EP2537766A1 - All-in-one cutting station and method for separating packages - Google Patents

All-in-one cutting station and method for separating packages Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2537766A1
EP2537766A1 EP20120004410 EP12004410A EP2537766A1 EP 2537766 A1 EP2537766 A1 EP 2537766A1 EP 20120004410 EP20120004410 EP 20120004410 EP 12004410 A EP12004410 A EP 12004410A EP 2537766 A1 EP2537766 A1 EP 2537766A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packages
complete cutting
transport elements
cutting station
packaging
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP20120004410
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2537766B1 (en
Inventor
Michael Lang
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.)
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
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.)
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Publication of EP2537766A1 publication Critical patent/EP2537766A1/en
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Publication of EP2537766B1 publication Critical patent/EP2537766B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/30—Arranging and feeding articles in groups
    • B65B35/36—Arranging and feeding articles in groups by grippers
    • B65B35/38—Arranging and feeding articles in groups by grippers by suction-operated grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/105—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/04—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages
    • B65B61/06—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
    • B65B61/065—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting by punching out
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/647—With means to convey work relative to tool station
    • Y10T83/6667—Work carrier rotates about axis fixed relative to tool station

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a complete cutting station according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for separating packages which have been produced in a common film composite.
  • thermoforming packaging machines in which packaging is produced from or with a plastic film, for example in thermoforming packaging machines or traysealers.
  • packaging is often produced in a multi-lane and multi-row, ie. In a work cycle, both consecutively, as well as side by side, several packages are produced simultaneously.
  • These packagings are connected together in a foil composite, since at least one foil extends continuously over all the packagings and connects these packagings to one another.
  • thermoforming packaging machines this is the bottom film in which packaging trays are deep-drawn.
  • the packages are contiguous by means of a top or lidding film which is simultaneously sealed onto a plurality of packaging trays or trays.
  • a longitudinal cutting device and a cross-cutting device are provided.
  • the cross sections are usually placed between adjacent rows of packages, i. the film composite is severed between adjacent rows.
  • the longitudinal cutting device a separation of the packaging of the respective tracks.
  • packages are cut or punched out of the film composite in a single operation. This is done by means of a complete cutting tool.
  • the problem with the use of a complete cutting tool may be that the packages may lose their orientation after being singulated, for example when falling down onto a discharge belt. This can complicate subsequent work steps on the packaging.
  • the object of the invention is to improve the separation of packages from a common film composite with structurally simple means in terms of easier subsequent handling of the packaging.
  • the complete cutting station has a transport system in which a plurality of transport elements are provided, each with a head section for engaging a packaging.
  • the head portions of at least one, but possibly also all transport elements are movable between a first position in which they have detected packages defined by the composite film first distance from each other, and a second position in which the packages have a second, smaller distance have each other.
  • This second, smaller distance may even be a "negative distance", i. that the packages at least partially overlap in at least one spatial direction.
  • the complete cutting station according to the invention offers various advantages with regard to the handling of the packages.
  • the transport system already ensures that the packaging does not lose its position and orientation when singulated. Because during the separation, the packages can be held by the head sections of the transport elements and fixed in their position.
  • the transport system allows a transfer of the individual packages from the complete cutting tool, for example, to a subsequent packing station, in which a group of packages is placed in a common outer packaging.
  • the transport system makes it possible, by means of the transport system, to reduce the distance between the packages after the packages have been separated, or even to create an overlap between the packages.
  • the transport elements are translationally movable and / or pivotable in order to reduce the distance between adjacent packages. Both variants are structurally comparatively simple and allow a secure, precise positioning of the packaging while reducing the mutual distance.
  • the transport elements are movable between a retracted and an extended position. This enables them to transport packages caught by the head sections of the transport elements out of the complete cutting tool.
  • the movement between a retracted and an extended position can either be independent of the distance between the packaging reducing movement of the transport elements, or the movement between the retracted and the extended position of the transport elements can be superimposed or take place simultaneously with the distance between adjacent reducing movement.
  • the complete cutting station can be made particularly compact.
  • the complete cutting tool can be arranged above the film composite during operation of the complete cutting station. This has the advantage that the space below the isolated packaging remains free, so in particular is not occupied by a complete cutting tool.
  • outer packaging or a discharge belt could be placed directly under the packaging to be separated, which further facilitates the handling of the packaging.
  • the complete cutting tool preferably has a bridge connecting several cutting edges of the tool. Each cut edge can be used for singling or punching be provided a single package.
  • the connection of the cut edges over a bridge increases the stability of the cut edges and thus ensures an even more precise, simultaneous separation of several packages.
  • bridges offer the possibility of pivotally and / or translationally to store the transport elements of the transport system on them. For example, this could be done by means of pivot bearings or rails.
  • the transport elements are suction grippers and the head sections are suction heads of these suction grippers.
  • a vacuum pump can be used to apply vacuum to the suction cups in order to be able to fix packages there.
  • the invention moreover relates to a packaging machine with a complete cutting station of the type described above.
  • the packaging machine may in particular be a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealing machine.
  • the invention also relates to a method for separating packages which have been produced in a common film composite.
  • the still in the film composite contiguous packaging are taken by means of a head portion of a transport element, the packages are separated by means of the composite film severing complete cutting tool, and then the respective packaging grabbing a head portions of the transport elements are moved so that the distance between adjacent packages is reduced and / or that adjacent packages at least partially overlap.
  • the transport elements can pivot and / or translate to reduce the distances between adjacent packages.
  • a particularly simple fixing and loosening of the packages can be made possible by gripping the packages by suction on the head sections of the transport elements.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging machine 1 according to the invention in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine.
  • This thermoforming packaging machine 1 has a forming station 2, a sealing station 3 and a complete cutting station 4 according to the invention, which are arranged in this working order in a working direction R on a machine frame 6.
  • a feed roller 7 On the input side is located on the machine frame 6, a feed roller 7, from which a film 8 is withdrawn.
  • a material reservoir 9 is provided, from which a cover film 10 is drawn off.
  • the packaging machine 1 to a feed device, not shown, which engages the film 8 and this transported per main working cycle in the direction R further.
  • the feed device may be, for example, by transport chains arranged on both sides of the film 8.
  • the forming station 2 is formed as a thermoforming station, are formed in the film 8 by deep drawing troughs 14.
  • the forming station 2 may be designed such that in the direction perpendicular to the working direction R several troughs are formed side by side.
  • an insertion path 15 is provided, in which molds 14 formed in the film 8 are filled manually or automatically with a product 16.
  • the sealing station 3 has a closable chamber 17 in which the atmosphere in the packaging troughs 14 prior to sealing e.g. can be replaced by gas purging with a replacement gas or with a gas mixture.
  • the packaging troughs 14 in the sealable chamber 17 can be evacuated.
  • the packages produced together in one working cycle of the packaging machine 1 are separated at the same time. They are simultaneously cut out of the film composite 5.
  • This film composite 5 results from the lower film 8 and the lid film 10, over which all packaging of the group of packaging related.
  • each package is cut or punched out of the film composite 5 in a single operation.
  • the packaging machine 1 also has a controller 18. It has the task of controlling and monitoring the processes taking place in the packaging machine 1.
