DE102022115881A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FORMING PACKAGING BODY OPEN ON ONE SIDE FROM PACKAGING SLEEVES OVEN ON BOTH SIDES - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for the simple and space-saving shaping of packaging casings (51) for the production of filled packs is described and illustrated,
- in which flat-folded packaging sleeves (51) are transferred from a feed device (55) to a forming station (56) comprising at least three shaped parts (57-60) around at least two fold edges (54) running in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jackets (51),
- in which the handed over packaging jackets (51) are held in an open position of the forming station (56) between at least two moldings (57, 58),
- in which packaging jackets (51) held between the at least two molded parts (57, 58) are unfolded and shaped by adjusting the at least three molded parts (57-60) into a closed position of the molding station (56),
- in which the unfolded and shaped packaging jackets (51) are removed one after the other from the forming station (56) by a removal device (66) and
- in which the feed device (55) and/or the discharge device (66) forms a molded part (59,60) of the molding station (56) for molding the packaging casing (51).

Description

The invention relates to a method for forming packaging casings for the production of filled packs. The invention further relates to a device for forming packaging casings for the production of filled packs, preferably according to a corresponding method, with a forming station for unfolding and shaping flat-folded packaging casings, a feed device for feeding flat-folded packaging casings to the forming station and a discharge device for removing the unfolded ones and shaped packaging casings from the forming station, the forming station having at least three moldings, the moldings being intended to be adjustable from an open position of the forming station for transferring flat-folded packaging casings to the forming station into a closed position of the forming station for unfolding and shaping the packaging casings and back.

Methods and devices for forming packing bodies that are open on one side from packing jackets that are open on both sides have been known for some time. The methods are used in particular to produce filled packs, although methods and devices for filling packs with products in different designs are also known.

In this context, packaging bodies are understood to mean containers such as cardboard composite packaging, which are at least partially formed from a packaging material in the form of a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, such as polyethylene (PE). The cardboard gives the packs sufficient stability so that the packs can be easily handled and, for example, stacked. The plastic layers protect the cardboard from moisture and the food from absorbing unwanted substances from the packaging. In addition, further layers, such as an aluminum layer, can be provided, which prevents diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging material.

Corresponding packaging bodies are typically filled with products in the form of food, in particular beverages, with predominantly flowable products being considered as products. In particular, the pack bodies are filled with food in a sterile or aseptic environment of a filling machine, since the food should have a long shelf life after the packs have been filled. For this purpose, the filling machines have, for example, sterilization rooms or aseptic chambers in which the packaging bodies are sterilized and then filled and sealed under conditions that are as sterile as possible. After the packaging bodies have been filled, they are typically sealed in the filling machine. When using appropriate packaging materials, the packaging body is closed by sealing the open end.

The packaging bodies are preferably formed on the filling machine from packaging jackets, which in turn are made from packaging material blanks, in particular by sealing the longitudinal edges of the packaging material blanks to one another. Packaging jackets are made from a packaging material and are open at the opposite longitudinal ends. The pack jackets are pre-folded along fold lines, creating fold edges which form the eventual edges of the pack, which typically has a square or rectangular cross-section. First, however, the packaging jackets are folded flat around two opposite folding edges. The packing jacket then essentially forms two sections that run parallel to one another and lie one on top of the other. The flat-folded packaging casings are transferred as a stack to a magazine in the filling machine. The front portion of the packaging shell at the front end of the stack is gripped by suction cups and pulled away from the stack, with the packaging shell unfolding, typically until an at least substantially square or rectangular cross-section is formed. The correspondingly unfolded packing casing is then pulled onto a mandrel of a so-called mandrel wheel, the cross section of the mandrel corresponding to the cross section of the packing casing. The packing casing initially protrudes outwards over the mandrel, so that the protruding part of the packing casing can be folded against the end face of the mandrel and pressed and sealed there. The corresponding longitudinal end of the pack jacket is closed in this way and regularly forms the bottom of the later filled pack. Alternatively, the closed end of the pack jacket could also form the head of the later pack if it is filled, for example, through the open bottom.

The packaging bodies, which are open on one side, are introduced into a sterilization zone of the filling machine. This is usually done by transferring the packing bodies one after the other to the cells of a transport device that receive the packing bodies. The transport device then ensures that the packaging bodies are transported through the sterilization zone of the filling machine at a defined speed and at a defined distance from one another. In the sterilization zone, the packing bodies are preheated with hot sterile air and then sterilized, typically with hydrogen peroxide rilized and dried with sterile air. The sterile packaging bodies are transferred to the filling and sealing zone and filled there. The opening of the filled pack body is then closed before the closed pack is transported out of the filling and sealing zone via the transport device and then removed from the corresponding cells of the transport device.

In some filling machines, the packaging bodies are transported by the transport device in a straight line through the filling machine. Corresponding filling machines are also referred to as long-running machines. In other filling devices, the so-called rotary machines, the packing bodies describe a more or less arcuate movement, which can include one or more circular arc sections. The present invention fundamentally relates to these and other types of filling machines.

Corresponding methods and devices for forming packaging bodies that are open on one side are, for example, from DE 10 2016 109 996 A1 known. The formation of packing bodies that are open on one side, starting from stacks of flat-folded packing casings, is associated with a not inconsiderable space requirement and a complex forming station due to the required handling of the packing casings in the filling machine.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the method and device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that packaging casings can be unfolded and shaped easily and in a space-saving manner.

• - bei dem um wenigstens zwei in Längsrichtung der Packungsmäntel verlaufende Faltkanten flach gefaltete Packungsmäntel von einer Zuführvorrichtung an eine Formstation umfassend wenigstens drei Formteile übergeben werden,
• - bei dem die übergebenen Packungsmäntel in einer offenen Stellung der Formstation zwischen wenigstens zwei Formteilen gehalten werden,
• - bei dem zwischen den wenigstens zwei Formteilen gehaltene Packungsmäntel durch ein Verstellen der wenigstens drei Formteile in eine geschlossene Stellung der Formstation aufgefaltet und geformt werden,
• - bei dem die aufgefaltet und geformten Packungsmäntel von einer Abführeinrichtung nacheinander aus der Formstation abgeführt werden und
• - bei dem die Zuführeinrichtung und/oder die Abführeinrichtung ein Formteil der Formstation zum Formen der Packungsmäntel bildet.

This object is achieved according to claim 1 by a method for forming packaging casings for the production of filled packs,

• - in which packing casings folded flat around at least two fold edges running in the longitudinal direction of the packing casings are transferred from a feed device to a forming station comprising at least three moldings,
• - in which the handed over packaging casings are held in an open position of the forming station between at least two molded parts,
• - in which packaging casings held between the at least two molded parts are unfolded and shaped by adjusting the at least three molded parts into a closed position of the forming station,
• - in which the unfolded and shaped packaging casings are removed one after the other from the forming station by a removal device and
• - in which the feed device and/or the discharge device forms a molded part of the forming station for forming the packaging casings.

The stated object is also achieved in a device according to the preamble of claim 12 in that the feed device and/or the discharge device forms a molded part of the forming station for forming the packaging casings.

In order to be able to easily unfold and shape the packaging casings, at least two folding edges are required around which the packaging casings can be kept folded flat and transferred to a forming station via a feed device. In the forming station, the packaging casings can be brought into the desired shape, with the edge regions of the packaging casings having a large radius if necessary and individual sides being able to be curved without any problem. For the sake of simplicity, the packing jackets are open on both sides and are folded up in the forming station to form a packing body, which is also open on both sides and can be filled and closed to form a pack.

