[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

EP2778081B1 - Packaging assembly with locking station and method - Google Patents

Packaging assembly with locking station and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2778081B1
EP2778081B1 EP14000609.9A EP14000609A EP2778081B1 EP 2778081 B1 EP2778081 B1 EP 2778081B1 EP 14000609 A EP14000609 A EP 14000609A EP 2778081 B1 EP2778081 B1 EP 2778081B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
folding
package
closure element
latching
packaging
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP14000609.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2778081A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Imhof
Peter Bergler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2778081A1 publication Critical patent/EP2778081A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2778081B1 publication Critical patent/EP2778081B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/08—Forming three-dimensional containers from sheet material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/04—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
    • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/26—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by closing hinged lids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/021—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas the containers or wrappers being interconnected
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00574—Contact between the container and the lid secured locally, i.e. a lot less than half the periphery

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a packaging installation according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method having the features of claim 9.
  • From the DE 28 27 645 A is a packaging container, consisting of two foldable interconnected halves known.
  • the two halves each include flexible closure members that are engageable to press the flanges of the two halves together.
  • Each resealable packaging comprising a pack bottom for receiving a product and a lid as a pack top, which are sealed to each other airtight.
  • the lid and the pack bottom, which receives the product have a reclosing tongue or a tongue receptacle in order to be able to reseal them manually after opening the packaging.
  • the DE 20 2011 103 391 U shows a Mehrfachfaltpackung with four compartments for receiving products and mechanical fasteners to hold them together after folding the package.
  • the folded package has on the opposite side of the closure elements on a sub-area, which serves as a stand space for the packaging, for example, on the shelf of a shop for a particularly attractive product presentation.
  • the manual folding and closing has been found.
  • the DE 10 2008 045 025 A shows a thermoforming packaging machine with a folding device for producing a reclosable double-fold package.
  • the use of a label results in both holding the package after folding and reclosing after removing a portion of the products.
  • the disadvantage of this is that the package has only one receptacle for receiving products and a label is necessary.
  • the labels often have the disadvantage that the adhesive power after opening and reclosing wears off, especially when stored in the refrigerator.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system in order to be able to produce a folded package with a plurality of packaging containers and automatically folded and sealed without the use of a label.
  • the packaging installation according to the invention comprises a thermoforming packaging machine which has a forming station, an insertion path, a sealing station and a packaging separation in succession in a production direction. It is characterized in that a folding device is provided to fold a folded package around a fold line, and that a latching device is arranged downstream in the production direction of the folding device.
  • the latching device is configured such that a first closure element, which is provided on a first package half of the folded package, cooperates with a second closure element of a second package half of the folded package such that the folded package is held together in a folded state.
  • the packaging system enables the automatic production of a folded package, which has a plurality of receptacles for, for example, different products, and after sealing the receptacle with a lid film is folded and sealed within the packaging system. Because of the closure elements that are part of the film into which the receptacles, also referred to as troughs, are molded in the forming station, no additional label is needed to keep the folded package closed in its folded state.
  • the packaging installation preferably has an intermittent operation which is predetermined by the thermoforming packaging machine.
  • the latching device is provided for simultaneously processing a plurality of folding packages to have at least the same performance as the thermoforming packaging machine.
  • the latching device has a latching unit for pressing ends of the first closure element of the first pack half. This process of pressing can be carried out manually again after a first opening of the folding pack by a person later to re-close the folding pack and so longer to maintain the shelf life of the products during storage in the refrigerator.
  • the Einrasttician comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder to inexpensively perform a simple movement between two predetermined positions.
  • the latch unit has a respective latching pin for one end each of the first closure element in order to bring one end of the first closure element of the first half of the package under a designated end of the second closure element of the second half of the package in such a way that the ends are latched together leads to a reclosure of the folded package.
  • the latching device comprises a support for the first closure element to assist in pressing the ends of the first closure element against the ends of the second closure element.
  • the support is preferably raised in a latching position to the first closure element.
  • the advantage of this method is that an automatic production of a folding package is made possible, wherein the folding package has a plurality of receiving containers for, for example, different products and after the sealing of the receiving container with a lid film, the folded package is folded and sealed within the packaging system.
  • the latching is preferably carried out by pressing ends of the first closure element of the first half of the package opposite to the ends of the second half of the package so that the ends of the first closure element abut on the opposite side of the ends of the second closure element to keep the folded package closed.
  • the ends of the first closure element are pressed by means of latching pins in the direction of a support, wherein the support acts against a part of the first closure element between its ends as a counter-holder.
  • the support acts against a part of the first closure element between its ends as a counter-holder.
  • the elasticity of the ends is given by the fact that the film is a plastic film and the film preferably has a thickness of more than 300 microns. This elasticity also ensures the holding together of the folded package after the latching process.
  • the support preferably acts simultaneously on the first closure element together with the latching pins.
  • the folded package is converted by means of a robot from the cutting station to a separating belt.
  • a robot By using a robot, several folding packages from the cutting station, which can be designed as a complete cutting device, can be removed simultaneously and onto the separating belt for further transport to subsequent workstation are stored.
  • juxtaposed folding packages can be arranged on the separating belt in the transport direction one behind the other. This is particularly advantageous in a subsequent folding device, latching device, metal detector and / or weighing device.
  • Fig. 1 shows a packaging machine 1 with a production direction R and a thermoforming packaging machine 100 having successive stations.
  • the following stations are shown starting from the right in the drawing: a film unwrapping 2 for a film 22, a film stretching station 3, a forming station 4 for producing depressions 19, a product feed 5, an insertion path 6, a cover film feed 7, a sealing station 8, a packaging separation 9 with a robot 10, a cutting station 11, a separating belt 12, a folding device 13 and a latching device 14, the in Fig. 1 are not visible.
  • the folded and sealed folding packages 15 are subsequently fed to a metal detector 16 and a weighing device 17.
  • Fig. 2a shows a Faltpackung 15 in the opened and thus still unfolded state after a lid sheet 18, which is supplied from the cover sheet feeder 7 in the sealing station 8, was sealed on product-filled wells 19 along a sealed seam 20 and cut in the cutting station 11 along the outer contour and thus was isolated.
  • the troughs 19 are produced by deep drawing into the film 22 in the forming station 4.
  • the folded package 15 has a first package half 24 and a second package half 25. Between the two package halves 24, 25 a preferably perforated fold line 23 is provided to fold the two package halves 24, 25 approximately congruent to each other.
  • the first half of the package 24 has on its outer side oriented parallel to the fold line 23 a first closure element 26 and analogously the second half of the package 25 a second closure element 27.
  • the closure elements 26, 27 are part of the film 22 and are in the plane of a flange formation of the film 22nd to which the lidding film 18 is sealed by means of the sealing seam 20.
  • the interior of the two troughs 19 can be evacuated and / or fumigated in the sealing station 8 prior to sealing in order to produce a modified atmosphere, with which, for example, a long shelf life can be produced in the case of foods.
  • the first closure element 26 has lateral ends 26a, 26b and the second closure element 27 has lateral ends 27a, 27b.
  • the cover film 18 is attached by means of sealing dots 40 on the closure elements 26, 27 in order to increase the attractiveness of the folded package 15.
  • Fig. 2b shows the folded package 15, after it has been folded in the folding device 13 and locked in the latching device 14 by the lateral ends 26a, 26b of the first closure element 26 with the lateral ends 27a, 27b of the second closure member 27 cooperate such that the end 26a of the first closure element 26 below the end 27a of the second closure element 27 and that the second end 26b of the first closure element 26 are located below the end 27b of the second closure element 27.
  • the overhead first half of the package 24 held on the underlying second pack half 25.
  • Fig. 2c shows in the side view illustrates how the ends 26a, 26b of the first closure member 26 are below the ends 27a, 27b of the second closure member 27 after the latching operation.
  • Fig. 3 shows the top view of the packaging system 1 from the sealing station 8 to the metal detector 16.
  • the packaging system 1 operates intermittently, and during a working cycle as shown here four Faltpackungen 15 are processed.
  • a first folded package A is marked with A 'and A "and a second folded package B with B' and B". Both folding packages A and B are processed simultaneously in each station or device and up to the cutting station 11.
  • the two folded packages A and B are cut out of the films 18 and 22 and converted by the robot 10 onto the separating belt 12.
  • the robot 10 is also provided to sort out defective folding packages 15 by not placing these folding packages 15 on the separating belt 12 during the transfer movement, but dropping them into a container (not shown).
  • the folding packages A, B are folded by means of the folding device 13 so that a part A "of the folded package A is folded over the fold line 23 by 180 °, so that both parts A" and A 'are superimposed lie.
  • the latching device 14 By means of the latching device 14, the in Fig. 3 Not shown closure elements 26, 27 brought into a Verschdir ein in which they keep the folded package 15 closed, and fed to the metal detector 16 via the separating belt 12.
  • the latching device 14 has two latching units 31.
  • the four folded packages 15 in the area of the cutting station 11 or in the thermoforming packaging machine 100 are not aligned transversely, but longitudinally to the production direction R.
  • the robot 10 would then turn the folding packages 15 correspondingly by 90 ° during the conversion of the folding package 15 from the cutting station 11 to the separating belt 12.
  • the folding device 13 and latching device 14 are in Fig. 4 explained in more detail.
  • the folding device 13 has a first guide element 28, by means of which the part A ", B" of the folded packages A, B is raised in the production direction R during transport and be folded over.
  • a second guide element 29 continues this folding process until the part A ", B” rests on the part A ', B'.
  • Two hold-down devices 30 of the latching device 14 ensure that the folded packages A, B are held together until the folded packages A, B are closed by means of the closure elements 26, 27 themselves.
  • the latching device 14 comprises two successive latching units 31 in order to be able to close both folded packages A, B at the same time.
  • Fig. 5a shows a Einrastiser 31 of the latching device 14 as a section in a side view.
  • the latching unit 31 comprises a support 32 which can be raised and lowered via a cylinder 33.
  • the latching unit 31 comprises two latching pins 34 which are mounted together on a carrier 35.
  • the carrier 36 can be raised and lowered via a cylinder 36.
  • the cylinders 33, 36 may be designed as, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder or be an actuator with two setting positions.
  • the support 32 and the locking pins 34 are in a parked position. This means that the support 32 spaced below the closure elements 26, 27 and the locking pins 34 spaced above the closure elements 26, 27 are located.
  • Fig. 5b shows the Einrasttician 31 in a latching position, which is taken by raising the support 32 to the closure member 26 and the lowering of the locking pins 34 on the ends 26a, 26b of the first closure member 26 of the upper half pack 24.
  • the flexible ends 26a, 26b bent so far down that they are after raising the locking pins 36 below the ends 27a, 27b of the second closure member 27 of the lower half of the package 25 and the ends 26a, 26b at the ends 27a, 27b abut.
  • the so-sealed and secured against unintentional opening folding packages 15 can be further transported without further auxiliary devices to subsequent work stations such as metal detector 16 or weighing 17 below.
  • the folding device 13 and the latching device 14 may also be arranged outside the packaging separation 9.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Verpackungsanlage gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und auf ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 9.The invention relates to a packaging installation according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method having the features of claim 9.

