Work station of a blister packaging machine

p0001The present invention relates to a work station of a blistering machine, in particular a thermoforming station, a sealing or welding station or a punching or stamping station, comprising a frame construction with the lower longitudinal and transverse struts and stored therein lifting mechanism, as well as upper longitudinal members between which the resulting blister pack is transported, and between or above the lower and upper spars arranged support columns and guide means for guided vertical movement of a receptacle on which a replaceable tool unit is arranged.

p0002Blister are present in large numbers on the market. Using such machines are packed products between a thermoformed film and a cover sheet. Such blistering normally has at least two work stations, namely a thermoforming station in which to bowl-a plastic film by deep-drawing under the application of compressed air and / or vacuum, or cup-shaped receptacles are formed and a second workstation, namely a sealing or welding station where the thermoformed bowl or cup-shaped receptacles with a second film sealed or are sealed. This second cover sheet may be made of different materials, in particular from a second thermoplastic film, an aluminum foil, paper (ev. Laminate) or a laminated, more materia time sheet. Depending on the goods to be packaged have such blister packaging also still on workstations where the products to be packaged are introduced and stations where the punched blister packs, embossed or perforated. In all of these work stations, with the exception of the filling, usually tool units are provided which are interchangeable. On the one hand to be able to perform appropriate maintenance work or to other hand finished to other designs of the corresponding packaging.

p0003While blister packaging machines for mass production, the tools are practically unchanged with respect to the shape and therefore the substitution required for inspection work only, such machines are the replacement of the tool units are suitable for different products with smaller series a relatively frequently occurring operation.

p0004In the currently used on the market Blister this tool units will be made available from the workstations from above and then removed from the top. This is relatively expensive and the tool units are weighing 50 and 100 kilograms practically only by two workers together exchangeable or it must therefor an appropriate hoist to be present. Workstations of this type are known for example from<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP1524087A"><text>EP 1524087</text></patcit> known. The applicant itself offers Blister with workstations, where the tool unit switched on from above and are removable. This type of change of tool units is time-consuming and highly demanding job.

p0005It is therefore an object of the present invention to design a workstation for blister packaging such that the amount of work connected with the replacement of tool units faster and with much less physical effort is feasible even without lifting equipment.

p0006This object is achieved by a work station of a blister packaging machine of the aforementioned type in that the support columns and guide means are spaced at least one side of the longitudinal beams of the workstation further apart than the longitudinal extension of the tool unit and the tool unit on the receiving transverse to the longitudinal direction of the latter is displaced and on this by positioning is correct position tenable, so that a lateral, transverse interchangeability of the tool unit is provided.

p0007Further advantageous embodiments of the subject invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and are described below in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

p0008It is particularly advantageous if the workstation includes a freely movable trolley, with a pallet, which corresponds to the height of a defined depth of the receiving and positioning means aufweisst for positionally positioned assembly of a tool unit, and further that the bearing plate of the transport vehicle and the recording workstation successive have matched docking.

p0009In the drawing, a preferred embodiment of the subject invention is illustrated and described below.<dl id="dl0001"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>shows an embodiment of a work station in a perspective view seen from the docking side and </dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>the same workstation in a perspective view seen from the opposite side.</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>shows members of the workstation trolley again only shown from the docking side and</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>this dolly seen in a perspective view of the docking side opposite side.</dd><dt>figure 5</dt><dd>is purely schematically a possible design of a blister packaging machine.</dd></dl>

p0010Blister machines are usually custom built. The general structure may therefore differ in several variants. Nevertheless, here is shown a possible general structure of a blister packaging machine. For optimal use of the invention is useful in this case the various occurring workstations which are generally denoted by 1, to dimension the same so that in all the stations the same trolley can be used with the same docking means. All here in the<figref idrefs="f0004">figure 5</figref> Blister illustrated is generally designated by 2. A first unwind station 3 is used for supplying a thermoplastic film F₁, This is introduced into a first work station 1, a thermoforming station in this case is 10, which purely another example in the<figref idrefs="f0001">figures 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref> is shown in more detail as inventive embodiment of a workstation. 1 This first work station 1 is followed by a filling station 4. The filling station 4 is not a workstation according to the invention. The filling station is designed very differently depending on the products to be packaged. If it is in the goods to be packed relatively simple mass products or, for example, also foods of all kinds, so these can fill, for example via a feed hopper 4 'in the already deep-drawn bowl or cup-shaped packaging. Followed by a second unwind station 5 in which a sheet material F₂ virtually any type is supplied in order to close the filled cup or bowl-shaped packaging units. In particular, in particular a thermoplastic plastic film, aluminum foil, paper (ev. Laminate) or a laminated sheet of different materials it is this, in turn, a plastic film to use.

