Feed pipe-introduction device system, method for fastening feed pipe and use of introduction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a feed pipe-introduction device system. Known packaging equipment for blister packaging machines usually has to replace the feed pipe, which is time-consuming and has a high risk of damage. The invention relates to a feed pipe-introduction device system (100), which avoids this and comprises an introduction device (200), which has a center piece (210), an actuation end section (220) and a holding end section (230) on which a holding piece (240) is arranged, and a feed pipe (300), which has a fastening piece (350) and a pipe section (310), which has a receiving section (320) and a delivery section (330), wherein at least two plastically deformable expansion parts (340) are arranged on the delivery section, the central part and the holding part are configured to be guided through the pipe section, the holding part and the expansion part ends cooperate with each other such that the expansion part ends are detachably clamped on the holding part, and the central part is adapted to the feed pipe, the actuating end section extends into the receiving section in a state in which the end of the expander is clamped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a feed tube-introduction device system, a method for fastening a feed tube in a packaging device for small goods, and the use of an introduction device for fastening a feed tube in a packaging device. Background Art

[0002] Packaging machines are primarily used in blister packaging machines, such as the one known from WO 2013 / 034504 A1. Depending on the level of expansion, blister packaging machines include hundreds of storage and delivery stations, where multiple portions of a certain type of medication or nutritional supplement (hereinafter referred to as "portions," more generally also referred to as small goods) are stored. Upon request, individual portions are delivered from the storage and delivery stations and transported via a guide device to the packaging machine, where they are packaged or blister-packed.

[0003] During blister packaging, the packaging machine transforms a web of packaging material into a blister tube with a large number of blister pockets arranged end-to-end. To this end, a flexible, elongated strip of packaging material is fed into the packaging machine via a packaging material guide. The strip of packaging material is typically formed into a tube shape by a shaping device and spliced primarily in the direction of travel. The packaging tube is then heat-sealed transversely to the direction of travel, forming a partially closed blister pocket into which one or more portions are subsequently delivered.

[0004] To ensure the transport of the portions, packaging devices according to the prior art usually have a feed tube which projects through a receiving opening of the packaging material guide into the packaging material tube and transfers the portions to be blister-packed to the partially closed blister pockets.

[0005] To ensure that the portions are arranged as efficiently (i.e., space-saving) as possible within the partially closed blister pockets and that the heat-sealed packaging tube does not shrink directly (e.g., due to static electricity), the feed tube according to the prior art has a number of expansion elements that keep the packaging tube in a flexible shape or open. To ensure this opening, the expansion elements are plastically deformable, at least in sections, and extend outward from the delivery section in the longitudinal direction of the feed tube in the untensioned state. This ensures that the expansion elements keep the packaging tube open or open just enough to accommodate the portions. The expansion elements also have the task of shaping the packaging tube so that it can be heat-sealed without folds.

[0006] When blister packaging is being produced, the feed tube typically needs to be removed from the packaging machine, for example, to clean it or to introduce a new web of packaging material. To do this, the beginning of the web is conveyed via a packaging material guide to a subsequent joining device so that the production of a new blister tube can begin. Because the feed tube has an expansion element arranged at the delivery section, which, when untensioned, extends beyond the feed tube body, there is a constant risk that the expansion element may damage the web of packaging material or other components of the packaging machine when the feed tube is introduced. There is also the risk that the expansion element itself may become damaged and no longer be able to optimally perform the functions described above. Furthermore, because the expansion element must be manually compressed before the feed tube is introduced, replacement is time-consuming and even poses a certain risk of injury to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system and a method with which a feed tube can be fastened in a packaging device while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] This object is achieved, on the one hand, by a feed tube-introduction device system according to claim 1. The feed tube-introduction device system according to the invention comprises an introduction device and a feed tube, the introduction device having a cylindrical center piece with an actuating end section and an opposite retaining end section, wherein a retaining element is arranged on the retaining end section, the feed tube having a fastening element and a hollow cylindrical tube section with a receiving section for small goods and an opposite delivery section, wherein at least two plastically deformable expansion elements are arranged at the delivery section, each expansion element having an expansion element end, wherein the expansion elements extend outward from the delivery section in the longitudinal direction of the feed tube in the untensioned state. According to the invention, the cylindrical center piece of the introduction device and the retaining element are designed so that they can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section and the retaining element and the expansion element end cooperate with each other so that the retaining element end is detachably clamped to the retaining element. Furthermore, it is provided that the cylindrical center piece of the introduction device is adapted to the feed tube in such a way that the actuating section projects into the receiving section in the clamped state of the expansion piece end.