Aus der DE 28 27 645 A ist ein Verpackungsbehälter, bestehend aus zwei faltbar miteinander verbundenen Hälften, bekannt. Die zwei Hälften umfassen jeweils flexible Verschlussteile, die ineinander greifen können, um die Flansche der zwei Hälften dicht aufeinander zu drücken.From the DE 28 27 645 A is a packaging container, consisting of two foldable interconnected halves known. The two halves each include flexible closure members that are engageable to press the flanges of the two halves together.

Aus der DE 10 2010 050 734 A und der US 4,226,358 A sind jeweils wiederverschließbare Verpackungen bekannt, die ein Packungsunterteil zur Aufnahme eines Produktes und einen Deckel als Packungsoberteil umfasst, die aneinander luftdicht gesiegelt werden. Der Deckel und das Packungsunterteil, das das Produkt aufnimmt, weisen eine Wiederverschließzunge bzw. eine Zungenaufnahme auf, um nach dem Öffnen der Verpackung diese händisch wiederverschließen zu können.From the DE 10 2010 050 734 A and the US 4,226,358 A Each resealable packaging is known, comprising a pack bottom for receiving a product and a lid as a pack top, which are sealed to each other airtight. The lid and the pack bottom, which receives the product, have a reclosing tongue or a tongue receptacle in order to be able to reseal them manually after opening the packaging.

Aus der US 5,603,203 A und DE 298 19 013 U1 sind Verpackungsmaschinen zur Herstellung von Faltpackungen bekannt, wobei die Verpackungen einen Deckelteil aufweisen, der mittels eines ausgeprägten Randabschnitts an einer Seite des Randes eines Packungsunterteils einrastet.From the US 5,603,203 A and DE 298 19 013 U1 Packaging machines for the production of folding packages are known, wherein the packages have a lid part which engages by means of a pronounced edge portion on one side of the edge of a pack bottom part.

Die DE 20 2011 103 391 U zeigt eine Mehrfachfaltpackung mit vier Fächern zur Aufnahme von Produkten und mit mechanischen Verschlusselementen, um nach einem Falten der Verpackung diese zusammenzuhalten. Die gefaltete Verpackung weist auf der gegenüber den Verschlusselementen befindlichen Seite einen Teilbereich auf, der als Standfläche für die Verpackung beispielsweise im Regal eines Verkaufsladens zur besonders attraktiven Produktpräsentation dient. Als nachteilig hat sich das händische Falten und Verschließen herausgestellt.The DE 20 2011 103 391 U shows a Mehrfachfaltpackung with four compartments for receiving products and mechanical fasteners to hold them together after folding the package. The folded package has on the opposite side of the closure elements on a sub-area, which serves as a stand space for the packaging, for example, on the shelf of a shop for a particularly attractive product presentation. As a disadvantage, the manual folding and closing has been found.

