Patent Application
20230174332
A horizontal forming device has already been proposed in US 5 235 792 A, with at least one forming unit which is configured for forming a packaging material web into a packaging material tube, and with at least one form-guiding unit which is configured for further guiding the packaging material tube transversely to a run-in direction of the packaging material web at the forming unit while maintaining a material tension generated by the forming unit.
Furthermore, horizontal forming devices are also known from EP 1 364 876 A1, JP H06-312 710 A und US 4 520 615 A.
The invention is based on a horizontal forming device, in particular for horizontal flow pack machines, with at least one, in particular roller-free, forming unit, in particular a forming shoulder, which is configured for forming a packaging material web, in particular a paper web, into a packaging material tube, and with at least one form-guiding unit, in particular a further forming shoulder, which is configured for further guiding the packaging material tube transversely to a run-in direction of the packaging material web at the forming unit while maintaining an, in particular homogeneous, material tension generated by the forming unit.
It is proposed that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one support surface, in particular a work plate, on which products that are to be packaged can be transported, the forming unit and the form-guiding unit being arranged on sides of the support surface that face away from each other.
Preferably a packaging machine, in particular a horizontal flow pack machine, comprises the horizontal forming device. In particular, the horizontal forming device is configured for guiding a packaging material, in particular the packaging material tube, along a horizontal transport direction, in particular along a transport direction running at least substantially perpendicularly to an effective gravity force direction. The term “substantially perpendicularly” is in particular meant to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, include a 90°-angle, the angle having a maximum deviation that is in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and especially advantageously smaller than 2°. “Configured” is in particular to mean specifically programmed, specifically designed and/or specifically equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be understood that the object fulfills and/or executes this certain function in at last one application state and/or operation state.
Preferably the horizontal forming device is configured at least for a forming and/or guiding of a packaging material web, the packaging material being preferentially realized as a paper material. In particular, the packaging material web is embodied as a paper web. The horizontal forming device may preferably be configured, additionally or at least alternatively, for a forming and/or guiding of a packaging material web wherein the packaging material is realized differently than a paper material, for example as a synthetic material. In particular, the packaging material web may alternatively be made of a synthetic material. The packaging material is in particular configured for a packaging, in particular an enveloping, of products, in particular food products. The packaging material is preferentially embodied as a packaging paper. A “packaging material web” is in particular to mean a planar, in particular two-dimensional, configuration of the packaging material, in particular of the packaging paper. Preferably the packaging machine comprises at least one packaging material wind-off unit, which is configured to accommodate the packaging material, in particular as a packaging material roll. Preferably the packaging material wind-off unit is configured for unwinding the packaging material as a packaging material web, in particular to feed the packaging material to a packaging material feeding unit of the packaging machine. The packaging material feeding unit is in particular configured to feed the packaging material web to the horizontal forming device, in particular to the forming unit. The packaging material feeding unit may comprise a plurality of components, in particular components known to someone skilled in the art, like for example at least one oscillating lever, at least one centering feeler, at least one web edge guide control and/or at least one printing unit for printing the packaging material.
A “packaging material tube” is in particular to mean a re-formed, in particular three-dimensional, configuration of the packaging material, in particular of the packaging paper, which is in particular re-formed at least transversely to a web plane of the packaging material web. In particular, the packaging material tube is configured to envelope products that are to be packaged. In particular, the packaging machine comprises at least one product feeding unit, in particular a conveyor belt, a driver chain or the like, which is configured to transport the products that are to be packaged, for an enveloping by the packaging material tube, into a region of the horizontal forming device, in particular of the forming unit. Preferably a transport direction of the products runs at least substantially parallel to a transport direction of the packaging material tube. “Substantially parallel” is in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction that is in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and especially advantageously smaller than 2°. Preferably the product feeding unit is arranged along the transport direction of the packaging material tube upstream of the horizontal forming device, in particular of the forming unit.
Preferably the packaging machine comprises at least one longitudinal sealing unit which is configured to create - in particular via a heat input into the packaging material and/or by pressure onto the packaging material - a longitudinal sealing seam of the packaging material tube, running in particular at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. The longitudinal sealing unit is arranged along the transport direction of the packaging material tube downstream of the horizontal forming device, in particular of the form-guiding unit. In particular, the longitudinal sealing unit comprises at least one pair of sealing rollers, which are in particular provided with a profile, and/or can be subjected to pressure and/or are heatable, and which are configured to transport the packaging material tube, in particular via rotation. Preferably the longitudinal sealing unit comprises a plurality of pairs of sealing rollers, wherein at least a first pair of sealing rollers, which is arranged along the transport direction of the packaging material tube downstream of the horizontal forming device, is implemented so as to be free of heating, in particular for a heating-free transport of the packaging material tube. Preferably the packaging machine comprises at least one transversal sealing unit which is configured, in particular in each case after a respective product, to create - in particular via selective pressure onto the packaging material and/or by a heat input into the packaging material - transversal sealing seams of the packaging material tube, which in particular extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. In particular, the transversal sealing unit is configured for singulating the packaging material tube into individual packagings, which in particular in each case enclose one product. The transversal sealing unit is arranged along the transport direction of the packaging material tube downstream of the longitudinal sealing unit.
