Cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

Packaging machine (1) with a cleaning device (50) and a cleaning device (50) for cleaning a work area when filling bulk material into containers, comprising a blower plate (51) with a first nozzle arrangement (52) and a second nozzle arrangement (53), by means of which at least one jet of air can be directed at least temporarily, respectively. The first nozzle arrangement and the second nozzle arrangement (52, 53) each have a fixed blowing direction (55, 56), wherein the blowing directions (55, 56) of the first nozzle arrangement (52) and the second nozzle arrangement (53) differ from one another. Furthermore, a control device (58) is provided, which is adapted and designed to control the first nozzle arrangement (52) and the second nozzle arrangement (53) in a temporally offset manner. The control device (58) controls the first nozzle arrangement (52) and the second nozzle arrangement (53) in a temporally offset manner when cleaning the work area with such a cleaning device (50).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular for cleaning a work section when filling bulk material into containers, comprising at least one air blower with at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle, through which at least one air flow can be directed respectively at least temporarily. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a work section with such a cleaning device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cleaning with gas or compressed gas or gas blown out of nozzles is used in many fields and can be used, in particular, to remove dust or other particles from a work area.

[0003] For example, when filling bulk material into containers, in particular when filling pourable and / or loose products into bags, it is meaningful to remove excess or spilled product at different points of the filling process. Cleaning with gas is also known here.

[0004] After the bag piece has been filled, the bag walls are heat-sealed to one another depending on the design and application in order to reliably seal the bag piece. In order to be able to achieve a safe, reliable and tight closure seam, the area to be heat-sealed is usually cleaned, since it is often contaminated with spilled product.

[0005] Various cleaning methods and devices are known here. For example, EP 2015997 A1 describes an air blower as a cleaning device for the head seam, which is designed as a movable nozzle, so that the moving air flow removes the area to be heat-sealed from interfering product.

[0006] The cleaning is reliable and is usually better than, for example, cleaning with a non-flowing air flow. Due to the movability of the air blower, the bag opening edge above the closed jaws is opened by the acting air flow, so that the air flow penetrates the inner surface, whereby adhering dust particles or dirt particles are removed. In this case, the side folds of the sandwich are also separated from one another by the change in the air flow, so that this area is also cleaned. The individual film-like layers are similarly turned away from one another by the moving or oscillating air flow and cleaned by this penetrating air flow. However, the disadvantage of this design is that the moving parts are complex in structure and difficult to maintain and are therefore expensive.

[0007] DE 102011 002 808 A1 discloses a belt blowing device for a grinding device. In this case, the blowing device comprises a plurality of rigidly arranged nozzles, by means of which the grinding belt can be cleaned. The nozzles for optimal cleaning of the grinding belt are therefore oriented transversely to the direction of rotation of the grinding belt. However, no advantages are achieved here for the cleaning according to the invention compared to other rigidly arranged nozzles in the prior art. SUMMARY

[0008] It is therefore the task of the present application to provide a reliable cleaning by means of a moving gas flow without using moving parts, which is particularly advantageous in explosion-protected areas.

[0009] This task is solved by a cleaning device having the technical features intended to be protected by the present application, by a packaging machine having the technical features intended to be further protected by the present application and by a method for cleaning a work section having the technical features intended to be further protected by the present application. Preferred further developments of the present application are subject matters intended to be further protected by the present application. Other advantages and features of the present application will become apparent from the general description and the description of embodiments.

[0010] The cleaning device according to the present application is suitable for cleaning a work section, in particular when filling bulk material into containers or bags, in particular for cleaning the subsequent bag seam area. Thereby, the cleaning device comprises at least one air blowing plate with at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle, via which at least one gas flow can be directed at least temporarily, respectively. Further, the first nozzle has a fixed blowing direction, wherein the second nozzle also has a fixed blowing direction. Thereby, the blowing directions of the first nozzle and the second nozzle differ from each other. Further, at least one control device is provided, which is suitable and designed to control the at least one first nozzle mechanism and the at least one second nozzle mechanism at least sometimes temporarily offset.

[0011] Thereby, the cleaning device according to the present application provides a cleaning device, which can clean a work area or a work section by means of a gas or any gaseous fluid. Thereby, dust, bulk material or particles can be blown away by the gas flow or fluid flow blown out by the nozzles, in particular to free the work section from dust, bulk material, particles or flowing products.

[0012] Herein, the nozzle mechanism can be provided, preferably by any known and suitably usable nozzle type, or comprise such a nozzle. For example, the nozzle mechanism can also be provided by or comprise a simple opening or hole, via which the gas or liquid flow can flow out. Herein, such an opening can also be designed as a slit, so that a longer section can be cleaned by air in one go with such an elongated nozzle mechanism.

[0013] The cleaning device according to the application can be used in various ways. In particular, the cleaning device can be used for cleaning so-called head seams or bag seams. These two terms describe the cleaning of a bag portion after filling of bulk material into a container, in particular into a bag, preferably into a film bag, before the bag piece is heat-sealed after filling. In this case, at least two film walls are placed on top of one another after filling and are heat-sealed together or connected to one another in another way. In order to achieve a clean, reliable and tight seam when heat-sealing the bag piece, the region is cleaned before the closure or heat-sealing and then, in particular, the product that has spilled from the filling spout and / or adheres thereto is removed.

[0014] In order to generate an air flow that is as motionless as possible or to simulate a motionless air flow of the nozzle means, in order to achieve a particularly reliable cleaning of the work portion, a first nozzle means and a second nozzle means with different blowing directions are provided and are controlled differently. In this case, in particular, the blowing directions differ at least slightly.

