EP1221410B1 - Method and apparatus for packaging articles - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for packaging articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1221410B1
EP1221410B1 EP01130784A EP01130784A EP1221410B1 EP 1221410 B1 EP1221410 B1 EP 1221410B1 EP 01130784 A EP01130784 A EP 01130784A EP 01130784 A EP01130784 A EP 01130784A EP 1221410 B1 EP1221410 B1 EP 1221410B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cassette
stack
slider
transfer
packing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01130784A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1221410A3 (en
EP1221410A2 (en
Inventor
Dietmar Schmetzer
Klaus Griessmayr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Optima Filling and Packaging Machines GmbH
Original Assignee
Optima Filling and Packaging Machines GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Optima Filling and Packaging Machines GmbH filed Critical Optima Filling and Packaging Machines GmbH
Publication of EP1221410A2 publication Critical patent/EP1221410A2/en
Publication of EP1221410A3 publication Critical patent/EP1221410A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1221410B1 publication Critical patent/EP1221410B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B65B5/067Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles in bags
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B63/00Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B63/02Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for compressing or compacting articles or materials prior to wrapping or insertion in containers or receptacles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B63/00Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B63/02Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for compressing or compacting articles or materials prior to wrapping or insertion in containers or receptacles
    • B65B63/022Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for compressing or compacting articles or materials prior to wrapping or insertion in containers or receptacles using compressing chambers or plates moving in an endless path

