EP1598273B1 - Packaging machine and method for closing containers - Google Patents

Packaging machine and method for closing containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1598273B1
EP1598273B1 EP05009238A EP05009238A EP1598273B1 EP 1598273 B1 EP1598273 B1 EP 1598273B1 EP 05009238 A EP05009238 A EP 05009238A EP 05009238 A EP05009238 A EP 05009238A EP 1598273 B1 EP1598273 B1 EP 1598273B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
containers
packaging machine
closing
closed
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP05009238A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1598273A1 (en
Inventor
Johann Natterer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
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Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
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Publication of EP1598273A1 publication Critical patent/EP1598273A1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/48—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using reciprocating or oscillating pushers
    • 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
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
    • B65B7/164—Securing by heat-sealing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a packaging machine and a method for closing containers.
  • tray sealing machines known in which products are packed in prefabricated cup-shaped containers and sealed with a film.
  • a packaging machine in which the packaging containers are conveyed from a filling station by means of circulating carriers on a plate in a sealing station.
  • the disadvantage is that the placement of the container is very inaccurate and takes a lot of time, since the acceleration must remain low and the driver from the area of the sealing station must go back again.
  • the sealing station is arranged in the main transport path of the container between a feed device and a discharge device and a certain amount of containers is respectively introduced into the sealing station, then sealed there and transported to the discharge device after sealing. Only then can the next containers be transported to the sealing station, so that the process in the sealing station takes a relatively long time, since not only the time of sealing, but also the transport time is incurred. During this time, the subsequent containers to be sealed must wait until the sealing station becomes free.
  • the applicant is also known an improved packaging machine, in which two receiving plates are provided for receiving the container in the sealing station. Of the one receiving plate in a position which is located in the main transport path of the container from the feed conveyor to the discharge device, sealed containers are removed and the receiving plate is equipped with containers to be sealed, while on the other receiving plate in a second position adjacent to the main transport path, containers are sealed in a sealing tool with the top film. This leads to an increase in the useful life of the Sealing tool and consequently the operating speed of the packaging machine can be increased.
  • the two receiving plates are arranged on a turntable and moving the receiving plates in the other position takes place via a rotation of the turntable about a vertical axis.
  • relatively large distances between the two positions of the receiving plates must be covered during the rotational movement and there are accelerations, which contain both rotational components and translation components, which limits the possible transport speed.
  • the packaging machine according to the invention has the advantage that the transport of the container to the sealing tool and again out of the sealing tool out can be done very quickly and that for evacuating, gassing and sealing the container a maximum process time is available because the closure must be open only a short time.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that the packaging machine is very easy to switch to different container sizes and shapes and in particular with only different container height no adjustments are necessary.
  • the packaging machine according to the invention can be realized significantly more cost-effective due to the applied linear movement of the plates into the closing device or out of this packaging machines, which use rotational movements.
  • the packaging machine can be designed to save space perpendicular to the main transport path.
  • the packaging machine of this embodiment includes a first feed conveyor 1, on which containers 5 to be closed are transported in the direction of a closing station 20, a second feed conveyor 2, which is arranged in the entry area of the closing station 20 and on which Containers 5 and a discharge conveyor 11 on which the containers 5 "are transported after their processing in the closing station 20.
  • the closing station 20 is designed such that a group of containers 5 can be processed simultaneously.
  • the containers move along a main transport path in a main transport direction 8, which is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2 and extends from left to right.
  • the feed conveyors 1, 2 each run continuously and the grouping of the containers in the closing station 20 via stops 6, which are arranged above the second feed conveyor 2.
  • the stoppers 6 are formed so as to be individually movable from a raised position in which the containers 5 can be transported on the second feed conveyor 2 below them to a lowered position in which they rest on the second feed conveyor 2 in the main transport direction 8 transported container 5 stop while the second feed conveyor 2 continues to move under them. Further, the stoppers 6 are formed such that they can be reciprocated in the main transporting direction 8 by a control device (not shown) (29).
  • the receiving plate 3 In the main transport path behind the second feed conveyor 2 is located in the closing station 20 a place for a receiving plate 3, which is referred to as the first position 21.
  • the receiving plate 3 is arranged in the first position 21 such that the stopped by the stoppers 6 on the second feed conveyor 2 container 5 can be pushed by a movement of the lowered stopper 6 in the main transport direction 8 on the receiving plate 3.
  • recesses 10 are provided, in which the pushed over the receiving plate 3 container 5 can be lowered by means of a provided under the receiving plate 3 lifting device 9.
  • the lowered container 5 are then held with the upper container edge 5e of the receiving plate 3.
  • sealed containers 5 In the first position 21, sealed containers 5 "can be lifted in the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3 by means of the lifting device 9 so that the container bottoms 5a are aligned with the top 3a of the receiving plate 3 located in the first position 21.
  • a slide 7 is also provided comprising tundishes 7a projecting downwardly and adapted to engage between the sealed containers 5 "in a first position as shown in FIG. By moving the slider 7 in the direction of the main transporting direction 8 to a second position (right end of the arrow 30 in FIG. 2), the sealed containers 5 "are shifted onto the discharge conveyor 11.
  • the closing station 20 will be described in more detail below.
  • Fig. 4 is located in the closing station 20 in a place which is referred to as the second position 22, a second receiving plate 3 'with recesses 10', which is identical to the receiving plate 3 is formed.
  • the second position 22 is arranged laterally of the main transport path and above the first position 21.
  • the receiving plate 3 ' is located between an upper part 23 and a lower part 24 of a closing device 25.
  • the lower part 24 is movable upwards by means of a lifting device 26, so that the lower part 24 with the upper part 23 and the receiving plate 3' pressed therebetween closed chamber forms.
  • closing means 25 devices are provided, not shown in the drawing, which allow evacuation and introduction of gas, such as e.g. Inert gas, allow.
  • a top film 27 is arranged in the region of the closing device 25 in such a way that a section 27a of the top film 27 is enclosed between the top part 23 and the receiving plate 3 'when closing the closing device 25, so that this section on the upper container edges 5e in the recesses 10 'of the receiving plate 3' held containers 5 'rests.
  • the upper side of the receiving plate 3 'and the upper part 23 are designed such that they form a sealing and cutting tool, which welds the upper foil 27 onto the upper container edges 5e and thereby cuts free the welded region from the upper foil 27.
  • the closing device 25 is furthermore designed such that it opens again after sealing the container 5 'and a next section of the upper film is moved into the closing device 25.
  • irregularly spaced containers 5 are transported in the direction of the second feed conveyor belt 2 on the first feed conveyor belt 1.
  • the containers 5 are already filled with products to be packaged.
  • the filling can be done on the first feed conveyor 1 or even before this.
  • the containers 5 are transferred to the second feed conveyor 2.
  • the first container 5b is transported on the second feed conveyor 2 in the main transporting direction 8 until it abuts against the first stopper 6b, which prevents it from advancing.
  • the second feed conveyor 2 continues to move under the held first container 5b.
  • next stopper 6c moves down and the next container 5c is from the first feed conveyor belt 1 coming on the second feed conveyor belt 2 in the main transporting direction 8 moves until it abuts the stopper 6c. Thereafter, the following stopper is moved down and the process repeats until a preset number of containers 5 are grouped. About the distance of the stoppers from each other, the distance of the container 5 is set a group.
  • the stoppers 6 are moved in the main transporting direction 8 (arrow 29 to the right) and the grouped containers 5 are moved via a receiving plate 3 located in the position 21.
  • sealed containers 5 "located on the receiving plate 3 are moved by the slider 7 onto the discharge conveyor belt 11.
  • the grouped containers 5, which have been moved over the receiving plate 3, are lowered by the lifting device 9 into the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3 or simply into the recesses 10 are dropped and then held therein by the upper edge 5e of the containers 5.
  • the sealed containers 5 "are moved from the slider to the discharge conveyor 11 and the grouped containers 5 are moved into the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3 are moved are on the receiving plate 3 'located container 5' sealed in the closing device 25.
  • the closing device 25 is opened by lowering the lower part 24 with the lifting device 26 becomes. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 4, the receiving plate 3 'is linearly moved in the vertical direction from the second position 22, which is arranged laterally of the main transport path and higher than the first position 21, to the height of the first position 21 in a first intermediate position 18 lowered. At the same time, the other receiving plate 3 is moved linearly in the vertical direction from the first position 21 to a second intermediate position 19.
  • the receiving plate 3 'containing sealed containers 5 "is linearly moved in the horizontal direction from the first intermediate position 18 to the first position 21.
  • the receiving plate 3 with the unsealed containers 5 from the second intermediate position 19 becomes linear in FIG moved horizontally in the second position 22 in the closing device 25 so that the receiving plates 3, 3 'have reversed their position.
  • the closing device 25 is closed and the container 5 'on the receiving plate 3 therein are sealed with the top film 27 and the closing device then opens again.
  • the sealed containers 5 "are raised in the receiving plate 3 ' in the first position 21 with the lifting device 9 and moved with the slider 7 on the discharge conveyor 11, while on the second feed conveyor 2 in the meantime grouped container 5 with the stoppers 6 over the receiving plate 3 'to be moved and then lowered with the lifting device 9 in the recesses 10' of the receiving plate 3 'or dropped into this.
  • the receiving plate 3' is moved from the first position 21 via the second intermediate position 19 into the second position 22 and at the same time the other receiving plate 3 moved from the second position 22 via the first intermediate position 18 in the first position 21. Subsequently, the described processes are repeated, so that consecutively further containers 5 are sealed.
  • the packaging machine can also be realized in such a way that the corresponding receiving plates 3, 3 'are moved from the first position 21 via the first intermediate position 18 into the second position 22 and from the second position 22 via the second intermediate position 19 into the first position 21, ie opposite to the arrow direction shown in Fig. 4.
  • the operating speed of the packaging machine can be increased since the closing device 25 only has to be opened briefly for repositioning the receiving plates 3, 3 ' and the sealing process and a large part of the container transport are carried out at the same time, so that occurring dead times of individual components of the packaging machine can be significantly reduced.
  • the grouping of the containers in the described embodiment takes place in a very special, particularly advantageous manner
  • the grouping can also be realized in another way, such as e.g. via an intermittently operating feed device and / or via a gripper which grips the group for transport in a predetermined manner.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

