WO2023126064A1

WO2023126064A1 - Apparatus and method for transporting products in a vertical tubular-bag packaging machine

Info

Publication number: WO2023126064A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/087845
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günter Wolf
Original assignee: Wolf Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-12-30
Filing date: 2021-12-30
Publication date: 2023-07-06

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for transporting products (P) in a format tube (20) of a vertical tubular-bag packaging machine (10), the apparatus comprising: receiving means which receive the products (P), with a defined orientation, at the upper end (22) of the format tube (20); transport means which move the products (P), while maintaining their defined orientation, from the upper end (22) to the lower end (24) of the format tube (20); and dispensing means which dispense the products (P), while maintaining their defined orientation, at the lower end (24) of the format tube (20). The transport apparatus has a holding device (110) which is movable back and forth between the upper end (22) and the lower end (24) of the format tube (20) and which comprises a holding surface (112) that is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the products (P) are held in the format tube (20) by the holding surface (112) during downward transport. At the lower end (24) of the format tube (20), the holding surface (112) is open in order to dispense the products (P). Alternatively, the transport apparatus has a plurality of stationary holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c) connected one below the other in the format tube (20), which holding devices each comprise a holding surface (212a, 212b, 212c) which is pivotable between a closed position, in which the products (P) are held, and an open position, in which the products (P) are dispensed. The products (P) are successively transferred from one holding device (210a, 210b, 210c) to the next holding device (210a, 210b, 210c).

Description

Device and method for transporting products in a vertical tubular bagging machine

The invention relates to a device and a method for transporting products in a format tube of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine and a tubular bag packaging machine that uses such a device.

Tubular bag packaging machines, in particular vertical or horizontal tubular bag packaging machines, for producing packaging bags filled with packaged goods from a foil material are known. Vertical tubular bagging machines in particular are used to fill free-flowing or pourable products, such as granular or small-piece food products such as rice, muesli, crisps or pastries, but also liquids, into individual packaging bags that are produced from an endless film tube at the same time as the filling process.

Such tubular bag packaging machines typically include a so-called forming tube for forming an endless tubular film from an endless flat packaging film in such a way that the tubular film has a cross section that essentially corresponds to a cross section or longitudinal section of the individual packaging bag to be subsequently formed. The flat packaging film is typically first pulled over a so-called forming shoulder and fed to the forming tube and wrapped around it. Following the forming shoulder, the tubular film formed in this way is then conveyed or pulled further along the outside of the forming tube. In a vertical tubular bag machine, the format tube is typically arranged in a vertical position, so that the conveying direction of the tubular film runs essentially from top to bottom. Simultaneously with the formation of the packaging bag, the packaged goods to be packaged in the bag are fed through the format tube. At the lower end of the forming tube, the packaged goods are discharged into the shaped tubular film, preferably in individual portions measured in terms of quantity or weight or volume for each packaging bag that is ultimately to be formed. Sealing devices, in particular transverse sealing devices, for forming a sealed seam, in particular a transverse sealed seam, are typically provided in the film tube behind or below the forming tube in the conveying direction. A packaging bag is formed by means of this sealing seam, ie a closed packaging unit filled with packaging material is separated from the endless tubular film. Corresponding cutting devices are typically also provided for this purpose in connection with the sealing devices.

Transverse sealing devices form transverse sealing seams running essentially transversely to the conveying direction of the tubular film and the products, for example so-called top seams and/or bottom seams with regard to the conveying direction or the alignment of the finished packaging bag. In addition, longitudinal sealing devices can be provided, for example in the area of the forming shoulder and/or the format tube, which form longitudinal sealing seams running essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the film tube and the products in the film tube, which form side seams of the finished packaging bag, for example. By means of such longitudinal sealing seams, for example in the area of the forming tube, the endless film tube is first formed from the flat packaging film fed via the forming shoulder.

In this way, various packaging bag shapes and types can be formed and filled with tubular bag packaging machines, such as so-called flat bags, block bottom bags, stable pack bags or doy-style bags.

In addition to the above-mentioned small-piece, free-flowing or pourable products, it is desirable to also convey and pack larger products, in particular food products, in a flow-wrapping machine, for example elongated and/or fragile items such as pretzel sticks, biscuits or others Pastries, etc., which in principle can have any shape. With such articles, however, it is not possible to simply pour or drop them through the format tube, as there is a risk that these articles will break or be otherwise damaged, which is ultimately undesirable for quality, product presentation and sales. In this respect, careful and gentle handling and conveying of the products through the format tube is necessary, ie avoiding damage and/or breakage of the products.

In addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned (fracture)-sensitive articles, it is also desirable to convey and pack, in particular, elongated or rod-shaped articles in a tubular bagging machine that are arranged in a specific, predetermined position orientation or alignment and/or arrangement in the packaging bag that is ultimately formed meant to be. It is possible that such products from previous production steps may already be fed to the tubular bag machine or the format tube in this predetermined orientation. The articles can each be supplied individually or in groups or bundles or as a compact quantity of product and transported further in the format tube and then transferred into the packaging bag formed. During transport through the format tube, these products should preferably retain their defined alignment, ie they should not fall into each other, or an individual product should not twist or tip up or down or sideways. A change in position of the individual products in a direction other than the conveying direction should thus be prevented as far as possible, and groups or bundles or compact quantities of such products should retain their initial overall shape and orientation as far as possible. Here, too, it is therefore not possible to simply pour or drop such articles through the format tube. Typical of the articles described above are, for example, elongated or rod-shaped coffee portion bags, so-called coffee sticks, several of which are accommodated in a packaging bag unit. For the product presentation to the consumer, such articles should be aligned as evenly as possible in their packaging and arranged next to one another. It goes without saying that combinations of the product variants described above can also be considered, i.e. articles that are both (breakage) sensitive and should also be arranged in a specific, predetermined position orientation or alignment and/or arrangement in the packaging bag that is ultimately formed.

It is thus an object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for transporting products in a forming tube of a vertical flow wrapper which overcomes the problems described above. The aim of the invention is therefore, on the one hand, to create a device and a method by which products that are sensitive to (fracture) are treated gently during their transport through the format tube of a vertical tubular bagging machine in order to prevent damage and/or breakage of the products to avoid. In addition, it is an object of the invention to create a device and a method that achieves an orientation and/or arrangement in front of or above the forming tube, in particular of elongated or rod-shaped articles, but also of articles of other shapes, maintained during their transport through the format tube of a vertical tubular bagging machine until the items are transferred into the packaging bag formed.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for transporting products in a format tube of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine according to patent claim 1, by a corresponding method according to patent claim 20, and by a vertical tubular bag packaging machine that uses such a device according to the invention, according to patent claim 21.

According to the invention, a device for transporting products in a format tube of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine is created, which is characterized by the following features: receiving means which are designed to receive the products essentially at the upper end of the format tube, with the products having a defined orientation ; Mode of Transport, adapted to move the products substantially from the upper end of the forming tube substantially to the lower end of the forming tube, wherein the transport means are formed such that the products substantially maintain their defined orientation while being moved through the forming tube ; and dispensing means adapted to dispense the products substantially at the lower end of the forming tube, the dispensing means being configured such that the products substantially maintain their defined orientation while being discharged from the forming tube.

The device according to the invention thus ensures that products that are particularly (fracture) sensitive are treated gently when they are transferred to the forming tube, when they are transported in or through the forming tube and when they are released from the forming tube, thereby preventing damage and/or breakage of the products is avoided. In addition, it is achieved that an existing orientation and/or alignment and/or relative arrangement of the products in front of or above the format tube during the transport of the products in or through the format tube until the products are discharged from the format tube, where they are placed in the formed packaging bag is essentially maintained.

