EP3590853B1 - Processing device for packaging machines - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a processing device for packaging machines, in particular for labeling and / or printing packaging, with at least one upper processing unit for processing packaging tops and at least one lower processing unit for processing packaging undersides. The invention also relates to a packaging machine, in particular for food products, with at least one processing device according to the invention.

Packaging machines, such as are used in particular for packaging food products, typically comprise a multiplicity of work stations which are arranged one after the other along a work or transport direction. In such food processing lines with packaging machines, the products are often not only packaged, but the packs are actually produced in the first place. In so-called deep-drawing packaging machines, which are very frequently used for packaging food products, the packs are made from at least two material webs, in particular film webs, namely a so-called lower film and a so-called upper film. Typically, at a deep-drawing station located in the starting area of the packaging machine, the lower film is reshaped by means of a deep-drawing process, in order, for example, to produce a shell-shaped lower part of a respective pack. The products are placed in the lower parts of the pack at a subsequent loading station. The upper film is then fed in, which is placed on the lower packaging parts filled with the products, i.e. on the lower film, whereupon the two films are sealed around the packs in a sealing station of the packaging machine to close. During this process, at least the film web forming the lower film is gripped by conveyor chains of the packaging machine provided with holding clips after unwinding from a supply roll and transported along the packaging machine through the individual work stations. US 2007/220827 A1 also discloses a machining device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The workflow in such a deep-drawing packaging machine is in particular clocked. In each work cycle, a predetermined length of film is withdrawn and transported along the packaging machine, with one work cycle corresponding to at least one pack or, if the packaging machine is designed with multiple lanes, at least one row of packs lying transversely to the transport direction.

In practice, it is often necessary to carry out further processing operations on the packs or the material or film webs. In particular, it is often necessary to provide the packs with information for further processing, transport, trade and, above all, the end user of the packaged products. For this purpose, the packs are provided with labels and / or printed, for example. In practice, this is often done on the packaging machines themselves, which are provided with appropriate processing devices for this purpose. These are usually arranged at an end region of the packaging machine in order to label or print the finished packs, which are still connected as a film web, for example. However, it is also possible to provide the respective material webs with labels or to print them at another point on the packaging machine. Processing devices such as labelers and printers for packs have been known for a long time. It is also known to support such processing devices directly on the packaging machine, in particular on a machine frame extending in the direction of transport, and to support them manually in the direction of transport or designed to be movable by means of a drive in order to be able to set the respective processing position relative to the respective pack or row of packs. In order to keep the effort within limits and to keep the space requirement or the working length of the packaging machine as low as possible, only a single processing device is often provided in practice, which can process either only the top of the pack or only the bottom of the pack.

In principle, however, it is also known to provide two separate, independent processing devices, one of which can process the top of the pack and the other of which can process the bottom of the pack. The problem with processing devices for packaging machines, in particular with labelers, is the large amount of space required by the superstructures. Labelers, for example, need, among other things, a label supply and a label feed. This structure typically projects laterally and upwardly beyond the actual boundary of the packaging machine. If two separate labeling devices are to be used, they are in practice offset from one another in the transport direction and also arranged in such a way that the structure of one labeler is on one side of the packaging machine and the structure of the other labeler is on the opposite side of the machine. This simplifies the arrangement of two labelers, but has the disadvantage that the operating personnel have to constantly switch between the two sides of the machine, for example to change label supply rolls, thread the supply rolls into the label feeder, make fine adjustments or make other interventions necessary while the packaging machine is in operation complete. This is particularly problematic because packaging machines nowadays are extremely long and the operating personnel consequently have to cover long distances in a short time.

Commissioning and setting of processing devices on packaging machines, in particular of labelers and printers, are consequently often associated with cumbersome and difficult operation in practice. This problem is constantly increasing due to the ever increasing degree of automation and the associated greater length of packaging machines.

The object of the invention is therefore to create a possibility for processing packs on packaging machines, which has the smallest possible space requirement and allows the simplest possible operation.

This object is achieved by a processing device with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a common adjustment axis is provided for the processing units, along which the processing units can be adjusted manually or by means of a drive in an adjustment direction that runs parallel to a transport direction of the packaging machine. The object is also achieved by a packaging machine with at least one processing device according to the invention.