the packing machine has a supply device (1,2) for feeding in the containers (5) which when closed are discharged through a discharge device (11). The closing device (25) between the supply and discharge device is mounted at the side of the main transport path (8) moving the containers in and out. At least one of the containers to be closed is moved in a linear motion by a device into the closing device as a closed container is moved out. A transport mechanism (6,7) at the same time as closing of one container moves a closed container on from a pick up element whilst feeding in the next container.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Verpackungsmaschine und ein Verfahren zum Verschließen von Behältern.The present invention relates to a packaging machine and a method for closing containers.

Es sind Verpackungsmaschinen, sogenannte Schalenverschließmaschinen, bekannt, bei denen Produkte in vorgefertigte schalenförmige Behälter verpackt und mit einer Folie verschlossen werden.There are packaging machines, so-called tray sealing machines, known in which products are packed in prefabricated cup-shaped containers and sealed with a film.

Aus der DE 690 03 503 ist eine Verpackungsmaschine bekannt, bei der die Verpackungsbehälter von einer Befüllstation mittels umlaufender Mitnehmer auf eine Platte in eine Siegelstation befördert werden. Nachteilig ist, dass die Platzierung der Behälter sehr ungenau erfolgt und viel Zeit in Anspruch nimmt, da die Beschleunigung gering bleiben muss und die Mitnehmer aus dem Bereich der Siegelstation wieder zurückfahren müssen.From DE 690 03 503 a packaging machine is known in which the packaging containers are conveyed from a filling station by means of circulating carriers on a plate in a sealing station. The disadvantage is that the placement of the container is very inaccurate and takes a lot of time, since the acceleration must remain low and the driver from the area of the sealing station must go back again.

