Multi-track tray sealer

Abstract

A multi-track tray sealer comprising a lateral tray-contact element which includes a lateral contact surface oriented relative to trays and which is configured such that it is movable in the direction of transport so as to support transport of the trays from a supply conveyor into a sealing tool.

1 . A multi-track tray sealer comprising:
 a gripper system;   a sealing tool; and   a tray-contact element including a lateral contact surface oriented towards a tray, wherein the lateral contact surface is configured such that at least certain areas thereof are movable in a direction of transport.   
     
     
         2 . The tray sealer of  claim 1 , wherein the lateral contact surface comprises a plurality of rollers. 
     
     
         3 . The tray sealer of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of rollers are provided approximately vertically or at a variably adjustable angle. 
     
     
         4 . The tray sealer of  claim 1 , wherein the lateral contact surface includes two respective vertical conveyor belts configured to cooperate with the gripper system so as to convey a tray. 
     
     
         5 . The tray sealer of  claim 4 , wherein the gripper system includes at least two gripper arms, and a speed of the conveyor belts can be synchronized with a speed of the gripper arms. 
     
     
         6 . The tray sealer of  claim 4 , wherein the conveyor belts are driven by a drive wherein the drive is common to both of the conveyor belts or is individual to each of the conveyor belts. 
     
     
         7 . The tray sealer of  claim 6 , wherein the drive is a servomotor. 
     
     
         8 . The tray sealer of  claim 4 , wherein the conveyor belts have an adherent surface for the tray edges abutting thereon. 
     
     
         9 . The tray sealer of  claim 8 , wherein the adherent surface of the conveyor belts is a silicone coating. 
     
     
         10 . The tray sealer of  claim 4 , wherein the two conveyor belts of the tray-contact element are configured to move in opposite directions of rotation. 
     
     
         11 . The tray sealer of  claim 1 , wherein a horizontal support surface is provided along the tray-contact element on both sides thereof in a direction of transport, the horizontal support surface configured for receiving thereon a part of a tray bottom during transport.