The forming unit is preferably configured for a deflection of the packaging material web. In particular, the packaging material feeding unit is configured to feed the packaging material web to the forming unit along a direction that runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. The forming unit preferably has at least one folding edge around which the packaging material web is deflectable. Preferentially, the folding edge is embodied as a shoulder edge and the forming unit is embodied as a forming shoulder. In particular, the forming unit is realized free of rollers for a deflection of the packaging material web. Preferably the forming unit is configured to deflect the packaging material web at the folding edge in a direction that is transverse to the run-in direction of the packaging material web and transverse to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. In particular, the folding edge extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the run-in direction of the packaging material web and to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. In particular, the folding edge is configured to generate a homogeneous material tension in the packaging material. The forming unit preferably comprises at least two form-contour edges which extend, starting from the folding edge, transversely to the folding edge, in particular in a V-shape. In particular, the packaging material web can be re-formed at the form-contour edges so as to form the packaging material web. Preferably the form-contour edges extend along a running direction of the packaging material and/or along an outer contour of the fed-in products from the folding edge to a forming tunnel of the forming unit that is configured to guide the packaging material tube along the transport direction of the packaging material tube. In particular, a longitudinal axis of the forming tunnel runs at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging material tube.
The form-guiding unit is preferentially configured for further guiding the packaging material tube at least substantially perpendicularly to the run-in direction of the packaging material web at the forming unit, in particular along the transport direction of the packaging material tube, while maintaining the homogeneous material tension generated by the forming unit, in particular by the folding edge. In particular, the form-guiding unit is arranged along the transport direction of the packaging material tube downstream of the forming unit, and in particular upstream of the longitudinal sealing unit. Preferably the form-guiding unit comprises at least one, in particular three-dimensional, form-guiding contour, which is configured to support the guided packaging material tube, in particular at least an outer edge of the packaging material tube, in particular for an implementation of a maintaining of the homogeneous material tension. Preferably the form-guiding unit comprises at least two form-guiding contours, which are in particular arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary symmetry plane extending at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging material tube, in which in particular the transport direction of the packaging material runs and which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the folding edge of the forming unit. Preferably the form-guiding unit is implemented mirror-symmetrically, in particular with respect to the imaginary symmetry plane. It is alternatively conceivable that the form-guiding unit and/or the forming unit are/is implemented in an asymmetrical fashion. Preferably the form-guiding unit is realized free of rollers for a deflection of the packaging material tube, in particular as a further forming shoulder. In particular, the form-guiding unit may have a geometry that is at least substantially analogous to a geometry of the forming unit.
The support surface preferably forms a cargo track which the products can be transported on. The support surface preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. Preferably the product feeding unit, the longitudinal sealing unit, in particular the sealing rollers, and/or the transversal sealing unit are/is arranged at least section-wise within the support surface, extending at least section wise through the support surface. In particular, rotation axes of the sealing rollers of the longitudinal sealing unit extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface. Preferably the forming unit is arranged on a side of the support surface on which the products can be transported and on which in particular the packaging material wind-off unit and the packaging material feeding unit are arranged. The form-guiding unit is preferably arranged on a further side of the support surface, on which in particular the longitudinal sealing unit is arranged - at least to a large extent, in particular by more than 50% of a maximum extension of the longitudinal sealing unit - at least substantially parallel to the rotation axes of the sealing rollers. In particular, the form-guiding unit may be coupled at least section-wise with the support surface. In particular, the packaging material tube extends at least section-wise through the support surface, in particular to the further side of the support surface.