[0015] The nozzles are preferably arranged and controlled in such a way that, for example, when filling film bags that are placed on top of one another after filling and are subsequently connected to one another via heat-sealing of the bag piece, they are bent back and forth or similarly opened, so that the region between the individual film layers is cleaned. As a result, the region of the subsequent bag piece seam or head seam can be effectively cleaned.

[0016] To this end, the individual nozzles preferably blow transversely or at least obliquely upwards towards the bag piece edge, so that it is bent sideways. By changing the blowing direction, the bag piece edge is preferably bent back again by itself and opened, so that the surface between the film layers is exposed and cleaned. As a result, a particularly good heat-sealing of the bag piece layers can be achieved without weak points due to foreign bodies.

[0017] The blower plate with the nozzles can be produced by mechanical machining, for example by drilling or the like, depending on the design. However, it is particularly preferred that it is also possible and advantageous to provide such a blower plate by means of a 3D-printed component. As a result, particularly simple and more complex air supply ducts can be provided in the assembly to provide different blower plates.

[0018] The cleaning device according to the application offers a number of advantages. A rather large advantage is that, due to the different blowing directions of the first nozzle means and the second nozzle means and depending on the design of each further nozzle means and by means of a time offset of the component with the static nozzle means or nozzle or different actuation of the nozzle, air movements can be simulated in particular, which move the nozzle or oscillate the air jet. As a result, an effective cleaning of the work portion can be ensured without having to use moving parts, which are both expensive to manufacture and to maintain.

[0019] By this design of the cleaning device, the air jets acting when cleaning the bag opening edge with a moving air flow open the bag walls or film layers lying on top of each other before the closed or welded filled bag, so that the air jets hit the inner surface, whereby adhering dust or dirt particles are removed. By changing the air jets, the layers folded on the side are advantageously separated from each other in the case of a correspondingly designed bag, so that this area is cleaned. These film layers are peeled off approximately one after the other by the moving or oscillating air flow and cleaned by the air flow thus entering.

[0020] In addition, it is possible, in addition to a simple oscillation of the air flow, to generate a more complex air flow by simple and / or complex wave movements on the part to be cleaned.

[0021] It is preferred that at least two first nozzles and at least two second nozzles are provided, wherein at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle can be controlled at least occasionally temporally offset. According to the design, it can also be preferred to control the same nozzle groups and / or different nozzle groups temporally offset.

[0022] It is preferred that the first nozzles and the second nozzles have independent and / or common air supply lines. In such a design, the control device then controls the air supply for the different air supply lines in particular in order to emit air flows at least occasionally temporally offset by the first nozzles and the second nozzles. If more than two different nozzles are provided, all nozzles are preferably independent air supply lines. If the first nozzles, the second nozzles and each other nozzle are provided as multiple nozzles, then the respective same nozzles can be connected to one air supply line. Such an air supply line can thus be formed, for example, by drilling holes in the blower plate, wherein, for example, horizontal channels provide a gas distribution along the component, wherein holes are provided substantially transverse to the nozzles. Alternatively, in a preferred design, the blower plate can also be manufactured with particularly complex air supply lines by 3D printing the component. If different nozzles are referred to or supplied with gas as a group, a separate air supply line for the group can also be provided, so that different types of nozzles have a common air supply line.

[0023] In other advantageous designs, the first nozzle mechanism and the second nozzle mechanism have a common air supply line, wherein the first nozzle mechanism and / or the second nozzle mechanism then preferably comprise at least one closure in order to control the air flow that can be guided through the nozzles temporally offset. If, in addition to the first nozzles and the second nozzles, at least one further nozzle is also provided, this variant can also be used advantageously. In this type of gas control, the control of the nozzles is advantageously carried out by so-called common rails.

[0024] It is particularly preferred that at least one third nozzle with a fixed blowing direction is provided, wherein the blowing directions of the first, second and / or third nozzles differ from one another. In particular, all blowing directions of the respective nozzles or nozzle types differ from one another. Depending on the design, any number of further nozzles with different blowing directions can be provided in addition to the first, second and third nozzles.

[0025] In a preferred further development, at least two blowing directions or gas flows or fluid flows from the respective nozzles meet at a point or intersection and / or on a line or center line. In this case, the point or line is in particular located in the upper edge region of the bag, so that the bag piece layers to be subsequently heat-sealed are blown away from or apart from one another in a sometimes temporarily staggered manner by the nozzles, since the film layers themselves slide and separate relative to one another by bending, so that the area between the bag piece layers is also cleaned before sealing.

[0026] In an advantageous further development, a plurality of first, second and / or third nozzles is respectively provided, which are arranged in rows at the air blowing plate. If more nozzles than first, second and third nozzles are provided, this design can be further developed according to preference by providing more rows or individually arranged further nozzles. By arranging the nozzles in rows, an effective cleaning can also be carried out at working sites of a longer or elongated design. If a plurality of air blowing plates is provided, which are arranged next to one another or in succession, one or more rows of nozzles can also be provided at each air blowing plate.

[0027] In an advantageous further development, the nozzle means from different rows are supplied with gas by a common air supply. Thus, depending on the design, active nozzles can be formed in a zigzag pattern on the air blowing plate. In particular, if the air blowing plate is manufactured as a 3D printed component, a complex design of the air guidance and nozzle means interface, which is sometimes with a common control, can be realized.

