EP4149848A1

EP4149848A1 - Packing machine and operating method

Info

Publication number: EP4149848A1
Application number: EP21729806.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Westarp; Renè MACKEL
Original assignee: Haver and Boecker OHG
Current assignee: Haver and Boecker OHG
Priority date: 2020-05-13
Filing date: 2021-05-11
Publication date: 2023-03-22
Also published as: DE102021112255A1; BR112022023170A2; WO2021228812A1; CA3183105A1; US20230227191A1; CN115605401A

Abstract

The invention relates to a packing machine (1) for filling product into bags, comprising a bag storage means (2), a filling module (100) with a filling nozzle (101), and a bag transportation means (3). The bag storage means and the bag transportation means are arranged in a line (12) and the filling module is arranged outside the line (12). In the method for operating a packing machine of this type, a bag is transferred from the bag storage means (2), out of line (12) to the filling module (100), and, after filling, it is transferred back into line (12) and to the bag transportation means.

Description

Packing machine and method of operation

description

The present invention relates to a packing machine for filling bulk goods into sacks, comprising at least one sack supply, at least one filling module with at least one filling spout and at least one sack removal. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such a packaging machine.

A wide variety of systems and methods have become known in the prior art for filling bulk goods into containers, in particular for filling products that can be scooped and / or poured into sacks.

Among other things, there are different and sometimes special solutions for filling open-mouth sacks and valve sacks. The performance also plays a major role in the type of system and the filling process.

Here are z. B. rotating packing systems or packing machines have become known, which have several filling modules distributed over the circumference, each with a filling nozzle, on a kind of carousel. To fill the sacks, a sack is slipped or shot onto a filler neck at a certain point. During the rotation of the packing machine, the sack is filled, compressed, closed and discharged at a different point, depending on the configuration.

Packing systems or packing machines that are arranged essentially linearly have also become known, in which a Sack z. B. is picked up by a stack of sacks, passed on to a filling module and filled and then discharged.

Such systems usually work reliably and can be selected from a large number of possible configurations depending on needs and requirements.

However, there is still a need for alternative solutions, since the known packaging machines do not always do justice to the available space and often cannot be flexibly adapted to the product to be filled. Maintenance is also sometimes expensive, since the known packing systems usually have a very compact and sometimes built-in construction in order to keep the space requirement as low as possible.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine which can be used flexibly or e.g. B. can be adapted modularly.

This object is achieved by a packing machine with the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating a packing machine with the features of claim 19. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

The packaging machine according to the invention is suitable for filling products and in particular bulk goods into sacks and comprises at least one sack supply, at least one filling module with at least one filling spout and at least one sack removal. The bag supply and the bag removal are arranged in a line and the filling module is arranged pulled out of the line.

In particular, a T-shaped arrangement of the individual assemblies or modules with respect to one another is provided here. So are in particular the bag supply and the bag removal are arranged in one line.

With such an arrangement, it is preferably possible to assign any filling module to the remaining components or assemblies of the packaging machine without major reconstruction work or complex configurations being necessary. In addition, the T-shaped arrangement provides a flexible, yet particularly compact packaging machine.

The bag supply is in particular a module or an assembly, which preferably prefabricated bags z. B. stored in a magazine or on a pile of sacks. Depending on the configuration, the sack supply can also include a sack manufacture or be made available through a sack manufacture.

The packing machine is particularly preferably suitable and designed to fill open sacks with bulk material.

It goes without saying that, even if the application is described on the basis of the filling of bulk goods, the filling of pasty and / or liquid products into sacks is also possible analogously with the packaging machine according to the invention and is covered by the protection.

The bag removal preferably includes at least one conveyor belt, via which a filled and closed bag can be removed. To close the filled sacks, in particular at least one closure station is provided, which is preferably assigned to the sack transport.

The packaging machine according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that the T-shaped arrangement of the filling module to the remaining components or assemblies of the packaging machine can be made available to a particularly small and compact packaging machine, whereby this can be flexibly selected as required by arranging the filling module next to it. In particular, standard assemblies can be used so that an existing filling module can also be integrated into the packaging machine according to the invention.

Preferably, the filling module can also be uncoupled and removed from the other assemblies or modules without great effort, so that the maintenance effort is reduced.

In the case of known inline systems, that is to say systems in which all modules are arranged in a line, it can be difficult for reasons of space to arrange the filling technology in a line, in particular in the case of designs with an air filling module. In addition, the operability and maintainability would be made more difficult. This is significantly improved by the packaging machine or arrangement according to the invention.

At least one transfer device is preferably provided in the line between the bag supply and the bag removal, the filling module being arranged in particular next to the transfer device.

Particularly preferably, the transfer device is suitable and designed to feed an empty sack from the sack supply to the filler neck and to remove the filled sack from the filler neck and to feed it to the bag removal system.

