EP2762411A1 - Thermoforming machine - Google Patents
Thermoforming machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2762411A1 EP2762411A1 EP20130382031 EP13382031A EP2762411A1 EP 2762411 A1 EP2762411 A1 EP 2762411A1 EP 20130382031 EP20130382031 EP 20130382031 EP 13382031 A EP13382031 A EP 13382031A EP 2762411 A1 EP2762411 A1 EP 2762411A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- guide element
- upper guide
- base support
- groove
- attachment
- 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
Links
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012858 packaging process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- B65B41/00—Supplying or feeding container-forming sheets or wrapping material
- B65B41/12—Feeding webs from rolls
- B65B41/14—Feeding webs from rolls 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
- B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
- B65B59/04—Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
-
- 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
- B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
- B65B2210/06—Sterilising or cleaning machinery or conduits
Definitions
- the present invention is related to package thermoforming machines, and more specifically to thermoforming machines comprising a guide device for guiding a band or strip of packaging material which enables sanitizing all its components.
- Thermoforming machines convey at least one band or strip of material that is used in a packaging process by means of lateral conveying means, associated with the longitudinal edges of the band.
- the conveying means (chains, belts or equivalent elements) can be provided with means for securing the band or strip, for example, with clamps or with pins, such that as the conveying means move, they drive the band or the strip in a forward movement direction of the machine.
- the conveying means are guided by guides which, among other things, serve to keep the conveying means correctly placed and to withstand the forces that the band or strip exerts in the direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction of the conveying means. In other words, the guides serve to keep the conveying means correctly placed and to prevent their lateral movement, while at the same the time allowing their longitudinal movement to drive or convey the band or strip.
- a problem that has been detected in relation to these machines is that the guides, such as those known through DE-A-4314550 for example, can have problems related to the cleaning and sanitizing of the machines. For example, there can be gaps on the outer side of the chain, i.e., on the side of the chain opposite the side facing the band or strip to be conveyed, that are difficult to access. Given that cleaning and sanitizing are very important aspects in many packaging machines, for example, in food product packaging machines, it may be appropriate for all the components of the machine to be easy to access for performing cleaning and/or sterilization operations.
- WO-A-2009/080293 describes a solution based on a guide profile which has access holes in its upper part which serve for cleaning the chain and the guide from above.
- EP-A-1816075 proposes a solution based on an arrangement of guide elements at a distance from the profile that secures them, and/or in the presence of access holes in said profile, such that the outer side of the corresponding conveyor chain is easy to access.
- more or less open guides to facilitate cleaning can be an attractive solution, but it can also involve drawbacks, for example, due to the fact that the holes or openings can be a possible entryway for dirt from outside, or because it is not possible to clean the zones of the guide in direct contact with the chain, this being able to generate focal points of contamination when food products are packaged.
- more or less open guides also hinder cleaning the zones of the chain in direct contact with the guide, because it is only possible to clean these zones of the chain in those places of the machine where the chain moves forward without being guided.
- the aforementioned solutions also have drawbacks from the cost viewpoint because they require a greater number of machining operations and/or a greater number of parts and/or longer assembly and disassembly times, in addition to the additional risk entailed for the operators to have access to the mobile parts of the machine, in this case, access to the chain through the openings of the guide.
- the object of the invention is to provide a thermoforming machine as described in the claims.
- the thermoforming machine of the invention comprises conveying means (chains, belts or equivalent elements) for conveying a band of material, such as a strip or the like, in a forward movement direction of the machine.
- the conveying means are configured to interact with the longitudinal edges of the band to be conveyed by means of securing elements, for example, by means of clamps or pins, as is conventional and described in document EP-A-1816075 , for example.
- the machine further comprises at least one guide device for guiding the conveying means in the forward movement direction.
- the guide devices therefore serve to maintain the correct position of the conveying means and to counteract the forces that the band exerts in the transverse direction of the machine.
- the guide device comprises a base support including at least one profile and at least one lower guide element which are attached to one another (although they could be a single element instead of being two attached elements), at least one upper guide element, and a channel for the conveying means, the channel being defined between said lower guide element and said upper guide element, and the channel being configured to allow the guided forward movement of the conveying means therethrough, to drive said band of material, during machine operation.
- the upper guide element can establish an upper guide track and the lower guide element can establish a lower guide track
- the conveying means can slide in the channel established between both tracks, the conveying means in turn being able to comprise lateral elements that are located on both sides of said tracks, such that the conveying means are guided by the tracks, as is conventional and described in EP-A-1816075 , for example, which reflects several arrangements of guide tracks and conveying means corresponding to a chain.
- the upper guide element is detachably coupled to the base support to allow access to the conveying means to perform cleaning operations.
- the arrangement of the upper guide element allows disassembling the upper guide element for cleaning operations. Since the upper guide element together with the lower guide element establishes the channel through which the conveying means pass, by disassembling the upper guide element the conveying means and the gap through which the conveying means move can be accessed, whereby both can be easily cleaned. It is therefore possible to clean the channel, the surfaces of the upper guide element and of the lower guide element interacting with the conveying means, and it is also possible to clean the surfaces of the conveying means. In other words, good access to the zones and surfaces that must be cleaned can be achieved without needing to provide holes or gaps in or between the different elements when they are in their assembled or working position.
- Figure 1 shows by way of example an embodiment of the package thermoforming machine 100, comprising a plurality of stations corresponding to a lower band or strip entrance 101, a forming station 102, a welding station 103, an electrical cabinet 104, an upper band or strip entrance 105, a transverse cutting device 106, a longitudinal cutting device 107, lateral guards and internal mechanisms 108, and a product exit station 109.
- a thermoforming machine comprising these stations is of conventional use, and furthermore there is a wide variety of such machines, so it is not described in greater detail in this description.
- the machine 100 comprises conveying means 10 on either side, parallel to one another, between which the band or strip, such as a chain, a belt or an equivalent element, is arranged and which interact with the longitudinal edges of the band or strip by means of clamps 90 or pins or equivalent elements for example, the conveying means 10 driving the band or strip in a forward movement direction L of the machine 100 with their movement.
- the machine 100 comprises at least one guide device 110 for guiding the conveying means 10.
- chain 10 is used instead of “conveying means 10" for the sake of clarity, but this does not limit the invention to the use of a chain, being able to use a belt or any other equivalent element.
- Figures 2 , 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of a sector of the guide device 110 of the machine 100.
- the guide device 110 comprises a base support including at least one profile 4 and at least one lower guide element 2 which are attached to one another (although they could be a single element instead of being two attached elements), at least one upper guide element 1, and a channel 3 which is defined between both guide elements 1 and 2 and which is configured to allow and guide the guided forward movement of the chain 10 therethrough to drive the band or strip, the guide elements 1 and 2 together defining a type of profile that is substantially C-shaped.
- Figures 2 and 3 show a sector of the chain 10 in the forward movement path of the chain 10 (the upper sector) and a sector of the chain 10 in the return path (the lower sector), and Figure 11C shows a link of the chain 10 in the forward movement path and a link of the chain 10 in the return path.
