EP1758793B1 - Device and method for cross-sealing a flexible packaging hose - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for transverse sealing of a packaging tube, filled with products, in order to form bag packages, has a delivery conveyor for delivering the packaging tube, a removal conveyor for carrying the bag packages away and a transverse sealing unit engaging an interstice between these two conveyors. Means is provided for supporting the bag packages at least in part at the transition through this interstice. This means for supporting the bag packages is a supporting base, which reaches beneath the bag packages from two diametrically opposed sides and both supports the bag packages and transports them onward.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a device and a method for transversely sealing a packaging tube filled with products according to the preamble of claim 1 or 15. The invention relates in particular to a horizontal tubular bag machine.

State of the art

In horizontal tubular bag machines, a band-shaped packaging material, in particular a film, is withdrawn from a roll; a product, usually one or more piece goods, is placed on the packaging material web; The film is folded and longitudinally sealed. Subsequently, the packaging tube is divided into individual product packages or tubular bags by welding transverse sealing seams. Usually, the individual tubular bags are separated during or shortly after the transverse sealing by means of a knife from each other and transported in succession via a removal conveyor for further processing or packaging. US-A-5'685'131 and US-A-4'726'168 For example, horizontal bagging machines with a transverse sealing unit are disclosed. US-A-4'949'846 shows the simultaneous transverse sealing and separation of the bags.

Since the transverse sealing unit must contact the packaging tube from above as well as from below, it engages with its sealing jaws in a space between the supply conveyor and the removal conveyor. In this area is the packaging hose or the tubular bag is not performed. Therefore, it is proposed in the prior art to provide the sealing roller of the lower sealing jaw with a support ring which supports the tubular bag at least over a partial area. Such a support ring is for example in CH-A-554'260 shown.

However, since the support ring is also formed roller-shaped and its axis of rotation extends in a plane parallel to the conveying plane transverse to the conveying direction, remains a gap or hole between this support ring and the upstream end of the Abtransportbands. Since the packaging material enclosing the product has too low rigidity, especially if it is a thin film, in particular short products tend to tip into this hole. This is certainly the case with short and tall products.

Further, in US-A-4'862'673 proposed to bridge the gap between two pairs of sealed jaws with an endless circulating chain or a conveyor belt. In order to allow the sealing jaws enough space for their rotational movement, however, a relatively large free gap between the conveyor chain and sealing roller or the next conveyor is also present here.

Also in US-A-4'102'111 a horizontal bagging machine with a transverse sealing unit is disclosed. In the area of the transverse sealing jaws, pivotable edge inserts are arranged, which laterally fold in the bags during transverse sealing.

EP 1281 620 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method which prevent tilting of the tubular bag in this space, without the conveying speed is impaired.

This object is achieved by a device and a method having the features of patent claims 1 and 15, respectively.

The device according to the invention for transversely sealing a packaging tube filled with products for the purpose of forming tubular bags has a supply conveyor for feeding the packaging tube and a removal conveyor for removing the tubular bags and a transverse sealing unit engaging in a gap between these two conveyors. Further, a means for supporting the tubular bag is present, which supports the tubular bag at least partially at the transition of this gap. According to the invention, this means for supporting the tubular bag is a carrying base, which engages under the tubular bag from two opposite sides.

The tray is designed to be movable, so that it can be optionally brought out of the range of those parts of the transverse sealing unit, which intermittently engage in the intermediate space to make the transverse seal. Furthermore, it has a speed component in the conveying direction, so that it not only Tragungsondem also assumes a transport function.

In the case of sealing rolls with transverse sealing jaws of the support base is formed by at least two support rings, which are rotatable about the conveying plane perpendicular axes, protrude with their periphery in the intermediate space and thus support the tubular bag. They also have recesses into which the transverse sealing jaws can optionally engage.

Preferably, a lateral guide is present on the support floor on both sides of the conveying path to guide the tubular bag laterally during passage of the gap.

The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention have the advantage that they reliably transport and guide the products packed in tubular bags also in the area of the transverse sealing station or in the area immediately following. This is also with short and high products, in particular in a tubular bag stacked on each other cargo such as biscuits or crackers Case. The packaging material or the film can be made of a very thin and flexible material, since a sufficient rigidity of the packaging material is no longer needed for safe guidance.

Another advantage is that the tray can be replaced in a simple manner to be adapted to the shapes and sizes of the products or tubular bags. Another advantage is that existing horizontal tubular bag machines can be retrofitted with such trays.

