EA046102B1 - PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD OF ITS OPERATION - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging machine for filling bulk materials into bags, comprising at least one bag feeding device, at least one filling module with at least one filling head and at least one bag removal device. The present invention further relates to a method of operating such a packaging machine.

Various installations and methods are known in the prior art for filling bulk materials into containers, in particular for filling fluid and/or bulk products into bags.

There are, among other things, various and in some cases special solutions for filling open and valve bags. Capacity also plays a major role in the type of devices and filling method.

In this case, for example, rotary packaging installations or packaging machines are known which contain a plurality of filling modules arranged in a circumferential carousel type, each of which has a pouring nozzle. To fill the bags, the bag is placed or shot onto the pouring nozzle at a specific location. While the packaging machine rotates, the bag is filled, sealed depending on the design, closed and moved to another position.

Substantially linear packaging installations or packaging machines are also known, in which a bag to be filled is taken, for example, from a stack of bags, carried to a filling module, filled and then removed.

Such installations usually function reliably and can be selected from a variety of possible configurations to suit requirements and needs.

However, there is still a need for alternative solutions, since known packaging machines do not always suit the available space available and often cannot flexibly adapt to the product being filled. In addition, in some cases, maintenance is expensive, since known packaging plants usually have a very compact and partially built-in structure in order to meet the lowest possible working space requirements.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine that can be used flexibly or adapted, for example in a modular manner.

This goal is achieved by a packaging machine having the features according to claim 1 of the formula of the invention, and a method of operation of the packaging machine having the features according to claim 17 of the formula of the invention. Preferred additional embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims. Additional embodiments and features of the present invention are derived from the general description and the description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The packaging machine according to the invention is suitable for filling products and in particular bulk materials into bags and comprises at least one bag feeder, at least one filling module with at least one filling head and at least one bag removal device . In this case, the package feeding and package removal devices are located in the line, and the filling module is designed to be removed from the line.

In this case, in particular, a T-shaped arrangement of individual units or modules relative to each other is ensured. Thus, in particular, the package feeding and package removal devices are arranged along the line.

As a result of this arrangement, each randomly selected module can advantageously be provided to operate the remaining components or assemblies of the packaging machine without the need for extensive modification work or complex configuration. In addition, the T-shaped arrangement results in a flexible and yet very small packaging machine.

The package supply device is in particular a module or unit which preferably supplies finished packages, for example from a cassette or stack of packages. Depending on the configuration, however, the supply of the package may also involve the production of a package or be carried out using batch production.

It is particularly preferred that the packaging machine is suitable and configured to fill open pouches with bulk material.

It goes without saying that although, according to the invention, the application is described with reference to the filling of bulk materials, the filling of pasty and/or liquid products with a packaging machine into bags like this is also possible and is also protected.

The pouch removal device preferably comprises at least one conveyor belt with which the filled and sealed pouch can be removed. In particular, there is at least one station for sealing the filled bags, which is preferably intended for removing the bags.

The packaging machine according to the invention provides many advantages. A significant advantage is that the T-shaped arrangement of the filling module in relation to the remaining

- 1 046102 components or assemblies of a packaging machine can provide a very small and compact packaging machine in which, if necessary, due to the adjacent arrangement of the filling module, this property can be flexibly used. In particular, standard components can be used, so that the filling module that can be operated according to the invention can also be integrated into a packaging machine.

Preferably, the filling module can also be detached and removed from other assemblies or modules without great expense so that maintenance costs are reduced.

In known in-line installations, that is, in installations in which all modules are placed in one line, placing the filling technology can be difficult due to the space requirements, this applies in particular to configurations with an air filling module in the line. In addition, the operation or maintainability of the installations may be hampered. This is greatly improved by the packaging machine or arrangement according to the invention.

Preferably, one transfer device is provided in the line between the package feeding device and the package removal device, wherein the filling module is in particular located next to the conveyance device.

It is particularly preferred that the transfer and loading device be configured to supply an empty pouch from the pouch feeder to the filling head, and be capable of removing a filled pouch from the filling head and feeding it to the pouch removal device.

Preferably, the handling device comprises at least a first picking device for supplying empty bags from the bag feeding device to the filling head and at least one second picking device for removing filled bags from the filling head and feeding them to the bag removal device. As a result of this configuration, processing of empty and full packets can be reliably achieved by the picking device.

Preferably, the filling module can be detached and removed from other assemblies or modules without great expense, so that maintenance costs are reduced.

