EP3307634A1 - Procédé et appareil de fabrication de sachets solubles dans l'eau - Google Patents
Procédé et appareil de fabrication de sachets solubles dans l'eauInfo
- Publication number
- EP3307634A1 EP3307634A1 EP16734086.8A EP16734086A EP3307634A1 EP 3307634 A1 EP3307634 A1 EP 3307634A1 EP 16734086 A EP16734086 A EP 16734086A EP 3307634 A1 EP3307634 A1 EP 3307634A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water soluble
- flow paths
- web
- forming
- secondary flow
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 60
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 75
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 42
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910000684 Cobalt-chrome Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010952 cobalt-chrome Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 34
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 13
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 235000019422 polyvinyl alcohol Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005054 agglomeration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000001866 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003088 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 235000010979 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- UFVKGYZPFZQRLF-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Chemical compound OC1C(O)C(OC)OC(CO)C1OC1C(O)C(O)C(OC2C(C(O)C(OC3C(C(O)C(O)C(CO)O3)O)C(CO)O2)O)C(CO)O1 UFVKGYZPFZQRLF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
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- IQDGSYLLQPDQDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethylazanium;chloride Chemical compound Cl.CNC IQDGSYLLQPDQDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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- SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanamine Chemical compound COC1=CC=C(C)C=C1CCN SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Propenoic acid Natural products OC(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001856 Ethyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZZSNKZQZMQGXPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl cellulose Chemical compound CCOCC1OC(OC)C(OCC)C(OCC)C1OC1C(O)C(O)C(OC)C(CO)O1 ZZSNKZQZMQGXPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001828 Gelatine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000663 Hydroxyethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium laurylsulphate Chemical compound [Na+].CCCCCCCCCCCCOS([O-])(=O)=O DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 206010042602 Supraventricular extrasystoles Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
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- DPXJVFZANSGRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetic acid;2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal;sodium Chemical compound [Na].CC(O)=O.OCC(O)C(O)C(O)C(O)C=O DPXJVFZANSGRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001253 acrylic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 150000001408 amides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920003123 carboxymethyl cellulose sodium Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229940063834 carboxymethylcellulose sodium Drugs 0.000 description 1
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- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004676 glycans Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 210000004209 hair Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000019447 hydroxyethyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002689 maleic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229940035034 maltodextrin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229920000609 methyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001923 methylcellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010981 methylcellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001206 natural gum Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000233 poly(alkylene oxides) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001308 poly(aminoacid) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002401 polyacrylamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 229920000193 polymethacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001282 polysaccharide Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 229920002689 polyvinyl acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000036 polyvinylpyrrolidone Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001267 polyvinylpyrrolidone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013855 polyvinylpyrrolidone Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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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
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B39/007—Guides or funnels for introducing articles into containers or wrappers
-
- 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
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
-
- 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
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B39/14—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers movable with a moving container or wrapper during filling or depositing
-
- 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
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
- B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
- B65B9/042—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for fluent material
-
- 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
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B2039/009—Multiple outlets
-
- 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
- B65B2220/00—Specific aspects of the packaging operation
- B65B2220/14—Adding more than one type of material or article to the same package
Definitions
- Water soluble pouches are widely used to dose substrate treatment compositions such as laundry detergent and dishwashing detergent.
- the typical process used to manufacture such pouches is to convert a web of material into individual pouches.
- To form a pouch from multiple webs of materials typically requires that seals between webs of material or materials need to be made to form a pouch that does not leak. Leaks that occur in seams can result in a product that is messy to store and use and may also result in a product that does not function as intended.
- the converting process for forming water soluble pouches can include a fluid distribution manifold.
- the function of the manifold is to distribute a single stream of substrate treatment composition into multiple streams of substrate treatment composition.
- the streams of substrate treatment composition from the manifold are directed to particular locations on a web that are or will be formed into a pouch.
- the traditional method of constructing a fluid distribution manifold is to provide two solid blocks of material and machining out material from the solid blocks to provide for fluid pathways.