The transfer device preferably comprises at least one first gripper device for feeding empty sacks from the sack supply to the filling spout and at least a second one

Gripper device to remove full sacks from the filling spout and to feed them to the sack removal system. Such a configuration enables the handling of empty and full sacks to be achieved reliably by means of the gripper devices.

Preferably, the filling module can also be uncoupled and removed from the other assemblies or modules without great effort, so that the maintenance effort is reduced. The first gripper device for the transport of the empty sacks and the second gripper device for the transfer of the full bags are particularly preferably arranged on different sides of the transfer device. Such a configuration makes it possible for different handling steps of the transfer device to be carried out in parallel. In particular, it is possible to work on different sides of the transfer device at the same time, which makes it possible on the one hand to pick up an empty sack from the sack supply and at the same time to remove a full sack from the filling spout and / or at the same time attach an empty sack to the filling spout and a to feed the full sack to the sack removal.

In expedient developments, the first gripper device for the transport transfer of the empty sacks and the second gripper device for the transfer of the full bags are offset from one another between 60 ° and 120 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 ° and in particular 90 ° to one another on a transfer device. This enables the parallel handling of full and empty bags. Depending on the configuration, other angles can be chosen to each other advantageous if, for. B. the bag supply and the bag removal are in an angled arrangement that does not form a straight line.

In preferred embodiments, the transfer device is provided so that it can be rotated and / or pivoted at least in sections. The transfer device comprises at least one rotatable element or a type of column on which in particular the gripper devices are arranged. It is thus possible that by rotating the transfer device or the column, the transfer of empty sacks from the sack supply to the filling spout and full sacks from the filling spout to the bag removal is made possible. This is achieved in particular by shifting or rotating the transfer device or the column back and forth.

The transfer device or at least a part thereof is particularly preferably between 60 ° and 120 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 ° and in particular rotatable by 90 °. So it is possible that by turning back and forth z. B. by 90 ° by the gripper devices arranged on different sides, a bag is conveyed 180 ° out of the line and in again. This is achieved in that the first gripper device first rotates through 90 ° in one direction and attaches the empty sack to the filler neck. The transfer device then rotates back so that the second gripper device comes into contact with the then filled sack at the filling spout. By rotating back again by 90 °, the sack is fed to the sack transport. Smaller or larger angles can also be advantageously provided here if, for.

B. the bag supply and the bag removal are in an angled arrangement that does not form a straight line.

The transfer device is particularly preferably designed to be displaceable at least in sections. In this context, the term “displaceable” is to be understood to mean, in particular, also displaceable, with a longitudinal and / or transverse displacement preferably being possible. In particular, it is possible that the transfer device travels on rails or is suspended in rails and / or is also designed to be movable in a different manner in order to pull it out transversely to the arrangement or line of bag supply and bag removal, or in the direction or along the line to proceed with the arrangement of the bag supply and the bag removal. In this case, the transfer device can be pulled out, in particular for the line arrangement, in order to provide sufficient access to the filling module, in particular for maintenance work.

By pulling out the transfer device, a person is provided with sufficient space to step between the transfer device, bag supply, bag removal and filling module or filling modules, so that all assemblies are easily accessible. In particular, if two filling modules are arranged next to each other, which are optionally served by the transfer device, the transfer device can also be provided so that it can be moved or displaced or moved along the line or in the direction from the bag supply to the bag removal or vice versa, so that it is always in front to arrange the filling module, which is currently not to be serviced or which is currently to be used.

The first gripper device for the transfer of the empty sacks is preferably provided such that it can be displaced. The gripper device can preferably be moved back and forth at least in sections in order to pick up an empty sack from the sack supply and, after the transfer device has rotated, to bring it into contact with the filler neck. The first gripper device can, for example, be designed to be pivotable or displaceable forwards and back again, or it can also be designed to be telescopic.

In appropriate further training, the first includes

Gripper device has at least two gripper arms, which in particular can be displaced relative to one another. In particular, these gripping arms can be moved together and apart so that a type of spreader is made available to take an open, empty sack from the sack supply and to transport or transfer it openly in the direction of the filling module in order to bring the open sack to the filling spout to attach.

The second is in advantageous developments

Gripper device for transferring the full sacks is provided so that it can be displaced at least in sections. The second gripper device can in particular be displaced back and forth. For this purpose, for example, a parallelogram-like configuration of the second gripper device can be provided.

The second gripper device preferably comprises at least one clamping device. Such a clamping device can be provided in particular to remove the full sack from the filling spout and in particular to press the sack walls that are still open against one another so that the sack walls lie on top of one another for later closure.

At least one cleaning device is preferably assigned to the second gripper device. The Cleaning device here for cleaning the area of the filled sack on which the top seam is to be provided.

The cleaning device preferably comprises at least one blow bar with at least one first nozzle device and at least one second nozzle device through which at least one air flow can be guided at least at times. The first nozzle device preferably has a fixed blowout direction, the second nozzle device also having a fixed blowout direction. The blowing directions of the first nozzle device and the second nozzle device differ from one another. Furthermore, at least one control device is preferably provided which is suitable and designed to control the at least one first nozzle device and the at least one second nozzle device at least at times with a time offset.