According to the invention, only a common adjustment axis is provided for the machining units. Thus, the invention leaves the path taken so far in the prior art, in the case of several processing units, to consider them as separate, independent machines and to design and operate them accordingly, each of which requires a complete separate infrastructure in order to be attached to the packaging machine and in particular in the direction of transport Packaging machine to be adjusted.

The common adjustment axis is not to be understood as an imaginary or virtual axis in the mathematical sense, but rather an objective component or structural unit that can be adjusted manually or by means of a drive of the processing units parallel to the transport direction of the packaging machine. In the case of manual adjustability, the adjustment axis can be a component or unit, however specifically configured, extending over a suitable adjustment length parallel to the transport direction of the packaging machine, for example a guide rod, whereby this component or unit can consequently also fulfill a guiding function. However, this does not exclude additional guides for the machining units.

If a drive is provided for adjusting the processing units, then the adjustment axis can form or comprise a common drive element for the processing units or be formed by such a drive element. This drive element can be, for example, a spindle, a toothed belt or a toothed rack.

The concept of the invention makes it possible to shift the operation of all processing units completely to just one of the sides of the packaging machine. On the other side of the machine, for example, an additional guide for the processing units can be provided, which, however, does not need to be addressed by the operating personnel, at least while the packaging machine is in operation.

Another advantage of a common adjustment axis for several processing units is that certain safety-related measures - insofar as they are fundamentally necessary - only need to be taken on one side of the packaging machine. For example, if, according to a preferred embodiment, the processing units can be adjusted in opposite directions with respect to the transport direction of the packaging machine, a risk of injury to the operating personnel, which is potentially due to this adjustability, must be carried out by means of suitable safety regulations Measures such as the provision of a cover can be avoided.

In addition, with a common adjustment axis for the machining units, their integration is facilitated, in particular in terms of control technology, or even made possible in the first place. For example, the processing units can be adjusted via the central control of the packaging machine or the entire processing line into which the packaging machine is possibly integrated.

In addition, the inventive concept enables a variety of work variants, which will be discussed in more detail elsewhere, with at least certain variants not yet being able to be implemented, or at most with the acceptance of a considerable additional working length of the packaging machine.

It is possible, but not mandatory, for only a single common adjustment axis to be provided for the machining units. At least one further common adjustment axis can be provided, in which case all the common adjustment axes of the processing units are arranged on the same side of the packaging machine. An adjustment axis, which can also be referred to as the main adjustment axis, can primarily be provided for joint adjustment of the machining units. A machining unit that is decoupled from the main adjustment axis can be coupled to a further common adjustment axis and, for example, be brought into a non-working position along this further common adjustment axis, independently of the other machining unit or units.

A common adjustment axis within the meaning of the invention can also be provided in such a way that one processing unit is not directly connected to the common one Adjusting axis interacts, but only indirectly via the respective other processing unit, which interacts directly with the common adjustment axis. In an embodiment not according to the invention, the two machining units are consequently not adjustable independently of one another by means of the common adjustment axis. However, this does not preclude the processing units from being movable relative to one another in order, for example, to be able to change an offset in the transport direction of the packaging machine between the two processing units. Preferred embodiments can also be found in the following description, the dependent claims and the drawing.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, a common travel drive is provided for the two machining units, with which the machining units can be moved along the adjustment axis.

The displacement drive can comprise an elongated drive element for the machining units that extends in the actuating direction. The drive element can be, for example, a spindle, a toothed belt or a toothed rack.

Furthermore, it is provided that the machining units can be coupled to the adjustment axis and decoupled from the adjustment axis independently of one another. This enables a highly flexible operation of the packaging machine with regard to the function of the processing units. If the processing units are all coupled to the adjustment axis, the processing units can be adjusted together. The processing units can, for example, jointly change their position along the packaging machine, and any offset that may be present between the two processing units in the transport direction can remain constant. However, an offset between the processing units does not have to be present and - if it is present - not constant be. Alternatively, a joint adjustment of processing units coupled to the adjustment axis can also be accompanied by an increasing or decreasing distance between the processing units in the transport direction of the packaging machine.