In particular, it is preferable that the first pick-up device be for transporting empty bags and the second pick-up device be a device for transferring full bags to different sides of the transport-loading device. As a result of this configuration, it is possible for various operations of the handling device to be performed in parallel. In particular, so that it is possible to work simultaneously on different sides of the transport-feeding device, as a result of which it is possible, for example, to accept an empty bag from the bag feeder and simultaneously remove a full bag from the filling head and/or hang an empty bag on the filling head and feed complete package on device removal of packages.

In corresponding additional developments for this purpose, on the transport and loading device, the first gripping device for transport and transfer operations with empty bags and the second gripping device for transferring full bags are arranged offset relative to each other between 60 and 120°, preferably between 80 and 100° and, specifically 90° to each other. As a result, parallel manipulation of full and empty packets becomes possible. Depending on the configuration, different angles relative to each other can advantageously be selected if, for example, the bag feeding and removal devices are arranged at an angle to each other that does not form a straight line.

In preferred embodiments, the transport and loading device is rotatable and/or pivotable in at least portions. In this case, the transport loading device contains at least one rotating element or has a column type on which, in particular, gripping devices are located. Thus, it becomes possible, due to the rotation of the transport-feeding device or column, to feed empty bags from the bag feeder to the filling head and full bags from the filling head to the bag removal device. This is achieved, in particular, by changing the movement of the transport loading device or rotating the column back and forth.

It is particularly preferred that the transport and loading device or at least part thereof can be rotated between 60 and 120°, preferably between 80 and 100° and in particular 90°. It is thus possible that by means of gripping devices located on different sides, by rotating back and forth, for example by 90° in each case, the package can be transferred out of the line and back into the line by turning by 180°. This is achieved by the first gripping device initially rotating 90° in one direction and placing the empty bag on the filling head. The gripping device is then rotated back so that the second gripping device comes into contact with the already filled bag on the filling head. As a result of the reverse rotation by 90°, the package is fed to the package removal device. If on

- 2 046102 example, the package feeding device and the package removal device are at an angle to each other, which does not form a straight line, the advantage of the device is that it can also provide smaller or larger angles.

In particular, it is preferable that the transport and loading device is movable at least in sections. In this case, the possibility of movement should be understood in particular also as the possibility of movement, with longitudinal and/or transverse movement being preferably possible. In this case, it is in particular possible for the transport loading device to move on rails or to be suspended on rails and/or to be movable in some other way in order to be able to extend transversely to the system or line for feeding and removing the package or at least move towards or along the line of the bag feed and removal system.

In this case, the transport and loading device can be extended in relation to the linear system in order to provide sufficient access to the filling module, in particular for maintenance work.

By extending the transfer device there is sufficient space for a person to stand between the transfer device, the bag feeder, the bag removal device and the filling module or modules so that all components are easily accessible. In particular, if two filling modules are located adjacent to each other, which are served, as necessary, by a transport and loading device, the transport and loading device can be configured to move or slide, or move along a line or in a direction from the point of supply of the package to the point of removal of the package or in the opposite direction in order to always place it in front of a filling module that is not currently installed or that must be used at this time.

Preferably, the first picking device is movable to transfer empty packets. In this case, the picking device can preferably be moved back and forth, at least in portions, in order to receive an empty bag from the bag feeder and bring it into contact with the filling head after rotation of the transport-feeding device. In this case, the first gripping device can be configured, for example, to be rotatable back and forth, or movable, or retractable.

In other possible developments, the first gripping device comprises two gripping arms, which in particular can be offset relative to each other. In this case, these gripping arms in particular can be closed and extended in order to receive the open empty bag from the bag feeder and carry or pass it open towards the filling module in order to suspend the open bag from the filling head.

In other advantageous developments, the second picking device for transmitting complete packets is movable at least in sections. In this case, the second gripping device in particular can be moved forward and backward. For this purpose, for example, a configuration with a second gripping device, for example in the shape of a parallelogram, can be provided.

Preferably, the second gripping device comprises at least one clamping device. In this case, such a clamping device can be provided, in particular, for removing the filled bag from the filling head and, in particular, for pressing the still open opposite walls of the bag against each other, so that the walls of the bag remain on top of each other for subsequent sealing .

Preferably, the second gripping device functions as at least one cleaning device. In this case, the cleaning device is used in this case to clean the area of the filled bag, which will subsequently contain the top seam.

The cleaning device preferably comprises at least one blowing panel having at least one first nozzle element and at least one second nozzle element through which at least one air flow can be directed, at least temporarily, in each case. Preferably, the first nozzle element has a fixed blowing direction, and the second nozzle element also has a fixed blowing direction. In this case, the blowing directions of the first nozzle element and the second nozzle element are different from each other. In addition, it is preferable that at least one control device is provided that is designed and configured to control at least one first nozzle element and at least one second nozzle element, at least temporarily and alternately.

