EP3439971B1 - Method and apparatus for forming pack bodies which are open on one side from pack sleeves which are open on both sides - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for forming packaging bodies which are open on one side from packaging casings which are open on both sides for the production of filled packs. The invention further relates to a device for forming packaging bodies which are open on one side from packaging casings which are open on both sides for the production of filled packs according to the preamble of claim 10.

Methods and devices for forming packaging bodies that are open on one side from packaging casings that are open on both sides have been known for some time. The methods are used, in particular, to produce filled packs, and processes and devices for filling packs with products in different configurations are also known.

In this context, package bodies are understood to mean containers such as, for example, composite cardboard packaging, which are at least partially formed from a packaging material in the form of a laminate comprising a cardboard layer and outer, in particular thermoplastic, plastic layers, for example of polyethylene (PE). The carton gives the packs sufficient stability so that the packs can be handled easily and, for example, stacked. The plastic layers protect the cardboard from moisture and the food from the absorption of unwanted substances from the pack. In addition, you can additional layers, such as an aluminum layer, can be provided which prevent diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging material.

Corresponding packing bodies are typically filled with products in the form of foodstuffs, in particular beverages, the flow products being predominantly products. In particular, the packing bodies are filled with food in a sterile or aseptic environment of a filling machine, since the food should be kept for a long time after the packs have been filled. For this purpose, the filling machines have, for example, sterilization rooms or aseptic chambers in which the packing bodies are sterilized and then filled and sealed under as sterile conditions as possible. After the packing bodies have been filled, they are typically sealed in the filling machine. When using appropriate packaging materials, the package body is closed by sealing the open end.

The packing bodies are preferably formed on the filling machine from packing sleeves, which in turn are made from packaging blanks, in particular by sealing the longitudinal edges of the packaging blanks to one another. The inner longitudinal edge can be folded outwards in order to prevent moisture from penetrating into the packaging material, in particular the carton. Thus, packaging shells are made from a packaging material that are open at the opposite longitudinal ends. The pack sleeves are pre-folded along four fold lines running longitudinally to the pack sleeve, creating fold edges which form the later edges of the pack, which typically forms a square or rectangular cross section. First, however, the packaging sleeves are folded flat around two opposite folding edges. Two of the pre-folded fold lines are folded back. The packing jacket then essentially forms two sections running parallel to one another and lying one on top of the other. The flat-folded packaging sleeves are transferred as a stack to a magazine on the filling machine. The front section of the packaging jacket at the front end of the stack is gripped by suction cups and away from the stack pulled, the packing jacket unfolding, typically until an at least substantially square or rectangular cross section is formed. The unfolding takes place along the pre-folded folding lines, two of which have formed the folding edges of the folded-up packaging jacket, since the packaging material can be easily folded or folded along the, in particular pre-folded, folding lines. The correspondingly unfolded packing jacket is then pulled onto a mandrel of a so-called mandrel wheel, the cross section of the mandrel corresponding to the cross section of the packing jacket. The packing jacket protrudes outward beyond the mandrel so that the protruding part of the packing jacket can be folded against the end face of the mandrel and pressed and sealed there. The corresponding longitudinal end of the packaging jacket is closed and regularly forms the bottom of the later filled package. Alternatively, the closed end of the package jacket could also form the head of the later package if it is filled through the open bottom, for example.

The packaging bodies, which are open on one side, are introduced into a sterilization zone of the filling machine. This is usually done by successively transferring the package bodies to the cells of a transport device that receive the package bodies. The transport device then ensures that the package bodies are transported through the sterilization zone of the filling machine at a defined speed and at a defined distance from one another. In the sterilization zone, the package bodies are preheated with hot sterile air and then sterilized, typically with hydrogen peroxide, and dried with sterile air. The sterile packing bodies are transferred to the filling and sealing zone and filled there. The opening of the filled packing bodies is then closed before the closed packing is transported out of the filling and sealing zone via the transport device and is then removed from the corresponding cells of the transport device.

In some filling machines, the packing bodies are transported by the transport device in a straight line through the filling machine. Corresponding filling machines are also called cross-country skiers. In other filling devices, the so-called rotary machines, the packing bodies describe a more or less arc-shaped movement, which can comprise one or more circular arc sections. The present invention basically relates to both types of filling machines. The method and the device of the type described above have proven themselves for the production of packs with at least substantially rectangular or square cross sections. However, the production of packs with cross sections that differ significantly therefrom is only possible to a limited extent or not at all. The packing sleeves have to be folded flat for reasons of space and then simply and reliably formed using the mandrel wheel. In addition, the shape of the packs must allow the pack sleeves to easily reach the mandrel wheel and the pack bodies to be reliably removed from the mandrel wheel.

Furthermore, a method and a device of the type mentioned in the introduction are made US 3 187 646 known.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the method and the device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that packs with a cross section which is neither square nor rectangular can be formed simply and reliably.

This object is achieved according to claim 1 by a method for forming packaging bodies which are open on one side from packaging casings which are open on both sides for the production of filled packings in that the packaging casings in the forming station come into contact with one another with the two opposite folded edges of the packaging casing and are transverse to it Packing jacket tapered channel are pulled, the packing sleeves at the end of the channel engage in grooves associated with opposite sides of the channel.

The above object is also achieved in a device according to the preamble of claim 10 in that the forming station has a channel for partially unfolding the packing sleeves moved through the channel and that opposite grooves are provided at the end of the channel for receiving the folded edges of the packing sleeves.

It has thus been recognized that it may be expedient not to unfold the packing sleeves when removing them from the stack of packs and to transfer them directly to the mandrels of a mandrel wheel, but to use a separate forming station for unfolding the packing sleeves. In order to be able to easily unfold the packaging sleeves when removing them from the stack, four pre-folded folding lines are required. If the front side of the packaging sleeve provided at the front end of the stack of packs, for example with a gripping arm fitted with suction cups, is gripped and pulled from the stack, the packaging jacket folds up, the folded edges forming the edges of the unfolded packaging jacket. This is a tried-and-tested method, but the folded edges also have a significant influence on the cross-sectional shape of the packaging jacket.

The use of the forming station, on the other hand, allows the use of packing sleeves with only two folding edges, if necessary, which serve to fold the packing sleeves flat to accommodate them in a stack. In addition, the two folded edges do not have to determine the shape, in particular the cross section, of the later pack. In the forming station, the pack sleeves can be brought into the desired shape without the folded edges having to be arranged in corners of the pack or on edges of the jacket of the pack. The folded edges can be arranged, for example, in flat sections of the casing of the pack, around the edges of the casing of the pack, regardless of the position of the folded edges to be able to provide or to avoid sharp edges partially or completely if necessary. The edge regions of the shells of the packs can thus be formed with a very large radius in the forming station, and curved side walls of the sheath of the pack can also be formed more easily, alternatively or additionally.

So that the packaging sleeves can be folded easily and reliably along the at least two folding edges to form a flat packaging sleeve, so-called folding lines are initially provided along the folding edges. The packaging jacket preferably has further fold lines or creasing lines, which serve, for example, to fold the longitudinal ends of the packaging jacket for the purpose of closing the packaging jacket. In this case, a head and a bottom of the pack are preferably formed by folding along the further fold lines, and are sealed in particular. The fold lines or crease lines are preferably stamped into the packaging material, in particular by so-called creasing, which is why the fold lines produced in this way can also be referred to as crease lines. The fold lines or crease lines are created by means of a line-shaped material displacement with tools that press against the packaging material, for example with punching or pressing tools. In other words, the fold lines or crease lines form line-like material weakenings of the packaging material. The bendability of the packaging material is increased along the fold lines thus produced.