- the blocks are positioned in a facing relationship and have a gasket between the two blocks to prevent leakage from the fluid pathways into the space between the two blocks.
- the gasket has portions of material removed there from coincident with portions of the blocks that are machined. Together, the blocks and gasket define one or more channels in and through the manifold.
- the gasket is critical to maintaining function of the manifold. If the gasket is improperly aligned, has wrinkles or folds, or is degraded by the fluid with which the gasket comes into contact with, the manifold may leak via a flow pathway between the blocks of material.
- flow pathways passing through the blocks are typically provided by drilling and or routing out material from the blocks.
- the intersections of channels routed out in surfaces of the solid blocks and holes drilled through the blocks tend to have sharp intersections and the cross section of the flow paths is irregular and non-circular in portions of the pathways. These sharp intersections of flow paths and irregularly shaped non-circular portions can result in uncontrollable initiation and termination of the flow of substrate treatment composition, air entrapment, and or stagnant liquid in the flow pathways.
- Leaks in the manifold and uncontrollable initiation and termination of flow of the substrate treatment composition from the manifold can result in some of the substrate treatment composition ending up on the portion of the web where a seam is to be located.
- the presence of the substrate treatment composition in the seam area can impede the ability to make a competent seal between the webs of material used to form the pouch. This can result in the final formed pouch having a leak at the time of manufacture or a weak seal that ultimately develops into a leak after manufacture and before use by the consumer.
- a process for forming a plurality of water soluble pouches comprising the steps of: providing a water soluble first web (30); feeding the first web onto a forming surface (140) comprising a plurality of pockets (70); thermoforming the first web to conform the first web to the pockets to form chambers (55), each of the chambers surrounded by a land area (37) of the first web; providing an assembled manifold (100), wherein the assembled manifold comprises: a frame (10); and a plurality of integrally formed fluid distributors (60) joined to the frame; wherein each of the integrally formed fluid distributors comprises a primary flow path (80); and wherein the primary flow path is in fluid communication with a plurality of secondary flow paths (90); dispensing substrate treatment composition from the secondary flow paths into the compartments; providing a water soluble second web (40); and sealing the water soluble second web to the land areas of the water soluble first web to form the plurality of water soluble pouches.
- An assembled manifold comprising: a frame (10); and a plurality of integrally formed fluid distributors (60) joined to the frame; wherein each of the integrally formed fluid distributors comprises a primary flow path (80); and where the primary flow path is in fluid communication with a plurality of secondary flow paths (90).
- Fig. 1 is an apparatus for forming soluble unit dose substrate treatment composition pouches.
- Fig. 2 is an assembled manifold comprising a frame and a plurality of integrally formed fluid distributors that comprise a plurality of flow paths.
- Fig. 3 is a cross section view of a portion of an integrally formed fluid distributor.
- Fig. 4 is a photograph of initiation of fluid flow from a nozzle connected to a manifold formed from two blocks of material.
- Fig. 5 is a photograph of initiation of fluid flow from a nozzle connected to a manifold formed from two blocks of material, the flow rate of liquid being higher in Fig. 5 than Fig. 6.
- Fig. 6 is a photograph of initiation of fluid flow from a nozzle connected to an assembled manifold, the flow rate of fluid being approximately the same as that shown in Fig. 5.
- Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a first web deformed into a plurality of chambers and the position of the secondary flow paths in relationship to the chambers.
- the substrate treatment composition can be, by way of non-limiting example, a laundry treatment agent, a dishware treatment agent, a hard surface treatment agent, or similar.
- a water soluble first web 30 is provided and fed onto a forming surface 140.
- the water soluble first web 30 can be carried by the forming surface 140 beneath a frame 10 that carries a plurality of integrally formed fluid distributors 60.
- the forming surface 140 can be a drum like that shown in Fig. 1.
- the forming surface 140 can rotate at a fixed angular velocity.
- the forming surface 140 can have a plurality of pockets 70 into which the water soluble first web 30 can be drawn by vacuum applied to the pockets 70.