- the upper guide element 1 is preferably attached to the base support by sliding, which allows quick and easy assembly and disassembly thereof, which can be implemented with simple structures. In other words, this solution can be advantageous from both the functional viewpoint and from the structural viewpoint. For example, the need for manipulating screws, nuts or bolts in relation to the assembly and/or disassembly of the upper guide element 1 can be prevented.
- the upper guide element 1 preferably comprises a machined, extruded or molded profile 11 which establishes an upper guide track 16.
- the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support by means of at least one groove 5, 5', 5" and at least one attachment element 12, 12', 12", 12"' cooperating between them, different configurations being possible:
- the groove 5, 5', 5" can be configured to receive at least one attachment element 12, 12', 12", 12"' or the like, such that the attachment between the upper guide element 1 and the base support is caused by the fitting of at least one of the attachment elements 12, 12', 12", 12"' in a corresponding groove 5, 5', 5" preferably by sliding. Fitting based on grooves represents a simple solution from the structural and functional viewpoint.
- the upper guide element 1 comprises the attachment element 12, as shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 6 , and, as shown by way of example in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C , the groove 5 is in the profile 4 of the base support.
- the groove 5 can be arranged in the upper part of the profile 4, being open and accessible from the upper part of said profile 4, and the attachment element 12 of the upper guide element 1 cooperates with the groove 5 so that the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support.
- the attachment element 12 corresponds in this case to a projection of the upper guide element 1 prolonging in a substantially horizontal manner, in the form of bolts for example, and comprising a rod 12A traversing the groove 5.
- the attachment element 12 can further comprise a head 12B which is arranged in an outer side of the profile 4 when the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support and is configured to not be able to traverse the groove 5.
- An attachment element 12 can be threaded for example, as can be deduced from Figure 4 for example, where it is shown how a plurality of upper guide elements 1 are provided with attachment elements 12, which are screwed into a corresponding bushing 12C located inside the upper guide element 1, to then fit the attachment element 12 in the groove 5 located in the upper edge of the profile 4.
- the upper guide element 1 preferably comprises a plurality of attachment elements 12, the profile 4 comprising at least one groove 5 for each attachment element 12 of the upper guide element 1.
- the upper guide element 1 can also comprise a gripping element 12D, which preferably corresponds to a projection in the form of a bolt or a grip projecting from the attachment elements 12, being able to correspond to an extension of the rod 12A behind the head 12B to provide a grip for the operator in the assembly and disassembly process of the upper guide element 1.
- a gripping element 12D which preferably corresponds to a projection in the form of a bolt or a grip projecting from the attachment elements 12, being able to correspond to an extension of the rod 12A behind the head 12B to provide a grip for the operator in the assembly and disassembly process of the upper guide element 1.
- the upper guide element 1 further comprises a prolongation 19 extending towards the lower guide element 2 when the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support, laterally delimiting the channel 3, such that the profile 4 does not delimit the channel 3 and, since the upper guide element 1 is detachable, the prolongation 19 can be easily cleaned (in a simpler manner than the profile 4 can be), improving access for cleaning the walls delimiting the channel 3.
- the upper guide element 1 additionally comprises an attachment element 12" arranged in the prolongation 19, cooperating with a groove 5' arranged in the base support, preferably in the lower guide element 2 or between the lower guide element 2 and the profile 4, the groove 5' being suitable for clamping the attachment element 12", the upper guide element 1 thus counteracting transverse forces that the band exerts in the direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction L, without being detached from the profile 4.
- the attachment element 12" can correspond to a projection or the like, or to the end of the prolongation 19.
- the upper guide element 1 can comprise a prolongation 19 in any of its embodiments and/or configurations, not only in the preferred embodiment.
- a first configuration of the groove 5 corresponds to the configuration depicted by way of example in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C .
- the groove 5 comprises a specific orientation allowing motion of the upper guide element 1 in the forward movement direction of the chain 10 in order to be attached to the base support.
- the upper guide element 1 being able to become detached from the base support during the packaging process due to vibrations and/or forces it may withstand during said process, for example, is thereby hindered.
- the orientation of the groove 5 can be substantially oblique in the forward movement direction of the chain 10 for the interlocking of the attachment element 12.
- the groove 5 can be substantially L-shaped. Therefore, to fit the upper guide element 1 in the profile 4 a first motion can be performed substantially in a first direction, for example, in a vertical direction, and a second motion can be performed in a second direction, for example, in a horizontal direction in the forward movement direction of the chain 10. Both configurations of the groove 5 prevent the attachment element 12 from being able to become decoupled from the groove 5 due to a purely vertical motion.
- the profile 4 can be metallic and can correspond to a single longitudinal element, or it can be formed by a plurality of longitudinal elements which are longitudinally attached to one another.
- Each longitudinal element can have a length of one or several meters, for example, five meters or longer, depending on the needs of the machine 100.
- the upper guide element 1 further comprises at least one flange 1A projecting at an upper end of the upper guide element 1 in the direction opposite the chain 10 when the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support, the flange 1A defining a preferably longitudinal groove 5" suitable for clamping an attachment element 12"' of the profile 4 when the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support. It is therefore assured to a greater extent that the upper guide element 1 and the base support are attached to one another.
- the groove 5" comprises a substantially identical or slightly greater width than the width of the attachment element 12"' of the profile 4, so that the profile 4 is clamped by the groove 5" of the flange 1A and so that the upper guide element 1 withstands transverse forces that the strip may exert without becoming detached from the profile 4.
- the attachment element 12"' therefore corresponds to the upper end of the profile 4.
- FIGS 8 and 9 show a lower guide element 2 of the preferred embodiment of the invention by way of example.
- the lower guide element 2 comprises a machined or extruded or molded profile 23 that is longer than the profile 11 of the upper guide element 1, and which establishes a lower guide track 24 on which the chain 10 can slide.
- the channel 3 is formed between the tracks 16 and 24 of the upper guide element 1 and lower guide element 2, respectively.
- the lower guide element 2 can be provided with a series of lower flanges or ribs 21, which serve to laterally guide and retain the chain 10 in its return path, in correspondence with return guide elements 7 which will be described in detail below, to prevent the chain 10 from coming out of said return guide elements 7.
- the lower guide element 2 comprises a plurality of notches 22 which serve to drain cleaning liquids during the processes of cleaning the chain 10 and the guide device 110. Therefore, when cleaning is performed, the cleaning liquid can go down through these openings or holes 22, which can be established between the lower guide element 2 itself and the profile 4 to which it is attached for example, or in an alternative configuration, in the lower guide element 2 itself. This allows easy draining of the cleaning liquids through the lower part of the guide device 110.
- the lower guide element 2 can have an inclined surface that makes the cleaning liquids flow towards the openings or notches 22 in question.
- the upper guide element 1 comprises a set of prolongations 19 with attachment elements 12" configured to be fitted in the openings or notches 22 of the lower guide element, as shown by way of example in Figure 11C .
