Vertical packaging machine with automatically adjustable machine settings and method for automatically adjusting the machine settings

Abstract

A vertical packaging machine (1) is provided with a control unit (8) for automatically adjusting machine settings of the packaging machine based on the packaging properties and / or forming set properties.

Description

Vertical packaging machine with automatically adjustable machine settings and method for automatically adjusting the machine settingsTechnical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vertical packaging machine, in particular a vertical form fill seal packaging machine, a method for automatically adjusting machine settings of the packaging machine, and a method for storing one or more settings of a vertical packaging machine. Furthermore the invention relates to a computer program product for automatically adjusting the machine settings of a vertical packaging machine.Background Art

[0002] Vertical packaging machines, such as vertical form fill seal packaging machines, are suitable for packaging products vertically. Such machines are configured to package loose products of small size, granular or powder products into plastic bags or sacks of different shapes and using different types of film or combinations of film and other materials. Conventional packaging machines may for instance be configured to package a large variety of different food products such as potatoes, fruits, and / or vegetables in any processed or unprocessed form.

[0003] Known vertical packaging machines comprise a film supply arrangement, a forming tube that is arranged substantially vertical and comprises a forming shoulder around which a supplied single or multilayer flat film can be wrapped to form a film-tube; longitudinal sealing means for sealing the longitudinal edges of the film-tube together; cross-sealing means to cross-seal the filmtube and produce individual packages; and cutting means to separate the individual packages from each other and the film-tube. At an upper end of the forming tube, a hopper is typically arranged for insertion of the product to be packaged. The product to be packaged falls through the forming tube and into the pre-formed tubular film. Simultaneously, the cross-sealing means seal a bottom of the tubular film to form the package while the product falls into the bag that is thereby formed. At the same time, the cross-sealing means close the top of the previous packaging and the cutting means separate the produced packages. This provides an efficient method to package products.

[0004] Although a large variety of different packages may be produced using the same machine, the settings of the machine are specifically adapted for each different product that is packaged to obtain a package having certain dimensions, a particular shape, and printed information such as an expiry date on the package. Consequently, the vertical packaging machine needs to be adjusted for every different type and size of package that will be processed by the machine.

[0005] According to a known method for setting up the machine, the operator manually adjusts the position of several components of the machine. For example, the operator may arrange alignment controllers in position, which ensure that the lateral edges of the film are properly positioned with respect to the forming set and the cutting and sealing arrangements. Disadvantageously, the manual adjustment of the machine to prepare it for packaging a new type of product and / or using another type of packaging is time-consuming and prone to errors. Moreover, often it takes more than one attempt to get all settings correct where trial runs are needed to confirm a correct setup ofthe packaging machine. It is an object of the invention to provide an improved packaging machine that simplifies the actions and / or time required by an operator to adjust the settings of the packing machine when changing the product and / or packaging type on the machine. It is further an object of the invention to improve the packaging machine in a different way.Summary of Invention

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vertical packaging machine comprising a film supply arrangement for supplying film from at least one film supply roll; a printer frame configured to receive a flat portion of film from the film supply arrangement and to position it for transfer to a forming set ; a forming set configured to form the flat portion of film received from the printer frame into a tubular shaped film; and a cutting and sealing arrangement configured to seal the tubular film and produce individual packages. The vertical packaging machine further comprises a device for inputting, selecting and / or confirming one or more packaging properties and / or forming set properties; and a processor configured to carry out a computer program for automatically adjusting settings of the machine based on the packaging properties and / or forming set properties.

[0007] Advantageous to the machine according to the invention is that the machine settings may be automatically adjusted based on the packaging properties. This reduces the workload of an operator, reduces the required amount of time for adjusting the machine settings, and improves the safety of the operator as he / she no longer needs to access the machine themselves. In addition, it reduces the knowledge required by the operator to safely operate the machine and reduces the number of errors that can be caused by the operator.

[0008] In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine comprises a protective frame or housing, and the device for inputting, selecting and / or confirming the packaging properties is mounted on the outside of the protective frame or housing. This further improves the safety of the operator.

[0009] In an embodiment, the adjustment of machine settings may be associated with one or more of the following: adjusting a printing position for printed information on the packaging; adjusting a position of the film in a cross-machine direction of the machine; adjusting a length of a transport path of the film through the machine; and / or adjusting the position of one or more sensor and / or control units in the machine. Such adjustment is done based on the packaging properties.

