METHOD FOR HANDLING TRAIL-SHAPED PACKAGING MATERIAL

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for handling web-shaped packaging material, in particular for inserting the web-shaped packaging material into a packaging machine.

[0002] In packaging machines, a web of flexible packaging material, such as a film web, often runs through several processing stations where the packaging material is processed and products are filled into the packaging material or packaged with the packaging material. For example, if the packaging machine is a blister machine, a formed film web is guided through a forming station for forming blister cups, a filling station for filling the blister cups with medical or pharmaceutical products, and a sealing station for sealing a cover film web onto the formed film web.

[0003] At the beginning of the production process, the flexible, web-like packaging material must be inserted into the packaging machine. The packaging material must be guided along a predefined path through the processing stations and around various guide and deflection elements before processing can begin. Due to the difficulty of handling the delicate, flexible packaging material and the limited space available in a packaging machine, this process is very complex and is performed manually.

[0004] US Pat. No. 5,156,387 discloses a handling device for sheet-shaped products that removes individual products from a magazine using a suction cup and vacuum. The suction cup comprises a base body with undulating side edges, to which a flexible suction skirt is attached all the way around, which can be pressed against the sheet-shaped product.

[0005] DE 100 17 347 A1 discloses a clamp for holding edges of a moving material web, in particular a plastic film.

[0006] US 10 526 157 B2 discloses a device in which a film web is drawn into a packaging machine, wherein belts are provided for this purpose to which clamping devices are attached which grip the longitudinal edges of the film web.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which enables safe and reliable handling of web-shaped packaging material and simplifies the insertion of the packaging material into a packaging machine.

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent subclaims.

[0009] A method according to the invention for inserting a flexible, web-shaped packaging material into a packaging machine comprises the following steps: Providing the web-shaped packaging material; grasping the web-shaped packaging material by means of a handling device, wherein a free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material is curved in a transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material and protrudes from the handling device; and introducing the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material into a first processing station of the packaging machine by means of the handling device.

[0010] The curvature of the packaging material in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material creates a tensile force and resulting tension in the packaging material. This curvature of the packaging material, or the tensile force and tension in the packaging material, imparts a certain stability and rigidity to the packaging material. If a free end section of the packaging material is then grasped by the handling device, this effect causes it to protrude from the handling device in the longitudinal direction of the packaging material. The protruding end section of the packaging material can then be easily introduced into any oriented processing station of a packaging machine using the handling device.

[0011] Since the method enables the introduction of the web-shaped packaging material into a processing station of the packaging machine, a (partial) automation of the insertion of the flexible, web-shaped packaging material into the packaging machine can be realized.

[0012] It is understood that the "first" processing station can be any processing station of a plurality of processing stations or can also be provided as the only processing station.

[0013] The packaging machine is equipped with a handling device. All features, functions, and activities described below in connection with the handling device and the packaging machine are therefore analogously transferable to the method according to the invention or can be formulated as method steps.

[0014] Preferably, the method steps described and claimed herein are carried out in the order specified.

[0015] The provision of the web-shaped packaging material preferably takes place in an input area of ​​the packaging machine and comprises, for example, the provision of the packaging material on a supply roll or the introduction of a web of the packaging material into the packaging machine.

[0016] The method may also comprise providing an additional web-shaped packaging material in addition to the web-shaped packaging material in a corresponding manner. The method according to the invention or its steps can then be carried out analogously for each web-shaped packaging material. In particular, the web-shaped packaging material and the additional web-shaped packaging material are formed by a forming film web and a cover film web.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises guiding the web-shaped packaging material along a predetermined path through the packaging machine by means of the handling device. The guiding of the web-shaped packaging material through the packaging machine preferably comprises guiding the web-shaped packaging material around guide and deflection elements arranged along the predetermined path and introducing the web-shaped packaging material into at least one processing station arranged along the predetermined path. Particularly preferably, the web-shaped packaging material is guided around all guide and deflection elements and introduced into all processing stations of the packaging machine.

[0018] It is advantageous if the method further comprises the steps: Gripping the introduced end portion of the web-shaped packaging material by the first processing station after inserting the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station; releasing the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material by the handling device upstream of the first processing station after gripping the free end portion by the first processing station; passing the web-shaped packaging material through the first processing station; re-gripping the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material by means of the handling device downstream of the first processing station.

[0019] In this way, the web-shaped packaging material is brought to and fed into the processing station, which then captures the end section of the packaging material.

[0020] The handling device can then release the packaging material and move it around the processing station to re-grasp the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material behind the processing station. This is particularly advantageous if the processing station is closed to the handling device or cannot be opened (wide enough) to allow the handling device or the holding device to pass through the processing station.

[0021] The gripping of the end portion of the web-shaped packaging material by the first processing station may include clamping the packaging material in the first processing station, for example, by a roller feed. The web-shaped packaging material is then secured in the first processing station so that it cannot be pulled out of the first processing station again after being released by the handling device.

[0022] The first processing station, and possibly each of the plurality of processing stations, has a direction of travel in which the web-shaped packaging material is guided through the respective processing station. The terms "before" and "behind" the processing station then refer to the respective direction of travel.

