Deep drawing device, packaging machine with deep drawing device and method for operating a deep drawing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a deep-drawing device for deep-drawing a continuously supplied film web (1), a dependent packaging machine and a corresponding method. A forming station (8) is provided, which is periodically timed, moves from a start position (6) to an end position (7) and from there back to the start position (6), wherein each gauge plate (41, 42, 43, 44) is brought into connection, in sequence, first with a forming vacuum mechanism (11) and then with a subsequent holding vacuum channel (12). The forming vacuum mechanism (11) is part of the periodically moving forming station (8). The holding vacuum channel (12) comprises two telescopic channel sections (13, 14) which are joined into one another, wherein the first telescopic channel section (13) is part of the periodically moving forming station (8) and wherein the second telescopic channel section (14) is assembled position-fixed with respect to a stationary machine support (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a deep-drawing device, a packaging machine for producing filled pouches having such a deep-drawing device, and a method for operating a deep-drawing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a popular embodiment, the packaging units are often produced by first deep-drawing a film. The product is packed into the cavity thus produced, and then sealed by means of a cover film. A double-layered film strip is produced, in which the partial quantities of product are separated from one another. The partial quantities are finally separated in a cutting station.

[0003] In particular in the field of household products, individual doses of washing or rinsing agents are packaged in the manner mentioned earlier by means of two webs of water-soluble film. For industrial mass production, packaging machines are used in continuous, non-timed operation. Here, a transport machine, for example in the form of a chain, continuously orbits a stationary machine support, wherein the transport machine passes over straight, horizontal path sections on the upper processing side. A so-called format plate moves continuously orbitally together with the transport machine. Synchronously with the movement of the format plate, a first film web is continuously supplied and laid onto the upper side of the format plate. In the format plate, a plurality of shaped cavities are shaped, which play a central role for the deep-drawing process and also for the process of filling.

[0004] In the previously known construction, a deep-drawing device with a shaping station is used, which only moves together with the respective format plate from a starting position to an end position over a partial path section and then periodically moves back again to the starting position. At the same time, the transport of the format plate and the film web is further maintained continuously. During the movement together from the starting position to the end position, the film web is first heated to such a temperature that it can be plastically deformed. The film that can be deformed in this way is now deep-drawn into the shaped cavity by means of an applied shaping vacuum. After the deep-drawing, the shaping station moves back to its starting position in order to heat the next section of the film web here and to deep-draw it into the shaped cavity of the subsequent format plate.

[0005] After the deep-drawing process has ended, it must be ensured that the film remains in the shaped cavity in order to be able to accommodate the subsequently to be packed filling product in sufficient amount. It is also important in the subsequent sealing process that the underlying film web and the packed partial quantity of product remain in place in order to be able to achieve a clean and sealed seal seam. As a rule, the shaped cavity is therefore loaded with a holding vacuum after the deep-drawing process, which holds the film web in its deep-drawn form.

[0006] To achieve this, two-part devices for providing a vacuum are known in the prior art. A first part, i.e. a positionally fixed forming vacuum, is present in a position in which the deep-drawing process takes place. Subsequently, in the direction of movement, there is also positionally fixed a second part in the form of a holding vacuum. In its continuous movement, the gauge plate slides past these two parts and is brought into connection by means of corresponding passage connections in sequence first with the forming vacuum and then with the holding vacuum. In this regard, it is possible for the forming cavity to be loaded first with the forming vacuum and then independently thereof with a smaller, albeit still sufficiently high, holding vacuum.