A nozzle device can preferably be provided by any known and expediently usable type of nozzle or comprise such a nozzle. A nozzle device can, for. B. can also be provided by a simple opening or bore or comprise an opening or bore through which an air flow or fluid flow can exit. In this case, such an opening can in particular also be designed in the manner of a slot, so that longer sections can also be cleaned with air in one piece with such an elongated nozzle device.

Due to the different blow-out directions of the first and the second nozzle device and depending on the design of each additional nozzle device and the staggered or different control of the nozzle devices via a component with static nozzle devices or nozzles, the air movement of a moving nozzle or a pendulum air jet can in particular be simulated . In this way, effective cleaning of a work section can be ensured without having to use moving parts, which are more costly to manufacture and maintain. With such a configuration of the cleaning device it can be achieved that when cleaning the bag mouth edge before closing or welding the filled bag by the moving air flow, the superposed bag walls or film layers are opened by the acting air jet so that the air jet hits the inner surfaces, whereby the adhering dust or dirt particles are removed. By changing the air jet, with a corresponding configuration of the sack, the layers of the side gussets are preferably also separated from one another, so that this area is also cleaned. The individual film layers are peeled open one after the other by the moving or oscillating air flow and cleaned by the air flow that penetrates in this way.

In addition, in addition to simulating a simple pendulum movement of an air flow, more complex air flows can also be generated in simple and / or complex wave movements over the section to be cleaned.

The different types of nozzle devices can be controlled separately and / or together in groups in order to generate suitable air movements.

In particular, the individual nozzle devices can be arranged in rows along the blow bar, with the individual rows or groups of nozzle devices from different rows being able to be acted upon separately with air in order to achieve an advantageous air flow or an advantageous air movement.

The bag supply, the filling module, the bag removal and / or the transfer device are particularly preferably arranged at least in sections in at least one housing device. A common cover or housing device is preferably provided. However, depending on the configuration, the modules can preferably also be arranged individually or in groups in separate housing devices. Such housing devices are designed, in particular, to be essentially dust-tight and / or airtight, so that a hermetic locking of the entire packaging machine is preferably also made possible.

At least two filling modules are preferably provided. It is provided in particular that only one filling module is used in each case. In particular, different properties can be provided on the filling modules so that, for example, a quick product change is made possible on a packaging machine. For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the transfer device can be moved or displaced at least in the longitudinal direction of the packing machine or in the line of bag supply and bag removal, so that the transfer device can be moved in front of the filling module to be used accordingly. For this purpose, the filling modules are in particular arranged directly next to one another.

If at least two filling modules are provided next to one another, the transfer device can preferably be designed and set up to accept empty sacks from the sack supply and to deliver full sacks to the sack evacuation, regardless of which filling module the transfer device is currently in front of. For this purpose, in particular, the distance between the transfer device and the bag supply and the bag removal can be bridged independently of the position of the transfer device, for example by appropriately displaceable gripper devices. Both filling modules can preferably be operated alternately, e.g. B. by attaching an empty sack to the first filling module and removing a filled sack from the second filling module.

The method according to the invention is suitable for operating a packaging machine as described above. Here, a sack from the sack supply from the line of sack supply and bag removal is fed to the filling module and, after filling, is fed back into this line and fed to the bag removal. The method according to the invention also offers the advantages as described above for the packaging machine. In particular, the method according to the invention makes it possible to provide a packaging machine arranged in a T-shape, wherein in particular any desired filling module can be arranged next to the remaining assemblies or modules of the packaging machine arranged in a line.

The method is preferably characterized by the following steps in a suitable number, suitable sequence and / or combination: a) picking up an empty sack by the first gripper device (5) b) rotating the transfer device (4) to the first gripper device (5) in The operative connection to the filling module (100) is c) transferring the empty sack to the filling spout (101) d) turning the transfer device (4) until the first gripper device (5) is in operative connection with the bag supply (2) e) turning or turning back the transfer device (4) until the second gripper device (6) is in operative connection with the filling module (100) or with the filled sack f) picking up of the full sack by the second gripper device (6) g) rotating the transfer device (4) until the second gripper device with the full sack is in operative connection with the sack removal h) transferring the sack to the sack removal.

Steps a) and f), b) and g), c) and h) and / or d) and e) are preferably carried out in parallel or simultaneously. It is particularly preferred that at least temporarily a new, empty sack is picked up by the first gripper device and transferred to the filler neck when a full sack is removed from the filler neck by the second gripper device and transferred in the direction of the bag removal. So can the packaging machine can be operated in parallel and consequently with a higher output.

