Packaging bag receiving apparatus for a packaging machine, packaging machine and method

Abstract

Packaging bag receiving device for a packaging machine for receiving a plurality of packaging bags, comprising: a plurality of holder pairs for each holding a packaging bag, wherein each holder pair comprises a first holder and a second holder arranged at a predetermined distance therefrom, and wherein at least the first holder of a holder pair is displaceable with respect to the second holder of this holder pair; and a distance adjusting device for substantially simultaneously or concurrently adjusting the distances between the holders of each holder pair by displacing at least the first holder relative to the second holder of each holder pair.

Claims

1. A packaging bag receiving device for a packaging machine for receiving a plurality of packaging bags, comprising: a plurality of holder pairs for holding a respective packaging bag, wherein each holder pair comprises a first holder and a second holder arranged at a predetermined distance to the first holder, and wherein at least the first holder of a holder pair is displaceable with respect to the second holder of the holder pair; and a distance adjusting device for substantially simultaneously adjusting distances between the holders of each holder pair by displacing at least the first holder relative to the second holder of each holder pair; wherein the distance adjusting device comprises: a plurality of transmission strands comprising one or more transmission elements, each transmission strand from the plurality of transmission strands being configured to respectively adjust a distance between the holders of one holder pair from the plurality of holder pairs; and wherein each transmission strand comprises an actuator.

2. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the distance adjusting device is adapted to respectively displace the first holders and the second holders of all holder pairs substantially simultaneously and substantially uniformly.

3. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the distance adjusting device is configured to respectively displace the first holders and the second holders of all holder pairs simultaneously and oppositely directed to one another.

4. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the distance adjusting device is configured to adjust the distance (A) between the first holders and the second holders according to a width of a packaging bag to be held.

5. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the holder pairs are arranged corresponding to the edges of a polygon, wherein at least two holder pairs are arranged on the same edge of the polygon.

6. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 5, wherein the distance setting device is designed to adjust the distances of holder pairs arranged at different edges of the polygon simultaneously, identically, or correspondingly.

7. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the packaging bag receiving device comprises 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 40, or 50 holder pairs.

8. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein each holder has two holder elements, wherein at least one holder element is displaceable with respect to the other holder element, and wherein each holder pair is configured to hold a respective packaging bag by engaging the holder elements of the holders with at least a part of a packaging bag.

9. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the packaging bag receiving device is rotatably mounted and configured to displace or transport held packaging bags, along a circular path curve.

10. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the packaging bag receiving device is configured to displace or transport at least one packaging bag held by a selected holder pair to a pocket forming device; and wherein the distance adjusting device is configured to temporarily displace at least one holder of the selected holder pair for temporarily reducing the set distance (A) of the holders of the selected holder pair, such that the packaging bag forms a pocket.

11. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the distance adjusting device comprises: at least one transmission strand comprising one or more transmission elements, wherein the at least one transmission strand is configured to receive an impulse from a movement transmitter and to respectively transfer it to at least one holder of the holder pairs.

12. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 11, wherein the transmission strand comprises: a first rotation element which is coupled to the movement transmitter such that a displacement of at least one part of the movement transmitter causes a displacement of the first rotation element; and wherein the displacement of the first rotation element causes a displacement of the respective first holder of the holder pairs.

13. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 12, wherein the transmission strand further comprises: a second rotation element which is coupled to the movement transmitter, such that a displacement of at least one part of the movement transmitter causes a displacement of the second rotation member in substantially opposite direction to the first rotation member; and wherein the displacement of the second rotation element causes a displacement of the respective second holder of the holder pairs, in an opposite direction to the respective first holder.

14. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 11, wherein each transmission strand comprises at least one of: a cable pull; a push rod; a threaded rod; a spindle nut; a gear; a rack; an actuator; or a shaft.

15. The packaging bag receiving device according to claim 14, wherein each transmission strand from a plurality of transmission strands is configured to set a distance between the holders of each holder pair from the plurality of holder pairs, by simultaneously and uniformly or correspondingly displacing the at least one holder of the plurality of holder pairs.

16. A packaging bag receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising: a movement transmitter for generating an impulse.

17. A packaging machine for at least one of producing, filling, or closing one or more packaging bags comprising a packaging bag receiving device for receiving a plurality of packaging bags, the packaging bag receiving device comprising: a plurality of holder pairs for holding a respective packaging bag, wherein each holder pair comprises a first holder and a second holder arranged at a predetermined distance to the first holder, and wherein at least the first holder of a holder pair is displaceable with respect to the second holder of the holder pair; and a distance adjusting device for simultaneously adjusting distances between the holders of each holder pair by displacing at least the first holder relative to the second holder of each holder pair; wherein the distance adjusting device comprises: a plurality of transmission strands comprising one or more transmission elements, each transmission strand from the plurality of transmission strands being configured to respectively adjust a distance between the holders of one holder pair from the plurality of holder pairs; and wherein each transmission strand comprises an actuator.