Further advantageous variants of the method and advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1a

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer ersten Förderposition;

Figur 1b

eine schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in der Position gemäss Figur 1a;

Figur 2a

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1 a in einer zweiten Förderposition;

Figur 2b

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung in der Position gemäss Figur 2a;

Figur 3a

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1a in einer dritten Förderposition;

Figur 3b

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung in der Position gemäss Figur 3a;

Figur 4a

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1a in einer vierten Förderposition;

Figur 4b

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung in der Position gemäss Figur 4a;

Figur 5a

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1 a mit dargestelltem Schlauchbeutel und

Figur 5b

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 5a.

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

FIG. 1a

a schematic perspective view of the inventive device in a first conveying position;

FIG. 1b

a schematic representation of a side view of the inventive device in the position according to FIG. 1a ;

FIG. 2a

the device according to FIG. 1 a in a second conveying position;

FIG. 2b

a side view of the device in the position according to FIG. 2a ;

FIG. 3a

the device according to FIG. 1a in a third funding position;

FIG. 3b

a side view of the device in the position according to FIG. 3a ;

FIG. 4a

the device according to FIG. 1a in a fourth conveying position;

FIG. 4b

a side view of the device in the position according to FIG. 4a ;

FIG. 5a

the device according to FIG. 1 a with illustrated tubular bag and

FIG. 5b

a side view of the device according to FIG. 5a ,

Ways to carry out the invention

In the FIGS. 1a and 1b a device according to the invention is shown in a first conveying position. It is a horizontal Schtauchbet engine of the type mentioned.

The device has a supply conveyor 1. Here are these two parallel sliding plates. However, it is also possible to use conveyor belts or other means of transport. On this feed conveyor 1, an unillustrated packaging tube, which was previously filled with products, folded and longitudinally sealed, promoted with the products arranged therein to a transverse sealing unit Q. The conveying direction is shown by an arrow. Adjacent to the transverse sealing unit Q, a removal conveyor 2 is arranged. This is also preferably a one-piece or multi-part endless circulating conveyor belt. Between the supply conveyor 1 and the removal conveyor 2 there is a gap Z, in which the transverse sealing unit 3 engages.

The conveyed and packaged products can be of different nature, for example, each product can consist of a single piece goods. In other applications, each product consists of several pieces, which are stacked, for example, or which are aligned vertically one behind the other. Likewise, the products may already include a primary packaging. The products are especially foods like biscuits or crackers. The packaging material can also consist of various materials. Preferably, it is a thin and flexible packaging film.

As a transverse sealing unit Q, the known units can be used. In the example shown here, it has at least one first upper sealing roller 3 and at least a lower sealing roller 3 'on. These two sealing rollers 3, 3 'are rotatably mounted on mutually parallel axes of rotation 33, 33'. The axes of rotation 33, 33 'extend in a direction parallel to the conveying plane F upper or lower plane perpendicular to the conveying direction.

On each sealing roller 3, 3 'is at least one, here are two sealing jaws 30, 30', 31, 31 'are arranged, which project in the radial direction of the roller body 34, 34'. The sealing jaws 30, 30 ', 31, 31' are heatable. The sealing rollers 3, 3 'preferably rotate in opposite directions to each other, wherein the sealing jaws 30, 30', 31, 31 'move in the area between the two conveyors 1, 2 in the conveying direction and in this area each contact the packaging material from one side and to him a cross seam N welded. So that the welding can be carried out optimally, the sealing jaws thus run with the packaging material for a certain period of time.

The sealing jaws 30, 30 ', 31, 31' or the sealing rollers 3, 3 'may be further provided with at least one separating knife or a counter-holder to separate the individual transverse-sealed tubular bag from each other or with a perforation for later To provide separation.

According to the invention, a means for unsupporting the tubular bag is now present in the region of the transverse sealing unit Q, which supports and guides the individual tubular bags at the transition of the intermediate space Z, so that they can not slip into the intermediate space.

This means is a support floor, which engages from two opposite sides under the tubular bag and supports at least its edge region. The support floor can be designed in many ways. In the example shown here, the support base is formed by at least two support rings 40, 40 ', which are formed as projecting flanges each have a gap compensation disc 4, 4'.

The support rings 40, 40 'are at least approximately at the same height above the ground as the highest support point in the space or at the adjacent thereto Ends of the conveyor 1, 2. Is in the space a support ring 32 'of known type with the lower sealing roller 3' is connected, then the upper support surface of the support rings 40, 40 'preferably aligned with the upper apex line of this support ring 32'.

Each gap compensation disk 4, 4 'has a disk body 43, 43', which projects beyond the support ring 40, 40 '. Each two of the at least two gap compensation disks 4, 4 'are arranged adjacently on two opposite sides of the conveying plane F, the distance between the two disk bodies 43, 43', measured between their outer jacket points, being approximately equal to the width of the tubular bag B or of the product packed therein equivalent. As a result, the product is not only supported during the passage of the gap Z but also guided laterally.

