EP3581505A1 - Fill-level dependent gassing - Google Patents

Fill-level dependent gassing Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3581505A1
EP3581505A1 EP19168500.7A EP19168500A EP3581505A1 EP 3581505 A1 EP3581505 A1 EP 3581505A1 EP 19168500 A EP19168500 A EP 19168500A EP 3581505 A1 EP3581505 A1 EP 3581505A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
volume
gas
packaging
pressure
partial
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19168500.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3581505B1 (en
Inventor
Michael RÄDLER
Florian Felch
Alexander STÖTZNER
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
Publication of EP3581505A1 publication Critical patent/EP3581505A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3581505B1 publication Critical patent/EP3581505B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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
    • 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
    • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
    • 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
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/006—Adding fluids for preventing deformation of filled and closed containers or wrappers
    • 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
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65B31/028—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers closed by a lid sealed to the upper rim of the container, e.g. tray-like container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/04—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages
    • B65B61/06—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing packagings with a packing optic that is at least substantially similar to one another according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sealing station for producing packagings with a packing optic that is substantially similar to one another according to independent claim 11.
  • the present invention is in the following in connection with Figure 1 described problem underlying.
  • Figure 1 shows a sealing station 3 'designed for gassing evacuated packaging, which is present, for example, as part of a thermoforming packaging machine.
  • a sealing station 3 designed for gassing evacuated packaging, which is present, for example, as part of a thermoforming packaging machine.
  • a total packaging volume P ' (hereinafter also: packaging volume P') is gassed, which is the sum of a partial volume V1 ', which is formed by the respective packaging troughs 14' minus the existing product content 22 ', and of a partial volume V2 ', which is present above the respective packaging troughs 14' and is enclosed by the upper film 10 '.
  • the total packaging volume P ' is generally larger than the total of the individual volumes enclosed by the packages ultimately produced.
  • This in Figure 1 Total packaging volume P 'shown serves for gas distribution between the packaging. This results in a certain gap S 'between the lower and the upper film material, via which the gas supplied can be distributed in all the packaging positioned within the sealing station.
  • the packaging is optically produced differently for the following reasons.
  • the packaging positioned within the sealing station 3 ' is conventionally gassed to a gassing target pressure.
  • the upper film material is pressed in the direction of the lower film material after the gassing process.
  • the amount of gas contained in the partial volume V2 'with the target fumigation pressure is pressed into the partial volume V1' so that the pressure rises above the target fumigation pressure in the partial volume V1 '.
  • gas balancing can no longer take place between the individual packages positioned within the sealing station.
  • the pressure in the package will be significantly higher than the fumigation setpoint pressure.
  • the degree of fill the pressure in the package will be significantly higher than the fumigation setpoint pressure.
  • the pressure before sealing hardly differs from the pressure that arises when the packaging is sealed, since the pressure increase in partial volume V1 'due to the depression of the Upper film material is relatively small.
  • the packaging appears to be more depressed after ventilation, if at the beginning a gassing target pressure was set to be well below atmospheric pressure, so that when packaging with nominal product content is present, its packaging appearance looks normal.
  • the object of the invention is to produce a method and a device for the production of packaging with a packaging optic which is at least substantially similar to one another. This should be possible even if the respective packaging has varying degrees of filling, i.e. are voluminously filled unevenly.
  • the fumigation target pressure initially generated in a respective work cycle in the package volume of the packaging (s) that is left free of products is selectively lowered to a lower pressure level while maintaining the package volume by releasing a detectable portion of the previously supplied gas, so that the subsequent, preferably slow, depressing of the Upper film material a rise to the fumigation target pressure is possible when the upper film material reaches the end position provided for the completion of the packaging, ie the pack volume is reduced by the imaginary partial volume.
  • the filling of the package volume to the fumigation target pressure and the targeted release of the partial amount of gas to create a reduced pressure level within the package volume can be detected using a pressure sensor connected to the package volume.
  • the essence of the invention is that this is free per work cycle, i.e. minus the respective product volumes, the existing packing volume of one or more packings positioned in the sealing station should first be gassed to the fumigation target pressure and then again a subset of the gas supplied from the imaginary subvolume, which can be predetermined according to physical principles, by which the packing volume is later reduced when the upper film material is pressed down to drain.
  • the amount of gas in the partial volume is discharged into the collecting container, which otherwise would be in accordance with Figure 1 closed present package volume would be compressed.
  • the imaginary plane simultaneously forms an imaginary system boundary as a reference for the fact that the amount of gas contained after filling above the system boundary, within the imaginary and calculable partial volume, has to be released, as a result of which the pressure within the packing volume drops as an intermediate step.
  • the subsequent volume reduction by lowering the upper film material to the system limit then leads to the restoration of a gas atmosphere to the fumigation setpoint pressure level so that it can then be sealed.
  • a filling of the respective packaging to the gassing target pressure that is adapted to the respective filling degrees is faked by the fact that, particularly with filling degrees that vary per work cycle, the gas quantity within the imaginary partial volume, which is still used at the beginning of the method as an aid for gas distribution between the respective packaging is required, after the fumigation process is discharged to the collecting volume.
  • the quantity of gas contained within the imaginary, calculable partial volume at the fumigation target pressure can be discharged in a controlled manner into the known collecting volume, which in turn has a definable outlet pressure.
  • the partial quantity of the gas filled into the packing volume, which is discharged via the line, is preferably passed into a collecting volume which is at least partially enclosed by an upper tool part of the sealing station and / or the upper packing material.
  • the collecting volume is provided directly in the upper part of the tool of the sealing station, that is to say integrated therein, which leads to an advantageous compact construction of the sealing station for the method according to the invention.
  • the collecting volume and the imaginary partial volume can be easily calculated on the basis of known geometries of the structure of the upper part of the tool, which means that the partial discharge of the gas into the collecting volume can be carried out technically without any problems.
  • An alternative variant of the invention provides that the partial quantity of the gas filled into the packing volume discharged via the line is passed into a separate collecting container forming the collecting volume.
  • the collecting container thus serves as a separate reference volume, which means that a format change and a tool change that may be associated with it can be carried out particularly easily without influencing the machine program.
  • a target pressure for the collection volume is determined on the basis of the partial quantity of gas that has been discharged until the line remains open until it is reached.
  • the pressure prevailing in the collecting volume is detected by means of a pressure sensor connected to it. This would allow the drainage process to be precisely controlled and better timed to integrate into other process steps. A preset time fixation, possibly resulting in "dead times", for releasing the partial amount of the gas is then not necessary.
  • a process control of the discharge process based on the target volume of the target pressure can be carried out very precisely by means of simple control technology, which may already be present on the machine, and leads to an optimization of the entire manufacturing process due to the associated minimization of dead time.
  • the pressure generated within the collecting volume by the gas introduced therein preferably remains lower during the entire discharge process than the pressure within the package volume on the remaining amount of gas remaining there, so that the package volume remains stable even after the discharge process. This ensures high process stability, especially high process manufacturing quality.
  • An advantageous embodiment provides that the upper packaging material is moved into the end position by means of a ventilation process and / or by means of at least one device that performs a lifting movement.
  • a ventilation process and / or by means of at least one device that performs a lifting movement.
  • such a process is controlled in such a way that the upper packaging material is slowly moved into the end position so that the remaining amount of the filled-in gas remaining within the pack volume after the draining process can be distributed over all packagings positioned within the sealing station. This means that the respective packaging can be visually produced the same way.
  • the upper packaging material is preferably sealed in the end position along an edge region with the lower packaging material, so that the finished packaging encloses a desired atmosphere in an airtight manner.
  • An advantageous variant provides that the package volume is evacuated before filling with gas. As a result, the desired process atmosphere can be created very precisely within the respective packaging through the subsequent process steps.
  • the imaginary partial volume and / or the collecting volume in particular their relationship to one another, is determined on the basis of a test run become.
  • the lower packaging material could, for example, be flat, ie not molded, fed to the sealing station and clamped together with the upper packaging material.
  • gassing only a space corresponding to the imaginary partial volume would then be filled with a gas quantity at the target gassing pressure. If the line is then opened until the pressure between the sub-volume clamped in the sealing station and the collecting volume is equalized, the volume ratio can be determined using the recorded balanced pressure with prior knowledge of the total volume (consisting of the collecting volume and the sub-volume). As a result, their respective volumes also result.
  • the method according to the invention can be used in the production of optically comparable packages with a predetermined approximately constant respective filling level for the precise and simple automated determination of an offset print, the offset print being based on a difference between the gassing pressure and that after the partial quantity of gas has been released the imaginary partial volume of the pressure still present within the package volume is determined, so that in subsequent machine cycles the package volume is only filled with gas until the pressure which results from the gassing setpoint pressure minus the specific offset pressure is reached. If the packaging to be produced has the same degree of filling as a requirement for the offset function, the method according to the invention could advantageously be used to determine the offset printing, at least at the beginning of the production process, while the draining process is then dispensed with for this product batch.
  • This process could also be repeated at intervals during production for the purpose of updating the offset print, which may further improve the production quality.
  • the invention also relates to a sealing station for a packaging machine, which is in particular in the form of a deep-drawing packaging machine, the sealing station having a line which connects a packaging volume enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material to at least one packaging positioned within the sealing station with a collecting volume, the Line for discharging a predetermined portion of a gas previously filled in the package volume is determined in the collecting volume.
  • the entire package volume is initially filled with a filling gas provided for a desired atmosphere to a target pressure, which should also be included later in the finished packagings which are, however, reduced in volume with respect to the total package volume.
  • the initially filled packing volume consists of a first partial volume, which is formed by the spaces left free of the inserted products in the lower preformed packaging material, and a second partial volume enclosed above the first partial volume and enclosed by the upper packaging material for the purpose of uniform gas distribution.
  • the gas quantity contained in the second partial volume is discharged via the line to the collecting volume, so that the pressure prevailing in the maintained package volume in the meantime decreases, but subsequently by reducing the package volume by the second partial volume designed for gas distribution to the desired packaging dimension to the originally generated packaging dimension Target pressure increases.
  • Such a sealing station can be used to produce packagings with a packing optic which is at least substantially similar to one another, with varying degrees of filling. Furthermore, the sealing station according to the invention is suitable for carrying out a test run of the type described above.
  • the pressure level currently prevailing in the pack volume can be detected in the collecting volume for the purpose of gas supply and / or gas discharge control by means of a pressure sensor connected to the pack volume.
  • the line is preferably provided with a valve, in particular a 2/2 valve, which can be closed in order to limit the predetermined portion of the gas to be discharged to the collecting volume.
