Tray conveyor device, packaging system and method for the stepwise conveying of packaging trays

Abstract

The invention relates to a tray conveyor (30), in particular for a downstream tray closing device (11), a packaging system (1) with at least one tray conveyor (30), or a method for the stepwise conveying of packaging trays (51, 51', 51'') with a tray conveyor (30). The tray conveyor (30) has a frame (31) with a carrier lifting device (32) and a carrier (33) which is height-adjustable by means of the carrier lifting device (32). The tray conveyor (30) further has a [missing information] arranged on the carrier (33) in and against a conveying direction (F) by at least one step size between a tray discharge position (P) Abgabe ) and a shell receiving position (P Aufnahme) movable carriage (34). At least one lifting device (37), which is height-adjustable relative to the carriage (33), is arranged on the carrier (33). The lifting device (37) is adjustable between a raised position, in which at least one first packaging tray (51'') placed on it is engaged with the lifting device (37) and disengaged from the carriage (34), and a lowered position, in which the first packaging tray (51'') is disengaged from the lifting device (37) and engaged with the carriage (34).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tray conveyor device, a packaging system with at least one tray conveyor device, or a method for the stepwise conveying of packaging trays using a tray conveyor device. State of the art

[0002] Tray conveyors for conveying packaging trays are known from the prior art. For example, EP 1 819 994 B2 teaches a method and system for batch sorting objects. The objects can be grouped in packaging trays, which are then transported on conveyor belts. Several packaging trays can also be transported side-by-side on a single conveyor belt in one conveying direction.

[0003] The disadvantage of this design is that all packaging trays on the conveyor belt move along with it. Selective stopping of packaging trays or conveying only selected trays while others are not conveyed in the direction of travel is therefore not possible.

[0004] Furthermore, the tray components transported by the conveyor belt(s) may shift, at least slightly, due to acceleration and / or when being filled with products. Transferring them to a tray sealing machine then becomes problematic. Task

[0005] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is to specify a tray conveyor, a packaging system with at least one tray conveyor, or a method for the stepwise conveying of packaging trays with a tray conveyor, which enables simple, as accurate and efficient conveying of packaging trays. Solution

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a tray conveyor device according to claim 1, a packaging system with at least one tray conveyor device according to claim 9 or a method for stepwise conveying of packaging trays with a tray conveyor device according to claim 12.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are covered in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a tray conveying device, in particular for a downstream tray sealing device. The tray conveying device comprises a frame with a carrier lifting device and a carrier which is height-adjustable by means of the carrier lifting device. A carriage is arranged on the carrier, movable in and against a conveying direction by at least one step size between a tray discharge position and a tray receiving position. At least one lifter, height-adjustable relative to the carrier, is arranged on the carrier. The lifter is adjustable between a raised position, in which at least one first packaging tray placed on it is engaged with the lifter and disengaged from the carriage, and a lowered position, in which the first packaging tray is disengaged from the lifter and engaged with the carriage.This enables simple and efficient stepwise conveying of packaging trays. It allows selected packaging trays to be conveyed outside the conveying direction, even when the carriage is moving. This allows for better combination of transport and filling processes on the tray conveying device according to the invention.

[0009] In this invention, the lifting mechanism and the carriage work advantageously together. The lifting mechanism determines the filling of the packaging trays by raising and lowering, while the carriage determines, by moving in and against the conveying direction, which (filled) packaging trays are picked up and transported further. The relative movements of these actuators result in controlled picking up, filling, and transport of packaging trays.

[0010] At least the first, and in particular several, preferably one empty, incompletely (i.e., not filled to the target value), or completely (i.e., filled to the target value) packaging tray(s) can be conveyed by means of the tray conveyor device. The packaging trays can, in particular, be conveyed together. The tray conveyor device can prevent the conveying of all packaging trays, especially against the conveying direction. In other words, this means that, by means of the tray conveyor device according to the invention, tray portions filled to the target value can be selectively conveyed further, while other tray portions not yet filled to the target value can continue to be filled.

[0011] The packaging trays can be placed on the lifter, which may be in the raised position, thus preventing engagement with the carriage and preventing conveying in or against the direction of travel. The conveying of the packaging trays, or any change in the position of the trays lifted by the lifter relative to the tray discharge and tray receiving positions, cannot occur when the lifter is in the raised position. In other words, the packaging trays can only be conveyed when they are not lifted by the lifter, or when the lifter is in the lowered position, i.e., when the packaging trays are engaged with the carriage. It can be advantageous for the packaging trays to be conveyed only in the direction of travel and not against it.

[0012] Depending on whether the packaging tray is empty, partially filled, or fully filled, the ejector can be moved to the raised and / or lowered position. Depending on the movement of the carriage, the ejector can also be moved between the tray discharge position and the tray pickup position.

[0013] The tray discharge position can be a position in which the carriage can discharge a packaging tray, in particular the first one, preferably completely filled. The tray receiving position can be a position in which the carriage can receive a packaging tray, in particular a second one, preferably empty.

[0014] A packaging tray can be understood to be any body suitable for receiving at least one product. In particular, the packaging tray can have a product receiving area suitable for receiving at least one product, preferably several products. The packaging tray can have a rim arranged at least partially around the product receiving area, on which preferably no product is arranged. The rim can be suitable for contacting the packaging tray at least partially by means of a receiving device of the slide described below, in particular for lifting and / or lowering it. The rim can optionally be an area where the packaging tray can be sealed, in particular with a film. The packaging tray can have a bottom that can engage at least partially with the lifting device in order to lift and / or lower the packaging tray.The packaging tray can have a predetermined length, width and height, in particular determined by a packaging tray manufacturing device, and further in particular by a forming and cutting station of the packaging system.

[0015] The product can be of any shape, material, size, temperature, mass, and / or density, and several products may differ (slightly) from one another. The product can be designed so that it can be picked up by the packaging tray. Optionally, the product can be suitable for being picked up by a gripper unit, as described below, and placed into the packaging tray.

[0016] The raised position and / or the lowered position of the lifting mechanism may depend on the packaging tray, in particular the height of the packaging tray, and / or the product.

[0017] Preferably, the packaging tray can be filled with the product when it is lifted by the lifting mechanism (which is in the raised position) and disengaged from the carriage. This can improve the gripper unit's access to the packaging tray and facilitate filling. Optionally, the packaging tray can be filled with the product when it is lowered by the lifting mechanism (which is in the lowered position) and engaged with the carriage. In particular, the packaging tray can be filled with the product when it is engaged with the carriage and being conveyed by it.