[0028] It is preferred that the nozzles of at least one row of nozzles are staggered with the nozzles of at least one other row of nozzles. Depending on the design, an effective cleaning can be achieved by the staggered arrangement of the nozzles. However, other arrangements can also be used advantageously. In particular, it is advantageous if the gas flows of the individual nozzles meet or can meet at an imaginary intersection point, since these gas flows are preferably loaded with gas in succession, wherein the distance between the nozzles and the working site or the bag results in an inclination angle of the gas jet. In this case, in particular when cleaning the area of a subsequent bag piece seam or head seam, the intersection point is preferably slightly below the upper edge of the film.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that a row of first nozzle means is arranged centrally between the rows of second and third nozzle means, wherein the direction of the first nozzles is essentially vertically downwardly aligned, and wherein the rows of second and third nozzles are arranged to opposite sides of the first nozzle means. In this case, the blowing direction of the second and third nozzles is respectively set to be at least slightly inclined in the direction of the first nozzles. In this design, the row of first nozzles is in particular arranged slightly centrally of the working area or working section.

[0030] It is preferred that at least two blow plates are arranged next to each other. In this design, the blowing direction is in particular arranged in series, i.e. preferably connected in succession in the longitudinal extension, particularly in longer or elongated working sections. However, depending on the design, the blow plates can also preferably be arranged in other ways and in particular not arranged directly next to each other.

[0031] In an advantageous further development, the nozzles of the individual blow plates can be controlled differently. In this case, the different blow plates preferably also each have a separate air supply. This makes it possible not only to control the individual rows of nozzles separately from each other, but also to additionally control a row of nozzles of the same type by distribution in the separate blow plates. Thus, for example, in one preferred design, the nozzles are distributed in three rows, wherein for example three blow plates can also be provided, which divide the entire longitudinal extension of the working section to be cleaned into three areas, which can be controlled differently. A kind of wave movement of the air flow can thus be formed in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the working section. In this way, a particularly effective simulation and / or further development of the swinging or moving nozzles can be modelled and a particularly suitable cleaning efficiency can be achieved. Depending on the design, the nozzles of the individual blow plates can also be supplied with air simultaneously.

[0032] It is preferred that at least one suction device is provided. By means of this suction device, the particle flow swirled by the blow plate or the blown-off bulk material or other particles can be sucked off, so that no large-area contamination occurs.

[0033] It is particularly preferred that at least one housing device is provided, which in particular substantially completely or even completely surrounds the blow plate. By shielding the blow plate and in particular the working section, a particularly clean working can be ensured.

[0034] To this end, the housing device is in particular in operative connection with the suction device. Depending on the design, it is then preferred that the working section, in particular the top seam area of the bag piece before heat sealing, can be cleaned almost dust-free by means of the in particular air-tight housing device.

[0035] In order to bring the packaging into contact with the cleaning device or with the air-blowing plate, in an advantageous further development the housing device can comprise at least one at least partially rotating housing part. This rotatable housing part or this baffle, in particular in conjunction with an opposite, stationary baffle part (which can also be moved, depending on the design), forms a cavity which encloses the air-blowing plate and the work section, or preferably at least as airtight as possible. The air flow is measured in such a way that at least the amount of air blown out of the air-blowing plate together with the product particles drawn off is sucked in again, and preferably at least a slight underpressure is created. This makes it possible to achieve an external protection (Ex-Schutz), in particular a dust external protection, which further increases the range of applications of the cleaning device according to the application.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the length of the air-blowing plate corresponds to the length of the work section to be cleaned. In this way, the respective length of the work section can also be achieved in particular by arranging several air-blowing plates one after the other.

[0037] The packaging machine according to the application for filling products, in particular bulk goods, into bag pieces comprises at least one cleaning device as described above.

[0038] The packaging machine according to the application also offers the advantages of the cleaning device set out above. In particular, a reliable heat sealing of the bag pieces can be ensured, since the cleaning device ensures a reliable cleaning of the bag piece section to be closed.

[0039] The method according to the application is suitable for cleaning a work section or a work area, in particular for cleaning a work section when filling bulk goods into containers or bag pieces, in particular for cleaning the area of a subsequent bag piece joint, wherein for this purpose a cleaning device as described above is used. In this case, the control device controls the first nozzle means and the second nozzle means at least temporarily staggered in time.

[0040] In this way, the nozzles are preferably arranged and controlled in such a way that, for example, when filling film bag pieces, the film layers which are arranged on top of one another after filling, which are subsequently connected to one another by heat-sealed bag pieces, are turned up, so that the area between the individual film layers is cleaned. The area of a subsequent bag piece joint or top joint can thus be effectively cleaned.

[0041] For this purpose, the individual nozzles preferably blow air laterally or at least obliquely upwards towards the bag piece edge, so that it is bent sideways. By changing the blowing direction, the bag piece edge itself is preferably bent again and turned up, which leads to the surface between the film layers being exposed and being available for the air flow to enter, so that it is cleaned. A particularly good heat sealing of the bag piece layers can thus be achieved without weak points occurring due to dirt.

[0042] The method according to the application also provides the advantages of the cleaning device already explained. In particular, the nozzles form a moving air flow by the temporary staggered control, although the nozzles are designed statically.

[0043] It is preferred that the suction device is controlled at least temporarily staggered. Thus, the swirled product or the swirled particles can be sucked out by the suction device, so that a particularly clean mode of operation can be ensured.

