Filling tube insertion device system, method for fastening a filling tube and use of an insertion device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling tube insertion device system. In known packaging devices for bliter dispensers, filling tubes must be changed regularly, which is time-consuming and carries a high risk of damage.The filling tube insertion device system (100) avoids this and comprises an insertion device (200) with a central part (210), an actuating end section (220), and a retaining end section (230), wherein a retaining means (240) is arranged on the retaining end section, and a filling tube (300) which has fastening means (350) and a tube section (310) with a receiving section (320) and a dispensing section (330), wherein at least two elastically deformable spreading means (340) are arranged on the dispensing section, wherein the central part and the retaining means are designed such that they can be guided through the tube section, wherein the retaining means and the ends of the spreading means are aligned with each other such that the ends of the spreading means can be detachably clamped on the retaining means, and wherein the central part is adapted to the filling tube such that the actuating end section projects into the receiving section when the ends of the spreading means are clamped.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling tube insertion device system, a method for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device for small piece goods and the use of an insertion device for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device.

[0002] A system for filling small-sized products into blister bags through a filling tube with spreading means which extend outwards in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube is known, for example, from EP 3 912 918 A1.

[0003] Packaging devices are used, among other things, in blister machines, as known, for example, from WO 2013 / 034504 A1. Depending on the level of expansion, the blister machines comprise several hundred storage and dispensing stations, each of which contains several

[0004] Pharmaceutical portions or dietary supplement portions (hereinafter referred to as portions, more generally also as small-unit goods) of a specific type are stored. Upon request, individual portions can be dispensed from the storage and dispensing stations and are then fed via a guide device to a packaging device, where the portions are packaged or blistered.

[0005] During blister packaging, a packaging material web is formed by the packaging device into a blister tube containing a plurality of blister bags arranged one behind the other. For this purpose, a flexible, elongated packaging material web is fed to the packaging device via a packaging material guide. The packaging material web is usually formed into a tube-like shape by a forming means and joined, among other things, in the running direction. The packaging material tube is then welded transversely to the running direction to form a partially closed blister bag, into which one or more portions are then transferred.

[0006] In order to ensure the supply of the portions, the packaging devices according to the state of the art usually have a filling tube which extends into the packaging material tube via a receiving opening of the packaging material guide and transfers the portions to be blistered to a partially closed blister bag.

[0007] In order to ensure that the portions in the partially closed blister bag are arranged as efficiently as possible, i.e. in a space-saving manner, and that the welded packaging material tube does not shrink directly, e.g. due to electrostatic influences, a prior art filling tube has a plurality of spreading means which keep the packaging material tube in a tubular shape or spread it out. To ensure spreading, the spreading means are elastically deformable at least in sections and extend outwards in a untensioned state from the dispensing section in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube. This ensures that the spreading means keep this packaging material tube open or spread it out to receive the portions. A further task of the spreading means is to shape the packaging material tube in such a way that it can be welded without wrinkles.

[0008] During blister packaging, it is regularly necessary to remove the filling tube from the packaging device, for example, to clean it or to insert a new packaging material web. For this purpose, the beginning of the packaging material web must be fed via the packaging material guide to a downstream joining device so that the production of a new blister tube can begin. Due to the design of the filling tubes with the spreading means arranged on the discharge section, which protrude outwards beyond the actual filling tube when not tensioned, there is always a risk that the packaging material web or other components of the packaging device will be damaged by the spreading means when inserting the filling tube. Furthermore, there is a risk that the spreading means themselves will be damaged and can no longer optimally perform the functions described above.Since the expansion devices have to be manually compressed before inserting the filling tubes, replacement is also time-consuming and the expansion devices also pose a certain risk of injury to the user.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method with which a filling tube can be fastened in the packaging device while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] This object is achieved on the one hand by a filling tube insertion device system according to claim 1. The filling tube insertion device system according to the invention comprises an insertion device which has a cylindrical central part with an actuating end section and an opposite holding end section, wherein a holding means is arranged on the holding section, and a filling tube which has fastening means and a hollow cylindrical tube section with a receiving section for small piece goods and an opposite dispensing section, wherein at least two elastically deformable spreading means, each with a spreading means end, are arranged on the dispensing section, wherein the spreading means extend outwards from the dispensing section in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube in an untensioned state.According to the invention, the cylindrical central part and the holding means of the insertion device are designed such that they can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube section, and the holding means and the expanding means ends are coordinated with one another such that the expanding means ends can be releasably clamped to the holding means. Furthermore, the cylindrical central part of the guide device is adapted to the filling tube such that the actuating section protrudes into the receiving section when the expanding means ends are clamped.