  • the valve can be switched on a process-controlled basis by means of a pressure value acquisition in the collecting volume, so that a partial discharge of the gas occurs.
  • a pressure sensor can be connected to a section of the line leading to the collecting volume.
  • One variant provides that a volume flow can be controlled by means of the valve. This makes it possible, in particular, to control the discharge process of the partial quantity of the gas with high process stability.
  • At least a section of the line is preferably also provided for evacuating and / or gassing the pack volume.
  • the line fulfills a multiple function and can be integrated in a compact manner at the sealing station, if necessary using existing pipe systems.
  • the collecting volume is formed by a separate collecting container of the sealing station.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a sealing station 3 'according to the prior art.
  • the sealing station 3 ' has an upper tool part 20' and a lower tool part 21 'which can be brought up to the upper tool part 20' by means of a lifting movement and which is designed to receive preformed packaging trays 14 '.
  • Packaging troughs 14 'shown include products 16' with different filling levels 22 '.
  • the partial volume V1 ' is composed of the sum of the respective packaging tray volumes created by the packaging trays 14' and released by the products 16 '.
  • the partial volume V2 ' forms an imaginary partial volume which is enclosed between the upper film 10' and an imaginary plane E 'shown in broken lines.
  • a connecting gap S' is formed, which allows a distribution of the gas within the packing volume V ', in particular during the filling process.
  • a sealing unit 25 'for a sealing process is positioned within the upper tool part 20' and is designed to move the upper film 10 'towards the packaging troughs 14' positioned below it for a sealing process by means of a lifting movement H '.
  • the packing volume P ' consisting of the sum of the respective partial volumes V1' and V2 ', is first filled with a gas to create a desired atmosphere to a gassing target pressure p Soll' .
  • the subsequent stroke movement H 'of the sealing unit 25' pushes the gas quantity contained in the partial volume V2 'into the partial volume V1' released from the products 16 'within the packaging troughs 14'. Since the respective fill levels 22 'of the packaging troughs 14' are different, there is also a different final pressure within the finished packaging V '.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a packaging machine 1, which is designed in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine T.
  • the packaging machine 1 has a molding station 2, a sealing station 3, a cross cutting device 4 and a longitudinal cutting device 5. These are arranged in this order in a working direction R on a machine frame 6.
  • a feed roller 7 is arranged on the input side, from which a lower film U as the lower packaging material 8 is pulled off.
  • the lower film U is transported into the forming station 2 by means of a feed device, not shown.
  • packaging troughs 14 are formed into the bottom film U by means of the forming station 2.
  • the packaging troughs 14 are then transported further to an insertion section 15, where they can be filled with a product 16 manually or automatically. Following the insertion section 15, the packaging troughs 14 filled with the products 16 are transported further to the sealing station 3.
  • the packaging troughs 14 can be sealed with an upper film O, which forms an upper packaging material 10, so that by sealing the upper film O onto the packaging troughs 14, closed packages V are produced, which are separated with the cross-cutting device 4 and the longitudinal cutting device 5 and can be removed by means of a discharge device 13.
  • FIG Figure 3 schematically shows a sealing station 3 according to the invention, as shown in FIG Figure 2 shown packaging machine 1 can be used.
  • the sealing station 3 comprises an upper tool part 20 and a lower tool part 21, which enclose a sealing chamber 23.
  • Figure 3 further shows that two packaging troughs 14 with respective products 16 are accommodated in the lower tool part 21, the respective degrees of filling 22 of the packaging troughs 14 differing.
  • the pack volume V is traversed by means of an imaginary plane E, shown in broken lines, whereby it is divided into a sub-volume V1 and a sub-volume V2.
  • the packaging trough 14 present on the right in the image plane with a lower filling degree 22 forms a larger proportion of the packaging volume P than the other packaging trough 14 filled with a higher filling degree 22.
  • the partial volume V2 enclosed by the upper film O and the imaginary plane E is connected via a line 26 to a collecting volume V3 integrated in the upper tool part 20, which is enclosed between the upper tool part 20 and the upper film O.
  • the pack volume P is filled via a section 26a of the line 26 with a gas G to create a desired atmosphere to a gassing target pressure p des.
  • section 26a has an inlet valve 37a which can be controlled by means of a pressure sensor 38a.
  • the pressure sensor 38a is designed to detect the pressure level within the package volume P.
  • a subset TM contained within the subvolume V2 (see Figure 5 ) of the gas G brought to the target fumigation pressure p is again removed from the packing volume P via the line 26.
  • the gas G is passed through sections 26a, 26b, 26c of the line 26 into the collecting volume V3.
  • the partial quantity TM of the discharged gas G corresponds to the mass of the gas which is contained in the partial volume V2.
  • section 26b has a (lowering) valve 27 which can be controlled by means of a further pressure sensor 48a.
  • the pressure sensor 48a is designed to detect the pressure level within the collection volume V3.
  • the section 26c is also present as a ventilation line, which has a ventilation valve 47a.
  • the packing volume P i.e. the valve 27 of the drain line 26 is closed and the upper film O is pressed in the direction of the packaging troughs 14 positioned below it by means of the sealing unit 25.
  • the upper film O is brought into an end position L positioned in accordance with the imaginary plane E, in which the upper film O is sealed onto the packaging troughs 14.
  • the lowering of the top film O can be controlled so slowly by means of the sealing unit 25, in particular a plate-shaped device 28 which can be lowered thereon, and / or by means of a ventilation process that the remaining quantity RM contained within the package volume P is slowly distributed over the respective packaging V.
  • the device 28 is designed as a product protection plate and is configured to prevent undesired heat being introduced onto the products 16 accommodated within the packaging troughs 14 during the sealing process.
  • FIG 4 shows the sealing station 3 according to Figure 3 , a separate collecting container 30 being used as the collecting volume V3.
  • a separate ventilation line 26d which has a ventilation valve 47b, is connected to the sealing chamber 23.
  • the line 26 in each case comprises the valve 27, which is opened for the draining process, so that the partial volume TM of the gas G from the packing volume P can flow into the collecting volume V3.
  • the valve 27 remains closed.
  • the valve 27 remains closed when the packing volume P is preceded by an evacuation process.
  • the draining process via the valve 27 can according to Figure 4 can be controlled by means of a pressure sensor 48b connected to the collecting volume V3.
  • the filling process takes place via an inlet valve 37b, which is pressure-controlled by means of a pressure sensor 38b connected to the pack volume P.
  • the upper tool part 20 is moved over the section 26c of FIG Figure 3 or via the separate ventilation line 26d Figure 4 ventilated (ie creating a pressure balance to the atmospheric pressure of the environment).
  • FIG. 5 shows the principle of the process according to the invention.
  • the pack volume P is filled with the desired gas G to the gassing set pressure p des. There is then a predetermined, to the p Begasungssolldruck corresponding amount of gas in the packing volume GM P.
  • the amount of gas (partial amount TM) contained within the imaginary partial volume V2, which is present above the imaginary plane E drawn in as the system boundary, is via the in the Figures 3 and 4 drained line 26 shown.
  • the residual amount RM of the gas G still remaining within the pack volume P is distributed over the entire pack volume P, so that a reduced pressure level p red is present within the maintained pack volume P.
  • the packaging volume P is reduced by the imaginary partial volume V2 by pressing the upper packaging material into the end position L falling on the imaginary plane E. It is now again the Begasungssolldruck p set within the laid down for finished packaging V partial volume V1 before. According to this process, regardless of the degree of filling, packaging can be produced with a packaging optic that is at least substantially similar to one another.
  • the ratio of the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3 can be determined by means of a test run that can be carried out using the sealing station 3 according to the invention.
  • the test run could, for example, be carried out in such a way that the lower film U used for the packaging troughs 14 is not introduced into the sealing station 3 and is fixed therein together with the upper film O.
  • only the partial volume V2 is gassed to the target gassing pressure p target during gassing.
  • the line 26 is then opened and left open until the pressure between the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3 is the same, the ratio of the partial volume V2 to the collecting volume V3 can be calculated via the pressure which arises.
  • the respective volumes of the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3 can then be calculated directly via the total volume, consisting of the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3.
  • the partial volume V2 could also be approximately estimated by performing the stroke of the sealing unit 25.
  • the respective volumes V2 and V3 could also be calculated using clearly known reference volumes when the machine is started up.
  • the volumes used in connection with the principle according to the invention that is to say the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3, can expediently be stored in a tool database of the packaging machine 1 and serve as arithmetic variables during the packaging process.
  • the principle according to the invention can be used for the automated generation of an offset print, so that under The use of offset printing means that the partial gas discharge process can be dispensed with in order to produce packaging with a packaging optics that is essentially constant.
  • gassing is carried out only to a reduced pressure, which results from the gassing target pressure minus the offset pressure calculated on the basis of the invention, and is sealed immediately thereafter.
  • a reduced pressure which results from the gassing target pressure minus the offset pressure calculated on the basis of the invention, and is sealed immediately thereafter.
  • the invention could just as well be carried out at a sealing station which is part of a packaging machine which is not designed as a deep-drawing packaging machine, for example a tray sealing machine with the supply of pre-made packaging trays.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Siegelstation (3) einer Verpackungsmaschine (1) zum Herstellen von Verpackungen (V) mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik bei gegebenenfalls variierenden Füllgraden (22), umfassend die folgenden Schritte: Befüllen eines zwischen einem unteren und einem oberen Verpackungsmaterial (8, 10) eingeschlossenen Packungsvolumens (P) mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation (3) positionierten Verpackung (V) mit einem zur Schaffung einer gewünschten Atmosphäre bestimmten Gas (G) auf einen für eine fertige Verpackung (V) vorbestimmten Begasungssolldruck (p<sub>soll</sub>), Ablassen einer Teilmenge (TM) des in das Packungsvolumen (P) eingefüllten Gases (G) aus dem Packungsvolumen (P) über eine daran angeschlossene Leitung (26) in ein damit verbundenes Auffangvolumen (V3) unter Beibehaltung des durch das vorangehende Befüllen erzeugten Packungsvolumens (P), sodass sich innerhalb des Packungsvolumens (P) für die verbleibende Restmenge (RM) des eingefüllten Gases (G) ein relativ zum Begasungssolldruck reduzierter Druck (p<sub>red</sub>) einstellt, wobei die abgelassene Teilmenge (TM) des Gases (G) im Wesentlichen der Masse des innerhalb eines imaginären Teilvolumens (V2) des Packungsvolumens (P) aufgenommen Gases (G) entspricht, welches imaginäre Teilvolumen (V2) von einer imaginären, das Packungsvolumen (P) durchquerenden, mindestens einen Teil eines Randes (40) des unteren Verpackungsmaterials (8) einnehmenden Ebene (E) und dem oberen Verpackungsmaterial (10) eingeschlossen wird, und Reduzieren des bis dahin aufrechterhaltenen Packungsvolumens (P) um das imaginäre Teilvolumen (V2), indem das obere Verpackungsmaterial (10) in eine im Wesentlichen auf die imaginäre Ebene (E) fallende Endlage (L) versetzt wird, sodass der Druck (p<sub>red</sub>) innerhalb der Verpackung wieder auf den Begasungssolldruck (p<sub>soll</sub>) ansteigt.Method for operating a sealing station (3) of a packaging machine (1) for producing packaging (V) with an at least substantially similar packaging optics with possibly varying degrees of filling (22), comprising the following steps: Filling between a lower and an upper packaging material (8, 10) enclosed package volume (P) at least one package (V) positioned within the sealing station (3) with a gas (G) intended to create a desired atmosphere to a gassing target pressure predetermined for a finished package (V) (p <sub > should </sub>), draining a partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) filled into the packing volume (P) from the packing volume (P) via a line (26) connected to it in an associated collecting volume (V3) while maintaining it of the packing volume (P) generated by the previous filling, so that within the packing volume (P) for the remaining The remaining quantity (RM) of the filled gas (G) sets a pressure (p <sub> red </sub>) that is reduced relative to the fumigation target pressure, the discharged partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) essentially being the mass of the gas within an imaginary partial volume (V2) of the pack volume (P) absorbed gas (G) corresponds to which imaginary partial volume (V2) of an imaginary plane (E.) Which passes through the pack volume (P) and occupies at least part of an edge (40) of the lower packaging material (8) ) and the upper packaging material (10), and reducing the previously maintained packaging volume (P) by the imaginary partial volume (V2) by the upper packaging material (10) falling into a substantially falling position on the imaginary plane (E) ( L) is displaced so that the pressure (p <sub> red </sub>) inside the packaging rises again to the fumigation target pressure (p <sub> should </sub>).

