Apparatus and process for placing goods into blisterpackages

Abstract

Device (1) for placing goods or goods in the form of stacks (2), shingles or the like into packaging troughs (3), wherein one or more discharge conveyors (5) are provided, and method for operating such a device, wherein goods or stacks of goods (2) are vertically deposited from the discharge conveyor (5) into a packaging trough (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for placing goods or goods in the form of stacks, shingles or the like into packaging trays, as well as the associated method.

[0002] Various such devices are known, but they have the disadvantage that the goods, stacks of goods or shingles of goods cannot be placed accurately into the packaging troughs. Often the goods are not positioned correctly, but are tilted to the side or shifted when placed in the packaging troughs. It is also important that these disposable packaging designed as packaging troughs are manufactured using as little material as possible. This is important not only from a financial perspective, but also from an environmental protection point of view. For this reason, the packaging troughs are manufactured very narrowly. This makes inserting the goods more difficult. It is therefore necessary that the goods or stacks of goods are not only positioned very precisely, but also aligned straight to ensure perfect and straight insertion.If the goods are not inserted properly, in the worst case scenario, they would lie at an angle in the packaging tray and protrude over the edge. Automatic closure of the packaging tray would then no longer be guaranteed, resulting in the loss of the package and the goods. On the other hand, tight packaging prevents slipping during transport, thus maintaining the order of the goods, for example, the precise shingle shape.

[0003] The object of the invention is to propose a device in which initially cleanly formed stacks or shingles of goods can also be deposited cleanly and precisely, above all in a precise and straight position, into the packaging troughs.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention in that one or more discharge belts are provided.

[0005] On the discharge belts, pre-formed stacks or shingles are positioned over the respective packaging trough and then dropped into it.

[0006] It has proven to be very advantageous if one or more discharge belts are arranged either at least substantially parallel or in one section at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging trays.

[0007] This allows the stacks, including shingles, to be moved into the respective packaging trough or to fall into it.

[0008] Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if the discharge belt(s) are arranged above the packaging troughs.

[0009] This allows gravity to be used to place the stacks into the litter trays.

[0010] A very advantageous embodiment according to the invention also exists if the discharge belt(s) are designed in several parts lying one behind the other.

[0011] This makes it possible, for example, to initially provide inclined belts which feed the stacks of goods, which are then transferred to a belt which is aligned at least substantially parallel to the packaging trays and which takes over the final positioning and discharge into the packaging tray.

[0012] It is also extremely advantageous according to the invention if the discharge belt, which runs at least substantially parallel to the packaging troughs, is designed to be retractable.

[0013] The retraction removes support from the stacks resting on the discharge conveyor. They fall into the respective packaging trough.

[0014] It has proven particularly advantageous if the discharge belt or its table is designed in such a way that the horizontal position of the goods above the packaging tray remains at least substantially unchanged when retracted.

[0015] This makes it easier to position the stacks of goods. This position is not changed, or at least not significantly, when they are dropped.

[0016] It has also proven very advantageous if the discharge belt either has a drive control that ensures that the goods come to a standstill or if a drive belt runs over pulleys of the same size for the drive and the conveyor belt, thus ensuring that the goods come to a standstill.

[0017] Both variants ensure that the position of the respective stack of goods is maintained.

[0018] A further very advantageous development of the invention is provided if at least one stop is provided at which the goods are aligned on the discharge belt.

[0019] This stop defines the exact position of the stack of goods. Furthermore, the stack itself can be realigned.

[0020] It has proven particularly advantageous if the stop is designed to be adjustable and / or movable with regard to its horizontal position and movable with regard to its vertical position.

[0021] This allows the stop to be adjusted and its position adjusted. If the stop is horizontally movable, it is conceivable that it will move with the stack of goods, at least to a certain extent. Vertical mobility ensures that the stop only needs to be retracted into the transport area of ​​the stack of goods when necessary. It is also conceivable that the stop accompanies the insertion of the stack of goods into the respective packaging trough, i.e., moves with the stack of goods as it falls, thus supporting and stabilizing the stack of goods.

[0022] According to the invention, it is very advantageous if the stop is designed as a rake.

[0023] With a rake, the contact areas between the stop and the stack of goods are reduced, so that unwanted adhesions, which can occur especially with cheese or sausage products, are avoided.

[0024] Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if the stop is arranged in front of or behind the goods.

[0025] With a stop positioned in front of the stack of goods, the stack is pulled against the stop. With a stop positioned behind the stack, the stack of goods can be aligned, for example, by briefly retracting the conveyor belt.

[0026] According to a further development of the invention, it is also extremely advantageous if an alignment station is provided for aligning the goods or stacks of goods.

[0027] This allows previously produced stacks of goods to be aligned on the conveyor belt. The stack itself can also be aligned so that the stack is straight and can be easily processed further.

[0028] According to the invention, it has also proven particularly advantageous if a lateral guide is provided for the lateral alignment or guidance of the goods.

