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 PDFInfo
- 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
- Authority
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims description 196
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 84
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 53
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 title claims description 17
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 45
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000012858 packaging process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000013736 caramel Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000014448 bouillon/stock cubes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011475 lollipops Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012785 packaging film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006280 packaging film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- 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.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Package Closures (AREA)
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.
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
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.
-
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).
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Die Siegelung in Schritt C erfolgt in der Siegeleinrichtung 4 beispielsweise zeitgesteuert. In
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.
In
In
Wie in
In dem in
Anschließend beginnt der Vorgang mit neuen Artikeln A von neuem im Zustand gemäß
Abweichend von der Darstellung in
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
- 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)
- 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 thatthe 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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). - 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).
- 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.
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 |
Family
ID=73789978
Family Applications (1)
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)
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 |
-
2020
- 2020-02-20 DE DE102020202207.0A patent/DE102020202207B4/en active Active
- 2020-12-09 EP EP20212831.0A patent/EP3868674B1/en active Active
- 2020-12-09 ES ES20212831T patent/ES2964683T3/en active Active
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 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
DE3605864C1 (en) | Packing machine with foil tape run for the continuous cyclical shaping, filling, closing and at least grouping of cups | |
DE3886076T3 (en) | Device for producing hollow plastic articles. | |
DE68903005T2 (en) | MANUFACTURE AND FILLING OF FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PACKAGING, PACKAGING, ASSEMBLY AND PACKAGING OF ARTICLES AND TRANSFER OF PRODUCT GROUPS. | |
EP1452452B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing (cigarettes-) packages. | |
EP0311830A1 (en) | Method and device for packaging groups of single packages | |
WO2013079220A1 (en) | Device for forming packaging units | |
EP2799348B1 (en) | Method for grouping articles in article bars and grouping device and packaging machine comprising same | |
DE102014005959A1 (en) | Method for grouping articles into article poles and grouping device and packaging machine with such articles and control device for product holding devices | |
EP0894610A1 (en) | Installation and process for manufacturing containers by thermoforming | |
DE3202022A1 (en) | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE PROCESSING STEPS IN A PROCESSING TRAIN OF PACKAGING MACHINES, IN PARTICULAR FOR BLISTER PACKS OR THE LIKE | |
AT401637B (en) | DEVICE FOR MOLDING THE EDGE OF A CONTAINER MADE OF THERMOPLASTIC PLASTIC | |
EP2447169A2 (en) | Tray closing machine and method for operating the same | |
EP3405394B1 (en) | Device and method for grouping and combining articles into multiple packages with different package sizes | |
EP3868674B1 (en) | Method and device for individually packaging and group-sealing small items such as chocolate pieces or bars | |
DE102015001027A1 (en) | Method and device for producing cigarette packets | |
EP2133271A1 (en) | Device and procedure for transferring packaged items to a packaged item transport system or a storage device | |
EP2133293A1 (en) | Device for transferring packaged items to a packaged item transport system or a storage device | |
EP3305505A1 (en) | Stacking station for a thermoforming assembly | |
EP3287374A1 (en) | Method and device for the packaging of products, particularly small-scale products | |
DE102017125973B4 (en) | Process for processing and / or filling packaging | |
DE69512200T2 (en) | Packaging machine with sealing device | |
DE10348182B4 (en) | Apparatus and method for producing containers provided with a band | |
DE602004000046T2 (en) | Arrangement device for solid objects | |
DE102020205945A1 (en) | Method and device for packaging and sealing small items in partially preheated, heat-sealable packaging | |
WO2020169311A9 (en) | Device with foreign body detection, and method for foreign body detection |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20220224 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20230515 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502020005683 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: FP |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20231220 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240119 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240218 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2964683 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 Effective date: 20240409 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20240102 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240218 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240119 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240118 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240219 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231221 Year of fee payment: 4 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20240101 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240118 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20240102 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231018 |