Packaging device, packaging machine, filling system, and method for operating a packaging device

Abstract

The invention is based on a packaging device (12a-b), in particular a closing device, comprising a carrier unit (14a-b) supporting at least one packaging material store (16a-b), configured to move the packaging material store (16a-b) from a working position (20a-b) to a replenishment position (26a-b) by a first movement (28a-b) followed by at least one second movement (30a-b), in which the carrier unit (14a-b) is configured to move the packaging material store (16a-b) from the working position (20a-b) to the replenishment position (26a-b) by a subsequent third movement (32a-b), which is a movement along the height direction (70a-b). It is proposed that the packaging material stores (16a-b) are configured as packaging material magazines and are arranged to accommodate several packaging materials.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Background technology The present invention relates to a packaging device according to the preamble of claim 1, to a packaging machine according to claim 9, to a filling system according to claim 10 and to a method for operating a packaging device according to the preamble of claim 12.

[0002] From the prior art, packaging machines are already known for packaging a filling material, for example a food product, in containers and / or bottles. Furthermore, packaging machines designed as closing machines are known, which are particularly configured for sealing containers and / or bottles, i.e. a plurality of containers and / or bottles on a plurality of paths, with packaging material. Such packaging machines therefore have a high machine output. Particularly for such machines, good accessibility for refilling and / or replacing the packaging material in at least one packaging material store of the packaging machine is essential. With a high machine output, it may occur that refilling and / or replacing the packaging material store is required several times per hour. From the prior art, it is already known to carry out the filling and / or replacing of the packaging material store at a refilling position directly above the working position in the packaging machine. It is also already known to move the packaging store at least partially laterally by a horizontal movement from the machine frame of the packaging machine. Due to the large dimensional differences between the machine and the machine operator, the filling and / or replacing of the packaging material in the packaging material store requires a lot of effort and is associated with an increased time consumption. Furthermore, in many cases, auxiliary means such as lifting and / or walkable platforms and / or platforms are required to ensure quick access to the packaging material reservoir at the refilling position for the operator. However, this requires increased effort and entails some safety risks for the operator, such as inhaling gases from the sterilization process of the machine if he is directly above the machine to reach the refilling position, and / or possibly a risk of being burned on hot pipes arranged above the machine for process technical purposes. Due to the poor accessibility of the packaging material reservoir according to the above-mentioned prior art, it is often possible for the packaging material reservoir to be incorrectly and / or incompletely loaded and / or for the packaging material reservoir to be incorrectly and / or incompletely filled, which leads to significant time-consuming disruptions in the operating process of the machine. Furthermore, for example, replacing the entire packaging material reservoir also requires a large input and is complicated.

[0003] From DE 10 2009 042 211 A1, EP 0 411 523 A1 and US 6 860 531 B1, packaging devices are already known which have a carrier unit supporting at least one packaging material reservoir, which is configured to move the packaging material reservoir from a working position to a replenishment position by a first movement followed by at least one second movement.

[0004] Disclosure of the Invention The invention is based on a packaging device, in particular a closing device, which has a carrier unit supporting at least one packaging material reservoir, which is configured to move the packaging material reservoir from the working position to the replenishment position by a first movement followed by at least one second movement, in which the carrier unit is configured to move the packaging material reservoir from the working position to the replenishment position by a subsequent third movement, which is a movement along the height direction.

[0005] It is proposed that the packaging material store is configured as a packaging material magazine and is provided for receiving a plurality of packaging materials.

[0006] Such an embodiment allows for an increased comfort with regard to the comfort of the operator. A subsequent third movement according to the invention for moving at least one packaging material store from the working position to the refilling position can make at least the filling and / or replacement and / or subsequent loading of packaging material into the packaging material store easier and more comfortable for the operator. Moreover, unlike the known prior art, it is possible to provide a refilling position which is ergonomically easily accessible to the operator and which the operator can advantageously reach without further assistance. Furthermore, this can improve accessibility and increase safety, in particular for the operator. Furthermore, production efficiency and / or cost efficiency and / or work efficiency and / or operating efficiency can be increased, since incorrect and / or incomplete loading and / or incorrect and / or incomplete filling of packaging material stores can be reduced, and the accuracy, in particular the work accuracy, can be increased and thus the time and / or costs consumed can be reduced. Furthermore, the exchange and / or replacement of the entire packaging material store, for example for maintenance purposes, cleaning and / or repairs, can advantageously be improved, i.e. facilitated and / or made safer and / or more comfortable.

