EP2942299B1 - Packing unit with a controllable temperature and method for same - Google Patents

Packing unit with a controllable temperature and method for same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2942299B1
EP2942299B1 EP14167033.1A EP14167033A EP2942299B1 EP 2942299 B1 EP2942299 B1 EP 2942299B1 EP 14167033 A EP14167033 A EP 14167033A EP 2942299 B1 EP2942299 B1 EP 2942299B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
component
heatable fluid
side panel
packaging system
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14167033.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2942299A1 (en
Inventor
Elmar Ehrmann
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.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Priority to EP14167033.1A priority Critical patent/EP2942299B1/en
Priority to ES14167033T priority patent/ES2756425T3/en
Priority to US14/698,387 priority patent/US10315795B2/en
Publication of EP2942299A1 publication Critical patent/EP2942299A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2942299B1 publication Critical patent/EP2942299B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • B65B63/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B63/08—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for heating or cooling articles or materials to facilitate packaging
    • 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
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • 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
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • 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
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/005—Safety-devices
    • 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
    • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a packaging installation according to claim 1 or a method for tempering a packaging installation according to method claim 12.
  • thermoforming packaging machines are cooled during the labor input.
  • the cooling is performed during packaging, for example, by a cooling fluid to heatable tool components of the packaging machine, for example, to form tools or sealing tools, is performed in order to dissipate heat therefrom. This may assist the cooling process of the formed film in a thermoforming packaging machine. Above all, the cooling prevents the tool components from overheating and posing a risk of injury to the operating personnel.
  • thermoforming packaging machine it is important to control the cooling of the respective tool components of the thermoforming packaging machine such that an energy level preset for the tool components remains constant during the packaging cycle, i. h., That the cooling capacity is controlled so that the tool components to be cooled do not overheat or undercool.
  • packaging machines in particular thermoforming packaging machines, are set up for packaging food products in a refrigerated environment so that the food products to be packaged do not overheat during the packaging process, possibly leading to their spoilage.
  • an effectively cooled packaging machine can also ensure that the food products to be packaged are always exposed to a constant ambient temperature, so that their cold chain is not interrupted even during the packaging process.
  • US 4,909,016 A discloses a tubular bag packaging machine with a temperature controlled heated Siegel and cooled retaining clips for the packaging material.
  • US 5,505,813 A discloses a machine for manufacturing a hose comprising a temperature-controlled cooling device.
  • FR 1 568 475 A discloses a machine tool, in particular a lathe with means for temperature compensation of a spindle bearing.
  • US 3,712,020 A discloses a packaging system with insertion station and thermosystem.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system in which an improved temperature of the packaging system is achieved with structurally simple means possible. It is also the object of the invention to provide an improved method for controlling the temperature of a packaging system.
  • the packaging installation comprises a work station with a tool component, an insertion station with a side trim component, and a thermosystem conveying a heatable fluid (for example water or an oil), wherein the thermosystem comprises a heat section conveying the heatable fluid to the side trim component, which at least partially adjoins the heat section Side trim component is coupled to heat them.
  • a heatable fluid for example water or an oil
  • the packaging installation according to the invention therefore has, in particular, a thermosystem which is advantageous in two respects with respect to the prior art discussed at the outset.
  • the thermal system can namely be used advantageously depending on the configuration both for cooling, as well as for heating the packaging system, wherein by the inventive Packaging plant is created an improved working condition for the operator.
  • the packing system according to the invention would also make it possible to efficiently couple the cooling of the tool component to the heating of the side lining component. so that the packaging system according to the invention from an energetic point of view is particularly environmentally friendly and cost-conscious use.
  • the packaging system according to the invention offers the possibility of using the stored heat energy absorbed in the heatable fluid by the cooling of the tool component directly for the heating of the side panel component, whereby external additional energy sources for heating the side panel component can be dispensed with.
  • the heating of the side covering component can result in a "healthier" workstation which is more pleasant for the operating personnel, because the staff is no longer in contact with the cold side lining component during the insertion process. As a result, illnesses and thus illness-related failures of the staff can be reduced.
  • the packaging system according to the invention causes optimum temperature control of the side trim component of the insertion path, in order to comfortably heat them for the operating personnel.
  • the packaging system according to the invention can also be designed only for cooling the tool component or for heating the side trim component.
  • a packaging system which is provided with the features for cooling the tool component, can be used advantageously in particular if a robot for inserting products into the packaging troughs is positioned along the insertion station.
  • the packaging system according to the invention which is provided exclusively with the features for heating the side trim component, can be used advantageously when the tool component already receives sufficient cooling by the environment or does not heat up very strongly during the packaging process.
  • the thermal section of the thermal system includes at least one thermal element for conveying the heatable fluid along an interior of the side trim component.
  • the heat element is not visible from the outside, so that the packaging system receives an overall improved appearance.
  • the heat element is well protected on the inside of the trim component and does not hinder the operator during the loading process. Furthermore, from the inside, the heat from the heat element can be uniformly transmitted to the side trim component. The operator is therefore no longer in contact with a cold side panel.
  • the heat element can be made in one piece, for example as an aluminum casting or extruded profile, or in several parts, for example comprising an aluminum plate with a tube welded or screwed thereon. In this case, instead of a single straight pipe, a plurality of parallel pipes or a pipe coil can be provided.
  • the heat element is formed integrally with the side trim component. This may in particular favor the heat exchange between the heat element and the side trim component, because in between can be dispensed with additional connection means.
  • the side trim component is characterized very robust, which can lead to a reduced noise along the insertion path.
  • the heat element is releasably attached to the side trim component, particularly on the inside thereof. This can be especially helpful if the heat element for maintenance and service purposes must be removed from the packaging system.
  • the heat element can then be retrofitted to the side trim component of the packaging system, whereby the packaging system is adaptable to different packaging locations and / or packaging conditions.
  • the heat element is preferably glued to the inside of the side trim component, in particular by means of a thermal paste. This requires a simple method of attachment, with heat transferable well over the thermal grease to the side trim component.
  • the heat element comprises at least one holding element.
  • This can be used in particular as a fastening means of the heat element to the side trim component.
  • the holding element it would be conceivable for the holding element to have fastening means at its ends which are configured to engage in a primarily detachable manner on complementary fastening means of the side lining component, to hold the heat element against the inside of the side trim component.
  • the holding element comprises an opening for clamping the below-mentioned tube of the heating element. Once the tube is clamped in the opening, the holding element is stably aligned.
  • the retaining element attached to the heat element constitutes a spacer which presses the thermal element under bias against the inside of the side trim component.
  • the heat element comprises a carrier plate, by means of which the heat element is arranged on the side panel component.
  • the support plate provides a stable base by means of which the heat element is attachable to the inside of the side trim component.
  • the carrier plate forms a large surface, which substantially covers the inside of the side panel component, so that the heat of the heatable fluid can be transferred to the side panel component effectively by the carrier plate.
  • the thermal element comprises at least one tube for conveying the heatable fluid, which is arranged on the carrier plate.
  • the tube provides a simple and compact means for conveying the heatable fluid and can be easily arranged along the inside of the side trim component, without hindering other components, such as a conveyor line of the packaging system.
  • the tube is fastened in a receptacle of the carrier plate, in particular welded into it, in order to be arranged particularly firmly and stably on the carrier plate. It would also be conceivable for the tube to be integrally molded into the carrier plate, i.e. to interconnect two carrier plate halves, and also to be welded between the carrier plate halves. This would be a particularly space-saving variant, which would favor the compactness of the insertion station of the packaging system.
  • the tube could even more easily be fastened to the carrier plate if the heating element has a receiving element which comprises a band and a seat, wherein the tube can be fastened to the seat and the band can be fastened to the carrier plate or between two Halves of the support plate is welded.
  • the band can connect the two carrier plate halves at a predetermined angle with each other to form the carrier plate corresponding to the inside of the side trim component.
  • the tube is made of aluminum, because this can be used excellently in an environment with the highest hygienic requirements and also has a relatively high heat transfer conductivity.
  • the heat element remains light and thus can be retrofitted well on the side trim component.
  • the heating element comprises a plurality of mutually parallel tubes, which are arranged for conveying the heatable fluid on the carrier plate. This can increase the heating rate for the side trim component.
  • the respective tubes in particular the fastening variants described above would be available.
  • the tube is formed as a tube coil, which is fastened on the carrier plate and meanders along the carrier plate, in order thus to increase the heat transfer to the carrier plate.
  • the tool component is preferably a lower mold part or upper part or a lower sealing part or upper part of a packaging machine, in particular a thermoforming packaging machine, of the packaging system. It is thus possible to maintain a desired working temperature on the tool component, which leads to a consistent, qualitatively optimized and energy-efficient production result. By cooling the tool component can be further ensured that the operator does not hurt it, d. that is, the cooled tool component also provides a touch safety function.
  • the packaging system preferably comprises at least one vacuum pump, in particular for deep-drawing packaging trays.
  • the cooling section also directs the heatable fluid to the vacuum pump to cool it. This prevents overheating of the vacuum pump, which can then be used well, especially with high power increases or manufacturing rhythm changes.
  • the vacuum pump is in particular the (last) tool component to be cooled downstream. Thus, not only the tool component but also other working means can be effectively cooled by the thermosystem.
  • thermosystem as actuator comprises a delivery pump with variable delivery rate, which is configured to regulate the volume flow of the heatable fluid in the cooling section.
  • this allows a volume flow change to be set exactly in accordance with an intended cooling capacity.
  • the cooling section is fluidically connected to the heating section, wherein the heatable fluid heated by the cooling of the tool component can be conducted from the cooling section into the heating section in order to serve the heating of the side lining component therein.
  • This allows the energy absorbed in the heatable fluid during cooling of the tool component to be used directly to heat the heat of the side trim component, thereby eliminating the need for additional energy sources to heat the side trim component.
  • the heat energy stored in the system of the packaging system is used meaningfully for heating the side lining component.
  • the heat energy stored during the cooling of the tool component is therefore not released directly to the environment, which could lead to an undesirable heating of the environment, but is advantageously used directly for the heating of the side trim component.
  • the actuator is a proportional valve to control the flow rate of the heatable fluid
  • the thermal system comprises at least one temperature sensor which is adapted to detect a temperature of the heated by the tool component heated fluid.