  • a display device 19 with operating elements 20 serves for visualizing or influencing the process sequences in the packaging machine 1 for or by an operator.
  • the lower film 8 is withdrawn from the feed roller 7 and transported by a feed device in the forming station 2.
  • troughs 14 are formed in the film 8 by deep drawing.
  • the wells 14 are transported along with the surrounding area of the film 8 in a main working cycle to the insertion path 15 in which they are filled with product 16.
  • the lidding film 10 is transported to the foil 8 with the advancing movement of the film 8 after a sealing operation. In this case, the lidding film 10 is withdrawn from the material storage 9.
  • the sealing of the cover film 10 on the packaging troughs 14 produces sealed packages 21, which initially continue to be connected in a common film composite 5. This film composite is - as explained - formed from the lower film 8 and the lid film 10. In the complete cutting station 4, the packages 21 are finally separated.
  • outer packs 22 can be provided, for example cartons, to receive individual packs 21.
  • FIG. 1 shows a variant in which the outer packaging 22 are brought by means of a conveying element, for example a conveyor belt 23, to a position below the complete cutting station 4. There, each outer package 22 can be filled from above by means of one or more groups of simultaneously produced and separated packages 21. If an outer packaging 22 is completely filled, it is transported away by means of the conveyor belt 23 and replaced by a new outer packaging 22.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the most important components of an embodiment of a complete cutting station 4 according to the invention.
  • This complete cutting station 4 has a complete cutting tool 24, which in turn has a plurality of cut edges 25.
  • Each cut edge 25 has a shape that corresponds to the outer contour of the package 21 to be produced, ie each cut edge 25 can singulate a package 21 from the film composite 5 in a single step.
  • the outer contour of the package 21 and the contour of the cutting edge 25 are almost arbitrary. For example, they may be oval, rectangular or square with no rounded corners, polygonal, circular, etc.
  • the cut edges 25 point downwards as the Complete cutting tool 24 is located above the film composite 5 at the complete cutting station 4 according to the invention.
  • the cutting edges 25 are attached to a bridge 26 which connects all cutting edges 25 of the tool 24 together.
  • the bridge 26 can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the film composite 5 by a suitable drive, for example a servomotor, so that the cut edges 25 can sever the film composite 5 and thus singulate the packages 21.
  • Neighboring packaging has to be singulated - as in FIG. 2 shown - a distance D from each other, which is defined by the position of the packages 21 in the film composite 25 and by the arrangement of the cutting edges 25 of the tool 24.
  • the complete cutting station 4 also has a gripper or transport system 27.
  • the transport system 27 has a plurality of movable transport elements 28, each of which has a head portion 29 in order to be able to fix a single package 21 on the transport element 28.
  • the transport elements 28 are suction grippers and, in the case of the head sections 29, corresponding to suction heads of these suction grippers. If a negative pressure is applied to them by means of a suitable vacuum source, packages 21 are fixed to the suction heads 29 applied to them.
  • each transport element 28 has such external dimensions that it can be completely within the contour defined by a cutting edge 25 for a particular package 21, i. not interfere with the cutting edge 25.
  • the transport elements 28 themselves are essentially rod-shaped and extend in the vertical direction. At its lower end, a transport element 28 carries its head portion 29, on which it can fix a package 21. In the interior of the rod-shaped transport element 28, a pneumatic line for applying a negative pressure on the head portion 29 may be present.
  • the transport elements 28 are mounted in the illustrated embodiment on a gripper bridge 260 of the complete cutting station 4. In particular, they are mounted there so that they can move in the vertical direction relative to the complete cutting tool 24, between a retracted position in which the head portions 29 are located between the cutting edges 25, and a downwardly extended position.
  • the gripper bridge 260 By attachment to the gripper bridge 260, the vertical or lifting movement of the transport elements 28 is coupled.
  • the vertical movement of the transport elements 28 is at least partially independent of the vertical movement of the complete cutting tool 24.
  • the height of the cutting edges 25 having cutting blade 30, ie the distance from the lower end of the cut edges 25 to the bridge 26, is so large that the head portions 29 of Transport elements 28 can be fed between the cutting blade 30.
  • the transport elements 28 can also perform a pivoting movement and / or a lateral translational movement. In order to carry out this additional movement, the transport elements 28 are provided with suitable actuators or motors.
  • FIG. 3 shows a variant of the complete cutting station 4, in which at least the outer transport elements 28 of the transport system 27 via pivot joints 261 are pivotally mounted on the gripper bridge 260. This will allow them to first get out of the in FIG. 2 shown, retracted position in the in FIG. 3 to move the shown extended position. Subsequently, the two outer transport elements 28 are pivoted so (see the two arrows in FIG. 3 ), that their head portions 29 approach the head portion 29 of the central transport element 28. This causes two things: On the one hand, the two outer packages 21 are inclined by the pivotal movement of the transport elements 28, so that their edges 31 are above the edge 31 of the middle package 21. On the other hand reduces by the pivoting movement 28 of the distance D between adjacent packages 21. In the in FIG. 3 shown position, the new section d between adjacent packages 21 even negative, ie the packages 21 overlap at their edges 31st
  • FIG. 4 shows another variant of a complete cutting station according to the invention 4.
  • the transport elements 28 of the transport system 27 are mounted on a gripper bridge 260 and movable in the vertical direction relative to the complete cutting tool 24 between a retracted and an extended position.
  • FIG. 4 shows the transport elements 28 in the extended position.
  • the transport elements 28 are now also transversely movable in the lateral, horizontal direction relative to one another, as again by the two arrows in FIG FIG. 4 shown is. This applies at least to the two outer transport elements 28. These can move in the horizontal direction along horizontal guides 262 to the central transport element 28 after the extension of the transport elements 28. This reduces the distance D between adjacent packages 21.
  • FIG. 4 shows another variant of a complete cutting station according to the invention 4.
  • the transport elements 28 of the transport system 27 are mounted on a gripper bridge 260 and movable in the vertical direction relative to the complete cutting tool 24 between a retracted and an extended position.
  • FIG. 4 shows the transport elements 28 in the extended position.
  • the new distance d may even be negative, ie adjacent packages 21 overlap.
  • the middle transport element 28 along a vertical guide 263 on the gripper bar 260 further down than the two outer transport elements 28, so that the edges 31 of adjacent packages 21 do not collide with each other.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of a group of new packaging 21, which is produced in three rows and three lanes in a single working cycle of the packaging machine 1. Adjacent packages 21 have a distance D from each other when they are separated out of the common film composite 5.
  • FIG. 6 shows the same nine packages 21 after singulating the packages 21 and after reducing the distance between the packages by means of the transport system 27.
  • the arrows in FIG. 6 indicate in which direction certain packages are moved towards each other. It can be seen that the distances D between adjacent packages 21 may decrease in two horizontal spatial directions until even an overlap between adjacent packages 21 occurs. The entire group of nine 21 packaging is thus significantly more compact than the original, in FIG. 5 illustrated situation.
  • packages 21 are produced in the thermoforming packaging machine 1 by closing packaging trays 14 in the sealing station 3 with a cover film 10.
  • the packages 21 hang together in a common film composite 5, which is located in a horizontal plane E (see FIG. 2 ) and from the lower film 8 and the upper film 10 is formed.
  • n for example, 3 ⁇ 3
  • the transport system 27 lowers its transport elements 28 until Head portions 29 of the transport elements 28 each engage with a package 21 in engagement.
  • the packages 21 are fixed to the transport elements 28, so that the packages 21 initially maintain their positions relative to each other even when they are cut out of the film composite 5.
  • the complete cutting tool 24 lowers, so that the cutting edges 25 of the cutting blades 30 cut through the film composite 5, thus separating the packages 21 from each other in a single operation.
  • the transport elements 28 move in the vertical direction from their retracted to a downwardly extended position, see Figures 3 or 4 , The top of the packages 21 is thus below the plane E of the original film composite 5 and preferably below a lower edge of the complete cutting station 4th
  • the overlapping packages 21 can now be lowered if necessary even further and are used in a common outer packaging 22, which is located below the complete cutting station 4.
  • a common outer packaging 22 which is located below the complete cutting station 4.
  • the complete cutting station 4 according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be modified in many ways.
  • any number of packages in n tracks and / or m rows is produced simultaneously.
  • the complete cutting tool 24 and the transport system 27 should then be configured accordingly in order to be able to separate the relevant group of packages simultaneously and transport them out of the complete cutting station 4.