18. A method for simultaneously adjusting a predetermined distance (A) of a respective first holder and a second holder of a plurality of holder pairs of a packaging bag receiving device for receiving one or more packaging bags, wherein the method comprises: displacing at least one holder of the plurality of holder pairs by using a distance adjusting device, wherein the distance adjusting device comprises: a plurality of transmission strands comprising one or more transmission elements, each transmission strand from the plurality of transmission strands being configured to respectively adjust a distance between the holders of one holder pair from the plurality of holder pairs; and wherein each transmission strand comprises an actuator; bringing at least one holder pair into engagement with a packaging bag; and displacing, in particular rotating, the packaging bag receiving device for displacing or transporting the at least one held packaging bag, along at least a part of a substantially circular path curve, wherein the plurality of holder pairs are arranged corresponding to different edges of a polygon.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: displacing a first holder of a selected holder pair with respect to a second holder of the holder pair by the distance adjusting device for forming a pocket with the packaging bag during holding of a packaging bag.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus with a plurality of holder pairs and a distance adjusting device for substantially simultaneous or concurrent adjustment of the distances of the holders of the plurality of holder pairs;

(2) FIG. 2 shows an exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus with a distance adjusting device, which is configured to adjust the distance between two holders of the plurality of holder pairs substantially simultaneously or concurrently by means of cable pulls;

(3) FIG. 3 shows an exemplary packaging machine for producing, filling and closing one or more packaging bags comprising a packaging bag receiving apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus with a distance adjusting device, which is configured to adjust the distance between two holders of the plurality of holder pairs by means of rotation elements that can be rotated relative to one another;

(5) FIG. 5 shows the exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus of FIG. 4 in a first operating mode, in which the holders are adjusted to a first distance;

(6) FIG. 6 shows the exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus of FIG. 4 in a second operating mode, in which the holders are adjusted to a second distance that is greater than the first distance in the first operating mode;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus, which is configured to adjust the distance between two holders of the plurality of holder pairs by means of a plurality of threaded rods;

(8) FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the packaging bag receiving apparatus of FIG. 7, wherein the distance between holders is adjustable by means of a plurality of pressure rods;

(9) FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus, which has a plurality of transmission strands, each with an actuator;

(10) FIG. 10 shows a holder pair and a transmission strand of the distance adjusting device according to the example of a packaging bag receiving apparatus of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(11) FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 with a plurality, for example three, holder pairs 6 and a distance adjusting device 12 for substantially simultaneous or concurrent adjustment of the distances of the holders 8 of a plurality of holder pairs 6, preferably all holder pairs 6. The exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 shown in particular has a distance adjusting device 12 configured to displace at least one holder 8 of the plurality of holder pairs 6 in a preferably similar or uniform manner in order to adjust a specific distance A between the holders 8 of the respective holder pairs 6. Advantageously, the distance adjusting device 12 is mechanically and/or electrically/electronically coupled to at least one holder 8 of all holder pairs 6 comprised by the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 so as to effect a simultaneous or concurrent and preferably similar or uniform displacement of at least one holder 8 of all holder pairs 6.

(12) In order to adjust the plurality of holder pairs 6 to a specific distance A, a pulse is transmitted from a motion transmitter of the distance adjusting device 12 to at least one holder 8 of the holder pairs 6. For example, at least part of a motion transmitter of the distance adjusting device 12 is displaced such that at least one holder 8 of the holder pairs 6 is displaced. The distance adjusting device 12 is preferably designed and coupled to the first and second holders 8 of a plurality of holder pairs 6 such that the holders 8 are displaced substantially simultaneously to the left or right (or down or up) as shown in FIG. 1, so that the distances A between the first and second holders 8 of each holder pair 6 are increased or reduced in a substantially uniform manner.

(13) The motion transmitter can be displaced manually or and/or (fully) automatically or mechanically. The displacement can be effected, for example, mechanically and/or electronically and/or hydraulically and/or pneumatically.

(14) In the case of a (fully) automatic or mechanical distance adjusting device 12, the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 is preferably configured to control and/or regulate the distance A. To this end, one or more sensors for measuring the distance A and/or the position of one or more holders 8 of one or more holder pairs 6 are particularly advantageous. Suitable sensors include, in particular, optical, acoustic, inductive and/or capacitive sensors as position sensors, displacement sensors, displacement transmitter and/or distance sensors. Alternatively and/or additionally, parameters, in particular position, alignment or orientation and/or distance, can be measured by one or more transmission elements 50 of a transmission strand 50 and/or a motion transmitter and fed to the control and/or regulation.

(15) Optionally, one or more locking devices can be provided to substantially fix an adjusted distance. In particular, a position and/or orientation of one or more displaceable holders 8 and/or one or more motion transmitters and/or one or more transmission strands or their transmission elements can be substantially fixed or locked. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a split pin and/or a brake and/or a device that is configured to prevent displacement of one of said elements.

(16) The features and properties mentioned can also be included in other packaging bag receiving apparatuses, in particular in the packaging bag receiving apparatuses described below.

