Filling tube insertion device system, method for securing a filling tube, and use of the insertion device

Abstract

In known packaging devices for blister packing machines, filling tubes must be replaced periodically, which is time-consuming and prone to damage. The filling tube insertion device system (100) avoids this and comprises an insertion device (200) having a cylindrical intermediate portion (210), an actuation end (220), and a retention end (230), with a retention means (240) arranged at the retention end, and a filling tube (300) having a hollow cylindrical tube portion (310) with a fastening means (350), a receiving portion (320), and a dispensing portion (330), with at least two elastically deformable expansion means (340) arranged at the dispensing portion, the cylindrical intermediate portion and the retention means being designed to be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube portion, and being adapted to one another so that the expansion means ends can be releasably clamped to the retention means, and the expansion means ends are adapted to the filling tube so that the actuation ends protrude into the receiving portions when in the clamped state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fill tube inserter system, a method for securing a fill tube in a small item packaging machine, and the use of an inserter for securing a fill tube in a packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Packaging devices are used in particular in blister packaging machines, as is known, for example, from WO 2013 / 034504. Depending on the stage of expansion, the blister packaging machine comprises several hundred supply and dispensing stations, each storing a plurality of pharmaceutical portions or food supplement portions of a certain type (hereinafter also referred to as "pharmaceutical portions" for short, or more generally as "small items"). On demand, the individual pharmaceutical portions can be dispensed from the supply and dispensing stations and fed via a guide device to the packaging machine, where the pharmaceutical portions are packaged or blister-packaged.

[0003] During blister packaging, a packaging material web is formed by a packaging machine into a blister sleeve into which multiple blister pouches are placed one after the other. For this purpose, a flexible, elongated packaging material web is fed to the packaging machine via a packaging material guide. The packaging material web is typically formed into a sleeve by a forming means and joined together, particularly in the running direction. The packaging material sleeve is then welded transversely to the running direction to form a partially closed blister pouch into which one or more drug portions are transferred.

[0004] To ensure the supply of the drug portions, prior art packaging devices typically have a filling tube that extends through a receiving opening in the packaging material guide, into the packaging material sleeve, and transfers the blister-packaged drug portions into the partially closed blister pouch.

[0005] In order to arrange the interior portions of the partially closed blister pouch as efficiently as possible, i.e., in a space-saving manner, and to prevent the packaging material sleeve to be welded from directly shrinking, for example, due to the effects of static electricity, prior art filling tubes have a number of expansion means for holding or expanding the packaging material sleeve in the form of a sleeve. To ensure expansion, the expansion means are at least partially elastically deformable and, in an unclamped state, extend from the dispensing section to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube. This allows the expansion means to keep this packaging material sleeve open or to expand it to accommodate the drug portions. It is also the role of the expansion means to shape the packaging material sleeve so that it can be welded without wrinkles.

[0006] During blister packaging, it is periodically necessary to remove the filling tube from the packaging machine, for example, to clean the filling tube or to introduce a new packaging material web. For this purpose, the beginning of the packaging material web is fed via a packaging material guide to a subsequent joining device, where the production of a new blister sleeve can begin. Due to the design of the filling tube with the expansion means located in the dispensing section, the expansion means protrudes outward beyond the actual filling tube when unclamped. This means that there is always a risk that the expansion means will damage the packaging material web or other components of the packaging machine when inserting the filling tube. Furthermore, the expansion means itself may be damaged, preventing it from optimally performing the above-mentioned functions. Because the expansion means must be manually compressed before inserting the filling tube, replacement is time-consuming, and the expansion means also carries a certain risk of injury to the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method by which a filling tube can be secured to a packaging device while avoiding the aforementioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is achieved on the one hand by a filling tube insertion device system according to claim 1. The filling tube insertion device system according to the invention comprises an insertion device having a cylindrical intermediate portion with an actuation end and a holding end opposite the actuation end, the holding means being arranged on the holding portion; a filling tube having a hollow cylindrical tubular portion with a fastening means, a receiving portion for small items, and a dispensing portion opposite the receiving portion; and at least two elastically deformable expansion means, each with an expansion means end arranged on the dispensing portion, the expansion means extending from the dispensing portion to the longitudinal outside of the filling tube in an unclamped state. According to the invention, the cylindrical intermediate portion and the holding means of the insertion device are designed so that they can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tubular portion, and the holding means and the expansion means ends coincide with each other so that the expansion means ends can be releasably clamped to the holding means. It is further provided that the cylindrical intermediate portion of the guide device is adapted to the filling tube so that the actuation portion protrudes into the receiving portion in the clamped state of the expansion means ends.