An implementation of the horizontal forming device according to the invention advantageously allows the packaging material tube being guided precisely on two sides of the support surface facing away from each other. Advantageously precise re-forming of a packaging material web into a packaging material tube is enabled. Advantageously packaging material webs made of sensitive, in particular tear-prone and/or very thin, materials, which are in particular made of paper, can be re-formed into packaging material tubes. It is advantageously possible to produce at least substantially crease-free packaging tubes. In particular, an advantageously compact horizontal forming device can be provided.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the form-guiding unit is realized, in particular arranged, separately from the forming unit. Preferably the form-guiding unit is realized as an autonomous component or as an autonomous sub-assembly, which is in particular implemented of two symmetrical components. In particular, the form-guiding unit is arranged spaced apart from the forming unit along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the packaging material tube, in particular along the run-in direction of the packaging material web, and/or along the transport direction of the packaging material tube. It is alternatively conceivable that the form-guiding unit is realized in a one-part implementation with the forming unit, in particular as a form-guiding projection of the forming unit. “In a one-part implementation” is in particular to mean formed in one piece. Preferably this one piece is made of a single blank, of a mass and/or of a cast, particularly preferentially in an injection-molding procedure, in particular a one-component and/or multi-component injection-molding procedure. Advantageously precise guiding of the packaging material tube is enabled over a large distance.
It is moreover proposed that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one, in particular U-shaped, product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel, which is configured to support the packaging material tube. The product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel may in particular be arranged on the side of the support surface that faces toward the forming unit, and may in particular be fastened on the support surface. The product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel may in particular extend along the transport direction of the packaging material tube at least from upstream of the forming unit as far as the forming unit, preferentially as far as the form-guiding unit and particularly preferentially as far as the first pair of sealing rollers of the longitudinal sealing unit. Preferably the product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel has a cross section that is implemented at least substantially in analogy to a cross section of products to be packaged, in particular a slightly greater cross section than the products to be packaged. In particular, the products are transportable within the product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel. Preferably the forming unit is configured to at least section-wise form the packaging material tube around the product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel, in particular around outer edges of the product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel. In particular, the product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel is configured to support the packaging material tube, in particular in addition to the form-guiding unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the horizontal forming device and the packaging machine are embodied free of a product and/or packaging material guiding tunnel. Advantageously precise enclosing of the products is enabled.
It is further proposed that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one adjusting unit which is configured, for an implementation of different packaging material tube geometries, to support the forming unit and the form-guiding unit such that they are adjustable, in particular in different adjustment planes. Preferably the horizontal forming device comprises at least two adjusting units, wherein one adjusting unit is configured to adjustably support the forming unit and wherein a further adjusting unit is configured to adjustably support the form-guiding unit. In particular, for packaging different products different packaging material tube geometries may be required. In particular, the packaging machine is configured for packaging different products, which in particular have different dimensions. In particular, for packaging different products having different maximum extensions at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface, in particular different heights, and/or having different maximum extensions at least substantially parallel to the support surface and transversally to the transport direction of the packaging material tube, in particular different widths, different packaging material tube geometries may be required. In particular, a maximum extension of the packaging material tube at least substantially perpendicular to the support surface, in particular a height of the packaging material tube, and/or a maximum extension of the packaging material tube at least substantially parallel to the support surface and transversely to the transport direction of the packaging material tube, in particular a width of the packaging material tube, are/is adjustable by an adjustment of the forming unit and/or of the form-guiding unit. In particular, the form-guiding unit may be adjustable via the further adjusting unit for a correction of uneven tension conditions in the packaging material.
Preferably the forming unit is supported so as to be adjustable in at least one adjustment plane extending on the side of the support surface that faces toward the forming unit. Preferably the form-guiding unit is supported so as to be adjustable in at least one further adjustment plane extending on the further side of the support surface that faces toward the form-guiding unit. In particular, the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit are/is supported so as to be adjustable as an entire component or as an entire sub-assembly. In particular, the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit are/is adjustable in themselves, in particular individual components of the forming unit relative to one another and/or individual components of the form-guiding unit relative to one another. It is possible to provide a horizontal forming device enabling advantageously format-flexible adaption of a packaging material tube geometry to different products that are to be packaged.
It is also proposed that the at least one adjusting unit, in particular the adjusting units, is/are configured to support the forming unit and the form-guiding unit such that they are adjustable relative to each other. In particular, the adjusting units are configured to support the forming unit and the form-guiding unit such that they are adjustable relative to each other as an entire component or as an entire sub-assembly group. Preferably the adjusting units are configured to support the forming unit and the form-guiding unit such that they are linearly movable and/or pivotably movable. Preferably the adjusting unit is configured, in particular for an adjustment of a height of the packaging material tube, to support the forming unit such that it is at least linearly movable along an adjustment direction running at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the adjusting unit is configured to support the forming unit such that it is linearly movable along a further adjustment direction running at least substantially perpendicularly to the adjustment direction and at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. Preferably the further adjusting unit is configured to support the form-guiding unit such that it is at least linearly movable along at least one adjustment direction running at least substantially parallel to the support surface, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the packaging material tube. Preferably the adjusting units are realized as manual adjusting units for a manual adjustment of the forming unit and the form-guiding unit, in particular with respect to each other. Alternatively or additionally it is conceivable that at least one of the adjusting units comprises at least one automatic adjusting element, in particular a servomotor, which is configured for an automatic adjustment of the forming unit and/or of the form-guiding unit. Advantageously a positioning of the forming unit and the form-guiding unit with respect to each other, optimized for different products and/or packaging materials, is enabled.