(17) FIG. 2 shows an exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 with a distance adjusting device 12 configured to adjust the distance A between two holders 8 of the plurality of holder pairs 6 substantially simultaneously or concurrently by means of cable pulls 16. The embodiment shown comprises a plurality of, for example three, substantially identical holder pairs 6 for receiving and/or holding a packaging bag 2. Both the first holder 8 and the second holder 8 of the holder pairs 6 are displaceable substantially linearly on or along a rail 14. To this end, a holder 8 can be attached to a carriage that can be moved along the rail 14.

(18) The packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 shown comprises a distance adjusting device 12 configured to displace a plurality of transmission strands 50 or to transmit motion to one or more holders 8 by it. In the present example, each of the transmission strands 50 is coupled or mechanically connected to respectively one holder 8 of a holder pair 6. Each of the transmission strands 50 has a cable pull 16, preferably a Bowden cable, comprising or consisting of a steel wire or wire rope, which is guided in a flexible but substantially pressure-resistant sheath in the pulling direction. As a result, pulses, in particular tensile forces, can be transmitted from a motion transmitter 42 to the holder 8 and the holder 8 can be displaced. Optionally, one or more restoring elements can be provided, for example a restoring spring 18, in order to displace one or more holders 8 in a direction opposite to a pulling direction transmitted by the cable pull 16 or to generate a counterforce.

(19) A transmission strand 50 can include further transmission elements 50, such as deflection roller(s), connecting rod(s), (deflection) levers, gears and the like. In particular, the transmission strand 50 can include one or more transmission elements 50, which redirects or converts a first type or direction of displacement, for example a linear one, into a second type or direction of displacement, for example a rotational one. This enables a high degree of flexibility and individualization of the respective transmission strands. Furthermore, transmission strands 50 of a packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 can be designed at least partially differently. In particular, a mirror-image or symmetrical arrangement and/or operating mode of transmission strands of the first and second holders 8 of a holder pair 6 is advantageous, as shown in the exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 of Figure. 2. The holder 8 shown on the left is displaced to the right when the cable pull 16 is pulled inthe holder 8 shown on the right is displaced to the left substantially at the same time and/or in unison when the cable 16 is pulled in. Alternatively and/or additionallyif appropriate transmission elements are providedthe first holder 8 can be displaced individually or not substantially similarly to the second holder 8 of a holder pair 6.

(20) The distance adjusting device 12 preferably has one or more motion transmitters 42. Alternatively, one or more external motion transmitters can be coupled to the packaging machine 20, in particular to the distance adjusting device 12. In this case, a motion transmitter can be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to a plurality, in particular one or more substantially identically designed groups, of transmission strands 50 of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1.

(21) For example, a motion transmitter can be coupled to a group consisting of two or more holders 8 of different holder pairs 6 in order to move them substantially at the same time and in unison. This enables a lower component cost and a lower complexity of the distance adjusting device 12 and is particularly advantageous if two or more holder pairs 6 have a substantially identical orientation, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

(22) Alternatively, each motion strand 50 can have an actuator 62 configured to convert a pulse, in particular an electrical and/or electronic signal, from a motion transmitter 42 into a mechanical movement of the cable pull 16. In such an embodiment, the cable pulls 16 are preferably displaced substantially simultaneously or concurrently and substantially similarly or in unison, for example by appropriate control and/or regulation of the actuators 62, for example motors, in particular electric motors, by the motion transmitter 42, in order to ensure an advantageous identical and simultaneous adjustment of the distances of the holder pairs 6.

(23) In the embodiment shown, both holders 8 of a holder pair 6 are displaceable. Alternatively, only one of the holders 8 of a holder pair 6 can be designed to be displaceable. The holders 8 can also be displaceable in other ways, for example rotationally.

(24) Holders 8 within the meaning of this application preferably have two holder elements 10 that can be moved relative to one another. For example, a first holder element 10 is supported substantially stationary relative to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 and a second holder element 10 is designed to temporarily move away from the first holder element 10 so that a part of a packaging bag 2 can be positioned between the holder element 10. The second holder element 10 is then brought back to the first holder element 10 or brought into engagement with it and the packaging bag 2. Alternatively, both holder elements 10 of a holder 8 can be displaceable.

(25) The distance adjusting device 12 shown can also be configured to at least temporarily change the distance A of one or more, for example two, selected holder pairs 6 of the plurality of holder pairs 6, independently of the rest of the plurality of holder pairs 6. This is in particular advantageous for forming a pocket by the packaging bags 2 held by the selected holder pairs 6, for example if the selected holder pairs 6 are located on and/or under and/or in a filling device and filling material is to be introduced into the packaging bag 2. Forming a substantially bulbous and/or pocket-shaped shape with an opening through the packaging bag 2 facilitates filling of the packaging bag 2.