In a first basic embodiment, the device according to the invention has a conveying device which comprises the above-mentioned receiving means, transport means and delivery means, the conveying device being designed to receive the products at the upper end of the forming tube, the products from the upper end of the forming tube to promote the lower end of the format tube, in particular to promote actively and / or positively controlled, and deliver the products at the lower end of the format tube. The conveyor device is designed in such a way that the products essentially retain their defined alignment while they are being conveyed through the format tube.

In particular, the conveying device comprises a holding device which is designed to receive, hold and deliver the products. The conveyor also includes in particular drive devices that are designed to move the holding device back and forth substantially between the upper end of the forming tube and the lower end of the forming tube. The drive devices are also designed to change a position of the holding device in such a way that the holding device can pick up the products at the upper end of the forming tube, that the holding device holds the products while the holding device moves from the upper end of the forming tube to the lower end of the format tube is moved, and that the holding device can deliver the products at the lower end of the format tube.

For this purpose, the holding device has a holding surface which can be pivoted essentially between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the holding surface is aligned essentially transversely or perpendicularly to the direction in which the products are conveyed in the format tube, so that the holding surface can receive and hold the products. In the second position, the holding surface is aligned essentially parallel to the direction of conveyance of the products in the forming tube.

The holding device can thus be moved in two ways. On the one hand, it can be moved back and forth in the format tube like an elevator between the upper end of the format tube and the lower end of the format tube. The holding device can thus also be referred to as a "product lift". On the other hand, the holding surface of the holding device can be moved in the sense of a flap between the essentially horizontally aligned first position and the essentially vertically aligned second position, and can therefore be pivoted essentially by 90°. While the products lie on the holding surface in the first, horizontal position and can be conveyed through the format tube with the holding device, the holding surface cannot hold the products in its second, vertical position, i.e. the products initially lying on the holding surface slide off the platform down when the platform is pivoted to its second position.

According to the invention, the two described above are combined

Movement options of the holding device, namely on the one hand the upward and downward movement of the entire holding device and on the other hand the pivoting movement of the holding surface or flap of the holding device between its horizontal and its vertical position. These two movements can thus take place at least partially simultaneously.

In order to bring about these movements of the holding device, the drive devices of the conveyor device according to the invention have gearing means, which are connected to the holding device, and a motor for driving the gearing means.

The transmission means can, for example, comprise a toothed belt drive, which has a toothed belt that runs around and extends essentially over the entire length or height of the forming tube and a toothed wheel that engages in the toothed belt. The motor drives the gear, i.e. turns the gear. The motor and the gear mechanism interact in particular in such a way that in a first direction of action, in particular a first direction of rotation, of the motor, the holding device is moved downwards, i.e. in a direction from the upper end of the forming tube to the lower end of the forming tube, and that in a second direction of action, in particular a second direction of rotation, of the motor, the holding device is moved upwards, i.e. in a direction from the lower end of the forming tube to the upper end of the forming tube.

It goes without saying that the gear means can also include other suitable drive and/or gear means instead of the toothed belt drive mentioned above, for example a belt drive, a chain drive, a linear drive or a rack and pinion drive or combinations of these variants.

In order to achieve the above-described movement options and combinations of the holding device, the holding device preferably also has first guide means, which can in particular include at least one guide roller and/or at least one guide track or guide surface or guide rail or the like. In the case of a guide track or guide surface or guide rail, this extends in the Conveying direction of the products essentially straight, especially in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the drive devices of the conveyor device according to the invention have second guide means, in particular at least one guide track or guide surface or guide rail or the like, which extends vertically, i.e. in the conveying direction of the products, essentially straight over a first part of the length or height of the format tube or the entire Length or height of the format tube extends.

In order to further implement the above-described movement options and combinations of the holding device, the above-mentioned first guide means provided on the holding device and the second guide means, which are part of the drive devices of the conveyor device, are in particular designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface of the The holding device is in its first position, in which it is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the direction of conveyance of the products in the forming tube, when the holding device is moved downwards or upwards in the forming tube along the second guide means. Preferably, the holding surface of the holding device is thus in its first position at least in one of the downwards and upwards movements along at least a part or the entire length of the second guide means. In the respective other of the downward or upward movement, the holding surface can then, if necessary, be in its second position. Optionally, it can also be provided that the holding surface of the holding device is in its first position both during the downward movement and during the upward movement along at least part or the entire length of the second guide means.

The drive devices of the conveyor device according to the invention also preferably include third guide means, in particular at least one guide track or guide surface, which extends in the conveying direction of the products in a curved shape over a second part of the length of the format tube. In the conveying direction of the products, the third guide means are preferably arranged essentially behind, ie below, the second guide means. Additionally or alternatively, the third guide means substantially in be arranged in the lower region of the format tube next to and/or parallel to the second guide means.

The above-mentioned first guide means provided on the holding device and the third guide means, which are part of the drive devices of the conveyor device, are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface of the holding device is pivoted from its first position into its second position, in which it is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of conveyance of the products in the forming tube when the holding device is moved from top to bottom along the third guide means in the forming tube. It is preferably also provided that the first guide means and the third guide means are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface of the holding device is pivoted from its second position into its first position when the holding device moves from bottom to top along the third guide means in the format tube is moved.

The third guide means, which are formed in particular by at least one curved guide track or guide surface, therefore form a guide curve or curved track for the first guide means provided on the holding device, which in particular comprise at least one guide roller. In a specific embodiment, a guide roller of the holding device thus rolls on the guide cam track of the conveyor device when the holding device is moved up or down in the region of the guide cam track in the format tube. This movement causes the holding surface or flap of the holding device to be pivoted and, depending on the direction of movement, brought in particular from its first position into its second position or from its second position into its first position. The holding surface or flap is thus opened or closed to a certain extent, and in the closed state it can hold the conveyed products, while in the open state it cannot hold the products, ie releases them downwards in the conveying direction. The guide track or guide curve of the third guide means can therefore also be referred to as an “opening and/or closing curve”. So that the products conveyed by the holding device, in particular at the lower end of the format tube, can be discharged downwards in the conveying direction and then fed here in particular to a packaging bag that has been formed, the third guide means, ie for example the guide cam track or opening cam and/or closing cam, are preferably substantially arranged at the lower end of the format tube or the conveyor according to the invention. A second part of the length or height of the format tube over which the third guide means extend is preferably smaller than a first part of the length or height of the format tube over which the second guide means extend. The effect of this configuration is that the holding device holds the products on their holding surface over the greater or greatest distance, namely the upper part, of their downward movement in the format tube and consequently conveys them actively, in a controlled manner or under forced control. It is only at the lower end of the format tube that the holding surface of the holding device pivots into its open position, which is vertical in the conveying direction, and thus releases the products downwards. During its subsequent backwards or upwards movement, the holding surface of the holding device then pivots back into its closed, horizontal position in order to be able to pick up products again at the upper end of the format tube.

During the downward movement of the holding device, the conveying speed should preferably not be greater than the acceleration due to gravity, ie not greater than 1 g (=9.81 m/s ² ), so that the products do not lift off the holding surface of the holding device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the third guide means, i.e. for example the guide cam track or opening curve and/or closing cam, are arranged in the lower region of the format tube essentially next to the second guide means and over a third part of the length or height of the format tube parallel to the second guide means moveable up and down. The third guide means are essentially in their lowermost position at the lower end of the forming tube when the holding device is moved from top to bottom along the second guide means and the third guide means in the forming tube. After the holding device its lowest Once the position has been reached, the third guide means are then moved essentially together with the holding device from bottom to top over the third part of the length or height of the format tube, with the holding device essentially not moving along or relative to the third guide means in this phase . In other words, the third guide means are moved upwards together with the holding device at the same speed. In the absence of a relative movement between the third guide means and the holding device, the holding surface of the holding device essentially retains its second, open position in this phase, ie during this joint movement over the third part of the length of the format tube.