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Herstellen von Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik gemäß dem Anspruch 1. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Siegelstation zur Herstellung von Verpackungen mit im Wesentlichen zueinander ähnlicher Packungsoptik gemäß dem unabhängigen Anspruch 11.The invention relates to a method for producing packagings with a packing optic that is at least substantially similar to one another according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sealing station for producing packagings with a packing optic that is substantially similar to one another according to independent claim 11.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt das im Folgenden im Zusammenhang mit Figur 1 beschriebene Problem zugrunde.The present invention is in the following in connection with Figure 1 described problem underlying.

Figur 1 zeigt eine zum Begasen von evakuierten Verpackungen ausgebildete Siegelstation 3', die beispielsweise als Teil einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine vorliegt. Beim Begasen der innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen kommt es, wenn verschiedene Produktfüllstände innerhalb der jeweiligen Verpackungen vorliegen, zu optisch ungleich hergestellten einzelnen Verpackungen. Figure 1 shows a sealing station 3 'designed for gassing evacuated packaging, which is present, for example, as part of a thermoforming packaging machine. When the packaging positioned within the sealing station is fumigated, individual packaging is produced in a visually uneven manner if there are different product fill levels within the respective packaging.

Gemäß Figur 1 wird bei mehrspurigen und/oder mehrreihigen Formaten ein Gesamtverpackungsvolumen P' (Im Folgenden auch: Packungsvolumen P') begast, welches sich aus der Summe eines Teilvolumens V1', das von den jeweiligen Verpackungsmulden 14' abzüglich der vorliegenden Produktinhalte 22' gebildet wird, sowie eines Teilvolumens V2', das oberhalb der jeweiligen Verpackungsmulden 14' vorliegt und von der Oberfolie 10' eingeschlossen wird, zusammensetzt.According to Figure 1 In the case of multi-track and / or multi-row formats, a total packaging volume P '(hereinafter also: packaging volume P') is gassed, which is the sum of a partial volume V1 ', which is formed by the respective packaging troughs 14' minus the existing product content 22 ', and of a partial volume V2 ', which is present above the respective packaging troughs 14' and is enclosed by the upper film 10 '.

Das Gesamtverpackungsvolumen P' ist insgesamt größer ausgebildet als die Gesamtheit der jeweils einzelnen von den letztendlich hergestellten Verpackungen eingeschlossenen Volumina. Das in Figur 1 gezeigte Gesamtverpackungsvolumen P' dient zur Gasverteilung zwischen den Verpackungen. Hierdurch ergibt sich nämlich ein gewisser Spalt S' zwischen dem Unter- und dem Oberfolienmaterial, über welchen sich das zugeführte Gas in alle innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen verteilen kann. Beim Nachverdichten des Gesamtverpackungsvolumens, also wenn die Oberfolie 10' nach für den Siegelvorgang nach unten gedrückt wird, kommt es allerdings aus den folgenden Gründen zu optisch ungleich hergestellten Verpackungen.The total packaging volume P 'is generally larger than the total of the individual volumes enclosed by the packages ultimately produced. This in Figure 1 Total packaging volume P 'shown serves for gas distribution between the packaging. This results in a certain gap S 'between the lower and the upper film material, via which the gas supplied can be distributed in all the packaging positioned within the sealing station. When the total packaging volume is re-compressed, that is to say when the top film 10 'is pressed down for the sealing process, the packaging is optically produced differently for the following reasons.

Gemäß Figur 1 werden die innerhalb der Siegelstation 3' positionierten Verpackungen herkömmlicherweise auf einen Begasungssolldruck begast. Für einen Siegelvorgang zum luftdichten Verschließen der jeweiligen Verpackungen wird im Anschluss an den Begasungsvorgang das Oberfolienmaterial in Richtung des Unterfolienmaterials gedrückt. Dies hat zur Folge, dass die im Teilvolumen V2' mit Begasungssolldruck enthaltene Gasmenge in das Teilvolumen V1' gepresst wird, sodass der Druck über den Begasungssolldruck im Teilvolumen V1' ansteigt.According to Figure 1 the packaging positioned within the sealing station 3 'is conventionally gassed to a gassing target pressure. For a sealing process for airtight sealing of the respective packaging, the upper film material is pressed in the direction of the lower film material after the gassing process. As a result, the amount of gas contained in the partial volume V2 'with the target fumigation pressure is pressed into the partial volume V1' so that the pressure rises above the target fumigation pressure in the partial volume V1 '.

Außerdem kann es vorkommen, dass aufgrund einer schnellen Abwärtsbewegung des Oberfolienmaterials kein Gasausgleich mehr zwischen den einzelnen innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen stattfinden kann.In addition, due to a rapid downward movement of the upper film material, gas balancing can no longer take place between the individual packages positioned within the sealing station.

Es stellen sich dann unterschiedliche, den Begasungssolldruck übersteigende Druckniveaus innerhalb der einzelnen Verpackungen ein, sodass die Verpackungsoptik der jeweiligen Verpackungen nicht gleichmäßig ausfällt.Different pressure levels exceeding the fumigation target pressure then arise within the individual packages, so that the packaging appearance of the respective packages is not uniform.

Für den Fall, dass eine Verpackung einen hohen Füllstand (im Folgenden auch: Füllgrad) aufweist, stellt sich in der Verpackung ein Druck ein, der deutlich über dem Begasungssolldruck liegt. Nach dem Belüften des Siegelwerkzeugs auf Atmosphärendruck wirkt eine solche Packung dann aufgeblasen, wenn der eingangs im Gesamtverpackungsvolumen erzeugte Begasungssolldruck annähernd dem Atmosphärendruck entspricht.In the event that a package has a high fill level (hereinafter also referred to as the degree of fill), the pressure in the package will be significantly higher than the fumigation setpoint pressure. After the sealing tool has been vented to atmospheric pressure, such a package appears inflated when the gassing setpoint pressure initially generated in the total packaging volume corresponds approximately to atmospheric pressure.

Für den Fall, dass eine Verpackung einen niedrigen Füllgrad aufweist oder ggf. als Leerverpackung vorliegt, unterscheidet sich der Druck vor dem Siegeln kaum von dem Druck, der sich beim Siegeln in der Verpackung einstellt, da der Druckanstieg im Teilvolumen V1' durch das Niederdrücken des Oberfolienmaterials verhältnismäßig gering ausfällt. Dies hat zur Folge, dass die Verpackung nach dem Belüften eher eingedrückt wirkt, wenn eingangs auf einen Begasungssolldruck deutlich unterhalb des Atmosphärendrucks begast wurde, damit beim Vorliegen von Verpackungen mit sollwertigem Produktinhalt deren Packungsoptik normal aussieht.In the event that a packaging has a low degree of filling or is possibly in the form of an empty packaging, the pressure before sealing hardly differs from the pressure that arises when the packaging is sealed, since the pressure increase in partial volume V1 'due to the depression of the Upper film material is relatively small. As a result, the packaging appears to be more depressed after ventilation, if at the beginning a gassing target pressure was set to be well below atmospheric pressure, so that when packaging with nominal product content is present, its packaging appearance looks normal.

Bisher wurde versucht, der oben beschriebenen Problematik mit einem voreingestellten Begasungsoffsetdruck entgegenzuwirken.So far, attempts have been made to counter the problem described above with a preset gassing offset pressure.

Die Anwendung eines Begasungsoffsetdrucks setzt jedoch die Kenntnis des Füllgrads der jeweiligen zu verschließenden Verpackungen voraus, wobei angenommen wird, dass die Produktlinie über die jeweiligen Verpackungen einen konstanten Füllgrad aufweist. Es wird demnach immer dann problematisch, wenn die jeweiligen Verpackungen keinen einheitlichen Füllgrad aufweisen. Trotz des Einsatzes eines Begasungsoffsetdrucks ergeben sich dann aufgrund variierender Füllstände fertige Verpackungen mit unterschiedlichem Erscheinungsbild.However, the application of a gassing offset printing requires knowledge of the degree of filling of the respective packaging to be closed, it being assumed that the product line has a constant degree of filling across the respective packaging. It is therefore always problematic when the respective packaging does not have a uniform filling level. Despite the use of fumigation offset printing, finished packaging with different appearances is the result of varying fill levels.

Bei dieser Herangehensweise musste der Begasungsoffsetdruck bisher manuell berechnet und an der Verpackungsmaschine als Rechenparameter eingegeben werden, sodass seine Anwendung eher speziell geschultem Bedienpersonal vorbehalten bleibt.With this approach, the gassing offset pressure previously had to be calculated manually and entered as a calculation parameter on the packaging machine, so that its use is reserved for specially trained operating personnel.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik herzustellen. Dies soll selbst dann möglich sein, wenn die jeweiligen Verpackungen variierende Füllgrade aufweisen, d.h. voluminös ungleichmäßig befüllt sind.The object of the invention is to produce a method and a device for the production of packaging with a packaging optic which is at least substantially similar to one another. This should be possible even if the respective packaging has varying degrees of filling, i.e. are voluminously filled unevenly.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst mittels eines Verfahrens gemäß dem Anspruch 1 sowie mittels einer Siegelstation gemäß dem unabhängigen Anspruch 11.This object is achieved by means of a method according to claim 1 and by means of a sealing station according to independent claim 11.

Verbesserte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der jeweiligen Unteransprüche.Improved developments of the invention are the subject of the respective subclaims.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Siegelstation einer Verpackungsmaschine, insbesondere einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine. Das Verfahren ist dazu konfiguriert, Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik bei ggf. variierenden Füllgraden herzustellen. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren umfasst die folgenden Schritte:

  • Befüllen eines zwischen einem unteren und einem oberen Verpackungsmaterial eingeschlossenen Packungsvolumens mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackung mit einem zur Schaffung einer gewünschten Atmosphäre bestimmten Gas auf einen für eine fertige Verpackung vorbestimmten Begasungssolldruck,
  • Ablassen einer Teilmenge des in das Packungsvolumen eingeführten Gases aus dem Packungsvolumen über eine daran angeschlossene Leitung in ein damit verbundenes Auffangvolumen unter Beibehaltung des durch das vorangehende Befüllen erzeugten Packungsvolumens, sodass sich innerhalb des Packungsvolumens für die verbleibende Restmenge des eingefüllten Gases ein relativ zum Begasungssolldruck reduzierter Druck einstellt,
    wobei die abgelassene Teilmenge des Gases im Wesentlichen der Masse des innerhalb eines imaginären Teilvolumens des Packungsvolumens aufgenommenen Gases entspricht, welches imaginäre Teilvolumen von einer imaginären, das Packungsvolumen druckquerenden, mindestens einen Teil eines Randes des unteren Verpackungsmaterials einnehmenden Ebene und dem oberen Verpackungsmaterial eingeschlossen wird, und
  • Reduzieren des bis dahin aufrechterhaltenen Packungsvolumens um das imaginäre Teilvolumen, indem das obere Verpackungsmaterial in eine im Wesentlichen auf die imaginäre Ebene fallende Endlage versetzt wird, sodass der Druck innerhalb der Verpackung wieder auf den Begasungssolldruck ansteigt.
The invention relates to a method for operating a sealing station of a packaging machine, in particular a thermoforming packaging machine. The method is configured to produce packagings with a packing optic that is at least substantially similar to one another with possibly varying degrees of filling. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:
  • Filling a packaging volume enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material at least one packaging positioned within the sealing station with a gas intended to create a desired atmosphere to a gassing target pressure predetermined for a finished packaging,
  • Discharge a partial amount of the gas introduced into the packing volume from the packing volume via a line connected to it into an associated collection volume while maintaining the packing volume generated by the previous filling, so that within the packing volume there is a reduced pressure for the remaining amount of the filled gas relative to the fumigation target pressure sets,
    wherein the vented portion of the gas substantially corresponds to the mass of the gas received within an imaginary sub-volume of the pack volume, which imaginary sub-volume is enclosed by an imaginary plane that crosses the pack volume and occupies at least part of an edge of the lower packaging material and the upper packaging material, and
  • Reduce the previously maintained pack volume by the imaginary part volume by essentially subdividing the upper packaging material into the imaginary level falling end position is offset so that the pressure inside the packaging rises again to the gassing setpoint pressure.