- the dimensions of the attachment elements 12" are substantially identical to or slightly smaller than the dimensions of the openings or holes 22, such that when the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support, the openings or holes 22 prevent access or the entrance of dirt in the chain 10 through the openings or holes 22.
- the prolongations 19 or the attachment of the attachment elements 12" in the openings or holes 22 and/or in the grooves 5' can also counteract the forces or motions perpendicular to the forward movement direction L of the chain 10, keeping the chain 10 in the established position.
- This configuration of the lower guide element 2 can also serve for any embodiment and/or configuration of the invention, not only for the preferred embodiment.
- the machine 100 can further comprise a fixing coupling 9 associated with each upper guide element 1 and with the base support, particularly with the profile 4 of the base support, to secure the attachment between the corresponding upper guide element 1 and the base support and to prevent them from becoming detached during a packaging process, such as the one shown by way of example in Figures 10 , 11A , 11B and 11C .
- the upper guide element 1 can also comprise at least one attachment element 12' in the form of bolts, similar to the attachment elements 12, which in turn comprises a rod 12E and a head 12F.
- the rod 12E is longer than the rods 12A of the attachment elements 12 and configured to secure the upper guide 1 by means of the fixing coupling 9.
- the attachment element 12' furthermore carries out the function of an attachment element 12.
- the fixing coupling 9 cooperates with the attachment element 12' to prevent the accidental detachment of the base support and the upper guide element 1.
- the fixing coupling 9 comprises a body 9C, an articulation 9B and a grip 9A.
- the body 9C preferably comprises a hole not shown in the figures (or groove), which is traversed by the articulation 9B (which corresponds to a rod, for example, and a head), the profile 4 in turn comprising a hole also for receiving the articulation 9B, the fixing coupling 9 thus being attached to the profile 4 by means of the articulation 9B.
- the body 9C has rotational freedom with respect to the articulation 9B when the fixing coupling 9 is attached to the profile 4, and a user can cause this rotation by operating the grip 9A to release the attachment element 12' and to therefore be able to detach the upper guide element 1 from the base support.
- the grip 9A can additionally operate a latch 9A' which is inserted in a hole 4' of the profile 4 once the fixing coupling 9 is in its lock position, thereby preventing the accidental opening of the fixing coupling 9, and therefore, of the upper guide 1.
- One end of the fixing coupling 9 comprises a substantially U-shaped portion and serves to clamp the attachment element 12', the opening of the U-shaped portion being in the lower part.
- the base support and the upper guide element 1 are attached to one another that attachment can then be secured, causing the substantially U-shaped end to clamp the attachment element 12', said end being arranged between the profile 4 and the head 12F of the attachment element 12'.
- the central axis of the body 9C is substantially perpendicular to the inclination of the groove 5, thereby optimizing the function of the fixing coupling 9.
- the length of the rod 12E is substantially identical to or slightly greater than the sum of the width of the profile 4 and the width of the fixing coupling 9, such that the head 12F of the attachment element 12' prevents the movement of the upper guide element 1 in the direction perpendicular to the forward movement of the band or strip of material, while at the same time the fixing coupling 9 assures the correct placement of the upper guide element 1 inside the groove 5 and prevents accidental detachment.
- the upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support by means of at least one groove 5', although it is preferably attached by means of a plurality of grooves 5'.
- the groove 5' is between the lower guide element 2 and the profile 4 of the base support and the upper guide element 1 comprises an attachment element 12" for cooperating with the groove 5'.
- the groove 5' could be directly in the lower guide element 2.
- the upper guide element 1 comprises a prolongation 19 such as the prolongation mentioned for the preferred embodiment, and an end of said prolongation 19 corresponds to the attachment element 12", the end of said prolongation 19 preferably comprising an attachment element 12" longer than the one shown in the figures and the groove 5' therefore being deeper.
- the lower guide element 2 comprises a plurality of grooves 5' and the upper guide element 1 comprises a plurality of attachment elements 12".
- the coupling between the upper guide element 1 and the base support can therefore be established directly between the upper guide element 1 and the lower guide element 2.
- the upper guide element 1 can comprise a hook or equivalent element for securing the attachment with the base support, cooperating with said base support.
- the groove 5' can be similar to the groove 5 of the preferred embodiment, the attachment therefore being performed by means of sliding, or a downward motion of the upper guide element 1 can be sufficient.
- the upper guide element 1 further comprises a flange similar to flange 1A of the preferred embodiment, such that the upper guide element 1 stays in its position on one hand as a result of the groove 5" of the flange 1A and on the other hand as a result of the attachment between the groove 5' and the attachment element 12".
- attachment elements 12 like those described for the first embodiment, or the associated elements or features, but they could also be included.
- the machine 100 further comprises a fixing coupling for the same function as that carried out by the fixing coupling 9 of the preferred embodiment.
- the upper guide element 1 can comprise a projection projecting from its upper part for example, and the fixing coupling cooperates with the projection to perform its function, just as the fixing coupling 9 cooperates with the attachment element 12' of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
- the features of the projection can be similar to the attachment element 12' of the preferred embodiment, with the difference that its length does not have to take the width of the profile 4 into account.
- the guide device 110 can comprise a flange similar to flange 1A of the preferred embodiment, with its groove 5" for cooperating with the profile 4.
- the guide device 110 can comprise a plurality of upper guide elements 1 as shown by way of example in Figure 12 , located one after the other in the forward movement direction L, instead of a single upper guide element 1. Given that the course of the chain 10 while driving the band or strip can be considerable, the guide device 110 can many times be very long, for example ten meters or longer. Several sectors of guide devices 110, which can each comprise a fairly long profile, for example five meters or longer, can be used for that purpose.
- the upper guide elements 1 i.e., for example, when they are removed from the base support and when they are again fitted in or attached to the base support, it may be convenient for the upper guide elements 1 to be relatively short (for example, in the order of one meter).
- the lower guide elements 2 can be more or less fixed, for example, they can be an integral part of a profile or be attached to a profile by means of screws, nuts, bolts, or the like. They can be long since they generally do not have to be handled, which can facilitate continuity.
- the upper guide elements 1, intended for being disassembled for cleaning operations may frequently be handled so it may be convenient for them to be shorter than the lower guide elements 2.
- the upper guide elements 1 can be separated from one another by a specific gap 6, preferably a few millimeters or centimeters in size, allowing the movement of one of the upper guide elements 1 with respect to the other to disengage or detach the upper guide element 1 from the base support, especially when there is an inclined groove 5 or 5'.
- the gap 6 between the different upper guide elements 1 allows a fitting or interlocking motion of each upper guide element 1 for becoming disengaged or detached from the base support, i.e., the different upper guide elements 1 can be gradually interlocked and unlocked individually, without the motion of an upper guide element 1 being prevented by an adjacent upper guide element 1.
- the guide device 110 can additionally comprise at least one return guide element 7, preferably a plurality of return guide elements 7, arranged below the lower guide element 2 and configured to support the chain 10 by sectors during its return motion.