[0010] The packaging properties may include any properties associated with the packaging that are required to adjust the machine settings. For example, in an embodiment, the packaging properties include one or more of the following: a packaging width; a packaging length; a transverse sealing position; a transverse cutting position; and / or one or more printing positions for the printed information. Here the packaging length is used to indicate the length in the machine direction, which may also be referred to as the packaging height. These packaging properties can be required to determine the position of certain components in the vertical packaging machine, in particular the position of a printer with respect to a packaging to be formed, the position of a film margin control unit for controlling the position of the flat film in a cross-machine direction of thedevice, the position of a spot mark sensing unit for controlling a correct length of the packaging, the position of a guide roll assembly dependent on a size of the forming set, a position of a film guide roller for providing a correct tension of the film based on the material of the film and the film width, and / or an element for controller the position of the film in the cross-machine direction. The forming set properties may partially overlap with the packaging properties such as a film width of packaging width that may be produced using the forming set. In addition, the forming set properties may include parameters such as the size of the shoulder, and / or a diameter of the forming set tube.

[0011] In an embodiment, the packaging properties may in addition include other parameters that are not directly required for the machine settings but used during the packaging process. For example, a weight of a product to be inserted in the package, a label or text to be printed on the printing position including the expiration date, a best-before-date, a promotional text or bar code of the product, a text associated with a certain promotion campaign such as a lottery number or another unique code, an air pressure to be provided in the package, a specific type of gas to provide in the package for better preservation of the product, and / or a number of packages to produce.

[0012] In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine further comprises a memory operatively connected to the processor and configured to have a plurality of packaging properties associated with a certain packaging and / or a forming set stored thereon. Advantageously, the packaging properties of a certain package may be stored in the vertical packaging machine for future use. This allows an operator to manually input the packaging properties into the machine only the first time when the machine is used to produce a certain type of packaging. During any subsequent use, the operator merely selects or confirms a certain packaging type, whereafter the vertical packaging machine automatically adjusts settings of the vertical packaging machine based on the stored packaging properties associated with that packaging type. This has a significant advantage in terms of the required amount of time needed for the adjustment of the machine. In addition, by using pre-stored values, the machine settings have a higher accuracy and it is not needed to iteratively adjust the machine settings manually, wherein multiple trial procedures are required to test whether the machine settings are correct. In addition to saving time, this also prevents the waste of film material, thereby also making the overall process more sustainable.

[0013] In an embodiment, the operator manually selects the packaging type from a list of stored packaging types. In an alternative embodiment, the vertical packaging machine automatically recognizes the type of packaging, for example based on a certain input forming set type or automatically recognized forming set, whereafter the operator is prompted to confirm the packaging type.

[0014] In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine further comprises a display for displaying the one or more packaging properties to an operator. The display may for example be a screen, preferably a touch screen. Advantageously, the device for inputting, selecting and / or confirming the packaging properties and the display may be combined in a single device.Furthermore, a touch screen allows the operator to quickly communicate with the processor by inputting, selecting, and / or confirming the packaging properties, machine settings or other information on the touch screen.

[0015] In addition to the packaging properties other information may be displayed to the operator, for example specific machine settings or information associated with tools of the machine such as the forming set, properties related to the used film such as the film weight, film width, or film material, and / or parameters associated with the packaging process.

[0016] In an embodiment, the printer frame is further configured to provide the flat film with printed information using a printer and the computer program is configured to control the position of the printed information based on the one or more packaging properties. In this context, the term “printed information” is used to indicate any information or content that may need to be printed onto the packaging during the packaging process. The printed information may include but is not limited to an expiration date, a best- before-date, a promotional text related to for instance a special offer, a product label, and / or a bar code. The printed information may be the same for all packages, but may also involve a unique code for a special offer.

[0017] Preferably, the printing position comprises both information on the longitudinal position for printing and the transverse position for printing (i.e., a printing position in the machine and cross-machine direction, respectively). The packaging properties may include a specific absolute printing position, or may include relative positions such as a centered position, which is then automatically determined based on the width and / orthe length of the package. In addition, dependent on the operation mode of the packaging machine in a continuous motion (CM) or an intermitted motion (IM), the printer may print over a specific width along the entire length of the packaging (CM), or in a specific printing field with a width and height dimension only (IM). Specifically for a packaging produced using an IM process, it is therefore preferable to provide a system wherein the printing position can be adjusted in both directions. In embodiments, more than one printer may be provided on the printer frame. This allows different printable items such as the barcode and / or expiration date to be printed at positions that are not related to each other. The printer may for example be a thermos transfer printer.

[0018] In an embodiment, the printer is moveably connected to the printer frame, wherein the computer program is configured to control the position of the printer by moving the printer with respect to the printer frame. The machine settings controlled by the computer program may include the position of the printer with respect to the printer frame. Typically, the moveable connection of the printer with respect to the printer frame allows the printer to be moved along at least a cross-machine direction. The processor controls the movement of the printer and / orthe printer starting position and positions the printer at a predefined position along the width of the film to provide the printed information.

