EP3868674B1 - Method and device for individually packaging and group-sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars - Google Patents

Method and device for individually packaging and group-sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3868674B1
EP3868674B1 EP20212831.0A EP20212831A EP3868674B1 EP 3868674 B1 EP3868674 B1 EP 3868674B1 EP 20212831 A EP20212831 A EP 20212831A EP 3868674 B1 EP3868674 B1 EP 3868674B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sealing
article
group
articles
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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Application number
EP20212831.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3868674A1 (en
Inventor
Sebastian Ehlert
Volker Oehlert
Ingolf Fuchs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Theegarten Pactec GmbH and Co KG
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Theegarten Pactec GmbH and Co KG
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Publication of EP3868674A1 publication Critical patent/EP3868674A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B65B11/28—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a curved path, e.g. on rotary tables or turrets
    • B65B11/30—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a curved path, e.g. on rotary tables or turrets to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
    • B65B11/32—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a curved path, e.g. on rotary tables or turrets to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents and then to form closing folds of similar form at opposite ends of the tube
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/005—Packaging other articles presenting special problems packaging of confectionery
    • 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
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
    • 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
    • B65B57/02—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
    • 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
    • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
    • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
    • B65B65/006—Multiple parallel packaging lines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for packaging and sealing small articles such as chocolate pieces or bars on one or more article lines.
  • Sealing in intermittent packaging machines is generally done in cycles, like all other processing steps. This means that processing, particularly sealing, is carried out at one station while the product is at a standstill. After the processing process has been completed, the respective product is transported to the following position, where the next processing step is carried out. In the event that the processing time is not sufficient, for example when sealing at a processing station, further subsequent stations are equipped with a sealing device in order to achieve the required sealing time.
  • the main influencing factors for successful sealing of packaging are the parameters sealing temperature, sealing pressure and sealing time, which are directly related to the properties of the packaging to be sealed (e.g. type and thickness of the packaging, sealing coating).
  • the type of packaging determines its thermal conductivity properties, the melting temperature and the shrinkage behavior due to temperature input.
  • the thickness of the packaging determines the time for heat to pass through to the sealing layer, the insulation behavior between the bottom layer and the item, and the compression behavior under pressure.
  • the seal coating is important in terms of the melting point of the coating. There are also other boundary conditions that limit the choice of sealing parameters. This is particularly important for pressure and temperature sensitive products (e.g. chocolate).
  • the fold is fixed by sealing by bringing a sealing element into contact with the packaging from the outside after the folded wrapper has been produced in order to connect the packaging layers to one another, preferably at the bottom of the product.
  • the product is arranged on the inside of the packaging and applies the corresponding counter pressure.
  • this results in one Limitation of the possible sealing pressure, otherwise the products will be crushed.
  • heat is introduced into the packaging from the outside through the sealing element in order to enable the sealing process.
  • a certain amount of heat penetrates further than just the packaging and may also heat the product.
  • chocolate products have very strict limits until destruction occurs.
  • the parameters sealing pressure, sealing temperature and sealing time can be selected to a very limited extent.
  • This cyclical energy input makes the amount of heat introduced very difficult to control and depends on other parameters that are sometimes difficult to influence (such as component tolerances). For temperature-insensitive products, this does not play a significant role, as significantly more heat is introduced into the sealing point than is necessary for sealing, which compensates for tolerances in the amount of heat transferred. For temperature-sensitive products, for example, an additional inner wrap can serve as a thermal barrier.
  • the present invention is based on the object of enabling constant sealing times, sealing pressures and sealing temperatures, regardless of the speed of the packaging process, in order to achieve a reproducible seal without damaging the articles.
  • the present invention provides the method according to claim 1 and the device according to claim 8.
  • the method according to the invention is used for packaging and sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars on one or more article lanes and comprises the steps: Step A: Packaging the small items by assigning a packaging material to each item and folding the packaging material around this item.
  • Step B Grouping at least two of the individually packaged items into a group of packaged items.
  • Step C Simultaneous sealing of the packaging of all individually packaged items in the group of packaged items.
  • the process steps can be repeated as often as desired with additional items according to the assembly line production principle.
  • the essential feature of the invention is the decoupling of the sealing process from a speed-dependent packaging process.
  • groups are formed from individual products or items from a pre-process, e.g. wrapped synchronously in packaging, and these are passed on to a time-controlled follow-up process in which sealing takes place.
  • the sealing time can vary be significantly adapted to the requirements. This means that the necessary sealing time is achieved despite short cycle rates.
  • the dimensioning is carried out in such a way that the necessary sealing time is available for the individual products in the group at maximum packaging speed. Because the sealing process is decoupled from the pre-process in terms of time and drive, the sealing stamps are lifted from the product after a constant sealing time, even if the preceding impact process is slowed down and therefore takes place over a longer cycle time. This ensures a constant sealing time.
  • each individual product within the group comes into contact with its own seal stamp once.
  • This seal stamp preferably remains on the product for a constant, defined period of time in order to bring about the seal.
  • tolerance compensation e.g. using a spring effect
  • height tolerances can be compensated for, resulting in the same sealing pressures for all products.
  • step A individual articles arranged in rows are transported along the respective article path, preferably one after the other over at least one rotary head. This means that the articles can go to different work stations one after the other and be processed at each of these work stations.
  • each article in step A successively passes through at least two different work stations, the packaging associated with the article being folded successively in each of these work stations by different folding means. This makes it possible to carry out different folding steps one after the other in order to finish packing the item at the end of the packaging process. Ideally, all sides of the finished packaged item are covered with packaging material.
  • each item in Step A is individually packaged in an intermittent process, remaining at each of these workstations for a uniform dwell time.
  • each folding step of the packaging can be carried out stationary, so that the construction of a packaging device can be compared to a continuously operating packaging machine the folding steps are carried out during the movement of the articles and appropriate folding means are to be provided, can be significantly simplified.
  • step C it can prove to be practical if the sealing time in which the packaging of each item in the respective group is sealed in step C is longer than the dwell time in step A. This means that pressure- and temperature-sensitive items such as chocolate pieces or bars can be packaged particularly gently and be sealed.
  • each article of the respective group in step C remains preferably stationary in a sealing device and/or is kept in contact with a respective sealing element during a sealing time in which the packaging of each article of the respective group is sealed, preferably the sealing time for each item in the group begins and/or ends at the same time.
  • the articles can also be delivered synchronously with the individual cycle of the machine if this is more favorable for the subsequent process (e.g. if groups have to be formed in the subsequent process that are not the same as the group size in the sealing process).
  • the articles are fed to a grouping device one after the other in step B to form the respective group, preferably individually, the grouping device being designed to transport the articles of the respective group in groups for subsequent sealing in step C, the grouping device particularly preferably being independent of one of the articles packaging packaging device is movable.
  • the articles can be stowed on the respective article lane to form a group or fed from a plurality of article lanes to a common article lane.
  • the speeds and/or the distances of the items forming the group are changed, preferably reduced, compared to step A.
  • each article of the respective group is assigned at least one sealing element of its own, preferably each sealing element being regulated individually, preferably depending on at least one parameter measured on the sealing element, such as a sealing duration and/or a sealing temperature and/or or a seal print. This makes it possible to achieve particularly consistent sealing results even with unavoidable manufacturing tolerances.
  • step A it may prove useful if the articles in step A are conveyed through at least one circular article path section. This is done, for example, in a packaging machine with at least one rotary head, which each article passes through one after the other in the packaging process.
  • step B and/or step C are arranged and/or transported on a linear article path section. This simplifies the formation of the group of packaged items as well as the group-by-group transport into and out of the sealing device.
  • step C the orientations and/or the speeds and/or the mutual distances of the articles of a respective group are constant and/or uniform. If the orientations and/or the speeds and/or the mutual distances of the articles are constant, the respective article does not change its orientation and/or its speed and/or its distance from an adjacent article, at least during the sealing in step C. If the orientations and/or the speeds and/or the spacings of the articles are uniform, all articles will have the same orientations and/or the same speeds and/or the same spacings at least during the sealing in step C.
  • the articles are preferably sealed in a stationary manner in the sealing device, i.e. the articles do not move during sealing. However, it is also possible for the articles in step C to be transported in groups at a constant speed, with the sealing taking place, for example, in a mobile sealing device on the way to a delivery station.
  • a further aspect of the present invention relates to a device for packaging and sealing small-sized articles such as chocolate pieces or bars on one or more article webs, preferably according to the method according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising: A packaging device for packaging the small items by assigning a packaging material to each article and folding the packaging material around this article.
  • a grouping device for grouping at least two of the individually packaged items into a group of individually packaged items.
  • a sealing device for simultaneously sealing the packaging of all individually packaged items in the group of packaged items.
  • This device can carry out process steps A, B and C as often as desired and preferably simultaneously.
  • the pressure and/or the temperature and/or the duration of the sealing with the sealing device is/are adjustable independently of the speed of the packaging device.
  • the device comprises at least two transport units which are designed to move back and forth between the packaging device/grouping device and the sealing device, the transport units being designed in such a way that one of the transport units always alternately picks up packaged items from the packaging device, while the other transport unit provides the group of articles for sealing in the sealing device.
  • the sealing device has its own sealing stamp for each article in the group, the sealing stamp preferably being resiliently mounted to compensate for tolerances with respect to the article to be sealed, the sealing stamp preferably being moved into a non-use position when the packaging device is stopped.
  • the seal stamps preferably have at least one of the following properties: 1) Each seal stamp is spring-loaded to compensate for tolerances for the individual item. 2) After the sealing process, all sealing stamps lift off at the same time to transport the sealed items and feed the subsequent products to be sealed. 3) All sealing stamps lift off at the same time when the machine stops so that there are no melted items/burned film under the sealing device.
  • Articles or products In the context of the invention, small pieces of articles or products are understood to mean, in particular, chocolate pieces or bars. However, the invention is expressly not limited to the packaging of chocolate pieces or bars. Other small items include confectionery such as hard caramels, soft caramels, lollipops, but also bouillon cubes or bouillon tablets or small consumer goods such as dishwasher tabs. All articles preferably have the same shape, for example a cuboid or cube shape, although other article shapes are also possible.
  • the method according to the invention according to the present exemplary embodiment is used for packaging and sealing, for example, cuboid-shaped chocolate pieces or bars and is carried out on a device 1 according to the invention for packaging and sealing chocolate pieces or bars.
  • the packaging and sealing of the articles A takes place on only one article path P1.
  • the packaging and sealing of the articles A can also take place simultaneously on several parallel article lanes P1, in deviation from the present exemplary embodiment.
  • a corresponding device for packaging articles on A parallel product lanes is from the EP 2 906 473 A1 known to the applicant.
  • the method according to the invention includes the following steps, in particular for realizing a sealing that is decoupled from the packaging process: Step A: Pack the small items by assigning a packaging material to each item A and folding the packaging material around this item.
  • Step B Grouping at least two of the individually packaged items into a group of packaged items.
  • Step C Simultaneous sealing of the packaging of all individually packaged items in the group of packaged items.
  • Step D Removal of the items after sealing and preferably handing over the items as a group or individually to a further process.
  • Step A is preferably a wrapping process (clock-synchronous) and takes place, for example, on an intermittently operating packaging device 2.
  • the articles A are in the packaging device 2 at predetermined distances in a row one behind the other as an article or product stream, preferably over at least one rotary head (cf. EP 2 906 473 A1 ) guided through various work stations.
  • the packaging material is first assigned to the articles A, then the packaging material is folded in the work stations using appropriate folding devices so that the packaging material completely surrounds the respective article A.
  • the packaging material is fed to the article A, for example, radially to the axis of rotation of a rotary head, on the side facing the rotary head, so that the article A essentially "runs into” the ready packaging material.
  • the packaging material is preferably a one-piece, single-layer, single-layer, air-impermeable and sealable Packaging film (mono film) made of plastic is used. However, composite films or several layers of packaging can also be used.
  • the sealability can be achieved through a sealable coating or through the packaging itself. In the latter variant, the packaging itself, ie without a coating, can be thermally activated in order to achieve a seal.
  • the packaging material can be separated before or after being fed to article A, for example from a packaging roll.
  • the packaging or wrapping process in step A preferably takes place clock-synchronously in the packaging device 2.
  • the packaging or wrapping process can be intermittent or continuous. With the intermittent packaging process or devices 2, each article A stays at the processing location for the same length of time, i.e. at one of several work stations. The residence time changes depending on the machine speed. With higher output, the residence time in each work station is correspondingly short.
  • the continuous packaging process the item is constantly in motion and the packaging material assigned to the item is folded, for example, by moving folding materials.
  • step B the individually wrapped or packaged articles A are brought together and grouped into groups G, for example in a grouping device 3.
  • groups G for example in a grouping device 3.
  • one article A is picked up per work cycle by a transport unit 5a, 5b that is available (cf. Figure 2b ).
  • the number of articles A per group G can, for example, be changed depending on the output of the packaging device 2, the number of articles A per group G preferably being increased as the output of the packaging device 2 increases.
  • Group G refers here to a plurality of articles A, which are moved and processed in step A regardless of the conveying speed of the packaging device 2 or the article A.
  • each group G includes four individually packaged items A.
  • each group G includes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more items A.
  • the group size or the number of articles A to be sealed per group G can be changed depending on the sealing time and the output of the packaging device 2.
  • a change in the sealing time may be necessary, for example, in order to seal articles A of different sizes or properties, taking into account the article-specific requirements with regard to sealing pressure and sealing temperature, with uniform or uniform sealing results.
  • the group size remains constant during ongoing operation of the packaging device 2. Therefore, the number of items A per group G should be determined in advance so that they are suitable for the Maximum performance of the packaging device 2 is sufficient.
  • the seal stamps are simply lifted off, as in connection with Fig. 2 is described.
  • the group size can be adjusted when changing format from small to large items A (lower output).
  • the article transport between the grouping device 3 and the downstream sealing device 4 in the transport direction is carried out by a 2-train or multi-train system with at least two transport units 5a, 5b, which alternately take over article A from the pre-process or the packaging device 2 and to the subsequent process or the sealing device 4 handed over.
  • a 2-train or multi-train system with at least two transport units 5a, 5b, which alternately take over article A from the pre-process or the packaging device 2 and to the subsequent process or the sealing device 4 handed over.
  • the subsequent articles A are picked up by a second transport unit 5b of the 2-train or multi-train system, and the fully formed group G is transferred to the subsequent sealing device 4 with the aid of the first transport unit 5a.
  • the sealing in step C takes place in the sealing device 4, for example in a time-controlled manner.
  • Fig. 1 the sealing device 4 is shown in the swung-open state.
  • the transport device in the form of the 2-train or multi-train system with the two transport units 5a, 5b transports the groups G of packaged articles A through the sealing device 4, decoupled from the pre-process.
  • the groups G stay on one of the two transport units 5a, 5b for a fixed period of time in the sealing device 4 and preferably leave it immediately after the sealing has been completed, regardless of whether the following group G has already been formed.
  • the group size determines the possible length of stay in the sealing device 4 and is designed for the maximum output of the packaging device 2.
  • the transport units 5a and 5b as well as the sealing device 4 are preferably driven by independent drives, whereby the sealing time can be freely defined.
  • the transport units 5a and 5b are each rotating systems with several stations. In concrete terms, this means that while the first station 5a transports the articles A out of the sealing station 4, another station 5b is transported back to position 3 in order to be able to pick up article A.
  • all articles A of a group G are positioned under the seal stamp S that exists for each individual article A.
  • the seal stamp S is then placed vertically on the Article A positioned under the seal stamp S is delivered, so that contact occurs between the packaging surrounding article A and the seal stamp S.
  • the individual sealing stamps S are each spring-mounted in order to compensate for height tolerances and to achieve uniform sealing pressures for all products.
  • Each individual seal stamp S has a heater and its own temperature sensor, which enables individual control.
  • To transport group G all seal stamps S are removed at the same time in order to relieve and protect items A (cf. Figure 2e ). When the packaging machine 1 is at a standstill (e.g. in the event of a malfunction), all sealing stamps S are lifted off so that no product damage occurs.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the previously described sequence of the method according to the invention using the device 1 according to the invention in a simplified manner in schematic representations:
  • the first transport unit 5a is loaded with a group G of four packaged articles A that have been discharged from the packaging device 2 and is ready to be introduced into the sealing device 4.
  • the second transport unit 5b loaded with a group G of four packaged and sealed articles A is ready to be discharged from the sealing device 4 in order to hand over the group G to a delivery station (not shown).
  • the second transport unit 5b returns empty to the receiving station or grouping device 3 after the group G has been unloaded to receive a further group G of packaged articles A.
  • the first transport unit 5a transports the previously loaded group G of packaged articles A into the sealing device 4 for subsequent sealing.
  • the seal stamp S provided for each article A of the group G is combined with the article A of the group G to be sealed Brought into contact and regulated individually depending on the temperature measured on the seal stamp S. In order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, each seal stamp S is spring-loaded.
  • Fig. 2 (c) and (d) show further states in which the articles A of the group G arranged in the sealing device 4 are simultaneously held in contact with the respective sealing stamp S and are sealed within a sealing time. Meanwhile, the second transport unit 5b successively loads individually packaged articles A from the packaging device 2.
  • Figure 2 (f) essentially corresponds Figure 2 (a) , wherein the first and second transport units 5a, 5b are swapped, and shows the second transport unit 5b fully loaded with a group G of four packaged articles A before being transferred to the sealing device 4.
  • the with a group G of four packaged and sealed articles A The fully loaded first transport unit 5a is removed from the sealing device 4 after the sealing process has been completed.
  • the first transport unit 5a After unloading the individually packaged and sealed articles A - either individually or as a group G - at a delivery station (not shown), the first transport unit 5a returns to the grouping device 3, where it is successively loaded with four further, individually packaged articles A , to form another group G of packaged items.
  • the group G of packaged articles A arranged on the second transport unit 5b is - while further packaged articles A are grouped on the first transport unit 5a in the grouping device 3 - sealed in the sealing device 4 and discharged together from the sealing device 4 after the sealing process has been completed.
  • the removal of the articles A from the sealing device 4 is partially overlapped with the collection of new articles A. This can be the case in particular if the packaging device 2 delivers a permanent flow of products that cannot be stopped. In this case, the movement of the group G from the grouping device 3 into the sealing device 4 can take place at the same time as the loading of a transport unit 5a, 5b.
  • the core idea of the invention is the implementation of a sealing process that is decoupled from the speed-dependent packaging process, so that constant sealing times, sealing pressures and sealing temperatures are possible regardless of the speed of the packaging machine 2.
  • the aim is to achieve a reproducible seal without damaging Article A.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
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Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Verpacken und Versiegeln kleinstückiger Artikel wie Schokoladenstücke oder -riegel auf einer oder mehreren Artikelbahnen.The present invention relates to a method and a device for packaging and sealing small articles such as chocolate pieces or bars on one or more article lines.