[0009] The matching of the two components of the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention ensures that the guide means is guided through the filling tube and the expansion means is easily secured to the packaging device in a "clamped state" in which it is clamped to the holding means. According to the invention, the actuating part is provided so that when the end of the expansion means is in the clamped state, it projects into a user-accessible receiving part, so that the insertion device can be easily removed. For this purpose, the releasable fastening between the expansion means and the holding means must be released, after which the insertion device can be easily removed (usually upwards).

[0010] The two expansion means are clamped to the holding means when the filling tube is inserted, ensuring that the two expansion means do not place excessive strain on the packaging material sleeve. Damage to other components of the packaging device and the risk of injury to the user are also avoided by clamping the expansion means ends. Furthermore, the system according to the invention allows for faster use of the filling tube, as less care is required to avoid the aforementioned risks.

[0011] A further advantage is that the fill tube can be more safely transported, shipped and stored in the "clamped" condition, which provides a safety feature to prevent unintentional release of the clamp.

[0012] According to the invention, it is provided that the holding means of the insertion device are adapted to the filling tube so that they can be guided. Assuming a cylindrical filling tube and a circular holding means, this means that the diameter of the holding means is smaller than the inner diameter of the filling tube or its narrowest part. After inserting and fixing the filling tube, the insertion device must be removed, which is usually done upwards in conventional packaging machines. In particular, to prevent damage to the packaging material web or other components when removing (or inserting, depending on the exact design) the insertion device, in a preferred embodiment the cylindrical middle part is provided with at least one guide means that can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube part.

[0013] After inserting a filling tube using the filling tube insertion device system according to the present invention, the insertion device must be removed. To do this, the extension means end must be released from the holding means. In simple insertion device designs, this can be achieved by simply moving the holding means slightly in the insertion direction, e.g., via the actuator. The extension means end "pops out" of the holding means, and the insertion device can be removed, typically in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the holding means can be rotated via the actuator to release the clamp. In either case, improper use can damage the packaging material web and / or other components. To avoid this, in a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical intermediate section comprises a hollow outer tube and an inner rod movably mounted within the hollow outer tube with opposing ends, the holding means being located at one end. The portion of the inner rod opposite the end with the holding means can be slightly moved downward by the user (the length of the protrusion defines the movement distance), releasing the releasable clamp on the extension means.

[0014] To make the release even safer and easier to use, in a preferred embodiment, the outer tube has at least one stop means, and the hollow cylindrical tube section, the receiving section, or the dispensing section has inner stops that are adjusted to prevent the passage of the stop means. This design prevents the insertion device from moving relative to the filling tube in a certain position, but does not prevent the inner tube from moving via the actuator. Once the system is in place, the user simply moves the actuator (by periodically depressing it), which releases the clamp on the end of the expansion means and allows the insertion device to be removed. For this purpose, the retaining means is preferably cup-shaped. Alternatively, the inner rod can be slightly twisted, but in this case the retaining means must be designed accordingly.

[0015] This problem is further solved by a method for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device for small items, which comprises an insertion device having a cylindrical intermediate portion with an actuation end and a holding end opposite the actuation end, on which a holding means is arranged, and a filling tube, the filling tube having a hollow cylindrical tube portion having a fixing means, a receiving portion for small items, and a dispensing portion opposite the receiving portion, on which at least two elastically deformable expansion means are arranged, each having an expansion means end, and the expansion means extend longitudinally outward from the dispensing portion when not clamped.

[0016] The insertion device is then guided through the filling tube so that its holding end is positioned in the region of the expansion means end, its working end is positioned in the receiving portion, and the expansion means end is releasably clamped to the holding means, thereby forming a combination of the filling tube and the insertion device, and the holding means is adapted to the filling tube so that it can be guided through the filling tube with the clamped expansion means end.

[0017] Furthermore, the combination of the filling tube and the insertion device is partially guided in the insertion direction through the receiving opening of the packaging material guide of the packaging device via the holding end with the clamped expansion means end, the filling tube is fixed to the filling tube adjustment means of the packaging device, the expansion means end is released from the holding means of the insertion device, moving the expansion means to an unclamped state, and the insertion device is moved away from the filling tube. After carrying out the method according to the invention, the (possibly new or cleaned) filling tube is fixed on the packaging device or on the packaging device, and the insertion device is free for further use.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the method, which is particularly easy to implement, after the filling tube has been attached to the filling tube adjustment means, the end of the expansion means is released from the holding means of the insertion device by further moving the insertion device in the insertion direction.