[0019] In an embodiment, the packaging machine further comprises a compensation roll whose position is adjustable to lengthen or shorten a distance between a cutting position and a printing position, wherein the computer program is configured to control the adjustment of the position of the compensation roll based on the packaging properties. The compensation roll may be mountedon the printer frame. The position of the compensation roll may be adjusted to influence the distance between the cutting position where the cutting device separates the packages, and the printing position where the printer provides the printed information. The position of the compensation roll thereby affects the position where the printer prints the information along the machine direction.

[0020] In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine further comprises a film margin control unit, wherein the computer program is configured to control the position of the film margin unit. The film margin control unit ensures that the flat film is correctly transferred onto the forming set before the tubular film is formed. It will be understood by the skilled person that an incorrect alignment of the flat film with respect to the forming set may lead to an incorrectly formed tubular film, which on its turn may cause issues when applying a longitudinal seal on the package. For example, when film edges of the tubular film are not overlapping, the longitudinal sealing device may fail to successfully seal the film. Here the terms longitudinal and transverse seal are used, yet these are also known in the field as a vertical seal and horizontal seal, respectively. Typically, the position of the film margin control unit is determined based on the film width, which is linked to the packaging width.

[0021] In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine further comprises a spot mark sensor for sensing a spot mark on the flat film, wherein the spot mark sensor is moveable along a crossmachine direction and wherein the adjustment of machine settings include the positioning of the spot mark sensor in the cross-machine direction. Typically, the flat film includes a spot mark, e.g., a black line or dot at or adjacent to an edge of the film. The spot mark may be visible by the human eye, or may be printed using an ink that is recognized by the spot mark sensor but not by the human eye. Alternatively, or in addition, the spot mark may be part of the pre-printing of the film (i.e., the printed information that is present on the film on the supply reel and which is not added by the packaging machine), for example a certain colored line in the design of the packaging, or another distinctive pattern. The spot mark is used to indicate the position where the packaging should end, and hence where a transverse seal needs to be applied and / or where the package should be cut. When the machine settings are adjusted to be prepared for a different type of package, the position of the spot mark sensor needs to be adjusted to ensure that the spot mark can be correctly read. The sensed spot mark is used to determine an offset of the cutting means to ensure that the packages have the correct length. The computer program may comprise instructions to automatically adjust the position of the spot mark sensor based on the length of the packaging.

[0022] In an embodiment, the packaging machine further comprises an adjustable guide roll assembly arranged to transfer the flat film from the printer frame to the forming set. The guide roll assembly is provided to ensure that the film is smoothly transferred to the forming set and approaches the forming set without folds, wrinkles or other disruptions. Consequently, the transformation from a flat film to a tubular film is less prone to errors. Conventionally, such a guide roll assembly has been included in the forming set, wherein the position of the guide roll assembly was fixed with respect to the forming shoulder to ensure that the film would approach the shoulderfrom the correct angle. Due to the adjustable position in the machine according to an embodiment of the invention, this is no longer needed and the guide roll assembly can be provided as part of the packaging machine, for example it may be connected to the printer frame. Advantageously, this reduces the weight of the forming set. In embodiments, the weight of the forming set may be reduced by approximately 20%. This makes the forming set easier to handle by an operator when it needs to be replaced.

[0023] In an embodiment, the guide roll assembly comprises at least two guide rolls. Advantageously, this further reduces the risk that the film does not run smoothly or shows disruptions. In alternative embodiments a single guide roll may also suffice.

[0024] In an embodiment, the adjustment of the machine settings include the positioning of the guide roll assembly. Typically, the computer program is configured to control the position of the guide roll assembly in a linear direction, preferably a substantially horizontal direction. Advantageously, the position of the guide roll assembly may be automatically adjusted based on the selected package properties. Typically, a forming set is specifically designed for producing a certain type, size and shape of package. As such, the packaging properties comprise information on the forming set that is used, and the position of the guide roll assembly may be determined based on that. Alternatively, or in addition, the position of the guide roll assembly may be based on an identified forming set.

[0025] According to an important aspect of the invention, the vertical packaging machine may comprise a reader, for example a camera, for reading an identifier tag on the forming set. The reader may read the identifier tag and thereby recognize the forming set if it has been used on the vertical packaging machine before. Alternatively, or in addition, the identifier may comprise information on a certain type or model of the forming set and the processor may link this to a forming set type or model that has been pre-stored in the memory of the machine. For example, information may have been stored on the machine during fabrication, during a previous use of the same forming set or of a forming set of similar type or model, or the forming set parameters may have been uploaded to the machine through an external storage device or network connection.

[0026] In an embodiment, the processor is configured to retrieve pre-stored forming set parameters from the memory associated with the forming set identifier. The forming set parameters may include but are not limited to a length and diameter of the forming tube, usage parameters of the forming set such as the age of the forming set or the time that it has been used on the machine. The forming set parameters may for instance be used by the processor and / or the computer program to automatically adjust the position of the guide roll assembly.