Abstract

The cutting station (4) comprises a conveying system (27) having conveyor elements (28) for conveying separated packaging units respectively. The head portions (29) of the conveyor elements are movable between a primary position in which packaging units (21) are gripped with each other at longer distance, and a secondary position in which packaging units are gripped with each other at smaller distance. The packaging units are partially overlap with each other in spatial direction, when head portions of the conveyor elements is in secondary position. An independent claim is included for method for separating packaging units.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Komplettschnittstation gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1, sowie auf ein Verfahren zum Vereinzeln von Verpackungen, die in einem gemeinsamen Folienverbund hergestellt wurden.The invention relates to a complete cutting station according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for separating packages which have been produced in a common film composite.

Entsprechende Komplettschnittstationen und Verfahren sind aus der Praxis bekannt. Sie werden häufig bei Verpackungsmaschinen eingesetzt, in denen aus oder mit einer Kunststofffolie Verpackungen hergestellt werden, beispielsweise in Tiefziehverpackungsmaschinen oder Schalenverschließmaschinen ("Traysealer"). Aus Gründen der Effizienz werden Verpackungen dabei häufig mehrspurig und mehrreihig hergestellt, d.h. in einem Arbeitstakt werden sowohl hintereinander, als auch nebeneinander jeweils mehrere Verpackungen gleichzeitig hergestellt. Diese Verpackungen hängen in einem Folienverbund zusammen, da sich zumindest eine Folie durchgängig über alle Verpackungen erstreckt und diese Verpackungen miteinander verbindet. Bei Tiefziehverpackungsmaschinen ist dies die Unterfolie, in der Verpackungsmulden tiefgezogen sind. Sowohl bei Tiefziehverpackungsmaschinen, als auch bei Schalenverschließmaschinen hängen die Verpackungen mittels einer Ober- oder Deckelfolie zusammen, die gleichzeitig auf eine Vielzahl von Verpackungsmulden oder Schalen gesiegelt wird.Corresponding complete cutting stations and methods are known from practice. They are often used in packaging machines in which packaging is produced from or with a plastic film, for example in thermoforming packaging machines or traysealers. For reasons of efficiency, packaging is often produced in a multi-lane and multi-row, ie. In a work cycle, both consecutively, as well as side by side, several packages are produced simultaneously. These packagings are connected together in a foil composite, since at least one foil extends continuously over all the packagings and connects these packagings to one another. In thermoforming packaging machines, this is the bottom film in which packaging trays are deep-drawn. In both thermoforming packaging machines and tray sealing machines, the packages are contiguous by means of a top or lidding film which is simultaneously sealed onto a plurality of packaging trays or trays.

Prinzipiell gibt es zwei unterschiedliche Varianten, um solche in einem Folienverbund zusammenhängenden Verpackungen zu vereinzeln. Bei der ersten Variante sind in Transportrichtung hintereinander, d.h. getrennt voneinander, eine Längsschneideeinrichtung und eine Querschneideeinrichtung vorgesehen. Zunächst werden dabei meist die Querschnitte zwischen benachbarte Reihen von Verpackungen gesetzt, d.h. der Folienverbund wird zwischen benachbarten Reihen durchtrennt. Anschließend erfolgt durch die Längsschneideeinrichtung ein Vereinzeln der Verpackungen der jeweiligen Spuren.In principle, there are two different variants in order to separate such in a film composite related packaging. In the first variant, one after the other in the transport direction, i. separated from each other, a longitudinal cutting device and a cross-cutting device are provided. First of all, the cross sections are usually placed between adjacent rows of packages, i. the film composite is severed between adjacent rows. Subsequently, by the longitudinal cutting device a separation of the packaging of the respective tracks.

Bei der zweiten Variante, auf die sich auch die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht, werden Verpackungen in einem einzigen Arbeitsschritt aus dem Folienverbund ausgeschnitten oder ausgestanzt. Dies erfolgt mittels eines Komplettschnittwerkzeugs.In the second variant, to which the present invention also refers, packages are cut or punched out of the film composite in a single operation. This is done by means of a complete cutting tool.

Problematisch an der Verwendung eines Komplettschnittwerkzeugs kann sein, dass die Verpackungen nach dem Vereinzeln ihre Orientierung verlieren können, zum Beispiel beim Herabfallen auf ein Abführband. Dies kann nachfolgende Arbeitsschritte an den Verpackungen erschweren.The problem with the use of a complete cutting tool may be that the packages may lose their orientation after being singulated, for example when falling down onto a discharge belt. This can complicate subsequent work steps on the packaging.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, das Vereinzeln von Verpackungen aus einem gemeinsamen Folienverbund mit konstruktiv einfachen Mitteln hinsichtlich einer erleichterten nachfolgenden Handhabung der Verpackungen zu verbessern.The object of the invention is to improve the separation of packages from a common film composite with structurally simple means in terms of easier subsequent handling of the packaging.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Komplettschnittstation mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 bzw. durch ein Verfahren zum Vereinzeln von Verpackungen mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 11. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved by a complete cutting station with the features of claim 1 or by a method for separating packages with the features of claim 11. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Komplettschnittstation weist ein Transportsystem auf, bei dem mehrere Transportelemente mit jeweils einem Kopfabschnitt zum Angreifen an einer Verpackung vorgesehen sind. Bei der Erfindung sind die Kopfabschnitte wenigstens einer, möglicherweise jedoch auch aller Transportelemente bewegbar zwischen einer ersten Stellung, in der von ihnen erfasste Verpackungen einen durch den Folienverbund definierten ersten Abstand voneinander haben, und einer zweiten Stellung, in der die Verpackungen einen zweiten, kleineren Abstand voneinander haben. Dieser zweite, kleinere Abstand kann sogar ein "negativer Abstand" sein, d.h. dass sich die Verpackungen zumindest in einer Raumrichtung wenigstens teilweise überlappen.The complete cutting station according to the invention has a transport system in which a plurality of transport elements are provided, each with a head section for engaging a packaging. In the invention, the head portions of at least one, but possibly also all transport elements are movable between a first position in which they have detected packages defined by the composite film first distance from each other, and a second position in which the packages have a second, smaller distance have each other. This second, smaller distance may even be a "negative distance", i. that the packages at least partially overlap in at least one spatial direction.

Die erfindungsgemäße Komplettschnittstation bietet verschiedene Vorteile hinsichtlich der Handhabung der Verpackungen. Das Transportsystem sorgt bereits dafür, dass die Verpackungen ihre Lage und Orientierung beim Vereinzeln nicht verlieren. Denn während des Vereinzelns können die Verpackungen von den Kopfabschnitten der Transportelemente gehalten und in ihrer Lage fixiert werden. Außerdem ermöglicht das Transportsystem eine Überführung der vereinzelten Verpackungen vom Komplettschnittwerkzeug beispielsweise zu einer nachfolgenden Packstation, in der eine Gruppe von Verpackungen in eine gemeinsame Umverpackung gesetzt wird. Vor allem aber ermöglicht es das Transportsystem bei der erfindungsgemäßen Komplettschnittstation, dass mittels des Transportsystems nach dem Vereinzeln der Verpackungen der Abstand der Verpackungen verringert wird oder sogar eine Überlappung zwischen den Verpackungen erzeugt wird. Dies ermöglicht es, in einer Umverpackung gegebener Größe mehr Verpackungen unterzubringen, oder bei gegebener Zahl von Verpackungen kleinere Umverpackungen zu verwenden. Dadurch wiederum werden nachfolgende Logistikprozesse prozesssicherer, einfacher und kostengünstiger. Alternativ dazu könnten die Verpackungen nicht in eine Umverpackung, sondern auf ein Abführband oder Ähnliches abgesetzt werden - auch hier mit dem erwähnten Vorteil einer Raumersparnis und vereinfachter Logistik.The complete cutting station according to the invention offers various advantages with regard to the handling of the packages. The transport system already ensures that the packaging does not lose its position and orientation when singulated. Because during the separation, the packages can be held by the head sections of the transport elements and fixed in their position. In addition, the transport system allows a transfer of the individual packages from the complete cutting tool, for example, to a subsequent packing station, in which a group of packages is placed in a common outer packaging. Above all, however, in the case of the complete cutting station according to the invention, the transport system makes it possible, by means of the transport system, to reduce the distance between the packages after the packages have been separated, or even to create an overlap between the packages. This makes it possible to accommodate more packages in an outer package of a given size, or to use smaller outer packages for a given number of packages. In turn, subsequent logistics processes become more process-reliable, simpler and less expensive. Alternatively, the packages could not be placed in an outer packaging, but be placed on a discharge conveyor or the like - again with the mentioned advantage of space savings and simplified logistics.

Vorzugsweise sind die Transportelemente translatorisch bewegbar und/oder schwenkbar, um den Abstand zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen zu verringern. Beide Varianten sind konstruktiv vergleichsweise einfach und ermöglichen eine sichere, präzise Positionierung der Verpackungen beim Verringern des gegenseitigen Abstandes.Preferably, the transport elements are translationally movable and / or pivotable in order to reduce the distance between adjacent packages. Both variants are structurally comparatively simple and allow a secure, precise positioning of the packaging while reducing the mutual distance.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn in der zweiten Stellung der Kopfabschnitte der Transportelemente eine teilweise Überlappung der von den Kopfabschnitten erfassten Verpackungen in zwei Raumrichtungen vorhanden ist. Damit wird die Raumersparnis beim Einsetzen der Verpackungen in eine gemeinsame Umverpackung besonders groß.It is particularly favorable if, in the second position of the head sections of the transport elements, a partial overlap of the packagings covered by the head sections is present in two spatial directions. Thus, the space savings when inserting the packaging into a common outer packaging is particularly large.