p0011After the second unwinding station 5 follows a workstation 1,100, which is a seal or a welding station. This second work station followed by a third workstation 1,101. This third work station is then for example a stamping or embossing station. The finished packaging, which often still associated or have relatively large supernatants of packaging material are punched out and optionally provided with embossments or perforations, depending on the particular need. This third work station is followed by a transport route 6 which, however, does not represent more of the blistering machine.

p0012The inventive work station 1 can occur as shown in this example in a single blister packaging machine three times. Both with respect to the size and structure of all three workstation are designed the same, depending on the function of the corresponding workstation, however, are in different tool units mounted. During a thermoforming mold is present in the first work station 1, 10, in the second work station 1, 100 a sealed cup is the tool unit form while in the third work station 1, 101, the tool unit is in a punching, embossing or perforating.

p0013Now, with reference to the <figref idrefs="f0001">figures 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0002">2</figref> the general structure of a workstation 1 shown. The workstations are of course provided with a corresponding cover, so that the structure shown here during operation can not be seen. To make the change of the tool unit, the corresponding cover has to be removed, of course. For this purpose, the system must be shut down for safety. The risk of injury is on the one hand by the pneumatic (ev. Hydraulic) up and down movement of the recording, or the tool unit, and secondly because this tool units are hot usually in the possible risk of burning.

p0014Generally, there is the work station 1 of a frame construction 11. These usually has lower longitudinal beams 12 and lower cross members 13. In the four corners of support columns 14 are provided. The upper ends of the support columns 14 are connected to each other by upper longitudinal beams 15th In addition to the support columns 14 may be present separate guide means 16th In this illustrated preferred embodiment, the support columns 14 form simultaneously the guide means 16. The guide means 16 perform a receptacle 17 which is in the frame structure 11 in the region between the lower longitudinal beams 12 and the upper longitudinal members 15 movable up and down. This receptacle 17 serves as a support for it fixable, interchangeable tool unit 18. The receiving device 17 may as shown be a plate or a frame-like structure in which the tool unit can be held 18, or can be inserted. The tool unit 18 is in the example shown here is a deep-drawing tool. Accordingly, superimposed on the upper rails 15, a tool cover 19 which cooperates with the tool unit 18. The tool hood 19 normally has a replaceable heating plate 20, which may be designed like a drawer, and also not shown means for applying a negative pressure or an overpressure. The same also applies to the tool unit 18, which is of course also electrically heatable and comprises means to generate a negative pressure. However, since this is for the present invention is not important, does not address these specific constructive play.

p0015Between the receptacle 17 and the lower region of the frame structure 11 consisting of the longitudinal spars 12 and transverse spars 13, is a lifting mechanism which is denoted overall by 21, is shown. This lifting mechanism 21 includes a one or both sides acting piston-cylinder unit 22, which acts on Dreieckumlenker 23 which act with toggle levers 24 along which the holder 17 uniformly up and let down motion. At the four corners of the recording 17 lead angle 25 are attached. In this guide angles 25 bushings 26 are arranged through which the support columns 14, the same time the guide means are here 16 passed. The bushings 26 can be both plain and to roller bushings. Furthermore, on the same guide angles 25 which pivot bearing 27 attached to the upper end of the toggle levers 24 are pivoted.

p0016The whole point of these new design of the workstation is the possibility instead the tool unit 18, as previously relatively cumbersome assembly, dismantling, to make much faster and easier it from the side from the top possible. To this end it is firstly necessary that the support columns 14, and if they are designed separately, the guide means 16, at least on that side of the tool unit is to be inserted or withdrawn, as far apart that the distance between the support columns 14 and the guide means 16 is greater than the width of the tool unit 18th

p0017In addition, of course, the tool unit 18 on the receptacle 17 as simple as possible to be positioned and fastened. For this purpose, the tool unit 18 a Zentrierungsbalken 30. This Zentrierungsbalken 30 runs on the side surfaces tapered slightly conically. According to 17 two Zentrierungsbacken 31 are arranged between which the Zentrierungsbalken 30 is positively and at least approximately without clearance inserted in the recording. the Zentrierungsbalken 30 31 Located in precise position between the two Zentrierungsbacken on the receptacle 17, the tool unit 18 on the receptacle 17 is positioned correctly. The tool unit 18, for example, laterally projecting portions 18 'exhibit where through holes 32 are provided which are aligned with correct positioning with appropriate threaded or blind holes in the receptacle 17, so that in the correct position, the tool unit 18 with one or more screws can be fixed on the recording 17th In this way, a laterally inserted into the work station 1 tool unit 18 can be easily and quickly inserted and pulled out, be as accurate position fixes.