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for packaging objects in bags.
  • a packaging machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is already known (US-A-3228171). This packaging machine has a revolving slide that pushes bread along a straight path into a cassette. The cassette moves the bread into a bag.
  • the items to be packaged can in many cases be stacks of flat articles. Due to the type of packaging with side gussets, you are bound to certain geometric conditions when it comes to the cross-section of the package. The pack must not be taller than it is wide. This is the case for products with low content.
  • the flat articles are delivered upright due to the construction of the devices with which these flat individual articles are formed. If the packaging falls below the height / width ratio, these objects must be arranged horizontally.
  • the articles are often compressible objects, for example panty liners, cleaning cloths or other fluffy products.
  • the invention is based on the object of proposing a method and a device for packaging objects in bags which work with great reliability and offer the possibility of reducing the effects of faults.
  • the invention proposes a device with the features mentioned in claim 1 and a method with the features mentioned in claim 22. Developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.
  • the device thus uses a slider, which is attached as a top slider to a rotating chain. This slide is therefore not moved back and forth, but along a closed path, the return path being carried out at a different height.
  • the sliding distance of the product pusher is fixed. The slide first brings the object to be packed into the filling cassette, from which the object is brought into the bag station. From there it is then brought to the sealing station using the accompanying cassette.
  • the filled bag can be transported gently in the transfer cassette without gaps, slits or other projections being able to influence the packaging.
  • the packaging cassette is arranged and designed in such a way that the slider can push an object to be packaged into the cassette in the loading position.
  • the packaging cassette can be moved in such a way that it moves together with the object to be packaged into an opened bag and remains there in the transfer position.
  • the object to be packaged is therefore pushed in as long as it is still arranged in the packaging cassette.
  • the packaging cassette can have smooth side walls, a smooth bottom and also a smooth upper side with a slot for the slide. If necessary, an air cushion can also be formed.
  • the path of movement of the two cassettes overlaps.
  • the transfer cassette can therefore be moved to a location at which the packaging cassette can also be arranged, it not being a complete overlap of the two cassettes.
  • the two cassettes can stay in the transfer position at the same time and thus also overlap. This enables the filled bag to be transferred carefully from the packaging cassette into the transfer cassette with little lateral play. In the position in which the two cassettes are moved away from the transfer position, they have such a distance from one another that the bag station can open a bag freely through the cassettes.
  • the overlap can occur, for example, in that the transfer cassette is made somewhat larger in width and height than the packaging cassette, so that it can partially move into the transfer cassette.
  • This training is the preferred one, although a reverse training is also possible.
  • the transfer cassette in the closed position is arranged in such a way that the slide has pushed the packaged object through the closing jaws of a closing station.
  • the transfer cassette can be designed such that it guides the filled bag to the closing station during its movement. This guidance can take place through smooth side walls, a smooth, level floor and a smooth upper side.
  • the bottom and the side walls, together with the cassette are guided over any gaps, slots or other parts of the closing station, so that the filled bag cannot get stuck anywhere.
  • the filled bag is then held at this point beyond possible gaps, while the slide and the transfer cassette are then moved back.
  • the contents of the bag are then on the opposite side of the sealing jaws.
  • the still open bag can then be connected using welding jaws. It is also possible to generate an air cushion when the bag is being pushed out of the transfer cassette, in order to simplify or promote the pushing out process.
  • the transfer cassette is slower during its movement in the conveying direction is moved as the slider. This pushes the filled bag through the cassette during the entire movement of the transfer cassette.
  • the invention is particularly advantageous when the article to be packaged is a compressible article which is inserted into the bag under a certain tension. This tension should remain.
  • it can be a stack of articles in which gaps between the articles are also to be compressed.
  • the objects to be packaged are stacks of fluffy articles
  • the further features of claim 11 can be provided.
  • a series of articles arranged side by side is formed there.
  • the objects lie flat on top of each other in the emptying position. They are compressed by the compression device, which is a kind of pre-compression.
  • the air between the individual articles and the air in the articles themselves is displaced.
  • the stack can then be removed from the rotary cassette in this compressed position.
  • the compression device has a displaceable pressure wall, which is arranged approximately parallel to the flat sides of the articles and can be moved perpendicularly to these flat sides. In the filling position, this pressure wall therefore runs parallel to a side wall, while in the emptying position it then runs parallel to the floor, since the cassette changes its orientation in the same way when it is pivoted, for example by 90 degrees. What was originally a side wall becomes the floor or the lid in the emptying position.
  • the compression takes place during the pivoting of the collecting cassette. This can be done, for example, in that the movement of the pressure wall is positively controlled, for example by means of a cam track, a curve guide or the like.
  • the drive for the swiveling device can also preferably have a servo motor in order to be able to precisely control the dwell of the cassette in each of the two positions.
  • the invention proposes that the device can have a plurality of cassettes. It can be provided, for example, that one of the plurality of cassettes is arranged in the filling position and a second cassette in the emptying position.
  • the emptying of one cassette and the filling of another cassette can take place simultaneously.
  • the positions can be moved out of a line so that the two positions do not interfere.
  • the swiveling device swivels the collecting cassette or a plurality of collecting cassettes back and forth.
  • the pivoting device is designed such that it rotates the at least one collecting cassette step by step in one direction.
  • the method proposed by the invention proceeds as follows.
  • An object to be packed is inserted into a packaging cassette.
  • the packaging cassette with the object arranged in it is moved into an opened bag. During this movement, the object can possibly also be moved relative to the packaging cassette.
  • the packaging cassette can, for example, be pushed into the bag until its front side reaches the bottom of the bag in the conveying direction.
  • the object is pushed through the cassette into the bag.
  • the filled bag is then transferred to the transfer cassette and the packaging cassette is pulled out of the bag. In the transfer cassette, the filled bag is pushed to a sealing station, where it is sealed.
  • the packaging cassette is moved back and forth between a feed position and the transfer position.
  • a revolving slider is used to move the object, and preferably several revolving slides can be used in succession.
  • the transfer cassette is moved back and forth between the transfer position and the closing station.
  • the transfer cassette is moved more slowly in the conveying direction than the filled bag. This leads to the filled bag being moved through the transfer cassette, that is to say being displaced.
  • the packaging cassette and the transfer cassette can be arranged at the transfer position at the same time.
  • the invention proposes in a further development to line up these standing articles side by side to form a stack, and after forming a stack to pivot them so that the flat articles lie on top of each other.
  • the stack is then compressed by moving the flat sides of the outer articles towards one another.
  • the compressed and horizontally lying stack thus formed can then be packaged further.
  • the invention proposes in a further development that the stack is compressed after the beginning of the pivoting and before the stack is removed.
  • the invention proposes in a further development to compress the stack during the pivoting, and preferably during the entire pivoting process.
  • the compression can take place in that a pressure wall is arranged in the cassette, which is arranged laterally at the beginning of the compression and changes its position together with the cassette during the pivoting of the cassette, so that it forms the bottom of the cassette at the end of the pivoting.
  • the device proposed by the invention contains a revolving chain 1 which is guided around two parallel sprockets 2 and driven endlessly.
  • a revolving chain 1 which is guided around two parallel sprockets 2 and driven endlessly.
  • a plurality of brackets 3 are attached to the chain 1 and have a slide plate 4 at their free end.
  • This device is referred to below as a slide.
  • the sliders 4 move along the lower run in the horizontal direction up to the end of the chain 1.
  • Two cassettes 5, 6 are arranged horizontally displaceably below the conveyor device having the slide 4.
  • the direction of the displacement corresponds to the direction of the movement of the slide 4 and thus the conveying direction of the device. 5, 6 have a similar structure. Details will be discussed later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.
  • a stack 7 of objects to be packaged is provided at a certain point with the aid of a device which is not explained in more detail.
  • the cassette 5 on the right in FIG. 1 is in its loading position.
  • the cassette 5 is called a packaging cassette.
  • the slider 4 pushes the stack 7 into the packaging cassette 5.
  • a stack 9 of bags 10 is arranged in front of the packaging cassette 5.
  • the bag station is designed in such a way that the uppermost bag 10 of the stack 9 can be opened with the aid of an opener 11. This opening movement of the opener 11 is not hindered by the two cassettes 5, 6, since these have a corresponding distance between them.
  • the packaging cassette 5 with the stack 7 already inserted therein is moved in the conveying direction, that is to say from right to left in FIG. 2. As a result, the packaging cassette 5 gets completely into the bag 10.
  • the stack 7 of objects is also down to the bottom of the bag 10 pushed. This state is shown in Figure 3.
  • the second cassette 6, which is referred to as the transfer cassette is moved against the conveying direction until the two cassettes overlap in the longitudinal direction and the stack 7 with the aid of the slide 4 is inserted into the transfer cassette 6. This state is shown in Figure 3.
  • the transfer cassette 6 is moved again in the conveying direction, the slide 4 being simultaneously moved further.
  • the slide 4 moves at a greater speed than the transfer cassette 6. This means that the stack 7 is pushed in the longitudinal direction through the transfer cassette 6.
  • the transfer cassette 6 is moved into a position where its front end in the conveying direction is pushed between the welding jaws 13 of a closing station. In this way, the stack 7 is pushed through the welding jaws 13 and arrives at an intermediate station 14, where it is held on both sides and from above and below. When it is pushed through the welding jaws 13, the stack rests in its pouch on a bottom of the transfer cassette 6, so that it does not get caught on any gaps in the welding station. This state is shown in Figure 4.
  • the slide is then retracted by moving the boom upward around the deflection point 2.
  • the transfer cassette 6 is now moved again against the conveying direction. As a result, it comes out of the space between the two welding jaws 13.
  • the welding jaws 13 can now be moved towards one another in order to weld the bag.
  • the device proposed by the invention has the following advantages.
  • the machine availability is increased by reducing malfunctions and forced shutdowns at high cycle rates and with a multi-track packaging process.
  • Product control is improved, especially if loose individual products are not inserted into a bag.
  • the prepackage has an improved appearance.
  • the sliding distance of the products relative to the side walls is reduced by the movement of the product guide channels, namely the cassettes.
  • the transitions and abutting edges over which the product is pushed are reduced.
  • An air cushion can be formed to further reduce the friction between the product and the walls of the cassettes.
  • the gap between the packaging cassette 5 and the transfer cassette 6, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, can be used to open a bag unhindered.
  • the shape and effect of the cassettes will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, both cassettes having a similar structure.
  • the cassettes contain two side walls 15, 16, which are designed as flat walls. They have a smooth surface at least on the inside.
  • the cassettes have a bottom 17, which is also smooth. The bottom 17 can also be inserted and be displaceable on lateral guides.
  • the cassette Over part of its length, the cassette also includes an upper surface 18 which contains a narrow slot 19. This slot 19, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the cassette, serves to let the arm 3 of the slide 4 pass through.
  • the cassette contains reinforcing ribs 20 on its outside, see also FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 8 shows a possibility of converting the fluffy articles delivered vertically into flat-lying stacks.
  • the device contains a swivel device 21 which contains a central shaft 22 which can be rotated by a servo motor.
  • Four collecting cassettes 23 are rigidly attached to the shaft 22 without this being shown in detail in the figure.
  • the rigid attachment can also be designed so that the cassettes 21 can be replaced. It is essential that the cassettes 23 (with elements 24, 26, 27, 25) can be rotated together with the shaft 22 without changing their position in relation to the shaft and their distance from the shaft.
  • the cassettes have two side walls 24, 25 which are connected to one another by a base 26.
  • the top 27 opposite the bottom 26 has a slot 28 which has its longitudinal extent perpendicular to the paper plane.
  • the cassettes 23 are designed as cuboid containers which are open at the front and rear.
  • the cassette 23 on the right in FIG. 8 is in the filling position.
  • the articles 29, which are only indicated, are delivered vertically grouped by the front machine in a vertical position and inserted into the cassette 23.
  • the shaft 22 is then rotated 90 degrees by a servo motor. This brings the cassette into the upper position, which serves to push the stack of objects 29 out of the cassette.
  • the longitudinal slot 28 is intended for pushing out.
  • the slide out logs the slide.
  • a pressure wall 30 is arranged in all cassettes 23 and runs parallel to the bottom 26.
  • the pressure wall 30 is slidably guided in such a way that it always remains parallel to the floor 26. This type of guidance is not shown in detail.
  • the pressure wall 30 has an attachment 31 connected to it, which can be used, for example, to guide the pressure wall 30.
  • a roller 32 is attached to the projection 31, which engages in the groove 33 of a cam plate 34.
  • the cam disc and the groove 33 have the shape of an oval.
  • the cam disc 34 is arranged in a fixed position, so it does not rotate with the shaft 22. When the cassettes 23 are rotated with the aid of the shaft 22, the rollers 32 slide in the groove 33 and thereby follow the shape of the groove.
  • FIG. 9 shows the side view of the device of FIG. 8.
  • the upper cassette 23 is in the emptying position, the individual parts being matched to one another in such a way that the pressure wall 30 now forming the bottom is arranged at the same height as a surface 35, along the one formed Stack 36 should be moved.
  • the insertion sides of the cassettes 23, on the right in FIG. 9, are slightly expanded in order to facilitate the insertion of the articles.
  • the entire arrangement, including the servo motor 37, can be raised or lowered with the aid of a lifting unit 38.
  • the device can thus be adapted to different product heights (format adaptation).
  • FIGS. 10 to 12 show a device in which the cassettes are given away to and fro .
  • both cassettes 40 are in their filling position, in which they are to be filled with individual articles standing vertically.
  • the two cassettes 40 are of different sizes.
  • This device can be used to load two packaging lines at the same time.
  • a pivoting device is provided in order to pivot the cassettes 40 from the filling position shown in FIG. 10 into their emptying position shown in FIG. 11.
  • the cassettes which are also cuboid, contain a bottom 41, two side walls 42 and an upper side 43.
  • a longitudinal slot 44 is formed laterally instead of an edge between the side wall 42 and the upper side 43.
  • a pressure wall 45 is again arranged parallel to the bottom 41 and is guided in the same way, parallel to itself, within the cassette 40.
  • the cassettes are pushed into a holder with the aid of an extension 46. So they can be removed.
  • the holder is formed in a two-armed lever 47, which can be given away around a fixed axis 48.
  • a pivoting device is provided which contains a servo motor 48 as a drive.
  • the servomotor 48 rotates an arm 49, the axis of rotation of which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the servomotor 48.
  • two articulated rods 50 are articulated, the other ends 51 of which are articulated to one of the two two-armed pivot levers 47.
  • the two joint rods 50 lie directly one behind the other so that they cannot be distinguished.
  • the arm 49 is rotated, which at the same time leads to a change in the position of the articulated rods 50.
  • the two two-armed levers 47 are pivoted in opposite directions, specifically around the axis 48. As a result, the two cassettes, together with the pivoting levers 47, reach the position shown in FIG. Here the items 29 are arranged lying flat.
  • the pressure wall 45 is arranged with the aid of a lever 52 so as to be pivotable about an axis 53 other than the axis 48 of the pivot lever 47.
  • the pivoting of the pressure wall 45 occurs only in that the pressure wall 45 can only be moved linearly relative to the cassettes 40. Due to the articulated arrangement around another axis, the pressure wall is displaced relative to the bottom 41 of the cassettes 40, so that in this case the articles 29 are compressed again. In the emptying position, the pressure wall 45 is therefore at a distance from the bottoms 41 of the two cassettes, while in the filling position it still rests on the bottoms 41.
  • FIG. 12 shows a side view of the arrangement of FIGS. 10 and 11. From FIG. 12 it can be seen that there are two articulated rods 50, one for each pivot lever 47. Similar to the previous embodiments, the entire arrangement can also be adjusted in height without this being shown in detail.
  • the two articulated rods 50 are arranged one behind the other, so that they overlap in the representation of both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. Their movement is derived from the same arm 49, so that they perform the exact same movement, provided that both articulated rods 50 are of identical design.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Abstract

Device for packing objects in bags (10) comprises a rotating slide (3, 4) for the objects, a packing cassette (5) receiving and guiding an object to be packed and moved backward and forward in the conveying direction from a feed position to a transfer position, a bag station arranged in the path of the packing cassette, and a transfer cassette (6) receiving a packed object and arranged so that it moves backward and forward between a receiving position and a sealing position. An Independent claim is also included for a method for packing objects in bags. Preferred Features: The packing cassette is arranged so that in its feed position the slide can slide the object inside.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Verpacken von Gegenständen in Beutel.The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for packaging objects in bags.

Bei einer bekannten Vorrichtung zum Verpacken von Gegenständen (EP 816 2 35) sind abwechselnd wirksame Schieber vorhanden, die hin- und her bewegt werden. Bei der Rückwärtsbewegung wird jeweils der eine Schieber aus der Bahn des anderen Schiebers heraus bewegt. Die Schieberbewegung ist frei programmierbar (Schieber -Ein, und Austauchpositionen, Schieberhübe, Bewegungsprofile).In a known device for packaging objects (EP 816 2 35) there are alternately effective sliders which are moved back and forth. During the backward movement, one slider is moved out of the path of the other slider. The slide movement is freely programmable (slide-on, and exchange positions, slide strokes, movement profiles).

