Closure application device, packaging machine with such a closure application device and method for applying a closure element

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure application device, in particular an adhesive strip application device, for a packaging machine, having at least one application unit (14) comprising at least one movably, in particular rotatably, mounted application element (16), in particular a transfer wheel or a transfer roller, which is intended to apply at least one closure element (18), in particular at least one adhesive strip, to a package (20), in particular to an outer side of the package (20). It is proposed that an application movement axis (22) of the application unit (14), along which at least the application element (16) is movable, in particular translationally, for applying the closure element (18), is aligned horizontally.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a closure application device, in particular an adhesive strip application device, for a packaging machine, with at least one application unit which comprises at least one movably mounted application element which is intended to apply at least one closure element, in particular at least one adhesive strip, to a packaging, in particular to an outer side of the packaging, in order to enable the packaging to be reclosed after it has been opened for the first time.

[0002] Such closure application devices are already known, wherein in the already known closure application devices, an application movement axis of the application unit, along which at least the application element is movable for applying the closure element to the packaging, is oriented vertically. The application element of the application unit of the already known closure application devices is provided to apply the closure element to an upper side of the packaging as a result of a translational movement along a vertical direction, wherein the closure element is subsequently rolled onto an outer side of the packaging running transversely to the upper side by means of a pressing element, in particular a rolling element, of the application unit that is mounted so as to be translationally movable along the vertical direction.The closure element, in particular an adhesive surface of the closure element designed as an adhesive strip, is arranged for the most part on the upper side, where the packaging is also opened, by means of the already known closure application devices. This can result in the closure element being unintentionally detached from the packaging when the packaging is opened, for example because the part of the closure element located on the outer side running transversely to the upper side does not have sufficient adhesive force and the closure element can therefore detach completely from the packaging. Furthermore, it is also possible that the closure element arranged on the upper side is damaged when the packaging is opened, for example by being torn into pieces, being ripped open, or the like, and as a result the adhesive surface available is too small for the packaging to be securely reclosed.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic closure application device, a generic packaging machine, and / or a generic method with improved properties with regard to process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure reclosure of a package. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 8, and claim 9, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on a closure application device, in particular an adhesive strip application device, for a packaging machine, with at least one application unit which comprises at least one movably, in particular rotatably, mounted application element, in particular a transfer wheel or a transfer roller, which is intended to apply at least one closure element, in particular at least one adhesive strip, to a packaging, in particular to an outer side of the packaging.

[0005] It is proposed that an application movement axis of the application unit, along which at least the application element is movable, in particular translationally, for applying the closure element, be aligned horizontally. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure reclosure of a package can advantageously be realized. Application of a large part of the closure element to an outer side of the package running transversely to a top side of the package can be realized in a structurally simple manner, wherein a small portion of the closure element can advantageously be arranged, in particular rolled, on the top side.The largely lateral application of the closure element to the packaging can advantageously minimize the risk of damage to the closure element when the packaging is opened, thus advantageously enabling secure reclosure of the packaging using the closure element after the packaging has been opened for the first time. Furthermore, a vertically compact closure application device can advantageously be implemented.In addition, a resource-saving production process can advantageously be enabled because the closure element can be separated from a closure element web by the closure application device according to the invention in such a way that a maximum length of the closure element corresponds to a maximum width of the closure element web, so that a large number of closure elements can advantageously be produced from a single closure element web, in particular from a closure element web arranged on a roll, in particular in comparison to previously known closure application devices in which a maximum length of the closure element depends on or is adjustable from the closure element web by a pull-off length of the closure element. This advantageously also leads to a low number of machine stops for an exchange of closure element webs.

[0006] Preferably, the application element, in particular together with other elements and units of the closure application device or relative to the other elements and units of the closure application device, is mounted so as to be translationally movable along the application movement axis in order to apply the closure element to the packaging. However, it is also conceivable that the application element, in particular alone or together with the other elements and units of the closure application device, can perform a superimposed rotational and translational movement to apply the closure element, such as a movement on an elliptical path or the like.For example, it is conceivable that the application element is spring-loaded and mounted so as to be movable along the horizontal direction in the direction of the packaging and is also rotatably mounted so that the closure element can be applied to the packaging as the packaging moves past the application element, while the application element executes a rolling movement on the packaging and, for example, is simultaneously movable in translation over a short distance against the spring force of a spring. Other movements of the application element that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, in which at least one movement component of the application element is aligned towards applying the closure element along the horizontal direction, are also conceivable. The application element is preferably designed as a transfer wheel, transfer roller, transfer cylinder, transfer roller or the like, by means of which the closure element can be applied to the packaging.

[0007] The application movement axis preferably runs in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to a base surface of at least one base of a frame unit of the closure application device or a frame unit of a packaging machine comprising the closure application device. "Substantially parallel" is understood to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Preferably, the closure application device or the packaging machine can be arranged, in particular arranged, on a base, in particular on a production hall floor or the like, by means of the base or several bases of the frame unit.The base or bases can be used to support the weight forces of the closure application device or the packaging machine on the ground, in particular on the production hall floor or the like.

[0008] The application element is preferably rotatably mounted, in particular in addition to the translationally movable mounting along the application movement axis. The application element preferably comprises an axis of rotation about which the application element is rotatably mounted. The axis of rotation of the application element preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the application movement axis. The term "substantially perpendicular" is intended in particular to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The axis of rotation of the application element preferably runs along a vertical direction.The application element is preferably intended to accommodate more than one closure element, in particular one that has already been separated from a closure element web. "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specially configured, specially designed, and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. The application element preferably comprises a plurality of receiving regions, in particular receiving surfaces, preferably arranged uniformly distributed along a circumferential direction of the application element, on each of which at least one closure element can be arranged at least temporarily for application to the packaging.The application element comprises in particular more than two, preferably more than four, particularly preferably more than six, and very particularly preferably exactly twelve receiving areas. The receiving areas, in particular with respect to directly adjacent receiving areas, are preferably spaced apart relative to one another along the circumferential direction of the application element. Preferably, in particular two directly adjacent receiving areas of the application element each delimit a gap / groove of the application element arranged between the directly adjacent receiving areas of the application element. The circumferential direction of the application element preferably runs in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the application element.