  • the proportional valve allows precise control of the flow rate of the heatable fluid to the tool component, so that an accurate adjustment of the cooling capacity can be adjusted at different recorded temperature values. It is conceivable that an operator manually sets the flow rate at the proportional valve based on the detected temperature value.
  • the packaging equipment includes a controller operatively connected to the actuator and the temperature sensor and configured to control the actuator based on the sensed temperature through the temperature sensor.
  • the control system therefore provides a central automated control function for controlling the cooling capacity, which reacts quickly by means of the detected temperature value, which represents a value of the heat transferred to the heatable fluid by the cooling of the tool component, a corresponding control of the actuator, in particular of the proportional valve to regulate the cooling capacity. It is thus achieved that the tool component can be kept at a virtually constant operating temperature, which leads to an optimum production result.
  • the controller is configured to compare the detected temperature with a preset temperature range, and to initiate a control of the actuator, if the detected temperature outside the preset Temperature range is.
  • the actuator can also be designed as a conventional (water) tap, by means of which the operating personnel of the packaging installation can manually set a flow rate of the heatable fluid.
  • This variant is particularly cost-effective and can be used without additional control effort, with only a detected temperature of the heated, heatable fluid must be monitored. If the operator recognizes, for example, that the detected temperature is above a predetermined setpoint temperature value, then the faucet can be further turned on, so that the flow rate and thus the cooling by the heatable fluid increases. However, if it is found that the detected temperature of the heatable fluid is below the predetermined setpoint temperature, then the flow rate can be throttled by means of the faucet to avoid an unnecessarily high volume flow of the heatable fluid.
  • the invention also relates to a method for tempering a packaging system.
  • the packaging installation comprises a work station with at least one tool component, an insertion station with at least one side trim component, and a thermosystem that conveys a heatable fluid (eg water).
  • a heatable fluid eg water
  • the tool component is cooled by the heatable fluid by conveying the heatable fluid through a cooling section of the thermosystem to the tooling component, wherein the siding component is warmed up by the heatable fluid by being conveyed through a heat section of the thermal system to the side trim component extending at least in sections along the side trim component to deliver heat to it.
  • the method according to the invention is used for heating the side trim component.
  • the heatable fluid heated by the tool component is directed from the cooling section into the thermal section of the thermal system to at least partially transfer energy received during cooling of the tool component to the side trim component in the form of heat.
  • Such a fluidly provided coupling between the cooling section and the thermal section of the thermosystem is particularly well suited for use with a thermoforming packaging machine in which a sufficient amount of heat can be absorbed during the forming and sealing process by the heatable fluid, which is efficient for heating the Side trim component is usable.
  • the heatable fluid is conveyed in a heat element attached to an inner side of the side trim component.
  • the heat element used to promote the heatable fluid is not visible from the outside and does not hinder the operator during the loading process at work.
  • a temperature sensor of the thermal system detects a temperature of heated by the tool component heated fluid, wherein a control of Packaging system which compares the detected temperature with a preset temperature value and controls the actuator based thereon.
  • a closed loop can be provided, which automatically controls the cooling capacity for the tool component.
  • FIG. 1 shows a packaging system 1 with a working direction R arranged in the work station 2, which is designed as thermoforming packaging machine T.
  • the thermoforming packaging machine T is preceded by a Folienrollollung 3 with a film 4 and a film stretching station 5.
  • the thermoforming packaging machine T comprises a forming station 6, by means of which packaging troughs 7 can be produced.
  • the packaging troughs 7 can be equipped with food products P along an insertion station 8, which are in accordance with FIG. 1 be provided by a product feeder 9 or manually by operating personnel.
  • the filled with food products P packaging troughs 7 are fed to the insertion station 8 a sealing station 10.
  • the sealing station 10 of the thermoforming packaging machine T is supplied with a cover film 12 by a lid film unwinding 11, which is welded onto the packaging trays 7 filled with food products P in order to enclose the food products P therein.
  • the packaging plant in FIG. 1 further comprises a separating station 13 with a robot 14, which transfers the individual filled and sealed packaging troughs 7 to a downstream process, for example a sorting belt S.
  • FIG. 1 further shows a side trim component 15 which is arranged along the insertion station 8.
  • the packaging installation 1 is set up in particular in a cooled environment U, so that the cold chain of the frozen food products is not interrupted even during the packaging process. Therefore, the respective work stations of the packaging installation 1 essentially assume the temperature of the surroundings U.
  • the side trim component 15 which is produced in particular from a metallic, elongated profile, essentially assumes a temperature value corresponding to the environment U, so that it usually cools to temperatures below 10 ° C.
  • this has the disadvantage that operating personnel who work along the insertion station 8, and possibly against the side trim component 15 leaning to put the products P in the wells 7, supercooled, d. h., sick faster and consequently fails due to illness.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the side trim component 15 with a disposed on an inner side 16 of the side trim component 15 heat element 17.
  • the heat element 17 comprises a support plate 18 which is fixed flat on the inner side 16 of the side trim component 15.
  • a tube 19 is arranged on a side facing away from the inner side 16 of the support plate 18.
  • the tube 19 is intended to contain a heatable fluid F (see FIG. 6 ), eg water, along the side trim component 15, which delivers heat to the side trim component 15.
  • a heatable fluid F see FIG. 6
  • FIG. 2 a plurality of holding elements 20, which are arranged along the side facing away from the inner side 16 of the support plate 18 above the tube 19.
  • the Holding elements 20 are clamped between a bar 51 of the insertion station 8 and the side trim component 15 and aligned to hold the heat element 17 against the inner side 16 of the Soverkteidungskomponente 15.
  • the holding element 20 comprises an opening 20a.
  • the opening 20 a is formed such that the tube 19 of the heat element 17 can be clamped therein (see FIG. 5 ) to bias the heat element 17 against the inside 16, preferably under bias.
  • FIG. 3 shows a section of the side trim component 15 according to the FIG. 2 ,
  • the side trim component 15 has an upper thick portion 15a and a lower thin portion 15b integrally connected with each other.
  • the heat element 17 is fixed to heat the side trim component 15.
  • a screw connection 50 is provided to fix the side trim component 15 to the beams 51 extending along the insertion station 8.
  • FIG. 4 shows the heat element 17 from the side trim component 15 of the FIG. 3 shown isolated.
  • the support plate 18 of the heat element 17 is integrally formed as an extruded profile. Further, the support plate 18 is formed at a predetermined angle ⁇ , which corresponds to a slope of the inner side 16 of the side trim component 15 substantially, so that the support plate 18 can abut flat against the inner side 16.
  • a heat-conducting element 22 on which the tube 19 is fastened, for example, welded thereto.
  • the tube 19 may also be screwed directly to the support plate 18 or welded to it.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective further view of the side trim component 15.
  • the holding member 20 holds the heat element 17 with its support plate 18 against the inside 16 of the side trim component 15.
  • the support member 20 is configured such that it between the beam 51 and the side trim component 15 is clamped so that it receives the heat element 17 between itself and the inside 16 and this presses against the inside 16.
  • FIG. 5 further shows that the tube 19 of the heat element 17 is clamped in the opening 20a of the support member 20, and that the support member 20 is clamped between the beam 51 and the side trim component 15 such that it is the thermal element 17 presses against the inside 16 under pretension. Consequently, the support plate 18 of the heat element 17 is flat against the inside 16, whereby an optimal heat transfer is ensured.
  • the heat element 17 could also be glued to the inside 16, for example by means of a thermal compound.
  • FIG. 6 is not part of the invention and schematically shows a thermal system 23 for tempering the forming station 6 and the sealing station 10 of the thermoforming packaging machine T.
  • the molding station 6 and the sealing station 10 each comprise two tool components W, namely a mold upper and lower part 6a, 6b and a sealing tool top and lower part 10a, 10b.
  • the thermal system 23 includes a cooling section 24 in which the heatable fluid F is directed to the forming station 6 and to the sealing station 10 to cool it. According to FIG. 6 the cooling section 24 passes through the lower die part 6b and the upper die part 6a to cool them.
  • the cooling section 24 leads to the sealing station 10 in the sealing tool upper part 10a.
  • the sealing tool base 10b could also be cooled.
  • the cooling section 24 leads to an optional vacuum pump 25 of the thermoforming packaging system 2 in order to cool it as well.
  • a temperature sensor 26 is provided in the cooling section 24.
  • the temperature sensor 26 is configured to detect a temperature T IST of the fluid F heated by the upstream cooling of the forming station 6, the sealing station 10 and the optional vacuum pump 25.
  • the temperature sensor 26 is operatively connected to a controller 27.
  • the controller 27 is configured to control, based on the detected temperature T IST of the heatable fluid F, an actuator 28 integrated downstream in the cooling section 24 to adjust a flow rate of the heatable fluid F in the cooling section 24 to the sensed temperature value.
  • the actuator 28 is according to FIG. 6 is formed as a proportional valve P1, which can be regulated by the controller 27 in order to determine the flow rate of the heatable fluid F.
  • the actuator 28 could also be a feed pump P2, which is functionally connected to the controller 27 and the power of which is controllable by the controller 27 based on the detected temperature value T IST of the heatable fluid F.
  • an optional cooling station 30 which is configured to cool the heatable fluid to a predetermined temperature before passing it to the forming station 6 for cooling.
  • FIG. 7 essentially corresponds to the FIG. 6 in which in series with the cooling section 24, a heat section 29 is connected, in which the heat element 17 is connected.
  • the fluid F heated within the cooling section 24 thus passes through the heat element 17, thereby heating the side trim component 15, on the inside 16 of which the heat element 17 is attached.
  • the heatable fluid F cools and is passed back into the cooling section 24.
  • the heatable fluid F on its way back to the cooling section 24 can additionally be cooled by the cooling station 30 to a desired temperature.
  • a method for tempering the packaging system 1 could according to the FIG. 8 proceed as follows.
  • the heatable fluid F is usually tap water and has a temperature of 10 to 15 ° C.
  • the heatable fluid F first passes through the mold bottom 6b at step S1 to assist the cooling process of the formed film 4 and shorten the thermoforming time. Subsequently, in step S2, the mold upper part 6a is cooled so that a prescribed safety / contact temperature of ⁇ 50 ° C is not exceeded.
  • step S3 the cooling of the sealing tool upper part 10a follows, in order likewise to offer a contact safety protection for the operator.
  • the optionally arranged in the cooling circuit vacuum pump 25 of the thermoforming packaging machine T can also be cooled in step S4.
  • the temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature of the heated, heatable fluid F in step S5.
  • the controller 27 functionally integrated in the thermal system 23 then regulates the flow rate of the heatable fluid F in step S6 in the controller 27 stored target temperature T SOLL or a stored in the controller 27 temperature setpoint range.
  • the heated heatable fluid F at about 30 to 40 ° C in the optional step S7 in the heat section 29 is passed. From this it is then passed on to the connected heat element 17 of the thermal system 23.
  • the heatable fluid F could also remain in the cooling section 24 after step S6 (see also FIG. 6 ), for example, if in step S5 too cool a temperature of the heatable fluid F is detected, which is not sufficient for heating the side trim component 15.
  • the now cooler heatable fluid F is passed into the cooling section 24 in step S8, where it is additionally cooled down by the optional cooling station 30 in step S9, in order subsequently to cool the forming station 6 and Sealing station 10 to be supplied.
  • the thermal system 23, which is designed according to the invention for controlling the temperature of the packaging installation 1, in particular the thermoforming packaging machine T, could just as well be used on other packaging machines, for example on a tray sealer, a tubular bag packaging machine or on a vacuum chamber machine.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Package Closures (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verpackungsanlage gemäß dem Anspruch 1 bzw. ein Verfahren zum Temperieren einer Verpackungsanlage gemäß dem Verfahrensanspruch 12.The invention relates to a packaging installation according to claim 1 or a method for tempering a packaging installation according to method claim 12.