[0011] The inventive coordination of the two components of the filling tube-insertion device system ensures that it can be easily attached to the packaging device in the "tensioned state," when the guide means is guided through the filling tube and the spreading means are clamped to the holding means. Since the invention provides that the actuating section protrudes into the receiving section, which is accessible to a user, when the spreading means ends are clamped in the clamped state, the insertion device can be easily removed. To do this, the detachable attachment of the spreading means to the holding means must be released, then the insertion device can be easily removed (normally upwards).

[0012] Since the two expansion devices are clamped to the holding device during insertion of the filling tube, it is ensured that they do not place excessive strain on the tubular packaging material. Damage to other components of the packaging device and the risk of injury to the user are also avoided by clamping the ends of the expansion devices. Furthermore, the filling tube can be inserted much more quickly with the system according to the invention, since less care is required to avoid the aforementioned risks.

[0013] A further advantage is that the filling tube can be transported, shipped and stored more safely in the "clamped" state, whereby a safety device can be provided to prevent accidental release of the clamping.

[0014] According to the invention, the holding means of the insertion device is adapted to the filling tube in such a way that the holding means can be guided through it. Assuming a circular-cylindrical filling tube and a circular holding means, this means that the diameter of the holding means is smaller than the inner diameter of the filling tube or the narrowest section thereof. After the filling tube has been inserted and secured, the insertion device must be removed, which in conventional packaging devices is usually done upwards. In order to avoid damage to the packaging material web or other components, particularly when removing (or, depending on the exact design, possibly also inserting) the insertion device, a preferred embodiment provides for the cylindrical middle part to have at least one guide means which can be guided through the hollow-cylindrical tube section.

[0015] After the filling tube has been inserted using the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention, the insertion device must be removed. This requires that the expansion means ends be released from the holding means. With a simple design of the insertion device, this can be achieved, for example, simply by moving the holding means a little further in the insertion direction via the actuating section; the expansion means ends then "jump" out of the holding means, and the insertion device can usually be removed in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Alternatively, the holding means can be rotated via the actuating section to release the clamping. In both variants, improper use can cause damage to the packaging material web and / or other components.To avoid this, a preferred embodiment provides for the cylindrical central part to have a hollow outer tube and an inner rod movably mounted in the hollow outer tube, with opposite end sections, wherein the holding means is arranged at one end section. The section of the inner rod opposite the end section with the holding means can be moved slightly downwards by a user, for example (where the length of the protruding section defines the movement distance), and the releasable tension of the spreading means is released.

[0016] To make release even safer and more user-friendly, a preferred embodiment provides for the outer tube to have at least one stop, and the hollow cylindrical tube section, the receiving or dispensing section, has an inner stop, which are coordinated such that the stop prevents the stop from being moved past. This configuration prevents the insertion device as such from moving relative to the filling tube at a specific position. However, the movement of the inner tube via the actuating section is not prevented. Once the system is in place, the user can simply move the actuating section (usually simply press downwards), the clamping of the spreading device ends is released, and the insertion device can be removed. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the holding means is cup-shaped.Alternatively, the inner rod can also be slightly twisted, which requires a corresponding design of the holding device.

[0017] The object is further achieved by a method for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device for small piece goods, wherein firstly an insertion device which has a cylindrical central part with an actuating end section and an opposite holding end section, wherein a holding means is arranged on the holding section, and a filling tube are provided, wherein the filling tube has fastening means, a hollow cylindrical tube section with a receiving section for small piece goods and an opposite dispensing section, wherein at least two elastically deformable spreading means, each with a spreading means end, are arranged on the dispensing section and wherein the spreading means extend outwards from the dispensing section in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube in an untensioned state.

[0018] The insertion device is then guided through the filling tube in such a way that the holding end section is arranged in the region of the spreading means ends and the actuating end section is arranged at the receiving section and the spreading means ends are releasably clamped to the holding means, whereby a filling tube-introduction device combination is formed, wherein the holding means is adapted to the filling tube in such a way that the holding means can be guided through the filling tube with the spreading means ends clamped in.