- the first web 30 By drawing the first web 30 into the pockets 70 a plurality of chambers 55 (see Fig. 4) can be formed.
- the chambers 55 can be surrounded by a land area 37 (see Figs. 4 and 5).
- the water soluble first web 30 can be conveyed in a machine direction MD.
- the forming surface 140 can have a plurality of lanes of pockets 70 in a direction orthogonal to the machine direction MD.
- the forming surface 140 can be a flat continuous conveyor that runs in an endless loop, by way of non-limiting example a belt system.
- the first web 30 can be carried beneath the frame 10 and liquid substrate treatment composition can be dispensed from the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 into the portions of the first web 30 drawn into the pockets 70.
- the liquid substrate treatment composition can be provided to the integrally formed distributors 60 by a feed line 20. Liquid substrate treatment composition is dispensed periodically from the fluid distributors 60. This is so that liquid substrate treatment composition is dispensed only into the portions of the first web 30 drawn into pockets 70 and the land areas between the deformed portions of the water soluble first web 30 are free from liquid substrate treatment composition.
- a water soluble second web 40 can be provided.
- the water soluble second web 40 can be conveyed to be on top of the water soluble first web 30 and the water soluble first web 30 and second web 40 are sealed to one another to form pouches 50.
- the water soluble second web 40 can be sealed to the land areas 37 of the water soluble first web 30 to form a plurality of water soluble pouches 50. Downstream of the forming surface 140 the pouches 50 can be separated from one another by cutting.
- the water soluble first web 30 and water soluble second web 40 can comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyaminoacids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic/acrylic acids, polysaccharides including starch and gelatine, natural gums such as xanthum and carragum.
- a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyaminoacids or peptides
- Suitable polymers are selected from polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin,
- polymethacrylates and suitably selected from polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof.
- the level of polymer in the water soluble first web 30 and water soluble second web 40 can be at least 60%.
- the polymer can have any weight average molecular weight, such as from about 1000 to about 1,000,000, or even from about 10,000 to about 300,000, or even from about 20,000 to about 150,000.
- Suitable water soluble first web 30 and water soluble second web 40 can be webs supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310, films described in US 6 166 117 and US 6 787 512 and PVA films of corresponding solubility and deformability characteristics. Further suitable sheets can be those described in US2006/0213801, WO 2010/119022 and
- the frame 10 and the plurality of integrally formed fluid distributors 60 form an assembled manifold, as shown in Fig. 2, for example.
- the frame 10 and integrally formed distributors 60 can have a machine direction MD and a cross direction CD orthogonal to the machine direction MD.
- the frame 10 can house the integrally formed fluid distributors 60.
- the frame 10 can be a predominantly solid block of material having sockets, spaces, or other shape to accommodate the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 being attached to the frame 10.
- the frame 10 can be an open frame 10 having a minimal amount of material so as to be able to maintain integrity of the frame 10 during operation of the apparatus 1.
- the frame 10 may reciprocate in space so as to track the pockets 70 as they move beneath the frame 10.
- the frame 10 can be an open frame 10 so as to minimize the amount of inertia that must be overcome by the motor providing for acceleration and deceleration of the frame 10.
- the forming surface 140 may be continuously moving to move the first web 30 in the machine direction.
- the frame 10 can be positioned so that a secondary flow path 90 is over the pocket 70 to be filled.
- the frame 10 moves in concert with the pocket 70 and liquid is dispensed from the secondary flow path 90 to the portion of the first web 30 that is deformed into the pocket 70 to form part of the pouch 50.
- the liquid flow from the secondary flow path 90 is stopped before the forming surface 140 moves beyond the range of movement of the secondary flow path 90.
- the frame reciprocates to be in position over another portion of the first web 30 that is formed into a portion of a pouch 50 in a pocket 70 of the forming surface 140.
- the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can be joined to the frame 10.
- the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 and the frame 10 can be integrally formed with one another to provide for fluid distributors 60 being joined to the frame 10.
