EP3248890B1 - Method and device for airtight packaging of small articles having a generally rectangular floor surface - Google Patents

Method and device for airtight packaging of small articles having a generally rectangular floor surface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3248890B1
EP3248890B1 EP17154733.4A EP17154733A EP3248890B1 EP 3248890 B1 EP3248890 B1 EP 3248890B1 EP 17154733 A EP17154733 A EP 17154733A EP 3248890 B1 EP3248890 B1 EP 3248890B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
article
packaging means
edge
folding
packaging
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17154733.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3248890A3 (en
EP3248890A2 (en
Inventor
Volker Oehlert
Sebastian Ehlert
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Theegarten Pactec GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Theegarten Pactec GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Theegarten Pactec GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Theegarten Pactec GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP3248890A2 publication Critical patent/EP3248890A2/en
Publication of EP3248890A3 publication Critical patent/EP3248890A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3248890B1 publication Critical patent/EP3248890B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B49/00—Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/004—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material in blanks, e.g. sheets precut and creased for folding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B65B11/28—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a curved path, e.g. on rotary tables or turrets
    • B65B11/30—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a curved path, e.g. on rotary tables or turrets to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
    • B65B11/32—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a curved path, e.g. on rotary tables or turrets to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents and then to form closing folds of similar form at opposite ends of the tube
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B65B11/38—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a combination of straight and curved paths
    • B65B11/40—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a combination of straight and curved paths to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
    • B65B11/42—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a combination of straight and curved paths to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents and then to form closing folds of similar form at opposite ends of the tube
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B65B11/38—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a combination of straight and curved paths
    • B65B11/46—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a combination of straight and curved paths to fold the wrappers in channel form about contents and then to close the ends of the channel by folding and finally the mouth of the channel by folding or twisting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/48—Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by folding a wrapper, e.g. a pocketed wrapper, and securing its opposed free margins to enclose contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/005—Packaging other articles presenting special problems packaging of confectionery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/02—Applying adhesives or sealing liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for the airtight packaging of small-piece articles with a substantially rectangular bottom surface.
  • Airtight packaging is mainly implemented according to the flow pack principle. This method has the advantage that a very high level of tightness of the packaging can be achieved. At the same time, it is a very simple and highly efficient packaging process. In addition, a large variety of products can be packaged in this way. However, it is disadvantageous that such primary packaging can only be further packaged in certain secondary packaging and the product shape can no longer be recognized.
  • the small-piece articles are usually wrapped in a hose-like manner with an airtight and sealable packaging material, so that the packaging material protrudes over the bottom surface on both sides.
  • the packaging is then hermetically sealed around the article, forming longitudinal and transverse sealing seams.
  • a disadvantage of these solutions is that the appearance of the bottom fold is unattractive, since the sealed tips are folded onto the bottom in the last packaging step and may protrude due to the elastic restoring forces of the packaging means. Because the packaging does not lie particularly close to the contour of the article due to the packaging material protruding above the bottom surface, secondary packaging is hardly possible without additional aids. In addition, these packaging material tips also have so-called speed cameras, in which the inside of the packaging material is visible. These disadvantages were compensated for by folding a paper band around the airtight primary packaging. But that in turn is very costly and reduces efficiency. The disadvantage of the known solutions such as EP 2 688 805 B1 but also the increased consumption of packaging material and the tightness of the packaging, which is difficult to achieve, since with certain format dimensions in the corners no reliable overlap of the individual seals can be guaranteed.
  • the invention is based on the task of developing, based on the solutions known from the prior art, a method for airtight packaging of small items with an attractive appearance and high tightness of the (primary) packaging with a lower packaging material consumption, so that secondary packaging without additional aids such as for example a banderole is possible.
  • the protruding packaging materials are preferably processed identically on both sides of the bottom surface, although different processing of the two protruding packaging materials is also possible.
  • an airtight packaging of small items with an essentially rectangular bottom surface can be achieved particularly close to the contour and with less packaging material consumption.
  • the consumption of packaging material can be reduced by approx. 10%.
  • the preferred solution is to fold away the protruding packaging material, since no residues remain in the machine. After the tips have been folded, the remaining packaging material is fixed to the bottom. This is made possible, for example, by applying hot glue dots before the last folds are laid on the floor and pressed on.
  • small-piece article refers to the articles to be packaged. As intended, this primarily refers to small pieces of food. This includes confectionery made from chocolate or caramels, but also bouillon cubes or the like. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to pack small-sized consumables such as washing or dishwasher tabs using the method according to the invention.
  • the maximum edge length of such "small-piece articles” is preferably 15 to 150 mm or less.
  • the term "essentially rectangular bottom surface" is primarily used to facilitate the description of the geometric relationships in the packaging and should not be understood as limiting with regard to articles with differently shaped bottom surfaces.
  • a rectangular floor area is bounded by parallel longitudinal and transverse edges in pairs.
  • the bottom surface does not correspond exactly to a rectangle because, for example, the corners between the longitudinal and transverse edges are rounded and / or the longitudinal and transverse edges are not exactly parallel to each other get lost.
  • the invention is intended to be applied to all small-piece articles in which application of the invention is technically possible.
  • the article with an essentially rectangular bottom surface can have at least approximately the shape of a cube, a parallelepiped, a pyramid or a truncated pyramid.
  • at least one, several or all of the side surface (s) of the article, including the bottom surface, is / are flat, concave or convex.
  • the The bottom surface is preferably the largest side surface of the article.
  • the bottom surface and the side surface opposite the bottom surface usually form the two largest side surfaces, while the front sides or front surfaces adjoining the transverse edges form the two smallest side surfaces.
  • the terms longitudinal edge and transverse edge primarily serve to facilitate the description of the steps of the method according to the invention and do not imply any geometric dimensions.
  • the longitudinal edges of the article defining the bottom surface are preferably longer than the transverse edges defining the bottom surface, the terms used herein are not intended to be construed as limiting.
  • the article with the packaging material is wrapped in a tube-like manner, preferably in the folded envelope, in a circumferential direction running over the bottom surface, so that the tube axis preferably runs parallel to both longitudinal edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface and the packaging material is transverse or perpendicular to the circumferential direction on both sides respective transverse edges of the article delimiting the floor area.
  • the tube axis runs parallel to both transverse edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface and protrudes on both sides over the respective longitudinal edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface.
  • the method according to the invention is therefore not limited to a specific orientation of the article within the packaging means.
  • the “sealing seam” preferably comprises longitudinal and transverse sealing seams which extend along and / or parallel to some of the longitudinal and transverse edges delimiting the bottom surface of the article in order to close the packaging in an airtight manner.
  • the sealing seam is preferably formed between two sections of the packaging material, which preferably lie opposite one another on the inside.
  • the strip-shaped packaging is arranged around the outer circumference of the article in a circumferential direction that runs over the bottom surface of the article, so that the packaging completely surrounds the article in the form of a tube and rests against the article with its inside close to the contour, so that the open Ends of the hose-like arranged packaging material protrude on both sides over the bottom surface in order to form packaging material overhangs.
  • the "packaging” is preferably airtight, foldable and sealable, preferably heat-sealable or cold-sealable.
  • the packaging material is preferably strip-shaped and flat Cut to a rectangular shape and dimensioned in such a way as to cover the article on the outer circumference in a circumferential direction running over the bottom surface close to the contour and over the entire surface, and on the one hand to ensure an overlap in the circumferential direction and on the other hand to ensure the packaging overhangs required for sealing on both sides of the bottom surface.
  • the partial steps A1 to A3 are preferably carried out in the specified order, but can also be carried out in a different order.
  • the protrusion of the fin in the circumferential direction is preferably half the width of the bottom surface, measured from the edge delimiting the bottom surface, along which the fin is formed, to the opposite edge delimiting the bottom surface.
  • a different overhang of the fin is also conceivable.
  • the rear folding edges at the transition between the overhang of the packaging material and the fin are created when the fin is folded onto the bottom surface of the article.
  • the front folding edges result from the geometry of the article when the front sides are folded.
  • the continuous sealing seam is preferably composed of various individual sealing seams.
  • a longitudinal sealing seam and two transverse sealing seams are produced independently of one another, which overlap at the corners due to a folding process that has been carried out in the meantime.
  • Each transverse sealing seam is preferably only produced in the state after the longitudinal seam fin has been folded onto the bottom surface of the article. This ensures that the sealing tool can completely cover the protruding packaging material along the transverse side to be sealed, so that the transverse sealing seam extends over the entire transverse edge of the article and ultimately crosses the longitudinal sealing seam in order to create a continuous sealing seam along two transverse edges and one longitudinal edge in between .
  • the partial steps B1 (B1a, B1b) to B6 can be carried out in the specified order or in a different order.
  • the sub-step of forming at least one transverse sealing seam (B1b) is preferably not carried out until after sub-step B3, B4, B5 or B6 in order to ensure the desired tightness of the sealing seam, since the sealing seam only passes over to the bottom surface of the article after the fin has been folded the entire transverse side or width of the packaging material overhang can be carried out.
  • the transverse sealing is carried out according to steps B3, B4 and B6, the sealing seam can be produced transversely over the protruding packaging material with protruding sealing jaws, so that a particularly tight seal is achieved.
  • the substeps C1 and C2 can be carried out in the specified order or in a different order.
  • adhesive is applied to the protruding packaging material, preferably prior to the folding, so that the areas of the protruding packaging material already exposed to adhesive are brought into congruence by folding.
  • the substeps D1 and D2 can be carried out in the order given or in another order.
  • adhesive is applied to the packaging material before it is folded, so that the areas of the packaging material that have already been subjected to adhesive are brought into congruence by folding.
  • the above-mentioned features enable particularly low packaging material consumption and a very close-contour arrangement of the packaging material on the article to be packaged.
  • the invention also relates to a small-piece article with a substantially rectangular bottom surface, which is packaged airtight when the method according to one of the preceding statements is carried out.
  • Figure 1 shows in view (a) a schematic and perspective view of an exemplary, small-piece article 1 with a substantially rectangular bottom surface in the shape of a cuboid and a rectangular, strip-shaped blank of a packaging material 2, the packaging material 2 being adjacent to one of the longitudinal sides of the article 1 is arranged.
  • the packaging material is already arranged in the folded envelope above the bottom surface of the article, the upper, free end of the packaging blank is folded upwards by 90 ° in order to be flush with the longitudinal side of the article adjacent to the bottom surface. Furthermore, the packaging blank runs over the side surface of the article facing away from the bottom surface, the lower free end in the illustration being folded down at an angle of 90 ° in order to also be flush with the longitudinal side of the article facing away from the bottom surface and adjoining the bottom surface .
  • the lower, free end is folded upwards at an angle of 180 ° in order to cover the longitudinal side of the article adjoining the bottom surface, so that the packaging material overlaps in the circumferential direction and completely surrounds the article in the form of a tube.
  • the article 1 is largely covered by the packaging 2, the contour of the article (1) below the packaging possibly being shown by dashed lines.
  • the not directly visible article (1) and its not directly visible features (surfaces and edges) are provided with reference symbols in brackets in the description and in the associated figures.
  • the article (1) is, for example, a pressed and cuboid stock cube, the geometric shape of which corresponds almost to an ideal cuboid.
  • the cuboid article (1) comprises a total of six side surfaces, the two largest side surfaces of the cuboid forming the bottom surface (1a) and the opposite side (not shown) of the article (1) facing away therefrom.
  • the largest, almost rectangular side surface of the article (1) is preferably referred to as the bottom surface (1a).
  • the bottom surface (1a) In the case of a cuboid with two congruent, largest side surfaces, one of the two largest side surfaces (which of them is irrelevant) is referred to as the bottom surface (1a).
  • the side surfaces adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) are referred to as longitudinal sides, longitudinal side surfaces (1d), while the side surfaces adjoining the base surface (1a) via the transverse edges (1c) are called transverse sides, transverse side surfaces, end faces or end faces ( 1e).
  • the circumferential direction U runs parallel to the two transverse edges (1c) over the bottom surface (1a), the two longitudinal side surfaces (1d) adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) and the side surface (not shown) of item (1).
  • the packaging 2 is an airtight, foldable and heat-sealable film, which is cut into a rectangular shape according to the dimensions of the article (1), so that packaging material overhangs 2b result on both transverse edges (1c) on both sides of the bottom surface (1a) and the packaging 2 overlaps in the circumferential direction U to form the fin 2c.
  • Figure 2 shows in views (a) and (b) schematic and perspective views of the partially packaged article (1) for explaining step A of the method according to the invention.
  • the article (1) is completely enclosed in the circumferential direction U with packaging material 2, the packaging material 2 in the axial direction A at the transverse edges (1c) or end faces (1e) of the article (1) over the bottom surface (1a) protrudes.
  • the over the transverse edges (1c) or end faces (1e) of the article (1) Projecting sections of the packaging 2 are referred to below as packaging projecting 2b.
  • the section 2a of the packaging means 2 which is closed in the circumferential direction U, covers the bottom surface (1a), the two longitudinal side surfaces (1d) adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) and the side surface (not shown) that faces away from the bottom surface (1a). of the article (1) completely and lies fully on these surfaces.
  • each packaging material protrusion 2b adjoining section 2a in the axial direction A and protruding beyond the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) is greater than the height of each end surface (1e), which is the distance between the bottom surface (1a) and that of it repellent side surface (not shown) corresponds.
  • a circumferential end section of the strip-shaped packaging blank is folded upwards by 90 ° via a folding edge F1, which runs essentially along a longitudinal edge (1b) of the article (1) and therefore preferably protrudes perpendicular to the bottom surface (1a) . Alignment transversely or at an angle to the floor surface (1a) is also conceivable.
  • This folded end preferably protrudes over the bottom surface (1a) at approximately a height corresponding to half the length of the transverse edge (1c).
  • the folded end of the packaging 2 overlaps a further peripheral end section of the packaging 2 in the circumferential direction U, the inner sides of the overlapping, peripheral end sections facing each other in order to jointly form a fin 2c.
  • the fin 2c is preferably perpendicular to the bottom surface (1a) and in alignment with an adjoining longitudinal side surface (1d) protruding from the longitudinal edge (1b). An orientation that differs in angle is also conceivable.
  • the length of the fin 2c is not mandatory. It is essential that the fin 2c of the packaging material 2 overlapping in the circumferential direction U is sufficiently long for the formation of a longitudinal sealing seam (3a) along the longitudinal edge (1b) and, for example, easy to grasp for the tool parts of a sealing tool.
  • the longitudinal sealing seam 3a is first formed along or parallel to the rear longitudinal edge (1b) in the area of the fin 2c.
  • the longitudinal sealing seam 3a is designed, for example, as a heat-sealing seam and can be achieved in that the fin 2c is pressed together between two tool parts, for example between a stationary and a movable tool part.
  • the stationary or movable tool part is heated and is in contact with the fin 2c on one side, for example on a side of the fin 2c facing away from the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1).
  • Another movable tool part is approached to the fin 2c from the opposite side of the fin 2c, preferably from the side facing the bottom surface (1a).
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 show the views (d), (e), (f) from Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to show various intermediate steps of the packaging method according to the invention or various states of the partially packaged article in preparation for the formation of the transverse sealing seams as part of step B.
  • tubular packaging overhangs 2b As shown in Figure 3 the tubular packaging overhangs 2b, based on the in the views (a) and (b) of the Figure 2 state shown, initially folded starting from the side surface facing away from the bottom surface (1a) in the direction of the transverse side (1e) or front side of the article (1) adjoining the bottom surface (1a). On the other hand, the packaging material protrusions 2b protruding beyond the bottom surface (1a) continue to be flush with the bottom surface (1a).
  • FIGS (a) and (b) of the Figure 6 show views (g) and (g ') Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to show a state in preparation for the formation of the transverse sealing seams, in which the protruding packaging material overhangs 2b 'and the fin 2c are folded over corresponding folding edges F1, F2 and at an angle of 90 ° to the bottom surface (1a) protrude to form a continuous edge along the transverse edge (1c) and an intermediate longitudinal edge (1b) at the base of the fin 2c.
  • the protruding packaging material is denoted by the reference symbol 2b '.
  • FIGS (a) and (b) of the Figure 7 show views (h) and (h ') Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to explain the formation of the transverse sealing seams (3b).
  • the fin 2c is folded over the folding edge F1 along the longitudinal edge (1b) at the base of the fin 2c by 90 ° in the direction of the bottom surface (1a) and to rest against the section 2a of the packaging material that covers the bottom surface (1a) 2 is brought.
  • the edge of the fin 2c preferably runs centrally between and parallel to the two longitudinal edges (1b) over the bottom surface (1a).
  • the fin 2c can be fixed in relation to the first section 2a of the packaging means 2.
  • diagonal folding edges F3 ' are produced starting from the rear corner points of the bottom surface (1a), so that the folded packaging overhangs 2b "are triangular or trapezoidal.
  • the protruding packaging material with reference number 2b ′′ and form, for example, equilateral triangles or mirror-symmetrical trapezoids, a transverse edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) serving as a base.
  • transverse sealing seams 3b are formed along or parallel to the two transverse edges (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) in order to close the packaging in an airtight manner.
  • the formation of the transverse sealing seams (3b) along or parallel to the transverse edges (1c) at the foot of the folded and tapered packaging protrusions 2b is preferably performed by heat sealing.
  • Each of the packaging protrusions 2b" is pressed together between a stationary / movable and another movable tool part.
  • the stationary / movable tool part can, for example, be heated and already be in contact with the packaging overhang 2b ′′ on one side, for example on a side facing away from the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) opposite side of the packaging material protrusion 2b ′′, preferably from the side facing the bottom surface (1a).
  • the heat required for the formation of the transverse sealing seam (3b) can be supplied to the packaging material projection 2b ′′.
  • the heat-sealable packaging 2 is activated by the supply of heat, while the movable tool part applies the necessary compressive forces in order to accomplish the heat-sealing.
  • the transverse sealing seam (3b) can be produced by cold sealing.
  • the packaging is along or parallel to one of the Longitudinal edges (1b) and two adjacent transverse edges (1c) extending longitudinal and transverse sealing seams (3a, 3b) are sealed airtight.
  • each of the folded and tapered packaging material protrusions 2b ′′ from the in Figure 7 The state shown is shortened by folding over the folding edge F4 indicated by a dashed line in the direction of the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1).
  • each of the folding edges F4 within the packaging overhang 2b "runs parallel to the transverse edge (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) and parallel to the folding edges F2.
  • the length of each packaging overhang 2b" is essentially halved, so that the (previously) free end of each packaging material protrusion 2b ′′′ comes to lie essentially at the level of the folding edge F2, as in the views (a) and (b) of FIG Figure 9 is shown.
  • other proportions and / or alternatives for shortening the packaging protrusions 2b ′′ are also possible.
  • the packaging protrusions are denoted by the reference symbol 2b ′′′ runs parallel to the transverse edge 1c and / or the folded edge F2 and / or the folded edge F4, can be shortened even further.
  • each packaging material protrusion 2b ′′′ that are to be brought into contact as intended can be applied with adhesive in order to fix the folded, tapered and shortened state.
  • FIGS (a) and (b) of the Figure 9 show views (j) and (j ') Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to explain step D of the method according to the invention before fixing the folded, tapered and shortened packaging material protrusions 2b ′′′ on the section 2a of the packaging material 2 that covers the bottom surface (1a).
  • FIGS (a) and (b) of the Figure 10 show views (k) and (k ') from Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to show the packaged article (1) after completion of step D of the method according to the invention in a final state in which the folded, tapered and shortened packaging material protrusions 2b ′′′ are fixed to the section 2a of the packaging material 2 that covers the bottom surface (1a) .