[0044] It is particularly preferred that the air plenum is arranged in the housing device, wherein the suction device at least temporarily at least partially sucks the interior of the housing device. In this case, the housing device preferably comprises a rotatable shutter as already explained, so that a passage for the container or bag piece into the housing device is provided. The shutter forms a cavity with an opposite, fixed or moving shutter part, which preferably provides a particularly air-tight sealing of the air plenum and the work section to be cleaned. Thus, the air flow can preferably be measured in such a way that at least the amount of air or fluid blown out by the nozzles can be sucked out, wherein in particular at least a little more amount is sucked out, so that a slight underpressure is formed, so that an external protection is ensured.

[0045] In an advantageous further development, the nozzles are arranged in a row and / or the air plenums are arranged in a row or successively, wherein the control device loads the nozzles with air or provides air in such a way that a wave-shaped air flow is discharged along the work area or work section to be cleaned. Thus, a particularly suitable cleaning effect can be produced by the moving air flow, which is achieved by the special control of the nozzles by means of static components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Further advantages and features of the application result from the embodiments, which will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0047] The drawings show:

[0048] Figure 1 a purely schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging machine according to the application in a perspective view;

[0049] Figure 2 a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging machine according to the application in a perspective view;

[0050] Figure 3 a next purely schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging machine according to the application in a perspective view;

[0051] Figure 4 a purely schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging machine according to the application in a front view;

[0052] Figure 5Figure 3 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0053] Figure 6 Figure 4 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0054] Figure 7 Figure 5 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0055] Figure 8 Figure 6 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0056] Figure 9 Figure 7 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0057] Figure 10 Figure 8 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0058] Figure 11 Figure 9 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0059] Figure 12 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application; Figure 11

[0060] Figure 13 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0061] Figure 14 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application; Figure 13

[0062] Figure 15 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application;

[0063] Figure 16 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application; Figure 15

[0064] Figure 17 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application; Figure 15

[0065] Figure 18 is a view from the side of the bag delivery device showing a further purely schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging machine according to the application; Figure 17

[0066] Figure 19 ​​​​​is a purely schematic view in perspective of an embodiment of a bag transport device with a cleaning device according to the application;

[0067] Figure 20 is a purely schematic view in perspective of a cleaning device according to the application;

[0068] Figure 21 is a further purely schematic view in perspective of a cleaning device according to the application;

[0069] Figure 22 is a next purely schematic view in perspective of a cleaning device according to the application;

[0070] Figure 23 is a further purely schematic view in perspective of a cleaning device according to the application;

[0071] Figure 24 is a further purely schematic view in perspective of a cleaning device according to the application;

[0072] Figure 25 is a purely schematic view in front view of an embodiment of a transfer device and a bag transport device;

[0073] Figure 26 is a further purely schematic view in front view of an embodiment of a transfer device and a bag transport device;

[0074] Figure 27 is a next purely schematic view in front view of an embodiment of a transfer device and a bag transport device;

[0075] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of self Figure 26 , 27 and 28;

[0076] Figure 29 is a next embodiment of a packaging machine according to the application in perspective view;

[0077] Figure 30 is an embodiment according to the application in front view; Figure 29

[0078] is an embodiment according to the application in rear view; Figure 31 Figure 29 is an embodiment according to the application in top view;

[0079] Figure 32 Figure 29 is an embodiment according to the application in side view;

[0080] Figure 33 is an embodiment according to the application in side view; Figure 29

[0081] Reference signs​​​

[0082] 1 packing machine 63 suction device

[0083] 2 pocket reserve device 64 housing device

[0084] 3 pocket removal device 65 housing part

[0085] 4 transfer device 66 baffle

[0086] 5 first clamping device 67 opening

[0087] 6 second clamping device 68 suction tube

[0088] 7 side 69 cover plate

[0089] 8 side 100 filling module

[0090] 9 clamping arm 101 filling nozzle

[0091] 10 clamping mechanism 102 housing device

[0092] 11 housing device 103 housing panel

[0093] 12 thread 104 feed hopper

[0094] 13 pocket making device 105 air filling module

[0095] 14 film reserve device 106 pressure chamber

[0096] 15 sealing device

[0097] 16 conveyor belt

[0098] 17 housing panel

[0099] 18 main body

[0100] 19 track

[0101] 20 parallelogram structure

[0102] 21 welding station

[0103] 50 cleaning device

[0104] 51 air-blowing plate

[0105] 52 first nozzle mechanism

[0106] 53 second nozzle

[0107] 54 third nozzle

[0108] 55 blowing direction

[0109] 56 blowing direction

[0110] 57 blowing direction

[0111] 58 control device

[0112] 59 air supply tube

[0113] 59a air supply tube

[0114] 60 row

[0115] 61 row DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging machine 1 according to the present application. The packaging machine 1 comprises in the embodiment shown here a bag reserve device 2, a bag removal device 3 and a transfer device 4 arranged between both. The bag reserve device 2, the bag removal device 3 and the transfer device 4 are arranged along a line 12.

[0117] The filling module 100 is drawn out of the line 12 and arranged in the embodiment shown here next to the transfer device 4. In the embodiment shown here, empty bag pieces are fed from the bag reserve device 2 to the filling module 100 by means of the transfer device 4. The bag pieces fed to the filling module 100 are hung at a filling nozzle 101 of the filling module 100 and filled, and are then fed back to the line 12 by the transfer device 4 and supplied to the bag removal device 3.

[0118] By being arranged next to the line 12 or being drawn out of the line 12, almost any kind of filling module 100 can be used with the modules or components of the packaging machine 1 arranged in the line 12. In particular, standard modules can also be used, so that the packaging machine according to the present application does not have to be specified with a special design of the filling module 100, which is preferably a module for filling open bags with the same filling technology.

