Method for producing a packaging and packaging machine

Abstract

A method for producing packaging in a production direction (R), comprising at least the following process steps: providing a label roll (9) having pre-made labels (6) and a carrier layer (11) on which the labels (6) are affixed; providing packaging bases (3) loaded with a product (P); separating the labels (6) from the carrier layer (11) at a dispensing edge (10), wherein the respective labels (6) form lid parts for the packaging bases (3); and closing the packaging bases (3) in a closing operation to form closed packages by gluing the lid parts formed from the labels along a tray rim (14) formed on the respective packaging bases (3), wherein at the dispensing edge (10) the lid parts are taken up by a belt device (13) associated with the dispensing edge (10).which brings the lid parts together with the respective tray edges (14) of the packaging base parts (3) for the closing process and presses the labels (6) forming the lid parts onto the tray edges (14) at least section by section.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing packaging according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a packaging machine according to independent claim 9.

[0002] DE 10 2017 114 027 B3 discloses a device by which a closure label can be mechanically applied to the circumferential edge of a plastic tray suitable for holding food, thus enabling the plastic tray to be closed with the help of a closure label. For this purpose, the device initially comprises a motor-driven spool for receiving a carrier roll. The carrier roll itself consists essentially of a carrier film onto which the closure labels intended for closing the plastic trays are affixed. This carrier film is then fed within the device via several deflection rollers to a dispenser edge, in the area of ​​which the carrier film is deflected by approximately 180 degrees. Through this deflection, or through the additional use of a release tongue, the aforementioned closure labels are detached from the carrier film in this area.Simultaneously, a conveyor belt guides the open-topped plastic trays from below to the dispenser edge, ensuring that the detached sealing labels are applied to the open side of the trays and cover them. A pressure ram positioned further down the conveyor belt then presses the sealing labels along the trays' perimeter, strengthening the adhesive bond between the labels and the trays.

[0003] Although the pressure stamp mentioned in DE 10 2017 114 027 B3 is suitable for strengthening the adhesive bond between the closure labels and the plastic trays, it does not affect the positioning of the closure labels on the plastic trays, because the pressure stamp is only used when the closure labels are already positioned on the plastic trays.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a method and a packaging machine with which packaging with lid parts formed from labels can be manufactured more precisely.

[0005] This problem is solved by means of a method for producing a package according to claim 1 and by means of a packaging machine according to independent claim 9.

[0006] Advantageous further developments of the invention are given by the respective subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a method for producing packaging in a production direction, wherein the method according to the invention comprises at least the following process steps: Providing a roll of labels comprising pre-made labels and a backing layer on which the labels are affixed, providing packaging bases loaded with a product, separating the labels from the backing layer at a dispensing edge, the respective labels forming lid parts for the packaging bases, and closing the packaging bases in a closing operation to form closed packages by gluing the lid parts formed from the labels along a tray edge formed on the respective packaging bases.

[0008] The inventive method also provides that at the dispensing edge the lid parts are taken over by a belt device assigned to the dispensing edge, which brings the lid parts together with the respective tray edges of the packaging bases for the closing process and presses the labels forming the lid parts at least section by section along the tray edges.

[0009] According to the invention, the lid parts formed from the labels are transferred directly to the conveyor belt at the dispensing edge, allowing the labels, detached from the backing layer, to be picked up directly at the dispensing edge and precisely aligned with the supplied packaging bases. This results in the labels being applied to the tray edges of the supplied packaging bases with improved accuracy. Furthermore, the labels picked up at the dispensing edge by the conveyor belt and fed to the tray edges are also pressed onto the lid parts by the conveyor belt to ensure they are securely adhered.

[0010] Consequently, in the invention, the labels released at the dispensing edge are simultaneously transported further by the belt device in such a way that they can be precisely applied to the supplied packaging bases. The feed movement of the labels onto the respective tray edges of the packaging bases is therefore supported by the belt device associated with the dispensing edge, so that they can be precisely adhered.

[0011] The belt device according to the invention thus forms a transport means for receiving the detached labels at the dispensing edge, for transporting the received labels to the tray edges of the supplied packaging bases, and for pressing the labels onto the tray edges. This makes it possible to continuously control, i.e., better monitor, the transport of the detached labels to the tray edges in order to precisely attach them to the tray edges.

[0012] Preferably, the feed speed of the lid parts over the dispensing edge and the belt speed of the belt unit are synchronized. The lid parts formed from labels can therefore be reliably picked up at the dispensing edge by the belt unit and peeled off to precisely join them with the packaging bases.