[0007] The packaging device preferably forms a subassembly of a packaging machine, in particular a closing machine. However, it is also conceivable that the packaging device comprises the entire packaging machine. The packaging machine is configured for packaging of a filling material, but not exclusively. The filling material may be a liquid, pasty and / or mass product, advantageously a food product, a pharmaceutical product, a consumable product and / or a beauty and / or body care product, such as a sauce, a dairy product, in particular a yoghurt, a bread spread, a paste, a ready-made food product, a confectionery product, a cream and / or a shampoo, etc. Preferably, the packaging machine configured as a closing machine is configured for closing at least one containing unit. Particularly preferably, the packaging device is a sealing device for sealing at least a containing unit, in particular several containing units. The containing unit may be, for example, a container, a cup, a bottle, a tray, etc. In particular, the containing unit is configured for containing the filling material. Advantageously, the containing unit can be packed, in particular closed and preferably sealed, by the packaging material. The packaging material is preferably configured with closure means, in particular sealing means, for water-tight and / or air-tight closure of the storage unit.

[0008] It is also conceivable that the packaging machine can be configured as a forming machine, a filling machine and a closing machine and can at least be configured to form a receiving unit with at least one cavity, then fill at least the at least one cavity with at least a filling material and then package, in particular close, at least the filled cavity. The packaging machine is particularly preferably part of a filling system, in particular a food filling system. The filling system is configured, but not limited to, for at least partially automatic filling of the filling material. It is also conceivable that the filling system is configured to prepare and then fill a food product, in particular a dish and / or meal. In particular, the filling system is in a factory configured to manufacture a product. The filling system can include a number of units and / or devices that can be used for processing and / or processing and / or manufacturing and / or filling and / or packaging of the filling material, in particular a product.

[0009] Depending in particular on the filling material, the storage unit and / or the packaging material may at least partially or at least largely consist of and / or be producible from metal, mineral, e.g. glass, and / or paper, and / or fiber-based material, and / or wood, and / or ceramic, and / or plastic, and / or composite material. The storage unit and the packaging material may consist of and / or be producible from the same material or from different materials. In this case, the term "majority" means, for example, a volume fraction and / or mass fraction of at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, particularly preferably at most 95%.

[0010] Preferably, the packaging material and / or the storage unit is at least partially or at least largely made of plastic and / or fiber-based packaging material, for example paper-based packaging material and / or composite material. "Fiber-based packaging material" means a packaging material in which at least 55% by weight, in particular at least 65% by weight, advantageously at least 75% by weight, particularly advantageously at least 85% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, particularly preferably at least 99% by weight, is obtained largely from plant starting material, in particular wood, and / or recycled from the production of plant starting material. For example, the fiber-based packaging material may contain pulp, in particular cellulose, and / or wood material and / or waste paper material, and may be realized in particular as paper and / or cardboard. The fiber-based packaging material may be realized completely from one or more plant starting materials. It is also conceivable that the fiber-based packaging material is a composite material consisting of a plant starting material coated with plastic.

[0011] The packaging material may be, for example, a stopper, a cork and / or particularly preferably a cover, in particular a pull-off cover. Preferably, the packaging material, in particular the cover, is configured in the form of a foil or plate, in particular as a sealing lid, for closing the receiving unit. In particular, the packaging machine is configured for connecting and closing, in particular sealing, the packaging material, in particular the cover, to the receiving unit in a force- and / or form-locking manner, preferably by material-to-material connection, by force- and / or energy-transfer.

[0012] Preferably, at least the packaging material store is part of the packaging device. In particular, the packaging material store is configured to receive packaging material. Advantageously, the packaging material store is a covered store, in particular a sealed covered store. Preferably, the packaging material store is configured as a packaging material magazine and is configured to receive several packaging materials. The packaging material store may have at least one storage area for packaging materials, advantageously several storage areas for packaging materials. It is conceivable that the storage areas are arranged in a matrix. The packaging materials can be stored, for example, stacked in the packaging material store. Preferably, the packaging materials are stored stacked in the storage area. In particular, the packaging material store is configured to store and / or receive and / or hold packaging materials. In the refill position, the packaging material store can be filled and / or refilled with packaging material. Alternatively and / or additionally, in the refill position, packaging material can also be displaced and / or replaced from the packaging material store. It is also conceivable that at the refill location, the entire packaging material reservoir can be exchanged and / or replaced, in particular for maintenance purposes and / or to change the packaging material, e.g. to change the shape and / or size of the packaging material.

[0013] The packaging machine may comprise a machine frame, in particular a base frame and / or a housing unit. A carrier unit is preferably arranged at least partially on the machine frame, in particular within the machine frame, and is movable relative to the machine frame. In particular, the carrier unit is configured to accommodate and move at least the packaging material store.

[0014] Advantageously, the working position is arranged in the machine frame, in particular in an inner area of ​​the packaging machine. Advantageously, the working position can be used for removing and packaging the packaging material from the packaging material store, in particular for closing at least the receiving unit. The packaging material store may comprise at least one holding member, e.g. a pin, and / or a holding member configured to prevent the packaging material from falling out of the packaging material store. Advantageously, the holding member is removable, e.g. displaceable and / or removable and / or foldable, in the working position for supplying the packaging material from the packaging material store to at least close the receiving unit. The packaging machine may comprise a remover configured to move the supplied packaging material to the receiving unit, in particular for removing the packaging material from at least the packaging material store and then for transferring the packaging material to the receiving unit. In particular, the above-mentioned operations for moving the packaging material store from the working position to at least the refilling position are different from the operations for providing the packaging material in the working position, e.g. removing at least the holding member or removing the packaging material.

