DE102016106981A1 - Transport bar and filling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport strip (1) is proposed for transporting packaging materials (12) to be filled, for example cups and / or buckets, in a filling machine (10), in particular in a rotary machine, which by means of a transport device (11) of the filling machine (10). is movable on a transport path and has the shape of a plate in order to turn off at least one packaging material (12) when passing through the filling machine (10). To increase the flexibility, the transport strip (1) has at least one recess (2, 4, 5) in the surface on at least one of the two sides (3) of the plate to support the packaging material (12) and / or handling of the packaging material (12).

Description

The invention relates to a transport strip for transporting packaging materials to be filled, for example of cups and / or buckets in a filling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a filling machine according to the preamble of claim 12.

Numerous filling machines are known from the prior art, with which so-called packaging materials can be filled. In particular, so-called rotary and longitudinal rotor are known in which the appropriate packaging, for example, cardboard, cups or buckets are moved over a transport path and thereby filled and usually closed. The corresponding packaging materials are usually transported standing or hanging. Especially with hanging packaging materials is often important to ensure that they, especially in the filled state, do not have too high weight, which in particular packaging materials can be deformed.

The object of the invention is to provide a transport bar, which allows a particularly flexible and safe use.

The object is achieved on the basis of a transport strip of the type mentioned above and of a filling machine of the type mentioned above, by the characterizing features of claim 1 and of claim 12.

The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are possible.

The transport strip according to the invention is used for transporting to be filled packaging materials. As already stated above, packaging materials can be cups or buckets, but also cartons or other packaging. These special containers are filled in a filling machine, which in turn can be liquid or soft substances such as milk products such as yoghurt or quark, but also bulk goods such as noodles in the goods to be filled. Above all, these machines are used in the food or food processing industry.

In the present case, the filling process can in principle be carried out in a filling machine, which is designed as a longitudinal rotor; but it can also be done particularly advantageous in a so-called rotary. In the case of a rotary machine, space is thereby saved in that the transport path takes place in a specific section on an arc-shaped segment, in most cases even with a circulation of more than 270 °. The transport device initially transports the generally lower part of the corresponding packaging material, that is, for example, the cup or bucket, which is open at the top. The packaging materials can previously be separated from a supply. In the case of cups or buckets, for example, these are usually stacked in one another and are pulled out of this stack individually during separation.

The transport device can be designed differently. In a rotary machine, for example, a rotatable disk can be provided, on which the packaging materials stand or in which the packaging materials hang, for example pails in the turntable arranged in accordance with the holes in size. By means of the transport strip according to the invention, first of all a special degree of flexibility can be generated because the transport strip is a plate-like shape, which is therefore rather flat.

The transport strip according to the invention may be designed to receive a single piece of packaging material, ie a single cup or a single bucket, for example, d. H. The transport bar is used so that a single cup or bucket can be placed on it. It is also conceivable that a single transport bar allows two or more pieces of packaging material, so two or more cups or buckets or the like are placed on it to be processed in particular at the same time, in particular to be able to be filled. The transport bar can therefore basically be used for single or multi-lane use.

The transport strip is formed as a plate or has a plate-like shape, d. h., It extends substantially in a surface and is usually not high, in proportion to the extent within this area. Accordingly, at least one recess is provided in the transport strip according to the invention, which is provided for handling the packaging material, in particular for holding the packaging material.

The packaging material must not slip during transport. In general, unless a separate sensory detection of the packaging material is made while standing on the transport bar, it is assumed that the transport strip is arranged at a predefined position of the transport path or the transport device and with respect to the transport strip and the packaging material a holds predetermined position. This fact facilitates in particular the controlling or programming and programming of a filling machine, because thus with each individual filling material from constant positions can be assumed. The corresponding coordinates must be programmed accordingly only once. In order to ensure such a consistent positioning, at least one holding contour for holding the packaging material during transport may be provided, in particular for the slipping-proof placement of the packaging material. This holding contour can be matched to the size, in particular the size of the bottom surface of the packaging material, so that the packaging material is held within the contour and the holding contour forms an obstacle, so that the packaging material can not slip.

In order to use a corresponding transport bar for various packaging materials, at least two holding contours of different size or shape can be provided to transport the packaging material. Thus, not even the transport bar must be replaced if appropriate holding contours for different shapes or sizes are already present.

