US20200277095A1 - Method for operating a packaging machine - Google Patents
Method for operating a packaging machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200277095A1 US20200277095A1 US16/802,924 US202016802924A US2020277095A1 US 20200277095 A1 US20200277095 A1 US 20200277095A1 US 202016802924 A US202016802924 A US 202016802924A US 2020277095 A1 US2020277095 A1 US 2020277095A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tool
- control device
- work station
- exchangeable tool
- packaging machine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
- B29C66/849—Packaging machines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
- B29C65/24—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool
- B29C65/30—Electrical means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/816—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8167—Quick change joining tools or surfaces
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/87—Auxiliary operations or devices
- B29C66/872—Starting or stopping procedures
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/87—Auxiliary operations or devices
- B29C66/876—Maintenance or cleaning
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/912—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/9121—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature
- B29C66/91211—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature with special temperature measurement means or methods
- B29C66/91212—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature with special temperature measurement means or methods involving measurement means being part of the welding jaws, e.g. integrated in the welding jaws
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/912—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/9121—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature
- B29C66/91231—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature of the joining tool
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
- B29C66/91421—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the joining tools
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/9161—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux
- B29C66/91651—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux by controlling or regulating the heat generated by Joule heating or induction heating
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/96—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process
- B29C66/961—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving a feedback loop mechanism, e.g. comparison with a desired value
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B41/00—Supplying or feeding container-forming sheets or wrapping material
- B65B41/12—Feeding webs from rolls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
- B65B47/02—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved with means for heating the material prior to forming
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
- B65B47/04—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved by application of mechanical pressure
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
- B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
- B65B59/04—Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
- B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
- B65B7/164—Securing by heat-sealing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
- B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/96—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process
- B29C66/967—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving special data inputs or special data outputs, e.g. for monitoring purposes
- B29C66/9672—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving special data inputs or special data outputs, e.g. for monitoring purposes involving special data inputs, e.g. involving barcodes, RFID tags
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/96—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process
- B29C66/967—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving special data inputs or special data outputs, e.g. for monitoring purposes
- B29C66/9674—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving special data inputs or special data outputs, e.g. for monitoring purposes involving special data outputs, e.g. special data display means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
- B65B2051/105—Heat seal temperature control
Definitions
- the invention relates to the field of packaging machines for packaging products.
- thermoforming packaging machines such as thermoforming packaging machines or tray sealers
- a sealing station can be provided which seals filled packaging trays or filled packaging trays thermoformed into a lower film web by sealing on a top film.
- the sealing station can comprise a heatable sealing tool for sealing the top film on by exertion of heat and pressure.
- a work station of a packaging machine is a forming station that forms packaging trays to be filled into a base film web by thermoforming.
- Heating elements for example in the form of a resistance heater, can be integrated into a tool of a work station for heating the tool.
- a temperature sensor can also be provided in the tool, based on the sensor output of which the heating elements are operated according to a control procedure. It is known from practice that the heating elements are controlled by a central machine control device of the packaging machine.
- Corresponding switching elements for suitably supplying the heating elements with electric current, such as relays, can be provided in a control cabinet of the packaging machine.
- the sealing member comprises a housing that is formed to be attached to a packaging machine. Control electronics and/or a power electronics is to be arranged within the housing, so that the sealing member can be used autonomously, so the packaging machine itself does not have to effect the control or regulation function of the sealing member, because this is accomplished by the sealing member itself.
- the packaging machine only needs to provide the general energy supply and possibly the definition of certain target variables required for the sealing process, such as the target temperature.
- the invention specifies a method for operating a packaging machine comprising a work station with an exchangeable tool.
- the method comprising the steps of providing a control device that may be integrated into the tool.
- the control device may regulate a temperature of the tool based on an operating temperature target specification by suitably supplying a heating device integrated into the tool with electrical power.
- the tool when the tool is in a state removed from the work station, the tool may be connected to an external power supply, and the control device may regulate the temperature of the tool based on a preheating temperature target specification by suitably supplying the heating device with electrical power provided by the external power supply.
- the invention allows first preheating the tool in the state removed from the work station by connecting it to the external power supply by way of the control device based on the preheating temperature target specification. If the preheated tool is then installed into the work station, then packaging operation can optimally commence directly or at least faster than with a non-preheated tool since the tool temperature required during operation may already be available or at least reached faster. This may avoid or reduce any delay in the commencement of operation when the packaging machine is restarted or when the tool is exchanged.
- the installation of the preheated tool may require handling the hot tool. However, safe handling of the hot tool may be possible if appropriate protective measures are taken and the tool is adequately designed and staff is sufficiently trained.
- the temperature of the tool in the work station be regulated based on the operating temperature target specification (during packaging operation of the packaging machine) as well as the temperature of the tool in the removed state of the tool be regulated based on the preheating temperature target specification by the control device integrated into the tool. It may therefore not be necessary to provide a pre-heater with its own control device for preheating the tool outside the work station. It may instead be sufficient if the tool in the state removed from the work station may simply be connected to an external power supply which may provide electrical power for the operation of the heating device and electrical power for the operation of the control device of the tool.