Die DE 10 2008 045 025 A zeigt eine Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine mit einer Falteinrichtung zum Herstellen einer wiederverschließbaren Doppelfaltpackung. Die Verwendung eines Etiketts führt sowohl zum Halten der Verpackung nach dem Falten als auch zum Wiederverschließen nach Entnahme eines Teils der Produkte. Nachteilig daran ist, dass die Verpackung nur einen Aufnahmebehälter zur Aufnahme von Produkten aufweist und ein Etikett notwendig ist. Die Etiketten haben oftmals den Nachteil, dass die Klebekraft nach dem Öffnen und Wiederverschließen nachlässt, vor allem bei einer Lagerung im Kühlschrank.The DE 10 2008 045 025 A shows a thermoforming packaging machine with a folding device for producing a reclosable double-fold package. The use of a label results in both holding the package after folding and reclosing after removing a portion of the products. The disadvantage of this is that the package has only one receptacle for receiving products and a label is necessary. The labels often have the disadvantage that the adhesive power after opening and reclosing wears off, especially when stored in the refrigerator.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Verpackungsanlage zur Verfügung zu stellen, um eine Faltpackung mit mehreren Verpackungsbehältern und ohne die Verwendung eines Etiketts automatisch gefaltet und verschlossen herstellen zu können.The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system in order to be able to produce a folded package with a plurality of packaging containers and automatically folded and sealed without the use of a label.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Verpackungsanlage mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 bzw. durch ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Verpackungsanlage mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 9. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved by a packaging installation with the features of claim 1 or by a method for operating a packaging installation having the features of claim 9. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage umfasst eine Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine, die in einer Produktionsrichtung aufeinander nachfolgend angeordnet eine Formstation, eine Einlegestrecke, eine Siegelstation und eine Verpackungsvereinzelung aufweist. Sie zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass eine Falteinrichtung vorgesehen ist, um eine Faltpackung um eine Faltlinie zu falten, und dass eine Einrastvorrichtung in Produktionsrichtung der Faltvorrichtung nachfolgend angeordnet ist. Die Einrastvorrichtung ist derart gestaltet, dass ein erstes Verschlusselement, das an einer ersten Packungshälfte der Faltpackung vorgesehen ist, mit einem zweiten Verschlusselement einer zweiten Packungshälfte der Faltpackung derart zusammenwirkt, dass die Faltpackung in einem gefalteten Zustand zusammengehalten wird. Die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage ermöglicht die automatische Herstellung einer Faltpackung, die mehrere Aufnahmebehälter für beispielsweise unterschiedliche Produkte aufweist, und nach dem Versiegeln der Aufnahmebehälter mit einer Deckelfolie innerhalb der Verpackungsanlage gefaltet und verschlossen wird. Wegen der Verschlusselemente, die Teil der Folie sind, in die die Aufnahmebehälter, auch als Mulden bezeichnet, in der Formstation geformt werden, ist kein zusätzliches Etikett notwendig, damit die Faltpackung in ihrem gefalteten Zustand geschlossen zu halten.The packaging installation according to the invention comprises a thermoforming packaging machine which has a forming station, an insertion path, a sealing station and a packaging separation in succession in a production direction. It is characterized in that a folding device is provided to fold a folded package around a fold line, and that a latching device is arranged downstream in the production direction of the folding device. The latching device is configured such that a first closure element, which is provided on a first package half of the folded package, cooperates with a second closure element of a second package half of the folded package such that the folded package is held together in a folded state. The packaging system according to the invention enables the automatic production of a folded package, which has a plurality of receptacles for, for example, different products, and after sealing the receptacle with a lid film is folded and sealed within the packaging system. Because of the closure elements that are part of the film into which the receptacles, also referred to as troughs, are molded in the forming station, no additional label is needed to keep the folded package closed in its folded state.

Bevorzugt weist die Verpackungsanlage einen intermittierenden Betrieb auf, der durch die Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine vorgegeben wird.The packaging installation preferably has an intermittent operation which is predetermined by the thermoforming packaging machine.

Vorzugsweise ist die Einrastvorrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Bearbeiten von mehreren Faltpackungen vorgesehen, um wenigstens die gleiche Leistung wie die Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine aufzuweisen.Preferably, the latching device is provided for simultaneously processing a plurality of folding packages to have at least the same performance as the thermoforming packaging machine.

Dabei weist die Einrastvorrichtung in einer vorteilhaften Ausführung eine Einrasteinheit zum Drücken von Enden des ersten Verschlusselements der ersten Packungshälfte auf. Dieser Vorgang des Drückens kann später nach einem ersten Öffnen der Faltpackung durch eine Person wieder händisch ausgeführt werden, um die Faltpackung wieder zu verschließen und so die Haltbarkeit der Produkte bei der Lagerung im Kühlschrank länger aufrecht zu erhalten.In one advantageous embodiment, the latching device has a latching unit for pressing ends of the first closure element of the first pack half. This process of pressing can be carried out manually again after a first opening of the folding pack by a person later to re-close the folding pack and so longer to maintain the shelf life of the products during storage in the refrigerator.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Einrasteinheit wenigstens einen Pneumatikzylinder, um eine einfache Bewegung zwischen zwei vorgebbaren Positionen kostengünstig auszuführen.Preferably, the Einrasteinheit comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder to inexpensively perform a simple movement between two predetermined positions.

Die Einrasteinheit weist in einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführung je einen Raststift für je ein Ende des ersten Verschlusselements auf, um ein Ende des ersten Verschlusselements der ersten Packungshälfte so unter ein dafür vorgesehenes Ende des zweiten Verschlusselements der zweiten Packungshälfte zu bringen, dass eine Verriegelung mittels der Enden miteinander zu einem Wiederverschluss der Faltpackung führt.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the latch unit has a respective latching pin for one end each of the first closure element in order to bring one end of the first closure element of the first half of the package under a designated end of the second closure element of the second half of the package in such a way that the ends are latched together leads to a reclosure of the folded package.

Bevorzugt umfasst die Einrastvorrichtung eine Auflage für das erste Verschlusselement, um das Drücken der Enden des ersten Verschlusselements gegen die Enden des zweiten Verschlusselements zu unterstützen.Preferably, the latching device comprises a support for the first closure element to assist in pressing the ends of the first closure element against the ends of the second closure element.