Aus der Praxis ist bekannt, dass bestimmte Verpackungsmaschinen, beispielsweise Tiefziehverpackungsmaschinen, während des Arbeitseinsatzes gekühlt werden. Die Kühlung wird während des Verpackens durchgeführt, indem beispielsweise ein Kühlfluid zu aufheizbaren Werkzeugkomponenten der Verpackungsmaschine, beispielsweise zu Formwerkzeugen oder Siegelwerkzeugen, geführt wird, um von diesen Wärme abzuführen. Dies kann bei einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine den Abkühlprozess der geformten Folie unterstützen. Die Kühlung verhindert vor allem, dass die Werkzeugkomponenten zu sehr erhitzen und eine Verletzungsgefahr für das Bedienpersonal darstellen.From practice it is known that certain packaging machines, such as thermoforming packaging machines, are cooled during the labor input. The cooling is performed during packaging, for example, by a cooling fluid to heatable tool components of the packaging machine, for example, to form tools or sealing tools, is performed in order to dissipate heat therefrom. This may assist the cooling process of the formed film in a thermoforming packaging machine. Above all, the cooling prevents the tool components from overheating and posing a risk of injury to the operating personnel.

Es hat sich herausgestellt, dass es für eine gleichbleibende Verpackungsqualität wichtig ist, die Kühlung der jeweiligen Werkzeugkomponenten der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine derart zu steuern, dass ein für die Werkzeugkomponenten voreingestelltes Energieniveau während des Verpackungszyklus konstant bleibt, d. h., dass die Kühlleistung derart kontrollierbar ist, dass die zu kühlenden Werkzeugkomponenten nicht überhitzen oder unterkühlen.It has been found that, for consistent packaging quality, it is important to control the cooling of the respective tool components of the thermoforming packaging machine such that an energy level preset for the tool components remains constant during the packaging cycle, i. h., That the cooling capacity is controlled so that the tool components to be cooled do not overheat or undercool.

Weiterhin gilt, dass Verpackungsmaschinen, insbesondere Tiefziehverpackungsmaschinen, zum Verpacken von Lebensmittelprodukten in einer gekühlten Umgebung aufgestellt sind, damit die zu verpackenden Lebensmittelprodukte nicht zu sehr während des Verpackungsprozesses erwärmen, was gegebenenfalls zu deren Verderben führen würde.Furthermore, packaging machines, in particular thermoforming packaging machines, are set up for packaging food products in a refrigerated environment so that the food products to be packaged do not overheat during the packaging process, possibly leading to their spoilage.

Eine effektiv gekühlte Verpackungsmaschine kann demnach auch dafür sorgen, dass die zu verpackenden Lebensmittelprodukte stets einer konstanten Umgebungstemperatur ausgesetzt sind, so dass deren Kühlkette selbst während des Verpackungsprozesses nicht unterbrochen wird.Accordingly, an effectively cooled packaging machine can also ensure that the food products to be packaged are always exposed to a constant ambient temperature, so that their cold chain is not interrupted even during the packaging process.

Das Arbeiten in einer ständig gekühlten Umgebung, insbesondere im Bereich einer gekühlten Verpackungsmaschine bei z.B. 3 - 8°C, kann allerdings zu einem erhöhten Krankheitsstand des die Verpackungsmaschine bedienenden Personals führen. Beispielsweise hat es sich herausgestellt, dass Bedienpersonen, welche zum Einlegen von Lebensmittelprodukten in vorgefertigte Verpackungsmulden entlang einer Einlegestrecke einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine positioniert sind, leichter, voraussichtlich wegen Unterkühlung, krank werden.However, working in a constantly cooled environment, in particular in the area of a refrigerated packaging machine at, for example, 3 ° -8 ° C., can lead to an increased level of illness of the personnel operating the packaging machine. For example, it has been found that operators who to insert Food products are positioned in prefabricated packaging troughs along an insertion path of a thermoforming packaging machine, more likely to fall ill, probably due to hypothermia.

US 4,909,016 A offenbart eine Schlauchbeutel-Verpackungsmaschine mit einem temperaturgesteuert beheizbaren Siegeldorn und gekühlten Halteklammern für das Verpackungsmaterial. US 5,505,813 A offenbart eine Maschine zur Herstellung eines Schlauchs, umfassend eine temperierbare Kühlvorrichtung. US 4,909,016 A discloses a tubular bag packaging machine with a temperature controlled heated Siegel and cooled retaining clips for the packaging material. US 5,505,813 A discloses a machine for manufacturing a hose comprising a temperature-controlled cooling device.

FR 1 568 475 A offenbart eine Werkzeugmaschine, insbesondere eine Drehmaschine mit Mitteln zum Temperaturausgleich einer Spindellagerung. FR 1 568 475 A discloses a machine tool, in particular a lathe with means for temperature compensation of a spindle bearing.

US 2,271,637 A offenbart eine Drehmaschine mit einem temperierbaren Tisch US 2,271,637 A discloses a lathe with a temperable table

US 3,712,020 A offenbart eine Verpackungsanlage mit Einlegestation und Thermosystem. US 3,712,020 A discloses a packaging system with insertion station and thermosystem.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Verpackungsanlage zu schaffen, bei der mit konstruktiv möglichst einfachen Mitteln eine verbesserte Temperierung der Verpackungsanlage erreicht wird. Ebenfalls ist es die Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein verbessertes Verfahren zum Temperieren einer Verpackungsanlage zur Verfügung zu stellen.The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system in which an improved temperature of the packaging system is achieved with structurally simple means possible. It is also the object of the invention to provide an improved method for controlling the temperature of a packaging system.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Verpackungsanlage mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 sowie durch ein Verfahren zum Temperieren einer Verpackungsanlage mit den Merkmalen des Verfahrensanspruchs 12. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.The object is achieved by a packaging system with the features of claim 1 and by a method for tempering a packaging system with the features of method claim 12. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Verpackungsanlage eine Arbeitsstation mit einer Werkzeugkomponente, eine Einlegestation mit einer Seitenverkleidungskomponente, und ein ein erwärmbares Fluid (beispielsweise Wasser oder ein Öl) förderndes Thermosystem, wobei das Thermosystem einen das erwärmbare Fluid zu der Seitenverkleidungskomponente fördernden Wärmeabschnitt umfasst, der zumindest abschnittsweise an die Seitenverkleidungskomponente gekoppelt ist, um diese zu erwärmen.According to the invention, the packaging installation comprises a work station with a tool component, an insertion station with a side trim component, and a thermosystem conveying a heatable fluid (for example water or an oil), wherein the thermosystem comprises a heat section conveying the heatable fluid to the side trim component, which at least partially adjoins the heat section Side trim component is coupled to heat them.

Die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage verfügt daher insbesondere über ein Thermosystem, welches in doppelter Hinsicht vorteilhaft bezüglich des eingangs diskutierten Standes der Technik ist. Das Thermosystem kann nämlich je nach Konfiguration sowohl zur Kühlung, als auch zur Erwärmung der Verpackungsanlage vorteilhaft eingesetzt werden, wobei durch die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage eine verbesserte Arbeitsbedingung für das Bedienpersonal geschaffen wird. Neben den vorteilhaften Fähigkeiten, den Abkühlprozess der geformten Folie zu unterstützen, die Formzeit zu verkürzen und die Leistung zu erhöhen, bestünde durch die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage auch die Möglichkeit, die Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente effizient an die Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente zu koppeln, so dass die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage aus energetischer Sicht besonders umweltfreundlich und kostenbewusst einsetzbar ist. Dabei bietet die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage die Möglichkeit, die in dem erwärmbaren Fluid durch die Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente aufgenommene gespeicherte Wärmeenergie direkt für die Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente zu verwenden, wodurch auf externe zusätzliche Energiequellen zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente verzichtet werden kann.The packaging installation according to the invention therefore has, in particular, a thermosystem which is advantageous in two respects with respect to the prior art discussed at the outset. The thermal system can namely be used advantageously depending on the configuration both for cooling, as well as for heating the packaging system, wherein by the inventive Packaging plant is created an improved working condition for the operator. In addition to the advantageous abilities to assist the cooling process of the formed film, to shorten the molding time and to increase the performance, the packing system according to the invention would also make it possible to efficiently couple the cooling of the tool component to the heating of the side lining component. so that the packaging system according to the invention from an energetic point of view is particularly environmentally friendly and cost-conscious use. In this case, the packaging system according to the invention offers the possibility of using the stored heat energy absorbed in the heatable fluid by the cooling of the tool component directly for the heating of the side panel component, whereby external additional energy sources for heating the side panel component can be dispensed with.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsanlage kann durch das Erwärmen der Seitenverkleidungskomponente ein "gesünderer", für das Bedienpersonal angenehmerer Arbeitsplatz entstehen, weil das Personal beim Einlegevorgang nicht mehr mit der kalten Seitenverkleidungskomponente in Kontakt steht. Dadurch können Erkrankungen und somit krankheitsbedingte Ausfälle des Personals reduziert werden.In the case of the packaging installation according to the invention, the heating of the side covering component can result in a "healthier" workstation which is more pleasant for the operating personnel, because the staff is no longer in contact with the cold side lining component during the insertion process. As a result, illnesses and thus illness-related failures of the staff can be reduced.

Somit bewirkt die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage eine optimale Temperierung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente der Einlegestrecke, um diese für das Bedienpersonal angenehm zu erwärmen.Thus, the packaging system according to the invention causes optimum temperature control of the side trim component of the insertion path, in order to comfortably heat them for the operating personnel.

Während die Kopplung der Kühlung mit der Erwärmung wie beschrieben erhebliche Vorteile bedingt, kann die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage auch nur zur Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente oder zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente ausgebildet sein. Eine Verpackungsanlage, welche mit den Merkmalen zur Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente versehen ist, ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft einsetzbar, wenn entlang der Einlegestation ein Roboter zum Einlegen von Produkten in die Verpackungsmulden positioniert ist. Dagegen lässt sich die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage, welche ausschließlich mit den Merkmalen zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente versehen ist, dann vorteilhaft einsetzen, wenn die Werkzeugkomponente bereits eine ausreichende Kühlung durch die Umgebung erhält oder sich während des Verpackungsprozesses nicht besonders stark erhitzt.While the coupling of the cooling with the heating as described considerable advantages, the packaging system according to the invention can also be designed only for cooling the tool component or for heating the side trim component. A packaging system, which is provided with the features for cooling the tool component, can be used advantageously in particular if a robot for inserting products into the packaging troughs is positioned along the insertion station. On the other hand, the packaging system according to the invention, which is provided exclusively with the features for heating the side trim component, can be used advantageously when the tool component already receives sufficient cooling by the environment or does not heat up very strongly during the packaging process.