Das Siegeln in intermittierend arbeitenden Verpackungsmaschinen erfolgt im Allgemeinen taktweise, wie auch alle anderen Verarbeitungsschritte. Das bedeutet, dass die Verarbeitung, hier im Speziellen das Siegeln, während eines Stillstandes des Produktes an einer Station ausgeführt wird. Nach Abschluss des Verarbeitungsvorganges wird das jeweilige Produkt an die nachfolgende Position weiter transportiert, wo der nächste Verarbeitungsschritt ausgeführt wird. Für den Fall, dass die Verarbeitungszeit z.B. beim Siegeln an einer Verarbeitungsstation nicht ausreichend ist, werden weitere nachfolgende Stationen mit einer Siegeleinrichtung ausgestattet, um auf die erforderliche Siegelzeit zu kommen.Sealing in intermittent packaging machines is generally done in cycles, like all other processing steps. This means that processing, particularly sealing, is carried out at one station while the product is at a standstill. After the processing process has been completed, the respective product is transported to the following position, where the next processing step is carried out. In the event that the processing time is not sufficient, for example when sealing at a processing station, further subsequent stations are equipped with a sealing device in order to achieve the required sealing time.

Weiterhin besteht auch die Möglichkeit, die einzelnen Produkte nach Abschluss eines taktweise durchgeführten Einschlagprozesses in eine kontinuierliche Bewegung zu überführen, um auf diese Weise durch Mitbewegen der Siegelelemente (z.B. in Form von Siegelbändern) die Siegelzeit deutlich zu verlängern.Furthermore, it is also possible to transfer the individual products into a continuous movement after completion of an intermittent wrapping process in order to significantly extend the sealing time by moving the sealing elements (e.g. in the form of sealing tapes).