The gap compensation discs 4, 4 'are rotatably mounted, wherein they are each rotatable about a perpendicular to the conveying plane extending axis of rotation 44, 44'. The individual axes of rotation 44, 44 'run parallel to each other, but perpendicular to the axes of rotation 33, 33' of the sealing rolls 3, 3 '.

Each of the gap compensation disk 4, 4 'has a central opening 41, 41'. In this central opening 41, 41 'fastening means, in particular screws, are arranged, by means of which the disc 4, 4' are mounted in the transverse sealing unit Q or a suitable frame of the device.

If the product type or the tube bag shape and size is to be changed, the gap compensation discs 4, 4 'can be replaced in a simple manner and, for example, by discs with a greater thickness and / or with a larger one. Replace diameter. Preferably, however, all gap compensation discs 4, 4 'in the region of the central opening 41, 41' have the same thickness, measured from below. As a result, you can always use the same length fastening screws.

The support rings 40, 40 'or here the whole gap compensation discs 4, 4' have at least one radially extending recess 42, 42 '. Usually, each disc 4, 4 'has the same number of recesses 42, 42' as sealing jaws 31, 31 'or others the rollers 3, 3 'projecting and in the space Z at any time protruding parts are present. The recesses 42, 42 'are sufficiently large and deep, so that these jaws 31, 31' or parts without collision in the discs 4, 4 'can dive and so only reach into the recesses 42, 42' without contact.

In the FIGS. 1a and 1b Now a first funding position is shown. The two first sealing jaws 30, 30 'are raised or lowered slightly above the conveying plane to allow the next product to pass. The support rings 40, 40 'are located in the intermediate space Z, forming a two-sided support base, which extends over the entire length of the gap, measured from the sealing rollers 3, 3' to the adjacent end of the removal conveyor 2. A product which would thus be in the intermediate position in the present position would not only be carried by the support ring 32 'but also by the support floor. The support ring 32 'itself is not absolutely necessary and can basically be omitted.

In the position according to FIGS. 2a and 2b the sealing jaws 30, 30 'were rotated in the conveying direction. Their direction of rotation is shown with curved arrows. They have approached each other and can now contact and weld the packaging material with their front edges for the first time. As in FIG. 2a can be seen, the shims 4, 4 'have rotated, with the rear recesses 42, 42' have approached the gap.

In the FIGS. 3a and 3b Now contact the sealing jaws 31, 31 'completely and they are at their lowest points within the gap Z. They partially engage in the recesses 42, 42' a.

In the position according to FIGS. 4a and 4b the sealing jaws 31, 31 'and the shims 4, 4' have further rotated synchronously, so that the sealing jaws 31, 31 'engage in the recesses 42, 42' without collision.

In the FIGS. 5a and 5b is for clarification still a packaging material hose S and a Tube bag B with a product packaged therein.

The gap-compensating discs 4, 4 'and the sealing rollers 4, 4' are thus preferably moved synchronously with each other. In this case, the speed component c of the gap compensation disks 4, 4 'corresponds at least approximately in the conveying direction, preferably exactly the conveying speed of the packaging tube S in the region of the transverse sealing unit. The gap compensation discs 4, 4 'and the sealing rollers 4, 4' thus carry out a so-called "Hinkbewegung".

Preferably, the support rings perform a rotational movement. However, it is also possible to move the tray in a different way. For example, it can be moved in and out of the intermediate space.

The synchronization of the movement of the support rings and the sealing jaws can be stirred electronically via a control. In a preferred embodiment, however, the two Ausgleidisscheiben 4, 4 'are connected via a transmission with one of the two sealing rollers 3, 3', in particular with the lower. A preferred construction of the transmission is as follows: a gear arranged on the lower sealing roller 3 'meshes with a drive gear which drives the vertical axis of rotation of the respective balancing disk 4, 4' via a bevel drive. It should be noted that the two shims 4, 4 'move in opposite directions, wherein they have a forward component in the conveying direction. Between the bevel gear and the rotation axis, a belt drive can be interposed.

The device according to the invention allows a guided transport of the tubular bags in the gap formed between the two conveyors by the transverse sealing unit.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

infeed conveyor

2

discharge conveyor

3

Upper sealing roller

30

First upper sealing jaw

31

Second upper sealing jaw

33

upper axis of rotation

34

upper roll body

3 '

Lower sealing roller

30 '

First upper sealing jaw

31 '

Second upper sealing jaw

32 '

support ring

33 '

lower axis of rotation

34 '

lower roll body

4

First gap compensation disc

40

first support ring

41 1

first central opening

42

first radial recess

43

first disk body

44

first axis of rotation

4 '

Second gap compensation disc

40 '

second support ring

41 '

second central opening

42 '

second radial recess

43 '

second disk body

44 '