[0018] The packaging tray can be empty, partially filled, or fully filled. The packaging tray can be fully filled if it contains at least one product at its product receiving area. Optionally, the packaging tray can be fully filled if it has a predetermined weight and / or contains a predetermined number of products at its product receiving area. The packaging tray can be partially or incorrectly filled if the weight or the predetermined number of products does not match the predetermined weight or number of products. The packaging tray can be empty if it contains no product.

[0019] The packaging tray can be aligned with respect to the tray conveyor device in such a way that its packaging tray length extends in the direction of the conveying direction or parallel to a slide length or a lifter length.

[0020] The step size can correspond to the length of the packaging trays. Optionally, the carriage can be moved by an integer multiple in and / or against the step size, particularly for conveying the packaging trays by more than one step size in the conveying direction.

[0021] The frame can be arranged on a packaging system, in particular on a machine frame of the packaging system. The frame can be designed separately from the machine frame of a packaging machine, for example, a tray sealing machine. In particular, the tray conveyor device can be a self-contained transport module, which is arranged upstream of a tray sealing machine in the production direction.

[0022] The conveying direction can, in particular, be a direction in which the packaging trays are conveyed to the downstream tray sealing device. Optionally, the conveying direction can correspond to a production direction of the packaging system.

[0023] The tray conveyor, in particular the carrier lifting device, a longitudinal movement device for moving the carriage, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the lifting mechanism relative to the carrier, can be controlled by a control unit. The control unit can be integrated into a control device of the packaging system. The movements controlled by the control unit can be implemented by suitable drives of the tray conveyor, for example, by servo motors mounted on it.

[0024] Preferably, the carriage is height-adjustable between an upper and a lower position by means of the carrier lifting device. In the tray-picking position, the carriage is adjustable to the upper position for engaging a second packaging tray to be picked up, and in the tray-discharge position, it is adjustable to the lower position for disengaging a first packaging tray to be dispensed. This provides a simple way to pick up the second packaging tray. This embodiment can contribute to simple and efficient stepwise conveying of packaging trays. The carriage can be used as a gripper or pick-up system.

[0025] To guide the beam between its upper and lower positions, one or more beam guide devices can be provided on the frame. In particular, the beam can have at least two, preferably at least three, at most eight, and preferably at most six beam guide devices. The beam lifting device can be driven electromechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. The beam lifting device can have several, preferably two, drives that can be operated synchronously to raise and lower the beam. The beam lifting device can have at least one crank arm that converts a rotary motion, e.g., from a driven crank, into an oscillating rotation, i.e., a longitudinal movement of an arm connected to the beam.

[0026] The upper and / or lower position can depend on the crank arm. Optionally, the upper and / or lower position can depend on the packaging tray, in particular its height, and / or the product. Optionally, the upper and / or lower position can depend on the ejector, in particular its raised and lowered positions. The upper position of the carriage can be at most such that the packaging tray(s), in particular the first one, can be out of engagement with the carriage when the ejector is in the raised position. In other words, the raised position of the ejector can be at least such that the packaging tray(s), in particular the first one, is out of engagement with the carriage when the carriage is in the upper position.Optionally, the upper position and / or the lower position can depend on the packaging system, in particular on a conveying device and / or workstation of the packaging system on which the packaging trays are conveyed or processed.

[0027] The second packaging tray to be picked up can be arranged in the vicinity of the tray receiving position, and in particular, provided by a tray feeder positioned upstream of the tray conveying device. For example, the carriage can be moved to the lower position to engage the second packaging tray to be picked up. The carriage can be moved to the upper position, thereby engaging at least one area of ​​the second packaging tray, in particular its edge. To be disengaged from the first packaging tray to be dispensed, i.e., one already filled to the target quantity, the carriage can be moved to the tray dispensing position in the upper position. The carriage can be moved to the lower position, thereby disengaging from the first packaging tray, in particular its edge.The second packaging tray can be discharged onto a conveyor belt of the packaging system. Specifically, the second packaging tray can be discharged when it is completely full. In particular, if the carriage can be moved more than the step size in and / or against the step size, multiple packaging trays can be picked up and / or discharged. Specifically, the number of packaging trays that can be picked up and / or discharged can correspond to an integer multiple of the step size.

[0028] Preferably, the carriage for engaging the first and / or second packaging tray has a receiving device, in particular wherein the receiving device is configured to define a position and / or orientation of the first and / or second packaging tray on the carriage. This can enable simple and efficient picking up of packaging trays with the carriage.

[0029] The receiving device can, for example, have at least two support areas extending in the conveying direction or parallel to the carriage length, which are designed to engage, at least partially, with one or more packaging trays, in particular their edges. For example, at least one area of ​​an upper surface of a support area can contact at least one area of ​​a lower surface of an edge of a packaging tray in order to engage with it, in particular to lift it into the upper position of the carriage.

[0030] The carriage and the holding device can be designed as a single unit. This allows the tray conveyor to be easily reconfigured for format changes as needed, for example, to adapt to a different packaging tray or packaging line. Optionally, the carriage and the holding device can be designed as a multi-part unit. Optionally, the holding device can be positioned variably on the carriage. For example, the distance between two support areas can be adjusted to the width of the packaging tray. This allows for easy and flexible reconfiguration of the tray conveyor for different packaging trays.

[0031] The packaging tray can be positioned and / or conveyed within the receiving device, particularly between two support areas. The receiving device can define a track on which the packaging tray(s) can be positioned and / or conveyed sequentially. The carriage can have multiple tray positions along the track in the conveying direction, each of which can accommodate a packaging tray. The carriage can have at least four tray positions, preferably at least eight, at most 20, and preferably at most 15. The first tray position can be located at an end of the carriage downstream in the conveying direction. Further tray positions, in particular a second, third, etc., can be arranged in ascending order against the conveying direction.