(26) For example, the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 or the packaging machine 20 can have one or more motion transmitters, which can be coupled to one or more movement strands 50 such that they can effect a-preferably temporary-displacement of at least one of the holders 8 of one or more selected holder pairs 6. The packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 can, for example, have a motion transmitter that acts on one or more cable pulls 16 of one or more motion strands 50. In particular, a deflection of a cable pull 16 is advantageous, so that the holder 8 coupled to it is displaced and the distance between the first holder 8 and the second holder 8 of the associated holder pair 6 is reduced while a packaging bag 2 is held.

(27) FIG. 3 shows an exemplary packaging machine 20 that includes a packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

(28) The packaging machine 20 has a so-called HFFS structure. The packaging machine 1 comprises a roll of a packaging material 4 for producing packaging bags 2. The packaging material 4 is fed to the packaging machine 2 by a feed device 22 in a substantially horizontal transport direction. In the embodiment shown, the feed device 22 comprises a pair of driven rollers or cylinders that transport or convey the packaging material 4. The packaging machine 20 shown also has a shaping or folding device 24 for (re) shaping and/or folding the packaging material 4. In the example shown, the forming or folding device 24 is configured to fold the packaging material 4 substantially in the middle to form a double band (comprising two layers) of the packaging material 4 with a fold or pleat along one side. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the feed device 22 is arranged downstream of the forming or folding device 24. Alternatively and/or additionally, the feed device 22 can be arranged upstream of the forming or folding device 24. Furthermore, the packaging machine 20 can have one or more additional feed devices 22 and/or forming or folding devices 24, wherein they can be arranged at different locations in the packaging machine 20.

(29) As an alternative to the example shown, the packaging material 4 can be stocked in the form of individual pieces or sheets. In such an example, the feed device 22 and/or the forming or folding device 24 are preferably designed such that two or more, in particular three or four, pieces or sheets of the packaging material 4 are arranged and/or conveyed at least partially overlapping or lying one on top of the other.

(30) The packaging machine 20 shown in FIG. 3 further comprises one or more, for example two, connecting devices 26 for connecting two or more, in particular three or four, layers of packaging material 4. Preferably, at least one of the connecting devices 26 is configured to create at least one, in particular two or three, connecting seams in or on at least part of the packaging material 4.

(31) The one or more connecting devices 26 are preferably arranged downstream of a shaping or folding device 24 in the conveying direction of the packaging material 4. Alternatively and/or additionally, at least one connecting device 26 can be arranged upstream of a forming or folding device 24. A connecting device 26 can in particular be configured to create a connecting seam substantially orthogonal or transverse to the conveying direction of the packaging material 4. Alternatively and/or additionally, a connecting device 26 can be configured to create a connecting seam substantially parallel or longitudinal to the conveying direction of the packaging material 4.

(32) In the exemplary packaging machine 20 shown in FIG. 3, the two connecting devices 26 are designed to produce packaging bags 2 by creating a respective connecting seam orthogonal or perpendicular to the conveying direction and/or the formed fold of the packaging material 4. In the packaging machine 20 shown, a plurality of packaging bags 2 are produced in this way on the strip of packaging material 4. Each packaging bag 2 is preferably formed by two adjacent or neighboring connecting seams and the section of packaging material 4 located between them. The packaging bags 2 also have an opening on the upper side opposite the fold.

(33) The packaging machine 20 of FIG. 3 comprises one or more, for example two, separating devices 28 for separating or severing or isolating one or more packaging bags 2 from the strip of packaging material 4. In the example shown, the separating device 28 comprises two separating tools, for example a knife or blade or cutting edge, which are configured to cut or sever at least part of the packaging material 4. In the exemplary embodiment of the packaging machine 20 shown, the separating device 28 is configured to separate a respective area of the packaging material 4, which forms a packaging bag 2.

(34) In the present, exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 20 comprises a rotary machine 32 as a packaging receiving device 1 for receiving and/or transporting or conveying one or more packaging bags 2 and/or separated sections of the packaging material 4. The rotary machine 32 is preferably configured to feed one or more packaging bags 2 and/or separated sections of the packaging material 4 substantially continuously or intermittently to one or more stations or devices of the packaging machine 2, in particular to a filling device of the packaging machine 20 for filling the packaging bags 2, preferably with bulk material. The filling device advantageously has an opening device and/or pocket forming device 34 for opening the opening of the packaging bag 2 and/or shaping the packaging bag 2, in particular by forming a substantially bulbous pocketin preparation for filling the packaging bag 2. One or more, e.g. two, three or four introduction devices 36 are configured to fill the packaging bags 2 with one or more items, in particular with bulk material, and/or with one or more fluids.

(35) As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary machine 32 is preferably configured to transport or convey the packaging bags 2 along a substantially circular path to one or more stations or devices of the packaging machine 20, in particular the filling device. Preferably, the packaging bags 2 can temporarily remain substantially stationary in one or more of the devices

(36) The packaging machine 20 further has one or more, in particular 2 or 3, closing devices 38 for closing one or more, for example two, packaging bags 2. In the present example, two filled packaging bags 2 are fed to a closing device 38 and closed by it. A closing device 38 is preferably configured to close the opening of a packaging bag 2, in particular by connecting a packaging material 4 forming the opening. The closing device 38 preferably comprises one or more embossing tools for creating at least one connecting seam for closing the opening of the packaging bag 2. The closing device 38 can be designed to be substantially stationary or displaceable with respect to the one or more packaging bags 2. Particularly advantageous is a closing device 38 that can be moved substantially parallel to or along the side of the packaging bag 2 that includes the opening. Alternatively and/or additionally, the closing device 38 can be configured to apply an adhesive to close the opening. It is particularly advantageous to close the opening using cold glue or a similar cold-bonding adhesive.