- the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can be joined to the frame 10 by bolts, welding, adhesive, tape, glue, screws, rivets, press fit, and any other methods for joining or associating two adjacent articles.
- each of the fluid distributors 60 operate to distribute liquid substrate treatment composition to multiple pouches 70 and or multiple chambers of one or more pouches 70.
- each of the fluid distributors 60 can comprise a primary flow path 80.
- each of the fluid distributors 60 can comprise a plurality of primary flow paths 80.
- the primary flow path 80 can be in fluid communication with a plurality of secondary flow paths 90. If there are a plurality of primary flow paths 80, each primary flow path 80 can be in fluid communication with a plurality of secondary flow paths 90.
- the secondary flow paths 90 can be curved or smoothly shaped. Such curved secondary flow paths 90 can be devoid of inactive corners within the secondary flow paths 90.
- the channels and drilled holes to providing the flow paths can have sharp corners and or intersections having sharp edges. The sharp corners and intersections of the flow paths can result in inactive portions of the fluid pathways. Inactive portions can give rise to accumulation of gasses, agglomerations of components of the fluid being distributed and conducted, and irregular fluid flow.
- Inactive corners within the secondary flow paths 90 can results in irregular initiation of fluid dispensing from the secondary flow paths 90.
- the irregular initiation of fluid dispensing may occur because the gasses and or agglomerations accumulated in the inactive portions may deform or compress when pressure is applied the fluid being conducted. Further the accumulated gasses and or agglomerations may move uncontrollably within the second flow path 90 giving rise to irregular initiation of fluid dispensing.
- the frame 10 has a machine direction MD and a cross direction CD orthogonal to the machine direction MD.
- Each of the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can comprise a primary flow path 80.
- Each of the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can comprise a plurality of primary flow paths 80.
- Each of the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can comprise a plurality primary flow paths 80 aligned with one another in the machine direction MD.
- Each of the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can comprise a plurality of primary flow paths 80 aligned with one another in the machine direction MD. This can be practical if more than one pouch 70 in the machine direction MD or chamber of a pouch in the machine direction MD is being filled simultaneously for some portion of time.
- each of the primary flow paths 80 aligned with one another in the machine direction MD can be in fluid communication with a separate secondary flow path 90.
- the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can comprise a plurality of primary flow paths 80 aligned with one another in the cross direction CD. Each of the primary flow paths 80 can be in fluid communication with separate fluid distributors 60.
- the assembled manifold 100 can comprise a plurality of primary flow paths 80 aligned with one another in the cross direction CD.
- the assembled manifold 100 can comprises a plurality of primary flow paths 80 and or secondary flow paths 90 aligned with one another in the cross direction CD.
- the primary flow paths 80 and secondary flow paths 90 can be formed of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium 6-4, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel. Any material that can be used in a process known as 3-D printing or additive manufacturing that is compatible with the liquid being transported through the fluid distributors 60 can be used.
- the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can be formed by additive manufacturing, which is colloquially referred to as three- dimensional printing. So the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can be referred to as three- dimensionally printed fluid distributors 60. In an additive manufacturing process, the fluid distributers 60 are formed by building up layers of material constituting the fluid distributors 60.
- the constituent material of the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can be any material that can be used in an additive manufacturing process, has appropriate mechanical properties to be employed as an integrally formed fluid distributor 60, and is compatible with the liquid to be dispensed from the integrally formed fluid distributors 60. So the integrally formed distributors 60 can be referred to as additive manufactured integrally formed distributors 60. The integrally formed distributors 60 can also be referred to as three-dimensionally printed integrally formed distributors 60. The frame 10 and the fluid distributors 60 can be integrally formed with one another.
- Each of the secondary flow paths 90 can terminate in a separate nozzle 110, as shown in Fig. 3.
- the nozzle 110 can constrict flow of the liquid to provide for a steady stream of fluid during fluid dispensing though the secondary flow path 90 and nozzle 110.
- the first web 30 can be drawn into the pocket 70 on the forming surface 140.
