Tool System for A Packaging Device

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool system for use in a packaging device for packaging food products, particularly hollow chocolate articles, with film packaging, wherein said packaging device comprises a plurality of processing units for processing the film packaging, having at least three tool parts, specifically a tool middle part as well as a tool bottom part and a tool top part, which can interact during operation such that processing may take place. The function of the tool middle part is to receive at least one film semi-finished product of the film packaging being processed and convey it between individual processing units of said packaging device, wherein the tool middle part is capable of interacting with at least one further tool part of the tool system respectively, and each of said further tool parts is a tool part of one of the processing units serving to process the film semi-finished product from reception thereof on the tool middle part to completion thereof as film packaging. The tool middle part has at least one interface which allows it to be compatible with at least one tool part of each of said processing units.

Claims

1. A tool system for use in a packaging device for packaging foodstuff products, in particular hollow chocolate bodies, by means of a film packaging, wherein the packaging device for processing the film packaging has a plurality of processing units comprising at least three tool parts, specifically a tool central part as well as a tool lower part and a tool upper part which when in operation are capable of interacting in a processing manner, wherein the tool central part serves for receiving and conveying at least one semi-finished film product of the film packaging to be processed between individual processing units of the packaging device wherein the tool central part is capable of interacting in each case with at least one further tool part of the tool system, wherein the further tool part is in each case a tool part of one of the processing units which serve for processing the semi-finished film product from receiving the latter on the tool central part to the completion thereof as a film packaging, and wherein the tool central part has at least one interface by means of which said tool central part is compatible with at least one tool part of each of said processing units, wherein the tool central part can be driven by means of a conveyor unit, wherein the conveyor unit at leasts in portions thereof is configured as a continuously operating conveyor unit, and wherein the conveyor unit at least in portions thereof is configured as a discontinuously operating conveyor unit.

2. The tool system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the tool central part comprises a film carrier which is assigned at least one semi-finished film product (F.sub.H).

3-4. (canceled)

5. The tool system as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the conveyor unit has a linear drive installation for the tool central part.

6. The tool system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one tool part, in particular the tool lower part and/or the tool upper part is mounted so as to float in at least one direction transverse to the processing direction.

7. The tool system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that at least one tool part, in particular the tool lower part and/or the tool upper part has/have joining bevels so as to facilitate the tool parts of the tool system converging during a processing step.

8. The tool system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the tool lower part and/or the tool upper part of a processing unit are at least in portions able to be moved in a reciprocating manner along the conveying direction (R.sub.F) of the tool central part.

9-11. (canceled)

12. The tool system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one interface of the tool central part, or of the film carrier, respectively, comprises a receptacle region, and in that at least one tool part of one of the processing units of the packaging device is able to be received occasionally and in portions in the receptacle region of the tool central part, or of the film carrier, respectively, wherein the receptacle region of the tool central part, or of the film carrier, respectively, has in particular an internal contour which communicates with a corresponding external contour of the respective tool part of the respective processing unit.

13. The tool system as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the tool central part, or the film carrier is configured so as to be substantially plate-shaped having a substantially central passage opening as the receptacle region, wherein an encircling shaping region having a chamfer of approximately 45 degrees in terms of an angle can in particular be provided in the region of the central passage opening, said shaping region opening into the passage opening.

14. The tool system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one interface of the tool central part, or of the film carrier respectively, has an encircling cutting groove and/or at least two tensioning recesses.

15. The tool system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the interface of the tool central part, or of the film carrier, respectively, has a separately configured functional ring which comprises in particular the encircling shaping region and/or the encircling cutting groove and/or the tensioning recesses.

16-38. (canceled)

39. A packaging device for packaging foodstuff products, in particular hollow chocolate bodies, by means of a film packaging which comprises at least two shaped film parts, wherein the packaging device has a number of processing units for processing the semi-finished film products of the film packaging, specifically: a cutting unit for cutting-to-size the semi-finished film products; a shaping unit for shaping the semi-finished film products; a closing unit for connecting the semi-finished film products so as to form a closed housing for the foodstuff product received; and a conveyor unit for conveying the semi-finished film products (FH) of the film 40 packaging to be processed between the individual processing units of the packaging device, wherein the conveyor unit in portions thereof is configured as a continuously operating conveyor unit and in portions thereof is configured as a discontinuously operating conveyor unit, wherein portions in which synchronizing of the discontinuously operated portions and the continuously operated portions takes place are provided.

40. The packaging device as claimed in claim 39, characterized in that the conveyor unit has pliable drive elements for forming the continuously operated portions, the discontinuously operated portions, and the portions in which the synchronizing of the discontinuously operated portions and the continuously operated portions take place.

41. The packaging device as claimed in claim 40, characterized in that pliable drive elements are able to be actuated by means of electronically actuated electric motors.

42. A method for packaging foodstuff products, in particular hollow chocolate bodies, by means of a film packaging which comprises at least two shaped film parts, wherein the packaging device has a number of processing units for processing the semi-finished film products of the film packaging, specifically: a cutting unit for cutting-to-size the semi-finished film products; a shaping unit for shaping the semi-finished film products; a closing unit for connecting the semi-finished film products so as to form a closed housing for the foodstuff product received; and a conveyor unit for conveying the semi-finished film products of the film packaging to be processed between the individual processing units of the packaging device, wherein the conveyor unit in portions thereof is operated as a continuously operating conveyor unit and in portions thereof is operated as a discontinuously operating conveyor unit, wherein portions in which synchronizing of the discontinuously operated portions and the continuously operated portions takes place are provided.

