EP1506924B1 - Apparatus for manufacturing water-soluble containers - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

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

STATE OF THE ART

From the WO 00/55044 is a method for producing a water-soluble package which can be filled with a detergent known. The container consists of two water-soluble films. By heat treatment to a cup-like, open-topped container deformed first sheet is filled with the desired contents. Subsequently, this container is closed by a second film by the first and the second film in the region of the peripheral edge of the first film web are sealed together. The production and transport of the pot-like protrusions containing first film takes place in an endless film web. The deformation takes place in indentations that are present in a mold plate. For this purpose, a plurality of the outer shape of the containers corresponding indentations in the mold plate are present. By means of the mold plate containing the pot-like bulges first sheet is deformed. Subsequently, the bulges still open at the top are filled, then closed by the second film web and then separated from the film web by cutting. The mold plate has a relatively large weight, so that correspondingly structurally important transport support devices are required for their further transport between the individual processing stations. When different in shape containers, ie in a format change, the mold plates must be replaced in each case as a whole.

Attempts are made to remedy these disadvantages by providing laterally fixed rails between the pot-shaped bulges formed in each case instead of the mold plate only in the transport direction of the film webs.

As a result, a format change between different sized containers is relatively easy to accomplish. However, the film web may be damaged by traction over the fixed rails by frictional forces. In order to avoid a wrinkle-free and constraint-free sagging of the pot-like bulges and thus of the film between the rails when they are filled, thicker films are used than would be necessary per se. Nevertheless, a deformation-constant sagging of the pot-like bulges during their filling can not be completely avoided, so that they can not be completely filled up to their upper edge with filling material; a leakage of the contents out of the cup-like protrusions and a consequent contamination of the upper, provided for sealing film edges must be avoided; once because of the leakage due to leaking Füllgutverschwendung and on the other hand, in particular because a wetted by filling film can no longer, at least not without additional effort, weld completely tight.

From the US-A-2 958 168 is a generic device of the type mentioned above. This prior art device is used to produce containers made of thermoformed film, the containers are closed after filling with a second film web. The film webs are thereby conveyed from processing station to processing station by means of a transport device which has the form of a thin flexible material web with openings for the pot-like bulges. These openings are associated with support forms in the area of the processing stations, which can be moved back and forth against the film webs from below or from above in accordance with their respective intended use. The processing station in which the pot-like protrusions are produced in the one, lower film web is preceded by a processing station in which this lower film web is first softened and thereby softened, so that it is transported in this deformation-soft state into the actual deformation station. The lying on the thin, flexible, openings for the cup-shaped containers conveyor belt lying material web is thus transported in its deformation-soft state in the actual deformation station. Depending on the degree of softening of the softened by heating lower web, there is a risk that this soft film web at the soffit edges of the openings that are present on their support conveyor belt down more or less slightly deformed, which can lead to undesirable peak stresses in these kink areas. Such tensions can also occur after the containers have been filled in the lower film web, since the investment forms present in the individual processing stations are not moved along with the film webs in the transport direction and thus there is no support for the film webs between the actual processing stations. The thermoplastic material used for the film web such as polyethylene must therefore be technically designed for such loads.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a device with which water-soluble, filled with powdery, gelatinous or liquid filling containers can be produced economically and technologically simple.

This invention is given by the features of the main claim. Useful developments of the invention are the subject of further claims appending to the main claim.

The inventive design of identical support or investment forms in the second and third processing station, in which the cup-shaped containers are filled and then sealed from above, allows continuous support of the individual, present in the lower film web pot-like bulges from the beginning of the filling, while the transport of the filled containers to the next station, in which they are closed by means of an upper foil web, until the end of the welding operation required during closing. The pot-like bulges in the film web are thus not additionally burdened by bending stresses by the filling and by the heat input required in the closing in the region of its upper peripheral opening edge by the weight of the filled filling material. This is especially important for water-soluble films since they are very sensitive to deformation stresses acting on them.

In the individual processing stations, the film web can be supported in the region of the openings in the support plate or in the perforated strip from below. Thus, a corresponding support form for the first film web in the region of each opening can be arranged in the first processing station. As a result, material-friendly deformation of the same is achieved.

Also in the second processing station can be present at the bottom of the deformed first film web second investment form, so that when filling of product into the pot-like protrusions of the first sheet no deformation of the film web can occur.

Also in the third processing station, in which the closure of the pot-like bulges takes place by means of a second film web, each pot-like bulge and thus the first film web can be supported by bottom-contacting in areas of the openings at least in the peripheral edge regions sealing forms. Each seal shape can then on the one hand be the counter-jaw for a second sealing jaw acting from above on the second foil web. According to the invention it is provided that the lower seal shape also serves as a support form for the respective pot-like bulge.

In order to adjust the height of the various forms of the bottom of the first film web forms, a corresponding slide track can be provided at and between different processing stations. The supported on the slide track shapes can then be brought to the corresponding processing stations from below to the film web and held in abutment during their transport to the film web. The transport of the molds along this slide track takes place synchronously with the support plate (or perforated belt) having the openings, on which (or the) the first film web rests.