Regardless of the number of folded edges of the packaging jacket, although exactly two folded edges are also preferred, there is no need for corresponding fold lines between the folded edges, which extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction, i.e. at least substantially parallel to the folded edges, and that over the entire Length of the packaging jacket. This results in greater flexibility in the choice of the shape of the pack. Further straight folding lines and folding edges are not necessary because of the forming station for unfolding the packaging sleeves after removal from the stack of packs. In addition to the folded edges, there are preferably no further ones pre-folded folding lines of the packaging jacket are provided, in any case no folding lines running straight over the entire longitudinal extent of the packaging jacket. In known methods, prior folding of the packaging material around the folding lines before the actual folding of the folding lines with subsequent folding back takes place, prior to stacking the packaging sleeves, so that the packaging sleeves are easier to unfold around the pre-folded folding lines after removal from the stack. This is not necessary in the present case because of the forming station and the unfolding of the packing sleeves. If, in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jacket, there should be continuous, straight folding lines in addition to the folding edges, which is fundamentally unnecessary, these are preferably not prefolded.

Basically, however, no further folding lines are required to produce corresponding folds of the packaging jacket. Since folding lines and / or folding edges of the finished package can cause folds or kinks in the packaging material, by reducing the number of folding lines and / or folding edges, wider areas of the package can be created without undesired kinks or folds, which may be preferred. The packs can, for example, be uniformly curved, rounded and / or curved in these areas without this shape being impaired by kinks or folds.

The at least two fold lines or crease lines, which serve for the flat folding of the packaging jacket and accordingly form the at least two folding edges of the packaging jacket, are preferably so-called "false folding lines" which later do not form an edge of the packaging or packaging. Folding along the false fold lines therefore only takes place to form the packaging jacket, but not in the packaging produced therefrom, which together with the filling can form the packaging. These false fold lines - like conventional fold lines - should make it easier to fold the packaging jacket. These fold lines are referred to as "false fold lines" because they are only used when the packaging jacket is folded flat, but when it is unfolded to produce the package body or those to be filled Packaging should be folded at least approximately straight again. They can be produced by weakening the material, whereby, in order to maintain the liquid-tight state of the composite material, it is not possible to use perforations, but so-called "creases". Creases are linear material displacements that are stamped or rolled into the composite material using punching or pressing tools. The two false fold lines are straight and run parallel to each other. The packaging jacket is folded along the at least two false fold lines, which thus form the folded edges.

However, further fold lines can also be provided. In particular, however, these are those which do not extend or only extend in a straight line over part of the longitudinal extent of the packaging jacket. These can form correspondingly shaped edges which, for example, make it easier to hold and grip the later pack. This also results in increased flexibility in the choice of the shape of the pack, without having to adhere to the known four preformed folding lines for unfolding the pack jacket.

In particular, the use of a packaging jacket according to that of the applicant under the official file number DE 10 2016 003 826.8 , DE 10 2016 003 824.1 and DE 10 2016 003 892.2 patent applications filed in parallel are preferred.

The transfer device can for example be designed as a gripping arm or comprise a gripping arm. As an alternative or in addition, the transfer device can comprise at least one finger which can engage a packaging jacket and thus shift the packaging jacket. Other known transfer devices are also conceivable. The push-on device can also comprise at least one finger for gripping the packing edge and pushing the packing casing onto the mandrel. However, the packing jacket can also be transferred directly from a mold to the mandrel to unfold the packing jacket, so that the push-on device can be designed to move the mold appropriately over the mandrel. However, other known slide-on devices are also conceivable.

For the sake of clarity and in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, the method and the device are described together below, without each differentiating in detail between the method and the device. The person skilled in the art, however, can see from the context which features are preferred for the method and the device.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the packaging sleeves are folded flat by exactly two folded edges. This allows space-saving storage of the packaging sleeves in a stack. In addition, the packaging sleeves then only have to be folded over two folded edges. The two fold lines for forming the fold edges are preferably "false fold lines" of the type described, which therefore do not later form an edge of the packaging or pack. Folding along the false fold lines therefore only takes place in the case of the packaging, but not in the packaging or packaging produced therefrom.

However, further fold lines can also be provided in this case. In particular, however, these are again those which do not extend or only extend in a straight line over part of the longitudinal extent of the packaging jacket. These can form correspondingly shaped edges which, for example, make it easier to hold and grip the later pack. This also results in increased flexibility in the choice of the shape of the pack, without having to adhere to the known four preformed folding lines for unfolding the pack jacket.

As an alternative or in addition, the at least two folding edges, in particular the exactly two folding edges, of the packaging jacket, around which the packaging jacket has previously been folded flat, are moved towards one another in the forming station, the free cross section of the packaging jacket increasing accordingly. An at least partial unfolding of the packaging jacket can be achieved in this way without requiring more than two folding edges or more than two pre-folded folding lines, as in the known packaging jackets. In known packaging sleeves, there are four pre-folded folding lines which simplify the unfolding of the packaging sleeve after removal from the stack of packaging sleeves. These four pre-folded folding lines form the folding edges of the packaging sleeve. The present molding station makes such packaging sleeves unnecessary. For the sake of simplicity, it makes sense to press or press from the outside against the at least two folded edges. The folded edges can thus be moved toward one another while increasing the free cross-section of the pack, or can be pressed inwards with respect to the associated pack jacket. For example, it is possible to press against the at least two folded edges from opposite sides of the packaging jacket, so that they converge, but preferably do not come into contact with one another, since this would typically be accompanied by a reduction in the free cross section of the packaging jacket.

For a targeted and defined unfolding of a packaging jacket in the molding station, the packaging jacket can be positioned in the molding station between at least two mold halves of a mold. When the mold formed by the at least two mold halves is closed or at least when the at least two mold halves are moved towards one another, the packing jacket is unfolded. By closing the mold halves, they press against the folded edges of the packaging jacket and thus cause the packaging jacket to be unfolded. In this case, the packing jacket preferably lies against the inside of the mold at least substantially all around, so that the packing jacket takes on a defined shape. In principle, the mold can also be formed from several parts than the two mold halves be, or the mold halves are formed from several parts if necessary. However, it is advisable for two parts to form the predominant part of the shape, particularly the large part.

In order to unfold the packaging sleeves, which are initially folded flat, the front of the packaging sleeve provided on the front of the stack of packaging sleeves can be gripped and moved forwardly away from the stack. In this context, the front side is understood to be the side of the stack or of the packaging jacket pointing in the direction of transport. This takes into account the fact that the packaging sleeves in the stack are typically upright. However, it would also be conceivable, for example, that the flat-folded packaging sleeves lie on one another. The top of the stack would then be considered the front of the stack, as is understood. Accordingly, the upward-facing side of the upper packaging shell would also form the forwardly facing side of the front packaging shell. The alignment of the stack is therefore not essential.