[0027] It will be understood by the skilled person that a forming set is usually made for a specific packaging type. Therefore identification of the forming set may also imply properties of the packaging that can be produced using the forming set, such as the width of the packaging, the length of the packaging and / or the shape of the packaging. In addition, the type of forming set may also implicate properties of the film to be used for producing the packaging, such as the film width and / or film material.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the computer program is configured to receive a list of possible packaging types to be manufactured using the identified forming set and / or packaging properties based on the identified forming set. The list with possible packaging types may be displayed on the display, and the operator may be prompted to select the correct packaging type. By selecting the packaging type, one or more of the packaging properties associated with the packaging type may be retrieved from the memory. For example, the width of the packaging, the length of the packaging, and the cutting and / or sealing position of the packaging. Advantageously, the machine settings that are dependent on either of these packaging properties may be automatically adjusted based on the identified forming set.

[0029] In an embodiment, the position of the spot mark sensor is automatically adjusted based on the identified forming set. Alternatively, or in addition, in an embodiment, the film margin control unit is automatically adjusted based on the identified forming set. Alternatively, or in addition, in an embodiment, the position of the supply roll with film material is automatically adjusted based on the identified forming set.

[0030] In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine further comprises a camera, reader, or another type of scanner for verifying readability of some or all of the printed information. In particular, it is important that the expiry date of a product is correctly readable, as an unreadable expiry date may lead to a recall of the packaged product. For example, a camera may be used to register the printed expiry date. The camera may be linked to a computer or the control unit for checking the readability automatically or manually. In addition to the expiry date, the barcode, a promotional code, and / or any other printed text may be checked. The position of the camera, reader or the another type of scanner may be automatically adjusted to ensure that the printed information appears within the reach of the camera, reader or the another type of scanner.

[0031] In an embodiment, the adjustment of the machine settings involves the adjustment of a position of the cutting and sealing assembly with respect to the forming set, preferably an adjustment in a radial direction of the forming tube. Dependent on the diameter of the forming tube, the cutting and sealing assembly should be moved further towards the forming tube or away from it. The position of the cutting and sealing assembly may thus be moved dependent on the forming set diameter.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the advantages and effects as described herein above, there is provided a method for automatically adjusting one or more settings of a vertical packaging machine using a processor, the method comprising receiving, by the processor, a plurality of packaging properties; and sending a control signal to one or more actuators based on the received packaging properties such that a displacement of one or more of the following components is initiated: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly, and / or an element for aligning the film in a crossmachine direction. In an embodiment, the vertical packaging machine is a machine as described herein above.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the advantages and effects as described herein above, there is provided a method for storing one or moresettings of a vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, using a processor, the method comprising: storing the position of one or more of the more of the following components: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly, and / or an element for aligning the film in a cross-machine direction. Advantageously, the machine settings may automatically be adjusted merely by selecting a product or packaging that has been previously produced by a packaging machine. This reduces the time and effort to setup the packaging machine.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, and in accordance with the advantages and effects as described herein above, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions to carry out the method according to the invention.Brief Description of Drawings

[0035] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. In the drawings, like numerals designate like elements. Multiple instances of an element may each include separate letters appended to the reference number. For example, two instances of a particular element “20” may be labeled as “20a” and “20b”. The reference number may be used without an appended letter (e.g. “20”) to generally refer to an unspecified instance or to all instances of that element, while the reference number will include an appended letter (e.g. “20a”) to refer to a specific instance of the element.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematically shows a front perspective view of a vertical packaging machine according to a first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 1 B schematically shows the printer frame, forming set and a cutting and sealing arrangement in the vertical packaging machine according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 1 C schematically shows the printer frame according to the first embodiment of the invention in isolation.

[0039] Figure 1 D schematically shows a rear perspective view of the vertical packaging machine according to a first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a vertical packaging machine according to a different embodiment.

[0041] Figure 3 schematically shows a control unit configured to carry out the methods according to the invention.

[0042] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.Description of Embodiments

[0043] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures.

[0044] Figure 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a packaging machine 1 according to a first embodiment. Figure 1 B schematically shows a detail of the packaging machine in Fig. 1A,wherein a protective frame 13 of the machine has been removed and only the printer frame 12, forming set 3, and a cutting and sealing arrangement 6,7 have been shown. The other components have been omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 1C shows the printer frame 12 in isolation. References to components of the printer frame 12 have only been indicated in Fig. 1C.

[0045] The packaging machine 1 comprises a frame 11 , a printer frame 12, a protective frame 13, a film supply arrangement 2, a forming set 3, and a control unit 8.

