Device and Method for Unfolding Packaging Carton Sleeves

Abstract

A device for unfolding packaging carton sleeves having a mechanism for providing the flat carton sleeves, a transfer unit, which can be rotated about a rotational axis, having at least one suction member for adhering to the carton sleeves and for transferring the carton sleeves to a conveyor belt, wherein the suction member is at a distance from the rotational axis. The conveyor belt includes at least one pocket for receiving the carton sleeves. The distance between the suction member and the rotational axis is constant and consequently the carton sleeves are channelled along a circular track.

1 . A device for unfolding packaging carton sleeves comprising:
 a mechanism for providing flat carton sleeves,   a transfer unit, which can be rotated about a rotational axis and which has a plurality of suction members for adhering to the carton sleeves by suction, and for transferring the carton sleeves to a conveyor belt, wherein the suction members are at a distance from the rotational axis, wherein   the conveyor belt comprises at least one pocket for receiving the carton sleeves,   
       wherein
 the distance between the suction members and the rotational axis is constant and consequently the carton sleeves are channelled along a circular track, and wherein all of the suction members are arranged at the same distance from the rotational axis of the transfer unit. 
 
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the conveyor belt runs in a straight line in the region of the device. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the conveyor belt runs in a curved direction in the region of the device. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanism has at least one movably mounted finger with a lug for separating the flat carton sleeves. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanism has a hopper for channelling the carton sleeves, wherein a central plane of which has an offset in relation to the rotational axis of the transfer unit. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the suction members are inclined at an angle to a tangential plane touching the circular track. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pockets have two rigid side walls. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pockets have a rigid back wall. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the side walls of the pockets protrude vertically from the back wall and/or the conveyor belt. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pockets have at least one spring member for clamping the carton sleeve into the pocket. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein an end of the spring member is configured as hook-shaped. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a minimum distance between the circular track of the suction members and a back wall of the pocket is shorter than a length of the side walls of the pockets. 
     
     
         14 . A method for unfolding packaging carton sleeves comprising the following steps:
 a) provision of carton sleeves by a mechanism,   b) adhesion to the carton sleeves by suction and advancement of said carton sleeves by a transfer unit rotating about a rotational axis having a plurality of suction members, and   c) unfolding the carton sleeves by inserting said carton sleeves into a pocket attached to a conveyor belt, wherein   the transfer unit channels the carton sleeves along a circular track at a constant distance between the suction members and the rotational axis wherein the carton sleeves are unfolded solely as a result of the effect of the suction members and the pocket on the carton sleeve.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the transfer unit rotates at an angular velocity greater than zero. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the transfer unit rotates at a constant angular velocity. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the conveyor belt moves at a speed greater than zero. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the conveyor belt moves at a constant speed. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the carton sleeves are separated in the mechanism by a movably mounted finger, which has a travel in the range of between 1 cm and 4 cm. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the suction members establish a negative pressure in an angular range of 350°<φ<10°. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the suction members dissipate the negative pressure in an angular range of 125°<φ<145°. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the suction members adhere to the carton sleeves by suction at a distance from the centre thereof, which is in the region of between 0 cm and 6 cm.