It is also possible to decouple a processing unit from the adjustment axis. The decoupled processing unit can be brought into a non-working position on the packaging machine - manually or via a possibly additionally provided drive - for example for maintenance purposes or for applying a new label supply roll, while the or any other processing unit continues its processing operation. Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that each processing unit comprises a coupling device which can be actuated manually or controlled by means of a control device and is designed to couple and decouple the processing unit and the adjustment axis from one another. The control device can be assigned to the processing device and, in particular, integrated into the processing device and connected in a suitable manner to a central control device of the packaging machine. Alternatively, the control device used to control the coupling devices of the processing unit can be integrated into a central control device of the packaging machine or a higher-level processing line.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, in addition to the common adjustment axis, a guide running parallel to the adjustment direction is provided for the machining devices. The guide can comprise a guide element or at least two guide elements extending at a distance from one another transversely to the setting direction. The guide element (s) can be, for example, simple, passive guide rods. If two spaced guide organs are provided, then these can be on opposite sides Be arranged sides of the packaging machine. This results in particularly stable and precise guidance and alignment of the processing units with respect to the respective packaging machine. While the or each common adjustment axis for the processing units is only arranged on one side of the machine, guide devices for the processing units can thus be provided on both sides of the packaging machine.

According to a further possible embodiment, in addition to the adjustment axis for the processing units, at least one transverse axis running transversely to the transport direction is provided for at least one additional unit. The transverse axis can be moved manually or by means of a drive along the adjustment axis in the adjustment direction. The additional unit for which the additional transverse axis is provided can be, for example, a printing device for printing, for example, the top or bottom sides of the pack.

As already mentioned above, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the processing units are each a labeling unit, the upper labeling unit being used to label the tops of the pack and the lower labeling unit to be used to label the underside of the pack. Alternatively, the processing units can each be designed as printing units for printing the pack sides. Furthermore, according to the invention, "mixed" applications are also possible in which different processing units are used. For example, the top of the pack can be labeled using an upper labeling unit and the bottom of the pack can be printed on using a lower printing unit.

In a packaging machine according to the invention, in particular a machine for packaging food products, which comprises at least one processing device according to the invention as disclosed herein, according to one In a preferred embodiment, the processing device is supported on a machine frame of the packaging machine. This does not exclude that an additional, but not sufficient, support takes place via another device that is not formed by the packaging machine or does not belong to the packaging machine or via a set-up area, in particular the floor. The processing device is preferably supported exclusively on the packaging machine and in particular on a rack or frame of the packaging machine.

The adjustment axis of the packaging machine is preferably arranged on one side of a machine frame or a machine frame of the packaging machine. The adjustment axis is preferably supported on the machine frame or the machine frame. In particular, the adjustment axis is supported exclusively in this way.

The processing units of the processing device can, viewed in the transport direction, be arranged in the same working section of the packaging machine that is assigned to a pack or to a row of packs lying transversely to the transport direction. In this configuration, the same pack is consequently processed by the processing units, ie the top processing unit processes the top side of the pack and the bottom processing unit processes the bottom side of the package. In the case of a multi-lane packaging machine, the processing units each process the same row of packs. An offset between the processing units in the transport direction of the packaging machine within the working section can be provided. This offset can result from the respectively desired processing positions, which can be different for the pack top and the pack bottom of a respective pack. For example, it may be desirable to apply a label for the top of the pack to a front region of the pack in the direction of transport, whereas a label or printing is to be applied to the underside of the pack, viewed in the direction of transport, in the rear area of the pack.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, an alternative configuration can be provided in which the processing units are arranged in different working sections offset from one another in the transport direction, which are each assigned to a pack or a row of packs lying transversely to the transport direction. The working sections can have one or more packs or pack rows offset from one another in the direction of transport or - in other words - be spaced from one another. This configuration can be advantageous, for example, as a function of the specific design and a possibly existing structure of the processing units that protrudes beyond the limitation of the actual packaging machine. In addition, the operation of the processing units can be made easier as a result.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, several pairs each comprising an upper processing unit and a lower processing unit can be provided, which are arranged in different working sections offset from one another in the transport direction, each working section being assigned to a pack or a row of packs lying transversely to the transport direction.

