PACKAGING FACILITY WITH LATCHING STATION AND METHOD

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging facility and a method for operating a packaging facility to manufacture a folding package, where said folding package is folded using a folding device and is closed using a latching device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to German Application Number 102013204160.8 filed Mar. 11, 2013, to Peter Imhof and Peter Bergler entitled “Packaging Facility with Latching Station and Method,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a packaging facility and to a method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A package container is known from DE 28 27 645 A consisting of two halves foldably connected to each other. The two halves each comprise flexible closure elements that can engage with each other to press the flanges of the two halves tightly onto each other.

A reclosable package is known from DE 10 2010 050 734 A comprising a package base member for receiving a product and a lid as a package top member which are sealed to each other in an air-tight manner The lid and the package base member receiving the product comprise a reclosure tongue and a tongue receiving structure for being able to manually re-close the package after it has been opened.

DE 20 2011 103 391 U shows a multi-folding package with four compartments for receiving products and with mechanical closure elements for holding together the package after folding it. The folded package on the side disposed opposite to the closure elements comprises a section which serves as a support surface for the package, for example, on shelves in a store for particularly attractive product presentation. Manual folding and closing has proven to be disadvantageous.

DE 10 2008 045 025 A shows a thermo-forming packaging machine with a folding device for manufacturing a reclosable double-fold package. The use of a label leads both to holding the package after folding as well as to re-closing after removal of a portion of the product. A drawback of this is that the package comprises only a receptacle for receiving products and a label is required. The labels often have the drawback that the adhesive force after opening and reclosing deteriorates, especially when stored in the refrigerator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a packaging facility to be able to manufacture a folding package in an automatically folded and closed manner with several packaging containers and without the use of a label.

The packaging facility according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a thermo-forming packaging machine which comprises a forming station, a loading stretch, a sealing station and a package separation device successively arranged in a direction of production. It is characterized in that a folding device may be provided in order to fold a folding package about a fold line, and in that a latching device (snap fit device) may be downstream of the folding device in the direction of production. The latching device can be configured such that a first closure element being provided on a first packaging half of the folding package interacts with a second closure element of a second packaging half of the folding package such that the folding package is held together in a folded state. The packaging facility according to one embodiment enables automated manufacturing of a folding package having a plurality of receptacles, for example, for different products, and which is folded and closed within the packaging facility after the receptacles are sealed with a top film. Due to the closure elements being part of the film in which the receptacles, also referred to as trays, are formed in the forming station, no additional label is necessary for the folding package to be kept closed in its folded state.

The packaging facility can have an intermittent mode of operation which is defined by the thermo-forming packaging machine

The latching device can be provided for simultaneous processing of multiple folding packages in order to exhibit at least the same performance or productivity as the thermo-forming packaging machine

In this, the latching device in one embodiment comprises a latching unit for pressing ends of the first closure element of the first package half. This pressing operation can later again be performed manually by a person after an initial opening of the folding package in order to again close the folding package and to thus preserve the shelf life of the products when storing in the refrigerator for a longer time.

The latching unit may comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder for performing a simple motion between two predeterminable positions in an inexpensive manner

The latching unit in a particular embodiment comprises a latching pin for each end of the first closure element in order to enter one end of the first closure element of the first package half under an associated end of the second closure element of the second package half, such that a latching process of the ends with each other leads to reclosure of the folding package.

In one embodiment, the latching device comprises a support for the first closure element to assist pressing the ends of the first closure element against the ends of the second closure element.

The support can in a latching position be raised to the first closure element.

The method according to one embodiment of the invention for operating a packaging facility for manufacturing a reclosable folding package comprises the following steps:

• • forming trays in a film,
  • placing products into the trays,
  • producing a folding package by sealing a top film onto the trays along a sealing seam, where two adjacent trays form a first and a second packaging half and a fold line is provided between the two packing halves,
  • separating the folding package in a cutting station,
  • folding the folding package in a folding device, and
  • latching a first closure element of the first package half into a second closure element of the second package half in a latching device.

One advantage of this method is that automated manufacturing of a folding package is enabled, where the package half comprises multiple receptacles, for example, for different products, and the package half is folded and closed within the packaging facility after the receptacles are sealed with a top film.

In this, latching may be performed by pressing ends of the first closure element of the first package half against the ends of the second package half so that the ends of the first closure element bear against the opposite side of the ends of the second closure element to keep the folding package closed. This type of interaction and the respective design of the closure elements allow opening and reclosing without any aids, such as a label, being required.

The ends of the first closure element can be pressed in the direction of a support using latching pins, where the support acts as a counter support against part of the first closure element between its ends. Pressing downwards and bending the ends is thereby enabled to bring them under the ends of the second closure element. The elasticity of the ends is given in that the film may be a plastic film and the film preferably has a thickness of more than 300 μm. This elasticity also provides for holding together the folding package after the latching process.