[0009] The two components of the feed tube-introduction device system cooperate in the manner according to the invention, ensuring that the system can be easily fastened to the packaging device when the guide element is inserted through the feed tube and the expander is locked onto the retaining element. Since, according to the invention, the actuating section extends into the user-accessible receiving section when the expander end is locked, the introduction device can be easily removed. To do this, the expander is released from its releasable fastening on the retaining element, after which the introduction device can be easily removed (generally pointing upwards).

[0010] Since both expansion elements are locked onto the retaining element when the feed tube is introduced, the tubular packaging material is not overloaded. Furthermore, the locked ends of the expansion elements prevent damage to other components of the packaging system and the risk of injury to the user. The system according to the invention also allows for faster insertion of the feed tube, as there is no need for particularly careful handling to avoid these risks.

[0011] A further advantage is that the feed tube can be transported, shipped and stored more safely in the "tensioned" state, wherein a safety device can be provided for this purpose to prevent the tensioning state from being accidentally released.

[0012] According to the invention, the holder of the introduction device is adapted to the feed tube so that the holder can be guided through the feed tube. In the case of a cylindrical feed tube and a round holder, this means that the diameter of the holder is smaller than the inner diameter of the feed tube or smaller than the inner diameter of the thinnest section of the feed tube. After the feed tube has been introduced and fastened, the introduction device must be removed, which is usually done in an upward manner in common packaging equipment. In order to avoid damage to the packaging material belt or other components, especially when removing the introduction device (depending on the specific construction, it may even be possible to introduce it), in a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the cylindrical center piece has at least one guide element, which can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section.

[0013] After the feed tube has been inserted using the feed tube-introduction device system according to the present invention, the introduction device must be removed. This requires disengaging the end of the expansion element from the retaining element. In a simple design of the introduction device, this can be accomplished simply by, for example, moving the retaining element slightly further in the direction of introduction. The end of the expansion element then "pops out" of the retaining element, and the introduction device can be removed, typically in the opposite direction of introduction. Alternatively, the retaining element can be rotated over the actuating section to release the clamping position. In both variants, improper use could cause damage to the packaging material web and / or other components. To avoid this, a preferred embodiment provides that the cylindrical center piece comprises a hollow outer tube and an inner rod movably supported within the hollow outer tube. The inner rod has opposing end sections, one of which is provided with a retaining element. The section of the inner rod opposite the end section with the retaining element can be gently moved downward by the user, for example (the length of the protruding section defining the distance of movement), thereby releasing the releasable tension of the expansion element.

[0014] In order to make the release process safer and more user-friendly, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the outer tube has at least one stop and the hollow cylindrical tube section, the receiving section or the delivery section has an inner stop, which cooperates with the stop so that the stop prevents the stop from being guided through. This design prevents the introduction device itself from moving relative to the feed tube at a specific position. However, the movement of the inner tube by the actuating section is not hindered. When the system is placed, the user can simply move the actuating section (generally by simply pressing downwards), the clamping of the end of the expansion piece is released and the introduction device can be removed. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the retaining member is configured in a cup shape. Alternatively, the inner rod can also be gently twisted, for which the retaining member needs to be designed accordingly.