[0007] In actual operation, a number of difficulties should be overcome. Due to the relative movement of the gauge plate with respect to the sliding of the vacuum, corresponding sealing means must be provided for use. Despite high technical expenditure, significant flow losses cannot be avoided at the sealing points. The adjustment and maintenance of the desired negative pressure level is difficult. The handover from the forming vacuum to the holding vacuum is also difficult due to the continuous negative pressure profile. The productivity of the entire plant remains limited, in particular, by the fact that the film can only be deep-drawn into the forming cavity of the only gauge plate. For a simultaneous deep-drawing into two or more gauge plates following one another, no usable solution has been found with respect to the vacuum guidance. SUMMARY

[0008] The invention is based on the task of improving a deep-drawing device of the type such that an improved vacuum guidance is achieved. The task is solved by a deep-drawing device for deep-drawing a continuously supplied film web, comprising a transport with gauge plates and with forming cavities in the gauge plates continuously around a stationary machine frame, further comprising a periodically timed forming station which moves together with the transport from a start position to an end position and from there back to the start position, wherein each gauge plate can be brought into connection in sequence first with a forming vacuum and then with a subsequent holding vacuum passage, wherein the forming vacuum is part of the periodically moving forming station and the holding vacuum passage comprises two telescoping passage sections which are joined into one another, wherein the first telescoping passage section is part of the periodically moving forming station and wherein the second telescoping passage section is positionally fixedly assembled with respect to the stationary machine frame.

[0009] The invention is furthermore based on the task of improving a packaging machine for manufacturing filled pouches with respect to its economy. The task is solved by a packaging machine comprising the previously mentioned deep-drawing device and further comprising subsequent processing stations.

[0010] The invention is finally also based on the task of specifying a method for operating the mentioned deep-drawing apparatus, which achieves an improved drawing-in and holding of the film in the forming cavity. The task is solved by a method for operating the previously mentioned deep-drawing apparatus, comprising the following method steps:

[0011] - a transport machine with a gauge plate is continuously moved around a machine support, wherein the film web is continuously and synchronously to the movement of the transport machine supplied to the gauge plate;

[0012] - at the beginning of a cycle, the forming station moves in the area of the starting position synchronously to the movement of the gauge plate and then together with the gauge plate;

[0013] - by the jointly moved forming vacuum mechanism as part of the forming station, a forming vacuum is introduced into the forming pocket of the gauge plate and thereby draws the film web into the forming pocket;

[0014] - at the end of the drawing-in process and upon reaching the end position, the forming station moves back to the starting position, while the transport machine continues to move together with the gauge plate and the drawn-in film web, wherein by the first, jointly with the forming station moved, telescopic channel section of the holding vacuum channel a holding vacuum is introduced into the forming pocket of the gauge plate and thereby the drawn-in film web is held in the forming pocket;

[0015] - upon reaching the starting position, the forming station is synchronized with the movement of the subsequent gauge plate, thereby starting a new cycle;

[0016] - in the further course of the continuous continued movement of the gauge plate together with the drawn-in film web, by the second, position fixedly assembled with respect to the stationary machine support, telescopic channel section of the holding vacuum channel, the holding vacuum in the forming pocket of the gauge plate is maintained and thereby the drawn-in film web is held in the forming pocket.

[0017] According to the invention, a part of the entire vacuum mechanism is cyclically moved back and forth together with the forming station, and another part is fixedly assembled relative to the stationary machine support, wherein there is an expansion joint between the two parts. In more precise terms, there is a forming vacuum mechanism and a subsequent holding vacuum channel. The forming vacuum mechanism according to the invention is part of the cyclically moved forming station and thus moves with it. In contrast, the holding vacuum channel is divided into two parts and comprises two expansion channel sections that are joined into one another. The first of the two expansion channel sections is part of the cyclically moved forming station and thus, as a result, cyclically moved back and forth together with the forming station. The second expansion channel section is itself fixedly assembled relative to the stationary machine support. As a result and from the cyclic back-and-forth movement of the forming station, the first expansion channel section is cyclically joined more or less deeply into the stationary second expansion channel section while maintaining a permanent pressure transmission.

[0018] In the operation according to the invention, the transport machine together with the gauge plate is now continuously moved around the machine support, wherein the film web to be deep-drawn is continuously and synchronously supplied to the gauge plate with the movement of the transport machine. At the beginning of the deep-drawing cycle, the forming station moves in the region of its starting position synchronously with the movement of at least one gauge plate and then together with said gauge plate. The film that is now plasticized by the respective thermal action is deep-drawn into the forming cavity of the gauge plate. This is done by the forming vacuum mechanism that moves together with the forming station.

