EP0809592B1 - Chain of closure clips and device and process for closing its clips - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a chain connected, for bag and Braids of certain locking clips with a uniform cross-sectional profile and two free ends that can be locked together to close the locking clip.

The invention further relates to a device for closing closure clips with interlocking free ends, especially one Lock clip chain according to the present invention. In addition, the Invention a method for closing closure clips, especially those a chain according to the present invention.

A chain of locking clips is already known from US Pat. No. 3,818,553 known. The locking clips of the chain described there have some significant disadvantages. So your two legs need to close one Locking clips can be pivoted through a relatively large angle. In the as The region of the locking clips serving the pivot axis are as follows significantly weakened.

In addition, the locking clips of a chain are interconnected by several webs connected and otherwise have clear gaps between each other. This Gaps arise from punching after extruding the profile for the Lock clip chain. The punched out material is undesirable waste. Furthermore, the individual locking clips are due to the large number of connecting webs not so easy to separate. Otherwise, the remaining ones Remaining webs the material of the bag braid when closing the closure clip violate.

A major disadvantage of all previously known locking clip chains is in that these are insufficient for automatic feeding and processing are suitable in automatic sealing machines. This is especially true for the beginning described locking clip; US '553 refers to machine Locking the locking clip did not even come in.

It is therefore the object underlying the invention to make a chain more coherent To create locking clips that while avoiding the disadvantages of State of the art particularly suitable for mechanically closing their Locking clips is.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a chain of coherent Closure clips of the type mentioned, which are thereby distinguishes that their locking clips have approaches that are mutually exclusive aligned between the interlocking, free ends on the outer contour are located, and are only related in the area of these approaches, so that the approaches form a continuous web.

The approaches of the Locking clips too. These support the feeding as a continuous bridge the chain to a capping machine. It also makes it easier to approach one Locking clips clearly, a locking clip against twisting during locking to hold on. In addition, the locking clips of a chain by simply cutting through the web formed by the lugs loosen the chain. If the chain of connected locking clips inexpensively is made by extrusion, it is enough if the individual Locking clips of the chain by a simple, from the free ends of the Closure clips pre-separated from each other up to their approach-reaching incision will. A complex punching out associated with a lot of waste material is not required. A chain of interlocking closure clips produced in this way is not only characterized by the fact that their locking clips differ slightly from the Let the chain separate, but also because the chain can be wound up and thus can be stored in rolls. It can also because of the continuous web fed particularly well to a device for closing the closure clips will.

In an advantageous embodiment of the chain are the approaches of individual locking clips in the middle between their free ends.

In addition, an embodiment is preferred which is characterized by a Characterized cross-sectional profile, in which the free ends a distance from each other have the maximum diameter of one with a locking clip closing bag braid corresponds. Such an embodiment offers the great advantage that the load in the deformed when closing the area of Locking clips are very low, so the risk of failure is significant is reduced. In addition, such a pre-closed locking clip can be fed particularly easily to a machine for its closure by one the locking clip or the chain of connected locking clips on one Feed rail slides.

It is also advantageous if the locking clips of the chain have a cross-sectional profile have, whose inner contour is concavely shaped when the closure clip is open is and largely corresponds to that of a closed locking clip. Through a such preformed closure clip can deform it when closing be kept as low as possible with the result that the material load at Closure is low and the probability of failure accordingly decreases.

A particularly advantageous variant of the chain according to the invention is more coherent Closure clips are characterized by a cross-sectional profile in which the inner contour has a recess where on the outer contour Approach. A further optimized variant of this chain more coherent Closure clips is also characterized in that the profile thickness of the cross-sectional profile approximately in the entire area between the two free ends is constant. In the case of a chain of this type, coherent locking clips shows in particular the area which is particularly stressed when closing individual closure clips on an even wall thickness. This leads to one Even distribution of the bend and thus the load when closing the locking clips. No break point is therefore to be expected. Furthermore a locking clip designed in this way offers the possibility of adaptation different plait diameters because the locking clip is in the area of Approach can widen somewhat due to the deepening.

Another variant of the chain of connected locking clips has finally a cross-sectional profile in which the inner contour is provided with teeth is. Due to the teeth, different braid diameters are easy compensate. In particular, it is possible to use different cross-sectional profiles to provide different applications (braid diameter) that are only in the Differ length of their teeth from each other. The outer contour of the locking clips can always remain the same, so that the different locking clips all can be closed with the same closing tool.