[0015] To replace and / or replenish the packaging material in the packaging material store, the packaging material store can be moved by the carrier unit to a replenishment position. The replenishment position is preferably arranged outside the machine frame, in particular in an outer area of ​​the packaging machine. Advantageously, during at least one operating state of the packaging machine, i.e. at least during closing of the receiving unit, the packaging material store is movable from the working position to the replenishment position and preferably vice versa.

[0016] In particular, the carrier unit, by a first movement, moves the packaging material store from the working position to a first holding position. The first holding position may also be called an intermediate position. By a subsequent second movement, the carrier unit can move the packaging material store from the first holding position to a second holding position. In particular, in the prior art the second holding position is used as a refill position. In the present invention, the carrier unit, by a subsequent third movement, can move the packaging material store from the second holding position to the refill position.

[0017] Advantageously, the above-mentioned movement process of the packaging material store from the working position to the refilling position is also reversible. In particular, the carrier unit is configured to move at least the packaging material store from the refilling position to the working position. Particularly preferably, the carrier unit is configured to move the packaging material store from the refilling position to the working position by a fourth movement, a subsequent fifth movement and a subsequent sixth movement. The carrier unit can move the packaging material store from the refilling position to the second holding position by the fourth movement. The carrier unit can move the packaging material store from the second holding position to the first holding position by the subsequent fifth movement. Advantageously, the carrier unit moves the packaging material store from the first holding position to the working position by the subsequent sixth movement.

[0018] In this specification, numerals such as "first" and "second" preceding certain terms are used merely to distinguish and / or assign objects to one another and do not imply a total number and / or ranking of the objects existing. In particular, a "second object" does not necessarily imply the existence of a "first object." Furthermore, in this specification and below, "configured" means specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. An object configured for a particular function means that the object performs and / or executes this particular function in at least one application and / or operational state.

[0019] The first movement and / or at least the subsequent second movement, in particular the subsequent fifth movement and / or the subsequent sixth movement, may be a non-linear movement, for example a rotational movement, a pivoting movement and / or a tilting movement. Preferably, the first movement and / or at least the subsequent second movement and / or the fifth movement and / or the subsequent sixth movement are translational movements. The translational movements can be realized in the height direction and / or in the width direction. Depending on the perspective, in particular with respect to the packaging machine, in this specification and below the width direction may also mean the depth direction. Depending on the perspective, the width direction and the depth direction may be interchanged. Particularly preferably, the first movement, in particular and / or the sixth movement, is realized along the height direction. Particularly preferably, the first movement, in particular and / or the sixth movement, is a vertical movement.

[0020] It is further proposed that the second movement is a movement along the width direction, which can further increase comfort and make the filling and / or replacement and / or subsequent loading of the packaging material into the packaging material store at the refilling position more comfortable and more efficient for the operator. The second movement in the width direction can advantageously provide a defined distance for the working position and, as a result, can increase safety. The fifth movement can be a movement along the width direction. In particular, the second movement, in particular and / or the fifth movement, is a horizontal movement.

[0021] It is conceivable that the third movement, in particular and / or the fourth movement, are non-linear movements, for example rotational, pivoting and / or tilting movements. Advantageously, at least the third movement comprises a translational movement. This allows a particularly easily accessible and / or comfortable filling position for the operator to be achieved. Furthermore, a further increase in comfort can be achieved with regard to the comfort of the operator. In particular, the fourth movement comprises a translational movement.

[0022] The first movement, in particular and / or the fourth movement, may possibly be realized along the width direction. However, in order to further increase comfort, it is proposed that the third movement is a movement along the height direction. This makes it possible to actually provide a refilling position that is comfortable and / or easily accessible for the operator. Furthermore, the operator can work in an ergonomically favorable manner and can also fill the packaging material in the packaging material store at the refilling position and / or replace the packaging material and / or at least replace the packaging material store, for example for maintenance purposes. Furthermore, it is preferably possible to dispense with additional auxiliary means for reaching the refilling position. In particular, the fourth movement is a movement in the height direction.

[0023] It is further proposed that the first movement and the third movement proceed at least substantially antiparallel. In this way, the efficiency and / or comfort can be further increased and the configuration can be improved. In this context, "at least substantially" means that the deviation from the given value and / or direction is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5% of the given value and / or direction. "Substantially antiparallel" is intentionally intended herein to mean an orientation of a direction, in particular relative to a reference direction in a plane, in which case this direction has a deviation from the reference direction, in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, particularly advantageously less than 2°. The first movement can proceed at least substantially antiparallel to the sixth movement. The second movement can proceed at least substantially antiparallel to the fifth movement. Preferably, the third movement proceeds at least substantially antiparallel to the fourth movement and / or at least substantially parallel to the sixth movement. The fourth movement can proceed at least substantially antiparallel to the sixth movement and / or at least substantially parallel to the first movement.