Vorzugsweise umfasst der Wärmeabschnitt des Thermosystems mindestens ein Wärmeelement zum Fördern des erwärmbaren Fluides entlang einer Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente. An dieser Stelle ist das Wärmeelement nicht von außen sichtbar, sodass die Verpackungsanlage insgesamt ein verbessertes Erscheinungsbild erhält.Preferably, the thermal section of the thermal system includes at least one thermal element for conveying the heatable fluid along an interior of the side trim component. At this point, the heat element is not visible from the outside, so that the packaging system receives an overall improved appearance.

Weiterhin ist das Wärmeelement auf der Innenseite der Verkleidungskomponente gut geschützt angebracht und behindert das Bedienpersonal nicht beim Einlegeprozess. Ferner lässt sich von innen die Wärme von dem Wärmeelement gleichmäßig auf die Seitenverkleidungskomponente übertragen. Das Bedienpersonal steht daher nicht mehr in Kontakt mit einer kalten Seitenverkleidung.Furthermore, the heat element is well protected on the inside of the trim component and does not hinder the operator during the loading process. Furthermore, from the inside, the heat from the heat element can be uniformly transmitted to the side trim component. The operator is therefore no longer in contact with a cold side panel.

Das Wärmeelement kann einteilig, beispielsweise als Aluminiumguss oder Strangprofil, bzw. mehrteilig, beispielsweise umfassend eine Aluminiumplatte mit einem darauf geschweißten oder geschraubten Rohr ausgeführt sein. Dabei können statt eines einzigen geraden Rohrs auch mehrere parallele Rohre oder eine Rohrschlange vorgesehen werden.The heat element can be made in one piece, for example as an aluminum casting or extruded profile, or in several parts, for example comprising an aluminum plate with a tube welded or screwed thereon. In this case, instead of a single straight pipe, a plurality of parallel pipes or a pipe coil can be provided.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung ist das Wärmeelement integral mit der Seitenverkleidungskomponente ausgebildet. Dies kann insbesondere den Wärmeaustausch zwischen dem Wärmeelement und der Seitenverkleidungskomponente begünstigen, weil dazwischen auf zusätzliche Verbindungsmittel verzichtet werden kann. Außerdem wird die Seitenverkleidungskomponente dadurch sehr robust ausgebildet, was zu einer reduzierten Geräuschentwicklung entlang der Einlegestrecke führen kann.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat element is formed integrally with the side trim component. This may in particular favor the heat exchange between the heat element and the side trim component, because in between can be dispensed with additional connection means. In addition, the side trim component is characterized very robust, which can lead to a reduced noise along the insertion path.

Vorzugsweise ist das Wärmeelement lösbar an der Seitenverkleidungskomponente, insbesondere auf deren Innenseite, befestigt. Dies kann vor allem dann hilfreich sein, wenn das Wärmeelement für Wartungs- und Servicezwecke von der Verpackungsanlage entfernt werden muss. Das Wärmeelement kann dann auch an der Seitenverkleidungskomponente der Verpackungsanlage nachgerüstet werden, wodurch die Verpackungsanlage an unterschiedliche Verpackungsorte und/oder Verpackungsbedingungen anpassbar ist.Preferably, the heat element is releasably attached to the side trim component, particularly on the inside thereof. This can be especially helpful if the heat element for maintenance and service purposes must be removed from the packaging system. The heat element can then be retrofitted to the side trim component of the packaging system, whereby the packaging system is adaptable to different packaging locations and / or packaging conditions.

Das Wärmeelement ist vorzugsweise an der Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente angeklebt, insbesondere mittels einer Wärmeleitpaste. Dies bedingt eine einfache Befestigungsmethode, wobei Wärme gut über die Wärmeleitpaste an die Seitenverkleidungskomponente übertragbar ist.The heat element is preferably glued to the inside of the side trim component, in particular by means of a thermal paste. This requires a simple method of attachment, with heat transferable well over the thermal grease to the side trim component.

Es ist zweckmäßig, wenn das Wärmeelement mindestens ein Halteelement umfasst. Dieses kann insbesondere als Befestigungsmittel des Wärmeelements an die Seitenverkleidungskomponente eingesetzt werden. Vorstellbar wäre es, dass das Halteelement an seinen Enden Befestigungsmittel aufweist, die dazu konfiguriert sind, vornehmlich lösbar an komplementären Befestigungsmitteln der Seitenverkleidungskomponente einzurasten, um das Wärmeelement gegen die Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente zu halten.It is expedient if the heat element comprises at least one holding element. This can be used in particular as a fastening means of the heat element to the side trim component. It would be conceivable for the holding element to have fastening means at its ends which are configured to engage in a primarily detachable manner on complementary fastening means of the side lining component, to hold the heat element against the inside of the side trim component.

Vorzugsweise umfasst das Halteelement eine Öffnung zum Einklemmen des weiter unten erwähnten Rohrs des Wärmeelements. Sobald das Rohr in der Öffnung eingeklemmt ist, ist das Halteelement stabil ausgerichtet. Das am Wärmeelement befestigte Halteelement stellt einen Abstandhalter dar, der das Wärmeelement unter Vorspannung gegen die Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente drückt.Preferably, the holding element comprises an opening for clamping the below-mentioned tube of the heating element. Once the tube is clamped in the opening, the holding element is stably aligned. The retaining element attached to the heat element constitutes a spacer which presses the thermal element under bias against the inside of the side trim component.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung umfasst das Wärmeelement eine Trägerplatte, mittels welcher das Wärmeelement an der Seitenverkleidungskomponente angeordnet ist. Insbesondere bietet die Trägerplatte eine stabile Basis, mittels welcher das Wärmeelement an der Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente befestigbar ist. Dabei bildet die Trägerplatte eine große Fläche aus, welche die Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente wesentlich bedeckt, sodass durch die Trägerplatte wirkungsvoll die Wärme des erwärmbaren Fluides an die Seitenverkleidungskomponente übertragbar ist.In a further advantageous variant of the invention, the heat element comprises a carrier plate, by means of which the heat element is arranged on the side panel component. In particular, the support plate provides a stable base by means of which the heat element is attachable to the inside of the side trim component. In this case, the carrier plate forms a large surface, which substantially covers the inside of the side panel component, so that the heat of the heatable fluid can be transferred to the side panel component effectively by the carrier plate.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn das Wärmeelement mindestens ein Rohr zum Fördern des erwärmbaren Fluides umfasst, welches auf der Trägerplatte angeordnet ist. Das Rohr bietet ein einfaches und kompaktes Mittel zum Fördern des erwärmbaren Fluides und kann problemlos entlang der Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente angeordnet werden, ohne dabei andere Komponenten, beispielsweise eine Förderstrecke der Verpackungsanlage, zu behindern.It is particularly advantageous if the thermal element comprises at least one tube for conveying the heatable fluid, which is arranged on the carrier plate. The tube provides a simple and compact means for conveying the heatable fluid and can be easily arranged along the inside of the side trim component, without hindering other components, such as a conveyor line of the packaging system.

Zweckmäßig ist es, wenn das Rohr in einer Aufnahme der Trägerplatte befestigt, insbesondere in diese hinein geschweißt ist, um besonders fest und stabil auf der Trägerplatte angeordnet zu sein. Vorstellbar wäre es auch, dass das Rohr integral in die Trägerplatte eingeformt ist, d.h., zwei Trägerplattenhälften miteinander verbindet, wobei es auch zwischen den Trägerplattenhälften eingeschweißt sein kann. Dies wäre eine besonders platzsparende Variante, welche die Kompaktheit der Einlegestation der Verpackungsanlage begünstigen würde.It is expedient if the tube is fastened in a receptacle of the carrier plate, in particular welded into it, in order to be arranged particularly firmly and stably on the carrier plate. It would also be conceivable for the tube to be integrally molded into the carrier plate, i.e. to interconnect two carrier plate halves, and also to be welded between the carrier plate halves. This would be a particularly space-saving variant, which would favor the compactness of the insertion station of the packaging system.

Noch leichter ließe sich das Rohr auf der Trägerplatte befestigen, wenn das Wärmeelement ein Aufnahmeglied aufweist, welches ein Band und einen Sitz umfasst, wobei das Rohr auf dem Sitz befestigbar ist und das Band auf die Trägerplatte oder zwischen zwei Hälften der Trägerplatte geschweißt ist. Dabei kann das Band die beiden Trägerplattenhälften in einem vorbestimmten Winkel miteinander verbinden, um die Trägerplatte entsprechend der Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente zu formen.The tube could even more easily be fastened to the carrier plate if the heating element has a receiving element which comprises a band and a seat, wherein the tube can be fastened to the seat and the band can be fastened to the carrier plate or between two Halves of the support plate is welded. In this case, the band can connect the two carrier plate halves at a predetermined angle with each other to form the carrier plate corresponding to the inside of the side trim component.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn das Rohr aus Aluminium hergestellt ist, weil dieses sich hervorragend in einer Umgebung mit höchsten hygienischen Anforderungen einsetzen lässt und außerdem eine relativ hohe Wärmeübertragungsleitfähigkeit aufweist. Außerdem bleibt das Wärmeelement dadurch leicht und kann somit gut an der Seitenverkleidungskomponente nachgerüstet werden.It is particularly advantageous if the tube is made of aluminum, because this can be used excellently in an environment with the highest hygienic requirements and also has a relatively high heat transfer conductivity. In addition, the heat element remains light and thus can be retrofitted well on the side trim component.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst das Wärmeelement eine Vielzahl von zueinander parallel verlaufenden Rohren, die zum Fördern des erwärmbaren Fluides auf der Trägerplatte angeordnet sind. Dadurch lässt sich die Erwärmungsrate für die Seitenverkleidungskomponente erhöhen. Für die jeweiligen Rohre stünden insbesondere die oben beschriebenen Befestigungsvarianten zur Verfügung.According to a further embodiment of the invention, the heating element comprises a plurality of mutually parallel tubes, which are arranged for conveying the heatable fluid on the carrier plate. This can increase the heating rate for the side trim component. For the respective tubes, in particular the fastening variants described above would be available.