In order to be able to increase the flexibility still further, holding contours can be arranged on both sides of the plate in one embodiment of the invention, so that they can be used on both sides. By this measure, the transport bar can be used for a variety of shapes and sizes. The filling machine can be used in a simple manner for various packaging materials, the transport bar may not even need to be replaced or turned if the holding contours on a particular page are already suitable for the desired packaging materials. If the corresponding holding contour is arranged on the underside of the transport bar, it may have to be turned over.

The retaining contours can be arranged and designed as simple recesses or groove structures or in particular as steps. A groove-like structure can be used, for example, when the packaging material is a container whose outer edge runs deeper relative to the remaining bottom region of the lid, so that this edge can stand or latch between two adjacent grooves. This edge is then held by the two adjacent grooves. Both in a flat soil structure as well as in the aforementioned embodiment of a packaging material but also stages can be used as holding contours. These steps can be arranged like stair treads with smaller diameter packing materials inside and larger diameter packing materials farther out. So there is a concentric arrangement. At these stages, the smaller diameter packaging materials are correspondingly arranged deeper within the transport strip than those with a larger diameter. These geometric arrangements can be programmed accordingly. For smaller packaging materials with a smaller diameter, a deeper support within the transport device or transport path would accordingly have to be specified. In principle, even if, for example, a multi-lane filling takes place, individual separate recesses may be arranged. The transport bar can therefore be adapted in a particularly advantageous manner to a variety of packaging materials.

According to the invention, a recess can also be used so that with a mechanical actuator through the recess, in particular from the side facing away from the parked piece of packaging material, can be moved to move the piece of packaging material relative to the transport bar. As a rule, therefore, the mechanical actuator can usually be moved through from below through the transport bar or through the recess. A mechanical actuator may in particular be a pick-up device, which is used, for example, when the packaging materials are removed from the supply and positioned on the transport strip. It can also be used as a positioning aid to give the appropriate packaging material a direction during transport to the transport bar.

In addition, other mechanical actuators can be used, for example, a weighing device with the before, during or after filling the weight of the unfilled or filled packaging material is determined. As a rule, the packaging material is first tared, d. H. The empty weight is determined and, starting from this during the filling process, it is measured how high the weight increase is until the weight increase corresponds to the intended filling quantity. The actuator can also be a lifting device, which comes into play particularly in weighing stations. Some packaging materials are sealed at the upper edge of the opening, for example with a foil. This film is applied and the edge is heated by an appropriate tool. In order to achieve a good and uniform sealing result, the packaging material is pressed against the tool. In particular, then, when an actuator or a tool to attack from below to the packaging material, the corresponding recess can be used without an additional lifting or a lateral retraction in the region of the transport route is necessary.

It is also conceivable that other movable devices are used as a mechanical actuator, such as sensors, the should come into contact with the packaging material or must be brought into its area. In addition, the recess acts weight saving, with respect to the transport bar. In principle, it can therefore also be used in a filling machine when it is not necessary to drive mechanical actuators through the recess. However, a special degree of flexibility is also due to the fact that fundamentally different packaging materials or packaging material forms can be conveyed on the transport strip. The mechanical actuator can thus attack the bottom region of the packaging material and is generally largely independent of the remaining shape of the packaging material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess passes completely through the plate-like shape, d. H. the recess forms at least one hole within the transport bar, so that it can be completely penetrated by mechanical actuator.

In particular, it may be advantageous if at least one recess detects the center of the transport bar. Such an embodiment is particularly characterized when the packaging material is also centered on the transport bar, which is usually advantageous only for geometric reasons, so that the transport bar is evenly loaded and can be mounted in the transport direction, for example, also centrally on the transport route , If, however, the at least one recess engages the center of the transport strip, it can generally also detect the center of the packaging material to be deposited. This means that a mechanical actuator can attack the packaging material centrally from below. Especially when lifting, it is of advantage so that the most homogeneous possible weight distribution is present on the actuator. This is for example the advantage to obtain a uniform weighing result in connection with a weighing device. But otherwise mechanical handling is easier if the package is raised in the middle or on its center axis, so there is a static balance and the package can not tip over.

