DE102011106352A1 - Device for packaging of lumpy product in tubular bags, has transfer unit to feed products from horizontal feeding direction to vertical filling direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a transfer unit to feed the products (3) from horizontal feeding direction to a vertical filling direction. A product conveyor (27) separates the product units formed from products. The product conveyor has endless belts with portioning finger for receiving respective product unit of several products.

Description

The invention relates to a device for packaging lumpy products, such as biscuits, in tubular bags, wherein the products are supplied horizontally. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for packaging lumpy products, such as biscuits, in tubular bags, wherein the products are supplied horizontally.

By lumpy products are meant products which must be handled individually as individual products of the same simple form, such as rectangular, cylindrical products, especially with the same shape design, d. H. greater length and width than height. As an example of such products are small baked goods, especially so-called long-life baked goods, such as cookies or the like called. Generic devices or tubular bag machines are used for the manufacture and filling of tubular bags, which are previously used for packaging pourable and pourable, or free-flowing products. Tubular bags as packaging are variable in their applications, especially in economic terms, as an economical handling of the packaging material is guaranteed.

Tubular bag machines are known from the prior art in different versions. In general, tubular bag machines are used to form a bag from a flat packaging material, in particular using a heat-sealable plastic film, which can then be filled with a filling material. There are horizontally and vertically operating tubular bag machines known. A vertical bagging machine is for example in the DE 10 2007 012 862 B3 described. In the manufacture of such tubular bags, a film is withdrawn from rolls, passed over a forming shoulder around a format tube, and formed into a tube with overlapping longitudinal edges.

A bag tube formed by laying or guiding the foil edges then encloses a matched filling tube, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions of the filling tube are matched to the width of the bag. The meeting or overlapping edges of the film web are connected by means of a sealing device to a longitudinal seam and the tube thus closed longitudinally.

For a completion of the bag, a first, the bottom of the tubular bag forming, transverse seam is closed by means of a transverse sealing unit. Another suture results in the closure of the bag. It is known that such tubular bags can be produced quickly in large numbers, whereby several tubular bag units can be used side by side.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for the production of tubular bags, which produces flat and Seitenfaltbeutel in the vertical conveying direction, filled with lumpy products, it is economical in material consumption and reliable high density provides good tightness.

The above object is achieved in a tubular bag machine of the type mentioned in that a transfer unit for transferring the products from the horizontal feed direction is provided in a vertical filling direction. The object is further achieved by a method wherein the products are supplied horizontally, characterized in that a transfer unit transfers the products from a horizontal feed direction for vertical filling.

• – wenigstens eine Abzugseinrichtung für ein Verpackungsmaterial zum Formen der Schlauchbeutel;
• – eine der wenigstens einen Abzugseinrichtung zugeordnete Längssiegeleinrichtung zur Siegelung der Längsnaht des Schlauchbeutels;
• – eine Übergabeeinheit, insbesondere als Umlenkeinheit, zum Übergeben bzw. Umlenken von Produkten in die zu bildenden Schlauchbeutel mit einer Stapeleinheit und einer Vorrichtung zum Transport der Produkte in einen Füllbereich;
• – wenigstens eine der Längssiegeleinheit nachgeordnete Seitenfalteinrichtung zur Erzeugung von wenigstens einer Falte in wenigstens einer der Seiten des Schlauchbeutels;
• – eine Quersiegeleinheit zur Erzeugung wenigstens einer Quernaht; und
• – eine Schneideinheit, womit die fertig gestellten Schlauchbeutel voneinander trennbar sind.

A device or flow wrap machine according to the invention is equipped with a multi-lane product guide, wherein each lane has the following elements in the vertical conveying direction:

• At least one extraction device for a packaging material for forming the tubular bags;
• - One of at least one triggering device associated longitudinal sealing means for sealing the longitudinal seam of the tubular bag;
• - A transfer unit, in particular as a deflection unit, for transferring or redirecting products in the tubular bag to be formed with a stacking unit and a device for transporting the products in a filling area;
• - At least one of the longitudinal sealing unit downstream side folding means for producing at least one fold in at least one of the sides of the tubular bag;
• A transverse sealing unit for producing at least one transverse seam; and
• - A cutting unit, whereby the finished tubular bag are separated from each other.

It is particularly preferably provided that the components of the individual production lines by means of connection mechanisms, such. As waves, connected to each other and are widely used simultaneously. For a parallel packaging of the products, in particular a common control device is provided which controls and controls individual control devices of the individual components. Preferably, as many production lines as necessary, in particular in an even number next to each other can be arranged and controlled.

To a multi-lane flow wrapper for lumpy products, in particular Permanent bakery products, such as biscuits, to realize, the invention provides particularly preferred that horizontal product guides are provided in the form of endlessly running conveyor belts. The conveyor belts may be in variously long and / or wide configurations, wherein a plurality of short, consecutively arranged bands are usable as Separierbänder to bring together a certain number of products by different tape speeds or apart.

However, provision may also be made for horizontal product guides to have bands and points extending along conveyor belts along their extent, as a result of which products of at least two can be branched onto at least six guides. The points and strips are placed in such a way that a uniform distribution of the products on the product lines is guaranteed.

The transfer unit of the tubular bag machine fulfills a number of tasks in one work step: By means of a stacking unit, the lumpy products are stackable and can be guided from a horizontal transport direction into a vertically downward transport direction. The products are stacked by means of the transfer unit fed to a filling area, wherein the filling area limits the area in which a tubular bag is preformable and fillable. For this purpose, it is particularly preferably provided that the products are held in holders in the transfer unit.

Alternatively, in preferred embodiments, the invention provides that the transfer unit is designed for transferring the products with maintained orientation, in particular horizontal orientation, or that the products are stackable and stackable can be fed to a filling area. In terms of the method, it is provided in this regard that the products, while maintaining their orientation, in particular their horizontal orientation, are transferred for vertical filling or that the products are deflected in their orientation for distribution, preferably by 90 °

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is equipped with a product portioner for separating product units from a plurality of products, wherein in particular the product portioner has transfer fingers guided on endless belts for receiving in each case one product unit from a plurality of products. By means of the product portioner, the products can be separated into product units from a plurality of individual products, wherein in particular the product units are separated by endless belts guided transfer fingers, each of which receives a product unit of a plurality of products.

Thus, the invention initially provides that horizontally conveyed products whose distance is changed, if necessary, in the horizontal feed by successively arranged conveyor belts with different speeds, in particular increased, with their horizontal orientation (largest surfaces of the three-dimensional product body directed horizontally or with vertical surface normal) , are transferred with this orientation to the vertical processing further processing and are brought together in this orientation to a product unit of several superposed in the vertical pre-conveying products, such product units are separated from several individual products from each other so that they can be packaged separately below (Slug-Pack).

In an alternative embodiment, the products are first stacked in horizontal feeding, for example, with stacks of one or two products, such stacks are combined into product units, which accordingly contain several products. The product stacks of a product unit are closer together than to the adjacent stack of another product unit. With such a combination of products into stacks, these are not transferred with the same orientation for vertical further processing, in particular for packaging in tubular bags, but deflected, as a rule by 90 °, so that a plurality of juxtaposed product stacks can be packaged together as a product unit, namely as a so-called Pile-Pack.

In order to save space in the machine, despite its multiple-web design, it is provided in a preferred first embodiment that the deflection unit has a stacking unit with at least one swivel arm and at least one cassette for receiving products, wherein a horizontal conveying direction by means of a stacking unit, which at the same time as a filling unit or serves to transport the products in a filling area, is deflected in a vertical direction, wherein the at least one pivot arm of the stacking unit is rotatably mounted about an axis which is arranged perpendicular to the transport direction of the horizontal product guides. Each pivot arm has at least one or more cassettes as supports for the products, wherein the pivot arms have at least as many cassettes as conveyor belts are present. The cassettes are in this case fork-shaped with holding plates, in the interstices of the cookies are receivable, so that the lumpy products from the conveyor belt directly into the interstices of the cassette can be guided and held by this are. It can be provided that a cassette has at least two such gaps in order to stack two pieces of product one above the other. In a further preferred embodiment, these cassettes can also have more than two intermediate spaces. The gaps are adapted to the products in width and height to ensure a generous picking up of the products.

In order to keep the products in the interstices, either baffles in the interstices or a vacuum system are provided, which sucks the products in the interstices. Such a vacuum system may be connected through a hollow access in the guide bearing. Air is evacuated through passages located in a region facing the products, so that the products, when received in the spaces, can be further drawn by the air flow into the spaces, thereby ultimately preventing the products from falling out. Furthermore, it is provided that the stacking unit of the first embodiment has at least four pivot arms in order to ensure a continuous filling of the underlying components of the tubular bag machine. This stacking unit has the particular advantage that lumpy products can be stacked carefully without damaging them and, depending on the required cycle rate of the machine, faster stacking and filling can be accomplished.