As a result, the performance of the packaging machine with regard to the processing of the packs by means of the processing units can be multiplied in accordance with the number of pairs. For example, with two pairs of machining units, the machining performance can be doubled. Another possibility that results from the use of several pairs of processing units is to carry out additional processing on the packs, for example, to apply one or more additional labels that may only be required temporarily.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the processing units or pairs of processing units can be moved independently of one another from a work area into a non-work position. For example, a pair of processing units can be serviced in the non-working position or provided with a new supply of labels, for example, without the packaging machine being shut down, but with a temporary reduction in processing performance. Following this interruption, the temporarily inactive pair of processing units can be driven back into the respective work section, whereupon the original full capacity is available again.

Regardless of the specific configuration of the packaging machine according to the invention, it can be provided that the processing units can each be moved within their working section in the adjusting direction in order to set a respectively desired working offset between an upper processing position and a lower processing position.

Furthermore, a control device is preferably provided which is designed to control a travel drive of the machining device and the machining units, in particular coupling devices of the machining devices, depending on the respective operating situation, in order to adjust the machining units together or individually in the setting direction.

As already mentioned above, the coupling units can serve to couple the respective machining unit and the adjustment axis to one another and to decouple them from one another. This is done independently of one another for the processing units. As already mentioned above, the control device assigned to the processing unit or integrated into a central control device of the packaging machine.

Fig. 1

schematisch in einer senkrecht zur Transportrichtung der Verpackungsmaschine geschnittenen Ansicht die Anordnung zweier Bearbeitungseinheiten gemäß der Erfindung, und

Fig. 2 bis 4

jeweils schematisch eine mögliche Konfiguration einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsmaschine.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

the arrangement of two processing units according to the invention, and

Figs. 2 to 4

each schematically shows a possible configuration of a packaging machine according to the invention.

In the Fig. 1 Packaging machine 13, shown schematically in cross section, comprises a machine frame 37 which is supported on the floor via an underframe 49. A left transport chain 51 and a right transport chain 51 are supported by chain guides (not shown) on the respective frame element of the machine frame 37 extending in the transport direction and serve, as described in the introductory part, to transport a lower film through the packaging machine 13, from which, together with an upper film, packs 15 with food products (not shown) received therein. In the example shown, the packaging machine 13 has four lanes, ie in each row of packs 41 (cf. Figures 2 to 5 ) are four packs 15 next to each other, which are separated towards the end of the work process.

With regard to the present invention, there is no need for more detail on the fundamentally known structure and the mode of operation of a packaging machine and in particular of a deep-drawing packaging machine, which is also sufficiently known to the person skilled in the art, as it is also explained in the introductory part, not to be discussed.

The packaging machine 13 according to the invention is provided with a processing device 11 which is used to process the top and bottom sides of the packs 15. For this purpose, the processing device 11 comprises at least one pair of processing units, namely an upper processing unit 17, which is located above the packs 15, and below the packs 15 a lower processing unit 19.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the processing is the application of labels. Both processing units 17, 19, which are each designed as a labeler, are each assigned a structure which, among other things, includes a label supply roll 45 and a feed for the label web 47 rolled up in the supply 45. How out Fig. 1 As can be seen, these structures of the processing units 17, 19 protrude laterally and upwardly beyond the machine frame 37 of the packaging machine 13.

These structures comprising the supply roll 45 and the label feed (not shown) are each connected to the respective processing unit 17, 19 in such a way that when the respective processing unit 17, 19 is adjusted, they move in the transport direction T of the packaging machine 13 and against the transport direction T - i.e. in the setting direction S (cf. Figures 2 to 5 ) - are always moved together with their respective processing unit 17, 19.

The adjusting movements of the machining units 17, 19 are guided on the machine frame 37 in the exemplary embodiment shown here. For this purpose, guides 29, 31 are provided on the left side and on the right side of the machine frame 37, which are shown in FIG Fig. 1 only schematically and in the Figures 2 to 5 are each indicated as a dash-dotted line.