[0023] The first processing station can comprise at least one guide and at least one feed means, such as a roller feed. The web-shaped packaging material can be guided through the first processing station by the at least one guide and the at least one feed means. The web-shaped packaging material is then drawn through the processing station and guided through it until the free end section exits the processing station again.

[0024] However, it is also conceivable that the introduction of the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station is already carried out to such an extent that the free end section already emerges from the processing station again.

[0025] The passage through the processing station can also be carried out step by step, e.g., by the handling device, after releasing the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material, re-grasping the web-shaped packaging material one or more times at a more distant location before the processing station, pushing the web-shaped packaging material further into the processing station, and then releasing it again. While the handling device grasps and pushes the packaging material forward, the processing station releases the packaging material, e.g., by releasing the clamp or moving the feed accordingly.

[0026] Finally, the handling device can be moved around the first processing station to re-capture the free end section.

[0027] The renewed grasping of the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material behind the first processing station preferably takes place in accordance with the original grasping of the free end portion, wherein in particular the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material is curved in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material and protrudes from the handling device.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment, the method comprises passing the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material and the handling device together through the first processing station. In this case, it is not necessary for the handling device to release the end portion of the web-shaped packaging material in order to be moved around the processing station.

[0029] Rather, the joint passage comprises the insertion of the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station by the handling device and the joint movement of the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material and the handling device, in particular the holding device, through the first processing station. This eliminates the need for the processing station to grasp the web-shaped packaging material, as well as the release and re-grasping of the web-shaped packaging material by the handling device, making the process more reliable and less error-prone.

[0030] This variant can be used advantageously if the first processing station is open or can be opened towards the handling device and the tools, feed, guide and / or deflection means of the first processing station can be opened so far that the handling device or holding device can be moved through.

[0031] Preferably, the method further comprises opening the first processing station before the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material and the handling device are passed through together, and closing the first processing station after the joint passage.

[0032] The packaging machine preferably comprises a plurality of processing stations, including the first processing station and at least one second processing station. In this case, the method preferably comprises inserting the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material into each of the plurality of processing stations. This allows the method to be further simplified and automated.

[0033] The web-shaped packaging material can be passed through each of the processing stations according to one of the previously described variants. Depending on the design of the respective processing station, a suitable method for introducing and passing the packaging material through the processing station can be selected.More specifically, depending on the design of the respective processing station of the plurality of processing stations, the introduced end section of the web-shaped packaging material can be grasped by the respective processing station, released by the handling device in front of the respective processing station, guided through the respective processing station and grasped again by the handling device behind the respective processing station, or the introduced end section of the web-shaped packaging material can be guided through the respective processing station together with the handling device.

[0034] The method preferably further comprises the step: Unrolling the holding device on a surface of the web-shaped packaging material in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material along the curvature of the contact area.

[0035] By rolling the holding device on the surface of the packaging material, it is ensured that the holding device grips the packaging material as cleanly and wrinkle-free as possible and, in particular, generates a tensile force in the packaging material in the transverse direction of the packaging material.

[0036] The fact that the holding device rolls along the surface of the web-shaped packaging material means that the contact region of the holding device initially grips the packaging material in a first end region of the contact region of the holding device and then increasingly grips the packaging material along the curvature of the contact region up to a second end region of the contact region of the holding device, wherein the second end region is opposite the first end region in the longitudinal direction of the holding device. Preferably, the first end region of the contact region is arranged at a first end of the holding device, and the second end region of the contact region is arranged at a second end of the holding device.

[0037] If the holding device is designed as a suction device, this results in the packaging material being gripped one after the other by one suction cup or one hole after the other in the longitudinal direction of the holding device. The method therefore preferably comprises the successive gripping of the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material by a plurality of suction cups or holes.

[0038] Finally, the step of gripping the web-shaped packaging material by means of the handling device preferably comprises generating a tensile force in the web-shaped packaging material in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material and thus preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holding device.

[0039] For all embodiments described herein, the tensile force is preferably at least 15 N, more preferably at least 45 N and even more preferably at least 65 N, in order to ensure sufficient stability of the end section of the web-shaped packaging material protruding from the holding device and to overcome resistances such as frictional resistance and the inertia of the supply roll and the deflection elements.

[0040] It is further preferred that the tensile force is a maximum of 150 N, more preferably a maximum of 100 N, even more preferably a maximum of 80 N, in order not to damage the web-shaped packaging material.

[0041] The web-shaped packaging material is preferably very thin. This means that the thickness of the packaging material perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the packaging material is negligibly small compared to the length of the packaging material in the longitudinal direction and the width of the packaging material in the transverse direction.

[0042] For example, the thickness of the packaging material is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm. The width of the packaging material is, for example, between 0.01 m and 1 m, preferably between 0.02 m and 0.5 m, more preferably between 0.02 m and 0.2 m, and the length of the packaging material is preferably between 1 m and 10,000 m, preferably between 2 m and 5,000 m, more preferably between 5 m and 2,000 m.

[0043] The tensile force in the web-shaped packaging material thus acts in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material, parallel to the curved upper side of the web-shaped packaging material. The tensile force is preferably generated by the unwinding of the holding device on the upper side of the web-shaped packaging material when the packaging material is gripped by the handling device.

