EP1506924A2 - Apparatus for manufacturing water-soluble containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing water soluble containers filled with selected materials has a continuous strip feed of water soluble material into which trough shaped containers are pressed and filled with the required charge. The containers are vacuum sealed with a water soluble film and are separated into individual packs, supported by plates with apertures into which the containers are located. The containers are filled with any type of material, e.g. powder, granular, gel, liquid etc.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a device with the water-soluble film existing, deep-drawn containers can be produced. Such Containers are filled with powdered, gelatinous or liquid contents. The medium can be, for example, a detergent.

STATE OF THE ART

From WO 00/55044 is a method for producing a water-soluble Packaging that can be filled with a detergent known. Of the Container consists of two water-soluble films. The by heat treatment too a cup-shaped, open-topped container deformed first sheet is with filled the desired contents. Subsequently, this container is replaced by a closed second film in the area of the first and the second film circumferential edge of the first film web sealed together become. The manufacture and transportation of the pot-like protrusions containing first film takes place in an endless film web. In doing so, the Deformation in indentations that are present in a mold plate. To For this purpose, several of the outer shapes of the containers are appropriate There are bulges in the mold plate. By means of the mold plate is the cup-shaped bulges containing deformed first sheet. Subsequently are the still open at the top bulges filled, then by the closed second film web and then cut out of the film web by cutting sporadically. The mold plate has a relatively large weight, so for their Further transport between the individual processing stations accordingly structurally important transport support devices are required. at in their form different containers, d. H. in a format change, The mold plates must be replaced as a whole.

An attempt is made to remedy these disadvantages by replacing the mold plate only laterally fixed rails in the transport direction of the film webs be provided between each shaped cup-like bulges.

This is a format change between different sized containers relatively easy to do. However, the film web at Passing over the fixed rails by resulting Frictional forces are damaged. To a wrinkle-free and constraint-free Sagging the pot - like bulges and thus the film between the To avoid rails when filling, thicker foils are used than they would be necessary in themselves. Nevertheless, a deformation-constant can be achieved Sagging of the cup-like bulges when filling them not completely Avoid so that they are not completely filled up to their upper edge can be filled; a leakage of the contents of the pot-like Bulges out and a consequent contamination of the upper, for the sealing provided film edges must be avoided; once because of the leakage caused by waste and on the other In particular, because a film wetted by contents is no longer at least not without additional effort, completely welded tight.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the invention is the Object of the invention to provide a device with the water-soluble, with powdered, gelatinous or liquid contents filled containers economical and technologically easy to produce.

This invention is given by the features of the main claim. meaningful Further developments of the invention are the subject of the main claim subsequent further claims.

An inventive device for producing such containers is characterized by a first processing station for producing the pot-like bulges in a first film web, it is also distinguished by a second processing station for filling contents in the pot-like Bulge into it, it is characterized by a third third Processing station for closing the pot-type filled with filling material Bulges through a lid for the pot-like bulges forming, second film web, it is also characterized by a fourth Processing station for separating the individual filled and sealed Bulges, it is also characterized by a transport device between the individual processing stations for the first film web with their pot-like bulges. In this case, the transport device has a Carrying device in the form of a support plate or a perforated tape, which for each the pot-like bulges one of the size of the corresponding bulge owns custom opening so that each bulge through an opening can protrude through deformation and constraint-free. The in the art known two rails or the concavities possessing support plate replaced by a support frame in which the size of the Bulges corresponding openings are present. The transport, especially the lower foil sheet in its unformed, still empty as well filled and closed by an additional film web condition is thus tension-free possible for the film webs. Between the individual Processing stations hang the pot-shaped film web down from the Support plate out. At its peripheral edge becomes the cup-like container kept supportive by the support plate.

In the individual processing stations, the film web in the area of Supporting openings in the support plate or in the perforated strip from below being held. Thus, in the first processing station a corresponding Support form for the first film web arranged in the region of each opening become.

Also in the second processing station, one at the deformed first Film web below fitting second investment form be present, so that the Filling of filling material in the pot-like bulges of the first film web no deformation of the film web can occur.

Also in the third processing station, in which the closing of the pot-like Bumps done by means of a second film web can be any pot-like Bulge and thus the first film web through from below to her in areas the openings adjacent at least in the peripheral edge regions Seal shapes are supported. Each seal shape can then on the one hand the counter-jaw for acting from above on the second film web be second sealing jaw. The lower seal form can also be used as Support form for the respective pot-like bulge serve.