[0019] At the end of the deep-drawing process and upon reaching the end position, the forming station is moved back to the starting position, while the transport machine continuously continues to move together with the gauge plate and the deep-drawn film web. The gauge plate and the forming station, that is to say, move opposite one another, so that the gauge plate now comes into contact with the first, expansion section of the holding vacuum channel that moves together with the forming station. As a result, a holding vacuum is introduced into the forming cavity of the gauge plate and thus holds the deep-drawn film web in the forming cavity.

[0020] Upon reaching the starting position, the forming station is synchronized with the movement of the subsequent gauge plate, thereby starting a new cycle. The gauge plate that was previously processed by the forming station together with the film that has been deep-drawn therein is continuously continued to move at the same time until it leaves the first, cyclically moved expansion channel section and reaches the second, position- fixed expansion channel section. Since the two expansion channel sections are part of the same holding vacuum channel, the forming cavity and the film deep-drawn therein are continuously loaded with the same holding vacuum. The holding vacuum acting on the film is thus continuously maintained in the transition from the first expansion channel section to the second expansion channel section, so that the film is likewise continuously held in its forming cavity.

[0021] From this a series of advantages results. During deep drawing there is no relative movement between the forming vacuum and the gauge plate. An almost sealed system is provided without noteworthy leakage losses. In addition to the reduced necessary suction power, the possibility of a more precise control of the vacuum is derived. The forming vacuum can be switched on purposefully after the end of the preheating time. In addition thereto the possibility is derived that complex pressure curves are applied. For example the film can first be sucked upwards to the heating plate of the forming station, which can be supported from below by compressed air. But according to the requirements it is also possible to carry out a free, initially pressureless heating and plasticizing of the film. After the end of the heating time then a corresponding deep drawing vacuum can be applied in the forming station, which can be controlled freely in its course. That is to say, a constant deep drawing vacuum is as possible as a deep drawing vacuum which changes in time. Alternatively, the deep drawing can also be supported from above by overpressure. Independently thereof, a suitable holding vacuum is applied in the subsequent holding vacuum channel, which is greater than, equal to or less than the deep drawing vacuum depending on the course of the deep drawing vacuum. After the end of the deep drawing, the gauge plate and the holding vacuum channel enter into connection in any case and are continuously loaded with holding vacuum due to their telescopic design, more precisely already at the departure of the moving back forming station. By means of the fixed telescopic channel section it is possible that the holding vacuum is received by the moving telescopic channel section and is maintained in particular at least until the subsequent processing station, preferably at least until the sealing station. In the preferred mechanical design for this purpose the two telescopic channel sections which are joined into one another have an upwards open side, wherein the gauge plate resting thereon is in connection with the mentioned open side of the telescopic channel section by means of a pressure opening below. Thereby it is ensured that there is a continuously pressure-transmitting connection so that likewise a continuously, not fluctuating holding vacuum can be adjusted at the deep-drawn film.

[0022] The invention is considered in its full breadth in particular when the forming station is designed for deep drawing of a film web simultaneously into a plurality of successively following gauge plates of a plate group. For this purpose the forming vacuum comprises a number of forming vacuum channels corresponding to the number of gauge plates of the plate group, wherein each forming vacuum channel is in connection with each gauge plate of the mentioned plate group in the forming station and is loaded with vacuum independently of one another.