The invention further consists in a device of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is characterized in that it has a feed for the locking clips and has a stamp with a trough, each having a groove for guiding or have non-rotatable recording of the locking clip approaches, the grooves align when the stamp is most distant from the sealing die Assumes the position that the stamp is relative to a closing die towards it and is movable away from this, and that the sealing die deflecting means for has at least one of the free ends of the locking clip to the two Ends when the punch and die move towards each other latch.

With such a device, the closure clips described above can be close particularly easily. In addition, the invention is distinguished Device characterized in that it is enough if only the stamp is movable is executed. The device thus comes with a particularly small number of moveable ones Parts out, is therefore cheap to manufacture and is particularly low-wear.

The device according to the invention advantageously has deflection means for both free ends of the locking clip. These are also preferred arranged fixed to each other and in a preferred embodiment as Sliding surfaces formed. The deflection means can therefore be an integral part of the Be sealing die so that it is also made from a single piece can be.

A preferred variant of the device is characterized in that the Stamp and the feeder each have an edge that move when moving towards each other of punch and die work together like scissors and one Disconnect the open locking clip from the chain. Disconnecting the locking clips from the chain is therefore particularly easy to carry out with the device.

The stamp of the device is preferably movable in a stamp guide. In addition, it is advantageous if the feed for the locking clips in the Stamp guidance opens.

Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the stamp guide has the Device between the mouth of the feeder and the sealing die Opening for inserting a braid to be closed. With such a Arrangement is the stamp with the open clip at his Movement towards the closing die past the opening over one sealing foil braid or similar guided so that the braid in the open closure clip is inserted.

The invention also consists of a method of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized in that an open, hanging on the chain locking clip a stamp of a closing device is supplied that the stamp with the closure clip is then moved towards a closure die and the Closure clip meanwhile is separated from the chain that the open Closure clip then moved from the stamp over a braid to be closed to accommodate this and that the free ends of the locking clip then the deflecting means of the sealing die assigned by them towards each other and locked together. The invention The process is simple and effective and, moreover, particularly suitable for that To take full advantage of the locking clip described above.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Verschlußclip in der Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

eine Variante des Verschlußclips aus Fig. 1 mit weitgehend einheitlicher Profildicke;

Fig. 3

eine Variante des Verschlußclips aus Fig. 1 mit am Innenprofil ansetzenden Zähnen;

Fig. 4

eine Variante des Verschlußclips aus Fig. 2 mit am Innenprofil ansetzenden Zähnen;

Fig. 5

eine Variante des Verschlußclips aus Fig. 3 mit einer größeren Anzahl von Zähnen auf dem Innenprofil;

Fig. 6

ein Verschlußclip nach Fig. 4 mit einer geringeren Anzahl von Zähnen;

Fig. 7

eine aufgerollte Verschlußclip-Kette auf einer Spule;

Fig. 8

eine Prinzipskizze zur Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Verschließen eines Verschlußclips einschließlich skizzenhafter Darstellung des Stempels, der Verschließmatrize und eines Verschlußclips in mehreren Stadien des Verschließvorgangs;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Detaildarstellung des Stempels und der Verschließmatrize aus Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

einen Schnitt durch den oberen Teil einer Stempelführung und einer Verschließklammer-Zuführung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Verschlußclips;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Bauteils der Verschließklammer-Zuführung aus Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

eine Frontansicht der erfindungsrelevanten Teile der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Verschlußclips.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be explained below with reference to drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a closure clip according to the invention in side view;

Fig. 2

a variant of the closure clip of Figure 1 with a largely uniform profile thickness.

Fig. 3

a variant of the closure clip of Figure 1 with teeth attached to the inner profile.

Fig. 4

a variant of the closure clip of Figure 2 with teeth attached to the inner profile.

Fig. 5

a variant of the locking clip of Figure 3 with a larger number of teeth on the inner profile.

Fig. 6

a closure clip of Figure 4 with a smaller number of teeth.

Fig. 7

a rolled-up locking clip chain on a spool;

Fig. 8

a schematic diagram to illustrate the method according to the invention for closing a closure clip, including a sketchy representation of the stamp, the closure die and a closure clip in several stages of the closure process;

Fig. 9

a detailed perspective view of the stamp and the sealing die from Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

a section through the upper part of a stamp guide and a closing clip feed of the device according to the invention for closing closure clips;

Fig. 11

a perspective view of a component of the closing clip feed from Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

a front view of the parts of the invention relevant to the device for closing closure clips.