Zweckmäßigerweise sind die Transportelemente bewegbar zwischen einer eingefahrenen und einer ausgefahrenen Stellung. Dies ermöglicht ihnen, von den Kopfabschnitten der Transportelemente erfasste Verpackungen aus dem Komplettschnittwerkzeug heraus zu transportieren. Die Bewegung zwischen einer eingefahrenen und einer ausgefahrenen Stellung kann dabei entweder unabhängig von der den Abstand zwischen den Verpackungen verringernden Bewegung der Transportelemente sein, oder die Bewegung zwischen der eingefahrenen und der ausgefahrenen Stellung der Transportelemente kann überlagert sein bzw. gleichzeitig stattfinden mit der den Abstand zwischen benachbarten verringernden Bewegung.Conveniently, the transport elements are movable between a retracted and an extended position. This enables them to transport packages caught by the head sections of the transport elements out of the complete cutting tool. The movement between a retracted and an extended position can either be independent of the distance between the packaging reducing movement of the transport elements, or the movement between the retracted and the extended position of the transport elements can be superimposed or take place simultaneously with the distance between adjacent reducing movement.

Wenn sich die Kopfabschnitte der Transportelemente in der eingefahrenen Stellung zwischen Schnittkanten des Komplettschnittwerkzeugs befinden, kann die Komplettschnittstation besonders kompakt gebaut werden.If the head sections of the transport elements are in the retracted position between cut edges of the complete cutting tool, the complete cutting station can be made particularly compact.

Das Komplettschnittwerkzeug kann im Betrieb der Komplettschnittstation oberhalb des Folienverbunds angeordnet sein. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass der Raum unterhalb der vereinzelten Verpackungen frei bleibt, also insbesondere nicht durch ein Komplettschnittwerkzeug belegt ist. Somit könnten Umverpackungen oder ein Abführband direkt unter den zu vereinzelnden Verpackungen platziert werden, was die Handhabung der Verpackungen noch weiter erleichtert.The complete cutting tool can be arranged above the film composite during operation of the complete cutting station. This has the advantage that the space below the isolated packaging remains free, so in particular is not occupied by a complete cutting tool. Thus, outer packaging or a discharge belt could be placed directly under the packaging to be separated, which further facilitates the handling of the packaging.

Vorzugsweise weist das Komplettschnittwerkzeug eine mehrere Schnittkanten des Werkzeugs verbindende Brücke auf. Jede Schnittkante kann dabei zum Vereinzeln oder Ausstanzen einer einzelnen Verpackung vorgesehen sein. Die Verbindung der Schnittkanten über eine Brücke erhöht die Stabilität der Schnittkanten und gewährleistet damit ein noch präziseres, gleichzeitiges Vereinzeln mehrerer Verpackungen.The complete cutting tool preferably has a bridge connecting several cutting edges of the tool. Each cut edge can be used for singling or punching be provided a single package. The connection of the cut edges over a bridge increases the stability of the cut edges and thus ensures an even more precise, simultaneous separation of several packages.

Darüber hinaus bieten solche Brücken die Möglichkeit, an ihnen die Transportelemente des Transportsystems schwenkbar und/oder translatorisch bewegbar zu lagern. Beispielsweise könnte dies durch Schwenklager oder Schienen erfolgen.In addition, such bridges offer the possibility of pivotally and / or translationally to store the transport elements of the transport system on them. For example, this could be done by means of pivot bearings or rails.

In einer bevorzugten Variante der Erfindung handelt es sich bei den Transportelementen um Sauggreifer und bei den Kopfabschnitten um Saugköpfe dieser Sauggreifer. Eine Unterdruckpumpe kann dazu verwendet werden, an den Saugköpfen Unterdruck anzulegen, um dort Verpackungen fixieren zu können.In a preferred variant of the invention, the transport elements are suction grippers and the head sections are suction heads of these suction grippers. A vacuum pump can be used to apply vacuum to the suction cups in order to be able to fix packages there.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich darüber hinaus auch auf eine Verpackungsmaschine mit einer Komplettschnittstation der vorstehend beschriebenen Art. Bei der Verpackungsmaschine kann es sich insbesondere um eine Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine oder um eine Schalenverschließmaschine handeln.The invention moreover relates to a packaging machine with a complete cutting station of the type described above. The packaging machine may in particular be a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealing machine.

Ferner bezieht sich die Erfindung auch auf ein Verfahren zum Vereinzeln von Verpackungen, die in einem gemeinsamen Folienverbund hergestellt wurden. Bei diesem Verfahren werden die noch im Folienverbund zusammenhängenden Verpackungen mittels je eines Kopfabschnitts eines Transportelements ergriffen, die Verpackungen werden mittels eines den Folienverbund durchtrennenden Komplettschnittwerkzeugs vereinzelt, und anschließend werden die jeweils eine Verpackung ergreifenden Kopfabschnitte der Transportelemente derart bewegt, dass sich der Abstand benachbarter Verpackungen verringert und/oder dass sich benachbarte Verpackungen wenigstens teilweise überlappen. Dieses Verfahren bietet die gleichen Vorteile wie vorstehend hinsichtlich der erfindungsgemäßen Komplettschnittstation erläutert.Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for separating packages which have been produced in a common film composite. In this method, the still in the film composite contiguous packaging are taken by means of a head portion of a transport element, the packages are separated by means of the composite film severing complete cutting tool, and then the respective packaging grabbing a head portions of the transport elements are moved so that the distance between adjacent packages is reduced and / or that adjacent packages at least partially overlap. This method offers the same advantages as explained above with regard to the complete cutting station according to the invention.

Um eine einfache und dennoch präzise Positionierung der Verpackungen zu ermöglichen, können die Transportelemente verschwenken und/oder sich translatorisch bewegen, um die Abstände zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen zu verringern.In order to allow a simple yet precise positioning of the packages, the transport elements can pivot and / or translate to reduce the distances between adjacent packages.

Denkbar wäre es ferner, dass sich einige Transportelemente zunächst in einer Richtung senkrecht zu einer Ebene des Folienverbunds bewegen, bevor die Abstände zwischen den Kopfabschnitten der Transportelemente verringert werden. Dies ermöglicht es, einige Verpackungen zunächst in eine höhere oder tiefere Ebene zu bringen als benachbarte Verpackungen. Dies kann das Überlappen der Verpackungen erleichtern, da die Kollision der Ränder benachbarter Verpackungen auf der gleichen Höhe vermieden wird. Insbesondere wäre es denkbar, dass sich entlang einer Reihe und/oder einer Spur von Verpackungen jede zweite Verpackung auf diese Weise zunächst senkrecht zur Ebene des Folienverbunds in eine andere Ebene bringen lässt, bevor die Abstände zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen verringert oder die Verpackungen überlappt werden.It would also be conceivable that some transport elements initially move in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the film composite before the distances between the head sections of the transport elements are reduced. This allows some Initially, bring packaging to a higher or lower level than neighboring packaging. This can facilitate overlapping of the packages as the collision of the edges of adjacent packages at the same height is avoided. In particular, it would be conceivable that, along one row and / or one track of packages, every second package can be initially brought perpendicular to the plane of the film composite in another plane, before the distances between adjacent packages are reduced or the packages are overlapped.

Ein besonders einfaches Fixieren und Lösen der Verpackungen kann ermöglicht werden, indem die Verpackungen durch Ansaugen an den Kopfabschnitten der Transportelemente ergriffen werden.A particularly simple fixing and loosening of the packages can be made possible by gripping the packages by suction on the head sections of the transport elements.

Im Folgenden wird ein vorteilhaftes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Im Einzelnen zeigen:

Figur 1
ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsmaschine in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine,
Figur 2
eine Darstellung der wichtigsten Komponenten einer erfindungsgemäßen Komplettschnittstation in einem ersten Zustand,
Figur 3
eine Darstellung der in Figur 2 gezeigten Komplettschnittstation in einem zweiten Zustand,
Figur 4
eine Darstellung der in Figur 2 gezeigten Komplettschnittstation in veränderter Ausführungsform,
Figur 5
eine Draufsicht auf eine Gruppe von Verpackungen beim Vereinzeln und
Figur 6
eine Draufsicht auf die in Figur 5 gezeigten Verpackungen nach dem Verringern des Abstands benachbarter Verpackungen.
In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to a drawing. In detail show:
FIG. 1
An embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine,
FIG. 2
a representation of the most important components of a complete cutting station according to the invention in a first state,
FIG. 3
a representation of in FIG. 2 shown complete cutting station in a second state,
FIG. 4
a representation of in FIG. 2 shown complete cutting station in a modified embodiment,
FIG. 5
a plan view of a group of packages when separating and
FIG. 6
a top view of the in FIG. 5 shown packaging after reducing the distance of adjacent packaging.