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur luftdichten Verpackung kleinstückiger Artikel mit einer im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bodenfläche.The present invention relates to a method and a device for the airtight packaging of small-piece articles with a substantially rectangular bottom surface.

Luftdichte Verpackungen werden überwiegend nach dem Flow-Pack-Prinzip realisiert. Dieses Verfahren hat die Vorteile, dass eine sehr hohe Dichtigkeit der Verpackung erzielt werden kann. Gleichzeitig handelt es sich um ein recht einfaches und hoch effizientes Verpackungsverfahren. Zudem ist eine große Produktvielfalt auf diese Art und Weise verpackbar. Nachteilig ist jedoch, dass derartige Primärverpackungen nur in bestimmten Sekundärverpackungen weiterverpackt werden können und die Produktform nicht mehr erkennbar ist.Airtight packaging is mainly implemented according to the flow pack principle. This method has the advantage that a very high level of tightness of the packaging can be achieved. At the same time, it is a very simple and highly efficient packaging process. In addition, a large variety of products can be packaged in this way. However, it is disadvantageous that such primary packaging can only be further packaged in certain secondary packaging and the product shape can no longer be recognized.

Verfahren und Vorrichtungen zur luftdichten Verpackung kleinstückiger Artikel mit luftdichtem Falteinschlag sind beispielsweise aus der EP 0 295 203 A1 oder der WO 2012/126521 A1 bzw. EP 2 688 805 B1 bekannt. Ein Verfahren gemäß Oberbegriff des Hauptanspruchs 1 der vorliegenden Erfindung ist in DE 43 20 309 A1 offenbart. Die US 5 775 063 A offenbart ein Verfahren zur Verpackung tablettenartiger Artikel.Methods and devices for airtight packaging of small items with an airtight fold wrap are, for example, from EP 0 295 203 A1 or the WO 2012/126521 A1 respectively. EP 2 688 805 B1 known. A method according to the preamble of main claim 1 of the present invention is shown in FIG DE 43 20 309 A1 disclosed. the U.S. 5,775,063 A discloses a method of packaging tablet-like articles.

Bei den herkömmlichen Verfahren zur Bewerkstelligung eines luftdichten Falteinschlags werden die kleinstückigen Artikel üblicherweise mit einem luftdichten und siegelfähigen Packmittel schlauchförmig umwickelt, sodass das Packmittel beidseitig über die Bodenfläche hervorsteht. Unter Ausbildung von Längs- und Quersiegelnähten wird das Packmittel anschließend luftdicht um den Artikel verschlossen.In the conventional method for producing an airtight fold wrap, the small-piece articles are usually wrapped in a hose-like manner with an airtight and sealable packaging material, so that the packaging material protrudes over the bottom surface on both sides. The packaging is then hermetically sealed around the article, forming longitudinal and transverse sealing seams.

