Multi-lane tray sealer

Abstract

The invention concerns a four-lane tray sealer, which has two double lanes for sealing trays with a cover film, wherein the double lanes can be operated independently from one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tray sealer for sealing trays with a cover film in two double lanes, said tray sealer comprising:
 a controller;   first and a second grippers; and   first and a second workstations;   wherein the first workstation and the first gripper work together with a first double lane, and the second workstation and the second gripper work together with a second double lane, in such a manner that trays on the first double lane can be processed independently from trays on the second double lane.   
     
     
         2 . The tray sealer of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is designed to control the gripper, the workstation, and conveyor belts of one double lane separately from the gripper, the workstation, and conveyor belts of another double lane. 
     
     
         3 . The tray sealer of  claim 1  further comprising at least two operating terminals for independently operating the grippers, the workstations, and conveyor belts of the first and second double lanes. 
     
     
         4 . The tray sealer of  claim 1  further comprising a film dispenser and a film trim rewinder for each of the two double lanes. 
     
     
         5 . The tray sealer of  claim 1  further comprising a partition provided between the first and second double lanes or between parts of the tray sealer. 
     
     
         6 . The tray sealer of  claim 5 , wherein the partition extends in a direction of production from the start of a transport region of the gripper arms along the workstation to the end of the transport region of the gripper arms. 
     
     
         7 . The tray sealer of  claim 1 , wherein an upper die part and a lower die part of the first workstation and an upper die part and a lower die part of the second workstation can be removed from the tray sealer in opposite directions from one another with respect to the double lanes and perpendicular to a direction of production. 
     
     
         8 . The tray sealer of  claim 1  further comprising distribution boxes for electrical and/or pneumatic components located below infeed devices or outfeed devices, wherein the distribution boxes have accessibility for maintenance purposes perpendicular to a direction of production. 
     
     
         9 . The tray sealer of  claim 1 , wherein a spacing between the first double lane and the second double lane is smaller than a width of the first or second double lane.