Der in einem jeweiligen Arbeitstakt zunächst im von Produkten freigebliebenen Packungsvolumen der Verpackung(en) erzeugte Begasungssolldruck wird unter Beibehaltung des Packungsvolumens durch das Ablassen einer erfassbaren Teilmenge des zuvor zugeführten Gases gezielt auf ein niedrigeres Druckniveau gesenkt, sodass bei dem anschließenden, vorzugsweise langsamen, Niederdrücken des Oberfolienmaterials ein Wiederanstieg auf den Begasungssolldruck möglich ist, wenn das Oberfolienmaterial die zur Fertigstellung der Verpackung vorgesehene Endlage erreicht, d.h. das Packungsvolumen um das imaginäre Teilvolumen reduziert wird.The fumigation target pressure initially generated in a respective work cycle in the package volume of the packaging (s) that is left free of products is selectively lowered to a lower pressure level while maintaining the package volume by releasing a detectable portion of the previously supplied gas, so that the subsequent, preferably slow, depressing of the Upper film material a rise to the fumigation target pressure is possible when the upper film material reaches the end position provided for the completion of the packaging, ie the pack volume is reduced by the imaginary partial volume.

Das Befüllen des Packungsvolumens auf den Begasungssolldruck sowie das gezielte Ablassen der Teilmenge des Gases zum Schaffen eines reduzierten Druckniveaus innerhalb des Packungsvolumens kann anhand eines mit dem Packungsvolumen verbundenen Drucksensors erfasst werden.The filling of the package volume to the fumigation target pressure and the targeted release of the partial amount of gas to create a reduced pressure level within the package volume can be detected using a pressure sensor connected to the package volume.

Kern der Erfindung ist es, pro Arbeitstakt das frei, d.h. abzüglich jeweiliger Produktvolumina, vorliegende Packungsvolumen einer oder mehrerer in der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen vorerst auf den Begasungssolldruck zu begasen und anschließend davon wieder eine nach physikalischen Grundlagen vorbestimmbare Teilmenge des eingangs zugeführten Gases aus dem imaginären Teilvolumen, um welches das Packungsvolumen später beim Niederdrücken des Oberfolienmaterials reduziert wird, abzulassen.The essence of the invention is that this is free per work cycle, i.e. minus the respective product volumes, the existing packing volume of one or more packings positioned in the sealing station should first be gassed to the fumigation target pressure and then again a subset of the gas supplied from the imaginary subvolume, which can be predetermined according to physical principles, by which the packing volume is later reduced when the upper film material is pressed down to drain.

Dies hat zur Folge, dass sich bei der Erfindung entgegen eines Betriebs mit einem fix voreingestellten Begasungsoffsetdruck pro Arbeitstakt immer wieder aufs Neue ein dem tatsächlich frei vorliegenden Packungsvolumen angepasstes druckgeregeltes Begasen auf den Begasungssolldruck sowie ein daran anschließendes Wiederablassen einer Teilmenge des zugeführten Gases stattfinden kann, sodass die Packungsoptik fertig hergestellter Verpackungen, selbst bei ggf. variierenden Füllständen und/oder auch ggf. vorliegenden Leerverpackungen, zueinander nahezu gleich ausfällt.As a result, contrary to operation with a fixed preset gassing offset pressure per work cycle, pressure-controlled gassing to the target gassing pressure that is actually available for the package volume and a subsequent releasing of a partial quantity of the supplied gas can take place again and again, so that the packaging appearance of the finished packaging, even with possibly varying fill levels and / or possibly also empty packaging, is almost identical to one another.

Demzufolge wird bei der Erfindung die Gasmenge des Teilvolumens in den Auffangbehälter abgelassen, die ansonsten bei einem gemäß Figur 1 geschlossen vorliegenden Packungsvolumen komprimiert werden würde.Accordingly, in the invention, the amount of gas in the partial volume is discharged into the collecting container, which otherwise would be in accordance with Figure 1 closed present package volume would be compressed.

Bei der Erfindung bildet die imaginäre Ebene gleichzeitig eine imaginäre Systemgrenze als Referenz dafür, dass die nach dem Befüllen oberhalb der Systemgrenze, innerhalb des imaginären und berechenbaren Teilvolumens enthaltene Gasmenge abzulassen ist, wodurch als Zwischenschritt der Druck innerhalb des Packungsvolumens sinkt. Die anschließende Volumenreduzierung durch das Absenken des Oberfolienmaterials auf die Systemgrenze führt dann zur Wiederherstellung einer Gasatmosphäre auf Begasungssolldruckniveau, sodass im Anschluss daran versiegelt werden kann.In the invention, the imaginary plane simultaneously forms an imaginary system boundary as a reference for the fact that the amount of gas contained after filling above the system boundary, within the imaginary and calculable partial volume, has to be released, as a result of which the pressure within the packing volume drops as an intermediate step. The subsequent volume reduction by lowering the upper film material to the system limit then leads to the restoration of a gas atmosphere to the fumigation setpoint pressure level so that it can then be sealed.

In anderen Worten wird gemäß der Erfindung automatisch ein den jeweiligen Füllgraden angepasstes Befüllen der jeweiligen Verpackungen auf Begasungssolldruck dadurch fingiert, dass, insbesondere bei sich pro Arbeitstakt variierenden Füllgraden, die Gasmenge innerhalb des imaginären Teilvolumens, welches noch zu Beginn des Verfahrens als Hilfsmittel für die Gasverteilung zwischen den jeweiligen Verpackungen benötigt wird, nach dem Begasungsvorgang an das Auffangvolumen abgeführt wird.In other words, according to the invention, a filling of the respective packaging to the gassing target pressure that is adapted to the respective filling degrees is faked by the fact that, particularly with filling degrees that vary per work cycle, the gas quantity within the imaginary partial volume, which is still used at the beginning of the method as an aid for gas distribution between the respective packaging is required, after the fumigation process is discharged to the collecting volume.

Anhand physikalischer Grundlagen nach Boyle-Mariott kann die Menge des Gases, die innerhalb des imaginären, berechenbaren Teilvolumens auf Begasungssolldruck enthalten ist, mengenmäßig kontrolliert in das seinerseits einen festlegbaren Ausgangsdruck aufweisende bekannte Auffangvolumen abgelassen werden.On the basis of Boyle-Mariott's physical principles, the quantity of gas contained within the imaginary, calculable partial volume at the fumigation target pressure can be discharged in a controlled manner into the known collecting volume, which in turn has a definable outlet pressure.

Vorzugsweise wird die über die Leitung abgelassene Teilmenge des in das Packungsvolumen eingefüllten Gases in ein zumindest teilweise von einem Werkzeugoberteil der Siegelstation und/oder dem oberen Verpackungsmaterial eingeschlossenes Auffangvolumen geleitet. Gemäß dieser Variante wird das Auffangvolumen direkt im Werkzeugoberteil der Siegelstation, sprich darin integriert bereitgestellt, was zu einer vorteilhaften kompakten Bauweise der Siegelstation für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren führt. Hinzu kommt, dass sich anhand bekannter Geometrien des Aufbaus des Werkzeugoberteils das Auffangvolumen sowie das imaginäre Teilvolumen einfach berechnen lassen, wodurch sich das Ablassen der Teilmenge des Gases in das Auffangvolumen technisch problemlos durchführen lässt.The partial quantity of the gas filled into the packing volume, which is discharged via the line, is preferably passed into a collecting volume which is at least partially enclosed by an upper tool part of the sealing station and / or the upper packing material. According to this variant, the collecting volume is provided directly in the upper part of the tool of the sealing station, that is to say integrated therein, which leads to an advantageous compact construction of the sealing station for the method according to the invention. In addition, the collecting volume and the imaginary partial volume can be easily calculated on the basis of known geometries of the structure of the upper part of the tool, which means that the partial discharge of the gas into the collecting volume can be carried out technically without any problems.

Eine alternative Variante der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die über die Leitung abgelassene Teilmenge des in das Packungsvolumen eingefüllten Gases in einen das Auffangvolumen bildenden separaten Auffangbehälter geleitet wird. Damit dient der Auffangbehälter als separates Referenzvolumen, wodurch ggf. ein Formatwechsel sowie ein eventuell damit verbundener Werkzeugwechsel besonders einfach ohne Beeinflussung des Maschinenprogramms durchgeführt werden können.An alternative variant of the invention provides that the partial quantity of the gas filled into the packing volume discharged via the line is passed into a separate collecting container forming the collecting volume. The collecting container thus serves as a separate reference volume, which means that a format change and a tool change that may be associated with it can be carried out particularly easily without influencing the machine program.

Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn anhand der abgelassenen Teilmenge des Gases ein Solldruck für das Auffangvolumen bestimmt wird, bis zu dessen Erreichen die Leitung geöffnet bleibt. Vorzugsweise wird unabhängig von der Ausführungsform des Auffangvolumens der im Auffangvolumen herrschende Druck mittels eines damit verbundenen Drucksensors erfasst. Damit ließe sich der Ablassvorgang präzise steuern und ließe sich besser getimt in weitere Verfahrensschritte integrieren. Eine voreingestellte, ggf. in "Totzeiten" resultierende Zeitfixierung zum Ablassen der Teilmenge des Gases ist dann nicht nötig. Eine am Auffangvolumen solldruckbasierte Prozesssteuerung des Ablassvorganges ist mittels einfacher, ggf. ohnehin an der Maschine vorhandenen Steuerungs- und Regelungstechnik sehr präzise durchführbar und führt wegen der damit einhergehenden Totzeitminimierung zu einer Optimierung des gesamten Herstellungsprozesses.It is advantageous if a target pressure for the collection volume is determined on the basis of the partial quantity of gas that has been discharged until the line remains open until it is reached. Preferably, regardless of the embodiment of the collecting volume, the pressure prevailing in the collecting volume is detected by means of a pressure sensor connected to it. This would allow the drainage process to be precisely controlled and better timed to integrate into other process steps. A preset time fixation, possibly resulting in "dead times", for releasing the partial amount of the gas is then not necessary. A process control of the discharge process based on the target volume of the target pressure can be carried out very precisely by means of simple control technology, which may already be present on the machine, and leads to an optimization of the entire manufacturing process due to the associated minimization of dead time.

Vorzugsweise bleibt der innerhalb des Auffangvolumens durch das dorthin hineingeleitete Gas erzeugte Druck während des gesamten Ablassvorganges niedriger als der innerhalb des Packungsvolumens auf die dort verbleibende Restmenge des Gases anliegende Druck, damit das Packungsvolumen selbst nach dem Ablassvorgang stabil aufrechterhalten bleibt. Dies sorgt für eine hohe Prozessstabilität, insbesondere eine hohe Prozessherstellungsqualität.The pressure generated within the collecting volume by the gas introduced therein preferably remains lower during the entire discharge process than the pressure within the package volume on the remaining amount of gas remaining there, so that the package volume remains stable even after the discharge process. This ensures high process stability, especially high process manufacturing quality.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform sieht vor, dass das obere Verpackungsmaterial mittels eines Belüftungsvorgangs und/oder mittels mindestens einer eine Hubbewegung ausführenden Vorrichtung in die Endlage versetzt wird. Idealerweise wird ein solcher Vorgang derart gesteuert, dass das obere Verpackungsmaterial derart langsam in die Endlage versetzt wird, dass sich die innerhalb des Packungsvolumens nach dem Ablassvorgang verbliebene Restmenge des eingefüllten Gases über sämtliche innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackungen verteilen kann. Damit können die jeweiligen Verpackungen zueinander optisch gleich hergestellt werden.An advantageous embodiment provides that the upper packaging material is moved into the end position by means of a ventilation process and / or by means of at least one device that performs a lifting movement. Ideally, such a process is controlled in such a way that the upper packaging material is slowly moved into the end position so that the remaining amount of the filled-in gas remaining within the pack volume after the draining process can be distributed over all packagings positioned within the sealing station. This means that the respective packaging can be visually produced the same way.