Beyond this it is proposed that the at least one adjusting unit, in particular the adjusting units, is/are configured to support at least two forming legs of the forming unit and/or of the form-guiding unit such that they are adjustable relative to one another. Preferably the forming unit comprises at least two forming legs which are supported such that they are adjustable relative to each other, in particular in a linearly movable and/or pivotably movable manner. In particular, the forming legs of the forming unit are supported so as to be adjustable relative to each other in an at least linearly movable manner, in particular along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the folding edge, in particular to a folding edge running surface. In particular, the forming legs of the forming unit together form the folding edge, in particular the folding edge running surface. In particular, the forming legs of the forming unit are supported so as to be movable towards each other and away from each other, in particular along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the folding edge, in particular the folding edge running surface, in particular for an adjustment of a width of the packaging material tube. In particular, the forming legs of the forming unit together form the forming tunnel of the forming unit. In particular, respectively one forming leg of the forming unit in each case forms at least one form-contour edge of the forming unit. The adjusting unit preferably comprises at least one intermediate element, in particular a plurality of intermediate elements, for filling a space between the two forming legs of the forming unit when moved away from each other, in particular in order to ensure different product widths.
Preferably the form-guiding unit comprises at least two forming legs, which are supported such that they are adjustable relative to each other, in particular in a linearly movable and/or pivotably movable manner. In particular, the further adjusting unit, which is configured for an adjustable support of the form-guiding unit, may be implemented at least substantially in analogy to the adjusting unit, which is configured for an adjustable support of the forming unit. Preferably the forming legs of the form-guiding unit are supported so as to be adjustable relative to each other in an at least linearly movable manner. In particular, the further adjusting unit is configured for an adjustable support of the forming legs of the form-guiding unit such that they are linearly movable along different adjustment directions, which in particular run transversely to one another, in particular in order to ensure different product widths. Preferably the adjustment directions run in a shared plane, which in particular extends at least substantially parallel to the support surface, and in particular include identical angles with the transport direction of the packaging material tube. Alternatively or additionally, the forming legs of the form-guiding unit may be supported adjustably relative to each other such that they are at least pivotable, in particular in a pivot plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface, in particular for an adjustment of a width of the packaging material tube. In particular, the forming legs of the form-guiding unit may be supported so as to be pivotably movable at an end region of the forming legs of the form-guiding unit that faces away from the forming unit along the transport direction of the packaging material tube. Preferably the end region of the forming legs of the form-guiding unit may be realized, in particular mounted, separately from a remaining region of the form-guiding unit, in particular separately from the remaining region along a separating cut. In particular, in each case a forming leg of the form-guiding unit forms at least one form-guiding contour of the form-guiding unit respectively. Preferably the forming legs of the form-guiding unit are arranged, in particular supported, mirror-symmetrically to each other around the imaginary mirror plane. Advantageously a positioning of forming legs of the forming unit and/or of the form-guiding unit relative to one another is enabled, optimized for different products and/or packaging materials.
Furthermore it is proposed that the forming legs of the form-guiding unit form a guiding region, which tapers in a V-shape in the transport direction of the packaging material tube and is configured to bring seam regions of the packaging material tube together which are to be sealed with each other. In particular, the guiding region is configured to bring longitudinal-sealing seam regions of the packaging material tube together which are to be sealed with each other. In particular, the forming legs of the form-guiding unit have in an end region facing toward the forming unit a greater distance from each other, along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the support surface and at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction of the packaging material tube, than in the end region facing away from the forming unit. The seam regions of the packaging material tube are in particular regions in which the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper, is sealed, in particular for creating a sealing seam. In particular, the guiding region is configured to bring the seam regions together in such a way that for a sealing the seam regions are transportable, while adjacent to each other, between and through respectively two sealing rollers of the pairs of sealing rollers. Preferably the guiding region ends, in the end region facing away from the forming unit, in a support contour that is formed by the forming legs of the form-guiding unit and is configured to support the packaging material tube, in particular the seam regions that have been brought together, in particular during a further transport to the longitudinal sealing unit. Advantageously a precise orientation of the seam regions is enabled for an implementation of a neat sealing seam, in particular longitudinal sealing seam.