[0024] It is further proposed that the overall movement of the packaging material store between the working position and the refilling position is at least substantially U-shaped. As a result, a simple and clear overall movement of the packaging material store is possible, which in turn allows for further improvements in efficiency and / or construction as well as comfort, especially operator comfort. Furthermore, it is possible to increase safety and simplify and / or clarify the control of at least the packaging material store from the working position to the refilling position and advantageously vice versa. In particular, the "U" is an inverted U-shaped. Advantageously, the overall movement of the packaging material store between the working position and the refilling position has an inverted U-shaped. Alternatively, the "U" may be at least substantially a laterally inclined U, in particular open towards the right or left. For example, the overall movement may consist of a first movement along the width direction, a subsequent second movement along the height direction and a subsequent third movement along the width direction, in particular antiparallel to the first movement. The carrier unit can move the packaging material store from the working position to the refilling position and preferably vice versa with an overall movement at least substantially similar to an inverted U-shaped. Advantageously, the movements, in particular the entire movements, for example the first movement and at least the subsequent second movement and / or the second movement and at least the subsequent third movement and / or the first movement and the subsequent second movement and at least the subsequent third movement, are connected to one another via radii, in this way allowing smooth and comfortable transitions between the movements, preferably throughout the entire movements.

[0025] In one further aspect of the invention, which can in particular be considered independently or in combination with the other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the packaging device comprises at least one further packaging material store, which can be reversibly coupled to at least the carrier unit. In this way, the comfort, i.e. the comfort for the operator, and the efficiency can be increased and / or the configuration can be improved. Due to the reversible coupling of the further packaging material store to the carrier unit, the carrier unit can be used to move at least the further packaging material store, i.e. to move the further packaging material store from the working position to the refilling position and advantageously vice versa. Furthermore, a distinction can be made between the packaging material store and the further packaging material store.

[0026] Advantageously, the further packaging material store is a further packaging material magazine. In particular, the above-mentioned embodiments and definitions of the packaging material store can also be applied to the further packaging material store. Advantageously, the further packaging material store is arranged in the working position at least directly above the remover. In the working position, packaging material can be entered from the packaging material store into the further packaging material store and removed from the further packaging material store at least by the remover. Advantageously, the packaging material store is especially configured to fill and / or supply the further packaging material store with packaging material in the working position. In particular, as viewed in the height direction, the packaging material store is arranged in the working position directly above the further packaging material store. In particular, the packaging material store differs from the further packaging material store in that at least during an operating state of the packaging machine in which the receiving unit is closed and the packaging material store is currently in a position different from the working position, for example in the first holding position or the second holding position or the refilling position, the further packaging material store is still in the working position.

[0027] The carrier unit and the further packaging material store may be connectable to one another indirectly or directly, i.e. directly, without any components and / or structural units being arranged between the carrier unit and the further packaging material store. The further packaging material store may be connectable to the carrier unit in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, for example by means of a latch-locking and / or a plug-in connection and / or a rotary connection and / or a screw-locking, etc.

[0028] If the further packaging material store is reversibly connectable to the packaging material store, this allows comfort and efficiency to be further optimized. Furthermore, the design can be improved, preferably with locking and / or unlocking means between the packaging material store and the further packaging material store. The packaging material store and the further packaging material store can be connectable to one another indirectly or preferably directly, i.e. directly, without components and / or structural units being arranged between the packaging material store and the further packaging material store. In particular, the further packaging material store is connected to the carrier unit indirectly via a connection to the packaging material store. The further packaging material store can be connectable to the packaging material store in a force-locking manner and / or in a form-locking manner, for example by a latch connection and / or a plug-in connection and / or a rotary connection and / or a screw connection, etc. The further packaging material store can be lockable and unlockable with respect to the packaging material store. In particular in the working position and in the refilling position, the further packaging material store and the packaging material store can be connectable to one another in a reversible manner.

[0029] It is further proposed that the further packaging material store is movable by the carrier unit into the refill position. This can provide a particularly high degree of comfort and efficiency. Furthermore, exchange and / or replacement of the packaging material store, for example for maintenance purposes, cleaning and / or repair, can be improved, i.e. made easier and / or more comfortable and / or safer. Furthermore, a refill position that is ergonomically easily accessible and / or comfortable for the operator can be provided not only for the packaging material store but also for the at least one further packaging material store. Furthermore, due to the movement of the further packaging material store by the transport unit, the arrangement can be improved, since additional units and / or components for moving the further packaging material store can advantageously be dispensed with.

[0030] In particular, the carrier unit comprises a further packaging material store and performs the same movement path from the working position to the replenishment position and preferably also vice versa as when the carrier unit comprises only a packaging material store. Advantageously, the carrier unit performs the same movements, regardless of whether the carrier unit only contains a packaging material store or contains a packaging material store and a further packaging material store and moves this / them to the replenishment position and in particular at least back to the working position. In the replenishment position the further packaging material store can be replaced and / or exchanged, for example for maintenance purposes, cleaning, repairs and / or to use another packaging material having a different size and / or shape.