Nachteilig bei diesen Lösungen ist, dass das Erscheinungsbild der Bodenfaltung unschön ist, da die gesiegelten Spitzen im letzten Verpackungsschritt auf den Boden gefaltet werden und aufgrund der elastischen Rückstellkräfte des Packmittels ggf. abstehen. Weil die Verpackung aufgrund des über die Bodenfläche überstehenden Packmittels nicht sonderlich konturnah an dem Artikel anliegt, ist auch eine Sekundärverpackung ohne zusätzliche Hilfsmittel kaum möglich. Hinzu kommt, dass diese Packmittelspitzen auch sogenannte Blitzer aufweisen, indem die Innenseite des Packmittels sichtbar ist. Diese Nachteile wurden kompensiert, indem eine Papierbanderole um die luftdichte Primärverpackung herum gefaltet wurde. Das wiederum ist aber sehr kostenintensiv und effizienzmindernd. Nachteilig ist bei den bekannten Lösungen wie z.B. EP 2 688 805 B1 jedoch auch der erhöhte Packmittelverbrauch sowie die schwer zu bewerkstelligende Dichtigkeit der Verpackung, da bei bestimmten Formatabmessungen in den Ecken keine sichere Überdeckung der einzelnen Siegelungen gewährleistet werden kann.A disadvantage of these solutions is that the appearance of the bottom fold is unattractive, since the sealed tips are folded onto the bottom in the last packaging step and may protrude due to the elastic restoring forces of the packaging means. Because the packaging does not lie particularly close to the contour of the article due to the packaging material protruding above the bottom surface, secondary packaging is hardly possible without additional aids. In addition, these packaging material tips also have so-called speed cameras, in which the inside of the packaging material is visible. These disadvantages were compensated for by folding a paper band around the airtight primary packaging. But that in turn is very costly and reduces efficiency. The disadvantage of the known solutions such as EP 2 688 805 B1 but also the increased consumption of packaging material and the tightness of the packaging, which is difficult to achieve, since with certain format dimensions in the corners no reliable overlap of the individual seals can be guaranteed.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ausgehend von den aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Lösungen ein Verfahren zur luftdichten Verpackung kleinstückiger Artikel mit ansprechendem Erscheinungsbild und hoher Dichtigkeit der (Primär)Verpackung bei einem geringeren Packmittelverbrauch zu entwickeln, sodass eine Sekundärverpackung ohne zusätzliche Hilfsmittel wie beispielsweise eine Banderole möglich ist.The invention is based on the task of developing, based on the solutions known from the prior art, a method for airtight packaging of small items with an attractive appearance and high tightness of the (primary) packaging with a lower packaging material consumption, so that secondary packaging without additional aids such as for example a banderole is possible.

Im Hinblick auf das Verfahren wird die Aufgabe der Erfindung gelöst durch den Gegenstand des unabhängigen Verfahrensanspruchs 1.With regard to the method, the object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of independent method claim 1.

Vorzugsweise werden die Packmittelüberstände auf beiden Seiten der Bodenfläche identisch bearbeitet, wenngleich auch unterschiedliche Bearbeitungen beider Packmittelüberstände möglich sind. Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren kann eine luftdichte Verpackung kleinstückiger Artikel mit einer im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bodenfläche besonders konturnah und mit geringerem Packmittelverbrauch bewerkstelligt werden.The protruding packaging materials are preferably processed identically on both sides of the bottom surface, although different processing of the two protruding packaging materials is also possible. With the method according to the invention, an airtight packaging of small items with an essentially rectangular bottom surface can be achieved particularly close to the contour and with less packaging material consumption.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren ist es insbesondere möglich, eine luftdichte Verpackung in Form eines Falteinschlages herzustellen, wobei nur ein Packmittel zur Anwendung kommt und dennoch ein ansprechendes Erscheinungsbild entsteht. Das wird gelöst, indem die "unschönen" Spitzen bzw. Packmittelüberstände des bereits versiegelten Produktes anschließend gezielt (z.B. um 180°) weggefaltet werden, um einen geraden und konstanten Faltungsabschluss zu gewährleisten.With the method according to the invention it is possible in particular to produce an airtight packaging in the form of a folded envelope, with only one packaging means being used and nevertheless an attractive appearance. This is solved in that the "unsightly" tips or protruding packaging material of the already sealed product are then specifically folded away (eg by 180 °) in order to ensure a straight and constant end of the fold.

Gegenüber den aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Lösungen kann der Packmittelverbrauch um ca. 10% verringert werden.Compared to the solutions known from the prior art, the consumption of packaging material can be reduced by approx. 10%.

Bevorzugt wird die Lösung des Wegfaltens der Packmittelüberstände, da hier keine Reste in der Maschine verbleiben. Nachdem das Falten der Spitzen erfolgt ist, wird das verbleibende Packmittel am Boden fixiert. Das wird beispielsweise durch Aufbringen von Heißklebepunkten ermöglicht, bevor die letzten Falten an den Boden angelegt und angedrückt werden.The preferred solution is to fold away the protruding packaging material, since no residues remain in the machine. After the tips have been folded, the remaining packaging material is fixed to the bottom. This is made possible, for example, by applying hot glue dots before the last folds are laid on the floor and pressed on.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

Begriffe und Definitionenterms and definitions

Der Begriff "kleinstückiger Artikel" bezieht sich im Rahmen dieser Erfindung auf die zu verpackenden Gegenstände. Damit sind bestimmungsgemäß in erster Linie kleinstückige Lebensmittel gemeint. Darunter fallen Süßwaren aus Schokolade oder Karamellen, aber auch Brühwürfel oder dergleichen. Es liegt aber auch im Rahmen der Erfindung, kleinstückige Verbrauchsgegenstände wie Wasch- oder Spülmaschinentabs mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zu verpacken. Die maximale Kantenlänge solcher "kleinstückiger Artikel" beträgt vorzugsweise 15 bis 150 mm oder weniger.In the context of this invention, the term "small-piece article" refers to the articles to be packaged. As intended, this primarily refers to small pieces of food. This includes confectionery made from chocolate or caramels, but also bouillon cubes or the like. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to pack small-sized consumables such as washing or dishwasher tabs using the method according to the invention. The maximum edge length of such "small-piece articles" is preferably 15 to 150 mm or less.

Der Begriff "im Wesentlichen rechteckige Bodenfläche" dient in erster Linie der Erleichterung der Umschreibung der geometrischen Zusammenhänge bei der Verpackung und sollte nicht als beschränkend im Hinblick auf Artikel mit unterschiedlich geformter Bodenfläche verstanden werden. Eine rechteckige Bodenfläche wird durch jeweils paarweise parallele Längs- und Querkanten begrenzt. Bei vielen Gegenständen, auf die die Erfindung Anwendung finden kann, z.B. Wasch- oder Spülmaschinentabs, entspricht die Bodenfläche nicht exakt einem Rechteck, weil beispielsweise die Ecken zwischen den Längs- und Querkanten abgerundet sind und/oder die Längs- und Querkanten nicht exakt parallel zueinander verlaufen. Trotz derartiger Formabweichungen der Bodenfläche von einem idealen Rechteck soll die Erfindung auf alle kleinstückigen Artikel Anwendung finden, bei denen eine Anwendung der Erfindung technisch möglich ist. Beispielsweise kann der Artikel mit einer im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bodenfläche zumindest näherungsweise die Form eines Würfels, eines Quaders, einer Pyramide oder eines Pyramidenstumpfs aufweisen. Beispielsweise ist/sind wenigstens eine, mehrere oder alle Seitenfläche/-n des Artikels, einschließlich der Bodenfläche, eben, konkav gewölbt oder konvex gewölbt. Die Bodenfläche ist vorzugsweise die größte Seitenfläche des Artikels. Bei einem Quader bilden die Bodenfläche sowie die der Bodenfläche gegenüberliegende Seitenfläche in der Regel die beiden größten Seitenflächen, während die über die Querkanten angrenzenden Stirnseiten bzw. Stirnflächen die beiden kleinsten Seitenflächen bilden. Die Begriffe Längskante und Querkante dienen in erster Linie der Erleichterung der Umschreibung der Schritte des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und implizieren keine geometrischen Abmessungen. Obwohl die die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Längskanten des Artikels vorzugsweise länger sind als die die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkanten, sollen die hierin verwendeten Begriffe nicht als beschränkend angesehen werden. Im Rahmen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens wird der Artikel mit dem Packmittel vorzugsweise im Falteinschlag in einer über die Bodenfläche verlaufenden Umfangsrichtung schlauchförmig umwickelt, sodass vorzugsweise die Schlauchachse parallel zu beiden die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Längskanten des Artikels verläuft und das Packmittel beidseitig quer bzw. senkrecht zur Umfangsrichtung über die jeweiligen die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkanten des Artikels hervorsteht. Es kann allerdings auch der Fall sein, dass die Schlauchachse parallel zu beiden die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkanten des Artikels verläuft und beidseitig über die jeweiligen die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Längskanten des Artikels hervorsteht. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist demnach nicht auf eine bestimmte Ausrichtung des Artikels innerhalb des Packmittels beschränkt.The term "essentially rectangular bottom surface" is primarily used to facilitate the description of the geometric relationships in the packaging and should not be understood as limiting with regard to articles with differently shaped bottom surfaces. A rectangular floor area is bounded by parallel longitudinal and transverse edges in pairs. In the case of many objects to which the invention can be applied, e.g. washing or dishwasher tabs, the bottom surface does not correspond exactly to a rectangle because, for example, the corners between the longitudinal and transverse edges are rounded and / or the longitudinal and transverse edges are not exactly parallel to each other get lost. In spite of such deviations in shape of the bottom surface from an ideal rectangle, the invention is intended to be applied to all small-piece articles in which application of the invention is technically possible. For example, the article with an essentially rectangular bottom surface can have at least approximately the shape of a cube, a parallelepiped, a pyramid or a truncated pyramid. For example, at least one, several or all of the side surface (s) of the article, including the bottom surface, is / are flat, concave or convex. the The bottom surface is preferably the largest side surface of the article. In the case of a cuboid, the bottom surface and the side surface opposite the bottom surface usually form the two largest side surfaces, while the front sides or front surfaces adjoining the transverse edges form the two smallest side surfaces. The terms longitudinal edge and transverse edge primarily serve to facilitate the description of the steps of the method according to the invention and do not imply any geometric dimensions. Although the longitudinal edges of the article defining the bottom surface are preferably longer than the transverse edges defining the bottom surface, the terms used herein are not intended to be construed as limiting. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, the article with the packaging material is wrapped in a tube-like manner, preferably in the folded envelope, in a circumferential direction running over the bottom surface, so that the tube axis preferably runs parallel to both longitudinal edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface and the packaging material is transverse or perpendicular to the circumferential direction on both sides respective transverse edges of the article delimiting the floor area. However, it can also be the case that the tube axis runs parallel to both transverse edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface and protrudes on both sides over the respective longitudinal edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface. The method according to the invention is therefore not limited to a specific orientation of the article within the packaging means.

Die "Siegelnaht" umfasst vorzugsweise Längs- und Quersiegelnähte, die sich entlang und/oder parallel zu einigen die Bodenfläche des Artikels begrenzenden Längs- und Querkanten erstrecken, um die Verpackung luftdicht zu verschließen. Die Siegelnaht wird vorzugsweise zwischen zwei Abschnitten des Packmittels gebildet, die sich bevorzugt mit der Innenseite gegenüberliegen.The “sealing seam” preferably comprises longitudinal and transverse sealing seams which extend along and / or parallel to some of the longitudinal and transverse edges delimiting the bottom surface of the article in order to close the packaging in an airtight manner. The sealing seam is preferably formed between two sections of the packaging material, which preferably lie opposite one another on the inside.

Der Begriff "Falteinschlag" wird als bekannt angesehen und im Rahmen dieser Erfindung benutzt, um die Zuführung des Packmittels zu dem Artikel im Rahmen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zu umschreiben. Nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung wird das streifenförmige Packmittel in einer Umfangsrichtung, die über die Bodenfläche des Artikels verläuft, um den Außenumfang des Artikels angeordnet, sodass das Packmittel den Artikel in Schlauchform vollumfänglich umschließt und mit der Innenseite konturnah an dem Artikel anliegt, so dass die offenen Enden des schlauchförmig angeordneten Packmittels beidseitig über die Bodenfläche hervorstehen, um Packmittelüberstände zu bilden.The term "fold wrap" is considered to be known and is used in the context of this invention to describe the supply of the packaging means to the article in the context of the method according to the invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the strip-shaped packaging is arranged around the outer circumference of the article in a circumferential direction that runs over the bottom surface of the article, so that the packaging completely surrounds the article in the form of a tube and rests against the article with its inside close to the contour, so that the open Ends of the hose-like arranged packaging material protrude on both sides over the bottom surface in order to form packaging material overhangs.