From the side view of an embodiment of the closure clip according to the invention the shape of the cross-sectional profile of the closure clip 10 clearly emerges. This cross-sectional profile is also the cross-sectional profile of a chain contiguous closure clips 10. It is characterized by the following Features from: It has two free, lockable ends 12 and 14. The profile thickness of the closure clip 10 is between these two free ends Except for an approach 16 essentially the same. The approach 16 is on the outer contour 18 of the locking clip 10 approximately midway between the two free ends 12 and 14. Although locking clips with a largely uniform profile thickness are preferred - if the application is calls - also possible, for example, starting from the approach 16 evenly to provide larger or smaller profile thickness of the closure clip 10. Of course, there are also other variants of the profile thickness of the locking clip 10 conceivable.

The free ends 12 and 14 of the locking clip 10 are each with a locking lug 20 and 22 equipped. The latch 20 is located at the free end 12 and is directed inwards with respect to the locking clip, while the latch 22 on free end 14 is directed outwards. The two locking lugs 20 and 22 have in each case one end face 24 or 26 and one latching face 28 or 30. At closed closure clip there are two locking surfaces 28 and 30 directly opposite and touch each other. The free ends 12 and 14 are there locked together.

The closure clip 10 is, for example, by extrusion with plastic the described, uniform cross-sectional profile. The single ones Closure clips 10 are formed by dividing the strand. Before processing a closure clip is the strand according to the length of each Closure clips previously but not completely separated, making a chain more coherent Closure clips are created. The pre-cutting of a strand for the purpose of The production of a chain of coherent locking clips advantageously takes place through a starting from the free ends of the cross-sectional profile and incision into the strand leading to approach 16. This leads Incision for each individual locking clip 10 straight up to the neck 16, so that the closing clips of a chain are connected at their respective lugs and the lugs 16 form a continuous web. By being a simple A cut is sufficient to pre-separate the individual closure clips, is unnecessary for example, a complex punching out, and there is no material as waste lost. Such a chain of coherent locking clips can be to the web be rolled up, with the incisions spread. so that the Remove the free ends of different locking clips accordingly. A correspondingly rolled-up chain of connected locking clips is shown in Fig. 7 shown in side view.

FIG. 2 shows a variant of the closure clip 10 from FIG. 1. In this variant 10 ' the inner profile 32 has a recess 34 where there is on the outer profile 18 the approach 16 is located. In this way you also achieve in the area of Approach 16 a uniform profile thickness of the locking clip 10 'between it two free ends 12 and 14. This uniform profile thickness leads in particular to a uniform load on the locking clip when closing the same. In addition, the locking clip 10 'in the area of the extension 16 or the recess 34 slightly widen when it is closed, so that in this way also foil tube braids with a slightly larger diameter than that correspond to unexpanded locking clip 10 ', can be closed.

A balance of different braid diameters is also by a Interlocking of the inner profile 32 of a locking clip is possible, as in FIG. 3 pictured. The teeth 36 on the inner profile 32 of the locking clip 10 "can claw themselves with the foil braid and in this way Prevent or at least prevent the closed locking clip 10 "from slipping off complicate. Different cross-sectional profiles can also be used, which compensate for different braid diameters only in the length of the Distinguish teeth 36. The outer contour 18 can thus in all variants of the Locking clips are always the same, so that they are the same for all variants Capping tools can be used. So it is not necessary for different braid diameters and accordingly different Locking clips also keep different locking tools in stock.

In addition, the locking force of a locking clip can also be varied without whose cross-sectional profile is adapted to the respective application, by the respective locking clip either with a longer length for a greater locking force or with a smaller length for a smaller locking force is separated from the strand.

4 can be seen, a toothing of the inner profile 32 a Closure clips 10 "'also with a recess opposite the extension 16 34 can be combined. Likewise, the number of teeth 36 on the inner profile 32 5, or decreased, as shown in FIG. 6 pictured. Optionally, one can also in the latter two cases Recess 34 are provided.

8 shows, in addition to a closure clip 10 ", in several stages of the closure process also the two essential components of a device for closing of the locking clip, namely a stamp 50 and a sealing die 52. The stamp 50 has a recess 54 in which the closure clip 10 " is held against rotation. The security against rotation comes in particular one Groove 56 in the trough 54 in which the approach 16 of the locking clip 10 "like can protrude into the picture. If the main requirements for the trough 54 in the stamp 50 are met, namely to keep the locking clip against rotation, the trough 54 can be designed as desired. In the described embodiment However, their inner contour is largely on the outer contour of the locking clips customized.