Alternativ dazu wäre es auch vorstellbar, dass das Rohr als Rohrschlange ausgebildet ist, welche auf der Trägerplatte befestigt ist und sich entlang der Trägerplatte schlängelt, um somit die Wärmeübertragung auf die Trägerplatte zu steigern.Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the tube is formed as a tube coil, which is fastened on the carrier plate and meanders along the carrier plate, in order thus to increase the heat transfer to the carrier plate.

Vorzugsweise ist die Werkzeugkomponente ein Formwerkzeugunterteil oder -oberteil oder ein Siegelwerkzeugunterteil oder -oberteil einer Verpackungsmaschine, insbesondere einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine, der Verpackungsanlage. Es ist somit möglich, an der Werkzeugkomponente eine gewünschte Arbeitstemperatur zu halten, die zu einem gleichbleibenden, qualitativ optimierten sowie energieeffizienten Herstellungsergebnis führt. Durch die Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente kann weiterhin sichergestellt werden, dass sich das Bedienpersonal daran nicht verletzt, d. h., dass die gekühlte Werkzeugkomponente ebenfalls eine Berührungssicherheitsfunktion leistet.The tool component is preferably a lower mold part or upper part or a lower sealing part or upper part of a packaging machine, in particular a thermoforming packaging machine, of the packaging system. It is thus possible to maintain a desired working temperature on the tool component, which leads to a consistent, qualitatively optimized and energy-efficient production result. By cooling the tool component can be further ensured that the operator does not hurt it, d. that is, the cooled tool component also provides a touch safety function.

Die Verpackungsanlage umfasst vorzugsweise mindestens eine Vakuumpumpe, insbesondere zum Tiefziehen von Verpackungsmulden. In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform leitet der Kühlabschnitt das erwärmbare Fluid auch zu der Vakuumpumpe, um diese zu kühlen. Dies verhindert ein Überhitzen der Vakuumpumpe, welche dann insbesondere auch bei hohen Leistungssteigerungen beziehungsweise Herstellungsrhytmusänderungen gut einsetzbar ist. Die Vakuumpumpe ist insbesondere der (letzten) zu kühlenden Werkzeugkomponente nachgelagert. Somit lassen sich durch das Thermosystem außer der Werkzeugkomponente auch andere Arbeitsmittel effektiv kühlen.The packaging system preferably comprises at least one vacuum pump, in particular for deep-drawing packaging trays. In an advantageous embodiment, the cooling section also directs the heatable fluid to the vacuum pump to cool it. This prevents overheating of the vacuum pump, which can then be used well, especially with high power increases or manufacturing rhythm changes. The vacuum pump is in particular the (last) tool component to be cooled downstream. Thus, not only the tool component but also other working means can be effectively cooled by the thermosystem.

Gemäß einer weiteren Variante umfasst das Thermosystem als Stellglied eine Förderpumpe mit variierbarer Förderleistung, welche dazu konfiguriert ist, im Kühlabschnitt den Volumenstrom des erwärmbaren Fluides zu regeln. Mit dieser lässt sich insbesondere eine Volumenstromänderung entsprechend einer beabsichtigten Kühlleistung genau einstellen.According to a further variant, the thermosystem as actuator comprises a delivery pump with variable delivery rate, which is configured to regulate the volume flow of the heatable fluid in the cooling section. In particular, this allows a volume flow change to be set exactly in accordance with an intended cooling capacity.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn der Kühlabschnitt mit dem Wärmeabschnitt strömungstechnisch verbunden ist, wobei das durch die Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente erwärmte erwärmbare Fluid aus dem Kühlabschnitt in den Wärmeabschnitt leitbar ist, um darin der Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente zu dienen. Dies ermöglicht es, dass die aufgenommene Energie im erwärmbaren Fluid während der Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente direkt zur Erwärmung der Wärme der Seitenverkleidungskomponente verwendet wird, wodurch auf zusätzliche Energiequellen zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente verzichtet werden kann. Energetisch gesehen wird daher die im System der Verpackungsanlage gespeicherte Wärmeenergie sinnvoll für die Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente benutzt. Die während der Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente gespeicherte Wärmeenergie wird daher nicht unmittelbar an die Umgebung abgegeben, was zu einem unerwünschten Erwärmung der Umgebung führen könnte, sondern wird in vorteilhafter Weise direkt für das Erwärmen der Seitenverkleidungskomponente verwendet.It is particularly advantageous if the cooling section is fluidically connected to the heating section, wherein the heatable fluid heated by the cooling of the tool component can be conducted from the cooling section into the heating section in order to serve the heating of the side lining component therein. This allows the energy absorbed in the heatable fluid during cooling of the tool component to be used directly to heat the heat of the side trim component, thereby eliminating the need for additional energy sources to heat the side trim component. In terms of energy, therefore, the heat energy stored in the system of the packaging system is used meaningfully for heating the side lining component. The heat energy stored during the cooling of the tool component is therefore not released directly to the environment, which could lead to an undesirable heating of the environment, but is advantageously used directly for the heating of the side trim component.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung ist das Stellglied ein Proportionalventil, um die Durchflussmenge des erwärmbaren Fluides zu regeln, wobei das Thermosystem mindestens einen Temperatursensor umfasst, der dazu ausgebildet ist, eine Temperatur des durch die Werkzeugkomponente erwärmten erwärmbaren Fluides zu erfassen. Das Proportionalventil ermöglicht eine genaue Steuerung der Durchflussmenge des erwärmbaren Fluides zu der Werkzeugkomponente, sodass damit bei unterschiedlich erfassten Temperaturwerten eine genaue Anpassung der Kühlleistung einstellbar ist. Es ist vorstellbar, dass dabei ein Bediener basierend auf dem erfassten Temperaturwert manuell die Durchflussmenge am Proportionalventil einstellt.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a proportional valve to control the flow rate of the heatable fluid, wherein the thermal system comprises at least one temperature sensor which is adapted to detect a temperature of the heated by the tool component heated fluid. The proportional valve allows precise control of the flow rate of the heatable fluid to the tool component, so that an accurate adjustment of the cooling capacity can be adjusted at different recorded temperature values. It is conceivable that an operator manually sets the flow rate at the proportional valve based on the detected temperature value.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Verpackungsanlage eine Steuerung, die funktional mit dem Stellglied und dem Temperatursensor verbunden ist und dazu konfiguriert ist, basierend auf der erfassten Temperatur durch den Temperatursensor, das Stellglied zu regeln. Die Steuerung bietet daher zur Regelung der Kühlleistung eine zentrale automatisierte Steuerungsfunktion, welche reaktionsschnell anhand des erfassten Temperaturwerts, der einen Wert der auf das erwärmbare Fluid übertragenen Wärme durch die Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente darstellt, eine entsprechende Regelung des Stellglieds, insbesondere des Proportionalventils, vornimmt, um die Kühlleistung zu regeln. Somit wird erreicht, dass die Werkzeugkomponente auf einer nahezu konstanten Betriebstemperatur gehalten werden kann, was zu einem optimalen Herstellungsergebnis führt.Preferably, the packaging equipment includes a controller operatively connected to the actuator and the temperature sensor and configured to control the actuator based on the sensed temperature through the temperature sensor. The control system therefore provides a central automated control function for controlling the cooling capacity, which reacts quickly by means of the detected temperature value, which represents a value of the heat transferred to the heatable fluid by the cooling of the tool component, a corresponding control of the actuator, in particular of the proportional valve to regulate the cooling capacity. It is thus achieved that the tool component can be kept at a virtually constant operating temperature, which leads to an optimum production result.

Damit die Regelung des Stellglieds mittels der Steuerung nicht zu hektisch wird, kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Steuerung dazu konfiguriert ist, die erfasste Temperatur mit einem voreingestellten Temperaturbereich zu vergleichen, und erst dann eine Regelung des Stellglieds einzuleiten, wenn die erfasste Temperatur außerhalb des voreingestellten Temperaturbereichs liegt.In order that the control of the actuator by means of the controller does not become too hectic, it may be provided that the controller is configured to compare the detected temperature with a preset temperature range, and to initiate a control of the actuator, if the detected temperature outside the preset Temperature range is.

Alternativ zum Proportionalventil kann das Stellglied auch als herkömmlicher (Wasser-) Hahn ausgebildet sein, mittels welchem das Bedienpersonal der Verpackungsanlage manuell eine Durchflussmenge des erwärmbaren Fluides einstellen kann. Diese Variante ist besonders kostengünstig und lässt sich ohne zusätzlichen Steuerungsaufwand einsetzen, wobei lediglich eine erfasste Temperatur des erwärmten erwärmbaren Fluides überwacht werden muss. Erkennt das Bedienpersonal beispielsweise, dass die erfasste Temperatur oberhalb eines vorbestimmten Solltemperaturwerts liegt, dann kann der Wasserhahn weiter aufgedreht werden, damit die Durchflussmenge und somit die Kühlung durch das erwärmbare Fluid zunimmt. Wird dagegen festgestellt, dass die erfasste Temperatur des erwärmbaren Fluides unterhalb der vorbestimmten Solltemperatur liegt, dann kann die Durchflussmenge mittels des Wasserhahns gedrosselt werden, um einen unnötig hohen Volumenstrom des erwärmbaren Fluides zu vermeiden.As an alternative to the proportional valve, the actuator can also be designed as a conventional (water) tap, by means of which the operating personnel of the packaging installation can manually set a flow rate of the heatable fluid. This variant is particularly cost-effective and can be used without additional control effort, with only a detected temperature of the heated, heatable fluid must be monitored. If the operator recognizes, for example, that the detected temperature is above a predetermined setpoint temperature value, then the faucet can be further turned on, so that the flow rate and thus the cooling by the heatable fluid increases. However, if it is found that the detected temperature of the heatable fluid is below the predetermined setpoint temperature, then the flow rate can be throttled by means of the faucet to avoid an unnecessarily high volume flow of the heatable fluid.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zum Temperieren einer Verpackungsanlage. Die Verpackungsanlage umfasst eine Arbeitsstation mit mindestens einer Werkzeugkomponente, eine Einlegestation mit mindestens einer Seitenverkleidungskomponente, und ein ein erwärmbares Fluid (z.B. Wasser) förderndes Thermosystem.The invention also relates to a method for tempering a packaging system. The packaging installation comprises a work station with at least one tool component, an insertion station with at least one side trim component, and a thermosystem that conveys a heatable fluid (eg water).

Gemäß dem Verfahren der Erfindung wird die Werkzeugkomponente mittels des erwärmbaren Fluides gekühlt, indem das erwärmbare Fluid durch einen Kühlabschnitt des Thermosystems zur Werkzeugkomponente gefördert wird, wobei die Seitenverkleidungskomponente mittels des erwärmbaren Fluides aufgewärmt wird, indem es durch einen Wärmeabschnitt des Thermosystems zu der Seitenverkleidungskomponente gefördert wird, der zumindest abschnittsweise entlang der Seitenverkleidungskomponente verläuft, um an diese Wärme abzugeben.According to the method of the invention, the tool component is cooled by the heatable fluid by conveying the heatable fluid through a cooling section of the thermosystem to the tooling component, wherein the siding component is warmed up by the heatable fluid by being conveyed through a heat section of the thermal system to the side trim component extending at least in sections along the side trim component to deliver heat to it.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird für eine Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente eingesetzt.The method according to the invention is used for heating the side trim component.