To the various forms of the first sheet of film from below höhenmäßig to adjust, a corresponding slide track at and be provided between different processing stations. The on the Sliding track supporting forms can then be attached to the appropriate Processing stations introduced from below to the film web and during their transport to the film web are held adjacent. The transport of Shapes along this slide track takes place synchronously with the openings having support plate (or perforated tape), on the (or the) the first film web rests.

The separation of the filled and sealed, forming containers Bulges can in a fourth processing station by means of an endless circulating separating device done. The separator can be a knife or have a laser cutter. In a circular in plan Container is when separating the individual containers from the film web such a knife or such a cutting laser rotatable about a rotation axis circulate. In addition, the knife or the cutting laser is along this Rotation axis, and thus in height, adjustable, so only when appropriate positioned close to the separator bulges of the separation process for every single bulge can be performed.

To hold the first film web in the abutting forms from below, is It is advantageous to be able to generate a negative pressure in these forms. Such a Underpressure may be by means of through-holes present in the molds, each of which can be connected to a vacuum generator. To this Way, the first film web can not only be sucked from the inside to the molds, but also kept there sucked during their transport.

From the bottom of the first film sheet adjacent forms can with their upper edge in the openings of the support plate or in holes of the Punching tape into it and thus with its upper edge as it were part of Support plate or the perforated tape are. It is, too possible these forms from below against the underside of the support plate or the perforated tape to lead.

Further advantages and features of the invention are the further in the claims given features and the following embodiments remove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Bearbeitungsstation einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von wasserlöslichen Behältnissen, in der in einer ersten Folienbahn topfartige Auswölbungen hergestellt werden,

Fig. 2

ein schematisierte Darstellung einer zweiten Bearbeitungsstation der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, in der die Auswölbungen mit Füllgut befüllt werden,

Fig. 3

den Transportzustand der ersten Folienbahn mit ihren topfartigen Auswölbungen von der zweiten Bearbeitungsstation zu einer dritten Bearbeitungsstation,

Fig. 4

ein schematisierte Darstellung der dritten Bearbeitungsstation der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, in der die topfartigen Auswölbungen mittels einer zweiten Folienbahn oben verschlossen werden,

Fig. 5

eine schematisierte Darstellung einer vierten Bearbeitungsstation der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, in der die Auswölbungen aus den beiden Folienbahnen ausgeschnitten und zu einzelnen Behältnissen separiert werden,

Fig. 6

eine gegenüber Fig. 2 und 3 andersartige, von unten an der Folienbahn anliegende Form,

Fig. 7

eine gegenüber Fig. 6 noch einmal abgewandelte, vergleichbare Form,

Fig. 8

eine schematisierte Darstellung der nacheinander angeordneten vier Bearbeitungsstationen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig: 9

eine schematisierte Darstellung einer zwischen der zweiten und dritten Arbeitsstation angeordneten Kulissenbahn zum höhenmäßigen Versetzen der unten an der Folienbahn anliegenden entsprechenden Formen,

Fig. 10

eine vergrößerte Darstellung, der Fig. 9.

The invention will be described and explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a first processing station of a device according to the invention for the production of water-soluble containers in which pot-like bulges are produced in a first film web,

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a second processing station of the device according to the invention, in which the bulges are filled with filling material,

Fig. 3

the transport state of the first film web with its pot-like protrusions from the second processing station to a third processing station,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the third processing station of the device according to the invention, in which the cup-like protrusions are closed at the top by means of a second film web,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a fourth processing station of the device according to the invention, in which the bulges are cut out of the two film webs and separated into individual containers,

Fig. 6

a comparison with FIGS. 2 and 3 different, applied from below to the film web mold,

Fig. 7

a comparison with Fig. 6 again modified, comparable form,

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of the successively arranged four processing stations of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 9

a schematic representation of an arranged between the second and third work station slide track for elevation offset the voltage applied at the bottom of the film web corresponding forms,

Fig. 10

an enlarged view of FIG. 9.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An apparatus 10 for producing water-soluble film Containers filled with powdery, gelatinous or liquid contents be, has a first processing station 11, a second processing station 12, a third processing station 13 and a fourth processing station 14, which in Processing progress 15 are arranged one after another (Fig. 8, 9).