Suction cups, which can be mounted on a movable arm, can be used for this purpose in order to be able to grip the front of the front flat-folded packaging jacket easily and reliably. In this way, for example, but not exclusively, the front of the packaging jacket can be moved forward with the arm. In the manner described, the packing jacket is pulled forward, whereby the packing jacket can be at least partially unfolded. This enables simple and compact handling of the packaging sleeves. A particularly simple and precise handling of the packing sleeves is possible if the packing sleeves are moved straight from the stack and are not guided along a curve or the like. However, the at least partial unfolding or pre-folding of the packaging jacket can also be carried out subsequently, if necessary in a separate process step. Irrespective of this, the packing jacket is pulled or moved according to the invention through a channel which is delimited in the transverse direction to the packing jacket by boundaries, for example in the form of sliding surfaces Gliding along the packing jacket is limited, in such a way that the folded edges, around which the packing jacket has previously been folded flat, come into contact with the channel, in particular against the channel boundaries pointing towards the center of the channel. The folded edges can then slide along the boundaries, for example in the form of sliding surfaces. The channel tapers in the direction of transport of the packaging jacket, which is preferably moved straight through the channel for the sake of simplicity, so that pressure is exerted on the folded edges of the packaging jacket in the direction of the center of the channel in the transverse direction of the packaging jacket. The corresponding transverse extent of the packaging jacket consequently decreases as it passes through the channel, as a result of which the packaging jacket is at least partially unfolded or prefolded in order to subsequently, in particular completely, be unfolded.

With regard to the passage of the packaging jacket through the channel, a simple and at the same time reliable, at least partial, unfolding of the packaging jacket is achieved if lateral boundaries of the channel, which can provide sliding surfaces for the packaging jacket, press against the at least two folded edges of the packaging jacket when the packaging jacket is pulled through that the folded edges of the packing jacket move towards each other. The channel thus enables a simple and at the same time defined, at least partial unfolding of the packaging jacket.

According to the invention, at the end of the channel, at least in relation to the transport of the packaging sleeves through the channel, grooves are provided on opposite sides of the channel, into which the fold lines of the packaging jacket in particular reach. The grooves run at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the packing sleeves through the channel. In the area of the grooves, the channel is therefore preferably somewhat wider than immediately before and, if necessary, immediately afterwards. As a result, the packing jacket folds back somewhat in the area of the grooves, but this creates a defined transfer position and position for the packing jackets. From the grooves the packing jacket can be moved out, preferably in a targeted manner, in the longitudinal direction of the grooves. However, the packing jacket can also be transported along the grooves without the packing jacket leaving the grooves in order to be guided through the grooves in this way. Alternatively or additionally, the packing jacket can also be transported further with the grooves. The grooves, that is to say, for example, the regions of the channel or the boundaries of the channel forming the grooves, can also move in the longitudinal direction of the grooves and take the packing jacket with them during this movement or transport them further. This takes place in particular in the direction of the unfolding device, in particular into the unfolding device. If necessary, the grooves of the channel or the regions of the channel forming the grooves form the parts of the unfolding device after the same parts have been moved. Alternatively, the grooves can also extend from the channel of the pre-folding device into the shape of the unfolding device. So that the closing of the form is possible without any problems, the grooves between the prefolding device and the unfolding device, in particular between the channel and the form, should be interrupted. In principle, the described manner of the packaging jacket can also be transferred from the prefolding device to the unfolding device in a simple, reliable and defined manner to the forming station.

So that the packaging jacket can be moved through the forming station simply, expediently and without requiring a large amount of space, it is advisable for the packaging jacket to be moved through the prefolding device in a first transport direction and to the unfolding device, in particular into the folding device in a second transport direction, the first Transport direction and the second transport direction are at least substantially perpendicular to each other. A further simplification and clarification of the movement is achieved if at least the first transport direction or at least the second transport direction is aligned in a straight line. A complicated and imprecise guidance around curves or the like can be avoided. In particular, the straight first transport direction is particularly preferred if the pre-folding device has a channel and the packing jacket can then be moved straight and therefore very precisely through the channel.

In principle, there is a high degree of flexibility for the shape of the package if the folded edges of the package jacket, around which the package jacket has previously been folded flat, are spaced apart from at least one edge of the jacket of a mandrel and / or at least one corner of the head of the mandrel be pushed onto the mandrel. It can therefore preferably be provided that no previous folding edge is provided on any of the edges of the mandrel, which preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel. Rather, the folded edges are provided in between. In this way, edges of the packaging sleeves can be provided with larger radii and it can easily be achieved that entire sides of the packaging sleeves are arched and thus also formed on the mandrel. If required, however, one edge or a plurality of edges of the mandrel can also be provided, along which a folded edge of the packaging jacket is positioned. However, this preferably does not apply to all edges of the mandrel.

It is expedient for the shaping of the package if the distance of the at least one folded edge of the package jacket to the edge of the mandrel adjacent in one direction as well as the distance of the at least one folded edge to the edge adjacent in the opposite direction, in particular of the jacket, the mandrel in each case at least one tenth, preferably at least one fifth, in particular at least one third of the distance between the edges of the mandrel adjoining on both sides of the folded edge. Alternatively or additionally, it may be favorable for the shape of the package if the distance of the at least one folded edge of the package casing to the corner of the head of the mandrel adjacent in one direction transverse to the mandrel as well as the distance of the at least one folded edge to the adjacent one in the opposite direction Corner of the head of the mandrel transverse to the mandrel in each case at least one tenth, preferably at least one fifth, in particular at least one third of the distance between the edges of the edge adjacent to both sides of the folded edge Dorns is. The folded edges are far enough away from an edge region or corner region of the mandrel, for example to form packages with curvatures or curves that are to extend over a wide region of the jacket of the package. The aforementioned distances preferably do not necessarily apply to each folded edge.

The folded edges of the packing sleeves can then be easily arranged, for example, on the side of the mandrel, in particular the jacket of the mandrel. The sides of the mandrel can in particular be flat and / or curved outwards. The folded edges are folded back accordingly until the sections of the packaging jacket adjoining the folded edges are arranged, for example, in one plane or form a continuous curvature, for example an arc with a constant radius.

So that a suitable base of the packing body can be formed on the mandrel and the mandrel does not restrict the shape of the packing too much, the packing jacket can be pushed onto a mandrel which is in an initial position. The mandrel can also be brought back into the starting position before the packing body is removed from the mandrel so that the packing body can be easily removed without the mandrel deforming the packing body too much. In this context, it should be borne in mind that square or rectangular floors in particular have proven their worth. These are stable and can be easily formed reliably by folding one longitudinal end of the packing jacket against the mandrel. However, a rectangular or square shape of the mandrel can be unsuitable if the package is not to have a square or rectangular cross section, at least in sections. To form the base, the mandrel can then be moved from the initial position into a press position, which allows, for example, the formation of a square or rectangular base. In other words, the pressing surface of the mandrel can only be formed when the packing jacket is pushed on and before a longitudinal end of the packing jacket is closed. To the Closing the corresponding longitudinal end of the packing jacket is folded up and pressed against the pressing surface of the mandrel. The pressing surface points upwards from the mandrel, ie it is provided at the top of the mandrel head. The corresponding pressing of the bottom of the packing body is preferably carried out with a heated bottom, so that the bottom is welded or sealed, that is to say closed, during the pressing in a liquid-tight manner. Gluing the longitudinal end of the packing jacket would in principle also be conceivable, as in principle for all connections preferably produced by sealing.

The formation of the pressing surface can take place in such a way that the width of the free end of the mandrel increases at least in one direction transversely to the packing jacket for closing the packing jacket at one longitudinal end and decreases in this direction for pushing on and / or removing the packing jacket. For this purpose, mandrel elements that can be adjusted transversely to the mandrel can be provided if necessary in at least one direction. For this purpose, a drive can be provided which is controlled, for example, depending on the position of the mandrel or a mandrel wheel carrying the mandrel. In principle, corresponding mandrel elements can also be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel in addition to at least one direction transverse to the mandrel. If necessary, this can simplify the adjustment and / or have a favorable effect on the press surface to be made available.