As a result, the holding device can first be moved in its open position out of the area of the products that have just been released at the lower end of the forming tube, before the holding surface or flap of the holding device is closed again, i.e. brought into its horizontal position. This prevents individual products in the group of delivered products that may protrude from being pinched by the closing holding surface and possibly being damaged. This also prevents the entire device from being blocked by products that are jammed in the holding device and then possibly pulled up again by the latter.

The relative movement between the holding device and the third guiding means, i.e. the holding device then moves along the third guide means from bottom to top. As a result, the holding surface of the holding device is now pivoted from its second, vertical or open position into its first, horizontal or closed position.

As soon as the holding device has essentially reached the upper end of the third guide means during this movement, the movement of the holding device stops preferably or optionally to the second guide means, so that the holding device then moves further along the second guide means from bottom to top to the upper end of the format tube. During this movement along the second guide means, the holding surface of the holding device essentially maintains its first, horizontal position in order to then be able to pick up products again at the upper end of the format tube, as explained above.

The above-mentioned third part of the length or height of the format tube, over which the third guide means move essentially together with the holding device from bottom to top without a relative movement taking place between the third guide means and the holding device, can be of different lengths. If this third part is short, the third guide means moves upwards and the holding surface of the holding device then closes or pivots from its second, vertical to its first, horizontal position essentially in a lower region of the forming tube. If this third part is longer, the upward movement of the third guide means will be longer and the holding surface of the holding device will then be closed or pivoted from its second, vertical to its first, horizontal position in a higher area and preferably essentially in one upper area of the format tube. In this latter case, a larger part or the entire upward movement of the holding device thus preferably takes place essentially in the downwardly pivoted, open position of the holding surface, with the holding surface then essentially only in the area of the upper end of the forming tube, i.e. only shortly before the Transfer of the following, newly fed products to the holding surface, which is brought into the horizontal, closed position.

This latter embodiment of pivoting the holding surface into its closed position only in the area of the upper end of the format tube has the advantage that the holding device experiences less air resistance during its upward movement, ie air displacement through the possibly closed holding surface is reduced or avoided. Otherwise, in the case of one Upward movement with a closed holding surface gives an effect comparable to an air pump.

This latter advantage can also be given in a further alternative embodiment, in which a separate closing cam track as such is arranged essentially stationary in the upper area of the forming tube. In this case, for example, an opening cam track can be arranged essentially in the lower area of the format tube, as described above, while a closing cam track can be arranged essentially in the upper area of the format tube.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the drive devices of the conveyor device according to the invention comprise fourth guide means, in particular at least one guide track, which extends in the conveying direction of the products in a curved shape over a fourth part of the length of the forming tube, with the fourth guide means essentially in the region of the upper end of the forming tube are arranged. Optionally or alternatively, the fourth guide means can be arranged in the conveying direction of the products essentially in front of the second guide means, i.e. above them, and/or they can be arranged essentially in the upper area of the forming tube next to or parallel to the second guide means. The first guide means provided on the holding device (e.g. in the form of a guide roller) and the fourth guide means are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface of the holding device is pivoted from its second, open position into its first, closed position, in which it is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the direction of conveyance of the products in the forming tube when the holding device is moved from bottom to top in the forming tube along the fourth guide means. The fourth guide means therefore include, for example, a curved guide track, which can be referred to as a "closing curve".

According to this embodiment of the invention can further be provided that the first guide means (eg guide roller on the holding device) and / or the second guide means (eg guideway on the conveyor) and / or third guide means (e.g. opening cam track) and/or the fourth guide means (e.g. closing cam track) are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface of the holding device is in its second, open position when the holding device moves along the third guide means and/or the second guide means in the format tube is moved from bottom to top until the holding device reaches the fourth guide means.

In this latter case, therefore, a major part of the upward movement of the holding device over the length or height of the forming tube preferably takes place essentially in the downwardly pivoted, open position of the holding surface. Only in the area of the fourth guide means (e.g. closing cam) arranged essentially at the upper end of the format tube is the holding surface then essentially brought into the horizontal, closed position, i.e. only shortly before the transfer of the subsequent, newly fed products to the holding surface.

In a second basic embodiment of the invention, the receiving means, the transport means and the delivery means have at least one holding device and/or transfer device arranged in the forming tube, which is designed to receive, hold and deliver the products. The at least one holding device and/or transfer device has a holding surface which can essentially be pivoted between a first position and a second position. In this case, in the first position, the holding surface is aligned essentially transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the products in the format tube, so that the holding surface can receive and hold the products. In the second position, the holding surface is oriented essentially parallel to the direction of movement of the products in the forming tube.

As in the first basic embodiment of the invention described above, the holding surface of the holding device can also be moved in this second basic embodiment in the sense of a flap between the essentially horizontally aligned first position and the essentially vertically aligned second position, i.e. essentially pivotable by 90° . While in the first, horizontal or closed position the products are therefore lying on the holding surface, the holding surface cannot hold the products in its second, vertical or open position, ie the products initially lying on the holding surface slide down from the holding surface when the holding surface is pivoted into its second position .

In contrast to the first basic embodiment of the invention described above, the at least one holding device in this second basic embodiment is arranged overall in a stationary or fixed manner in the format tube. The holding device can thus not be moved back and forth between the upper end of the forming tube and the lower end of the forming tube in the forming tube.

In order to bring about the desired gentle transport of the products through the forming tube, at least two holding devices are preferably arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the products in the forming tube. The first or uppermost of the at least two holding devices is arranged and designed such that it essentially picks up the products at the upper end of the forming tube, while the holding surface of this first holding device is in its first, essentially horizontal position. The products then lie on the holding surface of the first holding device. The holding surface of the first holding device is then pivoted into its second, essentially vertical position, so that the products are released from the first holding device and are moved further down in the format tube.

The subsequent second of the at least two holding devices is preferably arranged and adapted to receive the products discharged from the first of the at least two holding devices while the holding surface of the second holding device is in its first, substantially horizontal position. The products then lie on the holding surface of the second holding device. The holding surface of the second holding device is then pivoted into its second, essentially vertical position, see above that the products are released from the second holding device and are in turn moved further down in the format tube.

The lowest of the at least two holding devices in the direction of movement of the products in the forming tube is in turn arranged and designed in such a way that it receives the products that are released from the holding device arranged above or preceding the at least two holding devices, while the holding surface the lowermost holding device is in its first, substantially horizontal position. The products then lie on the holding surface of the lowest holding device. The holding surface of the lowest holding device is then pivoted into its second, essentially vertical position, so that the products are discharged from the lowest holding device and finally discharged from the shaping tube essentially at the lower end of the shaping tube.

Thus, several comparable holding devices with flap-like pivotable product holding surfaces can be arranged one behind the other in the format tube. The products are successively transferred from one holding device to a subsequent, next holding device. Such a number of successive holding devices in the forming tube thus form a multi-stage flap system in which the products are transported in a cascade-like manner from the upper end to the lower end of the forming tube.

The products are moved through the forming tube gently and while maintaining their original position orientation and/or arrangement at the upper end of the forming tube, so to speak lying, and thus inserted into the subsequent packaging bag. In particular, this ensures that the products are repeatedly slowed down in their movement by the individual holding devices or flaps in the cascade and thus do not fall through the format tube over the entire height or are poured out. The falling energy of the products from one flap to the next is lower than if the products without flaps in the format tube would immediately fall from top to bottom over the entire length of the tube. In addition to the gentle treatment of the products, this also ensures that the products do not twist or tilt during transport through the format tube and that they are not damaged.