[0031] It is also proposed that the filling system comprises a transport unit for accommodating the packaging material reservoir and / or the further packaging material reservoir and for transporting the packaging material reservoir and / or the further packaging material reservoir to a replenishment position, whereby the effort involved in replacing and / or refilling the packaging material reservoir and / or the further packaging material reservoir can be significantly reduced and thus the comfort, in particular the user comfort, as well as the efficiency can be further improved.

[0032] The transport unit can accommodate and transport the packaging material store and / or the further packaging material store in the replenishment position. For example, when the further packaging material store is accommodated by the transport unit, the further packaging material store can be unlocked by the carrier unit and / or the packaging material store. The further packaging material store can then be replaced and / or maintained. For this purpose, the further packaging material store can be transported away from the replenishment position by the transport unit. After replacement and / or maintenance, the further packaging material store can be transported back to the replenishment position by the transport unit. In the replenishment position, the further packaging material store can be coupled again to the carrier unit and / or the packaging material store, so that it can be moved, in particular transferred, by the carrier unit to the working position. The transport unit preferably has a height adjustment unit. By means of the height adjustment unit, the transport unit can be adapted to the replenishment position, in particular to the position of the packaging material store and / or the further packaging material store, for the purpose of accommodating the packaging material store and / or the further packaging material store.

[0033] In one further aspect of the invention, which can in particular be considered independently or in combination with the other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the packaging device comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting the packaging material in the at least one packaging material store during at least one movement antiparallel to the second movement, whereby the inspection of the packaging material in the at least one packaging material store, for example of printing and / or correct positioning, can be optimized, i.e. made easier and / or more efficient, and furthermore comfort and efficiency can be increased.

[0034] The sensor unit may be, for example, an IR sensor, a camera, a scanner, and / or any sensor unit that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate. In particular, during the movement of the carrier unit anti-parallel to the second movement, in particular during the fifth movement of the carrier unit, the sensor unit inspects the packaging material in the at least one packaging material reservoir. In particular, the sensor unit is configured to inspect, for example, the correct arrangement of the packaging material in the at least one packaging material reservoir. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit may inspect the printing and / or the shape and / or the size of the packaging material. The sensor unit may also inspect whether the packaging material used, in particular arranged in the packaging material reservoir, is the correct packaging material to be used at least for closing the receiving unit.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention is based on a packaging device with a packaging material store which is moved from a working position to a refill position by a first movement and at least one subsequent second movement, in particular a method for operating the above-mentioned packaging device. It is proposed to move the packaging material store from the working position to the refill position by a subsequent third movement. Such a method for operating a packaging device advantageously allows the achievement of a particularly high level of comfort, in particular of the operator, and the provision of a refill position which is easily accessible to the operator.

[0036] The method for operating a packaging device may include several method steps. Advantageously, the method includes a first method step of moving the packaging material store from the working position to the first holding position by a first movement. In particular, the method includes a second method step of moving the packaging material store from the first holding position to the second holding position by a subsequent second movement. The method may include a third method step of moving the packaging material store from the second holding position to the refill position by a subsequent third movement. In terms of time, the second method step is advantageously realized after the first method step and before the third method step. In order to move at least the packaging material store from the refill position to the working position, the method may include at least a fourth method step. In the fourth method step, the packaging material store is moved from the refill position to the second holding position by a fourth movement. The method may include a fifth method step of moving the packaging material store from the second holding position to the first holding position by a subsequent fifth movement. Furthermore, the method may include a sixth method step of moving the packaging material store from the first holding position to the working position by a subsequent sixth movement. The above described method may also be applied to the movement of another packaging material store from the working position to the replenishment position and preferably vice versa.

[0037] The packaging device and / or the packaging machine and / or the filling system and / or the method are not limited to the applications and embodiments described above, and in particular, to perform the functions described herein, the packaging device and / or the packaging machine and / or the filling system and / or the method may include a different number of individual parts, components and units than those described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the following drawings, in which two embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a combination of several features. Those skilled in the art will purposefully consider each feature individually and find other suitable combinations.

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a filling system with a packaging machine including a packaging device, with at least one packaging material reservoir of the packaging device in a working position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the packaging material reservoir in a first holding position after a first movement starting from a working position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows the packaging material reservoir in a second holding position after a subsequent second movement. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows the packaging material reservoir in a refill position after a subsequent third movement. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows a schematic process flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a packaging device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a filling system with a packaging machine including a packaging device in one alternative exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 shows the packaging material store of the packaging device shown in FIG. 6 in a second holding position and another packaging material store. [Figure 8] 7 shows the packaging material reservoir of the packaging device shown in FIG. 6 in a refill position and another packaging material reservoir. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 shows a transport unit of the filling system shown in FIG. 6 containing another packaging material reservoir.

