Method for loading and unloading a sealing tool

Abstract

A method for loading a sealing tool (10) with packaging trays (8) comprises providing a sealing tool base (12) which includes a tray support (15) and a backing plate (16), wherein the backing plate (16) and the tray support (15) form a recess (17). The method further comprises delivering a packaging tray (8), receiving the packaging tray (8) by a transport device (11), lifting the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8), and positioning the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8) above the sealing tool base (12). The method further comprises lowering the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8), wherein the packaging tray (8) is inserted into the recess (17) during lowering, and releasing the packaging tray (8) from the transport device (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to methods for loading and unloading a sealing tool with packaging trays. DE 10 2018 213 213 A1 discloses a method for operating a tray sealing machine. In this method, a packaging tray is gripped by a gripper and moved from a feed conveyor into the interior of a sealing tool chamber. There, the packaging tray is positioned on a support plate. DE 10 2012 015 401 A1 discloses a tray sealing machine with a gripper system configured to transport trays from a collecting conveyor to a sealing station. The trays are tilted by the gripper system during this process.

[0002] With conventional grippers, it can happen that the trays shift when the gripper is opened after being positioned in the sealing tool chamber. This can cause the trays to tip over or become jammed when the tool is closed, contaminating the tool with their contents. This can lead to lengthy downtimes, as the tool usually has to be removed from the machine for cleaning.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for loading a sealing tool with packaging trays, thereby reducing downtime. This object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0004] A method for loading a sealing tool with packaging trays is disclosed. The method comprises providing a sealing tool base, which includes a tray support and a backing plate, wherein the backing plate and the tray support form a recess. The method further comprises supplying a packaging tray, picking up the packaging tray by a transport device, lifting the transport device and the packaging tray, and positioning the transport device and the packaging tray above the sealing tool base. The method further comprises lowering the transport device and the packaging tray, wherein the packaging tray is inserted into the recess during lowering, and releasing the packaging tray from the transport device.

[0005] By raising and lowering the packaging tray into the recess, shifting of the tray during the opening of the transport device can be prevented. This reduces the risk of the tray tipping over or jamming in the sealing tool and the resulting downtime. The transport device can include one or more grippers or any type of manipulator suitable for lifting, positioning, and setting down the packaging tray. The transport device can engage one packaging tray at a time from one side or from two, preferably opposite, sides. Designs with the transport device engaging one packaging tray at a time from one side may be preferred, for example, for two-lane packaging formats.In designs with a transport device engaging one track of packaging trays from one side, the transport device can be configured to receive the packaging trays without requiring a central divider between the two tracks. For example, the support plate can form the bottom of the recess. The tray carrier can, for example, form a side wall of the recess. In addition to the lower sealing tool part, the sealing tool can include an upper sealing tool part. The support plate can be movable independently of the tray carrier.

[0006] The lifting of the transport device and the packaging tray can occur during the picking up of the packaging tray by the transport device and / or after the packaging tray has been picked up by the transport device. The lowering of the transport device and the packaging tray can occur after the transport device and the packaging tray have been positioned above the sealing tool base. The release of the packaging tray from the transport device can occur after the lowering of the transport device and the packaging tray has occurred and / or after the packaging tray has been inserted into the recess.

[0007] The indentation can be formed by the support plate and the tray carrier before the transport device and the packaging tray are lowered, and / or before the transport device and the packaging tray are positioned above the sealing tool base, and / or before the transport device and the packaging tray are raised, and / or before the packaging tray is picked up by the transport device, and / or before the packaging tray is delivered, and / or before the loading process has begun. For example, the support plate and the tray carrier can form the indentation before the sealing tool is loaded with the packaging tray; for instance, the indentation can already be formed at the start of the process. Forming the indentation can involve, for example, raising the tray carrier relative to the support plate and / or lowering the support plate relative to the tray carrier.Alternatively or additionally, the support plate and the shell carrier can be designed in such a way that they form the recess in a starting position of the sealing tool base.