Wesentliche Einflussfaktoren für ein erfolgreiches Siegeln von Packmittel sind die Parameter Siegeltemperatur, Siegeldruck und Siegeldauer, welche im unmittelbaren Zusammenhang mit den Eigenschaften des zu siegelnden Packmittels stehen (z.B. Art und Dicke des Packmittels, Siegelbeschichtung). Die Art des Packmittels bestimmt dessen Wärmeleiteigenschaften, die Schmelztemperatur sowie das Schrumpfverhalten durch Temperatureintrag. Die Dicke des Packmittels bestimmt die Dauer für den Wärmedurchgang bis zur Siegelschicht, das Isolationsverhalten zwischen unterster Schicht und Artikel, das Kompressionsverhalten bei Druck. Die Siegelbeschichtung ist bedeutend im Hinblick auf den Schmelzpunkt der Beschichtung. Hinzu kommen weitere Randbedingungen, die die Wahl der Siegelparameter einschränken. Dies ist insbesondere bei druck- und temperaturempfindlichen Produkten (z.B. Schokolade) von Bedeutung.The main influencing factors for successful sealing of packaging are the parameters sealing temperature, sealing pressure and sealing time, which are directly related to the properties of the packaging to be sealed (e.g. type and thickness of the packaging, sealing coating). The type of packaging determines its thermal conductivity properties, the melting temperature and the shrinkage behavior due to temperature input. The thickness of the packaging determines the time for heat to pass through to the sealing layer, the insulation behavior between the bottom layer and the item, and the compression behavior under pressure. The seal coating is important in terms of the melting point of the coating. There are also other boundary conditions that limit the choice of sealing parameters. This is particularly important for pressure and temperature sensitive products (e.g. chocolate).

Beim Verpacken von Schokoladenstücken oder Schokoladenriegeln im Falteinschlag wird die Faltung durch Ansiegeln fixiert, indem ein Siegelelement von außen nach Herstellung des Falteinschlages mit dem Packmittel in Kontakt gebracht wird, um die Packmittellagen bevorzugt am Produktboden miteinander zu verbinden. Auf der Innenseite des Packmittels ist das Produkt angeordnet, welches den entsprechenden Gegendruck aufbringt. Hierdurch ergibt sich einerseits eine Beschränkung des möglichen Siegeldruckes, da sonst die Produkte zerdrückt werden. Andererseits wird von außen einseitig Wärme durch das Siegelelement in das Packmittel eingebracht, um den Siegelvorgang zu ermöglichen. Hierbei dringt aber eine bestimmte Wärmemenge auch weiter als nur in das Packmittel ein und erwärmt ggf. auch das Produkt. Schokoladenprodukte setzen hier aber sehr enge Grenzen, bis es zu einer Zerstörung kommt. Insofern sind die Parameter Siegeldruck, Siegeltemperatur und Siegelzeit sehr eingeschränkt wählbar.When packing chocolate pieces or chocolate bars in a folded wrapper, the fold is fixed by sealing by bringing a sealing element into contact with the packaging from the outside after the folded wrapper has been produced in order to connect the packaging layers to one another, preferably at the bottom of the product. The product is arranged on the inside of the packaging and applies the corresponding counter pressure. On the one hand, this results in one Limitation of the possible sealing pressure, otherwise the products will be crushed. On the other hand, heat is introduced into the packaging from the outside through the sealing element in order to enable the sealing process. However, a certain amount of heat penetrates further than just the packaging and may also heat the product. However, chocolate products have very strict limits until destruction occurs. In this respect, the parameters sealing pressure, sealing temperature and sealing time can be selected to a very limited extent.

Andererseits wird eine gewisse Siegelzeit benötigt um sicher zu stellen, dass der Wärmeeintrag in der Siegelschicht ausreichend groß ist um die Verpackung sicher zu verschließen. Diese schränkt aber u.U. die Taktzeit einer Maschine deutlich ein, es sei denn, man verlagert das Siegeln auf mehrere nacheinander folgende Arbeitstakte, womit die Siegelzeit deutlich verlängert werden kann. Hierbei entstehen jedoch neue Nachteile: Einerseits gibt es durch das wiederholte Aufsetzen der Siegelorgane auf das Produkt wiederholt Stöße auf das Produkt, die in Summe zu deutlich höheren Produktbelastungen führen. Insbesondere ist dies kritisch, wenn z.B. das zu verschließende Schokoladenprodukt beim zweiten oder dritten Impuls schon vorgewärmt ist, damit an Festigkeit verloren hat und schneller Abdrücke bekommt. Andererseits erfolgt die Temperatureinbringung in die Siegelstelle schrittweise. Mit jedem Weiterfördern wird der Wärmeeintrag reduziert bzw. unterbrochen. Ggf. kühlt sich sogar unterdessen die Siegelstelle wieder geringfügig ab. Durch diesen zyklischen Energieeintrag wird die eingebrachte Wärmemenge sehr schwer steuerbar und hängt von weiteren z.T. schwer beeinflussbaren Parametern (wie z.B. Bauteiltoleranzen) ab. Bei temperaturunempfindlichen Produkten spielt das keine wesentliche Rolle, da man deutlich mehr Wärme in die Siegelstelle einbringt, als es für die Siegelung notwendig ist, wodurch man Toleranzen in der übertragenen Wärmemenge ausgleicht. Bei temperaturempfindlichen Produkten kann z.B. auch ein zusätzlicher Inneneinschlag als Wärmebarriere dienen.On the other hand, a certain sealing time is required to ensure that the heat input into the sealing layer is sufficient to securely close the packaging. However, this may significantly limit the cycle time of a machine, unless sealing is shifted to several successive work cycles, which can significantly extend the sealing time. However, this creates new disadvantages: On the one hand, the repeated placement of the sealing elements on the product results in repeated impacts on the product, which in total lead to significantly higher product loads. This is particularly critical if, for example, the chocolate product to be sealed has already been preheated by the second or third pulse and has therefore lost its strength and is left with impressions more quickly. On the other hand, the temperature is introduced into the sealing point gradually. With each further conveying, the heat input is reduced or interrupted. In the meantime, the sealing point may even cool down slightly again. This cyclical energy input makes the amount of heat introduced very difficult to control and depends on other parameters that are sometimes difficult to influence (such as component tolerances). For temperature-insensitive products, this does not play a significant role, as significantly more heat is introduced into the sealing point than is necessary for sealing, which compensates for tolerances in the amount of heat transferred. For temperature-sensitive products, for example, an additional inner wrap can serve as a thermal barrier.

Bei kontinuierlich arbeitenden Siegelstrecken z.B. mittels mitlaufenden Siegelbändern im Anschluss an einen getaktet oder kontinuierlich ausgeführten Faltprozess hält man hingegen die zu siegelnden Produkte in stetigem Kontakt mit dem Siegelorgan, was aus dieser Sicht zu einem konstanteren Aufheizverhalten führt.With continuously operating sealing lines, for example using revolving sealing belts following a clocked or continuous folding process, the products to be sealed are kept in constant contact with the sealing element, which from this point of view leads to a more constant heating behavior.

Es werden jedoch bei den bekannten Lösungen jeweils die Produkte über eine festgelegte Strecke an entsprechenden Heizelementen (Anzahl von Siegelstationen bzw. Siegelbandlänge) vorbeigeführt. Die Siegelzeit ergibt sich somit unmittelbar in Abhängigkeit von der Maschinengeschwindigkeit und der daraus resultierenden Verweilzeit in der Siegelstrecke. Eine Änderung der Maschinengeschwindigkeit verändert somit auch die Siegelzeit. Ferner kann bei derartigen Lösungen kein exakter Toleranzausgleich für das einzelne Produkt erfolgen. Damit wird bspw. ein flaches Produkt das zwischen zwei höheren Produkten liegt ggf. nur unzureichend gesiegelt da der Siegeldruck geringer (nicht für jedes Produkt gleich) ist.However, in the known solutions, the products are guided past corresponding heating elements (number of sealing stations or length of sealing tape) over a fixed distance. The sealing time is therefore directly dependent on the machine speed and the resulting dwell time in the sealing section. Changing the machine speed also changes the sealing time. Furthermore, with such solutions no exact tolerance compensation can be achieved for the individual product. This makes a flat one, for example Product that lies between two higher products may not be sealed adequately because the sealing pressure is lower (not the same for every product).

Aktuelle Marktentwicklungen erfordern, nachhaltige recyclebare Packmittel (z.B. Monofolie) für die Verpackung von Süßwaren zu verwenden. Auch wird man zunehmend auf einen Inneneinschlag, der auch als Wärmebarriere dienen kann, verzichten. Hierdurch ergeben sich für den Siegelprozess steigende Anforderungen. Künftige Lösungen erfordern, den Siegelungsprozess unter Einhaltung von engen Toleranzen hinsichtlich der Siegelparameter auszuführen. DE 102015003049 A1 offenbart ein Verfahren nach Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.Current market developments require the use of sustainable, recyclable packaging materials (e.g. monofilm) for the packaging of confectionery. Interior wrapping, which can also serve as a thermal barrier, will increasingly be dispensed with. This results in increasing requirements for the sealing process. Future solutions require the sealing process to be carried out while maintaining tight tolerances regarding the sealing parameters. DE 102015003049 A1 discloses a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, unabhängig von der Geschwindigkeit des Verpackungsprozesses konstante Siegelzeiten, Siegeldrücke und Siegeltemperaturen zu ermöglichen, um so eine reproduzierbare Siegelung zu erzielen, ohne die Artikel zu beschädigen.The present invention is based on the object of enabling constant sealing times, sealing pressures and sealing temperatures, regardless of the speed of the packaging process, in order to achieve a reproducible seal without damaging the articles.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe stellt die vorliegende Erfindung das Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 und die Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8 bereit.To solve this problem, the present invention provides the method according to claim 1 and the device according to claim 8.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren dient zum Verpacken und Versiegeln kleinstückiger Artikel wie Schokoladenstücke oder -riegel auf einer oder mehreren Artikelbahnen und umfasst die Schritte: Schritt A: Verpacken der kleinstückigen Artikel durch Zuordnung eines Packmittels zu jedem Artikel und Falten des Packmittels um diesen Artikel.The method according to the invention is used for packaging and sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars on one or more article lanes and comprises the steps: Step A: Packaging the small items by assigning a packaging material to each item and folding the packaging material around this item.

Schritt B: Gruppieren von jeweils wenigstens zwei der einzeln verpackten Artikel zu einer Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln.Step B: Grouping at least two of the individually packaged items into a group of packaged items.

Schritt C: Gleichzeitiges Siegeln der Packmittel aller einzeln verpackten Artikel der Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln.Step C: Simultaneous sealing of the packaging of all individually packaged items in the group of packaged items.

Die Verfahrensschritte können mit weiteren Artikeln nach dem Prinzip der Fließbandherstellung beliebig oft wiederholt werden.The process steps can be repeated as often as desired with additional items according to the assembly line production principle.

Das wesentliche Merkmal der Erfindung ist die Entkopplung des Siegelprozesses von einem geschwindigkeitsabhängigen Verpackungsprozess. Dazu werden aus einzelnen, z.B. taktsynchron in Packmittel eingeschlagenen Produkten bzw. Artikeln eines Vorprozesses Gruppen gebildet und diese einem zeitgesteuerten Nachfolgeprozess übergeben, in dem die Siegelung erfolgt.The essential feature of the invention is the decoupling of the sealing process from a speed-dependent packaging process. For this purpose, groups are formed from individual products or items from a pre-process, e.g. wrapped synchronously in packaging, and these are passed on to a time-controlled follow-up process in which sealing takes place.