[0019] Preferably, the outer tube has at least one stop means and the hollow cylindrical tube portion has an inner stop, whereby movement of the insertion device in the insertion direction can be limited by the inner stop and the stop means.

[0020] This problem is further solved by the use of an insertion device for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device, the insertion device having a cylindrical intermediate portion with an actuating end and an opposing holding end, a holding means arranged on the holding portion, the cylindrical intermediate portion of the insertion device and the holding means designed so that they can be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube portion of the filling tube, the holding means designed so that the expansion means end of an elastically deformable expansion means arranged in the dispensing portion of the filling tube can be releasably clamped to the holding means, and the cylindrical intermediate portion of the guide device is adapted to the filling tube so that the actuating portion can be actuated after the filling tube is fixed.

[0021] Preferably, the cylindrical intermediate portion has at least one guide means guidable through the hollow cylindrical tube portion.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical intermediate part comprises a hollow outer tube and an inner rod movably mounted within the hollow outer tube having opposite ends, the retaining means being arranged at one end. It is also preferred that the hollow outer tube has at least one stop means and / or that the retaining means is cup-shaped. The advantages of the above-mentioned embodiments have already been mentioned above with reference to the filling tube insertion device system according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] In the following, preferred embodiments of the filling tube inserter system according to the invention and the method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging machine are described with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a prior art packaging device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a filling tube insertion device system according to the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a shows a first embodiment of a filling tube insertion device system according to the invention with an insertion device. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b shows a first embodiment of a filling tube insertion device system according to the invention with an insertion device. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a shows a detailed view of the filling tube inserter system inserted into the packaging device according to FIG. 3a. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b shows a detailed view of the filling tube inserter system inserted into the packaging device according to FIG. 3a. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c shows a detailed view of the filling tube inserter system inserted into the packaging device according to FIG. 3a. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a shows a detailed view of the fill tube being inserted into the fill tube insertion device system but not clamped. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b shows a detailed view of the fill tube being inserted into the fill tube inserter system but not clamped. [Figure 5c] FIG. 5c shows a detailed view of the fill tube inserted into the fill tube inserter system but unclamped. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a shows a diagram of the insertion device of a preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the insertion device of a preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6c shows a view of the insertion device of a preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system. [Figure 6d] FIG. 6d shows a cross-sectional view of the insertion device of a preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7a shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7c] FIG. 7c shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7d] FIG. 7d shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7e] FIG. 7e shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7f] Figure 7f shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7g] Figure 7g shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. [Figure 7h] FIG. 7h shows diagrammatically the various stages of a method according to the invention for fixing a filling tube in a packaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a packaging device for a blister packaging machine known from the prior art. Such a packaging device is disclosed, for example, in EP 3385174 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. For clarity, the packaging device shown in FIG. 1 omits the packaging material web; reference is made to the aforementioned publication for the precise guidance of the packaging material web. The packaging device, not shown in detail in FIG. 1 , comprises a receiving section 320 for a filling tube fixed within the packaging device. A packaging material guide 20 can be seen below the receiving section 320 and, in the packaging device shown here, is designed like a forming shoulder. The packaging material web is fed to this packaging material guide via a conveying means (not shown), so that the packaging material web is formed downward into a sleeve-like shape, with the hollow cylindrical tube portion of a filling tube (not shown) extending into the sleeve-like packaging material web.

[0025] A filling tube adjusting means 50 is arranged next to the packaging material guide 20, and the filling tube itself is removably fixed in or on the packaging device. A first splicing device 30 is arranged below the packaging material guide 20 and vertically splices the sleeve-shaped packaging material web in the overlap region. A second splicing device 40 is arranged downstream of the first splicing device 30 and splices the packaging material sleeve closed by the first splicing device transversely to the direction of travel. This second splicing device forms the filled sleeve-shaped section or partially closed blister bag into a closed blister bag, and a new blister bag with a closed bottom to be filled is placed above the second splicing device. To splice or introduce a splice into the sleeve-shaped packaging material web, the two splicing devices 41, 42 of the second splicing device are moved together. As soon as the splice is formed, the splicing devices are released. In the embodiment of the packaging device shown, the second splicing device is movable in the direction of travel of the packaging material web, as disclosed in more detail in the aforementioned publication.

