BANDEROLE PACKAGING APPARATUS

Abstract

 Packaging apparatus configured to wrap a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole. Which packaging apparatus comprises a transporting device for transporting the stacks of printed matter along a transporting direction, a banderole dispenser, which banderole dispenser arranges a banderole around two opposing flat sides of the stack and around the fore edge of the stack. The banderole comprises on one side of the stack an overhang extending past the back edge of the stack. The packaging apparatus further comprises a folding device which folding device is configured to fold the overhang around the other side of the stack. The folding device comprises a lever mounted on a rotating axis. The lever extends radially outward and that the lever at its radially outwards end extends along the direction of rotation.
Method for packaging a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole comprising the following steps.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus configured to wrap a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole, which stack comprises two opposing flat sides, and a fore edge and back edge, which packaging apparatus comprises a transporting device for transporting the stacks of printed matter along a transporting direction, a banderole dispenser, which banderole dispenser arranges a banderole around two opposing flat sides of the stack and around the fore edge of the stack, where the banderole on one side of the stack comprises an overhang extending past the back edge of the stack, which packaging apparatus further comprises a folding device which folding device is configured to fold the overhang around the other side of the stack wherein the folding device comprises a lever mounted on a rotating axis, wherein the lever extends radially outward and wherein the lever at its radially outwards end extends along the direction of rotation, wherein the lever is configured to rotate in one direction only.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for packaging a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Printed matter, especially weekly subscriptions, is typically packed in a packaging apparatus. Stacks of printed matter can be individualised for each household. That is, each household can get a different selection of printed paper matters. The weekly stack of printed matter is wrapped in a plastic or with a paper banderole. Paper banderoles are preferable from an ecological view, due to reducing the amount of plastic used.

[0004] Known packaging apparatuses for wrapping a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole use a banderole dispenser for dispensing a banderole on a stack of printed matter. A lever then wraps the banderole and encloses the two sides of the banderole together. In the state of the art, this is performed with a lever which bends the banderole around an end of the stack and pushes an end section of the banderole against the other end section of the banderole. This lever is actuated in two directions. From a resting position, it is actuated towards the banderole and pushes the banderole around an edge of the stack. Then, from this extended or active position, the lever has to be brought back into a resting position, undergoing the reverse motion, such that the next stack can pass the lever in an apparatus, after which the process is repeated for the next stack that has to be wrapped.

[0005] A prior art packaging apparatus of the type described by way of introduction and as defined in the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 0770548 A2.

[0006] This system in the state of the art has the drawback that it requires the lever to move at high speed and high acceleration and deceleration. This requires a complicated mechanic construction and increases the wear on the apparatus.

[0007] Thus, there exists a need for providing a simpler constructed apparatus for wrapping a stack of printed matter with a banderole which reduces the wear on the apparatus and operates more reliably.

Object of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned needs and drawbacks.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for wrapping a stack of printed matter with a banderole which is simple in construction and reliable.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for packaging a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole which has reduced wear.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a method for packing a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole, which provides a solution to the above-mentioned needs and drawbacks.

Description of the Invention

[0012] This is achieved by the present invention with a packaging apparatus of the type mentioned in the introduction and as described in the preamble of claim 1, which is peculiar in that the packaging apparatus is peculiar in that packaging apparatus is configured to adjust an angular position of the lever with an adjustable delay relative to a time at which a banderole is dispensed by the banderole dispenser.

[0013] To adjust the timing of the lever rotation with the other tasks performed by the apparatus, the angular position of the lever is controlled with an adjustable delay which is set relative to the time at which a banderole is dispensed by the banderole dispenser. The apparatus can retrieve status information on the previously bent banderole. Depending on the status information, the delay can be adjusted for example to increase the pressure which is applied to the overhang of the banderole to glue it to the other end of the banderole.

[0014] This improves the reliability of the apparatus and reduces the number of stacks which are not properly wrapped with the banderole.

[0015] Furthermore, this is achieved with a method for packaging a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole comprising the following steps:

• transporting a stack of printed matter along a transport direction on a transport device in a packaging apparatus,
• providing a banderole from a banderole dispenser which dispenses the banderole in front of the stack as seen in the transporting direction with an overhang of the banderole on one flat side extending past said stack,
• during transporting the stack by the transporting device, the banderole is arranged around two opposing flat sides of the stack and around the fore edge of the stack,
• bending the overhang around another flat side of the stack with a lever rotating in one direction only, characterised in that it further comprises the following steps:
• retrieving status information of the previously bend banderole,
• adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved status information of the previously bend banderole.

[0016] Since the lever is rotating in one direction only, acceleration and deceleration forces are greatly reduced compared to apparatuses known from the state of the art. In the case of continuous rotation of the lever at constant speed, acceleration and deceleration forces are completely eliminated. This reduces the wear on the apparatus and makes the apparatus more reliable.

