanleitung, generell ein flächiges Druckprodukt, sein. Sie kann aber auch eine Warenprobe, eine CD oder eine andere Hilfsware sein, die den Empfänger der Hauptware interessieren könnte oder interessieren soll.A supplement may be a flyer, a brochure, a printed invoice or a printed cover letter or a user manual, generally a two-dimensional printed product. But it can also be a sample of goods, a CD or other auxiliary goods that could interest or interest the recipient of the main product.
In einer Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens kann die wenigstens eine Beilage beim Einführen in das Behältnis mit dem Behältnis mitbewegt werden. Hierdurch wird insgesamt ein kontinuierlicher Prozess erreicht, der ohne komplizierte Wechselbewegungen auskommt und mechanisch wenig belastend ist. Zugleich ermöglicht eine solche Prozessgestaltung höhere Prozessgeschwindigkeiten.In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one supplement can be moved with the container during insertion into the container. As a result, a continuous process is achieved overall, which manages without complicated alternating movements and is mechanically less stressful. At the same time, such a process design enables higher process speeds.
Wenn dabei das Behältnis mit einer vorgegebenen Transportgeschwindigkeit an der Einführstation vorbeibewegt wird, und die wenigstens eine Beilage beim Einführen mit einer auf die Transportgeschwindigkeit des Behältnisses abgestimmten Geschwindigkeit mitbewegt wird, lassen sich - wenn es sich bei der Beilage um ein flächiges Druckprodukt handelt - beispielsweise Einführleistungen von 2500 Exemplaren pro Stunde erreichen.If in this case the container is moved past the insertion station at a predetermined transport speed and the at least one supplement is moved during insertion at a speed matched to the transport speed of the container, insertion performance can be achieved, for example - if the supplement is a flat printed product of 2500 copies per hour.
Besonders günstig ist es, wenn das Behältnis auf einer Transportebene an der Einführstation vorbeibewegt wird, das Behältnis nach oben offen ist, und die wenigstens eine Beilage von oben in das Behältnis eingeführt wird. Hierdurch wird der Einführprozess weiter vereinfacht und beschleunigt.It is particularly favorable when the container is moved past the insertion station on a transport plane, the container is open at the top, and the at least one supplement is introduced from above into the container. This further simplifies and speeds up the insertion process.
Für die automatische Kommissionierung von Hauptware und Beilagen ist es günstig, wenn das Einführen der wenigstens einen Beilage von einer vorgegebenen Einführhöhe aus vorgenommen wird, nacheinander unterschiedlich hohe Behältnisse mit wenigstens einer Beilage befüllt werden, und wenn die vorgegebene Einführhöhe jeweils automatisch auf die Höhe des zu befüllenden Behältnisses eingestellt wird. Hierdurch wird ein Kommissionierungsprozess mit grosser Flexibilität erreicht, weil ohne weitere Eingriffe ganz unterschiedliche Gebinde verarbeitet werden können.For the automatic picking of main product and supplements, it is advantageous if the insertion of the at least one supplement from a predetermined insertion height is made from successively different height containers are filled with at least one supplement, and if the predetermined insertion height automatically to the height of each filling container is set. As a result, a picking process with great flexibility is achieved, because without further intervention very different containers can be processed.
Dabei kann die Höhe des zu befüllenden Behältnisses vor dem Einführen der wenigstens einen Beilage bestimmt werden. Dies kann durch einen geeigneten Sensor geschehen, der vor der Einführstation die ankommenden Behältnisse in ihrer Höhe und gegebenenfalls auch in ihren lateralen Abmessungen ausmisst und die Ergebnisse an eine gesteuerte Höhenverstellung weitergibt. Als Sensoren kommen dafür beispielsweise vertikale Lichtschrankenketten oder über dem Transportweg angeordnete Abstandssensoren oder Kameras mit einer entsprechenden Bildauswertung in Betracht.In this case, the height of the container to be filled can be determined prior to insertion of the at least one supplement. This can be done by a suitable sensor that measures in front of the insertion of the incoming containers in height and possibly also in their lateral dimensions and passes the results to a controlled height adjustment. For example, vertical light barrier chains or distance sensors or cameras arranged above the transport path can be used as sensors with a corresponding image evaluation.