[0026] 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a filling tube insertion device system 100 according to the present invention. It comprises a filling tube 300 having a hollow cylindrical tube portion 310, a receiving portion 320 for small items, e.g., medicines or food supplements, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a kind of funnel, and a dispensing portion 330 facing the receiving portion at the lower end of the hollow cylindrical tube portion. In the illustrated embodiment, two elastically deformable expansion means 340, each having an expansion means end 341, are arranged in the dispensing portion 330. In the unclamped state of the expansion means shown in FIG. 2, they extend "down" from the dispensing portion 330 in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube and beyond the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical tube portion 310 of the filling tube, i.e., beyond. A fixing means 350 is provided in the receiving part 320, which extends around and below the receiving part and has four positioning and fastening means 351 by means of which the filling tube can be fastened to the filling tube adjusting means 50 of the packaging machine (see Figure 1). The lower part of the hollow cylindrical tube part 310 or the upper part of the dispensing part 330 is provided with an inner stop 311 which extends into the cavity but in such a way that dispensing is not substantially hindered by this part.

[0027] The filling tube insertion device system 100 further comprises an insertion device 200 having a cylindrical middle portion 210 with an actuation end 220 and a retention end 230 opposite the actuation end 220. A retention means 240 is disposed at the retention end 230 and is cup-shaped in the illustrated embodiment. A guide means 250 is disposed at the top of the cylindrical middle portion 210 and a stop means 215 is disposed at the bottom, which in the illustrated embodiment has the same shape as the guide means and can interact with an inner stop 311 to limit movement of the insertion device within the filling tube.

[0028] According to the invention, the cylindrical intermediate part 210 and the holding means 240 of the insertion device are designed so that they can be guided inside the filling tube or the hollow cylindrical tubular part 310 of the filling tube. Furthermore, it is provided that the holding means 240 and the expansion means end 341 are aligned with each other so that the expansion means end can be releasably clamped to the holding means 240. Finally, it is provided that the cylindrical intermediate part 210 of the insertion device 200 is adapted to the filling tube 300 or the hollow cylindrical tubular part 310 in such a way that the working part protrudes into the receiving part when the expansion means end is clamped.

[0029] 3a and 3b show two further views of a preferred embodiment of the filling tube insertion device system 100, in both of which the insertion device is inserted into the filling tube. In FIG. 3a, it can be seen that the expansion means end 341 is clamped to the cup-shaped holding means 240, preventing it from extending outward from the hollow cylindrical tube portion. The insertion device is also connected to the filling tube to a certain extent via this clamp. The connection is detachable, but the insertion device cannot be separated without the application of force. In FIG. 3b, it can be seen that the expansion means end is not clamped to the holding means 240, and in contrast to FIG. 3a, the expansion means end extends outward from the filling tube. In this unclamped state, the insertion device can be removed from the filling tube, but in practice, it is removed by directing it upward.

[0030] 4a to 4c are detailed views of the filling tube insertion device system shown in FIG. 3a inserted in a clamped state into the packaging machine. FIG. 4b clearly shows that the filling tube insertion device system can be inserted from above in a clamped state without damaging the packaging material web (not shown) because the extension means end 341 is moved "inward" by being placed or clamped in the holding means 240, i.e., no longer protrudes beyond the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube portion. In fact, the packaging material web formed in a sleeve-like shape around the hollow cylindrical tube portion is joined in the region of the hollow cylindrical tube portion. Because of the tubular shape of the packaging material guide 20, the sleeve-like portion of the packaging material web has an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical tube portion 310 and the dispensing portion, so it can be seen that inserting the filling tube in a clamped state can avoid damage to the packaging material web.

[0031] Figures 5a to 5c are detailed views of the inserted, unclamped filling tube. Figure 5b clearly shows that the expansion means end 341 extends over the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical tube portion 310, against which the packaging material sleeve rests, potentially causing damage if the expansion means end is not clamped. In particular, Figure 5c clearly shows that the joining means of the second joining device is positioned immediately downstream of the unclamped expansion means end, i.e., the "bottom" of the partially closed blister bag to be filled is positioned directly below the expansion means end. If the expansion means end is released when the packaging material web is present (as it usually should be), the packaging material web will unfold just above the "bottom," allowing for space-saving placement of the drug portion. At the same time, the packaging material web (which is already joined to form a sleeve at this point) limits the outward movement of the expansion means end.

