EP1293430B1 - Apparatus and method for packaging articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine has first and second conveyors (1,3) for first and second type of goods (A,B), and a packaging station (7) to form a packaging material hose (72). The machine also has a feeder station (2), in which second type goods are formed into a stack by the second conveyor, and placed by a conveyor part (4,10) on one good of the first type, to form a second group. The second group is held by a holder (5) to maintain its shape, and is moved into the material hose.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a device and a method for Packaging of general cargo according to the preamble of claim 1 or 18.

State of the art

GB-A-1'444'640 describes a device for packaging stacked biscuits. The biscuits are stacked placed on a cardboard cover. The cardboard cover and the biscuits be by means of a driver in the conveying direction pushed forward where the carton folded in a folding station and in a subsequent tubular bag station in a hose is introduced. The hose is then in a Welding and cutting unit divided into tubular bags.

Now, however, it is desirable in part, diverse Piece goods lying one above the other in a common tubular bag to package. So there are especially Asian noodle dishes, in which dried pasta and in small bags packaged sauces or spices packaged in a common bag are. The noodles are in the form of a flat cake before and are not packed further. Preferred is a Type of packaging in which the bags are resting on the noodle patty be introduced into the tubular bag. It is the Tubular bag designed so narrow that the superimposed Goods are held in their position. The difficulty in this type of packaging lies in the fact that the bag due their shape and due to the non - planar bearing surface of the Noodle pies tend to be during transport to the tubular bag station to slide down from the pasta flat. In addition, the Transport the more unstable, the more bags placed on the flat are.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a To create a method for packing piece goods, which it in a simple and efficient way, allow different Piece goods lying one above the other safely in a common Packing bring. It is especially a task the invention to provide an apparatus and a method which a package of pasta dishes described above allows.

This object is achieved by a device and a method with the Features of claim 1 and 18, respectively.

According to the invention, general cargo of a first kind on a fed first conveyor and the piece goods of a second kind become via supply stations so by means of a second conveyor arranged that the piece goods of the second kind already layered lie on top of each other and form groups. The grouped piece goods second kind are then on the piece goods first Kind of laid. When introducing into the tubular bag is subjected to force, so that the group maintains its shape.

This allows piece goods of various types, which actually not stackable, they are sure to be stacked on top of each other safely transporting each other over and over them Able to safely pack in a horizontal flow wrapper. Thanks to the secure leadership throughout the process can the process be carried out at high speeds, allowing the device a throughput of up to 400 bags per minute can have.

The inventive device is particularly suitable for Piece goods of the first kind with essentially cubic or flat cylindrical shapes and for piece goods of the second kind in Shape of flat bags. Even if the piece goods of the first and second type do not have a completely flat support surface and the piece goods of the second kind also have the tendency to down To slide, the inventive device allows a Grouping and a joint packaging. In particular it is possible to place two or more bags on a noodle patty and these together in a horizontal flow wrapper to wrap.

It is also advantageous that the device according to the invention for different combinations of piece goods leaves. In addition, it is easy to different Sizes of piece goods customizable.

In a simple embodiment, the conveying means is merely formed by carriers and the cargo of the second kind be directly from the second conveyor to the general cargo of the first kind placed. In a preferred embodiment, however, is one stationary surface, a so-called dead plate, present, along which pushed the grouped piece goods of the second kind before they are placed on the piece goods of the first kind become. This can be the distance between group formation and choose any packaging in the tubular bag.

In another preferred embodiment, below each Feed station arranged a second conveyor, which a downward contact surface for the promotion of general cargo second type.

Further advantageous embodiments are the dependent Claims.

Short description of the drawing

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

einen vergrösserten Ausschnitt der Figur 1, jedoch ohne Verpackungsfolie;

Figur 3

einen vergrösserten Ausschnitt der Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Figur 5

einen vergrösserten Ausschnitt der Figur 4 der Zufuhrstationen mit den zweiten Förderern und

Figur 6

einen vergrösserten Ausschnitt der Figur 4 in Verpakkungsstation.

In the following the subject invention will be explained with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of an inventive device in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2

an enlarged detail of Figure 1, but without packaging film;

FIG. 3

an enlarged detail of Figure 2;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of an inventive device in a second embodiment;

FIG. 5

an enlarged section of Figure 4 of the feed stations with the second conveyors and

FIG. 6

an enlarged section of Figure 4 in Verpakkungsstation.

Ways to carry out the invention

A first embodiment of the device according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, has a first conveyor 1 for the supply of general cargo of a first type A. These Piece goods A preferably each have one at least approximately planar bearing surface, which is directed upward. In this example, it is the above-mentioned pasta patties. The first conveyor 1 is designed as a circulating chain conveyor. He has drivers 10, which the piece goods first Art A clocked in a first horizontal conveying direction push forward until it is in a below described Get packing station 7. The first conveying direction is in of Figure 1 shown with an arrow.