[0023] This solves the problem of delivery and transfer of specification plates from the forming station. At the start of the cycle, the film is first thermoplasticized through the entire plate group. Then, the entire plate group is simultaneously loaded with a deep-drawing vacuum, thereby drawing the plasticized film deep into the forming cavities of all specification plates in the plate group. With the subsequent return of the forming station, each specification plate is now sequentially brought into connection with the telescopic channel section that maintains the vacuum channel and is thus loaded with a maintaining vacuum. However, new specification plates for subsequent plate groups are also sequentially received by the returning forming station. But because the heating and plasticization of the film has not yet occurred at this point, the forming vacuum is cut off sequentially, that is, sequentially and independently, in the forming vacuum channel. This prevents the still-cold film from being prematurely drawn into the forming cavities, while maintaining the corresponding vacuum in the following specification plates, which, during the transition phase, are still in the returning forming station along with the already deep-drawn film. The heating and deep drawing cycle is repeated only when all previously processed specification plates are in the area of ​​the telescopic holding vacuum channel and the complete new set of specification plates is brought into connection with each forming vacuum channel.

[0024] Overall, the design according to the invention allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple sheet sizes in a single forming station, and further enables the possibility of continued processing in subsequent stations, such as filling and sealing stations. This allows for a several-fold increase in production capacity without quality loss. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A partial side view illustrates a packaging machine according to the invention, the packaging machine having a conveyor that moves continuously in a circular motion and forming, filling, and sealing stations that move periodically together.

[0027] Figure 2 The enlarged cross-sectional diagram shows the data based on... Figure 1 The forming station in the deep drawing process has multiple specification plates that can be simultaneously accommodated and multiple subordinate forming vacuum channels.

[0028] Figure 3 The cross-sectional diagram shows the following based on Figure 1 Based on Figure 2 The deep drawing device in the forming station, synchronized with the continuously moving specification plate, at the beginning of the processing cycle.

[0029] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 The component during deep drawing during the continuous forward movement of the specification plate.

[0030] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 3 , 4 An assembly having a forming station in the termination position while the specification plate continues to move continuously, and

[0031] Figure 6 Showing according to Figures 3 to 5 The component is in the process of moving back from the forming station and when the previously processed specification plate is delivered to the telescopic holding vacuum channel. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 A partial side view of a packaging machine according to the invention for manufacturing filled bags is shown. The packaging machine includes a machine support 2, a forming station 8, a filling station 9, and a sealing station 10. A film web 1 is supplied to the packaging machine and deep-drawn in the forming station 8, thereby creating cavities in the film web 1. These cavities are then filled with the product in the filling station 9. Immediately thereafter, a covering film 17 is supplied and sealed onto the film web 1 in the sealing station 10, thereby closing the filled cavities. In a cutting station (not shown), the thus formed film units are separated into film bags. In this embodiment, the film web 1 and the covering film 17 involve water-soluble films, i.e., PVOH films, with a detergent or cleaning agent packaged between the films. The filled film bags thus manufactured are placed, for example, into a washing machine. Therein, the film material dissolves upon contact with water and releases the contained washing agent. By definition, the same applies to the use of such film bags in washing machines.

[0033] The packaging machine includes a machine support 2 that is fixedly assembled in position and a continuously driven conveyor 3. The conveyor 3 can be a conveyor belt or the like and, in the illustrated embodiment, is formed by hinged and chain-connected elements, on which are mounted specification plates 41, 42, 43, 44, which will be further described in more detail below. Figure 2 The latter, together with the conveyor 3, is continuously driven and orbits the machine support 2, wherein the specification plate moves on the upper horizontal track corresponding to arrow 26 for the actual bag manufacturing process and then, after a corresponding reversal, is guided back in the area below the machine support 2 corresponding to arrow 27. Similarly, the film web 1 is continuously and uninterruptedly supplied and placed from above onto the specification plates 41, 42, 43, 44 ( Figure 2 On the conveyor 3, a covering film 17 is then continuously supplied between the filling station 9 and the sealing station 10 and placed on the upper side of the film web 1 from above. The film web 1 and the covering film 17 move synchronously and continuously with the conveyor 3 in the placed state, corresponding to arrow 26.