- the chain does not drive the band or strip, so no guiding is required to counteract transverse forces.
- certain guiding or support of the chain 10 may be convenient, for example, to prevent noises, but it may be sufficient for this support to be by sectors.
- the return guide elements 7 can be arranged in specific positions corresponding to a welding station 103, a forming station 102 and a transverse cutting station 106.
- Figure 13 shows a return guide element 7, which can likewise comprise a machined, extruded or molded profile 71 with a lip 72 for retaining the chain 10.
- the return guide elements 7 are shorter than the upper guide elements 1 and the lower guide elements 2. Attachment means such as screws 14, for example, are used to attach the return guide elements 7 to the base support, particularly to the profile 4 of the base support.
- the lower guide element 2 comprises a machined, extruded or molded profile 23 that is longer than the profile 11 of the upper guide element 1, and which establishes a lower guide track 24 on which the chain 10 can slide, as has been mentioned for the preferred embodiment.
- the lower guide element 2 can be provided with a series of lower flanges or ribs 21 and openings or holes 22.
- Figure 11B shows the attachment of the element lower guide 2 to the profile 4 by attachment means, such as screws 13, for example, traversing the lower guide 2 and the profile 4 and screwed into a blind nut 13A with washers 13B.
- attachment means such as screws 13, for example, traversing the lower guide 2 and the profile 4 and screwed into a blind nut 13A with washers 13B.
- the blind nut 13A and washers 13B would be suitably replaced.
- both elements, the lower guide 2 and profile 4 can be part of a single element.
- the elements of the upper guide 1, lower guide 2 and return guide 7 can be made of a plastic and/or polymer material and can be molded and then fixed to the profile 4, for example.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention is related to package thermoforming machines, and more specifically to thermoforming machines comprising a guide device for guiding a band or strip of packaging material which enables sanitizing all its components.
- Thermoforming machines convey at least one band or strip of material that is used in a packaging process by means of lateral conveying means, associated with the longitudinal edges of the band. The conveying means (chains, belts or equivalent elements) can be provided with means for securing the band or strip, for example, with clamps or with pins, such that as the conveying means move, they drive the band or the strip in a forward movement direction of the machine. The conveying means are guided by guides which, among other things, serve to keep the conveying means correctly placed and to withstand the forces that the band or strip exerts in the direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction of the conveying means. In other words, the guides serve to keep the conveying means correctly placed and to prevent their lateral movement, while at the same the time allowing their longitudinal movement to drive or convey the band or strip.
- Machines of this type or the like are described in
WO-A-2007/090653 ,US-A-2009/0241486 ,US-A-4915283 ,EP-A-0860363 ,WO-A-92/10405 DE-A-3716673 ,DE-A-3315419 , andEP-A-1498353 , for example. - A problem that has been detected in relation to these machines is that the guides, such as those known through
DE-A-4314550 for example, can have problems related to the cleaning and sanitizing of the machines. For example, there can be gaps on the outer side of the chain, i.e., on the side of the chain opposite the side facing the band or strip to be conveyed, that are difficult to access. Given that cleaning and sanitizing are very important aspects in many packaging machines, for example, in food product packaging machines, it may be appropriate for all the components of the machine to be easy to access for performing cleaning and/or sterilization operations. -
WO-A-2009/080293 describes a solution based on a guide profile which has access holes in its upper part which serve for cleaning the chain and the guide from above. -
EP-A-1816075 proposes a solution based on an arrangement of guide elements at a distance from the profile that secures them, and/or in the presence of access holes in said profile, such that the outer side of the corresponding conveyor chain is easy to access. - The use of more or less open guides to facilitate cleaning can be an attractive solution, but it can also involve drawbacks, for example, due to the fact that the holes or openings can be a possible entryway for dirt from outside, or because it is not possible to clean the zones of the guide in direct contact with the chain, this being able to generate focal points of contamination when food products are packaged. On the other hand, more or less open guides also hinder cleaning the zones of the chain in direct contact with the guide, because it is only possible to clean these zones of the chain in those places of the machine where the chain moves forward without being guided. On the other hand, the aforementioned solutions also have drawbacks from the cost viewpoint because they require a greater number of machining operations and/or a greater number of parts and/or longer assembly and disassembly times, in addition to the additional risk entailed for the operators to have access to the mobile parts of the machine, in this case, access to the chain through the openings of the guide.
- The object of the invention is to provide a thermoforming machine as described in the claims.
- The thermoforming machine of the invention comprises conveying means (chains, belts or equivalent elements) for conveying a band of material, such as a strip or the like, in a forward movement direction of the machine. The conveying means are configured to interact with the longitudinal edges of the band to be conveyed by means of securing elements, for example, by means of clamps or pins, as is conventional and described in document
EP-A-1816075 , for example. - The machine further comprises at least one guide device for guiding the conveying means in the forward movement direction. The guide devices therefore serve to maintain the correct position of the conveying means and to counteract the forces that the band exerts in the transverse direction of the machine.
- The guide device comprises a base support including at least one profile and at least one lower guide element which are attached to one another (although they could be a single element instead of being two attached elements), at least one upper guide element, and a channel for the conveying means, the channel being defined between said lower guide element and said upper guide element, and the channel being configured to allow the guided forward movement of the conveying means therethrough, to drive said band of material, during machine operation. For example, the upper guide element can establish an upper guide track and the lower guide element can establish a lower guide track, and the conveying means can slide in the channel established between both tracks, the conveying means in turn being able to comprise lateral elements that are located on both sides of said tracks, such that the conveying means are guided by the tracks, as is conventional and described in
EP-A-1816075 , for example, which reflects several arrangements of guide tracks and conveying means corresponding to a chain. - The upper guide element is detachably coupled to the base support to allow access to the conveying means to perform cleaning operations.
- The arrangement of the upper guide element, detachably coupled to the base support and, therefore, to the lower guide element, allows disassembling the upper guide element for cleaning operations. Since the upper guide element together with the lower guide element establishes the channel through which the conveying means pass, by disassembling the upper guide element the conveying means and the gap through which the conveying means move can be accessed, whereby both can be easily cleaned. It is therefore possible to clean the channel, the surfaces of the upper guide element and of the lower guide element interacting with the conveying means, and it is also possible to clean the surfaces of the conveying means. In other words, good access to the zones and surfaces that must be cleaned can be achieved without needing to provide holes or gaps in or between the different elements when they are in their assembled or working position.
- These and other advantages and features of the invention will become evident in view of the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.