The guides 29, 31 can only comprise passive guide elements, such as guide rods for example, which are carried by the machine frame 37 and have no drive function for the respective machining unit 17, 19.

According to the invention, however, the provision of a guide for the machining device 11 is not mandatory. Depending on the specific design of the machining device 11 and the common adjustment axis 21 for the machining units 17, 19, described in more detail below, the adjustment axis 21 can be sufficient to ensure the required stability and guidance and to enable the machining units 17, 19 to be adjusted in the adjustment direction S.

In the Fig. 1 The illustrated position of the adjustment axis 21 relative to the packaging machine 13 is to be understood purely schematically. The adjustment axis 21 can be arranged at any point on one of the machine sides, depending on the specific structure of the packaging machine 13 and in particular of the machine frame 37. In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the adjustment axis 21 is located on the right-hand side of the machine - viewed in the transport direction T. The adjustment axis 21 is in the Figures 2 to 5 indicated by a dashed line that is thicker than the guides 29, 31.

As Fig. 1 shows, the upper machining unit 17 and the lower machining unit 19 are each connected to the common adjustment axis 21. This takes place in each case by means of a holder 18, 20, which is only indicated schematically.

In order to be able to adjust the processing units 17, 19 by means of the adjustment axis 21, the adjustment axis 21 can be designed, for example, as a threaded spindle extending parallel to the transport direction T, with which spindle nuts formed on the brackets 18, 20 can be coupled. The threaded spindle acting as the adjustment axis 21 can be operated manually, for example. In a However, a preferred embodiment is an in Fig. 1 schematically represented drive 23 is provided, which is connected to a control device 25 and thus enables a controlled adjustment of the machining units 17, 19 by the threaded spindle forming the adjustment axis 21 is set in rotation accordingly. As also already mentioned in the introductory part, the control device 25 can only be assigned to the processing device 11 and connected to a higher-level control device, not shown, of the packaging machine 13. Alternatively, the control device 25 can be integrated into such a central control device.

Instead of a spindle drive for the machining units 17, 19, a differently configured travel drive can also be provided, which is based, for example, on the drive principle of a toothed belt or a toothed rack.

As Fig. 1 also shows schematically, each of the two processing units 17, 19 is provided with a coupling device 27, which allows the respective processing unit 17, 19 to be coupled with the adjustment axis 21 or decoupled from the adjustment axis 21 via its holder 18, 20 as required. In this way, an individual, mutually independent adjustment movement of the two processing units 17, 19 is possible.

the Figures 2 to 5 show examples of different configurations in which the processing units 17, 19 of the processing device 11 on the packaging machine 13 can be positioned and adjusted relative to one another with respect to the transport direction T and in particular with respect to the packaging 15 or packaging rows 41.

Just Fig. 2 shows an additional option, which, however, can in principle also be used in all configurations possible according to the invention, namely the provision of an additional unit 35, which is, for example, a printing device can act for printing either the top of the pack or the bottom of the pack. A transverse axis 33 extending perpendicular to the transport direction T is provided for this additional unit 35, which - like the processing units 17, 19 - can be moved in the setting direction S by means of the common adjustment axis 21 in order to set the printing position on the top of the pack or on the top of the pack in relation to a pack row 41 To be able to adjust the undersides of the pack. The additional unit 35 is also adjustable along the transverse axis 33 in order to be able to reach all packs 15 of a pack row 41. The possible movements of the additional unit 35 thus given are shown in FIG Fig. 2 indicated by the double arrows.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2 the upper processing unit 17 and the lower processing unit 19 are assigned to the same row of packs 41 and thus - as seen in the transport direction T - are assigned to the same working section. The two processing units 17, 19 are essentially one above the other. The offset existing within this same working section between the two processing units 17, 19 in the adjustment direction S can be adjusted by moving the processing units 17, 19 along the adjustment axis 21. As a result, the processing position with respect to the packs 15 of the relevant pack row 41 can be precisely specified for the upper processing unit 17 as well as for the lower processing unit 19. In this way, for example, labels can be applied at any desired position on a pack top and a pack bottom, or the top and bottom sides of the packs 15 can be printed at basically any point if the processing units 17, 19 are not labelers, but Printer acts.