In order to supply the products held in the cassettes simply to the further filling components, the invention particularly preferably provides that the stacking unit is associated with a fork-shaped ejector for the simultaneous ejection of the products from the cassettes. Preferably, at least one ejector is provided for each packaging unit. The ejector of the individual production lines are mechanically and / or electrically connected such that any number of ejectors is controlled simultaneously. At the ejector elongated tines are provided, which are provided at their top in the conveying direction with protective pads. The inner distance of the tines to each other is dimensioned such that the cassettes of the pivot arm of the stacking unit can be guided between the tines of the fork-shaped ejector. It is preferably provided that the tines of the ejector are covered with a soft plastic layer to protect the products. The ejector in this case is vertically movable to the products whose edges can protrude laterally from the cassettes, gently press down and supply the other packaging components in particular the filling area. The filling area is the area in which the products are fed or transported into the half-finished tubular bag.

In a particularly preferred second alternative embodiment, it is likewise provided that a deflection unit has a stacking unit. It is preferably provided that the stacking unit is associated with a stacking chain having vertically outwardly formed U-shaped brackets, the products of a storage tape in the brackets by means of laying wedges are feasible. The stacking chain is an endless belt and has a rectangular shape facing the filling area with rounded corners and an elliptical shape facing the depositing belt. The brackets may be formed as L-shaped walls, wherein arranged parallel to the stack chain parts of the L-shaped walls are directed in pairs to each other, so that U-shaped brackets are formed for the products. The distances between the walls are adapted to the dimensions of the products.

In order to obtain a flexible adaptation to differently shaped or dimensioned products, it can be provided that the chain is designed in two parts, wherein a first L-shaped wall on a first chain and a second L-shaped wall on a second chain opposite to the first L-shaped wall is arranged. The first and the second chain can now be displaced relative to each other such that the distances of the walls to one another correspond to the dimension of the product. The walls are preferably made of metal and / or plastic.

The stacking unit of the second embodiment supplying conveyor belts are controllable such that a pairwise arrangement of the products is ensured on the storage belt. The storage belt is arranged upstream of the stacking chain, wherein the next to the chain arranged Ablegekeile directly below the end of the storage tape and products are feasible on this Ablegekeile, the products are by means of the continuing movement of the chain between the walls as holders entrained and festhaltbar. Placing the products on these laying wedges results in a low, consistent drop height for the products.

Furthermore, the deflection unit has at least one holding rod above the stack chain, which prevents falling out of the products from the holder between the walls. It can be provided that the stacked products can be guided by means of the stacking chain in a deflection movement from a horizontal to a vertical position. In order to supply the products held in the holders simply and gently to the further filling area, the invention particularly preferably provides that the vertical part of the stacking chain has a side guide assigned to it, which is constructed of side plates and guide wedges arranged in front of the stacking chain. The side plates have a track modeled on the shape, wherein a width of the curved track is dimensioned such that the chain can continue to run with the walls easily. Here, a removal of the products from their holder is effected by pushing out by means of the stationary side plates.

The deflection unit of the second embodiment further comprises a product portioner to supply individual products or a certain number of products to the filling area. The Produktportionierer has a band-shaped central body with at least one, preferably four transfer fingers, which are arranged for product portioning perpendicular to the direction of the Produktportionierers. The Produktportionierer itself may consist of one or two separately running belt, which are driven separately by means of two waves. On at least one belt, at least one, preferably two transfer fingers may be arranged on opposite regions of the belt. When pushing out the products from the stacking chain, the product stacks are divisible or trappable by means of these transfer fingers and can be fed to the filling area without damage.

The invention further provides for optimum film feed preferably that a first take-off device, a double roller and a second take-off device may have a forming shoulder with forming tube, a forming element and / or a take-off roll. A film is removable from a roll of film as a reserve, wherein by means of a double film guide, the film is peelable in an S-shape. This ensures a wrinkle-free deduction of the film from the roll. In order to maintain a straight pull-off direction, it is provided that the film can be held under tension by means of a double roller and can be pulled off at the respective speed. The rollers are preferably coated with rubber to have good adhesion to the film and to peel it off the film supply with as little damage as possible. Should a poor quality of the film roll be expected, a control of the film edges may be provided, wherein the arrangement of the components of the first take-off device is movable in their intervals, whereby an offset of the film is compensated. Downstream of the double roller, a cutting unit is provided, which has rotating cutting blades, wherein the film can be cut into individual film webs whose width corresponds to the later circumference of the tubular bag. Such cutting blades are initially designed as a separate function with a rotating blade system.

The invention preferably provides that products can be packed on the tubular bag machine in both single-layer and double-layered (that is to say two products stacked on one another). However, regardless of the number, this basically results in two different film widths, which usually leads to different center distances of the filling areas in the case of multi-web tubular bag machines. To avoid this, a web spread can be provided by means of a spreader unit. The machine itself is designed for the largest film format. In this case, after separating the film webs with rotating and / or sticking knives, all the film webs continue straight ahead. Is converted to a single-layer packaging, a narrower role is used, wherein the resulting after the first separation two webs are spreadable, so that after a further partial separation with two separating knives for each web the now resulting middle film webs can be provided a straight running direction, and the two adjacent webs are spreadable by means of pivoting frame in the correct inlet position to the filling area.

The second extraction device may comprise a molding element and / or a take-off roll, wherein packaging material, in particular a film, is peelable from a film roll by means of a take-off roll and the take-off device, and that the film by means of the second take-off device into a tubular film having a rectangular and / or round cross-sectional shape is malleable. Preferably, it can be provided that, in a first preferred embodiment, a second extraction device has a forming shoulder with forming tube. The forming shoulder is in this case a shaped part which is supplied from the direction in which the flat film web forming the bag is located, which has a top edge following both sides around a filling tube and whose shell contour follows the height of which slopes towards the side of the forming shoulder facing away from the feed side progressively reduced, wherein finally lying on this opposite side vertical edges of the molding meet in the circumferential direction or at least overlap. A film edge is between the filling tube or a surrounding this cladding tube and the vertical inner edge of the shoulder molding, the other edge of the film next to it feasible. The height of the molded part is the height from which the two sides approach the edges of the shoulder molding.

For a tubular bag having a rectangular cross-section, it is further provided that a shaped element for the tubular bag has, in particular, a rectangular shape and a slit formed in the longitudinal direction, in which the film edges can be guided. However, the mold element can also be used to form the tubular bag shape another cross section, such. B. have a round cross-section. To continue the film is provided within the second extraction device in particular that the back of the molding element in this recess is formed, in which at least one take-off roller is arranged, whereby the film is uniformly weiterführbar. The Deduction rolls of the production lines can be connected by means of a shaft, which can be controlled by a control device.

A mold element is arranged at the lower end of the forming shoulder, wherein the film in the conveying direction can be pulled around the mold element. For a good film guide and for easy filling of the forming shoulder facing end of the formula element is provided a slightly outwardly bent tab. The tab can be part of a continuation of the form shoulder. In order to achieve a correct film shape, it can be provided that the molding element is open on both longitudinal sides or has elongated spaces, and that the molding element consists of several parts, which are arranged one inside the other, so that the film between the parts can be guided.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the invention provides that a folding device can be used instead of a form element. The film is removable via a forming shoulder and it can be provided behind the forming shoulder a film take-off by means of a take-off belt, which pulls the film tight behind the rubberized drive rollers. At the front of the filling area there are two rotating sealing bands of a longitudinal sealing device. Between these sealing tapes the erected fin of the bag is feasible and a longitudinal seam, here a Umlegenaht, is sealable. To slip effects here, d. H. To avoid disturbances in the film feed due to uneven slip between the webs and different film transports, the drive of this pullout belt runs at a speed about 15 to 20% higher than the film itself, wherein the rotation with an elastic element, eg. B. a mechanical spring on the belt is transferable. Preferably, a vacuum belt can be used, whereby an abutment, d. H. a mold element, as such can be completely dispensed with. It is particularly advantageous in the absence of a formula element that - as with horizontal packaging machines - the film can be wrapped around the product, resulting in a very compact bag with minimal use of film.