Aus der EP 680 880 ist eine Maschine bekannt, bei der die Behälter mit Schieberarmen von einer Zuführeinheit direkt in eine Verschließeinrichtung (Siegelstation) befördert werden und gleichzeitig die verschlossenen Behälter aus der Verschließeinrichtung abtransportiert werden. Auch hier werden die Behälter in der Siegelstation auf Platten platziert. Die Platzierung ist jedoch ungenau und der Transport nimmt viel Zeit in Anspruch, da nur bei offener Siegelstation eine Zu- und Abführung erfolgen kann und während dieser Zeit keine Funktion zum Evakuieren, Begasen und Verschließen der Behälter möglich ist.From EP 680 880 a machine is known in which the container with slide arms of a feed directly into a closing device (sealing station) are conveyed and at the same time the sealed containers are removed from the closing device. Again, the containers are placed in the sealing station on plates. However, the placement is inaccurate and the transport takes a lot of time, since only with open seal station can be done a supply and discharge and during this time no function for evacuating, gassing and sealing the container is possible.

Bei diesen Verpackungsmaschinen ist die Siegelstation in dem Haupttransportweg der Behälter zwischen einer Zuführeinrichtung und einer Abführeinrichtung angeordnet und eine bestimmte Menge von Behältern wird jeweils in die Siegelstation eingebracht, dort anschließend versiegelt und nach dem Versiegeln zu der Abführeinrichtung weitertransportiert. Erst danach können die nächsten Behälter in die Siegelstation transportiert werden, sodass der Prozess in der Siegelstation relativ lange dauert, da nicht nur die Zeit des Siegelns, sondern auch zusätzlich die Transportzeit anfällt. Während dieser Zeit müssen die nachfolgenden zu versiegelnden Behälter warten, bis die Siegelstation frei wird.In these packaging machines, the sealing station is arranged in the main transport path of the container between a feed device and a discharge device and a certain amount of containers is respectively introduced into the sealing station, then sealed there and transported to the discharge device after sealing. Only then can the next containers be transported to the sealing station, so that the process in the sealing station takes a relatively long time, since not only the time of sealing, but also the transport time is incurred. During this time, the subsequent containers to be sealed must wait until the sealing station becomes free.

Der Anmelderin ist desweiteren eine verbesserte Verpackungsmaschine bekannt, bei denen in der Siegelstation zwei Aufnahmeplatten zum Aufnehmen der Behälter vorgesehen sind. Von der einen Aufnahmeplatte werden in einer Position, die sich in dem Haupttransportweg der Behälter von dem Zuführförderband zu der Abführeinrichtung befindet, versiegelte Behälter entnommen und die Aufnahmeplatte mit zu versiegelnden Behältern bestückt wird, während auf der anderen Aufnahmeplatte in einer zweiten Position, die sich neben dem Haupttransportweg befindet, Behälter in einem Siegelwerkzeug mit der Oberfolie versiegelt werden. Dies führt zu einer Erhöhung der Nutzzeit des Siegelwerkzeugs und folglich kann die Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der Verpackungsmaschine erhöht werden.The applicant is also known an improved packaging machine, in which two receiving plates are provided for receiving the container in the sealing station. Of the one receiving plate in a position which is located in the main transport path of the container from the feed conveyor to the discharge device, sealed containers are removed and the receiving plate is equipped with containers to be sealed, while on the other receiving plate in a second position adjacent to the main transport path, containers are sealed in a sealing tool with the top film. This leads to an increase in the useful life of the Sealing tool and consequently the operating speed of the packaging machine can be increased.

Bei der bekannten Verpackungsmaschine sind die beiden Aufnahmeplatten auf einem Drehtisch angeordnet und das Bewegen der Aufnahmeplatten in die jeweils andere Position erfolgt über eine Drehung des Drehtisches um eine senkrechte Achse. Für die Drehbewegung besteht ein relativ großes Platzbedürfnis in der horizontalen Richtung senkrecht zu dem Haupttransportweg, was insbesondere bei der Verwendung der Verpackungsmaschine in kleinen Räumen problematisch ist. Weiterhin müssen bei der Drehbewegung relativ große Strecken zwischen den beiden Positionen der Aufnahmeplatten zurückgelegt werden und es treten Beschleunigungen auf, die sowohl Rotationskomponenten als auch Translationskomponenten enthalten, was die mögliche Transportgeschwindigkeit beschränkt.In the known packaging machine, the two receiving plates are arranged on a turntable and moving the receiving plates in the other position takes place via a rotation of the turntable about a vertical axis. For the rotational movement there is a relatively large space requirement in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the main transport path, which is particularly problematic when using the packaging machine in small spaces. Furthermore, relatively large distances between the two positions of the receiving plates must be covered during the rotational movement and there are accelerations, which contain both rotational components and translation components, which limits the possible transport speed.

Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine kostengünstige Verpackungsmaschine zu schaffen, die es ermöglicht, die Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der Verschließstation zu erhöhen und dabei eine leichte Umrüstbarkeit der Verpackungsmaschine auf unterschiedliche Packungsgrößen und -geometrien zu gewährleisten und ein Verfahren bereitzustellen, das diese Vorteile ermöglicht.It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost packaging machine which makes it possible to increase the speed of operation of the capping station while ensuring easy convertibility of the packaging machine to different package sizes and geometries and to provide a method which allows these advantages.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Verpackungsmaschine gemäß Anspruch 1 und durch ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 10. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet.The object is achieved by a packaging machine according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10. Further developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine weist den Vorteil auf, dass der Transport der Behälter zu dem Siegelwerkzeug und wieder aus dem Siegelwerkzeug heraus sehr schnell erfolgen kann und dass zum Evakuieren, Begasen und Verschließen der Behälter eine maximale Prozesszeit zu Verfügung steht, da die Verschließeinrichtung nur eine geringe Zeit offen sein muss.The packaging machine according to the invention has the advantage that the transport of the container to the sealing tool and again out of the sealing tool out can be done very quickly and that for evacuating, gassing and sealing the container a maximum process time is available because the closure must be open only a short time.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der vorliegenden Erfindung ist, dass die Verpackungsmaschine sehr einfach auf unterschiedliche Behältergrößen und -formen umzustellen ist und insbesondere bei nur unterschiedlicher Behälterhöhe keine Umstellungen nötig sind.Another advantage of the present invention is that the packaging machine is very easy to switch to different container sizes and shapes and in particular with only different container height no adjustments are necessary.