[0017] Furthermore, the apparatus has a simpler construction than the apparatuses known in the art. This increases reliability, reduces costs and reduces the complexity of control software necessary for the apparatus.

[0018] The packaging apparatus is configured to skip wrapping of stacks with a banderole on request. Thus, in one packaging apparatus both stacks of printed matter which are to be wrapped and stacks which are not to be wrapped can be processed. For each stack, wrapping or non-wrapping can be chosen.

[0019] Fore edge and back edge of the stack of printed matter are referred to relative to the transporting direction in the packaging apparatus. The fore edge is the edge of the stack oriented towards the transporting direction. The back edge is the edge of the stack oriented away from the transporting direction.

[0020] The packaging apparatus is of the type used in a packaging line for packing a large number of consecutive stacks.

[0021] When a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole has passed the lever in the packaging apparatus, the lever rotates and the radial outward end of the lever will push the overhang of the paper banderole around the edge of the stack and against the other end of the paper banderole on the other side of the stack.

[0022] The packaging apparatus can comprise a glue dispenser. Previous to the lever folding the overhang of the banderole around the edge of the stack, the glue dispenser can dispense glue onto an end of the banderole. When the lever bends the overhang of the banderole around the edge of the stack and against the other end of the banderole, the two ends of the banderole are glued together and the stack is wrapped with a banderole and can be transported further along a packaging line.

[0023] Transporting of the stacks in transporting direction and rotation of the lever in the folding device can be performed simultaneously and/or continuously. This provides fast wrapping and high throughput of stacks in the packaging apparatus.

[0024] The transporting device can comprise two parts. The two parts can engage with the stacks in two opposing edge areas. The lever of the folding device can rotate between the two parts of the transporting device.

[0025] The rotating axis is placed with an offset to the transporting device. The offset is lateral. By lateral offset is understood an offset in a right angle to the transporting direction. The orientation of the rotating axis is in a right angle to the transporting direction.

[0026] In a further embodiment the packaging apparatus is peculiar in that the lever is substantially L-shaped.

[0027] The essentially L-shaped lever makes sure that when the lever is rotated, it can bend the overhang of the banderole around the stack and push the two sides of the banderole against each other. The two lengths of the L are adapted to the specific apparatus and the size of the stacks and overhang of the banderole.

[0028] A first side of the L-shaped lever can have a length corresponding to the offset of the rotating axis to the transporting device. This provides a particularly well wrapped banderole, due to a second side of the L-shaped lever pressing the overhang of the banderole against the flat side of the stack.

[0029] In a further embodiment the packaging apparatus is peculiar in that packaging apparatus is configured to adjust an angular position of the lever with an adjustable delay relative to a time at which a banderole is dispensed by the banderole dispenser. To adjust the timing of the lever rotation with the other tasks performed by the apparatus, the angular position of the lever is controlled with an adjustable delay which is set relative to the time at which a banderole is dispensed by the banderole dispenser. The apparatus can retrieve status information on the previously bent banderole. Depending on the status information, the delay can be adjusted for example to increase the pressure which is applied to the overhang of the banderole to glue it to the other end of the banderole.

[0030] This improves the reliability of the apparatus and reduces the number of stacks which are not properly wrapped with the banderole.

[0031] In a further embodiment the packaging apparatus is peculiar in that the packaging apparatus comprises a glue dispenser, which glue dispenser is configured to apply glue to an end section of the banderole. The glue dispenser can apply glue to an end section of the banderole. It can be operated with an adjustable delay relative to the time at which the banderole dispenser dispenses a banderole. Thus, it is made sure that the glue is dispensed on the right section of the banderole, typically and end section of the banderole. The end section of the banderole is typically either the end section on the opposite end of the overhang of the banderole or the end sections of the overhang.

[0032] The method comprises the following steps:

• retrieving status information of the previously bend banderole,
• adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved status information of the previously bent banderole.

[0033] Adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved status information of the previously bent banderole increases the reliability of the apparatus and reduces the number of faulty wrapped stacks. By adjusting the adjustable delay, the pressure with which the lever presses the overhang of the banderole against the other end of the banderole can be adjusted. For example, when a banderole has not been properly glued, the delay can be reduced and thus the lever will apply more pressure on the overhang of the banderole.

[0034] In a further aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the following steps:

• retrieving information on the arrival time and/or length of the next stack,
• adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved information.

[0035] By length of the stack is understood the distance between fore edge and back edge.

[0036] Furthermore, the position at which the end section of the lever presses against the overhang of the banderole is adjusted by adjusting the adjustable delay.