So that a certain number of products can be filled into the tubular bags without damage, it is particularly preferred to arrange at least one conveyor belt on the left and right of the respective longitudinal sides below the forming shoulder, which serves for the gentle filling of the products. Preferably, two conveyor belts per web are in the form of endless caterpillars, preferably having a soft surface made of plastic. The soft surface usually consists of a foam or spongy rubber. Particularly preferably provided that the conveyor belts are each composed of two mutually parallel bands, so that on the one hand, the double-stacked biscuits are easier to insert and also a side folding device is used, which can intervene due to a compact arrangement of the individual components in the gap between the conveyor belts , The conveyor belts can be prestressed by means of a spring, the spring force pointing in the direction of the film and thus in the direction of the products. Due to friction, the products are held from both sides during filling and in the deduction process of the film in the half-finished tubular bag leitbarer.

The longitudinal sealing unit disposed on the front side can be an ultrasonic longitudinal sealing unit in which the anvil and sonotrode are combined, wherein the anvil has a centrally arranged slot through which the film can be guided, as well as in US Pat DE 20 2009 012 907 is described. The longitudinal sealing device is preferably associated with control electronics. Furthermore, it is provided that the longitudinal sealing unit has blowing nozzles for cooling the sealed seam, whereby the tightness of the sealed seam can be additionally increased. Other methods of longitudinal seam sealing, z. As heat sealing or hot air sealing process are also possible. In a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to provide a heat-sealing device, in which two sealing bands arranged opposite one another are arranged in front of the filling region.

The invention provides for folding the tubular bag sides inwards particularly preferably that the side folding means for folding the sides of the tubular bag has folding elements, which are mutually engageable by two laterally to the film tube waves arranged in opposite directions and / or in the same direction in the sides of the film tube, wherein a folding element in each case has at least one cam whose dimension corresponds to the depth of the side fold in the film tube. It is further provided that the side folding device for folding the sides of the tubular bag of the transverse sealing unit upstream and / or downstream. A sealing of the gusset can be further ensured by the fact that the side folding device is carried along with the cross jaw drive in the vertical direction of movement. This arrangement allows extremely accurate side folding and sealing of the folded film, in particular preventing creasing in the seam.

In order to produce a transverse seam of the folded film tube, the invention further provides that a transverse sealing unit is formed as an ultrasonic transverse sealing unit, in particular an anvil and a sonotrode, both having a transverse groove separating the anvil or sonotrode into upper and lower sealing regions, whereby a double transverse seam is sealable, the lateral sealing device being associated with control electronics. The invention further provides that a transverse sealing unit may be formed as a heat-sealing unit, with at least two in opposite directions rotatable by means of one respective shaft sealing bodies, each having at least two, in particular three sealing jaws which are mutually printable. The sealing jaws can have a transverse groove for sealing a double seam and / or be designed according to the desired seam.

The area between a double seam is preferably usable to separate the finished tubular bag from a half-finished. As a result of which, in principle, especially at low application rates, the bag separation can be carried out with a sticking knife in the transverse sealing tools, it is particularly preferred that a cutting unit has a shaft to which a knife is fastened.

This is rotatable by means of a control unit along its longitudinal axis by means of the shaft, and has a cutting edge, which meets during rotation of the shaft to a counterpart, whereby the tubular bags are separable from each other. Cutting edge and counterpart act like a pair of scissors, which ensures a clean cut between two bags.

A method according to the invention particularly preferably provides that a multiplicity of products are fed to the installation by means of conveyor belts. The invention preferably provides that the deflection unit stacks the products and supplies them in a stacked manner to a filling area in a controlled manner. The products can reach short separating belts arranged one behind the other, the speeds of which can be regulated in such a way that the products are transferred individually or in pairs to a storage belt or are arranged in an equivalent arrangement to the system. Of the feeder belts, the products are fed to the diverter unit, which has a stacking unit that stacks the products into stacks of at least two superimposed products. It is then preferably provided that the stacked products are guided by means of the deflection unit from a horizontal to a vertical transport direction. Thereafter, the products are transported to the filling area, in which the products are transported by means of arranged laterally of the filling conveyor belts in the resulting tubular bag. At the same time, a film is drawn off the film roll by the first take-off unit and formed into a tube by means of the second take-off unit. The arranged in front of the filling longitudinal sealing unit continuously seals a longitudinal seam. Below the filling area, a side folding device ensures that a lateral fold is pressed in to each side of the film tube. Thereafter, a transverse sealing takes place by means of the transverse sealing unit. The cutting unit separates the finished tubular bag in a final step. The cutting unit has a shaft to which a knife is fastened, which is rotatable by means of a control unit along its longitudinal axis by means of the shaft.

By means of the present invention, for the first time a tubular bag machine for packaging lumpy products is provided, in which the products are first conveyed horizontally and then vertically fed to the tubular bags produced locally, as the latter is known only from bulk goods. It is thus provided a multi-lane flow wrapper for flat and Seitenfaltbeutel in a space-saving manner. Particularly advantageous are the stacking of the products made by the deflection unit and their transfer to the other filling components, which by virtue of their compact arrangement involves a minimization of the drop height of the products into the resulting tubular bags. A correct folding of the Seitenfalzes is particularly given by the inventive structure of the folding elements, the depth of the fold can be changed by simply adjusting the folding elements. The separation of the finished tubular bag with each other is more precise than previously used by the rotating knife blade and results in clean cutting edges.

The arrangement of the components in a vertical manner and the use of multiple parallel production lines, a faster packaging of the contents is possible. It is particularly advantageous that thus different filling pattern of products such. B. 1 × 2, 2 × 2, 3 × 2, 4 × 2 are providable, simply by changing the clock rates. This type of synchronization makes it possible to generate different packaging patterns and at the same time to obtain a suitable gap between the products in order to perform a transverse sealing. Due to the continuous mode of operation, a significantly reduced head height compared to other machines and the associated compact design, an output of up to 400-500 products per minute is possible.

Further advantages and features will become apparent from the claims and from the following description in which an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings is explained in detail. Hereby shows:

1 a first perspective view of essential components of a first embodiment of a tubular bag machine according to the invention obliquely from above;

2 a second perspective view of the tubular bag machine according to the invention according to the first embodiment of obliquely from below;

3 a side view of the bagging machine according to the invention according to the first embodiment;

4 a detailed view of a stacking unit and a product guide according to the first embodiment;

5 a detailed view of a production line of the tubular bag machine according to the invention according to the first embodiment;

6 a detailed view of the configuration of a side folding device;

7 a detailed view of a cutting unit according to the invention;

8th a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tubular bag machine according to the invention;

9 a side view of the bagging machine according to the invention after 8th ;

10 a detailed view of a product guide and a stacking unit according to the second embodiment;

11 a schematic view of a sheet feeder after 8th and 9 ;

11a a detailed view of the sheet feeder of 11 ;

12 an illustration of an invention for lifting or clocking out the products from the stack chain;

13 a Produktportionierer in the context of the device according to the invention;

14 a detailed view of a lower part of the production line according to the second embodiment;

15 16 a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention for packaging lumpy products or tubular bag machine;

16 a perspective view of a transfer unit for transferring the products from the horizontal to the vertical conveying direction substantially opposite to the horizontal conveying direction; and

17 a perspective view of a transfer unit for transferring the products from the horizontal to the vertical conveying direction substantially from the horizontal conveying direction.

The 1 shows essential components of a first embodiment of a tubular bag machine 1 in a perspective view. The machine 1 has product guides 2 in the form of conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 with drive means 2.7 on, the lumpy products, preferably flat cylindrical products, in particular biscuits 3 , by means of several stacking units 4 or at least at least one stacking unit supply further processing or packaging components. The packaging components form in the vertical direction with the product guides 2 and the stacking unit 4 ( 2 - 4 ) a production line 1.1 ( 5 ). In a tubular bag machine 1 Any number of production lines can be arranged side by side. The production line 1.1 and their components are particularly in the 1 to 3 shown in an overview. The process of stacking is particular in 4 seen. In 5 is a production line 1.1 shown in a single illustration without a film feeder.

The product guides 2 (Esp. 1 - 4 ) are in the form of endless conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 formed, consisting of (metal) sheet or plastic, wherein the conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 have a rubberized tread. In this embodiment, six conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 as product guides 2 provided, but it is also readily available more or less conveyor belts used. The other packaging components or components of the machine 1 are at the conveyor end A of the conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 arranged perpendicular to these, with the biscuits 3 first by means of a stacking unit 4 ( 4 ) are stackable and as a stack in the direction of rotation B are pivotable or deflectable. The stacking unit 4 forms with the conveyor belts and other components of a filling area E a deflection unit 1.2 that the transfer of biscuits 3 in gradually shaped tubular bag is used.