Weiterhin kann die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine aufgrund der angewandten Linearbewegung der Platten in die Verschließeinrichtung hinein bzw. aus dieser heraus deutlich kostengünstiger realisiert werden als Verpackungsmaschinen, die Rotationsbewegungen verwenden. Damit kann die Verpackungsmaschine senkrecht zum Haupttransportweg platzsparend ausgebildet werden.Furthermore, the packaging machine according to the invention can be realized significantly more cost-effective due to the applied linear movement of the plates into the closing device or out of this packaging machines, which use rotational movements. Thus, the packaging machine can be designed to save space perpendicular to the main transport path.

Weitere Merkmale und Zweckmäßigkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen. Von den Figuren zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Draufsicht auf eine schematische Darstellung einer Verpackungsmaschine gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
Fig. 2
eine geschnittene Seitenansicht der Verpackungsmaschine aus Fig. 1;
Fig. 3
eine schematische geschnittene Seitenansicht eines Teils der Verpackungsmaschine aus Fig. 1;
Fig. 4
einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 1
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. From the figures show:
Fig. 1
a plan view of a schematic representation of a packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2
a sectional side view of the packaging machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3
a schematic sectional side view of a portion of the packaging machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4
a section along the line AA in Fig. 1st

Im Folgenden wird mit Bezug auf die Fig. 1 bis 4 eine erste Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung beschrieben.Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Wie in Fig. 2 gezeigt ist, beinhaltet die Verpackungsmaschine dieser Ausführungsform ein erstes Zuführförderband 1, auf dem zu verschließende Behälter 5 in Richtung einer Verschließstation 20 transportiert werden, ein zweites Zuführförderband 2, das in dem Eingangsbereich der Verschließstation 20 angeordnet ist und auf dem die Behälter 5 gruppiert werden, sowie ein Abführförderband 11, auf dem die Behälter 5" nach ihrer Verarbeitung in der Verschließstation 20 weitertransportiert werden. Die Verschließstation 20 ist so ausgebildet, dass eine Gruppe von Behältern 5 gleichzeitig verarbeitet werden kann.As shown in Fig. 2, the packaging machine of this embodiment includes a first feed conveyor 1, on which containers 5 to be closed are transported in the direction of a closing station 20, a second feed conveyor 2, which is arranged in the entry area of the closing station 20 and on which Containers 5 and a discharge conveyor 11 on which the containers 5 "are transported after their processing in the closing station 20. The closing station 20 is designed such that a group of containers 5 can be processed simultaneously.

Über das erste Zuführförderband 1, das zweite Zuführförderband 2 und das Abführförderband 11 bewegen sich die Behälter entlang einem Haupttransportweg in einer Haupttransportrichtung 8, die in Fig. 2 durch einen Pfeil gekennzeichnet ist und von links nach rechts verläuft. Die Zuführförderbänder 1, 2 laufen jeweils kontinuierlich und das Gruppieren der Behälter in der Verschließstation 20 erfolgt über Stopper 6, die über dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 angeordnet sind.Via the first feed conveyor belt 1, the second feed conveyor belt 2 and the discharge conveyor belt 11, the containers move along a main transport path in a main transport direction 8, which is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2 and extends from left to right. The feed conveyors 1, 2 each run continuously and the grouping of the containers in the closing station 20 via stops 6, which are arranged above the second feed conveyor 2.

Die Stopper 6 sind derart ausgebildet, dass sie einzeln aus einer angehobenen Position, in der die Behälter 5 auf dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 unter ihnen hindurch transportiert werden können, in eine abgesenkte Position bewegt werden können, in der sie auf dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 in Haupttransportrichtung 8 transportierte Behälter 5 anhalten während sich das zweite Zuführförderband 2 unter ihnen hindurch weiterbewegt. Weiter sind die Stopper 6 derart ausgebildet, dass sie in der Haupttransportrichtung 8 durch eine nicht dargestellte Steuereinrichtung hin und herbewegt werden können (29).The stoppers 6 are formed so as to be individually movable from a raised position in which the containers 5 can be transported on the second feed conveyor 2 below them to a lowered position in which they rest on the second feed conveyor 2 in the main transport direction 8 transported container 5 stop while the second feed conveyor 2 continues to move under them. Further, the stoppers 6 are formed such that they can be reciprocated in the main transporting direction 8 by a control device (not shown) (29).

Im Haupttransportweg hinter dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 befindet sich in der Verschließstation 20 ein Platz für eine Aufnahmeplatte 3, der als erste Position 21 bezeichnet wird. Die Aufnahmeplatte 3 ist in der ersten Position 21 derart angeordnet, dass die von den Stoppern 6 auf dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 gestoppten Behälter 5 durch eine Bewegung der abgesenkten Stopper 6 in die Haupttransportrichtung 8 über die Aufnahmeplatte 3 geschoben werden können. In der Aufnahmeplatte 3 sind Ausnehmungen 10 vorgesehen, in die die über die Aufnahmeplatte 3 geschobenen Behälter 5 mithilfe einer unter der Aufnahmeplatte 3 vorgesehenen Hebevorrichtung 9 abgesenkt werden können. Die abgesenkten Behälter 5 werden dann mit dem oberen Behälterrand 5e von der Aufnahmeplatte 3 gehalten. Es ist in der Aufnahmeplatte 3 mindestens eine Anzahl von Ausnehmungen 10 vorgesehen, die der Anzahl der Behälter 5 pro Gruppe entspricht. Es ist auch möglich, die Behälter ohne Verwendung der Hebevorrichtung 9 einfach in die Ausnehmungen fallen zu lassen.In the main transport path behind the second feed conveyor 2 is located in the closing station 20 a place for a receiving plate 3, which is referred to as the first position 21. The receiving plate 3 is arranged in the first position 21 such that the stopped by the stoppers 6 on the second feed conveyor 2 container 5 can be pushed by a movement of the lowered stopper 6 in the main transport direction 8 on the receiving plate 3. In the receiving plate 3 recesses 10 are provided, in which the pushed over the receiving plate 3 container 5 can be lowered by means of a provided under the receiving plate 3 lifting device 9. The lowered container 5 are then held with the upper container edge 5e of the receiving plate 3. It is provided in the receiving plate 3, at least a number of recesses 10, which corresponds to the number of containers 5 per group. It is also possible to simply drop the containers into the recesses without using the lifting device 9.

