EP3587285B1 - Method for volume flow and fill level determination on a packaging machine - Google Patents
Method for volume flow and fill level determination on a packaging machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3587285B1 EP3587285B1 EP19178020.4A EP19178020A EP3587285B1 EP 3587285 B1 EP3587285 B1 EP 3587285B1 EP 19178020 A EP19178020 A EP 19178020A EP 3587285 B1 EP3587285 B1 EP 3587285B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- volume
- filling
- package
- packaging
- 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.)
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Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 133
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 115
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 91
- 230000036962 time dependent Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 38
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 15
- 238000007645 offset printing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004422 calculation algorithm Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003958 fumigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010943 off-gassing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013580 sausages Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- 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
-
- 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
- B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
-
- 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
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65B31/028—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers closed by a lid sealed to the upper rim of the container, e.g. tray-like container
-
- 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
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65B31/021—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas the containers or wrappers being interconnected
-
- 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
- B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
-
- 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
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
- B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for producing packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a packaging machine for producing packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another according to independent claim 13.
- the invention is in particular the following in connection with Fig. 1 problem described.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a sealing station S '.
- the sealing station S ' comprises an upper sealing tool part SO' and a lower sealing tool part SU ', which can be brought together by means of a lifting movement H' to form an airtight sealed sealing chamber SK '.
- an upper film O 'and a lower film U' are brought together within the sealing chamber SK 'in such a way that they enclose a packing volume P' between them, which is essentially the sum of a partial volume V1 'that is determined by the respective Packaging trays VM 'formed in the lower film U' minus the present product contents I ', as well as a partial volume V2' which is present above the respective packaging trays VM 'and is enclosed by the upper film O'.
- the package volume P ' is designed to be overall larger than the totality of the respective individual volumes enclosed by the packages produced, so that gas can be distributed between the packages during the gassing in particular. Because of the in Fig. 1 Positioning of a sealing tool SW 'stored therein above the packaging troughs VM' positioned within the sealing station S ', a gap SP' between the lower and upper film U ', O', via which the supplied gas is in all of them, is shown, set back in the sealing tool upper part SO ' can distribute packaging positioned within the sealing station S '.
- packaging with a varying pack appearance can be produced despite an optimized gassing process, for example using an adjustable stage throttle, because it happens again and again that doing that Packagings are produced which have different upper film curvatures, for example appear puffed or rather depressed.
- optical deviations are caused in the sealing process by the lifting (lowering) of the sealing tool SW '. Since the sealing tool SW 'is initially positioned set back in the sealing tool upper part SO' during the gassing process in order to create the gap SP 'necessary for the distribution of the gas, the sealing tool SW' is then moved downwards for the sealing process in the direction of the packaging trough VM positioned below 'relocated, whereby it displaces the initially created partial volume V2'. By moving the sealing tool SW 'down, the gassed partial volume V2' is pressed into the partial volume V1 ', so to speak as an additional volume. As a result, the pressure in the packaging increases. Depending on the varying packaging contents I ', packaging with a varying packaging appearance is thereby created.
- gassing offset printing previously had to be calculated manually during a setting process and entered as a calculation parameter on the packaging machine, so that its use is reserved for specially trained operating personnel.
- the empty packaging then carried along then extremely falsifies the gassing and / or evacuation process, provided that rigidly preset process parameters are used. As a result, at least on the filled packaging processed together with the empty packaging in one work cycle, the desired appearance is not produced.
- the EP 2 668 102 B1 discloses a packaging machine and a method for producing individually evacuated and / or gassed packaging. It is generally further disclosed that a means can be used with which the filling level of the packaged goods in the respective packaging tray and / or the fill quantity of the packaged goods within the respective packaging tray can be determined. Depending on this measurement signal, a shut-off device can then be regulated, for example, in order to individually regulate the volume of gas that is withdrawn from or supplied to the respective packaging tray.
- the object of the invention is to produce a method and a device for producing packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another. This should be possible even if the respective packagings have varying degrees of filling, i. H. are voluminously unevenly filled.
- a degree of filling of a "fume cupboard" provided within the sealing station ie the respective packaging processed per machine cycle in a work process at the sealing station, and possibly based on it, in adaptation to the respective fume cupboard the volume flow of the aeration medium is determined.
- the essence of the invention is, at least temporarily, but preferably right at the beginning of the gassing process, to record the pressure curve on a respective trigger and to compare it with a reference pressure curve that is generated and recorded, for example, on a trigger from empty packaging Analysis, i.e. a comparison of the respective gradients of the pressure increases is possible, the degree of filling of the currently available fume cupboard, i.e. the packaging positioned within the sealing station, as well as possibly also a used and especially optimal volume flow of the gassing medium to calculate based on this the processing of the present deduction and / or at least one subsequent deduction in a process-controlled manner.
- the invention therefore makes it possible that current filling level and / or volume flow values can be recorded and used per machine cycle as a basis for calculating at least one process parameter for the manufacturing process, be it at the sealing station itself and / or at other work stations of the packaging machine.
- the comparison of the pressure curve with the reference pressure curve is carried out in good time, i.e. during a predeterminable time window at the beginning of the filling, that a filling level and / or a volume flow can be foreseen for the same discharge, so to speak in real time ( calculable) is that the process parameter can still be set during the remaining filling time, i.e. before a variable end-of-gas pressure is reached within the package volume.
- the time window for the aforementioned comparison can be timed in such a way that the present print itself can still be influenced in a process-controlled manner based on the comparison made in this regard. Such an advantageous cascading can lead to a higher process accuracy.
- the invention is based on process steps that can be carried out easily in order to better adapt the manufacturing process to possibly varying fill levels, with the result that an improved product quality, that is to say packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another, can be produced.
- the invention is particularly suitable for the qualitative packaging of each target weight product with varying product volume, in particular for packaging fresh meat or cheese with varying product density. Even in the event that empty packaging is included in the product line for procedural reasons during the manufacturing process, its "empty contents" can be determined using the inventive method Optimally compensate for process steps so that even in the event of a withdrawal with empty packaging enclosed therein, packaging with the desired packaging appearance can be produced.
- the degree of filling in particular to compare the recorded pressure profile with the reference pressure profile, it can be useful to assume an isothermal change in state with the same volume flow conditions, preferably with the same pressure ratios and possibly the same throttle valve position.
- the derivation is preferably based on the Boyle-Mariotte law as the theoretical basis. It is particularly advantageous if, based on at least one process parameter preset at the sealing station (e.g. aeration temperature, volume flow, pressure ratio, throttle position for gassing, etc.), a corresponding reference pressure curve can be called up for carrying out the inventive method, so that the inventive method can be used to produce various Packaging types can be used.
- An advantageous variant of the invention provides that a quotient of a ratio of a time recorded for the pressure profile and a time recorded for the reference pressure profile is subtracted from a whole in order to calculate the degree of filling.
- a recording and / or calculation unit is preferably used, which may be an integral part of a control unit of the packaging machine is.
- a variable time window can be selected for recording the pressure profile on the packaging machine.
- a larger time window for recording the pressure profile could also be selected for longer-lasting gassing processes, because this enables a more precise prediction of the present degree of filling and / or volume flow to be carried out.
- the time-based comparison with the reference pressure profile can take place during the gassing on the basis of a previously recorded and / or calculated time for the reference pressure profile.
- a memory of the packaging machine preferably has at least one time-dependent reference pressure profile that is predetermined for the packaging format and with regard to which the filling level of the current print can be determined.
- reference pressure profiles of different packaging formats can be kept ready for the process-controlled comparison so that the invention can be used for an optically homogeneous production of different packaging formats.
- the comparison can be particularly meaningful if comparable process parameters, for example the same volume flows, are used to produce the reference pressure profile and the recorded pressure profile.
- real-time is intended to mean that the automated adjustment of the process parameters takes place during the same work cycle, and in particular can also relate to a setting of the currently carried out gassing process, during which the filling level is determined.
- the process parameter is an offset pressure that is still used in the current filling process and / or in at least one subsequent filling process in order to fill the package volume with gas only until a pressure is reached that results from a target gas pressure for finished packages minus the calculated offset printing results.
- the offset printing could be adapted automatically at least at intervals, but preferably per machine cycle, so that varying fill levels can be better taken into account during production. It would then be possible, in particular, to continuously adapt the filling pressure to the detected filling levels, so that the subsequent sealing stroke inside the packaging precisely brings about the target gas pressure. As a result, optically equivalent packaging, i.e. packaging with the same target gas pressure, can leave the sealing station.
- the Boyle-Mariotte law is expediently used to calculate the offset printing, taking into account a partial volume of the packaging volume displaced by a sealing stroke and a free packaging volume that can be determined in view of the calculated filling level, including the target gas pressure to be produced in finished packaging.
- an isothermal pressure equalization between the packages that are positioned within the sealing station can be assumed.
- the process parameter is preferably a gas velocity that is achieved at the respective gas pens designed to fill the packing volume.
- This may be given the nature of the products, especially the nature of food products that placed in the packaging can be useful. For example, it matters whether dimensionally stable, one-piece products with a solid surface finish, such as B. a piece of cheese, or products with unstable, in particular applied surface properties, z. B. breaded meat, are fumigated.
- Packagings with a high recorded degree of filling, in which breaded meat is inserted, could be fumigated at a reduced gas velocity in order to avoid damage to the breading layer.
- gassing with a higher gas velocity in the case of one-part pack contents formed with a stable surface could in principle be set for an increased production rate, in particular when a low degree of filling is detected.
- the process parameter is a valve setting value, in particular a throttle valve position, which influences an evacuation and / or gassing process.
- a valve setting value in particular a throttle valve position, which influences an evacuation and / or gassing process.
- the valve setting value is preferably continuously adapted automatically during the manufacturing process, so that optimal process settings can always be used. This particularly favors precise gassing and offers excellent control for the manufacture of optically equivalent products.
- One embodiment variant provides that the process parameter triggers a malfunction display on the packaging machine.