[0044] A handling device usable in the method according to the invention for handling flexible, web-shaped packaging material comprises a holding device configured to grip the web-shaped packaging material. The holding device extends further in a longitudinal direction than in transverse directions oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding device and has a contact region defined by at least one contact point for contacting the web-shaped packaging material. The contact region has a curvature in the longitudinal direction of the holding device.

[0045] Due to the curvature of the holding device in the contact area, the packaging material gripped by the holding device is curved in a transverse direction of the web-like packaging material, which in turn generates a tensile force and resulting tension in the packaging material. This curvature of the packaging material, or the tensile force and tension in the packaging material, imparts a certain stability and rigidity to the packaging material. If a free end section of the packaging material is gripped by the holding device, this effect causes it to protrude from the holding device in the longitudinal direction of the packaging material. The protruding end section of the packaging material can then be easily introduced into any oriented processing station of a packaging machine using the handling device.

[0046] The fact that the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material protrudes from the holding device means that, in a (cross-sectional) view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding device, the web-shaped packaging material runs parallel or tangential to at least one contact point from the contact area to a leading, free edge of the end section. In particular, the web-shaped packaging material between the contact area and the leading edge has neither a kink nor a curvature in the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped packaging material, but runs straight. In other words, the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material does not hang from the holding device in the direction of gravity.Thus, regardless of the orientation of the holding device, the free end section always has a defined alignment relative to the holding device and can be guided specifically through the packaging machine and introduced into a processing station.

[0047] Since the handling device enables the insertion of the web-shaped packaging material into a processing station of the packaging machine, (partial) automation of the insertion of the flexible, web-shaped packaging material into the packaging machine can be achieved. For example, a robot is provided for this purpose, which carries the handling device and moves it along the packaging machine and its processing stations.

[0048] Preferably, the holding device is therefore designed to generate a tensile force in the packaging material in a transverse direction of the packaging material, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the packaging material, due to the curvature of the contact region along the curvature.

[0049] The contact area of ​​the holding device is designed to contact the web-shaped packaging material gripped by the holding device. The contact area preferably comprises all contact points of the holding device with the packaging material. The at least one contact point can be designed as a flat, linear, or point-shaped contact, depending on the design of the holding device. It is understood that in the case of point-shaped contact, a plurality of contact points is required to define the curvature.

[0050] If the holding device has exactly one contact point, this defines the contact area and the curvature. This can be the case if the contact point has a flat or linear contact with the packaging material that runs at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the holding device.

[0051] If the holding device has a plurality of contact points, the contact area is defined by the plurality of contact points and their connection at least in the longitudinal direction of the holding device. Consequently, the plurality of contact points forms the contact area and thus defines the curvature. The contact points of the plurality of contact points preferably lie on a curvature line of the curvature of the contact area. The contact area preferably extends in the longitudinal direction from a first contact of the holding device with the packaging material to a last contact of the holding device with the packaging material.

[0052] Preferably, the curvature extends in the longitudinal direction of the holding device across the entire contact area. This means that the entire contact area, which preferably includes all contact points, is curved in the longitudinal direction. This ensures that no further contact points deflect the packaging material and counteract the desired effect by reducing the stability of the end section of the packaging material.

[0053] In a cross-sectional view parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holding device and perpendicular to a transverse direction of the holding device, which is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the packaging material, the curvature of the contact area is depicted or projected as a curved line. The curved line is therefore characteristic of the curvature of the contact area.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the curvature of the contact area is defined by a quadratic function. In this case, the curve of the curvature or the curved line in the cross-sectional view has a quadratic function equation and thus a quadratic shape. However, the curve of the curvature or the curved line can also be a circular segment with a constant radius of curvature.

[0055] Preferably, the curvature has a radius of curvature which is between 1 mm and 10000 mm, preferably between 1000 mm and 3000 mm, more preferably between 2200 mm and 2400 mm.

[0056] A length of the holding device is defined in the longitudinal direction of the holding device. The holding device further has a height that is defined in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding device, and has a width that is defined in a second transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding device and perpendicular to the first transverse direction. If the holding device grasps a web-shaped packaging material, the length of the holding device is preferably aligned parallel to the transverse direction of the packaging material, the width of the holding device is preferably aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the packaging material, and the height is aligned perpendicular to a top side of the packaging material.

[0057] In order to cope with the limited space available in a packaging machine and to be able to move the web-shaped packaging material, including the holding device, through a processing station of the packaging machine if necessary, it is advantageous to select the width and height of the holding device as small as possible.

[0058] The width of the holding device is preferably between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 30 mm.

[0059] The height of the holding device is preferably between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 25 mm.

[0060] The length of the holding device is preferably between 1 mm and 3000 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 200 mm and 400 mm.

[0061] As with all other value ranges specified herein, the value ranges for the width, height and length of the holding device include all values ​​contained between the ranges and, in particular, any sub-ranges, whereby the specified lower and upper limits can be selected independently of one another from the ranges, in particular in whole mm.

[0062] The longer the holding device, the further the curved contact area can extend in the longitudinal direction of the holding device and thus in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material. With a longer holding device and a longer curved contact area, a wider portion of the packaging material is curved, so that the end section of the packaging material gripped by the holding device is more stable.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the holding device is designed as a suction device. This is particularly well suited for handling sensitive packaging materials, such as films, can be easily activated and deactivated to grasp or release the packaging material, and is designed to save space.