[0034] The stations for supplying the film web 1 and the station for supplying the cover film 17 are fixedly mounted on the machine support 2, similar to the stations (not shown) for water application to support the sealing process and for punching or lateral cutting of the film. The process performed here operates continuously, in conjunction with the movement of the conveyor 3. This differs in the case of the forming station 8, filling station 9, and sealing station 10. Instead of being fixedly positioned relative to the machine support 2, they move in sections synchronously with the conveyor 3 through certain segments. During this time, the film web 1 is deeply drawn in the forming station 8, the product to be packaged is loaded into the deeply drawn cavity in the filling station 9, and the cover film 17 is sealed onto the lower film web 1 in the sealing station 10. After the respective processes are completed, the forming station 8, filling station 9, and sealing station 10 periodically move back to their starting positions, where a new cycle of the corresponding process begins.

[0035] Figure 2 An enlarged longitudinal section diagram is shown from... Figure 1 A portion of forming station 8. Forming station 8 can be designed to accommodate only a single specification plate 41 and to perform deep drawing of the film web 1 in one cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, forming station 8 is designed to simultaneously accommodate multiple, in this case four, sequentially arranged specification plates 41, 42, 43, 44. The four sequentially arranged specification plates 41, 42, 43, 44 together form a plate group 40, wherein forming station 8 always periodically accommodates the complete plate group 40. This does not necessarily also apply to the subsequent filling and sealing stations 9, 10 ( Figure 1 However, according to the evidence shown... Figure 1 In one embodiment, filling station 9 and sealing station 10 are also designed to accommodate and periodically process the entire plate assembly 40.

[0036] Each gauge plate 41, 42, 43, 44 has a certain number of schematically indicated forming cavities 5 on its upper side and a pressure chamber 18 on its opposite lower side. The pressure chambers 18 of each gauge plate 41, 42, 43, 44 are separated from one another so that no automatic pressure equalization takes place therebetween. However, a pressure-transmitting connection between the pressure chambers 18 and the forming cavities 5 is present within each individual gauge plate 41, 42, 43, 44 by means of capillary bores, not shown, so that each forming cavity 5 can be loaded with negative pressure or overpressure by the pressure chamber 18 according to selection. The negative pressure or vacuum loading takes place by means of forming vacuum channels 45, 46, 47, 48, which are part of a forming vacuum mechanism 11, which is only schematically indicated. The forming vacuum mechanism 11, including its forming vacuum channels 45, 46, 47, 48, is part of the forming station 8, which is periodically timed, and moves therewith. Each pressure chamber 18 here enters into a pressure-transmitting connection with the forming vacuum mechanism 11 and can be loaded with negative pressure, in particular with forming vacuum, independently of one another by each forming vacuum channel 45, 46, 47, 48, which continues until into the respective forming cavity 5.

[0037] In the state according to Figure 2 The film web 1 lies flat on the upper side of the gauge plate 41, 42, 43, 44 and is pressed down from above by means of the pressure plate 19. By means of the pressure plate 19, the heating plate 20 is moved from above close to the film web 1. Supportingly, a vacuum can be applied from above, by means of which the film web 1 is first sucked upward against the heating plate 20. For further support, overpressure can also be introduced into the pressure chamber 18 from below. At this point in time, there is no negative pressure or vacuum in the pressure chamber 18 in any case.

[0038] As described above, the film web 1 is first heated in the forming station 8 by means of a heating plate 20 to a degree that plasticizes or plastically deformable. The forming vacuum mechanism 11 then provides a suitable forming vacuum for the deep drawing process to be performed. Once the desired target temperature of the film web 1 is reached, the forming cavity 5 is loaded with the forming vacuum through the pressure chamber 18 and the forming vacuum channels 45, 46, 47, 48 of the forming vacuum mechanism 11, which draws the film web 1 deep into the forming cavity 5. Here, a certain constant forming vacuum of a preset magnitude can be applied. However, it is also suitable to apply a certain temporal direction to the intensity of the forming vacuum. This also includes the possibility that, after deep drawing, the forming vacuum is reduced to a smaller holding vacuum in the forming vacuum mechanism 11 and thus in the forming cavity 5. Optionally, in addition, a supporting overpressure can be applied from above to the upper side of the film web 1. This is all feasible because during the deep drawing cycle, the forming station 8 moves synchronously with the plate assembly 40 or the conveyor 3, meaning there is no relative movement.