Description

[0152] In the figures, in each case in a schematic manner:

[0153] FIGS. 1A, 1B show in a very schematic lateral illustration and a plan view a packaging device according to the invention having a shaping unit according to the invention in different embodiments;

[0154] FIG. 2A shows an exemplary tool system of the packaging device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1A and 1B for crimping and for securing for transportation a semi-finished film product on a film carrier;

[0155] FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of detail B according to FIG. 2A or 2C;

[0156] FIG. 2C shows a variant of the tool system according to FIG. 2A;

[0157] FIG. 3 shows an isometric illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of a tool system of the packaging device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0158] FIG. 4 shows a sectional illustration of the tool system according to FIG. 3;

[0159] FIGS. 5A, 5B show the interaction between the tool lower part and the tool upper part of a tool system according to FIGS. 3 and 4 in the shaping procedure;

[0160] FIGS. 6A, 6B show a lateral view and a sectional view of the tool system according to FIGS. 5A and 5B;

[0161] FIG. 7A shows a sectional view of a further exemplary tool system of the packaging device according to the invention in a section illustration;

[0162] FIG. 7B shows a detailed view of detail B according to FIG. 7A or 7C;

[0163] FIG. 7C shows an alternative design variant of the tool system according to FIG. 7A;

[0164] FIG. 8A shows an isometric illustration of a further exemplary tool system of the packaging device for illustrating the floating mounting of one of the tool parts of the tool system;

[0165] FIG. 8B shows a plan view of the tool system according to FIG. 8A;

[0166] FIG. 8C shows a sectional illustration along the section line C-C according to FIG. 8B;

[0167] FIG. 8D shows a detailed view of a detail D of FIG. 8C;

[0168] FIG. 9A shows a further exemplary embodiment of a tool system of the packaging device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1A and 1B for placing a peripheral portion of the packaging;

[0169] FIG. 9B shows a detailed view of detail B according to FIG. 9A or 9C;

[0170] FIG. 9C shows an alternative variant of design of the tool system according to FIG. 9A;

[0171] FIGS. 10A, 10B show a sectional illustration of a shaping unit according to the invention in a first shaping step (FIG. 10A) and in a further final shaping step (FIG. 10B);

[0172] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the tool system of the packaging device;

[0173] FIGS. 12A, 12B show an alternative embodiment of a securing assembly for fixing the semi-finished film products;

[0174] FIGS. 13A-13C show a plurality of steps in a further method for shaping shaped film parts of the film packaging;

[0175] FIG. 14 shows a further alternative embodiment of the tool system and of the packaging device; and

[0176] FIG. 15 shows a detail from FIG. 14.

[0177] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a very schematic illustration of a packaging device according to the invention having a shaping unit according to the invention in a lateral illustration and a plan view. FIG. 1B herein shows an alternative variant of design embodiment of the packaging device according to FIG. 1A, which is why identical features are provided with the same reference signs but said reference signs are prefixed with the numeral 1.

[0178] A strip-shaped film F is unwound from a coil of film F.sub.C in a first region A in the conveying direction R.sub.F (illustrated on the right in FIG. 1), the so-called unwinding region A.

[0179] An aluminum foil, an aluminum foil which is laminated for example with a sealing layer, paper capable of shaping which is optionally laminated with a sealing layer, or plastic film can be used for example as the film/foil material. The film herein does not have to be flexible at room temperature but may also display the illustrated flexibility only in higher temperature ranges. In this case, thermal action on the film by way of heating elements or the like can already take place in the unwinding region A or in a region B which in the conveying direction R.sub.F adjoins said unwinding region A, presently referred to as the relaxing region B. Alternatively, it is of course likewise conceivable for plastic material plates or the like to be used instead of a coil of film for conveying material. Said plastics material plates or the like can likewise be thermally heated in the first region A or the region B which in the conveying direction R.sub.F adjoins said first region A and can be shaped thereby.

[0180] The coil of film in the embodiment illustrated is pushed onto a mandrel. Said mandrel is in particular unilaterally mounted such that a rapid changeover can take place at the end of the film. The coil of film is pushed against a detent. The role can be fixed by a second clamping ring. After unwinding a loop of foil (shown in the unwinding region A of FIG. 1) the film F is introduced into the packaging device 10. This is required in order to keep the film without tension since said film would otherwise potentially tear. The loop size, or the sagging of the film F, respectively, in the unwinding region A can be determined by way of a sensor, for example.

[0181] The film F is intended to relax in a straight line in the entry region of the packaging device 10, that is to say in the relaxation region B. To this end, said film is laterally guided across a predetermined length such that slight oblique positioning in the run-in of the film can be corrected.

[0182] A printing mark sensor can optionally be provided at the end of the relaxation region B, said printing mark sensor identifying the position of the film running through. Depending on the position, the film can then be accelerated or decelerated. In the embodiment shown, this takes place with the aid of two film rollers (schematically illustrated on the left side in the relaxation region B of FIG. 1), the film F running between said two film rollers. The conveying speed of the film F in the region of said film rollers can be transmitted as a reference speed to a downstream conveying unit 18 of the packaging device 10.