-
-
Figure 1 shows a general schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the machine of the invention. -
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sector of a guide device, with conveying means, of the machine ofFigure 1 . -
Figure 3 shows an elevation view of the sector of the guide device ofFigure 2 . -
Figure 4 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the guide device ofFigure 2 without the conveying means. -
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an upper guide element of the guide device ofFigure 2 . -
Figure 6 shows a profile view of the upper guide element ofFigure 5 . -
Figure 7A is a perspective view of the sector of the guide device ofFigure 2 , with an upper guide element removed. -
Figure 7B shows a detail of the profile of the base support of the sector of the guide device shown inFigure 7A . -
Figure 7C shows the sector of the profile of the sectors of the guide device shown inFigure 7A . -
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a lower guide element according to the preferred embodiment of the machine of the invention. -
Figure 9 shows a profile view of the lower guide element ofFigure 8 . -
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a fixing coupling according to the preferred embodiment of the machine of the invention. -
Figures 11A ,11B and11C show three cross-section views of the guide device according to the preferred embodiment of the machine of the invention, the conveying means being included inFigure 11C . -
Figure 12 shows a guide device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with a plurality of upper guide elements. -
Figure 13 partially shows a perspective view of a return guide element according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. -
Figure 1 shows by way of example an embodiment of thepackage thermoforming machine 100, comprising a plurality of stations corresponding to a lower band orstrip entrance 101, a formingstation 102, awelding station 103, anelectrical cabinet 104, an upper band orstrip entrance 105, atransverse cutting device 106, alongitudinal cutting device 107, lateral guards andinternal mechanisms 108, and aproduct exit station 109. A thermoforming machine comprising these stations is of conventional use, and furthermore there is a wide variety of such machines, so it is not described in greater detail in this description. - To move the band of material during the packaging process, the
machine 100 comprises conveying means 10 on either side, parallel to one another, between which the band or strip, such as a chain, a belt or an equivalent element, is arranged and which interact with the longitudinal edges of the band or strip by means ofclamps 90 or pins or equivalent elements for example, the conveying means 10 driving the band or strip in a forward movement direction L of themachine 100 with their movement. To maintain the correct position of the conveying means 10, themachine 100 comprises at least oneguide device 110 for guiding theconveying means 10. Hereinafter, "chain 10" is used instead of "conveying means 10" for the sake of clarity, but this does not limit the invention to the use of a chain, being able to use a belt or any other equivalent element. -
Figures 2 ,3 and4 illustrate an embodiment of a sector of theguide device 110 of themachine 100. Theguide device 110 comprises a base support including at least oneprofile 4 and at least onelower guide element 2 which are attached to one another (although they could be a single element instead of being two attached elements), at least oneupper guide element 1, and achannel 3 which is defined between bothguide elements chain 10 therethrough to drive the band or strip, theguide elements Figures 2 and3 show a sector of thechain 10 in the forward movement path of the chain 10 (the upper sector) and a sector of thechain 10 in the return path (the lower sector), andFigure 11C shows a link of thechain 10 in the forward movement path and a link of thechain 10 in the return path. - The
upper guide element 1 is preferably attached to the base support by sliding, which allows quick and easy assembly and disassembly thereof, which can be implemented with simple structures. In other words, this solution can be advantageous from both the functional viewpoint and from the structural viewpoint. For example, the need for manipulating screws, nuts or bolts in relation to the assembly and/or disassembly of theupper guide element 1 can be prevented. Theupper guide element 1 preferably comprises a machined, extruded or moldedprofile 11 which establishes anupper guide track 16. - The
upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support by means of at least onegroove attachment element - The
profile 4 of the base support comprises agroove 5 and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12 cooperating with thegroove 5. - The
upper guide element 1 comprises agroove 5" and theprofile 4 comprises anattachment element 12"' cooperating with thegroove 5". - The
profile 4 of the base support comprises agroove 5 and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12, and theupper guide element 1 comprises agroove 5" and theprofile 4 comprises anattachment element 12"' cooperating with thegroove 5". - The
lower guide element 2 of the base support comprises a groove 5' and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12" cooperating with the groove 5'. - The
lower guide element 2 of the base support comprises a groove 5' and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12" cooperating with the groove 5', and theprofile 4 of the base support comprises agroove 5 and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12 cooperating with thegroove 5. - The
lower guide element 2 of the base support comprises a groove 5' and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12" cooperating with the groove 5', and theupper guide element 1 comprises agroove 5" and theprofile 4 comprises anattachment element 12"' cooperating with thegroove 5". - The
lower guide element 2 of the base support comprises a groove 5' and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12" cooperating with the groove 5', and theupper guide element 1 comprises agroove 5" and theprofile 4 comprises anattachment element 12"' cooperating with thegroove 5", and theprofile 4 of the base support comprises agroove 5 and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12 cooperating with thegroove 5. - The
upper guide element 1 comprises a groove (not depicted in the figures) and thelower guide element 2 comprises the attachment element (not depicted in the figures) cooperating with the groove. - The
upper guide element 1 comprises a groove (not depicted in the figures) and thelower guide element 2 comprises the attachment element (not depicted in the figures) cooperating with the groove, and theprofile 4 of the base support comprises agroove 5 and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12 cooperating with thegroove 5. - The
upper guide element 1 comprises a groove (not depicted in the figures) and thelower guide element 2 comprises the attachment element (not depicted in the figures) cooperating with the groove, and theupper guide element 1 comprises agroove 5" and theprofile 4 comprises anattachment element 12"' cooperating with thegroove 5". - The
upper guide element 1 comprises a groove (not depicted in the figures) and thelower guide element 2 comprises the attachment element (not depicted in the figures) cooperating with the groove, and theupper guide element 1 comprises agroove 5" and theprofile 4 comprises anattachment element 12"' cooperating with thegroove 5", and theprofile 4 of the base support comprises agroove 5 and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12 cooperating with thegroove 5. - In any of these configurations, the
groove attachment element upper guide element 1 and the base support is caused by the fitting of at least one of theattachment elements corresponding groove - In a preferred embodiment, the
upper guide element 1 comprises theattachment element 12, as shown by way of example inFigures 5 and 6 , and, as shown by way of example inFigures 7A, 7B and 7C , thegroove 5 is in theprofile 4 of the base support. Thegroove 5 can be arranged in the upper part of theprofile 4, being open and accessible from the upper part of saidprofile 4, and theattachment element 12 of theupper guide element 1 cooperates with thegroove 5 so that theupper guide element 1 is attached to the base support. Theattachment element 12 corresponds in this case to a projection of theupper guide element 1 prolonging in a substantially horizontal manner, in the form of bolts for example, and comprising arod 12A traversing thegroove 5. Theattachment element 12 can further comprise ahead 12B which is arranged in an outer side of theprofile 4 when theupper guide element 1 is attached to the base support and is configured to not be able to traverse thegroove 5. Anattachment element 12 can be threaded for example, as can be deduced fromFigure 4 for example, where it is shown how a plurality ofupper guide elements 1 are provided withattachment elements 12, which are screwed into a corresponding bushing 12C located inside theupper guide element 1, to then fit theattachment element 12 in thegroove 5 located in the upper edge of theprofile 4. Furthermore, theupper guide element 1 preferably comprises a plurality ofattachment elements 12, theprofile 4 comprising at least onegroove 5 for eachattachment element 12 of theupper guide element 1. - The