- leaks can be detected during the manufacturing process, in particular during the gassing and / or evacuation process within the sealing station, and can be displayed immediately to the operating personnel so that production can be interrupted if necessary, for example to adjust process parameters on the packaging machine.
- the (free) packing volume is preferably connected to a collecting volume of known size and the (free) packing volume is calculated based on a recorded pressure equalization.
- a collecting volume of known size For example, an external storage device, an external gas tank or a volume created by the upper tool part of the sealing station can be used as the collecting volume of known size. This procedure can be used in particular for the precise calculation of a reference package volume of empty packages of a fume cupboard, which can then be used in the calculation of the reference pressure curve.
- a separately provided gas tank could be designed to be lockable by means of an additional valve, so that the pressure equalization between it and the free packing volume can be precisely regulated.
- a change in pressure in the gas tank can then be recorded, which is used to calculate the volume transition it is based on what the remaining volume, i.e. the (free) packing volume, can be calculated from.
- the Boyle-Mariotte law could again be used as the basis for calculation.
- An improved variant provides that the process parameter is set continuously in view of averaged values of the degree of filling and / or the volume flow. This allows the control effort on the packaging machine to be reduced. This can be of particular advantage in an operating situation in which there is a high probability that slight changes in the degree of filling will occur, for example when packing sliced sausage.
- the pack volume filled with gas is formed in such a way that during the gassing process, in particular during the sealing stroke, a pressure equalization takes place between several packs positioned within the sealing station.
- the respective packagings enclosed within a sealing chamber can be connected via a gap formed between the upper and lower packaging material.
- the process parameter can be an adjustable speed of a stroke movement of the sealing tool, which is adjustably mounted within the sealing station, so that it moves in such a way that the pressure equalization can take place reliably between the several packagings provided.
- a supply line volume connected to the packing volume which results for example from a gassing line, an evacuation line and / or a tool volume, is preferably deducted when calculating the degree of filling.
- the sealing plate stroke i. H. the partial volume of the pack displaced as a result, in view of the known geometries of the upper part of the sealing tool, can be deducted when calculating the degree of filling. Assuming that these values, which may falsify the degree of filling calculation, remain constant, standard values, which are stored in the machine control, can be used.
- the principle according to the invention could precede the gassing process and take place during an evacuation process. It would thus be possible to functionally transfer the embodiments described above in connection with the invention to the evacuation process, so that a process-controlled parameter setting based thereon can already take place during the evacuation process.
- process parameters can also be set outside the sealing station, ie at other work stations of the packaging machine, in such a way that the respective workstations of the packaging machine can work together excellently in order to achieve an improved production result.
- the invention thus contributes to an overall process-controlled packaging machine.
- the invention also relates to a packaging machine, which is in particular in the form of a deep-drawing packaging machine, the sealing station of which is designed to produce packs with a pack optics that is at least substantially similar to one another with possibly varying degrees of filling.
- the packaging machine according to the invention comprises a control unit which is functionally connected to at least one sensor system formed at the sealing station for detecting a pressure of a package volume provided within the sealing station.
- control unit is configured to calculate a filling level based on a comparison of a time-dependent, at least temporarily, preferably during filling of the package volume enclosed within the sealing station between predetermined pressure levels, with a time-dependent reference pressure profile stored between the predetermined pressure levels in the control unit for filling a known reference volume, and / or to calculate a volume flow with respect to the pressure curve or the reference pressure curve, the control unit also being designed to set at least one process parameter on the packaging machine taking into account the calculated filling level and / or the volume flow.
- control unit is designed as a process-controlled sequence control, so that operation of the packaging machine can be perfectly adapted to the respective actual measured variables.
- control unit can determine the filling level and / or volume flow based on a comparison of the pressure profile with a reference pressure profile provided for the manufacturing situation. Based on this, the control unit sets at least one process parameter of at least one further actuator of the packaging machine.
- process parameters are formed as output signals in accordance with a control algorithm for performing the aforementioned comparison, which via actuators to a control object (technological process, control path) provided on the packaging machine, for example to at least one work process on the Sealing station, act.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a sealing station S 'according to the prior art.
- the sealing station S ' has an upper sealing tool part SO' and a lower sealing tool part SU 'which can be closed with the upper sealing tool part SO' and which is designed to receive preformed packaging trays VM '.
- Packaging trays VM 'shown are packaging contents I', ie products, added whose degrees of filling FG 'are different.
- the sealing station S ' forms a sealing chamber SK', in which the packaging trays VM ', together with an upper film O' positioned over them, enclose an airtight packaging volume P ', which consists of a partial volume V1' and a partial volume V2 '.
- the partial volume V1 ' is composed of the sum of the respective packaging tray volumes created by the packaging trays VM' and released by the products.
- the partial volume V2 ' forms an imaginary partial volume which is enclosed between the upper film O' and an imaginary plane E 'shown in dashed lines.
- a connecting gap SP' is formed above the packaging troughs VM ', which, in particular during the filling process, allows the gas G' to be distributed within the entire packaging volume P '.
- a sealing tool SW ' for example a height-adjustable sealing frame, is positioned within the sealing tool upper part SO' for a sealing process, which is designed to move the upper film O 'for the sealing process in the direction of the packaging trays VM' provided below by means of a lifting movement H '.
- the embodiment shown is initially the packing volume P ', consisting of the sum of the respective partial volumes V1', V2 ', filled to a preset gas pressure with a gas G' to create a desired atmosphere.
- the gassing pressure is conventionally generated from a difference between a target gas pressure of finished packaging and a preset gas offset pressure.
- the sealing tool SW' pushes the amount of gas contained in the sub-volume V2 'into the sub-volume V1' released by the product contents I 'within the packaging trays VM', so that, assuming a homogeneous level distribution, ie not within itself varying fill levels, in the finished packaging, the target gas pressure can be set.
- the respective fill levels of the provided packaging can vary, so that the above offset approach, which, contrary to actual circumstances, is based on the assumption of a homogeneous fill level distribution, leads to the production of visually different packaging.
- Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a packaging machine 1, which is designed in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine T.
- the packaging machine 1 has a forming station 2, a sealing station 3, a cross-cutting device 4 and a longitudinal cutting device 5. These are arranged in this order in a working direction R on a machine frame 6.
- a feed roller 7 is arranged, from which a lower film U is drawn off as the lower packaging material 8.
- the lower film U is transported into the forming station 2 by means of a feed device (not shown).
- a deep-drawing process taking place there packaging trays 14 are formed in the lower film U by means of the forming station 2.
- the packaging trays 14 are then transported on to an insertion section 15, where they can be filled with a product 16 manually or automatically. Following the insertion section 15, the packaging trays 14 filled with the products 16 are transported on to the sealing station 3.
- the packaging trays 14 can be sealed with an upper film O, which forms an upper packaging material 10, so that by sealing the upper film O onto the packaging trays 14, closed packs V are produced, which by means of the cross-cutting device 4 and the longitudinal cutting device 5 individually and can be transported away by means of a discharge device 13. It may be that empty packaging LV is included in the conveyed goods, for example because of an interruption in the product preparation process.
- the in Fig. 2 shown packaging machine 1 via a control terminal 9, on which process parameters can be set for the respective workstations provided on the packaging machine 1.
- the operating terminal 9 comprises a control unit 11, which is only shown schematically.
- the control unit 11 is configured to perform arithmetic operations, in particular in real time during the manufacturing process, in order to control the packaging machine based on this, i.e., if necessary, to initiate an adjustment of the respective process parameters of the packaging machine based on the process .
- the control unit 11 is equipped with a sensor system 12 for detecting a pressure P IST (see FIG Fig. 3 ) one within the sealing station 3 according to Fig. 3 formed packing volume P connected.
- a pressure P IST see FIG Fig. 3
- the control unit 11 can continuously be transmitted current pressure values during the manufacturing process, that is to say the respective pressure curves, during the gassing and / or evacuation process.
- control unit 11 is connected to a schematically illustrated memory 17 so that it can access reference values stored thereon to generate process parameters, in particular to adapt such. For example, it can compare the pressure profile recorded as an input variable at the sealing station 3 by means of the sensor system 12 with a corresponding reference pressure profile of the memory 17, determining a degree of filling and / or a volume flow in a first step using an algorithm and based on it in a further step generates at least one process parameter as an output variable, on the basis of which the manufacturing process can be adapted, so that the packaging machine 1 is able to optimally adapt the manufacturing process running on it to the respective filling states.
- Fig. 3 shows the sealing station 3 of in Fig. 2 packaging machine 1 shown in an isolated illustration.
- the sealing station 3 comprises an upper sealing tool part 20 and a lower sealing tool part 21, which enclose a sealing chamber 23.
- Fig. 3 further shows that two packaging trays 14 with respective products 16 are received in the sealing tool lower part 21, their respective degrees of filling 22 differing.
- the packing volume P is traversed by means of an imaginary plane E shown in dashed lines, as a result of which it is divided into a partial volume V1 and a partial volume V2.
- the one viewed in the image plane on the right with A packaging tray 14 present with a lower degree of filling 22 forms a larger proportion of the packaging volume P than the other packaging tray 14, shown to the left of it with a higher degree of filling 22.
- the partial volume V2 enclosed by the upper film O and the imaginary plane E as well as the partial volume V1 provided within the packaging trays 14 (free package volume P) can be filled with a gas G via a line 26 and gas pins 29 provided thereon.
- a gas source Q is provided for the gas supply.
- An evacuation process can be controlled by means of a (vacuum) pump VP.
- valves 27a, 27b are formed in the line 26, which can be controlled in particular in a process-controlled manner, for example on the basis of recorded pressure values.
- a pressure sensor 18 is connected to the line 26 as a sensor system 12 for detecting the pressure P IST prevailing within the package volume P.
- the pressure sensor 18 is functionally connected to the control unit 11, which is configured to further calculate the pressure P IST transmitted to it as an input variable.