[0046] The film supply arrangement 2 comprises a reel 21 holding a roll of film material, for example plastic film, paper material, a mesh material, or any other suitable material for the packaging. The material on the reel 21 is substantially planar and hereafter referred to as a flat film 9. The flat film 9 may be a single layer film, or multi-layer film. The film supply arrangement 2 further comprises a plurality of film rollers 22 configured fortransporting and guiding the film 9 towards a turning shaft 83. The turning shaft 83 is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the machine direction of the film, thereby turning the transport direction of the film 9 over 90 degrees. The position of the turning shaft 83 is linearly adjustable with respect to the frame 11 using an actuator 84. After passing the turning shaft 83, the film 9 is supplied to the printer frame 12 in the packaging machine 1 , whereafter it is guided further by a plurality of additional film rollers 15 to the forming set 3.

[0047] On the exterior of the protective frame 13, a control unit 8 is provided. The control unit 8 comprises a processor (not shown), memory (not shown), a display 81 with touchscreen, and several buttons to select 82 and / or input data into the control unit. The control unit 8 will be described in more detail in relation to Fig. 3 below. Advantageously, the control unit 8 is provided in an environment that is safe for the operator, such that the control unit 8 may be accessed without taking additional safety measures. The operator may use the control unit 8 to input, select, confirm and or view packaging properties, film properties, and / or forming set properties. In addition, the operator may use the control unit 8 to review the progress of an ongoing packaging process.

[0048] As depicted in Fig. 1 B, the forming set 3 has a forming shoulder 31 , a forming tube 32 with an upper end opening 33 and lower end opening (not shown), a mounting frame 34 and a forming funnel (not shown). The vertical packaging machine 1 further comprises a film transport means 4, longitudinal sealing means 5, cross-sealing means 6, and cross-cutting means 7. The cross-sealing means 6 and cross-cutting means 7 are moveably mounted with respect to a support arrangement carrying the forming set 3. More precisely, the cross-sealing means 6 and cross-cutting means 7 are engaged to a holding device 63 that allows a linear displacement of the cross-sealing means 6 and cross-cutting means 7 in a direction parallel to a radial direction of the forming set 3.

[0049] The forming shoulder 31 receives a flat film 9 from the printer frame 12 and forms it into a tube shaped film (not shown) that extends at least partially around the forming tube 32. Here the term “tube shaped film” is used and a cylindrical forming tube 32 is depicted. Nevertheless, it will be understood by the skilled person that the tube shaped film is not necessarily cylindrical and may also have different shapes dependent on the shape of the forming shoulder 31 and theforming tube 32. Packaging shapes that can be formed using the packaging machine include but are not limited to so-called pillow bags, square bottom bags with a side weld or four side welds, or Doypack® bags.

[0050] The tube shaped film is transported in a substantially vertical direction by the film transport means 4 and guided past the lower end opening of the forming tube 32. The product to be packaged is inserted in the forming tube 32 through a hopper (not shown). There it is weighted using a weighting device. The product passes through the forming funnel and the upper end opening 33 into the forming tube 32. The product falls through the forming tube 32, and into the tube shaped film that extends around the forming tube 32.

[0051] The tube shaped film has two longitudinal edges, which are arranged to at least partially overlap. The longitudinal sealing means 5 seal the longitudinal edges together. The film tube is then filled with the product to be packaged via the forming tube 32, and subsequently provided with one or more cross seals by the cross-sealing means 6. After that, packages are formed by cutting the tube shaped film between adjacent cross seals using the cross cutting means 7. For a proper closure and separation of the packages, it is important that the cross-sealing means 6 and cross-cutting means 7 are aligned with the formed film tube. The position and size of the formed film tube depends on a diameter of the forming tube 32. The position of the cross-sealing means 6 and cross-cutting means 7 may be automatically adjusted to account for a varying diameter of the forming tube 32 using the holding device 63. The holding device 63 may receive instructions for the adjustment from the processor.

[0052] During the production process of the packaging, it is important that the position of the film with respect to the packaging machine is precisely known. For example, the film usually comprises pre-printed product information and it is important that the packaging is correctly cut such that the print intended for a single package is not split over two subsequent packages. In addition, the position of the film in the machine is important to ensure the proper formation of the packaging, including closed longitudinal seals and inclusion of the required printed information on the positions designated for printing information such as an expiry date or barcode of the product.

[0053] The alignment, printing and precise positioning of the film 9 is mainly controlled for in the the printer frame 12. The printer frame 12 (see Fig. 1 C) comprises a support structure 14 with a plurality of film guides 15a; 15b; 15c; 15d; 15e; 15f, a film margin control unit 16, a spot mark sensor unit 17, a printer assembly 18, and a compensation roll 23 connected thereto.