In addition, in one embodiment variant of the invention, the at least one recess can also have arms running from the middle of the transport strip in the direction of the edge region. On the intermediate areas of the arms, which are not broken, the packaging material can stand, d. H. These areas serve as support areas for the packaging material. However, in order to make the support surface larger, the mechanical actuator can only limited drive through the transport bar on the recess forming arms and thus hold the packaging material. In principle, moreover, a plurality of recesses may also be provided, so that individual mechanical actuators can pass through one another separately from one another. Incidentally, it is also conceivable that several mechanical actuators pass through a single, continuous recess at the same time. Moreover, the at least one recess may also be formed symmetrically with respect to an axis in the plane of the plate in one embodiment. In particular, a symmetrical weight distribution on both sides can thus take place with respect to the axis.

So that the transport strips do not slip, an attachment device can be provided in the transport device for the packaging materials in one embodiment. It is also conceivable in principle that the transport strips are inserted into corresponding recesses. In addition, however, a connector may be provided to aufzustecken the transport rails on the transport device. If, for example, a turntable is provided in the rotary machine, the transport bar can be plugged into individual plug-in connections which are already preassembled on the turntable.

The corresponding advantages of the invention can be used in a filling machine for filling of packaging materials in a corresponding manner, when the transport device is equipped with a transport bar according to the invention or with corresponding embodiments. In particular, as already shown, the transport strips can be arranged on a turntable. Particularly advantageous is the use of the transport bar in connection with a pick-up device, a weighing device, a positioning aid for a sealing station or an export device. In an export device, the packaging material is usually raised until its bottom is above the transport bar. The packaging material can then be removed by a pick-up from the transport route.

embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below, giving further details and advantages.

In detail show:

1 a schematic representation of a transport bar according to the invention,

2 a section of a filling machine with transport strips according to the invention, which are mounted on a turntable, and

3 a perspective view of part of a filling machine with turntable and transport rails gem. the invention.

1 shows a transport bar 1 , which is designed as a plate. The transport bar 1 is with a recess 2 provided for use of actuators, which passes completely through the plate. In addition, the transport bar has 1 according to their top 1 two further recesses in the form of retaining contours 4 . 5 on. These holding contours 4 . 5 are stepped. The holding contours are arranged symmetrically about a center M. The individual stages 4 . 5 are assigned to different sizes of packaging materials. In the present case, the transport bar is used, for example, for buckets, which during transport over the transport line of the filling machine on the transport bars 1 stand. The buckets fit in terms of their size and shape in the retaining contours 4 . 5 , ie larger bucket corresponding to the holding contour 4 , smaller bucket in the holding contour 5 , The holding contours 4 . 5 , which are each formed as steps, bring with it the advantage that on the one hand to be filled bucket at the edges of the stages of the holding contours 4 . 5 can be present. Thus, a sufficient stability and a slip protection is ensured during transport.

So the holding contours 4 . 5 , which are to be assigned to different packaging material sizes, together on the side 3 the transport bar 1 can be arranged, they are offset in height by their step-like arrangement, ie that a packaging material in the contour 5 fits lower than a packaging material, the retaining contour 4 is to be assigned. This height offset is easily taken into account in the programming of the filling machine, especially when it comes to knowing the position and height of the packaging materials, for example, when sealing or when providing the packaging materials with a lid.

The recess 2 is initially designed so that mechanical actuators have enough space to the appropriate packaging material, for example, from the transport bar 1 to lift / raise. First, the recess captures 2 the center of the packaging material to be deposited. Especially when the transport bar 1 is merely plugged onto the transport device or on a turntable, it is advantageous, the recess 2 or the holding contours 4 . 5 approximately in the middle of the top 3 the transport bar 1 to arrange. Even when lifting the corresponding actuator thus supports the packaging material on an axis that passes through the center of gravity, so thus a reliable static when lifting the packaging material can be achieved so that the packaging material can rest safely on the actuator and does not tip. To allow a special secure engagement, the recess comprises 2 poor 2 ' , which run in a star shape from the center or from the center M to the outside. Between the respective poor 2 ' are the areas of the transport bar 1 that with the retaining contours 4 . 5 are provided.

In a particularly preferred manner, the actuator of the filling machine, that through the recess 2 is driven through, also with holding contours, analogous to the holding contours 4 . 5 the transport bar 1 be designed. Here are the same advantages as with the retaining contours 4 . 5 the transport bar 1 be achieved, in particular a special security against tilting.