Das "Packmittel" ist vorzugsweise luftdicht, faltbar und siegelfähig, vorzugsweise heißsiegelfähig oder kaltsiegelfähig. Vorzugsweise ist das Packmittel vor Schritt A streifenförmig und eben in Rechteckform zugeschnitten und derart dimensioniert, um den Artikel am Außenumfang in einer über die Bodenfläche verlaufenden Umfangsrichtung konturnah und vollflächig zu bedecken, und um einerseits eine Überlappung in Umfangsrichtung sowie andererseits die zur Versiegelung erforderlichen Packmittelüberstände beiderseits der Bodenfläche sicherzustellen.The "packaging" is preferably airtight, foldable and sealable, preferably heat-sealable or cold-sealable. Before step A, the packaging material is preferably strip-shaped and flat Cut to a rectangular shape and dimensioned in such a way as to cover the article on the outer circumference in a circumferential direction running over the bottom surface close to the contour and over the entire surface, and on the one hand to ensure an overlap in the circumferential direction and on the other hand to ensure the packaging overhangs required for sealing on both sides of the bottom surface.

Es kann sich als hilfreich erweisen, wenn Schritt A wenigstens einen der folgenden Teilschritte umfasst:

  • A1: Anlegen des Packmittels mit der Innenseite an den Artikel, sodass das Packmittel in einer über die Bodenfläche verlaufenden Umfangsrichtung überlappt und die in Umfangsrichtung überlappenden Abschnitte des Packmittels mit der Innenseite zueinander weisen, wobei die in Umfangsrichtung überlappenden Abschnitte des Packmittels vorzugsweise entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels aufeinander treffen;
  • A2: Faltung des Packmittels über wenigstens eine Faltkante, wobei die Faltkante vorzugsweise entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels verläuft;
  • A3: Ausbilden einer Flosse aus den in Umfangrichtung überlappenden Abschnitten des Packmittels, so dass die Flosse quer, d.h. senkrecht oder in einem Winkel, zu der Bodenfläche vorsteht und/oder mit einer an die Bodenfläche angrenzenden Seitenfläche des Artikels fluchtet.
It can be helpful if Step A includes at least one of the following sub-steps:
  • A1: Positioning the inside of the packaging against the article, so that the packaging overlaps in a circumferential direction running over the bottom surface and the sections of the packaging that overlap in the circumferential direction face one another with the inside, the sections of the packaging that overlap in the circumferential direction preferably along and / or meet one another parallel to an edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface;
  • A2: folding the packaging means over at least one folding edge, the folding edge preferably running along and / or parallel to at least one edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface;
  • A3: Forming a fin from the circumferentially overlapping sections of the packaging material, so that the fin protrudes transversely, ie perpendicularly or at an angle, to the bottom surface and / or is flush with a side surface of the article adjoining the bottom surface.

Die Teilschritte A1 bis A3 werden vorzugsweise in der angegebenen Reihenfolge ausgeführt, können aber auch in einer anderen Reihenfolge ausgeführt werden.The partial steps A1 to A3 are preferably carried out in the specified order, but can also be carried out in a different order.

Der Überstand der Flosse in Umfangsrichtung beträgt vorzugsweise die Hälfte der Breite der Bodenfläche, gemessen von der die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante, entlang der die Flosse ausgebildet ist, zur gegenüberliegenden, die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante. Ein abweichender Überstand der Flosse ist ebenso denkbar.The protrusion of the fin in the circumferential direction is preferably half the width of the bottom surface, measured from the edge delimiting the bottom surface, along which the fin is formed, to the opposite edge delimiting the bottom surface. A different overhang of the fin is also conceivable.

Es kann aber auch von Vorteil sein, wenn Schritt B wenigstens einen der folgenden Teilschritte umfasst:

  • B1: Ausbildung der wenigstens einen Siegelnaht entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels, vorzugsweise derart, dass sich die wenigstens eine Siegelnaht kontinuierlich entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens zwei oder drei benachbarten und die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kanten des Artikels erstreckt, bevorzugt durch:
    • ∘ B1a: Ausbildung wenigstens einer Längssiegelnaht entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Längskante des Artikels;
    • ∘ B1b: Ausbildung wenigstens einer Quersiegelnaht entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkante des Artikels, vorzugsweise zweier Quersiegelnähte entlang und/oder parallel zu beiden die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkanten des Artikels;
  • B2: Ausbildung der wenigstens einen Siegelnaht zwischen zwei Werkzeugteilen, wobei sich der eine Werkzeugteil einseitig mit dem Packmittel in Anlage befindet, während der andere Werkzeugteil von der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Packmittels an das Packmittel angefahren wird, um die Siegelnaht durch Zusammenpressen zweier Abschnitte des Packmittels zwischen den beiden Werkzeugteilen auszubilden, wobei vorzugsweise wenigstens einer der beiden Werkzeugteile, bevorzugt der sich mit dem Packmittel in Anlage befindende Werkzeugteil, beheizt ist;
  • B3: Faltung der Flosse über eine Faltkante entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels, vorzugsweise in Richtung der Bodenfläche;
  • B4: Faltung des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands, vorzugsweise in Richtung der Bodenfläche, bevorzugt über eine Faltkante entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkante des Artikels, besonders bevorzugt derart, dass der gefaltete Packmittelüberstand gemeinsam mit der Flosse einen kontinuierlichen Rand entlang benachbarter Kanten des Artikels bildet;
  • B5: Fixieren der Flosse an einem den Artikel bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels, vorzugsweise an einem die Bodenfläche bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels, bevorzugt derart, dass der umfangsseitige Rand der Flosse (bspw. mittig) zwischen zweien und/oder parallel zu zweien die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kanten des Artikels verläuft;
  • B6: Anordnen des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands und ggf. der Flosse, vorzugsweise in einer Dreiecks- oder Trapezform, die sich zum freien Ende hin verjüngt.
However, it can also be advantageous if step B comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:
  • B1: Formation of the at least one sealing seam along and / or parallel to at least one edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably such that the at least one sealing seam extends continuously along and / or parallel to at least two or three adjacent edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably by:
    • ∘ B1a: formation of at least one longitudinal sealed seam along and / or parallel to at least one longitudinal edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface;
    • ∘ B1b: formation of at least one transverse sealing seam along and / or parallel to at least one transverse edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably two transverse sealing seams along and / or parallel to both transverse edges of the article delimiting the bottom surface;
  • B2: Formation of the at least one sealing seam between two tool parts, with one tool part resting on one side with the packaging material, while the other tool part is approached to the packaging material from the opposite side of the packaging material in order to create the sealing seam between two sections of the packaging material to form the two tool parts, with preferably at least one of the two tool parts, preferably the tool part in contact with the packaging means, being heated;
  • B3: folding the fin over a folding edge along and / or parallel to a sealing seam and / or along and / or parallel to an edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably in the direction of the bottom surface;
  • B4: Folding of the at least one packaging material overhang, preferably in the direction of the bottom surface, preferably over a folded edge along and / or parallel to a transverse edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, particularly preferably such that the folded packaging material overhang, together with the fin, has a continuous edge along adjacent edges of the article forms;
  • B5: Fixing the fin on a section of the packaging that covers the article, preferably on a section of the packaging that covers the bottom surface, preferably in such a way that the peripheral edge of the fin (e.g. in the middle) is between two and / or parallel to two edges delimiting the bottom surface the article runs;
  • B6: Arranging the at least one protruding packaging material and possibly the fin, preferably in a triangular or trapezoidal shape that tapers towards the free end.

Die hinteren Faltkanten am Übergang zwischen Packmittelüberstand und Flosse entstehen mit Faltung der Flosse auf die Bodenfläche des Artikels. Die vorderen Faltkanten ergeben sich aufgrund der Geometrie des Artikels beim Falten der Stirnseiten.The rear folding edges at the transition between the overhang of the packaging material and the fin are created when the fin is folded onto the bottom surface of the article. The front folding edges result from the geometry of the article when the front sides are folded.

Die kontinuierliche Siegelnaht setzt sich vorzugsweise aus verschiedenen Einzelsiegelnähten zusammen. Insbesondere werden unabhängig voneinander eine Längssiegelnaht und zwei Quersiegelnähte hergestellt, die sich aufgrund eines zwischenzeitlich durchgeführten Faltvorgangs an den Ecken überlappen. Jede Quersiegelnaht wird vorzugsweise erst im Zustand nach Faltung der Längsnaht-Flosse auf die Bodenfläche des Artikels hergestellt. Dadurch kann sichergestellt werden, dass das Siegelwerkzeug den Packmittelüberstand entlang der zu siegelnden Querseite vollständig überdecken kann, sodass sich die Quersiegelnaht über die gesamte Querkante des Artikels erstreckt und letztendlich die Längssiegelnaht kreuzt, um eine kontinuierliche Siegelnaht entlang zweier Querkanten und einer dazwischen liegenden Längskante zu erzeugen.The continuous sealing seam is preferably composed of various individual sealing seams. In particular, a longitudinal sealing seam and two transverse sealing seams are produced independently of one another, which overlap at the corners due to a folding process that has been carried out in the meantime. Each transverse sealing seam is preferably only produced in the state after the longitudinal seam fin has been folded onto the bottom surface of the article. This ensures that the sealing tool can completely cover the protruding packaging material along the transverse side to be sealed, so that the transverse sealing seam extends over the entire transverse edge of the article and ultimately crosses the longitudinal sealing seam in order to create a continuous sealing seam along two transverse edges and one longitudinal edge in between .

Die Teilschritte B1 (B1a, B1b) bis B6 können in der angegebenen Reihenfolge oder einer anderen Reihenfolge ausgeführt werden. Insbesondere wird der Teilschritt der Ausbildung wenigstens einer Quersiegelnaht (B1b) vorzugsweise erst nach dem Teilschritt B3, B4, B5 oder B6 ausgeführt, um die angestrebte Dichtheit der Siegelnaht zu gewährleisten, da die Siegelnaht erst nach der Faltung der Flosse auf die Bodenfläche des Artikels über die gesamte Querseite bzw. Breite des Packmittelüberstands ausgeführt werden kann. Insbesondere wenn die Quersiegelung nach den Schritten B3, B4 und B6 ausgeführt wird, kann die Siegelnaht quer über die Packmittelüberstände mit überstehenden Siegelbacken erzeugt werden, sodass eine besonders dichte Versiegelung erreicht wird.The partial steps B1 (B1a, B1b) to B6 can be carried out in the specified order or in a different order. In particular, the sub-step of forming at least one transverse sealing seam (B1b) is preferably not carried out until after sub-step B3, B4, B5 or B6 in order to ensure the desired tightness of the sealing seam, since the sealing seam only passes over to the bottom surface of the article after the fin has been folded the entire transverse side or width of the packaging material overhang can be carried out. In particular if the transverse sealing is carried out according to steps B3, B4 and B6, the sealing seam can be produced transversely over the protruding packaging material with protruding sealing jaws, so that a particularly tight seal is achieved.