[0054] The film margin control unit 16 is configured to move in a cross-machine direction, which at the position of the film margin control unit 16 coincides with the transverse direction Y. The film margin control unit is transported on a guide 61 and actuated using a margin control linear actuator 62. The film margin control unit 16 comprises a margin sensor 85 that senses an edge 92 (see Fig. 1A) of the flat film. When the film 9 is misaligned beyond an allowable error margin, the actuator 84 may be used to adjust the position of the turning shaft 83. By changing the position of the turning shaft 83 along the longitudinal direction X, the position of the film 9 in the crossmachine direction (after passing the turning shaft 83) may be controlled. A proper alignment isneeded to ensure that the flat film 9 is correctly transferred onto the forming set 3 before the tubular film is formed.

[0055] The position of the film margin control unit 16 needs to be adjusted to ensure that the sensor 85 can sense the margins of the film when setting up the machine to produce a different packaging. Dependent on the width of the film 9 and the required position to properly transfer the film 9 to the forming set 3, the position of the film margin control unit 16 is determined.

[0056] The spot mark sensing unit 17 comprises a spot mark sensor 86, which is driven by rotation of a threaded rod 41 . A linear movement of the spot mark sensor 86 is guided by a second rod 42. The processor may send instructions to a control motor, for example a step motor (not shown) to drive rotation of the threaded rod 41 with a certain number of rotations using a gear system. Due to the rotations of the threaded rod 41 , the position of the spot mark sensor is linearly adjusted along the cross-machine direction. It will be understood, however, that other linear actuators may also suffice to achieve the positioning of the spot mark sensor. The spot mark sensor 86 is configured to read a spot mark on the film to indicate the position where the packaging “ends”. The spot mark sensor 86 is moved in the cross-machine direction with the same displacement as the margin sensor 85 yet displaced over a distance delta with respect to an edge of the film 9. When adjusting the packaging machine 1 to produce a different packaging, it is therefore also important to adjust the spot mark sensor 86 at approximately the correct position in the cross-machine direction.

[0057] Based on instructions by the processor, a printed surface may be printed on the packaging at a user-defined printing position. When setting up the machine, it is therefore important that a printer is moved to a position where it can print on the user-defined printing position. The printer assembly 18 comprises a printer (not shown) that is connected to a moveable frame 19. The movement of the moveable frame 19 in the cross-machine direction is facilitated by a threaded rod driven by a control motor, for example a step motor. Nevertheless, it will be understood that other actuators may also suffice. Based on instructions from the processor, the moveable frame 19 may be displaced along the cross-machine direction. Guiding structures are provided to ensure a precise linear movement of the printer frame 19 along the cross-machine direction. The printer assembly 18 further comprises a printer roller 20 arranged to guide the film passed the printer.

[0058] The vertical packaging machine 1 can be used both in CM and in IM. When a process is used in a the intermitted motion (IM), i.e., wherein the packaging machine briefly pauses to cut- and seal every packaging, the printing is applied during the pause. The printer has limited dimension where it can print, and therefore the position of the first packaging where a print is applied should be considered with respect to the position of a second packaging that is cut and horizontally sealed using the cutting and sealing means. The adjustment of the machine to arrange the length between those positions may be regulated by the compensation roll. Dependent on the length of the packaging and the position of the printed information, the processor may provide instructions to adjust the position of the compensation roll 23.

[0059] The compensation roll 23 is adjustable with respect to the support structure 14 along a vertical direction Z. Adjustment of the position of the compensation roll 23 may be used to influence the distance between the cutting position where the cutting device separates the packages, and the printing position where the printer provides the printed information. The position of the compensation roll thereby affects the position where the printer prints the information along a transport direction of the film. The compensation roll 23 may be moved using a linear actuator 24. The linear actuator 24 is controlled by the processor.

[0060] In addition to a positioning of the compensation roll 23, an offset position of the spotmark may be used to finetune the cutting position of the cutting means 6.

[0061] When a packaging machine is used in continuous motion (CM), arranging the printer at an appropriate position in the cross-machine direction suffices to print anywhere along the transport direction of the film, e.g., typically a length of the packaging. Nevertheless, this does not mean that it is not important how the position of the printer is with respect to the cutting and sealing means 6,7. As it is not preferable to stop the machine while printing, the transport length of the film between the cutting and sealing means 6,7, and the printer assembly 18 should be adjusted to avoid that a stop or pause of the production process results into a half-finished printing. The compensation roll 23 may be used to adjust the length of the film between the printer assembly 18 and the cutting and sealing means 6,7, as described for a process in intermitted motion (IM) above.