[0037] In a further aspect of the invention the method further comprises the following steps:

• the rotation of the lever is paused for an adjustable time period between bending of the overhang between two consecutive stacks. The pausing of the lever is an alternative method for controlling the angular position of the lever relative to the stacks, or more specifically the time at which the lever bends or wraps the overhang of the paper banderole around the edge of the stack.

[0038] In a further aspect of the invention the method further comprises the following steps:

• rotating the lever in a continuous motion. Rotating the lever in a continuous motion significantly reduces the complexity of the control software needed for the packaging apparatus and improves reliability of the method.

[0039] In a further aspect of the method, the rotational speed of the lever can be adjusted.

Description of the Drawing

[0040] 

Fig. 1a-d

show schematics of parts of a packaging apparatus according to the invention,

Fig. 2a-b

show a banderole dispenser dispensing a banderole,

Fig. 3a-g

schematically show the method of wrapping a stack of printed matter with a banderole,

Fig. 4a-d

schematically show how a stack of printed matter is wrapped with a banderole in another view,

Fig. 5

shows an overview of the packaging apparatus, and

Fig. 6 - Fig.9

show parts of packaging apparatus with an L-shaped rotating lever.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0041] In the following text, figures will be described one by one, and the different parts and positions seen in the figures will be numbered with the same numbers in the different figures. Not all parts and positions indicated in the specific figure will necessarily be discussed together with that figure.

List of reference numerals

[0042] 

1

Packaging apparatus

3

Stack

5

Banderole

7

Flat sides

9

Fore edge

11

Back edge

13

Transporting direction

15

Transporting device

17

Banderole dispenser

19

Overhang

21

Folding device

23

Lever

25

Rotating axis

27

Glue dispenser

29

End section, banderole

31

First side, L-shaped lever

32

Second side, L-shaped lever

33

Lateral offset, rotating axis

[0043] Figure 1a-d show schematics of parts of a packaging apparatus according to the invention. Figures 1a-c show the schematic from a side of the machine at different time points in the packaging process.

[0044] Fig 1a shows the machine where a banderole 5 has been wrapped around the flat sides 7 and the fore edge 9 of a stack 3. The lever 23 has just started to engage the overhang 19 of the banderole.

[0045] Fig. 1b shows the machine at a later timepoint in the packaging process than shown in Fig. 1a. The stack is transported further in the transporting direction 13. The lever has wrapped the overhang 19 of the banderole around the stack 3.

[0046] Fig. 1c shows the machine at a later timepoint in the packaging process than shown in Fig. 1b. The stack is transported further in the transporting direction 13. The lever is pushing the overhang 19 of the banderole 5 against an end section on an opposing side of the banderole. Glue which previously has been applied to one end section 29 of the banderole in a known way holds together the two end sections 29 of the banderole 5.

[0047] The packaging apparatus 1 is configured to wrap a stack 3 of printed matter with a paper banderole 5. The stack comprises two opposing flat sides 7. The stack comprises a fore edge 9. The fore edge 9 is oriented in the transporting direction 13. The stack comprises a back edge 11. The back edge is oriented opposite the transporting direction 13.

[0048] The packaging apparatus 1 comprises a transporting device 15 for transporting the stacks 3 of printed matter along a transporting direction 13. The packaging apparatus further comprises a banderole dispenser 17. The banderole dispenser 17 arranges a banderole 5 around two opposing flat sides 7 of the stack and around the fore edge 9 of the stack. The banderole dispenser is shown in Figure 2a. The banderole on one side of the stack comprises an overhang 19 extending past the back edge 11 of the stack. The packaging apparatus 1 further comprises a folding device 21. The folding device is configured to fold the overhang 19 around the other side of the stack.

[0049] The folding device 21 comprises a lever 23 mounted on a rotating axis 25. The rotating axis extends radially outwards. The lever extends along the direction of rotation at its radially outward end.

[0050] The lever is substantially L-shaped.

[0051] The lever 23 is configured to rotate in one direction only.

[0052] The packaging apparatus is configured to adjust an angular position of the lever 23 with an adjustable delay relative to the time at which a banderole 5 is dispensed by the banderole dispenser 17.

[0053] The packaging apparatus 1 comprises a glue dispenser 27. The glue dispenser is configured to apply glue to an end section 29 of the banderole 5.

[0054] Fig. 2a-b show a banderole dispenser 17 dispensing a banderole 5.

[0055] In Fig. 2a the banderole is dispensed from the banderole dispenser. As the stack 3 is transported in the transporting direction 13 the banderole is wrapped around the flat sides 7 of the stack 3 and the fore edge 9 as seen in Fig. 2b.

[0056] Fig. 3a-g schematically show the method of wrapping a stack 3 of printed matter with a banderole 5. Fig. 3a show consecutive timepoints during the wrapping with Fig. 3a being the first timepoint and Fig. 3g being the last time point.