Über die Gruppenbildung ist es möglich, eine Vielzahl von eingeschlagenen Produkten gleichzeitig mittels Siegelung zu verschließen. Hierbei kann je nach Größe der Gruppen die Siegelzeit maßgeblich entsprechend den Erfordernissen angepasst werden. Man erreicht somit trotz kurzer Taktraten die notwendige Siegelzeit.By forming groups, it is possible to seal a large number of wrapped products at the same time. Depending on the size of the groups, the sealing time can vary be significantly adapted to the requirements. This means that the necessary sealing time is achieved despite short cycle rates.

Die Dimensionierung erfolgt so, dass bei maximaler Verpackungsgeschwindigkeit die notwendige Siegelzeit für die einzelnen Produkte in der Gruppe zur Verfügung steht. Dadurch, dass der Siegelprozess zeitlich und antriebsseitig von dem Vorprozess entkoppelt abläuft, werden die Siegelstempel nach einer konstanten Siegelzeit vom Produkt abgehoben, auch wenn der vorangelagerte Einschlagprozess verlangsamt und somit über eine längere Taktzeit stattfindet. Dies gewährleistet eine konstante Siegeldauer.The dimensioning is carried out in such a way that the necessary sealing time is available for the individual products in the group at maximum packaging speed. Because the sealing process is decoupled from the pre-process in terms of time and drive, the sealing stamps are lifted from the product after a constant sealing time, even if the preceding impact process is slowed down and therefore takes place over a longer cycle time. This ensures a constant sealing time.

Vorzugsweise kommt jedes einzelne Produkt innerhalb der Gruppe mit einem eigenen Siegelstempel einmalig in Kontakt. Dieser Siegelstempel verweilt bevorzugt mit einer konstanten festzulegenden Dauer auf dem Produkt, um die Siegelung herbeizuführen. Durch einen optionalen Toleranzausgleich (z.B. mittels Federwirkung) können Höhentoleranzen ausgeglichen werden, wodurch sich für alle Produkte gleiche Siegeldrücke ergeben.Preferably, each individual product within the group comes into contact with its own seal stamp once. This seal stamp preferably remains on the product for a constant, defined period of time in order to bring about the seal. Through optional tolerance compensation (e.g. using a spring effect), height tolerances can be compensated for, resulting in the same sealing pressures for all products.

Beim Siegeln werden vorzugsweise überlappende Abschnitte des um jeden Artikel der jeweiligen Gruppe einzeln gefalteten Packmittels verbunden, indem ein Siegelelement von der Außenseite gegen das Packmittel gedrückt wird, während der an der Innenseite des Packmittels angeordnete Artikel den Gegendruck aufbringt.When sealing, preferably overlapping sections of the packaging individually folded around each article of the respective group are connected by pressing a sealing element from the outside against the packaging, while the article arranged on the inside of the packaging applies the counter pressure.

Es kann sinnvoll sein, wenn in Schritt A vereinzelte und reihenförmig angeordnete Artikel entlang der jeweiligen Artikelbahn transportiert werden, vorzugsweise nacheinander über wenigstens einen Rotationskopf hinweg. Dadurch können die Artikel nacheinander verschiedene Arbeitsstationen anlaufen und an jeder dieser Arbeitsstationen eine Bearbeitung erfahren.It can make sense if, in step A, individual articles arranged in rows are transported along the respective article path, preferably one after the other over at least one rotary head. This means that the articles can go to different work stations one after the other and be processed at each of these work stations.

Es kann sich als nützlich erweisen, wenn jeder Artikel in Schritt A nacheinander wenigstens zwei verschiedene Arbeitsstationen durchläuft, wobei das dem Artikel zugeordnete Packmittel in jeder dieser Arbeitsstationen nacheinander durch unterschiedliche Faltmittel gefaltet wird. Dadurch ist es möglich, unterschiedliche Faltschritte nacheinander auszuführen, um den Artikel am Ende des Verpackungsvorgangs fertig zu verpacken. Idealerweise sind alle Seiten des fertig verpackten Artikels mit Packmittel bedeckt.It may prove useful if each article in step A successively passes through at least two different work stations, the packaging associated with the article being folded successively in each of these work stations by different folding means. This makes it possible to carry out different folding steps one after the other in order to finish packing the item at the end of the packaging process. Ideally, all sides of the finished packaged item are covered with packaging material.

Es kann von Vorteil sein, wenn jeder Artikel in Schritt A in einem intermittierenden Prozess einzeln verpackt wird und dabei in jeder dieser Arbeitsstationen für eine einheitliche Verweilzeit verweilt. Dadurch kann jeder Faltschritt des Packmittels stationär erfolgen, sodass der Aufbau einer Verpackungseinrichtung im Vergleich zu einer kontinuierlich arbeitenden Verpackungsmaschine, bei der die Faltschritte während der Bewegung der Artikel ausgeführt werden und entsprechende Faltmittel bereitzustellen sind, deutlich vereinfacht werden kann.It may be advantageous if each item in Step A is individually packaged in an intermittent process, remaining at each of these workstations for a uniform dwell time. As a result, each folding step of the packaging can be carried out stationary, so that the construction of a packaging device can be compared to a continuously operating packaging machine the folding steps are carried out during the movement of the articles and appropriate folding means are to be provided, can be significantly simplified.

Es kann sich als praktisch erweisen, wenn eine Siegelzeit, in welcher das Packmittel jedes Artikels der jeweiligen Gruppe in Schritt C gesiegelt wird, größer ist als die Verweilzeit in Schritt A. Dadurch können druck- und temperaturempfindliche Artikel wie Schokoladenstücke oder-riegel besonders schonend verpackt und versiegelt werden.It can prove to be practical if the sealing time in which the packaging of each item in the respective group is sealed in step C is longer than the dwell time in step A. This means that pressure- and temperature-sensitive items such as chocolate pieces or bars can be packaged particularly gently and be sealed.

Es kann nützlich sein, wenn jeder Artikel der jeweiligen Gruppe in Schritt C während einer Siegelzeit, in welcher das Packmittel jedes Artikels der jeweiligen Gruppe gesiegelt wird, vorzugsweise stationär in einer Siegeleinrichtung verweilt und/oder in Kontakt mit einem jeweiligen Siegelelement gehalten wird, wobei vorzugsweise die Siegelzeit für jeden Artikel der Gruppe zum gleichen Zeitpunkt beginnt und/oder zum gleichen Zeitpunkt endet. Um einen dauerhaften Betrieb einer entsprechenden Vorrichtung zum Verpacken und Versiegeln kleinstückiger Artikel zu bewerkstelligen, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn die Anzahl der in Schritt A verpackten Artikel pro Zeiteinheit (= Artikelausbringung in Schritt A) und die Anzahl der in Schritt C versiegelten Artikel pro Zeiteinheit (= Artikelausbringung in Schritt C) exakt gleich ist. Durch Variation der Siegelzeit sowie der Gruppenstärke bzw. Anzahl der zu siegelnden Artikel pro Gruppe kann die Artikelausbringung in Schritt C an die Artikelausbringung in Schritt A angepasst werden.It may be useful if each article of the respective group in step C remains preferably stationary in a sealing device and/or is kept in contact with a respective sealing element during a sealing time in which the packaging of each article of the respective group is sealed, preferably the sealing time for each item in the group begins and/or ends at the same time. In order to achieve long-term operation of a corresponding device for packaging and sealing small articles, it is advantageous if the number of articles packed in step A per unit of time (= article output in step A) and the number of articles sealed in step C per unit of time ( = article output in step C) is exactly the same. By varying the sealing time and the group strength or number of items to be sealed per group, the item output in step C can be adapted to the item output in step A.

Es kann sich als sinnvoll erweisen, wenn die Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln im Anschluss an Schritt C gemeinsam abtransportiert wird. Dadurch erleichtert sich die Handhabung der Artikel im erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren. Im Bedarfsfall kann die Abgabe der Artikel aber auch synchron zum Einzeltakt der Maschine erfolgen, falls dies für den Nachfolgeprozess günstiger ist (z.B. wenn im Nachfolgeprozess Gruppen gebildet werden müssen, die nicht gleich der Gruppengröße im Siegelprozess sind).It may make sense if the group of packaged items are transported away together following step C. This makes it easier to handle the articles in the method according to the invention. If necessary, the articles can also be delivered synchronously with the individual cycle of the machine if this is more favorable for the subsequent process (e.g. if groups have to be formed in the subsequent process that are not the same as the group size in the sealing process).

Die Artikel werden in Schritt B zur Bildung der jeweiligen Gruppe einer Gruppierungseinrichtung nacheinander zugeführt vorzugsweise einzeln, wobei die Gruppierungseinrichtung ausgebildet ist, um die Artikel der jeweiligen Gruppe zur anschließenden Siegelung in Schritt C gruppenweise zu transportieren, wobei die Gruppierungseinrichtung besonders bevorzugt unabhängig von einer die Artikel verpackenden Verpackungseinrichtung bewegbar ist. Die Artikel können z.B. in Schritt B zur Bildung einer Gruppe auf der jeweiligen Artikelbahn gestaut oder von einer Mehrzahl von Artikelbahnen einer gemeinsamen Artikelbahn zugeführt werden. Dabei werden in Schritt B zur Bildung der jeweiligen Gruppe die Geschwindigkeiten und/oder die Abstände der die Gruppe bildenden Artikel im Vergleich zu Schritt A verändert, vorzugsweise verringert.The articles are fed to a grouping device one after the other in step B to form the respective group, preferably individually, the grouping device being designed to transport the articles of the respective group in groups for subsequent sealing in step C, the grouping device particularly preferably being independent of one of the articles packaging packaging device is movable. For example, in step B, the articles can be stowed on the respective article lane to form a group or fed from a plurality of article lanes to a common article lane. In step B, to form the respective group, the speeds and/or the distances of the items forming the group are changed, preferably reduced, compared to step A.

Es kann zweckdienlich sein, wenn in Schritt C jedem Artikel der jeweiligen Gruppe wenigstens ein eigenes Siegelelement zugeordnet ist, wobei vorzugsweise jedes Siegelelement individuell geregelt wird, bevorzugt in Abhängigkeit wenigstens eines am Siegelelement gemessenen Parameters, wie z.B. einer Siegeldauer und/oder einer Siegeltemperatur und/oder eines Siegeldrucks. Dadurch können auch bei unvermeidlichen Fertigungstoleranzen besonders konstante Siegelergebnisse ermöglicht werden.It may be useful if in step C each article of the respective group is assigned at least one sealing element of its own, preferably each sealing element being regulated individually, preferably depending on at least one parameter measured on the sealing element, such as a sealing duration and/or a sealing temperature and/or or a seal print. This makes it possible to achieve particularly consistent sealing results even with unavoidable manufacturing tolerances.