[0015] The object is also achieved by a method for fastening a feed tube in a packaging device for small goods, wherein first, an introduction device and a feed tube are provided, the introduction device having a cylindrical center piece, the center piece having an actuating end section and an opposite retaining end section, wherein a retaining element is arranged on the retaining end section, the feed tube having a fastening element, a hollow cylindrical tube section, the tube section having a receiving section for small goods and an opposite delivery section, wherein at least two plastically deformable expansion elements are arranged at the delivery section, each expansion element having an expansion element end, wherein the expansion element extends outward from the delivery section in the longitudinal direction of the feed tube in the untensioned state.

[0016] The introduction device is then guided through the feed tube so that the retaining end section is arranged in the area of the expansion element end and the actuating end section is arranged at the receiving section, the expansion element end being detachably clamped to the retaining element, thereby forming a feed tube-introduction device combination, wherein the retaining element is adapted to the feed tube so that the retaining element with the clamped expansion element end can be guided through the feed tube.

[0017] The feed tube-introduction device assembly is then guided, section by section, in the direction of introduction through the receiving opening of the packaging material guide of the packaging device by means of the retaining end section with the clamped expansion element end. The feed tube is fastened to the feed tube adjustment element of the packaging device, the expansion element end is released from the retaining element of the introduction device, thereby moving the expansion element into the untensioned state and removing the introduction device from the feed tube. After carrying out the method according to the invention, the (possibly new or cleaned) feed tube is fastened in or on the packaging device, and the introduction device is ready for further use.

[0018] In a preferred, particularly simple to implement embodiment of the method, the expansion element end is released from the retaining element of the insertion device by further moving the insertion device in the insertion direction after the feed tube has been fastened to the feed tube adjustment element.

[0019] Preferably, the outer tube has at least one stop and the hollow cylindrical tube section has an inner stop, whereby a movement of the insertion device in the insertion direction can be limited by the inner stop and the stop.

[0020] The object is also achieved by using an introduction device to fasten the feed tube in the packaging device, wherein the introduction device has a cylindrical center piece with an actuating end section and an opposite retaining end section, wherein a retaining element is arranged on the retaining section, wherein the cylindrical center piece and the retaining element of the introduction device are constructed so that they can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section of the feed tube, wherein the retaining element is constructed so that the expansion element end of the plastically deformable expansion element can be clamped on the retaining element in a detachable manner, and wherein the cylindrical center piece of the guiding device is adapted to the feed tube so that the actuating section can be actuated after the feed tube has been fastened.

[0021] The cylindrical center piece preferably has at least one guide element which can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical center piece comprises a hollow outer tube and an inner rod movably supported within the hollow outer tube, the inner rod having opposite end sections, wherein a retaining element is arranged at one end section. Furthermore, it is preferred that the hollow outer tube has at least one stop and / or that the retaining element is cup-shaped. The advantages of the aforementioned embodiment have already been described above with reference to the feed tube-introduction device system according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the feeding tube-introduction device system according to the present invention and a preferred embodiment of the method for fastening a feeding tube in a packaging device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a front view of a prior art packaging device,

[0025] Figure 2 shows an oblique view of a first embodiment of a feeding tube-introduction device system according to the invention,

[0026] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Two views of a first embodiment of the feed tube-introduction device system according to the invention are shown, wherein the introduction device has been installed;

[0027] Figures 4a to 4c Shown according to Figure 3a Detailed view of the feeding tube-induction system that is fed into the packaging machine,

[0028] Figures 5a to 5c A detailed view of the feed tube-introduction device system with the feed tube installed and not tensioned,

[0029] Figures 6a to 6d A view of the introduction device of a preferred embodiment of the feed tube-introduction device system is shown, wherein Figure 6b and Figure 6d is a sectional view, and

[0030] Figures 7a to 7h Different stages of the method according to the invention for fastening a feeding tube in a packaging device are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A packaging device for a blister packaging machine known from the prior art is shown. Such a packaging device is disclosed, for example, in EP 3385174 A1, the disclosure of which with respect to the packaging device is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. Figure 1 The packaging device shown in the drawing does not show the packaging material belt for reasons of clarity, and reference is made to the aforementioned publications as to the specific guidance of the packaging material belt. Figure 1 The receiving section of the feed tube (not shown in detail) is fastened to the packaging device. Below the receiving section 320, the packaging material guide 20 can be seen. In the packaging device shown here, this guide is designed in the form of a forming shoulder. A transport device (not shown) supplies a packaging material web to the guide, which deforms the web downward into a hose-like shape. A hollow cylindrical tube section of the feed tube (not shown) extends into the deformed packaging material web.