Es ist bereits eine Verpackungsmaschine gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 bekannt (US-A-3228171). Bei dieser Verpackungsmaschine ist ein umlaufender Schieber vorhanden, der Brote einen geradlinigen Weg entlang in eine Kassette schiebt. Die kassette bewegt die Brote in einen Beutel.A packaging machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is already known (US-A-3228171). This packaging machine has a revolving slide that pushes bread along a straight path into a cassette. The cassette moves the bread into a bag.

Bei den zu verpackenden Gegenständen kann es sich in vielen Fällen um Stapel von flachen Artikeln handeln. Bedingt durch die Verpackungsart mit seitlich eingelegten Seitenfalten ist man beim Packungsquerschnitt an bestimmte geometrische Bedingungen gebunden. Die Packung darf nicht höher als breit ausfallen. Bei Produkten mit geringem Inhalt ist dieser Umstand gegeben.The items to be packaged can in many cases be stacks of flat articles. Due to the type of packaging with side gussets, you are bound to certain geometric conditions when it comes to the cross-section of the package. The pack must not be taller than it is wide. This is the case for products with low content.

Die flachen Artikel werden, bedingt durch die Konstruktion der Vorrichtungen, mit denen diese flachen Einzelartikel formiert werden, stehend angeliefert. Wird in der Verpackung das Höhen -/ Breitenverhältnis unterschritten, müssen diese Gegenstände liegend angeordnet werden. Bei den Artikeln handelt es sich häufig um komprimierbare Gegenstände, beispielsweise Slipeinlagen, Reinigungstücher oder sonstige flauschige Produkte.The flat articles are delivered upright due to the construction of the devices with which these flat individual articles are formed. If the packaging falls below the height / width ratio, these objects must be arranged horizontally. The articles are often compressible objects, for example panty liners, cleaning cloths or other fluffy products.

Zur Reduzierung des Verpackungsvolumens und zur Verbesserung des Aussehens der Fertigverpackung müssen diese Formationen komprimiert werden.These formations must be compressed to reduce the packaging volume and to improve the appearance of the finished packaging.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Verpacken von Gegenständen in Beutel vorzuschlagen, das bzw. die mit großer Zuverlässigkeit arbeitet und die Möglichkeit bietet, die Auswirkungen von Störungen zu verringern.The invention is based on the object of proposing a method and a device for packaging objects in bags which work with great reliability and offer the possibility of reducing the effects of faults.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe schlägt die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung mit den im Anspruch 1 genannten Merkmalen sowie ein Verfahren mit den im Anspruch 22 genannten Merkmalen vor. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand von Unteransprüchen.To achieve this object, the invention proposes a device with the features mentioned in claim 1 and a method with the features mentioned in claim 22. Developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

Die Vorrichtung verwendet also einen Schieber, der als Oberschieber an einer umlaufenden Kette befestigt ist. Dieser Schieber wird also nicht hin- und her bewegt, sondern längs eines geschlossenen Weges, wobei der Rückweg in einer anderen Höhe durchgeführt wird. Die Schiebestrecke des Produktschiebers ist fix. Der Schieber bringt zunächst den zu verpackenden Gegenstand in die Befüllkassette, von der aus der Gegenstand in die Beutelstation gebracht wird. Von dort aus wird er dann mit Hilfe der Begleitkassette zur Verschließstation gebracht.The device thus uses a slider, which is attached as a top slider to a rotating chain. This slide is therefore not moved back and forth, but along a closed path, the return path being carried out at a different height. The sliding distance of the product pusher is fixed. The slide first brings the object to be packed into the filling cassette, from which the object is brought into the bag station. From there it is then brought to the sealing station using the accompanying cassette.

In der Übergabekassette kann man den gefüllten Beutel auf diese Weise schonend transportieren, ohne dass Spalte, Schlitze oder sonstige Vorsprünge die Verpackung beeinflussen können.In this way, the filled bag can be transported gently in the transfer cassette without gaps, slits or other projections being able to influence the packaging.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Verpackungskassette derart angeordnet und ausgebildet ist, dass der Schieber in der Aufgabeposition einen zu verpackenden Gegenstand in die Kassette einschieben kann.In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the packaging cassette is arranged and designed in such a way that the slider can push an object to be packaged into the cassette in the loading position.

In Weiterbildung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Verpackungskassette derart bewegbar ist, dass sie zusammen mit dem zu verpackenden Gegenstand in einen geöffneten Beutel einfährt, und dort in der Übergabeposition stehen bleibt. Das Einschieben des zu verpackenden Gegenstand erfolgt also, solange dieser noch in der Verpackungskassette angeordnet ist. Auch hier kann der Gegenstand durch die Verpackungskassette geführt und damit geschützt werden. Die Verpackungskassette kann glatte Seitenwände, einen glatten Boden und auch eine glatte Oberseite mit einem Schlitz für den Schieber aufweisen. Gegebenenfalls kann auch ein Luftkissen gebildet werden.In a further development it can be provided that the packaging cassette can be moved in such a way that it moves together with the object to be packaged into an opened bag and remains there in the transfer position. The object to be packaged is therefore pushed in as long as it is still arranged in the packaging cassette. Here, too, the object can be guided through the packaging cassette and thus protected. The packaging cassette can have smooth side walls, a smooth bottom and also a smooth upper side with a slot for the slide. If necessary, an air cushion can also be formed.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass sich der Bewegungsweg beider Kassetten überlappt. Die Übergabekassette kann also an eine Stelle bewegt werden, an der auch die Verpackungskassette angeordnet sein kann, wobei es sich nicht um eine vollständige Überlappung der beiden Kassetten handeln muss.In a development of the invention it can be provided that the path of movement of the two cassettes overlaps. The transfer cassette can therefore be moved to a location at which the packaging cassette can also be arranged, it not being a complete overlap of the two cassettes.

In nochmaliger Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die beiden Kassetten sich gleichzeitig in der Übergabeposition aufhalten können und sich dadurch ebenfalls überlappen. Dadurch kann eine sorgfältige und mit geringem seitlichen Spiel erfolgende Übergabe des gefüllten Beutel aus der Verpackungskassette in die Übergabekassette erfolgen. In der Position, in der die beiden Kassetten aus der Übergabeposition weg bewegt sind, haben sie einen solchen Abstand voneinander, dass die Beutelstation ungehindert durch die Kassetten einen Beutel öffnen kann.In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the two cassettes can stay in the transfer position at the same time and thus also overlap. This enables the filled bag to be transferred carefully from the packaging cassette into the transfer cassette with little lateral play. In the position in which the two cassettes are moved away from the transfer position, they have such a distance from one another that the bag station can open a bag freely through the cassettes.

Die Überlappung kann beispielsweise dadurch geschehen, dass die Übergabekassette in Breite und Höhe etwas größer ausgebildet ist als die Verpackungskassette, so dass diese teilweise in die Übergabekassette einfahren kann. Diese Ausbildung ist die bevorzugte, auch wenn eine umgekehrte Ausbildung ebenfalls möglich ist.The overlap can occur, for example, in that the transfer cassette is made somewhat larger in width and height than the packaging cassette, so that it can partially move into the transfer cassette. This training is the preferred one, although a reverse training is also possible.

In nochmaliger Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass in der Verschließposition die Übergabekassette derart angeordnet ist, dass der Schieber den verpackten Gegenstand durch die Verschließbacken einer Verschließstation hindurchgeschoben hat.In a further development of the invention it can be provided that in the closed position the transfer cassette is arranged in such a way that the slide has pushed the packaged object through the closing jaws of a closing station.

In nochmaliger Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann die Übergabekassette derart ausgebildet sein, dass sie den gefüllten Beutel während seiner Bewegung zur Verschließstation führt. Diese Führung kann durch glatte Seitenwände, einen glatten ebenen Boden und eine glatte Oberseite erfolgen. Dabei kann insbesondere vorgesehen sein, dass der Boden und die Seitenwände zusammen mit der Kassette über eventuelle Spalten, Schlitze oder sonstige Teile der Verschließstation hinweg geführt werden, so dass der gefüllte Beutel nirgends hängen bleiben kann. Der gefüllte Beutel wird dann an dieser Stelle jenseits von möglichen Spalten festgehalten, während der Schieber und die Übergabekassette anschließend zurück bewegt werden. Der Beutel liegt dann mit seinem Inhalt auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Verschließbacken. Anschließend kann das Verbinden des noch offenen Beutels mit Hilfe von Schweißbacken erfolgen. Es ist möglich, auch beim Ausschieben des Beutels aus der Übergabekassette ein Luftkissen zu erzeugen, um den Ausschiebevorgang zu vereinfachen bzw. zu befördern.In a further development of the invention, the transfer cassette can be designed such that it guides the filled bag to the closing station during its movement. This guidance can take place through smooth side walls, a smooth, level floor and a smooth upper side. In particular, it can be provided that the bottom and the side walls, together with the cassette, are guided over any gaps, slots or other parts of the closing station, so that the filled bag cannot get stuck anywhere. The filled bag is then held at this point beyond possible gaps, while the slide and the transfer cassette are then moved back. The contents of the bag are then on the opposite side of the sealing jaws. The still open bag can then be connected using welding jaws. It is also possible to generate an air cushion when the bag is being pushed out of the transfer cassette, in order to simplify or promote the pushing out process.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Übergabekassette während ihrer Bewegung in Förderrichtung langsamer bewegt wird als der Schieber. Dieser schiebt also während der gesamten Bewegung der Übergabekassette den gefüllten Beutel durch die Kassette hindurch.In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the transfer cassette is slower during its movement in the conveying direction is moved as the slider. This pushes the filled bag through the cassette during the entire movement of the transfer cassette.