Es kann sich als nützlich erweisen, wenn die Artikel in Schritt A durch wenigstens einen kreisbahnförmigen Artikelbahnabschnitt gefördert werden. Dies erfolgt z.B. in einer Verpackungsmaschine mit wenigstens einem Rotationskopf, welchen jeder Artikel im Verpackungsprozess nacheinander durchläuft.It may prove useful if the articles in step A are conveyed through at least one circular article path section. This is done, for example, in a packaging machine with at least one rotary head, which each article passes through one after the other in the packaging process.

Es kann hilfreich sein, wenn die Artikel in Schritt B und/oder Schritt C auf einem linearen Artikelbahnabschnitt angeordnet sind und/oder transportiert werden. Dadurch vereinfacht sich das Bilden der Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln sowie der gruppenweise Transport in die bzw. aus der Siegeleinrichtung.It can be helpful if the articles in step B and/or step C are arranged and/or transported on a linear article path section. This simplifies the formation of the group of packaged items as well as the group-by-group transport into and out of the sealing device.

Es kann sich als praktisch erweisen, wenn in Schritt C die Ausrichtungen und/oder die Geschwindigkeiten und/oder die gegenseitigen Abstände der Artikel einer jeweiligen Gruppe konstant und/oder einheitlich sind. Wenn die Ausrichtungen und/oder die Geschwindigkeiten und/oder die gegenseitigen Abstände der Artikel konstant sind, ändert der jeweilige Artikel seine Ausrichtung und/oder seine Geschwindigkeit und/oder seinen Abstand zu einem benachbarten Artikel zumindest während der Siegelung in Schritt C nicht. Wenn die Ausrichtungen und/oder die Geschwindigkeiten und/oder die gegenseitigen Abstände der Artikel einheitlich sind, weisen alle Artikel zumindest während der Siegelung in Schritt C dieselben Ausrichtungen und/oder dieselben Geschwindigkeiten und/oder dieselben gegenseitigen Abstände auf. Vorzugsweise werden die Artikel in der Siegeleinrichtung stationär gesiegelt, d.h. die Artikel bewegen sich während der Siegelung nicht. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass die Artikel in Schritt C gruppenweise mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit transportiert werden, wobei die Siegelung z.B. in einer mobilen Siegeleinrichtung auf dem Weg zu einer Abgabestation erfolgt.It may prove practical if in step C the orientations and/or the speeds and/or the mutual distances of the articles of a respective group are constant and/or uniform. If the orientations and/or the speeds and/or the mutual distances of the articles are constant, the respective article does not change its orientation and/or its speed and/or its distance from an adjacent article, at least during the sealing in step C. If the orientations and/or the speeds and/or the spacings of the articles are uniform, all articles will have the same orientations and/or the same speeds and/or the same spacings at least during the sealing in step C. The articles are preferably sealed in a stationary manner in the sealing device, i.e. the articles do not move during sealing. However, it is also possible for the articles in step C to be transported in groups at a constant speed, with the sealing taking place, for example, in a mobile sealing device on the way to a delivery station.

Ein weiterer Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Verpacken und Versiegeln kleinstückiger Artikel wie Schokoladenstücke oder -riegel auf einer oder mehreren Artikelbahnen, vorzugsweise nach dem Verfahren gemäß einer der vorangehenden Ausführungen, umfassend:
Eine Verpackungseinrichtung zum Verpacken der kleinstückigen Artikel durch Zuordnung eines Packmittels zu jedem Artikel und Falten des Packmittels um diesen Artikel.A further aspect of the present invention relates to a device for packaging and sealing small-sized articles such as chocolate pieces or bars on one or more article webs, preferably according to the method according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising:
A packaging device for packaging the small items by assigning a packaging material to each article and folding the packaging material around this article.

Eine Gruppierungseinrichtung zum Gruppieren von jeweils wenigstens zwei der einzeln verpackten Artikel zu einer Gruppe von einzeln verpackten Artikeln.A grouping device for grouping at least two of the individually packaged items into a group of individually packaged items.

Eine Siegeleinrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Siegeln der Packmittel aller einzeln verpackten Artikel der Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln.A sealing device for simultaneously sealing the packaging of all individually packaged items in the group of packaged items.

Es ergeben sich die oben genannten Vorteile. Diese Vorrichtung kann die Verfahrensschritte A, B und C beliebig oft und vorzugsweise gleichzeitig.This results in the advantages mentioned above. This device can carry out process steps A, B and C as often as desired and preferably simultaneously.

Es kann von Nutzen sein, wenn der Druck und/oder die Temperatur und/oder die Zeitdauer der Siegelung mit der Siegeleinrichtung unabhängig von der Geschwindigkeit der Verpackungseinrichtung einstellbar ist/sind.It can be useful if the pressure and/or the temperature and/or the duration of the sealing with the sealing device is/are adjustable independently of the speed of the packaging device.

Die Vorrichtung umfasst wenigstens zwei Transporteinheiten, die ausgebildet sind, um sich zwischen der Verpackungseinrichtung/ Gruppierungseinrichtung und der Siegeleinrichtung hin und her zu bewegen, wobei die Transporteinheiten so ausgebildet sind, sodass immer im gegenseitigen Wechsel eine der Transporteinheiten verpackte Artikel von der Verpackungseinrichtung aufnimmt, während die andere Transporteinheit die Gruppe von Artikeln zur Siegelung in der Siegeleinrichtung bereitstellt.The device comprises at least two transport units which are designed to move back and forth between the packaging device/grouping device and the sealing device, the transport units being designed in such a way that one of the transport units always alternately picks up packaged items from the packaging device, while the other transport unit provides the group of articles for sealing in the sealing device.

Es kann auch sinnvoll sein, wenn die Siegeleinrichtung für jeden Artikel der Gruppe einen eigenen Siegelstempel aufweist, wobei vorzugsweise der Siegelstempel zum Toleranzausgleich bezüglich des zu siegelnden Artikels federnd gelagert ist, wobei bevorzugt der Siegelstempel beim Anhalten der Verpackungseinrichtung in eine Nichtgebrauchsstellung überführt wird. So können auch besonders druck- und temperaturempfindliche Artikel trotz unvermeidlicher Fertigungstoleranzen mit besonders einheitlichen Ergebnissen versiegelt werden. Genauer gesagt weisen die Siegelstempel vorzugsweise wenigstens eine der folgenden Eigenschaften auf: 1) Jeder Siegelstempel ist zum Toleranzausgleich für den einzelnen Artikel gefedert. 2) Alle Siegelstempel heben nach dem Siegelvorgang zum Abtransport der gesiegelten Artikel und zur Zuführung der nachfolgenden zu siegelnden Produkte gleichzeitig ab. 3) Alle Siegelstempel heben bei Maschinenstopp gleichzeitig ab, damit es nicht zu geschmolzen Artikeln/ verbrannter Folie unter der Siegeleinrichtung kommt. Begriffe und DefinitionenIt can also make sense if the sealing device has its own sealing stamp for each article in the group, the sealing stamp preferably being resiliently mounted to compensate for tolerances with respect to the article to be sealed, the sealing stamp preferably being moved into a non-use position when the packaging device is stopped. This means that items that are particularly sensitive to pressure and temperature can be sealed with particularly uniform results, despite unavoidable manufacturing tolerances. More specifically, the seal stamps preferably have at least one of the following properties: 1) Each seal stamp is spring-loaded to compensate for tolerances for the individual item. 2) After the sealing process, all sealing stamps lift off at the same time to transport the sealed items and feed the subsequent products to be sealed. 3) All sealing stamps lift off at the same time when the machine stops so that there are no melted items/burned film under the sealing device. terms and definitions

Artikel bzw. Produkte: Als kleinstückige Artikel bzw. Produkte werden im Rahmen der Erfindung insbesondere Schokoladenstücke oder -riegel verstanden. Die Erfindung ist aber ausdrücklich nicht auf die Verpackung von Schokoladenstücken oder -riegeln beschränkt. Weitere kleinstückige Artikel sind beispielsweise Süßwaren wie Hartkaramellen, Weichkaramellen, Lollipops, aber auch Brühwürfel oder Brühtabletten oder kleinstückige Verbrauchsgüter wie Spülmaschinentabs. Alle Artikel haben vorzugsweise die gleiche Form, beispielsweise eine Quaderform oder Würfelform, wenngleich auch andere Artikelformen möglich sind.Articles or products: In the context of the invention, small pieces of articles or products are understood to mean, in particular, chocolate pieces or bars. However, the invention is expressly not limited to the packaging of chocolate pieces or bars. Other small items include confectionery such as hard caramels, soft caramels, lollipops, but also bouillon cubes or bouillon tablets or small consumer goods such as dishwasher tabs. All articles preferably have the same shape, for example a cuboid or cube shape, although other article shapes are also possible.

Die Begriffe Artikel und Produkte werden im Rahmen der Erfindungsbeschreibung synonym verwendet.The terms articles and products are used synonymously in the description of the invention.

Kurze Beschreibung der FigurenShort description of the characters

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Verpackung und Versiegelung kleinstückiger Artikel wie Schokoladenstücke oder -riegel zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. Fig. 1 a schematic, perspective view of part of a device according to the invention for packaging and sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars to explain the method according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 eine schematische Ansicht des Ablaufs des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, wobei in Ansicht (a) dargestellt ist, wie eine mit einer Gruppe von fertig verpackten und fertig versiegelten Artikeln beladene Transporteinheit aus der Siegeleinrichtung abtransportiert wird, während eine weitere mit einer Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln beladene Transporteinheit bereitsteht, um in die Siegeleinrichtung eingeschleust zu werden, wobei in den Ansichten (b) bis (e) dargestellt ist, wie eine zunächst leere, bereitgestellte Transporteinheit taktweise mit einzelnen verpackten Artikeln aus der Verpackungseinrichtung beladen wird, um eine Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln zu bilden, während zur selben Zeit eine Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln in der Siegeleinrichtung versiegelt wird; wobei in Ansicht (f) wieder den Zustand gemäß Ansicht (a) zeigt. Fig. 2 a schematic view of the sequence of the method according to the invention, with view (a) showing how a transport unit loaded with a group of fully packaged and fully sealed articles is transported away from the sealing device, while another transport unit loaded with a group of packaged articles is ready in order to be introduced into the sealing device, views (b) to (e) showing how an initially empty, provided transport unit is cyclically loaded with individual packaged items from the packaging device in order to form a group of packaged items, while at the same time a group of packaged articles is sealed in the sealing device; where view (f) again shows the state according to view (a).
Detaillierte Beschreibung des bevorzugten AusführungsbeispielsDetailed description of the preferred embodiment

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren gemäß dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel dient zum Verpacken und Versiegeln von beispielsweise quaderförmigen Schokoladenstücken oder -riegeln und wird auf einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 zum Verpacken und Versiegeln von Schokoladenstücken oder -riegeln durchgeführt.The method according to the invention according to the present exemplary embodiment is used for packaging and sealing, for example, cuboid-shaped chocolate pieces or bars and is carried out on a device 1 according to the invention for packaging and sealing chocolate pieces or bars.

Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt das Verpacken und Versiegeln der Artikel A auf lediglich einer Artikelbahn P1. Um die Ausbringung der Vorrichtung 1 zu erhöhen, kann das Verpacken und Versiegeln der Artikel A abweichend vom vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel auch auf mehreren parallelen Artikelbahnen P1 gleichzeitig erfolgen. Eine entsprechende Vorrichtung zur Verpackung von Artikeln auf A parallelen Produktbahnen ist aus der EP 2 906 473 A1 der Anmelderin bekannt.In the present exemplary embodiment, the packaging and sealing of the articles A takes place on only one article path P1. In order to increase the output of the device 1, the packaging and sealing of the articles A can also take place simultaneously on several parallel article lanes P1, in deviation from the present exemplary embodiment. A corresponding device for packaging articles on A parallel product lanes is from the EP 2 906 473 A1 known to the applicant.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren umfasst insbesondere zur Realisierung einer vom Verpackungsprozess entkoppelten Siegelung folgende Schritte:
Schritt A: Verpacken der kleinstückigen Artikel durch Zuordnung eines Packmittels zu jedem Artikel A und Falten des Packmittels um diesen Artikel.The method according to the invention includes the following steps, in particular for realizing a sealing that is decoupled from the packaging process:
Step A: Pack the small items by assigning a packaging material to each item A and folding the packaging material around this item.

Schritt B: Gruppieren von jeweils wenigstens zwei der einzeln verpackten Artikel zu einer Gruppe von verpackten Artikeln.Step B: Grouping at least two of the individually packaged items into a group of packaged items.

Schritt C: Gleichzeitiges Siegeln der Packmittel aller einzeln verpackten Artikel der Gruppe von verpackten Artikel.Step C: Simultaneous sealing of the packaging of all individually packaged items in the group of packaged items.

Schritt D (optional): Abtransport der Artikel nach dem Siegeln und vorzugsweise Übergabe der Artikel als Gruppe oder einzeln an einen weiterführenden Prozess.Step D (optional): Removal of the items after sealing and preferably handing over the items as a group or individually to a further process.

Schritt A ist vorzugsweise ein Einschlagprozess (taktsynchron) und erfolgt z.B. auf einer intermittierend arbeitenden Verpackungseinrichtung 2. Dabei werden die Artikel A in der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 mit vorgegebenen Abständen in einer Reihe hintereinander als Artikel- bzw. Produktstrom vorzugsweise über wenigstens einen Rotationskopf hinweg (vgl. EP 2 906 473 A1 ) durch verschiedene Arbeitsstationen geführt. Dabei wird den Artikeln A das Packmittel zunächst zugeordnet, anschließend wird das Packmittel in den Arbeitsstationen durch entsprechende Faltmittel gefaltet, sodass das Packmittel den jeweiligen Artikel A vollständig umgibt. Dabei wird das Packmittel dem Artikel A beispielsweise radial zur Drehachse eines Rotationskopfs, an der dem Rotationskopf zugewandten Seite zugeführt, sodass der Artikel A quasi in das bereitstehende Packmittel "hineinläuft". Anschließend wird beispielsweise aus dem Packmittel ein Schlauch um den Artikel A gebildet, und die über den Artikel überstehenden Schlauchenden werden in verschiedenen Faltvorgängen auf die Stirnseite und den Boden des Artikels gefaltet. Insbesondere für andere Artikelformen können andere Dreh-, Falt- und Einschlagarten verwendet werden. Als Packmittel wird vorzugsweise eine einteilige, einschichtige, einlagige, luftundurchlässige und siegelfähige Verpackungsfolie (Monofolie) aus Kunststoff verwendet. Es können aber auch Verbundfolien oder mehrere Packmittellagen verwendet werden. Dabei kann die Siegelfähigkeit durch eine siegelfähige Beschichtung oder durch das Packmittel selbst erzielt werden. Bei der letztgenannten Variante ist das Packmittel selbst, d. h. ohne Beschichtung, thermisch aktivierbar, um eine Siegelung zu erzielen. Das Packmittel kann vor oder nach der Zuführung zum Artikel A z.B. von einer Packmittelrolle vereinzelt werden.Step A is preferably a wrapping process (clock-synchronous) and takes place, for example, on an intermittently operating packaging device 2. The articles A are in the packaging device 2 at predetermined distances in a row one behind the other as an article or product stream, preferably over at least one rotary head (cf. EP 2 906 473 A1 ) guided through various work stations. The packaging material is first assigned to the articles A, then the packaging material is folded in the work stations using appropriate folding devices so that the packaging material completely surrounds the respective article A. The packaging material is fed to the article A, for example, radially to the axis of rotation of a rotary head, on the side facing the rotary head, so that the article A essentially "runs into" the ready packaging material. Then, for example, a tube is formed from the packaging around article A, and the ends of the tube protruding beyond the article are folded onto the front side and bottom of the article in various folding processes. Other types of twisting, folding and wrapping can be used, particularly for other article shapes. The packaging material is preferably a one-piece, single-layer, single-layer, air-impermeable and sealable Packaging film (mono film) made of plastic is used. However, composite films or several layers of packaging can also be used. The sealability can be achieved through a sealable coating or through the packaging itself. In the latter variant, the packaging itself, ie without a coating, can be thermally activated in order to achieve a seal. The packaging material can be separated before or after being fed to article A, for example from a packaging roll.

Wie dargelegt, erfolgt der Verpackungs- bzw. Einschlagprozess in Schritt A nach dem beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel vorzugsweise taktsynchron in der Verpackungseinrichtung 2. Es wird aber ausdrücklich betont, dass der Verpackungs- bzw. Einschlagprozess intermittierend oder kontinuierlich sein kann. Beim intermittierenden Verpackungsverfahren bzw. -einrichtungen 2 verweilt jeder Artikel A mit gleicher Dauer am Verarbeitungsort, d.h. an einer von mehreren Arbeitsstationen. Die Verweilzeit ändert sich in Abhängigkeit der Maschinengeschwindigkeit. Bei höherer Ausbringung ist die Verweilzeit in jeder Arbeitsstation entsprechend kurz. Beim kontinuierlichen Verpackungsprozess ist der Artikel durchgehend in Bewegung und das dem Artikel zugeordnete Packmittel wird z.B. durch mitwandernde Faltmittel gefaltet.As explained, the packaging or wrapping process in step A according to the described exemplary embodiment preferably takes place clock-synchronously in the packaging device 2. However, it is expressly emphasized that the packaging or wrapping process can be intermittent or continuous. With the intermittent packaging process or devices 2, each article A stays at the processing location for the same length of time, i.e. at one of several work stations. The residence time changes depending on the machine speed. With higher output, the residence time in each work station is correspondingly short. In the continuous packaging process, the item is constantly in motion and the packaging material assigned to the item is folded, for example, by moving folding materials.

In Schritt B werden die einzeln eingeschlagenen bzw. verpackten Artikel A z.B. in einer Gruppierungseinrichtung 3 zu Gruppen G zusammengeführt und gruppiert. Bei intermittierenden Verpackungsverfahren bzw. -einrichtungen 2 wird je Arbeitstakt ein Artikel A durch eine bereitstehende Transporteinheit 5a, 5b aufgenommen (vgl. Figur 2b). Die Anzahl der Artikel A pro Gruppe G kann bspw. in Abhängigkeit der Ausbringung der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 verändert werden, wobei die Anzahl der Artikel A pro Gruppe G vorzugsweise mit steigender Ausbringung der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 erhöht wird. Als Gruppe G wird hier eine Mehrzahl von Artikeln A bezeichnet, die unabhängig von der Fördergeschwindigkeit der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 bzw. dem Artikel A in Schritt A bewegt und bearbeitet wird. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel, insbesondere in der schematischen Darstellung gemäß Figur 2, umfasst jede Gruppe G vier einzeln verpackte Artikel A. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass jede Gruppe G zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht oder mehr Artikel A umfasst. Es ist überdies vorgesehen, dass die Gruppenstärke bzw. die Anzahl der zu versiegelnden Artikel A pro Gruppe G in Abhängigkeit der Siegelzeit und der Ausbringung der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 verändert werden kann. Eine Veränderung der Siegelzeit kann beispielsweise erforderlich sein, um unterschiedlich große oder unterschiedlich beschaffene Artikel A unter Berücksichtigung der artikelspezifischen Anforderungen in Hinblick auf Siegeldruck und Siegeltemperatur mit gleichmäßigen bzw. einheitlichen Siegelergebnissen zu siegeln. Vorzugsweise bleibt die Gruppengröße im laufenden Betrieb der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 konstant. Daher sollte die Anzahl der Artikel A pro Gruppe G vorab so festgelegt werden, dass sie für die Maximalleistung der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 ausreicht. Für geringere Taktzahlen werden dann einfach die Siegelstempel eher abgehoben, wie im Zusammenhang mit Fig. 2 beschrieben ist. Vorzugsweise kann die Gruppengröße bei einem Formatwechsel von kleinen auf große Artikel A (geringere Ausbringung) angepasst werden.In step B, the individually wrapped or packaged articles A are brought together and grouped into groups G, for example in a grouping device 3. In the case of intermittent packaging processes or devices 2, one article A is picked up per work cycle by a transport unit 5a, 5b that is available (cf. Figure 2b ). The number of articles A per group G can, for example, be changed depending on the output of the packaging device 2, the number of articles A per group G preferably being increased as the output of the packaging device 2 increases. Group G refers here to a plurality of articles A, which are moved and processed in step A regardless of the conveying speed of the packaging device 2 or the article A. In the present exemplary embodiment, in particular in the schematic representation according to Figure 2 , each group G includes four individually packaged items A. However, it is also possible that each group G includes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more items A. It is also provided that the group size or the number of articles A to be sealed per group G can be changed depending on the sealing time and the output of the packaging device 2. A change in the sealing time may be necessary, for example, in order to seal articles A of different sizes or properties, taking into account the article-specific requirements with regard to sealing pressure and sealing temperature, with uniform or uniform sealing results. Preferably, the group size remains constant during ongoing operation of the packaging device 2. Therefore, the number of items A per group G should be determined in advance so that they are suitable for the Maximum performance of the packaging device 2 is sufficient. For lower cycle times, the seal stamps are simply lifted off, as in connection with Fig. 2 is described. Preferably, the group size can be adjusted when changing format from small to large items A (lower output).