In der ersten Position 21 können versiegelte Behälter 5" mithilfe der Hebevorrichtung 9 in den Ausnehmungen 10 der Aufnahmeplatte 3 angehoben werden, sodass die Behälterböden 5a mit der Oberseite 3a der in der ersten Position 21 befindlichen Aufnahmeplatte 3 fluchten. Es ist ferner ein Schieber 7 vorgesehen, der von oben herunterragende Mitnehmer 7a umfaßt, die derart ausgebildet sind, dass sie in einer ersten Stellung, wie in Fig. 2 dargestellt ist, zwischen die versiegelten Behälter 5" greifen. Durch Verschieben des Schiebers 7 in Richtung der Haupttransportrichtung 8 in eine zweite Stellung (rechtes Ende des Pfeils 30 in Fig. 2) werden die versiegelten Behälter 5" auf das Abführförderband 11 verschoben.In the first position 21, sealed containers 5 "can be lifted in the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3 by means of the lifting device 9 so that the container bottoms 5a are aligned with the top 3a of the receiving plate 3 located in the first position 21. A slide 7 is also provided comprising tundishes 7a projecting downwardly and adapted to engage between the sealed containers 5 "in a first position as shown in FIG. By moving the slider 7 in the direction of the main transporting direction 8 to a second position (right end of the arrow 30 in FIG. 2), the sealed containers 5 "are shifted onto the discharge conveyor 11.

Anhand von den Fig. 1, 3 und 4 wird im Folgenden die Verschließstation 20 näher beschrieben. Wie in Fig. 4 gezeigt ist, befindet sich in der Verschließstation 20 an einem Platz, der als zweite Position 22 bezeichnet wird, eine zweite Aufnahmeplatte 3' mit Ausnehmungen 10', die identisch zu der Aufnahmeplatte 3 ausgebildet ist. Die zweite Position 22 ist seitlich des Haupttransportwegs und oberhalb der ersten Position 21 angeordnet.With reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the closing station 20 will be described in more detail below. As shown in Fig. 4 is located in the closing station 20 in a place which is referred to as the second position 22, a second receiving plate 3 'with recesses 10', which is identical to the receiving plate 3 is formed. The second position 22 is arranged laterally of the main transport path and above the first position 21.

Es ist ein nicht dargestellter Transportmechanismus vorgesehen mit dem die Aufnahmeplatten 3, 3' entlang der Pfeillinie 13 in Pfeilrichtung von der ersten Position 21 über eine zweite Zwischenposition 19 in die zweite Position 22 bzw. von der zweiten Position 22 über eine erste Zwischenposition 18 in die erste Position 21 bewegt werden können. Diese Bewegung von der ersten Position 21 in die zweite Position 22 bzw. zurück ist jeweils über zwei nacheinander erfolgende Linearbewegungen realisiert, sodass eine Rechteckbahn vorliegt, wie in Fig. 4 gezeigt ist.It is an unillustrated transport mechanism provided with the receiving plates 3, 3 'along the arrow line 13 in the arrow direction from the first position 21 via a second intermediate position 19 in the second position 22 and from the second position 22 via a first intermediate position 18 in the first position 21 can be moved. This movement from the first position 21 to the second position 22 or back is realized in each case via two successive linear movements, so that there is a rectangular path, as shown in FIG. 4.

In der zweiten Position 22 befindet sich die Aufnahmeplatte 3' zwischen einem Oberteil 23 und einem Unterteil 24 einer Verschließeinrichtung 25. Das Unterteil 24 ist mithilfe einer Hebeeinrichtung 26 nach oben bewegbar, sodass das Unterteil 24 mit dem Oberteil 23 und der dazwischengepressten Aufnahmeplatte 3' eine geschlossene Kammer ausbildet. An dieser Verschließeinrichtung 25 sind dann noch in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigte Vorrichtungen vorgesehen, die ein Evakuieren und ein Einleiten von Gas, wie z.B. Inertgas, ermöglichen.In the second position 22, the receiving plate 3 'is located between an upper part 23 and a lower part 24 of a closing device 25. The lower part 24 is movable upwards by means of a lifting device 26, so that the lower part 24 with the upper part 23 and the receiving plate 3' pressed therebetween closed chamber forms. At this closing means 25 devices are provided, not shown in the drawing, which allow evacuation and introduction of gas, such as e.g. Inert gas, allow.

Wie in Fig. 3 gezeigt ist eine Oberfolie 27 im Bereich der Verschließeinrichtung 25 derart angeordnet, dass ein Abschnitt 27a der Oberfolie 27 beim Schließen der Verschließeinrichtung 25 zwischen dem Oberteil 23 und der Aufnahmeplatte 3' eingeschlossen wird, sodass dieser Abschnitt auf den oberen Behälterrändern 5e der in den Ausnehmungen 10' der Aufnahmeplatte 3' gehaltenen Behältern 5' aufliegt.As shown in FIG. 3, a top film 27 is arranged in the region of the closing device 25 in such a way that a section 27a of the top film 27 is enclosed between the top part 23 and the receiving plate 3 'when closing the closing device 25, so that this section on the upper container edges 5e in the recesses 10 'of the receiving plate 3' held containers 5 'rests.

Die Oberseite der Aufnahmeplatte 3' und das Oberteil 23 sind derart ausgebildet, dass sie ein Siegel- und Schneidewerkzeug bilden, das die Oberfolie 27 auf die oberen Behälterränder 5e aufschweißt und dabei den verschweißten Bereich aus der Oberfolie 27 freischneidet. Die Verschließeinrichtung 25 ist weiterhin derart ausgebildet, dass sie sich nach dem Versiegeln der Behälter 5' wieder öffnet und ein nächster Abschnitt der Oberfolie in die Verschließeinrichtung 25 bewegt wird.The upper side of the receiving plate 3 'and the upper part 23 are designed such that they form a sealing and cutting tool, which welds the upper foil 27 onto the upper container edges 5e and thereby cuts free the welded region from the upper foil 27. The closing device 25 is furthermore designed such that it opens again after sealing the container 5 'and a next section of the upper film is moved into the closing device 25.