It goes without saying that the in Fig. 2 The illustrated longitudinal offset of the machining units 17, 19 in the adjusting direction S can also be zero, ie the machining units 17, 19 can be positioned relative to one another in such a way that they are exactly lie on top of each other. According to the invention, it is also possible that the positions of the two processing units 17, 19 in the transport direction T compared to the arrangement in FIG Fig. 2 are interchanged, ie the upper processing unit 17 is further forward in the transport direction T than the lower processing unit 19.

In the embodiment of Fig. 3 the two processing units 17, 19 are assigned to different rows of packs 41. A longitudinal offset in the adjusting direction S of the two processing units 17, 19 by precisely one row of packs 41 is shown. The offset can also be more than one row of packs 41.

With regard to the displaceability of the two processing units 17, 19, different configurations are fundamentally possible. It can thus be provided that both processing units 17, 19 can only be moved together and are therefore positively coupled. It is also possible, for example, that only the lower machining unit 19 can be moved on the adjustment axis 21, but not the upper machining unit 17, which is for this purpose on a further adjustment axis 21, not shown, which is arranged on the same machine side as the common adjustment axis 21. can be adjusted relative to the lower processing unit 19. Since such a configuration enables joint adjustment by moving the lower machining unit 19 on the adjustment axis 21, the adjustment axis 21 is also a common adjustment axis for the two machining units 17, 19 in this configuration.

The embodiment of the Fig. 4 is based on the configuration according to Fig. 2 , wherein the processing device 11 here comprises two pairs of processing units 17, 19 and each pair 43 is assigned to a row of packs 41, the two pairs 43 being offset from one another by a row of packs 41 in the transport direction T. It goes without saying that the offset can also be more than one row 41 of packs.

As already mentioned in the introductory part, this can double the processing performance or create the possibility of performing additional processing of the upper sides and / or lower sides of the packs 15, which may also only be done temporarily. For example, for temporary advertising campaigns, so-called promotion labels or other additional labels or even printing can be applied to the packs 15 by means of the additional pair 43 of processing units 17, 19.

In the Fig. 5 The illustrated embodiment is based on the concept of Fig. 4 . Two pairs 43 of processing units 17, 19 are again provided here. The above in connection with Fig. 1 The mentioned optional coupling and decoupling of the processing units 17, 19 by means of the coupling devices 27 can for example be used in this configuration for this purpose, for example the in Fig. 5 right pair 43 of processing units 17, 19 from a working position corresponding to the embodiment of FIG Fig. 4 in a non-work position in Fig. 5 to move to the right against the transport direction T, for example to carry out maintenance work or a label supply roll 45 (cf. Fig. 1 ) switch. During this period, the processing of the packs 15 by means of the in Fig. 5 Left pair 43 of processing units 17, 19 continued, which although temporarily means a lower processing performance, but is advantageously not associated with a temporary complete failure of the processing device 11. Such a configuration consequently enables a so-called “no down time” function of the packaging machine, which thus achieves a higher production output overall.

The adjustment of the temporarily interrupted machining units 17, 19 in the state decoupled from the adjustment axis 21 can for example take place manually or by means of a travel drive which has an additional to the common adjustment axis 21 provided adjustment axis (not shown) includes. An additional adjustment axis can be assigned to both pairs 43 of machining units 17, 19. Alternatively, each pair 43 can have its own additional adjustment axis.

In all of the configurations described above and also other possible embodiments according to the invention, in the case of several adjustment axes it is preferred if all adjustment axes are arranged on the same side of the packaging machine.

As already mentioned in the introduction, an essential advantage of the invention is that the operation of the processing unit can be completely shifted to only one side of the packaging machine. Furthermore, the effort for any necessary safety measures can be reduced, in particular safety measures due to the mobility of the processing units and the associated potential risk of crushing. It is also advantageous that the working length required by the packaging machine for the processing unit according to the invention is comparatively small. In particular, when several pairs of machining units are provided, a saving in the required machine length of 50% and more can be achieved compared to an increase in performance achieved in a conventional manner, without having to accept any losses in functionality or performance.