- control device may be integrated into the tool itself, it may also be possible to operate tools that require differently configured control devices in the same work station and to connect them to the same external power supply.
- the configuration of the control device integrated into the tool can be respectively adapted to the properties of the tool, for example to the number, sizing and positioning of the heating devices in the tool.
- the operating temperature target specification and/or the preheating temperature target specification can be temperature target values. However, it would also be conceivable to regulate the temperature of the tool not to a certain value, but to a certain range.
- the operating temperature target specification and/or the preheating temperature target specification could therefore also be formed as a target temperature range.
- the external power supply may provide the tool with electrical heating power, but not provide control or regulating signals. Controlling preheating can be taken care of entirely by the control device integrated into the tool.
- the external power supply can provide the tool with electrical power to operate the control device.
- the external power supply can comprise a power cable, with or without a mains supply unit, for connecting to the tool and to a power outlet.
- the external power supply may comprise a docking station into which the tool can be inserted or to which the tool can be docked.
- the preheating temperature target specification of the control device may be determined by a machine control device of the packaging machine.
- the machine control device of the packaging machine can in particular transmit the preheating temperature target specification to the tool prior to the removal of the tool from the work station. If the tool is preheated prior to being reinstalled in the work station, this can be done based on the preheating temperature target specification previously transmitted by the machine control device of the packaging machine. In this way, the preheating temperature target specification can be adapted in a simple manner to the configuration of the packaging machine. In addition, it is possible without a great additional effort in time that the preheating temperature target specification may be specified to the tool based on user input at the packaging machine via the machine control device of the packaging machine.
- the preheating temperature target specification may be available to the control device as a preset specification, in particular “ex factory.”
- the preheating temperature target specification could be permanently stored in the tool itself.
- Combinations could also be conceivable in such a way that a standard value for the preheating temperature target specification may be initially available as a preset specification, but that it can be changed by the machine control device of the packaging machine in the state of the tool installed in the work station.
- the control device may comprise a memory in which the preheating temperature target specification may be stored (for example as a preset specification or after transmission by the machine control device of the packaging machine).
- the control device may be put into a preheating mode, in particular by the machine control device of the packaging machine, prior to the removal of the tool from the work station.
- the control device removed from the tool may recognize that it is in the preheating mode and may begin with regulating the temperature of the tool based on the preheating temperature target specification.
- the tool When the tool is reinstalled into the work station, it can exit the preheating mode and be put into a packaging operating mode by the machine control device of the packaging machine in which it can regulate the temperature of the tool based on the operating temperature target specification.
- the control device can already be present in the preheating mode prior to a first installation in the work station (i.e. quasi “ex factory”).
- the control device after connecting to the external power supply, may detect that there is no communication connection to a machine control device of the packaging machine, and may then start regulating the temperature of the tool based on the preheating temperature target specification.
- the preheating mode could therefore be recognized by detecting a lack of a communication connection to the machine control. It may then not be necessary for the machine control device to actively set the tool to the preheating mode. If the tool is reinstalled into the work station and a communication connection to the machine control device is established, then the control device could switch back to regulating the temperature of the tool based on the preheating temperature target specification.
- the operating temperature target specification can be specified to the control device by the machine control device of the packaging machine.
- the tool itself may comprise the control device, no further requirements are absolutely necessary on the part of the packaging machine except for a power supply and optionally specifying the operating temperature target specification.
- Specifying the operating temperature target specification by the machine control device of the packaging machine may allow for an adjustment of the temperature of the tool based on the respective operating situation of the packaging machine, possibly also during operation. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that the operating temperature target specification may be already pre-stored in the control device.
- the control device can be in communication connection with the machine control device of the packaging machine.
- the preheating temperature target specification and/or the operating temperature target specification can be transmitted to the control device via this communication connection.
- the control device or other devices integrated into the tool could send data to the packaging machine via the communication connection.
- transferring a tool ID would be conceivable.
- the communication connection between the control device and the machine control device of the packaging machine may be effected by way of a communication bus system. A corresponding bus node may be integrated into the tool.
- the work station can be any work station of the packaging machine that comprises a tool to be heated.
- the work station may be a sealing station of the packaging machine, and the tool may be a heatable sealing tool for sealing a filled packaging, in particular by sealing on a top film.
- the work station could also be, for example, a forming station of the packaging machine and the tool could be a heating plate for heating a lower film web.
- the tool could in particular be a heatable form punch.
- the invention may be applied to a packaging machine that is a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealer.
- a packaging machine that is a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealer.
- other packaging machines for example a bag forming, filling and sealing machine.
- At least one temperature sensor may be integrated into the tool, and the control device may use a value provided by the temperature sensor for regulating the temperature of the tool. In this way, regulating the temperature of the tool can be carried out particularly precisely. In addition, all components required for regulating may be integrated into the tool.
- the temperature sensor and the control device can be integrated into the heating device as a joint module. This may reduce the manufacturing effort for the tool.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a tray sealer for carrying out the method in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a thermoforming packaging machine for carrying out the method in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a schematic section view of one embodiment of a work station with a heatable tool installed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, where the work station is a sealing station;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram representation of one embodiment of a tool that shows the tool in a state installed into a work station in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram representation of the tool according to FIG. 4 that shows the tool being in a state removed from the work station.