Im Folgenden wird Bezug nehmend auf die Fig. 1 bis 4 der Betrieb der Verpackungsmaschine dieser Ausführungsform beschrieben. Im Betrieb werden auf dem ersten Zuführförderband 1 unregelmäßig beabstandete Behälter 5 in Richtung des zweiten Zuführförderbands 2 transportiert. Die Behälter 5 sind bereits mit zu verpackenden Produkten befüllt. Das Befüllen kann auf dem ersten Zuführförderband 1 oder auch bereits vor diesem erfolgen. Von dem ersten Zuführförderband 1 werden die Behälter 5 an das zweite Zuführförderband 2 übergeben. Der erste Behälter 5b wird auf dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 in Haupttransportrichtung 8 transportiert bis er an den ersten Stopper 6b anstößt, der seine Weiterbewegung verhindert. Das zweite Zuführförderband 2 bewegt sich unter dem gehaltenen ersten Behälter 5b hindurch weiter. Hinter dem ersten Behälter bewegt sich dann der nächste Stopper 6c nach unten und der nächste Behälter 5c wird von dem ersten Zuführförderband 1 kommend auf dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 solange in Haupttransportrichtung 8 mitbewegt, bis er an dem Stopper 6c anstößt. Danach wird der folgende Stopper nach unten bewegt und der Vorgang wiederholt sich, bis eine voreingestellte Anzahl von Behältern 5 gruppiert ist. Über den Abstand der Stopper voneinander wird der Abstand der Behälter 5 einer Gruppe eingestellt.In the following, the operation of the packaging machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. In operation, irregularly spaced containers 5 are transported in the direction of the second feed conveyor belt 2 on the first feed conveyor belt 1. The containers 5 are already filled with products to be packaged. The filling can be done on the first feed conveyor 1 or even before this. From the first feed conveyor 1, the containers 5 are transferred to the second feed conveyor 2. The first container 5b is transported on the second feed conveyor 2 in the main transporting direction 8 until it abuts against the first stopper 6b, which prevents it from advancing. The second feed conveyor 2 continues to move under the held first container 5b. Behind the first container then the next stopper 6c moves down and the next container 5c is from the first feed conveyor belt 1 coming on the second feed conveyor belt 2 in the main transporting direction 8 moves until it abuts the stopper 6c. Thereafter, the following stopper is moved down and the process repeats until a preset number of containers 5 are grouped. About the distance of the stoppers from each other, the distance of the container 5 is set a group.

Anschließend werden die Stopper 6 in Haupttransportrichtung 8 bewegt (Pfeil 29 nach rechts) und die gruppierten Behälter 5 über eine in der Position 21 befindliche Aufnahmeplatte 3 bewegt. Gleichzeitig werden auf der Aufnahmeplatte 3 befindliche versiegelte Behälter 5" von dem Schieber 7 auf das Abführförderband 11 bewegt. Die gruppierten Behälter 5, die über die Aufnahmeplatte 3 bewegt wurden, werden mit der Hebevorrichtung 9 in die Ausnehmungen 10 der Aufnahmeplatte 3 abgesenkt oder einfach in die Ausnehmungen 10 fallen gelassen und in dieser dann durch den oberen Rand 5e der Behälter 5 gehalten. Während der Zeit, in der die versiegelten Behälter 5" von dem Schieber auf das Abführförderband 11 bewegt werden und die gruppierten Behälter 5 in die Ausnehmungen 10 der Aufnahmeplatte 3 bewegt werden, werden auf der Aufnahmeplatte 3' befindliche Behälter 5' in der Verschließeinrichtung 25 versiegelt.Subsequently, the stoppers 6 are moved in the main transporting direction 8 (arrow 29 to the right) and the grouped containers 5 are moved via a receiving plate 3 located in the position 21. At the same time, sealed containers 5 "located on the receiving plate 3 are moved by the slider 7 onto the discharge conveyor belt 11. The grouped containers 5, which have been moved over the receiving plate 3, are lowered by the lifting device 9 into the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3 or simply into the recesses 10 are dropped and then held therein by the upper edge 5e of the containers 5. During the time that the sealed containers 5 "are moved from the slider to the discharge conveyor 11 and the grouped containers 5 are moved into the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3 are moved, are on the receiving plate 3 'located container 5' sealed in the closing device 25.

Nachdem der Siegelvorgang in der Verschließeinrichtung 25 abgeschlossen ist und die zu verschließenden Behälter 5 in den Ausnehmungen 10 der Aufnahmeplatte 3, die sich in der ersten Position 21 befindet, platziert wurden, wird die Verschließeinrichtung 25 geöffnet, indem das Unterteil 24 mit der Hebeeinrichtung 26 abgesenkt wird. Wie in Fig. 4 dargestellt ist, wird daran anschließend die Aufnahmeplatte 3' linear in vertikaler Richtung aus der zweiten Position 22, die seitlich des Haupttransportwegs und höher als die erste Position 21 angeordnet ist, auf die Höhe der ersten Position 21 in eine erste Zwischenposition 18 abgesenkt. Gleichzeitig wird die andere Aufnahmeplatte 3 linear in vertikaler Richtung aus der ersten Position 21 in eine zweite Zwischenposition 19 bewegt. Anschließend wird die Aufnahmeplatte 3', die versiegelte Behälter 5" enthält, linear in horizontaler Richtung aus der ersten Zwischenposition 18 in die erste Position 21 bewegt. Gleichzeitig wird die Aufnahmeplatte 3 mit den unversiegelten Behältern 5 aus der zweiten Zwischenposition 19 linear in horizontaler Richtung in die zweite Position 22 in der Verschließeinrichtung 25 bewegt, sodass die Aufnahmeplatten 3, 3' ihre Position vertauscht haben.After the sealing operation in the closing device 25 has been completed and the container 5 to be closed has been placed in the recesses 10 of the receiving plate 3, which is in the first position 21, the closing device 25 is opened by lowering the lower part 24 with the lifting device 26 becomes. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 4, the receiving plate 3 'is linearly moved in the vertical direction from the second position 22, which is arranged laterally of the main transport path and higher than the first position 21, to the height of the first position 21 in a first intermediate position 18 lowered. At the same time, the other receiving plate 3 is moved linearly in the vertical direction from the first position 21 to a second intermediate position 19. Subsequently, the receiving plate 3 'containing sealed containers 5 "is linearly moved in the horizontal direction from the first intermediate position 18 to the first position 21. At the same time, the receiving plate 3 with the unsealed containers 5 from the second intermediate position 19 becomes linear in FIG moved horizontally in the second position 22 in the closing device 25 so that the receiving plates 3, 3 'have reversed their position.

