Packaging machine comprising a machine frame and method for the construction and alteration thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging machine including a machine frame in addition to a method for the construction and alteration thereof. The packaging machine includes a frame made of transversal ( 3, 22, 28, 29 ) and longitudinal elements ( 2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33 ) for receiving and fixing the individual work stations of the packaging machine, whereby the stations are used, for example, for forming, filling, sealing and labelling the packaging. Displacably mounted securing means for the work stations are fixably arranged on the longitudinal elements of the frames. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the type of packaging machine, whereby the frame is made of longitudinal elements ( 2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33 ) which preferably are the same length as the individual work stations, and transversal elements ( 3, 22, 28, 29 ) are assembled together and the work stations are consequently suspended, orientated and fixed in the frame. The invention further relates to a method for altering the packaging machine, whereby the respective work stations are removed form the frame once the securing means have been detached. Subsequently, a replacement-work station can be fixed to the longitudinal elements. The longitudinal elements can also be removed, the remaining frame parts being joined together. The old work station is replaced by a new one which has different dimensions, and the longitudinal elements are also replaced by longitudinal elements having a different length.

1 . Packaging machine comprising several workstations for the production of sealed, plastic packaging comprising a machine frame ( 1 ) for receiving and fixing the workstations comprising parallel and spaced apart longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) and, vertically to the longitudinal direction of the frame ( 1 ), transverse elements ( 3 ,  22 ,  28 ,  29 ) positively and/or non-positively connected to the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) and that the workstations are mounted displaceably at least partially along the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  25 ) and arranged fixably thereon, characterised in that the longitudinal elements are arranged one on top of the other, a short distance apart, and in that the workstations are mounted between the longitudinal elements.  
   
   
       2 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the length of the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) is reversibly variable.  
   
   
       3 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) are tubes, preferably with a rectangular or square cross-sectional area.  
   
   
       4 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the length of the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) is less than the length of the packaging machine.  
   
   
       5 . Packaging machine according to either  claim 3 , characterised in that the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) are connected to the transverse elements ( 3 ,  22 ,  28 ,  29 ) by means of braceable clamping jaws ( 37 ,  39 ),  
   
   
       6 . Packaging machine according to  claim 5 , characterised in that provided on the external side of the transverse elements and on the internal side of the clamping jaws are corresponding recesses that at least partially receive the longitudinal elements.  
   
   
       7 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the transverse elements comprise supports ( 28 ) shaped as U-profiles and preferably connected to each other by a sheet ( 61 ).  
   
   
       8 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the workstation is a thermoforming, filling, sealing and/or cutting station.  
   
   
       9 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that in the upper area of the machine frame it comprises two longitudinal elements one lying a short distance above the other.  
   
   
       10 . A method for the construction of a packaging machine comprising several workstations for the production of sealed, plastic packaging according to any one of comprising: 
 forming a machine frame for receiving and fixing the workstations comprising parallel and spaced apart longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) and, vertically to the longitudinal direction of the frame ( 1 ), transverse elements ( 3 ,  22 ,  28 ,  29 ) positively and/or non-positively connected to the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 );    displaceably mounting the workstations at least partially along the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  25 ) and arranged fixably thereon;    arranging the longitudinal elements on top of the other, a short distance apart and mounting the workstations between the longitudinal elements; and    connecting the longitudinal elements ( 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  18 ,  19 ,  25 ,  33 ) and transverse elements ( 3 ,  22 ,  28 ,  29 ), and    suspension, alignment and fixing of the workstations between the longitudinal elements.    
   
   
       11 . (canceled)