- packaging machine 1 can be a tray sealer.
- Destacking device 5 destacks packaging trays 13 to be filled with products 11 onto a conveying device not shown in FIG. 1 .
- Packaging trays 13 are conveyed along production direction P over a loading track 7 to a sealing station 9 .
- Packaging trays 13 are filled in loading track 7 with products 11 to be packaged. Filled packaging trays 13 are then closed in sealing station 9 by sealing on a top film 15 .
- sealing station 9 comprises a sealing station upper part 9 a and a sealing station lower part 9 b which can be moved relative to each other along a vertical direction to seal top film 15 onto packaging trays 13 received between them.
- Packaging machine 1 comprises a central machine control device 17 with electronic components for controlling packaging machine 1 .
- the machine control device 17 can also comprise a display and input unit 19 , for example in the form of a touchscreen display, with which an operator can manage functions of the packaging machine 1 and via which information about the operating status of packaging machine 1 can be displayed to the user.
- the invention is also applicable to packaging machines 1 of other types. Shown as an example of this in FIG. 2 is a packaging machine 1 configured as a thermoforming packaging machine. In the thermoforming packaging machine, no prefabricated packaging trays 13 are entered into the production process. Instead, a forming station 21 is provided which forms packaging trays 27 by thermoforming into a lower film web 25 that is drawn off a storage roller 23 .
- forming station 21 comprises a forming station upper part 21 a and a forming station lower part 21 b which are movable relative to each other with respect to a vertical direction in order to form packaging trays 27 into lower film web 25 running between them.
- Lower film web 25 is conveyed by way of a transport device, not shown, along a production direction P of packaging machine 1 .
- packaging trays 27 that are present as a composite are filled in a loading track 7 with products 11 to be packaged.
- filled packaging trays 27 are supplied to a sealing station 9 in which packing trays 27 are sealed by sealing on a top film 15 , similarly to sealing filled packaging trays 13 in the tray sealer from FIG. 1 .
- Sealing station 9 in turn comprises a sealing station upper part 9 a and a sealing station lower part 9 b which are movable relative to each other.
- thermoforming packaging machine also comprises a machine control device 17 for controlling individual components of packaging machine 1 .
- machine control device 17 of the tray sealer from FIG. 1 it can comprise a display and input device 19 for the interaction with an operator.
- Sealing station 9 of the tray sealer or sealing station 9 or the forming station 21 of the thermoforming packaging machine, respectively, are examples of work stations that perform a specific function in the respective packaging process.
- FIG. 3 in schematic sectional view shows such a work station 9 in a configuration as a sealing station.
- the invention could also be applied to a forming station 21 as the work station.
- Work station 9 , 21 comprises a work station upper part 9 a , 21 a and a work station lower part 9 b , 21 b which are movable relative to each other along a vertical direction for processing the packagings.
- Work station 9 , 21 comprises a heatable tool 31 for processing the packagings.
- tool 31 is provided in work station upper part 9 a .
- a mating tool 33 is provided in work station lower part 9 b and interacts with tool 31 for processing the packagings.
- heatable tool 31 is provided in work station lower part 9 b and mating tool 33 is present in work station upper part 9 a .
- heatable tool 31 is a sealing tool, in particular a sealing frame.
- the mating tool can be formed as a backing element, so that the heatable sealing tool and the mating tool interact along a packaging edge for forming a sealing seam for sealing top film 15 onto the filled packagings.
- Tool 31 can be heated in order to be able to process the packaging appropriately.
- a heating device 35 is integrated into tool 31 .
- heating device 35 comprises several heating elements 37 .
- the heating elements 37 can be formed in particular as electrical resistance heating elements or induction heating elements.
- bus node module 39 is integrated into tool 31 and in the state of tool 31 installed in the work station is in communication via a communication bus 41 of packaging machine 1 with machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 . In the installed state of tool 31 , bus node module 39 is additionally supplied with electrical power by packaging machine 1 via an electrical connection 43 .
- FIG. 4 in a representation as a schematic block diagram shows the configuration of bus node module 39 integrated into tool 31 as well as its integration into the overall system of packaging machine 1 , or into tool 31 , respectively, in the installed state of tool 31 .
- Bus node module 39 comprises a control device 45 for regulating a temperature of tool 31 by suitably supplying heating device 35 with electrical power.
- control device 45 is connected via a communication module 47 to communication bus 41 and is thereby in communication connection with machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 .
- Control device 45 comprises a processing unit 49 and a memory 51 .
- Processing unit 49 is configured to control switching elements 53 which determine a supply of heating elements 37 of heating device 35 with electrical power.
- the electrical power for the operation of heating elements 37 as well as the electrical power for the operation of control device 45 is provided by electrical connection 43 of packaging machine 1 .
- at least one temperature sensor 55 for measuring a temperature of tool 31 is integrated into tool 31 .
- temperature sensor 55 is also provided in bus node module 39 .
- control device 45 When installing tool 31 in work station 9 , 21 , or when starting up work station 9 , 21 with tool 31 installed, control device 45 is put into a packaging operating mode by machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 , if it is not already in the packaging operating mode.