[0008] The process can further include detecting that the packaging tray has been inserted into the recess. For example, a proximity sensor and / or a light barrier can detect that the packaging tray has been inserted into the recess. This can improve process reliability and / or documentation, which can be particularly advantageous in packaging processes with high regulatory requirements, such as in the pharmaceutical industry. It can be especially beneficial if the packaging tray is released from the transport device only after it has been detected that the packaging tray has been inserted into the recess.

[0009] The lowering process can involve a purely translational lowering of the packaging tray. For example, the packaging tray can be lowered without tilting. A substantially vertical lowering of the packaging tray is particularly preferred. This improves the accuracy when inserting the packaging tray into the recess. A purely translational, and especially a substantially vertical, lowering process can also allow for a tighter fit between the packaging tray and the tray support, particularly the side wall of the recess. Alternatively or additionally, the raising process can involve a purely translational raising of the packaging tray. For example, the packaging tray can be raised without tilting. A substantially vertical raising of the packaging tray is particularly preferred.This simplifies the control process and reduces the risk of a product already present in the packaging tray leaking.

[0010] It can be advantageous if the transport device and the packaging tray are raised in such a way that the upper distance between the packaging tray and a sealing tool upper part is smaller than the lower distance between the packaging tray and the sealing tool lower part, in particular the tray carrier. The upper distance can be defined, for example, between an upper edge of the packaging tray and that part of the sealing tool upper part that is closest to the sealing tool lower part. The lower distance can be defined, for example, between a base of the packaging tray and that part of the sealing tool lower part, in particular the tray carrier, that is closest to the sealing tool upper part.

[0011] The transport device and the packaging tray can, for example, be raised such that the lower distance between the packaging tray and the lower part of the sealing tool, in particular the tray support, is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, and particularly preferably greater than 5 mm. The lower distance can be greater than, equal to, or less than the upper distance. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device and the packaging tray can be raised such that the upper distance between the packaging tray and a sealing tool upper part is less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, and particularly preferably less than 10 mm. The upper distance can be greater than, equal to, or less than the lower distance.The specified values ​​for the upper and lower distances can each refer to a state in which the sealing tool is fully open and / or to a state during the positioning of the transport device and the packaging tray above the lower part of the sealing tool and / or to a state immediately before the transport device and the packaging tray are lowered.

[0012] It can be advantageous to begin closing the sealing tool and / or moving the lower part of the sealing tool towards the upper part before the lowering of the transport device and the packaging tray is complete. For example, closing the sealing tool and / or moving the lower part towards the upper part can begin during or before the lowering of the transport device and the packaging tray. Closing the sealing tool and / or moving the lower part towards the upper part can also begin during or before the positioning of the transport device and the packaging tray above the lower part of the sealing tool.Raising the transport device and the packaging tray can facilitate a particularly early start to closing the sealing tool and / or moving the lower part of the sealing tool towards the upper part. For example, the smaller the gap between the upper and lower parts becomes due to the raising action, the earlier the closing of the sealing tool and / or the movement of the lower part towards the upper part can begin. This can reduce the process time.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for unloading packaging trays from a sealing tool. The method comprises opening the sealing tool by lowering a lower sealing tool part, which includes a tray support and a support plate, wherein the support plate and the tray support form a recess. The method further comprises picking up the packaging tray by a transport device while the packaging tray is at least partially arranged in the recess, and positioning the transport device and the packaging tray outside the sealing tool.

[0014] Opening the sealing tool may involve moving the lower part of the sealing tool, particularly the tray support, away from the upper part. By having the transport device pick up the packaging tray while it is at least partially positioned in the recess, displacement or tipping of the tray, for example due to vibrations during the opening of the sealing tool, can be prevented. If the sealing tool is only fully opened and the packaging tray is displaced by vibrations, for example because there is no recess to prevent it, a transport device may not engage the packaging tray as intended and instead tip it over and / or push it out of the sealing tool.

[0015] As mentioned above, the transport device can include one or more grippers or any type of manipulator suitable for lifting, positioning, and setting down the packaging tray. For example, the backing plate can form the bottom of the recess. The tray support can form a side wall of the recess. In addition to the lower sealing tool section, the sealing tool can include an upper sealing tool section. The backing plate can be movable independently of the tray support.