(37) The produced, filled and closed packaging bag 2 is then led out of the packaging machine 20. Furthermore, the packaging machine 20 optionally has one or more control devices for checking or inspecting in particular the packaging material 4 and/or a connecting seam. Conveying or feeding of the packaging material 4 and/or the packaging bags 2 can in particular be carried out substantially intermittently or continuously. In particular, conveying can vary in the individual stations or sections of the packaging machine 20. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the packaging material 4 is preferably transported or conveyed substantially continuously, i.e. at a substantially constant speed, in particular without acceleration, at least up to a separating device 28.

(38) Packaging bags 2 within the meaning of this application in particular have packaging material 4 comprising plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively and/or additionally, packaging bags 2 can comprise packaging material 4 consisting at least partially of fibrous material, in particular cellulose, wood pulp and/or paper, in particular waste paper pulp.

(39) Furthermore, packaging bags 2 within the meaning of this application are particularly suitable for holding bulk material and/or fluids. Bulk material is understood to mean, for example, a substantially powdery, grainy, granular and/or lumpy mixture, which is preferably in pourable form. Likewise, bulk material within the meaning of this application includes so-called loose goods, i.e. substantially pourable, definable or quantifiable units, such as hardware or assembly accessories (e.g. screws, nuts, nails, washers, felt gliders and the like.), craft and sewing materials (e.g. beads, (snap) buttons, sequins and the like), stationery (e.g. paper clips and the like), toys (e.g. building blocks, game figures, dice and the like), and preferably dry food (e.g. biscuits, cereals/muesli, coffee, rice, pasta, sugar, salt and the like). Alternatively and/or additionally, packaging bags may be suitable for holding a single item, such as a connecting cable, a hand tool or the like.

(40) FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 with a distance adjusting device 12, which is configured to adjust the distance between two holders 8 of a plurality of holder pairs 6 by means of rotation elements 40a, 40b that can be rotated relative to one another. The packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 is designed as a rotary machine 32 in this embodiment. The rotary machine 32 is configured to be rotated in order to transport packaging bags 2 to different devices of a packaging machine 20, as described with respect to FIG. 3.

(41) The rotary machine 32 has an octagonal, rotatable platform, on the edges of which two holder pairs 6 are arranged for receiving and/or holding packaging bags 2. As an alternative to the example shown, the platform can also have a different shape, in particular it can be a 4-gon, 5-gon, 6-gon, 7-gon, 9-gon or 10-gon. Likewise, only one or three or five or more holder pairs 6 can be arranged on one edge, i.e. on a segment, of the platform.

(42) As shown in particular in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distance adjusting device 12 of the exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 comprises a rotatable motion transmitter 42. Alternatively, the adjustment device 12 is coupled to an external motion transmitter 42. The exemplary motion transmitter 42 is coupled to first and a second transmission strands 50, as a result of which a pulse from the motion transmitter 42 is transmitted and/or output to the first and second transmission strands 50. The first transmission strand 50 comprises the first rotation element 40a, which is rotatably displaceable relative to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1. It is coupled or mechanically connected to the motion transmitter 42 such that a displacement, in particular a rotation, of the motion transmitter 42 causes a displacement, in particular a rotational displacement, of the first rotation element 40a.

(43) The second transmission strand 50 comprises the second rotation element 40b, which is rotatably displaceable relative to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1. It is coupled or mechanically connected to the motion transmitter 42 such that a displacement, in particular a rotation, of the motion transmitter 42 causes a displacement, in particular a rotational displacement, of the first rotation element 40b.

(44) Displacing the motion transmitter 42 preferably causes a substantially opposite displacement, in particular rotation, of the first rotation element 40a relative to the second rotation element 40b.

(45) Advantageously, the first rotation element 40a is coupled to further transmission elements 50 such that a displacement of the first rotation element 40a causes a displacement of one or more transmission elements 50. Further preferably, the second rotation element 40b is also coupled to further transmission elements 50 in order to displace them.

(46) The distance adjusting device 12 is designed to bring the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 into two or more operating states, with operating states corresponding to different distances A of the holders 8 of a plurality of holder pairs 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus of FIG. 4 in a first operating mode BZ1 and in a second operating mode BZ2, the first operating mode BZ1 being set for a packaging bag in a first size and/or shape and the second operating mode BZ2 being set for a packaging bag with a second size different from the first size.