Gleiche Komponenten sind in den Figuren durchgängig mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.The same components are provided throughout the figures with the same reference numerals.

Figur 1 zeigt in schematischer Ansicht eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine 1 in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine. Diese Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine 1 weist eine Formstation 2, eine Siegelstation 3 und eine erfindungsgemäße Komplettschnittstation 4 auf, die in dieser Reihenfolge in einer Arbeitsrichtung R an einem Maschinengestell 6 angeordnet sind. Eingangsseitig befindet sich an dem Maschinengestell 6 eine Zufuhrrolle 7, von der eine Folie 8 abgezogen wird. Im Bereich der Siegelstation 3 ist ein Materialspeicher 9 vorgesehen, von dem eine Deckelfolie 10 abgezogen wird. Ferner weist die Verpackungsmaschine 1 eine nicht dargestellte Vorschubeinrichtung auf, die die Folie 8 ergreift und diese pro Hauptarbeitstakt in der Arbeitsrichtung R weiter transportiert. Bei der Vorschubeinrichtung kann es sich z.B. durch beidseitig der Folie 8 angeordnete Transportketten handeln. FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging machine 1 according to the invention in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine. This thermoforming packaging machine 1 has a forming station 2, a sealing station 3 and a complete cutting station 4 according to the invention, which are arranged in this working order in a working direction R on a machine frame 6. On the input side is located on the machine frame 6, a feed roller 7, from which a film 8 is withdrawn. In the region of the sealing station 3, a material reservoir 9 is provided, from which a cover film 10 is drawn off. Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 to a feed device, not shown, which engages the film 8 and this transported per main working cycle in the direction R further. The feed device may be, for example, by transport chains arranged on both sides of the film 8.

In der dargestellten Ausführungsform ist die Formstation 2 als eine Tiefziehstation ausgebildet, an der in die Folie 8 durch Tiefziehen Mulden 14 geformt werden. Dabei kann die Formstation 2 derart ausgebildet sein, dass in der Richtung senkrecht zur Arbeitsrichtung R mehrere Mulden nebeneinander gebildet werden. In Arbeitsrichtung R hinter der Formstation 2 ist eine Einlegestrecke 15 vorgesehen, in der in der Folie 8 geformte Mulden 14 manuell oder automatisch mit einem Produkt 16 befüllt werden.In the illustrated embodiment, the forming station 2 is formed as a thermoforming station, are formed in the film 8 by deep drawing troughs 14. In this case, the forming station 2 may be designed such that in the direction perpendicular to the working direction R several troughs are formed side by side. In the working direction R behind the forming station 2, an insertion path 15 is provided, in which molds 14 formed in the film 8 are filled manually or automatically with a product 16.

Die Siegelstation 3 verfügt über eine verschließbare Kammer 17, in der die Atmosphäre in den Verpackungsmulden 14 vor dem Versiegeln z.B. durch Gasspülen mit einem Austauschgas oder mit einem Gasgemisch ersetzt werden kann. Alternativ dazu können die Verpackungsmulden 14 in der verschließbaren Kammer 17 evakuiert werden.The sealing station 3 has a closable chamber 17 in which the atmosphere in the packaging troughs 14 prior to sealing e.g. can be replaced by gas purging with a replacement gas or with a gas mixture. Alternatively, the packaging troughs 14 in the sealable chamber 17 can be evacuated.

An der Komplettschnittstation 4 werden die in einem Arbeitstakt der Verpackungsmaschine 1 gemeinsam hergestellten Verpackungen gleichzeitig vereinzelt. Dabei werden sie gleichzeitig aus dem Folienverbund 5 ausgeschnitten. Dieser Folienverbund 5 ergibt sich aus der Unterfolie 8 und der Deckelfolie 10, über die alle Verpackungen der Gruppe von Verpackungen zusammenhängen. In der Komplettschnittstation wird jede Verpackung in einem einzigen Arbeitsgang aus dem Folienverbund 5 ausgeschnitten bzw. ausgestanzt.At the complete cutting station 4, the packages produced together in one working cycle of the packaging machine 1 are separated at the same time. They are simultaneously cut out of the film composite 5. This film composite 5 results from the lower film 8 and the lid film 10, over which all packaging of the group of packaging related. In the complete cutting station, each package is cut or punched out of the film composite 5 in a single operation.

Die Verpackungsmaschine 1 verfügt ferner über eine Steuerung 18. Sie hat die Aufgabe, die in der Verpackungsmaschine 1 ablaufenden Prozesse zu steuern und zu überwachen. Eine Anzeigevorrichtung 19 mit Bedienelementen 20 dient zum Visualisieren bzw. Beeinflussen der Prozessabläufe in der Verpackungsmaschine 1 für bzw. durch einen Bediener.The packaging machine 1 also has a controller 18. It has the task of controlling and monitoring the processes taking place in the packaging machine 1. A display device 19 with operating elements 20 serves for visualizing or influencing the process sequences in the packaging machine 1 for or by an operator.

Die generelle Arbeitsweise der Verpackungsmaschine 1 wird im Folgenden kurz beschrieben.The general operation of the packaging machine 1 will be briefly described below.

Die Unterfolie 8 wird von der Zufuhrrolle 7 abgezogen und durch eine Vorschubeinrichtung in die Formstation 2 transportiert. In der Formstation 2 werden durch Tiefziehen Mulden 14 in der Folie 8 gebildet. Die Mulden 14 werden zusammen mit dem umgebenden Bereich der Folie 8 in einem Hauptarbeitstakt zur Einlegestrecke 15 weiter transportiert, in der sie mit Produkt 16 befüllt werden.The lower film 8 is withdrawn from the feed roller 7 and transported by a feed device in the forming station 2. In the forming station 2 troughs 14 are formed in the film 8 by deep drawing. The wells 14 are transported along with the surrounding area of the film 8 in a main working cycle to the insertion path 15 in which they are filled with product 16.

Anschließend werden die befüllten Mulden 14 zusammen mit dem sie umgebenden Bereich der Folie 8 in einem weiteren Hauptarbeitstakt durch die Vorschubeinrichtung in die Siegelstation 3 weiter transportiert. Die Deckelfolie 10 wird nach einem Ansiegelvorgang an die Folie 8 mit der Vorschubbewegung der Folie 8 weiter transportiert. Dabei wird die Deckelfolie 10 von dem Materialspeicher 9 abgezogen. Durch das Ansiegeln der Deckelfolie 10 auf die Verpackungsmulden 14 entstehen verschlossene Verpackungen 21, die zunächst weiterhin in einem gemeinsamen Folienverbund 5 zusammenhängen. Dieser Folienverbund wird - wie erläutert - aus der Unterfolie 8 und der Deckelfolie 10 gebildet. In der Komplettschnittstation 4 werden die Verpackungen 21 schließlich vereinzelt.Subsequently, the filled wells 14 together with the surrounding area of the film 8 in a further main working cycle by the feed device in the sealing station 3 on. The lidding film 10 is transported to the foil 8 with the advancing movement of the film 8 after a sealing operation. In this case, the lidding film 10 is withdrawn from the material storage 9. The sealing of the cover film 10 on the packaging troughs 14 produces sealed packages 21, which initially continue to be connected in a common film composite 5. This film composite is - as explained - formed from the lower film 8 and the lid film 10. In the complete cutting station 4, the packages 21 are finally separated.

Im Bereich der Komplettschnittstation 4 können Umverpackungen 22 bereitgestellt werden, beispielsweise Kartons, um vereinzelte Verpackungen 21 aufzunehmen. Figur 1 zeigt eine Variante, bei der der Umverpackungen 22 mittels eines Förderelements, beispielsweise eines Förderbandes 23, zu einer Position unterhalb der Komplettschnittstation 4 gebracht werden. Dort kann jede Umverpackung 22 von oben mittels einer oder mehrerer Gruppen von jeweils gleichzeitig hergestellten und vereinzelten Verpackungen 21 gefüllt werden. Ist eine Umverpackung 22 vollständig gefüllt, wird sie mittels des Förderbandes 23 abtransportiert und durch eine neue Umverpackung 22 ersetzt.In the area of the complete cut station 4, outer packs 22 can be provided, for example cartons, to receive individual packs 21. FIG. 1 shows a variant in which the outer packaging 22 are brought by means of a conveying element, for example a conveyor belt 23, to a position below the complete cutting station 4. There, each outer package 22 can be filled from above by means of one or more groups of simultaneously produced and separated packages 21. If an outer packaging 22 is completely filled, it is transported away by means of the conveyor belt 23 and replaced by a new outer packaging 22.