Insbesondere kann das Einführen der wenigstens einen Beilage mittels eines Einführorgans erfolgen, wobei die Einstellung der Einführhöhe am Einführorgan vorgenommen wird. Eine solche lokale Höhenverstellung ist mechanisch einfach und sicher und kann schnell auf unterschiedlich hohe Behältnisse reagieren.In particular, the insertion of the at least one supplement can take place by means of an insertion member, wherein the adjustment of the insertion height is carried out on the insertion member. Such a local height adjustment is mechanically simple and safe and can respond quickly to different levels of containers.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist es dabei, wenn das Einführorgan oberhalb der Transportebene relativ zur Transportebene verschwenkbar angeordnet ist, und die Einstellung der Einführhöhe durch Verschwenken des Einführorgans vorgenommen wird. Es ist aber auch denkbar, eine (schräge) Lage des Einführorgans unverändert zu lassen und eine Höhenverstellung durch eine teleskopische Veränderung der Länge des Einführorgans vorzunehmen. In weiteren Ausgestaltungen kann eine kombinierte Bewegung des Einführorgans umfassend ein Verschwenken und ein Teleskopieren vorgenommen werden, um die Einführhöhe einzustellen.It is particularly advantageous if the insertion member is arranged above the transport plane pivotable relative to the transport plane, and the adjustment of the insertion height is made by pivoting the insertion. But it is also conceivable to leave a (oblique) position of the insertion unchanged and to perform a height adjustment by a telescopic change in the length of the insertion. In further embodiments, a combined movement of the insertion member comprising a pivoting and a telescoping can be made to adjust the insertion height.
In einer Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens gibt eine oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung angeordnete, längliche Spendezunge des Einführorgans an einem freien Ende die einzuführende Beilage aus, wobei die Spendezunge zur Höhenverstellung des freien Endes um eine erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkt wird.In one embodiment of the method, an elongate dispensing tongue of the insertion member arranged above the transport device emits the insert to be inserted at a free end, the dispensing tongue being pivoted about a first horizontal pivot axis for height adjustment of the free end.
In einer weiteren Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens wird die Spendezunge derart verschwenkt und/oder teleskopiert, dass das freie Ende entlang einer vertikalen Bahn höhenverstellt wird. Dadurch kann vorteilhafterweise erreicht werden, dass die Beilagen stets an einer gleichen Stelle entlang der Transportrichtung in das offene Behältnis eingeführt werden. Für aufeinanderfolgende, unterschiedlich hohe Behältnisse bietet dies den Vorteil einer erhöhten Flexibilität beim Einführen der Beilagen. Insbesondere kann so der Abstand zwischen den aufeinanderfolgenden Behältnissen verkleinert werden, was sich vorteilhaft auf die Förderleistung und Fördergeschwindigkeit auswirkt.In a further embodiment of the method, the dispensing tongue is pivoted and / or telescoped such that the free end is height-adjusted along a vertical path. This can advantageously be achieved that the inserts are always inserted at the same point along the transport direction in the open container. For successive containers of different heights, this offers the advantage of increased flexibility when inserting the inserts. In particular, so the distance between the successive containers can be reduced, which has an advantageous effect on the flow rate and conveying speed.
In einer Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens weist die Spendezunge einen ersten Schenkel und einen zweiten Schenkel auf, welche über ein Gelenk verbunden sind, welches eine zweite horizontale Schwenkachse definiert. Dabei ist das freie Ende am zweiten Schenkel angeordnet und wird zur Höhenverstellung um die zweite horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkt, wobei das Gelenk um die erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkt wird. Die Spendezunge bzw. der erste und der zweite Schenkel können vorteilhafterweise eine kombinierte Schwenkbewegung ausführen, wobei der erste Schenkel um die erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkt werden kann und der zweite Schenkel durch das Gelenk um die zweite horizontale Schwenkachse und aufgrund der Verbindung zum ersten Schenkel auch um die erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkt werden kann.In one embodiment of the method, the dispensing tongue has a first leg and a second leg, which are connected via a hinge, which defines a second horizontal pivot axis. In this case, the free end is arranged on the second leg and is pivoted for height adjustment about the second horizontal pivot axis, wherein the joint is pivoted about the first horizontal pivot axis. The dispensing tongue or the first and the second leg can advantageously perform a combined pivoting movement, wherein the first leg can be pivoted about the first horizontal pivot axis and the second leg by the hinge about the second horizontal pivot axis and due to the connection to the first leg to the first horizontal pivot axis can be pivoted.