[0019] The filling tube-insertion device combination is then guided section by section in an insertion direction through a receiving opening of a packaging material guide of the packaging device via the holding end section with the clamped expansion means ends. The filling tube is fastened to a filling tube adjustment means of the packaging device. The expansion means ends are released from the holding means of the insertion device, whereby the expansion means move into an unclamped state. The insertion device is moved out of the filling tube. After carrying out the method according to the invention, the (possibly new or cleaned) filling tube is fastened in or on the packaging device, and the insertion device is free for further use.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the method which is particularly easy to carry out, the spreading means ends are released from the holding means of the insertion device by moving the insertion device further in the insertion direction after the filling tube has been fastened to the filling tube adjusting means.

[0021] Preferably, the outer tube has at least one stop means and the hollow cylindrical tube section has an inner stop, whereby the movement of the insertion device in the insertion direction can be limited by the inner stop and the stop means.

[0022] The object is further achieved by the use of an insertion device for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device, wherein the insertion device has a cylindrical central part with an actuating end section and an opposite holding end section, wherein a holding means is arranged on the holding section, wherein the cylindrical central part and the holding means of the insertion device are designed such that they can be guided through a hollow cylindrical tube section of the filling tube, wherein the holding means is designed such that spreading means ends of elastically deformable spreading means, which are arranged at a discharge section of the filling tube, can be releasably clamped on the holding means, and wherein the cylindrical central part of the guide device is adapted to the filling tube in such a way that the actuating section can be actuated after the filling tube has been fastened.

[0023] Preferably, the cylindrical central part has at least one guide means which can be guided through the hollow cylindrical pipe section.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical central part comprises a hollow outer tube and an inner rod movably mounted in the hollow outer tube, with opposite end sections, wherein the holding means is arranged at one end section. Furthermore, it is preferred that the hollow outer tube has at least one stop means and / or that the holding means is cup-shaped. The advantages of the aforementioned embodiments have already been described above with reference to the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention.

[0025] In the following, preferred embodiments of the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention and of the method according to the invention for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device are described with reference to the drawing, in which Figure 1 shows a front view of a packaging device from the prior art, Figure 2 shows an oblique view of a first embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention, Figures 3a and 3b show two views of the first embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention with inserted insertion device, Figures 4a - 4c Detailed views of the filling tube insertion system used in the packaging device according to Figure 3a show, Figures 5a - 5c Detailed views of the inserted, unclamped filling tube of the filling tube insertion system show, Figures 6a - 6dShow views of the insertion device of the preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system, wherein Figures 6b and 6d sectional view, and Figures 7a - 7h schematically illustrate various stages of the method according to the invention for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a packaging device for blister pack machines, as is known from the prior art. Such a packaging device is disclosed, for example, in EP 3 385 174 A1.

[0027] At the Figure 1 For reasons of clarity, the packaging material web has been omitted from the packaging device shown, and with regard to the precise guidance of the packaging material web, reference is made to the aforementioned publication. The packaging device comprises a receiving section 320 of a Figure 1a filling tube (not shown in detail) which is fastened in the packaging device. Below the receiving section 320, a packaging material guide 20 can be seen, which in the packaging device shown here is designed in the manner of a forming shoulder. Via transport means (not shown), the packaging material web is fed to this packaging material guide, which forms the packaging material web downwards into a tubular shape, with a hollow cylindrical tube section of the filling tube (not shown) extending into this tubularly formed packaging material web.

[0028] Next to the packaging material guide 20, a filling tube adjustment means 50 is arranged, to which the filling tube itself is detachably fastened in or on the packaging device. A first joining device 30 is arranged below the packaging material guide 20, which vertically joins the tubular packaging material web in an overlapping area. Downstream of the first joining device 30, a second joining device 40 is arranged, by means of which the packaging material tube closed by the first joining device is joined transversely to the running direction. With this second joining device, a filled tube section or partially closed blister bag is formed into a closed blister bag, and a new, bottom-closed blister bag to be filled is provided above the second joining device.To join or create a joint in the tubular packaging material web, two joining means 41, 42 of the second joining device are moved together. Once the joint is created, the joining means are moved apart. In the illustrated embodiment of the packaging device, the second joining device is movable in the direction of travel of the packaging material web, as disclosed in more detail in the aforementioned publication.

