Thermo-forming packaging machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermo-forming packaging machine comprising a forming station, a loading station, a sealing station, a cutting station, and a film transport device with at least one clamp chain for transporting a lower film web in a direction of production. Unformed portions of the lower film web are movable in a horizontal film plane along the stations. A first chain guide device of an upper chain run of the clamp chain is provided in an upper chain guide plane in the region of the forming station, the sealing station, and the cutting station. A second chain guide device of the upper chain run of the clamp chain is provided in a lower chain guide plane in the region of the loading station. The lower chain guide plane is disposed lower than the upper chain guide plane.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Thermo-forming packaging machine comprising:
 a forming station;   a loading station;   a sealing station;   a cutting station;   a film transport device with at least one clamp chain for transporting a lower film web in a direction of production, wherein unformed portions of the lower film web are movable in a horizontal film plane along the forming station, the loading station, the sealing station, and the cutting station;   a first chain guide device of an upper chain run of the clamp chain, wherein the first chain guide device is provided in an upper chain guide plane in the region of the forming station, the sealing station, and the cutting station; and   a second chain guide device of the upper chain run of the clamp chain, wherein the second chain guide device is provided in a lower chain guide plane in the region of the loading station;   wherein the lower chain guide plane is disposed lower than the upper chain guide plane.   
     
     
         2 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower chain guide plane is disposed lower than an underside of trays formed into the lower film web. 
     
     
         3 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower chain guide plane is parallel to the upper chain guide plane. 
     
     
         4 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a first chain deflection device provided downstream of the forming station to deflect the upper chain run from the upper chain guide plane to the lower chain guide plane. 
     
     
         5 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 4  further comprising a second chain deflection device provided upstream of the sealing station in order to deflect the upper chain run from the lower chain guide plane to the upper chain guide plane. 
     
     
         6 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper chain run, which within the loading station is oriented parallel to the film transport plane, is protected by a cover provided above the upper chain run or a tunnel enclosing the upper chain run. 
     
     
         7 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 6 , wherein the tunnel is configured as being made in one part or several parts. 
     
     
         8 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 6 , wherein the tunnel comprises cleaning openings on its underside. 
     
     
         9 . Thermo-forming packaging machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower chain run, which within the loading station is oriented parallel to the film transport plane, is protected by a cover provided above the lower chain run or a tunnel enclosing the lower chain run.