The packaging casings folded flat around two fold edges are transferred from a feed device to the forming station, which has at least three moldings for unfolding and shaping the packaging casings. The mold parts can be adjusted relative to one another to form a shape in which the packaging sleeves are mechanically forced into the desired shape. The packaging casings are first transferred from the feed device to the forming station in an open position, so that the forming station initially holds the packaging casings. The molded parts are preferably moved apart so far that the packaging casings can be received in the at least essentially flat folded form in the molding station, preferably between two molded parts of the molding station. In principle, the forming station can be adjusted into different open positions if necessary. At least one open position of the forming station is suitable for taking over the flat-folded packaging jackets. If necessary, the forming station can be moved from an open position in which a packaging casing can be positioned between at least two moldings to another open position in which the at least two moldings hold the packaging casing. For this purpose, the at least two molded parts can be moved towards one another relative to one another, but without being stopped in this open position.

The molded parts are then moved further together so that the molding station is moved into the closed position, with the packaging casing then being unfolded and shaped in the molding station between the molded parts. The then formed packaging casing is removed from the forming station by a removal device, for which purpose the forming station can be moved back into an open position. Space can then also be created to accommodate the next packaging casing in the forming station.

In connection with the forming station, the invention has recognized that it is expedient to use at least three molded parts, although in the prior art typically only two molded parts, in particular mold halves, are used in order to unfold and shape the packaging casings in between. The molded parts together form the shape of the molding station. Each molding has a surface adjacent to the molded molding and facing it. The corresponding surfaces therefore form mold surfaces or inner surfaces of the mold. The packaging jacket can preferably rest against these respective surfaces when unfolding and/or shaping. By placing the packaging casing on the molded parts, the packaging casing is mechanically brought into the desired shape.

The use of several molded parts is more complex, but the packaging casings can still be handled in a very space-saving manner. In particular, it is possible to transfer the packaging casings from the feed device to the forming station in approximately the same direction as the packaging casings are removed from the forming station. This allows a space-saving arrangement of the units required for this. For example, it is not necessary to transfer the packaging casings from above or below to the forming station, as is the case with known filling machines. Furthermore, it is possible to transport the pack jackets with the feed device and/or the discharge device only over a very short distance, which can contribute to further space savings with regard to a filling machine for filling packs.

The corresponding advantages are achieved to a particular extent if not only the feed device or the discharge device form a molded part of the molding station. It is therefore particularly preferred if both the feed device and the discharge device form a molded part of the molding station. So that the packaging casings can be unfolded and shaped quickly and easily and reliably, it is also advisable if two molded parts of the forming station are provided for taking over the flat-folded packaging casings, which are not the feed device or the discharge device. The feed device can then transfer the flat-folded packaging casings to the forming station independently of the discharge device. In addition, the two molded parts can be provided laterally and hold the packaging casings, in particular non-positively, on the folded edges. This then also allows the packaging casings to be reliably unfolded by the two side moldings when adjusting the molding station to the closed position.

Alternatively or additionally, the side moldings do not require any particularly complicated movement. It is sufficient if the lateral molded parts can be moved towards and away from one another relative to one another, if necessary. A linear adjustment of the side moldings can therefore be sufficient. In addition, it may alternatively or additionally be sufficient if the at least one further molded part is moved at least partially and/or in sections at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the side molded parts. This direction preferably corresponds at least essentially to the transport direction of the packaging casings between acceptance by the feed device and delivery by the discharge device.

For the sake of better understanding and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the method and the device are described together below, without distinguishing in detail between the method and the device. However, the person skilled in the art will see from the context which features are preferred for the method and the device.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the flat-folded packaging casings are gripped by a gripping unit of the feed device and transferred from the gripping unit to the forming station. This is ideal for reliable transport of the flat-folded packaging jackets through the feed device. The gripping unit can grab the packaging casings at a suitable location and hold them securely until they are handed over. Alternatively or additionally, it is particularly effective and space-saving if the flat-folded packaging jackets are kept ready in a stack of flat-folded packaging jackets. The flat-folded packaging casings can then be removed from the stack reliably and in a defined manner by the feed device. This applies all the more when the feed device grabs the flat-folded packaging casings with the gripping unit on the side of the packaging casings facing away from the stack and removes them from the stack.

The gripping unit can efficiently take on several functions if the gripping unit forms a molded part of the molding station for molding the packaging casings. In addition to transporting and transferring the packaging casings to the forming station, the gripping unit then provides a forming surface which, when the forming station is in the closed position, points into the shape of the forming station and faces the shaped packaging casing. For shaping the packaging casings, it is particularly preferred if the shaping surface of the gripping unit comes into contact with the shaped packaging casing. The gripping unit can be used particularly efficiently and in a space-saving manner if a side of the gripping unit facing away from the packaging jacket gripped by the gripping unit forms the molding surface. In the closed position of the forming station, this forming surface then faces the formed packaging casing in the forming station. The gripping unit can then be provided and designed on one side for gripping the packaging casings and on the other side as a molding surface for closing the at least three-part mold of the molding station. The packaging casings can be easily and reliably gripped by the gripping unit from a side facing away from the stack and/or towards the forming station. This simplifies the process and saves installation space for the filling machine.

The gripping unit can alternatively or additionally be moved at least partially and/or in sections translationally from the stack to the forming station with the gripped packaging casing in order to transfer the packaging casing to the forming station. The transport route can then be short and space-saving. Independently of this or in addition to this, the gripping unit with the gripped packaging casing can be rotated and/or pivoted at least partially and/or in sections in order to transfer the packaging casing to the forming station. This allows the gripping unit to transfer the packaging casings to the forming station and subsequently contribute to forming the shape of the forming station. This applies in particular if one side of the gripping unit is intended for gripping the packaging casings and the opposite side of the gripping unit is intended for providing a molding surface. Rotating the packaging casings is fundamentally more space-saving than pivoting the packaging casings, although pivoting may still be preferred for the sake of simplicity depending on the filling machine. In principle, however, for reasons of space, it is preferable if the lever arm(s) for pivoting the packing jackets is/are chosen to be quite short.

If the packaging casings are transferred to the forming station in an orientation that is at least substantially rotated by 180° compared to the orientation of the packaging casings in the stack, the gripping unit can be very easily and effectively moved back and forth at least substantially between the stack of packaging casings and the forming station , whereby the gripping unit can then form a molded part of the molding station facing the stack.

In order to achieve rotation of the packing casings in a small space, it is advisable if the packing casings are rotated and/or pivoted by the gripping unit about an axis at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of translational transport of the packing casings. In this way, an at least essentially rectilinear movement can easily be superimposed on turning and/or pivoting. However, superimposing a translational movement of the packing casings with a rotation and/or pivoting movement is fundamentally preferred in order to be able to handle the packing casings efficiently in a confined space. This applies all the more if the movements of the packaging casings are caused by the gripping unit before they are transferred to the forming station. However, the movements of the packaging casings do not have to overlap each other continuously from the time the packaging casings are taken over from the feeding device to the transfer of the packs to the forming station. It may be sufficient if this is done partially and/or in sections.

Alternatively or additionally, the packing casings can be rotated and/or pivoted by the gripping unit about an axis at least substantially parallel to the packing casings. This means that turning or pivoting can be done in the tightest of spaces. This applies in particular if the axis is aligned parallel to a central axis of the packaging jackets or, in particular, corresponds to the central axis of the packaging jackets.

In order to be able to provide a space-saving and efficiently usable gripping unit, it is advisable if the gripping unit has a plurality of suction grippers for gripping the packaging casings. These can then be distributed along a longitudinal extent of a strut, which enables a slim gripping unit. Alternatively or additionally, the gripping unit can have a strut, which is used as a molded part of the molding station. This also saves space, even more so if it is the same strut with the suction cups. The strut can be positioned independently of this with a side extending in the longitudinal extent of the strut in such a way that this side points in the direction of the packaging casing formed in the forming station in the sense of a molding surface when the molding station is closed. This molding surface can then be used to shape the packaging casings and, if necessary, rest against the shaped packing casings.