Bevorzugt erfolgt das Einführen der wenigstens einen Beilage in das offene Behältnis in Transportrichtung schräg nach unten. Dadurch ist ein "gleitendes" Einführen möglich, das hohe Geschwindigkeiten erlaubt.Preferably, the insertion of the at least one supplement into the open container takes place obliquely downward in the transport direction. This allows a "sliding" insertion that allows high speeds.
Bei der Zusammenführung von Hauptware und Beilag(n) ist es möglich, dass das Behältnis zunächst mit der Hauptware befüllt wird, und dass die wenigstens eine Beilage anschliessend in das offene Behältnis eingeführt wird. Dabei kann die wenigstens eine Beilage auf der eingefüllten Hauptware abgelegt werden.When combining the main product and the insert (s), it is possible that the container is first filled with the main product, and that the at least one insert is subsequently introduced into the open container. The at least one supplement can be stored on the filled main item.
Es ist aber auch denkbar, dass in das offene Behältnis zunächst die wenigstens eine Beilage eingeführt wird, und dass anschliessend das Behältnis mit der Hauptware befüllt wird.However, it is also conceivable that the at least one supplement is first introduced into the open container, and that subsequently the container is filled with the main product.
Weiterhin können selbstverständlich auch mehrere (gleiche oder unterschiedliche) Beilagen in das Behältnis eingeführt werden. So können beispielsweise Bedienungsanleitungen, Rechnungen, Prospekte und Warenproben zu einer Beilagengruppe zusammengefasst und beigelegt werden.Furthermore, of course, several (same or different) supplements can be introduced into the container. For example, user manuals, invoices, brochures and samples can be combined into a supplement group and enclosed.
Solche mehreren Beilagen können nacheinander an verschiedenen Einführstationen in das Behältnis eingeführt werden.Such multiple supplements may be sequentially inserted into the container at various insertion stations.
Es ist aber auch denkbar, dass die Beilagen zunächst zu einer Beilagengruppe zusammengestellt werden, und dass anschliessend die Beilagengruppe an einer Einführstation in das Behältnis eingeführt wird.However, it is also conceivable that the supplements are first put together to form a supplement group, and that subsequently the supplement group is introduced at an insertion station into the container.
Die erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach der Erfindung ist gekennzeichnet durch eine Transportvorrichtung für den Transport der offenen Behältnisse auf einer Transportebene in einer Transportrichtung mit einer vorgegebenen Transportgeschwindigkeit, an welcher Transportvorrichtung wenigstens eine Einführstation angeordnet ist, welche ein Einführorgan zur Einführung einer Beilage in ein auf der Transportvorrichtung an der Einführstation vorbeibewegtes Behältnis umfasst.The inventive device for carrying out the method according to the invention is characterized by a transport device for transporting the open containers on a transport plane in a transport direction at a predetermined transport speed, at which transport device at least one insertion station is arranged, which an insertion member for introducing a side dish in a on the transport device at the insertion station moving past container comprises.
Insbesondere kann das Einführorgan eine oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung angeordnete, längliche Spendezunge umfassen, welche an einem freien Ende die einzuführende Beilage ausgibt.In particular, the insertion member may comprise an elongate dispensing tongue arranged above the transport device, which dispenses the insert to be introduced at a free end.
Mit Vorteil ist die Spendezunge parallel zur Transportrichtung ausgerichtet und erstreckt sich in Transportrichtung schräg nach unten, derart, dass das freie Ende der Spendezunge sich unten befindet. Diese Konfiguration lässt sich besonders einfach auf variable Höhen der zu befüllenden Behältnisse anpassen.Advantageously, the dispensing tongue is aligned parallel to the transport direction and extends in the transport direction obliquely downwards, such that the free end of the dispensing tongue is located at the bottom. This configuration is particularly easy to adapt to variable heights of the containers to be filled.
Dazu kann das freie Ende der Spendezunge höhenverstellbar ausgebildet sein.For this purpose, the free end of the dispensing tongue can be designed to be height adjustable.
Insbesondere kann die Spendezunge zur Höhenverstellung des freien Endes um eine erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkbar sein. Dies ermöglicht eine motorisierte Verstellung, die sich nach Massgabe der Höhe der jeweiligen Behältnisse steuern lässt.In particular, the dispensing tongue can be pivotable about a first horizontal pivot axis for height adjustment of the free end. This allows a motorized adjustment, which can be controlled according to the height of the respective containers.