[0119] In the embodiment shown here, the packaging machine 1 is arranged in a closed manner, for which the components or modules are arranged in a housing device 11, 102. Here, in the embodiment shown here, the components arranged in the line 12, i.e. the bag reserve device 2, the bag removal device 3 and the transfer device 4, are arranged in the same housing device 11. In the embodiment shown, the filling module 100 is arranged in its own housing device 102.

[0120] By arranging the components or modules in the housing devices 11, 102, it is also possible to design the filling process to be airtight, so that hazardous or sensitive substances can also be filled by means of the packaging machine 1. In particular, it is also possible to apply a negative pressure or suction in the packaging machine 1 or the housing device 11, 102, so that the product that escapes during the filling process does not leak into the environment, but can be safely discharged or even recycled.

[0121] In the embodiment shown here, the bag reserve 2 also comprises a bag production device 13, in which the bags are produced from a film reserve 14 for this purpose and are available to the transfer device 4.

[0122] In the embodiment shown here, the bag removal device 3 comprises a closure device 15, with which the filled and still open bags can be closed, and a conveyor belt 16 for removing the filled and closed bags.

[0123] Since the bag reserve 2, the bag removal device 3 and the transfer device are arranged in a line 12 and the filling module 100 is arranged away from this line 112, an arrangement of the packaging machine 1 according to the application in a T design arises.

[0124] As has been explained, this offers a number of advantages. One advantage is that, by arranging the filling module 100 next to it or moving the filling module 100 away from the line 12, virtually any (standard) filling module can be used. Thereby, on the one hand, existing filling modules 100 can be used. On the other hand, by arranging next to it also allows a quick change or replacement of the filling module without much effort. In known in-line devices, i.e. devices in which all components are arranged in a line, it can be difficult to arrange filling technologies, in particular air filling modules 105 with pressure chambers 106 as shown in the embodiment, in a line due to space considerations. Furthermore, the operability or maintainability becomes difficult.

[0125] It is also advantageous that the T design or arrangement of the packaging machine allows a very compact configuration.

[0126] Figures 2 to 4 In Figures 2 and 3, two perspective views and one front view of the packaging machine 1 are shown in order to better illustrate the situation of the packaging machine 1, wherein, in order to ensure an overview of the interior of the packaging machine 1 or of the various modules or components, no housing panels 17, 103 are shown at the housing devices 11, 102.

[0127] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 In Figures 2 and 3, two perspective views and one front view of the packaging machine 1 are shown in order to better illustrate the situation of the packaging machine 1, wherein, in order to ensure an overview of the interior of the packaging machine 1 or of the various modules or components, no housing panels 17, 103 are shown at the housing devices 11, 102.

[0128] In this view, the filling module 100 is arranged or positioned next to the transfer device 4, wherein in this view the filling nozzle 101 of the filling module 100 can also be seen. Here, the feed hopper 104 of the filling module 100 can also be seen, which is connected to an above-not shown silo of the product to be filled. Here, the product is fed through the feed hopper 104 into the filling module 100 or here into the pressure chamber 106 of the air filling module 105 to the filling nozzle 101.

[0129] In this view it can be seen that the transfer device comprises a first gripping device 5 and a second gripping device 6, which are accommodated on different sides 7, 8 of the main body 18 of the transfer device 4 or at the main body 18 of the transfer device 4.

[0130] Here the main body 18 of the transfer device 4 is designed in the shape of a column and is arranged hanging in the embodiment shown here. Here, in the embodiment shown, the main body 18 is hung to a guide rail 19, whereby the main body 18 with the gripping devices 5, 6 can be moved out of the line 12 to the left in this view. The mobility of the transfer device 4 will be shown and described in detail below.

[0131] In addition to the mobility of the transfer device 4 or the main body 18 of the transfer device 4, the main body 18 can also be pivoted back and forth by 90° in the embodiment shown here. By pivoting the main body 18 of the transfer device 4 back and forth by 90° and arranging the first gripping device 5 on one side 7 of the main body 18 and the second gripping device 6 on the side 8 of the main body 18, a bag from the bag reserve 2 can be supplied by means of the transfer device 4 from the line 12 to the filling module 100 or to the filling spout 101. If the main body 18 or the transfer device 4 is pivoted back, the second gripping device 6 contacts the bag that has now been filled at the filling spout 101 and can take it and, when the main body 18 is turned forward or turned back again, can feed it back to the line 12 and supply it to the bag removal device.

[0132] In the enlarged view of Figure 6 , it can be seen that the first gripping device 5 and the second gripping device 6 are located on different sides 7, 8 of the main body 18 of the transfer device 4. Here it can also be seen that one of the two gripping arms 9 of the first gripping device 5.

[0133] As can also be seen in more detail in the following figures, the gripping device 5 comprises, in the embodiment shown here, two gripping arms 9, which are movable relative to one another, so that they act as a kind of clamp. The gripping arms 9 of the first gripping device can thus take an open bag from the bag reserve 2 or from the bag making device and hang it to the filling spout 101. To this end, the first gripping device 5 or the gripping arms 9 in the embodiment shown here can also be moved forward and withdrawn again, which is shown purely schematically in Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0134] Figure 9 A purely schematic view of the transfer device 4 and the filling module 100 from the perspective of the bag reserve 2 is shown. Here the main body 18 of the transfer device 4 is turned such that the second gripping device 6 is aligned with the filling spout 101 of the filling module 100. In this position, the first gripping device 5 is oriented in such a way that it can take an empty bag from the bag reserve 2.