In a direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction and thus vertical Level above the first conveyor 1 at least one, arranged here three feed stations 2. The feed stations can also be arranged at an angle. The feed stations 2 are used for the supply of piece goods of the second type B. These cargo second type B are lined up in the form of ribbons Supplied to bags. The feed stations 2 point for this suitable deflection rollers 20 and corresponding separating means 21, in particular Cutting devices with rotating knives, on. Such feed stations 2 are sufficient in the prior art Therefore, they are not described in detail here.

The piece goods of the second kind can, however, do not have to be identical be educated. They can, as described above, off Consist of bags. However, it is also possible that at least a part of the cargo of the second type B has a different shape. For example, they can cook instructions printed on paper, be unpacked ingredients or cutlery.

Below the feed stations 2, but laterally above the first Conveyor 1, a second conveyor 3 is arranged. In here described embodiment, it is by a in a horizontal Level revolving conveyor belt formed. It goes a partial area of the second conveyor 3 at least approximately parallel to the first conveying direction. Be on this subarea the separated in the individual feed stations 2 bags placed. These bags, which are now the piece goods of the second kind B form are placed on the second conveyor 3 so that they are at least partially superimposed, that is, they are stacked on top of each other. As a result, they form first groups. This can be achieved in different ways. Im here shown Example is the first feed station in the conveying direction 2, a first bag is placed on the second conveyor 3. From the subsequent feed station 2 also passes a bag on the second conveyor 3, wherein this in the conveying direction to lie slightly forward on the first bag comes. This is repeated in the third feed station. These shingle-like layering has the advantage that the bags during the further transport the least move and the Beige is preserved. However, it is also possible, the bags are offset to the rear to put on top of each other. Further, it is possible to have a single feed station to use and to control these so that several Pouches come layered one above the other in layers.

The stacked bags are from the second conveyor 3 taken, with funds are available to them from second conveyor 3 to the piece goods of the first type A. This is done in the example shown here by means of the driver 10. The bags are placed on the second conveyor 3, that they overlap slightly laterally. The drivers 10 run with the first conveyor 1 along the second conveyor 3 and push one group of bags B over each General cargo of the first type A. Preferably, however, the groups become not yet stored directly on the piece goods of the first kind A, but arrive at a slotted dead plate 4, which above of the first conveyor 1 is arranged. The drivers 10 protrude through the slot 40 in the dead plate 4 and push the grouped Bag together with the associated noodle patties in the conveying direction further.

The second groups thus formed, consisting of the already grouped piece goods of the second type B and one piece goods each first Type A, enter the area of the horizontal tubular bag packaging station 7. This packaging station 7 is Well known in the art and is therefore here not explained in detail. Essentially, one of a Tape roll 70 delivered film 71 in the conveying direction of the first Conveyor 1 transported, bent to a tube 72, the second groups of general cargo introduced and the hose 72 welded to individual tubular bags and these separated.

Before this station, the driver 10 is now lowered. simultaneously ends the dead plate 4, leaving the layered bag falling on the pasta patties. So that the bags are not shift, according to the invention is a means of applying force available. The agent ensures that the second Groups until full introduction to the hose their Shape, that is their stratification, preserve.

This agent can be clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. It consists of a belt conveyor 5 with at least one, here two vertically revolving belts 52 which are on the second groups rest. Preferably, the belt conveyor has sprung mounted Deflection rollers 50, 51, so that the belt 52 is spring-loaded pushes on the second groups and puts them in theirs Preserved form. Preferably, the front has in the conveying direction Roller 51 has a much smaller diameter than the rear one Roller 50, so that they are arranged as close to the film 71 can be. In the conveying direction after the front roller 51st is a tongue-shaped hold-down 6 is arranged, which also rests on the second groups. Preferably, it is resilient educated. This hold-down 6 extends into the hose 72 into it and thus allows a leadership of the second groups up they are covered by the hose 72.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the invention Device shown. Same parts are with are denoted by the same reference numerals and therefore will not be here mentioned again in detail. In contrast to the first embodiment Each supply station 2 is assigned a second conveyor 3 '. These second conveyors 3 'are preferably belt conveyors, which revolve a support body 30. Here is the support body 30 formed semicircular. Every second conveyor 3 ' has a contact surface 31, here semicircular, on which directed downwards. On this contact surface 31 are the Piece goods of the second kind B from the feeding station 2 to the dead plate 4 where they in turn are stacked in first groups filed and immediately from the driver 10 of the first conveyor 1 are transported. The type of layering depends on the relative speed of the second conveyor 3 'to the first Conveyor 1 taking into account the distance of the second conveyor 3 'from each other.

So that the piece goods of the second type B from the second conveyors 3 ' transported, the contact surface 31 is vacuum-charged and / or it has adhesive properties. Other Variants are also possible as long as the piece goods of the second kind B adhere to the contact surfaces 31.