(47) The motion transmitter 42 of the exemplary embodiment shown is supported on the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 in a substantially rotatable manner. The motion transmitter 42 further has a groove 46 that substantially describes a radius around the center of rotation of the motion transmitter 42. Furthermore, a pin 44 is movably arranged in the groove 46 and connected to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1.

(48) In the example shown, the second rotation element 40b is arranged below the first rotation element 40a and is partially covered by it in the figure. The two rotation elements 40a, 40b are connected to the motion transmitter 42 via one or more coupling members and/or one or more gears such that-starting from the first operating state BZ1 in FIG. 5a counterclockwise rotation of the motion transmitter 42 results in a clockwise rotation of the first rotation element 40a and a counterclockwise rotation of the second rotation element 40b substantially simultaneously or concurrently. In the second operating state BZ2 of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1, the distances between the radially projecting transmission elements of the respective transmission strands 50 assigned to the first and second holders 8 are larger than in the first operating state BZ1.

(49) The radially projecting transmission elements 50 can each be coupled to a single holder 8 oras shown in FIG. 4be coupled to two or more, for example two, holders 8 via one or more further transmission elements and preferably cause a substantially identical or at least commutated displacement of the one or more holders 8.

(50) As an alternative to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 shown, only one rotation element can also be provided, so that only the first holder 8 of the holder pairs 6 is displaced. Furthermore, transmission elements and/or coupling members can have a cable pull 16, connecting rod, lever, push rod 54, threaded rod 60 and similar elements, which are suitable for a desired, advantageous transmission and/or redirection of a motion of one or more motion transmitters to one or more holders.

(51) The packaging material receiving device 1 shown can also be configured to at least temporarily deform one or more held packaging bags 2 such that they form a substantially bulbous bag. Preferably, a motion transmitter causes a displacement of one or more transmission elements of one or more transmission strands 50 of one or more, for example two, selected holder pairs 6. Advantageously, the motion transmitter is coupled to form a pocket with one or more transmission elements, which are arranged between the radially projecting transmission elements shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and holder pairs 6 coupled to themas shown in FIG. 4. It is also advantageous that a displacement of one or more transmission elements by the motion transmitter for pocket forming does not cause a displacement of the one or more rotation elements 40a, 40b, so that only the selected holder pairs 6 are acted upon.

(52) FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1, which is configured to adjust the distance between two holders 8 of a plurality of holder pairs 6 by means of a plurality of threaded rods 60. In this example, the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 is designed as an octagonal rotary machine 32. The rotary machine 32 shown comprises eight holder pairs 6i.e. one holder pair 6 per segmentfor receiving and/or holding up to eight packaging bags 2. The holders 8 of the holder pairs 6 are each arranged on rails 14 so that they are displaceable in a substantially straight or linear manner.

(53) The example shown in FIG. 7 preferably comprises a distance adjusting device 12 configured to displace all holders 8 of all eight holder pairs 6 substantially simultaneously or concurrently in order to adjust the distances A of the holder pairs 6 substantially simultaneously and identically. The distance adjusting device 12 preferably comprises a motion transmitter 42 arranged substantially centrally in the rotary machine 32 and a plurality of transmission strands 50 for displacing the holders 8. According to the example, a threaded rod 60 is provided per one holder pair 6, which are arranged substantially in a star shape and extend from the center of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 radially outward to respectively one holder pair 6. In the example shown, the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 has eight holder pairs 6 and eight threaded rods 60. The threaded rods 60 are preferably coupled to further transmission elements such that a rotation of the threaded rods 60 causes a displacement of the holders 8 of the holder pairs 6, preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded rods 60.

(54) For example, a rotation of the threaded rods 60 in a first direction causes the holders 8 to move apart, so that the distance A is increased. Conversely, a rotation of the threaded rods 60 in a second direction causes the holders 8 to come together, so that the distance A is reduced. By providing one or more different transmission elements, the translation and also the type of motion transmission and/or deflection can be advantageously set and/or adjusted. The following are particularly suitable for this: lever, cable pull, deflection pulley, connecting rod, eccentric, etc.

(55) The threaded rods 60 can be supported in a rotatable and substantially stationary manner with respect to the rotary machine 32. A rotation of the threaded rods 60 preferably causes a, in particular linear, displacement of one or more coupled transmission elements, for example in the form of a spindle nut or movement nut 54, which is threaded onto the threaded rod 60. Here, a rotational movement of the threaded rod 60 is converted into a substantially linear movement. The spindle nut or movement nut 54 is coupled to the holders 8 of a holder pair 6, so that a displacement of the spindle nut or movement nut 54 causes a displacement of the holders 8.

(56) More preferably, the first holder 8 of the holder pairs 6 is displaced in the opposite direction to the displacement of the second holder 8 of the holder pairs 6. In other words: a rotational movement of the threaded rod 60 causesdepending on the direction-the two holders 8 of a holder pair 6 to be brought together or moved apart, as a result of which the distance A of the holder pair 6 can be adjusted.