It is also proposed that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one heating unit, which is configured to at least section-wise heat the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit, in particular for a heat input into a seam region, in particular the aforementioned seam region. In particular, the heating unit is configured to enable a heat input into the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper, upstream of a sealing, in particular a longitudinal sealing, of the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper. It is alternatively or additionally conceivable that the heating unit is configured to seal the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper, in particular at the form-guiding unit, in particular alternatively to a sealing by the longitudinal sealing unit, and/or to ensure an increased heat input, in particular in a region of the support contour of the form-guiding unit. The heating unit may in particular be realized as a heating coil, as a heating cartridge, as a heating panel, as a thick-film heating element or as another heating unit that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. Preferably the heating unit is arranged at the forming unit and/or at the form-guiding unit, in particular in a direct contact with the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit. In particular, the horizontal forming device may comprise a plurality of heating units, wherein at least one respective heating unit may be allocated to the forming unit and at least one respective further heating unit may be allocated to the form-guiding unit. In particular, the heating unit is arranged on a side of the forming unit and/or of the form-guiding unit that faces away from a contact surface with the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper. In addition, a heating is conceivable that is arranged parallel to a surface of the forming unit, in particular spaced apart from the forming unit, and which heats the packaging material on an inner side.
In particular, the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit are/is configured to transfer thermal energy received from the heating unit to the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper. In particular, the forming unit, in particular the forming legs of the forming unit, and/or the form-guiding unit, in particular the forming legs of the form-guiding unit, are/is implemented of a thermally conductive material, in particular of a metal. In particular, the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit are/is configured, at the contact surface with the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper, to transfer thermal energy provided by the heating unit to the packaging material, in particular in the seam regions. In particular, at least one sealing layer of the packaging paper is activatable by a heat input into the seam regions. Advantageously efficient sealing of the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper, is enabled.
It is moreover proposed that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one air pressure unit, which is configured to exert at the forming unit and/or at the form-guiding unit a negative pressure and/or a positive pressure onto a packaging material. By a “negative pressure” is in particular an air pressure to be understood which is lower than an ambient air pressure of the horizontal forming device. By a “positive pressure” is in particular an air pressure to be understood which is higher than an ambient air pressure of the horizontal forming device. The air pressure unit may in particular be realized as a blower, as an aspirator, or as a different air pressure unit that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. In particular, the horizontal forming device may comprise a plurality of air pressure units, wherein at least one respective air pressure unit is allocated to the forming unit and at least one respective further air pressure unit is allocated to the form-guiding unit. In particular, the air pressure unit is arranged on the side of the forming unit and/or of the form-guiding unit facing away from the contact surface with the packaging material, in particular with the packaging paper. Preferentially the forming unit, in particular the forming legs of the forming unit, and/or the form-guiding unit, in particular the forming legs of the form-guiding unit, are/is realized at least section-wise perforated, in particular of a porous material. In particular, air of an airflow generated by the air pressure unit may flow at least section-wise through the forming unit and/or the form-guiding unit. Preferably the air pressure unit is configured to generate a negative pressure for suctioning the packaging paper to the forming unit and/or to the form-guiding unit, in particular so as to bring about low-crease adjoining of the packaging paper at the forming unit and/or at the form-guiding unit. Preferably the air pressure unit is configured for generating a positive pressure so as to create an air cushion at the forming unit and/or at the form-guiding unit, in particular for implementing low-friction transport of the packaging paper along the forming unit and/or along the form-guiding unit. Preferentially the air pressure unit is switchable between a generation of a negative pressure and a generation of a positive pressure, in particular depending on an application situation, for example depending on a packaging material used. Advantageously a transport of the packaging paper is enabled that is particularly gentle for the material.
Furthermore it is proposed that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one driven contact pressure unit, in particular a contact pressure roller, which is configured to subject a packaging material to a contact pressure force against the form-guiding unit. Preferably the horizontal forming device comprises the at least one driven contact pressure unit alternatively or additionally to an air pressure unit allocated to the form-guiding unit. Preferably the horizontal forming device comprises at least two driven contact pressure units, wherein in each case at least one driven contact pressure unit is allocated to a respective forming leg of the form-guiding unit, and is in particular configured to subject the packaging material to a contact pressure force against the forming leg. In addition, it is conceivable that the horizontal forming device comprises at least one additional driven contact pressure unit, in particular an additional contact pressure roller, which is configured to subject the packaging material to a contact pressure force against the forming unit. Preferably the driven contact pressure units are embodied as contact pressure rollers which are drivable for rotation movements, in particular for a transport of the packaging material tube along the transport direction of the packaging material tube. In particular, the driven contact pressure units are configured to guide the packaging material tube between the driven contact pressure units and the form-guiding unit, in particular the forming legs of the form-guiding unit. Advantageously particularly precise guiding of the packaging material is enabled.