[0009] The closure application device preferably comprises at least one fixing unit, which is provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element to the application element, in particular to the receiving areas of the application element. The fixing unit is preferably provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element to the application element, in particular to the receiving areas of the application element, by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection and / or by means of a vacuum. The fixing unit preferably comprises at least one or more needle elements, which are / are arranged on the application element, in particular are / are movably mounted on the application element. The needle element(s) is / are preferably provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element(s) to the application element, in particular to the receiving area of ​​the application element.The needle element(s) is / are preferably arranged on the receiving area of ​​the application element, in particular on the receiving areas of the application element. The needle element(s) preferably extend transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation of the application element and / or at least substantially parallel to surface normals of the receiving areas designed as receiving surfaces. Preferably, a plurality of needle elements of the fixing unit are arranged on each of the receiving areas of the application element. It is also conceivable for the fixing unit to have, alternatively or in addition to the needle elements, one or more fixing elements of a different type, which are provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element(s) to the application element, in particular to the receiving area of ​​the application element, by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection.

[0010] Preferably, the fixation unit comprises, in particular alternatively or in addition to the needle elements, at least one pressure source, in particular a fluid pump, for generating a negative pressure, an overpressure and / or an air blast on the application element, in particular on the receiving areas of the application element. Preferably, the fixation unit has one or more fluid openings that are fluidically connected to the pressure source and are provided for acting on the closure element that is / are at least temporarily arranged on the application element. The fluid opening(s) is / are preferably arranged on the application element, in particular on the receiving area of ​​the application element. Preferably, a plurality of fluid openings of the fixation unit are arranged on the receiving area of ​​the application element, in particular on each of the receiving areas of the application element.The fluid opening(s) is / are preferably provided to enable the negative pressure, positive pressure, and / or air blast generated by the pressure source to act on the closure element arranged on the application element, in particular on the receiving area of ​​the application element. The fluid opening(s) is / are preferably provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element(s) to the application element, in particular on the receiving area of ​​the application element, by means of a vacuum. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid opening(s) is / are preferably provided at least to assist detachment, in particular from the needle elements, and / or to assist application of the closure element to the packaging by means of positive pressure or a blast of air.

[0011] The closure element is preferably designed as an adhesive strip, in particular as an adhesive strip with a one-sided adhesive layer. The closure element is preferably intended for reclosing the packaging after it has been opened for the first time as a result of the packaging being torn open or cut open by an end user. However, it is also conceivable for the closure element to have a different design that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that is suitable for reclosing the packaging after it has been opened for the first time as a result of the packaging being torn open or cut open. The closure element is preferably designed differently from a zip fastener or a removable lid, and in particular is not designed as a zip fastener or as a removable lid.The packaging to which the closure element can be applied by means of the closure application device is preferably designed as a tubular bag which is closed by a sealing process already known to a person skilled in the art after being filled with a consumer product, such as coffee, confectionery, or the like. Preferably, when applying the closure element, in particular first, at least a large part of the closure element can be applied by means of the application element to an outer side of the packaging running transversely to a top side of the packaging, in particular before a remainder of the closure element not arranged on the top side of the packaging can be arranged, in particular rolled, on the top side by means of a pressing element, in particular a rolling element, of the application unit.

[0012] It is further proposed that the closure application device comprise at least one separating unit for separating the closure element from a closure element web, in particular from an adhesive strip web, and at least one base plate on which at least the application unit and the separating unit are arranged, wherein the base plate is mounted so as to be movable, in particular translationally, along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the application movement axis of the application unit. Preferably, the base plate is mounted so as to be translationally movable along the horizontal direction. Preferably, the closure application device comprises a bearing unit, in particular a bearing unit comprising at least one guide rail and at least one guide carriage, by means of which the base plate is mounted so as to be translationally movable.However, it is also conceivable that the base plate is alternatively or additionally mounted so as to be rotatably pivotable in a horizontally extending plane. Preferably, the rotation axis of the application element is arranged on the base plate in a stationary manner with respect to the base plate. Preferably, the application element is movable translationally along the horizontal direction as a result of a movement of the base plate in order to apply the closure element to the packaging. Preferably, at least the separating unit and the application unit are movable together as a result of a movement of the base plate along the horizontal direction. It is conceivable that further elements and units of the closure application device are arranged on the base plate and, as a result of a movement of the base plate, are movable translationally along the horizontal direction together with the separating unit and the application unit.For example, it is conceivable for the closure application device to comprise at least one preferential unit, at least one drive unit, at least one cleaning unit and / or further units which are arranged on the base plate and are movable translationally along the horizontal direction as a result of a movement of the base plate together with the separating unit and the application unit. The closure application device preferably comprises at least one holding unit for receiving the closure element web, in particular in the form of a roll. The holding unit preferably comprises at least one rotatably mounted holding element on which the closure element web can be arranged, in particular in order to be unrolled during a production process. The holding element preferably has a circular-cylindrical configuration. A rotation axis of the holding element preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the application movement axis.The rotation axis of the holding element preferably runs along the vertical direction. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a structurally simple implementation of a type of horizontal construction of the closure application device can advantageously be achieved. A vertically compact closure application device can advantageously be realized. A process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure reclosure of a package can advantageously be realized. A structurally simple application of a large part of the closure element on an outer side of the package running transversely to a top side of the package can be realized, wherein a small portion of the closure element can advantageously be arranged, in particular rolled, on the top side.The largely lateral application of the closure element to the packaging can advantageously reduce the risk of damage to the closure element when the packaging is opened, so that the packaging can advantageously be safely reclosed by means of the closure element after the packaging has been opened for the first time.