In this case, the nozzle element may preferably be provided with or contain any known and suitable type of nozzle used. The nozzle element can, for example, also be designed as a simple hole or channel or contain an opening or channel through which an air flow or a gas flow can exit. In this case, such a hole may, in particular

- 3 046102 should be slot-shaped, since with such an elongated nozzle element entire longer sections can also be cleaned with air.

As a result of the different blowing directions of the first and second nozzle elements and depending on the configuration of each additional nozzle element and the rotation or different control of the nozzle elements, an assembly with static nozzle elements or nozzles, in particular, can simulate the air movement of a moving nozzle or an oscillating air jet. In this way, effective cleaning of the work area can be achieved without the need for moving parts, which are more expensive to manufacture and maintain.

As a result of this configuration of the cleaning device, it can be achieved that when cleaning the edge of the neck of the bag before closing or sealing the filled bag with a moving air stream, the walls of the bag or layers of film located on top of each other are opened by the acting air jet so that the air stream falls on the internal surfaces, resulting in the removal of adhering dust or dirt particles. By changing the air stream, preferably with a suitable pouch configuration, the layers of the sides of the pouch neck are separated from each other so that this area is also cleaned. The individual layers of the film are sequentially opened in random order by a moving or oscillating air flow and are thus cleaned by the flow of penetrating air.

In addition, in addition to simulating simple oscillatory air flow, more complex air flows can be obtained with simple and/or complex wave movements over the area to be cleaned.

To create suitable air movements, different types of nozzle elements can be controlled separately and/or together in groups.

In particular, individual nozzle elements can be arranged in rows along the blowing strip, in which individual rows or groups of nozzle elements of different rows can supply air separately to achieve an advantageous air flow or advantageous air movement.

In particular, it is preferable that the package feeding device, the filling module, the package removal device and/or the transport and loading device are located in at least one housing in at least sections. In this case, it is preferable that a common cover or housing be provided. However, depending on the configuration, the modules can preferably also be arranged individually or also in groups in separate housing devices. In this case, such housings in particular must be designed to be substantially dust- and/or air-tight, so as to advantageously ensure a hermetically sealed seal of the entire packaging machine.

Preferably, at least two filling modules are provided. In this case, in particular, it is provided that only one filling module is used in each case. In particular, the filling module can have different properties so that, for example, a quick product change on a packaging machine is possible. For this purpose, it is provided that the handling device is movable or movable at least in the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine or in line with the bag feeder and the package removal device, so that the handling device can be moved to a position in front of the corresponding module filling to be used. For this purpose, the filling modules are in particular arranged next to each other.

If at least two filling modules are provided adjacent to each other, the transfer and loading device may preferably be configured and configured to receive empty bags from the bag feeder and supply full bags to the bag removal device, regardless of the filling module that it is facing. time the transport and loading device is located. For this purpose, in particular, the path between the transport and loading device and the package removal device can be overcome independently of the position of the transport and loading device, for example by means of a gripping device that can be moved accordingly. Preferably, both filling modules can also operate alternately, for example by attaching an empty package to the first filling module and removing a filled package from the second filling module.

The method according to the invention is suitable for operating the packaging machine described above. In this case, the package from the package feeder is taken out of the line of the package feeder and the package removal device into the filling module and, after filling, is sent back to this line and fed into the package removal device.

The method according to the invention also offers the previously described advantages available to the described packaging machine. In particular, with the method according to the invention it is possible to provide a packaging machine having a T-shaped configuration, in which, in particular, any filling module can be located next to the other devices or modules of the packaging machine, located in one line.

Preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps:

- 4 046102 gami in the appropriate number, in the appropriate order and/or combination:

a) capturing the empty package by the first capturing device (5),

b) turning the transport and loading device (4) until the first gripping device (5) establishes a working connection with the filling module (100),

c) feeding the empty bag to the filling head (101),

d) turning the transport and loading device (4) until the first gripping device (5) establishes a working connection with the bag feeder (2),

e) turning or turning back the transport and loading device (4) until the second gripping device (6) establishes a working connection with the filling module (100) or with the filled bag,

f) capturing the complete package with a second gripping device (6),

g) turning the transport and loading device (4) until the second gripping device with the filled bag establishes a working connection with the bag removal device,

h) transmitting the packet to the packet remover.

Preferably, steps a) and f), b) and g), c) and h) and/or d) and e) are performed in parallel or simultaneously. Particularly in this case, it is preferable that, at least temporarily, a new empty bag is picked up by the first picking device and transferred to the filling head after the filled bag has been removed from the filling head by the second picking device and transferred towards the bag removal device. In this way, the packaging machine can operate in parallel and therefore with higher productivity.