Die Erfindung ist besonders dann von Vorteil, wenn es sich bei dem zu verpackenden Gegenstand um einen komprimierbaren Gegenstand handelt, der unter einer gewissen Spannung in denBeutel eingeschoben wird. Diese Spannung soll erhalten bleiben. Insbesondere kann es sich um einen Stapel von Artikeln handeln, bei denen auch noch Zwischenräume zwischen den Artikeln komprimiert werden sollen.The invention is particularly advantageous when the article to be packaged is a compressible article which is inserted into the bag under a certain tension. This tension should remain. In particular, it can be a stack of articles in which gaps between the articles are also to be compressed.

In der bisher behandelten Beschreibung wurde immer nur von einem Schieber gesprochen. Selbstverständlich ist es sinnvoll, dass an der umlaufenden Einrichtung mehrere Schieber angeordnet sind, um die Ausgabeleistung der Vorrichtung zu erhöhen.In the description discussed so far, only one slider was used. Of course, it makes sense for a plurality of slides to be arranged on the rotating device in order to increase the output of the device.

Wenn es sich bei den zu verpackenden Gegenständen um Stapel von flauschigen Artikeln handelt, können die weiteren Merkmale des Anspruchs 11 vorgesehen sein. Dort wird eine Reihe von nebeneinander stehend angeordneten Artikeln gebildet. Sobald die Sammelkassette gefüllt ist, wird sie aus der Befüllposition in die Entleerposition verschwenkt. In der Entleerposition liegen die Gegenstände flach aufeinander. Sie werden von der Komprimiereinrichtung komprimiert, was eine Art Vorkomprimierung darstellt. Die Luft zwischen den einzelnen Artikeln und die Luft in den Artikeln selbst wird dabei verdrängt. In dieser komprimierten Position kann dann der Stapel aus der Drehkassette entnommen werden.If the objects to be packaged are stacks of fluffy articles, the further features of claim 11 can be provided. A series of articles arranged side by side is formed there. As soon as the collecting cassette is filled, it is pivoted from the filling position into the emptying position. The objects lie flat on top of each other in the emptying position. They are compressed by the compression device, which is a kind of pre-compression. The air between the individual articles and the air in the articles themselves is displaced. The stack can then be removed from the rotary cassette in this compressed position.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Komprimiereinrichtung eine verschiebbare Druckwand aufweist, die etwa parallel zu den Flachseiten der Artikel angeordnet und senkrecht zu diesen Flachseiten bewegbar ist. In der Befüllposition verläuft diese Druckwand daher parallel zu einer Seitenwand, während sie in der Entleerposition dann parallel zum Boden verläuft, da die Kassette bei der Verschwenkung beispielsweise um 90 Grad ihre Orientierung in der gleichen Weise ändert. Was ursprünglich eine Seitenwand war, wird in der Entleerposition zum Boden oder zum Deckel.In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the compression device has a displaceable pressure wall, which is arranged approximately parallel to the flat sides of the articles and can be moved perpendicularly to these flat sides. In the filling position, this pressure wall therefore runs parallel to a side wall, while in the emptying position it then runs parallel to the floor, since the cassette changes its orientation in the same way when it is pivoted, for example by 90 degrees. What was originally a side wall becomes the floor or the lid in the emptying position.

In nochmaliger Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Komprimierung während des Verschwenkens der Sammelkassette erfolgt. Dies kann beispielsweise dadurch geschehen, dass die Bewegung der Druckwand zwangsgesteuert erfolgt, beispielsweise durch eine Nockenbahn, eine Kurvenführung oder dergleichen.In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the compression takes place during the pivoting of the collecting cassette. This can be done, for example, in that the movement of the pressure wall is positively controlled, for example by means of a cam track, a curve guide or the like.

Es ist jedoch ebenfalls möglich, dass die Bewegung der Druckwand und damit die Komprimierung der flachen Artikel mit Hilfe eines Servomotors erfolgt, der dann vorzugsweise auch zwangsgesteuert ist, beispielsweise durch eine elektronische Steuerung.However, it is also possible for the movement of the pressure wall and thus the compression of the flat articles to take place with the aid of a servo motor, which is then preferably also positively controlled, for example by an electronic control.

Auch der Antrieb für die Schwenkeinrichtung kann vorzugsweise einen Servomotor aufweisen, um das Verweilen der Kassette in jeder der beiden Positionen exakt steuern zu können.The drive for the swiveling device can also preferably have a servo motor in order to be able to precisely control the dwell of the cassette in each of the two positions.

Insbesondere schlägt die Erfindung vor, dass die Vorrichtung mehrere Kassetten aufweisen kann. Dabei kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, dass eine der mehreren Kassetten in der Befüllposition und eine zweite Kassette in der Entleerposition angeordnet ist.In particular, the invention proposes that the device can have a plurality of cassettes. It can be provided, for example, that one of the plurality of cassettes is arranged in the filling position and a second cassette in the emptying position.

In nochmaliger Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Entleeren der einen Kassette und das Befüllen einer anderen Kassette gleichzeitig erfolgen kann. Zu diesem Zweck können die Positionen so aus einer Linie heraus gerückt sein, dass sich die beiden Positionen nicht stören.In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the emptying of one cassette and the filling of another cassette can take place simultaneously. For this purpose, the positions can be moved out of a line so that the two positions do not interfere.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Schwenkeinrichtung die Sammelkassette bzw. mehrere Sammelkassetten hin- und her gehend verschwenkt.It can be provided that the swiveling device swivels the collecting cassette or a plurality of collecting cassettes back and forth.

Es ist aber ebenfalls möglich und wird von der Erfindung vorgeschlagenen, dass die Schwenkeinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass sie die mindestens eine Sammelkassette in einer Richtung schrittweise verdreht.However, it is also possible and is proposed by the invention that the pivoting device is designed such that it rotates the at least one collecting cassette step by step in one direction.

Das von der Erfindung vorgeschlagene Verfahren läuft folgendermaßen ab. Ein zu verpackender Gegenstand wird in eine Verpackungskassette eingeschoben. Die Verpackungskassette wirdmit dem in ihr angeordneten Gegenstand bis in einen geöffneten Beutel hinein bewegt. Während dieser Bewegung kann gegebenenfalls der Gegenstand gegenüber der Verpackungskassette auch verschoben werden. Die Verpackungskassette kann beispielsweise so weit in den Beutel geschoben werden, bis ihre in Förderrichtung Vorderseite auf dem Boden des Beutels anlangt. Der Gegenstand wird durch die Kassette hinein in den Beutel geschoben. Der gefüllte Beutel wird dann in die Übergabekassette übergeben, und die Verpackungskassette wird aus dem Beutel herausgezogen. In der Übergabekassette wird der gefüllte Beutel bis zu einer Verschließstation geschoben, in der er verschlossen wird.The method proposed by the invention proceeds as follows. An object to be packed is inserted into a packaging cassette. The packaging cassette with the object arranged in it is moved into an opened bag. During this movement, the object can possibly also be moved relative to the packaging cassette. The packaging cassette can, for example, be pushed into the bag until its front side reaches the bottom of the bag in the conveying direction. The object is pushed through the cassette into the bag. The filled bag is then transferred to the transfer cassette and the packaging cassette is pulled out of the bag. In the transfer cassette, the filled bag is pushed to a sealing station, where it is sealed.

Die Verpackungskassette wird in Weiterbildung der Erfindung zwischen einer Aufgabeposition und der Übergabeposition hin- und hergehend bewegt.In a further development of the invention, the packaging cassette is moved back and forth between a feed position and the transfer position.

Zum Verschieben des Gegenstands wird ein umlaufender Schieber benutzt, vorzugsweise können auch mehrere hintereinander umlaufende Schieber verwendet werden.A revolving slider is used to move the object, and preferably several revolving slides can be used in succession.

Die Übergabekassette wird zwischen der Übernahmeposition und der Verschließstation hin- und hergehend bewegt.The transfer cassette is moved back and forth between the transfer position and the closing station.

Es kann in Weiterbildung vorgesehen sein, dass die Übergabekassette in Förderrichtung langsamer bewegt wird als der gefüllte Beutel. Dies führt dazu, dass der gefüllte Beutel durch die Übergabekassette hindurch bewegt, also verschoben wird.In a further development it can be provided that the transfer cassette is moved more slowly in the conveying direction than the filled bag. This leads to the filled bag being moved through the transfer cassette, that is to say being displaced.