- the control unit 11 is able to determine the pressure curve present on the basis of the detected pressure values P IST during the filling of the package volume P and to compare this, if necessary a section thereof, with a preset reference pressure curve in order to generate a reference pressure curve based thereon using an algorithm To calculate the degree of filling and / or a volume flow with respect to the packaging V positioned within the sealing station 3, based on which the control unit 11 generates at least one process parameter PP as an output variable.
- FIG. 3 To the line 26 is according to Figure 3 connected to a collection volume that can be used to calculate the packing volume P. Also shows Figure 3 a feed line section 30, the volume of which can be deducted when calculating the degree of filling 22.
- Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a method using the invention.
- the free packing volume P is filled with a gas G via the line 26 to create a desired atmosphere.
- step B pressure is detected by means of the sensor system 12 within the package volume P.
- a time-dependent pressure profile 27 for the pressure P ACT that is present within the package volume P between an outlet pressure P1 up to a predetermined gassing pressure P2 can be achieved capture.
- the control unit 11 can be configured to take into account only a section of the pressure curve 27 for the further method.
- the pressure curve 27 recorded in method step B is a linear pressure curve K IST .
- a comparison VG of the recorded pressure profile 27 with a reference pressure profile 28 takes place.
- the control unit 11 retrieves the reference pressure curve 28 from the memory 17 for the comparison VG.
- the control unit 11 can be designed to call up a suitable reference pressure curve 28 from a plurality of reference pressure curves 28 provided on the memory 17 with regard to at least one process parameter predetermined for the manufacturing process on the packaging machine 1, in particular at the sealing station 3.
- a time-dependent reference pressure curve K REF is shown, which would arise in particular when gassing empty packaging LV used for the manufacturing process.
- step C After performing method step C, i.e. after comparing the respective gradients of pressure curve 27 and reference pressure curve 28, according to subsequent method step D, degree of filling 22 and / or volume flow V. This is based in particular on the respective for pressure curve 27 and for the reference pressure curve 28 elapsed time segments t and t *, based on the packing volume P and the respective pressure levels P1, P2.
- the calculated degree of filling 22 and / or volume flow V can be used in a further method step E by the control unit 11 to calculate at least one process parameter PP.
- the control unit 11 calculates an offset pressure P OFF , a gas speed V GAS , a valve setting value x and / or triggers a malfunction display y based thereon.
- the control unit 11 can calculate a pressure P RED , up to which the filling process A is controlled, in view of a desired gassing target pressure P SOLL of finished packaging V. This is shown schematically in Figure 4 shown by the dashed line EZ.
- the principle according to the invention can be excellently applied in a process-controlled packaging machine in which the respective work processes run based on measurement signals, so that, considered in total, both optimal process times and higher quality products can be produced.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Herstellen von Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik gemäß dem Anspruch 1. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Verpackungsmaschine zum Herstellen von Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik gemäß dem unabhängigen Anspruch 13.The invention relates to a method for producing packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another according to
Der Erfindung liegt insbesondere das im Folgenden im Zusammenhang mit
Das Packungsvolumen P' ist insgesamt größer ausgebildet als die Gesamtheit der jeweils einzelnen von den hergestellten Verpackungen eingeschlossenen Volumina, damit insbesondere während des Begasens eine Gasverteilung zwischen den Verpackungen stattfinden kann. Hierdurch ergibt sich nämlich wegen der in
Beim Nachverdichten des Packungsvolumens P', also wenn die Oberfolie O' für den Siegelvorgang nach unten gedrückt wird, kann es allerdings trotz eines optimierten Begasungsprozesses, beispielsweise unter Verwendung einer regelbaren Stufendrossel, zur Herstellung von Verpackungen mit variierender Packungsoptik kommen, weil es immer wieder vorkommt, dass dabei Verpackungen hergestellt werden, die unterschiedliche Oberfolienwölbungen aufweisen, beispielsweise aufgebläht oder eher eingedrückt wirken.When the pack volume P 'is re-compressed, i.e. when the top film O' is pressed down for the sealing process, packaging with a varying pack appearance can be produced despite an optimized gassing process, for example using an adjustable stage throttle, because it happens again and again that doing that Packagings are produced which have different upper film curvatures, for example appear puffed or rather depressed.
Diese optischen Abweichungen werden im Siegelprozess durch das Huben (Absenken) des Siegelwerkzeugs SW' verursacht. Da das Siegelwerkzeug SW' zunächst während des Begasungsprozesses im Siegelwerkzeugoberteil SO' zurückgesetzt positioniert ist, um den für die Verteilung des Gases notwendigen Spalt SP' zu schaffen, wird im Anschluss für den Siegelvorgang das Siegelwerkzeug SW' nach unten in Richtung der darunter positionierten Verpackungsmulde VM' verlagert, wodurch es das zunächst geschaffene Teilvolumen V2' verdrängt. Durch das Herabfahren des Siegelwerkzeugs SW' wird dabei das begaste Teilvolumen V2', sozusagen als Zusatzvolumen, in das Teilvolumen V1' gedrückt. Folglich steigt der Druck in der Verpackung an. In Abhängigkeit variierender Verpackungsinhalte I' entstehen dadurch Verpackungen mit variierender Packungsoptik.These optical deviations are caused in the sealing process by the lifting (lowering) of the sealing tool SW '. Since the sealing tool SW 'is initially positioned set back in the sealing tool upper part SO' during the gassing process in order to create the gap SP 'necessary for the distribution of the gas, the sealing tool SW' is then moved downwards for the sealing process in the direction of the packaging trough VM positioned below 'relocated, whereby it displaces the initially created partial volume V2'. By moving the sealing tool SW 'down, the gassed partial volume V2' is pressed into the partial volume V1 ', so to speak as an additional volume. As a result, the pressure in the packaging increases. Depending on the varying packaging contents I ', packaging with a varying packaging appearance is thereby created.
Hier gilt, je kleiner das frei zur Verfügung stehende Teilvolumen V1' ist, desto größer ist der Einfluss des durch den Siegelhub verdrängten Teilvolumens V2' auf die Druckänderung innerhalb fertig hergestellter Verpackungen.The following applies here: the smaller the freely available partial volume V1 ', the greater the influence of the partial volume V2' displaced by the sealing stroke on the change in pressure within finished packaging.
Bisher wurde versucht, der oben beschriebenen Problematik mit einem voreingestellten Begasungs-Offsetdruck entgegenzuwirken, d.h. es wurde zu Beginn lediglich auf einen um den Begasungs-Offsetdruck reduzierten Druck begast, in der Hoffnung, dass anschließend durch den Siegelhub der gewünschte Solldruck innerhalb der Verpackungen erreicht wird.Up to now, attempts have been made to counteract the problem described above with a preset offset offset pressure, i.e. at the beginning only a pressure reduced by the offset offset pressure was used in the hope that the desired target pressure within the packaging would then be achieved through the sealing stroke .
Die Anwendung eines Begasungs-Offsetdrucks setzt jedoch die Kenntnis des Füllgrads der jeweiligen zu verschließenden Verpackungen voraus, wobei bisher der Einfachheit halber bei herkömmlichen Anwendungen angenommen wurde, dass die Produktlinie über die jeweiligen Verpackungen einen konstanten Füllgrad aufweist. Demzufolge wird es immer dann problematisch, wenn die jeweiligen Verpackungen entgegen der vorerwähnten Annahme keinen einheitlichen Füllgrad aufweisen, was insbesondere bei sollgewichtigen Produkten mit variierender Produktdichte, beispielsweise bei aufgeschnittenem Fleisch oder Käse, zutreffen kann. Trotz des Einsatzes eines vorbestimmten Begasungs-Offsetdrucks ergeben sich dabei aufgrund variierender Füllstände fertige Verpackungen mit unterschiedlichem optischen Erscheinungsbild.However, the use of fumigation offset printing requires knowledge of the degree of filling of the respective packaging to be closed, whereby for the sake of simplicity in conventional applications it was previously assumed that the product line has a constant degree of filling over the respective packaging. Accordingly, it always becomes problematic if, contrary to the assumption mentioned above, the respective packaging does not have a uniform degree of filling, which can apply in particular to products with a target weight with varying product density, for example sliced meat or cheese. Despite the use of a predetermined gas offset printing, finished packaging with a different visual appearance is produced due to varying fill levels.
Außerdem musste der Begasungs-Offsetdruck bisher während eines Einstellvorganges manuell berechnet und an der Verpackungsmaschine als Rechenparameter eingegeben werden, so dass seine Anwendung eher speziell geschultem Bedienpersonal vorbehalten bleibt.In addition, the gassing offset printing previously had to be calculated manually during a setting process and entered as a calculation parameter on the packaging machine, so that its use is reserved for specially trained operating personnel.
Das Arbeiten mit gleichbleibenden, voreingestellten Prozessparametern liefert somit nicht die erwünschte Herstellungsqualität und kann insbesondere im Hinblick auf eine auf jedes einzelne Produkt zugeschnittene Herstellung optimiert werden.Working with constant, preset process parameters therefore does not deliver the desired manufacturing quality and can be optimized in particular with regard to manufacturing tailored to each individual product.
Der Betrieb einer Verpackungsmaschine unter der Annahme eines über die jeweiligen Verpackungen gleichbleibenden Füllgrads und/oder eines diesbezüglich für das Begasen vorbestimmten gleichbleibenden Volumenstroms, ohne dabei jeweilige tatsächlich vorliegende Füllgrade einzelner Verpackungen zu berücksichtigen, kann zu einer nicht unwesentlichen Menge an Ausschuss führen.The operation of a packaging machine assuming a constant filling level across the respective packaging and / or a constant volume flow predetermined for the gassing, without taking into account the respective actual filling levels of individual packages, can lead to a not insignificant amount of rejects.