After forming in the forming station, the shaped packaging casings can be removed from the forming station by a holding unit of the removal device which holds the shaped packaging casing from at least two opposite sides of the packaging casing. The holding unit then preferably holds the packaging casings independently, without the need for other means. This is simple and reliable, which is particularly true if the packing jackets automatically contact the holding unit in a frictional manner when the forming station is adjusted from the closed position to the open position due to restoring forces of the packing jackets. The unfolded and formed packing jackets always spring back slightly when the forming station is adjusted from the closed position to the open position, which is due to the restoring forces in the packing jackets. This can be used to ensure that the packing jackets preferably rest on opposite sections of the holding unit in a frictional manner. Since the packing jackets are light, this is enough to keep the packing jackets safe without any additional measures.

In order to be able to use the holding unit particularly efficiently and functionally, the holding unit can form at least one molding surface of the molding station, at least in sections. In the closed position of the forming station, the holding unit can therefore have a corresponding side which faces the packaging jacket in the forming station and, if necessary, can come into contact with the shaped packaging jacket.

The holding unit can be used very profitably if holding sections partially engage in a recess of an adjacent molding or a gap between two adjacent moldings when the molding station is in the closed position. This is intended to ensure that when the forming station is moved into the open position, the previously formed packing jacket rests against sections of the holding unit that engage in the recesses and/or gaps. In the closed position of the forming station, the holding unit can therefore engage in at least one recess of at least one molded part on two sides opposite the packaging jacket in the closed forming station. Alternatively or additionally, in the closed position of the forming station, the holding unit can engage in at least one gap between at least two moldings provided on the respective side on two sides opposite the packaging jacket in the closed forming station.

In order to be able to easily and reliably adjust the molding station into the closed position and back into the open position and to use the removal device, in particular the holding unit, as a molded part, it is advisable if the molded parts adjacent to the removal device can be adjusted independently of the removal device. to move the forming station to the closed position and back to the open position. The individual molded parts therefore do not interfere with each other, although they can interlock in sections. The at least two molded parts on the sides opposite the flat-folded packaging casing can thus be adjusted at least in sections into the closed position of the molding station relative to the section of the holding unit that engages in the at least one recess and/or the at least one gap. Alternatively, the at least two molded parts on the sides opposite the flat-folded packaging casing can be adjusted at least in sections into the open position of the molding station relative to the section of the holding unit that engages in the at least one recess and/or the at least one gap.

The removal device, in particular the holding unit, can be used to save space if it is adjusted at least substantially linearly. When adjusting the forming station into the open position, it can be moved with the shaped packaging jacket, preferably exclusively, translationally away from the position of the discharge device, in particular the holding unit, in the closed position of the forming station. Alternatively or additionally, the removal device, in particular the holding unit, can be moved exclusively, translationally, away from the stack of flat-folded packaging casings. To remove the shaped packaging casings in the open position of the forming station, a stamp can be used, which ejects the packaging casings upwards or downwards from the removal device, in particular the holding unit.

The ejected packaging casings can then be processed in a processing station, in particular connected to a pourer, and then taken over by a holding element which is stationarily connected to the holding unit. The removal device can therefore take on another function. The processed packaging casings taken over are also removed again by the holding element of the removal device. This can preferably be done without an additional movement of the holding element, but rather using the movement profile of the removal device that is already provided. It is simple and space-saving if the packaging casings are held at least substantially parallel to one another in the holding unit and the holding element. Alternatively or additionally can the packaging casings with the holding element are moved and delivered away from the forming station and, if necessary, away from the stack of flat-folded packaging casings when the forming station is moved into the open position. In this way, the movement profile of the removal device can be kept simple.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the device, the feeding device has a gripping unit for gripping flat-folded packaging casings and for transferring the flat-folded packaging casings to the forming station. This enables easy and reliable transport of the packaging jackets to the forming station. Alternatively or additionally, a stack of flat-folded packaging casings can be provided, so that the feed device, in particular the gripping unit, successively grabs packaging casings from the stack and removes them from the stack. For convenience, the stack of packaging sleeves can be kept ready in a magazine, such as a filling machine.

In the case of a gripping unit, this can have a strut with a plurality of suction grippers extending in the longitudinal extent of the strut for gripping the packaging casings. The gripper is then designed to save space. The gripping unit, in particular the side of the strut opposite the suction cups, can alternatively or additionally form a molded part of the molding station. In the closed position of the forming station, the corresponding shaping surface of the strut can point in the direction of the shaped packaging jacket and, if necessary, rest against the shaped packaging jacket in order to shape the packaging jackets.

For simple and space-saving adjustment of the gripping unit, the gripping unit can be connected to a drive for transporting the flat-folded packaging casings to the forming station in an at least partially superimposed translational movement on the one hand and a rotary movement and/or pivoting movement on the other hand. When the packaging jackets are brought to the forming station, the packaging jackets can also be rotated and/or pivoted at the same time. This is particularly useful and space-saving when the gripping unit grips the packaging casings in a stack and then removes them from the stack.

If a holding unit of the removal device is provided for holding and removing the shaped packaging casings, the shaped packaging casings can be easily and quickly removed from the forming station. This applies in particular when, in the closed position of the forming station, the holding unit engages in at least one recess of at least one molded part provided on the respective side on two sides that are opposite the packaging casing. Alternatively or additionally, in the closed position of the molding station, the holding unit can engage in at least one gap between at least two molded parts provided on the respective side on two sides that are opposite the packaging jacket. If the molded parts forming the recess and/or the gap are moved outwards and away from the shaped packing casing when the molding station is adjusted from the closed position to the open position, the shaped packing casing can expand slightly in this direction and thus come into contact with the not yet, at least not completely, reach the holding unit moved outwards. If necessary, the holding unit then holds the packing casing in a purely frictional manner. The holding unit can then also be moved outwards to remove the shaped packaging casing.

The removal device can be used even more functionally if there is a holding element that is connected in a stationary manner to the holding unit and can be adjusted together with the holding unit when adjusting the forming station from the open position to the closed position and back for picking up, holding and dispensing processed materials after they have been removed from the holding unit Packaging jackets are provided. The holding unit is adjusted back and forth anyway to open and close the forming station. For example, if the holding element at least essentially takes over processed, previously formed packaging casings while the forming station is in the closed position, the holding element can pass on these packaging casings by moving the forming station into the open position.

• 1A-B einen Zuschnitt eines Packstoffs und einen aus dem Zuschnitt gebildeten Packungsmantel aus dem Stand der Technik jeweils in Draufsicht,
• 2 eine aus dem Packungsmantel gemäß 1B gebildete Packung aus dem Stand der Technik in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 3 eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung der Packung gemäß 2 aus einem Packungsmantel gemäß 1B aus dem Stand der Technik in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 4A-B eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens beim Ergreifen eines Packungsmantels,
• 5 die Vorrichtung aus 4 beim Übergeben des Packungsmantels an eine Formstation,
• 6 die Vorrichtung aus 4 beim Halten und Auffalten des Packungsmantels in der Formstation,
• 7 die Vorrichtung aus 4 beim Formen des Packungsmantels in der Formstation,
• 8 die Vorrichtung aus 4 beim Abführen des geformten Packungsmantels,
• 9 die Vorrichtung aus 4 beim Aufnehmen eines bearbeiteten, zuvor geformten Packungsmantels in einem Halteelement,
• 10 die Vorrichtung aus 4 beim Weitergeben des aufgenommenen, bearbeiteten Packungsmantels,
• 11 eine alternative Vorrichtung beispielsweise zur Herstellung der Packung gemäß 2 aus einem Packungsmantel gemäß 1B in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 12 eine Abfolge von Verfahrensschritten unter Anwendung der Vorrichtung gemäß 11,
• 13A-G Bewegungsabläufe innerhalb eines Schreitwerks der Vorrichtung gemäß 11 in einer schematischen Ansicht und
• 14 eine weitere alternative Vorrichtung beispielsweise zur Herstellung der Packung gemäß 2 aus einem Packungsmantel gemäß 1B in einer schematischen Darstellung.