If several comparable holding devices are arranged in the forming tube, the vertical distances between the holding devices are preferably essentially the same. This further supports the advantages described above.

The cascade-like, successive movement of the holding devices or their respective holding surface or flap is synchronized by means of suitable control and drive devices. In particular, each of the plurality of holding devices has separate drive devices which are designed to pivot the respective holding surface between its first position and its second position. The individual drive devices of the holding devices are preferably designed in such a way that they can be controlled and actuated independently of one another. However, these individual drive devices are preferably synchronized with one another in such a way that they only actuate their respective holding surface or flap when products are present on the holding surface or flap, which products are then to be transferred to the next holding device in a timely and correctly controlled manner.

The drive devices of the holding devices can be arranged outside the forming tube or preferably in a separate free space and/or on an edge inside the forming tube.

The invention also provides a method for transporting products in a format tube of a vertical tubular bagging machine, the method being carried out by a device as described above.

Furthermore, the invention also provides a vertical flow-wrapping machine that includes a device for transporting products in a format tube of the flow-wrapping machine, as described above. This tubular bag machine also includes a Forming shoulder for feeding a packaging film to the forming tube and for forming a film tube from the packaging film, the formed film tube being conveyed from top to bottom following the forming shoulder along the outside of the forming tube; and sealing devices for forming at least one sealing seam in the tubular film to form a packaging bag. The products discharged from the forming tube at the lower end of the forming tube are received in the packaging bag that is formed, with the products essentially retaining their defined alignment.

Further details and advantages of the invention result from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of essential parts of a tubular bag packaging machine.

2 shows a perspective view of a transport device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first position.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the transport device of FIG. 2 in a second position.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the transport device of Figs. 2 and 3 in a third position.

Fig. 5a shows the transport device of Figs. 2 to 4 in a plan view from the front in a position corresponding essentially to the second position from FIG. 3, with parts of the transport device being removed.

FIG. 5b shows the transport device of FIG. 5a in a side view. Fig. 6 shows an enlarged perspective, partially sectioned view of the transport device of Figs. 5a and 5b.

figs 7a to 7e show schematic side views of a transport device according to a second embodiment of the invention in different positions.

Fig. 1 shows essential parts of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine 10. By means of a substantially vertical forming tube 20, an endless tubular film is formed from a continuously fed endless flat packaging film in such a way that the tubular film is given a cross section which essentially corresponds to the cross section of the forming tube 20 and in Substantially corresponds to a cross section or longitudinal section of a single packaging bag V to be formed at the lower end of the forming tube 20 . The flat packaging film is fed in from above at an angle to the right in FIG. Following the forming shoulder 30, the film tube formed in this way is then conveyed further along the outside of the forming tube 20, i.e. drawn downwards in FIG.

Simultaneously with the formation of the film tube and the packaging bag V, the packaged goods (products P) to be packaged in these are fed to the upper end 22 of the format tube 20, filled into the format tube 20 and guided downwards through the format tube 20. At the lower end 24 of the format tube 20, the packaged goods are then released into the formed tubular film. For this purpose, sealing devices, in particular transverse sealing devices 40, are provided behind or below the format tube 20 in the conveying direction for forming a transverse sealing seam in the film tube. A packaging bag V is formed in each case by means of this sealing seam, ie a closed packaging unit filled with packaging material is separated from the endless tubular film. Corresponding cutting devices are typically also provided for this purpose in connection with the sealing devices 40 (not shown in FIG. 1). The transverse sealing devices 40 essentially form transverse to the conveying direction of the film tube and the products P Transverse sealing seams, which represent, for example, so-called top seams and/or bottom seams of the packaging bag V in relation to the conveying direction or the alignment of a finished packaging bag V.

Further sealing devices, in particular longitudinal sealing devices 50, are provided, for example, in the area of the forming shoulder 30 and/or the format tube 20 in order to form longitudinal sealing seams in the film tube that run essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the film tube and the products P. These longitudinal sealing seams represent, for example, side seams of a finished packaging bag V.

In the exemplary embodiment of a tubular bag packaging machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, a so-called doy-style bag is produced, which can be seen schematically below the lower end 24 of the format tube 20. This type of bag is manufactured here in a lateral orientation or position, i.e. the side seam formed by the longitudinal sealing devices 50, which can be seen on the left side of the bag V in Fig. 1, ultimately represents the top seam K at the upper end of the finished bag V. For the product presentation the bag V later stands on its bottom B, which can be seen on the right-hand side of the bag V in FIG. This bottom B typically has an essentially rectangular shape, which is formed by a side wall (here the rear right side wall, which is not visible in FIG. 1 ) of the format tube 20 .

In this embodiment, this laterally lying bag V is then filled with products P from above, i.e. from its upper side, from the format tube 20 and then sealed and closed with a transverse sealing seam at the top in FIG. This transverse sealing seam is ultimately a side seam of the finished bag V.

As described at the outset, in one embodiment, elongated or rod-shaped products P are transported or conveyed essentially lying down through the format tube 20 and transferred into the packaging bag V lying on the side shown in FIG. 1, as will be further described below. These products P are then in the finished bag V, which ultimately stands on its bottom B, Arranged upright for product presentation and use, ie they can be pulled vertically out of the bag V lengthwise when the top seam K is open.

The finished bag V, in particular as a doy-style bag, can have a shape that tapers more or less sharply from its bottom B to its top seam K or can have a correspondingly tapering shape, as indicated by the dashed lines in the area of the transverse sealing devices 40 is indicated in FIG. In this case, for example, a rod 44 or the like is provided below or in the lower area of the format tube 20, which acts on the inside of the bag V against the closed top seam K and thereby pulls the bag V more or less flat in the direction of its top seam K and/or or stretches and/or spreads while maintaining the substantially rectangular shape of the bottom B as a standing surface.

It goes without saying that other bag shapes and geometries as well as other bag cross sections and longitudinal sections are also conceivable.

As described at the outset, elongated or rod-shaped or bar-shaped products P are to be transported or conveyed individually or in groups or bundles essentially lying down through the format tube 20 of the vertical tubular bag packaging machine 10 . Additionally or alternatively (fracture) sensitive products P are to be transported or promoted through the format tube 20 . These products P should be moved in such a way that on the one hand they essentially retain a position orientation or orientation and/or arrangement in front of or above the format tube 20 during their transport through the format tube 20 until they are transferred into the packaging bag V that has been formed. This is relevant, for example, above all in the case of elongated or rod-shaped articles, as was described above by way of example in connection with the production and filling of a doy-style bag. It goes without saying, however, that articles with other shapes can also be considered. Additionally or alternatively, the products, especially those that are (breakage) sensitive, should be treated gently and so through the format tube 20 must be moved and filled into the packaging bag V in such a way that damage and/or breakage of the products is avoided.

A first, shown in Figs. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 relates to a conveying device 100 that works essentially in the sense of an elevator or a "product lift", which is arranged inside the format tube 20 and extends essentially over its entire height. The conveyor device 100 picks up the products, which are produced and supplied by an upstream unit, at the upper end 22 of the forming tube 20, conveys them from there to the lower end 24 of the forming tube 20, and delivers the products at the lower end 24 of the Form tube 20 from where they are included in a packaging bag V formed. The products are conveyed by the conveying device 100 in particular actively and/or in a controlled manner and/or under forced control, i.e. they do not fall under the influence of gravity from top to bottom through the format tube 20 or parts of the format tube 20. The conveyor device 100 is also designed in this way and operable such that the products substantially maintain their defined orientation at the upper end 22 of the forming tube 20 as they are conveyed through the forming tube 20.