[0013] It is further proposed that the closure application device comprise at least one base plate, in particular the one already mentioned above, which is movably mounted along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the application movement axis of the application unit and has a horizontally oriented main extension plane, wherein a movement axis of the application element, in particular the one already mentioned above, designed as a rotation axis, runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane of the base plate. A "main extension plane" of an element or unit is to be understood in particular as a plane that is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the element or unit, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid.The main extension plane of the base plate is preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. The closure application device preferably comprises at least one base plate drive unit, which is provided for moving the base plate along the horizontal direction. The base plate drive unit preferably comprises a motor, such as an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like, and at least one connecting element that connects the motor to the base plate so that drive forces act on the base plate. The connecting element is preferably designed as a pull-and-push rod. However, it is also conceivable for the connecting element to have a different configuration that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.Preferably, the connecting element is connected at one end to an eccentric of the base plate drive unit, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive shaft of the base plate drive unit, and at another end to a bolt of the base plate drive unit fixed to the base plate. The base plate drive unit is preferably designed as an eccentric drive unit. However, it is also conceivable for the base plate drive unit to have another design that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a design as a linear drive unit or the like. By means of the design according to the invention, an application of a large part of the closure element on an outer side of the packaging running transversely to a top side of the packaging can be realized in a structurally simple manner, wherein a small portion of the closure element can advantageously be arranged, in particular rolled, on the top side.Advantageously, a process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure resealing of a package can be realized. Furthermore, a vertically compact closure application device can be realized.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the closure application device comprise at least one, in particular the, separating unit for separating the closure element from a closure element web, in particular from an adhesive strip web, wherein a movement axis of the separating unit, in particular of a base body of the separating unit, designed as a rotation axis, runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane of the base plate. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure reclosure of a package can advantageously be realized. Furthermore, a vertically compact closure application device can advantageously be realized.

[0015] It is also proposed that the closure application device comprise at least one, in particular the one already mentioned above, separating unit for separating the closure element from the closure element web, in particular from the adhesive strip web, wherein the separating unit comprises at least one separating element that is movably mounted along and / or about at least two, in particular transverse to one another, movement axes of the separation unit, wherein at least one of the two movement axes is oriented horizontally. It is conceivable that, in an alternative embodiment, the closure application device is designed to achieve the above-mentioned object independently of the horizontally oriented application movement axis along which the application element is movable.Preferably, the closure application device in the alternative embodiment, in particular in the embodiment designed independently of the horizontally oriented application movement axis, comprises at least the application unit, which comprises at least the movably, in particular rotatably, mounted application element, in particular the transfer wheel or the transfer roller, which is provided to apply at least the closure element, in particular at least the adhesive strip, to the packaging, in particular to the outside of the packaging, and at least the separating unit for separating the closure element from the closure element web, in particular from the adhesive strip web, wherein the separating unit comprises at least the separating element, which is movably mounted along and / or around at least the two, in particular transverse to one another, movement axes of the separating unit, wherein at least one of the two movement axes is horizontally oriented.The separating element is preferably designed as a blade having a cutting edge. The separating unit preferably comprises a rotatably mounted base body on which the separating element is arranged, in particular movably mounted. The separating element is preferably mounted on the base body so that it can move relative to the base body. The separating element is preferably mounted on the base body so that it can move by means of a parallelogram guide of the separating unit. The separating element is mounted so that it can move relative to the base body along the horizontal direction, in particular by means of the parallelogram guide.However, it is also conceivable for the separating unit to have another movement mechanism that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, by means of which the separating element is movably mounted relative to the base body along the horizontal direction, such as by means of a linear guide, wherein the separating element can be actuated, for example, by means of a cam in order to be moved along the horizontal direction, for example by means of a linear drive on which the separating element is directly arranged in order to be moved along the horizontal direction, or the like. The separating unit preferably comprises a plurality of separating elements that are arranged on the base body, in particular are movably mounted. The separating elements are preferably arranged on the base body so as to be evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the base body, in particular according to a six-fold rotational symmetry.In particular, a movable bearing for the plurality of separating elements is designed analogously for all separating elements. However, it is also conceivable for a movable bearing for the individual separating elements to have different designs, such as a design as a parallelogram guide for one separating element, a design as a linear drive for another separating element, a cam drive for an additional separating element, or the like. Preferably, an axis of rotation of the base body runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the application movement axis and / or to the main extension plane of the base plate. One or more axes of movement of the parallelogram guide preferably run transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation of the base body and / or at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate.Preferably, at least one axis of movement of the parallelogram guide forms one of the two axes of movement, in particular the horizontally oriented axis of movement of the separating unit along and / or around which the separating element is movably mounted. The axis of rotation of the base body preferably forms one of the two axes of movement, in particular the non-horizontally oriented axis of movement of the separating unit along and / or around which the separating element is movably mounted. Preferably, the separating element, in particular the plurality of separating elements, is movable around the two axes of movement of the separating unit, in particular relative to the base plate, in addition to being movable due to the movable mounting of the base plate along the horizontal direction. The base body with the at least one separating element arranged thereon, in particular with the plurality of separating elements arranged on the base body, preferably forms a knife wheel of the closure application device.By means of the inventive design, a cutting movement in the form of a superimposition of two transverse movements of the separating element can advantageously be realized in order to enable reliable separation of the closure element from the closure element web and / or to minimize the likelihood of residues of the closure element adhering to the separating element. A process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure resealing of a package can advantageously be realized.