Der Artikeltransport zwischen der Gruppierungseinrichtung 3 und der in Transportrichtung nachgelagerten Siegeleinrichtung 4 erfolgt durch ein 2-Zug- oder Mehrzugsystem mit wenigstens zwei Transporteinheiten 5a, 5b, welche abwechselnd Artikel A vom Vorprozess bzw. der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 übernehmen und an den Nachfolgeprozess bzw. die Siegeleinrichtung 4 übergeben. Sobald die Anzahl der eine Gruppe G bildenden Artikeln A erreicht und auf der ersten Transporteinheit 5a aufgeladen ist (vgl. Figuren 2a bis 2f), werden die nachfolgenden Artikel A durch eine zweite Transporteinheit 5b des 2-Zug- oder Mehrzugsystems aufgenommen, und die fertig gebildete Gruppe G wird mit Hilfe der ersten Transporteinheit 5a an die nachfolgende Siegeleinrichtung 4 übergeben.The article transport between the grouping device 3 and the downstream sealing device 4 in the transport direction is carried out by a 2-train or multi-train system with at least two transport units 5a, 5b, which alternately take over article A from the pre-process or the packaging device 2 and to the subsequent process or the sealing device 4 handed over. As soon as the number of articles A forming a group G is reached and loaded onto the first transport unit 5a (cf. Figures 2a to 2f ), the subsequent articles A are picked up by a second transport unit 5b of the 2-train or multi-train system, and the fully formed group G is transferred to the subsequent sealing device 4 with the aid of the first transport unit 5a.

Die Siegelung in Schritt C erfolgt in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 beispielsweise zeitgesteuert. In Fig. 1 ist die Siegeleinrichtung 4 im aufgeschwenkten Zustand dargestellt. Die Transporteinrichtung in Gestalt des 2-Zug- oder Mehrzugsystems mit den beiden Transporteinheiten 5a, 5b transportiert die Gruppen G von verpackten Artikeln A entkoppelt vom Vorprozess durch die Siegeleinrichtung 4 hindurch. Die Gruppen G verweilen auf einer der beiden Transporteinheiten 5a, 5b mit einer festen Dauer in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 und verlassen diese nach Fertigstellung der Siegelung vorzugsweise unverzüglich, unabhängig davon, ob die nachfolgende Gruppe G schon fertig gebildet ist. Insbesondere bei kürzerer Siegelzeit ist es aber auch möglich, dass die Artikel A ohne Siegelung noch in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 verbleiben, sodass kein Energieeintrag in den Artikel A erfolgt. Sobald die nachfolgende Gruppe G vollständig gebildet ist, wird diese auf der anderen der beiden Transporteinheiten 5a, 5b der Siegeleinrichtung 4 zugeführt. Die Gruppengröße bestimmt die mögliche Verweildauer in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 und wird auf die maximale Ausbringung der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 ausgelegt. Die Transporteinheiten 5a und 5b sowie die Siegeleinrichtung 4 werden vorzugsweise durch eigenständige Antriebe angetrieben, wodurch die Siegelzeit frei definierbar ist. Bei den Transporteinheiten 5a und 5b handelt es sich jeweils um umlaufende Systeme mit mehreren Stationen. Das heißt konkret, dass während die erste Station 5a die Artikel A aus der Siegelstation 4 heraustransportiert eine weitere Station 5b schon wieder in Position 3 befördert wird um Artikel A aufnehmen zu können.The sealing in step C takes place in the sealing device 4, for example in a time-controlled manner. In Fig. 1 the sealing device 4 is shown in the swung-open state. The transport device in the form of the 2-train or multi-train system with the two transport units 5a, 5b transports the groups G of packaged articles A through the sealing device 4, decoupled from the pre-process. The groups G stay on one of the two transport units 5a, 5b for a fixed period of time in the sealing device 4 and preferably leave it immediately after the sealing has been completed, regardless of whether the following group G has already been formed. Particularly with a shorter sealing time, it is also possible that the articles A remain in the sealing device 4 without sealing, so that no energy is introduced into the article A. As soon as the subsequent group G is completely formed, it is fed to the sealing device 4 on the other of the two transport units 5a, 5b. The group size determines the possible length of stay in the sealing device 4 and is designed for the maximum output of the packaging device 2. The transport units 5a and 5b as well as the sealing device 4 are preferably driven by independent drives, whereby the sealing time can be freely defined. The transport units 5a and 5b are each rotating systems with several stations. In concrete terms, this means that while the first station 5a transports the articles A out of the sealing station 4, another station 5b is transported back to position 3 in order to be able to pick up article A.

Zum Siegeln werden alle Artikel A einer Gruppe G unter dem für jeden einzelnen Artikel A vorhandenen Siegelstempel S positioniert. Anschließend wird der Siegelstempel S vertikal auf den unter dem Siegelstempel S positionierten Artikel A zugestellt, sodass es zum Kontakt zwischen dem den Artikel A umgebenden Packmittel und dem Siegelstempel S kommt. Während der Siegelung kommt es zu keiner Relativbewegung zwischen Artikel A und Siegelstempel S. Die einzelnen Siegelstempel S sind jeweils federnd gelagert, um Höhentoleranzen auszugleichen und gleichmäßige Siegeldrücke für alle Produkte zu erreichen. Jeder einzelne Siegelstempel S hat eine Heizung und einen eigenen Temperatursensor, wodurch eine individuelle Regelung ermöglicht wird. Zum Transport der Gruppe G heben alle Siegelstempel S gleichzeitig ab, um die Artikel A zu entlasten und zu schonen (vgl. Figur 2e). Im Stillstand (z.B. bei einer Störung) der Verpackungsmaschine 1 heben alle Siegelstempel S ab, damit keine Produktbeschädigung stattfindet.For sealing, all articles A of a group G are positioned under the seal stamp S that exists for each individual article A. The seal stamp S is then placed vertically on the Article A positioned under the seal stamp S is delivered, so that contact occurs between the packaging surrounding article A and the seal stamp S. During sealing, there is no relative movement between article A and sealing stamp S. The individual sealing stamps S are each spring-mounted in order to compensate for height tolerances and to achieve uniform sealing pressures for all products. Each individual seal stamp S has a heater and its own temperature sensor, which enables individual control. To transport group G, all seal stamps S are removed at the same time in order to relieve and protect items A (cf. Figure 2e ). When the packaging machine 1 is at a standstill (e.g. in the event of a malfunction), all sealing stamps S are lifted off so that no product damage occurs.

Fig. 2 veranschaulicht den zuvor beschriebenen Ablauf des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens unter Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 zusammenfassend noch einmal vereinfacht in schematischen Darstellungen:
In Fig. 2 (a) ist die erste Transporteinheit 5a mit einer Gruppe G aus vier verpackten Artikeln A beladen, die aus der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 ausgebracht wurden, und steht bereit, um in die Siegeleinrichtung 4 eingeschleust zu werden. Die mit einer Gruppe G aus vier verpackten und versiegelten Artikeln A beladene zweite Transporteinheit 5b steht bereit, um aus der Siegeleinrichtung 4 ausgeschleust zu werden, um die Gruppe G an eine Abgabestation (nicht gezeigt) zu übergeben. Fig. 2 illustrates the previously described sequence of the method according to the invention using the device 1 according to the invention in a simplified manner in schematic representations:
In Fig. 2 (a) the first transport unit 5a is loaded with a group G of four packaged articles A that have been discharged from the packaging device 2 and is ready to be introduced into the sealing device 4. The second transport unit 5b loaded with a group G of four packaged and sealed articles A is ready to be discharged from the sealing device 4 in order to hand over the group G to a delivery station (not shown).

Wie in Figur 2 (b) dargestellt, kehrt die zweite Transporteinheit 5b nach dem Abladen der Gruppe G zur Aufnahme einer weiteren Gruppe G von verpackten Artikeln A entleert in die Aufnahmestation bzw. Gruppierungseinrichtung 3 zurück. Währenddessen transportiert die erste Transporteinheit 5a die zuvor aufgeladene Gruppe G von verpackten Artikeln A zur nachfolgenden Siegelung in die Siegeleinrichtung 4. In der Siegeleinrichtung 4 wird der für jeden Artikel A der Gruppe G bereitgestellte Siegelstempel S mit dem jeweils zu siegelnden Artikel A der Gruppe G in Kontakt gebracht und in Abhängigkeit von der am Siegelstempel S gemessenen Temperatur individuell geregelt. Um Fertigungstoleranzen auszugleichen, ist jeder Siegelstempel S federnd gelagert.As in Figure 2 (b) shown, the second transport unit 5b returns empty to the receiving station or grouping device 3 after the group G has been unloaded to receive a further group G of packaged articles A. Meanwhile, the first transport unit 5a transports the previously loaded group G of packaged articles A into the sealing device 4 for subsequent sealing. In the sealing device 4, the seal stamp S provided for each article A of the group G is combined with the article A of the group G to be sealed Brought into contact and regulated individually depending on the temperature measured on the seal stamp S. In order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, each seal stamp S is spring-loaded.

Fig. 2 (c) und (d) zeigen weitere Zustände, in welchen die Artikel A der in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 angeordneten Gruppe G gleichzeitig mit dem jeweiligen Siegelstempel S in Kontakt gehalten werden und innerhalb einer Siegelzeit gesiegelt werden. Die zweite Transporteinheit 5b lädt währenddessen nacheinander einzeln verpackte Artikel A aus der Verpackungseinrichtung 2 auf. Fig. 2 (c) and (d) show further states in which the articles A of the group G arranged in the sealing device 4 are simultaneously held in contact with the respective sealing stamp S and are sealed within a sealing time. Meanwhile, the second transport unit 5b successively loads individually packaged articles A from the packaging device 2.

In dem in Figur 2 (e) dargestellten Zustand sind drei verpackte Artikel A auf der zweiten Transporteinheit 5b aufgeladen. Demnach ist die Gruppe G von verpackten Artikeln A auf der zweiten Transporteinheit 5b fast vollständig. Während der fortschreitenden Beladung der zweiten Transporteinheit 5b wird die Siegelung der auf der ersten Transporteinheit 5a angeordneten Gruppe G von Artikeln A in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 abgeschlossen. In Vorbereitung der Ausschleusung dieser Gruppe G aus der Siegeleinrichtung 4 werden die Siegelstempel S von den jeweiligen Artikeln A der Gruppe G entfernt. Je nach individuellen Gegebenheiten kann die Siegelzeit aber abweichend von dem hier beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel verlängert oder verkürzt werden.In the in Figure 2(e) In the state shown, three packaged articles A are loaded onto the second transport unit 5b. Accordingly, group G of packaged items A is in second place Transport unit 5b almost complete. During the progressive loading of the second transport unit 5b, the sealing of the group G of articles A arranged on the first transport unit 5a is completed in the sealing device 4. In preparation for the removal of this group G from the sealing device 4, the seal stamps S are removed from the respective articles A of group G. Depending on individual circumstances, the sealing time can be extended or shortened in deviation from the exemplary embodiment described here.