The conveying device 100 comprises a holding device 110 which can be moved back and forth, that is to say upwards and downwards, essentially between the upper end 22 of the format tube 20 and the lower end 24 of the format tube 20 . The holding device 110 is designed to receive the products at the upper end 22 of the format tube 20 (see FIG. 2), then to convey the products down through the format tube 20 and to hold the products in such a way that they do not change their positional orientation (see FIG. 3), and finally to deliver the products again at the lower end 24 of the format tube 20 (see FIG. 4). The holding device 110 has a holding surface 112 which, in a first position, receives and holds the products, ie on which the products lie. In the figs. 2 to 6, the holding device 110 is shown without the products. After the holding device 110 has delivered the products in the lower position (FIG. 4), it is empty, that is to say without products, is moved back up in order to pick up products there again (FIG. 2). For the upward and downward movement of the holding device 110, the conveyor device 100 has suitable drive and guide devices, which are shown in particular in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 6 are shown. In these latter figures, one shown in Figs. 2 to 4 existing cover 105 of the conveyor 100 is removed in order to be able to recognize the drive and guide devices inside the conveyor 100.

The drive and guide devices have transmission means in the form of a toothed belt drive 140 and a motor 130 for driving the transmission means or the toothed belt drive 140 . The toothed belt drive 140 consists essentially of a running, closed toothed belt 144 that extends over the entire length or height of the format tube 20 or the conveyor device 100 and a toothed wheel 142 that engages in the toothed belt 144. The toothed wheel 142 is, for example, at the upper end or located in the upper portion of the conveyor 100 as shown in Figs. 5a, 5b and 6. A deflection roller 146 for the toothed belt 144 is arranged at the lower end or in the lower region of the conveyor device 100 . The motor 130 drives the gear 142, i.e. it rotates the gear 142, whereby the rotational movement of the motor 130 causes a translational movement of the toothed belt 144, typically.

The holding device 110 is fastened to the toothed belt 144 with a fastening bracket 114 or the like in such a way that it moves therewith. In order for the holding device 110 to be able to move back and forth or up and down, the direction of movement of the toothed belt 144 must be reversed in each case when the holding device 110 is in its lower or its upper maximum position. The toothed belt 144 therefore does not run continuously in one direction but changes its direction of movement accordingly.

Accordingly, the motor 130 and the toothed belt drive 140 interact in such a way that in a first direction of action, in particular a first direction of rotation, of the motor 130 the holding device 110 held on the toothed belt 144 is moved downwards, and that in a second direction of action, in particular a second Direction of rotation of the motor 130, the holding device 110 held on the toothed belt 144 is moved upwards. Accordingly, the direction of action of the motor 130 is reversed in each case when the holding device 110 is in its lower or its upper maximum position.

As in Figs. 5a and 6, the holding device 110 is only attached to the toothed belt 144 on one side by means of the attachment bracket 114, in particular to a first leg 144a of the toothed belt 144 running around it. On the side opposite the fastening bracket 114, the toothed belt 144, in particular the other, second leg 144b of the circulating toothed belt 144, runs through the holding device 110, so to speak. It is understood that the first leg 144a and the second leg 144b of the revolving toothed belt 144 have mutually opposite directions of movement when the motor 130 drives the toothed belt 144 .

The conveyor device 100, or a carrier or base part 102 of the conveyor device 100, and the holding device 110 also have suitable cooperating guide means or elements in order to bring about the upward and downward movement of the holding device 110. Thus, the carrier or base part 102 of the conveyor device 100 can have guide rails or guide rods or guide tracks 120, while the holding device 110 can have corresponding guide tracks, guide surfaces, guide tubes or guide channels 116 engaging in these guide elements, as can be seen in Fig. 6.

It goes without saying that the gearing means of conveyor device 100 can also include other suitable drive and/or gearing means, for example a belt drive, a chain drive, a linear drive or a rack and pinion drive or combinations of these variants, instead of the toothed belt drive 140 and/or the motor 130 mentioned above . The interacting guide means or elements of the carrier or base part 102 of the conveyor device 100 and the holding device 110 can also be designed differently in a suitable manner. The holding device 110 is designed in such a way that it can receive the products at the upper end 22 of the forming tube 20 and essentially holds the products in their original position orientation, while the holding device 110 extends from the upper end 22 of the forming tube 20 to the lower end 24 of the Format tube 20 is moved. Furthermore, the holding device 110 is designed in such a way that it can release the products at the lower end 24 of the format tube 20 .

For this purpose, the holding device 110 has a movable, in particular pivotable, holding surface 112 which receives and holds the products, i.e. on which the products lie during transport through the format tube 20. The support surface 112 is generally pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the holding surface 112 is essentially horizontal, i.e. aligned transversely or perpendicularly to the direction in which the products are conveyed in the format tube 20, so that the holding surface 112 can receive and hold the products. This position of the holding surface 112 is shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5a, 5b and 6. In the second position, the holding surface 112 is essentially perpendicular, i.e. aligned parallel to the direction of conveyance of the products in the format tube 20. In this position, the holding surface 112 cannot hold the products. This position of the holding surface 112 is shown in FIG.

The holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 can thus be moved in the sense of a flap between the horizontal, first position and the vertical, second position, and can therefore be pivoted essentially through 90°. While the products lie on the holding surface 112 in the first, horizontal position and are conveyed through the format tube 20 with the holding device 110, the holding surface 112 cannot hold the products in their second, vertical position, i.e. those lying initially on the holding surface 112 Products slide down the support surface 112 when the support surface 112 is pivoted to its second position.

In order for the products to be released from the holding device 110 as intended at the lower end 24 of the format tube 20 in order to be transferred into the packaging bag, the pivoting movement of the holding surface 112 from its horizontal, first position into its vertical, second position may essentially only take place when the holding device 110 has reached or reached the lower end 24 of the format tube 20 during its downward movement through the format tube 20 . In the upper region of the format tube 20, the holding surface 112 is thus in its horizontal, first position during the downward movement of the holding device 110.

In order to bring about the pivoting movement of holding surface 112 from its horizontal, first position to its vertical, second position in the course of the downward movement of holding device 110, further guide means or elements are provided on conveyor device 100 in the lower region of format tube 20, which Guide means or elements of the holding device 110 cooperation. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, these guide means or elements of the conveyor device 100 comprise, for example, a curved guide track or guide surface 150, which extends as a guide curve or curved track over a certain length in the conveying direction of the products or in the direction of the downward movement of the holding device 110 extends.

Guide means or elements, for example in the form of a guide roller 118 , are provided on the holding device 110 or the holding surface 112 , which interact with the guide cam or cam track 150 . The guide roller 118 of the holding device 110 rolls on the guide curve 150 of the conveyor device 100 when the holding device 110 is moved up or down in the guide curve 150 in the format tube 20 . The guide curve 150 is designed and shaped in such a way that the cooperation of the guide roller 118 with the guide curve 150 causes the holding surface or flap 112 of the holding device 110 to be pivoted and, depending on the direction of movement of the holding device 110, in particular from its horizontal first position to its vertical second position or from its vertical second position to its horizontal first position. Specifically, the holding surface 112 is brought from its first position to its second position during the downward movement of the holding device 110 along the guide curve 150, whereas the holding surface 112 is brought from its second position to its first position in the course of the upward movement of the holding device 110 along the guide curve 150 . The holding surface or flap 112 is thus opened or closed to a certain extent, being in the closed state can hold the funded products, while they can not hold the products in the open state, ie outputs in the conveying direction down. After the products have been delivered, the holding device 110 is closed again and moved from bottom to top empty, ie without products. The guide curve 150 can therefore also be referred to as an “opening curve and/or closing curve”.