Vorzugsweise wird das durch die Werkzeugkomponente erwärmte erwärmbare Fluid aus dem Kühlabschnitt in den Wärmeabschnitt des Thermosystems geleitet, um zumindest teilweise eine während des Kühlens der Werkzeugkomponente aufgenommene Energie in Form von Wärme an die Seitenverkleidungskomponente zu übertragen. Dies ermöglicht den Verzicht auf zusätzliche Energiequellen, die zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente eingesetzt werden. Eine derartige fluidisch vorgesehene Kopplung zwischen dem Kühlabschnitt und dem Wärmeabschnitt des Thermosystems eignet sich besonders hervorragend für den Einsatz an einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine, bei welcher ein ausreichendes Maß an Wärme während des Formgebungs- und Siegelprozesses von dem erwärmbaren Fluid aufgenommen werden kann, welches effizient zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente verwendbar ist.Preferably, the heatable fluid heated by the tool component is directed from the cooling section into the thermal section of the thermal system to at least partially transfer energy received during cooling of the tool component to the side trim component in the form of heat. This eliminates the need for additional energy sources used to heat the side trim component. Such a fluidly provided coupling between the cooling section and the thermal section of the thermosystem is particularly well suited for use with a thermoforming packaging machine in which a sufficient amount of heat can be absorbed during the forming and sealing process by the heatable fluid, which is efficient for heating the Side trim component is usable.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn das erwärmbare Fluid in einem an einer Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente befestigten Wärmeelement gefördert wird. Das zur Förderung des erwärmbaren Fluides eingesetzte Wärmeelement ist von außen nicht sichtbar und behindert das Bedienpersonal während des Einlegeprozesses nicht bei der Arbeit.It is particularly advantageous if the heatable fluid is conveyed in a heat element attached to an inner side of the side trim component. The heat element used to promote the heatable fluid is not visible from the outside and does not hinder the operator during the loading process at work.

Für eine besonders gute Regelung der Kühlung der Werkzeugkomponente kann vorgesehen sein, dass ein Temperatursensor des Thermosystems eine Temperatur des durch die Werkzeugkomponente erwärmten erwärmbaren Fluides erfasst, wobei eine Steuerung der Verpackungsanlage die erfasste Temperatur mit einem voreingestellten Temperaturwert vergleicht und darauf basierend das Stellglied regelt. Dadurch kann ein geschlossener Regelkreis zur Verfügung gestellt werden, welcher automatisch die Kühlleistung für die Werkzeugkomponente steuert.For a particularly good control of the cooling of the tool component can be provided that a temperature sensor of the thermal system detects a temperature of heated by the tool component heated fluid, wherein a control of Packaging system which compares the detected temperature with a preset temperature value and controls the actuator based thereon. Thereby, a closed loop can be provided, which automatically controls the cooling capacity for the tool component.

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

Fig. 1
eine Verpackungsanlage gemäß der Erfindung mit Einlegestrecke,
Fig. 2
eine perspektive Darstellung eines entlang der Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente befestigten Wärmeelements,
Fig. 3
eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung des entlang der Innenseite der Seitenverkleidungskomponente befestigten Wärmeelements,
Fig. 4
eine Ausführung des Wärmeelements mit Trägerplatte und Rohr,
Fig. 5
eine perspektivische Darstellung des Wärmeelements mit Halteelement,
Fig. 6
eine schematische Darstellung des Kühlabschnitts zum Kühlen der Werkzeugkomponente, welche nicht Teil der Erfindung ist,
Fig. 7
eine schematische Darstellung einer Kopplung des Kühlabschnitts an einen Wärmeabschnitt des Thermosystems, und
Fig. 8
eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens zur Temperierung einer Verpackungsanlage.
In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is illustrated in more detail with reference to a drawing. In detail show:
Fig. 1
a packaging system according to the invention with insertion path,
Fig. 2
a perspective view of a heat element attached along the inside of the side trim component,
Fig. 3
another perspective view of the heat element attached along the inside of the side panel component,
Fig. 4
an embodiment of the heating element with carrier plate and tube,
Fig. 5
a perspective view of the heat element with holding element,
Fig. 6
a schematic representation of the cooling section for cooling the tool component, which is not part of the invention,
Fig. 7
a schematic representation of a coupling of the cooling section to a heat section of the thermal system, and
Fig. 8
a schematic representation of a method for controlling the temperature of a packaging system.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Verpackungsanlage 1 mit einer in Produktionsrichtung R angeordneten Arbeitsstation 2, die als Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T ausgebildet ist. Der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T ist eine Folienabrollung 3 mit einer Folie 4 sowie eine Folienreckstation 5 vorgelagert. Die Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T umfasst eine Formstation 6, mittels welcher Verpackungsmulden 7 herstellbar sind. Die Verpackungsmulden 7 sind entlang einer Einlegestation 8 mit Lebensmittelprodukten P bestückbar, die gemäß Figur 1 von einer Produktzuführung 9 oder manuell durch Bedienpersonal zur Verfügung gestellt werden. FIG. 1 shows a packaging system 1 with a working direction R arranged in the work station 2, which is designed as thermoforming packaging machine T. The thermoforming packaging machine T is preceded by a Folienrollollung 3 with a film 4 and a film stretching station 5. The thermoforming packaging machine T comprises a forming station 6, by means of which packaging troughs 7 can be produced. The packaging troughs 7 can be equipped with food products P along an insertion station 8, which are in accordance with FIG. 1 be provided by a product feeder 9 or manually by operating personnel.

Die mit Lebensmittelprodukten P gefüllten Verpackungsmulden 7 werden nach der Einlegestation 8 einer Siegelstation 10 zugeführt. Der Siegelstation 10 der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T wird von einer Deckelfolienabwicklung 11 eine Deckelfolie 12 zugeführt, welche auf die mit Lebensmittelprodukten P gefüllten Verpackungsmulden 7 geschweißt wird, um darin die Lebensmittelprodukte P einzuschließen.The filled with food products P packaging troughs 7 are fed to the insertion station 8 a sealing station 10. The sealing station 10 of the thermoforming packaging machine T is supplied with a cover film 12 by a lid film unwinding 11, which is welded onto the packaging trays 7 filled with food products P in order to enclose the food products P therein.

Die Verpackungsanlage in Figur 1 umfasst weiterhin eine Vereinzelungsstation 13 mit einem Roboter 14, welcher die einzelnen gefüllten und verschweißten Verpackungsmulden 7 einem nachgeordneten Vorgang übergibt, beispielsweise einem Sortierband S.The packaging plant in FIG. 1 further comprises a separating station 13 with a robot 14, which transfers the individual filled and sealed packaging troughs 7 to a downstream process, for example a sorting belt S.

Figur 1 zeigt weiter eine Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15, die entlang der Einlegestation 8 angeordnet ist. Die Verpackungsanlage 1 ist insbesondere in einer gekühlten Umgebung U aufgestellt, damit die Kühlkette der tiefgekühlten Lebensmittelprodukte selbst während des Verpackungsprozesses nicht unterbrochen wird. Daher nehmen die jeweiligen Arbeitsstationen der Verpackungsanlage 1 im Wesentlichen die Temperatur der Umgebung U an. FIG. 1 further shows a side trim component 15 which is arranged along the insertion station 8. The packaging installation 1 is set up in particular in a cooled environment U, so that the cold chain of the frozen food products is not interrupted even during the packaging process. Therefore, the respective work stations of the packaging installation 1 essentially assume the temperature of the surroundings U.

Die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15, welche insbesondere aus einem metallischen, langgeformten Profil hergestellt ist, nimmt dabei im Wesentlichen einen Temperaturwert entsprechend der Umgebung U an, sodass sie meist auf Temperaturen unter 10 °C abkühlt. Dies hat jedoch den Nachteil, dass Bedienpersonal, welches entlang der Einlegestation 8 arbeitet, und gegebenenfalls gegen die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 anlehnt, um die Produkte P in die Mulden 7 zu legen, unterkühlt, d. h., schneller erkrankt und infolgedessen krankheitsbedingt ausfällt.The side trim component 15, which is produced in particular from a metallic, elongated profile, essentially assumes a temperature value corresponding to the environment U, so that it usually cools to temperatures below 10 ° C. However, this has the disadvantage that operating personnel who work along the insertion station 8, and possibly against the side trim component 15 leaning to put the products P in the wells 7, supercooled, d. h., sick faster and consequently fails due to illness.

Figur 2 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 mit einem auf einer Innenseite 16 der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 angeordneten Wärmeelement 17. Das Wärmeelement 17 umfasst eine Trägerplatte 18, welche flächig an der Innenseite 16 der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 befestigt ist. Auf einer zur Innenseite 16 abgewandten Seite der Trägerplatte 18 ist ein Rohr 19 angeordnet. Das Rohr 19 ist dafür vorgesehen, ein erwärmbares Fluid F (siehe Figur 6), z.B. Wasser, entlang der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 zu transportieren, welches Wärme an die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 abgibt. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the side trim component 15 with a disposed on an inner side 16 of the side trim component 15 heat element 17. The heat element 17 comprises a support plate 18 which is fixed flat on the inner side 16 of the side trim component 15. On a side facing away from the inner side 16 of the support plate 18, a tube 19 is arranged. The tube 19 is intended to contain a heatable fluid F (see FIG. 6 ), eg water, along the side trim component 15, which delivers heat to the side trim component 15.

Weiter zeigt Figur 2 eine Vielzahl von Halteelementen 20, welche entlang der zur Innenseite 16 abgewandten Seite der Trägerplatte 18 über dem Rohr 19 angeordnet sind. Die Halteelemente 20 sind dabei zwischen einem Balken 51 der Einlegestation 8 und der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 eingeklemmt und ausgerichtet, um das Wärmeelement 17 gegen die Innenseite 16 der Seitenverkteidungskomponente 15 zu halten. Ferner umfasst das Halteelement 20 eine Öffnung 20a. Die Öffnung 20a ist derart ausgebildet, dass darin das Rohr 19 des Wärmeelements 17 eingeklemmt werden kann (siehe Figur 5), um das Wärmeelement 17 vorzugsweise unter Vorspannung gegen die Innenseite 16 zu drücken.Next shows FIG. 2 a plurality of holding elements 20, which are arranged along the side facing away from the inner side 16 of the support plate 18 above the tube 19. The Holding elements 20 are clamped between a bar 51 of the insertion station 8 and the side trim component 15 and aligned to hold the heat element 17 against the inner side 16 of the Seitenverkteidungskomponente 15. Furthermore, the holding element 20 comprises an opening 20a. The opening 20 a is formed such that the tube 19 of the heat element 17 can be clamped therein (see FIG. 5 ) to bias the heat element 17 against the inside 16, preferably under bias.