Während der Bewegung des gefüllten Beutels wird dieser allseits geführt, so dass er an keiner Stelle hängen bleiben kann.During the movement of the filled bag, it is guided on all sides, so that it cannot get caught anywhere.

An der Übernahmeposition können die Verpackungskassette und die Übergabekassette gleichzeitig angeordnet werden.The packaging cassette and the transfer cassette can be arranged at the transfer position at the same time.

Wenn es sich bei den zu verpackenden Gegenständen um Stapel aus flauschigen flachen Artikeln handelt, die stehend angeliefert werden, schlägt die Erfindung in Weiterbildung vor, diese stehenden Artikel nebeneinander zur Bildung eines Stapels aufzureihen, und nach Bildung eines Stapels diesen so zu verschwenken, dass die flachen Artikel aufeinander liegen. Der Stapel wird dann dadurch komprimiert, dass die Flachseiten der äußeren Artikel auf einander zu bewegt werden. Der so gebildete komprimierte und horizontal liegende Stapel kann dann weiter verpackt werden.If the objects to be packaged are stacks of fluffy flat articles that are delivered standing, the invention proposes in a further development to line up these standing articles side by side to form a stack, and after forming a stack to pivot them so that the flat articles lie on top of each other. The stack is then compressed by moving the flat sides of the outer articles towards one another. The compressed and horizontally lying stack thus formed can then be packaged further.

Die Erfindung schlägt in Weiterbildung vor, dass der Stapel nach dem Beginn des Verschwenkens und vor der Entnahme des Stapels komprimiert wird.The invention proposes in a further development that the stack is compressed after the beginning of the pivoting and before the stack is removed.

Insbesondere schlägt die Erfindung in Weiterbildung vor, den Stapel während des Verschwenkens zu komprimieren, und zwar vorzugsweise während des gesamten Schwenkvorgangs.In particular, the invention proposes in a further development to compress the stack during the pivoting, and preferably during the entire pivoting process.

Die Komprimierung kann dadurch geschehen, dass eine Druckwand in der Kassette angeordnet ist, die zu Beginn des Komprimierens seitlich angeordnet ist und während des Verschwenkens der Kassette ihre Position zusammen mit der Kassette ändert, so dass sie am Ende des Verschwenkens den Boden der Kassette bildet.The compression can take place in that a pressure wall is arranged in the cassette, which is arranged laterally at the beginning of the compression and changes its position together with the cassette during the pivoting of the cassette, so that it forms the bottom of the cassette at the end of the pivoting.

Es kann vorgesehen werden, dass gleichzeitig zwei Stapel in je einer Kassette gebildet werdenIt can be provided that two stacks are formed in one cassette at a time

Weitere Merkmale, Einzelheiten und Vorzüge der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Patentansprüchen, der folgenden Beschreibung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sowie anhand der Zeichnung. Hierbei zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 stark vereinfacht eine Darstellung wichtiger Teile der von der Erfindung vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
  • Fig. 2 eine der Figur 1 entsprechende Darstellung zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt;
  • Fig. 3 eine der Figur 2 entsprechende Darstellung zu einem nochmals weiteren Zeitpunkt;
  • Fig. 4 eine nochmalige Darstellung zu einer nochmals späteren Zeit;
  • Fig. 5 die Seitenansicht einer Übergabekassette;
  • Fig. 6 eine Aufsicht auf die Übergabekassette der Figur 5;
  • Fig. 7 eine Stirnansicht einer Übergabekassette von rechts in Figur 5;
  • Figur 8 eine Stirnansicht einer Einrichtung zur Bildung von komprimierten Stapeln;
  • Figur 9 die Seitenansicht der Anordnung der Figur 8;
  • Figur 10 eine der Figur 8 entsprechende Darstellung einer zweiten Einrichtung zur Bildung eines Stapels;
  • Figur 11 die Ansicht der Einrichtung der Figur 10 bei verschwenkten Kassetten;
  • Figur 12 eine Seitenansicht der Anordnung der Figur 10 und 11.
Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference to the drawing. Here show:
  • Fig. 1 greatly simplified an illustration of important parts of the device proposed by the invention for explaining the method according to the invention;
  • 2 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 at a later point in time;
  • 3 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2 at a further point in time;
  • 4 shows a repeat representation at a later time;
  • 5 shows the side view of a transfer cassette;
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of the transfer cassette from FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 shows an end view of a transfer cassette from the right in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 8 shows an end view of a device for forming compressed stacks;
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 8;
  • FIG. 10 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 of a second device for forming a stack;
  • Figure 11 shows the view of the device of Figure 10 with pivoted cassettes;
  • Figure 12 is a side view of the arrangement of Figures 10 and 11.

Die von der Erfindung vorgeschlagene Vorrichtung enthält eine umlaufende Kette 1, die um zwei parallele Kettenräder 2 herumgeführt und endlos angetrieben wird. In der Figur 1 ist nur das linke Ende einer solchen Einrichtung dargestellt. An der Kette 1 ist eine Vielzahl von Auslegern 3 befestigt, die an ihrem freien Ende eine Schieberplatte 4 aufweisen. Diese Einrichtung wird im folgenden als Schieber bezeichnet. Bei umlaufender Kette 1 bewegen sich die Schieber 4 längs des unteren Trums in horizontaler Richtung bis zu dem Ende der Kette 1.The device proposed by the invention contains a revolving chain 1 which is guided around two parallel sprockets 2 and driven endlessly. In Figure 1, only the left end of such a device is shown. A plurality of brackets 3 are attached to the chain 1 and have a slide plate 4 at their free end. This device is referred to below as a slide. When the chain 1 rotates, the sliders 4 move along the lower run in the horizontal direction up to the end of the chain 1.

Unterhalb der den Schieber 4 aufweisenden Fördereinrichtung sind zwei Kassetten 5, 6 horizontal verschiebbar angeordnet. Die Richtung der Verschiebung entspricht der Richtung der Bewegung des Schiebers 4 und damit der Förderrichtung der Vorrichtung. 5, 6 sind ähnlich aufgebaut. Auf Einzelheiten wird später unter Bezugnahme auf die Figuren 5 bis 7 noch eingegangen. Mit Hilfe einer nicht näher erläuterten Einrichtung wird ein Stapel 7 von zu verpackenden Gegenständen an einer bestimmten Stelle bereitgestellt. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt befindet sich die in Figur 1 rechte Kassette 5 in ihrer Aufgabeposition. Die Kassette 5 wird als Verpackungskassette bezeichnet. Der Schieber 4 schiebt den Stapel 7 in die Verpackungskassette 5 ein. An dem gegenüberliegenden in Förderrichtung vorderen Ende 8 ist vor der Verpackungskassette 5 ein Stapel 9 von Beuteln 10 angeordnet. Die Beutelstation ist so ausgebildet, dass mit Hilfe eines Öffners 11 der jeweils oberste Beutel 10 des Stapels 9 geöffnet werden kann. Diese Öffnungsbewegung des Öffners 11 wird durch die beiden Kassetten 5, 6 nicht behindert, da diese einen entsprechenden Abstand zwischen sich aufweisen. Nach dem Öffnen des obersten Beutels 10 durch den Beutelöffner 11, siehe Figur 2, wird die Verpackungskassette 5 mit dem darin schon eingeschobenen Stapel 7 in Förderrichtung bewegt, das heißt in Figur 2 von rechts nach links. Dadurch gelangt die Verpackungskassette 5 vollständig in den Beutel 10 hinein. Auch der Stapel 7 von Gegenständen wird bis auf den Boden des Beutels 10 geschoben. Dieser Zustand ist in Figur 3 dargestellt. Sobald der Stapel 7 in den Beutel eingeschoben ist und dieser an dem Stapel 7 hängt, wird die zweite Kassette 6, die als Übergabekassette bezeichnet wird, entgegen der Förderrichtung bewegt, bis sich die beiden Kassetten in Längsrichtung überlappen und der Stapel 7 mit Hilfe des Schiebers 4 in die Übergabekassette 6 eingeschoben wird. Dieser Zustand ist in Figur 3 dargestellt.Two cassettes 5, 6 are arranged horizontally displaceably below the conveyor device having the slide 4. The direction of the displacement corresponds to the direction of the movement of the slide 4 and thus the conveying direction of the device. 5, 6 have a similar structure. Details will be discussed later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. A stack 7 of objects to be packaged is provided at a certain point with the aid of a device which is not explained in more detail. At this time, the cassette 5 on the right in FIG. 1 is in its loading position. The cassette 5 is called a packaging cassette. The slider 4 pushes the stack 7 into the packaging cassette 5. At the opposite front end 8 in the conveying direction, a stack 9 of bags 10 is arranged in front of the packaging cassette 5. The bag station is designed in such a way that the uppermost bag 10 of the stack 9 can be opened with the aid of an opener 11. This opening movement of the opener 11 is not hindered by the two cassettes 5, 6, since these have a corresponding distance between them. After the uppermost bag 10 has been opened by the bag opener 11, see FIG. 2, the packaging cassette 5 with the stack 7 already inserted therein is moved in the conveying direction, that is to say from right to left in FIG. 2. As a result, the packaging cassette 5 gets completely into the bag 10. The stack 7 of objects is also down to the bottom of the bag 10 pushed. This state is shown in Figure 3. As soon as the stack 7 is pushed into the bag and hangs on the stack 7, the second cassette 6, which is referred to as the transfer cassette, is moved against the conveying direction until the two cassettes overlap in the longitudinal direction and the stack 7 with the aid of the slide 4 is inserted into the transfer cassette 6. This state is shown in Figure 3.