At least two filling modules are particularly preferably provided, the transfer device being moved in front of the filling module which is currently to be used. As already described, it is possible, for example, to change products quickly on a machine, since different filling modules can be installed in parallel on the machine. Alternatively, the same filling modules and the same product can preferably be used in order to increase the overall performance of the packaging machine, in particular if a product is filled that requires a longer dwell time at the filler neck for compression or ventilation.

Another method according to the invention is suitable for servicing a packing machine, as has been described above. The transfer device is moved in order to release at least the filling module. By moving the transfer device, a user or the maintenance staff is provided with sufficient space in the packing machine between the different assemblies, which enables a particularly simple and thus also reliable and time-saving maintenance of all components. In addition to the easier access to the filling module, all other assemblies, in particular the sack supply and the sack removal and the side of the transfer device facing the filling module, can be reached more easily.

Particularly preferably, the transfer device is pulled out transversely to the arrangement or line of the sack supply and sack removal. This is particularly advantageous when only one filling module is used and a very compact arrangement of the individual assemblies is provided.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, two filling modules are provided, the transfer device being moved in the line between the bag supply and the bag removal or in the longitudinal direction. The transfer device is in particular in front of the Filling module Method which is currently not being maintained and / or which is currently to be used for filling.

Further advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the exemplary embodiment which is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

In the figures show:

Fig. 1 is a purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in a perspective view;

2 shows a further purely schematic representation of a

Fig. 3 is a next purely schematic representation of a

Fig. 4 is a purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in a view from the front;

Fig. 5 is a purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in a view from the side of the bag removal;

6 shows a further purely schematic representation of a

7 shows a next purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in a view from the side of the bag removal; 8 shows another purely schematic representation of a

9 shows a purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a packing machine according to the invention in a view from the side of the bag supply;

Fig. 10 is a purely schematic representation of a

11 shows a further purely schematic representation of a

FIG. 12 shows the view according to FIG. 11 with the transfer device extended;

13 shows a purely schematic representation of a

Embodiment of a transfer device;

14 shows an enlargement according to FIG. 13;

15 shows a further purely schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a transfer device;

16 shows an enlargement according to FIG. 15;

17 shows a perspective view corresponding to the view from FIG. 15;

18 shows an enlargement according to FIG. 17;

19 is a purely schematic view of a

Embodiment of a transfer device with a cleaning device according to the invention; 20 shows a purely schematic representation of a cleaning device according to the invention in a perspective view;

21 shows a further purely schematic representation of a cleaning device according to the invention in a perspective view;

22 shows a next, purely schematic representation of a cleaning device according to the invention in a perspective view;

23 shows another purely schematic representation of a cleaning device according to the invention in a perspective view;

24 shows a further purely schematic representation of a cleaning device according to the invention in a perspective view;

25 shows a purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a transfer device and a sack transport in a front view;

26 shows a further purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a transfer device and a sack transport in a front view;

27 shows a next purely schematic representation of a

Exemplary embodiment of a transfer device and a sack transport in a front view;

28 shows details from FIGS. 26, 27 and 28;

29 shows a next exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention in a perspective view; 30 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 29 in a front view;

31 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 29 in a rear view;

32 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 29 in a top view; and

33 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 29 in a side view.

In Figure 1, a packaging machine 1 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the packing machine 1 comprises a sack supply 2, a sack removal 3 and a transfer device 4 arranged in between. The sack supply 2, the sack removal 3 and the transfer device 4 are arranged in a line 12.

Pulled out of the line 12 and arranged next to the transfer device 4 in the exemplary embodiment shown here, a filling module 100 is provided. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, empty sacks are fed from the sack supply 2 to the filling module 100 by means of the transfer device 4.

The sack thus fed to the filling module 100 is attached to the filling nozzle 101 of the filling module 100 and filled, and is guided back into the line 12 by the transfer device 4 and fed to the sack removal system 3.

By arranging the filling module 100 next to it or pulling it out of the line 12, almost any desired filling module 100 can be used together with the modules or assemblies of the packaging machine 1 arranged in line 12. In particular, standard modules can also be used, so that no special configuration of a filling module 100 has to be provided for the packaging machine according to the invention, preferably modules for filling open sacks regardless of the filling technology. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the packaging machine 1 is provided in an encapsulated manner, for which purpose the individual assemblies or modules are provided in housing devices 11, 102. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the assemblies arranged in line 12, namely the bag supply 2, the bag removal 3 and the transfer device 4 are provided in a common housing device 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the filling module 10 is provided in its own housing device 102.

By arranging the individual assemblies or modules in housing devices 11, 102 it is possible, depending on the configuration, to hermetically seal off the filling process so that dangerous or sensitive substances can also be filled using the packaging machine 1. In particular, a negative pressure can also be created in the packing machine 1 or in the housing devices 11, 102 or suction can take place, so that product escaping during filling cannot escape into the environment but can be safely disposed of or even recycled.