Dies kann dadurch beeinflusst werden, dass innerhalb der Produktlinie temporär immer wieder Leerverpackungen, beispielsweise wegen Unterbrechungen in der Produktbereitstellung, den Begasungs- und/oder Evakuierungsvorgang mit durchlaufen. Die dann mitgeführten Leerverpackungen verfälschen dann extrem den Begasungs- und/oder Evakuierungsvorgang, sofern mit starr voreingestellten Prozessparametern gearbeitet wird. Folglich wird zumindest an den zusammen mit den Leerverpackungen in einem Arbeitstakt verarbeiteten, befüllten Verpackungen nicht die gewünschte Optik hergestellt.This can be influenced by the fact that empty packaging temporarily repeatedly goes through the gassing and / or evacuation process within the product line, for example due to interruptions in product provision. The empty packaging then carried along then extremely falsifies the gassing and / or evacuation process, provided that rigidly preset process parameters are used. As a result, at least on the filled packaging processed together with the empty packaging in one work cycle, the desired appearance is not produced.
Die
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik herzustellen. Dies soll selbst dann möglich sein, wenn die jeweiligen Verpackungen variierende Füllgrade aufweisen, d. h. voluminös ungleichmäßig befüllt sind.The object of the invention is to produce a method and a device for producing packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another. This should be possible even if the respective packagings have varying degrees of filling, i. H. are voluminously unevenly filled.
Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst mittels eines Verfahrens gemäß dem Anspruch 1 sowie mittels einer Verpackungsmaschine gemäß dem unabhängigen Anspruch 13.This object is achieved by means of a method according to
Verbesserte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der jeweiligen Unteransprüche.Improved developments of the invention are the subject of the respective subclaims.
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Siegelstation einer Verpackungsmaschine, insbesondere einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine. Das Verfahren ist dazu konfiguriert, Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik bei ggf. variierenden Füllgraden herzustellen. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren umfasst die folgenden Schritte:
- Befüllen eines zwischen einem unteren und einem oberen Verpackungsmaterial eingeschlossenen, freien Packungsvolumens mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackung mit einem zur Schaffung einer gewünschten Atmosphäre bestimmten Gas von einem im Packungsvolumen herrschenden Ausgangsdruck auf einen vorbestimmten Begasungsdruck,
- Erfassen eines Druckverlaufs zumindest temporär während des Befüllens des Packungsvolumens mittels mindestens einer damit verbundenen, druckerfassenden Sensorik, wobei der Druckverlauf vorzugsweise anhand einer zeitabhängigen Druckkurve zwischen dem Ausgangsdruck bis hin zu dem vorbestimmten Begasungsdruck erfasst wird,
- Vergleichen des erfassten Druckverlaufs mit einem Referenzdruckverlauf, der vorzugsweise anhand einer seinerseits zeitabhängigen Druckkurve für ein Befüllen eines bekannten freien Referenzpackungsvolumens mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten, insbesondere leeren Referenzverpackung mit dem Gas zwischen dem Ausgangsdruck bis hin zu dem vorbestimmten Begasungsdruck erfasst wird,
- Berechnen eines Füllgrads der innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackung basierend auf dem Vergleich des erfassten Druckverlaufs mit dem Referenzdruckverlauf und/oder eines Volumenstroms bezüglich des Druckverlaufs oder des Referenzdruckverlaufs, und
- Einstellen mindestens eines Prozessparameters an der Verpackungsmaschine unter Berücksichtigung des berechneten Füllgrads und/oder des Volumenstroms.
- Filling a free packaging volume enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material of at least one packaging positioned within the sealing station with a gas intended to create a desired atmosphere from an initial pressure prevailing in the packaging volume to a predetermined aeration pressure,
- Detection of a pressure profile at least temporarily while the pack volume is being filled by means of at least one associated pressure-sensing sensor system, the pressure profile preferably being recorded using a time-dependent pressure curve between the initial pressure and the predetermined gas supply pressure,
- Comparing the recorded pressure profile with a reference pressure profile, which is preferably recorded on the basis of a time-dependent pressure curve for filling a known free reference package volume of at least one, in particular empty, reference package positioned within the sealing station with the gas between the initial pressure up to the predetermined gassing pressure,
- Calculating a degree of filling of the packaging positioned within the sealing station based on the comparison of the recorded pressure profile with the reference pressure profile and / or a volume flow with respect to the pressure profile or the reference pressure profile, and
- Setting at least one process parameter on the packaging machine, taking into account the calculated filling level and / or the volume flow.
Bei der Erfindung wird mithilfe der Betrachtung des aktuellen Druckverlaufs während des Begasungsprozesses ein Füllgrad eines innerhalb der Siegelstation bereitgestellten "Abzugs", d.h. der jeweiligen pro Maschinentakt in einem Arbeitsvorgang an der Siegelstation bearbeiteten Verpackungen, sowie ggf. darauf basierend, in Anpassung an den jeweiligen Abzug der Volumenstrom des Begasungsmediums bestimmt.In the invention, by considering the current pressure profile during the gassing process, a degree of filling of a "fume cupboard" provided within the sealing station, ie the respective packaging processed per machine cycle in a work process at the sealing station, and possibly based on it, in adaptation to the respective fume cupboard the volume flow of the aeration medium is determined.
Kern der Erfindung ist es, zumindest temporär, vorzugsweise aber gleich zu Beginn des Begasungsvorgangs, den Druckverlauf an einem jeweiligen Abzug zu erfassen und ihn mit einem Referenzdruckverlauf, der beispielsweise an einem Abzug aus Leerverpackungen erzeugt und erfasst wird, zu vergleichen, wobei es durch eine Analyse, sprich einen Vergleich der jeweiligen Gradienten der Druckanstiege möglich ist, den Füllgrad des aktuell vorliegenden Abzugs, sprich der innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen, sowie ggf. auch einen dafür eingesetzten und insbesondere optimalen Volumenstrom des Begasungsmediums zu berechnen, um darauf basierend die Bearbeitung des vorliegenden Abzugs und/oder mindestens eines anschließenden Abzugs prozessgesteuert durchzuführen.The essence of the invention is, at least temporarily, but preferably right at the beginning of the gassing process, to record the pressure curve on a respective trigger and to compare it with a reference pressure curve that is generated and recorded, for example, on a trigger from empty packaging Analysis, i.e. a comparison of the respective gradients of the pressure increases is possible, the degree of filling of the currently available fume cupboard, i.e. the packaging positioned within the sealing station, as well as possibly also a used and especially optimal volume flow of the gassing medium to calculate based on this the processing of the present deduction and / or at least one subsequent deduction in a process-controlled manner.
Die Erfindung macht es daher möglich, dass pro Maschinentakt aktuelle Füllgrad- und/oder Volumenstromwerte als Grundlage zur Berechnung mindestens eines Prozessparameters für den Herstellungsprozess erfasst und verwendet werden können, sei es an der Siegelstation selbst und/oder an anderen Arbeitsstationen der Verpackungsmaschine.The invention therefore makes it possible that current filling level and / or volume flow values can be recorded and used per machine cycle as a basis for calculating at least one process parameter for the manufacturing process, be it at the sealing station itself and / or at other work stations of the packaging machine.
Insbesondere ist es anhand der Erfindung möglich, dass der Vergleich des Druckverlaufs mit dem Referenzdruckverlauf derart rechtzeitig, d.h. während eines vorbestimmbaren Zeitfensters zu Beginn des Befüllens, durchgeführt wird, dass für denselben Abzug, sozusagen in Echtzeit, ein Füllgrad und/oder eine Volumenstrom vorhersehbar (berechenbar) ist, dass noch während einer Restlaufzeit des Befüllens, also vor Erreichen eines variierbaren Begasungsenddrucks innerhalb des Packungsvolumens, der Prozessparameter einstellbar ist. In anderen Worten kann das Zeitfenster für den vorerwähnten Vergleich so getimt werden, dass der vorliegende Abzug selbst noch basierend auf dem diesbezüglich durchgeführten Vergleich prozessgesteuert beeinflussbar ist. Eine derart vorteilhafte Kaskadierung kann zu einer höheren Prozessgenauigkeit führen.In particular, with the aid of the invention it is possible that the comparison of the pressure curve with the reference pressure curve is carried out in good time, i.e. during a predeterminable time window at the beginning of the filling, that a filling level and / or a volume flow can be foreseen for the same discharge, so to speak in real time ( calculable) is that the process parameter can still be set during the remaining filling time, i.e. before a variable end-of-gas pressure is reached within the package volume. In other words, the time window for the aforementioned comparison can be timed in such a way that the present print itself can still be influenced in a process-controlled manner based on the comparison made in this regard. Such an advantageous cascading can lead to a higher process accuracy.
Die Erfindung beruht auf einfach durchführbaren Verfahrensschritten, um den Herstellungsprozess besser an ggf. variierende Füllstände anzupassen, was zur Folge hat, dass eine verbesserte Produktqualität, sprich Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik, herstellbar sind.The invention is based on process steps that can be carried out easily in order to better adapt the manufacturing process to possibly varying fill levels, with the result that an improved product quality, that is to say packs with pack optics that are at least substantially similar to one another, can be produced.
Die Erfindung ist insbesondere zum qualitativen Verpacken von jeweils sollgewichtigen Produkten mit variierendem Produktvolumen, insbesondere zum Verpacken von Frischfleisch oder Käse mit variierender Produktdichte, hervorragend geeignet. Selbst für den Fall, dass während des Herstellungsprozesses aus verfahrenstechnischen Gründen in die Produktlinie Leerverpackungen miteingeschlossen sind, lassen sich deren "Leerinhalte" anhand der erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensschritte optimal kompensieren, so dass selbst bei einem Abzug mit darin eingeschlossenen Leerverpackungen Verpackungen mit der gewünschten Packungsoptik hergestellt werden können.The invention is particularly suitable for the qualitative packaging of each target weight product with varying product volume, in particular for packaging fresh meat or cheese with varying product density. Even in the event that empty packaging is included in the product line for procedural reasons during the manufacturing process, its "empty contents" can be determined using the inventive method Optimally compensate for process steps so that even in the event of a withdrawal with empty packaging enclosed therein, packaging with the desired packaging appearance can be produced.