[0029] This also ensures lateral alignment. For example, the conveyor belt, which is designed as a discharge belt, can be equipped with moving stops. This prevents the goods from warping. Depending on the goods, readjustment is possible.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is very advantageous if a stamp is provided which can press the goods into the packaging recesses.

[0031] This ensures that the stack of goods lies neatly and is completely inserted into the respective packaging tray. This also allows the packaging tray to be manufactured extremely tightly and without a significant air gap around the stack of goods.

[0032] It is also very advantageous if the discharge belt is designed with several bent or angled sections.

[0033] This ensures particularly good feeding of the stacks of goods. The discharge and conveyor belt can be adapted to the machine's specifications.

[0034] A particularly advantageous variant is also provided if a feeding device for goods is provided on the respective discharge belt.

[0035] This ensures that stacks of goods are made available as needed.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is also very advantageous if a packaging machine for providing packaging trays and their further processing is provided below the discharge belts.

[0037] This means that the entire packaging process can be carried out inline, without the need for long transport routes and / or the intervention of operating personnel.

[0038] It is also very advantageous if a control unit is provided to control the discharge belts.

[0039] The control unit coordinates the device. Discharge, stack alignment, as well as speed and operation mode, can be individually adjusted.

[0040] It is also extremely advantageous if the discharge belts are designed to be driven in a timed manner, synchronously or asynchronously to the packaging troughs and / or that the packaging troughs are designed to be transported in a timed manner or continuously.

[0041] This means that the device and its mode of operation can be individually adapted to the respective conditions, the goods to be packaged or other accompanying circumstances.

[0042] A very advantageous method for operating the device according to the invention is when goods or stacks of goods are deposited vertically from the discharge belt into a packaging trough.

[0043] This allows goods or stacks of goods to be placed cleanly, precisely and quickly into a packaging tray.

[0044] In the following, the invention is illustrated using an embodiment.

[0045] Showing: Fig. 1 a side view of a device with a discharge belt for stacks of goods and packaging troughs arranged underneath, Fig. 2 a top view of the same device, Fig. 3 a diagram of the device, Fig. 4 another diagram without stacks of goods, Fig. 5 another diagram from the rear of the device, Fig. 6 a detailed diagram of the retracted discharge belt with stops, Fig. 7 a side view with retracted discharge belt and without stacks of goods, Fig. 8 a side view with retracted discharge belt and stacks of goods, with some of the stacks of goods already placed in packaging troughs, Fig. 9 a side view with discharge belt and stacks of goods in the infeed, with some of the stacks of goods already placed in packaging troughs, Fig. 10 a side view with discharge belt and stacks of goods in the infeed to the stops, with some of the stacks of goods already placed in packaging troughs, Fig.Fig. 11 is a side view with discharge belt and stacks of goods approaching the stops shortly before they hit the stops, Fig. 12 is a side view with discharge belt and stacks of goods resting against the stops, and Fig. 13 is a side view with discharge belt at the moment a stack of goods is placed into a packaging trough.

[0046] With 1 is in Fig. 1 a device for placing goods or goods in the form of stacks 2, shingles or the like into packaging troughs 3.

[0047] The stacks 2 are fed on a conveyor belt 4 and transferred to a discharge belt 5. The belts 4 and 5 interlock, ensuring seamless transport. The conveyor belts 4 and 5 are constructed from individual conveyor belts 6 on which the stacks 2 of goods rest.

[0048] The discharge belt 5 is retractable, which means that its length can be shortened.

[0049] Extending from above over the discharge belt 5, stops 7 are provided which are designed as rakes and whose horizontal position is adjustable.

[0050] The stops 7—in this embodiment, two stops 7 are shown, arranged one behind the other. The stops 7 are also designed to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0051] If a stack of goods 2 arrives on the discharge belt 5, it runs against a stop 7 and thus to a defined position.

[0052] Once the stack of goods 2 is in this defined position, the discharge belt 5 is retracted, so that its support for the stack of goods 2 is eliminated. The stack of goods 2 falls into the packaging trough 3 by gravity.

[0053] To support this falling motion, the stop 7 can follow the falling motion and thus support the stack of goods 2 and prevent it from tipping over. This ensures that the stack of goods 2 lands neatly in the packaging trough 3 and is completely received by it.

[0054] The falling movement can also be supported, for example, by a stamp (not shown), which presses the stack of goods into the packaging trough 3.

[0055] In this context, it is also conceivable that the stack 2 is also introduced horizontally or vertically upwards into a packaging trough 3 by such a stamp.

[0056] In the present embodiment, as already mentioned above, two stops 7 are provided one behind the other, so that two stacks of goods 2 arranged one behind the other can be inserted into packaging troughs 3 at the same time.

[0057] The discharge belt 5 is driven by a drive 8. This can be controlled in such a way that the position of the stack 2 remains at least substantially constant during the retraction of the discharge belt 5. However, it is also conceivable that this standstill of the stack 2 of goods is achieved by an arrangement of equally sized pulleys 9 and a drive belt 10.

[0058] The process of placing the stacks of goods 2 into the packaging trays 3 is described in the Fig. 10 to 13 shown schematically.