- control device 45 regulates a temperature of tool 31 based on an operating temperature target specification by suitably supplying heating device 35 with electrical power (by appropriately controlling switching elements 53 ). This ensures that the temperature of tool 31 is maintained in a range suitable for processing the packagings.
- the operating temperature target specification can specify a temperature target value or a temperature target range.
- the operating temperature target specification of control device 45 is preferably transmitted via communication bus 41 by machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 .
- the operating temperature target specification can be determined automatically by machine control device 17 based on stored values and/or operating parameters of packaging machine 1 or can be set by user input.
- the operating temperature target specification can be stored at least temporarily in memory 51 of control device 45 .
- tool 31 is preheated according to the invention already outside work station 9 , 21 .
- tool 31 in the state removed from work station 9 , 21 is connected to an external power supply 57 .
- FIG. 5 in a representation as a schematic block diagram shows tool 31 in the state removed from the work station and connected to external power supply 57 .
- External power supply 57 provides electrical heating power to supply heating device 35 in tool 31 and a supply voltage for control device 45 .
- no regulating or control signals are provided by external power supply 57 .
- the external power supply can comprise, for example, a power cable, with or without a mains supply unit, that can be connected to tool 31 and to a power outlet.
- Controlling the temperature of tool 31 during preheating is likewise effected by control device 45 integrated into tool 31 .
- Control device 45 is put into a preheating mode by machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 prior to the removal of tool 31 from work station 9 , 21 or is in the preheating mode once the connection to machine control device 17 via the communication bus 41 is lost.
- Control device 45 can also be in the preheating mode ex factory. If tool 31 is connected to external power supply 57 while control device 45 is in the preheating mode, or without an active communication connection to machine control device 17 , respectively, control device 45 recognizes that it is in preheating mode and regulates the temperature of tool 31 by suitably supplying heating device 35 with electrical power provided by external power supply 57 based on of a preheating temperature target specification.
- the preheating temperature target specification can be stored in memory 51 of control device 45 .
- the preheating temperature target specification can be present in memory 51 in particular as a preset specification.
- the preheating temperature target specification of control device 45 was previously transmitted in the state of tool 31 installed into work station 9 , 21 by machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 and stored in memory 51 .
- the preheating temperature target specification could be determined automatically by machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 based on stored data and/or an operating condition of packaging machine 1 or be determined based on user input.
- Tool 31 preferably comprises a signal device 59 which is controlled by control device 45 to output a signal that indicates a termination of the preheating process.
- signal device 59 could be an LED that flashes during the preheating process and illuminates continuously once the preheating process has been completed.
- tool 31 is disconnected from external power supply 57 and installed into work station 9 , 21 .
- Tool 31 is then connected to power supply 43 and communication bus 41 of packaging machine 1 by way of connecting suitable plug-in devices.
- Machine control device 17 of packaging machine 1 then puts control device 45 via communication bus 41 from the preheating mode back into the packaging operating mode in which the temperature of tool 31 is regulated based on the operating temperature target specification.
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Abstract
Description
- This Application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102019202755.5 filed on Feb. 28, 2019 to Peter Buchberger and Thomas Pfalzer, currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention relates to the field of packaging machines for packaging products.
- Known packaging machines, such as thermoforming packaging machines or tray sealers, comprise work stations for carrying out processing steps for the production of a product packaging. For example, a sealing station can be provided which seals filled packaging trays or filled packaging trays thermoformed into a lower film web by sealing on a top film. The sealing station can comprise a heatable sealing tool for sealing the top film on by exertion of heat and pressure. Another example of a work station of a packaging machine is a forming station that forms packaging trays to be filled into a base film web by thermoforming.
- Heating elements, for example in the form of a resistance heater, can be integrated into a tool of a work station for heating the tool. In order to keep the temperature of the tool in a suitable range during operation, a temperature sensor can also be provided in the tool, based on the sensor output of which the heating elements are operated according to a control procedure. It is known from practice that the heating elements are controlled by a central machine control device of the packaging machine. Corresponding switching elements for suitably supplying the heating elements with electric current, such as relays, can be provided in a control cabinet of the packaging machine.
- It is known from DE 10 2016 125 132 A1 to provide a bus node arrangement at the individual work stations, such as a sealing station or a forming station, of a packaging machine, in which electronics is disposed that would have been disposed in the central control cabinet in conventional machines. The space requirement in the central control cabinet is thus reduced. The bus node arrangement is arranged on the outer side of the wall of the work station for easy access for maintenance purposes. Provided on a board of the bus node arrangement are, inter alia, electrical or electronic control elements for actuating a heating element of a tool of the work station. When the tool is installed in the work station, a connection of the tool, via which, for example, the heating elements are supplied with electrical current, is linked to a connection of the bus node arrangement.
- DE 10 2016 117 834 A1 describes a sealing member that can be heated using heating conductors for the production of packagings made of thermoplastic materials such as plastic films. The sealing member comprises a housing that is formed to be attached to a packaging machine. Control electronics and/or a power electronics is to be arranged within the housing, so that the sealing member can be used autonomously, so the packaging machine itself does not have to effect the control or regulation function of the sealing member, because this is accomplished by the sealing member itself. The packaging machine only needs to provide the general energy supply and possibly the definition of certain target variables required for the sealing process, such as the target temperature.