[0039] Figures 3 to 6 The embodiment of the invention is shown in a sectional side view. Figure 1 Based on Figure 2 The deep-drawing device of the packaging machine at forming station 8. For better clarity, only sections of forming station 8 and conveyor 3 with several specification plates 41, 42, 43, and 44 are shown here. The same components are shown here at different stages of the method according to the invention. Figure 3 The movable forming station 8 is in the initial starting position 6, while the conveyor 3, together with the specification plates 41, 42, 43, and 44 and the film web 1 placed on it, continues to move forward according to arrow 26. The movement of the forming station 8 from the starting position 6 is synchronized with the continuous movement of the approaching plate group 40, which... Figure 3 It has not yet been completely moved into the forming station 8. However, as soon as this happens, the forming station 8 starts from its starting position 6 and moves synchronously with the contained plate assembly 40 in the direction of arrow 28 until the ending position 7.

[0040] Once synchronization is achieved and the plate assembly 40 has occupied its pre-set relative position to the forming station 8, the section above the forming station 8 descends onto the film web 1 along with the pressure plate 19 and the heating plate 20, as it is... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Precise positioning relative to the accommodated specification plates 41, 42, 43, 44 is achieved by using mating pins or other suitable devices. According to... Figure 4, the forming station 8 moves from the start position 6 together with the accommodated sheet set 40 until the end position 7. During the movement together, the joining of the film web 1 takes place Figure 2 The deep drawing described is carried out. The sheet set 40" with the gauge plates 41", 42", 43", 44" that have been processed in the forming station 8 before the assembly described moves in and is loaded by the holding vacuum channel 12 that is further described in more detail below to hold the vacuum.

[0041] The arrival in the end position 7 is shown in Figure 5 , where the deep drawing process ends. The section above the forming station 8, including the pressure plate 19 and the heating plate 20, is now lifted. The forward movement of the forming station 8 is terminated here, while the sheet set 40 continues to move further forward together with the film web 1 in which the deep drawing is carried out in the direction of the arrow 26.

[0042] From this, the forming station 8 now moves back to the start position 6 according to the arrow 29, as it is shown in Figure 6 . During this, the conveyor 3 continues to move together with the previously processed sheet set 40 in the direction of the arrow 26. At the same time, the subsequent sheet set 40' with the gauge plates 41', 42', 43', 44' moves into the forming station 8, and it starts a new cycle with the synchronization according to Figure 3 .

[0043] From the overview in Figures 3 to 6 , further features of the invention emerge, namely the already mentioned existence and design of the holding vacuum channel 12 that is post-positioned to the forming vacuum mechanism 11. The holding vacuum channel 12 comprises a first telescopic channel section 13 and a second telescopic channel section 14. The two telescopic channel sections 13, 14 are telescopically joined into one another, wherein the first telescopic channel section 13 is part of the periodically moving forming station 8 and moves back and forth periodically together with the forming station. The second telescopic channel section 14 is position-fixedly fitted at the machine frame 2 that is only shown in Figure 1 . From the phase diagram in Figures 3 to 6 , it emerges that the first, movable telescopic channel section 13 is joined more or less deeply into the second, fixed telescopic channel section 14 depending on the position of the forming station 8. Independently of the joining depth, the two telescopic channel sections 13, 14 are continuously in pressure-transmitting connection with one another, so that they permanently have the same pressure level in the form of a holding vacuum. In addition to this, the two telescopic channel sections 13, 14 have an upwardly open side 15 through which the gauge plates lying thereon are loaded with a holding vacuum through pressure openings 16 that face downwardly to the side.