During the latching process, the support preferably acts upon the first closure element simultaneously together with the latching pins.

In one embodiment, the folding package is transferred by a robot from the cutting station to a separation belt. By use of a robot, multiple folding packages can also simultaneously be removed from the cutting station, which can be designed as a complete cutting device, and deposited on the separation belt for further transport to subsequent work stations. In this, adjacently disposed folding packages can in the thermo-forming packaging machine also be disposed in succession in the transport direction. This is advantageous especially with a downstream folding device, latching device, metal detector and/or weighing device.

Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging facility in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a top perspective view of a folding package in an open state with a top film sealed thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a top perspective view of the folding package of FIG. 2a in a folded and closed state;

FIG. 2c is a side view of the folding package of FIG. 2a with closure elements;

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the package separation device with a folding device and a latching device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing detail of the packaging facility with a folding device and latching device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5a is a side view of the latching device in an open parking position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5b is a side view of the latching device of FIG. 5a in a latching position.

Same components are throughout the figures designated with the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging facility 1 with a direction of production R and a thermo-forming packaging machine 100 having successive stations. In the drawing, the following stations are illustrated starting from the right: a film roll-off device 2 for a film 22, a film stretching station 3, a forming station 4 for producing trays 19, a product supply 5, a loading stretch 6, a top film feeder 7, a sealing station 8, a package separation device 9 with a robot 10, a cutting station 11, a separation belt 12, a folding device 13 and a latching device 14, which are not visibly shown in FIG. 1. The folded and closed folding packages 15 may be subsequently supplied to a metal detector 16 and a weighing device 17.

FIG. 2a shows a folding package 15 in the open and thus still unfolded state after a top film 18 being supplied from the top film feeder 7 into the sealing station 8 was sealed along a sealing seam 20 to the trays 19 filled with products and in the cutting station 11 cut along the outer contour and thereby separated. In the forming station 4, the trays 19 can be formed into the film 22 by thermo-forming. The folding package 15 comprises a first package half 24 and a second package half 25. A preferably perforated fold line 23 may be provided between the two package halves 24, 25 for folding the two package halves 24, 25 approximately congruently onto each other. The first package half 24 on its outer side oriented parallel to the fold line 23 may comprise a first closure element 26 and similarly, the second package half 25 a second closure element 27. As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the closure elements 26, 27 are part of the film 22 and are located in the plane of a flange formation of the film 22 onto which the top film 18 is sealed with the sealing seam 20. The interior of the two trays 19 can be evacuated and/or gas-flushed in the sealing station 8 prior to sealing to produce a modified atmosphere, whereby, for example, a long shelf life of the food products can be created. As shown, the first closure element 26 comprises lateral ends 26a, 26b and the second closure element 27 comprises lateral ends 27a, 27b. The top film 18 may be attached with sealing points 40 onto the closure elements 26, 27, in order to increase attractiveness of the folding package 15.

FIG. 2b shows the folding package 15 after it has been folded in the folding device 13 and closed in the latching device 14 in that the lateral ends 26a, 26b of the first closure element 26 interact with to the lateral ends 27a, 27b of the second closure element 27 such that the end 26a of the first closure element 26 is disposed below the end 27a of the second closure element 27, and that the second end 26b of the first closure element 26 is disposed beneath the end 27b of the second closure element 27. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c, the above-disposed first package half 24 is held to the below-disposed second packaging half 25.

FIG. 2c in a side view shows how the ends 26a, 26b of the first closure element 26 are disposed below the ends 27a, 27b of the second closure element 27 after the latching process. Opening the folding package 15 is thereby possible using only a force exceeding the holding force with which bending of the ends 26a, 26b and pulling the ends 27a, 27b along can be performed.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the packaging facility 1 from the sealing station 8 to the metal detector 16. The packaging facility 1 may operate intermittently, and, for example, as presently shown, four folding packages 15 can be processed during one work cycle. A first folding package A is denoted by A′ and A″ and a second folding package B by B′ and B″. Both folding packages A and B can be processed together and simultaneously in each station or device up to the cutting station 11. In the cutting station 11, the two folding packages A and B may be cut out from the films 18 and 22 and transferred by the robot 10 onto the separation belt 12. The robot 10 may be provided for sorting out faulty folding packages 15 in that it does not deposit these folding packages 15 onto the separation belt 12 during the transfer motion, but drops them into a container—not shown. During the transport motion of the separation belt 12 in the direction of production R, the folding packages A, B are by use of the folding device 13 folded such that a portion A″ of folding package A is folded 180° about the fold line 23 so that both parts A″ and A′ are superimposed.