Vorzugsweise wird das obere Verpackungsmaterial in der Endlage entlang eines Randbereichs mit dem unteren Verpackungsmaterial versiegelt, sodass die fertiggestellten Verpackungen luftdicht eine gewünschte Atmosphäre einschließen.The upper packaging material is preferably sealed in the end position along an edge region with the lower packaging material, so that the finished packaging encloses a desired atmosphere in an airtight manner.

Eine vorteilhafte Variante sieht vor, dass das Packungsvolumen vor dem Befüllen mit Gas evakuiert wird. Dadurch lässt sich durch die nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritte sehr genau eine gewünschte Atmosphäre innerhalb der jeweiligen Verpackungen herstellen.An advantageous variant provides that the package volume is evacuated before filling with gas. As a result, the desired process atmosphere can be created very precisely within the respective packaging through the subsequent process steps.

Möglich ist, dass gemäß dem erfinderischen Prinzip anhand eines Testlaufs das imaginäre Teilvolumen und/oder das Auffangvolumen, insbesondere deren Verhältnis zueinander, bestimmt werden. Zu diesem Zwecke könnte beispielsweise das untere Verpackungsmaterial plan, d.h. nicht ausgeformt, der Siegelstation zugeführt und mit dem oberen Verpackungsmaterial zusammengespannt werden. Beim Begasen würde dann nur ein dem imaginären Teilvolumen entsprechender Raum mit einer Gasmenge auf Begasungssolldruck befüllt werden. Wird dann die Leitung solange geöffnet, bis sich zwischen dem in der Siegelstation eingespannten Teilvolumen und dem Auffangvolumen der Druck ausgleicht, so lässt sich über den erfassten ausgeglichenen Druck unter Vorkenntnis des Gesamtvolumens (bestehend aus dem Auffangvolumen und dem Teilvolumen) deren Volumenverhältnis bestimmen. Folglich ergeben sich auch deren jeweilige Volumina.It is possible that, according to the inventive principle, the imaginary partial volume and / or the collecting volume, in particular their relationship to one another, is determined on the basis of a test run become. For this purpose, the lower packaging material could, for example, be flat, ie not molded, fed to the sealing station and clamped together with the upper packaging material. In the case of gassing, only a space corresponding to the imaginary partial volume would then be filled with a gas quantity at the target gassing pressure. If the line is then opened until the pressure between the sub-volume clamped in the sealing station and the collecting volume is equalized, the volume ratio can be determined using the recorded balanced pressure with prior knowledge of the total volume (consisting of the collecting volume and the sub-volume). As a result, their respective volumes also result.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren kann bei der Herstellung von optisch zueinander vergleichbaren Verpackungen mit einem vorbestimmten annähernd gleichbleibenden jeweiligen Füllgrad zur präzisen und einfachen automatisierten Bestimmung eines Offsetdrucks eingesetzt werden, wobei der Offsetdruck aus einer Differenz zwischen dem Begasungsdruck und dem sich nach dem Ablassen der Teilmenge des Gases aus dem imaginären Teilvolumen noch innerhalb des Packungsvolumens vorliegenden Druck bestimmt wird, sodass bei anschließenden Maschinentakten das Packungsvolumen lediglich mit Gas bis zum Erreichen des Drucks befüllt wird, der sich aus dem Begasungssolldruck abzüglich des bestimmten Offsetdrucks ergibt. Sofern also die herzustellenden Verpackungen als Maßgabe für die Offsetfunktion zueinander den gleichen Füllgrad aufweisen, könnte das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zumindest zu Beginn des Herstellungsprozesses vorteilhaft zur Bestimmung des Offsetdrucks eingesetzt werden, während im Anschluss daran für diese Produktcharge auf den Ablassvorgang verzichtet wird.The method according to the invention can be used in the production of optically comparable packages with a predetermined approximately constant respective filling level for the precise and simple automated determination of an offset print, the offset print being based on a difference between the gassing pressure and that after the partial quantity of gas has been released the imaginary partial volume of the pressure still present within the package volume is determined, so that in subsequent machine cycles the package volume is only filled with gas until the pressure which results from the gassing setpoint pressure minus the specific offset pressure is reached. If the packaging to be produced has the same degree of filling as a requirement for the offset function, the method according to the invention could advantageously be used to determine the offset printing, at least at the beginning of the production process, while the draining process is then dispensed with for this product batch.

Dieser Vorgang könnte während der Herstellung auch intervallweise zum Zwecke einer Offsetdruckaktualisierung wiederholt durchgeführt werden, wodurch sich die Herstellungsqualität eventuell weiter verbessern lässt.This process could also be repeated at intervals during production for the purpose of updating the offset print, which may further improve the production quality.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch eine Siegelstation für eine Verpackungsmaschine, die insbesondere in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine vorliegt, wobei die Siegelstation eine Leitung aufweist, die ein zwischen einem unteren und einem oberen Verpackungsmaterial eingeschlossenes Packungsvolumen mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation positionierten Verpackung mit einem Auffangvolumen verbindet, wobei die Leitung zum Ablassen einer vorbestimmten Teilmenge eines zuvor in das Packungsvolumen eingefüllten Gases in das Auffangvolumen bestimmt ist.The invention also relates to a sealing station for a packaging machine, which is in particular in the form of a deep-drawing packaging machine, the sealing station having a line which connects a packaging volume enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material to at least one packaging positioned within the sealing station with a collecting volume, the Line for discharging a predetermined portion of a gas previously filled in the package volume is determined in the collecting volume.

Bei der Erfindung wird zunächst das gesamte Packungsvolumen mit einem für eine gewünschte Atmosphäre vorgesehenen Befüllungsgas auf einen Solldruck befüllt, der auch später bei den fertig hergestellten, allerdings hinsichtlich des gesamten Packungsvolumens volumenmäßig reduzierten Verpackungen eingeschlossen sein soll. Das zunächst befüllte Packungsvolumen besteht aus einem ersten Teilvolumen, welches durch die von den eingelegten Produkten frei gelassenen Räume im unteren vorgeformten Verpackungsmaterial gebildet ist, und einem zweiten, sich oberhalb des ersten Teilvolumens und vom oberen Verpackungsmaterial eingeschlossenen zum Zwecke der gleichmäßigen Gasverteilung ausgebildeten Teilvolumen. Die im zweiten Teilvolumen enthaltene Gasmenge wird erfindungsgemäß über die Leitung an das Auffangvolumen abgeführt, sodass zwischenzeitlich der im aufrechterhaltenen Packungsvolumen herrschende Druck abnimmt, aber anschließend durch eine Reduzierung des Packungsvolumens um das für die Gasverteilung ausgelegte zweite Teilvolumen auf die gewünschte Verpackungsabmessung wieder auf den ursprünglich erzeugten Solldruck ansteigt.In the invention, the entire package volume is initially filled with a filling gas provided for a desired atmosphere to a target pressure, which should also be included later in the finished packagings which are, however, reduced in volume with respect to the total package volume. The initially filled packing volume consists of a first partial volume, which is formed by the spaces left free of the inserted products in the lower preformed packaging material, and a second partial volume enclosed above the first partial volume and enclosed by the upper packaging material for the purpose of uniform gas distribution. According to the invention, the gas quantity contained in the second partial volume is discharged via the line to the collecting volume, so that the pressure prevailing in the maintained package volume in the meantime decreases, but subsequently by reducing the package volume by the second partial volume designed for gas distribution to the desired packaging dimension to the originally generated packaging dimension Target pressure increases.

Mittels einer solchen Siegelstation können Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik bei ggf. variierenden Füllgraden hergestellt werden. Ferner eignet sich die erfindungsgemäße Siegelstation für das Durchführen eines Testlaufs der weiter oben beschriebenen Art.Such a sealing station can be used to produce packagings with a packing optic which is at least substantially similar to one another, with varying degrees of filling. Furthermore, the sealing station according to the invention is suitable for carrying out a test run of the type described above.

Das aktuell im Packungsvolumen herrschende Druckniveau kann zum Zwecke der Gaszufuhr- und/oder Gasabfuhrsteuerung in das Auffangvolumen mittels eines mit dem Packungsvolumen verbundenen Drucksensors erfasst werden.The pressure level currently prevailing in the pack volume can be detected in the collecting volume for the purpose of gas supply and / or gas discharge control by means of a pressure sensor connected to the pack volume.

Vorzugsweise ist die Leitung mit einem Ventil, insbesondere einem 2/2-Ventil, versehen, welches zur Begrenzung der an das Auffangvolumen abzulassenden vorbestimmten Teilmenge des Gases verschließbar ist. Das Ventil kann anhand einer Druckwerterfassung im Auffangvolumen prozessgesteuert geschalten sein, sodass es zu einer präzisen Abfuhr der Teilmenge des Gases kommt. Hierfür kann ein Drucksensor an einen zum Auffangvolumen führenden Abschnitt der Leitung angeschlossen sein.The line is preferably provided with a valve, in particular a 2/2 valve, which can be closed in order to limit the predetermined portion of the gas to be discharged to the collecting volume. The valve can be switched on a process-controlled basis by means of a pressure value acquisition in the collecting volume, so that a partial discharge of the gas occurs. For this purpose, a pressure sensor can be connected to a section of the line leading to the collecting volume.

Eine Variante sieht vor, dass mittels des Ventils ein Volumenstrom steuerbar ist. Damit ist es möglich, insbesondere den Ablassvorgang der Teilmenge des Gases mit einer hohen Prozessstabilität zu steuern.One variant provides that a volume flow can be controlled by means of the valve. This makes it possible, in particular, to control the discharge process of the partial quantity of the gas with high process stability.

Vorzugsweise ist mindestens ein Abschnitt der Leitung ferner zum Evakuieren und/oder Begasen des Packungsvolumens vorgesehen. Die Leitung erfüllt dabei eine Mehrfachfunktion und kann in kompakter Weise an der Siegelstation, ggf. anhand bereits bestehender Leitungssysteme, integriert werden.At least a section of the line is preferably also provided for evacuating and / or gassing the pack volume. The line fulfills a multiple function and can be integrated in a compact manner at the sealing station, if necessary using existing pipe systems.

Eine besonders kompakte Bauart liegt dann vor, wenn das Auffangvolumen innerhalb eines Werkzeugoberteils der Siegelstation gebildet ist. Alternativ ist das Auffangvolumen von einem separaten Auffangbehälter der Siegelstation gebildet.A particularly compact design exists when the collecting volume is formed within an upper part of the sealing station. Alternatively, the collecting volume is formed by a separate collecting container of the sealing station.

Der Stand der Technik sowie Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden anhand der folgenden Figuren genauer erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Bauweise einer bekannten Siegelstation ohne Gasablass-funktion,
Fig. 2
eine Verpackungsmaschine, die in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine ausgebildet ist und eine Siegelstation mit Gasablassfunktion gemäß der Erfindung aufweist,
Fig. 3
eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Siegelstation mit einem im Werkzeugoberteil integriert ausgebildeten Auffangvolumen,
Fig. 4
eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Siegelstation mit einem durch einen separaten Auffangbehälter ausgebildeten Auffangvolumen und
Fig. 5
das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip in schematischer Darstellung.
The prior art and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic construction of a known sealing station without gas discharge function,
Fig. 2
a packaging machine which is designed in the form of a deep-drawing packaging machine and has a sealing station with a gas discharge function according to the invention,
Fig. 3
2 shows a schematic representation of the sealing station according to the invention with a collecting volume that is integrated in the upper part of the tool,
Fig. 4
a schematic representation of the sealing station according to the invention with a collecting volume formed by a separate collecting container and
Fig. 5
the principle of the invention in a schematic representation.

Figur 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine Siegelstation 3' gemäß dem Stand der Technik. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a sealing station 3 'according to the prior art.