[0059] The transport of stacks 2 and packaging trays 3 can be synchronized. This means that when stacks 2 are inserted into packaging trays 3, both stack 2 and packaging tray 3 are stationary. However, it is also conceivable for stacks 2 and packaging trays 3 to be transported synchronously or asynchronously. It is essential that stack 2 and packaging tray 3 are positioned one above the other at the moment stack 2 is inserted and are not moving relative to each other at this moment.

[0060] In addition to the stacks of goods 2, a lateral guide 11 can be provided both in the area of ​​the conveyor belt 4 and in the area of ​​the discharge belt 5, which in the present embodiment is designed as a moving plate.

[0061] Other guides 11 are conceivable. These must be tailored to the respective goods.

[0062] Especially in the food processing application intended for the device, i.e., for the packaging of sliced ​​sausages, meat, and cheese products, it is important to ensure that the entire device is easy to clean. This must also be taken into account when selecting the guides 11.

[0063] If the device is operated continuously and not in a timed manner, the stops 7 can also be designed to move.

[0064] In addition, in a modification of the exemplary embodiment, the stops 7 can also be arranged behind the stacks 2. By slightly moving the stacks 2 back, contact is established between the stacks 2 and the stop 7.

[0065] Discharge belt 5 and conveyor belt 4 often form a single unit and are often referred to collectively as a multi-section discharge belt. An angle or bend may be provided between discharge belt 5 and conveyor belt 4.

[0066] The stacks of goods 2 are formed by feed devices (not shown) and fed to the conveyor belt 4. In this context, it is conceivable that an alignment station (not shown) is provided, which ensures that the stacks 2 are placed on the conveyor belt 4 in an aligned manner and are also aligned within themselves and are not shifted, twisted, or otherwise stacked in a manner deviating from the desired straight alignment.

[0067] The retraction movement of the discharge belt 5 is usually achieved by a drive retracting an internal table on which the actual transport belts or bands are mounted. The horizontal position of the stacks 2 is ensured by a corresponding control of the belt or a mechanical coupling, as described above.

[0068] Several stacks 2 can also be arranged side by side on a conveyor belt 4 and discharge belt 5. The packaging troughs 3 must also be provided accordingly.

[0069] Several conveyor belts 4 and discharge belts 5 arranged next to each other are also conceivable.

[0070] It is also conceivable that two or more stacks of goods 2 are arranged one behind the other and are introduced into the packaging troughs 3 simultaneously or sequentially one after the other.

[0071] The packaging trays 3 are usually provided by a thermoforming machine (not shown) and are sealed immediately after filling with a lidding film (also not shown).

[0072] It is essential that the packaging of the stacks of goods 2 is carried out safely and quickly and without operator intervention.

[0073] Operator intervention is particularly undesirable in food processing, as it often leads to contamination of the packaged goods, resulting in waste or at least a shortened shelf life. This is not even to mention a slowdown in the packaging process.

Claims

1. Device (1) for placing goods or goods in the form of stacks (2), shingles or the like in packaging troughs (3), characterized in that one or more discharge belts (5) are provided, wherein the discharge belt(s) (5) are arranged above the packaging troughs (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more discharge belts (5) are arranged either at least substantially parallel or in one section at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging troughs (3).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge belt(s) (5, 4) are constructed in several parts lying one behind the other.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge belt (5) running at least substantially parallel to the packaging troughs (3) is designed to be retractable.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe discharge belt (5) or its table is designed in such a way that when retracted the horizontal position of the goods above the packaging trough (3) remains at least substantially unchanged.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive is provided for controlling the discharge belt (4, 5), which is designed directly or indirectly and / or that the discharge belt (5) either has a control of the drive (8) which ensures that the goods come to a standstill or that a drive belt (10) runs over equally sized pulleys (9) for the drive and conveyor belt and thus the standstill is ensured and / or that a control unit is provided for controlling the discharge belts (4, 5).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one stop (7) is provided, at which the goods (2) are aligned on the discharge belt (5), wherein the stop (7) can be adjustable and / or movable with respect to its horizontal position and movable with respect to its vertical position.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the stop (7) is designed as a rake and / or that the stop (7) is arranged in front of or behind the goods (2).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an alignment station is provided for aligning the goods or stacks of goods.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lateral guide (11) is provided for lateral alignment or guidance of the goods.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stamp is provided which can press the goods (2) into the packaging recesses (3).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge belt (4, 5) is bent or angled with several sections (4, 5).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feeding device for goods onto the respective discharge belt (4, 5) is provided.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A packaging machine for providing packaging trays (3) and their further processing is provided below the discharge belts (5).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge belts (4, 5) are designed to be driven in a clocked manner, synchronously or asynchronously to the packaging troughs (3) and / or that the packaging troughs (3) are designed to be transported in a clocked manner or continuously.

16. A method for operating a device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatGoods or stacks of goods (2) are placed vertically from the discharge belt (5) into a packaging trough (3).

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