The packaging station 7 can be designed the same as in first embodiment. In particular, the same means be used for the application of force. In Figures 4 to 6 However, another embodiment of this means for applying force shown, which also in the embodiment according to the figures 1 to 3 instead of the belt conveyor 5 and the hold 6 can be used. It is essential that these agents act on the hose 72 from the outside. The Means are preferably formed as elongated brushes 6 ', which extend in the conveying direction and in the introduction area rest on the hose 72. Preferably additionally second driver 10 'present, which in the conveying direction of the first conveyor (1) arranged in front of the second groups are and serve as counterparts for them. This additionally guarantees that the second group when retracting into the hose 72 retains its shape. These second drivers 10 'become as the first driver 10 when inserted into the tube 72nd lowered.

The inventive device allows non-stackable To transport piece goods of different kinds together and pack together in a tubular bag.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

A

General cargo of the first kind

B

General cargo of the second kind

1

first promoter

10

takeaway

10 '

second driver

2

feeding station

20

guide rollers

21

release agent

3

second conveyor

3 '

second conveyor

30

support body

31

contact surface

4

deadplate

40

slot

5

belt conveyors

50

rear pulleys

51

front pulleys

52

tape

6

Stripper plate

6 '

brush

7

packing station

70

band roll

71

foil

72

tube

Claims (19)

1. An apparatus for packaging piece goods, it being possible for at least one piece-goods article of a first type (A) and piece goods of a second type (B) to be introduced into a common pack, the apparatus having a first conveyor (1), for feeding piece goods of the first type (A), at least one second conveyor (3, 3'), for feeding piece goods of a second type (B), and a packing station (7), for forming a flexible tube (72), characterized in that the apparatus has at least one feed station (2), from which the piece goods of the second type (B) by means of the at least one second conveyor (3, 3') are fed such that first groups of piece goods of the second type are formed, these piece goods of the second type being located one above the other at least in part,
   that the apparatus has conveying means (4, 10) in order to deposit every first group on a piece-goods article of the first type (A) and to form a second group, and
   that the second group can be introduced into the flexible tube (72), force-applying means (5, 6, 6' ) being provided in order that the second group maintains its shape as it is introduced into the flexible tube (72).
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that precisely one second conveyor (3) is provided, wherein the piece goods of the second type (B) can be deposited on the second conveyor (3) such that they form the first group, and that the conveying means (4, 10) deposit the first group on the piece-goods article of the first type (A) from the second conveyor (3).
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that at least two feed stations (2) are provided, in which case they are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction of the second conveyor (3).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the second conveyor (3) is designed to circulate in a horizontal plane.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the conveying means comprises a stationary surface (4) and first carry-along elements (10) which can be moved along this surface (4) in the conveying direction of the first conveyor (1), the stationary surface (4) being arranged above the first conveyor (1).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the first carry-along elements (10) are a part of the first conveyor (1) and serve as first carry-along elements (10) for the piece goods of the first type (A).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the force-applying means comprises a circulating belt conveyor (5), with at least one belt (52), which is arranged above the second group and of which the belt (52) rests on the second group.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the force-applying means has a resilient holding-down element (6) which is arranged downstream of the belt conveyor (5) as seen in the conveying direction, and rests on the second group.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one feed station (2) has a feed direction which runs at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to a conveying plane of the first conveyor (1).
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the second conveyor (3) has a conveying direction which runs at least more or less parallel to the conveying direction of the first conveyor (1).
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the feed station (2) is designed for feeding a strip of bags which are attached to one another, the feed station having severing means (21) for severing the strip into individual bags.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the packing station (7) produces the flexible tube (72) such that it runs horizontally in the conveying direction of the first conveyor (1).
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that in each case one of the second conveyors (3') is arranged beneath the at least one feed station (2), said second conveyor having a downwardly directed abutment surface (31) for conveying the piece goods of the second type (B).
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the abutment surface (31) of the at least one second conveyor (3') is subjected to vacuum action and/or has adhesive properties.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the force-applying means (6') acts on the flexible tube (72) from the outside.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the force-applying means is at least one brush (6') resting on the flexible tube (72).
17. The apparatus as claimed in claims 6 and 15, characterized in that the first conveyor (1) has second carry-along elements (10'), which are arranged upstream of the second groups, as seen in the conveying direction of the first conveyor (1), and serve as supports for said groups.
18. A process for packaging piece goods, at least one piece-goods article of a first type (A) and piece goods of a second type (B) being introduced into a common pack,
    characterized in that the piece goods of the first type (A) are fed on a first conveyor (1),
    that the piece goods of the second type (B) are fed, via at least one feed station (2), by means of at least one second conveyor (3), in which case they are positioned one upon the other at least in part, as a result of which first groups are formed,
    that a first group is deposited on a piece-goods article of the first type (A) in each case to form a second group, and
    that the second group is introduced into a packaging material formed into a flexible tube (72), force being applied in order that the second group maintains its shape as it is introduced into the flexible tube (72).
19. The process as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the piece goods of the second type (B) are fed onto the second conveyor (3) and wherein the second group has force applied to it in order to maintain its form as it is introduced into the flexible tube (72).

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