p0018Particularly advantageously supplements the workstation 1 with a trolley 40. The trolley is in the form of a table, which is provided with a pallet 41st This pallet 41 is placed on four table legs 42, which are provided with all sides hinged and lockable wheels 43rd The pallet 41 of the trolley 40 must be positioned at a height so that this amount coincides with a predetermined depth of the recording 17th This predetermined depth position corresponding to either the lowest position of a lifting and Absenkzykluses an up and down movement of the tool unit 18 or may be a special lowered position, which serves only the changing of the tool unit 18th For the change of the tool unit 18 is added through a not shown control unit of the blister packaging of the corresponding workstation 1 and 10, 100 or 101 to drive the command to the Auswechselhöhe which takes place simultaneously process shutdown, thus also all safety aspects are resolved. Now you can take off the cover at the appropriate workstation or to the appropriate workstations or open and the trolley 40 to the corresponding workstation 1 drive and block its castors 43rd Once you have unlocked the tool unit 18 can slide it from the receptacle 17 on the pallet 41, which is located at the same height. Although there remains a gap between the trolley 40 and the receptacle 17, this is not a problem per se.

p0019In a preferred embodiment, the location plate 41 is designed so that this 'is the receptacle 17 to rest and also to this side edge 17' directly to the exposed side edge 17 docking are provided with corresponding docking means on one side edge of the load plate 41 of the trolley 40 can cooperate. The docking means are generally designated by the 44th In this illustrated preferred embodiment, the docking means 44 are designed on the side edge 17 'as Andockbolzen 45th The docking means 44 on trolley 40 are in this case as the<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> shows correspondingly adapted Andockbohrungen 46 'are attached to the pallet 41 with the side edge 17' on the side edge 41 can be brought to bear against the receiving 17th

p0020In the example shown here, the trolley 40 is designed only for receiving a tool unit 18th However, this is not mandatory. The trolley 40 can also be designed larger so that it or found on the loading plate 41 two tool units 18 place. In principle, the loading wagon 41 can be designed exactly as wide as the length of the side edge 17 ', which stands for the docking available. In the example shown here, the trolley 40 is slightly larger and the loading plate 41 is provided with recesses 47, so that the protruding part of the load plate 41 'a kind of lock-tongue forms between the actual loading plate 41 and the recording 17th

p0021Furthermore, it is advantageous if 41 Zentrierungsbacken 31 are detachably arranged on the load plate. Such removable Zentrierungsbacke 31's<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> shown. Of course, you will of course make two such detachable Zentrierungsbacken 31 so that the Zentrierungsbalken 30 of the tool unit 18 therebetween can be accurately driven. Before the tool unit 18 moves from the loading plate 41 to the receptacle 17, one naturally takes away the corresponding centering 31st This is only to ensure that the tool unit is correctly positioned on the trolley, so that it can be directly position correctly moved to the receptacle 17 until the Zentrierungsbalken 30 between Zentrierungsbacken 31 comes to lie on the receiving 17th Instead Zentrierungsbacken 31 it would of course also possible only on one side or both sides to mount on the loading plate 41 guide rails, which ensures an accurate feeding of the tool unit 18 on the recording 17th

p0022Although in the present drawing, the inventive solution is shown only for a workstation 1 as thermoforming station, can be realized for each workstation a blistering exactly the same solution. It need not, of course, for each workstation a trolley 40 but the same trolley can be used for all work stations 1, 10, 100, one hundred and first The condition, however, and this is certainly also intended that the workstations are all the same dimensions. This also makes sense, therefore, as the tool units 18 in the various work stations practically about are equal.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

p0023<dl id="dl0002" compact="compact"><dt>1</dt><dd>workstations</dd><dt>2</dt><dd>Blister</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>unrolling</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>filling</dd><dt>4 '</dt><dd>feed hopper</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>second unwind station</dd><dt>11</dt><dd>frame construction</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>longitudinal</dd><dt>13</dt><dd>crossbars</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>support columns</dd><dt>15</dt><dd>longitudinal</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>guide means</dd><dt>17</dt><dd>Recording 17'Seitenkante recording</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>Tool unit 18'vorstehende sections</dd><dt>19</dt><dd>tool hood</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>hotplate</dd><dt>21</dt><dd>lifting mechanism</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>Piston-cylinder unit</dd><dt>23</dt><dd>Dreieckumlenker</dd><dt>24</dt><dd>toggle</dd><dt>25</dt><dd>lead angle</dd><dt>26</dt><dd>camp houses</dd><dt>27</dt><dd>pivot bearing </dd><dt>30</dt><dd>Zentrierungsbalken</dd><dt>31</dt><dd>Zentrierungsbacken</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>Dolly</dd><dt>41</dt><dd>Pallet 41'Seitenkante the pallet</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>table legs</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>docking</dd><dt>45</dt><dd>Andockbolzen</dd><dt>46</dt><dd>Andockbohrungen</dd><dt>47</dt><dd>recesses</dd></dl>