The stacking unit 4 In particular, a first deduction unit is sibling 7 ( 1 - 3 ), in addition to a film drive (not shown) a film roll 8th with a foil 9 , Pulleys (not shown) and a double roller 10 having. About the pulleys is the film 9 in a withdrawal direction C (see arrow in 3 ) in conjunction with the rubberized double roller 10 durable under a certain tension and almost wrinkle-free from the film roll 8th removable. The double roller 10 downstream in the withdrawal direction C is an axis with rotating cutting blades 11 used to subdivide the film 9 in narrower foil webs 9.1 are formed.

The foil 9 or a single film web 9.1 is by means of each one of each production line 1.1 associated second deduction unit 12 be fed to the actual packaging components. Here is a form shoulder each 12.1 provided over which the film web 9.1 is drawable. The top of the slide 9 (see also 1 ) later forms the inside of the finished tubular bag. The form shoulder 12.1 is a form element in the conveying direction D. 13 subordinate, in particular 5 shows. At the height of the formula 13 is a longitudinal sealing unit 14 arranged, with which a longitudinal seam can be produced. Behind the form element 13 , arranged rearward to the film guide, is for each a production line 1.1 a take-off roll 15 provided by means of which the film 9 can be continued. As a result, a wrinkle / wave-free guidance of the film 9 guaranteed. The form element 13 in the conveying direction (arrow D) is directly downstream of a gusset device 18 (please refer 5 ), with which on both sides in each case a fold in the sides of the resulting tubular bag is foldable. Below the gusset device 18 is a transverse sealing unit 19 arranged. This at a certain distance, which corresponds to one or two tubular bag lengths of a finished tubular bag, arranged downstream, is a cutting unit 20 ,

The individual packaging components of the production line 1.1 will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the 1 - 4 is in particular the stacking unit 4 shown, wherein the stacking unit 4 in its longitudinal extent perpendicular to a conveying end A of the biscuits 3 is arranged. Essentially, the stacking unit consists 4 in this embodiment of four rotatable pivot arms 4.1 to 4.4 , which by means of annular brackets 4.5 on an axis 5 are mounted. The swivel arms 4.1 - 4.4 are in their longitudinal extent along the axis 5 as long as this one. The annular holders 4.5 are along the axis 5 arranged directly behind one another. The swivel arms 4.1 - 4.4 depending on which of the four brackets 4.5 they are arranged, optionally formed longer to one of its longitudinal sides than to the opposite. The width of the swivel arms 4.1 - 4.4 is the number of conveyor belts 2.1 - 2.6 adapted, so that in one step always from all bands at the same time products 3 in the stacking unit 4 can be dispensed. This ensures that as many pivoting arms as possible can be placed and the width of the conveyor belts can be covered.

The swivel arms 4.1 to 4.4 ( 3 . 4 ) are in this case by means of a common control in the network or individually controlled. Each swivel arm 4.1 to 4.4 has six cassettes in this embodiment 6 as holders for the products 3 on, which are fork-shaped, wherein the associated forks are holding plates having a first space 6.1 and a second spaces 6.2 lock in. The length and width of the spaces 6.1 and 6.2 are essentially sized so that each has a biscuit 3 in height and width is loosely ingestible. In a movement, ie a rotation z. B. a swivel arm 4.1 are preferably two biscuits 3 in a row one after the other in the interstices 6.1 . 6.2 and with it in the cassette 6 fittable.

The swivel arms 4.1 - 4.4 have in a cross-section on a conically tapering towards the center geometry, which also cassettes 6 with different cassette sizes / heights are attachable. This embodiment shows a cassette 6 with two spaces 6.1 . 6.2 for the cookies, but there are also cassettes 6 with only one recess or more spaces possible, so that 3 or more cookies 3 are stackable. A rotation of the swivel arms 4.1 to 4.4 is basically counterclockwise (direction of rotation B), taking the distance from the product guide 2 up to a filling position, a rotation of approx. 270 ° must take place (see also 3 ).

For better retention of biscuits 3 in the cassettes 6 are at the pivot arm facing completion of the spaces 6.1 . 6.2 Air ducts in the form of slit-shaped channels (not shown) are arranged, wherein by means of hollow shafts within the axis of the pivot arm air ducts are fed, one of the cassette 6 allow away flow of air, causing the biscuits 3 in the cassettes 6 sucked in and thus held. In particular in 4 it is shown how such stacking occurs.

So the biscuits 3 from the holder of the cassettes 6 damage-free are just above the formula element 13 an ejector 17 provided (in particular 5 ). The ejector 17 is essentially formed as an elongated fork whose tines 17.1 parallel to the conveying direction A of biscuits are greatly extended. The tips of the tines 17.1 have protective padding 17.2 on, to damage the biscuits 3 to prevent. The ejector 17 is movably mounted in the vertical direction, allowing for the removal of biscuits 3 from the spaces between the cassettes 6 the ejector 17 is vertically movable downwards. The distance of the tines 17.1 is sized so that the cassettes 6 the swivel arms 4 without further ado the ejector 17 can happen.

A second extraction device 12 ( 1 to 3 ) comprises for edge guidance of the film 9 in particular a form shoulder 12.1 , The form shoulder 12.1 has in a conventional manner one of the film 9 facing shoulder blade with a substantially flat inlet area 12.2 , The form shoulder 12.1 continues in the conveying direction of the film 9 with downward thighs 12.3 in the form element 13 , The outer edges of the form shoulder 12.1 are guided so that both parallel to each other in a shaping filling tube (not shown) merge, which has only a small amount in this embodiment, for proper guidance of the film. Radial to this is within the filling tube, a further downwardly extending form element 13 provided, which is essentially a laterally open guide shaft with a rectangular or square cross-section. The form element 13 is in the embodiment according to the invention in 5 shown in combination with other components of the production line. The form element 13 is made of metal and can be configured as a guide with open longitudinal sides or as a tube, wherein a tube has longitudinally formed openings on its longitudinal sides. It closes below the form shoulder 12.1 and corresponds in cross section to the later Bagumfang. In most cases, the form element 13 built from 2 nestable parts, so that the film 9 undergoes a consistent deformation. The leadership of the film edges is designed so that this around the form element 13 and then the latter around its perimeter from the foil 9 is enclosed.

In particular 3 . 5 it can be seen, is in front of the molding element 13 a threading plate 13.1 with a slot 13.2 provided, which thus between the form element 13 and the longitudinal seal unit 14 arranged to merge the film edges for a so-called "fin seal" in which the film edges lie flat against each other, the threading plate 13.1 has centrally in the longitudinal direction of the slot 13.2 on that over the entire length of the threading plate 13.1 is trained. The slot 13.2 is shaped such that foil edges of the film webs 9.1 out of the slot 13.1 can emerge and abut each other at the edges. The form element 13 points to the form shoulder 12.1 opposite side an upward, slightly outwardly bent tab 13.3 on. This serves in particular to insert the cookies 3 to facilitate.

The form element 13 next to it is a transport or conveyor unit 16 for the cookies 3 within the resulting tubular bag, which is a first conveyor belt 16.1 and a second conveyor belt 16.2 having. These conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 are endless belts, by a control unit (not shown) at the same speed as the film 9 are drivable. The conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 have a surface that is covered with a foam or similar material, so that damage to the film 9 be largely avoided.

The conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 are arranged so that they in openings (not shown) of the formula element 13 protrude, with the bands 16.1 . 16.2 Under a slight spring tension, so that under tension, slightly press in the film. This will ensure that incoming cookies 3 not just fall into the bag, but from the two-sided conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 are trappable, and at the speed of the film 9 are conveyed to the bottom of the resulting tubular bag. Furthermore, the bands 16.1 . 16.2 formed longitudinally divided in the middle of their width, so that each biscuit 3 is held optimally within the film from both sides. In addition, thus, a subsequent side folding device 18 be arranged close to the biscuit filling, so that elements of the side folding device 18 in the area of conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 intervene without interfering with the functioning of the latter.

Furthermore, the second extraction device 12 , as in 2 . 3 and 6 is shown at least one take-off roll 15 on, the rear below the Formschulter 12.1 on the form element 13 is arranged. In the vertical continuation of the form shoulder 12.1 is suitably the take-off roll 15 facing a recess provided, in which the take-off roller 16 on the slide 9 attacks. The take-off roll 15 is on a wave 15.1 rotatably mounted and can be controlled by means of a control device (not shown). Such a take-off roll 15 may have an inner cylindrical core of metal, which is coated with a layer of plastic to protect the film from damage. By the arrangement of the take-off roll 15 At this point is the wrinkle- and / or wave-free peelability of the film 9 significantly improved. Other common methods, e.g. B. vacuum transport rollers may also be provided.