[0029] Figure 2shows a preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system 100 according to the invention. This comprises a filling tube 300 with a hollow cylindrical tube section 310 with a receiving section 320 for small items, for example in the form of pharmaceutical portions or food supplement portions, which in the embodiment shown is designed like a type of funnel, as well as a dispensing section 330 opposite the receiving section at the lower end of the hollow cylindrical tube section. In the embodiment shown, two elastically deformable spreading means 340, each with a spreading means end 341, are arranged in the dispensing section 330. In the Figure 2In the illustrated, untensioned state of the spreading means, these extend from the discharge section 330 in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube "downward" and outward, i.e., beyond the circumference of the hollow cylindrical tube section 310 of the filling tube. A fastening means 350 is provided at the receiving section 320, which extends around and under the receiving section and has four positioning and fastening means 351, with which the filling tube can be attached to a filling tube adjustment means 50 of the packaging device (see Figure 1 ) can be fastened. In the lower section of the hollow cylindrical tube section 310 or the upper section of the dispensing section 330, an inner stop 311 is provided which extends into the cavity, but in such a way that the dispensing of portions is not significantly impeded by this section.

[0030] The filling tube insertion device system 100 further comprises an insertion device 200 with a cylindrical central part 210 having an actuating end section 220 and an opposite holding end section 230. A holding means 240 is arranged at the holding end section 230, which in the embodiment shown is cup-shaped. A guide means 250 is arranged in the upper section of the cylindrical central part 210, and a stop means 215 is arranged in the lower section. In the embodiment shown, the stop means is designed to be identical in shape to the guide means and can interact with the inner stop 311 to thus limit movement of the insertion device in the filling tube.

[0031] According to the invention, the cylindrical central part 210 and the holding means 240 of the insertion device are designed such that they can be guided through the filling tube or the hollow cylindrical tube section 310 of the filling tube. It is further provided that the holding means 240 and the expanding means ends 341 are coordinated with one another such that the expanding means ends can be releasably clamped to the holding means 240. Finally, it is provided that the cylindrical central part 210 of the guide device 200 is adapted to the filling tube 300 or the hollow cylindrical tube section 310 such that the actuating section protrudes into the receiving section when the expanding means ends are clamped.

[0032] In the Figures 3a and 3b Two further views of the preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system 100 are shown, in both views the insertion device is inserted into the filling tube. In the illustration in Figure 3a It can be seen that the expansion means ends 341 are clamped in the pot-shaped holding means 240, so that the expansion means ends no longer extend outward from the hollow cylindrical tube section. Through this clamping, the insertion device is also connected to the filling tube to a certain extent. Although the connection is detachable, it is nevertheless such that the insertion device cannot be separated without the application of force. Figure 3b the spreading means ends are not clamped in the holding means 240, and in contrast to Figure 3a It can be seen that the ends of the expansion means extend outward from the filling tube. In this unclamped state, the insertion device can be removed from the filling tube, which in practice is done by pulling the insertion device out upwards.

[0033] Figures 4a - 4cshow detailed views of the filling tube insertion system used in the packaging device in the tensioned state, which is shown in Figure 3a is shown. In Figure 4bIt is clearly visible that the spreading means ends 341 are moved "inward" by being arranged or clamped in the holding means 240, i.e., they no longer protrude beyond the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube section, so that the filling tube insertion device system can be inserted in the clamped state from above without damaging the (not shown) packaging material web. In practice, the packaging material web, which is formed in a tubular shape around the hollow cylindrical tube section at the height of the latter, would be joined together in the region of the hollow cylindrical tube section.Due to the shape of the packaging material guide 20, the tubular section of the packaging material web has an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube section 311 and the dispensing section, so that it can be seen that inserting the filling tube in the tensioned state avoids damage to the packaging material web.

[0034] The Figures 5a - 5c show detailed views of the inserted, unclamped filling tube. In Figure 5b It is clearly visible that the spreading means ends 341 extend over the outer circumference of the hollow cylindrical tube section 310, against whose outer circumference the packaging material tube rests; it is clear that damage can occur if the spreading means tips are not clamped. In particular, Figure 5cIt is clearly visible that the joining means of the second joining device are located directly downstream of the unclamped spreading means ends, i.e., the "bottom" of the partially closed blister pack to be filled is positioned directly below the spreading means ends. When the spreading means ends are released when a packaging material web is present (which should normally be the case), they spread the packaging material web just above the "bottom" so that the portions can be arranged in a space-saving manner. At the same time, the packaging material web (which at this point is already joined together to form a tube) limits the outward movement of the spreading means ends.