Die Auflage ist dabei bevorzugt in einer Einrastposition an das erste Verschlusselement anhebbar.The support is preferably raised in a latching position to the first closure element.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Verpackungsanlage, um eine wiederverschließbare Faltpackung herzustellen, weist folgende Schritte auf:

  • Formen von Mulden in eine Folie,
  • Einlegen von Produkten in die Mulden,
  • Erzeugen einer Faltpackung durch Aufsiegeln einer Deckelfolie auf die Mulden entlang einer Siegelnaht, wobei zwei benachbarte Mulden eine erste und eine zweite Packungshälfte bilden und zwischen beiden Packungshälften eine Faltlinie vorgesehen ist,
  • Vereinzeln der Faltpackung in einer Schneidstation,
  • Falten der Faltpackung in einer Falteinrichtung,
  • Einrasten eines ersten Verschlusselements der ersten Packungshälfte in ein zweites Verschlusselement der zweiten Packungshälfte in einer Einrastvorrichtung.
The method according to the invention for operating a packaging installation in order to produce a resealable folding package comprises the following steps:
  • Forming hollows in a foil,
  • Placing products in the hollows,
  • Generating a folded package by sealing a lid foil on the troughs along a sealed seam, wherein two adjacent troughs form a first and a second half of the package and a fold line is provided between the two halves of the package,
  • Separating the folded package in a cutting station,
  • Folding the folded package in a folding device,
  • Engaging a first closure element of the first half of the package in a second closure element of the second half of the package in a latching device.

Der Vorteil dieses Verfahrens liegt darin, dass eine automatische Herstellung einer Faltpackung ermöglicht wird, wobei die Faltpackung mehrere Aufnahmebehälter für beispielsweise unterschiedliche Produkte aufweist und nach dem Versiegeln der Aufnahmebehälter mit einer Deckelfolie die Faltpackung innerhalb der Verpackungsanlage gefaltet und verschlossen wird.The advantage of this method is that an automatic production of a folding package is made possible, wherein the folding package has a plurality of receiving containers for, for example, different products and after the sealing of the receiving container with a lid film, the folded package is folded and sealed within the packaging system.

Dabei wird vorzugsweise das Einrasten durch Drücken von Enden des ersten Verschlusselements der ersten Packungshälfte entgegen den Enden der zweiten Packungshälfte ausgeführt, damit die Enden des ersten Verschlusselements auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Enden des zweiten Verschlusselements anliegen, um die Faltpackung verschlossen zu halten. Diese Art der Zusammenwirkung und die entsprechende Gestaltung der Verschlusselemente ermöglicht ein Öffnen und ein Wiederverschließen, ohne dass Hilfsmittel wie ein Etikett notwendig sind.In this case, the latching is preferably carried out by pressing ends of the first closure element of the first half of the package opposite to the ends of the second half of the package so that the ends of the first closure element abut on the opposite side of the ends of the second closure element to keep the folded package closed. This type of cooperation and the corresponding design of the closure elements allows opening and reclosing without the need for aids such as a label.

Bevorzugt werden die Enden des ersten Verschlusselements mittels Raststiften in Richtung einer Auflage gedrückt, wobei die Auflage gegenüber einem Teil des ersten Verschlusselements zwischen dessen Enden als Gegenhalter wirkt. Somit ist ein Herunterdrücken und ein Umbiegen der Enden ermöglicht, um sie unter die Enden des zweiten Verschlusselementes zu bringen. Die Elastizität der Enden ist dadurch gegeben, dass die Folie eine Kunststofffolie ist und die Folie vorzugsweise eine Stärke von mehr als 300 µm aufweist. Diese Elastizität sorgt auch für das Zusammenhalten der Faltpackung nach dem Einrastvorgang.Preferably, the ends of the first closure element are pressed by means of latching pins in the direction of a support, wherein the support acts against a part of the first closure element between its ends as a counter-holder. Thus, it is possible to press down and bend the ends to bring them under the ends of the second closure element. The elasticity of the ends is given by the fact that the film is a plastic film and the film preferably has a thickness of more than 300 microns. This elasticity also ensures the holding together of the folded package after the latching process.

Die Auflage wirkt während des Einrastvorgangs vorzugsweise gleichzeitig zusammen mit den Raststiften auf das erste Verschlusselement.During the latching process, the support preferably acts simultaneously on the first closure element together with the latching pins.

In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführung wird die Faltpackung mittels eines Roboters von der Schneidstation auf ein Vereinzelungsband umgesetzt. Durch den Einsatz eines Roboters können gleichzeitig auch mehrere Faltpackungen aus der Schneidstation, die als Komplettschnitteinrichtung ausgeführt sein kann, entnommen und auf das Vereinzelungsband zum Weitertransport an nachfolgende Arbeitsstation abgelegt werden. Dabei können auch in der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine in Produktionsrichtung nebeneinander angeordnete Faltpackungen auf dem Vereinzelungsband in Transportrichtung hintereinander angeordnet werden. Dies ist vor allem bei einer nachfolgenden Falteinrichtung, Einrastvorrichtung, Metalldetektor und/oder Wägeeinrichtung sehr vorteilhaft.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the folded package is converted by means of a robot from the cutting station to a separating belt. By using a robot, several folding packages from the cutting station, which can be designed as a complete cutting device, can be removed simultaneously and onto the separating belt for further transport to subsequent workstation are stored. In this case, also in the thermoforming packaging machine in the production direction juxtaposed folding packages can be arranged on the separating belt in the transport direction one behind the other. This is particularly advantageous in a subsequent folding device, latching device, metal detector and / or weighing device.

Im Folgenden wird ein vorteilhaftes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Im Einzelnen zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsanlage,
Fig. 2a
eine Faltpackung in geöffnetem Zustand mit einer aufgesiegelten Deckelfolie,
Fig. 2b
die Faltpackung in gefaltetem und verschlossenem Zustand,
Fig. 2c
die Faltpackung in einer Seitenansicht mit Verschlusselementen,
Fig. 3
eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Verpackungsvereinzelung mit Falteinrichtung und Einrastvorrichtung,
Fig. 4
einen Ausschnitt der Verpackungsanlage mit einer Falteinrichtung und einer Einrastvorrichtung,
Fig. 5a
eine Seitenansicht der Einrastvorrichtung in einer offenen Parkposition und
Fig. 5b
eine Seitenansicht der Einrastvorrichtung in einer Einrastposition.
In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to a drawing. In detail show:
Fig. 1
a packaging system according to the invention,
Fig. 2a
a folded package in the opened state with a sealed lid foil,
Fig. 2b
the folded package in folded and closed condition,
Fig. 2c
the folded package in a side view with closure elements,
Fig. 3
a schematic plan view of the packaging separation with folding device and latching device,
Fig. 4
a detail of the packaging system with a folding device and a latching device,
Fig. 5a
a side view of the latch in an open parking position and
Fig. 5b
a side view of the latch in a latching position.