upper guide element 1 can also comprise agripping element 12D, which preferably corresponds to a projection in the form of a bolt or a grip projecting from theattachment elements 12, being able to correspond to an extension of therod 12A behind thehead 12B to provide a grip for the operator in the assembly and disassembly process of theupper guide element 1. - In the preferred embodiment, the
upper guide element 1 further comprises aprolongation 19 extending towards thelower guide element 2 when theupper guide element 1 is attached to the base support, laterally delimiting thechannel 3, such that theprofile 4 does not delimit thechannel 3 and, since theupper guide element 1 is detachable, theprolongation 19 can be easily cleaned (in a simpler manner than theprofile 4 can be), improving access for cleaning the walls delimiting thechannel 3. Theupper guide element 1 additionally comprises anattachment element 12" arranged in theprolongation 19, cooperating with a groove 5' arranged in the base support, preferably in thelower guide element 2 or between thelower guide element 2 and theprofile 4, the groove 5' being suitable for clamping theattachment element 12", theupper guide element 1 thus counteracting transverse forces that the band exerts in the direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction L, without being detached from theprofile 4. Theattachment element 12" can correspond to a projection or the like, or to the end of theprolongation 19. Theupper guide element 1 can comprise aprolongation 19 in any of its embodiments and/or configurations, not only in the preferred embodiment. - A first configuration of the
groove 5 corresponds to the configuration depicted by way of example inFigures 7A, 7B and 7C . Thegroove 5 comprises a specific orientation allowing motion of theupper guide element 1 in the forward movement direction of thechain 10 in order to be attached to the base support. Theupper guide element 1 being able to become detached from the base support during the packaging process due to vibrations and/or forces it may withstand during said process, for example, is thereby hindered. The orientation of thegroove 5 can be substantially oblique in the forward movement direction of thechain 10 for the interlocking of theattachment element 12. This can serve as a basis for an easy and secure interlocking motion, for example, by means of a first vertical motion of theupper guide element 1 for receiving theattachment element 12 in thegroove 5, and a second motion that is substantially oblique or inclined in the forward movement direction of thechain 10 of theupper guide element 1 for the interlocking of theattachment element 12 in thegroove 5, thereby reducing the risk of thechain 10 being able to accidentally cause theupper guide element 1 to become disengaged as said chain moves forward, because thechain 10 tends to take theupper guide element 1 towards its interlocking position. - In a second configuration of the
groove 5 which is not depicted in the figures, similar to the first configuration, thegroove 5 can be substantially L-shaped. Therefore, to fit theupper guide element 1 in the profile 4 a first motion can be performed substantially in a first direction, for example, in a vertical direction, and a second motion can be performed in a second direction, for example, in a horizontal direction in the forward movement direction of thechain 10. Both configurations of thegroove 5 prevent theattachment element 12 from being able to become decoupled from thegroove 5 due to a purely vertical motion. - The
profile 4 can be metallic and can correspond to a single longitudinal element, or it can be formed by a plurality of longitudinal elements which are longitudinally attached to one another. Each longitudinal element can have a length of one or several meters, for example, five meters or longer, depending on the needs of themachine 100. - In the preferred embodiment, the
upper guide element 1 further comprises at least oneflange 1A projecting at an upper end of theupper guide element 1 in the direction opposite thechain 10 when theupper guide element 1 is attached to the base support, theflange 1A defining a preferablylongitudinal groove 5" suitable for clamping anattachment element 12"' of theprofile 4 when theupper guide element 1 is attached to the base support. It is therefore assured to a greater extent that theupper guide element 1 and the base support are attached to one another. Logically, thegroove 5" comprises a substantially identical or slightly greater width than the width of theattachment element 12"' of theprofile 4, so that theprofile 4 is clamped by thegroove 5" of theflange 1A and so that theupper guide element 1 withstands transverse forces that the strip may exert without becoming detached from theprofile 4. Theattachment element 12"' therefore corresponds to the upper end of theprofile 4. -
Figures 8 and 9 show alower guide element 2 of the preferred embodiment of the invention by way of example. Thelower guide element 2 comprises a machined or extruded or moldedprofile 23 that is longer than theprofile 11 of theupper guide element 1, and which establishes alower guide track 24 on which thechain 10 can slide. Thechannel 3 is formed between thetracks upper guide element 1 andlower guide element 2, respectively. Thelower guide element 2 can be provided with a series of lower flanges orribs 21, which serve to laterally guide and retain thechain 10 in its return path, in correspondence withreturn guide elements 7 which will be described in detail below, to prevent thechain 10 from coming out of saidreturn guide elements 7. On the other hand, thelower guide element 2 comprises a plurality ofnotches 22 which serve to drain cleaning liquids during the processes of cleaning thechain 10 and theguide device 110. Therefore, when cleaning is performed, the cleaning liquid can go down through these openings or holes 22, which can be established between thelower guide element 2 itself and theprofile 4 to which it is attached for example, or in an alternative configuration, in thelower guide element 2 itself. This allows easy draining of the cleaning liquids through the lower part of theguide device 110. Thelower guide element 2 can have an inclined surface that makes the cleaning liquids flow towards the openings ornotches 22 in question. In the preferred embodiment, theupper guide element 1 comprises a set ofprolongations 19 withattachment elements 12" configured to be fitted in the openings ornotches 22 of the lower guide element, as shown by way of example inFigure 11C . The dimensions of theattachment elements 12" are substantially identical to or slightly smaller than the dimensions of the openings or holes 22, such that when theupper guide element 1 is attached to the base support, the openings orholes 22 prevent access or the entrance of dirt in thechain 10 through the openings or holes 22. Additionally, theprolongations 19 or the attachment of theattachment elements 12" in the openings orholes 22 and/or in the grooves 5' can also counteract the forces or motions perpendicular to the forward movement direction L of thechain 10, keeping thechain 10 in the established position. This configuration of thelower guide element 2 can also serve for any embodiment and/or configuration of the invention, not only for the preferred embodiment. - In the preferred embodiment, the
machine 100 can further comprise a fixing coupling 9 associated with eachupper guide element 1 and with the base support, particularly with theprofile 4 of the base support, to secure the attachment between the correspondingupper guide element 1 and the base support and to prevent them from becoming detached during a packaging process, such as the one shown by way of example inFigures 10 ,11A ,11B and11C . Additionally, theupper guide element 1 can also comprise at least one attachment element 12' in the form of bolts, similar to theattachment elements 12, which in turn comprises arod 12E and ahead 12F. Therod 12E is longer than therods 12A of theattachment elements 12 and configured to secure theupper guide 1 by means of the fixing coupling 9. The attachment element 12' furthermore carries out the function of anattachment element 12. - In the embodiment of the fixing coupling 9 shown in the figures, the fixing coupling 9 cooperates with the attachment element 12' to prevent the accidental detachment of the base support and the