Es kann ebenso nützlich sein, wenn Schritt C wenigstens einen der folgenden Teilschritte umfasst:

  • C1: Verkürzen des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands durch Faltung in Richtung der Bodenfläche, wobei die Faltkante bevorzugt innerhalb des Packmittelüberstands entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante verläuft;
  • C2: Fixieren des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands im verkürzten Zustand, vorzugsweise nach Beaufschlagung des Packmittels mit Klebstoff, so dass die durch Faltung über die Faltkante zur Deckung gebrachten Bereiche des Packmittelüberstands durch Klebstoff aneinander haften.
It can also be useful if step C includes at least one of the following sub-steps:
  • C1: Shortening the at least one packaging material overhang by folding it in the direction of the bottom surface, the folding edge preferably within the packaging material overhang along and / or parallel to one Sealed seam and / or runs along and / or parallel to an edge delimiting the bottom surface;
  • C2: Fixing the at least one packaging material overhang in the shortened state, preferably after applying adhesive to the packaging material, so that the areas of the packaging material overhang that are brought to cover by folding over the folding edge adhere to one another by adhesive.

Die Teilschritte C1 und C2 können in der angegebenen Reihenfolge oder einer anderen Reihenfolge ausgeführt werden. Insbesondere wird der Packmittelüberstand vorzugsweise vor der Faltung mit Klebstoff beaufschlagt, sodass die bereits mit Klebstoff beaufschlagten Bereiche des Packmittelüberstands durch Faltung in Deckung gebracht werden.The substeps C1 and C2 can be carried out in the specified order or in a different order. In particular, adhesive is applied to the protruding packaging material, preferably prior to the folding, so that the areas of the protruding packaging material already exposed to adhesive are brought into congruence by folding.

Nach einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung umfasst Schritt D wenigstens einen der folgenden Teilschritte:

  • D1: Faltung des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands über eine Faltkante entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante;
  • D2: Beaufschlagen des Packmittels außerhalb und/oder innerhalb der Faltkante mit Klebstoff, so dass die durch Faltung über die Faltkante zur Deckung gebrachten Abschnitte des Packmittels durch Klebstoff aneinander haften;
According to an advantageous development of the invention, step D comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:
  • D1: Folding the at least one packaging material overhang over a folding edge along and / or parallel to a sealing seam and / or along and / or parallel to an edge delimiting the bottom surface;
  • D2: applying adhesive to the packaging material outside and / or inside the folding edge, so that the sections of the packaging material which are brought into congruence by folding over the folding edge adhere to one another by adhesive;

Die Teilschritte D1 und D2 können in der angegebenen Reihenfolge oder einer anderen Reihenfolge ausgeführt werden. Insbesondere wird das Packmittel vorzugsweise vor der Faltung mit Klebstoff beaufschlagt, sodass die bereits mit Klebstoff beaufschlagten Bereiche des Packmittels durch Faltung in Deckung gebracht werden.The substeps D1 and D2 can be carried out in the order given or in another order. In particular, adhesive is applied to the packaging material before it is folded, so that the areas of the packaging material that have already been subjected to adhesive are brought into congruence by folding.

Die vorstehend genannten Merkmale ermöglichen einen besonders geringen Packmittelverbrauch sowie eine sehr konturnahe Anordnung des Packmittels an dem zu verpackenden Artikel.The above-mentioned features enable particularly low packaging material consumption and a very close-contour arrangement of the packaging material on the article to be packaged.

Die Erfindung betrifft ebenso einen kleinstückigen Artikel mit einer im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bodenfläche, der unter Durchführung des Verfahrens nach einer der vorangehenden Ausführungen luftdicht verpackt ist.The invention also relates to a small-piece article with a substantially rectangular bottom surface, which is packaged airtight when the method according to one of the preceding statements is carried out.

Kurze Beschreibung der FigurenBrief description of the figures

  • Figur 1 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) bis (k) eine chronologische Abfolge einzelner Zustände des zu verpackenden Artikels nach Abschluss bestimmter Schritte des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsverfahrens in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht mit Blick auf die Bodenfläche und eine der Querseiten bzw. Stirnseiten des zu verpackenden Artikels, ausgehend von einem unverpackten, quaderförmigen Artikel und einem ebenen, rechteckigen Packmittelzuschnitt bis hin zum fertigen Endprodukt. Die Ansichten (c'), (g'), (h'), (i'), (j') und (k') zeigen die in den Ansichten (c), (g), (h), (i), (j) und (k) dargestellten Schritte bzw. Zustände aus einer anderen Perspektive mit Blick auf die Bodenfläche und eine der Längsseiten des zu verpackenden Artikels. Figure 1 shows in views (a) to (k) a chronological sequence of individual states of the article to be packaged after completion of certain steps of the packaging method according to the invention in a perspective side view with a view of the bottom surface and one of the transverse sides or front sides of the article to be packaged, starting from an unpackaged, cuboid article and a flat, rectangular packaging blank up to the finished end product. Views (c '), (g'), (h '), (i'), (j ') and (k') show the views (c), (g), (h), (i ), (j) and (k) illustrated steps or states from a different perspective with a view of the bottom surface and one of the long sides of the article to be packaged.
  • Figur 2 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) den in den Ansichten (c) und (c') der Figur 1 dargestellten Zustand des teilweise verpackten Artikels in vergrößerter Darstellung nach Abschluss des Schritts A des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsverfahrens zur Erläuterung der Ausbildung der Längssiegelnaht im Rahmen des Schritts B des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsverfahrens. Das rechteckig bzw. streifenförmig zugeschnittene Packmittel ist per Falteinschlag gemäß den Darstellungen in den Fig. 2 (a) und (b) in Schlauchform konturnah in Umfangsrichtung U um den Artikel angeordnet, so dass das Packmittel in Umfangsrichtung U überlappt und in Achsrichtung A beidseitig über die Bodenfläche des Artikels vorsteht. Figure 2 shows in views (a) and (b) that in views (c) and (c ') of FIG Figure 1 shown state of the partially packaged article in an enlarged view after completion of step A of the packaging method according to the invention to explain the formation of the longitudinal sealed seam in the context of step B of the packaging method according to the invention. The rectangular or strip-shaped cut packaging is folded in accordance with the illustrations in Fig. 2 (a) and (b) arranged around the article in the form of a tube, close to the contour, in the circumferential direction U, so that the packaging material overlaps in the circumferential direction U and protrudes in the axial direction A on both sides over the bottom surface of the article.
  • Figuren 3 bis 5 zeigen die in den Ansichten (d), (e) und (f) der Figur 1 dargestellten Schritte bzw. Zustände in vergrößerter Darstellung, wobei die Konturen des zu verpackenden Artikels wie in Fig. 2 mit gestrichelten Linien dargestellt sind. Figures 3 to 5 show those in views (d), (e) and (f) of FIG Figure 1 steps or states shown in an enlarged view, the contours of the article to be packaged as in Fig. 2 are shown with dashed lines.
  • Figur 6 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) die Ansichten (g) und (g') der Figur 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Faltung der Packmittelüberstände und der daraus resultierenden, zunächst einseitigen Verjüngung der Packmittelüberstände im Rahmen des Schritts B des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. Figure 6 shows in views (a) and (b) the views (g) and (g ') of FIG Figure 1 in an enlarged representation to explain the folding of the packaging protrusions and the resulting, initially one-sided tapering of the packaging protrusions in the context of step B of the method according to the invention.
  • Figur 7 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) die Ansichten (h) und (h') der Figur 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Faltens der Flosse über die ausgebildete Längssiegelnaht sowie und zur Erläuterung der Verjüngung der Packmittelüberstände im Rahmen des Schritts B des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vor Ausbildung der Quersiegelnähte und vor Verkürzung der Packmittelüberstände. Figure 7 shows in views (a) and (b) the views (h) and (h ') of FIG Figure 1 in an enlarged view to explain the folding of the fin over the formed longitudinal sealing seam as well as and to explain the tapering of the packaging overhangs in the context of step B of the method according to the invention before the formation of the transverse seal seams and before the shortening of the packaging overhangs.
  • Figur 8 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) die Ansichten (i) und (i') der Figur 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Verkürzung der Packmittelüberstände im Rahmen des Schritts C des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. Figure 8 shows in views (a) and (b) the views (i) and (i ') of FIG Figure 1 in an enlarged view to explain the shortening of the packaging material protrusions in the context of step C of the method according to the invention.
  • Figur 9 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) die Ansichten (j) und (j') der Figur 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Schritts D des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vor dem Fixieren der Packmittelüberstände an dem die Bodenfläche bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels. Figure 9 shows in views (a) and (b) views (j) and (j ') of FIG Figure 1 in an enlarged illustration to explain step D of the method according to the invention before the fixing of the packaging material overhangs on the section of the packaging material that covers the bottom surface.
  • Figur 10 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) die Ansichten (k) und (k') der Figur 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Schritts D des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens nach dem Fixieren der Packmittelüberstände an dem die Bodenfläche bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels. Figure 10 shows in views (a) and (b) the views (k) and (k ') of FIG Figure 1 in an enlarged illustration to explain step D of the method according to the invention after the fixing of the packaging material overhangs on the section of the packaging material that covers the bottom surface.
Detaillierte Beschreibung des bevorzugten AusgangsbeispielsDetailed description of the preferred starting example

Figur 1 zeigt in Ansicht (a) eine schematische und perspektivische Ansicht eines beispielhaften, kleinstückigen Artikels 1 mit einer im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bodenfläche in der Gestalt eines Quaders und einen rechteckigen, streifenförmigen Zuschnitt eines Packmittels 2, wobei das Packmittel 2 angrenzend an eine der Längsseiten des Artikels 1 angeordnet ist. Figure 1 shows in view (a) a schematic and perspective view of an exemplary, small-piece article 1 with a substantially rectangular bottom surface in the shape of a cuboid and a rectangular, strip-shaped blank of a packaging material 2, the packaging material 2 being adjacent to one of the longitudinal sides of the article 1 is arranged.

In Ansicht (b) der Figur 1 ist das Packmittel bereits im Falteinschlag über der Bodenfläche des Artikels angeordnet, wobei das obere, freie Ende des Packmittelzuschnitts um 90° nach oben geklappt ist um mit der an die Bodenfläche angrenzenden Längsseite des Artikels zu fluchten. Ferner verläuft der Packmittelzuschnitt über die von der Bodenfläche abgewandte Seitenfläche des Artikels, wobei das in der Darstellung untere freie Ende in einem Winkel von 90° nach unten geklappt ist, um ebenfalls mit der in Blickrichtung abgewandten, an die Bodenfläche angrenzenden Längsseite des Artikels zu fluchten.In view (b) of the Figure 1 If the packaging material is already arranged in the folded envelope above the bottom surface of the article, the upper, free end of the packaging blank is folded upwards by 90 ° in order to be flush with the longitudinal side of the article adjacent to the bottom surface. Furthermore, the packaging blank runs over the side surface of the article facing away from the bottom surface, the lower free end in the illustration being folded down at an angle of 90 ° in order to also be flush with the longitudinal side of the article facing away from the bottom surface and adjoining the bottom surface .

Ausgehend von diesem Zustand wird das untere, freie Ende in einem Winkel von 180° nach oben geklappt, um die an die Bodenfläche angrenzende Längsseite des Artikels zu bedecken, sodass das Packmittel in Umfangsrichtung überlappt und den Artikel in Schlauchform vollständig konturnah umgibt.Starting from this state, the lower, free end is folded upwards at an angle of 180 ° in order to cover the longitudinal side of the article adjoining the bottom surface, so that the packaging material overlaps in the circumferential direction and completely surrounds the article in the form of a tube.

Das so erhaltene Zwischenprodukt ist in den Ansichten (c) und (c') der Figur 1 sowie in vergrößerter Darstellung in den Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 2 dargestellt.The intermediate product thus obtained is shown in views (c) and (c ') Figure 1 and in an enlarged view in views (a) and (b) of FIG Figure 2 shown.