Figur 2 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung die wichtigsten Komponenten eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Komplettschnittstation 4. Diese Komplettschnittstation 4 verfügt über ein Komplettschnittwerkzeug 24, das seinerseits mehrere Schnittkanten 25 aufweist. Jede Schnittkante 25 hat eine Form, die der Außenkontur der herzustellenden Verpackung 21 entspricht, d.h. jede Schnittkante 25 kann in einem einzigen Arbeitsschritt eine Verpackung 21 aus dem Folienverbund 5 vereinzeln. Die Außenkontur der Verpackung 21 bzw. die Kontur der Schnittkante 25 sind dabei nahezu beliebig. Sie können beispielsweise oval sein, rechteckig oder quadratisch mit der ohne abgerundete Ecken, polygonal, kreisförmig etc. Die Schnittkanten 25 weisen nach unten, da sich das Komplettschnittwerkzeug 24 bei der erfindungsgemäßen Komplettschnittstation 4 oberhalb des Folienverbunds 5 befindet. FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the most important components of an embodiment of a complete cutting station 4 according to the invention. This complete cutting station 4 has a complete cutting tool 24, which in turn has a plurality of cut edges 25. Each cut edge 25 has a shape that corresponds to the outer contour of the package 21 to be produced, ie each cut edge 25 can singulate a package 21 from the film composite 5 in a single step. The outer contour of the package 21 and the contour of the cutting edge 25 are almost arbitrary. For example, they may be oval, rectangular or square with no rounded corners, polygonal, circular, etc. The cut edges 25 point downwards as the Complete cutting tool 24 is located above the film composite 5 at the complete cutting station 4 according to the invention.

Die Schnittkanten 25 sind an einer Brücke 26 befestigt, die alle Schnittkanten 25 des Werkzeugs 24 miteinander verbindet. Die Brücke 26 kann durch einen geeigneten Antrieb, beispielsweise einen Servomotor, in vertikaler Richtung gegenüber dem Folienverbund 5 bewegt werden, damit die Schnittkanten 25 den Folienverbund 5 durchtrennen und so die Verpackungen 21 vereinzeln können. Benachbarte Verpackungen haben beim Vereinzeln - wie in Figur 2 dargestellt - einen Abstand D voneinander, der durch die Lage der Verpackungen 21 im Folienverbund 25 bzw. durch die Anordnung der Schnittkanten 25 des Werkzeugs 24 definiert ist.The cutting edges 25 are attached to a bridge 26 which connects all cutting edges 25 of the tool 24 together. The bridge 26 can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the film composite 5 by a suitable drive, for example a servomotor, so that the cut edges 25 can sever the film composite 5 and thus singulate the packages 21. Neighboring packaging has to be singulated - as in FIG. 2 shown - a distance D from each other, which is defined by the position of the packages 21 in the film composite 25 and by the arrangement of the cutting edges 25 of the tool 24.

Die Komplettschnittstation 4 verfügt ferner über ein Greifer- oder Transportsystem 27. Das Transportsystem 27 weist mehrere bewegliche Transportelemente 28 auf, von denen jedes einen Kopfabschnitt 29 aufweist, um jeweils eine einzige Verpackung 21 am Transportelement 28 fixieren zu können. Vorzugsweise handelt es sich bei den Transportelementen 28 um Sauggreifer und bei den Kopfabschnitten 29 entsprechend um Saugköpfe dieser Sauggreifer. Wird an ihnen mittels einer geeigneten Unterdruckquelle ein Unterdruck angelegt, werden Verpackungen 21 an den an sie angelegten Saugköpfen 29 fixiert.The complete cutting station 4 also has a gripper or transport system 27. The transport system 27 has a plurality of movable transport elements 28, each of which has a head portion 29 in order to be able to fix a single package 21 on the transport element 28. Preferably, the transport elements 28 are suction grippers and, in the case of the head sections 29, corresponding to suction heads of these suction grippers. If a negative pressure is applied to them by means of a suitable vacuum source, packages 21 are fixed to the suction heads 29 applied to them.

Der Kopfabschnitt 29 jedes Transportelements 28 hat solche äußeren Abmessungen, dass er sich vollständig innerhalb der durch eine Schnittkante 25 für eine bestimmte Verpackung 21 definierten Kontur befinden kann, d.h. nicht mit der Schnittkante 25 interferiert. Die Transportelemente 28 selbst sind im Wesentlichen stabförmig und erstrecken sich in vertikaler Richtung. An seinem unteren Ende trägt ein Transportelement 28 seinen Kopfabschnitt 29, an dem es eine Verpackung 21 fixieren kann. Im Inneren des stabförmigen Transportelements 28 kann eine Pneumatikleitung zum Anlegen eines Unterdrucks am Kopfabschnitt 29 vorhanden sein.The head portion 29 of each transport element 28 has such external dimensions that it can be completely within the contour defined by a cutting edge 25 for a particular package 21, i. not interfere with the cutting edge 25. The transport elements 28 themselves are essentially rod-shaped and extend in the vertical direction. At its lower end, a transport element 28 carries its head portion 29, on which it can fix a package 21. In the interior of the rod-shaped transport element 28, a pneumatic line for applying a negative pressure on the head portion 29 may be present.

Die Transportelemente 28 sind im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel an einer Greiferbrücke 260 der Komplettschnittstation 4 gelagert. Insbesondere sind sie dort so gelagert, dass sie sich in vertikaler Richtung relativ zum Komplettschnittwerkzeug 24 bewegen können, und zwar zwischen einer eingefahrenen Stellung, in der sich die Kopfabschnitte 29 zwischen den Schnittkanten 25 befinden, und einer nach unten ausgefahrenen Stellung. Durch die Befestigung an der Greiferbrücke 260 ist die Vertikal- oder Hubbewegung der Transportelemente 28 gekoppelt. Die Vertikalbewegung der Transportelemente 28 ist wenigstens abschnittsweise unabhängig von der Vertikalbewegung des Komplettschnittwerkzeugs 24. Die Höhe der die Schnittkanten 25 aufweisenden Schneidmesser 30, d.h. der Abstand von dem unteren Ende der Schnittkanten 25 bis zur Brücke 26, ist so groß, dass die Kopfabschnitte 29 der Transportelemente 28 zwischen die Schneidmesser 30 eingezogen werden können.The transport elements 28 are mounted in the illustrated embodiment on a gripper bridge 260 of the complete cutting station 4. In particular, they are mounted there so that they can move in the vertical direction relative to the complete cutting tool 24, between a retracted position in which the head portions 29 are located between the cutting edges 25, and a downwardly extended position. By attachment to the gripper bridge 260, the vertical or lifting movement of the transport elements 28 is coupled. The vertical movement of the transport elements 28 is at least partially independent of the vertical movement of the complete cutting tool 24. The height of the cutting edges 25 having cutting blade 30, ie the distance from the lower end of the cut edges 25 to the bridge 26, is so large that the head portions 29 of Transport elements 28 can be fed between the cutting blade 30.

Zusätzlich zu der Vertikalbewegung zwischen einer eingefahrenen und einer ausgefahrenen Stellung können die Transportelemente 28 auch eine Schwenkbewegung und/oder eine seitliche Translationsbewegung ausführen. Um diese zusätzliche Bewegung ausführen zu können, sind die Transportelemente 28 mit geeigneten Stellgliedern oder Motoren versehen.In addition to the vertical movement between a retracted and an extended position, the transport elements 28 can also perform a pivoting movement and / or a lateral translational movement. In order to carry out this additional movement, the transport elements 28 are provided with suitable actuators or motors.