In 3 such as 5 a seal of the longitudinal seam of the tubular bag is shown. The longitudinal sealing unit 14 has one longitudinal awning per production line 14.1 for ultrasonic sealing of the film 9 on. The anvil 14.1 in this case has a substantially cylindrical shape with bevelled corners. Towards the top is the anvil 14.1 as a cuboid part with a slot (not shown) is formed on the end face. The slot is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction and has a width dimensioned such that at least one double layer of the film 9 fits in between. The front of the anvil 14.1 is centered in front of the molding element 13 arranged, with the slot 13.1 of the formula element 13 and the slot of the anvil 14.1 Opposite in the vertical direction. This ensures that the film 9 through the slot 13.1 into the slot of the anvil 14.1 protrudes and there is sealed in a continuous mode of operation. Other methods of longitudinal seam sealing, z. As heat sealing or hot air sealing process are also possible.

Furthermore, in 5 a partial view of the bag machine 1 shown along the vertical product guide below the formula element 13 the gusset device 18 is shown. Such is more detailed in 6 shown. The gusset device 18 has two annular folding elements per production line 18.1 above and below the transverse sealing unit 19 on. These are in themselves annular and each have a semi-circular cams 18.2 on one side.

The folding elements 18.1 are in the 6 shown in a starting position at which their cams 18.2 are directed against each other and between them, as on the right side of the 6 is indicated, the bag path runs. A wave 18.3 connects the folding elements 18.1 each with bearings 18.5 , in rectangular housings 18.4 , Via a drive unit 18.6 , each consisting of a drive wheel 18.7 and a second opposite drive wheel 18.7 connecting toothed belt 18.8 , an angle gear 18.9 as well as a wave 18:10 is formed by means of a control unit with a rotary motor 18:11 the folding elements 18.1 set in motion. By the rotation of the folding elements 18.1 push the cams 18.2 in the film tube. The length of the cam 18.2 determines the later depth of the fold.

A gusset device 18 - As described above - is respectively above and below a transverse sealing device 19 arranged. Such a transverse sealing unit 19 is next to 1 also in the 2 . 3 and 5 shown. This is at a distance from the form element 13 arranged. The distance determines the number of biscuits that are packable in a tubular bag. The transverse sealing unit 19 is again an ultrasonic sealing unit, as previously described. The transverse sealing unit 19 however, has an anvil 19.1 and a sonotrode 19.2 on, which are printable against each other. At the anvil 19.1 it is a double anvil, with which a double seam with two transverse seams at a small distance from each other can be set simultaneously. For this purpose, the front end of the anvil 19.1 formed substantially rectangular. A groove (not shown) is formed centrally in the middle, which prevents a seal in this area, as a result of which the double seam can be regulated. The opposite of this anvil 19.1 arranged sonotrode 19.2 Thus, at the same time, the said double seam can be sealed with an upper and a lower single seam. The upper seam forms the lower bag end of a resulting tubular bag, the lower seam forms the upper end seam of an already filled bag. About a control and control unit (not shown) is the ultrasonic unit 19 operable.

7 shows a detailed view of a cutting unit 20 , In a rectangular shaped holder 20.1 is centered on a wave 20.2 an oblong shaped knife 20.3 arranged. By means of a control unit 20.4 is the wave or the knife 20.3 preferably rotatable clockwise. The knife 20.3 indicates its counterpart 20.5 facing edge of a cutting edge 20.6 on. The knife 20.3 is by means of fastening means, in particular screws on the shaft 20.2 attachable in a specific position, the knife 20.3 so in a part-circular cutout in the shaft 20.2 can be used that the cutting edge 20.6 protrudes horizontally from this section. For attachment, the knife has screw holes 20.7 on, with which an easy replacement is given. The counterpart 20.5 is at a certain angle to the knife edge 20.6 arranged so that the knife 20.3 with his cutting edge 20.6 in rotation on the between knife edge 20.6 as well as counterpart 20.5 continuous film 9 can act. The knife may further include a second blade located on the opposite side of the shaft 20.2 is trained.

In the following, an inventive method sequence based on the first embodiments of 1 to 7 be explained in more detail:
First, biscuits 3 over the different conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 supplied to the system, in this example, a machine 1 with six tracks, ie six production lines 1.1 , is shown. At the end of the conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.6 (Promoters A) become the biscuits 3 by means of the transfer and stacking unit 4 brought from a horizontal to a vertical filling position. This is where a first cookie wanders 3.1 in a first space 6.1 the cassette 6 the stacking unit 4 , wherein the respective pivot arm of the stacking unit 4 counterclockwise in one of the conveying speeds of the biscuits 3 adapted speed continues to rotate. The first biscuit 3.1 is done by air intake inside the cassette 6 in the first space 6.1 held. By simultaneously further rotating the swivel arm and further running of the conveyor belt reaches a second biscuit 3.2 the second space 6.2 the cassette 6 the stacking unit 4 , This is also by means of simple suction in the space 6.2 held. The swivel arms 4.1 to 4.4 rotate, as I said, counterclockwise, with a transport of biscuits by 270 °. The swivel arms 4.1 to 4.4 can be individually controlled to respond to fluctuations in product promotion. Is a first swivel arm 4.1 with biscuits 3 stocked and transported the biscuits 3 Next, already can be the next feed biscuits 3 by means of a second pivoting arm 4.2 be recorded. The number of swivel arms used is tunable to the clock speed to be driven. So only two or three swing arms are conceivable.

The filled stacking unit 4 pivoted - as in 1 represented - by a total of 270 ° and the biscuits 3 get into a down-facing vertical position, the cassettes 6 the swivel arms 4.1 - 4.4 between the tines 17.1 the ejector 17 come short, which are intended for each production line. The ejector 17 Perform a short vertical downward movement, causing the biscuits 3 be released from their holder and fall into the other packaging components - namely on the form element 13 in the packaging tube formed by this. Thereafter, the swivel arm continues to rotate in the direction of rotation B, to - again at the conveyor end A of the conveyor belts 2 arrived - new cookies 3 take.

At the same time takes place below the conveyor belts 2.1 to 2.4 Deduction of the film 9 from the roll of film 8th by means of the first extraction unit 7 instead of ( 1 . 2 ), the film 9 by means of the rotating cutting knife 11 in foil webs 9.1 is cut and by means of the second extraction device 12 over a form shoulder 12.1 is pulled. The foil 9 then flows within the form shoulder 12.1 and becomes the downwardly adjoining feature 13 pulled, this through the film 9 is completely enclosed. The form element 13 shapes the tubular bag in the desired shape, the film 9 backwards from a take-off roll 15 slightly under tension. The film edges are through the thighs 12.3 the form shoulder 12.1 around the form element 13 passed and into the slot 13.1 threaded. At the same time, the film edges protrude into a slot of the seal anvil 14.1 , The longitudinal sealing unit 14 seals by ultrasound the said edges continuously to a film tube together.

The cookies 3 fall, as already said, in the film tube ( 3 . 5 ), these being up to the conveyor belts 16.1 and 16.2 , which press lightly into the film of the film tube due to their respective outward tension and into the mold element 13 protrude, be collected and, due to their opposite tension, be carefully and carefully guided into the interior of the bag. The conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 and the foil 9 have the same conveying speeds. At the same time takes place below the longitudinal sealing unit 14 a side fold through the side folder 18 , wherein the folding elements 18.1 press one after the other into the resulting film tube and create a lateral fold. The double-folded film is hereafter referred to as the transverse seal unit 19 sealed in this form, wherein, as described above, a double seam is sealed. After this, once again an operation of the second side folding device takes place 18 , which provides a wrinkle-free transverse seam ( 6 ). The speed, or clock rate of the machine can be set so that a stack of two biscuits 3 or several piles of biscuits 3 can be filled in such a bag. By varying the clock rates are different Einfüllmuster of products such. B. 1 × 2, 2 × 2, 3 × 2, 4 × 2 possible.

Furthermore, after about one or two tubular bag lengths, the separation of gradually formed tubular bags takes place ( 7 ). This is done with the cutting unit 20 accomplished. For this purpose, by means of the control unit 20.4 the wave 20.2 driven, bringing the knife 20.3 around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 20.2 rotates. A cutting process takes place when the cutting edge 20.6 of the knife 20.3 on the counterpart 20.5 meets and slides on this scissor-shaped. The rotation of the wave 20.2 is controlled at a certain speed, so that in each case the intermediate area of the double seam of the knife 20.3 is taken.

The 8th to 14 describe below a second embodiment of a tubular bag machine according to the invention 1 , Like reference numerals designate like parts. The 8th shows the essential components of the second embodiment of a tubular bag machine 1 in a perspective view. The flow wrapper 1 has product guides 2 in the form of conveyor belts 22.1 to 22.5 with drive means (not shown) on which the lumpy products, in particular biscuits 3 , by means of a stacking unit 4 feed the other processing or packaging components. Also in this embodiment, the packaging components form in the vertical direction together with the product guides 2 and the stacking unit 4 production lines 1.1 , The production lines 1.1 and their other components are particularly in the 8th to 10 shown. The stacking unit 4 is in 10 seen. The 12 to 14 show juxtaposed production lines 1.1 in sections in a single illustration without a film feeder for a better overview.