In den Figuren ist der Artikel 1 weitgehend durch das Packmittel 2 verdeckt, wobei die Kontur des Artikels (1) unter dem Packmittel gegebenenfalls durch gestrichelte Linien dargestellt ist. Der nicht unmittelbar sichtbare Artikel (1) sowie dessen nicht unmittelbar sichtbare Merkmale (Flächen und Kanten) sind in der Beschreibung sowie in den zugehörigen Figuren mit in Klammern stehenden Bezugszeichen versehen.In the figures, the article 1 is largely covered by the packaging 2, the contour of the article (1) below the packaging possibly being shown by dashed lines. The not directly visible article (1) and its not directly visible features (surfaces and edges) are provided with reference symbols in brackets in the description and in the associated figures.

Im vorliegenden Fall ist der Artikel (1) z.B. ein gepresster und quaderförmiger Brühwürfel, dessen geometrische Form nahezu einem idealen Quader entspricht. Der quaderförmige Artikel (1) umfasst insgesamt sechs Seitenflächen, wobei die beiden größten Seitenflächen des Quaders die Bodenfläche (1a) sowie die entgegengesetzte, davon abgewandte Seite (nicht gezeigt) des Artikels (1) bilden.In the present case, the article (1) is, for example, a pressed and cuboid stock cube, the geometric shape of which corresponds almost to an ideal cuboid. The cuboid article (1) comprises a total of six side surfaces, the two largest side surfaces of the cuboid forming the bottom surface (1a) and the opposite side (not shown) of the article (1) facing away therefrom.

Vorzugsweise wird die größte, nahezu rechteckig ausgebildete Seitenfläche des Artikels (1) als Bodenfläche (1a) bezeichnet. Im Falle eines Quaders mit jeweils zwei deckungsgleichen, größten Seitenflächen wird eine der beiden größten Seitenflächen (unerheblich, welche davon) als Bodenfläche (1a) bezeichnet. Die über die Längskanten (1b) an die Bodenfläche (1a) anschließenden Seitenflächen werden als Längsseiten, Längsseitenflächen (1d) bezeichnet, während die über die Querkanten (1c) an die Bodenfläche (1a) anschließenden Seitenflächen als Querseiten, Querseitenflächen, Stirnseiten oder Stirnflächen (1e) bezeichnet werden. Die Umfangsrichtung U verläuft parallel zu den beiden Querkanten (1c) über die Bodenfläche (1a), die beiden über die Längskanten (1b) an die Bodenfläche (1a) angrenzenden Längsseitenflächen (1d) und die von der Bodenfläche (1a) abweisende Seitenfläche (nicht gezeigt) des Artikels (1).The largest, almost rectangular side surface of the article (1) is preferably referred to as the bottom surface (1a). In the case of a cuboid with two congruent, largest side surfaces, one of the two largest side surfaces (which of them is irrelevant) is referred to as the bottom surface (1a). The side surfaces adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) are referred to as longitudinal sides, longitudinal side surfaces (1d), while the side surfaces adjoining the base surface (1a) via the transverse edges (1c) are called transverse sides, transverse side surfaces, end faces or end faces ( 1e). The circumferential direction U runs parallel to the two transverse edges (1c) over the bottom surface (1a), the two longitudinal side surfaces (1d) adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) and the side surface (not shown) of item (1).

Das Packmittel 2 ist im vorliegenden Fall eine luftdichte, faltbare und heißsiegelfähige Folie, die entsprechend den Abmessungen des Artikels (1) in Rechteckform zugeschnitten ist, sodass sich beiderseits der Bodenfläche (1a) Packmittelüberstände 2b an beiden Querkanten (1c) ergeben und das Packmittel 2 in Umfangsrichtung U zur Ausbildung der Flosse 2c überlappt.In the present case, the packaging 2 is an airtight, foldable and heat-sealable film, which is cut into a rectangular shape according to the dimensions of the article (1), so that packaging material overhangs 2b result on both transverse edges (1c) on both sides of the bottom surface (1a) and the packaging 2 overlaps in the circumferential direction U to form the fin 2c.

Figur 2 zeigt in den Ansichten (a) und (b) schematische und perspektivische Ansichten des teilweise verpackten Artikels (1) zur Erläuterung des Schritts A des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. In den perspektivischen Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 2 ist zu erkennen, dass der Artikel (1) in Umfangsrichtung U vollumfänglich mit Packmittel 2 umschlossen ist, wobei das Packmittel 2 in Achsrichtung A an den Querkanten (1c) bzw. Stirnflächen (1e) des Artikels (1) über die Bodenfläche (1a) hervorsteht. Die über die Querkanten (1c) bzw. Stirnflächen (1e) des Artikels (1) überstehenden Abschnitte des Packmittels 2 werden im Folgenden als Packmittelüberstände 2b bezeichnet. Der in Umfangsrichtung U geschlossene Abschnitt 2a des Packmittels 2 bedeckt die Bodenfläche (1a), die beiden über die Längskanten (1b) an die Bodenfläche (1a) angrenzenden Längsseitenflächen (1d) und die von der Bodenfläche (1a) abweisende Seitenfläche (nicht gezeigt) des Artikels (1) vollständig und liegt vollflächig an diesen Flächen an. Figure 2 shows in views (a) and (b) schematic and perspective views of the partially packaged article (1) for explaining step A of the method according to the invention. In the perspective views (a) and (b) of Figure 2 it can be seen that the article (1) is completely enclosed in the circumferential direction U with packaging material 2, the packaging material 2 in the axial direction A at the transverse edges (1c) or end faces (1e) of the article (1) over the bottom surface (1a) protrudes. The over the transverse edges (1c) or end faces (1e) of the article (1) Projecting sections of the packaging 2 are referred to below as packaging projecting 2b. The section 2a of the packaging means 2, which is closed in the circumferential direction U, covers the bottom surface (1a), the two longitudinal side surfaces (1d) adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) and the side surface (not shown) that faces away from the bottom surface (1a). of the article (1) completely and lies fully on these surfaces.

Die Länge jedes in Achsrichtung A an den Abschnitt 2a angrenzenden und über die Bodenfläche (1a) des Artikels (1) vorstehenden Packmittelüberstands 2b ist größer ist als die Höhe jeder Stirnfläche (1e), die dem Abstand der Bodenfläche (1a) zu der von dieser abweisenden Seitenfläche (nicht gezeigt) entspricht. In den perspektivischen Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 2 ist ferner zu erkennen, dass ein umfangsseitiger Endabschnitt des streifenförmigen Packmittelzuschnitts über eine Faltkante F1, die im Wesentlichen entlang einer Längskante (1b) des Artikels (1) verläuft, um 90° nach oben gefaltet ist und demnach vorzugsweise senkrecht zur Bodenfläche (1a) hervorsteht. Eine Ausrichtung quer bzw. im Winkel zur Bodenfläche (1a) ist ebenfalls denkbar. Dieses gefaltete Ende steht vorzugsweise in etwa in einer Höhe entsprechend der halben Länge der Querkante (1c) über die Bodenfläche (1a) hervor. Das gefaltete Ende des Packmittels 2 überlappt einen weiteren umfangsseitigen Endabschnitt des Packmittels 2 in Umfangsrichtung U, wobei jeweils die Innenseiten der überlappenden, umfangseitigen Endabschnitte zueinander weisenden, um gemeinsam eine Flosse 2c zu bilden. Die Flosse 2c steht vorzugsweise senkrecht zur Bodenfläche (1a) und fluchtend zu einer daran anschließenden Längsseitenfläche (1d) von der Längskante (1b) hervor. Eine im Winkel abweichende Ausrichtung ist ebenfalls denkbar. Die Länge der Flosse 2c ist nicht zwingend vorgegeben. Maßgeblich ist, dass die in Umfangsrichtung U überlappende Flosse 2c des Packmittels 2 für die Ausbildung einer Längssiegelnaht (3a) entlang der Längskante (1b) ausreichend lang ist und z.B. für die Werkzeugteile eines Siegelwerkzeugs gut greifbar ist.The length of each packaging material protrusion 2b adjoining section 2a in the axial direction A and protruding beyond the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) is greater than the height of each end surface (1e), which is the distance between the bottom surface (1a) and that of it repellent side surface (not shown) corresponds. In the perspective views (a) and (b) of Figure 2 It can also be seen that a circumferential end section of the strip-shaped packaging blank is folded upwards by 90 ° via a folding edge F1, which runs essentially along a longitudinal edge (1b) of the article (1) and therefore preferably protrudes perpendicular to the bottom surface (1a) . Alignment transversely or at an angle to the floor surface (1a) is also conceivable. This folded end preferably protrudes over the bottom surface (1a) at approximately a height corresponding to half the length of the transverse edge (1c). The folded end of the packaging 2 overlaps a further peripheral end section of the packaging 2 in the circumferential direction U, the inner sides of the overlapping, peripheral end sections facing each other in order to jointly form a fin 2c. The fin 2c is preferably perpendicular to the bottom surface (1a) and in alignment with an adjoining longitudinal side surface (1d) protruding from the longitudinal edge (1b). An orientation that differs in angle is also conceivable. The length of the fin 2c is not mandatory. It is essential that the fin 2c of the packaging material 2 overlapping in the circumferential direction U is sufficiently long for the formation of a longitudinal sealing seam (3a) along the longitudinal edge (1b) and, for example, easy to grasp for the tool parts of a sealing tool.

Im Rahmen des Schritts B, der nachstehend mit Bezug auf die Figuren 2 bis 7 erläutert wird, wird zunächst die Längssiegelnaht 3a entlang oder parallel zu der in Blickrichtung hinteren Längskante (1b) im Bereich der Flosse 2c ausgebildet. Die Längssiegelnaht 3a ist beispielsweise als Heißsiegelnaht ausgebildet und kann dadurch bewerkstelligt werden, dass die Flosse 2c zwischen zwei Werkzeugteilen, z.B. zwischen einem stehenden und einem beweglichen Werkzeugteil, zusammengepresst wird. Das stehende oder auch bewegliche Werkzeugteil ist beheizt und befindet sich einseitig mit der Flosse 2c in Anlage, beispielsweise auf einer von der Bodenfläche (1a) des Artikels (1) abgewandten Seite der Flosse 2c. Ein weiteres bewegliches Werkzeugteil wird von der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Flosse 2c, vorzugsweise von der der Bodenfläche (1a) zugewandten Seite, an die Flosse 2c angefahren. Durch das Beheizen der in Anlage mit der Flosse 2c befindlichen Werkzeugteile kann der Flosse 2c für die Ausbildung der Längssiegelnaht 3a Wärme zugeführt werden, um das heißsiegelfähige Packmittel 2 zu aktivieren, wobei der/die bewegliche/-n Werkzeugteil/-e die erforderlichen Druckkräfte aufbringt/-en, um die Heißsiegelung zu bewerkstelligen. Grundsätzlich aber ist auch möglich, ausschließlich bewegliche Werkzeugteile zu beheizen, wobei dann allerdings weniger Kontakt- bzw. Vorwärmzeit zur Aktivierung des heißsiegelfähigen Packmittels 2 zur Verfügung steht. Im Falle einer Kaltsiegelung unter Verwendung von kaltsiegelfähigem Packmittel ist das Beheizen eines Werkzeugteils in der Regel nicht erforderlich.As part of step B, which is described below with reference to the Figures 2 to 7 is explained, the longitudinal sealing seam 3a is first formed along or parallel to the rear longitudinal edge (1b) in the area of the fin 2c. The longitudinal sealing seam 3a is designed, for example, as a heat-sealing seam and can be achieved in that the fin 2c is pressed together between two tool parts, for example between a stationary and a movable tool part. The stationary or movable tool part is heated and is in contact with the fin 2c on one side, for example on a side of the fin 2c facing away from the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1). Another movable tool part is approached to the fin 2c from the opposite side of the fin 2c, preferably from the side facing the bottom surface (1a). By heating the in System with the tool parts located in the fin 2c, heat can be supplied to the fin 2c for the formation of the longitudinal sealing seam 3a in order to activate the heat-sealable packaging material 2, the movable tool part (s) applying the required compressive forces in order to to accomplish the heat seal. In principle, however, it is also possible to exclusively heat movable tool parts, in which case, however, less contact or preheating time is available for activating the heat-sealable packaging means 2. In the case of cold sealing using cold-sealable packaging, it is generally not necessary to heat a tool part.