The method described above can also be used as part of a method of making a filled package. In this case, the opening remaining after the packing body has been filled can be closed at the corresponding longitudinal end of the packing body, which is done in particular by sealing the correspondingly folded longitudinal ends. In particular, only the upper edge of the packaging jacket is folded onto one another and connected to one another. In one way or another, when the package is closed, an upper seam, in particular a sealed seam, is created that runs transversely to the package. The ends of the seam then protrude outward from the casing of the pack and form so-called pack ears with the adjacent sections of the pack material Provide on the outside opposite the jacket of the pack. The packing ears can then, for example, be placed on the outside of the casing of the pack and connected there, in particular sealed, to the casing of the pack. In order to be able to fold the packing ears in a targeted and reproducible manner in the direction of the jacket of the packing, it is advisable to press the jacket of the packing inwards adjacent to the packing ears, in particular directly under the packing ears, for fitting the packing ears to the jacket of the packing. It is further preferred that a fold line of the package provided there is at least partially folded or pre-folded. In the case of non-cuboidal package shapes, the reliable folding of the ears and thus, for example, the sealing of the package ears to the jacket of the package can otherwise be endangered. Immediately or indirectly, the packing ears can then be folded over along the correspondingly pre-folded fold line in order to connect the packing ears to the casing of the packing. The folding lines or the packing ears can be pre-folded in a gable pre-folding device, which can have two stamps for compressing the packing under the packing ears which have not yet been placed on the jacket, preferably in opposite directions.

As an alternative or in addition to the previously described method steps, provision can also be made to bring the filled and closed package into the desired shape in a molding device, for example in the form of a so-called packing squeeze. The package is placed with the jacket section in an at least two-part open form. The mold is then closed and, if necessary, the casing of the pack is at least essentially pressed all around in the mold. In other words, the casing of the package is pressed or squeezed from the outside at least in regions in the closed form. The pack is brought into the desired shape according to the inner contour of the shape. It is preferred if the package is folded or folded along pretreated lines. These lines are, for example, so-called fold lines, which are designed as crease lines. The packaging material is pressed along the lines, for example by marking the lines with a thin wheel pressed against the packaging material. The fold lines typically have a lower material thickness than adjacent areas of the packaging material, so that the folding of the packaging material along the folding lines is promoted. The shape that the package takes when the mold is closed keeps the package even after it has been removed from the mold, preferably for a long period of time.

In a particularly preferred device, as described above, a shaping station is provided for shaping the packing jacket before pushing it onto the mandrel. The forming station preferably has at least two stamps for simultaneous, if necessary partial, pressing and unfolding of the packaging sleeves. As a result, the packaging jacket can be brought into a shape in which the packaging jacket can be pushed onto the mandrel without any problems, even if the packaging jacket has only two folded edges and no further, in particular pre-folded, folding lines which extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the packaging jacket. The use of the stamp is also particularly useful in a folding device. The packing jacket can be pre-folded in a pre-folding device, in which the packing jacket is partially unfolded, in order to be handed over to the unfolding device partially unfolded, so that the subsequent unfolding can take place reliably. The at least two punches are preferably designed as at least two mold halves in such a way that when the mold is closed the packing jacket is unfolded, in particular at least essentially all around it comes into contact with the inside of the mold. This forms a shape of the packing sleeve that does not have a rectangular or square cross section, but can nevertheless be easily and reliably pushed onto a mandrel, if necessary directly from the mold, if it is at least partially pushed over the mandrel with the packing jacket. Alternatively, the packing jacket can also be pushed out of the mold and pushed onto the mandrel.

In particular, in addition to a previously described unfolding device, the forming station or the device can have a pre-folding device comprising a channel, which in principle has already been described in connection with the partial unfolding of the packaging jacket before the packaging jacket is transferred into the mold for unfolding the packaging jacket. For this purpose, the packing jacket is guided through the channel, for example immediately after it has been removed from the stack of packing jackets from the magazine of the device, at least up to a specific point on the channel. The width of the channel tapers in the transport direction of the packing sleeves to a dimension that is less than the width of the flat-folded packing sleeves, in particular as they are received in the magazine. The channel width may initially be wider than the width of the flat-folded packing sleeves, if necessary. This ensures that the packing sleeves can be reliably and reproducibly inserted into the channel in the transport direction of the packing sleeves. In the areas in which the channel is narrower than the flat folded packing sleeves, the channel presses against the packing sleeves, in particular against the folded edges of the packing sleeves or vice versa, so that the packing sleeves are partially unfolded. When the packing sleeves are partially unfolded or pre-folded, the regions of the packing jacket adjoining the folded edges can be unfolded to an angle of more than 10 °, in particular more than 20 °. Since the pre-folding is followed by unfolding, for the sake of simplicity it may alternatively or additionally be preferred if the packing jacket is only unfolded around the folded edges up to a maximum of 70 °, maximum 55 ° or maximum 45 °. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the packaging jacket in the pre-folding device can be reduced to a value of less than 95%, preferably less than 90%, in particular less than 85%, of the width of the flat-folded packaging jacket.

The channel can therefore have lateral boundaries which limit the transverse extent of the channel for the packing jacket. When the pack casing is moved through the channel, the lateral boundaries come into contact with the folded edges of the pack casing. The limits of which sliding surfaces are used Can slide along the packing jacket, press due to the taper of the channel against the folded edges. This causes the folded edges to move increasingly towards one another during transport through the channel and accordingly at least partially unfold the packing jacket.
It is particularly preferred if the boundaries of the channel are stationary, at least when the packing jacket is moved through. This reduces the number of moving parts, which improves the reliability of the pre-folding and reduces the outlay on equipment. As a result, a high processing speed can also be predetermined without hesitation, for example by means of a control device.

The pre-folding device described here can in principle also be designed as a folding device by means of which the packing sleeves are unfolded completely or in any case so far that the packing sleeves can be pushed directly onto the mandrel. In this case, the channel basically narrows further than in the case that the channel is only used for pre-folding. The cross-section of the packing jacket can then, if necessary, be at least substantially the same as the cross-section of the jacket of the later packing. When the packaging sleeves are unfolded, the regions of the packaging sleeve adjoining the folding edges can be unfolded up to an angle of at least 160 °, preferably at least 170 °, in particular differently than in the case of pre-folding and / or regardless of the type of unfolding. For the sake of simplicity and in order to obtain suitable forms of the pack, it may alternatively or additionally be preferred if the pack casing is unfolded up to a maximum of 200 °, preferably a maximum of 190 °, when being folded around the folded edges. In this respect, the unfolding can in principle take place independently of the extent of the pre-folding of the packaging jacket. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the packaging jacket in the unfolding device can be reduced to a value of less than 75%, preferably less than 70%, in particular less than 65%, of the width of the flat-folded packaging jacket. However, in order to limit the folding, it can be provided that the width is not reduced further than to a value of less than 55%, preferably less than 55%, in particular less than 45%, of the width of the flat-folded packaging jacket.

At one end of the channel, opposite grooves are provided according to the invention for receiving the folded edges of the packing sleeves. The end of the channel is not necessarily determined by its physical dimension, but can also be understood as the active part of the physical channel. According to this understanding, the channel extends as far as the packing sleeves are transported through the channel in the transport direction. The groove provides a defined position for the passing on and the final unfolding of the packaging sleeves, as a result of which the packaging sleeves can be completely and easily unfolded.