The presently disclosed inventions are explained in more detail below using a drawing that merely represents an exemplary embodiment. Shown in the drawing

• 1A-B a cut of a packaging material and a packaging jacket formed from the cut from the prior art, each in a top view,
• 2 one from the packaging jacket according to 1B formed pack from the prior art in a perspective view,
• 3 a device for producing the pack according to 2 from a packing jacket according to 1B from the prior art in a schematic representation,
• 4A-B a device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention when gripping a packaging jacket,
• 5 the device 4 when transferring the packaging casing to a forming station,
• 6 the device 4 when holding and unfolding the packaging jacket in the forming station,
• 7 the device 4 when forming the packaging casing in the forming station,
• 8th the device 4 when removing the formed packing jacket,
• 9 the device 4 when receiving a processed, previously formed packaging casing in a holding element,
• 10 the device 4 when passing on the picked up, processed packaging casing,
• 11 an alternative device, for example for producing the pack according to 2 from a packing jacket according to 1B in a schematic representation,
• 12 a sequence of process steps using the device according to 11 ,
• 13A-G Movement sequences within a walking mechanism according to the device 11 in a schematic view and
• 14 another alternative device, for example for producing the pack according to 2 from a packing jacket according to 1B in a schematic representation.

In the 1A an exemplary blank 1 of a packaging material 2 is described, as is known from the prior art. The packaging material 2 is designed as a laminate made of several layers of material arranged one above the other. This is in particular a cardboard/plastic composite. The packaging material 2 shown has two outer layers made of a thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene (PE), which enable the outer layers of the packaging material 2 to be sealed, ie welded. In between there is a structuring cardboard layer with a comparatively high bending stiffness for the packaging material 2. In addition, at least one barrier layer can be provided, which is preferably formed from aluminum, polyamide and/or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol. Further layers are also conceivable.

The blank 1 is used to produce an exemplary packaging jacket 3, which is formed by the outer and opposite longitudinal edges 4 of the blank 1 being bent towards one another and connected to one another, in particular sealed to one another. The blank 1 has a series of fold lines 5,6 along which the blank 1 can be folded to form the desired pack 7. The folding lines 5.6, if necessary scoring lines, simplify folding and also ensure reliable folding. Most of the fold lines 5, 6 are provided on the upper edge 8 and the lower edge 9 of the blank 1, which are later folded to form the bottom and the head or gable of the pack 7. In addition, the blank 1 has four essentially parallel fold lines 6, along which the blank 1 is pre-folded before the packaging jacket 3 is formed or afterwards. Once the packaging material 2 has been bent over at the fold lines 5,6, further folding of the packaging material 2 at the same point is only met with a slight resistance, which is in any case significantly lower than along fold lines 5,6 that have not yet been folded.

In the 1B the packaging jacket 3 is shown after sealing the longitudinal edges 4 of the blank 1 onto one another. The corresponding sealing seam 10 is provided near one of the fold lines 6 of the packaging jacket 3 for optical reasons. The packaging jacket 3 has folding edges 6 on its longitudinal edges, around which the packaging jacket 3 has been folded flat, so that the front section 11 and the rear section 12 of the packaging jacket 3 lie on top of each other. The packaging jackets 3 can be easily stored folded flat in this way. The subsequent unfolding around the four pre-folded fold lines 6 is still easily possible. A packing jacket 3 with a rectangular cross section is then obtained.

In the following, using the corresponding packing jacket 3, the in the 2 Pack 7 shown can be obtained. In the case of the pack 7, the four pre-folded fold lines 6 in the area of the jacket 13 of the pack 7 then form the edges of the pack 7, just as the pre-folded fold lines 6 previously formed the edges of the pack jacket 3. The longitudinal ends 14, 15 of the pack jacket 3 have been folded and sealed to form the bottom 16 of the pack 7 and to form the head 17 of the pack 7. At the head 17 of the pack, so-called pack ears 18 are formed, which are folded down and placed on the jacket 13 of the pack 7 and sealed or glued there. In the case of the base 16, the corresponding packing ears are folded inwards and can therefore no longer be recognized as such after the base 16 has been formed. But there are also packs with different shapes than in the 2 shown possible.

In the 3 is a device 20 for filling packaging bodies 21, in particular with flowable food, to form packages 7, i.e. a so-called filling machine, comprising a magazine 22 for holding a stack of packaging casings 3 and a device for forming packaging bodies 21 from the packaging casings 3, which are closed on one side and can therefore accommodate, for example, a flowable foodstuff through the remaining opening . The illustrated and preferred device 20 has a series of parallel processing lines, of which in the 3 only one processing line 23 is shown. Each processing line 23 is assigned a magazine 22 with a stack 24 or a stack 24 of flat-folded packaging jackets 3. The packaging casings 3 have been formed, as previously described, from blanks 1 of a packaging material 2, the longitudinal edges 4 of which are sealed together.

The packaging jackets 3 are unfolded by a feed device 25. The packaging jackets 3 are unfolded by pulling a later side surface of the corresponding packaging jacket 3 away from the stack 24 without any further action around the pre-folded fold lines 6, which form the edges of the packaging jacket 3 and the later packaging 7. The packaging casings 3 can also be transferred to a forming station, not shown, where the packaging casings 3 are unfolded and shaped between two mutually adjustable moldings. If necessary, an application device could also be provided for applying spouts (not shown) to the packaging casings 3.

A subsequent device 26 for one-sided closure of the packaging casings 3, which are open on both sides, has a mandrel wheel 27, which in the illustrated and preferred case comprises six mandrels 28 and rotates cyclically, i.e. stepwise, counterclockwise. Devices of the type described are also known in which the mandrel wheel has only four mandrels and/or four different mandrel wheel positions. The corresponding processing devices and the corresponding processing steps can then be provided in a correspondingly compressed manner.

In the device 26 shown, a packing jacket 3 is pushed onto the mandrel 28 in the first mandrel wheel position 1. The mandrel wheel 27 is then rotated further into the next mandrel wheel position 11, in which the longitudinal end 15 of the packing jacket 3 protruding from the mandrel 28 is heated with hot air via a heating unit 29. In the next mandrel wheel position III, the heated longitudinal end 15 of the pack jacket 3 is pre-folded by a press 30 and in the subsequent mandrel wheel position IV in the folded position is tightly closed by a sealing device 31, in particular sealed to a base 16. In this way, a packing body 21 that is closed on one side is obtained, which is removed from the mandrel 28 in the subsequent mandrel wheel position V and transferred to a cell 32 of an endless transport device 33 guided in a circle. In the next mandrel wheel position VI, no work step is assigned to the mandrel 28. The number of mandrel wheel positions or mandrels 28 and the processing steps provided there can, if necessary, vary from the illustration 3 and the associated description differ. In addition, a spout can be connected to the packaging material in at least one additional mandrel wheel position if necessary. Then the longitudinal end of the pack jacket closed on the mandrel wheel is preferably the head of the later pack. Whether the packing body is filled by the later head or by the later base plays only a minor role in the present case.

The packing body 21 taken from the mandrel wheel is transported through a filling machine 34 with the open longitudinal end pointing upwards in the associated cell 32, in particular a cell chain. The package body enters an aseptic chamber 35, which includes a sterilization zone 36 and a filling and sealing zone 37, through which the package bodies 21 are transported from left to right in the transport direction symbolized by the arrows. The packing bodies 21 do not have to be transported in a straight line, but can also take place in at least one arc or even in a circle.