upper guide element 1. The fixing coupling 9 comprises abody 9C, anarticulation 9B and agrip 9A. Thebody 9C preferably comprises a hole not shown in the figures (or groove), which is traversed by thearticulation 9B (which corresponds to a rod, for example, and a head), theprofile 4 in turn comprising a hole also for receiving thearticulation 9B, the fixing coupling 9 thus being attached to theprofile 4 by means of thearticulation 9B. Thebody 9C has rotational freedom with respect to thearticulation 9B when the fixing coupling 9 is attached to theprofile 4, and a user can cause this rotation by operating thegrip 9A to release the attachment element 12' and to therefore be able to detach theupper guide element 1 from the base support. Thegrip 9A can additionally operate alatch 9A' which is inserted in a hole 4' of theprofile 4 once the fixing coupling 9 is in its lock position, thereby preventing the accidental opening of the fixing coupling 9, and therefore, of theupper guide 1. One end of the fixing coupling 9 comprises a substantially U-shaped portion and serves to clamp the attachment element 12', the opening of the U-shaped portion being in the lower part. Therefore, when the base support and theupper guide element 1 are attached to one another that attachment can then be secured, causing the substantially U-shaped end to clamp the attachment element 12', said end being arranged between theprofile 4 and thehead 12F of the attachment element 12'. With the first configuration of thegroove 5, the central axis of thebody 9C is substantially perpendicular to the inclination of thegroove 5, thereby optimizing the function of the fixing coupling 9. The length of therod 12E is substantially identical to or slightly greater than the sum of the width of theprofile 4 and the width of the fixing coupling 9, such that thehead 12F of the attachment element 12' prevents the movement of theupper guide element 1 in the direction perpendicular to the forward movement of the band or strip of material, while at the same time the fixing coupling 9 assures the correct placement of theupper guide element 1 inside thegroove 5 and prevents accidental detachment. - In a second embodiment of the invention, the
upper guide element 1 is attached to the base support by means of at least one groove 5', although it is preferably attached by means of a plurality of grooves 5'. In this case, the groove 5' is between thelower guide element 2 and theprofile 4 of the base support and theupper guide element 1 comprises anattachment element 12" for cooperating with the groove 5'. In an alternative configuration, the groove 5' could be directly in thelower guide element 2. Theupper guide element 1 comprises aprolongation 19 such as the prolongation mentioned for the preferred embodiment, and an end of saidprolongation 19 corresponds to theattachment element 12", the end of saidprolongation 19 preferably comprising anattachment element 12" longer than the one shown in the figures and the groove 5' therefore being deeper. Preferably, thelower guide element 2 comprises a plurality of grooves 5' and theupper guide element 1 comprises a plurality ofattachment elements 12". The coupling between theupper guide element 1 and the base support can therefore be established directly between theupper guide element 1 and thelower guide element 2. Theupper guide element 1 can comprise a hook or equivalent element for securing the attachment with the base support, cooperating with said base support. The groove 5' can be similar to thegroove 5 of the preferred embodiment, the attachment therefore being performed by means of sliding, or a downward motion of theupper guide element 1 can be sufficient. In the second embodiment of the invention, theupper guide element 1 further comprises a flange similar toflange 1A of the preferred embodiment, such that theupper guide element 1 stays in its position on one hand as a result of thegroove 5" of theflange 1A and on the other hand as a result of the attachment between the groove 5' and theattachment element 12". In the second embodiment of the invention, it would not be necessary to useattachment elements 12 like those described for the first embodiment, or the associated elements or features, but they could also be included. - In the second embodiment, the
machine 100 further comprises a fixing coupling for the same function as that carried out by the fixing coupling 9 of the preferred embodiment. For this case, theupper guide element 1 can comprise a projection projecting from its upper part for example, and the fixing coupling cooperates with the projection to perform its function, just as the fixing coupling 9 cooperates with the attachment element 12' of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The features of the projection can be similar to the attachment element 12' of the preferred embodiment, with the difference that its length does not have to take the width of theprofile 4 into account. - In any other embodiment and/or configuration of the invention, the
guide device 110 can comprise a flange similar toflange 1A of the preferred embodiment, with itsgroove 5" for cooperating with theprofile 4. - In any of the embodiments and/or configurations of the invention, the
guide device 110 can comprise a plurality ofupper guide elements 1 as shown by way of example inFigure 12 , located one after the other in the forward movement direction L, instead of a singleupper guide element 1. Given that the course of thechain 10 while driving the band or strip can be considerable, theguide device 110 can many times be very long, for example ten meters or longer. Several sectors ofguide devices 110, which can each comprise a fairly long profile, for example five meters or longer, can be used for that purpose. To facilitate handling theupper guide elements 1, i.e., for example, when they are removed from the base support and when they are again fitted in or attached to the base support, it may be convenient for theupper guide elements 1 to be relatively short (for example, in the order of one meter). Thelower guide elements 2 can be more or less fixed, for example, they can be an integral part of a profile or be attached to a profile by means of screws, nuts, bolts, or the like. They can be long since they generally do not have to be handled, which can facilitate continuity. In contrast, theupper guide elements 1, intended for being disassembled for cleaning operations, may frequently be handled so it may be convenient for them to be shorter than thelower guide elements 2. - The
upper guide elements 1 can be separated from one another by aspecific gap 6, preferably a few millimeters or centimeters in size, allowing the movement of one of theupper guide elements 1 with respect to the other to disengage or detach theupper guide element 1 from the base support, especially when there is aninclined groove 5 or 5'. Thegap 6 between the differentupper guide elements 1 allows a fitting or interlocking motion of eachupper guide element 1 for becoming disengaged or detached from the base support, i.e., the differentupper guide elements 1 can be gradually interlocked and unlocked individually, without the motion of anupper guide element 1 being prevented by an adjacentupper guide element 1. - In any of the embodiments and/or configurations of the invention, the
guide device 110 can additionally comprise at least onereturn guide element 7, preferably a plurality ofreturn guide elements 7, arranged below thelower guide element 2 and configured to support thechain 10 by sectors during its return motion. During the return of thechain 10, the chain does not drive the band or strip, so no guiding is required to counteract transverse forces. Nevertheless, certain guiding or support of thechain 10 may be convenient, for example, to prevent noises, but it may be sufficient for this support to be by sectors. For example, in atypical machine 100, thereturn guide elements 7 can be arranged in specific positions corresponding to awelding station 103, a formingstation 102 and atransverse cutting station 106. In these stations, it may be convenient for thechain 10 not to be laterally deviated because it could contact elements or mechanisms provided in these stations. This problem does not exist in the rest of the length of themachine 100.Figure 13 shows areturn guide element 7, which can likewise comprise a machined, extruded or moldedprofile 71 with alip 72 for retaining thechain 10. As can be observed inFigures 2 and3 , thereturn guide elements 7 are shorter than theupper guide elements 1 and thelower guide elements 2. Attachment means such asscrews 14, for example, are used to attach thereturn guide elements 7 to the base support, particularly to theprofile 4 of the base support. - In any of the embodiments and/or configurations of the invention, the
lower guide element 2 comprises a machined, extruded or moldedprofile 23 that is longer than theprofile 11 of theupper guide element 1, and which establishes alower guide track 24 on which thechain 10 can slide, as has been mentioned for the preferred embodiment. As occurred in the preferred embodiment, thelower guide element 2 can be provided with a series of lower flanges orribs 21 and openings or holes 22. -
Figure 11B , for example, which is another cross-section of theguide device 110, shows the attachment of the elementlower guide 2 to theprofile 4 by attachment means, such asscrews 13, for example, traversing thelower guide 2 and theprofile 4 and screwed into ablind nut 13A withwashers 13B. Evidently, if another type of attachment means is used instead ofscrews 13, theblind nut 13A andwashers 13B would be suitably replaced. As mentioned above, both elements, thelower guide 2 andprofile 4, can be part of a single element. - The elements of the
upper guide 1,lower guide 2 and returnguide 7 can be made of a plastic and/or polymer material and can be molded and then fixed to theprofile 4, for example.