[0057] The method for packaging a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole comprises the following steps:

• transporting a stack of printed matter along a transport direction on a transport device in a packaging apparatus,
• providing a banderole from a banderole dispenser, with an overhang of the banderole on one flat side extending past said stack,
• bending the overhang around another flat side of the stack with a lever rotating in one direction only.

[0058] The method can further comprise the following steps:

• retrieving information on the arrival time and/or length of the next stack,
• adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved information.

[0059] The method can further comprise the following steps:

• retrieving status information of the previously bend banderole,
• adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved status information of the previously bend banderole.

[0060] The method can further comprise the following steps:

• the rotation of the lever is paused for an adjustable time period between bending of the overhang between two consecutive stacks.

[0061] The method can further comprise the following steps:

• rotating the lever in a continuous motion.

[0062] Fig. 4a-c schematically show how a stack 3 of printed matter is wrapped with a banderole 5.

[0063] In Fig. 4a, the banderole 5 has been dispensed and is wrapped around the flat sides 7 of the stack and the fore edge 9 of the stack. The banderole comprises an overhang 19 extending past the back edge 11 of the banderole.

[0064] In Fig. 4b, the overhang is partially wrapped around the back edge 11.

[0065] In Fig. 4c, the overhang is wrapped further around the back edge 11 than in Fig. 4b.

[0066] In Fig. 4d, the banderole is wrapped completely around the back edge 11 and the overhang 19 is pressed against an end section 29 of the banderole. The end section is located at the opposite end of the banderole than the overhang 19.

[0067] Fig. 5 shows an overview of the packaging apparatus 1. The packaging apparatus comprises a banderole dispenser 17.

[0068] Fig. 6 - Fig. 9 show parts of packaging apparatus 1 with an L-shaped rotating lever 23.

[0069] In Fig. 6 and 7, the overhang 19 of the banderole 5 is partially wrapped around the stack.

[0070] In Fig. 8 and 9, the banderole is completely wrapped around the stack.

[0071] The packaging apparatus 1 comprises a lever 23.

[0072] The lever is substantially L-shaped.

[0073] The essentially L-shaped lever ensures that when the lever is rotated, it can bend the overhang 19 of the banderole 5 around the stack 3 and push the two sides of the banderole against each other. The two legs/sides of the L are adapted to the specific apparatus and the size of the stacks and overhang of the banderole.

[0074] A first side 31 of the L-shaped lever can have a length corresponding to the offset 33 of the rotating axis to the transporting device. This provides a particularly well wrapped banderole, due to a second side 32 of the L-shaped lever pressing the overhang of the banderole against the flat side of the stack.

Claims

1. Packaging apparatus configured to wrap a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole, which stack comprises two opposing flat sides, and a fore edge and back edge, which packaging apparatus comprises a transporting device for transporting the stacks of printed matter along a transporting direction, a banderole dispenser, which banderole dispenser dispenses the banderole in front of the stack as seen in the transporting direction whereby when transporting the stack by the transporting device the banderole is arranged around two opposing flat sides of the stack and around the fore edge of the stack, where the banderole on one side of the stack comprises an overhang extending past the back edge of the stack, which packaging apparatus further comprises a folding device which folding device is configured to fold the overhang around the other side of the stack, wherein the folding device comprises a lever mounted on a rotating axis, wherein the lever extends radially outward and wherein the lever at its radially outwards end extends along the direction of rotation, wherein the lever is configured to rotate in one direction only, characterised in that packaging apparatus is configured to adjust an angular position of the lever with an adjustable delay relative to a time at which a banderole is dispensed by the banderole dispenser.

2. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the lever is substantially L-shaped.

3. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the packaging apparatus comprises a glue dispenser, which glue dispenser is configured to apply glue to an end section of the banderole.

4. Method for packaging a stack of printed matter with a paper banderole comprising the following steps:

- transporting a stack of printed matter along a transport direction on a transport device in a packaging apparatus,

- providing a banderole from a banderole dispenser which dispenses the banderole in front of the stack as seen in the transporting direction with an overhang of the banderole on one flat side extending past said stack,

- during transporting the stack by the transporting device, the banderole is arranged around two opposing flat sides of the stack and around the fore edge of the stack,

- bending the overhang around another flat side of the stack with a lever rotating in one direction only, characterised in that it further comprises the following steps:

- retrieving status information of the previously bend banderole,

- adjusting the adjustable delay depending on the retrieved status information of the previously bend banderole.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that it further comprises the following steps:

- the rotation of the lever is paused for an adjustable time period between bending of the overhang between two consecutive stacks.

6. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that it further comprises the following steps:

- rotating the lever in a continuous motion.

Drawing