[0013] One variant proposes that the edges of the packaging base trays be supported from below, at least partially, during the closing process by resting on conveyor belts. This ensures that the edges of the packaging base trays are not forced downwards by the pressure of the belt system.

[0014] In particular, the packaging bases are transported in a predetermined orientation between the conveyor belts for the closing process. This further facilitates the precise application of the lid parts, formed from labels, to the edges of the trays of the respective packaging bases.

[0015] One variant involves operating the conveyor belt at an incline, guiding the lid sections in the production direction as they approach the packaging bases. This inclined operation is achieved by positioning a deflection or drive roller at the input of the conveyor belt (in the production direction) above the dispensing edge, while a deflection or drive roller at the output of the conveyor belt (in the production direction) is mounted at a lower height compared to the input roller. This allows the labels at the dispensing edge to be picked up directly by an underfeed section of the conveyor belt and combined with the packaging bases transported below.

[0016] The transport of the labels by means of the belt device can be set so that the labels are only placed on the tray edges of the respective packaging bases when they have completely detached from the backing layer.

[0017] A preferred embodiment provides that, by means of a driven roller located downstream of the conveyor belt in the production direction, the lid parts glued to the edges of the trays are pressed down again along the respective edges of the trays.

[0018] In particular, this drive roller, located downstream of the conveyor system, can be dimensioned in such a way that it presses the lid parts across the entire width of the packaging, i.e., along all tray edges.

[0019] It would be conceivable to heat at least some sections of the conveyor belt. Specifically, the belt could be heated in the area where the labels are pressed onto the incoming packaging bases. This could promote the formation of a strong adhesive bond. A heated deflection or drive roller at the end of the conveyor belt could be used, allowing heat to be conducted into the adhesive areas as the labels are pressed.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, a contact force generated on the lid parts by means of the belt device is dynamically controlled. It would be conceivable that the contact force is dynamically controlled depending on a set or detected type of packaging base, particularly with regard to its material.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a packaging machine comprising a label dispenser with a dispensing edge for separating labels from a backing layer. The invention provides that the packaging machine has a belt assembly associated with the dispensing edge such that the labels can be picked up at the dispensing edge by means of this assembly, brought together with packaging bases fed in the production direction, and pressed onto the tray edges of the respective packaging bases.

[0022] The belt assembly according to the invention forms a conveying element for the labels, directly connected to the dispensing edge of the label dispenser. This allows the labels to be picked up in a controlled manner at the dispensing edge and precisely aligned with the packaging bases. The belt assembly thus ensures controlled transport of the labels, from their separation from the backing layer to their application on the tray edges. Furthermore, the belt assembly acts as a pressure-applying element to firmly press the applied labels onto the tray edges. Overall, this creates a tool for label application that enables the production of precise packaging.

[0023] Preferably, the conveyor system is in the form of a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt may have a belt with cavities.

[0024] One variant involves the conveyor belt system having a deflection or drive roller mounted above the dispensing edge. This allows the conveyor belt system's entry point to be positioned closer to the dispensing edge, enabling the labels released from the backing layer at the dispensing edge to be picked up by the conveyor belt system even before they are completely detached. This ensures a smooth transfer of the labels between the dispensing edge and the conveyor belt system, thus guaranteeing controlled transport.

[0025] Preferably, the conveyor belt is mounted at an angle. This allows labels picked up by the belt to be applied precisely to the fed packaging bases.

[0026] One variant provides for the packaging machine to have synchronously driven conveyor belts to support sections of the tray edges of the packaging bases that are opposite to the production direction. These conveyor belts can be vertical side belts, in particular vertical side belts controlled by a common drive. Alternatively, the respective side belts can also have separate drives.

[0027] It would be advantageous if the packaging bases could be fixed between the conveyor belts, at least perpendicular to the production direction, and transported in a predetermined orientation. This would allow the packaging bases to be precisely aligned with the lid parts for the closing process.

[0028] It would be conceivable that the packaging machine has at least one driven roller downstream of the conveyor belt in the production direction for pressing the labels along the tray edges.

[0029] It would be conceivable that the driven roller is mounted in a height-adjustable manner synchronized with a deflection or drive roller positioned at the outlet of the belt device, in particular by means of a common drive with the deflection or drive roller positioned at the outlet of the belt device.