Gleiche Komponenten sind in den Figuren durchgängig mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.The same components are provided throughout the figures with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Verpackungsanlage 1 mit einer Produktionsrichtung R und einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine 100, die aufeinanderfolgende Stationen aufweist. In der Zeichnung sind von rechts beginnend folgende Stationen gezeigt: eine Folienabrollung 2 für eine Folie 22, eine Folienreckstation 3, eine Formstation 4 zum Erzeugen von Mulden 19, eine Produktzuführung 5, eine Einlegestrecke 6, eine Deckelfolienzuführung 7, eine Siegelstation 8, eine Verpackungsvereinzelung 9 mit einem Roboter 10, einer Schneidstation 11, einem Vereinzelungsband 12, einer Falteinrichtung 13 und einer Einrastvorrichtung 14, die in Fig. 1 nicht sichtbar dargestellt sind. Die gefalteten und verschlossenen Faltpackungen 15 werden nachfolgend einem Metalldetektor 16 und einer Wägeeinrichtung 17 zugeführt. Fig. 1 shows a packaging machine 1 with a production direction R and a thermoforming packaging machine 100 having successive stations. The following stations are shown starting from the right in the drawing: a film unwrapping 2 for a film 22, a film stretching station 3, a forming station 4 for producing depressions 19, a product feed 5, an insertion path 6, a cover film feed 7, a sealing station 8, a packaging separation 9 with a robot 10, a cutting station 11, a separating belt 12, a folding device 13 and a latching device 14, the in Fig. 1 are not visible. The folded and sealed folding packages 15 are subsequently fed to a metal detector 16 and a weighing device 17.

Fig. 2a zeigt eine Faltpackung 15 im geöffneten und somit noch ungefaltetem Zustand, nachdem eine Deckelfolie 18, die von der Deckelfolienzuführung 7 in die Siegelstation 8 zugeführt wird, auf mit Produkten gefüllte Mulden 19 entlang einer Siegelnaht 20 gesiegelt wurde und in der Schneidstation 11 entlang der Außenkontur geschnitten und somit vereinzelt wurde. Die Mulden 19 werden durch Tiefziehen in die Folie 22 in der Formstation 4 erzeugt. Die Faltpackung 15 weist eine erste Packungshälfte 24 und ein zweite Packungshälfte 25 auf. Zwischen den zwei Packungshälften 24, 25 ist eine vorzugsweise perforierte Faltlinie 23 vorgesehen, um die zwei Packungshälften 24, 25 annähernd deckungsgleich aufeinander zu falten. Die erste Packungshälfte 24 weist an ihrer parallel zur Faltlinie 23 orientierten Außenseite eine erstes Verschlusselement 26 auf und analog die zweite Packungshälfte 25 ein zweites Verschlusselement 27. Die Verschlusselemente 26, 27 sind Teil der Folie 22 und befinden sich in der Ebene einer Flanschausbildung der Folie 22, auf die die Deckelfolie 18 mittels der Siegelnaht 20 gesiegelt wird. Das Innere der zwei Mulden 19 kann in der Siegelstation 8 vor dem Versiegeln evakuiert und/oder begast werden, um eine modifizierte Atmosphäre zu erzeugen, womit beispielsweise bei Lebensmitteln eine lange Haltbarkeit erzeugt werden kann. Das erste Verschlusselement 26 weist seitliche Enden 26a, 26b auf und das zweite Verschlusselement 27 weist seitliche Enden 27a, 27b auf. Die Deckelfolie 18 ist mittels Siegelpunkten 40 auf den Verschlusselementen 26, 27 angeheftet, um die Attraktivität der Faltpackung 15 zu erhöhen. Fig. 2a shows a Faltpackung 15 in the opened and thus still unfolded state after a lid sheet 18, which is supplied from the cover sheet feeder 7 in the sealing station 8, was sealed on product-filled wells 19 along a sealed seam 20 and cut in the cutting station 11 along the outer contour and thus was isolated. The troughs 19 are produced by deep drawing into the film 22 in the forming station 4. The folded package 15 has a first package half 24 and a second package half 25. Between the two package halves 24, 25 a preferably perforated fold line 23 is provided to fold the two package halves 24, 25 approximately congruent to each other. The first half of the package 24 has on its outer side oriented parallel to the fold line 23 a first closure element 26 and analogously the second half of the package 25 a second closure element 27. The closure elements 26, 27 are part of the film 22 and are in the plane of a flange formation of the film 22nd to which the lidding film 18 is sealed by means of the sealing seam 20. The interior of the two troughs 19 can be evacuated and / or fumigated in the sealing station 8 prior to sealing in order to produce a modified atmosphere, with which, for example, a long shelf life can be produced in the case of foods. The first closure element 26 has lateral ends 26a, 26b and the second closure element 27 has lateral ends 27a, 27b. The cover film 18 is attached by means of sealing dots 40 on the closure elements 26, 27 in order to increase the attractiveness of the folded package 15.

Fig. 2b zeigt die Faltpackung 15, nachdem sie in der Falteinrichtung 13 gefaltet und in der Einrastvorrichtung 14 verschlossen wurde, indem die seitlichen Enden 26a, 26b des ersten Verschlusselementes 26 mit den seitlichen Enden 27a, 27b des zweiten Verschlusselementes 27 derart zusammenwirken, dass sich das Ende 26a des ersten Verschlusselementes 26 unterhalb des Endes 27a des zweiten Verschlusselementes 27 und dass sich das zweite Ende 26b des ersten Verschlusselementes 26 unterhalb des Endes 27b des zweiten Verschlusselementes 27 befinden. Somit wird, wie in Fig. 2b und Fig. 2c gezeigt, die obenliegende erste Packungshälfte 24 an der unterhalb liegenden zweiten Packungshälfte 25 gehalten. Fig. 2b shows the folded package 15, after it has been folded in the folding device 13 and locked in the latching device 14 by the lateral ends 26a, 26b of the first closure element 26 with the lateral ends 27a, 27b of the second closure member 27 cooperate such that the end 26a of the first closure element 26 below the end 27a of the second closure element 27 and that the second end 26b of the first closure element 26 are located below the end 27b of the second closure element 27. Thus, as in Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c shown, the overhead first half of the package 24 held on the underlying second pack half 25.

Fig. 2c zeigt in der Seitansicht verdeutlicht, wie sich die Enden 26a, 26b des ersten Verschlusselements 26 unterhalb der Enden 27a, 27b des zweiten Verschlusselements 27 nach dem Einrastvorgang befinden. Somit ist ein Öffnen der Faltpackung 15 nur mit einer Kraft möglich, die die Haltekraft übersteigt, mit der ein Umbiegen der Enden 26a, 26b und Vorbeiziehen an den Enden 27a, 27b erfolgen kann. Fig. 2c shows in the side view illustrates how the ends 26a, 26b of the first closure member 26 are below the ends 27a, 27b of the second closure member 27 after the latching operation. Thus, an opening of the folded package 15 is possible only with a force that exceeds the holding force with which a bending of the ends 26a, 26b and passing by at the ends 27a, 27b can take place.