In the holding plate 1 are holes 6 incorporated, which serve as a plug connection. In the corresponding transport device of a filling machine, for example a turntable, corresponding retaining pins may be provided, so that the transport bar 1 over the holes 6 is held non-slip on the transport device here. In a particularly advantageous manner, such a connector allows 6 but also that the transport bar can be easily replaced. A connector can be easily detached by the transport bar 1 is simply lifted out of the connection. A screw is basically possible, but not necessary, because usually only forces occur during transport by means of the transport device of the filling machine, which are parallel to the plate plane or to the side 3 the transport bar runs, ie there are no lateral forces to the transport route in the rule, which would be suitable for the transport bar 1 to dig out of the transport route.

Such a transport bar 1 can also be designed so that on the side of the page 3 opposite another structure is arranged, in particular, for example, other holding contours, as the holding contours 4 . 5 are provided, for example, with a different shape or size. That way, the transport bar could 1 Simply turned around and used for other packaging materials, so on the one hand, the cost of another transport bar can be saved and also the filling machine can be easily restructured.

• – Zunächst wird der entsprechende Eimer 12 aus einem Vorrat an Eimern separiert. Hierzu können Abholvorrichtungen eingesetzt werden, die insbesondere eine Positionierhilfe aufweisen. Dieses mechanische Stellglied kann durch die Ausnehmungen 2 der Transportleiste 1 hindurchgefahren werden und dafür sorgen, dass der ausgesonderte Eimer entsprechend auch in seine Position in den Haltekonturen 4 oder 5 findet.
• – Des Weiteren kann eine Wiegestation vorgesehen sein, bei der ein Stellglied von unten durch die Ausnehmung 2 hindurchfährt und den Eimer wiegt. Ein Wiegeprozess kann vor dem Befüllen durchgeführt werden, um noch einmal das genaue Eimergewicht zu ermitteln und auch vor Schwankungen innerhalb des Eimervorrats sicher zu sein. Der Wiegevorgang kann dann auch während des Befüllens weiter durchgeführt werden, d. h. der Eimer wird von unten durch das mechanische Stellglied angehoben, das gleichzeitig eine Waage beinhaltet, während von oben das Füllgut, zum Beispiel Joghurt eingefüllt wird, bis das Soll-Gewicht erreicht ist.
• – Bei einigen Packstoffen ist es notwendig, diese zu versiegeln. Zum Beispiel ist es bei Joghurteimern für einige Hersteller zwar ausreichend, den Eimer durch einen entsprechenden Deckel nach obenhin abzuschließen, andere Hersteller bevorzugen es jedoch, die Öffnungsfläche, bevor sie mit einem Deckel abgeschlossen wird, mit einer Folie zu versiegeln. Dazu wird eine Folie über die Öffnung aufgebracht und mit einem entsprechenden Werkzeug an den Rändern erwärmt, so dass eine leichte Verschmelzung stattfindet und die Siegelfolie dichtet, jedoch einfach von Hand wieder abgezogen werden kann. Um diesen Vorgang zu unterstützen, wird der Eimer gegen das Siegelwerkzeug leicht gedrückt beziehungsweise unterstützt.
• – Im weiteren Verlauf der Transportstrecke werden Deckel aufgebracht.
• – Schließlich wird der Eimer aus der Transportvorrichtung 10 des Drehtellers ausgeworfen. Hierzu wird er durch ein mechanisches Stellglied angehoben und über eine Transportführung aus der Transportstrecke des Drehtellers 10 entfernt.

2 shows a section of a filling machine 10 according to the invention with a turntable 11 , On the turntable 11 are transport bars 1 attached. The filling machine 10 works as a rotary. On the transport route, through the turntable 11 is defined as a transport device, the following process steps can then even be carried out:

• - First, the corresponding bucket 12 separated from a supply of buckets. For this purpose, pick-up devices can be used, which in particular have a positioning aid. This mechanical actuator can through the recesses 2 the transport bar 1 be driven through and ensure that the segregated bucket accordingly also in its position in the holding contours 4 or 5 place.
• - Furthermore, a weighing station may be provided, in which an actuator from below through the recess 2 passes through and weighs the bucket. A weighing process can be performed before filling to once again determine the exact bucket weight and also to be safe from fluctuations within the bucket stock. The weighing process can then also be carried out during filling, ie the bucket is lifted from below by the mechanical actuator, which simultaneously includes a scale, while from above the contents, for example, yogurt is filled until the target weight is reached.
• - For some packaging materials it is necessary to seal them. For example, with yoghurt pots for some manufacturers it may be sufficient to top the bucket with a corresponding lid, but other manufacturers prefer to seal the opening area with a foil before closing it with a lid. For this purpose, a film is applied over the opening and heated with a corresponding tool at the edges, so that a slight fusion takes place and the sealing film seals, but can be easily removed by hand again. To assist in this process, the bucket is lightly pressed or supported against the sealing tool.
• - In the course of the transport route covers are applied.
• - Finally, the bucket from the transport device 10 ejected from the turntable. For this purpose, it is lifted by a mechanical actuator and a transport guide from the transport path of the turntable 10 away.

In 3 is accordingly a section of a filling machine 10 with a turntable 11 and one on a transport bar 1 parked bucket 12 to see. The bucket 12 fits in the retaining contour 5 , Through the recess 2 the transport bar 1 can actuators 7 . 8th be moved, with actuator 7 to pick up the buckets 12 from a supply with a suction device 7 ' Is provided. The actuator 8th serves to eject the buckets 12 from the turntable 11 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

transport bar

2

passable recess

2 '

Ausnehmungsarm

3

top

4

retaining contour

5

retaining contour

6

Bore for plug connection

7

Actuator with suction device

8th

actuator

10

filling device

11

turntable

12

bucket

M

center

Claims (13)

Transport bar ( 1 ) for transporting packaging materials to be filled ( 12 ), for example of cups and / or buckets, in a filling machine ( 10 ), in particular in a rotary, which by means of a transport device ( 11 ) of the filling machine ( 10 ) is movable on a transport path and has the shape of a plate in order to have at least one packaging material ( 12 ) when driving through the filling machine ( 10 ), characterized in that the transport bar ( 1 ) at least one recess ( 2 . 4 . 5 ) in the surface on at least one of the two sides ( 3 ) of the plate to the packaging material ( 12 ) and / or handling of the packaging material ( 12 ). Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the at least one recess as a retaining contour ( 4 . 5 ) for holding the packaging material ( 12 ) during transport through the holding contour ( 4 . 5 ) certain position, in particular for slip-proof placement of the packaging material ( 12 ) is provided. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two retaining contours ( 4 . 5 ) of different size and / or shape are provided in order to 12 ) of different size and / or shape. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport strip ( 1 ) on both sides of the plate in each case with the at least one recess formed as a holding contour ( 4 . 5 ) is provided on both sides as a holder of packaging materials ( 12 ) can be used. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one as retaining contour ( 4 . 5 ) formed recess as a depression and / or as a step and / or is formed as a groove structure, which is arranged in particular symmetrically about the center of the associated surface. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the at least one recess ( 2 ) is designed so that with a mechanical actuator ( 7 . 8th ) through the recess ( 2 ), in particular from the side, which the parked packaging material ( 12 ) is turned away, drive and the packaging material ( 12 ) relative to the transport bar ( 1 ) to move and / or direct. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess ( 2 ) completely penetrates the plate. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess ( 2 ) detects the center (M) of the transport bar. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess running from the center of the transport bar in the direction of the edge region arms ( 2 ' ) having. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess ( 2 . 4 . 5 ) is symmetrical with respect to an axis in the plane of the plate. Transport bar ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an attachment device for attachment to a transport device of a filling machine is present, so that the transport bar can be moved with the transport device via a transport path, wherein the attachment device is in particular detachably connectable to the transport device, preferably via a Plug connection ( 6 ). Filling machine for filling packaging materials ( 12 ), for example of cups and / or, in particular rotary, with a transport device for transporting the Packsoffs to be filled, in particular of cups and / or buckets, over a transport route, so filled on the transport route, the cups and / or buckets and / or can be further processed, characterized in that on and / or on the transport device, in particular on a turntable ( 11 ), at least one transport strip according to one of the preceding claims is arranged. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mechanical actuator ( 7 . 8th ) is provided, which is adapted by the at least one transport bar ( 1 ), the mechanical actuator ( 7 . 8th ) is designed as a pick-up device and / or as a weighing device and / or as a positioning aid for sealing stations and / or as an ejection device.

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