- Each pocket 70 can be connected to a vacuum tube 120 that can help draw the first web 30 into conformance with the pocket 70.
- the first web 30 can optionally be heated to permit the first web 30 be more easily thermoformed into the pocket 70.
- the first web 30 can be thermoformed to conform with the pocket 70.
- the primary flow paths 80 can have inside diameter of from about 1 mm to about 8 mm.
- the secondary flow paths 90 can have an inside diameter of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm.
- the wall thickness of the primary flow paths 80 and secondary flow paths 90 can be from about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm.
- the spacing between second flow paths 90 that are connected to a single primary flow path 80 can be from about 25 to about 60 mm.
- the length of each secondary flow path 90 can be from about 10 mm to about 60 mm.
- the spacing between primary flow paths 80 located in line with one another in the cross direction can be from about 25 to about 120 mm.
- the spacing between secondary flow paths 90 located in line with one another in the machine direction MD can be from about 25 to about 60 mm.
- the primary flow paths 80 can be from about 8 mm to about 40 mm in the machine direction MD and from about 8 mm to about 40 mm in the cross direction MD.
- Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate the start of dispensing from nozzles 110 of a manifold formed from two blocks of machined material that are assembled together with a gasket between the two blocks of material.
- the liquid being dispensed can be a substrate treatment composition, such as by non- limiting example, selected from the group consisting of a laundry treatment composition, a dish treatment composition, a hard surface treatment composition.
- the liquid being dispensed in Figs. 4 and 5 is a liquid laundry detergent of the type marketed by Procter & Gamble Company. As shown in Figs.
- Fig. 6 illustrates dispensing from nozzles 110 of an assembled manifold 100 as described herein. As shown in Fig. 6, the onset of dispensing from the nozzles 110 is coherent with no irregular droplets being formed and no splattering. The difference in the behavior of the onset of dispensing between the two different manifold designs is believed to arise as a result of the secondary flow paths 90 of the assembled manifold 100 are devoid of inactive corners within the secondary flow paths 90, unlike the flow paths in the manifold built by traditional methods.
- the behavior of flow observable in Figs. 4 and 5 can adversely affect the quality of the pouches 50 manufactured using such a manifold.
- the drips shown in Figs. 4 and 5 can end up landing on the land areas 37 between chambers 55. Typically, those areas of the pouch 50 are where the water soluble first web 30 and water soluble second web 40 are seamed to one another.
- the presence of the substrate treatment composition in the seam area can impede the ability to make a competent seal between the webs of material used to form the pouch. This can result in the final formed pouch having a leak at the time of manufacture or a weak seal that ultimately develops into a leak after manufacture and before use by the consumer.
- Dispensing from a integrally formed fluid distributor 60 as described herein is shown in Fig. 6.
- the delivery of the substrate treatment composition to the chambers 55 is predictable and the operating speed of the various components of the apparatus 1 can set so that no or some minimal acceptable amount substrate treatment composition is delivered to the land areas 37. This can permit a high quality seam between the water soluble first web 30 and water soluble second web 40.
- a portion of a water soluble pouch 50 can be filled by the following process. First, an assembled manifold 100, as described herein, can be provided. Then liquid substrate treatment composition can be dispensed from the assembled manifold into a portion of the water soluble pouch 50. The portion of the water soluble pouch 50 that is formed can be the first web 30. After such portion is filled, a second web 40 can be sealed to the first web 30 to form one or more pouches 50.
- the configuration of the secondary flow paths 90 shown in Fig. 2 can be practical for pouches 50 that are dual compartment pouches.
- the first web 30 can be formed into the precursor for pouches 50 as shown in Fig. 8.
- the chambers 55 can be shaped to that the centroid of each chamber 55 is offset from the centroid of the other chamber 55. Having the centroids offset from one another can make it more practical to fill both chambers 55 of a single pouch 50 simultaneously for at least some portion of the dispensing cycle of each secondary flow path 90.
- FIG. 7 A grouping of the precursor for what ultimately can become four water soluble pouches 50 is shown in Fig. 7.