[0032] A feed tube adjustment element 50 is located adjacent to the packaging material guide 20, where the feed tube itself is removably fastened to or within the packaging device. Below the packaging material guide 20, a first joining device 30 is located. This first joining device vertically joins the flexible packaging material strips in the overlapping region. Downstream of the first joining device 30, a second joining device 40 is located. This second joining device joins the packaging material strips closed by the first joining device transversely to the direction of travel. This second joining device forms the filled flexible tube section or partially closed blister bag into a closed blister bag, and provides a new, downwardly closed blister bag to be filled above the second joining device. To join or establish the joining position for the flexible packaging material strips, the two joining elements 41, 42 of the second joining device converge. Once the joining position is established, the joining elements separate. In the illustrated embodiment of the packaging device, the second joining device is movable in the direction of travel of the packaging material strips, as disclosed in greater detail in the aforementioned publication.

[0033] Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of a feeding tube-introduction device system 100 according to the present invention is shown. The feeding tube-introduction device system comprises a feeding tube 300 having a hollow cylindrical tube section 310, a receiving section 320 for small goods (e.g. in the form of medication portions or nutritional supplement portions), which receiving section is constructed like a funnel in the embodiment shown, and a delivery section 330 located at the lower end of the hollow cylindrical tube section, which is opposite the receiving section. Two plastically deformable expansion elements 340, each with an expansion element end 341, are arranged on the delivery section 330. Figure 2 In the untensioned state of the expansion element shown in FIG, the expansion element extends "downwards" and outwards from the delivery section 330 in the longitudinal direction of the feed tube, that is, beyond the circumference of the hollow cylindrical tube section 310 of the feed tube. A fastener 350 is provided at the receiving section 320, which extends around and below the receiving section and has four positioning and fastening elements 351, with which the feed tube can be fastened to the packaging device (see Figure 1 ) on the feed pipe adjustment part 50. An inner stop 311 is provided at the lower section of the hollow cylindrical tube section 310 or at the upper section of the delivery section 330. The inner stop 311 extends into the interior of the cavity but does not substantially affect the delivery of the portion through this section.

[0034] The feeding tube-introduction device system 100 also includes an introduction device 200 having a cylindrical center piece 210 with an actuating end section 220 and an opposing retaining end section 230. A retaining member 240 is arranged at the retaining end section 230, which is configured as a cup in the embodiment shown. A guide member 250 is arranged in the upper section of the cylindrical center piece 210, and a stop member 215 is arranged in the lower section. In the embodiment shown, the stop member is configured to have the same shape as the guide member and can interact with an internal stop 311 to limit the movement of the introduction device in the feeding tube.

[0035] According to the present invention, the cylindrical center piece 210 and the holder 240 of the introduction device are designed so that they can be guided through the feed tube or through its hollow cylindrical tube section 310. Furthermore, it is provided that the holder 240 and the expansion piece end 341 cooperate with each other so that the expansion piece end can be detachably clamped to the holder 240. Finally, it is provided that the cylindrical center piece 210 of the guide device 200 is adapted to the feed tube 300 or the hollow cylindrical tube section 310, and the actuating section extends into the receiving section when the expansion piece end is clamped.