In particular, it is preferable that at least two filling modules are provided in the case where the transport and loading device is installed in front of the filling module that is directly used. As already described earlier, it becomes possible, for example, to quickly change the type of product on the machine, since different filling modules can be installed on it in parallel. Alternatively, it is preferable to work with the same filling modules and the same product in order to increase the overall productivity of the packaging machine, in particular when there is a filling process with a product that requires in each case a longer residence time for compaction or purging at the filling head .

Another method according to the invention is intended, as previously described, for servicing a packaging machine. In this case, the transport and loading device is moved to release at least the filling module. As a result of this method, sufficient space in the packaging machine is provided for the transport and loading device between the various components for the user or operating personnel, which makes it possible to maintain all components in a particularly simple and therefore reliable and time-saving manner. In addition to easier access to the filling module, all other components, in particular the package feeder and package removal device, and the side of the transport and loading device facing the filling module will have easier access.

In particular, it is preferable when the transport and loading device is extended in a direction transverse to the arrangement or line of the package feeding device and the package removal device. This is particularly advantageous if only one filling module is used and ensures a very compact arrangement of the individual units.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, two filling modules are provided, wherein the transport and loading device is moved in line between the package feeding device and the package removal device or in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the transport and loading device is moved in particular to a location in front of the filling module, which currently does not have to be supported and/or which is simply used for filling.

Additional advantages and features of the present invention are obtained from an example embodiment, which is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

On the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows a further schematic view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine in accordance with the invention in perspective view;

fig. 3 shows another schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention;

fig. 4 shows a schematic front view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention;

fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a packaging machine in accordance with the invention as viewed from the side of a bag removal device;

fig. 6 shows a further schematic representation of an example embodiment of a packaging machine in accordance with the invention as viewed from the pouch removal device side;

- 5 046102 fig. 7 shows yet another schematic view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention as viewed from the side of the pouch removal device;

fig. 8 shows yet another schematic view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention as viewed from the side of the bag removal device;

fig. 9 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention as viewed from the side of a bag feeder;

fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention as viewed from the side of a bag removal device;

fig. 11 shows yet another schematic view of an example embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention as viewed from the side of a pouch removal device;

fig. 12 shows a view according to FIG. 11 with the transport and loading device removed;

fig. 13 shows a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a transport loading device;

fig. 14 shows an enlarged view according to FIG. 13;

fig. 15 shows another schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a transport and loading device;

fig. 16 shows an enlarged view according to FIG. 15;

fig. 17 shows a perspective view according to FIG. 15;

fig. 18 shows an enlarged view according to FIG. 17;

fig. 19 shows a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a transport loading device with a cleaning device according to the invention;

fig. 20 shows a schematic perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

fig. 21 shows another schematic perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

fig. 22 shows another schematic perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

fig. 23 shows another schematic perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

fig. 24 shows another schematic perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

fig. 25 shows a schematic front view of an example embodiment of a transport loading device and a packet removal device;

fig. 26 shows yet another schematic front view of an example embodiment of a transport loading device and a packet removal device;

fig. 27 shows another schematic front view of an example embodiment of the transport loading device and the bag removal device;

fig. 28 shows sections from FIG. 26, 27 and 28;

fig. 29 shows another embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in perspective view;

fig. 30 shows an example of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 29 in front view;

fig. 31 shows an example of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 29 in rear view;

fig. 32 shows an example of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 29 in top view;

fig. 33 shows an example of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 29 in side view.

In fig. 1 shows a packaging machine 1 according to the invention in perspective view. Here, the packaging machine 1 in the exemplary embodiment shown here includes a bag feeder 2, a bag remover 3, and a handling device 4 disposed therebetween. The bag feeder 2, a bag remover 3, and a handler device 4 in this case is located in line 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the filling module 100 is removed from the line 12 adjacent to the transport and loading device 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, empty bags from the packet feeder 2 are fed into the filling module 100 by means of the transport-feeding device. loading device 4. The package thus supplied to the filling module 100 is attached to the filling head 101 of the filling module 100 is filled and sent by the transport and loading device 4 back to the line 12 and fed into the device for removing the package 3.

By positioning the filling module 100 adjacent to the line or in a position extended from the line, almost any filling module 100 can be used in conjunction with modules or devices of the packaging machine 1 located in the line 12. In particular, standard modules can also be used, in which case The packaging machine according to the invention does not need to provide the filling module 100 with a special configuration, which is advantageous

- 6 046102 for filling modules for open bags of any filling technology.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the packaging machine 1 is configured to be enclosed in a housing, wherein the individual units or modules are provided in the housing devices 11, 102. In this case, in the exemplary embodiment, the units located in the line 12, viz. The package feeding device 2, the package removal device 3 and the transport loading device 4 are configured in a common housing 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the filling module 100 is configured in its own housing 102.