Otherwise, it is preferred to provide a feed device for feeding the packing sleeves from the pre-folding device to the unfolding device in each case in the longitudinal direction of the grooves. The feed device can have, for example, at least one movable and driven finger, which presses the packing sleeves out of the grooves along the grooves and / or in the longitudinal direction of the grooves, for example into the unfolding device, in particular into the form for unfolding the packing sleeves. In order to take advantage of the fact that the packing jacket is reliably held in the grooves and to improve the transfer of the packing jacket, the grooves can also be moved further together with the packing jacket held between the grooves. The packaging jacket can be handed over to a folding device. The packing jacket can also be moved with the grooves in the unfolding device. There, for example, the package can be shaped, the grooves then being able to move towards one another in a corresponding shape when the mold is closed, and the package shell can thus be unfolded further. This takes place in particular in that the grooves press against the folded edges which are received in the grooves. The grooves approach each other, which consequently also applies to the folded edges.

A structurally simple transfer device which enables space-saving handling of the packaging jacket can first move the packaging jacket through the pre-folding device in a first transport direction, which is particularly straightforward for the sake of simplicity, and then move the packaging jacket in a second transport direction oriented essentially perpendicular to the first transport direction, preferably even by moving the unfolding device. It has proven to be preferable if the transfer device has a gripper arm and a feed device. The gripping arm is particularly suitable for transporting the packaging jacket through the pre-folding device, while the feed device, which preferably has at least one finger, is expedient for the transport from the pre-folding device into the unfolding device. The gripper arm can easily grip one side of the packaging jacket, especially if the gripper arm has suction cups. With a finger or the like, one can simply press against an edge of the packaging jacket in order to push it forward, for example.

As an alternative or in addition, a mandrel or, in the case of a mandrel wheel, a plurality of mandrels, which can be adjusted between a starting position and a pressing position, can be used to produce packs with a shape which differs greatly from a cuboid shape. In particular, a head of a mandrel, ie the mandrel head, can be adjusted accordingly. In the pressing position, the mandrel forms a pressing surface for pressing the corresponding longitudinal end of the packing jacket against the mandrel, for example in order to seal the bottom of the packing body and thus to seal it in a liquid-tight manner. In particular, the mandrel can be adjusted between a narrower starting position for pushing on a packing jacket and, if necessary, for removing the packing body and a wider pressing position. The change in width can take place in only one direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the mandrel or in two such directions which can be oriented perpendicular to one another.

So that the package ears of a gable of the package can be folded simply and reliably towards the jacket of the package in order to be connected, in particular sealed, to the jacket there, a gable pre-folding device can be provided. The shape of the head of the pack is referred to as the gable. The gable pre-folding device thus serves to pre-fold the gable to form the gable of the package. The gable pre-folding device comprises two stamps for compressing a filled and closed package adjacent to the package ears of the package gable. Adjacent to the packing ears means here in particular directly below the packing ears. Fold lines of the package are at least partially folded, along which the package ears are folded to form the jacket of the package. The stamps can therefore preferably compress the pack immediately below the corresponding fold lines. Alternatively or additionally, it is particularly preferred if the stamps press against the jacket of the pack from opposite sides of the pack. Instead of the stamp, pliers or the like can of course also be used. Then, according to the present understanding, the stamps are formed by the pliers or the like.

Regardless of the configuration of the mandrel, it is advisable for the final shaping of the already filled and closed package to be compressed in a molding device comprising an at least two-part shape, which can also be referred to as a pack squeeze. The shape is intended for pressing at least partial areas of the casing of the pack. The at least two mold halves therefore preferably or at least essentially close transversely to the longitudinal extent of the package, which extends from the bottom of the package to the top of the package. It has been found to be particularly effective if the casing of the pack is pressed at least essentially all around.

If, in the present case, one speaks of a longitudinal direction with regard to the packing jacket, the packing body or the packing, a direction is understood which is at least substantially parallel to the packing jacket, to the sealing seam of the Packing jacket and / or to the jacket of the package body or the pack. In this direction, the corresponding extent of the packing jacket, the packing body and the packing is typically larger than in a direction transverse to this direction. In exceptional cases, such as the formation of very low and at the same time very wide packs, this does not have to be the case. For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetitions, however, the longitudinal direction is also understood in this case as the previously described direction, even if this may seem inaccurate for the individual case. In the present case, the head and the bottom of a package are always located at the longitudinal ends of the package, which ultimately determines the longitudinal direction of the package of the package body and the package jacket.

Fig. 1A-B

einen Zuschnitt eines Packstoffs und einen aus dem Zuschnitt gebildeten Packungsmantel aus dem Stand der Technik jeweils in Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

eine aus dem Packungsmantel gemäß Fig. 1B gebildete Packung aus dem Stand der Technik in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung der Packung gemäß Fig. 2 aus einem Packungsmantel gemäß Fig. 1B aus dem Stand der Technik in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4A-C

einen Zuschnitt eines Packstoffs und einen aus dem Zuschnitt gebildeten Packungsmantel in Draufsicht,

Fig. 5

eine aus dem Packungsmantel gemäß Fig. 4B-C gebildete Packung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6

eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung der Packung gemäß Fig. 5 aus einem Packungsmantel gemäß Fig. 4B-C in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7

das Auffalten des Packungsmantels in einer Formstation in einer schematischen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 8

das Vorfalten des Packungsmantels in einer Schnittansicht gemäß der Schnittebene VIII-VIII aus Fig. 7,

Fig. 9A-B

das Formen des Packungsmantels in einer Schnittansicht gemäß der Schnittebene IX-IX aus Fig. 7,

Fig. 10A-B

den Dorn zum Aufschieben des geformten Packungsmantels in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 11

das Vorformen des Packungsgiebels der gefüllten und verschlossenen Packung in einer schematische Darstellung und

Fig. 12A-B

das Formen der gefüllten und verschlossenen Packung in einer schematische Darstellung.

The presently disclosed inventions are explained in more detail below on the basis of a drawing which represents only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawing shows

1A-B

a cut of a packaging material and a packing jacket formed from the cut from the prior art, each in a top view,

Fig. 2

one from the packing jacket according to Figure 1B formed package from the prior art in a perspective view,

Fig. 3

a device for producing the pack according to Fig. 2 from a packing jacket according to Figure 1B from the prior art in a schematic representation,

4A-C

a cut of a packaging material and a packaging jacket formed from the cut in plan view,

Fig. 5

one from the packing jacket according to 4B-C formed pack in a perspective view,

Fig. 6

a device for producing the pack according to Fig. 5 from a packing jacket according to 4B-C in a schematic representation,

Fig. 7

unfolding the packaging jacket in a forming station in a schematic side view,

Fig. 8

the pre-folding of the packaging jacket in a sectional view according to the section plane VIII-VIII Fig. 7 ,

9A-B

the shaping of the packing jacket in a sectional view according to the section plane IX-IX Fig. 7 ,

10A-B

the mandrel for pushing on the shaped packaging shell in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 11

the preforming of the pack gable of the filled and closed pack in a schematic representation and

Figures 12A-B

the shaping of the filled and closed package in a schematic representation.

In the Fig. 1A describes a blank 1 of a packaging material 2, as is known from the prior art. The packaging material 2 is formed as a laminate from a plurality of material layers arranged one above the other. It is in particular a cardboard / plastic composite. The packaging material 2 shown has two outer layers made of a thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene (PE), which enable the outer layers of the packaging material 2 to be sealed, ie welded. In between, a structuring cardboard layer is provided with a comparatively high bending stiffness for the packaging material 2. In addition, at least one barrier layer can also be provided, which is preferably formed from aluminum, polyamide and / or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol. Additional layers are also conceivable.