In the first processing station 11 (FIG water-soluble film web 16 pot-like bulges 18 produced. The Film web 16 rests on a support plate 20 in which a plurality of openings 22nd available. These openings 22 are outbreaks from the support plate 20.

Within each of these openings 22, of which in Fig. 1 shows an opening is between a lower support form 24 and an upper one Heating mold 26, the first film web 16 is deformed accordingly. This is the Heating mold with a circumferential, annular end wall 28 from above in one circumferential annular region 30 of the first film web 16 in the edge region of a Opening 22 on. From below, the support form 24 lies with its end wall 32 on the first film web 16 at. By heating the heating mold 26 is in the area the end wall 28 heats the first film web 16, so that the pot-like Arches 18 can be made in the support mold 24.

Subsequently, the support forms 24 down (arrow 34) of the cup-shaped bulges 18 moved away.

Subsequently, the support plate 20 in the state shown in Fig. 1 together with the first film web 16 from the first processing station 11 to second processing station 12 (Fig. 2) transported. The pot-like Arches 18 lie in the openings 22 of the support plate 20. While This transport need the pot-like bulges 18 not supported too become.

In the second processing station 12 is an investment form 36 in the field of pot-like protrusions 18 created from below on the first sheet of film 16. The Investment form has an inner rounding 44 at its upper free edge. In The investment form 36 is - in the present example - a central through hole 38 present, which is connected to a vacuum source, not shown in the drawing connected. By generating a negative pressure through the bore 38 through the film web 16 can be held tightly fitting in the investment mold 36 become.

In the second processing station 12, the pot-like protrusions 18 filled with filling material 42 by means of a filling device 40.

In their state shown in Fig. 2, the in their bulges with Contents 42 filled film web by means of the support plate 20 and the investment forms 36th for each pot-like protrusion 18 to the subsequent third processing station 13 transported (Fig. 3). The investment forms 36 are not dependent in terms of weight on the support plate 20. Also during transport, the cup-shaped containers 18 by means of negative pressure in the investment forms 36th be kept soft.

In the third processing station 13 (FIG. 4), the first film web 16 is separated from a second film web 46 covered. From below, each pot-like bulge 18 through a lower sealing jaw 48 in the region of the annular region 30 (FIG. 1) supported. From the top is in the region of each opening 22 has an upper Sealing jaw 50 on the upper, second film web 46. By introducing Heat, the two film webs 16, 46 in the region of the annular region 30th sealed together and thus sealed. One by one circumferential Sealed seam 52 sealed pot-like protrusion 18 is shown in FIG. 4, right image, without lower and upper sealing jaws 48, 50 shown.

Subsequently, the filled and sealed pot-like bulges 18 transported to the fourth processing station 14. In this fourth Processing station 14 are in the present example in plan circular, pot-like protrusions 18 by a separator 56, the in the present case, two circumferential knife edges 58, 60, the order a central, vertical axis of rotation 62 can be driven in rotation, separated. For this separation process, the separator 56 for Performing the separation process down on the two film webs 16, 46th lowered and raised after completion of the separation process back up (double arrow 64). During separation, each seal seam 52 becomes containing foil edge region supported by a lower abutment mold 66. The knives 58 may then be inserted into one between the respective abutment mold 66 and the respective opening edge existing annular gap 68 during the Immerse separation process. Such an annular gap would be when using a Cutting laser not required.

In Fig. 5, right image, is a single bulge that is closed Container 18.5 is separated, shown.

The lower sealing jaw 48 shown in FIG. 4 may be the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 be shown investment form 36.

In Fig. 6, an investment form 36.6 is shown, instead of a two through holes 38.6 otherwise corresponds to the investment form 36.

In Fig. 7, an investment form 36.7 is shown, which although two through holes 38.6 has, but with its upper end wall 32.7 at the lower edge region 20.7 of the support plate 20 can be applied. In contrast, the investment forms 36 and 36.6 are moved into the respective opening 22, so that the upper End wall 32 of the relevant investment form 36, 36.6 directly at the bottom the first sheet of film 16 can rest. The peripheral edges of each opening 22 have an upper fillet 45.