Figur 2 (f) entspricht im Wesentlichen Figur 2 (a), wobei die ersten und zweiten Transporteinheiten 5a, 5b vertauscht sind, und zeigt die mit einer Gruppe G von vier verpackten Artikeln A vollständig beladene zweite Transporteinheit 5b vor der Überführung in die Siegeleinrichtung 4. Die mit einer Gruppe G von vier verpackten und versiegelten Artikeln A vollständig beladene erste Transporteinheit 5a wird nach Abschluss des Siegelvorgangs aus der Siegeleinrichtung 4 ausgeschleust. Nach dem Abladen der einzeln verpackten und versiegelten Artikeln A - entweder einzeln oder als Gruppe G -an einer Abgabestation (nicht gezeigt) kehrt die erste Transporteinheit 5a wieder in die Gruppierungseinrichtung 3 zurück, wo sie nacheinander von vier weiteren, einzeln verpackten Artikeln A beladen wird, um eine weitere Gruppe G von verpackten Artikeln zu bilden. Die auf der zweiten Transporteinheit 5b angeordnete Gruppe G von verpackten Artikeln A wird - während weitere verpackte Artikel A auf der ersten Transporteinheit 5a in der Gruppierungseinrichtung 3 gruppiert werden - in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 gesiegelt und nach Abschluss des Siegelvorgangs gemeinsam aus der Siegeleinrichtung 4 ausgeschleust. Figure 2 (f) essentially corresponds Figure 2 (a) , wherein the first and second transport units 5a, 5b are swapped, and shows the second transport unit 5b fully loaded with a group G of four packaged articles A before being transferred to the sealing device 4. The with a group G of four packaged and sealed articles A The fully loaded first transport unit 5a is removed from the sealing device 4 after the sealing process has been completed. After unloading the individually packaged and sealed articles A - either individually or as a group G - at a delivery station (not shown), the first transport unit 5a returns to the grouping device 3, where it is successively loaded with four further, individually packaged articles A , to form another group G of packaged items. The group G of packaged articles A arranged on the second transport unit 5b is - while further packaged articles A are grouped on the first transport unit 5a in the grouping device 3 - sealed in the sealing device 4 and discharged together from the sealing device 4 after the sealing process has been completed.

Anschließend beginnt der Vorgang mit neuen Artikeln A von neuem im Zustand gemäß Figur 2 (a).The process then begins again with new items A in the condition shown Figure 2 (a) .

Abweichend von der Darstellung in Fig. 2 ist es aber auch möglich, dass das Herausfahren der Artikel A aus der Siegeleinrichtung 4 teilweise mit dem Einsammeln von neuen Artikeln A überlagert. Das kann insbesondere dann der Fall sein, wenn die Verpackungseinrichtung 2 einen permanenten Produktstrom liefert, der nicht angehalten werden kann. In diesem Fall kann die Bewegung der Gruppe G aus der Gruppierungseinrichtung 3 in die Siegeleinrichtung 4 zeitgleich mit dem Beladen einer Transporteinheit 5a, 5b stattfinden.Different from the representation in Fig. 2 However, it is also possible that the removal of the articles A from the sealing device 4 is partially overlapped with the collection of new articles A. This can be the case in particular if the packaging device 2 delivers a permanent flow of products that cannot be stopped. In this case, the movement of the group G from the grouping device 3 into the sealing device 4 can take place at the same time as the loading of a transport unit 5a, 5b.

Zusammengefasst besteht der Kerngedanke der Erfindung in der Realisierung eines Siegelprozesses, welcher vom geschwindigkeitsabhängigen Verpackungsprozess entkoppelt ist, damit unabhängig von der Geschwindigkeit der Verpackungsmaschine 2 konstante Siegelzeiten, Siegeldrücke und Siegeltemperaturen ermöglicht werden. Ziel ist eine reproduzierbare Siegelung, ohne die Artikel A zu beschädigen.In summary, the core idea of the invention is the implementation of a sealing process that is decoupled from the speed-dependent packaging process, so that constant sealing times, sealing pressures and sealing temperatures are possible regardless of the speed of the packaging machine 2. The aim is to achieve a reproducible seal without damaging Article A.

BezugszeichenlisteReference symbol list

11
Vorrichtung zum Verpacken und VersiegelnPackaging and sealing device
22
VerpackungseinrichtungPackaging facility
33
GruppierungseinrichtungGrouping facility
44
SiegeleinrichtungSealing device
5a5a
Erste TransporteinheitFirst transport unit
5b5b
Zweite TransporteinheitSecond transport unit
AA
ArtikelArticle
GG
Gruppegroup
P1P1
ArtikelbahnArticle track

Claims (10)

  1. A method for packaging and sealing small-sized articles (A), such as pieces or bars of chocolate, on one or more article tracks (P1), comprising the following steps:
    a. step A: packaging the small-sized articles (A) in a packaging device (2) by assigning a package to each article (A) and folding the package around said article (A);
    b. step B: arranging at least two of each of the separately packaged articles (A) in a group (G) of packaged articles (A);
    c. step C: simultaneously sealing the packages of all separately packaged articles (A) of the group (G) of packaged articles (A) in a sealing device (4);
    wherein in step B the articles (A) are sequentially, preferably separately, fed to a grouping device (3) to form the respective group (G), wherein the articles (A) of the respective group (G) are transported in groups for subsequent sealing in step C,
    characterized in that
    the transport between the grouping device (3) and the sealing device (4) is effected by a two-pass or multiple-pass system comprising at least two transport units (5a, 5b) adapted to move back and forth between the grouping device (3) and the sealing device (4), while continuously switching between one of the transport units (5a, 5b) picking up individually packaged articles (A) from the packaging device (2) for forming a group (G) of packaged articles (A) and another one of said transport units (5a, 5b) providing a group (G) of packaged articles (A) for sealing in said sealing device (4).
  2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step A separated articles (A) arranged in rows are transported along the respective article track (P1), preferably sequentially across at least one rotary head, preferably on two or more parallel article tracks (P1).
  3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each article (A) in step A successively passes through at least two different work stations wherein the package assigned to the article (A) is successively folded in each of said work stations by different folding means.
  4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that each article (A) in step A is packaged separately in an intermittent process while dwelling in each of said work stations for a uniform dwell period (T1).
  5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that a sealing period during which the package of each article (A) of the respective group is sealed in step C is longer than the dwell period in step A.
  6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each article (A) of the respective group (G) in step C preferably dwells in a sealing device (4) and/or is kept in contact with a respective sealing element (S) during a sealing period in which the package of each article (A) of the respective group (G) is sealed, wherein preferably the sealing period for each article (A) of the group (G) starts at the same time and/or ends at the same time.
  7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step C at least a single designated sealing element (S) is assigned to each article (A) of the respective group, wherein preferably each sealing element (S) is controlled individually, preferably as a function of at least one parameter measured for the sealing element (S), such as a sealing temperature and/or a sealing pressure.
  8. An apparatus (1) for packaging and sealing small-sized articles (A), such as pieces or bars of chocolate, on one or more article tracks (P1) preferably using the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:
    a. a packing device (2) for packing the small-sized articles (A) by assigning a package to each article (A) and folding the package around said article (A);
    b. a grouping device (3) for arranging at least two of each of the separately packaged articles (A) in a group of separately packaged articles (A);
    c. a sealing device (3) for simultaneously sealing the packages of all separately packaged articles (A) of the group of packaged articles (A);
    characterized in that
    the apparatus (1) comprises at least two transport units (5a, 5b) adapted to move back and forth between the grouping device (3) and the sealing device (4), wherein the transport units (5a, 5b) are adapted to continuously switch between one of the transport units (5a, 5b) picking up individually packaged articles (A) from the packaging device (1) for forming a group (G) of packaged articles (A) and another one of said transport units (5a, 5b) providing a group (G) of packaged articles (A) for sealing in said sealing device (4).
  9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the pressure and/or temperature and/or the duration of the sealing process in the sealing device (3) can be adjusted regardless of the speed of the packaging device (2).
  10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the sealing device (3) includes a separate sealing punch (S) for each article (A) of the group (G), wherein the sealing punch (S) is preferably mounted resiliently for tolerance compensation with respect to the article (A) to be sealed and the sealing punch (S) is preferably transferred into a rest position when the packaging device (2) is brought to a halt.
EP20212831.0A 2020-02-20 2020-12-09 Method and device for individually packaging and group-sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars Active EP3868674B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102020202207.0A DE102020202207B4 (en) 2020-02-20 2020-02-20 Method and device for individually packaging and group-wise sealing of small articles such as chocolate pieces or bars

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3868674A1 EP3868674A1 (en) 2021-08-25
EP3868674B1 true EP3868674B1 (en) 2023-10-18

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ID=73789978

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20212831.0A Active EP3868674B1 (en) 2020-02-20 2020-12-09 Method and device for individually packaging and group-sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3868674B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102020202207B4 (en)
ES (1) ES2964683T3 (en)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2615166B1 (en) * 1987-05-12 1989-08-11 Sapal Plieuses Automatiques PROCESS FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID PROCESS
EP0822142B1 (en) * 1996-07-23 2000-04-05 Tokyo Automatic Machinery Works, Ltd Flap folding apparatus in packaging machine
ITBO20050421A1 (en) * 2005-06-27 2005-09-26 Gd Spa DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE STABILIZATION OF A CASE.
DE102011075439A1 (en) * 2011-05-06 2012-11-08 Loesch Verpackungstechnik Gmbh Method and device for packaging strip-shaped objects, in particular chewing gum sticks
DE102012019909A1 (en) 2012-10-11 2014-04-17 Theegarten-Pactec Gmbh & Co. Kg High-performance packaging method for packaging, in particular small-sized, products and high-performance packaging device, in particular for carrying out the method
DE102015003049A1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-15 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) Method for converting a device for producing packages
DE102016202814A1 (en) 2016-02-24 2017-08-24 Chocal Aluminiumverpackungen Gmbh Method and machine for packaging a food product
DE102016115635A1 (en) 2016-08-23 2018-03-01 Theegarten-Pactec Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and device for packaging, in particular small-sized, products
US11034474B2 (en) * 2016-10-31 2021-06-15 Ross Industries, Inc. Dual purpose seal head assembly, tray sealing system, and method therefor
DE102018209185B3 (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-10-02 Theegarten-Pactec Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and device for packaging small-sized articles in heat-sealable packaging material with a heatable holding element

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102020202207B4 (en) 2024-06-13
ES2964683T3 (en) 2024-04-09
EP3868674A1 (en) 2021-08-25
DE102020202207A1 (en) 2021-08-26

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