Für die Herleitung des Füllgrads, insbesondere für das Durchführen des Vergleichs des erfassten Druckverlaufs mit dem Referenzdruckverlauf, kann es zweckmäßig sein, von einer isothermen Zustandsänderung bei gleichen Volumenstrombedingungen zu vorzugsweise gleichen Druckverhältnissen und ggf. einer gleichen Drosselklappenstellung auszugehen. Vorzugsweise liegt der Herleitung als theoretische Grundlage das Boyle-Mariotte-Gesetz zugrunde. Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn basierend auf mindestens einem an der Siegelstation voreingestellten Prozessparameter (z.B. Begasungstemperatur, Volumenstrom, Druckverhältnis, Drosselstellung zum Begasen, etc.) ein dementsprechender Referenzdruckverlauf zur Durchführung des erfinderischen Verfahrens aufgerufen werden kann, sodass das erfinderische Verfahren bei der Herstellung verschiedener Verpackungstypen einsetzbar ist.To derive the degree of filling, in particular to compare the recorded pressure profile with the reference pressure profile, it can be useful to assume an isothermal change in state with the same volume flow conditions, preferably with the same pressure ratios and possibly the same throttle valve position. The derivation is preferably based on the Boyle-Mariotte law as the theoretical basis. It is particularly advantageous if, based on at least one process parameter preset at the sealing station (e.g. aeration temperature, volume flow, pressure ratio, throttle position for gassing, etc.), a corresponding reference pressure curve can be called up for carrying out the inventive method, so that the inventive method can be used to produce various Packaging types can be used.
Eine vorteilhafte Variante der Erfindung sieht vor, dass ein Quotient aus einem Verhältnis einer für den Druckverlauf und einer für den Referenzdruckverlauf erfassten Zeit von einem Ganzen abgezogen wird, um den Füllgrad zu berechnen.An advantageous variant of the invention provides that a quotient of a ratio of a time recorded for the pressure profile and a time recorded for the reference pressure profile is subtracted from a whole in order to calculate the degree of filling.
Zum Erfassen und/oder Berechnen der verstrichenen Zeit für den zwischen verschiedenen Druckniveaus ansteigenden Druckverlauf, welcher sich während des Befüllens innerhalb in der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen ergibt, wird vorzugsweise eine Erfassungs- und/oder Berechnungseinheit eingesetzt, die ggf. integraler Bestandteil einer Steuereinheit der Verpackungsmaschine ist.In order to record and / or calculate the elapsed time for the pressure curve increasing between different pressure levels, which results during the filling within the packaging positioned in the sealing station, a recording and / or calculation unit is preferably used, which may be an integral part of a control unit of the packaging machine is.
Es kann vorteilhaft sein, dass zum Erfassen des Druckverlaufs an der Verpackungsmaschine ein variierbares Zeitfenster auswählbar ist. Beispielsweise könnte für länger andauernde Begasungsvorgänge auch ein größeres Zeitfenster zum Erfassen des Druckverlaufs ausgewählt werden, weil dadurch eine genauere Vorhersage des vorliegenden Füllgrads und/oder Volumenstroms durchführbar ist.It can be advantageous that a variable time window can be selected for recording the pressure profile on the packaging machine. For example, a larger time window for recording the pressure profile could also be selected for longer-lasting gassing processes, because this enables a more precise prediction of the present degree of filling and / or volume flow to be carried out.
Der zeitbasierte Vergleich mit dem Referenzdruckverlauf kann noch während des Begasens anhand einer vorab erfassten und/oder berechneten Zeit für den Referenzdruckverlauf geschehen. Vorzugsweise hält dafür ein Speicher der Verpackungsmaschine mindestens einen für das Verpackungsformat vorbestimmten zeitabhängigen Referenzdruckverlauf bereit, hinsichtlich welchem der Füllgrad des aktuellen Abzugs bestimmt werden kann. Für den prozessgesteuerten Vergleich können insbesondere Referenzdruckverläufe verschiedener Verpackungsformate bereitgehalten werden, sodass die Erfindung für eine optisch homogene Herstellung unterschiedlicher Verpackungsformate anwendbar ist. Besonders aussagekräftig kann der Vergleich dann ausfallen, wenn vergleichbare Prozessparameter, beispielsweise gleiche Volumenströme, zur Herstellung des Referenzdruckverlaufs und des erfassten Druckverlaufs eingesetzt werden.The time-based comparison with the reference pressure profile can take place during the gassing on the basis of a previously recorded and / or calculated time for the reference pressure profile. For this purpose, a memory of the packaging machine preferably has at least one time-dependent reference pressure profile that is predetermined for the packaging format and with regard to which the filling level of the current print can be determined. In particular, reference pressure profiles of different packaging formats can be kept ready for the process-controlled comparison so that the invention can be used for an optically homogeneous production of different packaging formats. The comparison can be particularly meaningful if comparable process parameters, for example the same volume flows, are used to produce the reference pressure profile and the recorded pressure profile.
In diesem Zusammenhang kann es insbesondere sein, dass die Berechnung des Füllgrads und/oder des Volumenstroms in Echtzeit pro Maschinentakt geschieht und darauf basierend eine automatisierte Anpassung des Prozessparameters durchgeführt wird. In Echtzeit soll hierbei heißen, dass die automatisierte Anpassung des Prozessparameters noch während desselben Arbeitstakts geschieht, insbesondere auch eine Einstellung des momentan durchgeführten Begasungsvorgangs betreffen kann, während welchem der Füllgrad bestimmt wird.In this context, it can in particular be the case that the calculation of the degree of filling and / or the volume flow occurs in real time per machine cycle and an automated adaptation of the process parameter is carried out based on this. In this context, real-time is intended to mean that the automated adjustment of the process parameters takes place during the same work cycle, and in particular can also relate to a setting of the currently carried out gassing process, during which the filling level is determined.
Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn der Prozessparameter ein Offsetdruck ist, der noch beim aktuellen Befüllvorgang und/oder bei mindestens einem anschließenden Befüllvorgang verwendet wird, um das Packungsvolumen lediglich mit Gas bis zum Erreichen eines Drucks zu befüllen, der sich aus einem Begasungssolldruck für fertig hergestellte Verpackungen abzüglich des berechneten Offsetdrucks ergibt.It is advantageous if the process parameter is an offset pressure that is still used in the current filling process and / or in at least one subsequent filling process in order to fill the package volume with gas only until a pressure is reached that results from a target gas pressure for finished packages minus the calculated offset printing results.
Für eine verbesserte Herstellungsqualität könnte der Offsetdruck mindestens intervallweise, vorzugsweise jedoch pro Maschinentakt automatisiert angepasst werden, so dass variierende Füllstände besser bei der Herstellung berücksichtigt werden können. Es wäre dann insbesondere möglich, den Befüllungsdruck fortlaufend an erfasste Füllstande anzupassen, so dass der anschließende Siegelhub im Verpackungsinneren präzise den Begasungssolldruck herbeiführt. Folglich können optisch gleichwertige Verpackungen, also Verpackungen mit demselben Begasungssolldruck, die Siegelstation verlassen.For an improved production quality, the offset printing could be adapted automatically at least at intervals, but preferably per machine cycle, so that varying fill levels can be better taken into account during production. It would then be possible, in particular, to continuously adapt the filling pressure to the detected filling levels, so that the subsequent sealing stroke inside the packaging precisely brings about the target gas pressure. As a result, optically equivalent packaging, i.e. packaging with the same target gas pressure, can leave the sealing station.
Zweckmäßig wird zur Berechnung des Offsetdrucks das Boyle-Mariotte-Gesetz unter Berücksichtigung eines durch einen Siegelhub verdrängten Teilvolumens des Verpackungsvolumens und eines angesichts des berechneten Füllgrads bestimmbaren freien Packungsvolumens, einschließlich des darin herzustellenden Begasungssolldrucks fertig hergestellter Verpackungen verwendet. Bei der Anwendung des Boyle-Mariotte-Gesetzes kann ein isothermer Druckausgleich zwischen den Verpackungen, die innerhalb der Siegelstation positioniert sind, angenommen werden.The Boyle-Mariotte law is expediently used to calculate the offset printing, taking into account a partial volume of the packaging volume displaced by a sealing stroke and a free packaging volume that can be determined in view of the calculated filling level, including the target gas pressure to be produced in finished packaging. When applying the Boyle-Mariotte law, an isothermal pressure equalization between the packages that are positioned within the sealing station can be assumed.
Vorzugsweise ist der Prozessparameter eine Gasgeschwindigkeit, die an jeweiligen, zum Befüllen des Packungsvolumens ausgebildeten Gasstiften erreicht wird. Dies kann angesichts der Beschaffenheit der Produkte, insbesondere der Beschaffenheit von Lebensmittelprodukten, die in den Verpackungen eingelegt sind, nützlich sein. Beispielsweise spielt es eine Rolle, ob formstabile, einteilige Produkte mit fester Oberflächenbeschaffenheit, wie z. B. ein Stück Käse, oder Produkte mit instabiler, insbesondere aufgetragener Oberflächenbeschaffenheit, z. B. paniertes Fleisch, begast werden. Verpackungen mit einem hohen erfassten Füllgrad, worin paniertes Fleisch eingelegt ist, könnte zur Vermeidung einer Beschädigung der Panierschicht mit reduzierter Gasgeschwindigkeit begast werden. Andererseits könnte für eine gesteigerte Produktionsrate ein Begasen mit höherer Gasgeschwindigkeit bei einteiligen, mit einer stabilen Oberfläche ausgebildeten Packungsinhalten grundsätzlich eingestellt werden, insbesondere dann, wenn ein geringer Füllgrad erfasst wird.The process parameter is preferably a gas velocity that is achieved at the respective gas pens designed to fill the packing volume. This may be given the nature of the products, especially the nature of food products that placed in the packaging can be useful. For example, it matters whether dimensionally stable, one-piece products with a solid surface finish, such as B. a piece of cheese, or products with unstable, in particular applied surface properties, z. B. breaded meat, are fumigated. Packagings with a high recorded degree of filling, in which breaded meat is inserted, could be fumigated at a reduced gas velocity in order to avoid damage to the breading layer. On the other hand, gassing with a higher gas velocity in the case of one-part pack contents formed with a stable surface could in principle be set for an increased production rate, in particular when a low degree of filling is detected.
Gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist der Prozessparameter ein Ventileinstellwert, insbesondere eine Drosselklappenstellung, der einen Evakuierungs- und/oder den Begasungsvorgang beeinflusst. Dadurch könnte gezielt auf den Druckverlauf innerhalb des Packungsvolumens Einfluss genommen werden. Vorzugsweise wird der Ventileinstellwert automatisch während des Herstellungsprozesses fortlaufend angepasst, so dass stets mit optimalen Prozesseinstellungen gearbeitet werden kann. Dies begünstigt insbesondere ein exaktes Begasen und bietet eine hervorragende Kontrolle zur Herstellung optisch gleichwertiger Produkte.According to one embodiment, the process parameter is a valve setting value, in particular a throttle valve position, which influences an evacuation and / or gassing process. In this way, the pressure curve within the packing volume could be influenced in a targeted manner. The valve setting value is preferably continuously adapted automatically during the manufacturing process, so that optimal process settings can always be used. This particularly favors precise gassing and offers excellent control for the manufacture of optically equivalent products.
Eine Ausführungsvariante sieht vor, dass der Prozessparameter eine Fehlfunktionsanzeige an der Verpackungsmaschine triggert. Dadurch lassen sich beispielsweise Undichtigkeiten während des Herstellungsprozesses, insbesondere während des Begasungs- und/oder Evakuierungsprozesses innerhalb der Siegelstation, detektieren und können sofort dem Bedienpersonal angezeigt werden, so dass ggf. die Herstellung unterbrochen werden kann, um beispielsweise Prozessparameter an der Verpackungsmaschine anzupassen.One embodiment variant provides that the process parameter triggers a malfunction display on the packaging machine. In this way, for example, leaks can be detected during the manufacturing process, in particular during the gassing and / or evacuation process within the sealing station, and can be displayed immediately to the operating personnel so that production can be interrupted if necessary, for example to adjust process parameters on the packaging machine.
Vorzugsweise wird das (freie) Packungsvolumen mit einem Auffangvolumen bekannter Größe verbunden und basierend auf einem erfassten Druckausgleich das (freie) Packungsvolumen berechnet. Als Auffangvolumen bekannter Größe kommen beispielsweise ein externer Speicher, ein externer Gastank oder ein vom Werkzeugoberteil der Siegelstation geschaffenes Volumen in Frage. Diese Vorgehensweise lässt sich insbesondere zum präzisen Berechnen eines Referenzpackungsvolumens von Leerverpackungen eines Abzugs verwenden, welches dann bei der Berechnung des Referenzdruckverlaufs eingesetzt werden kann.The (free) packing volume is preferably connected to a collecting volume of known size and the (free) packing volume is calculated based on a recorded pressure equalization. For example, an external storage device, an external gas tank or a volume created by the upper tool part of the sealing station can be used as the collecting volume of known size. This procedure can be used in particular for the precise calculation of a reference package volume of empty packages of a fume cupboard, which can then be used in the calculation of the reference pressure curve.
Ein separat vorgesehener Gastank könnte mittels eines zusätzlichen Ventils absperrbar gestaltet sein, so dass sich der Druckausgleich zwischen ihm und dem freien Packungsvolumen präzise regeln lässt. Nach dem Begasen der Verpackungen auf einen gewünschten Druck kann dann eine Druckänderung im Gastank erfasst werden, die der Berechnung des Volumenübergangs zugrunde gelegt wird, woraus das Restvolumen, also das (freie) Packungsvolumen, berechenbar ist. Als Berechnungsgrundlage könnte hierfür wiederum das Boyle-Mariotte-Gesetz verwendet werden.A separately provided gas tank could be designed to be lockable by means of an additional valve, so that the pressure equalization between it and the free packing volume can be precisely regulated. After the packaging has been gassed to a desired pressure, a change in pressure in the gas tank can then be recorded, which is used to calculate the volume transition it is based on what the remaining volume, i.e. the (free) packing volume, can be calculated from. The Boyle-Mariotte law could again be used as the basis for calculation.
Eine verbesserte Variante sieht vor, dass der Prozessparameter fortlaufend angesichts gemittelter Werte des Füllgrads und/oder des Volumenstroms eingestellt wird. Dadurch kann der Steueraufwand an der Verpackungsmaschine reduziert werden. Dies kann insbesondere bei einer Betriebssituation von Vorteil sein, bei welcher mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit geringe Füllgradänderungen auftreten, beispielsweise beim Verpacken geschnittener Wurst.An improved variant provides that the process parameter is set continuously in view of averaged values of the degree of filling and / or the volume flow. This allows the control effort on the packaging machine to be reduced. This can be of particular advantage in an operating situation in which there is a high probability that slight changes in the degree of filling will occur, for example when packing sliced sausage.
Gemäß einer Variante wird das mit Gas befüllte Packungsvolumen derart gebildet, dass während des Begasungsvorgangs, insbesondere während des Siegelhubs ein Druckausgleich zwischen mehreren innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen stattfindet. Dabei können die jeweiligen innerhalb einer Siegelkammer eingeschlossenen Verpackungen über einen zwischen dem oberen und dem unteren Verpackungsmaterial ausgebildeten Spalt verbunden sein. Hierbei kann der Prozessparameter eine einstellbare Geschwindigkeit einer Hubbewegung des innerhalb der Siegelstation verstellbar gelagerten Siegelwerkzeugs sein, damit dieses derart verfährt, dass der Druckausgleich zwischen den mehreren bereitgestellten Verpackungen zuverlässig stattfinden kann.According to a variant, the pack volume filled with gas is formed in such a way that during the gassing process, in particular during the sealing stroke, a pressure equalization takes place between several packs positioned within the sealing station. The respective packagings enclosed within a sealing chamber can be connected via a gap formed between the upper and lower packaging material. Here, the process parameter can be an adjustable speed of a stroke movement of the sealing tool, which is adjustably mounted within the sealing station, so that it moves in such a way that the pressure equalization can take place reliably between the several packagings provided.
Vorzugsweise wird ein mit dem Packungsvolumen verbundenes Zuleitungsvolumen, das sich beispielsweise aus einer Begasungs-, einer Evakuierungsleitung und/oder einem Werkzeugvolumen ergibt, bei der Errechnung des Füllgrads herausgerechnet. Ergänzend oder alternativ könnte auch der Siegelplattenhub, d. h. das dadurch verdrängte Packungs-Teilvolumen, angesichts bekannter Geometrien des Siegelwerkzeugoberteils bei der Berechnung des Füllgrads herausgerechnet werden. Unter der Annahme, dass diese ggf. die Füllgradberechnung verfälschenden Werte konstant bleiben, können dafür Standardwerte, welche in der Maschinensteuerung hinterlegt sind, verwendet werden.A supply line volume connected to the packing volume, which results for example from a gassing line, an evacuation line and / or a tool volume, is preferably deducted when calculating the degree of filling. In addition or as an alternative, the sealing plate stroke, i. H. the partial volume of the pack displaced as a result, in view of the known geometries of the upper part of the sealing tool, can be deducted when calculating the degree of filling. Assuming that these values, which may falsify the degree of filling calculation, remain constant, standard values, which are stored in the machine control, can be used.
Das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip könnte dem Begasungsprozess vorangestellt bereits während eines Evakuierungsvorgangs stattfinden. Es wäre somit möglich, die zuvor im Zusammenhang mit der Erfindung beschriebenen Ausführungen funktional auf den Evakuierungsvorgang zu übertragen, so dass eine darauf aufbauende prozessgesteuerte Parametereinstellung bereits während des Evakuierungsvorgangs geschehen kann.The principle according to the invention could precede the gassing process and take place during an evacuation process. It would thus be possible to functionally transfer the embodiments described above in connection with the invention to the evacuation process, so that a process-controlled parameter setting based thereon can already take place during the evacuation process.
Vorzugsweise lassen sich anhand der Erfindung auch außerhalb der Siegelstation, d.h. an anderen Arbeitsstationen der Verpackungsmaschine, Prozessparameter derart einstellen, dass die jeweiligen Arbeitsstationen der Verpackungsmaschine hervorragend zusammenarbeiten können, um ein verbessertes Herstellungsergebnis zu erzielen. Somit trägt die Erfindung zu einer insgesamt prozessgesteuerten Verpackungsmaschine bei.Preferably, with the aid of the invention, process parameters can also be set outside the sealing station, ie at other work stations of the packaging machine, in such a way that the respective workstations of the packaging machine can work together excellently in order to achieve an improved production result. The invention thus contributes to an overall process-controlled packaging machine.
Die Erfindung betrifft auch eine Verpackungsmaschine, die insbesondere in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine vorliegt, wobei deren Siegelstation zum Herstellen von Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik bei ggf. variierenden Füllgraden ausgebildet ist. Die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine umfasst außer der Siegelstation eine Steuereinheit, die funktional mit mindestens einer an der Siegelstation ausgebildeten Sensorik zum Erfassen eines Drucks eines innerhalb der Siegelstation bereitgestellten Packungsvolumens verbunden ist.The invention also relates to a packaging machine, which is in particular in the form of a deep-drawing packaging machine, the sealing station of which is designed to produce packs with a pack optics that is at least substantially similar to one another with possibly varying degrees of filling. In addition to the sealing station, the packaging machine according to the invention comprises a control unit which is functionally connected to at least one sensor system formed at the sealing station for detecting a pressure of a package volume provided within the sealing station.