[0036] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3b Two further views of a preferred embodiment of the feeding tube-introduction device system 100 are shown in FIG, wherein in both views the introduction device is inserted into the feeding tube. Figure 3a As can be seen in the figure, the expansion piece end 341 is clamped in the cup-shaped retaining element 240, so that the expansion piece end cannot extend further outward from the hollow cylindrical tube section. Due to this clamping, the introduction device is connected to the feed tube to a certain extent. Although this connection is releasable, the introduction device cannot be separated without applying force. Figure 3b The expansion member is not clamped in the retaining member 240, but is different from Figure 3a What can be observed is that the expansion piece end extends outwards from the feed pipe. In this untensioned state, the introduction device can be taken out from the feed pipe, wherein this process is actually carried out in a way that the introduction device is led upwards.

[0037] Figures 4a to 4c A detailed view of the feed tube-introduction device system inserted into the packaging device is shown in the tensioned state. Figure 3a In Figure 4bAs can be clearly seen in the figure, the expansion element end 341 is moved "inward" by being arranged or tensioned within the holder 240, i.e., no longer protruding beyond the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube section. This allows the feed tube-introduction device system to be introduced from above in a tensioned state without damaging the packaging material web (not shown). In practice, the hose-like packaging material web, which is formed around the height of the hollow cylindrical tube section, is joined together in the region of the hollow cylindrical tube section. Due to the shape of the packaging material guide 20, the hose-like section of the packaging material web has an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube section 311 and the outer diameter of the delivery section. Clearly, introducing the feed tube in a tensioned state avoids damaging the packaging material web.

[0038] Figures 5a to 5c A detailed view of the inserted, untensioned feed tube is shown. Figure 5b It can be clearly seen that the expansion piece end 341 extends beyond the outer circumference of the hollow cylindrical tube section 310, to which the packaging material hose is attached; it is obvious that damage can occur at the unfastened expansion piece tip. In particular, Figure 5c As can be clearly seen in the figure, the engaging element of the second engaging device is arranged just downstream of the untensioned expander end. This means that the "bottom" of the partially closed blister pocket to be filled is arranged directly below the expander end. If a packaging material strip is present (which should be the usual case), when the expander end is released, it causes the packaging material strip to open slightly above the "bottom," allowing for space-saving arrangement of the portions. At the same time, the packaging material strip (which has already been spliced into a tube at this location) limits the outward movement of the expander end.

[0039] Figures 6a to 6d A view showing a preferred embodiment of an introduction device as it is used in a feed tube-introduction device system, wherein Figure 6b and Figure 6d The introduction device 200 comprises a central cylindrical center piece 210, which in the embodiment shown comprises a hollow outer tube 211, in which an inner rod 212 is movably supported. The inner rod 212 projects from the end of the hollow outer tube. A retaining element 240 is fastened to the lower end section of the inner rod 212, which in this embodiment defines a retaining end section 230. Figure 6b and 6dAs can be clearly seen in the figure, the retaining element forms a receiving cup that is designed to clamp the end of a correspondingly configured expansion element. Due to the elasticity of the clamped expansion element, the expansion element end presses against the inner wall 241 of the receiving cup, thereby creating a force fit that holds the introduction device in or on the feed tube (until a greater force is applied to release it). In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the receiving cup includes a notch so that the expansion element can be loosened or released by rotating the retaining element.

[0040] In the middle section of the hollow outer tube 211, a guide 250 is arranged, which is adapted to the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube section and ensures a purely coaxial movement when the introduction device is introduced and removed. In the lower section of the hollow outer tube 211, a stop 215 is arranged, which in this embodiment corresponds to the shape of the guide and also assumes the function of the guide. In addition, the stop is connected to the inner stop 311 (see Figures 3a to 4c ) interact with each other and limit the relative movement of the outer tube 211 with respect to the hollow cylindrical tube section 310. The inner stop is arranged to enable the end of the expansion piece to be clamped in the retaining piece when the stop piece abuts against the inner stop.