Figur 3 zeigt einen Ausschnitt der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 gemäß der Figur 2. Die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 hat einen oberen dicken Bereich 15a und einen unteren dünnen Bereich 15b, die miteinander einteilig verbunden sind. Am oberen dicken Bereich 15a ist das Wärmeelement 17 befestigt, um die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 zu erwärmen. Zwischen dem oberen dicken Bereich 15a und dem unteren dünnen Bereich 15b ist eine Schraubenverbindung 50 vorgesehen, um die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 an den sich entlang der Einlegestation 8 erstreckenden Balken 51 zu befestigen. FIG. 3 shows a section of the side trim component 15 according to the FIG. 2 , The side trim component 15 has an upper thick portion 15a and a lower thin portion 15b integrally connected with each other. At the upper thick portion 15 a, the heat element 17 is fixed to heat the side trim component 15. Between the upper thick portion 15a and the lower thin portion 15b, a screw connection 50 is provided to fix the side trim component 15 to the beams 51 extending along the insertion station 8.

Figur 4 zeigt das Wärmeelement 17 von der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 aus der Figur 3 isoliert dargestellt. Die Trägerplatte 18 des Wärmeelements 17 ist einteilig als Strangprofil ausgebildet. Ferner ist die Trägerplatte 18 in einem vorbestimmten Winkel α geformt, welcher einer Neigung der Innenseite 16 der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 im Wesentlichen entspricht, damit die Trägerplatte 18 flächig an der Innenseite 16 anliegen kann. Auf der Trägerplatte 18 sitzt ein Wärmeleitelement 22, auf welchem das Rohr 19 befestigt, beispielsweise auf dieses geschweißt ist. Das Rohr 19 kann allerdings auch direkt auf die Trägerplatte 18 geschraubt oder an diese geschweißt sein. FIG. 4 shows the heat element 17 from the side trim component 15 of the FIG. 3 shown isolated. The support plate 18 of the heat element 17 is integrally formed as an extruded profile. Further, the support plate 18 is formed at a predetermined angle α, which corresponds to a slope of the inner side 16 of the side trim component 15 substantially, so that the support plate 18 can abut flat against the inner side 16. On the support plate 18 is seated a heat-conducting element 22, on which the tube 19 is fastened, for example, welded thereto. However, the tube 19 may also be screwed directly to the support plate 18 or welded to it.

Figur 5 zeigt eine perspektivische weitere Ansicht der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15. Wie gut zu sehen ist, hält das Halteelement 20 das Wärmeelement 17 mit dessen Trägerplatte 18 gegen die Innenseite 16 der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15. Das Halteelement 20 ist derart konfiguriert, dass es zwischen dem Balken 51 und der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 einklemmbar ist, sodass es zwischen sich und der Innenseite 16 das Wärmeelement 17 aufnimmt und dieses gegen die Innenseite 16 drückt. FIG. 5 shows a perspective further view of the side trim component 15. As can be seen, the holding member 20 holds the heat element 17 with its support plate 18 against the inside 16 of the side trim component 15. The support member 20 is configured such that it between the beam 51 and the side trim component 15 is clamped so that it receives the heat element 17 between itself and the inside 16 and this presses against the inside 16.

Figur 5 zeigt weiter, dass das Rohr 19 des Wärmeelements 17 in der Öffnung 20a des Halteelements 20 eingeklemmt ist, und dass das Halteelement 20 derart zwischen dem Balken 51 und der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 eingeklemmt ist, dass es das Wärmeelement 17 unter Vorspannung an die Innenseite 16 drückt. Folglich liegt die Trägerplatte 18 des Wärmeelements 17 flächig an der Innenseite 16 an, wodurch eine optimale Wärmeübertragung gewährleistet ist. FIG. 5 further shows that the tube 19 of the heat element 17 is clamped in the opening 20a of the support member 20, and that the support member 20 is clamped between the beam 51 and the side trim component 15 such that it is the thermal element 17 presses against the inside 16 under pretension. Consequently, the support plate 18 of the heat element 17 is flat against the inside 16, whereby an optimal heat transfer is ensured.

Alternativ zur Befestigung mittels des Halteelements 20 könnte das Wärmelement 17 auch an der Innenseite 16 aufgeklebt sein, beispielsweise mittels einer Wärmeleitpaste.As an alternative to attachment by means of the retaining element 20, the heat element 17 could also be glued to the inside 16, for example by means of a thermal compound.

Figur 6 ist nicht Teil der Erfindung und zeigt schematisch ein Thermosystem 23 zum Temperieren der Formstation 6 und der Siegelstation 10 der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T. Die Formstation 6 und die Siegelstation 10 umfassen jeweils zwei Werkzeugkomponenten W, nämlich ein Formwerkzeugoberteil und -unterteil 6a, 6b und ein Siegelwerkzeugoberteil und -unterteil 10a, 10b. Das Thermosystem 23 umfasst einen Kühlabschnitt 24, in welchem das erwärmbare Fluid F zu der Formstation 6 und zu der Siegelstation 10 geleitet wird, um diese zu kühlen. Gemäß Figur 6 durchläuft der Kühlabschnitt 24 das Formwerkzeugunterteil 6b sowie das Formwerkzeugoberteil 6a, um diese zu kühlen. FIG. 6 is not part of the invention and schematically shows a thermal system 23 for tempering the forming station 6 and the sealing station 10 of the thermoforming packaging machine T. The molding station 6 and the sealing station 10 each comprise two tool components W, namely a mold upper and lower part 6a, 6b and a sealing tool top and lower part 10a, 10b. The thermal system 23 includes a cooling section 24 in which the heatable fluid F is directed to the forming station 6 and to the sealing station 10 to cool it. According to FIG. 6 the cooling section 24 passes through the lower die part 6b and the upper die part 6a to cool them.

Von der Formstation 6 führt der Kühlabschnitt 24 zur Siegelstation 10 in das Siegelwerkzeugoberteil 10a. Optional könnte das Siegelwerkzeugunterteil 10b ebenfalls gekühlt werden. Von der Siegelstation 10 führt der Kühlabschnitt 24 zu einer optionalen Vakuumpumpe 25 der Tiefziehverpackungsanlage 2, um diese auch noch zu kühlen.From the forming station 6, the cooling section 24 leads to the sealing station 10 in the sealing tool upper part 10a. Optionally, the sealing tool base 10b could also be cooled. From the sealing station 10, the cooling section 24 leads to an optional vacuum pump 25 of the thermoforming packaging system 2 in order to cool it as well.

Nach der optionalen Vakuumpumpe 25 ist ein Temperatursensor 26 im Kühlabschnitt 24 vorgesehen. Der Temperatursensor 26 ist dazu konfiguriert, eine Temperatur TIST des durch die stromaufwärts stattgefundene Kühlung der Formstation 6, der Siegelstation 10 sowie der optionalen Vakuumpumpe 25 erwärmten Fluides F zu erfassen.After the optional vacuum pump 25, a temperature sensor 26 is provided in the cooling section 24. The temperature sensor 26 is configured to detect a temperature T IST of the fluid F heated by the upstream cooling of the forming station 6, the sealing station 10 and the optional vacuum pump 25.

Der Temperatursensor 26 ist mit einer Steuerung 27 funktional verbunden. Die Steuerung 27 ist dazu konfiguriert, basierend auf der erfassten Temperatur TIST des erwärmbaren Fluides F ein stromabwärts im Kühlabschnitt 24 integriertes Stellglied 28 zu regeln, um eine Durchflussmenge des erwärmbaren Fluides F im Kühlabschnitt 24 dem erfassten Temperaturwert anzupassen. Das Stellglied 28 ist gemäß Figur 6 als ein Proportionalventil P1 ausgebildet, welches durch die Steuerung 27 regelbar ist, um die Durchflussmenge des erwärmbaren Fluides F zu bestimmen. Alternativ könnte das Stellglied 28 auch eine Förderpumpe P2 sein, welche funktional mit der Steuerung 27 verbunden ist und deren Leistung anhand des erfassten Temperaturwertes TIST des erwärmbaren Fluides F durch die Steuerung 27 regelbar ist.The temperature sensor 26 is operatively connected to a controller 27. The controller 27 is configured to control, based on the detected temperature T IST of the heatable fluid F, an actuator 28 integrated downstream in the cooling section 24 to adjust a flow rate of the heatable fluid F in the cooling section 24 to the sensed temperature value. The actuator 28 is according to FIG. 6 is formed as a proportional valve P1, which can be regulated by the controller 27 in order to determine the flow rate of the heatable fluid F. Alternatively, the actuator 28 could also be a feed pump P2, which is functionally connected to the controller 27 and the power of which is controllable by the controller 27 based on the detected temperature value T IST of the heatable fluid F.

Innerhalb des Kühlabschnitts 24 ist weiter eine optionale Kühlstation 30 vorgesehen, welche dazu konfiguriert ist, das erwärmbare Fluid auf eine vorbestimmte Temperatur zu kühlen, bevor es zur Kühlung an die Formstation 6 weitergeleitet wird.Within the cooling section 24 there is further provided an optional cooling station 30 which is configured to cool the heatable fluid to a predetermined temperature before passing it to the forming station 6 for cooling.

Die Figur 7 entspricht im Wesentlichen der Figur 6, wobei in Reihe mit dem Kühlabschnitt 24 ein Wärmeabschnitt 29 verbunden ist, in welchem das Wärmeelement 17 angeschlossen ist. Das innerhalb des Kühlabschnitts 24 erwärmte Fluid F durchläuft somit das Wärmeelement 17, wodurch sich die Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15, an dessen Innenseite 16 das Wärmeelement 17 befestigt ist, erwärmt. Durch die Wärmeabgabe an das Wärmeelement 17 kühlt das erwärmbare Fluid F ab und wird zurück in den Kühlabschnitt 24 geleitet. Optional kann das erwärmbare Fluid F auf seinem Weg zurück zum Kühlabschnitt 24 zusätzlich durch die Kühlstation 30 auf eine gewünschte Temperatur abgekühlt werden.The FIG. 7 essentially corresponds to the FIG. 6 in which in series with the cooling section 24, a heat section 29 is connected, in which the heat element 17 is connected. The fluid F heated within the cooling section 24 thus passes through the heat element 17, thereby heating the side trim component 15, on the inside 16 of which the heat element 17 is attached. By the heat transfer to the heat element 17, the heatable fluid F cools and is passed back into the cooling section 24. Optionally, the heatable fluid F on its way back to the cooling section 24 can additionally be cooled by the cooling station 30 to a desired temperature.