[0032] The holding device can determine the position and / or orientation of the packaging tray on the carriage. This allows for precise determination of the packaging tray's position and / or orientation at any point during the conveying process. In particular, it ensures that the trays, filled to the required quantity, leave the tray conveyor precisely in predetermined positions after being picked up and transported by the carriage. Therefore, it can be ensured that the packaging tray is in a predetermined position, especially during conveying, and / or oriented according to a configuration specified by the holding device.For example, it can be ensured that a packaging tray to be conveyed, which is fed to the tray conveyor with an undefined or arbitrary position and / or orientation, and picked up by the tray conveyor, has the specified position and / or orientation during, and especially after, conveying. This can facilitate filling the packaging tray, particularly at a filling station of a packaging line. Ideally, incorrectly or incompletely filled packaging trays, for example, due to product being picked up outside the product receiving area of ​​the packaging tray or due to an insufficient number or weight of products picked up, can be virtually avoided.Optionally, it can be ensured that the conveyed packaging trays, ready for delivery, have the specified position and / or orientation when they reach, for example, a downstream tray sealing device or a discharge conveyor. This can improve the overall process of a packaging line, particularly with regard to time and / or cost, and especially in terms of accuracy.

[0033] Preferably, the carriage has several, preferably three, receiving devices arranged side by side in the conveying device, each of which is assigned a height-adjustable lifter. This makes it possible to pick up several packaging trays side by side, particularly in several, preferably three, tracks, using the tray conveying device and, in particular, to convey them in the conveying direction. This embodiment can contribute to the simple and efficient stepwise conveying of several packaging trays arranged side by side. It makes it possible to selectively convey packaging trays on one or more tracks or to prevent conveying altogether. By assigning a height-adjustable lifter to each track, it is possible to selectively stop one or more adjacent packaging trays.In particular, the lifting mechanisms of the respective tracks can be adjusted independently of each other in height depending on the fill level of the tray parts placed on them, in order to transfer appropriately filled packaging trays to the carriage for further transport by lowering them, or to continue filling packaging trays that are not appropriately filled by keeping them raised.

[0034] The number of holding devices or the number of tracks can depend on the number of tracks that the packaging system, and in particular a workstation of the packaging system, can process, especially simultaneously. Specifically, the format of a sealing station of a tray sealing machine can determine the number of holding devices. The number of holding devices can optionally depend on the carriage width, the product, especially its size, and / or the packaging tray, especially its width.

[0035] If n receiving devices or n tracks are provided, n+1 support areas can be provided. This means that, for example, four support areas can be provided to form three tracks.

[0036] If the carriage has multiple receiving devices or tracks, several packaging trays can be dispensed simultaneously at the tray dispensing position. A packaging tray can be dispensed if it is located on any track at the first tray position. Optionally, fully filled packaging trays, especially the first ones, can be dispensed together, for example, if there is a fully filled packaging tray on each of the tracks at the first tray position, or if there is one fully filled packaging tray on each of the tracks at both the first and second tray positions.

[0037] Preferably, the carrier, together with the carriage and the lifting mechanism, is height-adjustable. A carrier lifting device can be provided for this purpose. This embodiment improves the accuracy of the tray conveyor, particularly the conveying process. The carriage and the lifting mechanism can also be moved relative to each other and to the carrier. By moving the carriage and the lifting mechanism together with the carrier, potential design-related deviations in the movements of the carriage, the lifting mechanism, and the carrier can be reduced or, ideally, eliminated. The relative movement of the lifting mechanism to the carrier and the relative movement of the carriage to the carrier can thus each be easily generated by moving the lifting mechanism or the carriage relative to the carrier, respectively, without requiring any movement of the carrier itself. Ideally, the accuracy of the respective relative movements can be improved.Optionally, the installation space can be reduced and / or the arrangement of the carrier lifting device, a lifting device for raising and lowering the lifting device, and a longitudinal movement device for moving the carriage can be simplified. This embodiment can contribute to simple and efficient stepwise conveying of packaging trays.

[0038] Preferably, a longitudinal movement device for moving the carriage in and against the conveying direction between the tray discharge position and the tray receiving position relative to the carriage is arranged on the carrier. This embodiment allows the carriage to be easily moved relative to the carrier. It enables easy pickup of the packaging tray in the tray receiving position and easy discharge of the packaging tray in the tray discharge position.

[0039] The longitudinal movement device can be driven electromechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. One or more slide guide devices can be provided on the carrier to guide the slide. In particular, the slide has at least four, preferably at least six, at most ten, and preferably at most eight slide guide devices.

[0040] Preferably, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the lifting mechanism relative to the support, and in particular relative to the support and the slide, is arranged on the support. With this embodiment, the lifting mechanism can be easily moved relative to the support and slide. The lifting mechanism allows the lifting mechanism to be easily moved into the raised position or into the lowered position.

[0041] The lifting mechanism can be driven electromechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. One or more lifting guide devices can be provided on the carrier to guide the lifting mechanism. Each lifting mechanism can be assigned at least one lifting guide device, allowing the lifting mechanisms to be moved independently of one another. In particular, each lifting mechanism can have at least two, preferably at least four, at most ten, and preferably at most eight lifting guide devices. This embodiment can help to easily convey packaging trays in a non-conveying direction, even when the carriage is moving. For example, a packaging tray filled to the target level can be moved from its track to the tray discharge position by means of the carriage, while packaging trays in other, adjacent tracks that are not yet filled to the target level can remain in the tray conveying device for the filling process.

[0042] Preferably, the lifting arm length of the lifting mechanism extending in the conveying direction is shorter, particularly by the step size, than the carriage length of the carriage extending in the conveying direction. This can reduce the installation space required for the tray conveyor. This makes it possible, in particular, to discharge and retrieve filled and empty packaging trays simultaneously by moving the carriage in and against the conveyor. Ideally, this can reduce the cost of the tray conveyor. If the lifting arm length is shorter than the carriage length by the step size or an integer multiple of the step size, the carriage's movement against the conveying direction, corresponding to the length of one step size, can cause it to return from the tray discharge position to the tray receiving position, or conversely, to move from the tray receiving position to the tray discharge position in the conveying direction.Optionally, the energy required for longitudinal movement of the carriage can be reduced by shortening the distance between the tray discharge and tray receiving positions. Ideally, this can reduce the time required to convey the packaging trays. Ideally, the weight of the lifter can also be reduced, and optionally, the energy required to adjust the height of the carrier on which the lifter is mounted can be reduced. Optionally, the lifter can be engaged with fewer packaging trays than the carriage.