By placing individual units or modules in housings 11, 102, a configuration-dependent filling process can be hermetically sealed, so that hazardous or harmful substances can also be filled by means of the packaging machine 1. In particular, a vacuum can also be applied in the packaging machine 1 or in the housings 11, 102 or suction can occur so that the product that comes out during filling does not escape into the environment, but can be safely disposed of or even recycled.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the bag feeder 2 also includes a bag making device 13, in which bags are produced for this purpose, starting from the film source 14, and which is accessible to the transport and loading device 4.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the pouch removal device 3 includes a sealing device 15 for sealing filled but still open pouches, and a conveyor belt 16 for removing the filled and sealed pouches.

Since the bag feeder 2, the bag remover 3 and the transport and loading device are located along the line 12, and the filling module 100 is located outside this line 12, this results in a T-shaped arrangement of the packaging machine 1 in accordance with the invention.

As mentioned earlier, there are many benefits to this. One advantage is that by installing filler module 100 in line along line 12 or removing filler module 100 from that line, almost any (standard) filler module can be used. As a result, on the one hand, existing filling modules 100 can be used. On the other hand, thanks to this installation, the filling module can also be changed or quickly replaced by another without too much effort. In known linear systems, i.e. In systems where everything is placed in line, due to limited space in the line, it can be difficult to organize the filling technology, in particular this applies to the air filling module 105 with pressure chamber 106 shown in the example embodiment of the invention. In addition, efficiency or repairability will be hampered.

Another advantage is that due to the T-shaped configuration or layout of the packaging machine, a more compact design is possible.

To better illustrate the packaging machine 1 in FIG. 2-4 show two perspective views and a front view of the packaging machine 1, with the housings 11, 102 omitting the covers of the housings 17, 103 to provide views of the interior of the packaging machine 1 or various modules or assemblies.

In fig. 5 and 6 show a view of the transport and loading device 4 from the side of the package removal device 3, once in an overview view and once in an enlarged view.

In this view, it can be seen that the filling module 100 is provided or provided adjacent to the loading and transport device 4, while in this view it can also be seen that the filling head 101 of the filling module 100 is present. It can also be seen here that the input hopper 104 of the filling module 100, which connected to a refillable product store located above it but not shown. In this case, the product is fed through the input hopper 104 into the pressure chamber 106 inside the filling module 100 or through the existing air filling module 105 into the filling nozzle 101.

In this view, it can be seen that the handling device includes a first gripping device 5 and a second gripping device 6, which are mounted on different sides 7, 8 of the handling device 4 or on the main body 18 of the handling device 4.

It is shown here that the main body 18 of the handling device 4 in the exemplary embodiment shown here is configured as a suspended column. In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 18 is suspended on rails 19, whereby the main body 19 with the gripping devices 5, 6 can be pulled out in this view to the left of the line 12. This displacement property of the handling device 4 will be shown and described in more detail. below.

In addition to being able to move the handling device 4 or the main body 18 of the handling device 4, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the main body 18 can also be rotated 90° back and forth. By rotating back and forth the main body 18 of the transport and loading device 4 and by positioning the first gripping device 5 on one side 7 of the main body 18 and placing the second gripping device 6 on side 8 of the main body 18 by rotating the base body 18 backwards and forward 90°, the bag from the bag feeder 2 can be fed by the transfer device 4 from the line 12 to the filling module 100 or the filling head 101. When the main body 18 or the transport device 4 is rotated back, the second gripping device 6 enters into contact with the now filled package on the filling head 101 and can capture it and can be directed back into the line 12, by rotating forward or returning the main body 18, and feeding the package into the package removal device.

In an enlarged view of FIG. 6, the first gripping device 5 and the second gripping device 6 can be seen on different sides 7, 8 of the housing 18 of the base of the transport and loading device 4, wherein one of the two gripping arms 9 of the first gripping device 5 can also be recognized.

As can be seen in more detail in the following figures, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the gripping device 5 comprises two gripping arms 9, which can be moved relative to each other in such a way that they serve as a kind of distributors. Thus, it is possible for the gripping arms 9 of the first gripping device 5 to grab the open bag from the bag feeder 2 or the bag making device and attach it to the filling head 101. For this purpose, the first gripping device 5 or the gripping arms 9 in the exemplary embodiment shown here can also be moved forward and retracted back again, as shown schematically in FIG. 7 and 8.

In fig. 9 schematically shows a view of the transport and loading device 4 and the filling module 100 from the side of the bag feeder 2. In this case, the main body 18 of the transport and loading device 4 rotates in such a way that the second gripping device 6 is oriented in the direction of the filling head 101 of the filling module 100. B In this position, the first gripping device 5 is oriented in such a way that it can receive an empty bag from the bag feeder 2.