[0135] Figure 10 A purely schematic view of the transfer device 4 and the filling module 100 is shown from the direction of the bag removal device 3.

[0136] It can be seen here that the second clamping device 6 is arranged displaceably, so that in the embodiment shown it can be pivoted or displaced forwards by means of a parallelogram structure 20 towards the filling spout 101. The clamping mechanism 10 of the second clamping device 6 can thus press the still open bag walls of the filled bag together and then move the bag back towards the body 18.

[0137] Subsequently, the body 18 can be rotated here by 90° clockwise, so that the filled bag can be moved back into the line 12 and then be fed to the bag removal device. At the same time, a new empty bag can be picked up by the first clamping device 5 during the removal of the filled bag by the second clamping device 6. When the filled bag is rotated forwards into the line 12, the new empty bag is also moved out of the line 12 and fed to the filling spout 101.

[0138] In Figure 10 It can also be seen that the cleaning device 50 of the invention is arranged above the second clamping device 6, as will also be explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0139] Figure 11 And Figure 12 A side view of the packaging machine 1 and the transfer device 4 and the filling module 100 is shown again purely schematically from the direction of the bag removal device 3. It can be seen in comparison with this view that the transfer device 4 or the body 18 together with the clamping devices 5, 6 attached thereto is designed to be movable or pullable out.

[0140] To this end, as already explained, the body 18 is suspended in the upper region and displaceable by means of the guide rail 19 or guide rail system 19 in the embodiment shown here. Other technical components or means for displacing the body 18 can also be used analogously.

[0141] Since the transfer device 4 or the body 18 of the transfer device 4 can be moved out transversely to the line 12 in the embodiment shown here, this fact provides sufficient space for maintenance personnel, for example, for maintaining the packaging machine 1.

[0142] It is thus possible, in particular in the displaced state of the body 18, to reach all components of the packaging machine 1 conveniently in the embodiment shown here. In particular, it is also possible to reach the filling module 100 from the side of the filling spout 101. However, the other inaccessible side of the bag reserve device 2, the bag removal device and the transfer device can also be maintained and / or repaired.

[0143] Figure 13 And Figure 14 The transfer device 4 of the packaging machine 1 and the body 18 of the transfer device 4 are shown in an overview and in a partial view.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the first gripping device 5 and the second gripping device 6 are arranged offset by 90° on different sides 7, 8. This arrangement ensures an overlapping work method for the transfer or conveying of empty bags and bags that have been filled.

[0145] Above the second gripping device 6, a cleaning device 50 is provided, which comprises a housing device 64, wherein in the embodiment shown here a rotatable housing part 65 or a rotatable baffle 66 is provided. The cleaning device 50 will be explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0146] It can furthermore be seen that the first gripping device 5 is arranged on the side 7 of the main body 18, which in the embodiment shown here comprises two gripping arms 9, which here can be moved or pivoted relative to one another or outwards. The gripping arms thus act as clamps and can pick up or take over empty bags from the bag reserve 2.

[0147] It can furthermore be seen from the above figure that the first gripping device 5 is pivotably arranged, so that it can be displaced both towards the filling spout 101 and also towards the bag reserve 2. Depending on the design, it is also possible to provide, for example, telescoping gripping arms 9 or other components of the first gripping device 5.

[0148] In Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the main body of the transfer device 4 is pivoted such that the first gripping device 5 is aligned with the filling spout 101 of the filling module 100. In this position, an open bag, not shown, is held in the gripping arms 9 in the embodiment shown here by opening the two gripping arms 9, wherein the gripping device 5 is displaced forwards in order to hang the open bag to the filling spout 101. It can furthermore be seen that the second gripping device 6 with the clamping mechanism 10.

[0149] In Figure 17 and 18 , the side view of Figure 15 and 16 is shown again in a slightly perspective view from above, whereby the cleaning device 50 above the second gripping device 6 is hidden in order to better observe the clamping mechanism 10 of the second gripping device 6.

[0150] In Figures 19 to 24 , the cleaning device 50 provided above the second gripping device 6 according to the application and its mode of operation in the embodiment shown here are described in detail.

[0151] The cleaning device 50 according to the application in the embodiment shown here thus provides for the cleaning of the so-called head-seam region of the bag piece to be closed by means of blown gas.

[0152] In addition to the application of the cleaning device 50 of the application described here, it can also clean any other work section, in particular a work section associated with the packaging machine 1 described here.

[0153] Here, Figure 19 A schematic overview of the transfer device 4 of the packaging machine 1 of the application is shown purely diagrammatically, wherein the cleaning device 50 of the application is arranged above the second gripping device 6 in the embodiment shown here.

[0154] In the present embodiment, the cleaning device 50 comprises two air blower plates 51 which are not visible in Figure 19 In the embodiment shown here, the cleaning device 50 is arranged within a housing device 64. Thereby, an air-tight seal between the air blower plates 51 and the work section to be cleaned can be achieved. In order to feed the work section or the bag to be cleaned to the cleaning device 50, the housing device 64 comprises a movable or here pivotable housing part 65 or flap 66 which is in the closed state in the view shown.

[0155] In Figure 20 A perspective view of the cleaning device 50 according to the application can be seen in

[0156] In Figure 21 In the perspective view, the components of the cleaning device 50 are shown separately again. Here, the flap 66 or the pivotable housing part 65 is also shown in the open state, so that the two air blower plates 51 arranged in the embodiment shown here can be seen.

