Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine comprises a base frame having an input side and an output side as well as a transport path from the input side to the output side. A plurality of tray carriers for holding trays are arranged in succession from the input side to the output side along the transport path. A drive means advances the tray carriers in an advancement plane. Further, feed means are provided for feeding a cover film for covering the filled trays. Successive tray carriers are pivotally interconnected by means of pivoting coupling links. Each tray carrier has engagement elements provided at its forward and rearward side. The drive means is formed as a drive chain with a chain strand trained over chain wheels and the engagement elements engage the chain strand when in a position adjacent thereto. The feed means for the cover film likewise includes laterally guided chain strands which are guided in a plane parallel to the first chain strand along a predetermined length parallel to the first chain strand and at a predetermined distance therefrom. The engagement elements engage the first chain strand along a predetermined length and also the second chain strand along a predetermined length whereby both drive chains are driven by the same drive means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.