The closing die 52 also has a depression, the two side faces of which each form a sliding surface 60 and 62. The sliding surfaces 60 and 62 serve as a deflecting means for the free ends 12 and 14 of the locking clip 10 "at its Close. These deflection means do not necessarily have to be as in the exemplary embodiment Be sliding surfaces, they can also be used as rotatable rollers, for example be carried out or in the case of spherical surfaces only point contact the free ends and the adjacent sections of the locking clip 10 " to have. The closing die 52 shown can be particularly easily and from make one piece. In the exemplary embodiment, the sliding surface 60 has one Inclination angle of 67 °, while the sliding surface 62 has an inclination angle of 43 °. The sliding surface 60 also leads deeper into the closing die 52 than the sliding surface 62 and opens into a round recess 64 which the Undercut sliding surface 62.

In anticipation of the full description of the process, the Process of closing a locking clip with the help of stamp 50 and Matrix 52 are entered to clarify the basic principle. First an open closure clip is inserted into the trough 54 of the stamp 50. Then the stamp 50 with the inserted locking clip 10 "on the Sealing die 52 moved. The locking clip is already 10 "when inserted so oriented that when the stamp 50 and sealing die move towards one another 52 the free end 12 with its inwardly directed latch 20 towards the first sliding surface 60, while the second free end 14 moves with its outwardly facing latch 22 moves toward the second sliding surface 62. As soon as the two free ends 12 and 14 of the locking clip 10 "move towards each other of stamp 50 and sealing die 52 assigned to them Reach sliding surfaces 60 and 62, the free ends 12 and 14 on top of each other too directed. At the same time, the free end 14 is facing the outside Latch 22 held back more than the free end 12 with the inside directed locking lug 20, with the result that in the further course of moving towards each other of stamp 50 and sealing die 52, the latches 20 and 22 are moved past each other and can get caught together. Here the end faces 24 and 26 first slide along with one another until they catch the locking surfaces 28 and 30 of the locking lugs 20 and 22 undercut and the lock the two free ends 12 and 14 of the locking clip 10 "together. If then the stamp 50 is again moved away from the sealing die 52 the locking clip 10 "remains closed.

A special design of the stamp 50 and the sealing die 52 improves the precise interaction of the two when closing one Locking clips. This special design can be seen in FIG. 9. The Sealing die 52 has in addition to the recess with the two Sliding surfaces 60 and 62 two more, parallel to the direction of movement of the Stamp extending recesses 70 and 72, which are designed so that two free ends 74 and 76 on the end face facing the closing die 52 of the stamp 50 during the movement of the stamp 50 and the sealing die 52 can slide into the recesses 70 and 72. To this In this way, the stamp 50 can also be used during the final stages of the closing process with its free ends 74 and 76 in the recesses 70 and 72 be guided safely.

In the exemplary embodiment, the extent referred to below as the thickness is of the stamp 50 and the firing die 52 with respect to that in FIG. 9 shown coordinate system in the Z direction the same. Only the free ends 74 and 76 of the stamp 50 are as far as they are in the recesses 70 and 72 in the sealing die 52 should be immersed only about half as thick as the rest Stamp 50. These recesses 70 and 72 extend accordingly Thickness direction of the sealing die only up to a little over half of it other thickness. Of course, the recesses 70 and 72 are on that side of the sealing die 52, that side of the stamp 50 corresponds, on the free ends 74 and 76 of the sealing die to stick out.

Fig. 10 shows a section through a stamp guide 80, in which also in the Side view shown stamp 50 is insertable. At the same time there is a feed 82 for a chain of connected locking clips. This Feeder consists of a rail 84 on which the locking clips can ride. Furthermore, the feed has a guide element 86 with a longitudinal groove 88, around the lugs 16 of the locking clips forming the web of the locking clip chain to lead cleanly.

The guide element 86 is shown in perspective in FIG. 11. so that it becomes clear that the longitudinal groove 88 in the guide element 86th extends on the input side to the web of the locking clip chain formed by the lugs 16 easier to thread. If the stamp 50 in the stamp guide 80 is used and its most widely used in normal operation Locking die 52 has taken distant position, the groove 56 in aligned the trough 54 of the punch 50 and the longitudinal groove 88 in the guide element 86 exactly together. This ensures a secure insertion of a locking clip in the Trough of the stamp 50. After the insertion of a locking clip, the stamp moved towards the sealing die, the locking clip inserted automatically separated from the rest of the locking clip chain. He can then go on like already described can be closed.

It should also be pointed out that in the side view shown in FIG. 10 of the stamp 50 can be clearly seen that its thickness at its the Sealing die 52 facing end decreases to half.

From the front view in Fig. 12 finally shows how the individual parts of the Interacting locking device and in particular, like a lockable Braid can be fed to the closing device. The stamp management This is because 80 has an opening 90 on the side, which leads to the center of the stamp guide 80 and further along the center of the stamp guide 80 the end of the sealing die leads.