Figur 3 zeigt eine Variante der Komplettschnittstation 4, bei der zumindest die äußeren Transportelemente 28 des Transportsystems 27 über Schwenkgelenke 261 schwenkbar an der Greiferbrücke 260 gelagert sind. Dies ermöglicht es ihnen, sich zunächst aus der in Figur 2 gezeigten, eingezogenen Stellung in die in Figur 3 gezeigte, ausgefahrene Stellung zu bewegen. Anschließend werden die beiden äußeren Transportelemente 28 so geschwenkt (siehe die beiden Pfeile in Figur 3), dass sich ihre Kopfabschnitte 29 dem Kopfabschnitt 29 des mittleren Transportelements 28 annähern. Dies bewirkt Zweierlei: Zum Einen stellen sich die beiden äußeren Verpackungen 21 durch die Schwenkbewegung der Transportelemente 28 schräg, sodass ihre Ränder 31 oberhalb des Randes 31 der mittleren Verpackung 21 liegen. Zum Anderen verringert sich durch die Schwenkbewegung 28 der Abstand D zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen 21. In der in Figur 3 gezeigten Stellung ist der Neuabschnitt d zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen 21 sogar negativ, d.h. die Verpackungen 21 überlappen sich an ihren Rändern 31. FIG. 3 shows a variant of the complete cutting station 4, in which at least the outer transport elements 28 of the transport system 27 via pivot joints 261 are pivotally mounted on the gripper bridge 260. This will allow them to first get out of the in FIG. 2 shown, retracted position in the in FIG. 3 to move the shown extended position. Subsequently, the two outer transport elements 28 are pivoted so (see the two arrows in FIG. 3 ), that their head portions 29 approach the head portion 29 of the central transport element 28. This causes two things: On the one hand, the two outer packages 21 are inclined by the pivotal movement of the transport elements 28, so that their edges 31 are above the edge 31 of the middle package 21. On the other hand reduces by the pivoting movement 28 of the distance D between adjacent packages 21. In the in FIG. 3 shown position, the new section d between adjacent packages 21 even negative, ie the packages 21 overlap at their edges 31st

Figur 4 zeigt eine andere Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Komplettschnittstation 4. Auch bei dieser Variante sind die Transportelemente 28 des Transportsystems 27 an einer Greiferbrücke 260 montiert und in vertikaler Richtung relativ zum Komplettschnittwerkzeug 24 zwischen einer eingefahrenen und einer ausgefahrenen Stellung bewegbar. Figur 4 zeigt die Transportelemente 28 in der ausgefahrenen Stellung. Zusätzlich sind die Transportelemente 28 nun jedoch auch in seitlicher, horizontaler Richtung transversal relativ zueinander bewegbar, wie abermals durch die beiden Pfeile in Figur 4 dargestellt ist. Dies gilt zumindest für die beiden äußeren Transportelemente 28. Diese können sich nach dem Ausfahren der Transportelemente 28 in horizontaler Richtung entlang horizontaler Führungen 262 zum mittleren Transportelement 28 hin bewegen. Dadurch verringert sich der Abstand D zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen 21. Wie in Figur 4 gezeigt, kann der neue Abstand d sogar negativ sein, d.h. benachbarte Verpackungen 21 überlappen sich. Zweckmäßigerweise ist dafür das mittlere Transportelement 28 entlang einer vertikalen Führung 263 an der Greiferbrücke 260 weiter nach unten gefahren als die beiden äußeren Transportelemente 28, damit die Ränder 31 benachbarter Verpackungen 21 nicht miteinander kollidieren. FIG. 4 shows another variant of a complete cutting station according to the invention 4. Also in this variant, the transport elements 28 of the transport system 27 are mounted on a gripper bridge 260 and movable in the vertical direction relative to the complete cutting tool 24 between a retracted and an extended position. FIG. 4 shows the transport elements 28 in the extended position. In addition, however, the transport elements 28 are now also transversely movable in the lateral, horizontal direction relative to one another, as again by the two arrows in FIG FIG. 4 shown is. This applies at least to the two outer transport elements 28. These can move in the horizontal direction along horizontal guides 262 to the central transport element 28 after the extension of the transport elements 28. This reduces the distance D between adjacent packages 21. As in FIG FIG. 4 As shown, the new distance d may even be negative, ie adjacent packages 21 overlap. Conveniently, for this purpose, the middle transport element 28 along a vertical guide 263 on the gripper bar 260 further down than the two outer transport elements 28, so that the edges 31 of adjacent packages 21 do not collide with each other.

Figur 5 zeigt schematisch eine Draufsicht auf eine Gruppe von neuen Verpackungen 21, die dreireihig und dreispurig in einem einzigen Arbeitstakt der Verpackungsmaschine 1 hergestellt wird. Benachbarte Verpackungen 21 haben einen Abstand D voneinander, wenn sie aus dem gemeinsamen Folienverbund 5 herausgetrennt werden. FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of a group of new packaging 21, which is produced in three rows and three lanes in a single working cycle of the packaging machine 1. Adjacent packages 21 have a distance D from each other when they are separated out of the common film composite 5.

Figur 6 zeigt dieselben neun Verpackungen 21 nach dem Vereinzeln der Verpackungen 21 und nach dem Verringern des Abstands zwischen den Verpackungen mittels des Transportsystems 27. Die Pfeile in Figur 6 deuten an, in welcher Richtung bestimmte Verpackungen aufeinander zu bewegt werden. Dabei ist ersichtlich, dass sich die Abstände D zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen 21 in zwei horizontalen Raumrichtungen verringern können, bis sogar eine Überlappung zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen 21 entsteht. Die gesamte Gruppe von neun Verpackungen 21 ist damit deutlich kompakter als bei der ursprünglichen, in Figur 5 dargestellten Situation. FIG. 6 shows the same nine packages 21 after singulating the packages 21 and after reducing the distance between the packages by means of the transport system 27. The arrows in FIG FIG. 6 indicate in which direction certain packages are moved towards each other. It can be seen that the distances D between adjacent packages 21 may decrease in two horizontal spatial directions until even an overlap between adjacent packages 21 occurs. The entire group of nine 21 packaging is thus significantly more compact than the original, in FIG. 5 illustrated situation.

Im Folgenden wird der Ablauf des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens bzw. der Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsmaschine 1 geschildert.The sequence of the method according to the invention or the operation of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention is described below.

Wie bereits oben dargelegt, werden Verpackungen 21 in der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine 1 hergestellt, indem Verpackungsmulden 14 in der Siegelstation 3 mit einer Deckelfolie 10 verschlossen werden. Die Verpackungen 21 hängen dabei in einem gemeinsamen Folienverbund 5 zusammen, der sich in einer horizontalen Ebene E befindet (siehe Figur 2) und aus der Unterfolie 8 und der Oberfolie 10 gebildet wird.As already stated above, packages 21 are produced in the thermoforming packaging machine 1 by closing packaging trays 14 in the sealing station 3 with a cover film 10. The packages 21 hang together in a common film composite 5, which is located in a horizontal plane E (see FIG. 2 ) and from the lower film 8 and the upper film 10 is formed.

In einem Hauptarbeitstakt der Verpackungsmaschine 1 wird eine Gruppe von n (beispielsweise 3x3) gleichzeitig hergestellten Verpackungen 21 in die Komplettschnittstation 4 transportiert. Dort senkt das Transportsystem 27 seine Transportelemente 28 ab, bis Kopfabschnitte 29 der Transportelemente 28 jeweils mit einer Verpackung 21 in Eingriff gelangen. Durch Anlagen eines Unterdrucks an die Kopfabschnitte 29 werden die Verpackungen 21 an den Transportelementen 28 fixiert, sodass die Verpackungen 21 auch bei ihrem Ausschneiden aus dem Folienverbund 5 zunächst ihre Positionen relativ zueinander beibehalten.In a main operating cycle of the packaging machine 1, a group of n (for example, 3 × 3) simultaneously produced packages 21 are transported to the complete cutting station 4. There, the transport system 27 lowers its transport elements 28 until Head portions 29 of the transport elements 28 each engage with a package 21 in engagement. By applying a negative pressure to the head portions 29, the packages 21 are fixed to the transport elements 28, so that the packages 21 initially maintain their positions relative to each other even when they are cut out of the film composite 5.