Die Siegelstation 3' verfügt über ein Werkzeugoberteil 20' sowie ein mittels einer Hubbewegung an das Werkzeugoberteil 20' heranführbares Werkzeugunterteil 21', das zur Aufnahme vorgeformter Verpackungsmulden 14' ausgebildet ist. In den in Figur 1 gezeigten Verpackungsmulden 14' sind Produkte 16' mit unterschiedlichen Füllgraden 22' aufgenommen.The sealing station 3 'has an upper tool part 20' and a lower tool part 21 'which can be brought up to the upper tool part 20' by means of a lifting movement and which is designed to receive preformed packaging trays 14 '. In the in Figure 1 Packaging troughs 14 'shown include products 16' with different filling levels 22 '.

Innerhalb der Siegelstation 3' schließen die Verpackungsmulden 14' zusammen mit einer Oberfolie 10' ein luftdichtes Packungsvolumen P' ein, welches aus einem Teilvolumen V1' und einem Teilvolumen V2' besteht. Das Teilvolumen V1' setzt sich aus der Summe der jeweiligen durch die Verpackungsmulden 14' geschaffenen und von den Produkten 16' freigelassenen Packungsmuldenvolumina zusammen. Das Teilvolumen V2' bildet ein imaginäres Teilvolumen, welches zwischen der Oberfolie 10' und einer imaginären, gestrichelt dargestellten Ebene E' eingeschlossen ist. Anhand des Teilvolumens V2' wird oberhalb der beiden Verpackungsmulden 14' ein Verbindungsspalt S' gebildet, der insbesondere beim Befüllungsvorgang eine Verteilung des Gases innerhalb des Packungsvolumens V' gestattet.Within the sealing station 3 ', the packaging troughs 14' together with an upper film 10 'enclose an airtight packaging volume P' which consists of a partial volume V1 'and a partial volume V2'. The partial volume V1 'is composed of the sum of the respective packaging tray volumes created by the packaging trays 14' and released by the products 16 '. The partial volume V2 'forms an imaginary partial volume which is enclosed between the upper film 10' and an imaginary plane E 'shown in broken lines. Based on the partial volume V2 'is above the two packaging troughs 14 'a connecting gap S' is formed, which allows a distribution of the gas within the packing volume V ', in particular during the filling process.

Gemäß Figur 1 ist innerhalb des Werkzeugoberteils 20' eine Siegeleinheit 25' für einen Siegelvorgang positioniert, die dazu ausgebildet ist, mittels einer Hubbewegung H' die Oberfolie 10' für einen Siegelprozess in Richtung zu den darunter positionierten Verpackungsmulden 14' zu bewegen.According to Figure 1 a sealing unit 25 'for a sealing process is positioned within the upper tool part 20' and is designed to move the upper film 10 'towards the packaging troughs 14' positioned below it for a sealing process by means of a lifting movement H '.

Bei der in Figur 1 gezeigten Ausführung wird zunächst das Packungsvolumen P', bestehend aus der Summe der jeweiligen Teilvolumina V1' und V2', auf einen Begasungssolldruck psoll' mit einem Gas zur Schaffung einer gewünschten Atmosphäre befüllt. Durch die anschließende Hubbewegung H' der Siegeleinheit 25' wir die im Teilvolumen V2' enthaltene Gasmenge in das innerhalb der Verpackungsmulden 14' von den Produkten 16' freigelassene Teilvolumen V1' gedrückt. Da die jeweiligen Füllgrade 22' der Verpackungsmulden 14' unterschiedlich sind, ergibt sich auch innerhalb der fertiggestellten Verpackungen V' ein unterschiedlicher Enddruck. Dies führt dazu, dass die Verpackungen V' nicht mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik herstellbar sind.At the in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the packing volume P ', consisting of the sum of the respective partial volumes V1' and V2 ', is first filled with a gas to create a desired atmosphere to a gassing target pressure p Soll' . The subsequent stroke movement H 'of the sealing unit 25' pushes the gas quantity contained in the partial volume V2 'into the partial volume V1' released from the products 16 'within the packaging troughs 14'. Since the respective fill levels 22 'of the packaging troughs 14' are different, there is also a different final pressure within the finished packaging V '. This means that the packaging V 'cannot be produced with a packaging optic that is at least substantially similar to one another.

Figur 2 zeigt in schematischer Ansicht eine Verpackungsmaschine 1, die in Form einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine T ausgeführt ist. Die Verpackungsmaschine 1 besitzt eine Formstation 2, eine Siegelstation 3, eine Querschneideeinrichtung 4 sowie eine Längsschneideeinrichtung 5. Diese sind in dieser Reihenfolge in einer Arbeitsrichtung R an einem Maschinengestell 6 angeordnet. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a packaging machine 1, which is designed in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine T. The packaging machine 1 has a molding station 2, a sealing station 3, a cross cutting device 4 and a longitudinal cutting device 5. These are arranged in this order in a working direction R on a machine frame 6.

Am Maschinengestell 6 der Verpackungsmaschine 1 ist eingangsseitig eine Zuführrolle 7 angeordnet, von der eine Unterfolie U als unteres Verpackungsmaterial 8 abgezogen wird. Die Unterfolie U wird mittels einer nicht gezeigten Vorschubeinrichtung in die Formstation 2 transportiert. Mittels eines dort stattfindenden Tiefziehvorgangs werden mittels der Formstation 2 Verpackungsmulden 14 in die Unterfolie U geformt. Anschließend werden die Verpackungsmulden 14 zu einer Einlegestrecke 15 weitertransportiert, wo sie manuell oder automatisiert mit einem Produkt 16 befüllt werden können. Im Anschluss an die Einlegestrecke 15 werden die mit den Produkten 16 befüllten Verpackungsmulden 14 zu der Siegelstation 3 weitertransportiert. Mittels der Siegelstation 3 können die Verpackungsmulden 14 mit einer Oberfolie O, die ein oberes Verpackungsmaterial 10 bildet, versiegelt werden, sodass durch das Ansiegeln der Oberfolie O auf die Verpackungsmulden 14 verschlossene Verpackungen V hergestellt werden, die mit der Querschneideeinrichtung 4 und der Längsschneideeinrichtung 5 vereinzelt und mittels einer Abführeinrichtung 13 abtransportiert werden können.On the machine frame 6 of the packaging machine 1, a feed roller 7 is arranged on the input side, from which a lower film U as the lower packaging material 8 is pulled off. The lower film U is transported into the forming station 2 by means of a feed device, not shown. By means of a deep-drawing process taking place there, packaging troughs 14 are formed into the bottom film U by means of the forming station 2. The packaging troughs 14 are then transported further to an insertion section 15, where they can be filled with a product 16 manually or automatically. Following the insertion section 15, the packaging troughs 14 filled with the products 16 are transported further to the sealing station 3. By means of the sealing station 3, the packaging troughs 14 can be sealed with an upper film O, which forms an upper packaging material 10, so that by sealing the upper film O onto the packaging troughs 14, closed packages V are produced, which are separated with the cross-cutting device 4 and the longitudinal cutting device 5 and can be removed by means of a discharge device 13.

Figur 3 zeigt schematisch eine erfindungsgemäße Siegelstation 3, wie sie an der in Figur 2 gezeigten Verpackungsmaschine 1 zum Einsatz kommen kann. Figure 3 schematically shows a sealing station 3 according to the invention, as shown in FIG Figure 2 shown packaging machine 1 can be used.

Die erfindungsgemäße Siegelstation 3 umfasst ein Werkzeugoberteil 20 sowie ein Werkzeugunterteil 21, die eine Siegelkammer 23 einschließen. Figur 3 zeigt weiter, dass im Werkzeugunterteil 21 zwei Verpackungsmulden 14 mit jeweiligen Produkten 16 aufgenommen sind, wobei sich jeweilige Füllgrade 22 der Verpackungsmulden 14 unterscheiden.The sealing station 3 according to the invention comprises an upper tool part 20 and a lower tool part 21, which enclose a sealing chamber 23. Figure 3 further shows that two packaging troughs 14 with respective products 16 are accommodated in the lower tool part 21, the respective degrees of filling 22 of the packaging troughs 14 differing.

Die innerhalb der Siegelstation 3 aufgenommenen Verpackungsmulden 14 schließen zusammen mit der darüber angeordneten Oberfolie O ein Packungsvolumen V ein. Das Packungsvolumen V wird mittels einer imaginären, gestrichelt dargestellten Ebene E durchquert, wodurch es in ein Teilvolumen V1 und ein Teilvolumen V2 unterteilt wird. Die in Bildebene betrachtet rechts mit einem geringeren Füllgrad 22 vorliegende Verpackungsmulde 14 bildet einen größeren Anteil des Packungsvolumens P als die andere mit höherem Füllgrad 22 befüllte Verpackungsmulde 14.The packaging troughs 14 received within the sealing station 3, together with the top film O arranged above them, enclose a packaging volume V. The pack volume V is traversed by means of an imaginary plane E, shown in broken lines, whereby it is divided into a sub-volume V1 and a sub-volume V2. The packaging trough 14 present on the right in the image plane with a lower filling degree 22 forms a larger proportion of the packaging volume P than the other packaging trough 14 filled with a higher filling degree 22.

Gemäß Figur 3 ist das von der Oberfolie O und der imaginären Ebene E eingeschlossene Teilvolumen V2 über eine Leitung 26 mit einem im Werkzeugoberteil 20 integrierten Auffangvolumen V3, welches zwischen dem Werkzeugoberteil 20 und der Oberfolie O eingeschlossen ist, verbunden.According to Figure 3 the partial volume V2 enclosed by the upper film O and the imaginary plane E is connected via a line 26 to a collecting volume V3 integrated in the upper tool part 20, which is enclosed between the upper tool part 20 and the upper film O.

Gemäß Figur 3 wird das Packungsvolumen P über einen Abschnitt 26a der Leitung 26 mit einem Gas G zur Schaffung einer gewünschten Atmosphäre auf einen Begasungssolldruck psoll befüllt. Für den Befüllvorgang weist der Abschnitt 26a ein anhand eines Drucksensors 38a steuerbares Einlassventil 37a auf. Der Drucksensor 38a ist zum Erfassen des Druckniveaus innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P ausgebildet.According to Figure 3 the pack volume P is filled via a section 26a of the line 26 with a gas G to create a desired atmosphere to a gassing target pressure p des. For the filling process, section 26a has an inlet valve 37a which can be controlled by means of a pressure sensor 38a. The pressure sensor 38a is designed to detect the pressure level within the package volume P.

Im Anschluss daran wird eine innerhalb des Teilvolumens V2 enthaltene Teilmenge TM (siehe Figur 5) des auf Begasungssolldruck psoll gebrachten Gases G wieder dem Packungsvolumen P über die Leitung 26 entnommen. Dabei wird das Gas G über Abschnitte 26a, 26b, 26c der Leitung 26 in das Auffangvolumen V3 hineingeleitet. Die Teilmenge TM des abgelassenen Gases G entspricht der Masse des Gases, welche im Teilvolumen V2 enthalten ist. Für den Ablassvorgang weist der Abschnitt 26b ein anhand eines weiteren Drucksensors 48a steuerbares (Ablass-)Ventil 27 auf. Der Drucksensor 48a ist zum Erfassen des Druckniveaus innerhalb des Auffangvolumens V3 ausgebildet.Subsequently, a subset TM contained within the subvolume V2 (see Figure 5 ) of the gas G brought to the target fumigation pressure p is again removed from the packing volume P via the line 26. The gas G is passed through sections 26a, 26b, 26c of the line 26 into the collecting volume V3. The partial quantity TM of the discharged gas G corresponds to the mass of the gas which is contained in the partial volume V2. For the lowering process, section 26b has a (lowering) valve 27 which can be controlled by means of a further pressure sensor 48a. The pressure sensor 48a is designed to detect the pressure level within the collection volume V3.