Nachfolgend wird die Verschließeinrichtung 25 verschlossen und die Behälter 5' auf der darin befindlichen Aufnahmeplatte 3 werden mit der Oberfolie 27 versiegelt und die Verschließeinrichtung öffnet sich anschließend wieder. Gleichzeitig werden die versiegelten Behälter 5" in der Aufnahmeplatte 3' in der ersten Position 21 mit der Hebevorrichtung 9 angehoben und mit dem Schieber 7 auf das Abführförderband 11 bewegt, während auf dem zweiten Zuführförderband 2 in der Zwischenzeit gruppierte Behälter 5 mit den Stoppern 6 über die Aufnahmeplatte 3' bewegt werden und diese anschließend mit der Hebevorrichtung 9 in die Ausnehmungen 10' der Aufnahmeplatte 3' abgesenkt oder in diese fallen gelassen werden.Subsequently, the closing device 25 is closed and the container 5 'on the receiving plate 3 therein are sealed with the top film 27 and the closing device then opens again. At the same time, the sealed containers 5 "are raised in the receiving plate 3 ' in the first position 21 with the lifting device 9 and moved with the slider 7 on the discharge conveyor 11, while on the second feed conveyor 2 in the meantime grouped container 5 with the stoppers 6 over the receiving plate 3 'to be moved and then lowered with the lifting device 9 in the recesses 10' of the receiving plate 3 'or dropped into this.

Wenn der Siegelvorgang in der Verschließeinrichtung 25 beendet ist und die nachkommenden gruppierten Behälter 5 in den Ausnehmungen 10' platziert wurden, wird die Aufnahmeplatte 3' aus der ersten Position 21 über die zweite Zwischenposition 19 in die zweite Position 22 bewegt und gleichzeitig die andere Aufnahmeplatte 3 aus der zweiten Position 22 über die erste Zwischenposition 18 in die erste Position 21 bewegt. Nachfolgend wiederholen sich die beschriebenen Vorgänge, sodass nacheinander weitere Behälter 5 versiegelt werden.When the sealing operation in the closing device 25 has been completed and the subsequent grouped containers 5 have been placed in the recesses 10 ', the receiving plate 3' is moved from the first position 21 via the second intermediate position 19 into the second position 22 and at the same time the other receiving plate 3 moved from the second position 22 via the first intermediate position 18 in the first position 21. Subsequently, the described processes are repeated, so that consecutively further containers 5 are sealed.

Die Verpackungsmaschine kann auch so realisiert sein, dass die entsprechenden Aufnahmeplatten 3, 3' aus der ersten Position 21 über die erste Zwischenposition 18 in die zweite Position 22 bewegt werden und aus der zweiten Position 22 über die zweite Zwischenposition 19 in die erste Position 21, also entgegen der in Fig. 4 gezeigten Pfeilrichtung.The packaging machine can also be realized in such a way that the corresponding receiving plates 3, 3 'are moved from the first position 21 via the first intermediate position 18 into the second position 22 and from the second position 22 via the second intermediate position 19 into the first position 21, ie opposite to the arrow direction shown in Fig. 4.

Durch das Vorsehen von mehr als einer Aufnahmeplatte 3, 3' kann die Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der Verpackungsmaschine erhöht werden, da die Verschließeinrichtung 25 nur kurz zum Umpositionieren der Aufnahmeplatten 3, 3' geöffnet werden muss und der Siegelvorgang und ein Großteil des Behältertransports zeitgleich durchgeführt werden, sodass auftretende Totzeiten einzelner Komponenten der Verpackungsmaschine deutlich reduziert werden können.By providing more than one receiving plate 3, 3 ', the operating speed of the packaging machine can be increased since the closing device 25 only has to be opened briefly for repositioning the receiving plates 3, 3 ' and the sealing process and a large part of the container transport are carried out at the same time, so that occurring dead times of individual components of the packaging machine can be significantly reduced.

Aufgrund der Linearbewegungen der Aufnahmeplatten 3, 3' von der ersten Position 21 in die zweite Position 22 und zurück wirken auf die Platten geringere Beschleunigungen und die Bewegungen können schneller durchgeführt werden, sodass eine zusätzliche Zeitersparnis auftritt. Die Linearbewegungen sind außerdem einfacher realisierbar als Rotationsbewegungen und können deshalb kostengünstiger umgesetzt werden. Weiterhin ist eine schmalere Bauweise in der horizontalen Richtung senkrecht zur Haupttransportrichtung möglich, was insbesondere bei kleinen zur Verfügung stehenden Räumen für die Verpackungsmaschine von Vorteil ist. Wenn seitlich genug Platz zur Verfügung steht, können mehrere Behälter in Haupttransportrichtung nebeneinander verarbeitet werden, ohne die Breite der Maschine gegenüber bekannten Verpackungsmaschinen zu erhöhen.Due to the linear movements of the receiving plates 3, 3 'from the first position 21 to the second position 22 and back, lower accelerations act on the plates and the movements can be carried out more quickly, so that additional time savings occur. The linear movements are also easier to implement than rotational movements and can therefore be implemented more cheaply. Furthermore, a narrower construction in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the main transport direction is possible, which is particularly for small available spaces for the packaging machine advantage. If enough space is available laterally, several containers in the main transport direction can be processed side by side without increasing the width of the machine compared to known packaging machines.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es weiterhin, dass ein einfaches Umstellen auf unterschiedliche Behältergrößen und -formen möglich ist. Sollen z.B. nur Behälter unterschiedlicher Höhe verwendet werden, so ist keine Umstellung erforderlich da die Behälter 5, 5', 5" mit ihrem oberen Rand 5e in den Ausnehmungen 10, 10' gehalten werden und somit die Höhe des Flanschbereichs, in dem das Versiegeln durchgeführt wird, bei der Positionierung in der Verschließeinrichtung 25 unverändert ist. Soll die Verpackungsmaschine auf eine andere Behälterform umgestellt werden, so müssen nur die Aufnahmeplatten 3, 3' und das Oberteil 23 der Verschließeinrichtung 25 ausgetauscht werden und das Unterteil 24 der Verschließeinrichtung kann beibehalten werden. Es kann also ein sehr einfaches und kostengünstiges Umstellen auf unterschiedliche Behältergrößen und -formen erfolgen.It is also particularly advantageous that a simple switch to different container sizes and shapes is possible. If, for example, only containers of different heights are to be used, no changeover is necessary since the containers 5, 5 ' , 5 "are held with their upper edge 5e in the recesses 10, 10' and thus the height of the flange region in which the sealing is carried out is unchanged in the positioning in the closing device 25. If the packaging machine is to be converted to another container shape, then only the receiving plates 3, 3 'and the upper part 23 of the closing device 25 have to be exchanged can be and the lower part 24 of the closing device can be maintained. It can therefore be a very simple and inexpensive switching to different container sizes and shapes.