- Each of the similarly shaped and oriented chambers 55 are aligned with one another in the machine direction MD and the cross direction CD. This can provide the ability to fill multiple chambers 55 aligned with one another in the machine direction on the forming surface 140 at the same time. This can also provide the ability to fill multiple chambers 55 across the forming surface 140 in the cross direction CD.
- the secondary flow paths 90 designated as A can dispense liquid simultaneously.
- each of the primary flow paths 80 can be aligned with other primary flow paths 80 in the cross direction CD and with other primary flow paths 80 in the machine direction MD.
- the secondary flow paths 90 aligned with one another in the cross direction CD can dispense liquid simultaneously to the portions of the first web 30 deformed in to pockets 70.
- the secondary flow paths 90 designated B can dispense liquid simultaneously in the same manner.
- the secondary flow paths 90 designated A can start dispensing liquid before the secondary flow paths 90 designated B.
- the secondary flow paths 90 designated A can cease dispensing liquid before the secondary flow paths 90 designated B cease to dispense liquid.
- secondary flow paths 90 designated A can commence dispensing liquid before the secondary flow paths 90 designated C start to dispense liquid.
- the secondary flow paths 90 designated A can cease dispensing liquid before the secondary flow paths 90 designated C cease to dispense liquid.
- the secondary flow paths 90 designated B and D can be operated in the same manner as the secondary flow paths 90 designated A and C are operated.
- the integrally formed fluid distributors 60 can distribute two or more substrate treatment compositions that differ from one another. Such an arrangement can be practical for forming a single pouch 50 that has two separate chambers 55 each of which contain a different substrate treatment composition. For instance, as shown in Fig. 7, the chambers 55 associated with secondary flow paths 90 designated as A can provide one type of substrate treatment composition and the chambers 55 associated with secondary flow paths 90 designated as B can provide another type of substrate treatment composition.
- the substrate treatment composition dispensed from secondary flow paths 90 designated as C can be the same as the substrate treatment composition dispensed from secondary flow paths 90 designated as A.
- the substrate treatment composition dispensed from secondary flow paths 90 designated as D can be the same as the substrate treatment composition dispensed from secondary flow paths 90 designated as B.
- the substrate treatment composition dispensed from secondary flow paths 90 designated as A and C can differ from the substrate treatment composition dispensed from secondary flow paths 90 designated as B and D.
- the substrate treatment composition can be any of the substrate treatment agents presently marketed as TIDE PODS, CASCADE ACTION PACS, CASCADE PLATINUM, CASCADE COMPLETE, ARIEL 3 IN 1 PODS, TIDE BOOST ORIGINAL DUO PACs, TIDE BOOST FEBREZE SPORT DUO PACS, TIDE BOOST FEE DUO PACS, TIDE BOOST VIVID WHITE BRIGHT PACS, DASH, FAIRY (PLATINUM, ALL-IN ONE), YES (PLATINUM ALL-IN ONE), JAR (PLATINUM, ALL-IN ONE, and DREFT (PLATINUM, ALL-IN ONE) by The Procter & Gamble Company in various geographies globally.
- the pouch 50 can be sized and dimensioned to fit in an adult human hand.
- the pouch 50 can have a volume less than about 70 mL.
- the pouch 50 can have a volume less than about 50 mL.
- the pouch 50 can have a volume less than about 40 mL.
- the edges of the pouch 50 can have a length of from about 10 mm to about 70 mm.
- the edges of the pouch 50 can have a length of from about 20 mm to about 60 mm.
- the edges of the pouch 50 can have a length of from about 25 mm to about 50 mm.
- the edges of the pouch 50 can each have a length less than about 100 mm, or even less than about 60 mm, or even less than about 50 mm.
- the plan view of the of the water soluble pouch 50 can be substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially circular, elliptical, superelliptical, or any other desired shape that is practical to manufacture.