Der Abschnitt 26c liegt gleichzeitig als Belüftungsleitung vor, der ein Belüftungsventil 47a aufweist.The section 26c is also present as a ventilation line, which has a ventilation valve 47a.

Durch das Ablassen der Teilmenge TM reduziert sich die während des vorangestellten Befüllungsvorgangs ursprünglich eingelassene Gasmenge auf eine später im Zusammenhang mit Figur 5 gezeigte, im Packungsvolumen P verbleibende Restmenge RM des Gases G, wobei der eingangs herrschende Begasungssolldruck psoll auf ein niedrigeres Druckniveau pred abnimmt.By draining off the partial quantity TM, the amount of gas originally let in during the preceding filling process is reduced to a later one in connection with Figure 5 residual quantity shown, remains in the packing volume of the gas G P RM, wherein the initially dominant Begasungssolldruck p set at a lower pressure level decreases red p.

Nachdem die abgelassene Teilmenge TM des Gases G vom Auffangvolumen V3 aufgenommen ist, wird das Packungsvolumen P, d.h. das Ventil 27 der Ablassleitung 26 verschlossen und die Oberfolie O in Richtung zu den darunter positionierten Verpackungsmulden 14 mittels der Siegeleinheit 25 gedrückt. Dabei wird die Oberfolie O in eine entsprechend der imaginären Ebene E positionierte Endlage L gebracht, in welcher die Oberfolie O auf die Verpackungsmulden 14 gesiegelt wird.After the released partial quantity TM of the gas G is absorbed by the collecting volume V3, the packing volume P, i.e. the valve 27 of the drain line 26 is closed and the upper film O is pressed in the direction of the packaging troughs 14 positioned below it by means of the sealing unit 25. The upper film O is brought into an end position L positioned in accordance with the imaginary plane E, in which the upper film O is sealed onto the packaging troughs 14.

Durch das Absenken der Oberfolie O wird das im Teilvolumen V2 enthaltene Gas G in das Teilvolumen V1 gedrückt. Dadurch steigt der sich während des Ablassvorganges innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P eingestellte reduzierte Druck pred wieder auf den Begasungssolldruck psoll, an.By lowering the top film O, the gas G contained in the partial volume V2 is pressed into the partial volume V1. Thereby, the set itself during the discharge operation within the package volume reduced pressure P rises p red back to the Begasungssolldruck p set at.

Das Absenken der Oberfolie O kann mittels der Siegeleinheit 25, insbesondere einer daran absenkbar plattenförmig ausgebildeten Vorrichtung 28, und/oder mittels eines Belüftungsvorganges derart langsam gesteuert werden, dass sich die innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P enthaltene verbliebene Restmenge RM langsam über die jeweiligen Verpackungen V verteilt. Die Vorrichtung 28 ist als Produktschutzplatte ausgebildet und dazu konfiguriert, zu verhindern, dass während des Siegelvorgangs ein unerwünschter Wärmeeintrag auf die innerhalb der Verpackungsmulden 14 aufgenommenen Produkte 16 stattfindet.The lowering of the top film O can be controlled so slowly by means of the sealing unit 25, in particular a plate-shaped device 28 which can be lowered thereon, and / or by means of a ventilation process that the remaining quantity RM contained within the package volume P is slowly distributed over the respective packaging V. The device 28 is designed as a product protection plate and is configured to prevent undesired heat being introduced onto the products 16 accommodated within the packaging troughs 14 during the sealing process.

Figur 4 zeigt die Siegelstation 3 gemäß Figur 3, wobei als Auffangvolumen V3 ein separater Auffangbehälter 30 eingesetzt wird. Außerdem ist mit er Siegelkammer 23 eine separate Belüftungsleitung 26d verbunden, die ein Belüftungsventil 47b aufweist. Figure 4 shows the sealing station 3 according to Figure 3 , a separate collecting container 30 being used as the collecting volume V3. In addition, a separate ventilation line 26d, which has a ventilation valve 47b, is connected to the sealing chamber 23.

In den Figuren 3 und 4 umfasst die Leitung 26 in ihrem Abschnitt 26b jeweils das Ventil 27, welches für den Ablassvorgang geöffnet wird, damit vom Packungsvolumen P die Teilmenge TM des Gases G in das Auffangvolumen V3 strömen kann. Sofern mittels des Abschnitts 26a das Befüllen des Packungsvolumens P oder mittels des Abschnitts 26c das Belüften der Siegelkammer 23 stattfindet, bleibt das Ventil 27 geschlossen. Außerdem bleibt das Ventil 27 geschlossen, wenn dem Befüllvorgang vorangestellt ein Evakuierungsvorgang des Packungsvolumens P stattfindet.In the Figures 3 and 4 In its section 26b, the line 26 in each case comprises the valve 27, which is opened for the draining process, so that the partial volume TM of the gas G from the packing volume P can flow into the collecting volume V3. Provided that the packing volume P is filled by means of the section 26a or the venting of the sealing chamber by means of the section 26c 23 takes place, the valve 27 remains closed. In addition, the valve 27 remains closed when the packing volume P is preceded by an evacuation process.

Der Ablassvorgang über das Ventil 27 kann gemäß Figur 4 mittels eines mit dem Auffangvolumen V3 verbundenen Drucksensors 48b gesteuert werden. Der Befüllungsvorgang läuft über ein Einlassventil 37b ab, welches mittels eines mit dem Packungsvolumen P verbunden Drucksensor 38b druckgesteuert wird.The draining process via the valve 27 can according to Figure 4 can be controlled by means of a pressure sensor 48b connected to the collecting volume V3. The filling process takes place via an inlet valve 37b, which is pressure-controlled by means of a pressure sensor 38b connected to the pack volume P.

Zum Weitertransport versiegelter Verpackungen V aus der Siegelstation 3 heraus wird das Werkzeugoberteil 20 über den Abschnitt 26c der Figur 3 oder über die separate Belüftungsleitung 26d der Figur 4 belüftet (d.h. Schaffen eines Druckausgleichs zum Atmosphärendruck der Umgebung).For the further transport of sealed packages V out of the sealing station 3, the upper tool part 20 is moved over the section 26c of FIG Figure 3 or via the separate ventilation line 26d Figure 4 ventilated (ie creating a pressure balance to the atmospheric pressure of the environment).

Figur 5 zeigt das Prinzip des erfindungsgemäßen Vorgangs. Figure 5 shows the principle of the process according to the invention.

In einem ersten Verfahrensschritt wird das Packungsvolumen P mit dem gewünschten Gas G auf den Begasungssolldruck psoll befüllt. Es befindet sich dann eine vorbestimmte, dem Begasungssolldruck psoll entsprechende Gasmenge GM im Packungsvolumen P.In a first process step, the pack volume P is filled with the desired gas G to the gassing set pressure p des. There is then a predetermined, to the p Begasungssolldruck corresponding amount of gas in the packing volume GM P.

Im zweiten und dritten Verfahrensschritt wird die innerhalb des imaginären Teilvolumens V2 enthaltene Gasmenge (Teilmenge TM), die oberhalb der als Systemgrenze eingezogenen, imaginären Ebene E vorhanden ist, über die in den Figuren 3 und 4 gezeigte Leitung 26 abgelassen.In the second and third method step, the amount of gas (partial amount TM) contained within the imaginary partial volume V2, which is present above the imaginary plane E drawn in as the system boundary, is via the in the Figures 3 and 4 drained line 26 shown.

Demzufolge verteilt sich gemäß dem vierten Verfahrensschritt die noch innerhalb des Packungsvolumens P zurückgebliebene Restmenge RM des Gases G auf das gesamte Packungsvolumen P, sodass ein reduziertes Druckniveau pred innerhalb des aufrechterhaltenen Packungsvolumens P anliegt.Accordingly, according to the fourth method step, the residual amount RM of the gas G still remaining within the pack volume P is distributed over the entire pack volume P, so that a reduced pressure level p red is present within the maintained pack volume P.

Schließlich wird im fünften Verfahrensschritt das Packungsvolumen P um das imaginäre Teilvolumen V2 reduziert, indem das das obere Verpackungsmaterial in die auf die imaginäre Ebene E fallende Endlage L niedergedrückt wird. Es liegt nun wieder der Begasungssolldruck psoll innerhalb des für fertiggestellte Verpackungen V vorgesehenen Teilvolumens V1 vor. Gemäß diesem Prozess lassen sich unabhängig vom Füllgrad Verpackungen mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik herstellen.Finally, in the fifth method step, the packaging volume P is reduced by the imaginary partial volume V2 by pressing the upper packaging material into the end position L falling on the imaginary plane E. It is now again the Begasungssolldruck p set within the laid down for finished packaging V partial volume V1 before. According to this process, regardless of the degree of filling, packaging can be produced with a packaging optic that is at least substantially similar to one another.

Als Grundlage für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird angenommen, dass die Summe des imaginären Teilvolumens V2 mit dem Auffangvolumen V3 geometrisch bekannt ist.As a basis for the method according to the invention, it is assumed that the sum of the imaginary partial volume V2 with the collecting volume V3 is geometrically known.

Mittels eines anhand der erfindungsgemäßen Siegelstation 3 ausführbaren Testlaufs kann das Verhältnis des Teilvolumens V2 und des Auffangvolumens V3 ermittelt werden. Der Testlauf könnte beispielsweise derart ausgeführt werden, dass die für die Verpackungsmulden 14 verwendete Unterfolie U nicht ausgeformt in die Siegelstation 3 eingeführt und darin zusammen mit der Oberfolie O fixiert wird. Beim Begasen wird folglich nur das Teilvolumen V2 auf den Begasungssolldruck psoll begast. Wird dann die Leitung 26 geöffnet und bis zu einer Druckgleichheit zwischen dem Teilvolumen V2 und dem Auffangvolumen V3 offengelassen, so kann über den sich einstellenden Druck das Verhältnis des Teilvolumens V2 zum Auffangvolumen V3 berechnet werden. Über das Gesamtvolumen, bestehend aus dem Teilvolumen V2 und dem Auffangvolumen V3, lassen sich dann die jeweiligen Volumina des Teilvolumens V2 und des Auffangvolumens V3 direkt berechnen.The ratio of the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3 can be determined by means of a test run that can be carried out using the sealing station 3 according to the invention. The test run could, for example, be carried out in such a way that the lower film U used for the packaging troughs 14 is not introduced into the sealing station 3 and is fixed therein together with the upper film O. As a result, only the partial volume V2 is gassed to the target gassing pressure p target during gassing. If the line 26 is then opened and left open until the pressure between the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3 is the same, the ratio of the partial volume V2 to the collecting volume V3 can be calculated via the pressure which arises. The respective volumes of the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3 can then be calculated directly via the total volume, consisting of the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3.

Das Teilvolumen V2 könnte alternativ dazu auch über einen durchgeführten Hub der Siegeleinheit 25 näherungsweise geschätzt werden. Weiter alternativ könnten die jeweiligen Volumina V2 und V3 auch über eindeutig bekannte Referenzvolumina bei der Inbetriebnahme der Maschine berechnet werden. Die im Zusammenhang mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Prinzip eingesetzten Volumina, sprich das Teilvolumen V2 sowie das Auffangvolumen V3 können zweckmäßigerweise in einer Werkzeugdatenbank der Verpackungsmaschine 1 hinterlegt werden und dienen während des Verpackungsprozesses als Rechengrößen.As an alternative to this, the partial volume V2 could also be approximately estimated by performing the stroke of the sealing unit 25. Alternatively, the respective volumes V2 and V3 could also be calculated using clearly known reference volumes when the machine is started up. The volumes used in connection with the principle according to the invention, that is to say the partial volume V2 and the collecting volume V3, can expediently be stored in a tool database of the packaging machine 1 and serve as arithmetic variables during the packaging process.