A bag braid to be closed can be closed through this opening 90 up to the middle of the Stamp guide 80 are introduced. There is the bag braid of that still open closure clip in the trough 54 of the stamp 50 when the Stamp 50 is moved with the locking clip to the sealing die 52. He is therefore inserted into the locking clip and is located when the Locking clips inside.

To close a bag plait with the help of a locking clip, first of all the bag plait is guided through the opening 90 to the center of the stamp guide 80. Then the stamp 50 after inserting an open closure clip moved towards the sealing die. The locking clip is first separated from the locking clip chain. In the further course of movement of the stamp 50 the opened closure clip takes the bag braid with and inside on. Then guided by the stamp 50 reaches the open closure clip with the Bag braid inside the sealing die. From this he eventually becomes closed in the manner already described. The bag braid is located itself after the closure clip is closed inside and is covered by held up to this. Together with the locking clip that surrounds it Closing device can be removed through the opening 90 as soon as the Stamp has been moved sufficiently far away from the sealing die again. Alternatively, the braid with the clip can also be covered beforehand 12 are removed from the closing die 54 towards the viewer.

Claims (16)

1. A chain of interconnected closure clips, designed for necks of bags or film tubes, having a uniform cross-sectional profile and two free ends lockable together to close the closure clip, characterized in that the closure clips (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""') comprise projections (16) located in mutual alignment between the ends (12, 14) on the outer contour (18) and are connected only in the region of these projections (16), such that the projections (16) form a through-web.
2. A chain of interconnected closure clips according to claim 1, characterized in that the projections (16) are located centrally between the free ends (12, 14).
3. A chain of interconnected closure clips according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a cross-sectional profile, in which the free ends (12, 14) are at a distance from each other corresponding to the maximum diameter of a bag neck to be closed with a closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""').
4. A chain of interconnected closure clips according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cross-sectional profile whose inner contour (32) is concavely preformed when the closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""') is open and corresponds substantially to that of a closed closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""').
5. A chain of interconnected closure clips according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a cross-sectional profile, in which the inner contour (32) comprises a recess (34) at the point where the projection (16) is located on the outer contour (18).
6. A chain of interconnected closure clips according to claim 4, characterized in that the profile thickness of the cross-sectional profile in the entire area between the two free ends (12, 14) is approximately constant.
7. A chain of interconnected closure clips according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cross-sectional profile, in which the inner contour (32) comprises teeth (36).
8. A device for closing closure clips from a closure clip chain according to claim 1, characterized in

   that it comprises a feed means (82) for the closure clips (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10'"") with a groove (88) for guiding the projections (16) thereof and a stamp (50) with a cavity (54), which has a groove (56) for non-rotatably receiving the projection (16) of a closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""'), where the groove (56) in the cavity (54) of the stamp (50) is aligned with the groove (88) in the feed means (82), when the stamp (50) assumes its remotest position from the bottom tool (52),

   that the stamp (50) may be moved to and fro with respect to a bottom tool (52), and

   that the bottom tool (52) comprises deflection means (60, 62) for at least one of the free ends (12, 14) of the closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""'), to lock the two ends (12, 14) together upon movement of stamp (50) and bottom tool (52) towards each other.
9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device comprises deflection means (60, 62) for both free ends (12, 14) of the closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""').
10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the deflection means (60, 62) are stationary with respect to each other.
11. A device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the deflection means (60, 62) are designed as slide faces.
12. A device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the stamp (50) and the feed means (82) each comprise an edge, which edges interact in the manner of shears upon movement of stamp (50) and bottom tool (52) towards each other and separate an open closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""') from the chain.
13. A device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the stamp (50) is movable in a stamp guide (80).
14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the feed means (82) for the closure clips (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""') opens in the stamp guide (80).
15. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that the stamp guide (80) comprises, between the mouth of the feed means (82) and the bottom tool (52) an opening (90) for the insertion of a neck to be closed.
16. A method of closing closure clips from a closure clip chain according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in

    that an open closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10''''') suspended on the chain is fed to a stamp (50) of a closing device and by means of its projection (16) is non-rotatably inserted in the same,

    that the stamp (50) is thereafter moved, with the closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10""') towards a bottom tool (52) and the closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10'"") is separated from the chain,

    that the open closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10''''') is then moved by the stamp (50) over a neck to be closed, in order to pick the latter up, and

    that the free ends (12, 14) of the closure clip (10, 10', 10", 10"', 10"", 10''''') are then directed towards each other and locked together by associated deflection means (60, 62) in the bottom tool (52).

Images