[0016] It is further proposed that the closure application device comprise at least one, in particular the one already mentioned above, separating unit for separating the closure element from the closure element web, in particular from the adhesive strip web, wherein the separating unit comprises at least one movably mounted, in particular the one already mentioned above, separating element and a drive for moving the separating element, wherein the drive is provided, in particular additionally, for moving at least one pressing element, in particular a rolling element, of the application unit. The drive of the separating unit preferably comprises a motor, in particular an electric motor or a pneumatic motor, and at least one rocker arm for actuating the separating element, in particular the plurality of separating elements, and the pressing element. The drive of the separating unit is preferably designed as a rocker arm drive unit.However, it is also conceivable for the drive of the separation unit to have a different design that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as an eccentric drive or the like. A tilting axis of the tilting lever preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate. The tilting lever is preferably provided to move at least one actuating element of the separation unit, which is coupled to the separating element, along a vertical direction, whereby the separating element can also be moved in the vertical direction and additionally in the horizontal direction due to the parallelogram guide. Preferably, the tilting lever is, in particular additionally, provided to move at least one actuating element of the application unit, whereby the pressing element can be moved at least in the vertical direction.Other movement couplings of the rocker arm with the separating unit and / or the application unit that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. By means of the configuration according to the invention, the use of one drive for actuating various units can advantageously be enabled. A process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure reclosure of a package can advantageously be realized. A large part of the closure element can be applied in a structurally simple manner to an outer side of the package that runs transversely to a top side of the package. Furthermore, a vertically compact closure application device can advantageously be realized. Furthermore, a resource-saving production process can advantageously be enabled.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the closure application device comprise at least one, in particular the one already mentioned above, separating unit for separating the closure element from the closure element web, in particular from the adhesive strip web, and at least one cleaning unit, which has at least one cleaning element for cleaning a, in particular the one already mentioned above, separating element of the separating unit, which can be brought into contact with the cleaning element by a horizontally oriented movement component of the separating element. It is conceivable that the closure application device, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, is designed in an alternative embodiment independently of the horizontally oriented application movement axis along which the application element is movable. Preferably, the closure application device in the alternative embodiment comprisesin particular in the embodiment designed independently of the horizontally oriented application movement axis, at least the application unit, which comprises at least the movably, in particular rotatably, mounted application element, in particular the transfer wheel or the transfer roller, which is intended to apply at least the closure element, in particular at least the adhesive strip, to the packaging, in particular to the outside of the packaging, at least the separating unit for separating the closure element from the closure element web, in particular from the adhesive strip web, and at least the cleaning unit, which has at least one cleaning element for cleaning a, in particular the previously mentioned, separating element of the separating unit, which can be brought into contact with the cleaning element by a movement of the separating element along a horizontally oriented movement component of the separating element. The cleaning unit,In particular, the cleaning element is preferably arranged laterally offset from the separating unit along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate. The cleaning element is preferably designed as a wiper, in particular as a felt wiper. However, it is also conceivable for the cleaning element to have another design that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a brush or the like. The cleaning unit preferably comprises a fluid reservoir provided for impregnating the cleaning element with a fluid, in particular with an oil. However, it is also conceivable for the cleaning unit to be designed free of the fluid reservoir and for the impregnation of the cleaning element with a fluid to be carried out manually by an operator. By impregnating the cleaning element with a fluid, the separating element can advantageously be wetted with the fluid.to counteract the adhesion of closure element residues to the separating element. The cleaning unit preferably comprises at least two cleaning elements mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. The separating element can preferably be moved in and out between the cleaning elements for cleaning by a movement along the horizontal direction and / or along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate. The cleaning elements are preferably each spring-loaded and mounted so as to be movable relative to one another by means of a spring force of a spring element of the cleaning unit. The spring elements are preferably arranged such thatthat the cleaning elements can each be subjected to a spring force in the direction of the other cleaning element. The cleaning unit is preferably arranged on the base plate. The cleaning elements are preferably mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and relative to the base plate. The cleaning unit is preferably movable along the horizontal direction as a result of a movement of the base plate together with the separating unit and with the application unit. By means of the design according to the invention, a long service life of the separating unit can advantageously be enabled. Maintenance and service costs can advantageously be kept low. A process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure resealing of a package can advantageously be realized.

[0018] Furthermore, a packaging machine with at least one closure application device according to the invention is proposed. The packaging machine can comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that can be used for packaging products, in particular foodstuffs. The packaging machine is preferably intended for packaging and / or repackaging foodstuffs. Thus, in addition to the closure application device, the packaging machine can have a plurality of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate, such as, for example, a tubular bag device, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closure device, an repackaging device, or the like.The packaging machine and / or the closure application device preferably comprises at least one control or regulating unit for controlling or regulating the individual units and / or devices. A "control or regulating unit" is understood in particular to mean a unit with at least one control electronics unit. "Control electronics" is understood in particular to mean a unit with a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The configuration according to the invention advantageously allows for a process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables secure resealing of a package.A large part of the closure element can be applied in a structurally simple manner to an outer side of the packaging running transversely to a top side of the packaging, wherein a small portion of the closure element can advantageously be arranged, in particular rolled, on the top side. The largely lateral application of the closure element to the packaging can advantageously enable a low risk of damage to the closure element when the packaging is opened, thus advantageously enabling secure reclosure of the packaging by means of the closure element after the packaging has been opened for the first time. Furthermore, a vertically compact closure application device can advantageously be realized.In addition, a resource-saving production process can advantageously be enabled because the closure element can be separated from a closure element web by the closure application device according to the invention in such a way that a maximum length of the closure element corresponds to a maximum width of the closure element web, so that a large number of closure elements can advantageously be produced from a single closure element web, in particular from a closure element web arranged on a roll, in particular in comparison to previously known closure application devices in which a maximum length of the closure element depends on or is adjustable from the closure element web by a pull-off length of the closure element. This advantageously also leads to a low number of machine stops for an exchange of closure element webs.

[0019] In addition, the invention is based on a method for applying a closure element, in particular the one already mentioned above, in particular an adhesive strip, to a package, in particular to a food package, by means of a closure application device, in particular by means of a closure application device according to the invention. It is proposed that in at least one method step, at least one application element, in particular the one already mentioned above, of an application unit, in particular the one already mentioned above, of the closure application device is moved, in particular translationally, along a horizontally oriented direction to apply the closure element to the package. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables a secure reclosure of a package can advantageously be realized.The largely lateral application of the closure element to the packaging can advantageously reduce the risk of damage to the closure element when the packaging is opened, so that the packaging can advantageously be safely reclosed by means of the closure element after the packaging has been opened for the first time.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one method step, the application element is moved along the horizontally oriented direction, at least together with a separating element of a separating unit, in particular the one already mentioned, of the closure application device, in particular by arranging the application element and the separating element on a horizontally movably mounted base plate of the closure application device. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a process-time-optimized application of a closure element that enables a secure reclosure of a package can advantageously be realized. A simple application of a large part of the closure element can be realized on an outer side of the package running transversely to a top side of the package.The largely lateral application of the closure element to the packaging can advantageously reduce the risk of damage to the closure element when the packaging is opened, so that the packaging can advantageously be safely reclosed by means of the closure element after the packaging has been opened for the first time.

