EP3459865A1 - Method and apparatus for stacking small-sized products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process packaging of small-sized products (P), in particular confectionery products, which are formed into stacked product groups (G). The method comprises the following steps:

a. Separation of the products (P) and formation of product groups (G) with a length L,
b. Transfer of the product groups (G) to a conveyor (4),
c. Positional orientation of the products (P) in a product group (G), resulting in a shortening of the length L of the product group (G),
d. Feeding a web-shaped packaging material (VM),
e. At least partially tubular wrapping of the product group (G) with the packaging material (VM),
f. Receiving the at least partially enveloped product groups (G) each with a gripper (18),
G. Production of a packaging (V) by the following substeps,
i. Forming a circumferentially closed packaging hose (PS) from the packaging material (VM),
ii. Cutting the packing medium hose (PS) between two wrapped product groups (G),
iii. Closing the open ends of the packing medium hose (PS), including the product group (G),
iv. Dispensing of the packaged product group (VP) from the gripper (18).

Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated device.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for packaging small-sized products, in particular confectionery products, which are formed into stacked product groups. In the field of confectionery, it is a great challenge to assemble and package small-sized products into stacked product groups without fear of damaging the confectionery. In particular, the completion of the package turns out to be extremely difficult.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to simplify a method of the type mentioned.

1. a. Vereinzelung der Produkte und Bildung von Produktgruppen mit einer Länge L,
2. b. Übergabe der Produktgruppen an einen Förderer,
3. c. Lageausrichtung der Produkte in einer Produktgruppe, wodurch es zu einer Verkürzung der Länge L der Produktgruppe kommt,
4. d. Zuführen eines bahnförmigen Verpackungsmaterials zu dem Förderer,
5. e. zumindest teilweises schlauchförmiges Umhüllen der Produktgruppe mit dem Verpackungsmaterial,
6. f. Aufnahme der zumindest teilweise umhüllten Produktgruppen jeweils mit einem Greifer,
7. g. Herstellung einer Verpackung durch folgende Teilschritte,
   1. i. Ausbildung eines am Umfang geschlossenen Packmittelschlauchs aus dem Verpackungsmaterial,
   2. ii. Durchtrennen des Packmittelschlauchs zwischen zwei umhüllten Produktgruppen,
   3. iii. Verschließen der offenen Enden des Packmittelschlauchs unter Einschluss der Produktgruppe,
   4. iv. Abgabe der verpackten Produktgruppe aus dem Greifer.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the following method steps:

1. a. Separation of the products and formation of product groups with a length L,
2. b. Transfer of the product groups to a conveyor,
3. c. Positioning of the products in a product group, resulting in a shortening of the length L of the product group,
4. d. Feeding a web-shaped packaging material to the conveyor,
5. e. at least partially tubular wrapping of the product group with the packaging material,
6. f. Receiving the at least partially enveloped product groups each with a gripper,
7. G. Production of a package by the following sub-steps,
   1. i. Forming a circumferentially closed packaging tube from the packaging material,
   2. ii. Severing the packaging tube between two wrapped product groups,
   3. iii. Closing the open ends of the packaging tube, including the product group,
   4. iv. Delivery of the packaged product group from the gripper.

Most small-sized products, especially confectionery, have a shape that has a different center of gravity depending on the orientation on a substrate. For the separation and formation of product groups, it is advantageous if the center of gravity is as low as possible, because then the products usually assume their most stable position on a substrate. However, this generally leads to a length L corresponding to the maximum length of this arrangement in the case of a series of products. However, this arrangement is unfavorable for the position in the package, as it would lead to overlong packaging. Therefore, after the separation of the products and the formation of product groups, a bearing alignment takes place. With regard to most of the shapes (cuboid shape, lens shape, etc.) of these products, this means erecting the products so that their center of gravity also shifts upward. As a result, the thus erected product group is gripped by a gripper together with the at least partially tubular wrapping packaging material. The gripper therefore takes over the product group with the packaging material that has not yet been severed. The completion of the packaging tube (eg film tube) is carried out accordingly, while the product group is held by the gripper. Most common grippers, for example, are arranged on a packing head that rotates about an axis of rotation (see, for example WO 02/22445 A1 ). However, such a packing head is not suitable for transporting the not yet severed packaging tube. The use of a gripper also opens up the possibility of approaching the most diverse areas of the scope of the product group and carrying out further packaging measures.

According to a variant of the method, a first shortening of the length L can already take place when transferring the product groups to the conveyor and the products of a product group can be transferred from a product arrangement arranged in series into a fanned, at least partially overlapping product arrangement. This diversified product arrangement facilitates the subsequent position alignment and prevents blocking or jamming of the products. Furthermore, this also ensures that unfavorable product shapes (for example cuboid shape, etc.) can also be used for a righting position alignment to be carried out. A lens shape is less of a problem, but here too the diversified product arrangement is beneficial because it makes the process less susceptible to failure.

In addition, the conveyor may have receiving pockets for each product group, whereby the effective receiving length of the receiving pockets for erecting the products or the product group is shortened. The receiving pocket may for example be provided with a front and / or rear sliding wall. But there are also elements that intervene in the area of the receiving bag and erect the products.

There is also the possibility that for the separation of the products, a rotatable separation plate is used, which has group-shaped recesses for each product group, the products pass from above into the recesses and are delivered at a transfer station down from the recesses to the conveyor , As a result, for example, the product supply can be carried out as bulk material. Turning the separating actuator automatically leads to the filling of the recesses by the masses arranged on the turntable products. The feed can be done by means of a vibratory feeder. The recesses are arranged so that inevitably forms a product group with successively arranged products. As a rule, the products slide along a sliding surface, because the recesses are preferably open at the bottom. According to one embodiment, this sliding surface can then be interrupted in the transfer area of the transfer station, so that the products fall out of the recesses and out into a receiving pocket of the conveyor. The drop height can be very low here. Conveniently, the movement of the turntable and the conveyor are coordinated.