[0044] The function of the telescopic holding vacuum channel 12 is described in more detail in the following.Figures 3 to 6 in the different phases as follows: during the deep drawing of the film web 1 according to Figure 4 and 5 the plate group 40" which was previously processed in the same way is above the main vacuum channel 12, wherein the dependent forming cavities 5 ( Figure 2 ) together with the film web 1 which is deep drawn therethrough are loaded with a holding vacuum through the lower pressure opening 16 and the open side 15 adjacent thereto. During the continued forward movement thereof, the dependent gauge plates 41", 42", 43", 44" are first in connection with the first telescoping channel section 13 and then with the second fixed telescoping channel section 14. The second fixed telescoping channel section 14 extends at least up to and including the sealing station 10, so that at least up to this point and during the sealing process, the deep drawn film web 1 is held in its forming cavities 5 ( Figure 1 ) by means of the applied holding vacuum. Figure 2

[0045] As soon as now the forming station 8 moves back from this point according to Figure 6 , then the gauge plates 41, 42, 43, 44 of the plate group 40 which is processed therein successively advance to the first, jointly moving telescoping channel section 13 and from there to the second fixed telescoping channel section 14. First the first gauge plate 41 moves from its assigned forming vacuum channel 45 ( Figure 2 ) to the first, jointly moving telescoping channel section 13 and enters into a vacuum connection therewith. Subsequently, said first gauge plate advances to the second position fixed telescoping channel section 14, wherein the holding vacuum is maintained due to the telescoping design of said second position fixed telescoping channel section. The directly subsequent gauge plate 42 first leaves its assigned forming vacuum channel 46 ( Figure 2 ) and then sweeps over (überstreicht) the preceding forming vacuum channel 45, about which, moreover, the vacuum in its forming cavity 5 ( Figure 2 ) is maintained. In turn, the second gauge plate 45 also reaches the main vacuum channel 12. In the same sense, the same applies to the remaining gauge plates 43, 44 of the same plate group 40: said remaining gauge plates first leave their assigned forming vacuum channels 47, 48 and then successively sweep over the forming vacuum channels 47, 46, 45, about which, moreover, the vacuum in their forming cavities 5 ( Figure 2 ) is maintained. Finally, the rearmost gauge plate 44 also reaches the main vacuum channel 12 and is supplied therewith with a holding vacuum.

[0046] according to Figure 6 ​Now, the subsequent sheet set 40' with gauge plates 41', 42', 43', 44' follows the sheet set 40 that has moved away and is moved into the forming station 8. In synchronism with the movement in, the vacuum that was present in the forming vacuum channels 48, 47, 46, 45 before is switched off in succession, that is to say in sequence and independently of one another, more precisely starting at the forming vacuum channel 48 and ending at the forming vacuum channel 45 in such a way that the gauge plates 41, 42, 43, 44 further remain loaded with the vacuum together with the deep-drawn film web 1, while the subsequently moved-in gauge plates 41', 42', 43', 44' take the place of their predecessors, that is to say the gauge plates 41, 42, 43, 44, in sequence together with the film web 1 that has not yet been deep-drawn, however without vacuum loading at this point in time. By the sequential switching off, the film web 1 that has not been heated or has not been deep-drawn to this point in time is drawn in advance into the forming cavities. The renewed vacuum loading takes place only after the renewed synchronization and heating according to Figure 3 , 4 .

Claims

1. Deep drawing apparatus for deep drawing a continuously supplied film web (1), comprising a transport (3) with gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) and with shaped cavities (5) in the gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) continuously around a stationary machine support (2), further comprising a shaped station (8) which is periodically timed, moves from a start position (6) to an end position (7) together with the transport and from there back to the start position (6), wherein The individual gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) can be brought into connection in sequence firstly with the forming vacuum and then with the subsequent holding vacuum channel (12), characterized in that the forming vacuum (11) is part of a periodically moving forming station (8) and the holding vacuum channel (12) comprises two telescoping channel sections (13, 14) which are joined into one another, wherein the first telescoping channel section (13) is part of the periodically moving forming station (8) and wherein the second telescoping channel section (14) is fixedly mounted with respect to the stationary machine frame (2).