As long as the guide roller 118 of the holding device 110 does not roll on the guide curve 150 , it can be provided that the guide roller 118 rolls on a vertically running, essentially straight or level guide path of the conveyor device 100 . The flap 112 is then held in its horizontal position over the corresponding guide distance (outside the guide curve 150) by means of the guide roller 118 .

As shown in particular in FIG. 6, the guide curve 150 is arranged in the lower region of the conveyor device 100 next to or parallel to the guide rails 120, via which the main upwards or downwards movement of the holding device 110 is guided. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the guide rails 120 end directly above the guide curve 150 so that the downward movement of the holding device 110 is guided by the guide rails 120 to the guide curve 150 . The same applies in reverse for a transition from the guide curve 150 to the guide rails 120 during the upward movement of the holding device 110.

The height or vertical length of the guide curve 150 is typically smaller than the height or vertical length of the guide rails 120, in particular than the length of the guide rails 120 that is active for the guide 20 out with its holding surface 112 in its horizontal, first position. In contrast, the holding device 110 is guided in the lower region of the format tube 20 only over a comparatively short distance, namely over the length of the guide curve 150, during which the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 moves between its closed, horizontal, first position and its open, vertical, second position pivoted. The effect of this configuration is that the holding device 110 holds the products on their holding surface over the longer or greatest distance, namely the upper part, of their downward movement in the format tube 20 and consequently conveys them actively, in a controlled manner or under forced control. Only at the lower end of the format tube 20 does the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 pivot into its open, vertical position and release the products downwards. During its subsequent backward or upward movement, the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 then pivots back into its closed, horizontal position in order to be able to receive products again at the upper end of the format tube 20 .

In an embodiment in which the guide curve or opening curve 150 is arranged in the lower area of the format tube 20 or the conveyor device 100, the problem may arise that in the group of products released by the holding device 110, as described above, individual products may protrude at the top and still protrude into the format tube 20 and/or the region of the holding device 110 with its open holding surface 112. These products can then possibly collide with the holding device 110 and/or be pinched by the closing holding surface 112 and thus possibly damaged and/or be pulled back up with the holding device 110 .

In order to prevent this, it can be provided that the guide cam track or opening cam 150 is temporarily moved upwards out of this lower area of the conveyor device 100 . For this purpose, the opening cam 150 can be displaced up and down parallel to the guide rails 120 over a specific length or height of the conveyor device 100 (which is not shown in the drawings). The opening curve 150 is essentially in its lowermost position at the lower end of the conveyor device 100 when the holding device 110 is moved from top to bottom along the guide rails 120 and the opening curve 150 . After the holding device 110 has reached its lowermost position and the products have been released, the opening cam 150 is then moved from bottom to top essentially together with the holding device 110 over a certain length or height of the conveyor device 100 . In this phase, the holding device 110 essentially does not move along or relative to the opening cam 150, so that the opening cam 150 is moved upwards together with the holding device 110 at the same speed. In the absence of a relative movement between the opening curve 150 and the holding device 110, the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 essentially retains its vertical, open position in this phase. The effect of this is that the holding device 110 is initially moved in its open position out of the area of the products previously delivered at the lower end of the format tube 20 before the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 is closed again. This will prevent a collision with the previously dispensed products.

The relative movement between the holding device 110 and the opening cam 150 only begins when the opening cam 150 has reached the upper end of the distance provided for its vertical displacement and does not move any further upwards. The holding device 110 then moves along the opening cam 150 from bottom to bottom above, whereby now the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 is pivoted from its vertical or open position to its horizontal or closed position.

As soon as the holding device 110 has essentially reached the upper end of the opening curve 150 during this movement, the guidance or movement of the holding device 110 is transferred to the guide means, in particular the guide rails 120, of the conveyor device 100, i.e. the holding device 110 leaves the area of the opening curve 150. The holding device 110 then moves further upwards along this guide means 120 to the upper end of the conveyor device 100. During this further upward movement, the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 essentially maintains its horizontal, closed position, and then at the upper end of the format tube 20 again to take products.

The distance or height over which the opening curve 150 together with the

Holding device 110 in the format tube 20 moves from bottom to top without a relative movement between the opening curve 150 and the holding device 110 can be of different lengths. If this distance or height of the upward movement is only relatively short, the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 is correspondingly pivoted from its vertical, open position to its horizontal, closed position essentially more in a lower area of the format tube 20 . On the other hand, if the distance or height of the upward movement is rather relatively long, the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 will correspondingly be moved from its vertical, open position to its horizontal substantially in a higher area and preferably substantially in an upper area of the format tube 20 , closed position pivoted. In this latter case, a correspondingly larger part of the upward movement or essentially the entire upward movement of the holding device 110 thus takes place in the downwardly pivoted, open position of the holding surface 112. The holding surface 112 is then essentially only in the region of the upper end of the format tube 20, ie brought into the horizontal, closed position only shortly before the transfer of the subsequent, newly supplied products to the holding surface 112 .

This latter embodiment of pivoting the holding surface 112 into its closed position only in the area of the upper end of the format tube 20 has the advantage that the holding device 110 experiences less air resistance during its upward movement, i.e. air displacement through the holding surface 112, which may otherwise be closed, is reduced or is avoided. Otherwise, in the case of an upward movement with the holding surface 112 closed, there would be an effect comparable to an air pump.

This latter advantage can also be given in a further alternative embodiment, in which a separate closing cam track as such is arranged essentially stationary in the upper part of the forming tube 20 (which is not shown in the drawings). In this case, for example, an opening cam track can be arranged essentially in the lower area of the format tube 20, as was described above for the opening cam 150 and in Figs. 2 to 6 is shown. Separately from this can then be a separate Closing cam be arranged essentially in the upper region of the format tube 20. The opening cam then causes the holding surface 112 to be brought into its vertical, open position during the downward movement of the holding device 110 at the lower end of the format tube 20 . However, the opening curved path does not cause the holding surface 112 to be brought back into its horizontal, closed position during the subsequent backward movement, ie during the upward movement of the holding device 110 already essentially at the lower end of the format tube 20 . Rather, only the closing cam track arranged above the opening cam track and preferably in the upper area of the format tube 20 causes the holding surface 112 to be brought back into its horizontal, closed position during the upward movement of the holding device 110 . During the upward movement, the holding surface 112 thus remains in its open position until the closing curved path is reached.