In a further variant of the method it is provided that during feeding the web-shaped packaging material is brought from above flat to the product groups conveyed by the conveyor and is subsequently transformed by forming means to a still open at the bottom packaging tube and the product group receiving portion of the conveyor from below into the engages open film tube. The conveyor and the gripper have a common length over a certain length of travel, so that product groups can be transferred very easily, because a matched to the longitudinal extent of the product group conveyor line are performed jointly by both the conveyor and the gripper. This is not the case with rotating packing heads, where theoretically there is only one tangential point where the transfer takes place.

When picking up the partially wrapped product group, holding jaws of the gripper can preferably be placed laterally with the interposition of the packaging material on to each product group and the conveying of the product group by the conveyor can take over. The grippers offer the possibility to carry out further process steps on the packaging material at the bottom of the product group. In the conveyor, the product group usually lies with its underside, which is why access there is difficult. The grippers already position the packaging material over a large area of the circumference of the product group, but allow said access.

In this case, it may additionally be provided that the grippers further convey the product groups together with the packaging material substantially in the same conveying direction as before the conveyor. Due to the fact that the grippers essentially take over the conveying of the product groups from the conveyor and essentially maintain the conveying direction, the packaging material does not necessarily have to be separated into individual product sections before the transfer, but can still be handled as a strip material. This offers the possibility of finishing the packaging material hose, while several product groups have already been taken over by the gripper. This is not possible with the otherwise usual rotating packing heads.

There is also the possibility that a longitudinal fin is formed and sealed during the production of the packaging and the formation of the packaging tube. The use of a sealed longitudinal fin also paves the way for the packaging to be used as primary packaging. In the formation of longitudinal fins cold seal adhesives are used, the adhesive areas are applied to the same side of the packaging material and then pressed together in the continuous process. This can also be used to pack heat-sensitive products. Of course, depending on the product selection, heat sealing foils can also be used. Such a longitudinal fin can be produced while the product groups have already been taken over by the grippers.

In the following, the longitudinal fin can be applied to the product group for a more pleasing appearance.

Depending on the gripper configuration and the respective product shape, a certain prestress in the packaging material hose between two product groups, each held by a gripper, can already be generated by holding the gripper. In a further embodiment, however, it is provided that, for severing the packaging material tube, the latter is at least additionally prestressed between two product groups. Accordingly, there is a targeted introduction of a bias favoring the severing. If there is already a certain preload by the mere access and transport of the gripper, this preload is deliberately increased again. Here, for example, provide additional units on the gripper, which generate this bias.

In a further variant of the method it is provided that for the severing of the packaging material hose two counter-rotating, together and parallel to the conveying direction and moved back and only temporarily in the conveying path of the product groups and the Packmittelschlauchs into swinging knives are used. The blades preferably move with the conveying speed, so that there is no relative movement between the packaging material hose and the blades in the conveying direction. The knives then cut through the packaging material hose between two product groups, then dive downwards and move back against the conveying direction. This creates an oscillating movement of the blades in and against the conveying direction.

Conveniently, the grippers in front of and behind the holding jaws can have refining units which, for closing the open ends of the packaging material tube, gather them and form a clamp closure and funnel-shaped closure ends. This is a very quick and easy way to create a visually appealing shutter. The packaging material can be made up in such a way that even in the region of the "gathering knot" a sealing takes place, for example with a cold-seal adhesive or heated pair of cups. In conjunction with, for example, a correspondingly sealed longitudinal fin, a shapely primary packaging is then produced. There is thus no further Umverpackung more necessary and the packaged product group can be brought into the sales channel.

Furthermore, when the packaged product group is dispensed, the gripper can deliver it to a conveyor which, at least initially, further conveys the packaged product group in the conveying direction or at most with an offset of half the height of the packaged product group. The packaged product group is therefore released gently from the gripper for further promotion. Unnecessary fall heights are thus avoided.

Moreover, the invention relates to an apparatus for packaging small-sized products, in particular confectionery products, with a web-shaped packaging material. The device comprises a plurality of grippers, each of which has holding jaws for holding the product or product group at least partially enveloped by the web-shaped packaging material, and grinder units arranged in front of and behind the holding jaws for producing a clamp closure and funnel-shaped ends of the packaging. The gripper device provides the grippers with a gripper track which runs parallel to the conveying direction predetermined by a conveyor supplying the product or the product group of the gripper device, at least over a predetermined length section which is greater than the length of a product or a product group. Conventional gripper devices are designed as packing heads and rotate about an axis. In contrast, the gripper device according to the invention is capable of at least a part of the predetermined path of the conveyor to follow (eg at least 2 times the product length or 1.5 times the length of the product group or until the entire package is completed). This opens up the possibility of handing over the packaging material in web form without first dividing it into corresponding product sections. The subsequent dicing operation can then be performed, for example, on the gripper device, which usually gives better access than the conveyor. Preferably, the gripper device can be brought in with the grippers from above, while a support from below through the conveyor continues to take place until the grippers take over. Accordingly, the grippers move back up after delivery of the product or product group. Preferably, the gripper path between the acquisition of products or product groups and the levy is straight.