[0183] Alternatively, the film can also be decelerated or accelerated by way of fixing strips or belt strips 186, 188, respectively, which can run above the conveyor unit 18, for example (cf. also FIG. 1B).

[0184] The film F by way of the conveyor unit 18 is subsequently conveyed through the packaging device 10. The film F conjointly with the conveyor unit 18 herein runs through the units mentioned hereunder: shaping unit 12, unit for populating and folding 14, and closing unit 16.

[0185] The conveyor unit 18 comprises a number of film carriers 20 which by way of a revolving conveyor system, for example a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain, or else a rotating conveyor plate, are continuously conveyed through the packaging device 10. In the embodiment illustrated, a conveyor chain 22 to which the film carries 20 are attached is provided.

[0186] As is shown in the region of the unit for populating and folding 14 in FIG. 1, two neighboring film carriers 20 can in each case be connected to one another in pairs by way of a folding joint 20a. In this case, it is sufficient for the, for example leading, film carrier 20 to be fixedly connected to the revolving conveyor system, that is to say for example the conveyor chain 22, while the respective trailing film carrier 20 which by way of the folding joint 20a can be folded onto the leading film carrier 20 (indicated by the two folding arrows K) can be releasably attached to said conveyor chain 22. Desired folding of one of the film carriers, as will yet be described in more detail hereunder, is enabled in this way.

[0187] There are a plurality of possibilities for fixing the film F, or the semi-finished film products F.sub.H, respectively, which are fastened to the respective film carriers 20 during transportation. It is thus possible for said film F, or said semi-finished film products F.sub.H, respectively, to be fixed, for example, by way of a generated vacuum. The individual film carriers herein have suction borders, for example, by way of which the film can be suctioned. The vacuum can be generated by way of a vacuum blower or the like which is assembled below the film carrier (not illustrated).

[0188] Alternatively or additionally, the film pieces in the shaping unit 12 can be embossed into the film carriers 20 by cutting and/or shaping, that is to say connected in a form-fitting manner to said film carriers 20. Reference will be made in more detail to this solution hereunder with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0189] Alternatively or additionally, a further possibility lies in attaching guides (cf. FIG. 1B) above the film, or the semi-finished film products, respectively, and outside the processing region of the tools. The guides can comprise, for example, thin metal sheets or belt strips 186, 188 which are fixedly assembled on the machine frame. The belt strips 186, 188 run in particular at the same speed as the film carriers 20.

[0190] The film runs below said guides and above the film carriers. The guide is correspondingly omitted in the respective processing units such that said guides cannot collide with the processing tools.

[0191] In the illustration shown in FIG. 1B the film F runs between the respective belt strips 186, 188 and the conveyor unit 118 and by the belt strips is pushed against the film carriers 120 in such a manner that said film F cannot slip or fly away during transportation. As soon as the semi-finished film products F.sub.H have been populated with products in the region 14 and conjointly folded or joined, respectively, to form a foil packaging, separate guiding is no longer absolutely necessary. The shaped packaging is securely held on the film carrier by gravity (as a result of the received product).

[0192] In the shaping unit 12, to which further reference will be made in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6B and 10A, 10B, the substantially planar film F is segmented, that is to say a piece of film is cut from the film web. This is achieved with the aid of a segment cutting blade 34 which is capable of moving in a stroke movement Z relative to the film carrier 20. The cut-off piece of film, or semi-finished film product F.sub.H, respectively, bears on the continuously moving film carrier 20 and runs into the processing region of the shaping tool which is composed of a shaping punch 30 and a communicating die 32. In order to reduce the formation of creases in the shaping procedure, a blank holder (not presently illustrated) which clamps the film F between itself and the bearing face of the film carrier 20 can additionally be provided.

[0193] In principle, it is also conceivable for the shaping procedure to be carried out before the film is segmented. In this case, it is not the segment blade 34a which in the conveying direction R.sub.F is disposed upstream of the shaping punch 30 but a cutting blade 34b which is disposed downstream of said shaping punch 30 that serves to this end. After the shaping procedure, the pre-shaped film, whether or not segmented, can also be finally cut, that is to say that the pre-shaped semi-finished film product F.sub.H having the desired final contour is cut out from the film with the aid of a schematically illustrated final cutting blade 36. In the variant having a cutting unit, as described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C, the step of final cutting is however performed in the region of the closing unit 16, that is to say after the semi-finished products have been populated and folded. In principle, it is also conceivable for the step of the cutting into segments to be carried out as the last processing step, that is to say after the shaping and the final cutting.

[0194] When the step of final cutting is carried out in the region of the shaping unit 12, the final cutting can thus be carried out in the same stroke, that is to say by way of the same stroke movement Z by way of which the shaping has also be carried out.