(57) Preferably there is provided a motion transmitter 42 that is coupled to the eight threaded rods 60 and is configured to transmit and/or output a pulse to the transmission strands 50, so that the eight threaded rods 60 rotate substantially simultaneously or concurrently and substantially similarly or in unison. For example, a motion transmitter 42 can have a central gear that can be driven by a motor and/or manually. Alternatively, each of the transmission strands 50 can have an actuator 62 that receives a signal from a motion transmitter 42 and converts it into a mechanical movement of the respective threaded rods 60.

(58) The motion transmitter 42 can be formed integrally with the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 and/or the packaging machine 20 or can be provided externally and coupled to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 and/or the packaging machine 20, for example in the form of an external control and/or regulating device.

(59) FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1, which has a similar structure to the embodiment of FIG. 7, but is configured to adjust the distance between two holders 8 of the plurality of holder pairs 6 by means of a plurality of pressure rods 52. According to the example, one push rod 52 is provided for each holder pair 6, which are arranged substantially in a star shape and extend from the center of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 radially outward to one holder pair 6 each. The push rods 52 are preferably coupled to further transmission elements 50 such that a substantially linear movement or linear displacement of the push rods 52 causes the holders 8 of the holder pairs 6 to be displaced substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the push rods 52. For example, a movement of the push rods 52 radially outward causes the holders to move apart, so that the distance A is increased. Conversely, a movement of the push rods 52 radially inward causes the holders to come together, so that the distance A is reduced.

(60) In the example shown, there is provided a motion transmitter 42 that is rotatably displaceable and is coupled to the eight push rods 52 and is configured to displace the eight push rods 52 substantially simultaneously or concurrently and substantially similarly on in unison, in particular in their longitudinal direction and/or in the radial direction of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1. Each push rod 52 preferably has a bolt and/or pin 44 at its central end, which is movably arranged in a groove 46 of the motion transmitter 42. A suitable shape of the groove causes a rotational movement of the motion transmitter 42 to be redirected to a linear movement of the push rods 52.

(61) The packaging bag receiving apparatuses 1 of FIGS. 7 and 8 are preferably further configured to change the distance of one or more selected holder pairs 6 separately or independently of the remaining holder pairs 6. This is particularly advantageous for forming a bag using the packaging bags 2 held by the selected holder pairs 6, in particular to make filling thereof easier. The packaging bag receiving apparatuses 1 or the packaging machine 20 advantageously have one or more additional motion transmitters, in particular pocket shape motion transmitters, which are coupled to one or more transmission elements of the one or more selected holder pairs 6 so as to their distance A at least temporarily and independently of the non-selected holder pairs 6.

(62) In particular, one or more integral and/or external additional motion transmitters, in particular pocket shape motion transmitters, can be provided and/or arranged in a substantially stationary manner with respect to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 so that it/they can only act on one or more holder pairs 6 with a specific orientation and/or of a specific segment. By moving, in particular rotating, the holder pairs 6, selected holder pairs 6 and/or holder pairs having a specific orientation and/or holder pairs of a specific segment can be coupled to the one or more additional motion transmitters, in particular pocket shape motion transmitters.

(63) FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary packaging bag receiving apparatus 1, which has a plurality of transmission strands 50, each with an actuator 62. The packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 is advantageously designed as a rotary machine 32. The rotary machine 32 shown comprises a plurality, for example six, eight or ten, holder pairs 6, each of the holder pairs 6 being coupled to a motion transmitter 42 (not shown) via a respective transmission strand 50. The motion transmitter 42 can be formed integrally with the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 or the packaging machine 20 or can be provided externally and coupled to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 and/or the packaging machine 20.

(64) This embodiment makes it possible, in particular, to adjust the plurality of holder pairs 6 substantially simultaneously or concurrently and similarly or identically. To this end, the actuators 62 of each transmission strand 50 are preferably controlled substantially simultaneously and/or identically or a pulse is transmitted to them, so that one or more transmission elements of the respective transmission strand 50 and holders 8 coupled thereto are displaced. In this way, a simple, time-saving and/or tool-free adjustment of the distances of the plurality of holder pairs 6 of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 is made possible.

(65) Each of the actuators 62 is connected to the motion transmitter 42 (not shown) preferably via one or more electrical lines and/or cables, so that a pulse generated and/or output by the motion transmitter 42, in particular an electrical and/or electronic signal, can be received by the actuators 62. For example, the motion transmitter 42 comprises one or more controllers and/or buttons and/or switches for generating a signal, in particular a signal comprising one or more electrically and/or electronically modulated information, for controlling and/or regulating the actuators 62. Alternatively and/or or additionally, a motion transmitter 42 can be provided in an external control and/or regulating device and coupled to the one or more transmission strands 50.

(66) FIG. 10 shows a holder pair 6 and part of a transmission strand 50 of the distance adjusting device 12 according to the example of a packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 of FIG. 9, with the part of the transmission strand 50 shown being configured to convert an electrical and/or electronic pulse, such as an electrical and/or electronic signal, into a mechanical pulse, such as a mechanical movement, and transmit it to the holder 6.