Die Figuren 3 bis 5 zeigen die Ansichten (d), (e), (f) aus Figur 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab zur Darstellung verschiedener Zwischenschritte des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsverfahrens bzw. verschiedener Zustände des teilweise verpackten Artikels in Vorbereitung der Ausbildung der Quersiegelnähte im Rahmen des Schritts B.the Figures 3 to 5 show the views (d), (e), (f) from Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to show various intermediate steps of the packaging method according to the invention or various states of the partially packaged article in preparation for the formation of the transverse sealing seams as part of step B.

Gemäß der Darstellung in Figur 3 werden die schlauchförmigen Packmittelüberstände 2b, ausgehend von dem in den Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 2 dargestellten Zustand, zunächst ausgehend von der von der Bodenfläche (1a) abgewandten Seitenfläche in Richtung der an die Bodenfläche (1a) angrenzenden Querseite (1e) bzw. Stirnseite des Artikels (1) geklappt. Andererseits fluchten die über die Bodenfläche (1a) vorstehenden Packmittelüberstände 2b auch weiterhin mit der Bodenfläche (1a).As shown in Figure 3 the tubular packaging overhangs 2b, based on the in the views (a) and (b) of the Figure 2 state shown, initially folded starting from the side surface facing away from the bottom surface (1a) in the direction of the transverse side (1e) or front side of the article (1) adjoining the bottom surface (1a). On the other hand, the packaging material protrusions 2b protruding beyond the bottom surface (1a) continue to be flush with the bottom surface (1a).

Gemäß den Darstellungen in den Figuren 4 und 5 werden die schlauchförmigen Packmittelüberstände 2b ausgehend von dem in Figur 3 dargestellten Zustand nun über die Faltkanten F2 entlang beider die Bodenfläche (1a) begrenzenden Querkanten (1c) des Artikels (1) nach oben geklappt. Bedingt durch die Geometrie des Artikels (1) und die rechteckige Form des Packmittelzuschnitts bilden sich ausgehend von den von der Flosse 2c abgewandten, vorderen Eckpunkten der Bodenfläche (1a) diagonale Faltkanten F3 aus.According to the representations in the Figures 4 and 5 the tubular packaging overhangs 2b starting from the in Figure 3 The state shown is now folded upwards over the folding edges F2 along both transverse edges (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a). Due to the geometry of the article (1) and the rectangular shape of the packaging blank, diagonal folding edges F3 are formed starting from the front corner points of the bottom surface (1a) facing away from the fin 2c.

Die Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 6 zeigen die Ansichten (g) und (g') aus Figur 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab zur Darstellung eines Zustands in Vorbereitung der Ausbildung der Quersiegelnähte, in welchem die über die Querseiten (1c) überstehenden Packmittelüberstände 2b' sowie die Flosse 2c über entsprechende Faltkanten F1, F2 gefaltet sind und im Winkel von 90° zur Bodenfläche (1a) hervor stehen, um einen kontinuierlichen Rand entlang bei der Querkanten (1c) und einer dazwischen liegenden Längskante (1b) am Fußpunkt der Flosse 2c zu bilden. In dem derart gefalteten Zustand werden die Packmittelüberstände mit dem Bezugszeichen 2b' bezeichnet.Views (a) and (b) of the Figure 6 show views (g) and (g ') Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to show a state in preparation for the formation of the transverse sealing seams, in which the protruding packaging material overhangs 2b 'and the fin 2c are folded over corresponding folding edges F1, F2 and at an angle of 90 ° to the bottom surface (1a) protrude to form a continuous edge along the transverse edge (1c) and an intermediate longitudinal edge (1b) at the base of the fin 2c. In the folded state in this way, the protruding packaging material is denoted by the reference symbol 2b '.

Die Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 7 zeigen die Ansichten (h) und (h') aus Figur 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab zur Erläuterung der Ausbildung der Quersiegelnähte (3b). In den perspektivischen Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 7 ist zu erkennen, dass die Flosse 2c über die Faltkante F1 entlang der Längskante (1b) am Fußpunkt der Flosse 2c um 90° in Richtung der Bodenfläche (1a) gefaltet ist und zur Anlage an dem die Bodenfläche (1a) bedeckenden Abschnitt 2a des Packmittels 2 gebracht ist. Der Rand der Flosse 2c verläuft im gefalteten Zustand vorzugsweise mittig zwischen und parallel zu den beiden Längskanten (1b) über die Bodenfläche (1a). Optional kann die Flosse 2c gegenüber dem ersten Abschnitt 2a des Packmittels 2 fixiert werden. Geometrisch bedingt durch die Form des Artikels (1) sowie des Packmittelzuschnitts ergeben sich diagonale Faltkanten F3' ausgehend von den hinteren Eckpunkten der Bodenfläche (1a), sodass die gefalteten Packmittelüberstände 2b" dreiecksförmig oder trapezförmig ausgebildet sind. Im gefalteten, verjüngten und versiegelten Zustand werden die Packmittelüberstände mit Bezugszeichen 2b" bezeichnet und bilden beispielsweise gleichseitige Dreiecke oder spiegelsymmetrische Trapeze, wobei eine die Bodenfläche (1a) begrenzende Querkante (1c) als Basis dient.Views (a) and (b) of the Figure 7 show views (h) and (h ') Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to explain the formation of the transverse sealing seams (3b). In the perspective views (a) and (b) of Figure 7 it can be seen that the fin 2c is folded over the folding edge F1 along the longitudinal edge (1b) at the base of the fin 2c by 90 ° in the direction of the bottom surface (1a) and to rest against the section 2a of the packaging material that covers the bottom surface (1a) 2 is brought. In the folded state, the edge of the fin 2c preferably runs centrally between and parallel to the two longitudinal edges (1b) over the bottom surface (1a). Optionally, the fin 2c can be fixed in relation to the first section 2a of the packaging means 2. Geometrically determined by the shape of the article (1) and the packaging blank, diagonal folding edges F3 'are produced starting from the rear corner points of the bottom surface (1a), so that the folded packaging overhangs 2b "are triangular or trapezoidal. In the folded, tapered and sealed state denotes the protruding packaging material with reference number 2b ″ and form, for example, equilateral triangles or mirror-symmetrical trapezoids, a transverse edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) serving as a base.

In diesem Zustand erfolgt die Ausbildung der Quersiegelnähte 3b entlang oder parallel der beiden die Bodenfläche (1a) begrenzenden Querkanten (1c), um die Verpackung luftdicht zu verschließen.In this state, the transverse sealing seams 3b are formed along or parallel to the two transverse edges (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) in order to close the packaging in an airtight manner.

Die Ausbildung der Quersiegelnähte (3b) entlang oder parallel der Querkanten (1c) am Fuß der gefalteten und verjüngten Packmittelüberstände 2b" erfolgt vorzugsweise durch Heißsiegeln. Dabei wird jeder der Packmittelüberstände 2b" zwischen einem stehenden/beweglichen und einem weiteren beweglichen Werkzeugteil zusammen gepresst. Auch in diesem Fall kann der stehende/bewegliche Werkzeugteil beispielsweise beheizt sein und sich bereits einseitig mit dem Packmittelüberstand 2b" in Anlage befinden, beispielsweise auf einer von der Bodenfläche (1a) des Artikels (1) abgewandten Seite. Der bewegliche Werkzeugteil kann dann von der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Packmittelüberstands 2b", vorzugsweise von der der Bodenfläche (1a) zugewandten Seite, angefahren werden. Durch das Beheizen des stehenden/beweglichen und in Anlage mit dem Packmittelüberstand 2b" befindlichen Werkzeugteils kann dem Packmittelüberstand 2b" die für die Ausbildung der Quersiegelnaht (3b) erforderliche Wärme zugeführt werden. Durch die Wärmezufuhr wird das heißsiegelfähige Packmittel 2 aktiviert, während der bewegliche Werkzeugteil die erforderlichen Druckkräfte aufbringt, um die Heißsiegelung zu bewerkstelligen. In der Alternative dazu ist es ebenfalls möglich, nur den beweglichen Werkzeugteil zu beheizen. Nach einer anderen Alternative kann die Quersiegelnaht (3b) durch Kaltsiegelung hergestellt werden. Die Verpackung ist mit den sich entlang oder parallel zu einer der Längskanten (1b) und beiden angrenzenden Querkanten (1c) erstreckenden Längs- und Quersiegelnähten (3a, 3b) luftdicht verschlossen.The formation of the transverse sealing seams (3b) along or parallel to the transverse edges (1c) at the foot of the folded and tapered packaging protrusions 2b "is preferably performed by heat sealing. Each of the packaging protrusions 2b" is pressed together between a stationary / movable and another movable tool part. In this case, too, the stationary / movable tool part can, for example, be heated and already be in contact with the packaging overhang 2b ″ on one side, for example on a side facing away from the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) opposite side of the packaging material protrusion 2b ″, preferably from the side facing the bottom surface (1a). By heating the stationary / movable tool part which is in contact with the packaging material projection 2b ″, the heat required for the formation of the transverse sealing seam (3b) can be supplied to the packaging material projection 2b ″. The heat-sealable packaging 2 is activated by the supply of heat, while the movable tool part applies the necessary compressive forces in order to accomplish the heat-sealing. As an alternative to this, it is also possible to only heat the movable tool part. According to another alternative, the transverse sealing seam (3b) can be produced by cold sealing. The packaging is along or parallel to one of the Longitudinal edges (1b) and two adjacent transverse edges (1c) extending longitudinal and transverse sealing seams (3a, 3b) are sealed airtight.

Im Rahmen des Schritts C, der nachstehend mit Bezug auf die Figuren 8 und 9 erläutert wird, wird jeder der gefalteten und verjüngten Packmittelüberstände 2b" aus dem in Figur 7 dargestellten Zustand durch Faltung über die mit gestrichelter Linie angedeutete Faltkante F4 in Richtung der Bodenfläche (1a) des Artikels (1) verkürzt.As part of step C, which is described below with reference to the Figures 8 and 9 is explained, each of the folded and tapered packaging material protrusions 2b ″ from the in Figure 7 The state shown is shortened by folding over the folding edge F4 indicated by a dashed line in the direction of the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1).

Gemäß den Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 8 verläuft jede der Faltkanten F4 innerhalb des Packmittelüberstands 2b" parallel zu der die Bodenfläche (1a) begrenzenden Querkante (1c) des Artikels (1) sowie parallel zu den Faltkanten F2. Durch Faltung über die Faltkanten F4 wird die Länge jedes Packmittelüberstands 2b" im Wesentlichen halbiert, sodass das (vormals) freie Ende jedes Packmittelüberstands 2b‴ im Wesentlichen auf der Höhe der Faltkante F2 zum Liegen kommt, wie in den Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 9 gezeigt ist. Allerdings sind auch andere Proportionen und/oder Alternativen zur Verkürzung der Packmittelüberstände 2b" möglich. Im gefalteten, verjüngten und verkürzten Zustand werden die Packmittelüberstände mit Bezugszeichen 2b‴ bezeichnet. Gegebenenfalls kann jeder Packmittelüberstand 2b‴ durch weitere Faltung über wenigstens eine weitere Faltkante, die vorzugsweise parallel zu der Querkante 1c und/oder der Faltkante F2 und/oder der Faltkante F4 verläuft, noch weiter verkürzt werden.According to views (a) and (b) of Figure 8 each of the folding edges F4 within the packaging overhang 2b "runs parallel to the transverse edge (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) and parallel to the folding edges F2. By folding over the folding edges F4, the length of each packaging overhang 2b" is essentially halved, so that the (previously) free end of each packaging material protrusion 2b ‴ comes to lie essentially at the level of the folding edge F2, as in the views (a) and (b) of FIG Figure 9 is shown. However, other proportions and / or alternatives for shortening the packaging protrusions 2b ″ are also possible. In the folded, tapered and shortened state, the packaging protrusions are denoted by the reference symbol 2b ‴ runs parallel to the transverse edge 1c and / or the folded edge F2 and / or the folded edge F4, can be shortened even further.