[0195] As can likewise be clearly seen in FIG. 1, the processing tools of the shaping unit 12, that is to say the combination composed of the shaping punch 30 and the die 32, as well as the cutting blades 34 and 36, are not only held so as to be movable in the stroke direction Z but also in the direction X, that is to say that said processing tools can move conjointly with the film carriers 20 which are being continuously moved in the direction of the conveying direction R.sub.F. In order for such a movement to be enabled, a drive which in the exemplary illustration of FIG. 1 is provided with the reference sign 24 and enables a movement in the direction X can in particular be provided. To this end, the drive 24 can be connected to slides of the respective processing tools by way of force engagement points 26 and 28, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, for example.

[0196] Alternatively or additionally, the resetting action of the processing tools can in particular also take place by means of an elastic resetting unit (not illustrated).

[0197] The unit for populating unfolding 14 is only illustrated by implication in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1. The pre-shaped semi-finished film products F.sub.H after the shaping can be selectively populated manually or automatically with foodstuff products or products of all manner in said region 14, that is to say that each second semi-finished film product F.sub.H is populated in the case of the illustrated embodiment. In a further step, the non-populated semi-finished film products by means of the foldable film carrier 20 are then in each case folded onto the populated semi-finished film products, wherein the received product per se serves for centering the semi-finished film product F.sub.H that has been folded, and the now emptied film carriers can then be folded back onto the conveyor system in a further reverse folding step. In this way, the two semi-finished film products F.sub.H are converged and form a common housing for the product received therein (cf. also FIG. 7A, for example).

[0198] The two semi-finished film products are connected to one another in the processing unit which adjoins in the conveying direction R.sub.F, i.e. the closing unit 16. The closing of the pre-assembled packaging in the form of the two semi-finished film products, that is to say the mutual connecting or joining, respectively, can take place in a mechanical as well as a thermal manner. A combination of said two methods is also conceivable. In terms of the mechanical closing, reference is made inter alia to a method according to publication AT 221906 B. In terms of a thermal method, reference is made, for example, to publication DE 1 211 913 B. A combined method in the context of joining metal components in the automotive industry is known, for example, from publication US 2012/0204412 A1.

[0199] In the embodiment shown of FIG. 1A, a closing mold 38 as a tool upper part having a counterpart 40 as a tool lower part is shown in an exemplary manner.

[0200] In the retrieving region E which adjoins in the conveying direction R.sub.F, the completely packed products can finally be retrieved. Here too, different approaches to solutions are conceivable, for example said products in the revolving action of the film carriers can fall onto a slide or the like. Alternatively, said products can of course also be retrieved in a manual or automated manner.

[0201] FIGS. 2A and 2C show two variants for a tool system according to the invention for crimping or bracing, and thus fixing a semi-finished film product F.sub.H on a film carrier 20. Accordingly, the same features are provided with the same reference signs, but said reference signs in the second embodiment are prefixed with the numeral 1.

[0202] In the embodiment illustrated of FIGS. 2A and 2B a tool system 42 according to the invention in three parts is shown having a tool upper part 64, a tool lower part 70, and the film carrier 20, wherein the film carrier 20 forms the tool central part. In the embodiment illustrated, the bearing face of the film carrier 20 is formed by a functional ring 48 which can be occupied with dissimilar functional portions. One of said functional portions can be seen in the inclined recess 48a into which a shaping punch 46 of the tool upper part 64 is capable of plunging. An encircling film flange F.sub.F at least partially bears thereon in the region of the recess 48. When the shaping punch 46 by way of the shaping tip 44 is now introduced into the recess 48a, the film flange F.sub.F partially bearing thereon is introduced into the recess 48a by said shaping punch 46, this leading to the film flange F.sub.F being braced. On account of the recess 48a being inclined in relation to the film bearing plane at an angle (cf. FIG. 2B), and said deformation of the film flange F.sub.F being performed on two opposite sides of the encircling flange F.sub.F, reliable form-fitting fixing of the semi-finished film product F.sub.H on the film carrier 20 is achieved.

[0203] The embodiment of FIG. 2C differs from that of FIG. 2A in that the tool lower part 170 is differently received in the tool central part, that is to say the film carrier 120. On account thereof, it is in particular to be demonstrated that this specific solution for crimping or bracing the semi-finished film product on the film carrier for improved fixing is to be considered to be separate from the specific design embodiment of the film carrier and of the tool central part 170. Of course, this aspect of the invention is also conceivable so as to be separate from the remaining aspects of the invention, in particular from the design embodiment of the tool system, from the assembly for shaping by way of a blank holder, and from the specific shaping method, and can accordingly also be used in devices of other configuration or in the context of a single-stage shaping method.

[0204] The shaping unit 12 of the packaging device 10 according to the invention is shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and the following FIGS. 4 to as well is in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Said shaping unit 12 is likewise configured as a tool system in three parts having a tool upper part in the form of the shaping punch 30, having a tool lower part in the form of the die 32, and a tool central part in the form of a film carrier 20. A film F which is to be formed with the aid of the shaping punch 30 and the associated die 32 bears on the film carrier 20. It can likewise be clearly seen in FIG. 3 that the film carrier 20 has a central passage opening 50 which forms a receptacle region for the tool lower part, that is to say the die 32. In order for oriented receiving to be enabled, orientation receptacles 52 in which the communicating projections 54 on the die 32 can be received and secured against any rotation of the die relative to the film carrier are furthermore provided.