[0030] Preferably, the pressure applied to the labels by means of the belt assembly and / or the driven roller is dynamically controllable. This can be achieved, for example, by varying the inclination of the belt assembly and / or by adjusting the height of the roller.

[0031] Preferably, the belt assembly has a belt with cavities. In this design, the belt is advantageously used as a pressure belt, in particular as a pressure belt with increasing internal pressure during the pressure application process.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conveyor belt is designed to be heated, at least in certain sections. This improves the adhesion of the label-formed lid parts to the fed packaging bases. In particular, a heated deflection or drive roller positioned at the outlet of the conveyor belt could be used, through which the generated heat could be transferred to the adhesive areas of the pressed-on labels.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a packaging machine with a label dispenser, Figure 2 shows packaging bases fed on a conveyor belt for a closing process using labels, and Figure 3 shows packaging bases supported on side conveyor belts for a closing process using labels.

[0034] Identical components are consistently labelled with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0035] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a packaging machine 1. The packaging machine 1 has a label dispenser 2. Using the packaging machine 1, packaging bases 3, which are not yet fitted with a lid, are fed to the label dispenser 2 in production direction R.

[0036] Two guide rails 4 are positioned converging towards each other in such a way that a gap or opening for packaging bases 3 is created at the downstream end of the guide rails 4, which is only slightly wider than the width of the packaging bases 3 themselves.

[0037] This allows the packaging bases 3, transported on the packaging machine 1 by means of a conveyor belt 5 running alongside it, to be precisely fed to the label dispenser 2. This in turn makes it possible for a label 6 to be precisely affixed to a fed packaging base 3 in order to seal the packaging base 3.

[0038] A sensor 7, provided on the label dispenser 2, can detect the front edge of a packaging base 3 to be labeled and sealed while the packaging base 3 is being transported along the guide rails 4. The sensor 7 can be designed as a photoelectric sensor or a proximity sensor and is connected to a controller 8, transmitting the signal—namely, the detection of the front edge of the packaging base 3—to the controller. The controller 8 controls the movement of the label 6 to be dispensed by means of the speed and distance of a label roll 9 attached to the label dispenser 2 towards and along a dispensing edge 10, in order to detach the label 6 from a backing strip or carrier layer 11 and apply it to the packaging base 3.

[0039] The speed of the label roll 9 is synchronized with the speed of the conveyor belt 5 during the dispensing process onto the packaging base 3.

[0040] Upstream of the label dispenser 2, a stopper device 12 is arranged on the packaging machine 1 in front of the guide rails 4 to stop packaging bases 3 while the conveyor belt 5 is running. Stopped packaging bases 3 can thus be released one by one for the labeling process at the label dispenser 2.

[0041] According to Figure 2 A belt assembly 13 is assigned to the dispensing edge 10 of the label dispenser 2. In particular, it shows Figure 2 that the dispensing edge 10 projects into the infeed area of ​​the conveyor unit 13. The conveyor unit 13 is thus able to pick up the labels 6 directly at the dispensing edge 10, combine them with packaging bases 3 fed in the production direction R, and press them onto the tray edges 14 of the packaging bases 3.

[0042] This means that in Figure 2The lid parts formed from the labels 6 are already transferred to the conveyor unit 13 assigned to the dispensing edge 10 at the dispensing edge 10, i.e., before they are completely detached from the carrier layer 11. This allows the labels 6 to be transferred smoothly from the carrier layer 11 to the conveyor unit 13.

[0043] Furthermore, it shows Figure 2 The lid parts formed from the labels 6 are brought together with the respective tray edges 14 of the supplied packaging bases 3 for the closing process and, due to the inclined orientation of the belt unit 13, are pressed at least partially along the tray edges 14 at the outset. A feed speed v1 of the labels 6 is synchronized with a belt speed v2 of the belt unit 13. This allows the labels 6 to transfer in a controlled manner from the carrier layer 11 to the belt unit 13.

[0044] The conveyor unit 13 has a deflection or drive roller 15 mounted above the dispensing edge 11 and a deflection or drive roller 16 mounted downstream in the production direction R. Furthermore, the conveyor unit 13 has a pressure belt 17. The pressure belt 17 can be designed as a damping belt with cavities to generate increasing pressure for closing the packaging bases 3 with the lid parts formed from labels 6.

[0045] According to Figure 2 The belt assembly 13 is mounted at an inclination because the deflecting or drive roller 15 positioned at the inlet of the belt assembly 13 is mounted higher than the deflecting or drive roller 16 positioned at the outlet of the belt assembly 13.