Sterile air is supplied to the aseptic chamber 35 via corresponding sterile air connections 38. The packing bodies 21 are preheated one after the other by a preheating device 39 by blowing hot sterile air. The packing bodies 21 are then sterilized by means of a sterilization device 40, preferably using hydrogen peroxide, whereupon the packing bodies 21 are dried by applying sterile air via a drying device 41 and, after the transition from the sterilization zone 36 into the filling and sealing zone 37, into a filling position 42 below a Filling outlet 43 can be brought. There the packaging bodies 21 are filled one after the other with food 44. The filled packing bodies 21 are then closed with a closing device 45 by folding the upper region of the packing body 21 and sealing. The filled and closed packs 7 are then removed from the cells 32 of the transport device 33. The now empty cells 32 are moved further in the direction of the mandrel wheel 27 with the transport device 33 in order to pick up further packing bodies there.

In the 4A-B a device 50 is shown for forming packing bodies that are open on one side from packing jackets 51 that are open on both sides for the production of filled packs. The 4A represents a schematic sectional view along a vertical sectional plane according to section IVA-IVA in the 4B while the 4B a top view of the device 50 according to 4A represents. The device 50 can be installed in a filling machine according to 3 be integrated. But it is also possible that the device 50 4A-B integrated into another type of filling machine or, if necessary, used independently of a filling machine.

A magazine 52 is shown in the device 50, in which a stack 53 of packaging jackets 51 folded flat along two falcon edges 54 is kept ready. For the sake of clarity, no packing jacket 51 is provided in the other parts of the device 50. In practice, however, this is particularly the case when starting up the device 50. Otherwise, it will be more likely that in the device 50 shown, several packing jackets 51 are provided at different locations, so that a large number of packing jackets 51 can be unfolded and formed in a short time in rapid succession. The packing jackets 51 are packing jackets 51 that are open on both sides and are only closed in the area of the jacket. This can be the case, for example, because the packaging material blanks to form the packaging jackets 51 are connected to one another, in particular welded, at opposite longitudinal ends to form a longitudinal seam. However, other types of packaging jackets 51 would also be conceivable.

The front packaging jacket 51 of the stack 53 of flat-folded packaging jackets 51 is gripped by a feed device 55, which is designed to feed the packaging jackets 51 to a forming station 56. The molding station 56 is shown in an open position and, in the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, has four molded parts 57-60, which together form a mold 61 for molding the packaging jackets 51 received in the mold 61 when the molding station 56 is in a closed position. Each of the molded parts 57-60 provides at least one molding surface 62-65 of the mold 61. When the forming station 56 is closed, the molding surfaces 62-65 point inwards towards the shaped packaging casing 51, which can, if necessary, rest against the molding surfaces 62-65 when the packaging casing 51 is being formed. The mold 61 made up of the four mold parts 57-60 can be completely closed all around at the molding station 56 in the closed position. However, it is also conceivable that the mold 61 is only partially or completely closed all around in sections.

In the illustrated and preferred device 50, the molded parts 57-60 are formed by two side molded parts 57, 58 for taking over the packaging jackets 51 from the feed device 55, the feed device 55 itself and a discharge device 66 for removing the molded molded parts from the molding station 56. The feed device 55 forms the rear molded part 59 in the transport direction R of the packaging casings 51, while the discharge device 66 forms the front molded part 60 in the transport direction R of the packaging casings 51. Other molded parts would also be conceivable if they can be used advantageously.

In the present case, for the sake of better understanding and to avoid unnecessary repetitions, depending on the respective context, the term "forming station 56" is only referred to as referring to the two lateral moldings 57, 58 or to the lateral moldings 57, 58 together with the feed device 55 and/or the molded part 59,60 formed by the discharge device 66 is understood to be related. This is due to the fact that the feed device 55 and the discharge device 66 do not belong to the forming station 56 or only to a limited extent, at least in part and/or functionally. The linguistic distinction is therefore not always easy, but can always be recognized by the expert from the respective context. Explaining the distinction in detail in each individual case would be time-consuming and rather counterproductive to understanding, which is why it is omitted here.

The feed device 55 has a gripping unit 67 with a strut 68, on one side of which several suction pads 69 are provided for gripping packaging jackets 51 in the stack 53 of packaging jackets 51. The suction grippers 69 grip the packaging casings 51 on the side facing away from the stack 53 and pointing towards the forming station 56. The side of the strut 68 facing away from the suction pads 69 forms the molded part 59 of the gripping unit 67, the molded surface 64 of which points in the direction of the discharge device 66. The gripped packaging jacket 51 is transported by the gripping unit 67 to the forming station 56. This happens in an at least partially superimposed translational movement in the transport direction R of the packaging jackets 51 on the one hand and a pivoting movement about an axis A perpendicular to the transport direction R and parallel to the packaging jacket 51 on the other hand. This superimposed movement of the gripped packaging jacket 51 is in the 4B illustrated by the arrows T, S for translation and panning. The packaging jackets 51 are transported from the stack 53 to the forming station 56 via a rack 70 of the feed device 55, which is driven by a motor Gear 71 meshes. The pivoting of the gripping unit 67 together with the gripped packaging jacket 51 can be accomplished by another motor drive.

In the 5 shows how the packaging jacket 51 can be transferred to the forming station 56. The gripping unit 67 holds the packaging casing 51 between the two side moldings 57, 58 of the forming station 56. The side moldings 57, 58 can then move towards each other and take over the packing casing 51, so that the gripping unit 67 can turn back again and move back a little if necessary can be. In this way, the molded part 59 provided by the feed device 55 is aligned for forming the packaging casing 51. To hold the flat-folded packaging casing 51, the side moldings 57, 58 have grooves 72 into which the folded edges 54 of the packaging casing 51 can engage. In this context, it can also be provided that the side molded parts 57-60 are closed to such an extent when the packing jackets 51 are transferred that the gripping unit 67 presses the packing jackets 51 with the folded edges 54 into the grooves 72 of the side molded parts 54. But then the rotation of the gripping unit 67 should be completed in time so that the gripping unit 67 can press the packing jackets 51 at least substantially translationally into the grooves 72 of the side molded parts 57, 58.

In the 6 the packaging jacket 51 is held by the side moldings 57, 58, which are further moved together in order to unfold the packaging jacket 51. The side molded parts 57, 58 press the opposite folding edges 54, around which the packaging jacket 51 is folded flat, against each other. This causes the packaging jacket 51 to unfold. The molded part 59 provided by the feed device 55 is already in position for shaping the unfolded packaging jacket 51. However, this does not apply to the molded part 60 provided by the discharge device 66. This can only be moved in when the packaging jacket 51 has been unfolded and, if necessary, at least is partially formed. Otherwise, a holding unit 73 of the removal device 66 would undesirably collide against the packaging jacket 51.

In the 7 the forming station 56 is shown in the closed position. The four mold parts 57-60 form a common mold 61 for forming the package shell 51 therein. The shaped packing jacket 51 comes into contact with at least one mold surface 62-65 of each molded part 57-60. The molded parts 57-60 form an at least essentially closed mold 61. In the illustrated and preferred method, the molded part 59 of the gripping unit 67 is in contact with the shaped packaging jacket 51 on the side facing the stack 53, while the side molded parts 57, 58 on opposite sides in contact with the shaped packaging jacket 51. The molded part 60 formed by the holding unit 73 is in contact both in sections with the lateral sections of the packaging casing 51 which are opposite transversely to the transport direction R and on the side of the shaped packaging casing 51 facing away from the stack 53 in the transport direction R.

The mold parts 57-60 are then moved apart, as shown by the arrows, to move the mold station 56 from the closed position to the open position. The side molded parts 57, 58 move outwards transversely to the transport direction R of the packaging casings 51, while the molded part 59 formed by the gripping unit 67 moves backwards against the transport direction R and the molded part 60 formed by the holding unit 73 moves forward in the transport direction R. The holding unit 73 is adjusted by providing a rack 74 with which a motor-driven gear 75 meshes. The drive of the two side molded parts 57,58 is not shown, but can be done analogously. The drives 57, 58 of the molded parts can also be designed differently than shown.