[0205] For reasons of simplification, the illustration of the film carrier 20 has been dispensed with in FIGS. 5A to 6B. It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the die 32 on the shaping upper side thereof has a shaping recess 56, the internal contour of the latter being substantially adapted to a shape-imparting external contour 32 of the punch 30. Moreover, said die 32 on the non-shaping lower side thereof is provided with a holder receptacle 58 for connecting to a holder which initiates the necessary stroke movement Z (cf. FIG. 1).

[0206] For reasons of simplification, the illustration of the film carrier 20 has been dispensed with in FIGS. 5A to 6B. It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the die 32 on the shaping upper side thereof has a shaping recess 56, the internal contour of the latter being substantially adapted to a shape-imparting external contour 62. Moreover, said die 32 on the non-shaping lower side thereof is provided with a holder receptacle 58 for connecting to a holder which initiates the necessary stroke movement Z (cf. FIG. 1).??

[0207] Moreover, a shaping method according to the invention which can be expediently used in the context of the packaging device 10 according to the invention and the tool system according to the invention as well as separately therefrom with any known shaping unit is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0208] In a first step (cf. FIG. 10A) the punch 30 and the die 32 for shaping the film are moved relative to one another, that is to say that the punch 30 is in particular moved into the die 32 to a specific degree, wherein the minimum spacing between the punch external contour 62 and the die internal contour 56 in the converged state is larger than the thickness of the film to be deformed. It can be seen in the illustration shown that the film has already been pre-shaped so as to form a semi-finished film product F.sub.H, wherein a film flange F.sub.F which radially surrounds the pre-shaped region of the semi-finished film product F.sub.H within the die 32 bears on the lower side of a blank holder 90.

[0209] Other than is usual in the prior art, the blank holder 90 in the first shaping step has a minimum spacing from the bearing face 92 of the shaping unit 12 such that the film flange F.sub.F is not clamped between the bearing face 92 and the contact face of the blank holder 90. Like the minimum spacing between the punch external contour 62 and the die internal contour 56 in the converged state, this also results in reduced friction and thus reduce stress to the film, on account of which the risk of the film tearing can be reduced even when a comparatively thin film is used.

[0210] The blank holder 90 and the punch 30 are moved to the usual shaping position only in a further shaping step (in the illustration shown a final second shaping step), in which shaping position the spacing from the respective contact partners or shaping partners, that is to say the bearing face 92, or the shaping recess 56, respectively, is smaller than the minimum spacing in the first shaping step, for example corresponds substantially to the film thickness of the film to be deformed.

[0211] The blank holder 90 in the embodiment shown is held so as to be repositionable by means of an elastic spring system 94 and, by means of spacers (spacer pieces, spacer projections, or the like) not illustrated can be held at the desired spacing from the bearing face 92, for example.

[0212] One and the same punch/die pair is used for the two-stage shaping procedure in the embodiment shown. However, it is likewise conceivable for a plurality of dies or punches, or a plurality of dissimilar die/punch pairs having dissimilar dimensions, to be used so as to achieve the desired effect of the pre-shaping in step 10A and of the final shaping in step 10B.

[0213] A further detail of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5A to 6B. The die 32, or 132, respectively, in the embodiment illustrated thus possesses an elastic insert 60, or 160, respectively, which is to serve for improved forming of in particular such shaped regions (critical area CA) which have intense transitions between contours.

[0214] Also this aspect of the invention, like the multi-staged shaping method described above, or the provision of a blank holder which in a first shaping step is not brought in contact with the film flange F.sub.F, is also conceivable in the context of such tool systems which are not configured in three parts and in which the film carrier 20 in particular does not form part of the tool system, which is why the features in FIGS. 5A and 5B have been provided with the same reference signs as in the other figures, said reference signs however being prefixed with the numeral 1.

[0215] A further exemplary embodiment of a tool system according to the invention of the packaging device is shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C. This tool system relates to the final cutting of the semi-finished film product F.sub.H with the aid of a cutting blade 66 having an encircling cutting contour. The cutting blade 66 is attached to the tool upper part 64 and by way of a stroke movement in the direction Z is moved onto the tool central part in the form of the film carrier 20. The film carrier 20 in the embodiment illustrated has an additional functional ring 48 which bears on the film carrier 20 and forms the bearing face for the semi-finished film products, or the encircling film flanges F.sub.F of the latter, respectively. An encircling cutting groove 82 into which the cutting blade 66 is capable of plunging is provided as a functional portion on the functional ring 48. In principle, it is also conceivable for the cutting groove 82 to be configured directly on the film carrier 20.

[0216] Furthermore shown is a blank holder 68 which is capable of tensioning the film flanges F.sub.F, which bear on one another, of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H, which bear on one another, in relation to the functional ring 48. To this end, the blank holder 68 in a known manner is held so as to be sprung on the tool upper part 64, specifically such that said blank holder comes to bear preferably on the film flanges F.sub.F in a tensioning manner before the cutting blade 66 is capable of plunging into the cutting groove 82.