The product guides 2 as successive endless conveyor belts 22.1 to 22.5 are with a rubberized tread provided. The cookies 3 are from a wide endless conveyor belt 22.1 led to the individual tracks, with the range of product guidance 2 to the stacking unit 4 by means of at least four trained as endless conveyor belts, arranged behind one another Separierbändern 22.2 to 22.5 is bridged. These are per production line 1.1 the same education. The separating belts 22.2 to 22.5 are in the design of the 8th sized in length such that at least two cookies 3 find a place in a row. The separating belts 22.2 to 22.5 are assigned drive means (not shown) which drive the four conveyor belts at different speeds. This will ensure that the biscuits 3 from a continuous chain of biscuits 3 at equal intervals, as on the product guides 2 are shown, are guided in a paired arrangement, wherein such Kekspaare are spaced according to the requirements and speed of the machine at a certain desired distance from each other.

As in particular in the 9 . 10 is shown, is the Separierbändern 22.2 to 22.5 a storage tape 24 downstream, which as part of the stacking unit 4 is arranged at the beginning of the same. The storage tape 24 surmounted by its front 24.2 one to the stacking unit 4 belonging stacking chain 25.3 light. The end 24.2 of the storage tape 24 is designed as a movable retraction edge, by means of the tilting movements are feasible to the biscuits 3 in the direction of the stacking chain 25.3 lower.

The stacking chain 25.3 is a band-shaped endless chain, on which protrudes outwardly vertical walls 25.4 are arranged. The walls 25.4 make up for the cookies 3 a substantially U-shaped bracket 25.1 or mug. These are the walls 25.4 L-shaped, with the stack to the chain 25.3 parallel adjacent sections in pairs are directed towards each other. The distances between two walls 25.4 and a holder 25.1 correspond to the size of a biscuit 3 ,

To a small drop height from the storage belt 24 and a safe intake of biscuits 3 between the walls 25.4 to ensure is on both sides of the stacking chain 25.3 one lowering wedge each 24.5 with a gap formed between them ( 10 ) between storage tape 24 and stack chain 25.3 arranged. Between the wedges 24.5 a gap is formed through which the walls 25.4 during operation of the stacker chain 25.3 can slide through. The stacking chain 25.3 has in the side view in 9 in the area of the conveyor end A a rectangular tail with rounded corners. The stacking chain 25.3 is part of a transfer or diversion unit 25 by means of which the products 3 from a horizontal to a vertical filling direction (conveying direction D) can be brought.

These are the stack chains 25.3 from its horizontal extension and direction of movement via a guide roller 25.2 redirected in a vertical extension and movement direction. To fall out of the cookies when leading from the horizontal to the vertical 3 from their mounts 25.1 to prevent is at every production line 1.1 in the deflection of the stacking chain 25.1 this one guide or handrail 25.5 upstream (which is described in more detail below). The handrail 25.5 prevents biscuits 3 fall out of the tracks or allows optimal guidance of the biscuits 3 in the other packaging components. The handrail 25.5 is here in the middle just above the height of the biscuits 3 arranged.

The shape of the handrail 25.5 follows the configuration of the stack chain 25.3 , as 12 shows. The walls 25.4 show at its upper end a recess 25.6 , which is semicircular in shape and has a depth corresponding to the diameter of the support rod 25.5 matches, so for the walls 25.4 the area the handrail 25.5 hedged, damage passable passable.

especially the 12 , but also the 13 show a transfer device 26 for lifting or clocking out the products 3 from the vertical area of the stacking chain 25.3 and for transferring the products to a product portioner 27 , the Indian 13 and described below with reference to this figure.

The transfer device 26 is laterally next to the vertical section of the stacking chain 25.3 arranged and parallel to this in the vertical direction. It has two horizontally spaced endless belts 26.1 on, around the top and bottom guide rollers 26.2 . 26.3 are guided. The endless ribbons 26.1 carry at a distance in their direction of extent, the distance of the brackets or cups 25.1 the stacking chain 25.2 corresponds to a pair of transfer fingers 26.4 , where the distance between the transfer fingers 26.4 a pair of the height of the stacking unit 4 on the storage tape 24 formed product stack, for example, in the embodiment of a product stack of two individual products shown in the figures 3 , On the endless belts 26.1 are firm guides 26.5 attached, in each case one the transfer fingers 26.4 carrying rod 26.6 along its direction of extension and thus guided horizontally movable.

Between the two bands 26.1 is a double curved path 26.7 arranged in the one on the pole 26.6 seated cam (at 26.8 ; Not shown) engages and is guided by the cam. The curved path is from above - near the horizontal area of the stacking chain 25.1 down from back to front, that is guided from a closer to the feed area of the stacking chain to the vertically downwardly moving portion of the same. In the - synchronous with the stacking chain - movement of the transfer device grab the transfer fingers 26.4 from above on both sides of the product stack, ie on its upper and lower surfaces - those in the vertical conveying area of the stacking chain 26.3 are also addressed to. Through the in the curved path 26.7 engaging cam on the the transfer fingers 26.1 carrying rod 26.6 then become the transfer fingers 26.4 through the guides of the cam track 26.7 forward, ie in front of the brackets or cups 25.1 the stack chain moves and thus lift the product stack from the brackets 25.1 the stacking chain 25.3 and hand them over to the product scoop 27 ,

The 13 shows in the lower part of the transfer device 26 before a filling area in the tubular bag such a product portioner 27 , The product portioner 27 is here as a triple endless band over three waves 1.27 . 27.2 and 27.3 guided, wherein the running direction of the conveying direction D corresponds. On the product scoop 27 are at the three endless tapes 27.4 . 27.5 . 27.6 respectively arranged portioning fingers 27.41 . 27.51 . 27.61 attached, which have the same contour and aligned. You have the task of the transfer facility 26 from the stack chain 25.3 pushed out products 3 in the desired formation, in this embodiment, three double layers, one behind the other vertically between each two of the portioning fingers 27.41 . 27.51 to portion to larger product units - in dargstellten embodiment with three stacks á two products like this in the 13 dargstellt is - and then transfer such a product unit to the filling of the continuous bag for packaging in a bag.

Instead of three endless belts, the product portioner can also have two. In principle, the deflection can also take place via two rollers. However, the described embodiment has proven to be advantageous. Depending on the version or length of the product portioner 27 For example, a large number of stacked products can be combined to form one product unit. B. 1, 2, 3 or 4 product stacks.

Below the product guides 2 and the stacking unit 4 is the first deduction unit 7 arranged next to a foil drive 28.1 a roll of film 8th with a foil 9 , various pulleys (not shown) and at least one double roller 10 having. over the pulleys is the film 9 again in a take-off direction C (see 9 ) in conjunction with the rubberized double roller 10 durable under a certain tension and almost wrinkle-free from the film roll 8th removable. The deduction unit 7 also has an axis with rotating cutting blades 11 used to subdivide the film 9 in narrower foil webs 9.1 is trained. The cutting knife 11 are in this embodiment not at a single point on a shaft transverse to the film web 9 but staggered, leaving a large film web gradually into individual film webs with offset cutting blades 11 is divisible. The foil 9 is by means of other pulleys 28.2 S-shaped below the storage belts 24.1 guided. The pulleys 28.2 are on a spreader unit 28.2 attached to the spreading of the cut film webs 9.1 serves.

In the 11 and 11a the pure film flow is shown, wherein in the film 9 first a cut is made in the middle. The foil 9 is stretched before each new cut by an s-shaped arrangement. The spreader unit 28.2 , which is arranged near one end of the film cut, points per film web 9.1 an arrangement of pulleys 28.3 on that the slide 9 S-shaped lead and within this S-shape transverse to the film take-off direction C are mutually movable. If necessary, this is the distance between the film webs 9.1 insofar as changeable that the tubular bag machine 1 with different widths of film rolls 8th is usable.

A spreader unit 28.3 the foil 9 consists of several deflection frames 28.3a , which are adjustable in their angle of rotation. The respective foil web 9.1 is via a deflection frame on the required track offset to the adjacent film 9.1 diverted. The angle of rotation must be adjustable so that different film widths can be set to a specified web offset. The foil web 9.1 is in the deflection frame 28.3a Defined guided back then with the desired offset forward from the deflection 28.3a out run.