The separation of the filled and sealed, container-forming bulges can be done in a fourth processing station by means of an endless circulating separator. The separator may comprise a knife or a laser cutter. In a circular in plan container such a knife or such a cutting laser is rotatable about an axis of rotation when separating the individual containers from the film web. In addition, the knife or the cutting laser along this axis of rotation, and thus in height, adjustable, so that only in accordance with the densely positioned on the separator bulges of the separation process can be performed for each individual bulge.

In order to hold the first film web in the forms that rest against it from below, it is advantageous to be able to generate negative pressure in these molds. Such a negative pressure can be effected by means of bores present in the molds, which can each be connected to a vacuum generator. In 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.

The voltage applied to the bottom of the first film sheet shapes can dive with its upper edge in the openings of the support plate or in holes of the perforated strip and thus with its upper edge as it were part of the support plate or the perforated belt. However, it is also possible to guide these forms from below against the underside of the support plate or the perforated belt.

Further advantages and features of the invention can be found in the claims further specified features and the following embodiments.

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 producing water-soluble containers, in which cup-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

one opposite FIGS. 2 and 3 different, from bottom of the film web fitting form,

Fig. 7

one opposite Fig. 6 once 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, the Fig. 9 ,

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A device 10 for producing containers made of water-soluble film, which are filled with powdery, gelatinous or liquid contents, has a first processing station 11, a second processing station 12, a third processing station 13 and a fourth processing station 14, which are arranged in processing progress 15 successively are ( Fig. 8, 9 ).

In the first processing station 11 ( Fig. 1 ) 16 cup-shaped protrusions 18 are produced by means of heat in a first water-soluble film web. The film web 16 rests on a support plate 20, in which a plurality of openings 22 are present. These openings 22 are outbreaks from the support plate 20.

Within each of these openings 22, of which in Fig. 1 an opening is shown, between a lower support mold 24 and an upper heating mold 26, the first film web 16 is deformed accordingly. For this purpose, the heating mold is located with a peripheral, annular end wall 28 from above in a circumferential annular region 30 of the first film web 16 in the edge region of an opening 22. From below, the support form 24 rests with its end wall 32 against the first film web 16. By heating the heating mold 26, the first film web 16 is heated in the region of the end wall 28, so that the pot-like bulges 18 in the support mold 24 can be produced.

Subsequently, the support forms 24 are moved downward (arrow 34) away from the pot-like protrusions 18.

Subsequently, the support plate 20 in the in Fig. 1 state shown together with the first film web 16 from the first processing station 11 to the second processing station 12 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) transported. The pot-like protrusions 18 lie in the openings 22 of the support plate 20. During this transport, the pot-like protrusions 18 need not be supported.

In the second processing station 12, an investment mold 36 in the region of the pot-like bulges 18 is applied from below to the first film web 16. The investment form has at its upper free edge an inner fillet 44. In the form of investment 36 - in the present example case - a central bore 38 is present, which is connected to a vacuum source, not shown in the drawing. By creating a negative pressure through the through bore 38, the film web 16 can be held tightly in the form of investment 36.

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

In her in Fig. 2 state shown is filled in their bulges filled with product 42 film web by means of the support plate 20 and the investment forms 36 for each cup-shaped protrusion 18 to the subsequent third processing station 13 transported ( Fig. 3 ). The investment forms 36 do not depend on the weight of the support plate 20. Even during transport, the cup-shaped containers 18 can be kept cuddly by means of negative pressure in the investment forms 36.

In the third processing station 13 ( Fig. 4 ), the first film web 16 is covered by a second film web 46. From below, each pot-like bulge 18 is passed through a lower sealing jaw 48 in the region of the annular region 30 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) supported. From above, in the region of each opening 22, there is an upper sealing jaw 50 on the upper, second film web 46. By introducing heat, the two film webs 16, 46 are sealed to one another in the region of the annular region 30 and thus sealed. A closed by a circumferential seal 52 cup-shaped protrusion 18 is in the Fig. 4 , right picture, without lower and upper sealing jaws 48, 50 shown.

Subsequently, the filled and closed pot-like protrusions 18 are transported to the fourth processing station 14. In this fourth processing station 14, the pot-shaped bulges 18 which are circular in plan in the present example are separated by a separating device 56, which in the present case has two peripheral knife edges 58, 60 which can be driven in rotation around a central, vertical axis of rotation 62. For this separation process, the separator 56 can be lowered to perform the separation process down on the two film webs 16, 46 and raised after completion of the separation process back up (double arrow 64). During the separation, the film edge region containing each seal seam 52 is supported by a lower abutment mold 66. The knives 58 can then be immersed in an annular gap 68 present between the respective abutment form 66 and the respective opening edge during the separation process. Such an annular gap would not be required when using a cutting laser.

In Fig. 5 , right picture, is a single bulge, which is separated into a closed container 18.5, shown.

In the Fig. 4 shown lower sealing jaw 48 may in the FIGS. 2 and 3 be shown investment form 36.