Correspondingly, the holding jaws can be controlled in such a way that they grip the product or product group at least partially enveloped by the web-shaped packaging material, before the web-shaped packaging material in the respective product or the respective product group is associated with severed portions.

Figur 1

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer durch die Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 hergestellten Primärverpackung mit linsenförmigen Produkten,

Figur 3

den Vereinzelungsteller aus Figur 1 in einer vergrößerten perspektivischen Darstellung,

Figur 4

einen vergrößerten perspektivischen Ausschnitt des Vereinzelungstellers aus Figur 3,

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Übergabestation am Vereinzelungsteller,

Figur 6

die Übergabestation aus Figur 5 in einer Draufsicht,

Figur 7

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Verpackungsmaterialzuführung an die aufgerichteten Produktgruppen,

Figur 8

eine vergrößerte perspektivische Darstellung der Greifervorrichtung aus Figur 1,

Figur 9

ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt des vorderen Endes der Greifervorrichtung,

Figur 10

ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der die Erzeugung der Längsflosse (Flossennaht) darstellt,

Figur 11

ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der das Umlegen der Längsflosse darstellt,

Figur 12

eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer linsenförmigen Produktgruppe in einem Packmittelschlauch mit Längsflosse,

Figur 13

die Produktgruppe aus Figur 12 nach dem Umlegen der Längsflosse,

Figur 14

eine Ablauffolge, die die unterschiedlichen Betätigungsmöglichkeiten eines Greifers in perspektivischer Darstellung wiedergibt,

Figur 15

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Greifers, der eine zusätzliche Vorspannung in dem Packmittelschlauch erzeugt,

Figur 16

die Produktgruppe aus Figur 13 nach dem Erzeugen einer zusätzlichen Vorspannung,

Figur 17

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der einen 1. Schritt des Durchtrennens des Packmittelschlauchs darstellt,

Figur 18

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der einen 2. Schritt des Durchtrennens des Packmittelschlauchs darstellt,

Figur 19

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der einen 3. Schritt des Durchtrennens des Packmittelschlauchs darstellt,

Figur 20

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der einen 4. Schritt des Durchtrennens des Packmittelschlauchs darstellt,

Figur 21

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der das Raffen der Verpackungsenden darstellt,

Figur 22

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Greifervorrichtung, der die Abgabe der verpackten Produktgruppe an eine Fördereinrichtung darstellt,

Figur 23

eine vergrößerte Vorderansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Förderers und

Figur 24

eine Ablauffolge einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Förderers mit Aufrichteinrichtung.

In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 2

a perspective view of a through the device FIG. 1 produced primary packaging with lenticular products,

FIG. 3

the singulator FIG. 1 in an enlarged perspective view,

FIG. 4

an enlarged perspective section of the separating actuator FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5

a perspective view of the transfer station at the separating plate,

FIG. 6

the transfer station FIG. 5 in a plan view,

FIG. 7

a perspective view of the packaging material supply to the erected product groups,

FIG. 8

an enlarged perspective view of the gripper device FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9

an enlarged detail of the front end of the gripper device,

FIG. 10

an enlarged section of the gripper device, which illustrates the generation of the longitudinal fin (fin seam),

FIG. 11

an enlarged section of the gripper device, which shows the folding of the longitudinal fin,

FIG. 12

an enlarged view of a lenticular product group in a packaging tube with longitudinal fin,

FIG. 13

the product group FIG. 12 after folding the longitudinal fin,

FIG. 14

a sequence which shows the different possibilities of actuating a gripper in a perspective view,

FIG. 15

a perspective view of a gripper that creates an additional bias in the packaging tube,

FIG. 16

the product group FIG. 13 after generating an additional bias,

FIG. 17

an enlarged detail of the gripper device, which represents a first step of severing the packaging tube,

FIG. 18

an enlarged detail of the gripper device, which represents a 2nd step of severing the packaging tube,

FIG. 19

an enlarged detail of the gripper device, which represents a third step of severing the packaging tube,

FIG. 20

an enlarged detail of the gripper device, which represents a 4th step of severing the packaging tube,

FIG. 21

an enlarged detail of the gripper device, which shows the shirring of the packaging ends,

FIG. 22

an enlarged detail of the gripper device, which represents the delivery of the packaged product group to a conveyor,

FIG. 23

an enlarged front view of another embodiment of a conveyor and

FIG. 24

a sequence of another embodiment of a conveyor with erector.

As in particular on the basis of FIG. 2 can be seen, the packaging of lenticular products P, which are formed into a product group G, explained in more detail below. Of course, the device and the associated method described below are also suitable for other product forms (for example spherical or cuboid). In part, certain process steps or parts or areas of the entire device are also suitable for packaging and handling of individual products. In particular, the gripper device described in more detail below accordingly also serves for the handling and processing of individual products and the associated packaging material.

In the FIG. 1 illustrated device 1 comprises a separating device 2, a transfer station 3, a conveyor 4, a Verpackungsungsmittelzuführstation 5, a gripper device 6 and a conveyor 7. From the transfer station 3 to the conveyor 7 substantially a linear constant conveying direction F is maintained. The device 1 is used to produce a packaged product group VP (see FIG. 2 ). In the present case, the products P are lenticular confectionery (for example drops) which are to be formed into a product group G consisting of five products P and packaged together. However, the number and shape of the products P can be arbitrary as long as they can be grouped in this way. The tubular package V is formed from a web-shaped packaging material VM. In the present case, the packaging V should serve as a primary packaging and must therefore be hermetically sealed. The special feature of the packaging V are also the two funnel-shaped or trumpet-shaped closure ends VE in the form of shirred "knots" and an applied longitudinal fin LF in the form of a fin seam. The packaging material VM therefore encloses the product group G on all sides. The packaging material VM is made up in such a way that the film layers stick together both in the area of the fin seam and in the region of the knots. It is therefore a closed, not self-opening packaging V, in which the product group G is kept in the predetermined product formation.