In einer Ausgestaltung ist die Spendezunge derart verschwenkbar und/oder teleskopierbar, dass das freie Ende entlang einer vertikalen Bahn höhenverstellbar ist. Dadurch kann vorteilhafterweise erreicht werden, dass die Beilagen im Wesentlichen immer an einer gleichen Stelle entlang der Transportrichtung in das offene Behältnis eingeführt werden. Für aufeinanderfolgende, unterschiedlich hohe Behältnisse bietet dies den Vorteil einer erhöhten Flexibilität beim Einführen der Beilagen.In one embodiment, the dispensing tongue can be pivoted and / or telescoped such that the free end is vertically adjustable along a vertical path. As a result, it can advantageously be achieved that the inserts are always introduced into the open container at the same point along the transport direction. For successive containers of different heights, this offers the advantage of increased flexibility when inserting the inserts.
Die Spendezunge kann verschwenkbare und/oder teleskopierbare Teile aufweisen. Insbesondere können die verschwenkbaren und/oder telekopierbaren Teile eingerichtet sein, eine kombinierte Bewegung des freien Endes der Spendezunge auszuführen, um die Einführhöhe einzustellen.The dispensing tongue may have pivotable and / or telescopic parts. In particular, the pivotable and / or telescopable parts may be configured to perform a combined movement of the free end of the dispensing tongue to adjust the insertion height.
In einer Ausgestaltung weist die Spendezunge einen ersten Schenkel und einen zweiten Schenkel auf, welche über ein Gelenk verbunden sind, welches eine zweite horizontale Schwenkachse definiert. Dabei ist das freie Ende am zweiten Schenkel angeordnet und um die zweite horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkbar, wobei das Gelenk um die erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkbar ist.In one embodiment, the dispensing tongue has a first leg and a second leg, which are connected via a hinge, which defines a second horizontal pivot axis. In this case, the free end is arranged on the second leg and pivotable about the second horizontal pivot axis, wherein the hinge about the first horizontal pivot axis is pivotable.
Bevorzugt ist der erste Schenkel um die erste, vorzugsweise ortsfeste, horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkbar angeordnet. Die Spendezunge bzw. der erste und der zweite Schenkel sind vorteilhafterweise eingerichtet, eine kombinierte Schwenkbewegung auszuführen, wobei der erste Schenkel um die erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkbar ist und der zweite Schenkel durch das Gelenk um die zweite horizontale Schwenkachse und aufgrund der Verbindung zum ersten Schenkel auch um die erste horizontale Schwenkachse verschwenkbar ist.Preferably, the first leg is arranged pivotably about the first, preferably stationary, horizontal pivot axis. The dispensing tongue or the first and the second leg are advantageously configured to perform a combined pivoting movement, wherein the first leg is pivotable about the first horizontal pivot axis and the second leg by the hinge about the second horizontal pivot axis and due to the connection to the first leg also is pivotable about the first horizontal pivot axis.
Das Gelenk bietet den Vorteil eines zusätzlichen Freiheitsgrads in der Bewegung der Spendezunge, was die Flexibilität des Einführens erhöht. Insbesondere kann durch die kombinierte Schwenkbewegung vorteilhafterweise erreicht werden, dass das am zweiten Schenkel angeordnete freie Ende entlang einer vertikalen Bahn höhenverstellbar ist, so dass die Beilagen im Wesentlichen immer an einer gleichen Stelle entlang der Transportrichtung in das offene Behältnis eingeführt werden können. Insbesondere können dadurch aufeinanderfolgende, unterschiedlich hohe Behältnisse einen kleineren Abstand zueinander aufweisen, was sich positiv auf die Förderleistung und die Fördergeschwindigkeit auswirkt.The joint offers the advantage of an additional degree of freedom in the movement of the dispensing tongue, which increases the flexibility of insertion. In particular, it can advantageously be achieved by the combined pivoting movement that the free end arranged on the second leg is vertically adjustable along a vertical path, so that the inserts can always be introduced into the open container essentially at the same position along the transport direction. In particular, successive, differently high containers can have a smaller distance from one another, which has a positive effect on the delivery rate and the conveying speed.