In fig. 10 schematically shows a view of the transport-loading device 4 and the filling module 100 from the side of the package removal device 3.

Here, it can be seen that the second gripping device 6 is movable such that the second gripping device 6 in the present exemplary embodiment can be rotated or moved forward by the parallelogram structure 20 towards the casting head 101. Thus, the clamping devices 10 of the second gripping the devices 6 can compress the still open walls of the bag to be filled and then move the bag back towards the base body 18.

The main body 18 can then be rotated clockwise 90° so that the complete package can be pushed back into the line 12 and then fed into the package removal device. At the same time, during removal of the complete package by the second gripping device 6, a new empty package can be captured by the first gripping device 5. As the full package is rotated forward into line 12, a new empty package is then simultaneously pushed out of line 12 and fed into the filling nozzle 101.

In fig. 10 it can also be seen that, according to the invention, the cleaning device 50 is installed above the second gripping device 6, which is explained in detail in the following drawings.

In fig. 11 and 12 once again show a schematic view of the packaging machine 1 or the loading device 4 and the filling module 100 from the side of the bag removal device 3. When comparing these views, it can be seen that the transport and loading device 4 or the main body 18 together with the grippers attached to it devices 5, 6 are made with the ability to move or extend.

To this end, as already indicated in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the main body 18 is suspended in the upper region and is movable by means of a rail or rail system 19. Likewise, other technical components or components for moving the base body can be used 18.

Since, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the handling device 4 or the main body 18 of the handling device 4 can be extended laterally towards the line 12, for example, sufficient space is provided for personnel to maintain the packaging machine 1.

Thus, in the extended state of the main body 18 in the exemplary embodiment shown here, in particular, all components of the packaging machine 1 can be comfortably reached. In particular, the filling module 100 can be reached from the filling head 101. It can also be supported /or repair the package feeder 2, the package removal device, as well as the opposite inaccessible side of the transport and loading device.

In fig. 13 and 14 show the structure of the transport and loading device 4 and the main body 18 of the device of the transport and loading device 4 of the packaging machine 1 in general and detailed views.

The first gripping device 5 and the second gripping device 6 are located in this

- 8 046102 in an exemplary embodiment with a 90° offset on different sides 7, 8. As a result, a combined operating mode is provided - feeding an empty package and feeding or transporting a full package.

A cleaning device 50 is provided above the second gripping device 6, which includes a housing device 64, which in the illustrated exemplary embodiment is provided with a rotating housing 65 or a rotating shield 66. The cleaning device 50 is explained in more detail in the following figures.

In addition, it can be seen that the first gripping device 5 is located on the side 7 of the main body 18, which in the exemplary embodiment contains two gripping arms 9, which can be moved in this case relative to each other or rotated outward or moved. In this way, the gripping arms act as distributors and can pick up or receive an empty bag from the bag feeder 2.

Moreover, as can be seen previously in the drawings, the first gripping device 5 is rotatable so that it can be moved forward in the direction of the filling head 101 and also in the direction of the bag feeder 2. Depending on the configuration, e.g. , telescopic gripping arms 9 or a first gripping device 5 consisting of other components may be provided.

In fig. 15 and 16, the main body of the loading device 4 is rotated such that the first gripping device 5 is aligned in the direction of the filling head 101 of the filling module 100. In this position, the open package (not shown) in the example embodiment shown here is held on the gripping arms 9 by distributing two gripping arms 9, with the gripping device 5 being moved forward to reach the package, which is held open by the filling head 101. In addition, a second gripping device 6 with clamping devices 10 can be seen here.

In fig. 17 and 18 once again show a side view in accordance with FIG. 15 and 16 are in a slight perspective view from above, obliquely, and in addition, the cleaning device 50 above the second gripping device 6 is hidden in order to better show the clamping devices 10 of the second gripping device 6.

In fig. 19 to 24 describe in detail the cleaning device 50 according to the invention, arranged in the exemplary embodiment above the second gripping device 6, and its operating principle.

In this case, the cleaning device 50 according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment shown here is designed to clean the so-called seam head region of the bag to be sealed by means of the blown air.

In addition to the use of the cleaning device 50 shown here, it can also clean any other working section related in particular to the packaging machine 1 described here.

In fig. 19 is a schematic view of a loading device 4 of a packaging machine 1 according to the invention, where in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 50 according to the invention is located above the second gripping device 6.

In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 50 includes two purge panels 51, which are not visible in FIG. 19. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 50 is provided encapsulated, namely within the housing device 64. This makes it possible to achieve sealing of the purge panels 51 and the working section to be cleaned. To feed the area or bag to be cleaned into the cleaning device 50, the housing device 64 includes a movable or, in this case, a rotating housing 65 or a flap 66, which is shown in the closed state in the drawing.