The separating device 2 comprises a continuously rotating separating plate 8. The separating plate 8 has in the region of its outer circumference circular recesses 9, which are arranged along a pitch circle and thus circulate annularly (see FIG. 3 ). The recesses 9 are combined into recess groups 10. Each five recesses 9 form a recess group 10. The recesses 9 are arranged so close to each other that they touch or slightly overlap. This makes it possible for the products P arranged in the recesses 9 to touch or almost touch within a recess group 10. The product feed takes place as bulk material. The products P are then received individually in the recesses 9 and thus form successively arranged product groups G. The recesses 9 are dimensioned such that only a single product P is added. In support of the singulation process deflectors are used, inter alia, in the form of brushes and guide devices (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the recesses 9 in the separating plate 8 are already arranged in groups. This means that the length of the product group G on the separating plate 8 is greater than the length of the product group G arranged inside the packaging. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the separating plate 8 rotates counterclockwise and conveys the separated and grouped products P to the transfer station 3 In this case, the products P accommodated in the recesses 9 of the singling positioner 8 slide horizontally during the rotation of the singling positioner 8 over the sliding surface of a slideway (see FIG FIGS. 4 to 6 ).

In the area of the transfer station 3, the conveyor 4 is arranged below the separating actuator 8. The conveyor 4 extends with its conveying direction F substantially tangential to the pitch circle of the recesses 9. The conveyor 4 has a feed chain 12, of which only some of the drivers 13 are shown. The feed chain 12 is usually a roller chain, on which the drivers 13 shown are arranged at a predetermined distance (driver pitch). The drivers 13 are made relatively narrow and engage from below in a rail 14 with side walls. Between two drivers 13 and the rail 14 thus a moving receiving pocket 15 is formed. to Realization of the product transfer into the lower feed chain 12, the slide 11 is interrupted. Due to gravity, the products P reach the receiving pocket 15 running synchronously with the product group G. The size (length) of this receiving pocket 15 is designed such that the respective number of products P, which are combined in a pack V, are respectively received.

To singulate the products P in the singulator 2, it is advantageous if the products P lying, i. with a strong focus. The products P thus assume their most stable position. However, the most stable position does not correspond to the product formation which the products P take later in the packaging V.

The transport of the transferred to the chain tray 15 products P takes place with a support plane contained in the receiving pocket 15 TE. The continuous speeds of the separating actuator 8 and of the feed chain 12 are matched to one another in such a way that the segmented recesses 9 of the singling actuator 8 always coincide with a driver pitch or receiving pocket 9. The position assignment between separating plate 8 and feed chain 12 remains secured accordingly.

For packaging the product group G, the alignment of the products P on the lateral surface is required. For this purpose, the lying flat product groups G must be erected. That is, the center of gravity of the products P is raised and the products P are then in a more unstable position. The bearing alignment takes place within the continuously running supply chain 12. The geometry of the products P requires a backup of the erected product group G, so that it does not tip over. In a lenticular product P, the side surfaces of the product P do not allow it to stand erect without support. The rail 14 thus also represents a lateral boundary. The actual erection process is carried out by a erecting lever 16 pivotally arranged on the driver 13. The movement of the erecting lever 16 is effected via a frame-fixed cam control and a control cam 17 arranged at the other end of the erecting lever 16. The erecting lever 16 pivots counterclockwise in the chain compartment 15 and sets up the product group G. By the pivoting movement is a shortening of the chain compartment size or length and thus a shortening of the length L of the product group G. The lying product group G in the receiving pocket 15 has a length L1 and the erected product group G, the upright 16 against the rear End of the receiving pocket 15 is pressed, has the length L2. The length L2 is smaller than the length L1. The initial product group G is thereby converted into a stationary product group G (see FIG. 7 ).

In this orientation, the product group G is moved from the conveyor 4 to the package feeding station 5. The packaging material VM is fed in web form. By means not shown forming devices (forming shoulder, etc.), the deformation of the surface supplied endless packaging material VM to a still open at the bottom of the packaging tube PS. The upright product group G is then inserted by means of the conveyor 4 into this still open packaging tube PS. The supply chain 12 enters through the hose opening of the packaging material hose PS, so that the product group G is enveloped by the packaging material VM to a large extent.

The erected product group G is further transported by the feed chain 12 until it reaches the area of the gripper device 6. The gripper device 6 has band-shaped circumferential chains on which grippers 18 are arranged at certain pitches. The grippers 18 thus run within a "gripper belt" 19 counterclockwise. The rapier band 19 describes at the ends in each case a circular arc shape and in between it runs straight. The lower strip strand runs substantially parallel to the conveying direction F. The grippers 18 are active on the product groups G in the lower strip strand of the rapier band 19 and drive accordingly straight above the product line in the conveying direction F. The rapier band 19 is a circulating, continuously driven Aggregate, which is occupied according to the circumference with uniformly distributed grippers 18. The grippers 18 are arranged at the identical distance to the Mitnehmerteil the supply chain 12. This means that the feed rate of the feed chain 12 corresponds to the feed rate of the rapier band 19. Furthermore, the formed, still below open packaging tube PS also moves synchronously to the feed rate of the rapier band 19 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 ).