Im nächsten Schritt senkt sich das Komplettschnittwerkzeug 24, sodass die Schnittkanten 25 der Schneidmesser 30 den Folienverbund 5 durchtrennen und so die Verpackungen 21 in einem einzigen Arbeitsschritt voneinander vereinzeln. Anschließend bewegen sich die Transportelemente 28 in vertikaler Richtung von ihrer eingefahrenen in eine nach unten ausgefahrene Position, siehe Figuren 3 oder 4. Die Oberseite der Verpackungen 21 befindet sich damit unterhalb der Ebene E des ursprünglichen Folienverbunds 5 und vorzugsweise unterhalb einer Unterkante der Komplettschnittstation 4.In the next step, the complete cutting tool 24 lowers, so that the cutting edges 25 of the cutting blades 30 cut through the film composite 5, thus separating the packages 21 from each other in a single operation. Subsequently, the transport elements 28 move in the vertical direction from their retracted to a downwardly extended position, see Figures 3 or 4 , The top of the packages 21 is thus below the plane E of the original film composite 5 and preferably below a lower edge of the complete cutting station 4th

Nun werden die Abstände zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen verringert. Dies kann entweder durch ein Verschwenken wenigstens einiger Transportelemente 28 geschehen - siehe Figur 3 -, oder aber durch eine translatorische Bewegung 28 bestimmter Transportelemente 28 in horizontaler Richtung, siehe Figur 4. Vorzugsweise ist dafür jedes zweite Transportelement 28 etwas weiter abgesenkt als die jeweils benachbarten Transportelemente 28, sodass sich die Ränder 31 benachbarter Verpackungen 21 übereinander schieben können und eine Überlappung zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen 21 entsteht - siehe Figuren 3, 4 und 6.Now the distances between adjacent packages are reduced. This can be done either by pivoting at least some transport elements 28 - see FIG. 3 - Or, by a translational movement 28 of certain transport elements 28 in the horizontal direction, see FIG. 4 , Preferably, for every second transport element 28 is slightly further lowered than the respective adjacent transport elements 28, so that the edges 31 of adjacent packages 21 can slide over each other and an overlap between adjacent packages 21 is formed - see Figures 3 . 4 and 6 ,

Die miteinander überlappten Verpackungen 21 können nun bedarfsweise noch weiter abgesenkt werden und in eine gemeinsame Umverpackung 22 eingesetzt werden, die sich unterhalb der Komplettschnittstation 4 befindet. Sobald die Umverpackung 22 hinreichend gefüllt ist, d.h. eine gewünschte Anzahl von Verpackungen 21 enthält, kann sie mittels des Förderelements 23 abtransportiert werden. Dabei ist es möglich, dass die Umverpackung 22 nur eine oder mehrere Lagen von Verpackungen 21 übereinander enthält.The overlapping packages 21 can now be lowered if necessary even further and are used in a common outer packaging 22, which is located below the complete cutting station 4. Once the outer package 22 is sufficiently filled, i. contains a desired number of packages 21, it can be removed by means of the conveying element 23. It is possible that the outer package 22 contains only one or more layers of packaging 21 one above the other.

Ausgehend von dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel können die erfindungsgemäße Komplettschnittstation 4 und das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren in vielfacher Hinsicht abgewandelt werden. Insbesondere ist es denkbar, dass eine beliebige Anzahl von Verpackungen in n Spuren und/oder m Reihen gleichzeitig hergestellt wird. Das Komplettschnittwerkzeug 24 und das Transportsystem 27 sollten dann entsprechend konfiguriert werden, um die betreffende Gruppe von Verpackungen gleichzeitig vereinzeln und aus der Komplettschnittstation 4 heraustransportieren zu können.Starting from the illustrated embodiment, the complete cutting station 4 according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be modified in many ways. In particular, it is conceivable that any number of packages in n tracks and / or m rows is produced simultaneously. The complete cutting tool 24 and the transport system 27 should then be configured accordingly in order to be able to separate the relevant group of packages simultaneously and transport them out of the complete cutting station 4.

Claims (14)

Komplettschnittstation (4) zum vereinzelnden Ausschneiden von Verpackungen (21) aus einem Folienverbund (5) mittels eines bewegbaren, zum Durchtrennen des Folienverbunds konfigurierten Komplettschnittwerkzeugs (24), ferner mit einem Transportsystem (27), das mehrere Transportelemente (28) zum Transportieren jeweils einer vereinzelten Verpackung (21) umfasst, wobei jedes Transportelement (28) einen Kopfabschnitt (29) zum Angreifen an der jeweiligen Verpackung (21) aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass die Kopfabschnitte (29) wenigstens einiger Transportelemente (28) bewegbar sind zwischen einer ersten Stellung, in der von ihnen erfasste Verpackungen (21) einen durch den Folienverbund (5) definierten ersten Abstand (D) voneinander haben, und einer zweiten Stellung, in der die Verpackungen (21) einen zweiten, kleineren Abstand (d) voneinander haben oder sich zumindest in einer Raumrichtung wenigstens teilweise überlappen.Complete cutting station (4) for separating cut out of packages (21) from a film composite (5) by means of a movable, configured for severing the film composite complete cutting tool (24), further comprising a transport system (27), the plurality of transport elements (28) for transporting each one individual package (21), each transport element (28) having a head portion (29) for engaging the respective package (21),
characterized,
in that the head sections (29) of at least some transport elements (28) are movable between a first position in which packages (21) covered by them have a first distance (D) defined by the film composite (5) and a second position the packaging (21) have a second, smaller distance (d) from one another or at least partially overlap in at least one spatial direction. Komplettschnittstation nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Transportelemente (28) translatorisch bewegbar und/oder schwenkbar sind.Complete cutting station according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport elements (28) are translationally movable and / or pivotable. Komplettschnittstation nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der zweiten Stellung der Kopfabschnitte (29) eine teilweise Überlappung der von den Kopfabschnitten (29) erfassten Verpackungen (21) in zwei Raumrichtungen vorhanden ist.Complete cutting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second position of the head sections (29) there is a partial overlapping of the packages (21) covered by the head sections (29) in two spatial directions. Komplettschnittstation nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Transportelemente (28) bewegbar sind zwischen einer eingefahrenen und einer ausgefahrenen Stellung.Complete cutting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport elements (28) are movable between a retracted and an extended position. Komplettschnittstation nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich die Kopfabschnitte (29) der Transportelemente (28) in der eingefahrenen Stellung zwischen Schnittkanten (25) des Komplettschnittwerkzeugs (24) befinden.Complete cutting station according to claim 4, characterized in that the head portions (29) of the transport elements (28) in the retracted position between cutting edges (25) of the complete cutting tool (24) are located. Komplettschnittstation nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Komplettschnittwerkzeug (24) im Betrieb der Komplettschnittstation (4) oberhalb des Folienverbunds (5) angeordnet ist.Complete cutting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the complete cutting tool (24) is arranged above the film composite (5) during operation of the complete cutting station (4). Komplettschnittstation nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Komplettschnittwerkzeug (24) eine mehrere Schnittkanten (25) verbindende Brücke (26) aufweist.Complete cutting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the complete cutting tool (24) has a bridge (26) connecting a plurality of cut edges (25). Komplettschnittstation nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Transportelemente (28) translatorisch bewegbar und/oder schwenkbar an einer Greiferbrücke (260) montiert sind.Complete cutting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport elements (28) are mounted in a translationally movable and / or pivotable manner on a gripper bridge (260). Komplettschnittstation nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Transportelemente Sauggreifer (28) und die Kopfabschnitte Saugköpfe (29) sind.Complete cutting station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport elements are suction grippers (28) and the head sections are suction cups (29). Verpackungsmaschine (1) mit einer Komplettschnittstation (4) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche.Packaging machine (1) with a complete cutting station (4) according to one of the preceding claims. Verfahren zum Vereinzeln von Verpackungen (21), die in einem gemeinsamen Folienverbund hergestellt wurden, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte aufweist: - Ergreifen der noch im Folienverbund (5) zusammenhängenden Verpackungen (5) mittels je eines Kopfabschnitts (29) eines Transportelements (28), - Vereinzeln der Verpackungen (21) mittels eines den Folienverbund durchtrennenden Komplettschnittwerkzeugs (24), - Bewegen der jeweils eine Verpackung ergreifenden Kopfabschnitte (29) der Transportelemente (28) derart, dass sich der Abstand benachbarter Verpackungen (21) verringert und/oder sich benachbarte Verpackungen (21) teilweise überlappen. Method for separating packages (21) produced in a common film composite, the method comprising the following steps: - Grasping the still in the film composite (5) contiguous packaging (5) by means of a respective head portion (29) of a transport element (28), Separating the packages (21) by means of a complete cutting tool (24) which cuts through the film composite, - Moving the respective one packaging engaging head portions (29) of the transport elements (28) such that the distance between adjacent packages (21) decreases and / or adjacent packages (21) partially overlap. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Transportelemente (28) verschwenken und/oder sich translatorisch bewegen, um die Abstände zwischen benachbarten Verpackungen (21) zu verrringern.The method of claim 11, wherein the transport elements (28) pivot and / or translate to reduce the spacing between adjacent packages (21). Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 oder 12, wobei sich einige Transportelemente (28) zunächst in einer Richtung senkrecht zu einer Ebene des Folienverbunds bewegen, bevor die Abstände zwischen den Kopfabschnitten (29) der Transportelemente (28) verringert werden.Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein some transport elements (28) initially move in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the film composite before the distances between the head portions (29) of the transport elements (28) are reduced. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, wobei die Verpackungen (21) durch Ansaugen an den Kopfabschnitten (29) der Transportelemente (28) ergriffen werden.Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the packages (21) are gripped by suction on the head portions (29) of the transport elements (28).
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