[0043] The invention further relates to a packaging system comprising at least one product identification system for identifying at least one product. The packaging system further comprises at least one tray conveyor for conveying at least one packaging tray. The packaging system further comprises at least one picking device with at least one gripper unit. The gripper unit has a product gripper configured to pick up the product and place it into the packaging tray provided by the tray conveyor. The packaging system further comprises at least one tray closing device for closing the packaging tray filled with the product as intended.

[0044] The packaging system can include a tray sealing machine, also known as a tray sealer in technical circles, for sealing the packaging trays filled by means of the tray conveyor device.

[0045] The packaging system may have a control device. The tray conveyor may have a control unit. The control unit may be integrated into a control device of the packaging system.

[0046] The product identification system can include a weighing system for determining the product's weight. Optionally, the product identification system can include at least one image processing system and one scanning system for capturing the product's type, position, orientation, shape, material, size, temperature, and / or density. Weight data acquired by the weighing system can be combined with images acquired by the image acquisition system and / or scan data acquired by the scanning system and used to control the filling process via the picking device.

[0047] Depending on the product being picked up, the product gripper can be designed as either a suction gripper or a hold-down gripper. As a suction gripper, the product gripper can be connected to a vacuum pump located at a filling station of the packaging system. In this configuration, the gripper can suction the products from above to load them into one or more packaging trays. As a hold-down gripper, the product gripper can have lateral gripping blades and a hold-down device positioned between them. Using the gripping blades, the gripper can move underneath a product and pick it up. The hold-down device can be lowered onto the product from above to secure it to the gripping blades.

[0048] The tray sealing device can be a tray sealer. The tray sealing device can include a sealing station with a lower sealing tool and an upper sealing tool, which can be movable relative to each other in a vertical direction. The lower sealing tool and the upper sealing tool can work together to seal a top film to the fully filled packaging tray in order to close it.

[0049] Preferably, the packaging system comprises at least one tray feeder for, in particular selectively, feeding at least one empty packaging tray to the tray conveyor, and / or at least one product conveyor belt for feeding the product to the picking device, and / or at least one discharge conveyor belt for removing the packaging tray filled to the target quantity with the product from the tray conveyor, wherein, in particular, a tray sorting device for sorting the filled packaging tray for the tray sealing device is arranged between the tray conveyor, preferably the discharge conveyor belt, and the tray sealing device. This improves the efficiency and throughput of the packaging system.

[0050] The tray feeding device can include a conveyor belt to feed the empty packaging trays, provided in particular by a packaging tray manufacturing device for producing packaging trays, to the tray conveying device. The tray feeding device can group the packaging trays in a format predetermined in particular by the tray conveying device, and / or transfer them to the tray conveying device at intervals predetermined in particular by the tray conveying device. The format can determine a position of the packaging trays relative to each other and / or relative to the packaging system. Selective means that an empty, in particular first, packaging tray is fed in when a fully filled, in particular second, packaging tray is discharged from the tray conveying device.

[0051] The tray sorting device can group the fully filled packaging trays in a format predetermined, in particular by the tray sealing device, and / or pass them on to the tray sealing device or the discharge conveyor at intervals predetermined, in particular by the tray sealing device.

[0052] Optionally, the packaging system can include a slicing machine (portioner) for producing individual products.

[0053] The product conveyor belt can be located near the picking device or the tray conveyor. Optionally, the product conveyor belt can be located downstream of the slicing machine. The product identification system can be located on the product conveyor belt. The product conveyor belt can be configured to move products parallel to the conveying direction of the tray conveyor.

[0054] Preferably, the cycle time of the packaging system depends on the tray sealing device. Optionally, the cycle time can depend on the filling station, in particular on the tray conveying device and / or the packaging tray manufacturing device. The cycle time of the packaging system can determine the throughput of the packaging system.

[0055] The invention further relates to a method for the stepwise conveying of packaging trays with a tray conveying device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Adjusting a lifter mounted on a carrier to a raised position in order to lift at least one first packaging tray placed on it so that it is out of engagement with a carriage movable in and against a conveying direction by at least one step between a tray discharge position and a tray receiving position; adjusting the carriage from the tray discharge position against the conveying direction by at least one step into the tray receiving position to receive a second packaging tray; adjusting the lifter from the raised position to a lowered position in order to transfer the at least one first packaging tray placed on it to the carriage so that the first packaging tray and the second packaging tray are engaged with the carriage and can be transported in the conveying direction by at least one step;and adjusting the carriage from the tray receiving position in the conveying direction by at least one step size to the tray discharge position to discharge the first packaging tray. This can enable simple and efficient stepwise conveying of packaging trays. It can also be made possible to prevent packaging trays from being conveyed in or against the conveying direction, even if the carriage moves.

[0056] The lifting mechanism allows packaging trays to be held for filling when the lifting mechanism is in the raised position. Pre-filled packaging trays can be transferred from the lifting mechanism to the carriage when the lifting mechanism is in the lowered position. In particular, it is possible to coordinate the carriage movement and the lifting mechanism movement so that the intake of an empty packaging tray at the inlet of the tray conveyor and subsequent movement of the carriage in the conveying direction result in the discharge of a pre-filled packaging tray at the outlet of the tray conveyor. This can be achieved by lowering the lifting mechanism to transfer the pre-filled packaging tray to the carriage when the carriage is in the tray intake position.

[0057] The tray conveyor can be designed as described above and configured to perform the functions described above. Furthermore, it offers the same advantages as the tray conveyor described above.

[0058] Preferably, the first and / or second packaging tray engages with a receiving device on the slide, the receiving device defining, in particular, a position and / or orientation of the first and / or second packaging tray on the slide. This enables simple and efficient picking up of packaging trays with the slide. This embodiment can contribute to simple and efficient stepwise conveying of packaging trays.

[0059] The receiving device can be designed as described above and configured to perform the functions described above. Furthermore, it offers the same advantages as the tray conveyor described above.

[0060] Preferably, the carriage has several, preferably three, receiving devices arranged side by side in the conveying device, with which the first and / or second packaging tray can be engaged. This makes it possible to receive several packaging trays side by side, in particular in several, preferably three, tracks, by means of the tray conveying device, and especially to convey them in the conveying direction. This embodiment can contribute to a simple and efficient stepwise conveying of packaging trays.

[0061] The receiving device can be designed as described above and configured to perform the functions described above. Furthermore, it offers the same advantages as the tray conveyor described above.