- The drawback in the operation of known packaging machines is that, at the start of production, a heating-up time of the heatable tools in the work stations must first be observed. Such a delay is particularly disadvantageous when resuming production after a tool changeover. Heating up the newly installed tool in the respective work station can indeed take some time and thereby delay resumption of production.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a packaging machine which allows rapid resumption of production by simple means after a tool changeover.
- The invention specifies a method for operating a packaging machine comprising a work station with an exchangeable tool. The method comprising the steps of providing a control device that may be integrated into the tool. Wherein, when the tool is in a state installed into the work station, the control device may regulate a temperature of the tool based on an operating temperature target specification by suitably supplying a heating device integrated into the tool with electrical power. Further, wherein, when the tool is in a state removed from the work station, the tool may be connected to an external power supply, and the control device may regulate the temperature of the tool based on a preheating temperature target specification by suitably supplying the heating device with electrical power provided by the external power supply.
- The invention allows first preheating the tool in the state removed from the work station by connecting it to the external power supply by way of the control device based on the preheating temperature target specification. If the preheated tool is then installed into the work station, then packaging operation can optimally commence directly or at least faster than with a non-preheated tool since the tool temperature required during operation may already be available or at least reached faster. This may avoid or reduce any delay in the commencement of operation when the packaging machine is restarted or when the tool is exchanged. The installation of the preheated tool may require handling the hot tool. However, safe handling of the hot tool may be possible if appropriate protective measures are taken and the tool is adequately designed and staff is sufficiently trained.
- It is particularly advantageous to have the temperature of the tool in the work station be regulated based on the operating temperature target specification (during packaging operation of the packaging machine) as well as the temperature of the tool in the removed state of the tool be regulated based on the preheating temperature target specification by the control device integrated into the tool. It may therefore not be necessary to provide a pre-heater with its own control device for preheating the tool outside the work station. It may instead be sufficient if the tool in the state removed from the work station may simply be connected to an external power supply which may provide electrical power for the operation of the heating device and electrical power for the operation of the control device of the tool.
- Since the control device may be integrated into the tool itself, it may also be possible to operate tools that require differently configured control devices in the same work station and to connect them to the same external power supply. The configuration of the control device integrated into the tool can be respectively adapted to the properties of the tool, for example to the number, sizing and positioning of the heating devices in the tool.
- The operating temperature target specification and/or the preheating temperature target specification can be temperature target values. However, it would also be conceivable to regulate the temperature of the tool not to a certain value, but to a certain range. The operating temperature target specification and/or the preheating temperature target specification could therefore also be formed as a target temperature range.
- In one embodiment, the external power supply may provide the tool with electrical heating power, but not provide control or regulating signals. Controlling preheating can be taken care of entirely by the control device integrated into the tool. In addition to the electrical heating power, the external power supply can provide the tool with electrical power to operate the control device. For example, the external power supply can comprise a power cable, with or without a mains supply unit, for connecting to the tool and to a power outlet. However, it would also be conceivable to have the external power supply comprise a docking station into which the tool can be inserted or to which the tool can be docked.
- According to one embodiment, the preheating temperature target specification of the control device may be determined by a machine control device of the packaging machine. The machine control device of the packaging machine can in particular transmit the preheating temperature target specification to the tool prior to the removal of the tool from the work station. If the tool is preheated prior to being reinstalled in the work station, this can be done based on the preheating temperature target specification previously transmitted by the machine control device of the packaging machine. In this way, the preheating temperature target specification can be adapted in a simple manner to the configuration of the packaging machine. In addition, it is possible without a great additional effort in time that the preheating temperature target specification may be specified to the tool based on user input at the packaging machine via the machine control device of the packaging machine.
- It would also be conceivable that the preheating temperature target specification may be available to the control device as a preset specification, in particular “ex factory.” The preheating temperature target specification could be permanently stored in the tool itself. Combinations could also be conceivable in such a way that a standard value for the preheating temperature target specification may be initially available as a preset specification, but that it can be changed by the machine control device of the packaging machine in the state of the tool installed in the work station.
- The control device may comprise a memory in which the preheating temperature target specification may be stored (for example as a preset specification or after transmission by the machine control device of the packaging machine).
- According to one embodiment, the control device may be put into a preheating mode, in particular by the machine control device of the packaging machine, prior to the removal of the tool from the work station. After connection to the external power supply, the control device removed from the tool may recognize that it is in the preheating mode and may begin with regulating the temperature of the tool based on the preheating temperature target specification. When the tool is reinstalled into the work station, it can exit the preheating mode and be put into a packaging operating mode by the machine control device of the packaging machine in which it can regulate the temperature of the tool based on the operating temperature target specification. The control device can already be present in the preheating mode prior to a first installation in the work station (i.e. quasi “ex factory”).
- It is conceivable that the control device, after connecting to the external power supply, may detect that there is no communication connection to a machine control device of the packaging machine, and may then start regulating the temperature of the tool based on the preheating temperature target specification. The preheating mode could therefore be recognized by detecting a lack of a communication connection to the machine control. It may then not be necessary for the machine control device to actively set the tool to the preheating mode. If the tool is reinstalled into the work station and a communication connection to the machine control device is established, then the control device could switch back to regulating the temperature of the tool based on the preheating temperature target specification.