[0157] The air blower plates 51 comprise a plurality of first nozzle means 52, second nozzle means 53 and third nozzle means 54, respectively, in the embodiment shown here, which are arranged in rows 60, 61, 62 here.

[0158] Here, the three rows 60, 61, 62 of first nozzle means 52, second nozzle means 53 and third nozzle means 54 arranged here can receive air in different ways, so that moving air waves are blown through the work section to be cleaned.

[0159] This is achieved by the first nozzle means 52 or the first nozzle means 52 of the first row 60 having a first blowing direction 55, respectively, which is different from the blowing direction 56, 57 of the other nozzle means 53, 54 or of the other rows 61, 62 or of the nozzle means 53, 54. It is particularly preferred and also provided in the present embodiment that the first nozzle means 52, the second nozzle means 53 and the third nozzle means 54 have blowing directions 50, 56, 57, respectively, which are different from one another.

[0160] Thereby, in Figure 21 It is also shown in that the plurality of blowing directions 55, 56, 57 or the individual air or fluid flows in the shown embodiment meet at a point 70 or focal point. It is also possible that the plurality of air flows meet at an imaginary center line formed by the upper edge of the bag or approximately directly below it. This is the case when one row of nozzle means is offset relative to another row of nozzle means. Thereby, due to the at least sometimes temporary offset control of the individual nozzle means 52, 53, 54, for example when filling the film bag, the seam or head seam area of the next bag piece can be effectively cleaned. The film layers which are stacked on top of one another after filling and are heat-sealed together are blown away or apart by the different air flows of the plurality of nozzle means 52, 53, 54, thereby cleaning the area between the plurality of film layers. A particularly good heat-seal of the bag layers can thus be achieved without weak points due to dirt, for example the product to be filled.

[0161] Furthermore, a control device 58, which is not shown in more detail in the figures, is provided, which is adapted and designed for at least temporarily offsetting the control of the nozzle means 52, 53, 54 in time.

[0162] For this purpose, in the shown embodiment, for the three rows 60, 61, 62 of nozzle means 52, 53, 54, separate air supply lines 59 are provided in the blow plate 51. This is shown here for both blow plates 51 and in Figure 22 can be seen purely schematically. Due to the blow plate 51, the separate air supply line 59a or the connection of the air supply line 59 for the blow plate 51, which is located outside the blow plate 51, can also be seen.

[0163] In Figure 23 and Figure 24 It is also shown purely schematically in that a suction device 63 can also be provided to suck away the air or other fluid ejected by the blow plate 51 together with the vortex particles.

[0164] For this purpose, the suction device 63 is here in the shown embodiment effectively connected with the interior of the housing device 64 via the opening 67 in the housing device 64.

[0165] Here, in the shown embodiment, a suction tube 68 is provided, which is connected with the opening 67. Depending on the design, a further suction tube 68 can also be provided on the left, wherein the opening 67 on the left is here closed by a cover plate 69.

[0166] As specified above in the illustrated embodiment, a substantially airtight cleaning chamber is formed by the baffle 66 of the enclosed housing member 65 or housing device 64. Depending on the application, the suction device is adjusted such that at least the amount of air drawn in, or generally the amount injected into the housing device 64 via the blower 51, is at least partially suctioned. Particularly preferred is that the amount drawn in creates at least a small negative pressure within the housing device 64. This is particularly important for equipment used in dust removal applications. In non-critical working environments or generally, a non-airtight housing device 64 may be provided, or no housing device 64 may be provided.

[0167] also, Figure 23 and Figure 24 It is also shown that the first, second, and third nozzle mechanisms 52, 53, and 54 of different rows 60, 61, and 62 are connected via different air supply pipes 59a for each blower plate 51. Therefore, the different controls of these nozzle mechanisms 52, 53, and 54, or the different controls of the nozzle mechanisms 52, 53, and 54 of these rows 60, 61, and 62, can also be different for each blower plate 51. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, an air wave or moving airflow can be formed over the entire length and width of the work section to be cleaned, thereby mimicking the blowing pattern of an oscillating nozzle, particularly without the use of moving parts. Here, the blowing pattern of the oscillating nozzle achieves the separation of the bag walls to be joined during cleaning of the bag section for subsequent head seams, thereby removing the product located between the bag walls.

[0168] In particular, this is achieved through oscillating air jets. Before the filled bag is closed or sealed, the overlapping bag walls or film layers are opened by the air jets as they clean the bag opening edges with the moving airflow, causing the air jets to impact the inner surface and remove adhering dust or dirt particles. By changing the air jets, depending on the bag's design, the side-folded layers are also separated, allowing that area to be cleaned as well. These film layers are peeled off approximately sequentially by the moving or oscillating airflow and cleaned by the incoming airflow.

[0169] Figures 25 to 28 The diagram illustrates, schematically, the transfer of filled bags to bag delivery device 3 via transfer device 4.

[0170] A parallelogram structure 20 is provided here, on which a second clamping device 6 with a clamping mechanism 10 is provided. This structure 20 is also used to remove an intact bag from the filling nozzle 101 or to bring the second clamping device 6 into contact with a filled bag.

[0171] In its basic state, the second clamping device 6 rests relatively close to the main body 18 of the transfer device 4. (The following...) Figure 26 and 27It can be seen how the second gripping device 6 is moved forward towards the bag removal device 3 by the displacement of the parallelogram structure 20.

[0172] Here, the sealing device 15 can also be seen, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a welding station 21.