Von nun an wird die Übergabekassette 6 wieder in Förderrichtung bewegt, wobei gleichzeitig der Schieber 4 weiter bewegt wird. Der Schieber 4 bewegt sich dabei mit einer größeren Geschwindigkeit als die Übergabekassette 6. Dies führt dazu, dass der Stapel 7 in Längsrichtung durch die Übergabekassette 6 hindurch geschoben wird.From now on, the transfer cassette 6 is moved again in the conveying direction, the slide 4 being simultaneously moved further. The slide 4 moves at a greater speed than the transfer cassette 6. This means that the stack 7 is pushed in the longitudinal direction through the transfer cassette 6.

Die Übergabekassette 6 wird bis in eine Position bewegt, wo ihr in Förderrichtung vorderes Ende zwischen den Schweißbacken 13 einer Verschließstation hindurch geschoben ist. Auf diese Weise wird der Stapel 7 durch die Schweißbacken 13 hindurch geschoben, und gelangt dort in eine Zwischenstation 14, wo er beiderseits und von oben und unten gehalten wird. Beim Durchschieben durch die Schweißbacken 13 liegt der Stapel in seinem Beutel auf einem Boden der Übergabekassette 6 auf, so dass er nicht an irgendwelchen Spalten der Schweißstation hängen bleibt. Dieser Zustand ist in Figur 4 dargestellt.The transfer cassette 6 is moved into a position where its front end in the conveying direction is pushed between the welding jaws 13 of a closing station. In this way, the stack 7 is pushed through the welding jaws 13 and arrives at an intermediate station 14, where it is held on both sides and from above and below. When it is pushed through the welding jaws 13, the stack rests in its pouch on a bottom of the transfer cassette 6, so that it does not get caught on any gaps in the welding station. This state is shown in Figure 4.

Anschließend wird der Schieber dadurch, dass der Ausleger um die Umlenkstelle 2 nach oben bewegt wird, zurückgezogen. Auch die Übergabekassette 6 wird jetzt wieder entgegen der Förderrichtung bewegt. Dadurch gelangt sie aus dem Raum zwischen den beiden Schweißbacken 13 heraus. Die Schweißbacken 13 können jetzt aufeinander zu bewegt werden, um den Beutel zu verschweißen.The slide is then retracted by moving the boom upward around the deflection point 2. The transfer cassette 6 is now moved again against the conveying direction. As a result, it comes out of the space between the two welding jaws 13. The welding jaws 13 can now be moved towards one another in order to weld the bag.

Die von der Erfindung vorgeschlagene Vorrichtung hat folgende Vorteile. Durch Reduzierung der Störungen und Zwangsabschaltungen bei hohen Taktzahlen und bei mehrspurigem Verpackungsprozess wird die Maschinenverfügbarkeit erhöht. Die Produktkontrolle wird verbessert, insbesondere dann, wenn lose Einzelprodukte nicht in einen Beutel eingeschoben werden. Die Fertigpackung hat ein verbessertes Aussehen.The device proposed by the invention has the following advantages. The machine availability is increased by reducing malfunctions and forced shutdowns at high cycle rates and with a multi-track packaging process. Product control is improved, especially if loose individual products are not inserted into a bag. The prepackage has an improved appearance.

Die Schiebestrecke der Produkte relativ zu den Seitenwänden wird durch die Mitbewegung der Produktführungskanäle, nämlich der Kassetten, reduziert. Insbesondere werden die Übergänge und Stoßkanten, über die das Produkt geschoben wird, reduziert. Zur weiteren Reduzierung der Reibung zwischen dem Produkt und den Wänden der Kassetten kann ein Luftkissen ausgebildet werden.The sliding distance of the products relative to the side walls is reduced by the movement of the product guide channels, namely the cassettes. In particular, the transitions and abutting edges over which the product is pushed are reduced. An air cushion can be formed to further reduce the friction between the product and the walls of the cassettes.

Die zwischen der Verpackungskassette 5 und der Übergabekassette 6 vorhandene Lücke, siehe Figur 1 und Figur 4, kann dazu verwendet werden, einen Beutel ungehindert zu öffnen.The gap between the packaging cassette 5 and the transfer cassette 6, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, can be used to open a bag unhindered.

Die Form und Wirkung der Kassetten wird nun unter Bezugnahme auf die Figuren 5 bis 7 noch näher erläutert, wobei beide Kassetten ähnlich aufgebaut sind. Die Kassetten enthalten zwei Seitenwände 15,16, die als ebene Wände ausgebildet sind. Sie besitzen mindestens an ihrer Innenseite eine glatte Oberfläche. Die Kassetten weisen einen Boden 17 auf, der ebenfalls glattflächig ausgebildet ist. Der Boden 17 kann auch eingelegt sein und auf seitlichen Führungen verschiebbar sein.The shape and effect of the cassettes will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, both cassettes having a similar structure. The cassettes contain two side walls 15, 16, which are designed as flat walls. They have a smooth surface at least on the inside. The cassettes have a bottom 17, which is also smooth. The bottom 17 can also be inserted and be displaceable on lateral guides.

Über einen Teil ihrer Länge enthält die Kassette auch eine Oberseite 18, die einen schmalen Schlitz 19 enthält. Dieser sich in Längsrichtung der Kassette erstreckende Schlitz 19 dient dazu, den Ausleger 3 des Schiebers 4 durchzulassen.Over part of its length, the cassette also includes an upper surface 18 which contains a narrow slot 19. This slot 19, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the cassette, serves to let the arm 3 of the slide 4 pass through.

Zur Vergrößerung der Steifigkeit enthält die Kassette an ihrer Außenseite Verstärkungsrippen 20, siehe auch die Figur 7.To increase the rigidity, the cassette contains reinforcing ribs 20 on its outside, see also FIG. 7.

Die Darstellung der Figur 1 geht davon aus, dass der zu verpackende Gegenstand, nämlich ein Stapel von flachen liegenden Artikeln, bereits gebildet ist. Die folgenden Figuren befassen sich mit der Möglichkeit, wie man aus flauschigen Artikeln einen solchen Stapel bilden kann. Zunächst zu Figur 8. In Figur 8 ist eine Möglichkeit dargestellt, wie die senkrecht stehend angelieferten flauschigen Artikel zu flach liegenden Stapeln umgewandelt werden können. Die Vorrichtung enthält eine Schwenkeinrichtung 21, die eine zentrale durch einen Servomotor verdrehbare Welle 22 enthält. An der Welle 22 sind vier Sammelkassetten 23 starr befestigt, ohne dass dies in der Figur im Einzelnen dargestellt ist. Die starre Befestigung kann auch so ausgebildet sein, dass sich die Kassetten 21 auswechseln lassen. Wesentlich ist, dass die Kassetten 23(mit Elementen 24,26,27,25) zusammen mit der Welle 22 verdreht werden können, ohne dass sie dabei ihre Position gegenüber der Welle und ihren Abstand gegenüber der Welle ändern.The illustration in FIG. 1 assumes that the object to be packaged, namely a stack of flat lying articles, has already been formed. The following figures deal with the possibility of making such a stack from fluffy articles. First of all to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a possibility of converting the fluffy articles delivered vertically into flat-lying stacks. The device contains a swivel device 21 which contains a central shaft 22 which can be rotated by a servo motor. Four collecting cassettes 23 are rigidly attached to the shaft 22 without this being shown in detail in the figure. The rigid attachment can also be designed so that the cassettes 21 can be replaced. It is essential that the cassettes 23 (with elements 24, 26, 27, 25) can be rotated together with the shaft 22 without changing their position in relation to the shaft and their distance from the shaft.

Die Kassetten haben zwei Seitenwände 24,25, die durch einen Boden 26 miteinander verbunden sind. Die dem Boden 26 gegenüberliegende Oberseite 27 weist einen Schlitz 28 auf, der senkrecht zur Papierebene seine Längserstreckung aufweist. Die Kassetten 23 sind als vorne und hinten offene quaderförmige Behälter ausgebildet.The cassettes have two side walls 24, 25 which are connected to one another by a base 26. The top 27 opposite the bottom 26 has a slot 28 which has its longitudinal extent perpendicular to the paper plane. The cassettes 23 are designed as cuboid containers which are open at the front and rear.

Die in Figur 8 rechts befindliche Kassette 23 befindet sich in der Befüllposition. Die Artikel 29, die nur angedeutet sind, werden von der Vormaschine in senkrechter Positionierung senkrecht gruppiert angeliefert und in die Kassette 23 eingeschoben. Anschließend wird durch einen Servomotor die Welle 22 um 90 Grad verdreht. Dadurch gelangt die Kassette in die obere Position, die dazu dient, den Stapel von Gegenständen 29 aus der Kassette heraus zu schieben. Für das Ausschieben ist der Längsschlitz 28 gedacht. Das Ausschieben erlogt durch den Schieber.The cassette 23 on the right in FIG. 8 is in the filling position. The articles 29, which are only indicated, are delivered vertically grouped by the front machine in a vertical position and inserted into the cassette 23. The shaft 22 is then rotated 90 degrees by a servo motor. This brings the cassette into the upper position, which serves to push the stack of objects 29 out of the cassette. The longitudinal slot 28 is intended for pushing out. The slide out logs the slide.