[0064] The suction device comprises a suction tube in whose outer surface a plurality of bores are provided, wherein the bores are preferably arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the holding device. A line is preferably formed inside the suction tube, which is in fluid communication with the plurality of bores in the outer surface and in fluid communication with a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump, on the one hand. The line preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holding device.

[0065] The suction device can comprise a plurality of suction cups, wherein the suction cups are preferably arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the holding device. The suction cups can be controlled independently of one another, individually or in groups, for example, by each being fluidly connected to a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump, via a dedicated line. The suction cups can be attached to a body of the suction device. However, the suction cups can also be provided on a suction pipe, as described above, and each be fluidly connected to the vacuum source via one of the plurality of bores.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the holding device can also be designed as a clamping device, which, for example, comprises a terminal strip defining the curvature of the contact area and at least one counterpart for clamping the packaging material to the terminal strip. The counterpart can, for example, be designed as a complementarily curved, additional terminal strip.

[0067] It is also conceivable that the holding device is designed to electrostatically grasp the packaging material in the contact area, or is adhesively designed in the contact area in order to grasp the packaging material.

[0068] To ensure maximum flexibility and to enable the web-like packaging material to be introduced into the respective processing station in any orientation, the holding device can be movably mounted. Preferably, the holding device is mounted so it can rotate about its longitudinal axis or an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis and is mounted for horizontal and vertical displacement.

[0069] Preferably, the handling device comprises a coupling for connecting the handling device to a manipulator, such as a (multi-axis) robot.

[0070] A packaging machine for the method according to the invention preferably comprises the flexible, web-shaped packaging material, in particular a forming film web or a cover film web, which has a longitudinal direction, a first processing station for processing the web-shaped packaging material in the packaging machine, and a handling device for introducing the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station.

[0071] All features described herein for the handling device therefore also apply analogously to a packaging machine that includes the handling device. Likewise, features of the handling device described in connection with the packaging machine are also analogously transferable to the handling device in isolation.

[0072] The packaging machine is preferably designed as a blister machine. The blister machine, in turn, is designed to produce blister packs and fill them with medical or pharmaceutical products.

[0073] The flexible, web-like packaging material is preferably a formed film web or a cover film web. The features described herein with regard to the web-like packaging material can therefore be applied analogously to any other web-like packaging materials.

[0074] For example, the packaging machine comprises another flexible, web-like packaging material, where one web-like packaging material can be a forming film web and the other web-like packaging material can be a cover film web. It is then possible to insert both the forming film web and the cover film web into the packaging machine using the handling device.

[0075] The flexible, web-like packaging material is preferably provided on a supply roll in the packaging machine. The supply roll is provided on the inlet side or in an entrance area of ​​the packaging machine. From the supply roll, the web-like packaging material is guided along a predefined path through the packaging machine, in particular at least through the first processing station and around guide and deflection elements. During insertion, the web-like packaging material is unrolled from the supply roll.

[0076] The packaging machine preferably comprises a plurality of processing stations, including the first processing station and at least one second processing station. Regardless of whether the packaging machine comprises only the first processing station or the plurality of processing stations, each processing station of the packaging machine is preferably selected from a cutting device, a gluing device, a feed device, a heating device, a forming device, a sealing device, a punching device, an embossing device, and a creasing device.

[0077] The term "first processing station" is chosen merely to distinguish it from other possible processing stations and does not refer to a sequence of multiple processing stations, nor does it imply that additional processing stations must be present. The first processing station can be any processing station of the packaging machine into which the web-shaped packaging material is to be fed by means of the handling device.

[0078] If the packaging machine comprises a plurality of processing stations, the handling device is preferably configured to introduce the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material into each processing station of the plurality of processing stations. All features described herein with respect to the first processing station and the introduction of the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station apply analogously to each processing station of the plurality of processing stations. This allows the process of inserting the web-shaped packaging material into the packaging machine to be fully automated.

[0079] It is understood that the web-shaped packaging material can also be introduced by means of the handling device into only one processing station or any subset of the plurality of processing stations.

[0080] To insert the free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material at least into the first processing station, the holding device is at least temporarily engaged with the end portion of the web-shaped packaging material, wherein the longitudinal direction of the holding device is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped packaging material or parallel to the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material. As a result, the curvature of the contact region of the holding device causes the web-shaped packaging material to bulge in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material. The free end portion of the web-shaped packaging material can then protrude from the holding device in the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped packaging material in order to be easily inserted into the first processing station.

[0081] It may be necessary for the handling device to guide the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material to the first processing station and insert it there, but then release the free end section, and the holding device only grasps the free end section again after the first processing station. The holding device is then not permanently engaged with the end section of the web-shaped packaging material, but only temporarily. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the holding device is guided through the processing station together with the free end section of the packaging material, so that it is then not necessary to release the end section.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the contact region of the holding device extends in its longitudinal direction over at least 30%, more preferably over at least 60%, even more preferably over 100% of a width of the web-shaped packaging material in the transverse direction of the web-shaped packaging material.

[0083] By definition, the contact area can extend over a maximum of 100% of the width of the web-shaped packaging material. This is particularly advantageous for curving the web-shaped packaging material across its entire width according to the curvature of the contact area.