Zum Beispiel muss bei einer starren Spendezunge, welche nur um eine einzelne Schwenkachse verschwenkbar ist, bei aufeinanderfolgenden, unterschiedlich hohen Behältnissen in der Regel ein Mindestabstand zwischen den Behältnissen eingehalten werden, welcher den Schwenkradius der Spendezunge berücksichtigt. Dies ist zum Beispiel der Fall, wenn auf ein erstes Behältnis mit einer ersten Höhe ein zweites Behältnis mit einer geringeren zweiten Höhe folgt: Aufgrund des Schwenkradius der Spendezunge weist das erste Behältnis in der Regel einen "Schwenkschatten" auf, so dass das zweite Behältnis einen Mindestabstand zum ersten Behältnis einhalten muss, der grösser als der "Schwenkschatten" ist.For example, in a rigid dispensing tongue, which is pivotable only about a single pivot axis, in successive, differently high containers usually a minimum distance between the containers must be complied with, which takes into account the pivot radius of the dispensing tongue. This is the case, for example, when following a first container with a first height a second container with a smaller second height: Due to the pivot radius of the dispensing tongue, the first container usually has a "pivoting shadow", so that the second container Minimum distance to the first container must be greater than the "swing shadow" is.
In einer Ausgestaltung weist die Vorrichtung eine Führung auf, in welcher das freie Ende des zweiten Schenkels zur Höhenverstellung entlang der vertikalen Bahn geführt ist.In one embodiment, the device has a guide, in which the free end of the second leg is guided for height adjustment along the vertical path.
In einer Ausgestaltung weist die Vorrichtung eine Einführsteuerung auf, welche eingerichtet ist, den ersten und den zweiten Schenkel so zu steuern, dass die Spendezunge eine kombinierte Schwenkbewegung derart ausführt, dass das freie Ende des zweiten Schenkels entlang einer vertikalen Bahn höhenverstellt wird.In one embodiment, the device has an insertion control configured to control the first and second legs such that the dispensing tongue performs a combined pivotal movement such that the free end of the second leg is height adjusted along a vertical path.
Der erste und der zweite Schenkel können Transportbänder umfassen, mittels welchen die Beilagen gefördert werden. In einer Ausgestaltung können der erste und/oder der zweite Schenkel jeweils einen oberen und/oder einen unteren Förderer, vorzugsweise umfassend ein oberes und/oder ein unteres Transportband, aufweisen, zwischen welchen die Beilagen gefördert werden. Die Beilagen können zwischen oberen und unteren Förderern mittels gegenläufigen oberen und unteren Transportbändern gefördert werden. Das Gelenk kann Untergelenke aufweisen, welche die oberen bzw. unteren Förderer des ersten und des zweiten Schenkels verbinden. Die Gelenke bzw. die Untergelenke können Umlenkrollen umfassen. Vorzugsweise sind die Transportbänder kontinuierlich über das Gelenk bzw. über die Untergelenke laufend ausgebildet. In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist ein unteres Transportband kontinuierlich über den ersten und den zweiten Schenkel laufend geführt und/oder ein oberes Transportband ist kontinuierlich über den ersten und den zweiten Schenkel laufend geführt, so dass die Beilagen kontinuierlich zwischen dem unteren und dem oberen Transportband gefördert werden können.The first and the second leg may comprise conveyor belts by means of which the inserts are conveyed. In one embodiment, the first and / or the second leg each have an upper and / or a lower conveyor, preferably comprising an upper and / or a lower conveyor belt, between which the supplements are conveyed. The inserts can be conveyed between upper and lower conveyors by means of opposing upper and lower conveyor belts. The hinge may have lower hinges connecting the upper and lower conveyors of the first and second legs, respectively. The joints or the lower joints may comprise deflection rollers. Preferably, the conveyor belts are continuously formed continuously over the joint or over the lower joints. In an advantageous embodiment, a lower conveyor belt is continuously guided continuously over the first and the second leg and / or an upper conveyor belt is continuously guided continuously over the first and the second leg, so that the inserts are conveyed continuously between the lower and the upper conveyor belt can.
In weiteren Ausgestaltungen weist die Spendezunge weitere Schenkel und Gelenke auf, was den Vorteil einer Erhöhung der Freiheitsgrade der Einführbewegung bietet.In further embodiments, the dispensing tongue further leg and joints, which offers the advantage of increasing the degrees of freedom of the insertion movement.
Damit die Beilagen einzeln und mit hoher Geschwindigkeit über das Einführorgan in das Behältnis eingeführt werden können, ist dem Einführorgan in einer Ausgestaltung ein Vereinzeler vorgeschaltet, welcher einzelne Beilagen an dass Einführorgan übergibt.Thus, the inserts can be introduced individually and at high speed on the insertion in the container, the introducer in one embodiment, a separator is preceded, which passes individual supplements to that insertion.