According to this embodiment, the opening cam track 150, the guide means provided on the holding device 110, such as one or more guide rollers 118, the closing cam track and, if necessary, the guide rails or guide tracks 120 provided on the conveyor device 100 are designed and arranged in such a way and they interact in such a way that the above-described sequence and systematics of the opening and/or closing movement of the holding surface 112 can be accomplished. This can include, in particular, holding surface 112 being and remaining in its open position while holding device 110 moves along opening cam track 150 located in the lower area and/or along guide rails or guide tracks 120 of conveyor device 100 located next to and/or above it in the Format tube 20 is moved from bottom to top until the holding device 110 reaches the closing cam track. Only with a further upward movement of the holding device 110 along the closing curved path is the holding surface 112 then pivoted into its closed position. The holding surface 112 is thus preferably brought into its closed position essentially only in the area of the upper end of the format tube 20, ie only shortly before the transfer of the subsequent, next supplied products to the holding surface 112. In order to achieve the above-described sequence and systematics of the opening and/or closing movement of the holding surface 112, provision can also be made, for example, for a plurality of, for example at least two, guide rollers to be mounted on the holding device 110 in accordance with the one described above and shown in Figs. 5a, 5b and 6 shown guide roller 118 are provided. A first of these several guide rollers interacts with the opening cam track 150 in such a way that the holding surface 112 is opened during the downward movement and initially remains in the open position during the subsequent upward movement. Another of the plurality of guide rollers on the holding device 110 then cooperates with the closing cam track in such a way that the holding surface 112 is closed during the upward movement along the closing cam track.

the figs 7a to 7e show a second embodiment of a transport device 200 for transporting products P in the format tube 20 of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine 10. This transport device 200 has at least one stationary holding device 210 arranged in the format tube 20, which is designed to receive the products P, to hold and give. The holding device 210 has a holding surface 212 which, essentially identical or similar to the holding surface 112 of the holding device 110 of the first embodiment described above, can be pivoted in the sense of a flap essentially between a first position and a second position. The holding surface 212 is essentially horizontal in the first position, ie aligned transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the products P in the format tube 20, so that the holding surface 212 can receive and hold the products P. In the second position, the holding surface 212 is aligned essentially perpendicularly, that is to say parallel to the direction of movement of the products P in the format tube 20 . The holding surface 212 of the holding device 210 can therefore be pivoted essentially through 90°.

While the products P lie on the holding surface 212 in the first, horizontal or closed position, the holding surface 212 cannot hold the products P in their second, vertical or open position, ie the products P initially lying on the holding surface 212 slide under the influence of gravity downwardly from support surface 212 when support surface 212 is pivoted to its second position.

In order to bring about the desired careful transport of the products P through the format tube 20, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7a to 7e, three such holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the products P in the format tube 20, i.e. one below the other, preferably at equal distances from one another. The holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c each have a holding surface 212a, 212b, 212c for the products P. Fig. 7a shows these three holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c with their holding surfaces 212a, 212b, 212c each in their first, horizontal or closed position, without products P being fed to the format tube 20 and/or from the holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c were included.

As Fig. 7b shows, the uppermost holding device 210a of the three holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c receives products P in a defined position orientation essentially at the upper end of the format tube 20, while its holding surface 212a is in its first, essentially horizontal position . The products P are typically elongate, rod-shaped products shown in Figs. 7b to 7e are shown in cross section. However, any other product forms are also conceivable.

The products P lie as a group in their defined positional orientation on the uppermost holding surface 212a and are then moved downwards through the format tube 20 essentially while maintaining this positional orientation as a constant group (i.e. the same number of individual products in the group). For this purpose, the holding surface 212a of the first holding device 210a is pivoted into its second, vertical position, so that the products P are released from the first holding device 210a and are moved further down in the format tube 20 under the influence of gravity.

The following second holding device 210b takes up these products P with its closed holding surface 212b, as shown in FIG. 7c. The products P then lie on the holding surface 212b in essentially the same positional orientation as before on the holding surface 212a of the first holding device 210a.

The holding surface 212b of the second holding device 210b is then opened, i.e. pivoted into its second, vertical position, so that the products P are released from the second holding device 210b and are again moved further down in the format tube 20 under the influence of gravity, where they can then be picked up by the closed holding surface 212c of the third holding device 210c again essentially while maintaining their original positional orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 7d.

This system can be repeated accordingly if there are more than three holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c. In principle, any number of holding devices connected in series in the format tube 20 is conceivable.

The lowermost holding device 210c of the plurality of holding devices in the direction of movement of the products P in the forming tube 20 releases the products P in a corresponding manner by opening its holding surface 212c in turn downwards, so that the products P ultimately essentially reach the lower end of the forming tube 20 are issued from the format tube 20. Here the products P are picked up by the subsequent packaging bag V formed from the film tube while maintaining their original positional orientation, as shown in FIG. 7e.

With such a multi-stage, cascade-like flap system, the products P are transported from the upper end to the lower end of the forming tube 20 gently and essentially while maintaining their original position orientation and/or arrangement at the upper end of the forming tube 20 and thus finally into the subsequent packaging bag V inserted.

The ones shown in Figs. 7a to 7e shown multi-stage transport device 200 typically also has suitable control and drive devices for the synchronized successive movement of the holding surfaces 212a, 212b, 212c of Holding devices 210a, 210b, 210c to effect the product transport through the format tube 20. These control and drive devices, shown as such in Figs. 7a to 7e are not shown can be arranged outside the format tube 20 or in a separate free space 220 and/or on an edge inside the format tube 20.

Reference character list

10 flow wrap packaging machine

20 format tube

22 upper end of the format tube

24 lower end of the format tube

30 form shoulder

40 cross sealing devices

44 staff

50 longitudinal sealing devices

100 conveyor

102 Carrier or base part of the conveyor

105 cover

110 holding device

112 retaining surface, flap

114 mounting bracket

116 guide track, guide surface, guide tube

118 leadership role

120 guide rail, guide track, guide rod

130 engine

140 toothed belt drive

142 gear

144 timing belt

144a first leg of the toothed belt

144b second leg of the toothed belt

146 pulley

150 guide cam, cam track, opening cam

200 transport device

210a, 210b, 210c holding devices

212a, 212b, 212c retaining surfaces, flaps

220 free space V packing bag

B Bottom of packing bag

K top seam of packing bag

P products

Claims

38 patent claims

1 . Device for transporting products (P) in a format tube (20) of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine (10), characterized by

- receiving means adapted to receive the products (P) substantially at the upper end (22) of the forming tube (20), the products (P) having a defined orientation;

- transport means adapted to move the products (P) substantially from the top end (22) of the forming tube (20) to substantially the bottom end (24) of the forming tube (20), the transport means being so configured that the products (P) essentially retain their defined orientation while being moved through the format tube (20); and

- delivery means adapted to deliver the products (P) substantially at the lower end (24) of the forming tube (20), the delivery means being adapted such that the products (P) substantially maintain their defined orientation while they are released from the format tube (20).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by a conveyor device (100) which comprises the receiving means, the transport means and the delivery means, wherein the conveyor device (100) is designed for the products (P) at the upper end (22) of the format tube (20) to receive the products (P) from the upper end (22) of the forming tube (20) to the lower end (24) of the forming tube (20) and to convey the products (P) at the lower end (22) of the format tube (20), the conveying device (100) being designed in such a way that the products (P) essentially retain their defined alignment while they are being conveyed through the format tube (20).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the conveyor device (100) comprises the following features: 39

- a holding device (110) which is adapted to receive, hold and deliver the products (P); and

- Drive devices which are designed to move the holding device (110) back and forth substantially between the upper end (22) of the format tube (20) and the lower end (24) of the format tube (20);

- wherein the drive devices are also designed to change a position of the holding device (110) in such a way that the holding device (110) can receive the products (P) at the upper end (22) of the format tube (20) such that the holding device (110) holds the products (P) while the holding device (110) is moved from the upper end (22) of the forming tube (20) to the lower end (24) of the forming tube (20), and that the holding device (110) the products (P) can be delivered at the lower end (24) of the format tube (20).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the holding device (110) has a holding surface (112) which is pivotable between a first position and a second position substantially, wherein the holding surface (112) in the first position is substantially vertical is aligned with the direction of conveyance of the products (P) in the forming tube (20) so that the holding surface (112) can receive and hold the products (P), and wherein the holding surface (112) is substantially parallel in the second position is aligned with the direction of conveyance of the products (P) in the format tube (20).

5. Device according to one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the drive devices comprise gearing means (140, 142, 144) connected to the holding device (110) and a motor (130) for driving the gearing means (140, 142, 144). .