[0021] The closure application device according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the closure application device according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps that differs from the number stated herein in order to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​lying within the stated limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used as desired. Furthermore, the features and functions described for the closure application device according to the invention and / or for the packaging machine according to the invention should also apply analogously to the method according to the invention. Drawings

[0022] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1A packaging machine according to the invention with a closure application device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2A perspective view of the closure application device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 3A detailed view of the closure application device according to the invention in the region of a separating unit and an application unit of the closure application device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 4A detailed view of a cleaning unit of the closure application device according to the invention in a schematic representation and Fig. 5A method sequence of a method according to the invention for applying a closure element, in particular an adhesive strip, to a packaging, by means of a closure application device in a schematic representation. Description of the embodiment

[0024] Figure 1shows a packaging machine 12 with at least one closure application device 10 for applying a closure element 18 (cf. Figures 2 and 3 ), in particular an adhesive strip, on a packaging 20 (in Figure 2shown only in dashed lines), in particular on a food packaging. The packaging machine 12 is preferably provided for packaging and / or filling products, in particular foodstuffs, such as coffee, confectionery, or the like. The packaging machine 12 can be designed, for example, as a food packaging machine, as a food filling machine, or the like. The packaging machine 12 can have further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and are used for producing, processing, and / or packaging and / or filling products, in particular foodstuffs, such as a tubular bag device, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, an outer packaging device, or the like.The packaging machine 12 can be part of a production line intended for the manufacture and packaging of products, or the packaging machine 12 can be a stand-alone machine intended solely for the packaging and / or filling of products. The products that can be processed by the packaging machine 12 are preferably foodstuffs, such as coffee, confectionery, or the like. Preferably, the packaging machine 12 is intended at least for filling packages 20 designed as tubular bags with foodstuffs. The packaging machine 12 preferably comprises a conveying device (not shown in detail here), in particular a conveyor belt device or the like, for conveying the product(s) to individual processing stations of the packaging machine 12.Preferably, the packaging machine 12 and / or the closure application device 10 comprises at least one control or regulating unit 58 for controlling or regulating the individual units and / or devices of the packaging machine 12 and / or the closure application device 10.

[0025] Figure 2shows a perspective view of the closure application device 10. The closure application device 10 is preferably designed as an adhesive strip application device. The closure application device 10 for the packaging machine 12 comprises at least one application unit 14, which has at least one movably, in particular rotatably, mounted application element 16, in particular a transfer wheel or a transfer roller, which is intended to apply at least the closure element 18, in particular at least one adhesive strip, to the packaging 20, in particular to an outer side of the packaging 20. An application movement axis 22 of the application unit 14, along which at least the application element 16 is movable, in particular translationally, to apply the closure element 18 to the packaging 20, is oriented horizontally.The application movement axis 22 preferably runs in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to a base surface 66 of at least one base 68 of a frame unit 70 of the closure application device 10 or a frame unit 70 of the packaging machine 12 comprising the closure application device 10 (cf. Figure 1 ).

[0026] The closure application device 10 preferably comprises at least one holding unit 60 for receiving at least one closure element web 26, in particular in the form of a roll. The closure element web 26 is preferably designed as an adhesive strip web, in particular as an adhesive strip roll. The holding unit 60 preferably comprises at least one rotatably mounted holding element 62, on which the closure element web 26 can be arranged for processing by means of the closure application device 10, in particular to be unrolled during a production process. A rotation axis 64 of the holding element 62 preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the application movement axis 22. The rotation axis 64 of the holding element 62 preferably runs along a vertical direction 72. The holding unit 60 can have a plurality of holding elements 62, each for receiving a closure element web 26.The closure element 18 is, in particular as already known to the person skilled in the art, severed in strip form from the closure element web 26 for application to the packaging 20. Preferably, the closure element 18 can be severed from a closure element web 26 by the closure application device 10 in such a way that a maximum length of the closure element 18 to be applied to the packaging 20 corresponds to a maximum width of the closure element web 26, so that a large number of closure elements 18 can advantageously be produced from a single closure element web 26.

[0027] Preferably, the application element 16, in particular together with other elements and units of the closure application device 10 or relative to the other elements and units of the closure application device 10, is mounted so as to be movable in translation along the application movement axis 22 in order to apply the closure element 18 to the packaging 20. However, it is also conceivable that the application element 16, in particular alone or together with the other elements and units of the closure application device 10, can perform a superimposed rotational and translational movement to apply the closure element 18, such as a movement on an elliptical path or the like.For example, it is also conceivable for the application element 16 to be spring-loaded and movably mounted in the direction of the packaging 20 along a horizontal direction 30 and, at the same time, to be rotatably mounted, so that the closure element 18 can be applied to the packaging 20 as the packaging 20 moves past the application element 16, while the application element 16 performs a rolling movement on the packaging 20 and, for example, is simultaneously translationally movable over a short distance against the spring force of a spring. Other movements of the application element 16 that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, in which at least one movement component of the application element 16 is aligned to apply the closure element 18 along the horizontal direction 30, are also conceivable.Preferably, the closure element 18 is applied to the packaging 20 by means of the application element 16 through a purely translational movement of the application element 16 along the horizontal direction 30. In particular, a rotational movement of the application element 16 occurs after the closure element 18 has been applied to the packaging 20, in particular in order to move a further closure element 18, which is arranged on the application element 16, into an application position in order to apply the further closure element 18 to a subsequent packaging 20. An application process of the closure application device 10 is preferably carried out intermittently, in particular in order to advantageously use a time during a filling of the subsequent packaging 20 to advantageously apply the closure element 18 to the packaging 20. However, a continuous application process of the closure application device 10 is also conceivable.The application element 16 is preferably designed as a transfer wheel, transfer roller, transfer cylinder, transfer roller or the like, by means of which the closure element 18 can be applied to the packaging 20.