When adjusting the forming station 56 from the closed position to the open position, the side moldings 57, 58 are adjusted at least slightly ahead of the holding unit 73 in time. When the side molded parts 57, 58 move to the side, the shaped packing jacket 51 gives in slightly and as a result presses against the sections 76 of the holding unit 73, which partially surround the shaped packing jacket 51 from opposite sides. If the side molded parts 57, 58 come out of contact with the shaped Packing jacket 51, the holding unit 73 can also be adjusted outwards. The shaped packaging jacket 51 remains held in the holding unit 73 and is moved in the transport direction R with the holding unit 73. During this, the gripping unit 67 is moved back to the stack 53 of packaging jackets 51 in order to grab the frontmost packaging jacket 51 on the side facing the forming station 56 and transport it to the forming station 56 as the next packaging jacket 51.

The forming station 56 is now back in the open position, which is in the 8th is shown. So the previously described cycle begins again. However, the package jacket 51 that has just been formed is still held by the holding unit 73 of the removal device 66. Before the next packing jacket 51 can be formed, the already formed packing jacket 51 must go over the Discharge device 66 can be removed. In the illustrated and preferred device 50, the shaped packaging jacket 51 is ejected upwards via a stamp 82.

This is in the 9 in a sectional view of a detail of the device 50 8th shown along the section plane IX-IX. In the position of 9 the forming station 56 is still in the closed position. On the side of the discharge device 66 facing away from the forming station 56, a holding element 77 is provided that is connected to the holding unit 73 in a stationary manner relative to the holding unit 73. With the forming station 56 at least substantially closed, the holding element 77 receives from above a packaging jacket 51 which has previously been formed and then provided with a pouring spout 79 in a processing station 78 provided above the holding element 77. For this purpose, the holding element 77 has retaining fingers 80 which laterally surround the packing jacket 51 and hold the packing jacket 51 in a non-positive manner. The packing jackets 51 in the holding unit 73 and the holding element 77 are held parallel to one another. If the forming station 56 is now moved into the open position, the removal device 66 moves with the holding unit 73 and the holding element 77 in the direction forward, in the transport direction R or to the right, as illustrated by the arrow.

This is how the device 50 comes into the position according to 10 . In this position, the packing jacket 51 held in the holding element 77 is passed on from the holding element 77, as shown by the corresponding arrow. At the same time, the package jacket 51 that has just been formed is positioned below the processing station 78 and from there is delivered upwards to the processing station 78, as shown by the corresponding arrow. A pourer 79 is also supplied to the processing station 78, as shown by the corresponding arrow. The packaging jacket 51 is then connected to the pourer 79 in the processing station 78 in a manner not shown. The packing jacket 51 is then, as previously described in connection with 9 described, delivered together with the attached pourer 79 to the holding element 77 of the discharge device 66.

Especially in the 10 It is also shown that the lateral molded parts 57, 58 have recesses 81 into which sections 76 of the holding unit 73 that laterally surround the shaped packaging jacket 51 on opposite sides can engage. These recesses 81 only allow the holding unit 73 to be moved in the direction of the packaging casing 51 held between the side moldings 57, 58 when the side moldings 57, 58 have already been moved towards one another to their inner end position or at least essentially have been moved towards each other to their inner end position. The holding unit 73 neither accidentally hits the unfolded or only partially unfolded packaging jacket 51 between the side moldings 57, 58 nor do the side moldings 57, 58 and the holding unit 73 interfere with each other when adjusting the molding station 56 into the closed position and back into the open position . Rather, the holding unit 73 engages laterally in the recesses 81 of the molded parts 57, 58 and is pulled out of them again. The lateral molded parts 57,58 can ultimately be moved inwards in front of the holding unit 73 and moved outwards in front of the holding unit 73, without the holding unit 73 and the lateral molded parts 57,58 hindering each other.

Instead of recesses 81 in the side molded parts 57, 58, which are designed to correspond at least substantially to the sections 76 of the holding unit 73, which laterally surround the shaped packing jackets 51, there could also be several side molded parts 57, 58 on one or both sides be provided. If these lateral molded parts 57, 58 are spaced apart from one another by a gap, the sections 76 of the holding unit 73 which laterally surround the shaped packaging casings 51 can engage in these gaps, as in the device 50 shown at the molding station 56 in the closed position Recesses 81 of the side moldings 57,58 engage. However, this requires a bit more equipment and is therefore generally less preferred.

The device 50 for forming packaging casings 51 for the production of filled packages 7, as already described above, cannot only be used with the previously known filling machine 3 but also with filling machines of a different type. For example, the device 50 can be integrated into a filling machine with a walking mechanism 83 in a sterile air chamber 92, as exemplified in FIG 11 is shown schematically.

The device 50 for forming packaging casings 51 for the production of filled packs 7 includes a magazine 52 in which a stack 53 of flat-folded packaging casings 51 is kept ready. The front pack jacket 51 of the stack 53 is gripped by a feed device 55 and fed to a forming station 56 with a mold 61. The packaging jacket 51 unfolded in the form 61 is removed by a discharge device 66 and pushed upwards via a stamp 82 into a processing station 78, where the packaging jacket 51 is equipped with a pourer 79 hen will. The packaging jacket 51 is then delivered back down to a holding element 77, which transfers the packaging jacket 51 together with the pourer 79 to a walking mechanism 83.

The packaging jacket 51 is then transported in the horizontal direction through a sterilization unit 84 using the walking mechanism 83. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this has three stations: a station 85 for preheating the packaging jackets 51 that are still open at the bottom, a station 86 for sterilizing by injecting a sterilizing agent and a station 87 for drying the sterilized packaging jackets 51, the sterilizing agent coming from the sterilized surfaces of the packaging jacket 51 is reliably removed. In the next step, the bottom is formed in a bottom forming unit 88, in which the bottom surfaces at the lower end of the packing jacket 51 are welded to form a transverse seam.

The protruding ears are then placed on the bottom of the pack from below and secured there, as described above. This creates a packing body that is open at the top and is transported further in the transport direction to a filling unit 89, where the packing body is actually filled with the desired product. After filling, the further transport takes place to a gable molding unit 90, in which the upper region of the pack body is closed by forming an upper transverse seam and the resulting side pack ears are placed laterally on the pack walls and fastened there. The resulting pack 7 is transported further and removed from the device in area 91 and is now in a salable condition.

The individual stations are surrounded by a sterile air chamber 92 to ensure aseptic filling. The sterilization unit 84, base molding unit 88, filling unit 89 and gable molding unit 90 form the aseptic area of the device, as in 12 shown. The transport of the pack jackets 51, pack bodies and fully filled packs 7 takes place by means of a walking mechanism 83, which has at least two transport rakes 93.95 arranged parallel in a horizontal plane, each with a plurality of tines pointing towards one another, the two opposite transport rakes 93.95 for Clamping or releasing the open packing jackets, packing bodies closed at the bottom and finished packs can be moved towards and away from one another or can be moved back and forth in the transport direction, as indicated by the arrows at the right end of the transport rakes 93,95.

The function of the walking mechanism 83 and in particular the movement sequences of the transport rakes are in the 13A until 13G shown schematically. For the sake of simplicity, no distinction is made according to the respective status of the transported products (packaging jacket, package body and package), but only a single package 7 is shown in order to describe the function of the walking mechanism used.

As already stated, the walking mechanism 83 has two transport rakes 93 and 94 arranged parallel in an upper horizontal plane, which are equipped with a corresponding number of tines pointing towards one another. The distance between the tines corresponds to the width of the pack 7 to be clamped. Below these two transport rakes 93 and 94 there are two further transport rakes 95 and 96 in a common plane, which, as in 13A shown, moved towards each other and hold the pack 7 shown in the lower area by means of a clamping effect.