- The operating temperature target specification can be specified to the control device by the machine control device of the packaging machine. However, since the tool itself may comprise the control device, no further requirements are absolutely necessary on the part of the packaging machine except for a power supply and optionally specifying the operating temperature target specification. Specifying the operating temperature target specification by the machine control device of the packaging machine may allow for an adjustment of the temperature of the tool based on the respective operating situation of the packaging machine, possibly also during operation. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that the operating temperature target specification may be already pre-stored in the control device.
- In the state of the tool installed in the work station, the control device can be in communication connection with the machine control device of the packaging machine. For example, the preheating temperature target specification and/or the operating temperature target specification can be transmitted to the control device via this communication connection. However, it is also conceivable that the control device or other devices integrated into the tool could send data to the packaging machine via the communication connection. For example, transferring a tool ID would be conceivable. The communication connection between the control device and the machine control device of the packaging machine may be effected by way of a communication bus system. A corresponding bus node may be integrated into the tool.
- In principle, the work station can be any work station of the packaging machine that comprises a tool to be heated. The work station may be a sealing station of the packaging machine, and the tool may be a heatable sealing tool for sealing a filled packaging, in particular by sealing on a top film. The work station could also be, for example, a forming station of the packaging machine and the tool could be a heating plate for heating a lower film web. The tool could in particular be a heatable form punch.
- The invention may be applied to a packaging machine that is a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealer. However, it would also be conceivable to apply the invention to other packaging machines, for example a bag forming, filling and sealing machine.
- At least one temperature sensor may be integrated into the tool, and the control device may use a value provided by the temperature sensor for regulating the temperature of the tool. In this way, regulating the temperature of the tool can be carried out particularly precisely. In addition, all components required for regulating may be integrated into the tool.
- The temperature sensor and the control device can be integrated into the heating device as a joint module. This may reduce the manufacturing effort for the tool. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
- In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail making reference to a drawing, in which the individual figures show:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a tray sealer for carrying out the method in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a thermoforming packaging machine for carrying out the method in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic section view of one embodiment of a work station with a heatable tool installed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, where the work station is a sealing station; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram representation of one embodiment of a tool that shows the tool in a state installed into a work station in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram representation of the tool according toFIG. 4 that shows the tool being in a state removed from the work station. - The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.
- The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
- The invention relates to a method for operating a
packaging machine 1. According to an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ,packaging machine 1 can be a tray sealer. Arranged consecutively on amachine frame 3 ofpackaging machine 1 along a production direction P are adestacking device 5, aloading track 7, and a sealingstation 9.Destacking device 5destacks packaging trays 13 to be filled withproducts 11 onto a conveying device not shown inFIG. 1 .Packaging trays 13 are conveyed along production direction P over aloading track 7 to a sealingstation 9.Packaging trays 13 are filled inloading track 7 withproducts 11 to be packaged. Filledpackaging trays 13 are then closed in sealingstation 9 by sealing on atop film 15. For this purpose, sealingstation 9 comprises a sealing stationupper part 9 a and a sealing stationlower part 9 b which can be moved relative to each other along a vertical direction to sealtop film 15 ontopackaging trays 13 received between them.Packaging machine 1 comprises a centralmachine control device 17 with electronic components for controllingpackaging machine 1. Themachine control device 17 can also comprise a display andinput unit 19, for example in the form of a touchscreen display, with which an operator can manage functions of thepackaging machine 1 and via which information about the operating status ofpackaging machine 1 can be displayed to the user. - The invention is also applicable to
packaging machines 1 of other types. Shown as an example of this inFIG. 2 is apackaging machine 1 configured as a thermoforming packaging machine. In the thermoforming packaging machine, noprefabricated packaging trays 13 are entered into the production process. Instead, a formingstation 21 is provided which formspackaging trays 27 by thermoforming into alower film web 25 that is drawn off astorage roller 23. Forthermoforming packaging trays 27, formingstation 21 comprises a forming stationupper part 21 a and a forming stationlower part 21 b which are movable relative to each other with respect to a vertical direction in order to formpackaging trays 27 intolower film web 25 running between them.Lower film web 25 is conveyed by way of a transport device, not shown, along a production direction P ofpackaging machine 1. After leaving formingstation 21,packaging trays 27 that are present as a composite are filled in aloading track 7 withproducts 11 to be packaged. Subsequently, filledpackaging trays 27 are supplied to a sealingstation 9 in whichpacking trays 27 are sealed by sealing on atop film 15, similarly to sealing filledpackaging trays 13 in the tray sealer fromFIG. 1 .Sealing station 9 in turn comprises a sealing stationupper part 9 a and a sealing stationlower part 9 b which are movable relative to each other. After packagingtrays 27 have been sealed in sealingstation 9, the film composite is conveyed onward to a cuttingstation 29 in which the individual packaging is separated from the composite. The thermoforming packaging machine also comprises amachine control device 17 for controlling individual components ofpackaging machine 1. Likemachine control device 17 of the tray sealer fromFIG. 1 , it can comprise a display andinput device 19 for the interaction with an operator. -