[0062] Preferably, the carrier is height-adjustable together with the slide and the lifting mechanism. This embodiment improves the accuracy of the tray conveyor, particularly the conveying process. Furthermore, it offers the same advantages as the tray conveyor described above.

[0063] Features or explanations described with regard to one of the aspects (tray conveyor, packaging system or process) can be transferred to the other aspects and combined with them.

[0064] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments. The following are shown: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a packaging plant according to one embodiment, Fig. 2a a schematic representation of a tray conveyor according to one embodiment, Fig. 2b a schematic front view of a tray conveyor according to one embodiment, Fig. 3a a schematic top view of a tray conveyor device according to one embodiment, wherein a slide is in a tray receiving position, Fig. 3b a schematic top view of a tray conveyor device according to one embodiment, wherein the carriage is in a tray discharge position, Fig. 3c a schematic top view of a tray conveyor device according to one embodiment, wherein the carriage is in a tray receiving position, and Fig. 3d a schematic top view of a tray conveyor device according to one embodiment, wherein the carriage is in a tray discharge position.

[0065] Identical technical components are consistently marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0066] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a packaging system 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 1 shows a packaging tray dispensing device 7 for dispensing packaging trays 51, a tray feeding device 18, a filling station 9 comprising the tray conveyor 30 for conveying packaging trays 51, 51', 51", a discharge conveyor 16, and a tray closing device 11. Furthermore, a product conveyor 6 for feeding products 50, 50' to a picking device 12 is arranged in the vicinity of the tray conveyor 30. The product conveyor 6 transports the products 50, 50' parallel to a conveying direction F of the tray conveyor 30. Optionally, the products 50, 50' can be transported at an angle to the conveying direction F. The product identification system 13 is arranged on the product conveyor 6.

[0067] The tray feeder 18 is designed for the selective feeding of at least one empty packaging tray 51 to the tray conveyor 30. This means that an empty packaging tray 51 is fed when a fully filled packaging tray 51" (in particular, filled to the target value) is discharged from the tray conveyor 30. Furthermore, the tray feeder 18 groups the packaging trays 51 in a format predetermined by the tray conveyor 30 and feeds them to the tray conveyor 30. In the present embodiment, three packaging trays 51 are grouped side by side, since the tray conveyor 30 described below has three tracks S1, S2, S3 on which packaging trays 51, 51', 51" can be received side by side.

[0068] The packaging trays 51, 51', 51" have a product receiving area suitable for receiving at least one product 50, 50', preferably several products 50, 50'. A circumferential rim is arranged around the product receiving area, against which no product 50, 50' can be placed. The rim is suitable for supporting the receiving devices 35 described below (see Fig. 2a-2b) to contact, in particular to be raised and / or lowered by them. The packaging trays 51, 51', 51" also have a base that can engage with a lifting device 37 described below to raise and / or lower the packaging trays 51, 51', 51". Each packaging tray 51, 51', 51" has a packaging tray length, width, and height predetermined by a packaging tray manufacturing device (not shown). In the present embodiment, the packaging tray length is approximately 335 mm, the packaging tray width is approximately 200 mm, and the packaging tray height is approximately 80 mm.

[0069] In filling station 9, products 50, 50' to be packaged are placed into empty packaging trays 51 to produce fully filled packaging trays 51", particularly filled to the specified weight. One or more products 50, 50' can be placed into a packaging tray 51, 51'. The packaging tray can be empty, partially filled, or fully filled. The packaging tray 51 is empty if it does not contain any product 50, 50'. The packaging tray 51" is fully filled, particularly filled to the specified weight, if it contains at least one product 50, 50' at its product receiving area and has the specified weight. The packaging tray 51' is partially or incorrectly filled if the weight does not correspond to the specified weight.

[0070] The filling station 9 also includes the tray conveyor device 30, which is configured for the stepwise conveying of the packaging trays 51, 51', 51" from the packaging tray supply device 7 through the filling station 9 to the tray closing device 11, in particular the discharge conveyor 16.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the tray sealing device 11 is designed as a tray sealer and comprises a lower sealing tool part and an upper sealing tool part, which are movable relative to each other in a vertical direction. The lower sealing tool part and the upper sealing tool part work together to seal a top film to the fully filled packaging trays 51" in order to close them.

[0072] The packaging system 1 further comprises a control device 25, which controls the operation of the packaging system 1. A control unit 25' of the tray conveyor 30 is integrated into the control device 25. Optionally, the control unit 25' and the control device 25 can be designed separately. The control unit 25' is configured to control the tray conveyor 30, in particular a carrier lifting device 32, a longitudinal movement device 36, and a lifting lifting device 38 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b) to control.

[0073] The product identification system 13 is designed to identify at least one product 50, 50'. The product identification system 13 includes a weighing system for determining the weight of the product 50, 50'. Furthermore, the product identification system 13 includes an image processing system for capturing the type, position, orientation, shape, and size of the product 50, 50'. Optionally, the product identification system 13 can include a scanning system for capturing the type, position, orientation, shape, material, size, temperature, and / or density of the product in order to identify it. The images acquired by the image acquisition system are combined with the weight data acquired by the weighing system, and optionally with the scanning data from the scanning system, and are used to control the filling process by means of the picking device 12.

[0074] The picking device 12 has two gripper units 14a, 14b. However, it is also conceivable that only one gripper unit 14a, 14b is provided. Optionally, more than two gripper units can be provided. Each gripper unit 14a, 14b has a product gripper 15a, 15b, which is designed to pick up one product 50, 50' and place it into the packaging trays 51, 51' provided by the tray conveyor 30. In the present embodiment, the product gripper 15a, 15b is designed as a hold-down gripper. The hold-down gripper has lateral receiving blades and a hold-down clamp arranged between them. By means of the receiving blades, the hold-down gripper moves under a provided product 50, 50' and picks it up. The hold-down device is lowered from above onto the product 50, 50' to fix it onto the receiving scoops.Optionally, depending in particular on the product 50, 50', the product gripper 15a, 15b can be designed as a suction gripper.

[0075] Each packaging tray 51, 51', 51" can be filled with at least one product 50, 50'. In the present embodiment, a packaging tray 51" is completely filled when it has a predetermined weight. The packaging tray 51' is incompletely or incorrectly filled if the weight does not correspond to the predetermined weight. The packaging tray 51 is empty when it does not contain any product 50, 50'. The products 50, 50' may differ (slightly) in shape, material, size, temperature, mass, and / or density. Therefore, it may be necessary to place several products 50, 50' into one packaging tray 51, 51', 51" to fill it completely.