Vor der Faltung über die Faltkante F4 können bei Bedarf die bestimmungsgemäß in Anlage zu bringenden Abschnitte jedes Packmittelüberstands 2b‴ mit Klebstoff beaufschlagt werden, um den gefalteten, verjüngten und verkürzten Zustand zu fixieren.Before folding over the folding edge F4, the sections of each packaging material protrusion 2b ‴ that are to be brought into contact as intended can be applied with adhesive in order to fix the folded, tapered and shortened state.

Die Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 9 zeigen die Ansichten (j) und (j') aus Figur 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab zur Erläuterung des Schritts D des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vor dem Fixieren der gefalteten, verjüngten und verkürzten Packmittelüberstände 2b‴ an dem die Bodenfläche (1a) bedeckenden Abschnitt 2a des Packmittels 2.Views (a) and (b) of the Figure 9 show views (j) and (j ') Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to explain step D of the method according to the invention before fixing the folded, tapered and shortened packaging material protrusions 2b ‴ on the section 2a of the packaging material 2 that covers the bottom surface (1a).

Die Ansichten (a) und (b) der Figur 10 zeigen die Ansichten (k) und (k') aus Figur 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab zur Darstellung des verpackten Artikels (1) nach Abschluss des Schritts D des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in einem finalen Zustand, in welchem die gefalteten, verjüngten und verkürzten Packmittelüberstände 2b‴ an dem die Bodenfläche (1a) bedeckenden Abschnitt 2a des Packmittels 2 fixiert sind.Views (a) and (b) of the Figure 10 show views (k) and (k ') from Figure 1 on an enlarged scale to show the packaged article (1) after completion of step D of the method according to the invention in a final state in which the folded, tapered and shortened packaging material protrusions 2b ‴ are fixed to the section 2a of the packaging material 2 that covers the bottom surface (1a) .

Zusammenfassend und vereinfachend dargestellt, enthält das Verfahren in einer bevorzugten Variante die nachstehende Abfolge von Verfahrensschritten:

1.
Längsnaht falten und siegeln
2.
Stirnseiten falten (mit Verjüngung der ersten Stirnseitenkanten und beidseitig stirnseitiges Falten der Längsnahtüberstände)
3.
Längsnaht falten (mit Verjüngung der zweiten Stirnseitenkanten)
4.
Stirnseiten siegeln
5.
Spitzen falten
6.
Enden umfalten
7.
Enden ankleben
To summarize and simplify the process, in a preferred variant, the process contains the following sequence of process steps:
1.
Fold the longitudinal seam and seal
2.
Fold the front sides (with tapering of the first front side edges and frontal folding of the longitudinal seam protrusions on both sides)
3.
Fold lengthwise seam (with tapering of the second front edge)
4th
Seal the front sides
5.
Fold tips
6th
Fold over the ends
7th
Glue the ends on

Weitere bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich durch beliebige Kombinationen der Merkmale, die in den Ansprüchen, der Beschreibung und den Figuren offenbart sind.Further preferred developments of the invention result from any combination of the features disclosed in the claims, the description and the figures.

Bezugszeichenliste:List of reference symbols:

11
Artikelitems
1a1a
BodenflächeFloor area
1b1b
Längskante(n)Longitudinal edge
1c1c
Querkante(n)Transverse edge
1d1d
Längsseitenfläche(n)Long side surface (s)
1e1e
Querseitenfläche(n) bzw. Stirnseite(n)Transverse side surface (s) or front side (s)
22
PackmittelPackaging
2a2a
Packmittelabschnitt (in Umfangsrichtung geschlossen)Packaging section (closed in the circumferential direction)
2b2 B
Packmittelüberstand (beidseitig über die Bodenfläche vorstehend)Packaging overhang (protruding on both sides over the floor surface)
2b'2 B'
Packmittelüberstand gefaltetFolded packaging overhang
2b"2 B"
Packmittelüberstand gefaltet und verjüngtPackaging overhang folded and tapered
2b‴2 B‴
Packmittelüberstand gefaltet, verjüngt und verkürztPackaging overhang folded, tapered and shortened
2c2c
Flosse (in Umfangsrichtung überlappend)Fin (overlapping in the circumferential direction)
33
SiegelnahtSealed seam
3a3a
LängssiegelnahtLongitudinal sealed seam
3b3b
QuersiegelnahtTransverse sealing seam
AA.
AchsenrichtungAxis direction
F1F1
Erste FaltkanteFirst folding edge
F2F2
Zweite FaltkanteSecond folding edge
F3F3
Dritte FaltkanteThird folding edge
F3'F3 '
Dritte FaltkanteThird folding edge
F4F4
Vierte FaltkanteFourth folding edge
UU
UmfangsrichtungCircumferential direction

Claims (6)

  1. A method of airtightly packaging small-sized articles (1) having a substantially rectangular bottom surface (1a), comprising the following steps:
    a. step A: arranging a strip-shaped packaging means (2) in tubular form around the circumference of a small-sized article (1) so that a projection (2b) of the packaging means is formed on each of opposite sides of the bottom surface (1a),
    b. step B: airtightly sealing the packaging means (2) around the article (1) thus forming at least one sealing seam (3a, 3b); and
    c. step C: shortening the projection (2b) of the packaging means on one or both sides of the bottom surface (1a) by folding over at least one folding edge (F4);
    characterized by
    d. step D: folding the projection (2b") of the packaging means shortened in step C over a folding edge (F2) in the direction of the bottom surface (1a) and fixing the projection (2b) of the packaging means shortened in step C, including the entire portion folded over in step C, on one or both sides of the bottom surface (1a) at at least one portion (2a) of the packaging means (2) covering the bottom surface.
  2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step A comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:
    a. A1: placing the packaging means (2) with the inner side against the article (1), so that the packaging means (2) overlaps in a circumferential direction (U) extending over the bottom surface (1a) and the inner sides of the portions of the packaging means (2) overlapping in the circumferential direction (U) are facing each other, wherein the portions of the packaging means (2) overlapping in the circumferential direction (U) preferably abut against each other along and/or parallel to an edge (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    b. A2: folding the packaging means (2) over at least one folding edge (F1), the folding edge (F1) preferably extending along and/or parallel to at least one edge (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    c. A3: forming a fin (2c) from the portions of the packaging means (2) overlapping in the circumferential direction (U) so that the fin (2c) projects transversely to the bottom surface (1a) and/or is aligned with a side surface (1d) of the article (1) adjacent the bottom surface (1a).
  3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step B comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:
    a. B1: formation of the at least one sealing seam (3a, 3b) along and/or parallel to at least one edge (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably so that the at least one sealing seam (3a, 3b) extends continuously along and/or parallel to at least two or three adjacent edges (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably by:
    i. B1a: formation of at least one longitudinal sealing seam (3a) along and/or parallel to at least one longitudinal edge (1b) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    ii. B1b: formation of at least one transverse sealing seam (3b) along and/or parallel to at least one transverse edge (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably two transverse sealing seams (3b) along and/or parallel to both transverse edges (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    b. B2: formation of the at least one sealing seam (3a, 3b) between two tool members, one tool member being in abutment against the packaging means (2) on one side, while the other tool member being approached to the packaging means (2) from the opposite side thereof in order to form the sealing seam (3a, 3b) by pressing together two sections of the packaging means (2) between the two tool members, while preferably at least one of the two tool members, preferably the tool member being in abutment against the packaging means (2), is heated;
    c. B3: folding the fin (2c) over a folding edge (F1) along and/or parallel to a sealing seam (3a) and/or along and/or parallel to an edge (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably in the direction of the bottom surface (1a);
    d. B4: folding the at least one projection (2b) of the packaging means, preferably in the direction of the bottom surface (1a), preferably over a folding edge (F2) along and/or parallel to a transverse edge (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), particularly preferably so that the folded projection (2b') of the packaging means together with the fin (2c) forms a continuous edge along adjacent edges (1b, 1c) of the article (1); B5: fixing the fin (2c) to a portion (2a) of the packaging means (2) covering the article (1), preferably to a portion (2a) of the packaging means (2) covering the bottom surface (1a), preferably so that the circumferential edge of the fin (2c) extends between and/or in parallel to two edges (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    e. B6: arranging the at least one projection (2b') of the packaging means and optionally the fin (2c) preferably in a triangular or trapezoidal shape tapering towards the free end.
  4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step C comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:
    a. C1: shortening the at least one projection (2b") of the packaging means by folding in the direction of the bottom surface (1a), wherein the folding edge (F4) preferably extends within the projection (2b") of the packaging means along and/or parallel to a sealing seam (3b) and/or along and/or parallel to an edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    b. C2: fixing the at least one projection (2b") of the packaging means in the shortened state, preferably after application of adhesive to the packaging means (2), so that the regions of the projection (2b") of the packaging means brought into overlap by folding over the folding edge (F4) adhere to each other by means of adhesive.
  5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step D comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:
    a. D1: folding the at least one projection (2b‴) of the packaging means over a folding edge (F2) along and/or parallel to a sealing seam (3b) and/or along and/or parallel to an edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a);
    b. D2: applying adhesive to the packaging means (2) outside and/or inside the folding edge (F2), so that the portions of the packaging means (2) brought into overlap by folding over the folding edge (F2) adhere to each other by means of adhesive.
  6. A small-sized article (1) having a substantially rectangular bottom surface (1a), packaged airtightly by carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
EP17154733.4A 2016-05-25 2017-02-06 Method and device for airtight packaging of small articles having a generally rectangular floor surface Active EP3248890B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016209164.6A DE102016209164A1 (en) 2016-05-25 2016-05-25 Method and device for airtight packaging of small articles with a substantially rectangular bottom surface

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3248890A2 EP3248890A2 (en) 2017-11-29
EP3248890A3 EP3248890A3 (en) 2018-01-03
EP3248890B1 true EP3248890B1 (en) 2021-10-13

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17154733.4A Active EP3248890B1 (en) 2016-05-25 2017-02-06 Method and device for airtight packaging of small articles having a generally rectangular floor surface

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3248890B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102016209164A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2903042T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111846331B (en) * 2020-07-20 2022-03-01 武汉纺织大学 Special-shaped product packaging machine
DE102021133677B4 (en) * 2021-12-17 2023-07-20 Theegarten-Pactec Gmbh & Co. Kg Apparatus and method for packaging small articles with the formation and, if necessary, fixing of overlapping packaging folds

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2615166B1 (en) 1987-05-12 1989-08-11 Sapal Plieuses Automatiques PROCESS FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID PROCESS
CH685869A5 (en) * 1992-07-06 1995-10-31 Sig Schweiz Industrieges Folding pack for elongated products
JP2936458B2 (en) * 1995-10-31 1999-08-23 株式会社フジキカイ Collective packaging method and apparatus for granular articles
WO2012126521A1 (en) 2011-03-23 2012-09-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for packaging products, particularly portions of chocolate or the like, and facility for implementing the method

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3248890A3 (en) 2018-01-03
EP3248890A2 (en) 2017-11-29
ES2903042T3 (en) 2022-03-30
DE102016209164A1 (en) 2017-11-30

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