The closure elements 26, 27—not further shown in FIG. 3—are brought by use of the latching device 14 into a latching position (closing position) in which they keep closed the folding package 15, and the folding package 15 is supplied via the separation belt 12 to the metal detector 16. The latching device 14 may comprise two latching units 31.

It is conceivable that, in the region of the cutting station 11 or the thermo-forming packaging machine 100, respectively, the four folding packages 15 are not aligned transversely in the direction of production R, but longitudinally The robot 10 would then during transfer from the cutting station 11 onto the separation belt 12 rotate the folding packages 15 respectively by 90°.

The folding device 13 and the latching device 14 are explained in more detail in FIG. 4. As shown, the folding device 13 comprises a first guide element 28 with which part A″, B″ of the folding packages A, B is raised during transport in the direction of production R and folded over. A second guide member 29 may continue this folding process until part A″, B″ bears upon part A′, B′. Two hold-down devices 30 of the latching device 14 may be provided to ensure that the folding packages A, B continue to bear onto each other until the folding packages A, B are themselves closed with the closure elements 26, 27. The latching device 14 can comprise two successively disposed latching units 31 to be able to simultaneously close both folding packages A, B.

FIG. 5a shows a latching unit 31 of the latching device 14 as a detail in a side view. The latching unit 31 can comprise a support 32 which can be raised and lowered by a cylinder 33. In addition, the latching unit 31 may comprise two latching pins 34 that are jointly attached to a carrier 35. The carrier 36 can be raised and lowered by a cylinder 36. The cylinders 33, 36 can; for example, be embodied as a pneumatic cylinder or an actuator with two adjustment positions. In this illustration, the support 32 and the latching pins 34 are in a parked position. This means that the support 32 is disposed spaced below the latching elements 26, 27 and the latching pins 34 are disposed spaced above the closure elements 26, 27.

FIG. 5b shows the latching unit 31 in a latching position which is assumed by raising the support 32 to the latching element 26 and lowering the latching pins 34 to the ends 26a, 26b of the first closure element 26 of the upper package half 24. In this, the flexible ends 26a, 26b are bent downwardly so far that they are disposed below the ends 27a, 27b of the second closure element 27 of the lower package half 25 after the latching pins 36 are raised and the ends 26a, 26b there bear against the ends 27a, 27b. The folding packages 15 thus closed and secured against accidental opening can be further transported thereafter without any further auxiliary devices to subsequent work stations such as the metal detector 16 or the weighing device 17.

In deviation from the illustrated embodiment, for example, the folding device 13 and the latching device 14 can also be disposed outside of the package separation 9.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

The constructions and methods described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. Packaging facility including a thermo-forming packaging machine, said packaging facility comprising:

a forming station;

a loading stretch;

a sealing station;

a package separation device;

a folding device to fold a folding package about a fold line; and

a latching device arranged downstream in said direction of production of said folding device, wherein said latching device is configured such that a first closure element being provided on a first package half of said folding package can be brought to interact with a second closure element of a second package half of said folding package such that said folding package is held together in a folded state.

2. Packaging facility according to claim 1, wherein said packaging facility has an intermittent mode of operation.

3. Packaging facility according to claim 1, wherein said latching device is configured for simultaneous processing of multiple folding packages.

4. Packaging facility according to claim 1, wherein said latching device comprises a latching unit for pressing ends of said first closure element.

5. Packaging facility according to claim 4, wherein said latching unit comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder.

6. Packaging facility according to claim 4, wherein said latching unit comprises one latching pin for each end of said first closure element.

7. Packaging facility according to claim 1, wherein said latching device comprises a support for said first closure element.

8. Packaging facility according to claim 7, wherein said support can be raised to a first latching position to said first closure element.

9. Method for operating a packaging facility for manufacturing a reclosable folding package, said method comprising the following steps:

forming trays in a film;

placing products into said trays;

producing a folding package by sealing a top film onto said trays along a sealing seam, wherein two adjacent trays form a first and a second package half and a fold line is provided between said two package halves;

separating said folding package in a cutting station;

folding said folding package in a folding device; and

latching a first closure element of said first package half into a second closure element of the second package half in a latching device.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein said latching step is performed by pressing ends of said first closure element of said first package half against ends of said second closure element of said second package half, so that said ends of said first closure element bear against an opposite side of said ends of said second closure element in order to keep said folding package closed.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein said ends of said first closure element are pressed by latching pins in the direction of a support, wherein said support acts as a counter support upon a part of said first closure element between its ends.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein said support together with said latching pins simultaneously acts upon said first closure element.

13. Method according to claim 9, wherein said folding package is transferred by a robot from said cutting station to a separation belt.