Fig. 3 zeigt die Draufsicht auf die Verpackungsanlage 1 von der Siegelstation 8 bis zum Metalldetektor 16. Die Verpackungsanlage 1 arbeitet intermittierend, und während eines Arbeitstakts werden wie beispielsweise hier gezeigt vier Faltpackungen 15 bearbeitet. Eine erste Faltpackung A ist mit A' und A" und eine zweite Faltpackung B mit B' und B" gekennzeichnet. Beide Faltpackungen A und B werden in jeder Station bzw. Einrichtung gemeinsam und bis zur Schneidstation 11 gleichzeitig bearbeitet. In der Schneidstation 11 werden die zwei Faltpackungen A und B aus den Folien 18 und 22 ausgeschnitten und vom Roboter 10 auf das Vereinzelungsband 12 umgesetzt. Der Roboter 10 ist auch dazu vorgesehen, fehlerhafte Faltpackungen 15 auszusortieren, indem er diese Faltpackungen 15 während der Umsetzbewegung nicht auf das Vereinzelungsband 12 absetzt, sondern in einen nicht dargestellten Behälter fallen lässt. Während der Transportbewegung des Vereinzelungsbands 12 in der Produktionsrichtung R werden die Faltpackungen A, B mittels der Falteinrichtung 13 so gefaltet, dass ein Teil A" der Faltpackung A um 180° um die Faltlinie 23 umgefaltet, so dass beide Teile A" und A' übereinander liegen. Fig. 3 shows the top view of the packaging system 1 from the sealing station 8 to the metal detector 16. The packaging system 1 operates intermittently, and during a working cycle as shown here four Faltpackungen 15 are processed. A first folded package A is marked with A 'and A "and a second folded package B with B' and B". Both folding packages A and B are processed simultaneously in each station or device and up to the cutting station 11. In the cutting station 11, the two folded packages A and B are cut out of the films 18 and 22 and converted by the robot 10 onto the separating belt 12. The robot 10 is also provided to sort out defective folding packages 15 by not placing these folding packages 15 on the separating belt 12 during the transfer movement, but dropping them into a container (not shown). During the transport movement of the separating belt 12 in the production direction R, the folding packages A, B are folded by means of the folding device 13 so that a part A "of the folded package A is folded over the fold line 23 by 180 °, so that both parts A" and A 'are superimposed lie.

Mittels der Einrastvorrichtung 14 werden die in Fig. 3 nicht näher dargestellten Verschlusselemente 26, 27 in eine Verschließstellung gebracht, in der sie die Faltpackung 15 geschlossen halten, und über das Vereinzelungsband 12 dem Metalldetektor 16 zugeführt werden. Die Einrastvorrichtung 14 weist zwei Einrasteinheiten 31 auf.By means of the latching device 14, the in Fig. 3 Not shown closure elements 26, 27 brought into a Verschließstellung in which they keep the folded package 15 closed, and fed to the metal detector 16 via the separating belt 12. The latching device 14 has two latching units 31.

Es ist denkbar, dass die vier Faltpackungen 15 im Bereich der Schneidstation 11 bzw. in der Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine 100 nicht quer, sondern längs zur Produktionsrichtung R ausgerichtet sind. Der Roboter 10 würde dann während des Umsetzens der Faltpackung 15 von der Schneidstation 11 auf das Vereinzelungsband 12 die Faltpackungen 15 entsprechend um 90° drehen.It is conceivable that the four folded packages 15 in the area of the cutting station 11 or in the thermoforming packaging machine 100 are not aligned transversely, but longitudinally to the production direction R. The robot 10 would then turn the folding packages 15 correspondingly by 90 ° during the conversion of the folding package 15 from the cutting station 11 to the separating belt 12.

Die Falteinrichtung 13 und Einrastvorrichtung 14 werden in Fig. 4 näher erläutert. Die Falteinrichtung 13 weist ein erstes Führungselement 28 auf, mittels dessen der Teil A", B" der Faltpackungen A, B während des Transportes in Produktionsrichtung R angehoben und umgefaltet werden. Ein zweites Führungselement 29 führt diesen Faltvorgang weiter, bis der Teil A", B" auf dem Teil A', B' aufliegt. Zwei Niederhalter 30 der Einrastvorrichtung 14 stellen sicher, dass die Faltpackungen A, B solange aufeinander gehalten werden, bis die Faltpackungen A, B über die Verschlusselemente 26, 27 selbst geschlossen sind. Die Einrastvorrichtung 14 umfasst zwei aufeinander folgende Einrasteinheiten 31, um beide Faltpackungen A, B gleichzeitig verschließen zu können.The folding device 13 and latching device 14 are in Fig. 4 explained in more detail. The folding device 13 has a first guide element 28, by means of which the part A ", B" of the folded packages A, B is raised in the production direction R during transport and be folded over. A second guide element 29 continues this folding process until the part A ", B" rests on the part A ', B'. Two hold-down devices 30 of the latching device 14 ensure that the folded packages A, B are held together until the folded packages A, B are closed by means of the closure elements 26, 27 themselves. The latching device 14 comprises two successive latching units 31 in order to be able to close both folded packages A, B at the same time.

Fig. 5a zeigt eine Einrasteinheit 31 der Einrastvorrichtung 14 als Ausschnitt in einer Seitenansicht. Die Einrasteinheit 31 umfasst eine Auflage 32, die über einen Zylinder 33 anheb- und absenkbar ist. Des Weiteren umfasst die Einrasteinheit 31 zwei Raststifte 34, die gemeinsam an einem Träger 35 angebracht sind. Der Träger 36 ist über einen Zylinder 36 anheb- und absenkbar. Die Zylinder 33, 36 können als beispielsweise als Pneumatikzylinder ausgeführt sein oder ein Aktor mit zwei Stellpositionen sein. In dieser Darstellung befinden sich die Auflage 32 und die Raststifte 34 in einer Parkposition. Das bedeutet, dass sich die Auflage 32 beabstandet unterhalb der Verschlusselemente 26, 27 und die Raststifte 34 beabstandet oberhalb der Verschlusselemente 26, 27 befinden. Fig. 5a shows a Einrasteinheit 31 of the latching device 14 as a section in a side view. The latching unit 31 comprises a support 32 which can be raised and lowered via a cylinder 33. Furthermore, the latching unit 31 comprises two latching pins 34 which are mounted together on a carrier 35. The carrier 36 can be raised and lowered via a cylinder 36. The cylinders 33, 36 may be designed as, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder or be an actuator with two setting positions. In this illustration, the support 32 and the locking pins 34 are in a parked position. This means that the support 32 spaced below the closure elements 26, 27 and the locking pins 34 spaced above the closure elements 26, 27 are located.