In a first movement, the two upper transport rakes 93 and 94 move towards each other, as with the two arrows in 13B shown until they also hold the packing 7 in a clamping manner. The two lower transport rakes 95 and 96 then move, as in 13C shown with arrows, so that the lower transport rake releases the pack 7. Now there is a relative movement of the two upper transport rakes 93 and 94 to the two lower transport rakes 95 and 96, with the pack 7 moving in the direction of the in 13D arrows shown is transported horizontally to the next position. In this position, the two lower transport rakes 95 and 96 move towards each other again and “take over” the jamming of the pack 7 in this position, as in 13E is shown with the arrows. In a next step, the upper transport rakes 93 and 94 move apart again, as in 13F shown by the arrows, so that these two transport rakes 93 and 94 are sufficiently far away from the pack 7 and in a final step, as in 13G shown, this time can move back to the original position in a direction opposite to the transport direction, as indicated by the arrows in 13G is indicated.

A comparison of 13G with 13A now shows that the two pairs of transport rakes 93, 94 and 95, 96 are back in their initial state (cf. 13A) are located while the pack 7 has been transported one position further. It quickly becomes clear that a clocked transport in the horizontal direction takes place using the walking mechanism 83 shown. This allows the packs 7 to be precisely aligned with those in transport within the device treatment units arranged in the same direction. The synopsis 11 and the 13A until 13G quickly makes it clear that the transport rakes 93, 94 and 95, 96 used for transport constantly move inside the sterile air chamber 92 and not, as in filling machines with rotating transport devices, out of the area of the sterile air chamber 92 and then, after a corresponding cycle, must be moved back into the sterile air chamber 92. This is a significant advantage in terms of the size of the device according to the invention with the advantages already described of reducing the moving masses and in particular avoiding contamination of the interior of the device or its complex cleaning.

In 14 Another exemplary embodiment of a filling machine is shown schematically in a side view. In contrast to that in the 11 The device shown runs in the device 14 the walking mechanism 83 shown in different levels and essentially consists of three sections. The filling machine can be designed with several parallel tracks that have similar walking mechanisms 83.

Those already in 11 The assemblies or structural parts shown are also provided with the same reference numbers here. The packing jackets 51 used here differ from those in the device 11 used device in that here not two (later) pack edges also form the fold ends of the pack jacket 51, but that the pack jacket 51 used here was folded over so-called false crease lines in the middle of its long sides. However, for the sake of better understanding, the same reference number is used for the packing jackets 51 as well as for the walking mechanisms 83.

At one end of the filling machine there is a device 50 for forming packaging casings 51 for the production of filled packs 7, which has a magazine 52 with a stack 53 of flat-folded packaging casings 51. The front pack jacket 51 of the stack 53 is gripped by a feed device 55 and fed to a forming station 56 with a mold 61. The packaging jacket 51 unfolded in the form 61 is removed by a discharge device 66 and pushed upwards via a stamp 82 into a processing station 78, where the packaging jacket 51 is provided with a pouring spout 79. The packaging jacket 51 is then delivered back down to a holding element 77, which transfers the packaging jacket 51 together with the pourer 79 to a walking mechanism 83. In the next position, an optical sensor 97 checks the packaging jacket 51, which is provided with the spout 79, in order to detect possible errors.

In the following position, the packaging jacket 51 is transported into a transfer station 98 by means of a slide (only indicated) via guide elements (not shown) into the underlying level of the walking mechanism 83 and at the same time brought back into its shape with a rectangular cross-section. From there, the transport begins in cycles to the right in the direction of the arrow shown in the middle of the walking mechanism 83. The packing jackets 51, which are still open at the bottom, first pass through a mechanical sensor 99, which checks the correct alignment and position of the now fully unfolded packing jackets 10' within the treadmill strips. If discrepancies have been detected by the optical sensor 99 or the mechanical sensor 99, in a subsequent removal or rejection station 100 either an automatic downward rejection takes place, as shown in dashed lines, or the improper packing jacket 51 can be manually removed upwards from the walking mechanism 83 become. While the automatic ejection takes place while the device is in operation, a misalignment of a packing jacket 51 leads to an immediate standstill of the device in order to be able to manually remove the misaligned packing jacket from its position without endangering the further production process. For this purpose (only indicated) viewing windows and openings are provided in the housing of the device.

This is followed by a pre-folding station 101, in which both the gable and the bottom of the packaging jackets 51 are pre-folded in order to break up the fibers of the fold lines in the gable area and in the bottom area of the packaging jackets 51 and to simplify the later folding before the corresponding sealing. The packaging jackets 51 are then sterilized in the sterilization unit 84. The bottom seam sealing and the ear sealing of the pack jackets 51 then take place in the bottom molding unit 88, with the ears being sealed from below onto the slightly dome-shaped, concave pack bottom, so that a pack body that is closed at the bottom is now created, which is raised slightly upwards with a further lifting unit 102 is raised to the level of the filling unit 89. After filling, which takes place in two steps in the illustrated and therefore preferred exemplary embodiment, the now filled package body goes through the gable forming 90, in which the gable seam sealing is first carried out in station 103 and then the final gable forming and the creation of the ears in station 104 and sealing on the side surfaces of the then finished pack 7 take place. At the end of the walking mechanism 83, the completely filled and closed pack 7 is discharged downwards out of the device.

If errors have been detected during filling or gable forming, such a defective pack 7 can be automatically removed via a pivoting flap in the floor, whereby the faulty pack 7 can be removed via a conveyor belt. Normally, the finished pack 7 is moved to the right onto a transport carousel by means of an unspecified slider, on which the finished packs 7 leave the device for palletizing or packaging. Below the walking mechanism 83 you can see the drive units 105 necessary for the movements of the walking mechanism 83, all of which are arranged below the sterile air chamber 92.

Reference symbol list

1

Cutting

2

Packaging material

3

Packing jacket

4

Longitudinal edges

5.6

Fold lines

7

pack

8.9

edge

10

Sealed seam

11

Section

12

Section

13

Coat

14.15

Longitudinal ends

16

Floor

17

Head

18

Pack ears

20

contraption

21

Packing body

22

magazine

23

Processing line

24

stack

25

Feeding device

26

contraption

27

Thorn Wheel

28

mandrel

29

Heating unit

30

Press

31

Sealing device

32

cell

33

Transport facility

34

filling machine

35

Aseptic chamber

36

Sterilization zone

37

Filling and sealing zone

38

Sterile air connections

39

Preheating device

40

Sterilization facility

41

Drying facility

42

Fill position

43

filling spout

44

Groceries

45

Closing device

50

contraption

51

Packing jacket

52

magazine

53

stack

54

Falconers

55

Feeding device

56

Forming station

57-60

molding

61

shape

62-65

Form surface

66

discharge device

67

Gripping unit

68

strut

69

Suction cups

70

Rack

71

gear

72

Nut

73

Holding unit

74

Rack

75

gear

76

Section

77

Holding element

78

Processing station

79

Pourer

80

holding finger

81

recesses

82

Rubber stamp

83

walking mechanism

84

Sterilization unit

85-87

station

88

Bottom mold unit

89

Filling unit

90

Gable molding unit

91

Area

92

Sterile air chamber

93-94

Transport rake

95-96

Transport rake

97

sensor

98

transfer station

99

sensor

100

discharge station

101

Pre-folding station

102

lifting unit

103

station

104

station

105

Drive unit

R

Transport direction

A

axis

T

Translation

S

Sway

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 102016109996 A1 [0008]

Claims (16)