[0028] The application element 16 is preferably rotatably mounted, in particular in addition to the translationally movable mounting along the application movement axis 22. The application element 16 preferably comprises a rotation axis 34 about which the application element 16 is rotatably mounted. The rotation axis 34 of the application element 16 preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the application movement axis 22. The rotation axis 34 of the application element 16 preferably runs along the vertical direction 72. The application element 16 is preferably provided for receiving more than one closure element 18, in particular one that has already been separated from the closure element web 26.The application element 16 preferably comprises a plurality of receiving regions 74, in particular receiving surfaces, preferably evenly distributed along a circumferential direction of the application element 16, on each of which at least one closure element 18 can be arranged at least temporarily for application to the packaging 20. The application element 16 comprises in particular more than two, preferably more than four, particularly preferably more than six, and very particularly preferably exactly twelve receiving regions 74. The receiving regions 74, in particular with respect to directly adjacent receiving regions 74, are preferably spaced apart relative to one another along the circumferential direction of the application element 16.Preferably, in particular, two directly adjacent receiving areas 74 of the application element 16 delimit a gap / groove 76 of the application element 16 arranged between the directly adjacent receiving areas 74 of the application element 16. The circumferential direction of the application element 16 preferably runs in a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 34 of the application element 16.

[0029] The closure application device 10 preferably comprises at least one fixing unit 78, which is provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element 18 to the application element 16, in particular to the receiving areas 74 of the application element 16. The fixing unit 78 is preferably provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element 18 to the application element 16, in particular to the receiving areas 74 of the application element 16, by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection and / or by means of a vacuum. The fixing unit 78 preferably comprises at least one or more needle elements 80, which are arranged on the application element 16, in particular can be movably mounted on the application element 16 (cf. Figure 3). Preferably, the needle element(s) 80 is / are provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element(s) 18 to the application element 16, in particular to the receiving area(s) 74 of the application element 16. The needle element(s) 80 is / are preferably arranged on the receiving area 74 of the application element 16, in particular on the receiving areas 74 of the application element 16. Preferably, the needle element(s) 80 extend(s) transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation 34 of the application element 16 and / or at least substantially parallel to surface normals of the receiving areas 74 designed as receiving surfaces. Preferably, a plurality of needle elements 80, in particular at least two needle elements 80, of the fixing unit 78 are arranged on each of the receiving areas 74 of the application element 16.It is also conceivable that the fixing unit 78, alternatively or in addition to the needle elements 80, has one or more fixing elements of a different type, which are provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element(s) 18 to the application element 16, in particular to the receiving area(s) 74 of the application element 16, by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection.

[0030] Preferably, the fixation unit 78 comprises, in particular alternatively or in addition to the needle elements 80, at least one pressure source (not shown in detail here), in particular a fluid pump, such as a vacuum pump or the like, for generating a negative pressure, an overpressure and / or an air blast on the application element 16, in particular on the receiving areas 74 of the application element 16. Preferably, the fixation unit 78 has one or more fluid openings 82 (cf. Figure 3), which is / are fluidically connected to the pressure source and is / are provided to act on the closure element 18 arranged at least temporarily on the application element 16. The fluid opening(s) 82 is / are preferably arranged on the application element 16, in particular on the receiving area(s) 74 of the application element 16. Preferably, a plurality of fluid openings 82, in particular at least two fluid openings 82, of the fixing unit 78 are arranged on the receiving area 74 of the application element 16, in particular on each of the receiving areas 74 of the application element 16. The fluid opening(s) 82 is / are preferably provided to enable the negative pressure, positive pressure and / or air blast generated by the pressure source to act on the closure element 18 arranged on the application element 16, in particular on the receiving area 74 of the application element 16.Preferably, the fluid opening(s) 82 is / are provided for at least temporarily fixing the closure element(s) 18 to the application element 16, in particular to the receiving area(s) 74 of the application element 16, by means of a vacuum. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid opening(s) 82 is / are preferably provided at least to assist detachment, in particular from the needle elements 80, and / or to assist application of the closure element 18 to the packaging 20 by means of an overpressure or an air blast.

[0031] The closure element 18 is preferably designed as an adhesive strip, in particular as an adhesive strip with a one-sided adhesive layer. The closure element 18 is preferably provided for reclosing the packaging 20 after the packaging 20 has been opened for the first time as a result of the packaging 20 being torn open or cut open by an end user. However, it is also conceivable for the closure element 18 to have a different configuration that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art and is suitable for reclosing the packaging 20 after the packaging 20 has been opened for the first time as a result of the packaging 20 being torn open or cut open by an end user. The closure element 18 is preferably designed differently from a zip fastener or a removable lid, and in particular is not designed as a zip fastener or as a removable lid.The packaging 20, to which the closure element 18 can be applied by means of the closure application device 10, is preferably designed as a tubular bag, which is closed by a sealing process already known to a person skilled in the art after being filled with a consumer product, such as coffee, confectionery, or the like. Preferably, when applying the closure element 18, in particular first, at least a large part of the closure element 18 can be applied by means of the application element 16 to an outer side of the packaging 20 running transversely to a top side of the packaging 20, in particular before a remainder of the closure element 18 not arranged on the top side of the packaging 20 can be arranged, in particular rolled, on the top side of the packaging 20 by means of a pressing element 44, in particular a rolling element, of the application unit 14 (cf. Figure 3 ).

[0032] The closure application device 10 preferably comprises at least one separating unit 24 for separating the closure element 18 from the closure element web 26, in particular from the adhesive strip web. The closure application device 10 preferably comprises at least one base plate 28, on which at least the application unit 14 and the separating unit 24 are arranged, wherein the base plate 28 is movably mounted along the direction 30, in particular horizontal, running at least substantially parallel to the application movement axis 22 of the application unit 14. The base plate 28 is preferably mounted for translational movement along the horizontal direction 30. The closure application device 10 preferably comprises a bearing unit 84, in particular a bearing unit 84 comprising at least one guide rail and at least one guide carriage, by means of which the base plate 28 is mounted for translational movement.However, it is also conceivable that the base plate 28 is alternatively or additionally pivotably mounted in a horizontally extending plane. Preferably, the rotation axis 34 of the application element 16 is arranged stationary on the base plate 28 with respect to the base plate 28. Preferably, the application element 16 is movable translationally along the horizontal direction 30 as a result of a movement of the base plate 28 in order to apply the closure element 18 to the packaging 20. Preferably, at least the separating unit 24 and the application unit 14 are movable together as a result of a movement of the base plate 28 along the horizontal direction 30.