[0062] The guide roll assembly 25 is positioned to ensure that the flat film approaches the forming shoulder 31 of the forming set at a correct angle such that it is supported by the forming shoulder 31 . The guide roll assembly 25 is moveably mounted with respect to the printer frame 12, wherein the guide roll assembly 25 may be moved in the longitudinal direction X along a plurality of rods 87 that extend towards the forming set 3. Here the longitudinal direction X coincides with the machine direction of the film 9 when it approaches the guide roll assembly 25. The movement is actuated by the linear actuator 26.

[0063] Figure 1 D shows a rear side of the packaging machine in Fig. 1A. The packaging machine 1 further comprises a moveable film guide roller 54, whose position may be adjusted to create a correct tension on the film 9. The tension required for ensuring a smooth processing of the film by the packaging machine is dependent on the film material and film width. Based on the packaging properties and / or the film properties, the processor may send instructions to an actuator to place the moveable film guide roller 54 in a correct position.

[0064] It will be understood by the skilled person that other sensors, cameras, readers or scanners may be arranged in the printer frame to control or monitor the production process of the packages. Most of such sensors, cameras, readers and / or scanners will have a certain working range that is smaller than the width of the film. Accordingly, their position will need to be adjusted dependent on the packaging properties and the film properties that are associated therewith, to ensure that the working range of the sensors, cameras, readers and / or scanners is setup correctly.

[0065] Advantageous to the packaging machine according to the invention is that when an order for a specific product and / or using a specific packaging has been completed, settings of the packaging machine 1 may be changed to prepare the use of the packaging machine 1 for packaging a product using a packaging with a different shape, size, and / or material. To that end, the processor in the vertical packaging machine 1 is configured to carry out a computer program for automatically adjusting settings of the machine 1 . More specifically, the processor comprises instructions to automatically adjust the position of the printer frame 19, the compensation roll 23, the film margin control unit 16 with margin sensor 85, the spot mark sensing unit 17 with spot mark sensor 86, the guide roll assembly 25, the turning shaft 83, and / or the moveable film guide roller 54. Preferably, all these positions are automatically adjusted as it minimizes the effort required by the operator and reduces the likelihood that operator-induced errors occur. Nevertheless, it will be understood that also if only the position of some of these components is adjusted, this already leads to considerable advantages.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a vertical packaging machine 101 according to a different embodiment of the invention. Features of the machine that have already been described above with reference to the first embodiment may also be present in the machine shown in Fig. 2 and will not all be discussed here again. For the discussion with reference to Fig. 2, like features are designated with similar reference numerals preceded by 100 to distinguish the embodiments.

[0067] The vertical packaging machine 101 according to the second embodiment has a different film supply arrangement 102. Most importantly in light of the present discussion, is that no turning shaft 83 is provided for adjusting the position of the film 109 in the cross-machine direction in the printer frame 112. Instead, the film supply arrangement 102 comprises a moveable frame 189, which supports the supply reel 121 and is moveable in the cross-machine direction, here coinciding with the transverse direction Y. Instead of adjusting the position of the turning shaft 83, the position of the moveable frame 189 may be adjusted.

[0068] Fig. 3 schematically depicts a control system comprising a control unit 280 with a processor 293 and a memory 294 operatively connected to the processor 293, a display 281 and an input device 282, such as buttons or a keyboard to input data. The control system further comprises at least one actuator 295 and optionally, a camera 296. The actuator 295 is configured to receive instructions from the control unit 280. The camera 296 is configured to send visual data to the control unit 280.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of a method for automatically adjusting one or more settings of a vertical packaging machine 1 , the control unit 280 can be used. The processor 293 receives a plurality of packaging properties and / or forming set properties from the user through the input device 282. Once the properties are received, and the processor 293 receives instructions from the operator through the input device 282 to adjust one or more of the machine settings, a control signal is send to one or more actuators 295 based on the received packaging properties, such that a movement or displacement of one or more of the following components is initiated: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly, and / or an element for aligning the film in a cross-machine direction. The one or moreactuators 295 may for instance comprise the linear actuator for the printer assembly, the film margin control unit actuator 62, the control motor driving the threaded rod 41 , the actuator 26 for the guide roll assembly and / or the compensation roll actuator 24.

[0070] The camera 296 is operatively connected to the control unit 280. The camera 296 may be used for the automatic recognition of a forming set. To that end, in an alternative exemplary embodiment of the method, instead of receiving instructions inputted by the operator, the processor 293 receives a plurality of forming set properties from the memory 294 after receiving from the camera 296 a scan of an identifier tag of the forming set. The processor 293 is configured to compare the identifier tags with a list of pre-stored identifier tags of forming set forming sets. If the identifier tag is recognized, a plurality of forming set parameters associated with the forming set having that identifier tag may be retrieved from the memory. Optionally, the processor sends a message to the display to display to the user which forming set has been identified and / or which packaging type may be produced using said forming set.