The blank 1 is used to produce a packaging jacket 3, which is formed by the outer and opposite longitudinal edges 4 of the blank 1 being bent over and connected to one another, in particular sealed to one another. The blank 1 has a series of fold lines 5, 6 on which the blank 1 can be folded in order to form the desired package 7. The fold lines 5,6, if necessary crease lines, simplify the folding and folding reliable folding is also safe. Most of the fold lines 5, 6 are provided on the upper edge 8 and the lower edge 9 of the blank 1, which are later folded to form the bottom and the head or gable of the pack 7. In addition, the blank 1 has four essentially parallel fold lines 6, on which the blank 1 is pre-folded before the packaging jacket 3 is formed or after. Once the packaging material 2 has been bent over at the folding lines 5, 6, further folding of the packaging material 2 at the same point is only countered by a slight resistance, which in any case is significantly less than along folding lines 5, 6 which have not yet been folded.

In the Figure 1B the packing jacket 3 is shown on top of one another after the sealing of the longitudinal edges 4 of the blank 1. For optical reasons, the corresponding sealing seam 10 is provided near one of the fold lines 6 of the packaging jacket 3. At its longitudinal edges, the packing jacket 3 has folded edges 6, around which the packing jacket 3 has been folded flat, so that the front section 11 and the rear section 12 of the packing jacket 3 lie one on top of the other. The packaging sleeves 3 can be easily stored in this way when folded flat. The subsequent unfolding around the four pre-folded fold lines 6 is then still easily possible. A packing jacket 3 with a rectangular cross section is then obtained.

In the following, using the appropriate packing jacket 3, the in the Fig. 2 Pack 7 shown can be obtained. In the case of the pack 7, the four pre-folded fold lines 6 then form the edges of the pack 7 in the region of the casing 13 of the pack 7, just as the pre-folded fold lines 6 previously formed the edges of the pack casing 3. The longitudinal ends 14, 15 of the package jacket 3 have been folded and sealed to form the bottom 16 of the package 7 and to form the head 17 of the package 7. So-called packing ears 18 are formed on the head 17 of the pack, which are folded down and placed on the jacket 13 of the pack 7 and sealed or glued there. In the case of the base 16, the corresponding packing ears are folded inwards and are therefore no longer recognizable as such after the base 16 has been formed.

In the Fig. 3 is a device 20 for filling packing bodies 21, in particular with flowable foods, for forming packs 7, i.e. a so-called filling machine, comprising a magazine 22 for holding packing sleeves 3 and a device for forming packing bodies 21 from the packing sleeves 3, one-sided are closed and thus can accommodate, for example, an industrious food through the remaining opening. The illustrated and in this respect preferred device 20 has a number of parallel processing lines, of which in the Fig. 3 only one processing line 23 is shown. Each processing line 23 is a magazine 22 with a stack 24. assigned a bundle of packing sleeves 3 folded flat around two of the folding lines 6. The packaging sleeves 3 have been formed as previously described from blanks 1 of a packaging material 2, the longitudinal edges 4 of which are sealed to one another. The packing sleeves 3 are unfolded by a feed device 25. The packaging sleeves 3 are unfolded by pulling away a later side surface of the corresponding packaging sleeve 3 from the stack 24 without further action around the pre-folded folding lines 6, which form the edges of the packaging sleeve 3 and of the later pack 7. If necessary, an application device could also be provided for applying spouts (not shown) to the packing sleeves 3.

The device 26 for forming the package 7 has a mandrel wheel 27 which, in the illustrated and in this respect preferred case, comprises six mandrels 28 and rotates counterclockwise cyclically, that is to say step by step. In the first mandrel wheel position I, a packing jacket 3 is pushed onto the mandrel 28. Subsequently, the mandrel wheel 27 is rotated further in the next mandrel wheel position II, into which the longitudinal end 15 of the packing jacket 3 protruding relative to the mandrel 28 is heated with hot air by means of a heating unit 29. In the next mandrel wheel position III, the heated longitudinal end 15 of the packing jacket 3 is pre-folded by a press 30 and in the following mandrel wheel position IV in the folded position it is sealed by a sealing device 31, in particular to form a base 16.

In this way, a packing body 21 which is closed on one side is obtained, which is removed from the mandrel 28 in the subsequent mandrel wheel position V and transferred to a cell 32 of an endless transport device 33 guided in a circle. No working step is assigned to the mandrel 28 in the next mandrel wheel position VI. The number of mandrel wheel positions or mandrels 28 and the processing steps provided there can, if necessary, be as shown in FIG Fig. 1 and the associated description. In addition, a spout can be connected to the packaging material in at least one additional mandrel wheel position as required. Then the longitudinal end of the packing jacket closed on the mandrel wheel is preferably the head of the later packing. Whether the packing body is filled by the future head or by the future bottom plays only a minor role here.

The packing body 21 taken from the mandrel wheel is transported with the open longitudinal end pointing upward in the associated cell 32, in particular a cell chain, by a filling machine 34. The package body then passes into an aseptic chamber 35, which comprises a sterilization zone 36 and a filling and sealing zone 37, through which the package bodies 21 are transported from left to right in the transport direction symbolized by the arrows. The packing bodies 21 do not have to be transported in a straight line, but can also be carried out in at least one arc or even in a circle.

Sterile air is supplied to the aseptic chamber 35 via corresponding sterile air connections 38. The packing bodies 21 are preheated in succession by a preheating device 39 by blowing with hot sterile air. The packing bodies 21 are then sterilized by means of a sterilizing device 40, preferably using hydrogen peroxide, whereupon the packing bodies 21 are dried by exposure to sterile air via a drying device 41 and after the transition from the sterilization zone 36 into the filling and sealing zone 37 into a filling position 42 below one Filling spout 43 are brought. There the packing bodies 2 are filled with food 44 one after the other. The filled ones Packing bodies 21 are then closed with a closing device 45 by folding the upper region of the packing body 21 and sealing. The filled and sealed packs 7 are then removed from the cells 32 of the transport device 33. The now empty cells 32 are moved further with the transport device 33 in the direction of the mandrel wheel 27 in order to accommodate further packing bodies 21 there.

In the Figure 4A A further blank 50 of a packaging material 51 is shown, which basically corresponds to the blank 50 with regard to the packaging material 51, the blank 50 and the fold lines 52, 53, 54 Fig. 1A resembles. The difference, however, is that the fold lines 52, 53, 54, in particular crease lines, are arranged and designed differently. In particular, only two fold lines 52 are provided, which extend in a straight line in the longitudinal direction and over the entire longitudinal extent of the blank 50. Two further fold lines 53 divide in sections in the longitudinal direction of the blank 50 and there enclose a portion of the blank. In the corresponding area, the fold lines 53 run parallel to one another, but this is not mandatory. In addition, the upper edge 55 and the lower edge 56 of the blank 50 are provided with fold lines 54. The fold lines 54 of the lower edge 56 serve to form a bottom 57, while the fold lines 54 of the upper edge 55 serve to form a head 58 of a package 59.

The blank 50 is sealed along the longitudinal edges 60 to form a sealing seam 61 to form a packaging jacket 63, the front 64 and rear 64 'of which in the 4B-C are shown. The packing jacket 62 is folded on the two fold lines 52 which run in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the packing jacket 62, forming the folding edges 65, so that the front side 64 and the rear side 64 'of the packing jacket 62 abut one another.