[0173] In Figures 29-33 In the middle, the special design of the parallelogram structure 20 is shown by which the filled bags are transferred by the gripping device 6 of the transfer device 4 substantially in a line or substantially straight to the bag removal device 3.

[0174] In ​ In the middle, the sealing device 15 can also be seen, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a welding station 21.

[0175] In particular, the bag reserve device 2, the transfer device 4 and the bag removal device 3 are arranged in a line 12. Unlike the previously shown embodiment, not one filling module 100 is removed from the line 12 and arranged next to the transfer device 4, but two filling modules 100 are arranged next to each other outside the line 12.

[0176] In order to select which of the two filling modules 100 is used, in the embodiment shown here the transfer device 4 is movably arranged so that it can be arranged in front of one or the other filling module 100. Thus, for example, a product change can be carried out quickly, or maintenance of the filling module 100 can also be carried out, for which the transfer device 4 can be slid or moved in front of the filling module 100 to be used or which does not need to be maintained. In parallel to the displaceability of the transfer device 4 in the line 12, depending on the design, additional movability or displaceability of the transfer device 4 transverse to the line 12 can also be provided as in the previously shown embodiment.

[0177] In order to ensure that the bags are reliably taken from the bag reserve device 2 and that the filled bags are reliably handed over to the bag removal device by the transfer device 4, some components of the transfer device 4 can be arranged displaceably accordingly.

[0178] Depending on the design, however, the bag reserve device 2 and / or the bag removal device can also be jointly displaceable, so that there is always an optimum distance between some components.

Claims

1. Cleaning device (50) for cleaning the subsequent bag joint area when filling bulk material into bags, comprising at least one air blower plate (51) with at least one first nozzle arrangement (52) and at least one second nozzle arrangement (53), via which at least one air flow can be directed at least temporarily each, characterized in that the first nozzle arrangement (52) has a fixed blowing direction (55) and the second nozzle arrangement (53) has a fixed blowing direction (56), wherein the blowing directions (55, 56) of the first nozzle arrangement (52) and the second nozzle arrangement (53) differ from each other, and at least one control device (58) is provided, which is adapted and designed to control the at least one first nozzle arrangement (52) and the at least one second nozzle arrangement (53) at least temporarily offset in time.

2. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 1, wherein at least two first nozzle arrangements (52) and at least two second nozzle arrangements (53) are provided, wherein the at least one first nozzle arrangement (52) and the at least one second nozzle arrangement (53) can be controlled at least temporarily offset in time.

3. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first nozzle arrangements (52) and the second nozzle arrangements (53) have separate and / or shared air supply lines (59).

4. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first nozzle arrangements (52) and the second nozzle arrangements (53) have shared air supply lines (59), wherein the first and / or second nozzle arrangements (52, 53) comprise at least one closure for temporarily offsetting in time the air flow that can be directed through these nozzle arrangements (52, 53).

5. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one third nozzle arrangement (54) with a fixed blowing direction (57) is provided, wherein the blowing directions (55, 56, 57) of the first nozzle arrangements (52), the second nozzle arrangements (53) and / or the third nozzle arrangements (54) differ from each other.

6. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 5, wherein at least two blowing directions (55, 56, 57) intersect in a point (70) or a line.

7. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of first nozzle arrangements, second nozzle arrangements, third nozzle arrangements and / or further nozzle arrangements (52, 53, 54) are provided, which are arranged in rows (60, 61, 62) on the air blower plate (51), respectively.

8. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle arrangements (52, 53, 54) from different rows (60, 61, 62) are supplied with air via shared air supply lines (59). ​ ​ 9. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one row (60, 61, 62) of nozzle means (52, 53, 54) is arranged offset to at least one other row (60, 61, 62) of nozzle means (52, 53, 54).

10. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 7, wherein a row (60) of first nozzle means (52) is arranged centrally between rows (61, 62) of second nozzle means (53) and the third nozzle means (54), wherein the blowing direction (55) of the first nozzle means (52) is vertically downwardly aligned, and wherein the rows (61, 62) of second and third nozzle means (53, 54) are arranged on opposite sides of the first nozzle means (52), and wherein the blowing directions (56, 57) of the second and third nozzle means (53, 54) are at least slightly inclined towards the first nozzle means (52), respectively.

11. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two blow plates (51) are provided which are arranged next to each other.

12. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle means (52, 53, 54) of the individual blow plates (51) can be controlled differently.

13. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one suction device (63) is provided.

14. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 13, wherein at least one housing device (64) is provided.

15. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 14, wherein the suction device (63) is in operative engagement with the housing device (64).

16. The cleaning device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the housing device (64) comprises at least one partially rotatable housing part (65).

17. The cleaning device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length (66) of the blow plate (51) is adapted to the length of the work section to be cleaned.

18. Packaging machine (1) for filling products into bags, comprising at least one cleaning device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. Method of clearing subsequent bag joint areas when filling bulk material into bags using a clearing device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that , the control device (58) at least temporarily controls the first nozzle means (52) and the second nozzle means (53) offset in time.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein at least temporarily operating the suction device (63) when provided in the cleaning device.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein at least one housing device (64) and at least one suction device (63) are provided in the cleaning device (50), wherein the blow plate (51) is arranged within the housing device (64), and the suction device (63) at least temporarily and at least partially suctions the interior of the housing device (64).

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the nozzle means (52, 53, 54) are arranged in rows (60, 61, 62) and / or the blowers (51) are arranged in a row, and the control device (58) supplies air to the nozzle means (52, 53, 54) in such a way that an air wave occurs along the work area to be cleaned.

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