[0084] It is understood that the holding device can also extend longitudinally over more than the width of the web-shaped packaging material. However, to ensure the most unhindered movement through the packaging machine, the length of the holding device in the longitudinal direction is preferably less than the width of the web-shaped packaging material. Depending on the processing station and the design of the packaging machine, it can also be advantageous if the contact area and the holding device extend longitudinally over less than the width of the web-shaped packaging material, so that a lateral projection of the packaging material over the contact area or the holding device in the transverse direction of the packaging material is achieved.

[0085] If the holding device engages the end portion of the web-shaped packaging material, a distance between a leading edge of the web-shaped packaging material and the holding device or the contact area of ​​the holding device is preferably between 0 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 40 mm and 60 mm. The distance is defined parallel to the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped packaging material and perpendicular to the leading edge of the web-shaped packaging material.

[0086] The greater the distance between the leading edge of the web-shaped packaging material and the holding device or the contact area, the greater the projection of the free end section of the web-shaped packaging material from the holding device and the further the handling device can introduce the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station.

[0087] However, with increasing distance, the dead weight of the protruding, free end section of the web-shaped packaging material also increases and a greater tensile force in the transverse direction of the packaging material and thus a greater curvature of the contact area is required in order to achieve the required stability of the free end section and thus the protrusion of the end section from the holding device.

[0088] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the packaging machine further comprises a robot on which the handling device is mounted and which is configured to insert the end section of the web-shaped packaging material into the first processing station by means of the handling device. This allows the process of inserting the web-shaped packaging material into the packaging machine to be at least partially automated.

[0089] The handling device is preferably detachably connected to the robot for easy replacement. This allows the handling device to be replaced with a handling device or tool adapted to a different web-shaped packaging material.

[0090] If the packaging machine comprises the plurality of processing stations with the first and at least the second processing station, the robot is preferably configured to introduce the end portion of the web-shaped packaging material into each processing station of the plurality of processing stations.

[0091] The robot is preferably configured to move the handling device at least horizontally and vertically through the packaging machine. Preferably, the robot can also rotate the handling device about a longitudinal axis of the holding device. However, this movement can also be enabled, for example, by a separate drive and a rotatable mounting of the holding device on another component of the handling device. The robot can be configured, for example, as a multi-axis robot or a gantry robot.

[0092] The design and range of the robot depend primarily on the dimensions of the packaging machine and the tasks the robot performs. For example, if the robot simply feeds the free end section of the web-like packaging material from a supply roll of packaging material into one or more immediately adjacent processing stations, it may be sufficient for the robot to be stationary. This is also the case if the packaging machine is relatively small or if all processing stations are within the robot's usual range.

[0093] However, it is particularly preferred that the robot be movable along the packaging machine. This allows the robot to be used with larger packaging machines or to handle larger loads, as leverage forces can be reduced if the robot does not need to be extended as far.

[0094] Preferably, the robot is movable along the packaging machine in a direction defined from the input area of ​​the packaging machine to the output area of ​​the packaging machine and preferably extends horizontally.

[0095] The fact that the robot is mobile means that the entire robot, including its base, can be moved along the packaging machine as a single unit. To make this as easy as possible, the robot is preferably designed to be linearly movable.

[0096] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging machine with a handling device. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a holding device of the handling device. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the holding device according to Fig. 2 . Fig. 4a-4d show schematically steps of the method according to the invention in a side view. Fig. 5a-5b show schematically steps of the method according to the invention in a side view. Fig. 6a-6c show schematically the unwinding of a holding device according to Fig. 2 on a web-shaped packaging material.

[0097] In Fig. 1 A packaging machine 2 with a handling device 4 is shown in a perspective view. In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging machine 2 is particularly preferably designed as a blister machine, although the following explanations are not limited thereto.

[0098] The packaging machine 2 is equipped with a flexible, web-shaped packaging material 6, which here can be formed by a formed film web, and comprises at least one first processing station 8 for processing the web-shaped packaging material 6 in the packaging machine 2. The web-shaped packaging material 6 can be provided in an input area 2a of the packaging machine 2, for example, on a supply roll 7. The web-shaped packaging material 6 has a longitudinal direction LV.

[0099] In addition to the web-shaped packaging material 6, the packaging machine 2 can be equipped with another web-shaped packaging material 10, which here can be formed by a cover film web. The other web-shaped packaging material 10 is also provided on a supply roll 11 in the area of ​​the inlet area 2a of the packaging machine 2.

[0100] Preferably, the packaging machine 2 comprises a plurality of processing stations, which comprises the first processing station 8 and at least one second processing station 12 and which is configured to process the web-shaped packaging material 6 and, in the present case, also the further web-shaped packaging material 10.

[0101] The plurality of processing stations comprises, for example, a cutting and gluing device 14 for connecting successive material webs of the packaging material 6, a heating device 16 for heating the web-shaped packaging material 6, the second processing station 12, which here is designed, for example, as a forming device for forming cups in the web-shaped packaging material 6, a filling device 18 for filling the cups with medical or pharmaceutical products, the first processing station 8, which here is designed, for example, as a sealing device for sealing the cover film web to the forming film web, and a punching device 20 for punching out individual blister packs.