In allen Kassetten 23 ist eine Druckwand 30 angeordnet, die parallel zum Boden 26 verläuft. Die Druckwand 30 ist verschiebbar geführt, und zwar in einer solchen Weise, dass sie immer parallel zum Boden 26 bleibt. Diese Art der Führung ist im Einzelnen nicht dargestellt. Die Druckwand 30 weist einen mit ihr verbundenen Ansatz 31 auf, der beispielsweise zur Führung der Druckwand 30 dienen kann. An dem Ansatz 31 ist eine Rolle 32 angebracht, die in die Nut 33 einer Kurvenscheibe 34 eingreift. Die Kurvenscheibe und die Nut 33 weisen die Form eines Ovals auf. Die Kurvenscheibe 34 ist fest stehend angeordnet, sie dreht sich also nicht mit der Welle 22 mit. Bei der Verdrehung der Kassetten 23 mit Hilfe der Welle 22 gleiten die Rollen 32 in der Nut 33 und folgen dadurch der Form der Nut. Dies bedeutet, dass die Druckwand 30 beim Verschwenken von der rechten Position in die obere Opposition radial nach außen bewegt wird. Dies ist in Figur 8 in der oberen Position dargestellt. Diese radiale Bewegung nach außen bedeutet eine Komprimierung des Stapels aus Gegenständen 29 in einer Richtung senkrecht zu den Flachseiten der Gegenstände 29. In der Entleerposition, oben in Figur 8, ist der Stapel von Gegenständen also komprimiert. Er kann in dieser Weise ausgeschoben werden, um dann beispielsweise von einer Vorrichtung weiter verpackt zu werden, die in den Figuren 1 bis 7 dargestellt ist.A pressure wall 30 is arranged in all cassettes 23 and runs parallel to the bottom 26. The pressure wall 30 is slidably guided in such a way that it always remains parallel to the floor 26. This type of guidance is not shown in detail. The pressure wall 30 has an attachment 31 connected to it, which can be used, for example, to guide the pressure wall 30. A roller 32 is attached to the projection 31, which engages in the groove 33 of a cam plate 34. The cam disc and the groove 33 have the shape of an oval. The cam disc 34 is arranged in a fixed position, so it does not rotate with the shaft 22. When the cassettes 23 are rotated with the aid of the shaft 22, the rollers 32 slide in the groove 33 and thereby follow the shape of the groove. This means that the pressure wall 30 is moved radially outward when pivoting from the right position into the upper opposition. This is shown in Figure 8 in the upper position. This radial movement outwards means that the stack of objects 29 is compressed in a direction perpendicular to the flat sides of the objects 29. In the emptying position, at the top in FIG. 8, the stack of objects is thus compressed. It can be pushed out in this way so that it can then be further packaged, for example, by a device which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

Figur 9 zeigt die Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung der Figur 8. Die obere Kassette 23 ist in der Entleerposition, wobei die Einzelteile so aufeinander abgestimmt sind, dass die jetzt den Boden bildende Druckwand 30 auf gleicher Höhe wie eine Fläche 35 angeordnet ist, längs der der gebildete Stapel 36 verschoben werden soll. Die Einführseiten der Kassetten 23, in Figur 9 rechts, sind etwas erweitert, um das Einführen der Artikel zu erleichtern.FIG. 9 shows the side view of the device of FIG. 8. The upper cassette 23 is in the emptying position, the individual parts being matched to one another in such a way that the pressure wall 30 now forming the bottom is arranged at the same height as a surface 35, along the one formed Stack 36 should be moved. The insertion sides of the cassettes 23, on the right in FIG. 9, are slightly expanded in order to facilitate the insertion of the articles.

Die gesamte Anordnung einschließlich des Servomotors 37 kann mit Hilfe einer Hubeinheit 38 angehoben oder abgesenkt werden. Damit kann die Vorrichtung an unterschiedliche Produkthöhen (Formatanpassung) angepasst werden.The entire arrangement, including the servo motor 37, can be raised or lowered with the aid of a lifting unit 38. The device can thus be adapted to different product heights (format adaptation).

Während bei der in Figur 8 und 9 dargestellten Vorrichtung die Verschwenkung der Kassetten 23 immer in einer einzigen Richtung erfolgt, beispielsweise in Figur 8 im Gegenuhrzeigersinn, zeigen die folgenden Figuren 10 bis 12 eine Einrichtung, bei der die Kassetten hin- und her gehend verschenkt werden. In Figur 10 sind beide Kassetten 40 in ihrer Befüllposition, in der sie also mit senkrecht stehenden einzelnen Artikel befüllt werden sollen. Wie man der Figur 10 entnehmen kann, sind beide Kassetten 40 unterschiedlich groß aufgebaut. Diese Einrichtung kann dazu dienen, zwei Verpackungsstraßen gleichzeitig zu beschicken. Wieder ist eine Schwenkeinrichtung vorgesehen, um die Kassetten 40 aus der in Figur 10 dargestellten Befüllposition in ihre in Figur 11 dargestellte Entleerposition zu verschwenken.While in the device shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cassettes 23 are always pivoted in a single direction, for example counterclockwise in FIG. 8, the following FIGS. 10 to 12 show a device in which the cassettes are given away to and fro , In Figure 10, both cassettes 40 are in their filling position, in which they are to be filled with individual articles standing vertically. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the two cassettes 40 are of different sizes. This device can be used to load two packaging lines at the same time. Again, a pivoting device is provided in order to pivot the cassettes 40 from the filling position shown in FIG. 10 into their emptying position shown in FIG. 11.

Die Kassetten, die ebenfalls quaderförmig ausgebildet sind, enthalten einen Boden 41, zwei Seitenwände 42 und eine Oberseite 43. Ein Längsschlitz 44 ist seitlich statt einer Kante zwischen der Seitenwand 42 und der Oberseite 43 gebildet.The cassettes, which are also cuboid, contain a bottom 41, two side walls 42 and an upper side 43. A longitudinal slot 44 is formed laterally instead of an edge between the side wall 42 and the upper side 43.

Parallel zum Boden 41 ist wieder eine Druckwand 45 angeordnet, die in der gleichen Weise parallel zu sich selbst innerhalb der Kassette 40 verschiebbar geführt ist.A pressure wall 45 is again arranged parallel to the bottom 41 and is guided in the same way, parallel to itself, within the cassette 40.

Wie man der Figur 10 ebenfalls entnehmen kann, sind die Kassetten in eine Halterung mit Hilfe eines Ansatzes 46 eingeschoben. Sie können also entnommen werden. Die Halterung ist in einem zweiarmigen Hebel 47 ausgebildet, der um jeweils eine feststehende Achse 48 verschenkt werden kann. Zum Verschwenken ist eine Verschwenkeinrichtung vorgesehen, die einen Servomotor 48 als Antrieb enthält. Der Servomotor 48 verdreht einen Arm 49, dessen Drehachse senkrecht zur Längsachse des Servomotors 48 verläuft. Am Ende des Arms 49 sind zwei Gelenkstangen 50 angelenkt, deren andere Enden 51 gelenkig mit jeweils einem der beiden zweiarmigen Schwenkhebel 47 verbunden sind. In der Darstellung sowohl der Figur 10 als auch der Figur 11 liegen die beiden Gelenkstangen 50 direkt hintereinander, so dass sie nicht unterschieden werden können.As can also be seen in FIG. 10, the cassettes are pushed into a holder with the aid of an extension 46. So they can be removed. The holder is formed in a two-armed lever 47, which can be given away around a fixed axis 48. For pivoting, a pivoting device is provided which contains a servo motor 48 as a drive. The servomotor 48 rotates an arm 49, the axis of rotation of which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the servomotor 48. At the end of the arm 49, two articulated rods 50 are articulated, the other ends 51 of which are articulated to one of the two two-armed pivot levers 47. In the representation of both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 the two joint rods 50 lie directly one behind the other so that they cannot be distinguished.

Wird nun der Servomotor 48 in Betrieb gesetzt, so wird der Arm 49 verdreht, was gleichzeitig zu einer Veränderung der Lage der Gelenkstangen 50 führt. Die beiden zweiarmigen Hebel 47 werden gegenläufig verschwenkt, und zwar um die Achse 48. Dadurch gelangen die beiden Kassetten zusammen mit den Schwenkhebeln 47 in die in Figur 11 dargestellte Position. Hier sind die Artikel 29 flach liegend angeordnet.If the servo motor 48 is now put into operation, the arm 49 is rotated, which at the same time leads to a change in the position of the articulated rods 50. The two two-armed levers 47 are pivoted in opposite directions, specifically around the axis 48. As a result, the two cassettes, together with the pivoting levers 47, reach the position shown in FIG. Here the items 29 are arranged lying flat.