The bag supply 2 comprises the one shown here

Embodiment also a sack production 13, wherein for this purpose, starting from a film supply 14 sacks are produced and made available to the transfer device 4.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the sack transport 3 comprises a closure device 15, by means of which the filled and still open sacks can be closed, and a conveyor belt 16 for transporting the filled and closed sacks away.

The fact that the bag supply 2, the bag removal 3 and the transfer device are arranged in a line 12 and the filling module 100 is arranged pulled out of this line 112 results in a T-shaped arrangement of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention. As stated earlier, this offers many advantages. One advantage is that by arranging the filling module 100 next to it or by pulling the filling module 100 out of the line 12, almost any (standard) filling module can be used. In this way, on the one hand, already existing filling modules 100 can be used. On the other hand, the secondary arrangement means that a filling module can also be changed or exchanged quickly without too much effort. In known inline systems, that is to say systems in which everything is arranged in a line, it can be difficult for reasons of space to arrange the filling technology, in particular the air filling module 105 with pressure chamber 106 shown in the exemplary embodiment, in a line. In addition, the operability and maintainability would be made more difficult.

Another advantage is that the T-shaped configuration or arrangement of the packaging machine enables a particularly compact design.

In FIGS. 2 to 4, two perspective views and a front view of the packing machine 1 are shown for better illustration of the packing machine 1, the housing panels 17, 103 not being shown in the case of the housing devices 11, 102 in order to provide overview views of the interior of the packing machine 1 or . to grant to the different modules or assemblies.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the view of the transfer device 4 from the side of the bag removal 3 is shown once in an overview view and once in an enlarged illustration.

In this view, it can be seen that the filling module 100 is provided or arranged next to the transfer device 4, whereby the filling nozzle 101 of the filling module 100 can also be seen in this view. Here one can also see the inlet funnel 104 of the filling module 100, which is connected to a silo (not shown) for the product to be filled. In this case, product is fed into the via the inlet funnel 104 Pressure chamber 106 within the filling module 100 or, here, the air filling module 105, is fed to the filling nozzle 101.

In this view it can be seen that the transfer device has a first gripper device 5 and a second

Gripper device 6 comprises which are received on different sides 7, 8 of the transfer device 4 or on a base body 18 of the transfer device 4.

It is shown here that the base body 18 of the transfer device 4 is constructed in the manner of a column here and is provided hanging in the exemplary embodiment shown here. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base body 18 hangs on rails 19, as a result of which the base body 19 with the gripper devices 5, 6 can be pulled out of the line 12 to the left in this view. This displaceability of the transfer device 4 will be shown and described again in more detail later.

In addition to the displaceability of the transfer device 4 or the base body 18 of the transfer device 4, the base body 18 can also be rotated back and forth through 90 ° in the exemplary embodiment shown here. By turning the base body 18 of the transfer device 4 back and forth and by arranging the first gripper device 5 on one side 7 of the base body 18 and the arrangement of the second gripper device 6 on the side 8 of the base body 18, a 90 ° back and forth By turning the base body 18, a sack can be fed from the sack supply 2 by means of the transfer device 4 from the line 12 to the filling module 100 or the filling nozzle 101. If the base body 18 or the transfer device 4 rotates back, the second gripper device 6 comes into contact with the now filled sack at the filling spout 101 and can pick it up and, when the base body 18 is pre-rotated or rotated again, is guided back into the line 12 and the sack is transported away are fed.

The first gripper device 5 and the second gripper device 6 can be seen in the enlargement in FIG different sides 7, 8 of the base body 18 of the transfer device 4. One of the two gripping arms 9 of the first gripping device 5 can also be seen here.

As can be seen in more detail in the following figures, the gripper device 5 in the exemplary embodiment shown here comprises two gripper arms 9 which can be moved relative to one another so that they serve as a type of spreader. So it is possible that the gripping arms 9 of the first

Gripper device 5 pick up an open sack from the sack supply 2 or from the sack manufacture and attach it to the filling nozzle 101. For this purpose, the first gripper device 5 or for this purpose the gripper arms 9 can also be displaced forwards and withdrawn again in the exemplary embodiment shown here, which is shown purely schematically in FIGS.

In FIG. 9, the view of the transfer device 4 and the filling module 100 from the direction of the sack supply 2 is shown in a purely schematic manner. The base body 18 of the transfer device 4 is rotated in such a way that the second gripper device 6 is oriented in the direction of the filling nozzle 101 of the filling module 100. In this position, the first gripper device 5 is oriented in such a way that it can pick up an empty sack from the sack supply 2.

FIG. 10 shows a purely schematic view of the transfer device 4 and the filling module 100 from the side of the bag removal 3.