[0016] The transport device can pick up the packaging tray after the sealing tool has begun to open and / or while the sealing tool is opening and / or while the lower part of the sealing tool, in particular the tray carrier, is being moved away from the upper part of the sealing tool. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device can pick up the packaging tray after the sealing tool has been opened and / or after the lower part of the sealing tool, in particular the tray carrier, has been moved away from the upper part of the sealing tool to a final position.

[0017] Preferably, the depression is formed by the tray support and the backing plate for at least as long as necessary until the tray has been picked up by the transport device. Alternatively or additionally, the depression can be formed by the tray support and the backing plate for at least as long as necessary until the packaging tray has been lifted out of the depression. By forming and / or maintaining the depression for as long as possible, the packaging tray can be stabilized for as long as possible, which can further reduce the risk of the packaging tray tipping over or falling out of the sealing tool.

[0018] The method can further include lifting the transport device and the packaging tray, wherein the packaging tray can be lifted out of the recess during the lifting process. The lifting can be purely translational. For example, the packaging tray can be lifted without tilting it. This prevents collisions between the packaging tray and the lower part of the sealing tool, particularly the tray support. A substantially vertical lifting of the packaging tray is particularly preferred. A purely translational, and especially a substantially vertical, lifting action can also enable a tighter fit between the packaging tray and the tray support, particularly the side wall of the recess.

[0019] The transport device can hold the packaging tray in such a way that the upper distance between the packaging tray and a sealing tool upper part is smaller during positioning of the packaging tray than the lower distance between the packaging tray and the sealing tool lower part, in particular the tray carrier. As mentioned above, the upper distance can be defined, for example, between an upper edge of the packaging tray and the structure of the sealing tool upper part that is closest to the sealing tool lower part. The lower distance can be defined, for example, between a base of the packaging tray and the structure of the sealing tool lower part, in particular the tray carrier, that is closest to the sealing tool upper part.

[0020] For example, the transport device can hold the packaging tray in such a way that the upper distance between the packaging tray and the upper part of the sealing tool is less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, and particularly preferably less than 10 mm. The upper distance can be greater than, equal to, or less than the lower distance.

[0021] The invention relates to methods of the type described above. Advantageous embodiments are explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a tray sealing machine. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of components of the tray closing machine according to an exemplary embodiment with a viewing direction parallel to the production direction P. Figure 3shows a schematic sectional view of components of the tray closing machine according to a further embodiment with a viewing direction parallel to the production direction P. Figures 4 to 12 Each image shows a schematic side view of components of the tray closing machine in various process steps.

[0022] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an example of a tray sealing machine 1. It can include a frame 2. The tray sealing machine 1 can also have a feeding device 7, which may include, for example, a conveyor belt, a belt conveyor, or a simple storage area on which the trays to be sealed can be placed for feeding. It can also have a sealing station 9. The feeding device 7 can convey filled but, at this point, still unsealed packaging trays 8 to the sealing station 9. The packaging trays 8 can be transferred to the sealing station 9 by a transport device 11 in a production direction P and sealed there with a top film 5 (film) fed from above, for example, by sealing the top film 5. For this purpose, the sealing station 9 can include a sealing tool 10, which will be described in more detail later.The packaging completed in this way can be transferred from the sealing station 9 to a discharge device 6 via the transport device 11, which may include, for example, a conveyor belt, a belt conveyor or a simple storage area on which the trays to be sealed can be provided for feeding.

[0023] After the top film 5 has been sealed, corresponding sections of the top film 5 can be cut out from the web of the top film 5 at the sealing station 9, according to the packaging or packaging assemblies. A remnant grid of the top film 5 remains, which is wound up using a winding device 3 to wind the film 5.

[0024] In Figure 2The sealing tool 10 is shown in a schematic sectional view. The production direction P points into the plane of the drawing. The sealing tool 10 can include a lower sealing tool part 12. The sealing tool 10 can also include an upper sealing tool part 13. The lower sealing tool part 12 can be configured to move towards the upper sealing tool part 13, for example, to close the sealing tool 10. The lower sealing tool part 12 can be configured to move away from the upper sealing tool part 13, for example, to open the sealing tool 10. The upper sealing tool part can include a sealing plate 14. The sealing plate 14 can be heated. The sealing plate can be configured to seal the top film 5 to the packaging tray 8.