[0041] A grip 260 is arranged in the upper section of the hollow outer tube 211, simplifying the handling of the introduction device when releasing the expansion element's clamping. In the region of the actuating section 220, the inner rod 212 extends from the hollow outer tube and includes a button 280 at its upper end section 213. A spring element 270 is arranged between the button 280 and the upper end of the outer tube 211. This spring element, fastened to the button, preloads the inner tube upward. When the button is pressed, the spring force is overcome, and the inner tube moves relative to the hollow outer tube—downward in the illustrated orientation. If the expansion element end is clamped during this relative movement, the clamping is released, and the expansion element (end) moves to an untensioned state.

[0042] Figures 7a to 7h The different stages of one embodiment of the method according to the invention for fastening a feeding tube in a packaging device are shown. Figures 7a and 7b Only the important parts of the feeding pipe-introduction device system 100 and the packaging device are drawn. For the sake of overview, only the components important to the method are attached with reference numerals; the detailed description of the introduction device and the feeding pipe has been carried out with reference to the previous figures.

[0043] First, provide an introduction device 200 and a feed pipe 300 ( Figure 7a ). The introduction device is then guided through the feed tube so that the retaining end section 230 is arranged in the region of the expansion element end 341 and the actuating end section 220 is arranged at the receiving section 320, and the retaining element end 341 is releasably clamped to the retaining element 240 ( Figure 7b ), thereby forming a feed tube-introduction device assembly 400.

[0044] The feed tube-introduction device assembly 400 is guided in sections in the introduction device through the receiving opening 21 ( Figure 7c 、 Figure 7d The feed tube 300 is then fastened to the feed tube adjustment member 50 of the packaging device, thereby fixing the orientation of the feed tube-introduction device assembly within the packaging device ( Figure 7e After tightening, the end portion 341 of the expansion member is disengaged from the retaining member 240 of the introduction device, whereby the expansion member moves to an untensioned state ( Figure 7e -> Figure 7f This disengagement of the feed tube-introducer system used in the illustrated embodiment of the method is achieved by pressing the button downwards so that the expansion member is released from the retaining member 240 and moves to the untensioned state ( Figure 7f ) is achieved. In practice, the movement to the untensioned state is limited by the packaging material band (not shown) and the packaging material band is aligned (i.e., opened or stretched) by the expansion member to receive the drug portion. After releasing the end of the expansion member, the introduction device is removed from the feed tube ( Figure 7g 、 7h ).

Claims

1. A feeding pipe-introduction device system (100), the feeding pipe-introduction device system comprising: An introduction device (200) having a cylindrical center piece (210) with an actuating end section (220) and an opposite holding end section (230), wherein: A retaining element (240) is arranged on the retaining end section (230), A feed pipe (300) comprising a fastening element (350), a hollow cylindrical pipe section (310), the pipe section comprising a receiving section (320) for small goods and an opposite delivery section (330), wherein at least two plastically deformable expansion elements (340) are arranged on the delivery section (330), each of the expansion elements having an expansion element end (341), wherein the expansion elements (340) extend outwards from the delivery section (330) in the longitudinal direction of the feed pipe (300) in an untensioned state, The cylindrical center piece (210) and the holding piece (240) of the introduction device (200) are configured to be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section (310). The retaining member (240) and the expansion member end portion (341) cooperate with each other so that the expansion member end portion is clamped on the retaining member in a detachable manner. The cylindrical center piece (210) of the guide device (200) is adapted to the feed tube (300) so that the actuating end section (220) extends into the receiving section (320) when the end of the expansion piece is clamped.

2. The feed pipe-introduction device system (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The cylindrical center piece (210) has at least one guide piece (250) which can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section (310).

3. The feeding tube-introduction device system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The cylindrical center piece (210) has a hollow outer tube (211) and an inner rod (212) supported in a movably manner in the hollow outer tube (211), the inner rod having opposite end sections (213, 214), wherein the retaining element (240) is arranged on one end section.

4. The feed pipe-introduction device system (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized by: The hollow outer tube (211) has at least one stop (215) and the hollow cylindrical tube section (310), the receiving section (320) or the delivery section (330) has an inner stop (311), the stop and the inner stop cooperating with each other so that the stop prevents the stop from passing.