[0217] The embodiment of FIG. 7C differs from that of FIG. 7A only in that the tool lower part 170 is received directly on the film carrier 120. Accordingly, the features in FIGS. 7A and 7C are provided with the same reference signs, but the latter are prefixed with the numeral 1 in FIG. 7C. The aspect of the invention described in the context of FIGS. 7A to 7C is of course also conceivable in the context with such tool systems which are not configured in three parts and in which the film carrier in particular does not form part of the tool system. This aspect of the invention is of course also conceivable so as to be separate from the remaining aspects of the invention, in particular from the assembly for shaping by way of a blank holder and the specific shaping method, and can accordingly also be used in devices of other configuration or in the context with a single-stage shaping method.

[0218] As can be better seen in FIG. 7B, in a detailed illustration of the detail B according to FIG. 7A or 7C, the flange portion F.sub.F of the upper semi-finished film product F.sub.H and the flange portion F.sub.F of the lower semi-finished film product F.sub.H in the processing step of final cutting bear on one another in a planar manner and can in this way be finally cut in a common processing step. This has the advantage that there are not two semi-finished film products which have to be finally cut, on the one hand. On the other hand, it is however also achieved on account thereof that the procedure of final cutting takes place only once the product to be received is already received in the film packaging and is protectively enclosed by the latter. This is in particular an advantage in the context of foodstuff products because an encapsulation of film particles which may arise in the cutting process can be reliably precluded.

[0219] The step of final cutting herein can take place before or after the mechanical and/or thermal connecting of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H. The final cutting can expediently take place before the connecting, in particular in the case of purely mechanical connecting of the semi-finished film products, for example by beading or edge crimping, while the final cutting can take place before as well as after the connecting in the case of thermal connecting, for example by sealing.

[0220] It can furthermore be provided that the sealing is carried out before the edge crimping or beading, respectively. It can moreover be provided that a sealing layer is applied to only one side.

[0221] FIGS. 8A to 8D show in an exemplary manner how a floating mounting of at least one of the tool parts of a tool system according to the invention can be embodied, this floating mounting enabling an improved alignment of the tool parts during a processing step. A tool system having a tool upper part 64 and the tool lower part 70 is thus shown in an exemplary manner in FIG. 8A. For reasons of simplification, the illustration of the tool central part has presently been dispensed with.

[0222] The tool upper part 64 by way of an adapter plate 72 is connected to a pushrod 84 which initiates the processing movement. The pushrod 84 and the adapter plate 72 herein are fixedly connected to one another, for example integrally configured, welded, or otherwise fixedly joined to one another. The tool upper part 64 is thus attached to the adapter plate 72 by means of four bolts 74. A clearance play of, for example, 0.5 mm is provided herein between the respective bolts 74 and the associated receptacle of the adapter plate 72, said clearance play enables a corresponding compensation of tolerances in the event of positioning errors between the tool upper part 64 and the tool lower part 70. This can be derived in particular from the detailed illustration of FIG. 8D. The floating mounting herein enables a compensation of tolerances in a plurality of directions transverse to the processing movement, present in a plane perpendicular to the processing direction.

[0223] If potential positioning errors or tolerances are to be compensated in a tool system in three parts, in particular in such a tool system in which the tool central part is formed by a film carrier 20, the tool upper part as well as the tool lower part can thus be provided with a corresponding floating mounting. It can furthermore also be expedient for joining bevels which enable easier converging and positioning of the individual tool parts relative to one another to be provided. Further measures, such as guiding projections, which are capable of plunging into corresponding recesses which are in each case on another one of the tool parts, so as to ensure secure positioning during the processing procedure, are of course likewise conceivable.

[0224] FIGS. 9A to 9C finally show a further exemplary embodiment of a tool system in three parts of the packaging device according to the invention. The latter in the embodiment illustrated herein is a placing device 76 by means of which a projecting periphery of the already joined packaging in the form of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H can be placed at a predefined angle so as to simplify the handling of the joined packaging. To this end, an encircling shaping region 80, or 180, respectively, into which a communicating shaping punch 78, or 178, respectively, is capable of plunging so as to correspondingly place the projecting periphery of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H is provided on the tool lower part 70 or on the film carrier 20 or an associate functional ring 48. To this end, an inclination angle a is provided on the shaping punch 78 and the corresponding shaping region 80.

[0225] FIGS. 9A and 9C show two variants for a tool system according to the invention for placing. Accordingly, the same features are provided with the same reference signs, but said reference signs in the second embodiment are prefixed with the numeral 1.

[0226] The embodiment of FIG. 9C differs from that of FIG. 9A only in that the tool lower part 170 is differently received in the tool central part, that is to say the film carrier 120. On account thereof it is in particular to be demonstrated that the specific solution for placing the film periphery is to be seen as being separate from the specific design embodiment of the packaging device, of the tool system, and in particular of the film carrier 120 and of the tool central part 170. This aspect of the invention is of course also conceivable as being separate from the remaining aspects of the invention, in particular from the design embodiment of the tool system, of the assembly for shaping by way of a blank holder, and from the specific shaping method, and can accordingly also be used in devices of other configuration or in the context with a single-stage shaping method.