Ein Verfahren zum Temperieren der Verpackungsanlage 1 könnte gemäß der Figur 8 wie folgt ablaufen.A method for tempering the packaging system 1 could according to the FIG. 8 proceed as follows.

Das erwärmbare Fluid F ist üblicherweise Leitungswasser und hat eine Temperatur von 10 bis 15 °C. Das erwärmbare Fluid F durchläuft zunächst das Formwerkzeugunterteil 6b im Schritt S1, um den Abkühlprozess der geformten Folie 4 zu unterstützen und die Tiefziehzeit zu verkürzen. Anschließend im Schritt S2 wird das Formwerkzeugoberteil 6a gekühlt, damit daran eine vorgeschriebene Sicherheits-/Berührungstemperatur von <50 °C nicht überschritten wird.The heatable fluid F is usually tap water and has a temperature of 10 to 15 ° C. The heatable fluid F first passes through the mold bottom 6b at step S1 to assist the cooling process of the formed film 4 and shorten the thermoforming time. Subsequently, in step S2, the mold upper part 6a is cooled so that a prescribed safety / contact temperature of <50 ° C is not exceeded.

Anschließend im Schritt S3 folgt die Kühlung des Siegelwerkzeugoberteils 10a, um ebenfalls für den Bediener einen Berührungssicherheitsschutz zu bieten. Die optional im Kühlkreislauf angeordnete Vakuumpumpe 25 der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T kann im Schritt S4 auch noch gekühlt werden.Subsequently, in step S3, the cooling of the sealing tool upper part 10a follows, in order likewise to offer a contact safety protection for the operator. The optionally arranged in the cooling circuit vacuum pump 25 of the thermoforming packaging machine T can also be cooled in step S4.

Nach der letzten zu kühlenden Werkzeugkomponente W bzw. Vorrichtung (Vakuumpumpe 25) erfasst der Temperatursensor 26 im Schritt S5 die Temperatur des erwärmten erwärmbaren Fluides F. Die im Thermosystem 23 funktional eingebundene Steuerung 27 regelt dann im Schritt S6 die Durchflussmenge des erwärmbaren Fluids F entsprechend einer in der Steuerung 27 hinterlegten Solltemperatur TSOLL bzw. eines in der Steuerung 27 hinterlegten Temperatursollwertebereichs.After the last tool component W or device (vacuum pump 25) to be cooled, the temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature of the heated, heatable fluid F in step S5. The controller 27 functionally integrated in the thermal system 23 then regulates the flow rate of the heatable fluid F in step S6 in the controller 27 stored target temperature T SOLL or a stored in the controller 27 temperature setpoint range.

Nach der Temperaturerfassung des erwärmbaren Fluids F im Schritt S5 wird das erwärmte erwärmbare Fluid F bei ca. 30 bis 40 °C im optionalen Schritt S7 in den Wärmeabschnitt 29 geleitet. Von diesem wird es dann weiter zum daran angeschlossenen Wärmeelement 17 des Thermosystems 23 geleitet. Alternativ könnte das erwärmbare Fluid F nach dem Schritt S6 auch weiter im Kühlabschnitt 24 verbleiben (siehe auch Figur 6), beispielsweise wenn im Schritt S5 eine zu kühle Temperatur des erwärmbaren Fluides F erfasst wird, welche nicht zur Erwärmung der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 ausreicht.After the temperature detection of the heatable fluid F in step S5, the heated heatable fluid F at about 30 to 40 ° C in the optional step S7 in the heat section 29 is passed. From this it is then passed on to the connected heat element 17 of the thermal system 23. Alternatively, the heatable fluid F could also remain in the cooling section 24 after step S6 (see also FIG FIG. 6 ), for example, if in step S5 too cool a temperature of the heatable fluid F is detected, which is not sufficient for heating the side trim component 15.

Nach dem Erwärmen der Seitenverkleidungskomponente 15 im Schritt S7 wird das nun wieder kühlere erwärmbare Fluid F im Schritt S8 in den Kühlabschnitt 24 geleitet, wo es durch die optionale Kühlstation 30 im Schritt S9 zusätzlich herab gekühlt wird, um anschließend zur Kühlung der Formstation 6 und der Siegelstation 10 zugeführt zu werden.After heating the side trim component 15 in step S7, the now cooler heatable fluid F is passed into the cooling section 24 in step S8, where it is additionally cooled down by the optional cooling station 30 in step S9, in order subsequently to cool the forming station 6 and Sealing station 10 to be supplied.

Das Thermosystem 23, welches gemäß der Erfindung zur Temperierung der Verpackungsanlage 1, insbesondere der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T ausgebildet ist, könnte ebenso gut an anderen Verpackungsmaschinen zum Einsatz kommen, beispielsweise an einem Traysealer, einer Schlauchbeutelverpackungsmaschine oder an einer Vakuumkammermaschine. The thermal system 23, which is designed according to the invention for controlling the temperature of the packaging installation 1, in particular the thermoforming packaging machine T, could just as well be used on other packaging machines, for example on a tray sealer, a tubular bag packaging machine or on a vacuum chamber machine.

Claims (15)

  1. Packaging system (1) comprising a work station with a tool component, a loading station (8) with a side panel component (15), and a thermal system conveying heatable fluid (F),
    characterized in that
    said thermal system (23) comprises a heating section (29) conveying said heatable fluid (F) to said side panel component (15) and being coupled at least in sections to said side panel component (15) in order to heat it.
  2. Packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that said heating section (29) comprises at least one thermal element (17) for conveying said heatable fluid (F) along an inner side of said side panel component (15).
  3. Packaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that said thermal element (17) is integrally formed with said side panel component (15).
  4. Packaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that said thermal element (17) is removably attached to said side panel component (15).
  5. Packaging system according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said heating element (17) is configured as an extruded profile.
  6. Packaging system according to one of the claims 2 or 4 to 5, characterized in that said heating element (17) comprises a carrier plate (18) with which said thermal element (17) is arranged on said side panel component (15).
  7. Packaging system according to claim 6, characterized in that said thermal element (17) comprises at least one tube (19) for conveying said heatable fluid (F) which is arranged on said carrier plate (18).
  8. Packaging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tool component (W) is a forming tool lower part (6b) or upper part (6a) or a sealing tool lower part (10b) or upper part (10a) of a packaging machine, in particular of a thermoforming packaging machine (T) of said packaging system.
  9. Packaging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said thermal system comprises a cooling section (24) conveying said heatable fluid (F) to said tool component (W) and having an actuator (28) which is configured for regulating the flow volume of said heatable fluid (F) to said tool component (W), said cooling section (24) is in flow communication with said heating section (29), where said heatable fluid (F) heated by cooling said tool component (W) can be conveyed out from said cooling section (24) into said heating section (29) in order to therein be used for heating said side panel component (15).
  10. Packaging system according to claim 9, characterized in that said actuator (28) is a proportional valve (P) and said thermal system (23) comprises at least one temperature sensor (26) which is adapted to detect a temperature (TIST) of said heatable fluid (F) heated by said tool component (W).
  11. Packaging system according to claim 10, characterized in that said packaging system (1) comprises a control unit (27) that is operably connected to said actuator (28) and said temperature sensor (26) and configured to control said actuator (28) based on the temperature (TIST) detected by said temperature sensor (26).
  12. Method for temperature-conditioning a packaging system (1), comprising a work station (2) with a tool component, a loading station (8) with a side panel component (15), and a thermal system (23) conveying heatable fluid (F),
    wherin said side panel component (15) is heated by said heatable fluid (F) in that it is conveyed through a heating section (29) of said thermal system (23), at least in sections extending along said side panel component (15), to said side panel component (15) to deliver heat to the latter.
  13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that said tool component (W) is cooled by said heatable fluid (F) in that it is conveyed through a cooling section (24) of said thermal system (23) to said tool component (W), wherin an actuator (28) of said thermal system (23) regulates the volume flow of said heatable fluid (F) conveyed to said tool component (W), and said heatable fluid (F) heated by said tool component (W) is conveyed from said cooling section (24) into said heating section (29) of said thermal system (23) in order to at least partially transfer energy, absorbed in the form of heat during the cooling process of said tool component (W), to said side panel component (15).
  14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said the heatable fluid (F) is conveyed in a thermal element (17) attached to an inner side of said side panel component (15).
  15. Method according to one of the claims 13 or 14, characterized in that a temperature sensor (26) of said thermal system (23) detects a temperature (TIST) of said heatable fluid (F) heated by said tool component (W), where a control unit (27) of said packaging system (1) compares said detected temperature (TIST) with a preset temperature value (TSOLL) and based thereupon controls said actuator (28).
EP14167033.1A 2014-05-05 2014-05-05 Packing unit with a controllable temperature and method for same Active EP2942299B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

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EP14167033.1A EP2942299B1 (en) 2014-05-05 2014-05-05 Packing unit with a controllable temperature and method for same
ES14167033T ES2756425T3 (en) 2014-05-05 2014-05-05 Temperable packaging installation and procedure
US14/698,387 US10315795B2 (en) 2014-05-05 2015-04-28 Temperature-conditioned packaging system and method for same

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EP14167033.1A EP2942299B1 (en) 2014-05-05 2014-05-05 Packing unit with a controllable temperature and method for same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102023104670A1 (en) 2023-02-27 2024-08-29 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Holding device for holding and/or guiding line elements, system and packaging machine

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US2271637A (en) * 1938-02-02 1942-02-03 Ralph P Garrison Thermally controlled grinder head
FR1568475A (en) * 1967-05-06 1969-05-23
US3522135A (en) * 1968-04-29 1970-07-28 Fmc Corp Rotating heat sealing head with cooling means
US3673760A (en) * 1970-10-26 1972-07-04 American Can Co Packaging method and apparatus
US4294859A (en) * 1975-04-14 1981-10-13 Armour And Company Process for packaging food
US4909016A (en) * 1988-07-22 1990-03-20 Fmc Corporation Rotary film sealing and severing head for thermoplastics
US4856260A (en) * 1988-10-17 1989-08-15 Baxter International Inc. Apparatus for sealing a web of film in a packaging
ATE149012T1 (en) * 1989-07-21 1997-03-15 Maegerle Karl Lizenz DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING TUBE BODY
US5605026A (en) * 1994-02-02 1997-02-25 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Ultrasonic carton sealer
JP4471562B2 (en) * 2002-09-26 2010-06-02 株式会社クレハ Deep drawing packaging method
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DK2778079T5 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-12-07 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co Kg Dybtrækningspakkemaskine integrated product supply

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ES2756425T3 (en) 2020-04-27
EP2942299A1 (en) 2015-11-11
US20150314902A1 (en) 2015-11-05
US10315795B2 (en) 2019-06-11

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