[0102] For processing the further web-shaped packaging material 10, the packaging machine 2 can also comprise a plurality of processing stations, which comprises, for example, the first processing station 8 and the punching device 20. Each processing station of the plurality of processing stations 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 has a direction of travel in which the respective packaging material 6, 10 passes through the processing station and which is each identified by the arrow D supplemented by the reference symbol of the respective processing station. It is understood that the packaging machine can in principle have any number of processing stations and the first and second processing stations 8, 12 are not limited to the Fig. 1 are limited to the examples given.

[0103] In the illustrated state, the web-shaped packaging material 6 is already completely inserted into the packaging machine 2. This means that the web-shaped packaging material 6 has been guided through all required processing stations 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and around all required guide and deflection elements 21. The additional web-shaped packaging material 10 has also already been completely inserted into the packaging machine 2 and guided through the required processing stations 8, 20 and around the required guide and deflection elements 23.

[0104] In order to at least partially automate the insertion of the web-shaped packaging material 6, 10, the handling device 4 is designed to insert a free end section (see Fig. 3 ) of the web-shaped packaging material 6, 10 into the first processing station 8 and, if desired, into further processing stations of the plurality of processing stations 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. For this purpose, the handling device 4 comprises a holding device 22 which is designed to grip the web-shaped packaging material 6, 10 and, with reference to the Fig. 2-4 is described in more detail.

[0105] It is further advantageous if the packaging machine 2 comprises a robot 24 that carries the handling device 4, which is mounted on the robot 24. The robot 24 is suitable for guiding the handling device 4 with the holding device 22 along a path predetermined for the web-shaped packaging material 6, 10 through the packaging machine 2 and for moving the holding device 22 as required. If the robot 24 is only intended to cover areas of the packaging machine 2 that are within the reach of its arms 24a-d, the robot 24 can be arranged stationary. Preferably, however, the robot 24 is movable along the packaging machine 2, in particular linearly movable, as indicated by the arrow X in Fig. 1 For example, a base 26, which supports the entire robot 24, can be movably mounted for this purpose. Preferably, the movement range of the robot 24 extends so far along the packaging machine 2 that its reach covers the packaging machine 2 between its input area 2a and its output area 2b. It is particularly advantageous if at least the majority of processing stations 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are within the reach of the robot 24.

[0106] The handling device 4 with the holding device 22 is in Fig. 2 in a side view and in Fig. 3 shown in a perspective view, where Fig. 3 In addition, a part of the web-shaped packaging material 6 can be seen. It is understood that the statements also apply analogously to another web-shaped packaging material 10 grasped by the holding device.

[0107] The holding device 22 extends further in a longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 than in transverse directions Q 1 , Q 2 of the holding device 22. The transverse directions Q 1 , Q 2 of the holding device 22 are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 and perpendicular to one another. The holding device 22 preferably has a substantially rod- or tubular body 28 which extends correspondingly further in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 than in the transverse directions Q 1 , Q 2 of the holding device 22. A length L HE of the holding device 22 is defined in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 from the first end 22a to the second end 22b. A width B HE of the holding device 22 is defined parallel to the transverse direction Q, and a height H HE is defined parallel to the transverse direction Q 2 . The maximum dimension of the holding device 22 directed in the corresponding direction is decisive for the width B HE and the height H HE.

[0108] The body 28 of the holding device 22 can extend in the longitudinal direction LH from a housing 30 of the handling device 4, which can accommodate, for example, a control unit and a media supply. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b opposite the first end 22a in the longitudinal direction LH. The first end 22a is preferably fixedly connected to the housing 30, while the second end 22b forms a free end of the holding device 22.

[0109] Furthermore, the handling device 4 comprises a coupling 32 for connecting the handling device 4 to a complementary coupling on the robot 24, in particular at a free end of a robot arm 24d. The coupling 32 of the handling device 4 and the complementary coupling on the robot 24 preferably form a quick-change system.

[0110] The holding device 22 further comprises a contact region 34, which is defined by at least one contact point 36 for contacting the web-shaped packaging material 6. The contact region 34, in turn, has a curvature in the longitudinal direction LH, which preferably extends in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 over the entire contact region 34. This means that the contact region 34 is completely curved.

[0111] The holding device 22 can have a plurality of point contact points (contact points) to the web-shaped packaging material 6, which define the contact area 34 and, in a cross-sectional view, lie parallel to the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LV of the packaging material 6 on a line curved according to the curvature of the contact area 34. This is shown in Fig. 2 by contact points, one of which is designated by the reference numeral 36a, and the dashed, curved line 34a.

[0112] The holding device 22 can also have a linear contact (contact line) with the web-shaped packaging material 6, which then itself has a corresponding curvature in the previously defined cross-sectional view. The same applies to a planar contact (contact surface) with the web-shaped packaging material. A linear or planar contact can extend continuously along the contact area 34 or, as shown, be formed from several contact points 36.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device 22 has a plurality of contact points 36, each of which can be linear or flat, here annular in shape, and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22. In the previously defined cross-sectional view, the plurality of contact points 36 lie on the line 34a curved according to the curvature of the contact region 34.

[0114] The curvature of the contact area 34, which in Fig. 2 illustrated by the dashed line 34a, can be defined by a quadratic function or formed by a circle segment. A radius of curvature R is correspondingly defined for the curved line 34a in Fig. 2 marked.