[0046] Thanks to the in Figure 2Due to the inclined position of the belt unit 13 shown, it is possible to pick up labels 6 at the dispensing edge 11 by the belt unit 13 at a point in time when the labels 6 have not yet been completely detached from the backing layer 11. Consequently, a smooth transfer of the labels 6 to the belt unit 13 takes place at the dispensing edge 11, because the labels 6 are already engaged by the belt unit 13 at the front, even if they are still adhering to the backing layer 11 further back. By synchronizing the feed speed v1 with the belt speed v2 of the belt unit 13, a smooth release of the label 6 from the backing layer 11, and thus a smooth transfer of the label 6 to the belt unit 13, occurs.

[0047] According to Figure 2A driven roller 18 is positioned downstream of the conveyor unit 13. The roller 18 serves to additionally press the labels 6 along the tray edges 14 of the packaging bases 3. Consequently, in Figure 2 In production direction R, the labels 6 are pressed onto the tray edges 14 of the packaging bases 3 at the exit of the belt device 13 for the first time, and a further pressing is carried out downstream by means of the driven roller 18.

[0048] Figure 3 shows the in Figure 2 device shown, wherein in Figure 3 , instead of the in Figure 2 The conveyor belt 5 shown, and the lateral conveyor belts 19 are used to feed the packaging bases 3 that have been picked up in between.

[0049] By means of the lateral conveyor belts 19, which in particular form vertical side belts, it is possible that sections of the tray edges 14 of the packaging bases 3 opposite to the production direction R are supported from below when the belt device 13 presses the labels 6 onto the tray edges 14 from above.

Claims

1. A method for producing packaging in one production direction (R), comprising at least the following process steps: providing a label roll (9) having pre-made labels (6) and a backing layer (11) on which the labels (6) are affixed; providing packaging bases (3) loaded with a product (P); separating the labels (6) from the backing layer (11) at a dispensing edge (10), wherein the respective labels (6) form lid parts for the packaging bases (3); and closing the packaging bases (3) in a closing operation to form closed packages by gluing the lid parts formed from the labels (6) along a tray rim (14) formed on the respective packaging bases (3). characterized by the fact thatat the dispensing edge (10) the lid parts are taken over by a belt device (13) assigned to the dispensing edge (10), which brings the lid parts together with the respective tray edges (14) of the packaging base parts (3) for the closing process and presses the labels (6) forming the lid parts at least section by section along the tray edges (14).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a feed rate (v1) of the lid parts over the dispensing edge (10) and a belt speed (v2) of the belt device (13) are synchronized.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The tray edges (14) of the packaging bases (3) are supported at least partially from below during the closing process by resting on conveyor belts (19).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatthe packaging bases (3) are transported fixed in a predetermined orientation between the conveyor belts (19) for the closing process.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the belt device (13) is operated at an incline, so that it guides the lid parts in the production direction (R) as it gets closer to the packaging bases (3).

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that By means of a driven roller (18) mounted downstream of the belt device (13) in the production direction (R), the lid parts glued to the shell edges (14) are pressed again along the respective shell edges (14).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the belt device (13) is heated.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata pressure force that can be generated on the cover parts by means of the belt device (13) is dynamically controlled.

9. Packaging machine (1) comprising a label dispenser (2) with a dispensing edge (10) for separating labels (6) from a backing layer (11), characterized by the fact that the packaging machine (1) has a belt device (13) assigned to the dispensing edge (10) in such a way that the labels (6) can be picked up at the dispensing edge (10) by means of this, brought together with packaging bases (3) fed in the production direction (R) and pressed onto tray edges (14) of the respective packaging bases (3).

10. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the belt assembly (13) has a deflection or drive roller (15) mounted above the dispensing edge (10).

11. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the belt assembly (13) is mounted at an inclination.

12. Packaging machine (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the packaging machine (1) has synchronously driven conveyor belts (19) for supporting sections of the tray edges (14) of the packaging bases (3) opposite the production direction (R).

13. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the packaging bases (3) are fixed at least transversely to the production direction (R) between the conveyor belts (19) and can be transported in a predetermined orientation.

14. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by the fact that the packaging machine (1) has at least one driven roller (18) for pressing the labels (6) along the tray edges (14) in the production direction (R) downstream of the belt device (13).

15. Packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by the fact thata pressure force exerted on the labels (6) by means of the belt device (13) is dynamically controllable and / or the belt device (13) is designed to be heated.

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