Vorzugsweise ist dem Vereinzeler ein Stangenanleger vorgeschaltet, welcher zum Einführen vorgesehene Beilagen zum Vereinzeler befördert. Derartige Stangenanleger sind aus der Druckweiterverarbeitung bekannt und haben sich dort bewährt, wo Beilagen von einem Vorratsstapel (Stange) zu einem Vereinzeler transportiert werden müssen. Sie bilden gleichzeitig Beilagenspeicher, die nur in längeren Intervallen mit entsprechende Beilagenstapeln gefüllt werden müssen und damit Personal einsparen.Preferably, the separator is preceded by a rod feeder, which conveys inserts intended for insertion to the separator. Such rod feeders are known from the print finishing and have proven where inserts must be transported from a supply stack (rod) to a singler. they form at the same time supplement storage, which must be filled only at longer intervals with appropriate supplements stack and thus save staff.
Insbesondere kann der Stangenanleger quer zur Transportvorrichtung angeordnet sein. Diese Konfiguration ermöglicht eine platzsparende Anordnung mehrere Einführstationen hintereinander.In particular, the rod feeder can be arranged transversely to the transport device. This configuration allows a space-saving arrangement several insertion stations in a row.
Eine grosse Schnelligkeit und Flexibilität wird erreicht, wenn entlang der Transportvorrichtung mehrere Einführstationen hintereinander angeordnet sind, und wenn jede der Einführstationen jeweils ein eigenes Einführorgan aufweist.A great rapidity and flexibility is achieved if several insertion stations are arranged one behind the other along the transport device, and if each of the introduction stations each has its own insertion member.
Es ist aber auch in anderen Anwendungsfällen denkbar, dass der Einführstation eine Sammelvorrichtung zugeordnet ist, welche durch Sammeln aus mehreren Beilagen eine Beilagengruppe bildet und an das Einführorgan weitergibt.However, it is also conceivable in other applications that the insertion station is associated with a collecting device which forms a supplement group by collecting several supplements and passes them on to the insertion.
Dabei können der Sammelvorrichtung mehrere Anlegestationen für die Beilagen zugeordnet sein.In this case, the collecting device can be assigned a plurality of landing stations for the supplements.
Die Erfindung soll nachfolgend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung näher erläutert werden. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- zeigt in schematischer Darstellung in mehreren Schritten (a) bis (c) einen beispielhaften Vorgang des Einführens einer Beilage in ein bereits mit einer Hauptware gefülltes Behältnis gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
- Fig. 2
- zeigt analog zu
Fig. 1 in schematischer Darstellung in mehreren Schritten (a) bis (c) einen beispielhaften Vorgang des Einführens einer Beilage in ein Behältnis vor dem Einfüllen einer Hauptware gemäss einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; - Fig. 3
- zeigt ein zusätzlich zur Hauptware mit mehreren verschiedenen Beilagen nacheinander befülltes Behältnis gemäss einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
- Fig. 4
- zeigt ein zusätzlich zur Hauptware mit mehreren verschiedenen Beilagen nebeneinander befülltes Behältnis gemäss einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
- Fig. 5
- zeigt ein zusätzlich zur Hauptware mit Beilagengruppe befülltes Behältnis gemäss einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
- Fig. 6
- zeigt in einer perspektivischen Darstellung ein einfaches Ausführungsbeispiel einer Einführstation nach der Erfindung mit einer höhenverstellbaren Spendezunge, die nacheinander (a) bis (c) Beilagen in verschieden hohe Behältnisse einführt;
- Fig. 7
- zeigt das Blockschema eines Einführsystems gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung zur Kommissionierung von Beilagen zur entsprechenden Hauptware;
- Fig. 8
- zeigt eine gemäss der Erfindung arbeitende vereinfachte Einführstation, bei welcher ein Vereinzeler für die Beilagen seitlich und quer zur Transportrichtung angeordnet ist;
- Fig. 9
- zeigt eine auf
Fig. 8 aufbauende Einführstation, bei der die Beilagen durch einen seitlich und quer angeordneten Stangenanleger zugeführt werden; - Fig. 10
- zeigt eine gemäss der Erfindung arbeitende Einführanlage mit mehreren in Transportrichtung hintereinander angeordneten, unabhängig arbeitenden Einführstationen;
- Fig. 11
- zeigt eine gemäss der Erfindung arbeitende Einführanlage mit einer Sammelvorrichtung zur Bildung von Beilagengruppen, die dann in die vorbeitransportierten Behältnisse eingeführt werden;
- Fig. 12a
- zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Einführstation mit einer Spendezunge, welche einen ersten Schenkel und einen zweiten Schenkel aufweist, welche über ein Gelenk verbunden sind; und
- Fig. 12b
- zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Einführstation aus
Fig. 1 2a , wobei ein freies Ende der Spendezunge aufgrund eines unterschiedlich hohen Behältnisses höhenverstellt ist.