Each gripper 18 has a gripper bridge 20, two retractable holding jaws 21 and in front of and behind the holding jaws 21 a gripper pair 22 each. Due to the exact position assignment between a gripper 18 and a receiving pocket 15, a transfer of the erected product group G and the voltage applied to the outside, bottom open packaging hose PS is realized by the feed chain 12 in the gripper 18 of the rapier band 19. The holding jaws 21 of the gripper 18 are cam-controlled and have an open and a closed position. A gripper 18 pivots by the deflection of the rapier band 19 in the region of the transfer of the erected product group G in the product level (see FIG. 9 ). Here, the opened holding jaws 21 are laterally the packaging material hose PS and the products contained therein P passes without touching them. The transfer takes place after a parallel alignment of the gripper 18 to the conveying direction F of the conveyor 4. For this purpose, the initiation of the closing movement of the holding jaws 21 by means of a frame fixedly mounted cam track. The holding jaws 21 are each provided with adapted to the products P recesses 23. As a result, the products P are both force and positively held by the holding jaws 21. The erected product group G and the packaging hose PS are now clamped both in the receiving pocket 15 and the lateral holding jaws 21. The gripper pairs 22 present on the gripper 18 are in the open position and have no contact with the packaging material VM and with the product group G. Subsequently, the fixing is released by the feed chain 12. For this purpose, the erecting lever 16 is swung out of the receiving pocket 15 again. This is done again by a curve control. The supply chain 12 releases the product group G in the sequence and emerges below the product level. The driver 13 roam the level of the product bottom and leave the packaging hose PS.

The dimensioning of the retaining jaws 21 is designed such that it comprises the entire erected product group G over the entire length L2. Alternatively, with regard to different product dimensions (mastering of the product tolerances), it is also possible to carry out the gripper 18 in several parts in order to individually clamp and fix each product P. To avoid that the edge products lose their orientation (overturning in the still open packaging hose PS), in addition to the recesses 23 special locking may be present at these points. Thus, the all-round encapsulation of the product group G continues to be guaranteed.

The completion of the packaging V is now carried out within a gripper 18 of the continuously driven rapier band 19. The required for the preparation of the package V sub-steps along a linear path in the conveying direction F (see FIGS. 10 to 16 ). Each gripper 18 of the rapier band 19 undergoes these processing steps. In the illustrated embodiment, a roller chain not shown serves as an endless, rotating drive element. The grippers 18 are (not shown) with their gripper bars 20 on frame-mounted guideways added and follow the chain movement directly. The force is applied in the guides of the gripper 18 and not in the chain strand. The drive train is operated continuously circulating. The representation reflects the functional structure. Elements for gripper guidance, storage and control are not shown in detail.

The holding jaws 21 and the pair of grippers 22 are each rotatably mounted on the gripper bridge 20 and perform pivoting movements for functional fulfillment. The movement is initiated by frame-fixed cam tracks via roller lever. The movements of the individual elements are designed so that both the product group G and the packaging hose PS are processed optimally (without damage). The distance between the pair of pair of grippers 22 is designed such that in the closed state it corresponds to the length L2 of the erected product group G plus a minimum air gap.

After grasping a product group G by the holding jaws 21 takes place while still open Rafferpaar 22, the production of a sealed longitudinal fin LF (see FIG. 10 ). This is done by means of the rotating sealing rollers 24 and 25. For this purpose, the superimposed film layers are provided in the region of the trainees longitudinal fins LF with cold seal adhesives. The first sealing rollers 24 press these film layers firmly against each other and the second sealing rollers 25 are driven and provide in the region of the formed longitudinal fin LF by means of frictional force transmission for the advance of the packaging material hose PS. For this purpose, the driven sealing rollers 25 are pressed against each other. The shaping of the longitudinal section LF belonging to the packaging material sections already takes place in the field of Schlauchausformung by a forming shaft. The retaining jaws 21 of the grippers 18 fix the erected product group G and move it synchronously with the peripheral speed of the sealing rollers 24 over the region of the longitudinal seam formation. There are always several grippers 18 above the region of the longitudinal seam formation due to the contiguous packaging hose PS. As already mentioned, the sealing of the film layers takes place in the illustrated embodiment by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive mask located on the inside of the film. To realize a tight looping of the product groups G through the packaging hose PS, the sealing rolls 24 and 25 are arranged directly below the product bottom.

The gripper pairs 22 of the grippers 18 are in the open position during the closing of the longitudinal fin LF.

Due to the process, the closed longitudinal fin LF is vertically suspended downwards (see Fig. 12 ). To realize the described package character, the alignment of the longitudinal fins LF in the horizontal plane is required. The deformation takes place by means of a separate molding device. In the illustrated embodiment are driven folding rollers 26 (see FIG. 11 ), which create the longitudinal fin LF horizontally due to their geometry directly to the bottom of the packaging hose PS. The top of the folding rollers 26 is in a plane with the tops of the sealing rollers 24 and 25, so that the longitudinal fin LF is applied horizontally without any vertical portion to the packaging hose PS (see Fig. 13 ). Alternatively, the deformation of the longitudinal fin LF can also be realized by means of fixed baffles and other converter devices. The holding jaws 21 of the gripper 18 continue to fix the erected product group G. The Rafferpaare 22 of the gripper 18 are still in the open position.

The transport of the packaging material hose PS as well as the erected product groups G located therein is continued after leaving the folding rollers 26 by the holding jaws 21 of the continuously driven gripper 18. Further support of the product bottom is not absolutely necessary.