Second axis of rotation

Q

Transverse sealing unit

B

tubular bag

S

Vepackungsschlauch

N

cross seam

Z

gap

F

conveying plane

Claims (17)

1. Apparatus for the transverse sealing of a product-filled tubular packaging sleeve (S) for the purpose of forming tubular bags (B), it being the case that the apparatus has a feed conveyor (1), for feeding the tubular packaging sleeve (S), and a removal conveyor (2), for transporting the tubular bags (B) away, and a transverse-sealing unit (Q), which engages in an interspace (Z) between these two conveyors (1, 2), and that a means is provided for supporting the tubular bags (B), and this means supports the tubular bags (B) at least in part as they run through this interspace (Z), characterized in that the means for supporting the tubular bags (B) is a carrier base (40, 40'), which engages beneath the tubular bags (B) from two opposite sides.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, it being the case that the feed conveyor (1) and the removal conveyor (2) each have a conveying plane which runs at least more or less horizontally at least in the region of the transverse-sealing unit (Q).
3. Apparatus according to either of Claims 1 and 2, it being the case that the carrier base (40, 40') is moveable and has recesses (42, 42') for accommodating parts (30, 30', 31, 31') of the transverse-sealing unit (Q) in a collision-free manner.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, it being the case that the carrier base (40, 40') can be moved synchronously with a sealing movement of the transverse-sealing unit (Q), and that it has a speed component in the conveying direction of the tubular bags (B) which corresponds at least more or less to a conveying speed of the tubular packaging sleeve (S) in the region of the transverse-sealing unit (Q).
5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4, it being the case that the carrier base is formed by at least two carrier rings (40, 40'), and that a first of these carrier rings (40, 40') is arranged on a first of the two opposite sides and a second of these carrier rings (40, 40') is arranged on a second of the two opposite sides.
6. Apparatus according to Claims 4 and 5, it being the case that the recesses (42, 42') are arranged in the periphery of the at least two carrier rings (40, 40').
7. Apparatus according to either of Claims 5 and 6, it being the case that the at least two carrier rings (40, 40') can be rotated about their own axis (44, 44').
8. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 7, it being the case that the transverse-sealing unit (Q) has a top and a bottom rotatable sealing roller (3, 3'), each with at least one sealing jaw (30, 30', 31, 31') arranged thereon.
9. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, it being the case that a severing unit (3, 3'), which severs the tubular bags (B) from one another, is present.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 7, it being the case that the interspace (Z) contains a supporting ring (32') which rotates about the same axis (33') as the bottom transverse-sealing roller (3').
11. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 10, it being the case that the carrier base (40, 40') is arranged on the same level as a bearing surface of the two conveyors (1, 2) and/or as the highest point of the supporting ring (32') in the region of the interspace (Z).
12. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, it being the case that the carrier base (40, 40') has lateral guides (43, 43') which are arranged on both sides of the conveying path and the spacing between which corresponds more or less to the width of the products.
13. Apparatus according to Claims 5 and 8, it being the case that the at least two carrier rings (40, 40') are formed by in each case one projecting flange of a respective carrier disc (43, 43'), and that the carrier discs (43, 43') each have an axis of rotation (44, 44') which runs perpendicularly to the conveying direction of the tubular bags (B) and perpendicularly to the axes of rotation (33, 33') of the sealing rollers (3, 3').
14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, it being the case that each carrier disc (4, 4') has a disc body (43, 43') projecting beyond the carrier ring (40, 40'), and that the spacings between two opposite carrier discs (4, 4') arranged on two different sides of the apparatus corresponds more or less to a product width, in which case the tubular bag (B) passing the two disc bodies (43, 43') is guided by the same, by way of lateral abutment.
15. Method of transversely sealing a product-filled tubular packaging sleeve (S) for the purpose of forming tubular bags (B), it being the case that the tubular packaging sleeve (S) is fed, via a feed conveyor (1), to a transverse-sealing unit (Q) and is sealed there to form tubular bags (B), and that the tubular bags (B) are transported away from there via a removal conveyor (2), the transverse-sealing unit (Q) engaging in an interspace (Z) between these two conveyors (1, 2) during the transverse-sealing operation, and the tubular bags (B) resting, as they run through this interspace (Z), on a means for supporting the tubular bags (B), characterized in that the tubular bags (B), as they run through this interspace (Z), are guided by way of a carrier base (40, 40') which, as the tubular bags (B) run through, at least temporarily engages in the interspace (Z) from two opposite sides beneath the tubular bags (B).
16. Method according to Claim 15, it being the case that the carrier base (40, 40') is moved out of the region of the transverse-sealing unit (Q) in order to avoid collision therewith.
17. Method according to either of Claims 15 and 16, it being the case that the carrier base (40, 40') transports the tubular bags (B) in the conveying direction.

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