Fig. 5b zeigt die Einrasteinheit 31 in einer Einrastposition, die durch Anheben der Auflage 32 an das Verschlusselement 26 und das Absenken der Raststifte 34 auf die Enden 26a, 26b des ersten Verschlusselements 26 der oberen Packungshälfte 24 eingenommen wird. Dabei werden die flexiblen Enden 26a, 26b so weit nach unten gebogen, dass sich diese nach dem Anheben der Raststifte 36 unterhalb der Enden 27a, 27b des zweiten Verschlusselements 27 der unteren Packungshälfte 25 befinden und dabei die Enden 26a, 26b an den Enden 27a, 27b anliegen. Die so verschlossenen und gegen ungewolltes Öffnen gesicherten Faltpackungen 15 können im Folgenden ohne weitere Hilfsvorrichtungen zu nachfolgenden Arbeitsstationen wie Metalldetektor 16 oder Wägeeinrichtung 17 weitertransportiert werden. Fig. 5b shows the Einrasteinheit 31 in a latching position, which is taken by raising the support 32 to the closure member 26 and the lowering of the locking pins 34 on the ends 26a, 26b of the first closure member 26 of the upper half pack 24. In this case, the flexible ends 26a, 26b bent so far down that they are after raising the locking pins 36 below the ends 27a, 27b of the second closure member 27 of the lower half of the package 25 and the ends 26a, 26b at the ends 27a, 27b abut. The so-sealed and secured against unintentional opening folding packages 15 can be further transported without further auxiliary devices to subsequent work stations such as metal detector 16 or weighing 17 below.

Abweichend von dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel könnten z.B. die Falteinrichtung 13 und die Einrastvorrichtung 14 auch außerhalb der Verpackungsvereinzelung 9 angeordnet sein.Differing from the illustrated embodiment, e.g. the folding device 13 and the latching device 14 may also be arranged outside the packaging separation 9.

Claims (11)

  1. Packaging facility (1) comprising a thermo-forming packaging machine (100) which comprises a forming station (4), a loading stretch (6), a sealing station (8) and a package separation device (9) successively arranged in a direction of production (R), characterized in that a folding device (13) is provided to fold a folding package (15) about a fold line (23), and that a latching device (14) is successively arranged downstream in said direction of production (R) of said folding device (13), where said latching device (14) is configured such that a first closure element (26) being provided on a first package half (24) of said folding package (15) can be brought to interact with a second closure element (27) of a second package half (25) of said folding package (15) such that said folding package (15) is held together in a folded state, wherein said latching device (14) comprises a latching unit (31) for pressing ends (26a, 26b) of said first closure element (26) and said latching unit (31) comprises one latching pin (34) for each end (26a, 26b) of said first closure element (26).
  2. Packaging facility according to claim 1, characterized in that said packaging facility (1) has an intermittent mode of operation.
  3. Packaging facility according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said latching device (14) is configured for simultaneous processing of multiple folding packages (15).
  4. Packaging facility according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said latching device (31) comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder (36).
  5. Packaging facility according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said latching device (14) comprises a support (32) for said first closure element (26).
  6. Packaging facility according to claim 5, characterized in that said support (32) can be raised to a first latching position to said first closure element (26).
  7. Packaging facility according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the folding device (13) comprises a first guide element (28) configured to lift a part (A", B") of the folding packages (15) during their transport in the production direction (R), wherein the folding device (13) comprises a second guide element (29) configured for continuing the folding process until the folded part (A", B") of the folding package (15) rests on the remaining part of the folding package.
  8. Method for operating a packaging facility (1) for manufacturing a reclosable folding package (15), said method comprising the following steps:
    - forming trays (19) in a film (22),
    - placing products into said trays (19),
    - producing a folding package (15) by sealing a top film (18) onto said trays (19) along a sealing seam (20), where two adjacent trays (19) form a first and a second packaging half (24, 25) and a fold line (23) is provided between said two packing halves (24, 25),
    - separating said folding package (15) in a cutting station (11),
    - folding said folding package (15) in a folding device (13),
    - latching a first closure element (26) of said first package half (24) into a second closure element (27) of the second package half (25) in a latching device (14),
    wherein said latching operation is performed by pressing ends (26a, 26b) of said first closure element (26) of said first package half (24) against said ends (27a, 27b) of said second package half (25), so that said ends (26a, 26b) of said first closure element (26) bear against the opposite side of said ends (27a, 27b) of said second closure element (27) in order to keep closed said folding package (15),
    wherein said ends (26a, 26b) of said first closure element (26) are pressed by latching pins (34) in the direction of a support (32), where said support (32) acts as a counter support upon a part of said first closure element (26) between its ends (26a, 26b).
  9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that said support (32) together with said latching pins (34) simultaneously acts upon said first closure element (26).
  10. Method according to one of the claims 8 to 9, characterized in that said folding package (15) is transferred by a robot (10) from said cutting station (11) to a separation belt (12).
  11. Method according to one of claims 8-10,characterized in that for folding the folding package (15) in the folding device (13) a first guide element (28) of the folding device lifts and folds a part (A", B") of the folding package during its transport in the production direction (R) before a second guide element (29) continues this folding process until the part (A", B") comes to rest on the remaining part of the folding package (15).
EP14000609.9A 2013-03-11 2014-02-20 Packaging assembly with locking station and method Not-in-force EP2778081B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102013204160.8A DE102013204160A1 (en) 2013-03-11 2013-03-11 Packaging system with latching station and method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2778081A1 EP2778081A1 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2778081B1 true EP2778081B1 (en) 2016-08-24

Family

ID=50190141

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14000609.9A Not-in-force EP2778081B1 (en) 2013-03-11 2014-02-20 Packaging assembly with locking station and method

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20140250839A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2778081B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102013204160A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2592172T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3428079B1 (en) * 2017-07-14 2019-12-25 MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG Deep draw packaging machine with flexible package support
CN111268205A (en) * 2020-03-24 2020-06-12 深圳市美格包装设备有限公司 Film former and packaging system
CN116062223B (en) * 2023-03-01 2023-08-22 广州三拓识别技术有限公司 Automatic box closing device and method for packaging box