After the folding rollers 26 of the film tube FS between two grippers 18 is slightly biased by a feed movement of the corresponding Rafferpaare 22. Here, by a frame-fixed (not shown) cam track, a movement in the respective Rafferpaar 22 is introduced, which the outer diameter of the packaging tube PS, viewed in the conveying direction F, before and after the erected product group G tapers (see FIGS. 15 and 16 ). As a result of the reduced tube cross-section, an additional tension is introduced onto the region of the packaging hose PS between two grippers 18, so that the latter is stretched in the longitudinal direction. For this purpose, the contour of a Rafferpaars 22 is designed such that it encloses the packaging material hose PS at the beginning of contact during the feed movement on all sides. A Rafferpaar 22 consists of at least two Raffern, which interlock toothed. In the embodiment shown, both pairs of gatherers 22 have a common point of rotation 27 for optimum tube deformation, whose axis is aligned parallel to the conveying direction F (see FIG FIG. 14 and 15 ). The grippers of a Rafferpaars 22 are pivoted symmetrically to the product center and touch the packaging hose PS simultaneously on both the front, as well as on the back.

For the preparation of the package V, the separation of individual sections of the film tube FS is required (see FIGS. 17 to 20 ). The fixed by the holding jaws 21 and Rafferpaare 22 and biased packaging hose PS is transported by means of the rapier belt 19 via a separator 28. The feed of the rapier band 19 continues to be continuous. The separation cut is realized by means of a scissors cut centrally between two gripper-like blades 29 and 30. The blade 29 and the counter blade 30 rotate counter to the product plane about a common pivot point. To realize the safe severing of the prestressed packaging hose PS both knife blades are subject to a mutual bias in the region of the contact point of the cutting. The preload of the packaging hose PS In this case, it assists the cutting process in order to avoid tearing of the packaging material hose PS or of the tube section to be formed by the knives 29 and 30. Furthermore, the orientation of the cutting line perpendicular to the conveying direction F of the packaging material hose PS is supported in this manner. To avoid relative movements in the conveying direction F between the blades 29 and 30 and the packaging hose PS both knives 29 and 30 are subject to an oscillating movement in the axial direction (in and counter to the conveying direction F) with respect to its axis of rotation.

In FIG. 17 are the blades 29 and 30 before engaging in the packaging hose PS. Subsequently, the blades 29 and 30 are in engagement with the packaging hose PS (see FIG. 18 ). The knives 29 and 30 move axially in addition to their rotation at a synchronous speed to the rapier band 19, so that there are no relative movements in this direction. In FIG. 19 the completion of the separation cut is shown. The axial movement of the knife 29 and counter knife 30 is subject to a reversal of direction. As a result of the separation of the tube sections, the preload of the packaging tube PS formed by the initial advancing movement of the pair of scrapers 22 is canceled between two grippers 18. Between the separate tube sections, a free space is formed (see FIG. 20 ). The rotation and the contour of the knives 29 and 30 is designed such that during the return stroke of the separating device 28, the grippers 18 and the packaging hose PS are transported without collision.

Downstream of the separation process is the completion of the packaging V. The gripper pairs 22 of the gripper 18 are subject to a further, initiated by the frame-mounted outer cam track feed movement. The pair of gatherers 22 taper the tube cross section at the edge sides of the erected product group G such that a ruffled knot is formed. As a result of packaging of the packaging material VM, the shirred knot retains its shape. The inner sides of the film adhere to each other due to the externally introduced pressure (see FIG. 21 ). As a result of the delivery movement of Rafferpaare 22 is a shortening of the lateral, free hose section. The gap between two hose ends of adjacent grippers 18 increases further.

Subsequent to the gathering, the product is delivered. For this purpose, the Rafferpaare 22 and the holding jaws 21 of the gripper 18 are subject to one, initiated by the outer, fixed to the frame mounted cam track opening movement. In order to avoid adhesions and sticking of the formed closure ends VE and the packaging material hose PS in the grippers 18, the opening pairs 22 are completely opened before the holding jaws 21 are opened (see FIG FIG. 22 ).

The packaged product group VP is transferred in the illustrated embodiment to a continuously driven delivery belt 31 of the conveyor 7. Other embodiments allow, inter alia, the use of slides, a free delivery and the transfer into an orderly transport system. The now free gripper 18 is deflected in the sequence corresponding to the course of the rapier band 19 upwards. In the region of the lower web of the rapier band 19, the grippers 18 are moved in the manner of gondolas suspended on both sides and complete the packaging V.

The following will now be based on the FIG. 23 a further embodiment for the positional alignment of the products P described. The main difference lies in the shortening of the length of the receiving pocket 15, so that the lenticular products P are not received flat in the receiving pocket 15, but slightly fanned. By this measure, a partial erection of the product group G is already done and it is counteracted blocking during the subsequent erection process by means of the righting lever 16. While in lens-shaped products P the problem of blocking is less, in other product forms a diversified arrangement in the receiving pocket 15 is absolutely necessary in order to carry out the upright operation. The transfer station 3 is then shaped accordingly to achieve this fanned arrangement in the receiving pocket 15. In addition, the receiving pocket 15 is formed by a driver 13 alone.

Furthermore, it is now based on the FIG. 24 a further embodiment for the positional alignment of the products P described. The main difference lies in the other embodiment of the driver 13. The erection of the products P is effected by a linear movement of a front slider 32 within the receiving pocket 15 of the feed chain 12. The control of the slider 32 via a frame-fixed curved path by means of coupling mechanism. The size of the receiving pocket 15 is shortened due to the linear movement of the slider 32 such that the products P are erected and secured by the front and rear limits of the receiving pocket 15 in their new positional orientation. In this case, the length of the receiving pocket 15 is predetermined solely by a single driver 13. These drivers 13 are repeatedly arranged on the drive chain, such as a roller chain, the feed chain 12 in the predetermined pitch.