The first spread leads to a distance between the two, resulting from the entire roll of film, the first single tracks 9.1 , The second spread creates a distance between the two outer film webs 9.1 to the middle film web. A length compensation for the middle film web is, for the maintenance of the film center length of all film webs 9.1 , necessary. At the outlet of the front six deflection frame is an equal center distance for all film webs 9.1 reached.

The foil 9 or a single film web 9.1 is by means of each production line 1.1 associated second deduction unit 12 be fed to the actual packaging components. The foil web 9.1 is over a form shoulder 12.1 draggable. A peculiarity of the second embodiment is that instead of a molding element, as described in the first embodiment, a folding device is used, wherein the film removal is attached to the rear region, and on the front by means of two rotating sealing bands 29.1 he follows. The sealing tapes 29.1 are a longitudinal sealing unit 29 associated, which generates a continuous longitudinal seam (here a Umlegenaht) by means of a heat-sealing process.

For better film transport, the filling area E is a trigger belt 30 assigned. The trigger belt 30 located at the bottom of the format shoulder 12.1 , and grabs the film from behind 9 one. The trigger belt 30 does the job, the slide 9 tight draw. As already described for the first embodiment, two conveyor belts are laterally of the now resulting film tube 16 arranged, which is a first conveyor belt 16.1 and a second conveyor belt 16.2 include and the guided product transport of biscuits 3 take. The conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 are spring-mounted and press the foil against the side of the product. The speed with which the conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 running corresponds to the film speed.

In 14 is a lower part of a production line 1.1 illustrated, in particular, the side folding device 18 , the intermediate transverse sealing unit 19 as well as the cutting unit 20 are shown. For the description of the side folding device 18 as well as the cutting unit 20 Reference is made to the first embodiment.

In the 14 illustrated transverse sealing unit 19 has a cylindrical seal body 31.1 with a substantially triangular base, which at its corners in each case a sealing jaw 31.2 has. The seal body 31.1 is on a wave 31.3 attached and by means of this shaft 31.3 rotatable. The transverse sealing unit 19 in this embodiment is a heat-sealing unit and is on two sides of each production line adjacent to the transverse sides of the film tube 1.1 in the same combination consisting of sealing body 31.1 and wave 31.3 upstream. The seal body 31.1 are rotatable so that with a rotation of 60 ° the sealing jaws 31.2 both counter-rotating seal body 31.1 press each other and so a seal of the intervening slide 9 trigger.

The process flow of a tubular bag production according to the second embodiment is explained as follows, with the differences from the first embodiment being highlighted:
The cookies 3 be over the conveyor belt 22.1 fed to the plant, and on the Separierbändern 22.2 - 22.5 stored. The cookies 3 be using the Separierbänder 22.2 - 22.5 combined in pairs by different speeds of the individual conveyor belts. The biscuit pairs reach the storage belt 24.1 and from its retreat edge 24.2 by a tilting movement down over the lowering wedge 24.5 successively between two consecutive walls 25.4 on the stack chain 25.3 , The lowering wedges 24.5 prevent the cookies here 3 have too high a fall height, and possibly be damaged. The speeds of the storage belt 24.1 as well as the stacking chain 25.3 are mutually regulated so that the biscuits 3 fall successively in the same space and thus stacked on each other. The stacking chain 25.3 moves continuously, eliminating the walls 25.4 also move continuously in the conveying direction. The walls 25.4 pass the gap between the lowering wedges 24.5 and possibly pull on the lowering wedges 24.5 stacked biscuits 3 with himself. The cookies 3 be on the stack chain 25.3 lying supplied to the other packaging components. This includes by means of the transfer or deflection unit 25 a change of the horizontal conveying direction in a vertical conveying direction D, wherein the support rod 25.5 falling out of the cookies 3 prevented. While the stacking chain 25.3 The products continue to run at a constant rate 3 between two transfer fingers 26.4 grasped in the manner described above and by means of this from the holder 25.1 the walls 25.4 of the stacker conveyor 25.3 lifted. The products 3 be at a certain distance, the height of the walls 25.4 corresponds, from the sponsor 25.3 moved forward and to the product scoop 27 to hand over.

These are the individual of endless belts 27.4 . 27.5 . 27.6 of the product portioner 27 individually controlled. First of all, one of the endless conveyors carries a portioning finger carried by the latter into the region of the transfer device 26 moved so that the transfer fingers 26.4 store one of them detected and held product stack on the appropriate Portionierfinger and can release in the manner described. Subsequently, the portioning finger carrying the product stack is lowered by the height of the product stack (here corresponding to the diameter of the products), so that the next transfer finger 26.4 its product stack, already on the product porter 27 can hold stored etc. until the product unit intended for a packaging is reached (here 3 stacks á two products). Subsequently, another portioning finger of another endless belt is lowered on the product unit held in this way, so that it is between two portioning fingers, for. B. 27.41 and 27.51 held and can be further promoted. In the following then takes another Portionierfinger, z. B. 27.61 the Next stack and successively the next product unit in the manner described.

At the same time takes place below the feeder 2 a print of the film 9 from the roll of film 8th by means of the first extraction unit 7 instead, taking the slide 9 by means of the cutting knife 11 in foil webs 9.1 is cut and over a form shoulder 12.1 is deducted. The foil 9 flows below the Formschulter 12.1 between two conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 a conveyor unit 16 and is between the sealing bands 29.1 . 29.2 the longitudinal sealing unit 14 threaded. The foil 9 is done by means of the sealing tapes 29.1 . 29.2 and the trigger belt 30 which is arranged rearwardly of the film, continued. The film edges are between the seal bands 29.1 and 29.2 held with the edges slightly under tension. The longitudinal sealing unit 14 seals the edges of the film by means of a heat-sealing process 9 continuously to a film tube together.

The cookies 3 continue to be by means of the deflection 1.2 passed into the incipient film tube, being in the catchment area of the conveyor belts 16.1 and 16.2 arrive, which are arranged laterally of the filling area E. The conveyor belts 16.1 and 16.2 protrude, as previously described, in the film of the resulting film tube, thereby catching the incoming biscuit 3 and guide them carefully and carefully into the interior of the resulting bag. At the same time takes place below the longitudinal sealing unit 14 again a side fold through the side folding device 18 , and a transverse seal by means of the transverse sealing unit 19 , Here, the seal bodies rotate 31.1 on both sides of the plant in opposite manner to each other, so that the sealing jaws 31.2 the seal body 31.1 Depending on the timing, compress in such a way that a cross seam is sealed. By the pressure and by the heat of the sealing jaws 31.2 The film is welded together at these locations.

In the further course of the separation of gradually resulting tubular bags takes place, which in turn of the cutting unit 20 is accomplished.

The 16 to 17 show a further embodiment of essential parts of a device according to the invention namely the range of horizontal feed and transfer from the horizontal into a vertical device and the separation of the individual products of several individual products existing product units, which are packaged as such product units in a packaging unit, as in the above already described.

Like parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Insofar as individual elements and functions are not described in detail below, they agree with the first and / or second embodiment described above, so that reference is made to the description there.

Also in the embodiment of 15 to 17 become the lumpy products 3 , especially long-life baked goods, such as biscuits, especially filled biscuits, on a product guide 2 with a first common conveyor belt 22.1 fed. To the first common conveyor belt 22.1 close to a plurality of juxtaposed conveyor lines, each of a plurality of successively arranged Separierbändern 22.2 to 22.6 are formed. These have different speed and that of the band 22.2 to the band 22.6 each higher speed, which is achieved by the distance between the individual products 3 is enlarged.

Below the product feeder 22 is in the 15 to recognize the feeding of the film and the film webs formed therefrom by longitudinal separation to the actual packaging and sealing unit, as particularly with reference to the 1 to 3 such as 8th . 11 . 11a has already been described, to which reference is made, since the configuration in the third embodiment shown here is not different insofar.

At the discharge end of the last Separierbandes 22.6 there is a transfer unit 1.2 , This sees a stacking shaft or a product guide 32 in front ( 16 . 17 ), the here or here by vertical guide rods 32.4 having such a distance from each other that the products 3 without friction by the guide rods 32.4 be guided without having too much lateral play. At the upper end, the guide rods 26.4 a turn 32.5 outward, so that in this area the product leadership 32 is expanded and the products 3 can be easily inserted without being inhibited at the top of one of the rods, which could cause them to tilt.