Erfindungsgemäß ist die Steuereinheit dazu konfiguriert, einen Füllgrad basierend auf einem Vergleich eines zeitabhängigen, zumindest temporär vorzugsweise während eines Befüllens des innerhalb der Siegelstation eingeschlossenen Packungsvolumens zwischen vorbestimmten Druckniveaus erfassten Druckverlaufs mit einem zeitabhängigen, zwischen den vorbestimmten Druckniveaus in der Steuereinheit hinterlegten Referenzdruckverlauf für das Befüllen eines bekannten Referenzvolumens, und/oder einen Volumenstrom bezüglich des Druckverlaufs oder des Referenzdruckverlaufs zu berechnen, wobei die Steuereinheit ferner dazu ausgebildet ist, mindestens einen Prozessparameter an der Verpackungsmaschine unter Berücksichtigung des errechneten Füllgrads und/oder des Volumenstroms einzustellen.According to the invention, the control unit is configured to calculate a filling level based on a comparison of a time-dependent, at least temporarily, preferably during filling of the package volume enclosed within the sealing station between predetermined pressure levels, with a time-dependent reference pressure profile stored between the predetermined pressure levels in the control unit for filling a known reference volume, and / or to calculate a volume flow with respect to the pressure curve or the reference pressure curve, the control unit also being designed to set at least one process parameter on the packaging machine taking into account the calculated filling level and / or the volume flow.
Bei der Erfindung ist die Steuereinheit als prozessgeführte Ablaufsteuerung ausgebildet, sodass ein Betrieb der Verpackungsmaschine an die jeweiligen IST-Messgrößen hervorragend anpassbar ist. Anhand des über die Sensorik detektierbaren und an die Steuereinheit übermittelten aktuellen Druckverlaufs kann die Steuereinheit basierend auf einem Vergleich des Druckverlaufs mit einem der Herstellungssituation bereitgestellten Referenzdruckverlauf den Füllgrad und/oder Volumenstrom bestimmen. Darauf basierend stellt die Steuereinheit mindestens einen Prozessparameter mindestens eines weiteren Aktors der Verpackungsmaschine ein. Aus den den Druckverlauf abbildenden Eingangssignalen der Steuereinrichtung werden somit entsprechend einem Steueralgorithmus zur Durchführung des vorerwähnten Vergleichs als Ausgangssignale Prozessparameter (Stellsignale) gebildet, die über Aktoren auf ein an der Verpackungsmaschine vorgesehenes Steuerungsobjekt (technologischer Prozess, Steuerstrecke), beispielsweise auf mindestens einen Arbeitsvorgang an der Siegelstation, einwirken.In the case of the invention, the control unit is designed as a process-controlled sequence control, so that operation of the packaging machine can be perfectly adapted to the respective actual measured variables. Using the current pressure profile detectable via the sensor system and transmitted to the control unit, the control unit can determine the filling level and / or volume flow based on a comparison of the pressure profile with a reference pressure profile provided for the manufacturing situation. Based on this, the control unit sets at least one process parameter of at least one further actuator of the packaging machine. From the input signals of the control device depicting the pressure curve, process parameters (control signals) are formed as output signals in accordance with a control algorithm for performing the aforementioned comparison, which via actuators to a control object (technological process, control path) provided on the packaging machine, for example to at least one work process on the Sealing station, act.
Im Folgenden werden der Stand der Technik sowie Ausführungsformen der Erfindung anhand der Figuren näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:
Figur 1- eine schematische Ansicht einer bekannten Siegelstation;
- Figur 2
- eine Verpackungsmaschine, die in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine ausgebildet ist, an welcher die Erfindung zum Einsatz kommt;
Figur 3- eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Siegelstation mit verbundener Steuereinheit zum Durchführen der erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensschritte; und
Figur 4- eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
- Figure 1
- a schematic view of a known sealing station;
- Figure 2
- a packaging machine which is designed in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine on which the invention is used;
- Figure 3
- a schematic representation of the sealing station according to the invention with a connected control unit for performing the method steps according to the invention; and
- Figure 4
- a schematic representation of the method according to the invention.
Die Siegelstation S' verfügt über ein Siegelwerkzeugoberteil SO' sowie ein mit dem Siegelwerkzeugoberteil SO' verschließbares Siegelwerkzeugunterteil SU', das zur Aufnahme vorgeformter Verpackungsmulden VM' ausgebildet ist. In den in
In
Gemäß
Bei der in
Wie bereits an vorangehender Stelle in der Beschreibungseinleitung ausgeführt wurde, können allerdings die jeweiligen Füllgrade der bereitgestellten Verpackungen variieren, so dass die obige Offset-Herangehensweise, die entgegen tatsächlicher Gegebenheiten auf der Annahme einer homogenen Füllgradverteilung basiert, zur Herstellung von optisch unterschiedlich ausfallenden Verpackungen führt.As already stated at the previous point in the introduction to the description, the respective fill levels of the provided packaging can vary, so that the above offset approach, which, contrary to actual circumstances, is based on the assumption of a homogeneous fill level distribution, leads to the production of visually different packaging.
Am Maschinengestell 6 der Verpackungsmaschine 1 ist eingangsseitig eine Zuführrolle 7 angeordnet, von der eine Unterfolie U als unteres Verpackungsmaterial 8 abgezogen wird. Die Unterfolie U wird mittels einer nicht gezeigten Vorschubeinrichtung in die Formstation 2 transportiert. Mittels eines dort stattfindenden Tiefziehvorgangs werden mittels der Formstation 2 Verpackungsmulden 14 in die Unterfolie U geformt. Anschließend werden die Verpackungsmulden 14 zu einer Einlegestrecke 15 weitertransportiert, wo sie manuell oder automatisiert mit einem Produkt 16 befüllt werden können. Im Anschluss an die Einlegestrecke 15 werden die mit den Produkten 16 befüllten Packungsmulden 14 zu der Siegelstation 3 weiter transportiert. Mittels der Siegelstation 3 können die Verpackungsmulden 14 mit einer Oberfolie O, die ein oberes Verpackungsmaterial 10 bildet, versiegelt werden, so dass durch das Ansiegeln der Oberfolie O auf die Verpackungsmulden 14 verschlossene Verpackungen V hergestellt werden, die mittels der Querschneideeinrichtung 4 und der Längsschneideeinrichtung 5 vereinzelt und mittels einer Abführeinrichtung 13 abtransportiert werden können. Es kann sein, dass im Fördergut Leerverpackungen LV, beispielsweise wegen einer Unterbrechung im Produktbereitstellungsprozess, mit eingeschlossen sind.On the input side of the machine frame 6 of the
Ferner verfügt die in
Die Steuereinheit 11 ist mit einer Sensorik 12 zum Erfassen eines Drucks PIST (siehe
Ferner zeigt
Die Siegelstation 3 umfasst ein Siegelwerkzeugoberteil 20 sowie ein Siegelwerkzeugunterteil 21, die eine Siegelkammer 23 einschließen.
Die innerhalb der Siegelstation 3 aufgenommenen Verpackungsmulden 14 schließen zusammen mit der darüber angeordneten Oberfolie O ein Packungsvolumen P ein. Das Packungsvolumen P wird mittels einer imaginären, gestrichelt dargestellten Ebene E durchquert, wodurch es in ein Teilvolumen V1 und ein Teilvolumen V2 unterteilt wird. Die in Bildebene betrachtet rechts mit einem geringeren Füllgrad 22 vorliegende Verpackungsmulde 14 bildet einen größeren Anteil des Packungsvolumens P als die andere, links daneben mit einem größeren Füllgrad 22 gezeigte Verpackungsmulde 14.The
Gemäß
An die Leitung 26 ist als Sensorik 12 zur Erfassung des innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P herrschenden Drucks PIST ein Drucksensor 18 angeschlossen. Der Drucksensor 18 ist funktional mit der Steuereinheit 11 verbunden, welche dazu konfiguriert ist, den ihr als Eingangsgröße übermittelten Druck PIST weiter zu verrechnen. Insbesondere ist die Steuereinheit 11 dazu in der Lage, den anhand der erfassten Druckwerte PIST vorliegenden Druckverlauf während des Befüllens des Packungsvolumens P zu ermitteln und diesen, ggf. einen Abschnitt davon, mit einem voreingestellten Referenzdruckverlauf zu vergleichen, um darauf basierend anhand eines Algorithmus einen Füllgrad und/oder einen Volumenstrom bezüglich der innerhalb der Siegelstation 3 positionierten Verpackungen V zu berechnen, worauf basierend die Steuereinheit 11 mindestens einen Prozessparameter PP als Ausgangsgröße generiert.A
An die Leitung 26 ist gemäß
Zunächst findet in einem ersten Verfahrensschritt A über die Leitung 26 das Befüllen des freien Packungsvolumens P mit einem Gas G zum Schaffen einer gewünschten Atmosphäre statt.First, in a first method step A, the free packing volume P is filled with a gas G via the
Während des Befüllens gemäß Schritt A findet gemäß dem Verfahrensschritt B eine Druckerfassung mittels der Sensorik 12 innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P statt. Dadurch lässt sich ein zeitabhängiger Druckverlauf 27 für den innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P anliegenden Druck PIST zwischen einem Ausgangsdruck P1 bis hin zu einem vorbestimmten Begasungsdruck P2 erfassen. Hierbei kann die Steuereinheit 11 dazu konfiguriert sein, lediglich einen Abschnitt des Druckverlaufs 27 für das weitere Verfahren zu berücksichtigen.During the filling according to step A, according to method step B, pressure is detected by means of the
Gemäß
Gemäß dem weiteren Verfahrensschritt C findet ein Vergleich VG des erfassten Druckverlaufs 27 mit einem Referenzdruckverlauf 28 statt. Den Referenzdruckverlauf 28 ruft die Steuereinheit 11 für den Vergleich VG aus dem Speicher 17 ab. Die Steuereinheit 11 kann dazu ausgebildet sein, hinsichtlich mindestens eines an der Verpackungsmaschine 1, insbesondere an der Siegelstation 3, für den Herstellungsprozess vorbestimmten Prozessparameter aus einer Vielzahl von auf dem Speicher 17 bereitgestellten Referenzdruckverläufen 28 einen passenden Referenzdruckverlauf 28 aufzurufen. Gemäß dem Referenzdruckverlauf 28 wird eine zeitabhängige Referenzdruckkurve KREF dargestellt, welche sich insbesondere beim Begasen von für den Herstellungsprozess eingesetzten Leerverpackungen LV einstellen würde. Zur Durchführung eines aussagekräftigen Vergleichs sowie einer zweckmäßigen Herleitung des Füllgrads 22 ist es vorteilhaft für die jeweiligen Druckverläufe 27, 28 einen gleichen Volumenstrom anzunehmen.According to the further method step C, a comparison VG of the recorded
Nach Durchführen des Verfahrensschritts C, also nach dem Vergleich der jeweiligen Gradienten des Druckverlaufs 27 sowie des Referenzdruckverlaufs 28, wird gemäß dem daran anschließenden Verfahrensschritt D der Füllgrad 22 und/oder der Volumenstrom V. Dies basiert insbesondere auf den jeweiligen für den Druckverlauf 27 sowie für den Referenzdruckverlauf 28 verstrichenen Zeitabschnitte t und t*, anhand des Packungsvolumens P und der jeweiligen Druckniveaus P1, P2.After performing method step C, i.e. after comparing the respective gradients of
Der berechnete Füllgrad 22 und/oder Volumenstrom V können in einem weiteren Verfahrensschritt E von der Steuereinheit 11 zur Berechnung mindestens eines Prozessparameters PP verwendet werden. Beispielsweise berechnet die Steuereinheit 11 einen Offsetdruck POFF, eine Gasgeschwindigkeit VGAS, einen Ventileinstellwert x und/oder triggert darauf basierend eine Fehlfunktionsanzeige y.The calculated degree of filling 22 and / or volume flow V can be used in a further method step E by the
Anhand des Offsetdrucks POFF kann die Steuereinheit 11 angesichts eines gewünschten Begasungssolldrucks PSOLL fertig hergestellter Verpackungen V einen Druck PRED berechnen, bis zu dessen Erreichen der Befüllvorgang A gesteuert wird. Schematisch wird dies in
Das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip lässt sich hervorragend bei einer prozessgesteuerten Verpackungsmaschine anwenden, bei welcher jeweilige Arbeitsvorgänge messsignalbasiert ablaufen, so dass in Summe betrachtet sowohl optimale Prozesszeiten als auch qualitativ hochwertigere Produkte herstellbar sind.The principle according to the invention can be excellently applied in a process-controlled packaging machine in which the respective work processes run based on measurement signals, so that, considered in total, both optimal process times and higher quality products can be produced.