2. Deep-drawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The forming station (8) is designed for simultaneously deep-drawing the film web (1) in a plurality of gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) of a plate group (40) which are successive to one another, and the forming vacuum (11) comprises a number of forming vacuum channels (45, 46, 47, 48) corresponding to the number of gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) of the plate group (40), wherein each forming vacuum channel (45, 46, 47, 48) is in connection with a respective gauge plate (41, 42, 43, 44) of the plate group (40) in the forming station (8) and can be loaded with vacuum independently of one another.

3. Deep-drawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The two telescoping channel sections (13, 14) which are joined into one another have an upwardly open side (15), wherein the gauge plate (41, 42, 43, 44) resting thereon is in connection with the open side (15) of the telescoping channel section (13, 14) via a pressure opening (16) below.

4. Deep-drawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The forming vacuum (11) and the holding vacuum channel (12) can be loaded with different vacuum levels.

5. Packaging machine for producing filled pouches, characterized in that The packaging machine comprises a deep-drawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and, in addition, comprises a subsequent processing station.

6. Packaging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that The fixedly mounted second telescoping channel section (14) extends up to at least one processing station which follows the forming station (8).

7. Packaging machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The processing station which follows the deep-drawing device comprises a filling station (9) and a sealing station (10), and the fixedly mounted second telescoping channel section (14) extends at least up to the sealing station (10).

8. Method for operating a deep-drawing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method comprises the following method steps: - a transport (3) with gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) is continuously moved around a machine frame (2), wherein a film web (1) is continuously and synchronously to the movement of the transport (3) supplied to the gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44); - at the beginning of a cycle, the forming station (8) is moved in the area of the starting position (6) in synchronism with the movement of the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) and then together with the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44); - by means of the forming vacuum which is moved together as part of the forming station (8), a forming vacuum is introduced into the forming cavities (5) of the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) and thereby the film web (1) is deep drawn into the forming cavities (5); - at the end of the deep drawing process and upon reaching the end position (7), the forming station (8) is moved back to the starting position (6), while the transport (3) continues to move together with the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) and the deep drawn film web (1), wherein, by means of the first telescoping channel section (13) of the holding vacuum channel (12) which is moved together with the forming station, a holding vacuum is introduced into the forming cavities (5) of the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) and thereby the deep drawn film web (1) is held in the forming cavities (5); - upon reaching the starting position (6), the forming station (8) is synchronized with the movement of the subsequent format plates (41', 42', 43', 44'), thereby starting a new cycle; - in the further course of the continued movement of the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) together with the deep drawn film web (1), the holding vacuum in the forming cavities (5) of the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) is maintained and thereby the deep drawn film web (1) is held in the forming cavities (5) by means of the second telescoping channel section (14) of the holding vacuum channel (12) which is assembled position- fixedly relative to the stationary machine frame (2).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the method comprising the following method steps: - in the forming station (8), the film web (1) is deep drawn simultaneously in a plurality of format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) of a plate group (40) following one another, wherein, by means of a number of forming vacuum channels (45, 46, 47, 48) corresponding to the number of format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) of the plate group (40), a forming vacuum is introduced into the forming cavities (5) and thereby the film web (1) is deep drawn into the forming cavities (5); - upon movement back of the forming station, the format plates (41, 42, 43, 44) of the plate group (40) are in turn brought into connection with the first telescoping channel section (13) of the holding vacuum channel (12) which is moved together and thereby loaded with the holding vacuum, while the forming vacuum in the forming vacuum channels (45, 46, 47, 48) is switched off in sequence and independently of one another upon reaching the format plates (41', 42', 43', 44') of the subsequent plate group (40').

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Following the forming station (8) at least one further processing station is arranged, and the holding vacuum is maintained through a stationary second telescopic channel section (14) at least until the at least one subsequent processing station.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Following the forming station (8) a filling station (9) and a sealing station (10) are arranged, and the holding vacuum is maintained through a stationary second telescopic channel section (14) at least until the sealing station (10).

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The forming cavities (5) of the gauge plates (41, 42, 43, 44) are loaded by the forming vacuum mechanism (11) and by the holding vacuum channel (12) with different vacuum levels.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The forming vacuum is higher than the holding vacuum.

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