Beyond this the invention is based on a packaging machine, in particular a horizontal flow pack machine, with at least one horizontal forming device according to the invention. Preferably the packaging machine additionally comprises at least the packaging material wind-off unit, the packaging material feeding unit, the product feeding unit, the longitudinal sealing unit and the transversal sealing unit. It is advantageously possible to provide a packaging machine enabling a packaging of products in a manner that is particularly gentle for a material.
The horizontal forming device according to the invention and/or the packaging machine according to the invention shall herein not be limited to the application and implementation described above. In particular, in order to fulfill a functionality that is described here, the horizontal forming device according to the invention and/or the packaging machine according to the invention may comprise a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number given here. Moreover, regarding the value ranges given in the present disclosure, values situated within the limits mentioned shall also be considered as disclosed and as applicable according to requirements.
Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings four exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.
It is shown in:
Preferably the horizontal forming device 10a is configured at least for a forming and/or guiding of the packaging material web 14a, the packaging material 46a being preferentially realized as a paper material and/or as a film. In particular, the packaging material web 14a is realized as a paper web and/or as a film web. Preferably the horizontal forming device 10a may additionally or at least alternatively be configured for a forming and/or guiding of a packaging material web 14a wherein the packaging material 46a is realized differently from a paper material, for example as a synthetic material. In particular, the packaging material web 14a may alternatively be made of a synthetic material. The packaging material 46a is in particular configured for a packaging, in particular enveloping, of products 24a, in particular of food products (cf.
In particular, the packaging material web 16a is configured for enveloping products 24a that are to be packaged. In particular, the packaging machine 50a comprises at least one product feeding unit 60a, in particular a conveyor belt, a driver chain of the like, which is configured to transport the products 24a that are to be packaged, for an enveloping by the packaging material tube 16a, into a region of the horizontal forming device 10a, in particular of the forming unit 12a. Preferably a transport direction 62a of the products 24a runs at least substantially parallel to a transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a.
The packaging machine 50a preferably comprises at least one longitudinal sealing unit 64a, which is configured to create - in particular by a pressure onto the packaging material 46a and/or by a heat input into the packaging material 46a - a longitudinal sealing seam of the packaging material tube 16a, which in particular extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a. The longitudinal sealing unit 64a is arranged along the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a downstream of the horizontal forming device 10a, in particular of a form-guiding unit 18a of the horizontal forming device 10a (cf.
The form-guiding unit 18a is preferentially configured for further guiding the packaging material tube 16a at least substantially perpendicularly to the run-in direction 20a of the packaging material web 14a at the forming unit 12a, in particular along the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a, while maintaining the homogeneous material tension generated by the forming unit 12a, in particular by the folding edge 72a and/or by the further folding edge 110a. In particular, the form-guiding unit 18a is arranged along the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a downstream of the forming unit 12a and in particular upstream of the longitudinal sealing unit 64a. Preferably the form-guiding unit 18a is realized free of rollers for a deflection of the packaging material tube 16a, and is in particular realized as a further forming shoulder. In particular, the form-guiding unit 18a may have a geometry that is at least substantially analogous to a geometry of the forming unit 12a.
Preferentially the form-guiding unit 18a is realized, in particular arranged, separately from the forming unit 12a. Preferably the form-guiding unit 18a is implemented as an autonomous component or as an autonomous sub-assembly, and is in particular implemented of two symmetrical components. In particular, the form-guiding unit 18a is arranged spaced apart from the forming unit 12a along a direction that runs at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a, in particular along the run-in direction 20a of the packaging material web 14a, and/or - in the present exemplary embodiment by way of example and - along the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a. Alternatively it is conceivable that the form-guiding unit 18a is realized in a one-part implementation with the forming unit 12a, in particular as a form-guiding projection of the forming unit 12a.
Preferentially the horizontal forming device 10a comprises at least one support surface 22a, in particular a work plate, on which products 24a that are to be packaged can be transported, wherein the forming unit 12a and the form-guiding unit 18a are arranged on sides 26a, 28a of the support surface 22a that face away from each other. The support surface 22a preferably forms a cargo track which the products 24a can be transported on. The support surface 22a preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a. Preferably the product feeding unit 60a, the longitudinal sealing unit 64a, in particular the sealing rollers 66a, 68a, and/or the transversal sealing unit 70a are/is arranged at least section-wise within the support surface 22a and extend/extends at least section-wise through the support surface 22a. In particular, rotation axes 74a, 76a of the sealing rollers 66a, 68a of the longitudinal sealing unit 64a extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface 22a. Preferably the forming unit 12a is arranged on a side 26a of the support surface 22a on which the products 24a can be transported and on which in particular the packaging material winding-off unit 54a and the packaging material feeding unit 58a are arranged. The form-guiding unit 18a is preferably arranged on a further side 28a of the support surface 22a, on which in particular the longitudinal sealing unit 64a is arranged at least largely, in particular by more than 50% of a maximum extent of the longitudinal sealing unit 64a, at least substantially parallel to the rotation axes 74a, 76a of the sealing rollers 66a, 68a. In particular, the form-guiding unit 18a may be at least section-wise coupled with the support surface 22a. In particular, the packaging material tube 16a extends at least section-wise through the support surface 22a, in particular to the further side 28a of the support surface 22a.