In fig. 20 is a perspective view of a cleaning device 50 in accordance with the invention, in which the rotary housing 65 and flap 66 are shown in the open state. Thus, the exemplary view shown here of two purge panels 51 located inside the housing device 64 is open.

In fig. 21 is a separate perspective view of the assembly of the cleaning device 50. Here, the flap 66 and the rotary housing 65 are also shown in an open state so that the two purge panels 51 provided in the exemplary embodiment herein can be seen.

In the exemplary embodiment, each of the purge panels 51 includes a plurality of first nozzle elements 52, second nozzle elements 53 and third nozzle elements 54, which are arranged in rows 60, 61, 62.

In this case, the three rows 60, 61, 62 of the first nozzle elements 52, the second nozzle elements 53 and the third nozzle elements 54 can be differently supplied with air so that a moving air wave is blown onto the working section to be cleaned.

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This is achieved in that each of the first nozzle elements 52 or the first row 60 of the first nozzle elements 52 has a first blowing direction 55, which is different from the blowing directions 56, 57 of the other nozzle elements 53, 54 or the rows 61, 62 of the nozzle elements 53, 54. In particular, it is preferable, and this is done in this example embodiment, that the first nozzle elements 52, the second nozzle elements 53 and the third nozzle elements 54 each have a blowing direction 50, 56, 57, each of which is different from each other.

In addition, there is provided a control device 58, not shown in more detail in the figures, which is designed and configured to control the nozzle elements 52, 53, 54 to operate, at least at times, in an alternating staggered manner.

For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that for the three rows 60, 61, 62 of the nozzle elements 52, 53, 54, separate air sources 59 are provided in each case for the blower panels 51. In this case, this is provided for both blower panels 51 and this can be seen in FIG. 22 if the left purge strip 51 is removed. With one purge strip 51 removed, the individual air sources 59a and connections for air sources 59 of the purge strip 51 can be seen located outside the purge strip 51.

In fig. 23 and 24 show schematically that a removal device 63 may also be provided to remove air expelled by the purge strips 51 or other fluid along with entrained particles.

To this end, the exemplary embodiment provided herein provides that the removal device 63 is in operative connection with the interior of the housing device 64 through an opening 67 in the housing device 64.

In the exemplary embodiment, a suction pipe 68 is provided which is connected to this opening 67. Depending on the configuration, for example, another suction pipe 68 may be provided on the left side, in which case the opening 67 is closed on the left side by a cover 69 .

In an exemplary embodiment, as previously described, it is provided that a hermetically sealed cleaning space is created by closing the movable housing 65 or the rotating flap 66 of the housing device 64. Depending on the application, the removal device is then positioned so that at least , the volume of air or, generally, the volume that is blown into the housing device 64 through the purge strips 51. In particular, it is preferable that at least so much air is extracted that at least a small vacuum. This is especially important for systems that are used in areas where there is a risk of explosion of dust-air mixtures. In non-critical operating environments or under normal conditions, a non-sealing housing device 64 or even no housing device 64 may be provided.

In fig. 23 and 24 it can also be seen that the different rows 60, 61, 62 of the first, second and third nozzle elements 52, 53, 54 are connected through different air supply lines 59a to the purge panels 51.

Thus, it is also possible to independently control individual nozzle elements 52, 53, 54 or individual rows 60, 61, 62 of these nozzle elements 52, 53, 54 for each purge strip 51. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the air wave or A moving air stream can be generated along the entire length, as well as along the width of the working section to be cleaned, as a result of which, without the use of moving parts, in particular, the output effect of an oscillating nozzle is simulated. In this case, a flow pattern characteristic of blowing with an oscillating nozzle is achieved, such that when cleaning the seam head area of a bag for a subsequent seam, the separated walls of the bag to be joined are blown, so that the product located between the walls of the bag is removed.

In particular, with the help of an oscillating air jet, it is achieved that when cleaning the edge of the neck of the bag before closing or sealing the filled bag with a moving air flow, the walls of the bag or film layers located on top of each other are opened by the operating air jet, so that the air jet falls on the internal surfaces, as a result of which any adhering dust or dirt particles present there are removed. By changing the air flow, the layers of the side flaps are also separated from each other according to the design of the bag, so that this area is also cleaned. The individual layers of the film open up and, separated from each other by a moving or oscillating air flow, are cleaned by a penetrating air flow.

In fig. 25-28 schematically shows the transfer of the filled package by the transport-loading device 4 to the package removal device 3.