Sealing station 9 of the tray sealer or sealingstation 9 or the formingstation 21 of the thermoforming packaging machine, respectively, are examples of work stations that perform a specific function in the respective packaging process.FIG. 3 in schematic sectional view shows such awork station 9 in a configuration as a sealing station. However, the invention could also be applied to a formingstation 21 as the work station.Work station upper part lower part Work station heatable tool 31 for processing the packagings. In the embodiment according toFIG. 3 ,tool 31 is provided in work stationupper part 9 a. Amating tool 33 is provided in work stationlower part 9 b and interacts withtool 31 for processing the packagings. However, it would also be conceivable thatheatable tool 31 is provided in work stationlower part 9 b andmating tool 33 is present in work stationupper part 9 a. In the embodiment shown,heatable tool 31 is a sealing tool, in particular a sealing frame. The mating tool can be formed as a backing element, so that the heatable sealing tool and the mating tool interact along a packaging edge for forming a sealing seam for sealingtop film 15 onto the filled packagings. -
Tool 31 can be heated in order to be able to process the packaging appropriately. For this purpose, aheating device 35 is integrated intotool 31. In the variant shown inFIG. 3 ,heating device 35 comprisesseveral heating elements 37. Theheating elements 37 can be formed in particular as electrical resistance heating elements or induction heating elements. - In addition, a
bus node module 39 is integrated intotool 31 and in the state oftool 31 installed in the work station is in communication via acommunication bus 41 ofpackaging machine 1 withmachine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1. In the installed state oftool 31,bus node module 39 is additionally supplied with electrical power by packagingmachine 1 via anelectrical connection 43. -
FIG. 4 in a representation as a schematic block diagram shows the configuration ofbus node module 39 integrated intotool 31 as well as its integration into the overall system ofpackaging machine 1, or intotool 31, respectively, in the installed state oftool 31.Bus node module 39 comprises acontrol device 45 for regulating a temperature oftool 31 by suitably supplyingheating device 35 with electrical power. In the state oftool 31 installed intowork station control device 45 is connected via acommunication module 47 tocommunication bus 41 and is thereby in communication connection withmachine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1.Control device 45 comprises aprocessing unit 49 and amemory 51. Processingunit 49 is configured to control switchingelements 53 which determine a supply ofheating elements 37 ofheating device 35 with electrical power. The electrical power for the operation ofheating elements 37 as well as the electrical power for the operation ofcontrol device 45 is provided byelectrical connection 43 ofpackaging machine 1. In addition, at least onetemperature sensor 55 for measuring a temperature oftool 31 is integrated intotool 31. In the variant shown,temperature sensor 55 is also provided inbus node module 39. However, it would also be conceivable to integratetemperature sensor 55 elsewhere intool 31. Measured values oftemperature sensor 55 are provided to controldevice 45. - When installing
tool 31 inwork station work station tool 31 installed,control device 45 is put into a packaging operating mode bymachine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1, if it is not already in the packaging operating mode. In the packaging operating mode,control device 45 regulates a temperature oftool 31 based on an operating temperature target specification by suitably supplyingheating device 35 with electrical power (by appropriately controlling switching elements 53). This ensures that the temperature oftool 31 is maintained in a range suitable for processing the packagings. The operating temperature target specification can specify a temperature target value or a temperature target range. The operating temperature target specification ofcontrol device 45 is preferably transmitted viacommunication bus 41 bymachine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1. The operating temperature target specification can be determined automatically bymachine control device 17 based on stored values and/or operating parameters ofpackaging machine 1 or can be set by user input. The operating temperature target specification can be stored at least temporarily inmemory 51 ofcontrol device 45. - In order to avoid or reduce delays caused by the initial heating up of
tool 31 when starting up the packaging machine or upon resumption of the packaging operation aftertool 31 has been exchanged (for example due to a change of format),tool 31 is preheated according to the invention already outsidework station tool 31 in the state removed fromwork station external power supply 57. -
FIG. 5 in a representation as a schematic block diagram showstool 31 in the state removed from the work station and connected toexternal power supply 57.External power supply 57 provides electrical heating power to supplyheating device 35 intool 31 and a supply voltage forcontrol device 45. However, in one embodiment, no regulating or control signals are provided byexternal power supply 57. The external power supply can comprise, for example, a power cable, with or without a mains supply unit, that can be connected totool 31 and to a power outlet. - Controlling the temperature of
tool 31 during preheating is likewise effected bycontrol device 45 integrated intotool 31.Control device 45 is put into a preheating mode bymachine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1 prior to the removal oftool 31 fromwork station machine control device 17 via thecommunication bus 41 is lost.Control device 45 can also be in the preheating mode ex factory. Iftool 31 is connected toexternal power supply 57 whilecontrol device 45 is in the preheating mode, or without an active communication connection tomachine control device 17, respectively,control device 45 recognizes that it is in preheating mode and regulates the temperature oftool 31 by suitably supplyingheating device 35 with electrical power provided byexternal power supply 57 based on of a preheating temperature target specification. The preheating temperature target specification can be stored inmemory 51 ofcontrol device 45. The preheating temperature target specification can be present inmemory 51 in particular as a preset specification. However, it is also conceivable that the preheating temperature target specification ofcontrol device 45 was previously transmitted in the state oftool 31 installed intowork station machine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1 and stored inmemory 51. The preheating temperature target specification could be determined automatically bymachine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1 based on stored data and/or an operating condition ofpackaging machine 1 or be determined based on user input. -
Tool 31 preferably comprises asignal device 59 which is controlled bycontrol device 45 to output a signal that indicates a termination of the preheating process. For example,signal device 59 could be an LED that flashes during the preheating process and illuminates continuously once the preheating process has been completed. - After the preheating process has terminated,
tool 31 is disconnected fromexternal power supply 57 and installed intowork station Tool 31 is then connected topower supply 43 andcommunication bus 41 ofpackaging machine 1 by way of connecting suitable plug-in devices.Machine control device 17 ofpackaging machine 1 then putscontrol device 45 viacommunication bus 41 from the preheating mode back into the packaging operating mode in which the temperature oftool 31 is regulated based on the operating temperature target specification. - Due to the fact that
tool 31 was preheated before the installation intowork station packaging machine 1 can ideally start immediately aftertool 31 has been installed. - From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
- The constructions and methods described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention.