Method for forming packaging casings (51) for the production of filled packs, - in which flat-folded packaging sleeves (51) are transferred from a feed device (55) to a forming station (56) comprising at least three shaped parts (57-60) around at least two fold edges (54) running in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jackets (51), - in which the handed over packaging casings (51) are held in an open position of the forming station (56) between at least two moldings (57, 58), - in which packaging jackets (51) held between the at least two molded parts (57, 58) are unfolded and shaped by adjusting the at least three molded parts (57-60) into a closed position of the molding station (56), - in which the unfolded and shaped packaging jackets (51) are removed one after the other from the forming station (56) by a removal device (66) and - in which the feed device (55) and/or the discharge device (66) forms a molded part (59,60) of the molding station (56) for molding the packaging casing (51). Procedure according to Claim 1 , - in which the flat-folded packaging jackets (51) are gripped by a gripping unit (67) of the feed device (55) and transferred from the gripping unit (67) to the forming station (56) and / or - in which the flat-folded packaging jackets (51) in a stack (53) of flat-folded packaging jackets (51) are kept ready and are successively picked up by the feed device (55) and removed from the stack (53). Procedure according to Claim 2 , - in which the gripping unit (67) forms a molded part of the forming station (56) for shaping the packaging casings (51) and - in which, preferably, a side facing away from the packing casing (51) gripped by the gripping unit (67) is the one in the closed position of the molding station (56) forms the side of the molded part (59) facing the molded packaging jacket (51) in the molding station (56). Procedure according to Claim 2 or 3 , - in which the packing casings (51) are gripped by the gripping unit (67) from a side facing away from the stack (53) and/or the forming station (56) and/or - in which the gripping unit (67) with the gripped packing casing (51) for transferring the packaging jacket (51) to the forming station (56) is moved at least partially and/or in sections translationally from the stack (53) to the forming station (56) and/or - in which the gripping unit (67) with the gripped Packaging casing (51) is rotated and/or pivoted at least partially and/or in sections in order to transfer the packing casing (51) to the forming station (56) and/or - in which the packing casings (51) are rotated by at least substantially 180° Alignment compared to the alignment of the packaging jackets (51) in the stack (53) are transferred to the forming station (56). Procedure according to Claim 4 , - in which the packing casings (51) are rotated and/or pivoted by the gripping unit (67) about an axis (A) at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of translational transport (R) of the packing casings (51) and/or - in which the packing casings (51) are rotated and/or pivoted by the gripping unit (67) about an axis (A) at least substantially parallel to the packing casings (51), in particular to a central axis of the packing casings (51) and/or - in which the Packaging jackets (51) are transported translationally by the gripping unit (67) before being transferred to the forming station (56), overlapping at least in sections, on the one hand and rotated and/or pivoted on the other hand, Procedure according to one of the Claims 2 until 5 , - in which the gripping unit (67) uses a plurality of suction pads (69) distributed along a longitudinal extent of a strut (68) for gripping the packaging casings (51) and / or - in which the gripping unit (67) has a strut (68). a side of the molded part (59) which extends in the longitudinal extent of the strut (68) and points in the closed forming station (56) in the direction of the packaging casing (51) formed in the molding station (56) is used to form the packaging casings (51). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , - in which the shaped packing jackets (51) are held by a holding unit (73) of the removal device (66) which holds the shaped packing jackets (51) from at least two opposite sides of the packing jackets (51) and removed from the forming station (56) and - in which, preferably, when the forming station (56) is adjusted from the closed position to the open position, the packing jackets (51) automatically contact the holding unit (73) in a frictional manner due to restoring forces of the packing jackets (51) and/or the holding unit (73) at least in sections forms the side of the molded part (60) facing the molding station (56) of the packaging casing (51) in the molding station (56). Procedure according to Claim 7 , - in which the holding unit (73) in the closed position of the forming station (56) on two sides opposite the packaging jacket (51) in the closed forming station (56) in at least one recess (81) provided on each side Molded part (57, 58) engages and / or - in which the holding unit (73) in the closed position of the molding station (56) on two sides opposite the packaging jacket (51) in the closed molding station (56) in at least one gap between at least two molded parts (57, 58) provided on the respective side engage. Procedure according to Claim 8 , - in which the at least two molded parts (57, 58) on the sides opposite the flat-folded packaging casings (51) are at least partially relative to the holding unit (73) which engages in the at least one recess (81) and/or the at least one gap closed position of the forming station (56) can be adjusted and / or - in which the at least two molded parts (57, 58) on the sides opposite the flat-folded packaging casings (51) are at least partially relative to the one in the at least one recess (81) and / or the holding unit (73), which engages at least one gap, can be moved into the open position of the forming station (56). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , - in which the removal device (66), in particular the holding unit (73), with the shaped packaging jacket (51) when adjusting the forming station (56) into the open position, preferably exclusively, translationally away from the position of the removal device (66), in particular the holding unit (73), in the closed position of the forming station (56) and/or, preferably exclusively, translationally away from the stack (53) of flat-folded packaging casings (51) and/or - in which the shaped packaging casing (51 ) in the open position of the forming station (56) is ejected upwards or downwards from the discharge device (66), in particular the holding unit (73), by a stamp (82). Procedure according to one of the Claims 7 until 10 , - in which the ejected packaging casings (51) are processed in a processing station (78), in particular connected to a pourer (79), and - in which the processed packaging casings (51) are supported by a holding element (77) which is stationarily connected to the holding unit (73). ). (56) can be moved into the open position away from the forming station (56) and, if necessary, away from the stack (53) of flat-folded packaging jackets (51) and delivered. Device for forming packaging casings (51) for the production of filled packages, preferably according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , with a forming station (56) for unfolding and shaping flat-folded packaging jackets (51), a feed device (55) for feeding flat-folded packaging jackets (51) to the forming station (56) and a discharge device (66) for removing the unfolded and shaped packaging jackets ( 51) from the forming station (56), the forming station (56) having at least three moldings (57-60), the moldings (57-60) starting from an open position of the forming station (56) for handing over flat-folded packaging jackets (51). the forming station (56) is provided in a closed position of the forming station (56) for folding and shaping the packaging casings (51) and can be adjusted back, characterized in that the feed device (55) and / or the discharge device (66) form a molded part (59 ,60) of the forming station (56) for forming the packaging casings (51). Device according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the feed device (55) has a gripping unit (67) for gripping flat-folded packaging jackets (51) and for transferring the flat-folded packaging jackets (51) to the forming station (56) and / or that a stack (53) of flat-folded Packaging jackets (51) are provided for being gripped one after the other by the feed device (55), in particular the gripping unit (67). Device according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the gripping unit (67) has a strut (68) with a plurality of suction pads (69) extending in the longitudinal extent of the strut (68) for gripping the packaging jackets (51) and / or the gripping unit (67), in particular the side of the strut (68) opposite the suction pads (69), in the closed position of the forming station (56), forms a molded part (59) of the forming station (56) which rests in particular on the shaped packaging jacket (51) and/or that Gripping unit (67) with a drive for transporting the flat-folded packaging casings (51) to the forming station (56) in an at least partially superimposed translational movement on the one hand and a rotary movement and / or pivoting movement on the other hand. Device according to one of the Claims 12 until 14 , characterized in that a holding unit (73) of the removal device (66) is provided for holding and removing the shaped packaging jackets (51) and that the holding unit (73) in the closed position of the forming station (56) on two of the packaging jackets (51) opposite sides engages in at least one recess (81) of a molded part (57, 58) provided on the respective side and / or engages in at least one gap between at least two molded parts (57, 58) provided on the respective side. Device according to Claim 15 , characterized in that a holding element (77) is connected in a stationary manner to the holding unit (73) and can be adjusted together with the holding unit (73) when adjusting the forming station (56) from the open position to the closed position and back for picking up, holding and dispensing of packing jackets (51) processed after removal from the holding unit (73).

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