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the gear means comprise a toothed belt drive (140) which has a circulating toothed belt (144) extending substantially over the entire length of the format tube (20) and a gear wheel which engages in the toothed belt (144). (142), wherein the motor (130) drives the gear (142), 40 rotates in particular, and wherein the motor (130) and the transmission means (140, 142, 144) interact in particular in such a way that in a first direction of action, in particular a first direction of rotation, of the motor (130), the holding device (110) rotates in a direction from is moved from the upper end (22) of the forming tube (20) to the lower end (24) of the forming tube (20), and that in a second direction of action, in particular a second direction of rotation, of the motor (130) the holding device (110) in one Direction from the lower end (24) of the format tube (20) to the upper end (22) of the format tube (20) is moved.

7. Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that

- the holding device (110) comprises first guide means, in particular at least one guide roller (118) and/or at least one guide track or guide surface (116) which extends essentially straight in the conveying direction of the products (P);

- the drive devices comprise second guide means, in particular at least one guide track or guide rail (120) which extends in the conveying direction of the products (P) essentially straight over a first part of the length of the format tube (20);

- wherein the first and the second guide means (116, 118; 120) are in particular designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) is in its first position, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the Promotion of the products (P) is aligned in the format tube (20) when the holding device (110) is moved downwards or upwards in the format tube (20) along the second guide means (120).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that

- the drive devices comprise third guide means, in particular at least one guide track (150) which extends in a curved shape in the conveying direction of the products (P) over a second part of the length of the format tube (20), the third guide means (150) being in the conveying direction of the Products (P) essentially behind the second guide means (120) and / or in are arranged essentially in the lower region of the forming tube (20) next to the second guide means (120);

- wherein the first and the third guide means (116, 118; 150) are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) is pivoted from its first position to its second position, in which it is essentially parallel to aligned with the direction of conveyance of the products (P) in the forming tube (20) when the holding device (110) is moved from top to bottom along the third guide means (150) in the forming tube (20).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that

- the first and the third guide means (116, 118; 150) are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) is pivoted from its second position to its first position when the holding device (110) is moved along the third guide means (150) in the format tube (20) is moved from bottom to top.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the third guide means (150) are arranged essentially in the region of the lower end (24) of the format tube (20), and that a second part of the length of the format tube (20), over which the third guide means (150) extend is smaller than a first part of the length of the format tube (20) over which the second guide means (120) extend.

11 . Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that

- the third guide means (150) are arranged in the lower region of the forming tube (20) essentially next to the second guide means (120) and can be displaced up and down parallel to the second guide means (120) over a third part of the length of the forming tube (20). are;

- wherein the third guide means (150) are located essentially at the lower end (24) of the format tube (20) in their lowermost position when the holding device (110) along the second guide means (120) and the third guide means (150) in the Format tube (20) is moved from top to bottom; - wherein, after the holding device (110) has reached its lowermost position, the third guide means (150) are moved from bottom to top essentially together with the holding device (110) over the third part of the length of the format tube (20), wherein the holding device (110) does not move substantially along the third guide means (150) such that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) substantially maintains its second position during movement over the third part of the length of the format tube (20); and

- The holding device (110) first moving from bottom to top along the third guide means (150), so that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) is pivoted from its second position into its first position when the third guide means ( 150) have reached the top of the third part of the length of the forming tube (20) and are not moving any further up.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that

- the holding device (110) then moves further along the second guide means (120) from bottom to top to the upper end (22) of the format tube (20), the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) during this movement along the second Guide means (120) maintains its first position substantially.

13. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that

- the drive devices comprise fourth guide means, in particular at least one guide track which extends in the conveying direction of the products (P) in a curved manner over a fourth part of the length of the format tube (20);

- wherein the fourth guide means are arranged essentially in the region of the upper end (24) of the format tube (20); and or

- wherein the fourth guide means are arranged in the conveying direction of the products (P) substantially in front of the second guide means (120) and/or substantially in the upper region of the forming tube (20) next to the second guide means (120);

- wherein the first guide means (116, 118) and the fourth guide means are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110) is pivoted from its second position into its first position, 43 in which it is oriented essentially perpendicularly to the direction of conveyance of the products (P) in the forming tube (20) when the holding device (110) is moved from bottom to top in the forming tube (20) along the fourth guide means.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that

- the first guide means (116, 118) and/or the second guide means (120) and/or the third guide means (150) and/or the fourth guide means are designed and interact in such a way that the holding surface (112) of the holding device (110 ) is in its second position when the holding device (110) is moved from bottom to top along the third guide means (150) and/or the second guide means (120) in the forming tube (20) until the holding device (110) reaches the fourth leadership achieved.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means, the transport means and the delivery means have at least one holding device (210a, 210b, 210c) which is designed to receive, hold and deliver the products (P), the at least one holding device (210a, 210b, 210c) has a holding surface (212a, 212b, 212c) which can be pivoted essentially between a first position and a second position, the holding surface (212a, 212b, 212c) in the first position im Is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the products (P) in the forming tube (20), so that the holding surface (212a, 212b, 212c) can receive and hold the products (P), and wherein the holding surface (212a, 212b , 212c) in the second position is aligned essentially parallel to the direction of movement of the products (P) in the forming tube (20).

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that

- at least two holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the products (P) in the format tube (20);

- wherein the first (210a) of the at least two holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c) is arranged and adapted to hold the products (P) substantially on the 44 receiving the upper end (22) of the format tube (20) while the holding surface (212a) of the first holding device (210a) is in its first position;

- wherein the holding surface (212a) of the first holding device (210a) is then pivoted into its second position, so that the products (P) are released and moved further down in the format tube (20).

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that

- the second (210b) of the at least two holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c) is arranged and adapted to receive the products (P) discharged from the first (210a) of the at least two holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c). while the holding surface (212b) of the second holding means (210b) is in its first position;

- wherein the holding surface (212b) of the second holding device (210b) is then pivoted into its second position, so that the products (P) are discharged and moved further down in the format tube (20).

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that

- the lowest (210c) of the at least two holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c) in the direction of movement of the products (P) in the forming tube (20) is arranged and designed to receive the products (P) which are preceding holding means (210b) of the at least two holding means (210a, 210b, 210c) are released while the holding surface (212c) of the lowermost holding means (210c) is in its first position;

- wherein the holding surface (212c) of the lowermost holding device (210c) is then pivoted into its second position, so that the products (P) are discharged from the forming tube (20) essentially at the lower end (24) of the forming tube (20). .

19. Device according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that 45

- each of the holding means (210a, 210b, 210c) comprises drive means adapted to pivot the respective holding surface (212a, 212b, 212c) between the first position and the second position;

- The individual drive devices of the holding devices (210a, 210b, 210c) being designed in such a way that they can be controlled and actuated independently of one another.

20. Method for transporting products (P) in a format tube (20) of a vertical tubular bag packaging machine (10), characterized in that it is carried out by a device according to one of claims 1 to 19.

21 . Vertical tubular bag packaging machine (10), characterized by the following features:

- A device for transporting products (P) in a format tube (20) of the tubular bag packaging machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19;

- a forming shoulder (30) for feeding a packaging film to the forming tube (20) and for forming a film tube from the packaging film, the formed film tube being conveyed from top to bottom following the forming shoulder (30) along the outside of the forming tube (20). becomes;

- Sealing devices (40, 50) for forming at least one sealing seam (K) in the film tube to form a packaging bag (V);

- wherein the products (P) discharged from the forming tube (20) at the lower end (24) of the forming tube (20) are received in the packaging bag (V) formed, the products (P) substantially retaining their defined orientation.