[0032] FIGS. 6a-6d show a preferred embodiment of an insertion device used in the filling tube insertion device system, with FIGS. 6b and 6d showing cross-sectional views. The insertion device 200 consists of a central cylindrical intermediate section 210, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a hollow outer tube 211 to which an inner rod 212 is movably attached. The inner rod 212 exits both ends of the hollow outer tube. A retaining means 240 is attached to the lower end of the inner rod 212, which in this embodiment defines a retaining end 230. FIGS. 6b and 6d clearly show that the retaining means forms a receiving cup designed to clamp a correspondingly designed end of the expansion means. Due to the resilience of the clamped expansion means, the end of the expansion means is pressed against the inner wall 241 of the receiving cup, creating a frictional engagement that holds the insertion device in or on the filling tube (until released by the application of a greater force). In an alternative embodiment, the receiving cup may comprise a recess so that the expansion means can be released or loosened by twisting the retaining means.

[0033] The guide means 250 is located in the central part of the hollow outer tube 211 and fits the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical tubular portion, ensuring accurate coaxial movement during insertion and removal of the insertion device. A stop means 215 is located at the bottom of the hollow outer tube 211, which in this embodiment corresponds to the shape and function of the guide means. Furthermore, it cooperates with an inner stop 311 (see Figures 3a to 4c) to limit the relative movement of the outer tube 211 with respect to the hollow cylindrical tubular portion 310. The inner stop is positioned so that the end of the expansion means can be clamped to the retention means when the stop means is applied to the inner stop.

[0034] A handle 260 is arranged at the top of the hollow outer tube 211 and simplifies handling of the insertion device when unclamping the dilation means end. In the region of the actuation end 220, an inner rod 212 protrudes from the hollow outer tube and forms at its upper end 213 a push button 280. A spring means 270 is arranged between the push button 280 and the upper end of the outer tube 211 and biases the inner rod upwards via its attachment to the push button. When the push button is pressed, the force of the spring can be overcome and the inner rod moves relative to the hollow outer tube. During this relative movement, if the dilation means end is clamped, the movement releases the clamp and the dilation means (end) moves to its unclamped state.

[0035] Figures 7a to 7h show various stages of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for securing a filling tube in a packaging device. Figures 7a to 7h show only the filling tube insertion device system 100 and relevant parts of the packaging device. For clarity, only components relevant to the method are numbered, and reference is made to the previous figures for a detailed description of the filling tube and insertion device.

[0036] First, the insertion device 200 and the filling tube 300 are provided (Fig. 7a). Then, the insertion device is guided through the filling tube (Fig. 7b) so that the holding end 230 is located in the region of the expansion means end 341, the actuation end 220 is located in the receiving part 320, and the expansion means end 341 is releasably clamped to the holding means 240, thereby forming a combination 400 of the filling tube and insertion device.

[0037] The filling tube insertion device combination 400 is partially guided in the insertion direction through the receiving opening 21 of the packaging material guide 20 via the holding end with the clamped expansion means end (FIGS. 7c, 7d). The filling tube 300 is then attached to the filling tube adjustment means 50 of the packaging device, which determines the orientation of the filling tube / insertion device combination within the packaging device (FIG. 7e). After fastening, the expansion means end 341 is released from the holding means 240 of the insertion device, and the expansion means moves to the unclamped state (transition from FIG. 7e to FIG. 7f). In the filling tube insertion device system used in the illustrated embodiment of the method, this release is achieved by pressing the push button downwards, which releases the expansion means end from the holding means 240 and moves to the unclamped state (FIG. 7f). In practice, the movement to the unclamped state is limited by the packaging material web (not shown), which is aligned (i.e., held open or held open) by the expansion means for holding the drug portions. After releasing the end of the expansion means, the insertion device is removed from the filling tube (FIGS. 7g and 7h).

Claims

1. A filling tube insertion device system (100), An insertion device (200) having a cylindrical intermediate portion (210) provided with an operating end (220) and a holding end (230) facing the operating end (220), wherein a holding means (240) is arranged on the holding end (230), A filling tube (300) comprising a hollow cylindrical tube portion (310) having a fixing means (350), a receiving portion (320) for small items, and a distribution portion (330) facing the receiving portion (320), wherein at least two elastically deformable expansion means (340) each having an expansion means end (341) are disposed on the distribution portion (330), and the expansion means (340), when not clamped, extend from the distribution portion (330) outward in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube (300), Equipped with, The cylindrical intermediate portion (210) and the holding means (240) of the insertion device (200) are designed to be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube portion (310), The retaining means (240) and the end of the expansion means (341) are aligned with each other such that the end of the expansion means is releasably clamped to the retaining means. A filling tube insertion device system (100) wherein the cylindrical intermediate portion (210) of the insertion device (200) is fitted to the filling tube (300) such that, when the end of the expansion means is clamped, the working end (220) protrudes into the receiving portion (320).

2. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical intermediate portion (210) has at least one guide means (250) that can guide the hollow cylindrical tube portion (310).

3. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical intermediate portion (210) comprises a hollow outer tube (211) and an inner rod (212) movably mounted within the hollow outer tube (211) and having opposing ends (213, 214), and the holding means (240) is positioned at one of the opposing ends.

4. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the hollow outer tube (211) has at least one stopping means (215), and the hollow cylindrical tube portion (310), the receiving portion (320), or the distribution portion (330) has an inner stopping portion (311), the inner stopping portion (311) is aligned to prevent the passage of the stopping means.

5. The filling tube insertion device system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding means (240) has a cup shape.

6. A method for fixing a filling tube (300) to a packaging device (10) for small items, The step of providing an insertion device (200) having a cylindrical intermediate portion (210) with an operating end (220) and a holding end (230) facing the operating end (220), and a holding means (240) arranged on the holding end (230), The step of providing a filling tube (300) having a hollow cylindrical tube portion (310) having a fixing means (350), a receiving portion for small items (320), and a distribution portion (330) facing the receiving portion (320), At least two elastically deformable expansion means (340) each have an expansion means end (341) and are positioned on the distribution portion (330), and the steps include extending the unclamped expansion means (340) from the distribution portion (330) outward in the longitudinal direction of the filling tube (300), The step of guiding the insertion device (200) through the filling tube (300) such that the retaining end (230) is positioned in the region of the expansion means end (341) and the operating end (220) is positioned in the receiving portion (320), The retaining means (240) is fitted to the filling tube so that it can pass through the filling tube while the end of the expansion means is clamped, and the end of the expansion means (341) is releasably clamped to the retaining means (240), forming a filling tube insertion device combination (400), The steps include partially guiding the filling tube insertion device combination (400) through the receiving opening (21) of the packaging material guide (20) of the packaging device (10) via the holding end having the clamped expansion means end (341), The steps include attaching the filling tube (300) to the filling tube adjustment means (50) of the packaging device (10), The steps include releasing the end portion (341) of the expansion means from the holding means (240) of the insertion device so that the expansion means can move in an unclamped state, The steps include removing the insertion device (200) from the filling tube (300), A method for fixing a filling tube (300) to a packaging device (10) for small items, which is equipped with the above.

7. A method for fixing a filling tube (300) to a small item packaging device (10) according to claim 6, comprising the step of releasing the end of the expansion means (341) from the holding means (240) of the insertion device by further moving the insertion device (200) in the insertion direction after the filling tube (300) has been attached to the filling tube adjusting means (50).

8. The outer tube (211) has at least one stopping means (215), The hollow cylindrical tube portion (310) has an inner stop portion (311), A method for fixing a filling tube (300) to a small item packaging device (10) according to claim 7, comprising the step of restricting the movement of the insertion device in the insertion direction by the inner stop portion and the stopping means.

9. The use of an insertion device (200) for fixing a filling tube (300) to a packaging device (10), The insertion device (200) has a cylindrical intermediate portion (210) having an operating end (220) and a holding end (230) facing the operating end (220), and a holding means (240) is arranged on the holding end (230). The cylindrical intermediate portion (210) and the holding means (240) of the insertion device (200) are designed to be guided through the hollow cylindrical tube portion (310) of the filling tube. The retaining means (240) is designed such that the end (341) of the elastically deformable expansion means (340) positioned in the distribution section (330) of the filling tube (300) is releasably clamped to the retaining means. The insertion device (200) is used such that the cylindrical intermediate portion (210) of the insertion device (200) is fitted to the filling tube (300) so that the operating end (220) can be operated after the filling tube is fixed.

10. The use of the insertion device (200) according to claim 9, wherein the cylindrical intermediate portion (210) has at least one guide means (250) that can guide it through the hollow cylindrical tube portion (310).

11. The use of the insertion device (200) according to claim 9, wherein the cylindrical intermediate portion (210) has a hollow outer tube (211) and an inner rod (212) movably mounted inside the hollow outer tube (211) and having opposing ends (213, 214), and the holding means (240) is positioned at one of the opposing ends.

12. Use of the insertion device (200) according to claim 11, wherein the hollow outer tube (211) has at least one stopping means (215).

13. Use of the insertion device (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the retaining means (240) has a cup shape.

Images