[0076] Between the tray conveyor 30, in particular the discharge conveyor 16, and the tray sealing device 11, a tray sorting device 8 is arranged to sort the packaging trays 51" for the tray sealing device 11. The tray sorting device 8 groups the fully filled packaging trays 51" into a format predetermined by the tray sealing device 11 and feeds them to the tray sealing device 11 via a conveyor belt 16'. This improves the efficiency and throughput of the packaging system. Optionally, the discharge conveyor 16 can be arranged between the tray conveyor 30 and the tray sealing device 11, and no tray sorting device 8 may be provided. In the present embodiment, the tray sorting device 8 groups three fully filled packaging trays 51" side by side and feeds them to the tray sealing device 11 as a group.

[0077] The Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows a schematic representation and a front view of the tray conveyor device 30. Fig. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0078] The tray conveyor device 30 comprises a frame 31. A carrier 33 is arranged on the frame 31, which is moved in a carrier movement direction by means of a carrier lifting device 32 arranged on the frame 31. TrägerThe beam lifting device 32 is height-adjustable. It is electromechanically driven. Optionally, the beam lifting device 32 can be pneumatically or hydraulically driven. The beam lifting device 32 has three crank arms 32a, which convert a rotary motion, e.g., from a driven crank, into an oscillating rotation, i.e., a longitudinal movement of an arm connected to the beam 33. The beam lifting device 32 has two drives (not shown) that are operated synchronously to raise and lower the beam 33. Optionally, only one drive can be provided. Four beam guide devices 32b are provided on the frame 31 to guide the beam 33. Optionally, one or more beam guide devices 32b can be provided.

[0079] A carriage 34, movable relative to the carrier 33, is arranged on the carrier 33. The carriage 34 is movable relative to the carrier 33 in and against a conveying direction F by at least one step size S between a tray discharge position P. Abgabe (see Fig. 3a-3d) and a shell receiving position P Aufnahme (see Fig. 3a-3d) movable. The step size S corresponds to the packaging tray length of 335 mm. The conveying direction F extends in Fig. 2b into the plane of the drawing. A sled movement direction. Schlitten of the slide 34 from the shell mounting position P Aufnahme to the tray delivery position P Abgabe extends into the plane of the drawing. The direction of movement of the carriage 34 from the tray discharge position P Abgabe to the shell pickup position P Aufnahme extends beyond the drawing plane.

[0080] The carriage 34 is driven by means of an electromechanically driven longitudinal motion device 36 arranged on the carrier 33. Optionally, the longitudinal motion device 36 can be driven pneumatically or hydraulically. Eight carriage guide devices 36a are provided on the carrier for guiding the carriage. Optionally, one or more carriage guide devices 36a can be provided.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the tray closing device 11 can process packaging trays 51, 51', 51" in three tracks each. Therefore, in this embodiment, the carriage 34 has three receiving devices 35 arranged side by side in the conveying device F, each with four support areas 35a. The receiving devices 35 form three tracks S1, S2, S3. On each of the tracks S1, S2, S3, five packaging trays 51, 51', 51" can be received consecutively and conveyed in the conveying direction F. The receiving devices 35 define a position and / or orientation of the packaging trays 51, 51', 51" on the carriage 34. This allows the precise position and / or orientation of the packaging trays 51, 51', 51" to be determined or tracked at any time during the conveying process.It can be ensured that the packaging trays 51, 51', 51" are located in a predetermined position, particularly during conveying, and / or are oriented according to a direction specified by the receiving devices 35. This facilitates filling the packaging trays 51, 51', 51". Ideally, incorrectly or incompletely filled packaging trays 51' can be virtually avoided. Optionally, it can be ensured that the conveyed packaging trays 51" are in the predetermined position and / or orientation when they are delivered to the tray sealing device 11 or the discharge conveyor 16. This can improve the overall process of a packaging system 1, particularly with regard to time and / or cost. Optionally, more or fewer receiving devices 35, and thus more or fewer lanes, can be provided.The slide 34 and the receiving devices 35 are designed as a single piece, so that the slide 34 and the receiving devices 35 can be easily adapted to a modified packaging tray, in particular its dimensions, if necessary.

[0082] Each track S1, S2, S3 is assigned a lifting device 37. The three lifting devices 37 are arranged on the support 33 and are oriented relative to it in a lifting direction. AusheberHeight adjustable. Each lifting arm 37 is equipped with a lifting device 38 on the support 33 for raising it to a raised position or lowering it to a lowered position. The lifting devices 38 are electromechanically driven. Optionally, they can be pneumatically or hydraulically driven. Six lifting guide devices 38a are provided on the support 33 for guiding the lifting arm 37. Optionally, one or more lifting guide devices 38a can be provided. By assigning a lifting device 38 to each lifting arm, the lifting arms 37 can be moved independently of one another. By assigning a height-adjustable lifter 37 to each track S1, S2, S3, the packaging trays 51, 51', 51" assigned to a track S1, S2, S3 can be lifted and / or conveyed independently of the packaging trays 51, 51', 51" assigned to another track S1, S2, S3.This enables selective conveying of the packaging trays 51, 51', 51".

[0083] The carrier 33, together with the carriage 34 and the ejectors 37, is height-adjustable. This allows for improved accuracy of the tray conveyor 30, particularly of the conveying process. The ejector 37 has a length extending in the conveying direction F that is shorter by the step size than the carriage length of the carriage 34 extending in the conveying direction F. This reduces the installation space required for the tray conveyor 30. Furthermore, the movement of the carriage 34 between the tray discharge position P can be adjusted. Abgabe (see Fig. 3a-3d) and the shell receiving position P Aufnahme (see Fig. 3a-3d) corresponding to a step size, i.e. reduced to a step size, thus reducing the time and energy required to move the carriage 34 longitudinally due to a shorter distance between the shell discharge position P Abgabeand the shell mounting position P Aufnahme be reduced.

[0084] The Fig. Figures 3a-3d show a schematic top view of a tray conveyor device 30 from the Fig. 1-2b according to one embodiment, wherein the slide 34 is either in the tray dispensing position P Abgabe or in the tray-loading position or P Aufnahme Empty packaging trays 51 are fed to the tray conveyor 30 by means of the tray feeder 18. The tray conveyor 30 discharges fully filled packaging trays 51" onto the discharge conveyor 16.