The dimensioning of the cam control and the linkage is designed such that the initiated on the products P movement leads to the ereder derselbigen and no Damage to the product P causes. In the illustrated embodiments with ellipsoidal contour of the product P, the outer surfaces of the products P slide together during the erecting process. In this case, the shape of the product cross-section supports the avoidance of jamming products P during the erection process. The preorientation of the product layer within the receiving pocket 15 must, with a different product cross-section, prevent blocking of the products P during the erection process.

In addition to the linear advancing movement of the front slider 32, supporting elements in the region of the feed chain 12 and the frame-fixed outer product guides (not shown) are e.g. Rail) applicable, which support the orientation of the product layer during the erection movement.

In the illustrated embodiment, a roller chain serves as an endless, revolving drive element. The drivers 13 are added to frame-mounted guideways and follow the chain movement directly. The force is introduced into the guides of the driver 13, not in the chain strand. The chain strand is operated continuously circulating.

Due to the process, the handling of idle cycles using a continuous process with endlessly supplied processing goods poses major challenges to the process.

• Fehlendes Produkt P, welches zu einer unvollständigen Produktgruppe G im Übergabebereich des Vereinzelungstellers 8 in die Zuführkette 12 führt.
• Fehlende Produktgruppe G im Bereich der Zuführkette 12, welches zu einer komplett leeren Verpackung V führt.

An empty cycle is defined as follows:

• Missing product P, which leads to an incomplete product group G in the transfer region of the separating actuator 8 in the feed chain 12.
• Missing product group G in the supply chain 12, which leads to a completely empty packaging V.

The objective is to maximize the efficiency of the processing operation, so that missing individual products P in the area of the product transfer from the singling plate 8 into the feed chain 12 are to be avoided under given process reliability. In this case, incompletely filled recesses 9 of a recess group 10 in the singling plate 8 can be sensed. The transfer station 3 is shut off by means of a separately switched lock washer exclusively for this product group, so that a transfer of the products P from this incomplete filled segment (recess group 10) does not take place in the feed chain 12. The incompletely filled segment of the singling positioner 8 is fed to the singling process in its current composition during a further rotation of the singling positioner 8. The receiving area 15 of the synchronously running feed chain 12 located in the transfer area no products P are handed over. The feed chain 12 continues to run continuously. The empty receiving pocket 15 passes through the entire section of the feed chain 12 up to and including the area of product transfer into the rapier band 19. The closing holding jaws 21 of the gripper 18 can not make contact with products P. For fixing the packaging hose PS within this gripper 18, in one possible embodiment, the design of the holding jaw arrangement is selected such that its closing movement is realized spring-loaded. Under the action of a roller lever of the gripper 18, the outer, cam-mounted curved tracks exclusively perform the movement for opening the holding jaws 21. This design ensures that the holding jaws 21 reduce their distance to each other in the absence of product formation to a minimum, so that the packaging hose PS is clamped directly by the holding jaws 21. The processing of the packaging material hose PS takes place here on the further feed path of the rapier band 19 analogously to the process described without deactivating individual processing steps. After separating the packaging material hose PS by means of the separating device 28, the discharge of an empty pack is carried out, which is handled separately from the product flow of the packaged products VP.

A further embodiment for avoiding the resulting empty bag is the decentralization of the drives of the separating actuator 8 relative to the feed chain 12. In this case, according to the above description, the blocking of the incompletely filled segment of the separating actuator 8 by a locking disc. The feed chain 12 is driven continuously. The separator 8 is impressed by the control of the drive, an additional positional offset, so that in the product transfer to Zuführkette 12 the next, completely filled product group G of the singling 8 is synchronized to the position of the receiving pocket 15 of the feed chain 12. By this embodiment, empty and incompletely filled receiving pockets 15 are avoided within the feed chain 12.

The generation of a package V by means of the rapier band 19 can also be done with individual products P instead of product groups G. Furthermore, the product group G does not necessarily have to be aligned with the lateral surface. The products P can be supplied to the rapier band 19 also lying. The product supply can be carried out by means other than a separating plate 8, for example by means of strip feed, direct input into the continuously running feed chain 12, etc. The formation of the product groups G does not have to be effected by segmentation of the separating plate 8 into individual groups. The feed chain 12 does not necessarily have to be formed as a continuous chain strand. It is also the execution by means of separate driven Driver 13 possible (single linear drives). The transfer of the products P in the feed chain 12 is also possible with auxiliary devices for safe ejection from the recess 9 of the separating actuator 8. The erecting of the products P is also by the relative movement of two drivers 13 conceivable, which are arranged on individual controlled linear actuators. The erecting of the products P can also be controlled by the sliding wall of the receiving pocket 15 or an erecting lever 16 arranged in this region. The vorrauseilende wall of the receiving pocket 15 is fixed in this embodiment. The raising can also be done by the relative movement of two elements of the driver 13 and center the product group G, for example, in the region of the driver center. The product contour does not necessarily have to be elliptical for erecting. Other product cross-sections require pre-orientation of the assembly within the receiving pocket 15 to erect it. In order to avoid blocking (clamping) products P during the erection process, it is likewise possible to initiate targeted disturbing movements to the product group G. Among other things, vibrations lead to the loosening of a blocked formation, so that the erection process is not hindered. The drivers 13 can also be driven by other endless, rotating drive elements. The drive of the driver 13 is also possible via individual drives. The drive of the rapier band 19 can also be realized as a single drive for each gripper 18 (linear drives). Instead of cold sealing, heat sealing or other sealing technologies are conceivable. Several or all sealing roller pairs can be driven. The pivot points of the two Raffer a Rafferpaares 22 can also be arranged offset to one another in another embodiment. A concentric axis of rotation is not mandatory. Thus, the embodiment of the shirring is significantly influenced. For realizing asymmetrical packaging V, the separating cut can also take place off-center between two grippers 18.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