[0033] The base plate 28 preferably comprises a horizontally oriented main extension plane 32, wherein the movement axis of the application element 16, designed as the rotation axis 34, runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28. The main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28 is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction 30. The closure application device 10 preferably comprises at least one base plate drive unit 86, which is provided for moving the base plate 28 along the horizontal direction 30. The base plate drive unit 86 preferably comprises a motor 88, such as an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like, and at least one connecting element 90, which connects the motor 88 to the base plate 28 for the application of drive forces to the base plate 28.The connecting element 90 is preferably designed as a pull and push rod. However, it is also conceivable for the connecting element 90 to have a different design that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the connecting element 90 is connected at one end to an eccentric 92 of the base plate drive unit 86, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive shaft of the base plate drive unit 86, and at another end to a bolt 94 of the base plate drive unit 86 that is fixed to the base plate 28. The base plate drive unit 86 is preferably designed as an eccentric drive unit. However, it is also conceivable for the base plate drive unit 86 to have a different design that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a design as a linear drive unit or the like.

[0034] Preferably, a movement axis of the separating unit 24, designed as a rotation axis 36, runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28. Preferably, the separating unit 24 comprises at least one separating element 38, which is movably mounted along and / or about at least two, in particular transversely extending, movement axes 36, 40 of the separating unit 24, wherein at least one of the two movement axes 36, 40 is horizontally aligned. The separating element 38 is preferably designed as a blade having a cutting edge. Preferably, the separating unit 24 comprises a rotatably mounted base body 96, on which the separating element 38 is arranged, in particular movably mounted. The separating element 38 is preferably mounted on the base body 96 so as to be movable relative to the base body 96. The separating element 38 is preferably mounted on the base body 96 so as to be movable by means of a parallelogram guide 98 of the separating unit 24 (cf.also . Figures 3 and 4). The separating element 38 is movably mounted relative to the base body 96, in particular by means of the parallelogram guide 98, along the horizontal direction 30. The separating unit 24 preferably comprises a plurality of separating elements 38, which are arranged on the base body 96, in particular are movably mounted. The separating elements 38 are preferably arranged evenly distributed along a circumferential direction of the base body 96, in particular according to a six-fold rotational symmetry. In particular, a movable mounting of the plurality of separating elements 38 is configured analogously for all separating elements 38. A ratio of a number of separating elements 38 to a number of receiving areas 74 of the application element 16 is preferably 1:2. A rotation axis 36 of the base body 96 preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the application movement axis 22 and / or to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28.One or more axes of movement 40 of the parallelogram guide 98 preferably run transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation 36 of the base body 96 and / or at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28. Preferably, at least one axis of movement 40 of the parallelogram guide 98 forms one of the two axes of movement 36, 40, in particular the horizontally oriented axis of movement 40 of the separating unit 24, along and / or around which the separating element 38 is movably mounted. The axis of rotation 36 of the base body 96 preferably forms one of the two axes of movement 36, 40, in particular the non-horizontally oriented axis of movement 36 of the separating unit 24, along and / or around which the separating element 38 is movably mounted.Preferably, the separating element 38, in particular the plurality of separating elements 38, is movable, in addition to a movable mounting due to the movable mounting of the base plate 28 along the horizontal direction 30 about the two movement axes 36, 40 of the separating unit 24, in particular relative to the base plate 28. The base body 96 with the at least one separating element 38 arranged thereon, in particular with the plurality of separating elements 38 arranged on the base body 96, preferably forms a knife wheel of the closure application device 10.

[0035] The separating unit 24 preferably comprises a drive 42 for moving the separating element 38, wherein the drive 42 is provided, in particular additionally, for moving at least the pressing element 44, in particular the rolling element, of the application unit 14 (see also Figure 3). The drive 42 of the separating unit 24 preferably comprises a motor 100, in particular an electric motor or a pneumatic motor, and at least one rocker arm 102 for actuating the separating element 38, in particular the plurality of separating elements 38, and the pressing element 44. The drive 42 of the separating unit 24 is preferably designed as a rocker arm drive unit. However, it is also conceivable for the drive 42 of the separating unit 24 to have another design that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as an eccentric drive or the like. A tilt axis 104 of the rocker arm 102 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28.The rocker arm 102 is preferably provided to move at least one actuating element 106 of the separating unit 24, which is coupled to the separating element 38, along the vertical direction 72, whereby the separating element 38 is also movable in the vertical direction 72 and additionally in the horizontal direction 30 due to the parallelogram guide 98 (see also . Figures 3 and 4 ). Preferably, the rocker arm 102 is, in particular additionally, provided to move at least one actuating element 108 of the application unit 14, whereby the pressing element 44 is movable at least in the vertical direction 72 and / or is pivotable about a pivot axis of the pressing element 44 extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28 (cf. Figure 3 ).

[0036] The closure application device 10 preferably comprises at least one cleaning unit 46, which has at least one cleaning element 48, 50 for cleaning the separating element 38 of the separating unit 24, which can be brought into contact with the cleaning element 48, 50 by a movement of the separating element 38 along a horizontally oriented movement component of the separating element 38 (cf. also Figures 3 and 4). The cleaning unit 46, in particular the cleaning element 48, 50, is preferably arranged laterally offset from the separating unit 24 along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28. The cleaning element 48, 50 is preferably designed as a wiper, in particular as a felt wiper. The cleaning unit 46 preferably comprises a fluid reservoir (not shown in detail here) which is provided for impregnating the cleaning element 48, 50 with a fluid, in particular with an oil. However, it is also conceivable for the cleaning unit 46 to be designed free of the fluid reservoir and for the cleaning element 48, 50 to be impregnated with a fluid manually by an operator. By impregnating the cleaning element 48, 50 with a fluid, the separating element 38 can advantageously be wetted with the fluid in order to counteract the adhesion of closure element residues to the separating element 38.The cleaning unit 46 preferably comprises at least two cleaning elements 48, 50 mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. The separating element 38 can preferably be moved in and out between the cleaning elements 48, 50 for cleaning by a movement along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 32 of the base plate 28. The cleaning elements 48, 50 are preferably each actuated by means of a spring force of a spring element 110 (in . Figures 3 and 4(only one of the spring elements 110 is shown) of the cleaning unit 46 is spring-loaded and mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. The spring elements 110 are preferably arranged such that the cleaning elements 48, 50 can each be subjected to a spring force in the direction of the other cleaning element 48, 50. The cleaning unit 46 is preferably arranged on the base plate 28. The cleaning elements 48, 50 are preferably mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and relative to the base plate 28. The cleaning unit 46 is preferably movable as a result of a movement of the base plate 28 together with the separation unit 24 and with the application unit 14 along the horizontal direction 30.