- Fig. 1
- shows a schematic representation in several steps (a) to (c) an exemplary process of inserting a side dish in a already filled with a main merchandise container according to an embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 2
- shows analogously to
Fig. 1 a schematic representation in several steps (a) to (c) an exemplary process of inserting a side dish in a container before filling a main product according to another embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 3
- shows a container in addition to the main product with several different supplements successively filled container according to a further embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 4
- shows a container in addition to the main product with several different supplements side by side filled container according to another embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 5
- shows a container in addition to the main product with supplement group filled container according to a further embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 6
- shows a perspective view of a simple embodiment of an insertion station according to the invention with a height-adjustable dispensing tongue, which successively introduces (a) to (c) side dishes into containers of different heights;
- Fig. 7
- shows the block diagram of an insertion system according to an embodiment of the invention for picking inserts to the corresponding main product;
- Fig. 8
- shows a working according to the invention simplified insertion, in which a separator for the inserts is arranged laterally and transversely to the transport direction;
- Fig. 9
- shows one up
Fig. 8 constructive insertion station, in which the inserts are fed by a laterally and transversely arranged rod feeder; - Fig. 10
- shows an operating according to the invention introducer with a plurality of successively arranged in the transport direction, independently operating insertion stations;
- Fig. 11
- shows an operating according to the invention introducer with a collecting device for the formation of supplement groups, which are then introduced into the transported past containers;
- Fig. 12a
- shows a side view of another embodiment of an insertion station with a dispensing tongue, which has a first leg and a second leg, which are connected via a hinge; and
- Fig. 12b
- shows a side view of the insertion station
Fig. 1 2a , wherein a free end of the dispensing tongue is adjusted in height due to a different height container.
Bevor später auf Ausführungsbeispiele der technischen Vorrichtungen und Anlagen eingegangen wird, welche zur Verwirklichung der Erfindung geeignet und vorgesehen sind, soll zunächst anhand der
Die Hauptware 14 ist bereits in ein Behältnis 10 eingefüllt, das im Beispiel oben offen ist und eine Kartonschachtel, eine Wanne, ein Container oder auch eine Tasche sein kann. Das Behältnis 10, das in
Das Behältnis 10 ist gemäss
Der Vorgang des Befüllens des Behältnisses 10 kann aber auch in umgekehrter Reihenfolge ablaufen, wie dies in
Während in
Es ist aber auch denkbar (
Anstatt verschiedene Beilagen nacheinander in das Behältnis 10 einzuführen, kann aber auch vor dem Einführen aus mehreren Beilagen 15, 16 durch separates Sammeln eine Beilagengruppe gebildet werden, die nach in einem einzigen Einführvorgang in das Behältnis 10 eingeführt wird (
Ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Einführstation 20 ist als Einführorgan, die Spendezunge 21, mit der zwischen einem oberen Transportband und einem unteren Transportband (21a und 21b in
Am oberen Ende der Spendezunge 21 ist ein Vereinzeler 19 angeordnet, der die Beilagen 15 einzeln und zeitlich auf die vorbeibewegten Behältnisse 10b-d abgestimmt an die Spendezunge 21 abgibt, von der sie dann schräg nach unten zum offenen Behältnis transportiert und dort eingeführt werden. Der Vereinzeler 19 kann mit einem Stapel von Beilagen beschickt werden, die dann vereinzelt und weitergeleitet werden.At the upper end of the dispensing
Die in
Die Ausrichtung des freien Endes der Spendezunge 21 wird nach Massgabe einer Höhenmessung gesteuert, die an den ankommenden Behältnissen vor Erreichen der Einführstation 20 vorgenommen wird. Hierzu ist ein (in
In
Das nächste Behältnis 20c ist demgegenüber sehr gross und hoch. Zur Anpassung wird die Spendezunge 21 nach oben verschwenkt, so dass ein sicherer Einführvorgang gewährleistet ist (