- As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required.” Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102019202755.5A DE102019202755A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2019-02-28 | Method for operating a packaging machine |
DE102019202755.5 | 2019-02-28 |
Publications (1)
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US20200277095A1 true US20200277095A1 (en) | 2020-09-03 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/802,924 Abandoned US20200277095A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2020-02-27 | Method for operating a packaging machine |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20200277095A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3702136B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111619896B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102019202755A1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2953164T3 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN112918801A (en) * | 2021-02-03 | 2021-06-08 | 广州工程技术职业学院 | Planar design product surface packaging device for planar design |
US20230127643A1 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2023-04-27 | Sasib S.P.A. | Structure for supporting and transporting a plurality of pieces in operations of assembling/disassembling and/or change of configuration in a manufacturing line and method for assisting an operator in such operations |
WO2023203299A1 (en) * | 2022-04-20 | 2023-10-26 | Eocrep | Packs of packaging containers, in particular eco-packaging containers for a product, in particular a food product, method for manufacturing said packs of packaging containers and packaging method using same |
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US3323277A (en) * | 1963-09-18 | 1967-06-06 | Fr Hesser Maschinenfabrik A G | Machine for heat sealing packages |
DE19517616A1 (en) * | 1995-05-13 | 1996-11-21 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for connecting two packaging material webs |
US7790096B2 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2010-09-07 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Thermal management system for a removable build chamber for use with a laser sintering system |
GB0809783D0 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2008-07-09 | Ishida Europ Ltd | Container sealing unit |
CN101797985A (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2010-08-11 | 北京大森长空包装机械有限公司 | Plate-type thin film preheating device used for packer and corresponding packer |
DE102011101051A1 (en) * | 2011-05-10 | 2012-11-15 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Tool changer |
DE102011055872A1 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2013-06-06 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Method for changing old heating film against new heating film at welding machine for plastic components, involves removing old heating film from machine, positioning new preheated heating film and positioning pressing tool again in machine |
EP2644513B1 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2014-05-14 | Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | Sealing device and method for sealing container shells with a sealing film |
DE102016117834A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-03-22 | watttron GmbH | seal organ |
DE102016125132A1 (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2018-06-21 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Packaging machine with bus node arrangement |
-
2019
- 2019-02-28 DE DE102019202755.5A patent/DE102019202755A1/en active Pending
-
2020
- 2020-01-28 ES ES20153980T patent/ES2953164T3/en active Active
- 2020-01-28 EP EP20153980.6A patent/EP3702136B1/en active Active
- 2020-02-27 US US16/802,924 patent/US20200277095A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2020-02-28 CN CN202010126784.8A patent/CN111619896B/en active Active
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230127643A1 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2023-04-27 | Sasib S.P.A. | Structure for supporting and transporting a plurality of pieces in operations of assembling/disassembling and/or change of configuration in a manufacturing line and method for assisting an operator in such operations |
US11912453B2 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2024-02-27 | Sasib S.P.A. | Structure for supporting and transporting a plurality of pieces in operations of assembling/disassembling and/or change of configuration in a manufacturing line and method for assisting an operator in such operations |
CN112918801A (en) * | 2021-02-03 | 2021-06-08 | 广州工程技术职业学院 | Planar design product surface packaging device for planar design |
WO2023203299A1 (en) * | 2022-04-20 | 2023-10-26 | Eocrep | Packs of packaging containers, in particular eco-packaging containers for a product, in particular a food product, method for manufacturing said packs of packaging containers and packaging method using same |
FR3134800A1 (en) * | 2022-04-20 | 2023-10-27 | Eocrep | Packs of packaging pots, in particular eco-packaging, of products, in particular food, their manufacturing process and packaging process using them |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3702136A1 (en) | 2020-09-02 |
CN111619896B (en) | 2022-08-09 |
ES2953164T3 (en) | 2023-11-08 |
DE102019202755A1 (en) | 2020-09-03 |
CN111619896A (en) | 2020-09-04 |
EP3702136B1 (en) | 2023-07-12 |
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