Die Druckwand 45 ist mit Hilfe eines Hebels 52 um eine andere Achse 53 als die Achse 48 der Schwenkhebel 47 verschwenkbar angeordnet. Die Schwenkmitnahme der Druckwand 45 geschieht nur dadurch, dass die Druckwand 45 nur linear gegenüber den Kassetten 40 verschoben werden kann. Durch die gelenkige Anordnung um eine andere Achse erfolgt eine Verschiebung der Druckwand gegenüber dem Boden 41 der Kassetten 40, so dass also auch in diesem Fall wieder eine Komprimierung der Artikel 29 erfolgt. In der Entleerposition weist die Druckwand 45 also von den Böden 41 der beiden Kassetten einen Abstand auf, während sie in der Befüllposition noch auf den Böden 41 aufliegt.The pressure wall 45 is arranged with the aid of a lever 52 so as to be pivotable about an axis 53 other than the axis 48 of the pivot lever 47. The pivoting of the pressure wall 45 occurs only in that the pressure wall 45 can only be moved linearly relative to the cassettes 40. Due to the articulated arrangement around another axis, the pressure wall is displaced relative to the bottom 41 of the cassettes 40, so that in this case the articles 29 are compressed again. In the emptying position, the pressure wall 45 is therefore at a distance from the bottoms 41 of the two cassettes, while in the filling position it still rests on the bottoms 41.

Figur 12 zeigt eine Seitenansicht der Anordnung der Figur 10 und 11. Aus der Figur 12 kann man entnehmen, dass zwei Gelenkstangen 50 vorhanden sind, eine für jeden Schwenkhebel 47. Ähnlich wie bei der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen kann die gesamte Anordnung ebenfalls in der Höhe verstellt werden, ohne dass dies im Einzelnen dargestellt ist. Die beiden Gelenkstangen 50 sind hintereinander angeordnet, so dass sie in der Darstellung sowohl der Figur 10 als auch der Figur 11 sich überdecken. Ihre Bewegung wird von dem gleichen Arm 49 abgeleitet, so dass sie die exakt gleiche Bewegung durchführen, sofern beide Gelenkstangen 50 identisch ausgebildet sind.FIG. 12 shows a side view of the arrangement of FIGS. 10 and 11. From FIG. 12 it can be seen that there are two articulated rods 50, one for each pivot lever 47. Similar to the previous embodiments, the entire arrangement can also be adjusted in height without this being shown in detail. The two articulated rods 50 are arranged one behind the other, so that they overlap in the representation of both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. Their movement is derived from the same arm 49, so that they perform the exact same movement, provided that both articulated rods 50 are of identical design.

Claims (38)

  1. Device for packaging objects in bags (10) with an enclosing slider (3, 4) for the objects,
    a packing cassette (5) for picking up and guiding an object to be packaged, which
    can be moved to and fro from a feeding position to a delivery position in the transport direction of the slider (3, 4),
    a bag station, which
    is located in the path of the packing cassette (5), characterized by a transfer cassette (6) for accepting a packaged object, which
    is located to move to and fro in the transport direction of the slider (3, 4) behind the packing cassette (5) between the transfer position and a sealing position in the transport direction of the slider (3, 4), whereby
    the slider (3, 4) transports the object to be packaged into the packing cassette (5) and through the cassettes (5, 6) into a sealing position.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, in which the packing cassette (5) is located and designed in such a way that the slider can transport an object to be packaged into the packing cassette (5) in its feeding position.
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2 in which the delivery position of the packing cassette (5) is extended into an open bag (10).
  4. Device according to one of the above Claims in which the paths of travel of both cassettes (5, 6) overlap each other.
  5. Device according to one of the above Claims in which both delivery positions of the two cassettes (5, 6) at least partially overlap each other.
  6. Device according to one of the above Claims in which the transfer cassette (6) is designed so that the packing cassette (5) can travel into it.
  7. Device according to one of the above Claims in which the sealing position of the transfer cassette (6) is positioned so that the slider (3, 4) transfers the filled bag (10) through the sealing jaws (13) of a sealing station.
  8. Device according to one of the above Claims in which the transfer cassette (6) is designed so that it guides the packaged object that is being transported.
  9. Device according to one of the above Claims in which the transfer cassette (6) moves slower than the slider (3, 4) in the transport direction.
  10. Device according to one of the above Claims in which the objects to be packaged are flat compressible articles or preferably stacks of these articles.
  11. Device according to one of the above Claims with
    at least one collector cassette (23, 40), which
    has a filling position for the sequential acceptance of flat upright articles (29) and
    an emptying position, in which the
    articles (29) are configured in a horizontal position,
    has a rotating device to rotate the cassette (23, 40) from the filling position into the emptying position and/or vice versa, as well as with
    a compressing device, which
    compresses the flat articles (29) after filling the collector cassette (23, 40) and before it is emptied.
  12. Device according to Claim 11 in which the compressing device has an adjustable pressure panel (30, 45), which is arranged approximately in parallel to the flat sides of the articles (29) and can be moved vertically to these flat sides.
  13. Device according to Claim 11 or 12 in which the compression is carried out while the collector cassette (23, 40) is being rotated.
  14. Device according to Claim 13 in which the pressure panel (30, 45) moves by forced control.
  15. Device according to one of the Claims 12 through 14 with a servomotor for the movement of the pressure panel (30, 45).
  16. Device according to one of the Claims 11 through 15 with a servomotor (37, 48) for the rotating device.
  17. Device according to one of the Claims 11 through 16 with several collector cassettes (23, 40).
  18. Device according to Claim 17 in which a cassette (23) is located in the filling position and another cassette (23) is located in the emptying position.
  19. Device according to Claim 17 or 18 in which one cassette (23) can be emptied at the same time as another cassette (23) is being filled.
  20. Device according to one of the Claims 11 through 19 in which the rotating device rotates the collector cassette (40) to and fro.
  21. Device according to one of the Claims 11 through 19 in which the rotating device is designed so that it rotates the collector cassette (23) stepwise in one direction.
  22. Procedure for packaging objects in bags (10) with the following steps:
    a slider (3, 4) transfers an object to a packing cassette (6),
    the packing cassette (5) is transported with the object into an open bag (10), the slider (3, 4) transports the object into the bag (10), which is characterized by the fact that
    the slider (3, 4) transfers the filled bag (10) into a transfer cassette (6), and by the fact that
    the slider (3, 4) transports the filled bag (10) in the transfer cassette (6) to a sealing station, and
    into a sealing position through the transfer cassette (6), at which position it is sealed.
  23. Procedure according to Claim 22 in which the packing cassette (5) is moved to and fro between a feeding position and the delivery position.
  24. Procedure according to Claim 22 or 23 in which an enclosing slider (3, 4) is used to transport the object.
  25. Procedure according to one of the Claims 22 through 24 in which the transfer cassette (6) is moved to and fro between the transfer position and the sealing station.
  26. Procedure according to one of the Claims 22 through 25 in which the transfer cassette (6) moves slower in the transport direction than the filled bag (10).
  27. Procedure according to one of the Claims 22 through 26 in which the filled bag (10) is guided on all sides while being transported to the sealing station.
  28. Procedure according to one of the Claims 22 through 27 in which the packing cassette (5) and the transfer cassette (6) are moved simultaneously to the delivery position where they may overlap.
  29. Procedure according to one of the Claims 22 through 28 in which the packing cassette (5) in the delivery position is inserted at least partially into the transfer cassette (6).
  30. Procedure according to one of the Claims 22 through 29 in which several sliders (3, 4) are used, one after the other.
  31. Procedure according to one of the Claims 21 through 30 with the following steps:
    individual flat articles (29) are supplied in an upright position and positioned in order to form a stack,
    the stack is rotated about a horizontal axis in order to form a stack of articles (29) lying on top of each other,
    the stack is compressed at right angles to the flat sides of the articles (29) lying on top of each other,
    the compressed stack is packaged.
  32. Procedure according to Claim 31 in which the stack is compressed at the start of the rotation and before the stack is removed.
  33. Procedure according to Claim 31 or 32 in which the stack is compressed while it is being rotated.
  34. Procedure according to one of the Claims 31 through 33 in which the stack is formed in a cassette (23, 40) and the cassette is rotated with the stack.
  35. Procedure according to Claim 34 in which the stack is compressed by the movement of a pressure panel (30, 45) of the cassette (23, 40).
  36. Procedure according to one of the Claims 31 through 35 in which two stacks are simultaneously formed in two cassettes (40) respectively and both stacks are rotated.
  37. Procedure according to one of the Claims 34 through 36 in which cassette (40) is rotated to and fro.
  38. Procedure according to one of the Claims 34 through 36 in which cassette (23) is rotated stepwise in a constant direction.
EP01130784A 2001-01-04 2001-12-22 Method and apparatus for packaging articles Expired - Lifetime EP1221410B1 (en)

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DE10100487 2001-01-04
DE10100487 2001-01-04

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DE50102117D1 (en) 2004-06-03
US20020124533A1 (en) 2002-09-12
JP4113708B2 (en) 2008-07-09
EP1221410A3 (en) 2002-09-04
EP1221410A2 (en) 2002-07-10
US6755008B2 (en) 2004-06-29
ATE265358T1 (en) 2004-05-15
ES2220654T3 (en) 2004-12-16
JP2002249103A (en) 2002-09-03

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