[0115] In the Fig. 2-4 In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device 22 is designed as a suction device. This is particularly well suited for handling sensitive packaging materials, such as films, can be easily activated and deactivated to grasp or release the packaging material, and is designed to save space.

[0116] The suction device can comprise a plurality of suction cups 38, which are preferably arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22. The suction cups 38 can be controlled independently of one another, individually or in groups, for example, by each being fluidly connected to a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump, via a dedicated line. However, the suction cups 38 can also all be connected to a line 40 inside the holding device 22, as shown in Fig. 2 shown schematically. For this purpose, a plurality of bores 42 can be provided in the holding device 22, which connect the suction cups 38 to a vacuum source via the line 40.

[0117] Referring to Fig. 3 the holding device 22 grasps a free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6. The free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 has a leading edge 46 transverse to the longitudinal direction LV of the web-shaped packaging material 6. A width of the web-shaped packaging material is in Fig. 3 identified by the reference symbol B VM.

[0118] If the holding device 22 is in engagement with the free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6, the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LV of the web-shaped packaging material 6 or parallel to the transverse direction QV of the web-shaped packaging material 6.

[0119] As can be seen, the curvature of the contact area 34 of the holding device 22 causes the web-shaped packaging material 6 grasped by the holding device 22 to be curved in the transverse direction QV of the packaging material 6 in accordance with the curvature of the contact area 34. This creates a tensile force in the web-shaped packaging material 6, which in Fig. 3 is marked by the arrow FZ and is directed transversely to the longitudinal direction LV along the curvature or bulge.

[0120] The tensile force FZ, in turn, results in a certain stability of the free end portion 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6, whereby the free end portion 44 protrudes from the holding device 22 in the longitudinal direction LV and does not hang downward in the direction of the weight force. The part of the free end portion 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 protruding from the holding device 22 is also referred to as the overhang 48. This overhang 48 can now be introduced by means of the handling device 4 into at least one of the plurality of processing stations 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

[0121] A distance A is defined between the leading edge 46 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 and the holding device 22 parallel to the longitudinal direction LV of the web-shaped packaging material 6. The distance A indicates the size of the projection 48. The greater the curvature of the contact area 34 and thus the bulge of the web-shaped packaging material 6 in the free end section 44, or the greater the tensile force FZ, the greater the distance A can be selected, since this results in greater stability of the free end section 44 and thus of the projection 48.

[0122] The method according to the invention for inserting the flexible, web-shaped packaging material 6 into the packaging machine 2 is described below with reference to the Figuren 1 bis 6 described. The method first comprises providing the web-shaped packaging material 6, preferably on the supply roll 7 in the input area 2a of the packaging machine 2 (see Fig. 1 ).

[0123] This is followed by the grasping of the web-shaped packaging material 6 by means of the handling device 4, preferably initially on the supply roll 7, wherein the free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 is curved in the transverse direction QV of the web-shaped packaging material 6 and protrudes from the handling device 4, as in Fig. 3 This is achieved in particular by the free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 being grasped by the holding device 22, the contact area 34 of which has a curvature, as described with reference to Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 described.

[0124] The captured free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 is then brought by means of the handling device 4 to at least the first processing station 8 of the packaging machine 2, as shown in Fig. 4a und Fig. 5a shown, and then introduced into the first processing station 8 (see Fig. 4b, Fig. 5b ). For example, the free end portion 44 is inserted into a gap between an upper and a lower tool 8a, 8b of the first processing station 8. It is particularly advantageous that the projection 48 of the free end portion 44 protrudes stably from the holding device 22 and can thus be easily inserted into the first processing station 8.

[0125] According to the embodiment according to Fig. 5a, 5b the handling device 4, especially its holding device 22, and the free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 can be guided together through the first processing station 8 and, if necessary, further processing stations of the plurality of processing stations (see Fig. 5b ), after the free end section 44 has been introduced into the respective processing station (see Fig. 5a ). This is possible if the respective processing station can be opened wide enough or if there is sufficient space for the holding device 22 to pass through.

[0126] Especially if this is not the case, it is according to Fig. 4a-4c preferred that the already Fig. 4b introduced end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 is detected by the respective processing station and is then released by the handling device 4, as in Fig. 4c For example, the free end section is clamped by the upper and lower tools 8a, 8b. Only the web-shaped packaging material 6 is then guided through the processing station, while the handling device 4 can be guided around the first processing station 8, as shown in Fig. 4d indicated. Behind the first processing station 8, the handling device 4 then grasps the free end section 44 of the web-shaped packaging material 6 again ( Fig. 4d ).

[0127] In the Fig. 6a-6c The gripping of the web-shaped packaging material 6 by the holding device 22 of the handling device 4 is described in more detail. In this preferred embodiment, the gripping of the web-shaped packaging material 6 by means of the handling device 4 comprises the rolling of the holding device 22 on a surface 6a of the web-shaped packaging material 6 in the transverse direction QV of the web-shaped packaging material 6 along the curvature of the contact region 34. This ensures that the web-shaped packaging material 6 is gripped cleanly and without creases, and a well-defined tensile force FZ is generated in the web-shaped packaging material 6.

[0128] As a result of the unwinding, the contact area 34 of the holding device 22 initially grasps the packaging material 6 in the area of ​​the first end 22a of the holding device 22 (see Fig. 6a ) and during rolling along the curvature of the contact area 34 increasing (see Fig. 6b ), up to the area of ​​the second end 22b of the holding device 22 (see Fig. 6c ).