It can be seen here that the second gripper device 6 is provided so that it can be displaced, so that the second gripper device 6 in the exemplary embodiment shown can be pivoted or displaced forwards in the direction of the filler neck 101 via a parallelogram-like structure 20. Thus, the clamping devices 10 of the second gripper device 6 can compress the still open sack walls of the filled sack and then move the sack back in the direction of the base body 18. The base body 18 can then be rotated here clockwise by 90 °, so that the full sack can be shifted back into the line 12 and then fed to the sack sack removal system. At the same time, while the full sack is being removed by the second gripping device 6, a new, empty sack can be picked up by the first gripping device 5. When the full sack is turned into the line 12, a new, empty sack is then simultaneously moved out of the line 12 and fed to the filler neck 101.

In FIG. 10 it can also be seen that a cleaning device 50 according to the invention is provided above the second gripper device 6, which is explained in detail in the later figures.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, a side view of the packing machine 1 or of the transfer device 4 and the filling module 100 from the direction of the bag removal 3 are shown again purely schematically. In a comparison of this view, it can be seen that the transfer device 4 or the base body 18, together with the gripper devices 5, 6 attached to it, is designed so that it can be moved or pulled out.

For this purpose, as already stated above, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the base body 18 is suspended in an upper region and can be displaced via a rail 19 or a rail system 19. Other technical components or parts for moving the base body 18 can also be used in an analogous manner.

Because, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the transfer device 4 or the base body 18 of the transfer device 4 can be pulled out transversely to the line 12, sufficient space is made available for maintenance personnel to maintain the packaging machine 1, for example.

In this way, in the extended state of the base body 18, it is particularly possible to comfortably reach all the assemblies of the packaging machine 1 in the exemplary embodiment shown here. In particular, the filling module 100 can also be reached from the side of the filling nozzle 101. However, the bag supply 2, the bag removal and also the otherwise inaccessible side of the transfer device can be serviced and / or repaired.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, the transfer device 4 or the base body 18 of the transfer device 4 of the packaging machine 1 is shown in an overview and a detailed view.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first gripper device 5 and the second gripper device 6 are arranged offset by 90 ° on the different sides 7, 8. This arrangement ensures a superimposed mode of operation of the empty sack and full sack transfer or transport.

A cleaning device 50, which comprises a housing device 64, is provided above the second gripper device 6, a pivotable housing element 65 or a pivotable flap 66 being provided in the exemplary embodiment shown here. The cleaning device 50 will be explained in more detail in later figures.

In addition, it can be seen that the first gripper device 5 is arranged on the side 7 of the base body 18, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here comprises two gripper arms 9, which here can be moved relative to one another or pivoted or displaced outward. The gripping arms thus act as a spreader and can pick up an empty sack from the sack supply 2 or take it over from it.

Furthermore, as can already be seen in the figures, the first gripper device 5 is provided pivotably so that it can be displaced forwards in the direction of the filling nozzle 101 and also in the direction of the bag supply 2. Depending on the configuration, telescopic gripping arms 9 or, for example, can also be used other components of the first gripper device 5 may be provided.

In FIGS. 15 and 16, the base body of the transfer device 4 is rotated in such a way that the first gripper device 5 is oriented in the direction of the filling nozzle 101 of the filling module 100. In this position, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, an open sack (not shown) is held on the gripping arms 9 by spreading the two gripping arms 9, the gripping device 5 being displaced forwards in order to attach the sack held open to the filler neck 101. In addition, the second gripper device 6 with the clamping devices 10 can be seen.

In Figures 17 and 18, the side view from Figures 15 and 16 is shown again in a slightly perspective view obliquely from above, with the cleaning device 50 above the second gripper device 6 being hidden in order to get a better impression of the clamping devices 10 of the second To obtain gripper device 6.

In FIGS. 19 to 24, the cleaning device 50 according to the invention provided above the second gripper device 6 in the exemplary embodiment shown here and its mode of operation are described in detail.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 50 according to the invention is provided for cleaning the so-called head seam area of a sack to be closed with the aid of blown air.

In addition to the application of the cleaning device 50 according to the invention presented here, it can also clean any other work section, in particular with regard to the packaging machine 1 described here.

In Figure 19 is an overview of the

Transfer device 4 of the packaging machine 1 according to the invention shown schematically, the cleaning device 50 according to the invention in the one shown here

Embodiment is arranged above the second gripper device 6.

In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 50 comprises two blow bars 51, which cannot be seen in FIG. 19. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 50 is provided encapsulated in a housing device 64. This makes it possible for the blow bars 51 and the working section to be cleaned to be hermetically sealed. In order to feed the working section or the sack to be cleaned to the cleaning device 50, the housing device 64 comprises a movable or here pivotable housing element 65 or a flap 66, which is shown in the closed state in the view shown.

In FIG. 20, a cleaning device 50 according to the invention can be seen in a perspective view, the movable housing element 65 or the flap 66 being shown in the open state. In this way, the view of the two blow bars 51 located within the housing device 64, shown here by way of example, becomes clear.