[0025] The sealing tool base 12 can include a shell support 15. The sealing tool base can also include a support plate 16. The shell support 15 and the support plate 16 can be configured to form a recess 17. For example, the shell support 15 can form a side wall 18 of the recess. The support plate 16 can form a bottom 19 of the recess 17.

[0026] In Figure 2 Furthermore, a detail of the transport device 11 can be seen. As in Figure 2 As shown, the transport device can have one or more, in Figure 2 Two gripping prongs 20 are visible. As shown in the present embodiment, the transport device 11 can be configured to engage with a packaging tray 8 from two, preferably opposite, sides.

[0027] In Figure 3The sealing tool 10 is shown in a schematic sectional view according to a further embodiment, which is the view from Figure 2 similar. Unlike in Figure 2 Are the packaging trays 8 in Figure 3 not introduced into the depths 17. As in Figure 3 As shown, the sealing tool 10 can be designed for two-lane packaging formats. This means that two packaging trays 8 arranged side-by-side orthogonally to the production direction P can be processed. Particularly in such configurations, the transport device 11 can be configured to engage one packaging tray 8 at a time from only one side, as also shown in Figure 3 This can be seen. The sealing tool 10 and the transport device 11 can be configured such that the transport device 11 can pick up the packaging trays 8 without a central rib arranged between the packaging trays 8.

[0028] In Figures 4 to 12 Components of the sealing tool 10 are shown in a schematic, partially cutaway side view, with the viewing direction orthogonal to the viewing direction from the Figures 2 and 3 is oriented. An expert recognizes that the views from the Figures 4 to 12 as representative of both with reference to the Figures 2 and 3 The illustrated examples can be viewed.

[0029] In Figure 4 The sealing tool 10 is shown in a fully open state. The lower part of the sealing tool 12 can be provided, with the tray support 15 and the backing plate 16 forming the recess 17. The packaging tray 8 can be, as shown in Figure 4 shown, delivered, e.g. by the feed device 7. The packaging tray 8 can be picked up by the transport device 11, whereby in Figure 4Only the gripping prongs 20 are visible, which can engage with the packaging tray 8.

[0030] In Figure 5 It can be seen that after the transport device 11 picks up the packaging tray 8, both the transport device 11 and the packaging tray 8 can be lifted. This lifting can occur in such a way that a gap 21 remains between the upper sealing tool part 13 and the packaging tray 8, for example, at the upper edge 22 of the packaging tray 8. Alternatively or additionally, the lifting can occur in such a way that a gap 23 is created between the lower sealing tool part 12, for example, the tray support 15, and the packaging tray 8, for example, at the bottom 24 of the packaging tray 8.

[0031] After lifting the transport device 11 and the packaging tray 8, the transport device 11 and the packaging tray 8 can be positioned above the sealing tool base 12. The state after positioning can look like this: Figure 6 As shown. After positioning the transport device 11 and the packaging tray 8 above the sealing tool base 12, the transport device 11 and the packaging tray 8 can be lowered. A state after lowering is shown in Figure 7 shown. It can be seen that the lowering can involve a purely translational lowering of the packaging tray 8. The packaging tray 8 can be inserted into the recess 17 during the lowering process. During and / or after the packaging tray 8 has been inserted into the recess 17, it can be detected that the packaging tray 8 has been inserted into the recess 17 as desired, e.g., by a sensor 25, which, as shown in the Figures 4 to 12shown, which can include a light barrier.

[0032] After the packaging tray 8 has been inserted into the recess 17 and / or after it has been detected that the packaging tray 8 has been inserted into the recess 17 as desired, the packaging tray 8 can be released from the transport device 11. This state is in Figure 8 The diagram shows the packaging tray 8 in a position where the gripping prongs 20 are no longer visible. After the packaging tray 8 has been released from the transport device, the sealing tool 10 can be closed. For example, the lower part of the sealing tool 12, in particular the tray support 15, can be moved in a closing direction 26, which may be oriented towards the upper part of the sealing tool 13. With the sealing tool 10 closed, the packaging tray 8 can be sealed, for example, by connecting the top film 5 to the packaging tray via the sealing plate 14, e.g., by welding.