[0129] If the holding device 22 is designed as a suction device, as shown, this results in one suction cup 38 after the other gripping the web-shaped packaging material 6 in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22. Fig. 6a First, one suction cup 38 of the plurality of suction cups 38 grips the web-shaped packaging material 6, which is closest to the first end 22a of the holding device 22. A suction cup 38 following in the longitudinal direction LH of the holding device 22 can thus already be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the surface 6a of the web-shaped packaging material. As shown in Fig. 6b As can be seen, the holding device 22 is rolled further on the surface 6A, so that in the illustrated state the two next suction cups 38 are in engagement with the web-shaped packaging material 6. It can already be seen that the web-shaped packaging material 6 is thereby curved between the suction cups 38, which have already grasped the packaging material 6.

[0130] By further unwinding, the remaining suction cups 38 are also brought into engagement with the web-shaped packaging material 6, as shown in Fig. 6c In this state, the holding device 22 has completely grasped the web-shaped packaging material 6 and this is curved along the curvature of the contact area 34. The Figuren 3 and 6c show the same state of the web-shaped packaging material 6 grasped by the holding device 22 in different views.

[0131] It is understood that the steps described in connection with the holding device 22 can also be applied analogously to other holding devices which have a curved contact area for gripping the web-shaped packaging material.

[0132] Likewise, the method steps described herein apply analogously to the handling of the further web-shaped packaging material 10. Since the method is preferably carried out by a handling device 4 or a packaging machine 2 comprising such a device, all features described with respect to the handling device 4 and the packaging machine 2 can be applied analogously to the method.

Claims

1. A method for placing a web-form packaging material (6, 10) in a packaging machine (2), comprising the steps of: providing the web-form packaging material (6, 10); gripping the web-form packaging material (6, 10) by means of a handling apparatus (4), wherein a free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) is arched in a transverse direction (QV) of the packaging material (6, 10) and projects out from the handling apparatus (4); and introducing the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) into a first processing station (8) of the packaging machine (2) by means of the handling apparatus (4).

2. The method according to claim 1, <b>characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: gripping the introduced end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) by the first processing station (8) once the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) has been introduced into the first processing station (8) ; releasing the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) by the handling apparatus (4) upstream of the first processing station (8) once the free end portion (44) has been gripped by the first processing station (8); guiding the packaging material (6, 10) through the first processing station (8); gripping the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) again by means of the handling apparatus (4) downstream of the first processing station (8).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of: guiding the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) and the handling apparatus (4) together through the first processing station (8).

4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the packaging machine (2) comprises a plurality of processing stations (8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20), including the first processing station (8) and at least a second processing station (12), and in that the method also comprises the step of introducing the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) into each processing station (8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) of the plurality of processing stations (8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20).

5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling apparatus (4) is a handling apparatus (4) for handling web-form packaging material (6, 10), wherein the handling apparatus (4) comprises a holding device (22), which is configured for gripping the web-form packaging material (6, 10), wherein the holding device (22) extends further in a longitudinal direction (LH) of the holding device (22) than in two mutually perpendicular transverse directions (Q1, Q2) of the holding device (22), the two transverse directions each being oriented perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal direction (LH) of the holding device (22), and has a region of contact (34), which is defined by at least one contact location (36) for establishing contact with the packaging material (6, 10), wherein the region of contact (34) has a curvature in the longitudinal direction (LH) of the holding device (22), wherein the step of gripping the packaging material (6, 10) by means of the handling apparatus (4) comprises: rolling the holding device (22) on a surface (6a, 10a) of the packaging material (6, 10) in the transverse direction (QV) of the packaging material (6, 10) along the curvature of the region of contact (34).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the curvature of the region of contact (34) is defined by a quadratic function.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the curvature of the region of contact (34) has a radius of curvature (R) which is between 1 mm and 10 000 mm, preferably between 1000 mm and 3000 mm, more preferably between 2200 mm and 2400 mm.

8. The method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the holding device (22) is formed as a suction device.

9. The method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the holding device (22) comprises a plurality of contact locations (36) for establishing contact with the packaging material (6, 10).

10. The method according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the holding device (22) is at least temporarily in engagement with the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10), wherein the longitudinal direction (LH) of the holding device (22) is oriented perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal direction (LV) of the packaging material (6, 10) and parallel to the transverse direction (QV) of the packaging material (6, 10).

11. The method according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the region of contact (34) of the holding device (22) extends over at least 30%, preferably over at least 60%, more preferably over 100%, of a width (BVM) of the packaging material (6, 10) in the transverse direction (QV) of the packaging material (6, 10).

12. The method according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the packaging machine (2) also comprises a robot (24), on which the handling apparatus (4) is mounted and which is configured to introduce the free end portion (44) of the packaging material (6, 10) into the first processing station (8) by means of the handling apparatus (4).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the robot (24) is displaceable along the packaging machine (2).

14. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of gripping the packaging material (6, 10) by means of the handling apparatus (4) comprises generating a tensile force (FZ) of at least 15 N, preferably at least 45 N and more preferably at least 65 N, in the packaging material (6, 10) in the transverse direction (QV) of the packaging material (6, 10).