[0040] Description of exemplary embodiments In the following, only one of several objects in the figures is given a reference number. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and not to scale.

[0041] In Fig. 1, a filling system 50a is shown with a packaging machine 10a. In this case, the filling system 50a is configured as a food filling system. The packaging machine 10a is configured as a closing machine for closing at least one receiving unit 36a configured to receive a filling material. In this case, the closing machine is a sealing machine for sealing at least the receiving unit 36a. For example, the receiving unit 36a may be a container, a cup, a bottle, a tray, etc. The filling material (not shown) may for example be a liquid, a pasty and / or a mass product.

[0042] The packaging machine 10b comprises a packaging device 12b. In this case, the packaging device 12a is therefore configured as a closing device. The packaging device 12a is configured to close at least the receiving unit 36a, inside which the filling material is located. In this exemplary embodiment, the packaging device 12a is configured to seal the receiving unit 36a. At least the receiving unit 36a is closable, preferably sealable, by a packaging material. In this case, the packaging material (not shown) is a cover. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging material may be a stopper and / or a cork. In this exemplary embodiment, the packaging material is in foil-like or plate-like form and is actually configured as a sealing lid. The packaging machine 10a is configured to connect the packaging material, i.e. the cover, to the receiving unit 36a in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, in this case by material-to-material connection, by force-transmission and / or energy-transmission, for closing, in this case sealing, the packaging material.

[0043] The packaging device 12a has at least one packaging material storage 16a configured to accommodate packaging material. In this case, the packaging material storage 16a is configured as a packaging material magazine and is configured to accommodate several packaging materials. Furthermore, the packaging material storage 16a is configured to store and / or accommodate and / or hold packaging material. At the refill position 26a, the packaging material storage 16a can be filled and / or replenished with packaging material. Alternatively or additionally, at the refill position 26a, the packaging material of the packaging material storage 16a can also be replaced and / or exchanged. It is also conceivable that at the refill position 26a, the entire packaging material storage 16a can be exchanged and / or exchanged, for example for maintenance purposes and / or to change the shape and / or size of the packaging material.

[0044] The packaging device 12a comprises a carrier unit 14a, which is adapted to accommodate at least the packaging material store 16a. The packaging machine 10a further comprises a machine frame 68a. In FIG. 1 at least the packaging material store 16a is shown in a working position 20a. In this case, the packaging material store 16a is in a working position 20a arranged in the machine frame 68a. In the working position 20a, packaging material is removed from the packaging material store 16a in order to close at least the receiving unit 36a. To remove the packaging material and to transport it to the receiving unit 36a, the packaging machine 10a comprises at least one remover 38a. If the packaging material store 16a is empty or at least partially empty, it is necessary to replenish the packaging material store 16a with packaging material. In this case, the refilling position 26a is arranged outside the machine frame 68a, i.e. in the outer area of ​​the packaging machine 10a (see FIG. 4).

[0045] In this case, the carrier unit 14a is at least partially arranged on the machine frame 68a and is movable relative to the machine frame 68a. The carrier unit 14a is also configured to move at least the packaging material store 16a, i.e. at least to the replenishment position 26a, preferably also back to the working position 20a.

[0046] In the following proceedings, movement of at least the packaging material storage 16a from the working position 20a to the replenishment position 26a is described. A process flow diagram of a method of operating the packaging machine 12a is shown generally in Figure 5. The method of operation includes several method steps which are described in detail below.

[0047] The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material supply 16a from the working position 20a to the replenishment position 26a with a first movement 28a followed by at least one second movement 30a, where the carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material supply 16a from the working position 20a to the replenishment position 26a with a subsequent third movement 32a.

[0048] The method of operating the packaging machine 12a comprises a first method step 100a of moving the packaging material store 16a from the working position 20a to the first holding position 64a by a first movement 28a. The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material store 16a from the working position 20a to the first holding position 64a by the first movement 28a. In Fig. 2 the packaging material store 16a is shown in the first holding position 64a.

[0049] The method of operating the packaging device 12a comprises a second method step 102a of moving the packaging material store 16a from the first holding position 64a to the second holding position 66a by a subsequent second movement 30a. The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material store 16a from the first holding position 64a to the second holding position 66a by a subsequent second movement 30a. In Fig. 3 the packaging material store 16a is shown in the second holding position 66a.

[0050] The method of operating the packaging device 12a comprises a third method step 104a of moving the packaging material storage 16a from the second holding position 66a to the replenishment position 26a by a subsequent third movement 32a. The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material storage 16a from the second holding position 66a to the replenishment position 26a by a subsequent third movement 32a. In Fig. 4 the packaging material storage 16a is shown in the replenishment position 26a. By the subsequent third movement 32a at least the packaging material storage 16a can be brought into an ergonomic and / or comfortable position for the operator for the purpose of replenishing and / or replacing the packaging material in the packaging material storage 16a.