Like that 16 and 17 can be seen further, is a product guide 32 a product scoop 27 assigned, as already for the second embodiment with reference to particular the 12 . 13 has been described, to which reference is expressly made. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a product conveyor 27 also from three juxtaposed endless belts 27.4 . 27.5 . 27.6 , in the illustrated embodiment, three are arranged in a triangle Walzentripel 1.27 . 27.2 . 27.3 out three juxtaposed rollers of the product portioner before the end of Separierbandes 22.6 guided, with its top flush with the top of this band and the transfer finger 27.41 . 27.51 . 27.61 Aligns, so the transfer finger 27.41 . 27.51 . 27.61 is directed horizontally so that it can be pushed onto him the next incoming product. The following is the transfer finger 27.41 cyclically driven down, each containing a new product on the top of the top product in one by a transfer finger 27.41 held product unit can be postponed until the desired number of products of a product unit is reached. Subsequently, another transfer finger 27.51 moved over the product unit so formed, so that this between two transfer fingers 27.41 . 27.51 is included. Subsequently, a small gap is left, whereupon by means of the third endless belt, a third transfer finger 27.61 in horizontal alignment with the conveyor belt 22.6 is brought, so that a further product stack can be formed in the manner described, in turn, then another transfer finger is placed to complete.

In this way, it is achieved that a sufficient distance is formed between product units (for example, eight) to be packaged in each case in a packaging in order in particular to enable the transverse sealing seam.

While another product unit is formed in the manner described, the previously formed product unit is carried down into the film tube and the delivery unit 16 with the conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 promoted, with resting on the product unit upper transfer finger 27.51 the task has to be postponed the entire product unit, so that these and in particular the individual products do not simply fall into the film tube, but are forcibly guided into this, until the product unit of the conveyor belts 16.1 . 16.2 the conveyor unit is detected.

The further processing is done in the above, in particular to the embodiment of 1 described manner (closing the film tube by mistake with a longitudinal seam, transverse seal, etc.).

The inventive arrangement of the components, it is possible a multi-lane tubular bag machine 1 to create, which is able to produce the desired Seitenfaltbeutel in large quantities in parallel and in particular horizontally fed lumpy products, such as biscuits 3 to be stacked and filled as a stack in the vertically oriented formed tubular bag.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Fill and seal machine

1.1

production line

1.2

Transfer unit (deflection unit)

2

product guides

2.1-2.6

conveyor belts

2.7

drive means

3

Products / Biscuits

3.1

first biscuit

3.2

second biscuit

4

stacker

4.1-4.4

swing arms

4.5

bracket

5

axis

6

cassette

6.1

first gap

6.2

second space

7

first deduction unit

8th

film roll

9

foil

9.1

sheet

10

double roll

11

rotating cutting blades

12

second deduction unit

12.1

forming shoulder

12.2

intake area

12.3

leg

13

forming element

13.1

Einfädelplatte

13.2

slot

13.3

flap

14

Longitudinal sealing unit

14.1

sealing anvil

15

off roll

15.1

wave

16

delivery unit

16.1

first conveyor belt

16.2

second conveyor belt

17

ejector

17.1

prong

17.2

protective padding

18

Seitenfalteinrichtung

18.1

folding elements

18.2

cam

18.3

wave

18.4

casing

18.5

camp

18.6

drive unit

18.7

drive wheel

18.8

toothed belt

18.9

angle gear

18:10

wave

18:11

rotary engine

19

Transverse sealing unit

19.1

anvil

19.2

sonotrode

20

cutting unit

20.1

bracket

20.2

wave

20.3

knife

20.4

control unit

20.5

counterpart

20.6

cutting edge

20.7

opening

22

product guides

22.1

conveyor belt

22.2-22.6

Separierbänder

24

depositing belt

24.2

End of storage tape

24.5

wedge jacks

25

Transfer unit

25.1

Bracket (cup)

25.2

stack chain

25.3

stack chain

25.4

walls

25.5

Handrail

25.6

recess

26

Transfer device

26.1

endless belts

26.2

deflecting

26.3

deflecting

26.4

Transfer finger

26.5

guides

26.6

pole

26.7

cam track

27

Produktportionierer

27.1-27.3

waves

27.41-27.61

Portionierfinger

28.1

film drive

28.2

guide rollers

28.3

spreading

28.3a

Umlenkrahmen

29.1

sealing tape

29.2

sealing tape

30

extraction belt

30.1

wave

31.1

seal body

31.2

sealing jaw

31.3

wave

32

product leadership

32.4

guide bars

32.5

turn

A

delivery end

B

direction of rotation

C

withdrawal direction

D

conveying direction

e

filling area

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007012862 B3 [0003]
• DE 202009012907 [0032]

Claims (29)

Apparatus for packaging lumpy products, such as tubular bags, whereby the products ( 3 ) are fed horizontally, characterized by a transfer unit ( 1.2 ) for handing over the products ( 3 ) from the horizontal feed direction in a vertical filling direction (D). Device according to claim 1, characterized by a product portioner ( 27 ) for separating a plurality of products ( 3 ) formed product units. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the product portioner ( 27 ) on endless tapes ( 27.4 - 27.6 ) guided portioning fingers ( 27.41 - 27.61 ) for accommodating in each case one product unit from a plurality of products ( 3 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer unit ( 1.2 ) is designed to transfer the products with maintained alignment, in particular horizontal orientation. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer unit ( 1.2 ) as a deflection unit for the guided deflection of the products ( 3 ), so that the products ( 4 ) are stackable and stacked a filling area (E) can be fed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer unit ( 1.2 ) for passing the products ( 3 ) and that the products ( 3 ) in resulting tubular bag by means of at least one, preferably two laterally of the filling region (E) arranged conveyor belts ( 16.1 . 16.2 ) are fillable. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the deflection unit ( 1.2 ) a stacking unit ( 4 ), with which at least two products ( 3 ) are stackable on each other. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the products ( 3 ) in the deflection unit ( 1.2 ) in brackets ( 6 . 24 ) are held. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the stacking unit ( 4 ) a stack chain ( 24.3 ), the outwardly formed U-shaped brackets ( 6 . 24 ), whereby the products ( 3 ) from a storage belt ( 24.1 ) in the holders by means of laying wedges ( 24.5 ) are feasible. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by a transfer device ( 26 ) with transfer fingers acting on the products ( 26.4 ) for lifting (exposing) the same from cups or holders ( 25.3 ) of a stack chain ( 25.1 ) and for transfer to another sponsor ( 27 ). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized by a cam guide ( 26.7 ) for the staple fingers. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one extraction device ( 7 . 12 ) for a packaging material, wherein a first extraction device ( 7 ) a double roller ( 10 ) and a second extraction device ( 12 ), a form shoulder ( 12.1 ) and / or a take-off roll ( 15 ) and / or a transport belt ( 30 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that packaging material, in particular a film ( 9 ), of a film roll ( 8th ) by means of the first extraction device ( 7 ) is removable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film ( 9 ) by means of the second extraction device ( 12 ) is shapeable in a tubular film having a rectangular and / or round cross-sectional shape. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a longitudinal sealing device associated with the filling region ( 14 ) for sealing the longitudinal seam of the tubular bag. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a transverse sealing unit ( 19 ) for producing at least one transverse seam. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the longitudinal sealing unit ( 14 ) downstream gusset device ( 18 ) for folding at least one of the sides of the tubular bag folding elements ( 18.1 ), which via two laterally arranged to the film tube shafts ( 18.3 ) against and / or in the same direction engaging in the sides of the film tube are movable. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that a folding element ( 17.1 ) at least one cam ( 18.2 ), whose dimension corresponds to the depth of the Seitenfalzes in the film tube. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least one side folding device ( 18 ) for folding the pages of the Tubular bag of the transverse sealing unit ( 19 . 31 ) is upstream and / or downstream. Process for packaging chunky products, such as biscuits, in tubular bags, whereby the products ( 3 ) are supplied horizontally, characterized in that a transfer unit ( 1.2 ) the products ( 3 ) from a horizontal feed direction to vertical fill (D). A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the products are separated by means of a Produktportionierers in product units formed from a plurality of individual products. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that the product units are separated by means of endless belts guided portioning fingers, each receiving a product unit of a plurality of products. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the products ( 3 ), in particular before separation, are stacked and fed to a filling region (E) in a controlled manner. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the products ( 3 ) by means of a stacking unit ( 4 ) into stacks of at least two superimposed products ( 3 ) are stacked. Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that products ( 3 ) by means of laterally a filling region (E) arranged conveyor belts ( 16.1 . 16.2 ) are filled in resulting tubular bag. Method according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the products are handed over while retaining their orientation, in particular their horizontal orientation, for vertical filling. Method according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the products are diverted to distribute in their orientation, preferably by 90 °. Method according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the products are transferred from holders (cups) to be conveyed conveyor chain by acting on the products transfer fingers to a further conveyor chain. A method according to claim 28, characterized in that the transfer fingers are controlled by means of a cam control.

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