- the overall plan area of the water soluble pouch can be less than about 10000 mm 2 , or even less than about 2500 mm 2. Sized and dimensioned as such, the water soluble pouch 50 can fit conveniently within the grasp of an adult human hand. Further, for water soluble pouches 50 intended for use in automatic dishwashing machines, such a size can conveniently fit in the detergent receptacle within the machine.
- the substrate treatment composition can be selected from the group consisting of liquid laundry detergent, a liquid dishwashing detergent, a liquid bleaching agent, a powdered bleaching agent, a liquid fabric softener, a liquid laundry scent additive, a liquid fabric care benefit agent, and combinations thereof.
- the substrate treatment composition can be a fabric softener comprising a quaternary ammonium salt and or a dehydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride and or a diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride.
- a substrate treatment composition can be formulated to treat a substrate selected from the group consisting of glassware, dishware, flooring, textiles, tires, automobile bodies, teeth, dentures, skin, fingernails, toenails, hair, appliance surfaces, appliance interiors, toilets, bathtubs, showers, mirrors, deck materials, windows, and the like.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil de formation de sachets solubles dans l'eau.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/739,246 US20160362200A1 (en) | 2015-06-15 | 2015-06-15 | Process and apparatus for making water soluble pouches |
PCT/US2016/036881 WO2016205084A1 (fr) | 2015-06-15 | 2016-06-10 | Procédé et appareil de fabrication de sachets solubles dans l'eau |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3307634A1 true EP3307634A1 (fr) | 2018-04-18 |
Family
ID=56297099
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16734086.8A Withdrawn EP3307634A1 (fr) | 2015-06-15 | 2016-06-10 | Procédé et appareil de fabrication de sachets solubles dans l'eau |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160362200A1 (fr) |
EP (1) | EP3307634A1 (fr) |
CA (1) | CA2987286A1 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2016205084A1 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2943138A1 (fr) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-25 | Multi-Pack Solutions, LLC | Machine de conditionnement dotee de mecanismes de deplacement controlables de maniere independante |
EP4190707A1 (fr) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-07 | Fameccanica.Data S.p.A. | Unité de mouillage et machine de formage et procédé de fabrication d'articles de dose unitaire |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0884352B1 (fr) | 1997-06-11 | 2001-09-05 | Kuraray Co., Ltd. | Feuille hydrosoluble |
GB0006432D0 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2000-05-03 | Stanelco Fibre Optics Ltd | Capsules |
ITMO20030042A1 (it) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-08-25 | Green Pack Srl | Metodo ed apparato per ottenere contenitori riempiti. |
US7022656B2 (en) | 2003-03-19 | 2006-04-04 | Monosol, Llc. | Water-soluble copolymer film packet |
PL1670693T3 (pl) | 2003-10-07 | 2009-04-30 | Henkel Ag & Co Kgaa | Opakowana w folię porcja środka i sposób jej wytwarzania |
US8061142B2 (en) * | 2008-04-11 | 2011-11-22 | General Electric Company | Mixer for a combustor |
BRPI1011346A2 (pt) | 2009-04-16 | 2016-10-18 | Unilever Nv | partícula de polímero, composição tensoativa, processos de formação de partículas de polímero, e, uso das mesmas |
US20150336691A1 (en) * | 2012-06-23 | 2015-11-26 | Rideau Machinery Inc. | Apparatus and method for continuous motion rotatable forming of soluble pouches |
PL3025969T3 (pl) * | 2013-04-19 | 2017-10-31 | Rideau Machinery Inc | Woreczki rozpuszczalne w wodzie |
-
2015
- 2015-06-15 US US14/739,246 patent/US20160362200A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-06-10 WO PCT/US2016/036881 patent/WO2016205084A1/fr active Application Filing
- 2016-06-10 CA CA2987286A patent/CA2987286A1/fr not_active Abandoned
- 2016-06-10 EP EP16734086.8A patent/EP3307634A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2016205084A1 (fr) | 2016-12-22 |
US20160362200A1 (en) | 2016-12-15 |
CA2987286A1 (fr) | 2016-12-22 |
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