[0227] The placing device 76 for placing the projecting periphery can be embodied such that the projecting periphery is not completely placed but that a peripheral portion is disregarded. On account thereof, the contacting contour of the packaging would not be circular but open at the location where the periphery is not to be placed. In other words, the placing periphery, or the placing shape, respectively, is interrupted in the case of a tear-open facility achieved on account thereof, and the periphery, or the tear-open facility, respectively, projects toward the outside. A user-friendly tear-open facility which projects from the package product such that said tear-open facility can be readily gripped by a user results in this way. The placing device 76 can also be disposed outside the machine from where said placing device 76 by means of suitable installations, in particular handling installations such as, for example, multi-axis robots, linear infeed installations or similar, can be moved to the desired location. The placing device 76 can moreover be designed such that said placing device 76 can set itself to different contours of the packaging, or can be set to different contours of the packaging, respectively. This can be achieved, for example, by means of suitable sprung or resilient elements, respectively, which are able to adapt to different contours.

[0228] FIG. 11 in a very schematic manner shows an alternative embodiment of the tool system of the packaging device. The features which correspond to the features from FIG. 1A herein are provided with the same reference signs, but the latter are however prefixed with the numeral 2.

[0229] As opposed to the continuously operating conveyor unit 18 according to FIG. 1A, or the continuously operating conveyor unit 118 according to FIG. 1B, the conveyor unit 218 according to FIG. 11 at least in portions thereof is configured as a discontinuously operating conveyor unit 218. In the present case, the conveyor unit 218 is embodied so as to be discontinuous in the region of the shaping unit 212, that is to say that said conveyor unit 218 operates discontinuously in the region of the shaping unit 212, or is discontinuously operated in the region of the shaping unit 212, respectively. On account thereof, the processing of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H by means of the tool system is simplified, and the wear on the tool system is reduced.

[0230] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the conveyor unit 218 has a very schematic indicated linear drive installation 223 for the individual tool central parts, said linear drive installation 223 being able to be configured and operated in a manner known per se. Very high speeds when transporting the semi-finished film products F.sub.H can be achieved on account of the linear drive installation 223. At the same time, each tool central part can be separately actuated such that it is very easy to stop the tool central parts in the region of the shaping unit 212 such that the forming of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H can be carried out in a simpler manner than in a completely continuous operation. In the other regions of the packaging device 210, for example in the loading region, the tool central parts can be moved continuously and potentially at higher speeds and/or accelerations than in the exemplary embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, such that no delays result in the processing of the film F. Despite the separate actuation of the tool central parts, the latter can of course be mutually synchronized, for example by means of the control installation (not illustrated) so as to guarantee a flawless operation. Other drives which enable a discontinuous operation of the conveyor unit 218 at least in portions of the latter can also be used instead of the linear drive installation 223. For example, the at least partial use of pneumatic cylinders or hydraulic cylinders is also possible. In this embodiment, the central drive 24 which is provided in the continuously operating conveyor unit 18, or 118, respectively, would be dispensed with, or be replaced by the linear drive installation 223, respectively.

[0231] An alternative embodiment of a securing assembly 300 for fixing the semi-finished film products F.sub.H is illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The securing assembly 300 has a clamping element 301 and at least one spring element 302 which presses the clamping element 301 in the direction of the film carriers 20, 120. In the present case, respective clamping elements 301 which by way of in each case two spring element 302 are pressed in the direction of the film carriers 20, 120 are provided on two opposite sides of the tool central part. The spring elements 302 in the present case are leg springs which by way of one leg are supported on the tool central part and by way of the other leg are supported on the clamping element 301.

[0232] The securing assembly 300 can furthermore have a gate guide (not illustrated) or similar which is operatively connected to the at least one clamping element 301, or preferably to both clamping elements 301, respectively, in such a manner that opening of the respective clamping element 301 counter to the force of the spring element 302 can be effected by means of the gate guide. Targeted opening of the securing assembly 300 is achieved on account thereof. For example, the connection between the gate guide and the clamping element 301 can take place by way of a tappet (not illustrated) which acts on the clamping element 301 and opens the latter counter to the force of the spring elements 302.

[0233] In a manner not illustrated, opening or releasing, respectively, the clamping element 301 counter to the force of the spring elements 302 by means of actuators or other suitable installations is however also conceivable.

[0234] A further possibility for securing the semi-finished film product F.sub.H can lie in that the semi-finished film products F.sub.H of the film packaging during transportation on the film carrier 20, 120 are secured by folding the film peripheries on the film carrier 20, 120. The film peripheries herein are placed on the film carrier 20, 120 at an angle of 90, for example, such that said film peripheries cannot slip during the transportation on the film carrier 20, 120. As opposed to the crimping of the semi-finished film product F.sub.H to the film carrier 20, 120 described above, the semi-finished film product F.sub.H herein is not penetrated but simply folded on the peripheries thereof. A combination of crimping and folding of the peripheries is likewise possible.

[0235] A further method for shaping shaped film parts of the film packaging from the film F is illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C. The tool system to be used to this end can correspond to the tool system already described above. Therefore, the features corresponding to the features from FIG. 1A are provided with the same reference signs, the latter however being prefixed with the numeral 2.

[0236] In the method illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, in a first shaping step the at least one punch 230 and the at least one die 232 for shaping the film F are moved relative to one another, wherein the punch 230 is moved in the direction of the die 232, and the die 232 is also moved in the direction of the punch 230. In other words, the punch 230 and the die 232 are converged. The punch 230 and the die 232 herein are movable in a completely mutually independent manner, to which end suitable drives can be used. The film carrier 220 however remains stationary.