In addition, the "no down time" or "double speed plus no down time" functions usually required in practice can also be implemented with the concept according to the invention without any problems, and this - as mentioned - with a considerably smaller space requirement than the known solutions, in particular with regard to the working length of the packaging machine.

List of reference symbols

11

Machining device

13th

Packing machine

15th

pack

17th

upper processing unit

18th

bracket

19th

lower processing unit

20th

bracket

21

Adjustment axis

23

drive

25th

Control device

27

Coupling device

29

guide

31

guide

33

Transverse axis

35

Additional unit

37

Machine frame

41

Pack series

43

Pair

45

Supply roll

47

Label web

49

Underframe

51

Transport chain

T

Transport direction

S.

Direction of adjustment

Claims (15)

1. A processing apparatus (11) for packaging machines (13), in particular for labeling and/or printing packages (15), comprising at least one upper processing unit (17) for processing upper package sides and at least one lower processing unit (19) for processing lower package sides; and

   a common adjustment axle (21) for the processing units along which the processing units are adjustable manually or by means of a drive (23) in an adjustment direction (S) which extends in parallel with a direction of transport (T) of the packaging machine,

   characterized in that

   the processing units (17, 19) can be coupled to the adjustment axle (21) and can be decoupled from the adjustment axle independently of one another.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,
   wherein a common travel drive (23) for the two processing units (17, 19) is provided by which the processing units are travelable along the adjustment axle (21).
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   wherein the drive (23) comprises an elongated drive member extending in the adjustment direction (22) for the processing units (17, 19), in particular a spindle, a toothed belt or a gear rack.
4. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein every processing unit (17, 19) comprises a coupling device (27) which is manually actuable or is controllable by means of a control device (25) and which is configured to couple and decouple the processing unit and the adjustment axle (21) to one another and from one another.
5. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein, in addition to the adjustment axle (21), a guide (29, 31) extending in parallel with the adjustment direction (S) is provided for the processing units (17, 19), with in particular the guide comprising a guide member or at least two guide members (29, 31) extending transversely to the adjustment direction (S) at a spacing from one another.
6. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein, in addition to the adjustment axle (21) for the processing units (17, 19), at least one transverse axle (33) extending transversely to the direction of transport (T) is provided for at least one additional unit (35), with the transverse axle being movable along the adjustment axle in the adjustment direction (S) manually or by means of a drive.
7. A packaging machine (13), in particular for food products, comprising at least one processing apparatus (11) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
8. A packaging machine in accordance with claim 7,
   wherein the processing apparatus (11) is supported at a machine frame (37) of the packaging machine (13).
9. A packaging machine in accordance with claim 7 or claim 8,
   wherein the adjustment axle (21) of the processing apparatus (11) is arranged at a side of a machine frame (37) of the packaging machine (13) and is preferably supported at the machine frame.
10. A packaging machine in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the processing units (17, 19) are arranged in the same work section of the packaging machine (13), viewed in the direction of transport (T), said work section being associated with a package (15) or with a package row (41) disposed transversely to the direction of transport (T).
11. A packaging machine in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the processing units (17, 19) are arranged in different work sections which are mutually offset in the direction of transport (T) and which are each associated with a package (15) or with a package row (41) disposed transversely to the direction of transport (T).
12. A packaging machine in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 11, wherein a plurality of pairs (43) respectively comprising an upper processing unit (17) and a lower processing unit (19) are provided which are arranged in different work sections which are mutually offset in the direction of transport (T) and which are each associated with a package (15) or with a package row (41) disposed transversely to the direction of transport (T).
13. A packaging machine in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 12, wherein the processing units (17, 19) or pairs (43) of processing units (17, 19) are movable from a working region into a non-working position independently of one another.
14. A packaging machine in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 13, wherein the processing units (17, 19) are each movable in the adjustment direction (S) within their work sections to set a respective desired processing offset between an upper processing position and a lower processing position.
15. A packaging machine in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 14, wherein a control device (25) is provided which is configured to control a travel drive (23) of the processing apparatus (11) and to control the processing units (17, 19), in particular coupling devices (27) of the processing units, in dependence on the respective operating situation to adjust the processing units together or individually in the adjustment direction (S).

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