In Fig. 9 is between the second and third processing stations 12, 13 a Sliding track 70 exists, which in its left area a rising and in its right end region has a sloping ramp section 72 and 74, respectively. At the second and third processing stations and to transport the Film web 16 between the two stations 12, 13 existing, identical Investment form 36 is supported in each case in a sleeve-shaped bearing 76 by means of a Support roller on the slide track 70 with their sections 72, 74 from. At one circulating conveyor 77 a plurality of bearings 78 are attached. In every camp 78 is attached to each investment form 36, which, once in the field of Sliding track 70 and its sections 72, 74 passes, with their respective Support roller 78 is supported on the slide track 70. Once the bearings 78 in the area the second processing station 12 are, is on the rising Ramp section 72, the corresponding investment shape 36 from below to the first Film web 16 applied, as shown in Fig. 8, 9 can be seen.

After filling the pot-like bulges 18 in the second Processing station 12, the support rollers 78 and thus the investment forms 36th by means of the driven conveyor 78 further to the third processing station 13 transported. In this further transport is the film web 16 with their cup-shaped bulges carrying support plate 20 moved synchronously.

After completion of the taking place in the third processing station 13 Closing the individual pot-like bulges 18, the funding 78 moves accordingly, while the investment forms 36 from the field the pot-like bulges moved down.

In the subsequent fourth processing station taking place separating the individual pot-like bulges can then be without simultaneous support respectively. The separate from the film web containers 18.5 can then, for example, fall down out of the processing station.

The support plate 20 may also be formed as an endless perforated punched tape, whose holes serve as openings 22.

Claims (14)

Apparatus (10) for producing containers (18, 5) filled with powdered, gelatinous or liquid filling material (42) and consisting of water-soluble, deep-drawn film (16, 46), characterized by a first processing station (11) for producing pot-like protrusions (18) in a first film web (16) forming the pot-like constituents (18) of each receptacle (18.5), a second processing station (12) for filling filling material (42) into the pot-like bulges (18), a third processing station (13) for closing the pot-shaped bulges (18) filled with contents (42) by means of a second film web (46) forming the lid of each bulge (18), a fourth processing station (14) for separating the individual filled and sealed containers (18.5) from the two film webs (16, 46) and a transport device between the individual processing stations for the film webs (16, 46), wherein the transport device comprises a support device in the form of a support plate (20) or a perforated strip, which has for each of the pot-like bulges (18) adapted to the size of the bulges (18) opening (22), so that each bulge (18) by a Opening (22) protrudes freely through the support device. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first processing station (11) there is a support form (24) holding the first film web (16) in the region of each opening (22) from below. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second processing station (12), a second abutment mold (36) resting against the deformed first film web (16) in the region of each opening (22) from below is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the third processing station (13), a third seal mold (48) resting against the deformed and filled first film web (16) in the region of each opening (22) from below at least in the peripheral edge region (30) of each bulge (18) is present. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the fourth processing station (14) there is a separating device for the two film webs (16, 46) which revolves endlessly along an orbit, the orbit of which corresponds to the planform of the peripheral edge region (30) of each of the bulges (18). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the separating device has a knife (58) or a cutting laser. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the knife (58) or the cutting laser is rotatably drivable about a rotation axis (62), the knife (58) or the cutting laser along the rotation axis (62) is adjustable. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the investment forms (36) of the second processing station (12) correspond to the sealing forms (48) of the third processing station (13), these molds (36, 48) in the direction of processing progress (15) between the processing stations in synchronism with the support plate (20) are mitbewegbar. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the investment forms (36, 36.6) of the second processing station (12) and / or separate investment forms, with which the first film web (16) from the second (12) to the third processing station (13) is transported into the individual openings (22) of Reach in the support plate (20) or the perforated strip, these shapes (36, 36.6) have an inner fillet (44) in their upper free edge. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the investment forms (36.7) of the second processing station (12) and / or separate investment forms with which the first film web (16) is transported from the second to the third processing station, in the region of the openings (22) on the underside of the support plate (20) or the punched tape lie, the upper opening edge of each opening (22) of the support plate (20) or the perforated belt has a fillet (45). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the interior of the at the first film web (16) in the region of the openings (22) of the support plate (20) or the perforated strip from the bottom adjacent forms (36, 36.6, 36.7), a negative pressure can be generated. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that in the bottom of the first sheet (16) adjacent forms (36, 36.6, 36.7) through holes (38, 38.6) are present, which are connectable to a vacuum generator. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a slide track (70) for the bottom of the first film web (16) can be applied forms (36) is present, that the molds (36) in the respective processing station to the first film web (16) can be applied. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the slide track (70) has different track sections in height, which are connected to each other with ramp-like track sections (72, 74).

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