[0085] In Fig. 3a the slide 34 is in the shell receiving position P AufnahmeOn tracks S1-S3, there are packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' each. In conveying direction F, the tray conveyor 30 can hold a maximum of 5 packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' per track within tray positions P1-P5. On tracks S1 and S2, there is one fully filled packaging tray 51'' at tray position P1; on track S2, there is one at tray position P2; and on tracks S2 and S3, there is one at tray position P3. On track S3, there is one partially filled packaging tray 51' at tray position P2, and on track S1, there is one partially filled packaging tray 51' at tray positions P2 and P3. The remaining positions each contain one empty packaging tray 51.

[0086] The control unit 25' controls the tray conveyor 30 such that a fully filled packaging tray 51'' can be dispensed when it is located at tray position P1 on any lane. Optionally, fully filled packaging trays 51'' can only be dispensed together, for example, if there is one fully filled packaging tray 51'' at tray position P1 on each of the lanes S1, S2, S3, or if there is one fully filled packaging tray 51'' at tray positions P1 and P2 on each of the lanes S1, S2, S3.

[0087] The control unit 25' detects that fully filled packaging trays 51'' are available and ready for dispensing. To achieve a continuous process flow, the control unit 25' first instructs the tray conveyor 30 to pick up empty packaging trays 51 from the tray feeder 18 at tray position P5 of tracks S1 and S2.

[0088] In Fig. 3a The receiving devices 35 are located under the edges of the packaging trays 51, meaning that the carriage 34 is in the lower position. The carriage 34 moves to the upper position to lift and receive the packaging trays 51. The lifting devices 37 of tracks S1 and S2 are each in the raised position to allow the empty packaging trays 51 to engage with the carriage 34 and be received by it. In other words, the packaging trays 51 are at the tray receiving position PAufnahme The tray conveyor 30 picks up the trays by having the lifting levers 37 of tracks S1 and S2 in the raised position and the carriage 34 moved into the upper position. The lifting lever 37 of track S3 is also in the raised position. All packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' already on track S3 are engaged with the lifting lever 37 and disengaged from the carriage 34.

[0089] After the empty packaging trays 51 are in tray receiving position P Aufnahme Once the shell parts 51'' have been picked up by the carriage 34, the lifting devices 37 of tracks S1 and S2 are lowered so that the shell parts 51'', which are filled to the target value and located at position P1 at the output of the lifting devices 37, are transferred to the carriage 34. The lifting device 37 of track S3 remains in the raised position so that the filling process can continue.

[0090] The carriage 34 then moves at the level of the upper position by the step size S in the direction of conveying F to the tray discharge position P Abgabe (see Fig. 3b) During this movement, all packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' engaged with the carriage 34 are conveyed by the step size S in the conveying direction F. The packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' on track S3 are not moved along with the carriage 34 in the conveying direction F, as they are disengaged from the carriage 34 and engaged with the ejector 37.

[0091] To discharge the fully filled packaging trays 51'' to the discharge conveyor 16, the carriage 34 lowers into the tray discharge position P. Abgabe into the lower position, so that the fully filled packaging trays 51'' are out of engagement with the carriage 34 and in engagement with the discharge conveyor 16 from tracks S1, S2.

[0092] The positions of tracks S1, S2 that were freed up at the beginning of the sled 34 make it possible to pick up empty shell parts again in these tracks S1, S2 at the beginning of the sled 34.

[0093] While the packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' are lifted on track S3 by the lifter 37, which is in the raised position, and are disengaged from the carriage 34, they are filled with products 50, 50' by the product grippers 15a, 15b. In this case, the starting from Fig. 3a considered, at positions P1 and P3 on track S3 or those starting from Fig. The packaging trays 50, 50' located at positions P2 and P4 on track S3, as described in section 3b, are filled. The packaging trays 51, 51' located on tracks S1 and S2, which are disengaged from the lifting devices 37, are not filled in this embodiment. This can improve the accessibility of the gripper unit 14a, 14b to the packaging trays 51, 51' and facilitate filling. Optionally, the packaging trays 51, 51' (on tracks S1 and S2), which are disengaged from the lifting device 37 and engaged with the carriage 34, can also be filled.

[0094] As from Fig. As can be seen in 3b, the carriage 34 is in the tray discharge position P AbgabeOn tracks S2 and S3, fully filled packaging trays 51'' are located at tray position P2, ready for dispensing. The control unit 25' instructs the tray conveyor 30 to pick up empty packaging trays 51'' from the tray feeder 18 at tray position P5 of tracks S2 and S3. For this purpose, the carriage 34 is moved from its lower position to tray receiving position P Aufnahme moved.

[0095] To prevent the packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' positioned on the tray conveyor 30 from being conveyed against the conveying direction F, all lifters 37 of tracks S1, S2, and S3 are moved into the raised position. This engages all packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' arranged on tracks S1, S2, and S3 at tray positions P2-P5 with the lifters 37 and disengages them from the carriage 34. The carriage 34 can then return unloaded to the tray receiving position P.Aufnahme The packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' are not moved along with the carriage 34 in the opposite direction of conveying F. While the packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' are lifted by the lifters 37 on tracks S1, S2 and S3 and are disengaged from the carriage 34, empty and partially filled packaging trays 51, 51' are filled with products 50, 50' by the product grippers 15a, 15b. In this case, the starting from Fig. 3b considered the packaging trays 50, 50' located on track S1 at position P2 and on track S2 at position P4, respectively, starting from Fig. 3c examined the packaging trays located on track S1 at position P1 and on track S2 at position P3, which were filled with 50, 50'.

[0096] The control unit 25' recognizes that according to Fig. 3c Fully filled packaging trays 51'' are available at position P1 of tracks S1, S2 and S3 and can be dispensed. Therefore, the control unit 25' causes the tray conveyor 30 to pick up empty packaging trays 51 at tray position P5 of tracks S1, S2 and S3 (see Fig. 3c). For this purpose, the slide 34 is moved in the lower position to the shell receiving position P. Aufnahme The carriage 34 moves so that the receiving devices 35 can engage under the edges of the packaging trays 51. To pick up or lift the packaging trays 51 from the tray feeder 18, the carriage 34 moves to the upper position. The lifting devices 37 of tracks S1, S2 and S3 are then moved to the lowered position to allow the correctly filled trays 51'' at the respective positions P1 of tracks S1, S2, S3 to engage with the carriage 34 and be picked up by it.