Using the appropriate packing jacket 63, the in the Fig. 5 Pack 59 shown are formed. The pack 59 has a flat bottom 57 which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the pack 59. The head 58 of the pack 59, on the other hand, is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal extent of the pack 59 and thus forms a pack gable 66. The pack gable 66 has a larger front gable surface 67 which is larger than the rear, smaller gable surface 71 arranged on the other side of the sealing seam 68 The sealing seam 68 and adjoining sections of the head 58 form packing ears 69 on opposite sides of the packing 59, which are folded down and are attached or sealed to the jacket 70 of the packing 59. If necessary, a larger opening section, a larger weakening and / or a large spout can be provided on the larger gable surface 67. For the sake of simplicity, neither an opening section nor a weakening or a spout is shown. It is noteworthy with the pack 59 that no continuous fold lines 52 or fold edges 65 are provided on the front longitudinal edges of the pack 59. Another special feature of the pack 59 is that the folding edges 65 are not provided on any longitudinal edge of the pack 59 for folding the pack jacket 63 flat. Rather, the folded edges 65 are accommodated in the areas between the longitudinal edges or longitudinal edges of the pack 59. In other words, the folding edges 65 of the packaging jacket 63 are folded back again and thus no longer form folding edges of the packaging 59. In addition, no fold lines 52, 53, 54 extending straight in the longitudinal direction of the package are provided on the rear edges of the jacket 70 of the package 59. By dividing the fold lines 53, they do not run in a straight line over the entire longitudinal extent of the casing 70 of the pack 59 and also at least in sections not along the edges of the casing 70 of the pack 59, but in areas next to it.

In the Fig. 6 The device 80 for filling such packs 59 is shown. The device 80 largely corresponds to that in FIG Fig. 3 Device 20 shown, so that essentially the differences in the Fig. 6 device 80 compared to that shown in FIG Fig. 3 shown device 20 are described to avoid unnecessary repetitions. For this reason, the same components are in the Fig. 3 and 6 marked with the same reference numerals.

One difference, for example, is that the in 4B-C Packing jackets 63 shown are provided in the magazine 22 of the device 80 in the form of the stack 81, which are thus only pre-folded at two fold lines 52 extending in a straight line over the entire longitudinal extent of the pack jacket, and these fold lines 52 form the fold edges 65 of the pack jackets 63 the packing sleeves 63 are folded flat. Furthermore, in the Fig. 6 device 80 shown in addition to that shown in FIG Fig. 3 The device 20 shown also has a pre-folding device 82 for pre-folding the packaging sleeves 63 after removing the packaging sleeves 63 from the stack 81 of the packaging sleeves 63, and a folding device 83 for unfolding the packaging sleeves 63, which are removed from the stack 81 of packaging sleeves 63 of the magazine 22. The pre-folding device 82 and the unfolding device 83 are combined in the illustrated and in this respect preferred device 80 to form a molding station 84 for molding the unfolded packaging jacket 63 to be transferred to the mandrel wheel 85. However, only the pre-folding device 82 or only the unfolding device 83 could be provided. The packing sleeves 63 are only pushed onto the mandrels 86 after they have passed through the forming station 84. The mandrels 86 are also different from those in the Fig. 3 illustrated thorns 28 formed. The mandrels 86 can namely be spread, that is to say adjusted from a narrower starting position to a wider pressing position, in the pressing position a pressing surface is provided by the mandrel 86, against which the corresponding longitudinal end 87 of the packing jacket 63 can be folded and pressed around the longitudinal end 87 to seal, in particular to seal liquid-tight. In this way, packing bodies 88 are ultimately formed which are delivered to the cells 32 of the transport device 33, here in the form of a cell chain.

Incidentally, the in the Fig. 6 device 80 compared to that shown in FIG Fig. 3 Device 20 shown after a sealing device 89 for sealing the sealing seam 68 of the packing gable 66, a gable pre-folding device 90 for pre-folding the packing gable 66 and a sealing device 91 for sealing the Pack ears 69 provided on the jacket 70 of the pack 59. In addition, in the illustrated and in this respect preferred device 80, a shaping device 92 is provided for the final shaping of the filled and closed pack 59. The pack 59 receives its final shape in this shaping device 92. For the sake of clarity, the molding device 92 is shown in such a way that the packing 59 protrudes above and below the molding device 92. However, the pack 59 is preferably received in the molding device 92 over its entire longitudinal extent.

In the Fig. 7 is schematically the molding station 84 of the in the Fig. 6 shown device 80 shown. The forming station 84 makes use of the packing sleeves 63, which are held ready in a magazine 81 in a stack 81 of packing sleeves 63 folded around two folding lines 52 or folding edges 65. The forming station 84 comprises a gripping arm 93 with suction cups 94, which grips the front side of the front flat-folded packing jacket 63 of the stack 81 and pulls the packing jacket 63 into and through a channel 95 of the pre-folding device 82. The prefolding device 82 is shown in particular in the sectional view of the forming station 84 Fig. 8 shown. The gripping arm 93 is shown in broken lines as it grips a packing jacket 63 of the stack 81. The gripping arm 93 then moves backwards in a straight line together with the packing jacket 63 and pulls the packing jacket 63 straight into a channel 95 which tapers transversely to the packing jacket 63. In the channel 95, the folded edges 65, around which the packing jacket 63 has been folded flat, come into contact with the boundaries 96 of the channel 95. The folding edges 65 ultimately press from the inside against the channel 95, which in turn unfolds the packing jacket 63 somewhat, and the more, the further the packing jacket 63 is pulled or transported through the channel 95. At the rear end of the channel 95, grooves 97 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the folded edges 65 are provided on both sides of the channel 95, into which the packing jacket 63 engages with the folded edges 65 in the corresponding position. The suction cups 94 and thus the gripper arm 93 then detach from the packing jacket 63. The packing jacket 63 remains in the channel 95, held in the grooves 97.

Above the packaging jacket 63 positioned in this way, as in particular in FIG Fig. 7 is shown, two fingers 98 are arranged. These fingers 98 now move downward and press the packing jacket 63 down into a shape 99 of the unfolding device 83 for unfolding the packing jacket 63. The shape 99 of the unfolding device 83 is particularly shown in FIGS 9A-B shown in section. In the Figure 9A the mold 9 is shown by way of example with two mold halves 100, 101 in an open position. In this position, the pre-folded packing jacket 63 is taken over by the form 99, for which purpose grooves 102 are also provided in the illustrated and preferred form 99, in which the folded edges 65 of the packing jacket 63 engage. Then the mold 99 is closed and reaches the in the Figure 9B closed position shown as an example. The packing jacket 63 is unfolded and at least essentially bears against the inner contour 103 of the mold 99. The packing jacket 63 can thus be brought at least approximately into the later shape of the packing 59. Instead of the shape of the contour shown, contours of a different shape can also be provided if necessary, depending on the form in which the packs are to be produced. In the Fig. 7 it is indicated by the double arrow and the mandrel 86 of a mandrel wheel 85 provided under the form 9 that the form 99 moves down over the mandrel 86 after closing and transfers the unfolded packing jacket 63 to the mandrel 86 or pushes it onto the mandrel 86.