In FIG. 21, the assembly of the cleaning device 50 is shown again separately in a perspective view in a perspective view. Here, too, the flap 66 or the pivotable housing element 65 is shown in the open state, so that the two blow bars 51 provided in the exemplary embodiment shown here can be seen.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the blow bars 51 each comprise a multiplicity of first nozzle devices 52, second nozzle devices 53 and third nozzle devices 54, which are here arranged in rows 60, 61, 62. Air can be applied to the three rows 60, 61, 62 provided here by the first nozzle devices 52, the second nozzle devices 53 and the third nozzle devices 54 so that a moving air wave is blown out over the working section to be cleaned.

This is achieved in that the first nozzle devices 52 and the first row 60 of first nozzle devices 52 each have a first blow-out direction 55, which differs from the blow-out directions 56, 57 of other nozzle devices 53, 54 or rows 61, 62 of nozzle devices 53, 54 differs. In particular, it is preferred and also provided in this exemplary embodiment that the first nozzle devices 52, the second nozzle devices 53 and the third nozzle devices 54 each have a blow-out device 50, 56, 57, which are each different from one another.

Furthermore, a control device 58, not shown in any more detail in the figures, is provided which is suitable and designed to control the nozzle devices 52, 53, 54 at least at times in a temporally offset manner.

For this purpose, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown that separate air inlets 59 are provided within the blow bars 51 for the three rows 60, 61, 62 of nozzle devices 52, 53, 54. This is provided here for both blower bars 51 and can be seen purely schematically in FIG. 22 by hiding the left blower bar 51. By hiding one of the blower strips 51, one can see the separate air inlets 59a located outside the blower strip 51 or the connections for the air inlets 59 of the blower strip 51.

In FIGS. 23 and 24 it is shown purely schematically that a suction device 63 can also be provided in order to suck off the air expelled by the blow bars 51 or also another fluid together with the swirled up particles. For this purpose, the suction device 63 is in the embodiment shown here via an opening 67 in the

Housing device 64 in operative connection with the interior of the housing device 64.

In the embodiment shown, a suction pipe 68 is provided which is connected to this opening 67. Depending on the configuration, a further suction pipe 68 can also be provided on the left-hand side, for example, the opening 67 on the left-hand side being closed by a cover 69 here.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is provided, as already described above, that a hermetically essentially sealed cleaning space is created by closing the movable housing element 65 or the flap 66 of the housing device 64. Depending on the application, the suction device is then set in such a way that at least the volume of air or, in general, the volume that is blown into the housing 64 through the blow bars 51 is suctioned off. In particular, it is preferred that at least enough is sucked out that at least a slight negative pressure arises within the housing device 64. This is particularly important for systems that are used in the dust-ex area. In uncritical work environments or in general, a non-hermetically sealing housing device 64 or no housing device 64 can also be provided.

In FIGS. 23 and 24 it can also be seen once again that the different rows 60, 61, 62 of the first, second and third nozzle devices 52, 53, 54 are connected via different air supply lines 59a per blow bar 51.

So the different control of the individual nozzle devices 52, 53, 54 or the individual rows 60, 61,

62 of these nozzle devices 52, 53, 54 also possible differently per blow bar 51. So can in the embodiment shown over the entire length and also over the Width of the working section to be cleaned, an air wave or a moving air flow can be generated, whereby in particular the outlet pattern of a pendulum nozzle is modeled without using moving parts. In the case of the blow-out pattern of a pendulum nozzle, when the bag section is cleaned for the later head seam, the bag walls to be connected later are blown apart, so that product located between the bag walls is removed.

In particular, a pendulous air jet ensures that when the bag mouth edge is cleaned prior to the closing or welding of the filled bag by the moving air stream, the bag walls or film layers lying on top of one another are opened by the air jet acting, so that the air jet hits the inner surfaces, which here the adhering dust or dirt particles are removed. By changing the air jet, with a corresponding configuration of the sack, the layers of the side gussets are also separated from one another, so that this area is also cleaned. The individual film layers are peeled open one after the other by the moving or oscillating air flow and cleaned by the air flow that penetrates in this way

In FIGS. 25 to 28, the transfer of a filled sack by the transfer device 4 for the sack removal 3 is shown in a purely schematic manner.

A parallelogram-like structure 20 is provided, on which the second gripper device 6 with the

Clamping devices 10 is provided. This structure 20 is also used to remove the full sack from the filling spout 101 or to bring the second gripper device 6 into contact with the filled sack.

In the basic state, the second gripper device 6 lies relatively close to the base body 18 of the transfer device 4. In the following Figures 26 and 27 it can be seen how the 2nd gripper device 6 by moving the parallelogram-like structure 20 is moved forward in the direction of the bag removal 3.

The closure device 15 can also be seen here, which is designed as a welding station 21 in the exemplary embodiment shown here.

FIG. 28 shows, purely schematically, by showing the individual positions of the parallelogram-like structure 20 side by side, that due to the special design of this parallelogram-like structure 20, the filled sack by means of the gripper device 6 of the transfer device 4 is approximately on a line or approximately straight to the the bag removal 3 is transferred.