Obwohl das Gruppieren der Behälter bei der beschriebenen Ausführungsform auf eine sehr spezielle besonders vorteilhafte Art erfolgt, kann das Gruppieren auch auf eine andere Art realisiert werden, wie z.B. über eine intermittierend arbeitende Zuführeinrichtung und/oder über einen Greifer, der die Gruppe zum Transport in einer vorbestimmten Art greift.Although the grouping of the containers in the described embodiment takes place in a very special, particularly advantageous manner, the grouping can also be realized in another way, such as e.g. via an intermittently operating feed device and / or via a gripper which grips the group for transport in a predetermined manner.

Claims (14)

  1. Packaging machine for closing containers (5) with
    a supply device (1, 2) for supplying containers (5) to be closed;
    a removal device (11) for removing closed containers (5''); and
    a closing device (25) between the supply device (1, 2) and the removal device (11);
    wherein the closing device (25) is arranged laterally of a main transport path (8) of the containers (5) from the supply device (2) to the removal device (11);
    and wherein a device is provided which transports at least one container (5) to be closed into the closing device (25) by means of a linear motion while it transports at least one closed container (5'') out from the closing device (25).
  2. Packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein at least two receiving elements (3, 3') are provided which interchange their position for transporting a container (5) to be closed into the closing device (25) and transporting a closed container (5'') out from the closing device (25).
  3. Packaging machine according to claim 2, wherein a transport device (6, 7) is provided which, simultaneously to the closing of a container (5') transported into the closing device with one receiving element (3'), removes a closed container (5'') from another receiving element (3) and supplies a container (5) to be closed thereto.
  4. Packaging machine according to one of claims 1 to 3,
    wherein the device for transporting the container (5) into the closing device (25) and for transporting the closed container (5'') out from the closing device (25) performs a vertical linear motion.
  5. Packaging machine according to one of claims 2 to 4,
    wherein the receiving elements (3, 3') are formed to be plates having recesses (10) into which the containers (5, 5', 5'') are inserted.
  6. Packaging machine according to one of claims 2 to 5,
    wherein one receiving element (3, 3') receives a plurality of containers (5, 5', 5'') at a time.
  7. Packaging machine according to one of claims 1 to 6,
    wherein a plurality of containers (5, 5') is closed at the same time.
  8. Packaging machine according to one of claims 1 to 7,
    wherein a grouping device or an additional intermittent supply device is provided which groups the containers (5) on the supply device (2).
  9. Packaging machine according to one of claims 1 to 8,
    wherein the closing device (25) is a sealing device in which a film is sealed onto the container (5').
  10. Method for closing packages having the steps of:
    - transporting a container (5) in a main transport direction (8) defined by a main transport path to a receiving element (3) in a first position (21);
    - moving the receiving element (3) with the container (5) to a second position (22) which is located laterally of the main transport path in a closing device (25) and, at the same time, transporting another receiving element (3') with a closed container (5'') from the second position (22) to the first position (21);
    - closing the container (5') in the closing device (25) and, at the same time, removing the closed container (5'') from the other receiving element (3') and placing a following container (5) on the other receiving element (3');
    characterised in that the motions of the receiving elements (3, 3') from the second position (22) to the first position (21) and from the first position (21) to the second position (22) are effected by linear motions.
  11. Method according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of containers (5, 5') is received in the receiving element (3, 3') at a time.
  12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the containers (5) are grouped before the transport to the receiving element.
  13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, during moving of the receiving element (3) with the container (5) to a second position (22) which is located laterally of the main transport path in the closing device (25) and simultaneously transporting the other receiving element (3') with the closed container (5'') from the second position (22) to the first position (21), the two receiving elements (3, 3') interchange their positions.
  14. Method according to one of claim 10 to 13, wherein the motions of the receiving elements (3, 3') from the second position (22) to the first position (21) and from the first position (21) to the second position (22) include a vertical linear motion.
EP05009238A 2004-05-12 2005-04-27 Packaging machine and method for closing containers Not-in-force EP1598273B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102004023474A DE102004023474A1 (en) 2004-05-12 2004-05-12 Packaging machine and method for closing containers
DE102004023474 2004-05-12

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EP1598273A1 EP1598273A1 (en) 2005-11-23
EP1598273B1 true EP1598273B1 (en) 2006-06-14

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US (1) US7290380B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1598273B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2005324864A (en)
AT (1) ATE329834T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102004023474A1 (en)
DK (1) DK1598273T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2267083T3 (en)

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JP2005324864A (en) 2005-11-24
DE502005000021D1 (en) 2006-07-27
ES2267083T3 (en) 2007-03-01
US7290380B2 (en) 2007-11-06
DE102004023474A1 (en) 2005-12-15
DK1598273T3 (en) 2006-09-11
US20050268579A1 (en) 2005-12-08
ATE329834T1 (en) 2006-07-15
EP1598273A1 (en) 2005-11-23

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