[0051] To return the packaging material store 16a to the working position after filling or refilling and / or replacement, the carrier unit 14a is configured to move at least the packaging material store 16a from the refill position 26a to the working position 20a, where the movement of the packaging material store 16a from the working position 20a to the refill position 26a is reversible.

[0052] The method of operating the packaging machine 12a comprises a fourth method step 106a of moving the packaging material store 16a from the replenishment position 26a to the second holding position 66a by a fourth movement 52a. The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material store 16a from the replenishment position 26a to the second holding position 66a by the fourth movement 52a. In Fig. 3 the packaging material store 16a is shown in the second holding position 66a.

[0053] The method of operating the packaging apparatus 12a includes a fifth method step 108a of moving the packaging material store 16a from the second holding position 66a to the first holding position 64a in a subsequent fifth movement 54a. The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material store 16a from the second holding position 66a to the first holding position 64a in a subsequent fifth movement 54a. In FIG. 2, the packaging material store 16a is shown in the first holding position 64a.

[0054] The method of operating the packaging device 12a comprises a sixth method step 110a of moving the packaging material store 16a from the first holding position 64a to the working position 20a in a subsequent sixth movement 56a. The carrier unit 14a is configured to move the packaging material store 16a from the first holding position 64a to the working position 20a in a subsequent sixth movement 56a. In FIG. 1, the packaging material store 16a is shown in the working position 20a.

[0055] The above-mentioned movements, i.e. the first movement 28a, the subsequent second movement 30a, the subsequent third movement 32a, the fourth movement 52a, the subsequent fifth movement 54a and / or the subsequent sixth movement 56a, may be non-linear movements, e.g. rotational, pivoting and / or tilting movements. In this exemplary embodiment, the first movement 28a and at least the second movement 30a are translational movements. The fifth movement 54a and at least the sixth movement 56a are translational movements. In this case, the third movement 32a includes a translational movement. Furthermore, the fourth movement 52a includes a translational movement. The translational movements may be performed both in the height direction 70a and in the width direction 72a. Depending on the viewing direction towards the packaging machine 10a, the width direction 72a may also mean the depth direction. In this case, only the width direction 72a is defined.

[0056] 2, it can be seen that the first movement 28a is a movement in the height direction 70a. The sixth movement 56a for moving at least the packaging material store 16a from the first holding position 64a to the working position 20a is a movement in the height direction 70a. The sixth movement 56a runs at least substantially anti-parallel to the first movement 28a.

[0057] 3 clearly shows that the second movement 30a is a movement in the width direction 72a. The fifth movement 54a for moving at least the packaging material store 16a from the second holding position 66a to the first holding position 64a is a movement in the width direction 72a. The fifth movement 54a proceeds at least substantially anti-parallel to the second movement 30a.

[0058] 4 shows that the third movement 32a is a movement in the height direction 70a. The fourth movement 52a for moving at least the packaging material storage unit 16a from the refill position 26a to the second holding position 66a is a movement in the height direction 70a. The fourth movement 52a proceeds at least substantially anti-parallel to the third movement 32a.

[0059] Additionally, the first movement 28a and the third movement 32a proceed at least substantially anti-parallel, and the fourth movement 52a and the sixth movement 56a proceed at least substantially anti-parallel.

[0060] The overall movement of the packaging material reservoir 16a between the working position 20a and the replenishment position 26a is at least substantially U-shaped (see FIG. 4), in this exemplary embodiment being an inverted U that describes and / or includes the entire movement of the packaging material reservoir 16a between the working position 20a and the replenishment position 26a.

[0061] In order to detect the packaging material in at least the packaging material reservoir 16a, the packaging device 12a has at least one sensor unit 60a, which detects the packaging material in at least the packaging material reservoir 16a during at least one movement at least substantially antiparallel to the second movement 30a. In this case, the aforementioned movement at least substantially antiparallel to the second movement 30a is the fifth movement 54a. This allows for an optimized inspection of the packaging material in the at least one packaging material reservoir 16a, for example for printing and / or correct positioning.

[0062] In Figures 6-9, one further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The following description is substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, and for the remaining components, features and functions, please refer to the description of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1-5. In order to distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1-5 is replaced by the letter b in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6-9. For components having the same name, especially for components having the same reference numbers, please also refer in principle to the drawings and / or description of the exemplary embodiment a shown in Figures 1-5.

[0063] In this exemplary embodiment, a filling system 50b with a packaging machine 10b is shown (see Figs. 6 to 9). The packaging machine 10b includes a packaging device 12b. The packaging device 12b has at least one packaging material store 16b and a carrier unit 14b. The packaging device 12b includes a further packaging material store 18b. The difference between the packaging device 12a of the exemplary embodiment a and the packaging device 12b of the exemplary embodiment b is at least in that the further packaging material store 18b is reversibly connectable to at least the carrier unit 14b. In this case, the further packaging material store 18b is reversibly connectable to the packaging material store 16b. The further packaging material store 18b is lockable and unlockable with respect to the packaging material store 16b. In the working position 20b and in the refilling position 26b, the further packaging material store 18b and the packaging material store 16b are reversibly connectable to each other.