Preferentially the horizontal forming device 10a comprises at least one adjusting unit 30a, 32a which is configured, for an implementation of different packaging material tube geometries, to support the forming unit 12a and the form-guiding unit 18a in such a way that they are adjustable, in particular in different adjustment planes. Preferably the horizontal forming device 10a comprises at least two adjusting units 30a, 32a, one adjusting unit 30a being configured to support the forming unit 12a in an adjustable manner and a further adjusting unit 32a being configured to support the form-guiding unit 18a in an adjustable manner. In particular, different packaging material tube geometries may be required for packaging different products 24a. In particular, the packaging machine 50a is configured for packaging different products 24a, which in particular have different dimensions. In particular, different packaging material tube geometries may be required for a packaging of different products 24a having different maximum extents at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface 22a, in particular different heights, and/or having different maximum extents at least substantially parallel to the support surface 22a and at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a, in particular different widths. In particular, a maximum extent of the packaging material tube 16a at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface 22a, in particular a height of the packaging material tube 16a, and/or a maximum extent of the packaging material tube 16a at least substantially parallel to the support surface 22a and at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a, in particular a width of the packaging material tube 16a, are/is adjustable via an adjustment of the forming unit 12a and/or of the form-guiding unit 18a. It is in particular possible that the form-guiding unit 18a is adjustable via the further adjusting unit 32a for a correction of uneven tension conditions in the packaging material 46a.
Preferably the forming unit 12a is supported so as to be adjustable in at least one adjustment plane extending on the side 26a of the support surface 22a that faces toward the forming unit 12a. Preferably the form-guiding unit 18a is supported so as to be adjustable in at least one further adjustment plane extending on the further side 28a of the support surface 22a that faces toward the form-guiding unit 18a. In particular, the forming unit 12a and/or the form-guiding unit 18a are/is supported so as to be adjustable as an entire component or as an entire sub-assembly. In particular, the forming unit 12a and/or the form-guiding unit 18a are/is adjustable in themselves/itself, in particular individual components of the forming unit 12a and/or individual components of the form-guiding unit 18a are/is adjustable relative to one another.
Preferentially the at least one adjusting unit 30a, 32a, in particular the adjusting units 30a, 32a, are/is configured to support the forming unit 12a and the form-guiding unit 18a such that they are adjustable relative to each other. In particular, the adjusting units 30a, 32a are configured to support the forming unit 12a and the form-guiding unit 18a such that they are adjustable relative to each other respectively as an entire component or as an entire sub-assembly. Preferably the adjusting units 30a, 32a are configured to support the forming unit 12a and the form-guiding unit 18a in a linearly movable and/or pivotably movable manner. Preferably the adjusting unit 30a is configured, in particular for an adjustment of a height of the packaging material tube 16a, to support the forming unit 12a so as to be at least linearly movable along an adjustment direction 88a running at least substantially perpendicularly to the support surface 22a. In particular, the adjusting unit 30a comprises at least one linear guiding 90a, which is configured to support the forming unit 12a so as to be linearly movable along the adjustment direction 88a. In particular, the adjusting unit 30a comprises at least one further linear guiding 112a, which is configured to support the forming unit 12a so as to be linearly movable along a further adjustment direction 114a running at least substantially perpendicularly to the adjustment direction 88a and at least substantially parallel to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a (cf.
Preferentially the at least one adjusting unit 30a, 32a, in particular the adjusting units 30a, 32a, is/are configured to support at least two forming legs 34a, 36a of the forming unit 12a and/or of the form-guiding unit 18a such that they are adjustable relative to each other. Preferably the forming unit 12a comprises at least two forming legs 34a, which are supported in such a way that they are adjustable relative to each other, in particular in a linearly movable and/or pivotably movable manner. In particular, the forming legs 34a of the forming unit 12a are supported in such a way that they are adjustable relative to each other in an at least linearly movable manner, in particular along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the folding edge 72a, in particular to a folding edge running surface. In particular, the adjusting unit 30a comprises at least one transverse bearing element 94a, which is configured to support the forming legs 34a of the forming unit 12a relative to each other in an at least linearly movable manner. In particular, the forming legs 34a of the forming unit 12a together form the folding edge 72a, in particular the folding edge running surface. In particular, for an adjustment of a width of the packaging material tube 16a, the forming legs 34a of the forming unit 12a are in particular supported so as to be movable toward each other and away from each other, in particular along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the folding edge 72a. In particular, the forming legs 34a of the forming unit 12a together form the forming tunnel 82a of the forming unit 12a. In particular, respectively one forming leg 34a of the forming unit 12a in each case forms at least one form-contour edge 80a of the forming unit 12a. In particular in order to ensure different product widths, the adjusting unit 30a preferably comprises at least one intermediate element 96a, in particular a plurality of intermediate elements 96a, for filling a space between two forming legs 34a of the forming unit 12a which have been moved away from each other.