Am Vereinzeler 19 ist zugleich eine motorisierte Schwenkvorrichtung für die Spendezunge 21 angeordnet. Schwenken und Transportantrieb der Spendezunge 21 werden von einer Einführsteuerung 24 gesteuert, die einerseits von einem Höhensensor 27 Daten über die Höhe der zu befüllenden Behältnisse erhält und andererseits Steuerbefehle aus einem Kommissioniersystem 22 entgegennimmt. Das Kommissioniersystem 22 ist mit einem Datenspeicher 23 gekoppelt, in welchem in Form einer Datenbank Daten (Namen, Adressen etc.) von Kunden bzw. Empfängern der kommissionierten Waren und Beilagen abgespeichert sind. In das Kommissionierungssystem 22 werden an einem Auftragseingang 28 Aufträge für die Kommissionierung eingegeben. Die Transportvorrichtung 17 kann direkt vom Kommissionierungssystem 22, alternativ aber auch von der Einführsteuerung 24 gesteuert werden.At the
In
Die in
Um entweder verschiedene Behältnisse 10 automatisch mit unterschiedlichen Beilagen zu befüllen oder in ein einzelnes Behältnis hintereinander verschiedene Beilagen oder gleiche Beilagen mehrfach einzuführen, können gemäss
Es ist aber auch denkbar, gemäss
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CH00300/17A CH713561A1 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2017-03-13 | Method for automatically inserting inserts into a container and device for carrying out the method. |
CH01202/17A CH713566A2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2017-10-02 | Method for automatically inserting inserts into a container and device for carrying out the method. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3375721A1 true EP3375721A1 (en) | 2018-09-19 |
Family
ID=61581073
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18160368.9A Withdrawn EP3375721A1 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2018-03-07 | Method for automatically inserting inserts into a container and device for carrying out the method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20180257803A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3375721A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11975876B2 (en) * | 2021-04-07 | 2024-05-07 | Tension International, Inc. | Bag packing machine |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3797822A (en) * | 1972-04-19 | 1974-03-19 | P Anderson | Coupon inserter |
US4179113A (en) * | 1978-01-09 | 1979-12-18 | F. D. Graphics, Inc. | Apparatus for feeding leaflets to rapidly moving articles |
EP0806362A2 (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1997-11-12 | OSTMA Maschinenbau GmbH | Process for introducing printed inserts into packaging containers |
US5845462A (en) * | 1996-12-10 | 1998-12-08 | Northfield Corporation | Coupon inserter |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4279555A (en) * | 1978-12-29 | 1981-07-21 | Rydell Edmund W F | Machine for stacking panels |
US4783065A (en) * | 1983-08-31 | 1988-11-08 | Graves Sr Glen L | Feeder apparatus for feeding sheet material sections |
US5244196A (en) * | 1992-02-19 | 1993-09-14 | Gbr Systems Corporation | Pivotable transfer conveyor |
US20080098696A1 (en) * | 2006-10-26 | 2008-05-01 | Kent Gallimore | Insertion apparatus and method |
US7712287B2 (en) * | 2007-05-22 | 2010-05-11 | Gallimore Industries, Inc. | Coupon insertion apparatus and method |
US20160368701A1 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2016-12-22 | Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | Floor panel kit and method of forming the same |
EP3045414B1 (en) * | 2015-01-19 | 2017-11-01 | Müller Martini Holding AG | Method and device for gathering an envelope and multiple inserts into an advertising collection |
US20170101224A1 (en) * | 2015-10-13 | 2017-04-13 | Steve Kohn | System and method for distributing bags and analyzing sales of items promoted on bags |
-
2018
- 2018-03-07 EP EP18160368.9A patent/EP3375721A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-03-13 US US15/920,048 patent/US20180257803A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3797822A (en) * | 1972-04-19 | 1974-03-19 | P Anderson | Coupon inserter |
US4179113A (en) * | 1978-01-09 | 1979-12-18 | F. D. Graphics, Inc. | Apparatus for feeding leaflets to rapidly moving articles |
EP0806362A2 (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1997-11-12 | OSTMA Maschinenbau GmbH | Process for introducing printed inserts into packaging containers |
US5845462A (en) * | 1996-12-10 | 1998-12-08 | Northfield Corporation | Coupon inserter |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20180257803A1 (en) | 2018-09-13 |
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