Sofern mit gleichbleibendem Füllgrad der zu verschließenden Verpackungen V gerechnet wird, beispielsweise weil in den jeweiligen Verpackungsmulden 14 immer dieselbe Schnittmenge eines gewählten Produkts 16, beispielsweise geschnittener Wurst oder geschnittenen Käses, vorliegt, kann das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip zur automatisierten Generierung eines Offsetdrucks herangezogen werden, sodass unter Verwendung des Offsetdrucks auf den Ablassvorgang der Teilmenge des Gases verzichtet werden kann, um Verpackungen mit zueinander im Wesentlichen gleichbleibender Packungsoptik herzustellen.If a constant filling level of the packaging V to be closed is expected, for example because the same intersection of a selected product 16, for example sliced sausage or sliced cheese, is always present in the respective packaging troughs 14, the principle according to the invention can be used for the automated generation of an offset print, so that under The use of offset printing means that the partial gas discharge process can be dispensed with in order to produce packaging with a packaging optics that is essentially constant.

Dabei wird lediglich auf einen reduzierten Druck begast, welcher sich aus dem Begasungssolldruck abzüglich des anhand der Erfindung berechneten Offsetdrucks ergibt, und gleich im Anschluss daran gesiegelt. Um die Richtigkeit des Offsetdrucks zu überprüfen könnte vorgesehen sein, dass dieser während einer Produktcharge mehrmals wiederholt mittels des erfindungsgemäßen Prinzips errechnet wird.In this case, gassing is carried out only to a reduced pressure, which results from the gassing target pressure minus the offset pressure calculated on the basis of the invention, and is sealed immediately thereafter. In order to check the correctness of the offset printing, provision could be made for it to be repeatedly calculated during a product batch using the principle according to the invention.

Die Erfindung könnte genauso gut an einer Siegelstation durchgeführt werden, die Teil einer nicht als Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine ausgebildeten Verpackungsmaschine vorliegt, beispielsweise einer Schalenverschließmaschine mit Zuführung bereits vorgefertigter Verpackungsmulden.The invention could just as well be carried out at a sealing station which is part of a packaging machine which is not designed as a deep-drawing packaging machine, for example a tray sealing machine with the supply of pre-made packaging trays.

Claims (15)

Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Siegelstation (3) einer Verpackungsmaschine (1) zum Herstellen von Verpackungen (V) mit einer zueinander zumindest im Wesentlichen ähnlichen Packungsoptik bei gegebenenfalls variierenden Füllgraden (22), umfassend die folgenden Schritte: • Befüllen eines zwischen einem unteren und einem oberen Verpackungsmaterial (8, 10) eingeschlossenen Packungsvolumens (P) mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation (3) positionierten Verpackung (V) mit einem zur Schaffung einer gewünschten Atmosphäre bestimmten Gas (G) auf einen für eine fertige Verpackung (V) vorbestimmten Begasungssolldruck (psoll), • Ablassen einer Teilmenge (TM) des in das Packungsvolumen (P) eingefüllten Gases (G) aus dem Packungsvolumen (P) über eine daran angeschlossene Leitung (26) in ein damit verbundenes Auffangvolumen (V3) unter Beibehaltung des durch das vorangehende Befüllen erzeugten Packungsvolumens (P), sodass sich innerhalb des Packungsvolumens (P) für die verbleibende Restmenge (RM) des eingefüllten Gases (G) ein relativ zum Begasungssolldruck reduzierter Druck (pred) einstellt,
wobei die abgelassene Teilmenge (TM) des Gases (G) im Wesentlichen der Masse des innerhalb eines imaginären Teilvolumens (V2) des Packungsvolumens (P) aufgenommen Gases (G) entspricht, welches imaginäre Teilvolumen (V2) von einer imaginären, das Packungsvolumen (P) durchquerenden, mindestens einen Teil eines Randes (40) des unteren Verpackungsmaterials (8) einnehmenden Ebene (E) und dem oberen Verpackungsmaterial (10) eingeschlossen wird, und • Reduzieren des bis dahin aufrechterhaltenen Packungsvolumens (P) um das imaginäre Teilvolumen (V2), indem das obere Verpackungsmaterial (10) in eine im Wesentlichen auf die imaginäre Ebene (E) fallende Endlage (L) versetzt wird, sodass der Druck (pred) innerhalb der Verpackung wieder auf den Begasungssolldruck (psoll) ansteigt. Method for operating a sealing station (3) of a packaging machine (1) for producing packaging (V) with an at least substantially similar packaging optics with possibly varying degrees of filling (22), comprising the following steps: • Filling a packaging volume (P) enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material (8, 10) at least one packaging (V) positioned within the sealing station (3) with a gas (G) intended to create a desired atmosphere for a finished one Packaging (V) predetermined gassing target pressure (p target ), • Draining a partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) filled into the packing volume (P) from the packing volume (P) via a line (26) connected to it into a connected collecting volume (V3) while maintaining the packing volume generated by the previous filling (P), so that within the packing volume (P) for the remaining amount (RM) of the filled gas (G) there is a pressure (p red ) reduced relative to the target gas pressure,
wherein the released partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) essentially corresponds to the mass of the gas (G) received within an imaginary partial volume (V2) of the package volume (P), which imaginary partial volume (V2) is of an imaginary, the package volume (P ) traversing, at least part of an edge (40) of the lower packaging material (8) occupying plane (E) and the upper packaging material (10), and • Reduce the previously maintained pack volume (P) by the imaginary partial volume (V2) by moving the upper packaging material (10) to a final position (L) that essentially falls on the imaginary plane (E) so that the pressure (p red ) within the packaging increases again to the fumigation target pressure (p target ). Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die über die Leitung (26) abgelassene Teilmenge (TM) des in das Packungsvolumen (P) eingefüllten Gases (G) in ein zumindest teilweise von einem Werkzeugoberteil (20) der Siegelstation (3) und/oder dem oberen Verpackungsmaterial (10) eingeschlossenes Auffangvolumen (V3) geleitet wird.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) filled into the packing volume (P) discharged via the line (26) into an at least partially from an upper tool part (20) of the sealing station (3) and / or the trapped volume (V3) enclosed in the upper packaging material (10). Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die über die Leitung (26) abgelassene Teilmenge (TM) des in das Packungsvolumen (P) eingefüllten Gases (G) in einen das Auffangvolumen (V3) bestimmenden separaten Auffangbehälter (30) geleitet wird.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) filled into the packing volume (P) discharged via the line (26) is passed into a separate collecting container (30) which determines the collecting volume (V3). Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass anhand der abgelassenen Teilmenge (TM) des Gases (G) ein Solldruck für das Auffangvolumen (V3) bestimmt wird, bis zu dessen Erreichen die Leitung (26) geöffnet bleibt.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a target pressure for the collecting volume (V3) is determined on the basis of the partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) discharged until the line (26) remains open until it is reached. Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der innerhalb des Auffangvolumens (V3) durch das dorthin hineingeleitete Gas (G) erzeugte Druck während des gesamten Ablassvorganges niedriger bleibt als der innerhalb des Packungsvolumens (P) auf die dort verbleibende Restmenge (RM) des Gases (G) anliegende Druck, um das Packungsvolumen (P) während des Ablassvorganges aufrechtzuerhalten.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure generated within the collecting volume (V3) by the gas (G) directed therein remains lower than that within the packing volume (P) to the remaining amount (RM) remaining there within the packing volume (P) pressure of the gas (G) to maintain the package volume (P) during the deflation process. Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das obere Verpackungsmaterial (10) mittels eines Belüftungsvorgangs und/oder mittels mindestens einer eine Hubbewegung ausführenden Vorrichtung (28) in die Endlage (L) versetzt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper packaging material (10) is moved into the end position (L) by means of a ventilation process and / or by means of at least one device (28) carrying out a lifting movement. Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das obere Verpackungsmaterial (10) in der Endlage (L) mit dem unteren Verpackungsmaterial (8, 14) versiegelt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper packaging material (10) in the end position (L) is sealed with the lower packaging material (8, 14). Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Packungsvolumen (P) vor dem Befüllen mit Gas (G) evakuiert wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packing volume (P) is evacuated before filling with gas (G). Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mittels eines Testlaufs das imaginäre Teilvolumen (V2) und/oder das Auffangvolumen (V3) bestimmt werden.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the imaginary partial volume (V2) and / or the collecting volume (V3) are determined by means of a test run. Verfahren nach einem der vorigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren bei der Herstellung von Verpackungen (V) mit einem vorbestimmten annähernd gleichbleibenden Füllgrad (22) zur Bestimmung eines Offsetdrucks eingesetzt wird, der aus einer Differenz zwischen dem Begasungssolldruck (psoll) und dem sich nach dem Ablassen der Teilmenge (TM) des Gases (G) aus dem imaginären Teilvolumen (V2) noch innerhalb des Packungsvolumens (P) vorliegenden Druck (pred) bestimmt wird, sodass bei anschließenden Maschinentakten das Packungsvolumen (P) lediglich mit Gas (G) bis zum Erreichen des Drucks (pred) befüllt wird, der sich aus dem Begasungssolldruck (psoll) abzüglich des bestimmten Offsetdrucks ergibt.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used in the production of packaging (V) with a predetermined approximately constant filling level (22) for determining an offset pressure which is a difference between the fumigation target pressure (p soll ) and the after the partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) has been released from the imaginary partial volume (V2), the pressure (p red ) still present within the package volume (P) is determined, so that in subsequent machine cycles the package volume (P) is only filled with gas ( G) is filled up to reaching the pressure (p red), the results from the Begasungssolldruck (p set) minus the predetermined offset pressure. Siegelstation (3) für eine Verpackungsmaschine (1), gekennzeichnet durch eine Leitung (26), die ein zwischen einem unteren und einem oberen Verpackungsmaterial (8, 10) eingeschlossenes Packungsvolumen (P) mindestens einer innerhalb der Siegelstation (3) positionierten Verpackung (V) mit einem Auffangvolumen (V3) verbindet, wobei die Leitung (26) zum Ablassen einer vorbestimmten Teilmenge (TM) eines zuvor in das Packungsvolumen (P) eingefüllten Gases (G) in das Auffangvolumen (V3) bestimmt ist.Sealing station (3) for a packaging machine (1), characterized by a line (26) which carries a packaging volume (P) enclosed between a lower and an upper packaging material (8, 10) of at least one packaging (V ) connects to a collecting volume (V3), the line (26) being designed to discharge a predetermined portion (TM) of a gas (G) previously filled into the packing volume (P) into the collecting volume (V3). Siegelstation nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Leitung (26) mit einem Ventil (27) versehenen ist, welches zur Begrenzung der an das Auffangvolumen (V3) abzulassenden vorbestimmten Teilmenge (TM) des Gases (G) verschließbar ist.Sealing station according to claim 11, characterized in that the line (26) is provided with a valve (27) which can be closed in order to limit the predetermined partial quantity (TM) of the gas (G) to be discharged to the collecting volume (V3). Siegelstation nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Abschnitt der Leitung (26) ferner zum Evakuieren und/oder Begasen des Packungsinhalts (P) vorgesehen ist.Sealing station according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a section of the line (26) is further provided for evacuating and / or gassing the package contents (P). Siegelstation nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Auffangvolumen (V3) innerhalb eines Werkzeugoberteils (20) der Siegelstation (3) gebildet ist.Sealing station according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the collecting volume (V3) is formed within an upper tool part (20) of the sealing station (3). Siegelstation nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Auffangvolumen (V3) von einem separaten Auffangbehälter (30) der Siegelstation (3) gebildet ist.Sealing station according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the collecting volume (V3) is formed by a separate collecting container (30) of the sealing station (3).
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ES2867975T3 (en) 2021-10-21
US20190382147A1 (en) 2019-12-19
EP3581505B1 (en) 2021-01-20
US11511896B2 (en) 2022-11-29

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