[0035] Figures 6a - 6d show views of a preferred embodiment of the insertion device as used in the filling tube insertion device system, wherein Figures 6b and 6dThe insertion device 200 comprises a central cylindrical middle part 210, which in the embodiment shown comprises a hollow outer tube 211 in which an inner rod 212 is movably mounted. The inner rod 212 exits via the ends of the hollow outer tube. The holding means 240 is attached to the lower end section of the inner rod 212, which in this embodiment defines the holding end section 230. Figures 6b and 6dIt is clearly visible that the holding means forms a receiving pot, which is designed to clamp the correspondingly designed expansion means ends. Due to the elasticity of the clamped expansion means, the expansion means ends press against the inner wall 241 of the receiving pot, creating a frictional connection that holds the insertion device in or on the filling tube (until a greater force is applied to release it). In alternative embodiments, it can be provided that the receiving pot comprises recesses, so that the expansion means can be released or released by twisting the holding means.

[0036] In the middle section of the hollow outer tube 211, a guide means 250 is arranged, which is adapted to the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube section and ensures a clean, coaxial movement during the insertion and removal of the insertion device. In the lower section of the hollow outer tube 211, a stop means 215 is arranged, which in this embodiment corresponds in shape to the guide means and also performs its function. In addition, it interacts with the inner stop 311 (see Figures 3a - 4c ) together, and limits the relative movement of the outer tube 211 to the hollow cylindrical tube section 310. The inner stop is arranged such that when the stop means is applied to the inner stop, the spreading means ends can be clamped in the holding means.

[0037] A handle 260 is arranged in the upper section of the hollow outer tube 211, which simplifies handling of the insertion device when releasing the clamping of the expansion means ends. In the area of ​​the actuating section 220, the inner rod 212 protrudes from the hollow outer tube and includes a push button 280 at its upper end section 213. A spring means 270 is arranged between the push button 280 and the upper end of the outer tube 211, which preloads the inner tube upward via the attachment to the push button. When the push button is pressed, the spring force can be overcome, and the inner tube moves relative to the hollow outer tube; in the illustrated orientation, "downward." If the expansion means ends are clamped during this relative movement, the clamping is released by the movement, and the expansion means (ends) move into the unclamped state.

[0038] Figures 7a - 7hillustrate various stages of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for fastening a filling tube in a packaging device. Figures 7a - 7h Only the filling tube insertion device system 100 and relevant parts of the packaging device are shown. For clarity, only the components relevant to the process are provided with reference numerals; a detailed description of the filling tube and the insertion device was provided with reference to previous figures.

[0039] First, the insertion device 200 and the filling tube 300 are provided ( Figure 7a ). The insertion device is then guided through the filling tube in such a way that the holding end section 230 is arranged in the region of the spreading means ends 341 and the actuating end section 220 is arranged at the receiving section 320, and the spreading means ends 341 are releasably clamped to the holding means 240 ( Figure 7b), thereby forming a filling tube-introducer combination 400.

[0040] The filling tube-insertion device combination 400 is guided via the holding end section with the clamped spreading means ends in sections in an insertion direction through the receiving opening 21 of the packaging material guide 20 ( Figures 7c, 7d ). The filling tube 300 is then attached to the filling tube adjustment means 50 of the packaging device, thereby determining the orientation of the filling tube-introducer combination in the packaging device ( Figure 7e ). After fastening, the spreading means ends 341 are released from the holding means 240 of the insertion device, whereby the spreading means move into an unstressed state (transition <a href="javascript:;" class="see-img-anchor" img-id="IMGF0006" img-title="Figur 7e -> 7f" >figure 7e -> 7f). In the filling tube insertion device system used in the illustrated embodiment of the method, this release takes place by pressing the push button downwards so that the spreading means ends are released from the holding means 240 and move into the untensioned state ( Figure 7f). In practice, the movement into the unstressed state is limited by the packaging material web (not shown), which is aligned by the spreading means to receive the drug portions (i.e., opened or held open). After the spreading means are released, the insertion device is moved out of the filling tube ( Figures 7g, 7h ).

Claims

1. A filling tube insertion device system (100), having an insertion device (200) having a cylindrical middle part (210) with an actuating end section (220) and an opposite holding end section (230), wherein a holding means (240) is arranged on the holding end section (230), a filling tube (300) having fastening means (350), a hollow-cylindrical tube section (310) with a receiving section (320) for small piece goods, and an opposite dispensing section (330), wherein at least two elastically deformable spreading means (340), each with a spreading means end (341), are arranged on the dispensing section (330), wherein the spreading means (340) in an unclamped state extend outwards from the dispensing section (330) in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube (300), wherein the cylindrical middle part (210) and the holding means (240) of the insertion device (200) are designed such that they can be guided through the hollow-cylindrical tube section (310), wherein the holding means (240) and the spreading means ends (341) are coordinated with one another in such a way that the spreading means ends can be releasably clamped to the holding means, and wherein the cylindrical middle part (210) of the guide device (200) is adapted to the filling tube (300) such that the actuating end section (220) projects into the receiving section (320) in the clamped state of the spreading means ends.

2. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical middle part (210) has at least one guide means (250) which can be guided through the hollow-cylindrical tube section (310).

3. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cylindrical middle part (210) has a hollow outer tube (211) and an inner rod (212), movably mounted in the hollow outer tube (211), with opposite end sections (213, 214), wherein the holding means (240) is arranged at one end section.

4. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the hollow outer tube (211) has at least one stop means (215), and the hollow-cylindrical tube section (310), the receiving section (320), or the dispensing section (330) have an inner stop (311), which are coordinated such that the stop prevents the stop means from being guided past.

5. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the holding means (240) is cup-shaped.

6. A method for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10) for small piece goods, wherein an insertion device (200) is provided which has a cylindrical middle part (210) with an actuating end section (220) and an opposite holding end section (230), wherein a holding means (240) is arranged on the holding end section (230), a filling tube (300) is provided having fastening means (350), a hollow-cylindrical tube section (310) with a receiving section (320) for small piece goods, and an opposite dispensing section (330), wherein at least two elastically deformable spreading means (340), each with a spreading means end (341), are arranged on the dispensing section (330), wherein the spreading means (340) in an unclamped state extend outwards from the dispensing section (330) in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube (300), the insertion device (200) is guided through the filling tube (300) such that the holding end section (230) is arranged in the region of the spreading means ends (341), and the actuating end section (220) is arranged at the receiving section (320), the spreading means ends (341) are releasably clamped to the holding means (240), whereby a filling tube insertion device combination (400) is formed, wherein the holding means (240) is adapted to the filling tube such that the holding means (240) can be guided through the filling tube with the spreading means ends clamped, the filling tube insertion device combination (400) is guided over the holding end section with the clamped spreading means ends (341) in sections in an insertion direction through a receiving opening (21) of a packaging material guide (20) of the packaging device (10), the filling tube (300) is attached to a filling tube adjusting means (30) of the packaging device (10), the spreading means ends (341) are released from the holding means (240) of the insertion device, whereby the spreading means move into an unclamped state, and the insertion device (200) is moved out of the filling tube (300).

7. The method for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10) for small piece goods according to claim 6, characterized in that the spreading means ends (341) are released from the holding means (240) of the insertion device by moving the insertion device (200) further in the insertion direction after the filling tube (300) has been fastened to the filling tube adjusting means (30).

8. The method for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10) for small piece goods according to claim 7, wherein the outer tube (211) has at least one stop means (215), and the hollow-cylindrical tube section (310) has an inner stop (311), characterized in that the movement of the insertion device in the insertion direction is limited by the inner stop and the stop means.

9. A use of an insertion device (200) for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10), wherein the insertion device (200) has a cylindrical middle part (210) with an actuating end section (220) and an opposite holding end section (230), wherein a holding means (240) is arranged at the holding end section (230), wherein the cylindrical middle part (210) and the holding means (240) of the insertion device (200) are designed such that they can be guided through a hollow-cylindrical tube section (310) of the filling tube, wherein the holding means (240) is designed such that spreading means ends (341) of elastically deformable spreading means (340), which are arranged at a dispensing section (330) of the filling tube (330), can be releasably clamped to the holding means, and wherein the cylindrical middle part (210) of the guide device (200) is adapted to the filling tube (300) such that the actuating end section (220) can be actuated after the filling tube has been fastened.

10. The use of an insertion device (200) for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cylindrical middle part (210) has at least one guide means (250) which can be guided through the hollow-cylindrical tube section (310).

11. The use of an insertion device (200) for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the cylindrical middle part (210) has a hollow outer tube (211) and an inner rod (212), movably mounted in the hollow outer tube (211), with opposite end sections (213, 214), wherein the holding means (240) is arranged at one end section.

12. The use of an insertion device (200) for fastening a filling tube (300) in a packaging device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the hollow outer tube (211) has at least one stop means (215).

13. The use of an insertion device according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the holding means (240) is cup-shaped.

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