[0064] As viewed in the height direction 70b, the further packaging material storage 18b is arranged in the working position 20b directly above the at least one remover 38b of the packaging machine 10b. The packaging material storage 16b is configured to fill and / or supply packaging material to the further packaging material storage 18b. As viewed in the height direction 70b, the packaging material storage 16b is arranged in the working position 20b directly above the further packaging material storage 18b.

[0065] The further packaging material store 18b is movable by the carrier unit 14b to the replenishment position 26b. In the replenishment position 26b, the further packaging material store 18b can be replaced and / or exchanged, for example, for maintenance purposes, cleaning, repairs and / or to use a further packaging material having a different size and / or shape. With regard to the overall movement and the movement path of the carrier unit 14b for moving at least the further packaging material store 18b from the working position 20b to the replenishment position 26b, reference is made to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiment a.

[0066] In Figure 6, the packaging material reservoir 18b is shown locked to the packaging material reservoir 16b in the first holding position 64a after the first movement 28b. In Figure 7, after a subsequent second movement 30b, at least the packaging material reservoir 18b is in the second holding position 66b. In Figure 8, the packaging material reservoir 16b is locked to the packaging material reservoir 18b in the refill position 26b.

[0067] Furthermore, the filling system 50b includes a transport unit 62b for accommodating the packaging material storage 16b and / or the further packaging material storage 18b and for transporting the packaging material storage 16b and / or the further packaging material storage 18b to the replenishment position 26b. The transport unit 62b is shown in Figs. 7 to 9. In this case, the transport unit 62b is configured to accommodate and transport at least the further packaging material storage 18b. In Fig. 8, the further packaging material storage 18b is placed on the transport unit 62b at the replenishment position 26b. In this case, the operator can separate, e.g. unlock, the further packaging material storage 18b from the packaging material storage 16b and / or the carrier unit 14b. In Fig. 9, the transport unit 62b accommodates the further packaging material storage 18b. The carrier unit 14b is in the second holding position 66b together with the packaging material storage 16b. The further packaging material store 18b can be removed by the transport unit 62b or can be retained and / or replaced in the transport unit 62b, thereby providing the operator with a comfortable, easy and efficient replacement and / or maintenance of at least the further packaging material store 18b.

Claims

1. A packaging device (12a-b), in particular a closing device, with a carrier unit (14a-b) accommodating at least one packaging material store (16a-b), configured to move said packaging material store (16a-b) from a working position (20a-b) to a refill position (26a-b) by a first movement (28a-b) followed by at least one second movement (30a-b), in which said carrier unit (14a-b) is configured to move said packaging material store (16a-b) from said working position (20a-b) to said refill position (26a-b) by a subsequent third movement (32a-b), which is a movement along a height direction (70a-b), the packaging material storage section (16a-b) is configured as a packaging material magazine and is adapted to accommodate a plurality of packaging materials, Packaging equipment (12a-b).

2. The wrapping device (12a-b) of claim 1, wherein the third movement (32a-b) comprises a translational movement.

3. The wrapping device (12a-b) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first movement (28a-b) and the third movement (32a-b) run at least substantially anti-parallel.

4. The packaging device (12a-b) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movement of the packaging material stores (16a-b) between the working position (20a-b) and the replenishment position (26a-b) is generally at least substantially U-shaped.

5. The packaging device (12b) according to at least one of the preamble of claim 1 and any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one further packaging material reservoir (18b) which is reversibly connectable to at least the carrier unit (14b).

6. The packaging device (12b) of claim 5, wherein the further packaging material reservoir (18b) is reversibly connectable to the packaging material reservoir (16b).

7. 7. The packaging device (12b) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the further packaging material store (18b) is movable to the replenishment position (26b) by the carrier unit (14b).

8. The wrapping device (12a-b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second movement (30a-b) is a movement along a width direction (72a-b).

9. A packaging machine (10a-b), in particular a closing machine, equipped with a packaging device (12a-b) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A filling system (50a-b), in particular a food filling system, comprising a packaging machine (10a-b) according to claim 9.

11. The filling system (50b) of claim 10, further comprising a transport unit (62b) for accommodating the packaging material storage portion (16b) and / or the further packaging material storage portion (18b) and transporting the packaging material storage portion (16b) and / or the further packaging material storage portion (18b) to the replenishment position (26b).

12. A method for operating a packaging device (12a-b), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 8, with at least one packaging material store (16a-b) which is moved from a working position (20a-b) to a replenishment position (26a-b) by a first movement (28a-b) followed by at least one second movement (30a-b), in which the packaging material store (16a-b) is moved from the working position (20a-b) to the replenishment position (26a-b) by a subsequent third movement (32a-b), which is a movement along a height direction (70a-b), characterised in that several packaging materials are accommodated in the packaging material stores (16a-b) configured as packaging material magazines, method.

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