Claims (13)
- A method of operating a sealing station (3) of a packaging machine (1) for producing, in the case of possibly varying filling degrees (22), packages (V) with at least substantially similar package appearances, the method comprising the following steps:• filling (A) a free package volume (P) enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material (8, 10) and defined by at least one package (V) positioned within the sealing station (3) with a gas (G), intended to be used for creating a desired atmosphere, from an initial pressure (P1) prevailing in the package volume (P) up to a predetermined gas flushing pressure (P2),• detecting (B), at least temporarily during filling (A) of the package volume (P), a pressure curve (27) by means of at least one pressure-detecting sensor system (12) connected to the package volume (P), the pressure curve (27) being preferably detected on the basis of a time-dependent pressure curve (KIST) between the initial pressure (P1) and the predetermined gas flushing pressure (P2),• comparing (C) the detected pressure curve (27) with a reference pressure curve (28) detected preferably on the basis of a pressure curve (KREF), which, in turn, is time-dependent, for filling a known free reference package volume (PREF) of at least one, in particular empty reference package (VREF) positioned within the sealing station (3) with the gas (G) between the initial pressure (P1) and the predetermined gas flushing pressure (P2),• calculating (D) a filling degree (22) of the package (V) positioned within the sealing station (3) on the basis of the comparison between the detected pressure curve (27) and the reference pressure curve (28), and/or a volume flow (V) on the basis of the comparison (C) of the detected pressure curve (27) with the reference pressure curve (28), and• setting (E) at least one process parameter (PP) at the packaging machine (1) with due regard to the calculated filling degree (22) and/or volume flow (V).
- The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a quotient resulting from a ratio of a time (t*) detected for the pressure curve (27) and a time (t) detected for the reference pressure curve (28) is subtracted from a whole for calculating the filling degree (22).
- The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the calculation of the filling degree (22) and/or of the volume flow (V) is carried out in real time per machine cycle and that, based on this, an automated adaptation of the process parameter (PP) is executed.
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process parameter (PP) is an offset pressure (POFF) used during the filling process and/or during at least one subsequent filling process (A), so as to fill the package volume (P) with gas (G) only until a pressure (PRED) is reached, which results from a gas flushing target pressure (PSOLL) for finished packages (V) minus the calculated offset pressure (POFF).
- The method according to claim 4, characterized in that for calculating the offset pressure (POFF) the Boyle-Mariotte law is used, taking into account a partial volume (V2) of the package volume (P) displaced by a sealing stroke (H) and a free package volume (V1), which can be determined in the light of the calculated filling degree (22), including the gas flushing target pressure (PSOLL) of finished packages (V) to be generated in said free package volume.
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process parameter (PP) is a gas velocity (VGAS) reached at respective gas pins (29) configured for filling the package volume (P).
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process parameter (PP) is a valve setting value (x) which influences an evacuating process and/or the gas flushing process.
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process parameter (PP) triggers a malfunction indicator (y) at the packaging machine (1).
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free package volume (P) is connected to a collecting volume (AV) of known size and that the free package volume (P) is calculated on the basis of a detected pressure compensation.
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process parameter (PP) is continuously adjusted in the light of averaged values of the filling degree (22) and/or of the volume flow (V̇).
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package volume (P) filled with gas (G) is formed such that a pressure compensation between a plurality of packages (V) positioned within the sealing station (3) will take place during the sealing stroke (H).
- The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a supply line volume (30) connected to the package volume (P) is subtracted when the filling degree (22) is calculated.
- A packaging machine (1) for producing, in the case of possibly varying filling degrees (22), packages (V) with at least substantially similar package appearances, comprising a sealing station (3) and a control unit (11), which is functionally connected to a sensor system (12) formed at the sealing station (3) and used for detecting a pressure (PIST) of a package volume (P) provided within the sealing station (3), characterized in that the control unit (11) is configured for calculating a filling degree (22) on the basis of a comparison (C) between a time-dependent pressure curve (27), which is detected between predetermined pressure levels (P1, P2) at least temporarily during a filling process (A) of the package volume (P) enclosed within the sealing station (3), and a time-dependent reference pressure curve (28) representative of the filling process (A) of a known reference volume (VREF) and stored in the control unit (11) between the predetermined pressure levels (P1, P2), and/or a volume flow (V) on the basis of the comparison (C) of the detected pressure curve (27) with the reference pressure curve (28), the control unit (11) being further configured for setting at least one process parameter (PP) at the packaging machine (1) with due regard to the calculated filling degree (22) and/or the volume flow (V̇).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102018114259.5A DE102018114259A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2018-06-14 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING VOLUME FLOW AND FILLING LEVEL ON A PACKING MACHINE |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3587285A1 EP3587285A1 (en) | 2020-01-01 |
EP3587285B1 true EP3587285B1 (en) | 2021-10-20 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19178020.4A Active EP3587285B1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2019-06-04 | Method for volume flow and fill level determination on a packaging machine |
EP19179064.1A Active EP3587286B1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2019-06-07 | Method for determining process parameters for a packaging machine |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19179064.1A Active EP3587286B1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2019-06-07 | Method for determining process parameters for a packaging machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11111044B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3587285B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102018114259A1 (en) |
ES (2) | ES2904374T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3409600B1 (en) * | 2017-06-02 | 2019-12-11 | MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG | Tray sealing maschine |
DE102018114263A1 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2019-12-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | LEVEL-INDEPENDENT GASING |
KR20240052802A (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2024-04-23 | 비디 키에스트라 비.브이. | blood collection system |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3509686A (en) * | 1968-06-27 | 1970-05-05 | Anderson Bros Mfg Co | Apparatus for packaging in protective atmosphere |
DE1939216C3 (en) * | 1969-08-01 | 1975-06-12 | Kraemer & Grebe Kg, Maschinenund Modellfabrik, 3562 Wallau | Device for venting and gassing packs |
DE3318993A1 (en) * | 1983-05-25 | 1984-11-29 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller KG, 8941 Wolfertschwenden | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A PACK |
DE102004044077A1 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2005-11-24 | Andreas Oesterlein | Method for controlling a vacuum packaging machine and vacuum packaging machine |
DE102007013698A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | packaging machine |
DE102007031527B3 (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2008-06-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packing machine for producing packages from a film comprises working stations in which the pressure and/or the volume stream is controlled using a proportional controller |
WO2012100955A1 (en) | 2011-01-27 | 2012-08-02 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine and process for producing individually evacuated and/or gas-treated packs |
WO2017021556A1 (en) * | 2015-08-06 | 2017-02-09 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Packaging machine having an improved adjustment function |
WO2017125386A2 (en) | 2016-01-20 | 2017-07-27 | Gea Food Solutions Weert B.V. | Flow wrapper with leakage-control of the resulting packages |
-
2018
- 2018-06-14 DE DE102018114259.5A patent/DE102018114259A1/en active Pending
-
2019
- 2019-06-04 EP EP19178020.4A patent/EP3587285B1/en active Active
- 2019-06-04 ES ES19178020T patent/ES2904374T3/en active Active
- 2019-06-07 ES ES19179064T patent/ES2867229T3/en active Active
- 2019-06-07 EP EP19179064.1A patent/EP3587286B1/en active Active
- 2019-06-14 US US16/441,585 patent/US11111044B2/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3587286A1 (en) | 2020-01-01 |
ES2904374T3 (en) | 2022-04-04 |
EP3587285A1 (en) | 2020-01-01 |
DE102018114259A1 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
EP3587286B1 (en) | 2021-02-24 |
ES2867229T3 (en) | 2021-10-20 |
US20190382142A1 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
US11111044B2 (en) | 2021-09-07 |
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