[0237] Furthermore, the die 232 can be moved in the direction of the punch 230 in such a manner that the die 232 comes in contact with the film F already prior to the punch 230 reaching a lower reversal point. As soon as the die 232 is in contact with the film F the latter begins to deform such that said film is pre-shaped on account of the contact with the die 232. Furthermore, the film F in this way is pushed upward which leads to a further reduction in the required blank holding forces which are exerted by a blank holder 290. Moreover, fixing of the position of the film F prior to the latter being deformed can be achieved by way of the die 232, on account of which an improvement of the position and the orientation of the printed image results. Of course, the die 232 does not have to be contoured exactly as illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, and can also be used in smooth shapes, or shapes which are smoother than the shape illustrated, respectively.

[0238] In this context, the punch 230 can moreover be controlled such that said punch 230 upon plunging into the film carrier 220 is moved back again so as to facilitate the described deformation of the film F by the die 232. The possibility of implementing more complex shapes of the film packaging additionally results on account thereof, since the film F can be formed from two sides. The retraction of the punch 230 moreover enables the film material to move in the direction of the die 232 so as to facilitate the described deformation by the die 232. The upward movement of the punch 230 described can also be triggered or facilitated, respectively, by the die 232 when the force acting on the die 232 is greater than the force acting on the punch 230.

[0239] FIG. 14 in a schematic manner shows a further alternative embodiment of the tool system of the packaging device. The features corresponding to the features from FIG. 1A are again provided with the same reference signs, the latter however being prefixed with the numeral 3.

[0240] As opposed to the continuously operating conveyor unit 18 according to FIG. 1A, or the continuously operating conveyor unit 118 according to FIG. 1B respectively, the conveyor unit 318 according to FIG. 14, in a manner similar to the conveyor unit 218 according to FIG. 11, at least in portions thereof is configured as it is continuously operating conveyor unit 318. In the present case, the conveyor unit 318, in a manner similar to the conveying unit 218 according to FIG. 11, is embodied so as to be discontinuous in the region of the shaping unit 312, that is to say that said conveyor unit 318 operates discontinuously in the region of the shaping unit 312, or is discontinuously operated in the region of the shaping unit 312, respectively, on account of which the processing of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H by means of the tool system is again simplified, and the wear on the tool system is reduced.

[0241] Between the portions in which the conveyor unit 318 is discontinuously operated and the portions in which the conveyor unit 318 is continuously operated, the conveyor unit 318 also has portions in which synchronizing of the discontinuously operated portions and the continuously operated portions takes place, that is to say in which a transition from the discontinuously operated portions to the continuously operated portions is implemented. In the upper region and in the lower region of FIG. 14, the continuously operated portions of the conveyor unit 318 are illustrated by solid lines, the portions in which the synchronization takes place are illustrated by short dashed lines, and the discontinuously operated, or cycled, respectively, portions of the conveyor unit 318 are illustrated by long dashed lines.

[0242] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated of FIG. 14, the conveyor unit 318 has a plurality of pliable drive elements which in the present case are configured as belts 323 and which can be used for forming the continuously operated portions, the discontinuously operated portions, and the portions in which the synchronization of the discontinuously operated portions and the continuously operated portions takes place. Instead of being configured as belts 323, the pliable drive elements could also be configured as a chain or in any other suitable manner. The transition from one belt 323 to another belt 323, that is to say the synchronization, is illustrated in FIG. 15. The belts 323 are preferably guided about corresponding pulleys, wherein a form-fitting engagement between the belts 323 and the pulleys is preferable. The belts 323 can thus be, for example, timing belts, cam belts, or the like.

[0243] The pliable drive elements, in the present case thus the belts 323, enable a particularly simple transition between the continuously operated portions and the discontinuously operated portions of the conveyor unit 318, on account of which not only very high speeds when transporting the semi-finished film products F.sub.H can be achieved but also a reliable operation of the conveyor unit 318 is guaranteed. The pliable drive elements can be actuated by means of respective servo motors so as to ensure that the procedure carried out by the conveyor unit 318, or the method carried out by said conveyor unit 318, respectively, is always under control. On account of the servo motors, the pliable drive elements can in principle be actuated in any arbitrary manner such that arbitrary synchronizing, in particular the synchronization desired in each case, is possible between the motions. Asynchronous motors having a corresponding electronic control system can also be used instead of servo motors.

[0244] In this way, each tool central part can also be separately actuated such that the tool central parts can be very simply stopped in the region of the shaping unit 312, on account of which the forming of the semi-finished film products F.sub.H can be carried out in a simpler manner than in a completely continuous operation. In order for the tool central parts to be stopped, the belts 323 on the sides thereof that face said tool central parts can be provided with suitable elevations, depressions, or similar. In the other regions of the packaging device 310, for example in the loading region, the tool central parts can be moved continuously and potentially at higher speeds and/or accelerations than in the exemplary embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, such that no delays result in the processing of the film F. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the central drive 24 provided in the case of the continuously operating conveyor unit 18, or 118, respectively, could again be dispensed with.

[0245] The tool system described in FIG. 14 can in particular also be used in regions other than the packaging region.

[0246] All embodiments described herein can be combined with one another in an arbitrary manner to the extent that there are no obvious reasons denying specific combinations.