Preferably the form-guiding unit 18a comprises at least two forming legs 36a, which are supported in such a way that they are adjustable relative to each other, in particular in a linearly movable and/or pivotably movable manner. In particular, the further adjusting unit 32a, which is configured for an adjustable support of the form-guiding unit 18a, may in an alternative implementation be realized at least substantially analogously to the adjusting unit 30a that is configured for an adjustable support of the forming unit 12a. Preferably the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a are supported such that they are adjustable relative to each other at least in a linearly movable manner. In particular, the further adjusting unit 32a is configured to support the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a so as to be adjustable in a linearly movable manner along different adjustment directions 92a, 116a, which in particular run transversely to one another, in particular in order to ensure different product widths. Preferably the adjustment directions 92a, 116a run in a shared plane, which in particular extends at least substantially parallel to the support surface 22a, and in particular include identical angles with the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a. Alternatively or additionally the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a may be supported adjustably relative to each other, in particular such that they are at least pivotably movable in particular in a pivoting plane extending at least substantially parallel to the support surface 22a, in particular for an adjustment of the width of the packaging material tube 16a. In particular, in an alternative implementation the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a may be supported in a pivotably movable manner at an end region 98a of the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a, which faces away from the forming unit 12a along the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a. Preferably, in an alternative implementation the end region 98a of the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a may be realized, in particular mounted, separately from a remaining region of the form-guiding unit 18a, in particular separately from the remaining region along a separating cut 118a. In particular, respectively one forming leg 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a in each case forms at least one form-guiding contour 86a of the form-guiding unit 18a. Preferably the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a are arranged, in particular supported, mirror-symmetrically around the imaginary symmetry plane.
Preferentially the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a form a guiding region 40a, which tapers in a V-shape in the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a and which is configured to bring seam regions of the packaging material tube 16a together, which are to be sealed with each other. In particular, the guiding region 40a is configured to bring longitudinal sealing seam regions of the packaging material tube 16a together, which are to be sealed with each other. In particular, the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a have, in an end region 100a facing toward the forming unit 12a, a greater distance from each other along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the support surface 22a and at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction 38a of the packaging material tube 16a than in the end region 98a that faces away from the forming unit 12a. The seam regions of the packaging material tube 16a are in particular regions in which the packaging material 46a, in particular the packaging paper, is sealed, in particular for the purpose of creating a sealing seam. In particular, the guiding region 40a is configured to bring the seam regions together in such a way that for a sealing the seam regions can be transported, adjoining each other, between and through respectively two sealing rollers 66a, 68a of the pairs of sealing rollers 66a, 68a. Preferably, in the end region 98a facing away from the forming unit 18a, the guiding region 40a ends in a supporting contour 102a that is formed by the forming legs 36a of the form-guiding unit 18a and is configured, in particular during a further transport as far as the longitudinal sealing unit 64a, to support the packaging material tube 16a, in particular the seam regions which have been brought together.
In
In particular, the forming unit 12b and/or the form-guiding unit 18b, in the present exemplary embodiment by way of example the forming unit 12b, are/is configured to transfer thermal energy received from the heating unit 42b to the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper. In particular, the forming unit 12b, in particular the forming legs 34b of the forming unit 12b, and/or the form-guiding unit 18b, in particular the forming legs 36b of the form-guiding unit 18b, in the present exemplary embodiment exemplarily at least the forming unit 12b, are/is formed of a thermally conductive material, in particular of a metal. In particular, the forming unit 12b and/or the form-guiding unit 18b, in the present exemplary embodiment exemplarily the forming unit 12b, are/is configured, at the contact surface 104b with the packaging material, in particular the packaging paper, to transfer a thermal energy provided by the heating unit 42b to the packaging material, in particular in the seam regions. In particular, at least one sealing layer of the packaging paper can be activated by a heat input into the seam regions.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2019 132 878.0 | Dec 2019 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2020/083974 | 11/30/2020 | WO |