5. The feeding tube-introduction device system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized by: The retaining member (240) is configured in a cup shape.

6. A method for fastening a feed tube (300) in a packaging device (10) for small goods, wherein: An introduction device (200) is provided, which has a cylindrical center piece (210), the center piece having an actuating end section (220) and an opposite holding end section (230), wherein a holding element (240) is arranged on the holding end section (230), A feed pipe (300) is provided, comprising a fastening element (350), a hollow cylindrical pipe section (310), the pipe section having a receiving section (320) for small goods and an opposite delivery section (330), wherein at least two plastically deformable expansion elements (340) are arranged on the delivery section (330), each of the expansion elements having an expansion element end (341), wherein the expansion elements (340) extend outwards from the delivery section (330) in the longitudinal direction of the feed pipe (300) in an untensioned state, guiding the introduction device (200) through the feed tube (300) so that the retaining end section (230) is arranged within the region of the expansion element end (341) and the actuating end section is arranged at the receiving section (320), The expansion element end (341) is detachably clamped to the retaining element (240), thereby forming a feed tube-introduction device assembly (400), wherein the retaining element (240) is adapted to the feed tube so that the retaining element (240) with the clamped expansion element end can be guided through the feed tube, The feed tube-introduction device assembly (400) is guided section by section along the introduction direction through the receiving opening (21) of the packaging material guide (20) of the packaging device (10) via the holding end section with the clamped expansion piece end (341), The feed pipe (300) is fastened to the feed pipe adjustment member (30) of the packaging device (10), disengaging the expander end (341) from the retaining member (240) of the introduction device, thereby moving the expander to an untensioned state, and The introduction device (200) is removed from the feeding pipe (300).

7. Method for fastening a feed tube (300) in a packaging device (10) for small goods according to claim 6, It is characterized by: After the feed pipe (300) is fastened to the feed pipe adjustment member (30), the introduction device (200) is further moved along the introduction direction, so that the end portion (341) of the expansion member is disengaged from the retaining member (240) of the introduction device.

8. Method for fastening a feed tube (300) in a packaging device (10) for small goods according to claim 7, in, The outer tube (211) has at least one stop (215) and the hollow cylindrical tube section (310) has an inner stop (311), It is characterized in that the movement of the introduction device along the introduction direction is limited by the inner stop portion and the stopping member.

9. Use of an introduction device (200) for fastening a feed pipe (300) in a packaging device (10), wherein: The introduction device (200) has a cylindrical center piece (210) with an actuating end section (220) and an opposite holding end section (230), wherein a holding element (240) is arranged on the holding end section (230). The cylindrical center piece (210) and the retaining piece (240) of the introduction device (200) are configured to be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section (310) of the feed tube, wherein the retaining piece (240) is configured so that the expansion piece end (341) of the plastically deformable expansion piece (340) can be clamped on the retaining piece in a detachable manner, the expansion piece is arranged at the delivery section (330) of the feed tube (300), and the cylindrical center piece (210) of the guiding device (200) is adapted to the feed tube (300) so that the actuating end section can be actuated after the feed tube is tightened.

10. Use of the introduction device (200) according to claim 9 for fastening a feed pipe (300) in a packaging device (10), It is characterized by: The cylindrical center piece (210) has at least one guide piece (250) which can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section (310).

11. Use of the introduction device (200) according to claim 9 or 10 for fastening a feed pipe (300) in a packaging device (10), It is characterized by: The cylindrical center piece (210) has a hollow outer tube (211) and an inner rod (212) supported in a movably manner in the hollow outer tube (211), the inner rod having opposite end sections (213, 214), wherein the retaining element (240) is arranged on one end section.

12. Use of the introduction device (200) according to claim 11 for fastening a feed pipe (300) in a packaging device (10), It is characterized by: The hollow outer tube (211) has at least one stop (215).

13. Use of the introduction device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The retaining member (240) is configured in a cup shape.

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