device

2

separating device

3

Transfer station

4

promoter

5

Verpackungsmittelzuführstation

6

gripper device

7

Conveyor

8th

separating plate

9

recess

10

Knockout group

11

slipway

12

infeed

13

takeaway

14

rail

15

receiving pocket

16

Aufrichthebel

17

cam

18

grab

19

rapier

20

gripper

21

holding jaws

22

Rafferpaar

23

recess

24

sealing roller

25

sealing roller

26

Falzolle

27

pivot point

28

separator

29

knife

30

against knife

31

discharge conveyor

32

pusher

TE

carrier plane

L

Length of the product group

L1

Length of the product group in the recess group or in the receiving bag

L2

Length of the product group after orientation or in the packaging

PS

Packaging Tube

P

product

G

product group

VE

breech end

F

conveyor direction

V

packaging

VM

packing material

LF

longitudinal fin

VP

packed product group

Claims (15)

Process for packaging small-sized products (P), in particular confectionery products, which are formed into stacked product groups (G), comprising the following steps: a. Separation of the products (P) and formation of product groups (G) with a length L, b. Transfer of the product groups (G) to a conveyor (4), c. Positional orientation of the products (P) in a product group (G), resulting in a shortening of the length L of the product group (G), d. Feeding a web-shaped packaging material (VM), e. At least partially tubular wrapping of the product group (G) with the packaging material (VM), f. Receiving the at least partially enveloped product groups (G) each with a gripper (18), G. Production of a packaging (V) by the following substeps, i. Forming a circumferentially closed packaging hose (PS) from the packaging material (VM), ii. Cutting through the packaging material hose (PS) between two wrapped product groups (G), iii. Closing the open ends of the packaging material hose (PS), including the product group (G), iv. Dispensing of the packaged product group (VP) from the gripper (18). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that during the transfer of the product groups (G) to the conveyor (4) already a first shortening of the length L takes place and the products (P) of a product group (G) of a successively arranged product arrangement in a diversified , At least partially overlapping product arrangement are transferred. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conveyor (4) receiving pockets (15) for each product group (G) and the effective receiving length of the receiving pockets (15) for erecting the product group (G) is shortened. Method according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that for singulating the products (P) a rotatable separating plate (8) is used, the group arranged recesses (9) for each product (P), and the products (P ) enter from above into the recesses (9) and at a transfer area (3) down from the recesses (9) are delivered to the conveyor (4). Method according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that when feeding the film-shaped packaging material (VM) from the top of the conveyer (4) funded product groups (G) is brought from above and subsequently by means of forming means to a still open at the bottom of the packaging tube (PS) is formed and engages the product group (G) receiving portion of the conveyor (4) from below into the open packaging hose (PS). Method according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that when receiving the partially wrapped product group (G) holding jaws (21) of the gripper (18) laterally with the interposition of the packaging material (VM) to create a product group (G) and the Promote the product group (G) from the conveyor (4). A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the grippers (18) further convey the product groups (G) together with the packaging material (VM) substantially in the same conveying direction (F) as previously the conveyor (4). Method according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that during the production of the package (V) and formation of the packaging tube (PS) a longitudinal fin (LF) is formed and sealed. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the longitudinal fin (LF) is applied to the product group (G). Method according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that for severing the packaging tube (PS) this is previously biased at least in addition between two product groups (G). Method according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that for the severing of the packaging material hose (PS) two counter-rotating, together and parallel to the conveying direction (F) mit- and zurückbewegbare and only temporarily in the conveying path of the product groups (G) and the packaging tube ( PS) inwardly pivoting knives (29, 30) are used. Method according to one of claims 6-11, characterized in that the grippers (18) in front of and behind the holding jaws (21) Raffereinheiten which for closing the open ends of the packaging material hose (PS) grab these and a clamp closure and funnel-shaped or fan-shaped Shaping ends (VE). Method according to one of Claims 1-12, characterized in that, when the packaged product group (VP) is dispensed, the gripper (18) delivers it to a conveyor (7) which at least initially packs the packaged product group (VP) in the conveying direction (F). or maximally with an offset of half the height of the packaged product group (VP) promotes. Apparatus for packaging small-sized products (P), in particular confectionery products, in a foil-shaped packaging material (VM), comprising a gripper device comprising a plurality of grippers (18), the grippers (18) each having holding jaws (21) for holding the one or more grippers of the film-shaped packaging material (VM) at least partially enveloped product (P) or product group (G) and before and behind the holding jaws (21) arranged Raffereinheiten for producing a clamp closure and funnel-shaped closure ends (VE) of the package (V), and wherein the gripper device provides to the grippers (18) a gripper track which is at least over a predetermined length greater than the length of a product (P) or a product group (G) parallel to, one of the product (P) or the Product group (G) of the gripper device feeding conveyor (4) predetermined conveying direction (F) extends. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the holding jaws (21) are driven in such a way that they grip the product (P) or product group (G) at least partially enveloped by the film-shaped packaging material (VM) before the film-shaped packaging material ( VM) in, the respective product (P) or the respective product group (G) associated cuts is severed.

Images