[0033] In Figure 9 Figure 1 shows a state that may exist after the commencement of a method for unloading the sealing tool 10. The unloading method may include opening the sealing tool 10, for example, by lowering a lower sealing tool part 12, in particular the tray support 15, in an opening direction 27, which may be oriented in a direction away from the upper sealing tool part 13 and / or opposite to the closing direction 26. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the tray support 15 and the support plate 16 may form a recess 17. It is also apparent that the packaging tray 8 is moved by the transport device 11 (in Figure 9(Only the gripping prongs 20 are visible) have been picked up. The transport device 11 can pick up the packaging tray 8 after the opening of the sealing tool 10 has begun and / or during the opening process and / or while the packaging tray 8 is at least partially positioned in the recess 17.

[0034] During the opening of the sealing tool 10, e.g., during the movement of the lower sealing tool part 12, in particular the tray support 15, away from the upper sealing tool part 13, the packaging tray 8 can be held so that it can be brought into a position raised relative to the lower sealing tool part 12, in particular relative to the tray support 15. This state is in Figure 10The packaging tray 8 can be positioned by the transport device 11 such that an upper clearance 21 remains. The upper clearance 21 can be maintained while the packaging tray is positioned outside the sealing tool 10, e.g., above the discharge device 6, by the transport device 11. This condition is shown in Figure 11 As shown. After positioning the packaging tray 8 outside the sealing tool 10, e.g., above the discharge device 6, the packaging tray 8 can be placed on the discharge device 6, e.g., by lowering the transport device 11 together with the packaging tray 8, or by releasing the packaging tray 8 from the transport device 11 without first lowering the transport device 11. A state after the transport device 11 and the packaging tray 8 have been lowered is shown in Figure 12 depicted.

Claims

1. Method for loading a sealing tool (10) with packaging trays (8), comprising: providing a sealing tool base (12) comprising a tray support (15) and a backing plate (16), wherein the backing plate (16) and the tray support (15) form a recess (17), delivering a packaging tray (8), receiving the packaging tray (8) by a transport device (11), lifting the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8), positioning the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8) over the sealing tool base (12), lowering the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8), wherein the packaging tray (8) is inserted into the recess (17) during lowering, and releasing the packaging tray (8) from the transport device (11).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the support plate (16) and the tray carrier (15) form the recess (17) before the sealing tool (10) is loaded with the packaging tray (8).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising detecting that the packaging tray (8) has been inserted into the recess (17).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lowering comprises a purely translational lowering of the packaging tray (8) and / or wherein the raising comprises a purely translational raising of the packaging tray (8).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8) are raised such that an upper distance (21) between the packaging tray (8) and a sealing tool upper part (13) is smaller than a lower distance (23) between the packaging tray (8) and the sealing tool lower part (12), in particular the tray carrier (15).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8) are raised such that a lower distance (23) between the packaging tray (8) and the sealing tool lower part (12), in particular the tray carrier (15), is greater than 5 mm.

7. Method for unloading packaging trays (8) from a sealing tool (10), comprising: opening the sealing tool (10) by lowering a sealing tool lower part (12) which comprises a tray support (15) and a support plate (16), wherein the support plate (16) and the tray support (15) form a recess (17), picking up the packaging tray (8) by a transport device (11) while the packaging tray (8) is at least partially arranged in the recess (17), positioning the packaging tray (8) outside the sealing tool (10).

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the recess (17) is formed by the shell support (15) and the support plate (16) at least until the shell (8) has been received by the transport device (11).

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising lifting the transport device (11) and the packaging tray (8), wherein the packaging tray (8) is lifted out of the recess (17) during lifting.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the lifting comprises a purely translational lifting of the packaging tray.

11. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the transport device (11) receives the packaging tray (8) such that an upper distance (21) between the packaging tray (8) and a sealing tool upper part (13) during positioning of the packaging tray (8) is smaller than a lower distance (23) between the packaging tray (8) and the sealing tool lower part (12), in particular the tray carrier (15).

12. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the transport device (11) receives the packaging tray (8) such that the upper distance (21) between the packaging tray (8) and the sealing tool upper part (13) is less than 100 mm.

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