(67) At least one holder 8 of each holder pair 6 is arranged displaceably, for example along a guide and/or rail 14. As a result, the holder pairs 6 are each configured to enable both movements for adjusting the distance for a bag of a certain size and cyclical, i.e. to be carried out repeatedly during operation of the packaging machine 1, movements (referred to as process movements in the context of the entire present description), in particular for opening, closing and/or tightening a held packaging bag 2. In this way, no additional devices need to be provided for carrying out process movements. For the process movements, only one or more specific actuators 62 can be controlled, which are also suitable for adjusting the predetermined distances A adapted to the packaging bags 2. In particular, the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 shown is configure to displace only those holder pairs 6 that are positioned at a specific station of the packaging machine 1.

(68) The packaging machine 20 preferably comprises a control unit and/or is coupled to an external control unit, which controls and/or regulates the operation of at least part of the packaging machine 20, in particular the packaging bag receiving apparatus 10. In particular, such a control unit is configured to output pulses, in particular electrical and/or electronic signals, only to one or more specific or selected holder pairs 6 in order to displace them independently or separately from other holder pairs 6.

(69) This is particularly advantageous for forming a pocket using the packaging bags 2 held by the selected holder pairs 6, in particular to make filling thereof easier. The control unit is advantageously configured to temporarily and independently displace those holder pairs 6 that are located on a pocket forming device, introduction device and/or testing device of a rotary machine 32.

(70) Advantageously, at least one holder 8 of a holder pair 6 is arranged on a displaceable transmission element, for example in the form of a rack 58, in order to receive a pulse, in particular to experience a mechanical movement. Preferably, the rack 58 is movably supported along a rail 14, so that the distance between the holders 8 of a holder pair 6 can be changed by moving the rack 58. More preferably, a gear 56 is coupled to the rack 58 such that a rotation of the gear 56 causes a, in particular translational, displacement of the rack 58 and the holder 8.

(71) In the example shown, the gear 56 is coupled to an actuator 62 via a shaft 64. The actuator 62 is connected and/or coupled (not shown) to an integrated and/or an external motion transmitter 42 via one or more electrical lines in order to receive a pulse from the motion transmitter 42. The actuator 62 is configured to convert and/or transform a received electrical and/or electronic pulse into a mechanical movement of the shaft 64. A preferred example of an actuator 62 is in particular an electrical and/or electromechanical actuator, which is suitable for controlling and/or regulating the distance of the holders 8, such as an electric motor, in particular a servo motor.

(72) In such an embodiment, a plurality of actuators 62, in particular electric motors, can be controlled by means of a motion transmitter 42 (not shown), for example comprising a controller and/or button and/or switch, such that the majority, preferably all, of holder pairs 6 can be displaced and adjusted to a specific bag size substantially simultaneously and in unison. The motion transmitter 42 may be formed integrally with the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 or the packaging machine 20 or may be provided externally and coupled to the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 or the packaging machine 20.

(73) Both holders 8 of a holder pair 6 are advantageously arranged on a displaceable rack 58, in particular such that both holders 8 of the holder pair 6 can be displaced in substantially opposite directions by rotating the gear 56.

(74) The transmission strand 50 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to an exemplary embodiment. Alternatively and/or additionally, a transmission strand 50 can be designed differently. For example, one or more transmission elements of the transmission strand 50 can be designed to be pivotable and/or oscillating and/or displaceable in some other way in order to transmit a movement to one or more transmission elements and/or holders 6. In particular, one or more transmission elements of the other exemplary embodiments can be provided, in particular one or more rotation elements 40a, 40b and/or threaded rods 60 and/or pressure rods 52 per one holder pair 6. The embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8 can also have one or more actuators 62 for converting and/or transforming a pulse into a movement of one or more transmission elements and/or holders.

(75) Furthermore, two or more adjacent and substantially identically aligned holder pairs 6 can be displaceable and/or adjustable via one or more transmission elements of the same transmission strand 50, as shown for example in FIG. 4. As a result, a reduced number of transmission elements can be provided for adjusting a plurality of holder pairs 6, so that lower component costs and reduced complexity of the packaging bag receiving apparatus 1 are achieved.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

(76) 1 packaging bag receiving apparatus

(77) 2 packaging bag

(78) 4 packing material

(79) 6 holder pair

(80) 8 holder

(81) 10 holder element

(82) 12 distance adjusting device

(83) 14 rail

(84) 16 cable pull

(85) 18 return spring

(86) 20 packaging machine

(87) 22 feed device

(88) 24 forming or folding device

(89) 26 connecting device

(90) 28 separating device

(91) 32 rotary machine

(92) 34 pocket forming device

(93) 36 introduction device

(94) 38 closing device

(95) 40a first rotation element

(96) 40b second rotation element

(97) 42 motion transmitter

(98) 44 pin

(99) 46 groove

(100) 50 transmission strand

(101) 50 transmission element

(102) 52 push rod

(103) 54 spindle nut or movement nut

(104) 56 gear

(105) 58 rack

(106) 60 threaded rod

(107) 62 actuator

(108) 64 shaft

(109) A distance