[0037] Figure 5shows a schematic sequence of a method 52 for applying the closure element 18 to the packaging 20 by means of the closure application device 10. Preferably, in at least one method step 114 of the method 52, the closure element 18 still connected to the closure element web 26 is removed by means of a preferred element 112 (cf. Figures 2 and 3), in particular by means of a pull-up roller, of the closure application device 10 to the application element 16. The pull-up element 112 preferably has a knurled surface. Preferably, in at least one method step 116 of the method 52, the closure element 18, which is still connected to the closure element web 26, in particular with a side of the closure element 18 facing away from an adhesive side of the closure element 18, is at least temporarily fixed to the application element 16 by means of the fixing unit 78. Transport, in particular a pull-up of the closure element 18, in particular of the closure element web 26, preferably takes place in cycles. Preferably, in at least one method step 54 of the method 52, at least the application element 16 of the application unit 14 is moved, in particular translationally, along the horizontally oriented direction 30 to apply the closure element 18 to the packaging 20.Preferably, application of the closure element 18 to the packaging 20 is assisted by the fixing unit 78. Preferably, in at least one method step 56 of the method 52, the application element 16 is moved at least together with the separating element 38 of the separating unit 24 along the horizontally oriented direction 30, in particular by arranging the application element 16 and the separating element 38 on the horizontally movably mounted base plate 28. As a result of the horizontal movement, a further closure element 18 is preferably severed from the closure element web 26 and arranged on the application element 16, while the closure element 18, which was already severed several cycles earlier, is applied to the packaging 20.Preferably, in at least one method step 118, at least one of the separating elements 38 is also cleaned by means of the cleaning unit 46, in particular simultaneously while another of the separating elements 38 separates a further closure element 18 from the closure element web 26. Preferably, the presence of a closure element 18 on the application element 16 is monitored by means of a sensor unit (not shown in detail here) of the closure application device 10. The sensor unit can be designed, for example, as a reflection light barrier or the like. With regard to further features of the method 52, reference is made to the description of the closure application device 10, which also applies analogously to the method 52.

Claims

1. Closure application device, in particular adhesive strip application device, for a packaging machine, with at least one application unit (14) which comprises at least one movably, in particular rotatably, mounted application element (16), in particular a transfer wheel or a transfer roller, which is intended to apply at least one closure element (18), in particular at least one adhesive strip, to a packaging (20), in particular to an outer side of the packaging (20), characterized in that an application movement axis (22) of the application unit (14), along which at least the application element (16) is movable for applying the closure element (18), in particular translationally, is aligned horizontally.

2. Closure application device according to claim 1, characterized byat least one separating unit (24) for separating the closure element (18) from a closure element web (26), in particular from an adhesive strip web, and by at least one base plate (28) on which at least the application unit (14) and the separating unit (24) are arranged, wherein the base plate (28) is movably mounted along a direction (30) running at least substantially parallel to the application movement axis (22) of the application unit.

3. Closure application device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byat least one base plate (28) which is movably mounted along a direction (30) running at least substantially parallel to the application movement axis (22) of the application unit (14) and which has a horizontally oriented main extension plane (32), wherein a movement axis of the application element (16) designed as a rotation axis (34) runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane (32) of the base plate (28).

4. Closure application device at least according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by at least one, in particular the, separating unit (24) for separating the closure element (18) from a closure element web (26), in particular from an adhesive strip web, wherein a movement axis (36) of the separating unit (24) designed as a rotation axis runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension plane (32) of the base plate (28).

5. Closure application device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one, in particular the, separating unit (24) for separating the closure element (18) from a closure element web (26), in particular from an adhesive strip web, wherein the separating unit (24) comprises at least one separating element (38) which is movably mounted along and / or about at least two, in particular transverse to one another, movement axes (36, 40) of the separating unit (24), wherein at least one of the two movement axes (36, 40) is aligned horizontally.

6. Closure application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one, in particular the, separating unit (24) for separating the closure element (18) from a closure element web (26), in particular from an adhesive strip web, wherein the separating unit (24) comprises at least one movably mounted separating element (38) and a drive (42) for moving the separating element (38), wherein the drive (42), in particular additionally, is provided for moving at least one pressing element (44), in particular a rolling element, of the application unit (14).

7. Closure application device at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one, in particular the, separating unit (24) for separating the closure element (18) from a closure element web (26), in particular from an adhesive strip web, and by at least one cleaning unit (46) which has at least one cleaning element (48, 50) for cleaning a separating element (38) of the separating unit (24), which can be brought into contact with the cleaning element (48, 50) by a movement of the separating element (38) along a horizontally oriented movement component of the separating element (38).

8. Packaging machine with at least one closure application device according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Method for applying a closure element (18), in particular an adhesive strip, to a packaging (20), in particular to a food packaging, by means of a closure application device, in particular by means of a closure application device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in at least one method step (54), at least one application element (16) of an application unit (14) of the closure application device is moved, in particular translationally, along a horizontally oriented direction (30) to apply the closure element (18) to the packaging (20).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that in at least one method step (56), the application element (16) is moved at least together with a separating element (38) of a separating unit (24) of the closure application device along the horizontally oriented direction (30), in particular in that the application element (16) and the separating element (38) are arranged on a horizontally movably mounted base plate (28) of the closure application device.

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