Family Cites Families (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2844930A (en) * 1957-02-11 1958-07-29 Waldorf Paper Prod Co Carton closing apparatus
US2940235A (en) * 1958-01-10 1960-06-14 Package Machinery Co Carton locking apparatus
US2958168A (en) * 1959-05-19 1960-11-01 Clarence W Vogt Forming and filling containers
NL6605663A (en) * 1965-04-30 1966-10-31
DE1479279C2 (en) * 1965-04-30 1971-01-21 Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, 6479 Ranstadt Process for the production of deep-drawn containers from thermoplastic material connected to a carrier made of rigid material
DE1938551U (en) * 1965-08-20 1966-05-12 Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen G DEVICE FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF DEEP-DRAWING CONTAINERS.
US4096986A (en) * 1976-07-23 1978-06-27 Mobil Oil Corporation Food tray with integral lock
US4098453A (en) * 1976-12-20 1978-07-04 Federal Paper Board Co., Inc. Packaging container with latching arrangement
US4226358A (en) * 1977-06-30 1980-10-07 Internationale Octrooi Maatschappij Packaging container
IT1218251B (en) * 1988-06-07 1990-04-12 Augusto Marchetti DEVICE FOR CLOSING THE UPPER SIDE PITCHES OF PARALLELEPIPED BOXES WITH TIPPING PITCHES, PARTICULARLY FOR VERY LONG BOXES
DE3938874A1 (en) * 1989-11-24 1991-05-29 Tetra Pak Gmbh METHOD FOR PRODUCING A FLUID PACK, DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SUCH A PACK AND USE OF A SPECIAL PLASTIC
DE3941183A1 (en) * 1989-12-13 1991-06-20 Multivac Haggenmueller Kg PACKING MACHINE FOR PRODUCING A RECOVERABLE PACKAGING WITH A PRODUCT
US5087498A (en) * 1990-04-12 1992-02-11 Nedblake Greydon W Meat L-board
US5249406A (en) * 1992-12-07 1993-10-05 Dan Kalmanides Box closing apparatus
FR2712253B1 (en) * 1993-11-10 1996-01-19 Mecaplastic Method and device for packaging food, chemical or pharmaceutical products and corresponding packaging trays.
DE4432296A1 (en) * 1994-09-10 1996-03-14 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Plastic packaging with a top wall articulated over a folded edge, method for producing the same and device for carrying out the method
US5477660A (en) * 1994-11-01 1995-12-26 Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Kg Process and apparatus for maximizing vacuum packaging machine cycle rate
FR2784654B1 (en) * 1998-10-16 2001-01-12 Mecaplastic PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING PRODUCTS AND CORRESPONDING PACKAGING CONTAINERS
DE29819013U1 (en) * 1998-10-27 2000-03-09 Kemper Gmbh & Co H packaging
SE515980C2 (en) * 1999-07-13 2001-11-05 Binar Ab A method for the rapid movement of a work object in both horizontal and vertical directions from one workstation to another
GB2374580B (en) * 2001-04-20 2003-07-16 Reckitt Benckiser Water-soluble containers
JP2004042447A (en) * 2002-07-11 2004-02-12 Toyo Jidoki Co Ltd Bag making-packaging machine having stocker device
ITMI20030099A1 (en) * 2003-01-23 2004-07-24 Vacuum Pump Spa PROCEDURE, APPARATUS AND CONTAINER FOR VACUUM PACKAGING AND / OR IN A PROTECTIVE ATMOSPHERE.
US20050247029A1 (en) * 2004-05-04 2005-11-10 Air-Draulic Engineering Co., Inc. Conveyor belt tray closing apparatus
DE202005003506U1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2005-05-19 Klocke Verpackungs-Service Gmbh Package for materials which need to be heated before use, e.g. cosmetics, encloses separate material which produces heat when activated, activator, e.g. leaf spring also being incorporated into package
US7434777B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2008-10-14 Great Northern Corporation Interlocking roll support and spacing structure
DE102008045025B4 (en) 2008-08-29 2014-05-28 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for producing folded packages
DE102010050734B4 (en) 2010-11-08 2021-05-12 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Thermoforming packaging machine
DE202011103391U1 (en) 2011-07-18 2012-10-24 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg Mehrfachfaltpackung
DE102011121642B8 (en) * 2011-12-19 2013-10-10 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and folding device for editing L-boards

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102013204160A1 (en) 2014-09-11
EP2778081A1 (en) 2014-09-17
US20140250839A1 (en) 2014-09-11
ES2592172T3 (en) 2016-11-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3439964B1 (en) Apparatus and method for forming the gable surfaces of packs with a sloping gable
DE69703508T2 (en) Process for the production of sterile packings for suture material
DE4035352C2 (en) Device for producing boxes with a hinged lid and collar and for filling these boxes
DE102009015343B4 (en) Method for producing a packaging and packaging machine
EP3372516B1 (en) Packaging device and method for setting up individual articles or compositions on articles on flat carton blanks
EP3012199A2 (en) Device and method for handling items
DE102017120133A1 (en) Packaging device for articles and methods for placing articles in prepared overpacks
EP0952080A1 (en) Method and device for making filled drinking cups closed with a sealed cover sheet
EP3456641B1 (en) Deep draw packaging machine and method for forming a film web in carton elements
WO2016087568A1 (en) Insulating packaging technique for battery cells
EP2778081B1 (en) Packaging assembly with locking station and method
WO2023030718A1 (en) Packaging device, packaging unit, and method for producing packaging units
EP2208554B1 (en) Method and device for producing tear-open lids
EP0513439A1 (en) Device for the filling and closing of packages for flowable products
EP1747880B1 (en) Device and method to apply a lining to a container
EP3576932B1 (en) Handling device and method for closing outer base flaps of an outer packaging
EP3372514B1 (en) Transport section of a packaging conveyor and method for modifying a packaging path for articles or compositions of articles
EP2537766B1 (en) All-in-one cutting station and method for separating packages
EP3529066A1 (en) Method and device for transferring partitions to outer packages provided for articles
EP2284082A2 (en) Method for packaging products
DE202019103071U1 (en) Palletizer
DE2356126A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING STACKS OF FLAT-LAYING BAGS OR SACKS FOLDED AROUND TWO TRANSVERSAL FOLDED
DE1479279C2 (en) Process for the production of deep-drawn containers from thermoplastic material connected to a carrier made of rigid material
DE102010050734A1 (en) Package for accommodating e.g. cheese slices in refrigerator, has package upper part sealed with package base part along sealing seam, and reclosing tongue and tongue retainer arranged outside sealing seam
DE1486954C3 (en) Method and device for the production of deep-drawn containers provided with a carrier made of rigid material

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140220

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

R17P Request for examination filed (corrected)

Effective date: 20150210

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20150608

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 502014001276

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: B65B0065000000

Ipc: B65B0007260000

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65B 61/04 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 7/26 20060101AFI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 47/00 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 43/08 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 7/16 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 51/10 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 31/02 20060101ALN20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65D 43/16 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 65/00 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

Ipc: B65B 51/14 20060101ALI20160120BHEP

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65D 43/16 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 61/04 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 51/14 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 65/00 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 7/26 20060101AFI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 51/10 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 31/02 20060101ALN20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 7/16 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 43/08 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

Ipc: B65B 47/00 20060101ALI20160224BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160307

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: BOVARD AG, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 822815

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502014001276

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2592172

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20161128

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20160824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161124

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161226

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161125

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502014001276

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170228

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161124

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170526

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170220

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20170228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 822815

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161224

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20210226

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20210217

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20210323

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20210223

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20220221

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502014001276

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220901

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20230503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230228

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230228