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

In Fig. 7 is a form of investment shown 36.7, although also has two through holes 38.6, but with its upper end wall 32.7 at the lower edge portion 20.7 of the support plate 20 can be applied. In contrast, the investment forms 36 and 36.6 can be moved into the respective opening 22, so that the upper end wall 32 of the relevant investment shape 36, 36.6 can rest directly on the underside of the first film web 16. 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 slide track 70 is present, which has a rising and in its right end a sloping ramp section 72 and 74 in their left. At the second and third processing stations and to transport the Film web 16 between the two stations 12, 13 existing, identical investment shape 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. On a rotating conveyor 77 a plurality of bearings 78 are attached. In each bearing 78 a respective investment form 36 is fixed, which, as soon as it enters the region of the slide track 70 and its sections 72, 74, is supported with its respective support roller 78 on the slide track 70. As soon as the bearings 78 have reached the area of the second processing station 12, the corresponding abutment form 36 is applied from below to the first film web 16 via the rising ramp section 72, as is the case Fig. 8, 9 is apparent.

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

After completing the closing in the third processing station 13 of the individual cup-shaped bulges 18, the conveyor 78 is moved accordingly, while the investment forms 36 moved away from the pot-like bulges down.

The separation of the individual pot-like bulges taking place in the subsequent fourth processing station can then take place without simultaneous assistance. The separated out of the film web containers 18.5 can then fall out of the processing station, for example, down.

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

Claims (11)

1. Apparatus (10) for producing containers (18.5) which are filled with pulverulent, gel-like or liquid filling material (42) and comprise water-soluble, deep-drawn film (16, 46),

   - having a first processing station (11) for producing cup-like protuberances (18) in a first film web (16) which forms the cup-like constituent parts (18) of each container (18.5),

   - having a second processing station (12) for filling filling material (42) into the cup-like protuberances (18),

   - there being a second contact mould (36) in the second processing station (12), which second contact mould (36) bears against the deformed first film web (16) from below in the region of each opening (22),

   - having a third processing station (13) for closing the cup-like protuberances (18) which are filled with filling material (42) by means of a second film web (46) which forms the cover of each protuberance (18),

   - there being a third sealing mould (48) in the third processing station (13), which third sealing mould (48) bears against the deformed and filled first film web (16) from below in the region of each opening (22) at least in the peripheral edge region (30) of each protuberance (18),

   - having a fourth processing station (14) for separating the individual filled and closed containers (18.5) from the two film webs (16, 46), and

   - having a transport apparatus between the individual processing stations for the film webs (16, 46),

   - the transport apparatus having a carrying apparatus in the form of a carrying plate (20) or a perforated belt which has an opening (22) which is adapted to the size of the cup-like protuberances (18) for each of the said protuberances (18), with the result that each protuberance (18) protrudes through one opening (22) freely through the carrying apparatus,

   - characterized in that

   - the contact moulds (36) of the second processing station (12) correspond to the sealing moulds (48) of the third processing station (13),

   - it being possible for the said moulds (36, 48) to be moved synchronously together with the carrying plate (20) between the processing stations in the direction of the processing progress (15).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1,

   - characterized in that

   - there is a supporting mould (24) in the first processing station (11), which supporting mould (24) holds the first film web (16) from below in the region of each opening (22).
3. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - there is a separating device for the two film webs (16, 46) in the fourth processing station (14), which separating device circulates endlessly along a circulating path which corresponds to the plan form of the circulating edge region (30) of each of the protuberances (18).
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3,

   - characterized in that

   - the separating device has a knife (58) or a cutting laser.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 4,

   - characterized in that

   - the knife (58) or the cutting laser can be driven such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis (62),

   - the knife (58) or the cutting laser can be adjusted along the rotational axis (62).
6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - the contact moulds (36, 36.6) of the second processing station (12) and/or separate contact moulds, with which the first film web (16) is transported from the second (12) to the third processing station (13), engage into the individual openings (22) of the carrying plate (20) or of the perforated belt, and

   - these moulds (36, 36.6) have an inner rounded portion (44) in their upper free edge.
7. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5,

   - characterized in that

   - the contact moulds (36.7) of the second processing station (12) and/or separate contact moulds, with which the first film web (16) is transported from the second to the third processing station, bear against the underside of the carrying plate (20) or the perforated belt in the region of the openings (22), and

   - the upper opening edge of each opening (22) of the carrying plate (20) or of the perforated belt has a rounded portion (45).
8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - a vacuum can be generated in the interior of the moulds (36, 36.6, 36.7) which bear against the first film web (16) from below in the region of the openings (22) of the carrying plate (20) or of the perforated belt.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 8,

   - characterized in that

   - there are through holes (38, 38.6) in the moulds (36, 36.6, 36.7) which bear against the first film web (16) from below, which through holes (38, 38.6) can be connected to a vacuum generator.
10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,

    - characterized in that

    - there is a slotted track (70) for the moulds (36) which can be brought to bear against the first film web (16) from below, such that

    - the moulds (36) in the respective processing station can be brought to bear against the first film web (16).
11. Apparatus according to Claim 10,

    - characterized in that

    - the slotted track (70) has track sections of different height which are connected to one another by way of ramp-like track sections (72, 74).

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