In this case, a parallelogram structure 20 is provided, on which a second gripping device 6 is provided with clamping devices 10. This structure 20 is also used to remove the full package from the filling head 101 or to bring the second gripping device 6 into contact with the filled package.

In the initial state, the second gripping device 6 is closely adjacent to the main body 18 of the transport and loading device 4. In subsequent FIGS. 26 and fig. 27 you can see how

- 10 046102 the second gripping device 6 is moved forward in the direction of the package removal device 3 by moving the parallelogram structure 20.

In this case, the sealing device 15 can also be seen here, which is embodied as a welding station 21 in the example embodiment shown here.

In fig. 28 schematically shows side views arranged in a row for individual positions of the parallelogram structure 20, according to which, thanks to the special configuration of this parallelogram structure 20, the filled package is transferred by means of the gripping device 6 of the transport-loading device 4 approximately in a line and approximately straight to the package removal device

Fig. 29-33 show another example of an embodiment of the packaging machine 1 in accordance with the invention. In this case, the configuration for such an example embodiment essentially corresponds to the already described example embodiment.

In particular, the package feeder 2, the transport-loading device 4 and the package removal device 3 are located along the line 12. Unlike the example embodiment shown above, not only one filling module 100 is extended from the line 12 and is located adjacent to the transport-loading device 4, but two filling modules 100 are located side by side outside line 12.

In order to select which of the two filling modules 100 is used, the example embodiment shown here is provided with a movable handling device 4 so that it can be positioned in front of either one or the other filling module 100. For example, there may be a quick product change or maintenance and repair of the filling module 100 is performed, for which the handling device 4 can be pulled out or moved to a location in front of the filling module 100 for use or not in use.

At the same time, since the transfer and loading device 4 can be installed in the line 12, depending on the configuration, the transport and loading device 4 can also be moved or moved across the line 12, as in the example embodiments, shown earlier.

To ensure that packages are reliably picked up from the package feeder 2 and filled packages are reliably delivered by the handling device 4 to the package removal device 3, individual components of the handling device 4 can be suitably movable.

Depending on the configuration, however, the bag feeder 2 and/or the bag remover 3 can also be offset from each other, so that there are always optimal distances between the individual units.

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Claims (7)

Name of items 1 Packing machine 59 Air source 2 Bag feeder 59a Air source 3 Package Remover 60 Row 4 Transport and loading device 61 Row 5 First gripping device 62 Row 6 Second gripping device 63 Removal device (air) 7 Side 64 Case device 8 Side 65 casing 9 Grasping hand 66 Rotating shield 10 Clamping device 67 Hole AND Frame 68 Suction pipe 12 Line 69 Lid 13 Bag making device 100 Filling module 14 Film source 101 Filling head 15 Sealing device 102 Frame 16 Assembly line 103 case cover 17 case cover 104 Input hopper 18 Main building 105 Air filling module 19 Rail 106 Pressure chamber 20 Parallelogram design 21 Welding station 50 Cleaning device 51 Ventilation panel 52 First nozzle element 53 Second nozzle element 54 Third nozzle element 55 Purge direction 56 Purge direction 57 Purge direction 58 Control device CLAIM 1. A packaging machine (1) for filling the product into bags, containing at least one bag feeder (2), at least one filling module (100) with at least one filling head (101) and at least one device removal of packages (3), characterized in that the package feeder and the package removal device are located along the line (12), and that the filling module is extended from the line (12), where in the line (12) between the package feeder (2) and the device removal of packages (3), at least one transport and loading device (4) is provided, and the filling module (100) is located next to the transport and loading device (4) so that a T-shaped arrangement of the package feeding device (2) is provided , transport loading device (4), package removal device (3) and filling module (100). 2. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the transport and loading device is designed and configured to supply an empty bag from the bag feeder (2) to the filling head (101) and to supply a filled bag from the filling head (101) to package removal device (3). 3. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 2, in which the transport and loading device (4) contains at least a first gripping device (5) for feeding empty bags from the bag feeder (2) to the filling head (101) and where the transport and loading device (4) contains at least a second picking device (6) for feeding complete bags from the filling head (101) to the bag removal device (3). 4. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 2, 3, in which the first gripping device (5) for transferring empty bags and the second gripping device (6) for transferring full bags are located on different sides (7, 8) of the transport loading device (4). 5. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 3, 4, in which the first gripping device (5) for transferring empty bags and the second gripping device (6) for transferring full bags are located on the transport and loading device (4) with an offset relative to each other between 60 and 120°, preferably between 80 and 100° and in particular 90°. 6. Packaging machine (1) according to any of the previous paragraphs, in which the transport and loading device (4) is partially rotatable and/or pivotable. 7. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 6, in which the transport and loading device is made with -