Claims (15)
- A thermoforming machine comprising conveying means (10) for conveying a band of material in a forward movement direction (L) of the machine (100), and at least one guide device (110) for guiding the movement of the conveying means (10) in the forward movement direction (L), the guide device (110) comprising a base support including at least one profile (4) and at least one lower guide element (2) attached to the profile (4), at least one upper guide element (1), and a channel (3) which is defined between both guide elements (1, 2), and which is configured to allow the guided forward movement of the conveying means (10) therethrough to drive said band, characterized in that the upper guide element (1) is detachably attached to the base support to allow access to the conveying means (10) to perform cleaning operations.
- The machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper guide element (1) is attached to the base support by means of the fitting of at least one attachment element (12, 12', 12", 12"') in a respective groove (5, 5', 5").
- The machine according to claim 2, wherein the upper guide element (1) comprises at least one attachment element (12, 12', 12") and the base support comprises a groove (5, 5') for each attachment element (12, 12', 12").
- The machine according to claim 3, wherein the base support comprises at least one groove (5, 5') that is open and accessible from the upper part of said base support.
- The machine according to claim 4, wherein the profile (4) comprises at least one groove (5) in the upper part cooperating with an attachment element (12, 12') of the upper guide element (1), the attachment element (12, 12') extending in a substantially horizontal direction and the attachment element (12, 12') comprising a rod (12A) traversing the groove (5).
- The machine according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein a groove (5') cooperating with an attachment element (12") of the upper guide element (1) is defined between the profile (4) and the lower guide element (2), the attachment element (12") extending towards the lower guide element (2) when the upper guide element (1) is attached to the base support.
- The machine according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lower guide element (2) comprises a groove cooperating with an attachment element (12") of the upper guide element (1), the attachment element (12") extending towards the lower guide element (2) when the upper guide element (1) is attached to the base support.
- The machine according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the at least one groove (5, 5') is inclined with an orientation in the forward movement direction (L) or is substantially L-shaped and oriented towards said forward movement direction (L), such that at least one sliding motion of the upper guide element (1) in said forward movement direction (L) is performed to attach the upper guide element (1) to the base support.
- The machine according to claim 8, wherein the guide device (110) comprises a plurality of upper guide elements (1) arranged one after the other in the forward movement direction (L), there being a gap (6) between at least one of said upper guide elements (1) and another one of said upper guide elements (1), which allows a movement of one of said upper guide elements (1) with respect to the other to detach the upper guide element (1) from the base support.
- The machine according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the upper guide element (1) comprises at least one groove (5") and the base support comprises an attachment element (12"') cooperating with said groove (5") so that the upper guide element (1) is attached to the base support.
- The machine according to claim 10, wherein the upper end of the profile (4) corresponds to the attachment element (12"') of the base support, the upper guide element (1) comprising a flange (1A) defining the groove (5") and clamping the attachment element (12"') of the base support.
- The machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fixing coupling (9) associated with the upper guide element (1) and the base support, for securing the attachment between the corresponding upper guide element (1) and the base support and preventing them from accidentally becoming detached.
- The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower guide element (2) comprises a plurality of openings or notches (22) for draining a cleaning liquid.
- The machine according to claim 13, wherein the upper guide element (1) comprises a prolongation (19) extending towards the lower guide element (2) when the upper guide element (1) is attached to the base support, which covers the openings or notches (22) of the lower guide element (2).
- The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device (110) comprises a plurality of return guide elements (7) located below the lower guide element (2) and configured to provide support for the conveying means (10) by sectors during its return motion.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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ES13382031.6T ES2548083T3 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2013-02-01 | Thermoforming machine |
EP13382031.6A EP2762411B1 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2013-02-01 | Thermoforming machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP13382031.6A EP2762411B1 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2013-02-01 | Thermoforming machine |
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EP2762411A1 true EP2762411A1 (en) | 2014-08-06 |
EP2762411B1 EP2762411B1 (en) | 2015-09-02 |
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EP13382031.6A Active EP2762411B1 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2013-02-01 | Thermoforming machine |
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EP (1) | EP2762411B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2548083T3 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3023339A1 (en) | 2014-11-24 | 2016-05-25 | Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S.Coop. | Method for a packaging machine and packaging machine |
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EP1498353A1 (en) | 2003-06-13 | 2005-01-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG | Packaging machine |
EP1816075A1 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2007-08-08 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG | Packaging machine, in particular a strip roll or deep drawing machine, tray sealing machine or similar |
WO2007090653A1 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2007-08-16 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine having a frame |
DE102007021397A1 (en) * | 2006-05-05 | 2007-11-08 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | packaging machine |
WO2009080293A1 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2009-07-02 | Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop | Packaging machine |
US20090241486A1 (en) | 2008-03-28 | 2009-10-01 | Buchko Raymond G | Belt Driven Clamping Arrangement For Gripping And Advancing Web Material In A Packaging Machine |
-
2013
- 2013-02-01 ES ES13382031.6T patent/ES2548083T3/en active Active
- 2013-02-01 EP EP13382031.6A patent/EP2762411B1/en active Active
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DE4314550A1 (en) | 1993-05-03 | 1994-11-10 | Howden Verpackungstechnik Gmbh | Apparatus for the production of sealed plastic packs |
EP0860363A1 (en) | 1997-02-20 | 1998-08-26 | Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | Aseptic machine for making, filling and sealing packages |
EP1498353A1 (en) | 2003-06-13 | 2005-01-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG | Packaging machine |
EP1816075A1 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2007-08-08 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG | Packaging machine, in particular a strip roll or deep drawing machine, tray sealing machine or similar |
WO2007090653A1 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2007-08-16 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine having a frame |
DE102007021397A1 (en) * | 2006-05-05 | 2007-11-08 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | packaging machine |
WO2009080293A1 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2009-07-02 | Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop | Packaging machine |
US20090241486A1 (en) | 2008-03-28 | 2009-10-01 | Buchko Raymond G | Belt Driven Clamping Arrangement For Gripping And Advancing Web Material In A Packaging Machine |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3023339A1 (en) | 2014-11-24 | 2016-05-25 | Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S.Coop. | Method for a packaging machine and packaging machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2762411B1 (en) | 2015-09-02 |
ES2548083T3 (en) | 2015-10-14 |
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