A further exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in FIGS. 29 to 33. The configuration of this exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment already described above.

In particular, the bag supply 2, the transfer device 4 and the bag removal 3 are arranged in a line 12. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown above, one filling module 100 is not pulled out of the line 12 and arranged next to the transfer device 4, but two filling modules 100 are arranged outside the line 12 next to one another.

In order to select which of the two filling modules 100 is used, the transfer device 4 in the exemplary embodiment shown here is provided so that it can be moved so that it can be arranged either in front of one or the other filling module 100. For example, a quick product change or maintenance of a filling module 100 can take place, for which purpose the transfer device 4 can be pushed or moved in front of the filling module 100 to be used or not to be maintained. Parallel to the fact that the transfer device 4 can be shifted in the line 12, depending on the configuration, the transfer device 4 can also be moved or displaced transversely to the line 12, as in the exemplary embodiments shown above.

In order to ensure that bags are reliably picked up from the bag supply 2 and that the filled bags are reliably transferred by the transfer device 4 to the bag removal device 3, the individual components of the transfer device 4 can be provided so that they can be displaced accordingly.

Depending on the configuration, however, the bag supply 2 and / or the bag removal 3 can also be relocated so that there are always optimal distances between the individual assemblies.

List of reference symbols

1 packing machine 62 row

2 Bag supply 63 suction device

3 Sack removal 64 Housing equipment

4 transfer device 65 housing element

5 first gripper device 66 flap

6 second gripper device 67 opening

7 page 68 suction tube

8 page 69 cover

9 Gripper arm 100 filling module

10 Clamping device 101 filler neck

11 housing device 102 housing device

12 line 103 housing bezel

13 Sack manufacture 104 Infeed lines

14 Foil supply 105 air filling module

15 closure device 106 pressure chamber

16 conveyor belt

17 housing cover

18 base body

19 rail

20 parallelogram-like structure

21 welding station

50 cleaning device

51 Blower bar

52 first nozzle device

53 second nozzle device

54 third nozzle device

55 Direction of discharge

56 Direction of discharge

57 Direction of discharge

58 Control device

59 Air supply

59a air supply

60 row

61 row

Claims

Expectations :

1. Packing machine (1) for filling product and in particular bulk goods in sacks comprising at least one sack supply (2), at least one filling module (100) with at least one filling nozzle (101), and at least one sack removal (3), characterized in that the bag supply and the bag removal are arranged in a line (12) and that the filling module is arranged pulled out of the line (12).

2. Packing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one transfer device (4) is provided in the line (12) between the bag supply (2) and the bag removal device (3), the filling module (100) in addition to the transfer device (4) is arranged.

3. Packing machine (1) the preceding claim, wherein a T-shaped arrangement of bag supply (2), transfer device (4) and bag removal (3) and the filling module (100) is provided.

4. Packing machine (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the transfer device is suitable and designed to feed an empty sack from the sack supply (2) to the filling spout (101) and the filled sack from the filling spout (101) to the bag removal ( 3) to be supplied.

5. Packing machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the transfer device (4) comprises at least one first gripper device (5) to feed empty sacks from the sack supply (2) to the filling spout (101) and wherein the transfer device (4) has at least one second gripper device (6) for feeding full sacks from the filling spout (101) to the sack removal system (3).

6. Packing machine (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the first gripper device (5) for the transfer of the empty bags and the second gripper device (6) for the transfer of the full bags on different sides (7, 8) of the transfer device ( 4) are arranged.

7. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein the first gripper device (5) for the transfer of the empty bags and the second gripper device (6) for the transfer of the full bags between 60 ° and 120 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 ° and in particular 90 ° offset from one another are arranged on the transfer device (4).

8. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, wherein the transfer device (4) is provided at least partially, in particular at least one base body 18, rotatable and / or pivotable.

9. Packing machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the transfer device is rotatable between 60 ° and 120 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 ° and in particular by 90 °.

10. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the transfer device (4) is designed to be movable at least in sections.

11. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 10, wherein the first gripper device (5) is provided displaceably for the transfer of the empty sacks.

12. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, wherein the first gripper device (5) comprises at least two gripper arms (9) which can be displaced relative to one another.

13. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 12, wherein the second gripper device (6) is provided displaceably for the transfer of the full sacks.

14. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 13, wherein the second gripper device (6) comprises at least one clamping device (10).

15. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 14, wherein the second gripper device (6) is assigned at least one cleaning device (50).

16. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 15, wherein the bag supply (3), the filling module (100), the bag removal (3) and / or the transfer device (4) at least in sections in at least one housing device (11, 102) are arranged.

17. Packing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two filling modules (100) are provided.

18. Packing machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the filling modules (100) are arranged side by side.

19. The method for operating a packing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sack from the sack supply (2) is fed from the line (12) out to the filling module (100) and, after filling, back into the line (12) guided in and fed to the bag removal