[0097] The carriage 34 then moves in the upper position by the step size S in the direction of the conveying direction F to the tray discharge position P. Abgabe (see Fig. 3d). During this movement, all packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' engaged with the carriage 34 are conveyed by the step size S in the conveying direction F. Since no packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' are engaged with the lifter 37 and disengaged from the carriage 34, in this embodiment no packaging trays 51, 51' are filled with products 50, 50' by the product grippers 15a, 15b.

[0098] To discharge the fully filled packaging trays 51'' to the discharge conveyor 16, the carriage 34 lowers into the tray discharge position P. Abgabeinto the lower position, so that the fully filled packaging trays 51'' are disengaged from the carriage 34 and engaged with the discharge conveyor 16. At tracks S1, S2, and S3, empty packaging trays 51 are provided by the tray feeder 18 at tray position P5. All lifters 37 are then raised again to disengage the packaging trays 51, 51', 51'' from the carriage 34, allowing it to return unloaded to tray receiving position P to receive empty packaging trays again. Aufnahme can proceed. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 819 994 B2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Tray conveying device (30), in particular for a downstream tray closing device (11), the tray conveying device (30) comprising: a frame (31) with a carrier lifting device (32), a support (33) which is height-adjustable by means of the support lifting device (32), a conveyor arranged on the carrier (33) which can be moved in and against a conveying direction (F) by at least one step width between a tray discharge position (P Abgabe ) and a tray receiving position (P Aufnahme ) movable carriage (34), characterized by at least one lifter (37) arranged on the carrier (33) and adjustable in height relative thereto, which lifter is adjustable between a raised position, in which at least one first packaging tray (51'') placed on it is in engagement with the lifter (37) and out of engagement with the carriage (34), and a lowered position, in which the first packaging tray (51'') is out of engagement with the lifter (37) and in engagement with the carriage (34). [2] Tray conveyor device according to claim 1, characterized by that the carriage (34) is height-adjustable between an upper position and a lower position by means of the carrier lifting device (32), wherein the carriage (34) in the tray receiving position (P Aufnahme ) for engaging with a second packaging tray to be picked up in the upper position and in the tray release position (P Abgabe) can be adjusted to the lower position to disengage from a first packaging tray to be dispensed. [3] Tray conveyor device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the carriage (34) has a receiving device (35) for engagement with the first and / or second packaging tray (51'', 51), in particular wherein the receiving device (35) is designed to fix a position and / or orientation of the first and / or second packaging tray (51'', 51) on the carriage (34). [4] Tray conveyor device according to claim 3, characterized by that the carriage (34) has several, preferably three, receiving devices (35) arranged next to one another in the conveying direction (F), each of which is assigned a height-adjustable lifter. [5] Tray conveyor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the carrier (33) is height-adjustable together with the carriage (34) and the lifter (37). [6] Tray conveyor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a longitudinal movement device (36) arranged on the carrier (33) for moving the carriage (34) in and against the conveying direction (F) between the tray discharge position (P Abgabe ) and the tray receiving position (P Aufnahme ) relative to the carrier (33). [7] Tray conveyor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lifting device (38) arranged on the carrier (33) for raising and lowering the lifting device (37) relative to the carrier (33), in particular relative to the carrier (33) and the carriage (34). [8] Tray conveyor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a lifting length of the lifting device (37) extending in the conveying direction (F), in particular by the step width, is smaller than a carriage length of the carriage (34) extending in the conveying direction (F). [9] Packaging plant (1) comprising: at least one product identification system (13) for identifying at least one product (50, 50'), at least one tray conveying device (30) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 for conveying at least one packaging tray (51, 51', 51''), at least one picking device (12) with at least one gripper unit (14a, 14b) having a product gripper (15a, 15b) designed to pick up the product (50, 50') and to place it into the packaging tray (51) provided by the tray conveyor device (30), and at least one tray closing device (11) for closing the packaging tray (51'') filled with the product to the desired value. [10] Packaging system according to claim 9, characterized by at least one tray feeding device (18) for, in particular selectively, feeding at least one empty packaging tray (51) to the tray conveying device (30), and / or at least one product conveyor belt (6) for feeding the product (50, 50') to the picking device (12) and / or at least one discharge belt (16) for discharging the packaging tray (51'') filled with the product to the desired value from the tray conveyor device (30), wherein in particular between the tray conveying device (30), preferably the discharge belt (16), and the tray closing device (11) a tray sorting device (8) for sorting the desired filled packaging tray (51'') for the tray closing device (11) is arranged. [11] Packaging system according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized by that a timing of the packaging system (1) depends on the tray closing device (11). [12] Method for the stepwise conveying of packaging trays (51, 51', 51'') with a tray conveying device (30), the method comprising the following steps: Adjusting a lifter (37) arranged on a carrier (33) into a raised position in order to lift at least one first packaging tray (51) placed thereon in such a way that it is disengaged from a conveyor direction (F) by at least one step width between a tray discharge position (P Abgabe ) and a tray receiving position (P Aufnahme ) movable carriage (34), Adjusting the carriage (34) from the tray discharge position (P Abgabe ) against the conveying direction (F) by at least one step width into the tray receiving position (P Aufnahme) to receive a second packaging tray (51''), Adjusting the lifter (37) from the raised position to a lowered position in order to transfer the at least one first packaging tray (51'') placed thereon to the carriage (34), so that the first packaging tray and the second packaging tray (51) engage with the carriage and can be transported in the conveying direction (F) by at least one step width, and Adjusting the slide (34) from the tray receiving position (P Aufnahme ) in the conveying direction (F) by at least one step width into the tray discharge position (P Abgabe ) for dispensing the first packaging tray (51''). [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized bythat the first and / or second packaging tray (51'', 51) engages with a receiving device (35) of the carriage (34), wherein the receiving device (35) in particular determines a position and / or orientation of the first and / or second packaging tray (51'', 51) on the carriage (34). [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that the carriage (34) has several, preferably three, receiving devices (35) arranged next to one another in the conveying direction (F), with which the first and / or second packaging tray (51'', 51) are engaged. [15] Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by that the carrier (33) is adjusted in height together with the slide (34) and the lifter (37).

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