[0071] It will be understood that the control unit may be used in several different ways to automatically adjust settings of the machine. According to an important aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for storing one or more settings after finishing a packaging process. The user may communicate with the processor through the input device 282 and instruct the processor 293 to store the position of one or more of the more of the following components: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly, and / or an element for aligning the film in a cross-machine direction. When the same packaging is produced in a future process, the stored values may be retrieved from the memory 294 and used to automatically adjust the machine settings in a highly efficient manner.

[0072] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

Claims1 . A vertical packaging machine comprising a film supply arrangement for supplying film from at least one film supply roll; a printer frame configured to receive a flat portion of film from the film supply arrangement and to position it for transfer to a forming set; a forming set configured to form the flat portion of film received from the printer frame into a tubular shaped film; and a cutting and sealing arrangement configured to seal the tubular film and produce individual packages, the vertical packaging machine further comprising: a device for inputting, selecting and / or confirming one or more packaging properties and / or forming set properties; and a processor configured to carry out a computer program for automatically adjusting settings of the machine based on the packaging properties and / or forming set properties.

2. The vertical packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment of machine settings is associated with one or more of the following: adjusting a printing position for printed information on the packaging; adjusting a position of the film in a cross-machine direction of the machine; adjusting a length of a transport path of the film through the machine, preferably a transport path between a printer on the machine and the cutting means; and / or adjusting the position of one or more sensors and / or control units in the machine.

3. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the machine settings involves the adjustment of a position of the cutting and sealing arrangement with respect to the forming set, preferably an adjustment in a radial direction of a forming tube.

4. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging properties include one or more of the following: a packaging width; a packaging length; a transverse sealing position; a transverse cutting position; and / or one or more printing positions for printed information.

5. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a memory operatively connected to the processor and configured to have a plurality of packaging properties associated with a certain packaging and / or a forming set stored thereon.

6. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a display for displaying the one or more packaging properties to an operator.

7. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the printer frame is further configured to provide the flat film with printed information using a printer and wherein the computer program is configured to control the position of the printed information based on the one or more packaging properties.

8. The vertical packaging machine according to claim 7, wherein the printer is moveably connected to the printer frame, and wherein the computer program is configured to control the position of the printer by moving the printer with respect to the printer frame.

9. The vertical packaging machine according to any of claims 7 or 8, wherein the packaging machine further comprises a compensation roll whose position is adjustable to lengthen or shorten a distance between a cutting position and a printing position, wherein the computer program is configured to control the adjustment of the position of the compensation roll based on the packaging properties.

10. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claim further comprising a film margin control unit, wherein the computer program is configured to control the position of the film margin control unit.11 . The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a spot mark sensor for sensing a spot mark on the flat film, wherein the spot mark sensor is moveable along a cross-machine direction and wherein adjusting the machine settings includes a positioning of the spot mark sensor.

12. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging machine further comprises an adjustable guide roll assembly arranged to transfer the flat film from the printer frame to the forming set.

13. The vertical packaging machine according to claim 12, wherein the guide roll assembly comprises at least two guide rolls.

14. The vertical packaging machine according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the computer program is configured to control the position of the guide roll assembly.

15. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical packaging machine comprises a reader, for example a camera, for reading an identifier tag on the forming set.

16. The vertical packaging machine according to claim 15, wherein the processor is configured to retrieve pre-stored forming set parameters from the memory associated with the forming set identifier.

17. The vertical packaging machine according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the computer program is configured to retrieve a list of possible packaging types to be manufactured using the identified forming set and / or packaging properties based on the identified forming set.

18. The vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a camera, reader, or another type of scanner for verifying readability of some or all of the printed information.

19. A method for automatically adjusting one or more settings of a vertical packaging machine using a processor, the method comprising: receiving, by the processor, a plurality of packaging properties and / or forming set properties; sending a control signal to one or more actuators based on the received packaging properties such that a displacement of one or more of the following components is initiated: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly; an element for aligning the film in a cross-machine direction; and / or a moveable film guide roller.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the vertical packaging machine is a machine according to any of claims 1-18.21 . A method for storing one or more settings of a vertical packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, using a processor, the method comprising: storing the position of one or more of the more of the following components: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly, and / or an element for aligning the film in a cross-machine direction.

22. A computer program product comprising instructions to carry out the method according to claim 19 or 20.

23. A control system for controlling settings of a vertical packaging machine according to any of claims 1-18, the control system comprising: a control unit with a processor and a memory operatively connected to the processor; a display; an input device; and an actuator, wherein the actuator is arranged to actuate a displacement of one or more of the following components of the vertical packaging machine, based on instruction received fromthe processor: a printer assembly, a film margin control unit; a spot mark sensing unit; a guide roll assembly; an element for aligning the film in a cross-machine direction; and / or a moveable film guide roller.

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