In the 10A-B a top view of the mandrel 86 of the mandrel wheel 85 is shown schematically. In the fog. 10A, the mandrel 86 is in a starting position in which packing sleeves 63 can simply be pushed onto the mandrel 86 and removed again. The mandrel 86 does not have a rectangular or square cross section in sections. In the illustrated and preferred mandrel 86, one side of the jacket 104 is curved outwards. Movable mandrel elements 106 and a static mandrel element 107 provided between them are provided on the head 105 of the illustrated and in this respect preferred mandrel 86. In the starting position, the movable mandrel elements 106 take an inner position a. The mandrel 86 is therefore narrower in a direction R than in that in FIG Figure 10B shown pressing position of the mandrel 86, in which the movable mandrel elements 106 are adjusted to the outside. In this position, the mandrel 86 is spread, wider and can be used to press a longitudinal end 87 of the packing jacket 63 against the mandrel 86. In the pressing position, the top of the head 105 of the mandrel 86 forms a pressing surface 108 for pressing the folded longitudinal end 87 of the packing jacket 63. The corresponding longitudinal end 87 of the packing jacket 63 can be closed, if necessary, by sealing.

In the Fig. 11 schematically shows a gable pre-folding device 90 for pre-folding the packing gable 66, wherein a filled and closed packing 59 along the sealing seam 68 of the packing gable 66 is positioned in the gable pre-folding device 90 with packing ears 69 protruding outward from the jacket 70 of the packing. Then two punches 110 are pressed from opposite sides of the pack 59 against the casing 70 of the pack 59, so that the casing 70 of the pack 59 is pressed in at the corresponding point. The punches 110 engage below the protruding packing ears 69. The package 59 is partially folded on opposite fold lines 111 below the package ears 69. After the punches 110 have moved away again from the pack 59, the pack ears 69 can be bent downward in a defined manner around the correspondingly pre-folded fold lines 111 and fixed there on the jacket 70 of the pack 59.

In the Figures 12A-B A shaping device 92 is shown for shaping the filled and closed pack 59, in which the packing ears 69 are preferably already fixed to the jacket 70 of the pack 59. The package 59 is introduced into the opened mold 112 of a package squeezer comprising at least two mold halves 114, 115. Then the mold 112 is closed and the pack 59 is pressed or squeezed from the outside. The mold 112 can preferably accommodate the pack 59 over its entire longitudinal extent and / or overlap at the top and bottom, in order for example in the closed state of the mold 112 to To keep pack 59 not only over the entire circumference of the pack 59, but also all round in the longitudinal extent of the pack 59, in particular to press it.

In the illustrated and preferred form 112, the inner contour 116 corresponds to the shape 112 of the desired shape of the pack 59 but not to the shape of the pack 59 supplied. The contour 116 is not the same as that shown in FIG Figures 12A-B shown form set. Different shaped contours can be provided to produce different shaped packs. In the present case, the shape 112 has bevelled edges 113, which the pack 59 is also intended to have. When the mold 112 is closed, the pack 59 is pressed against the inner contour 116 of the mold 112 at least substantially all around and is folded or folded in the region of the bevelled edges 113 around fold lines 53 of the pack which have already been provided. The area of the pack 59 between the dividing fold lines 53 is thus brought into an oblique orientation to the sides and to the rear of the pack 59 in order to emboss the desired edge shape. The embossed edge shape is retained even after the package 59 has been removed from the mold 112, since the edge shape has already been created in the package 59 as a result of the fold lines 53. Only the packaging material 51 had not yet been folded or folded along the fold lines 53.

Claims (15)

1. Method for forming package bodies (88) open on one side from package sleeves (63) open on both sides for the manufacture of filled packages (59),

   - in the case of which the package sleeves (63) are held ready in a stack (81) for further processing, folded flat along at least two fold edges (65) running in the longitudinal direction of the package sleeves (63),

   - in the case of which the flat-folded package sleeves (63) are transferred consecutively from the stack (81) to a moulding station (84),

   - in the case of which the package sleeves (63) are unfolded in a moulding station (84),

   - in the case of which the unfolded package sleeves (63) are pushed onto a mandrel (86) for closing, in particular sealing, a longitudinal end (87) of the package sleeve (63), characterised in that the package sleeves (63) are drawn in the moulding station through a channel (95) coming into contact with the two opposing fold edges (65) of the package sleeve (63) and tapering transverse to the package sleeve, wherein the package sleeves (63) engage at the end of the channel (95) into grooves (97) assigned to opposing sides of the channel (95).
2. Method according to claim 1,

   - in the case of which the package sleeves (63) are folded flat along exactly two fold edges (65) and/or

   - in the case of which between the fold edges (65) there is no fold line (52) provided, which runs in a straight line over the entire longitudinal extension of the package sleeve (63), to fold the package material (51) and/or

   - in the case of which in the moulding station (84) pressure is applied against the at least two fold edges (65) from opposing sides of the package sleeve (63) to enlarge the free cross-section of the package sleeve (63) such that the at least two fold edges (65) of the package sleeve (63) are moved towards one another and/or

   - in the case of which the package sleeve (63) is positioned in the moulding station (84) between at least two mould halves (100, 101) of a mould (99) and is unfolded by closing the mould (99), preferably by lying the package sleeve (63) at least substantially circumferentially on the inside of the mould (99).
3. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 2,

   - in the case of which the side of the folded package sleeve (63) forming the front side of the stack (81), is gripped, preferably by means of suction pads (94), and drawn from the stack (81) preferably forwards, in particular in a straight line.
4. Method according to claim 3,

   - in the case of which lateral boundaries (96) of the channel (95) press against the at least two fold edges (65) of the package sleeve (63) when package sleeve (63) is drawn through such that the fold edges (65) of the package sleeve (63) are moved towards one another and/or

   - in the case of which the package sleeve (63) is transported further in the longitudinal direction of the grooves (97), in particular in the grooves (97) and/or with the grooves (97), in particular into an unfolding device (83).
5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

   - in the case of which the package sleeve (63) is moved in a direction, preferably in a straight line, through the pre-folding device (82) and

   - in the case of which the package sleeve (63) is preferably moved at least substantially perpendicular to the movement direction in the pre-folding device (82) to the, in particular into the, unfolding device (83).
6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

   - in the case of which the package sleeve (63) is pushed onto a mandrel (86) with the fold edges (65) spaced apart from at least one edge of a sleeve (104) of a mandrel (86) and/or at least one corner of the head (105) of the mandrel (86) and

   - in the case of which the distance of the at least one fold edge (65) to the adjoining edges and/or corners of the mandrel (86) is at least one tenth, preferably at least one fifth, in particular at least one third of the distance between the adjoining edges and/or corners and,

   - in the case of which the fold edges (65) are further preferably arranged on flat and/or convex sides of the sleeve (104) of the mandrel (105).
7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

   - in the case of which a longitudinal end of the package sleeve (63) is pressed against a pressing surface (108) of the mandrel (86), formed only after the package sleeve (63) has been pushed onto the mandrel (86), to close the package sleeve (63) and

   - in the case of which after closing the package sleeve (63) and before removing the package sleeve (63) from the mandrel (86) the mandrel (86) is preferably adjusted back into the starting position before a package sleeve (63) is pushed on and

   - in the case of which the width of the free end of the mandrel (86) is further preferably enlarged to close in at least one direction (R) transverse to the package sleeve (63) and/or is reduced for the package sleeve (63) to be pushed on and/or removed.
8. Method for manufacturing a filled package (59) comprising the formation of package bodies (88) open on one side from package sleeves (63) open on both sides according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

   - in the case of which the opening is closed at a longitudinal end of the package body (88) after filling, in particular by sealing, whilst forming package lugs (69) protruding outwards with respect to the sleeve (70) of the package (59) and

   - in the case of which the sleeve (70) of the package (59) adjoining the package lugs (69) is pressed inwards whilst at least partially folding a fold line (54) to lay the package lugs (69) on the sleeve (70) of the package (59).
9. Method for manufacturing filled packages (59) comprising the formation of package bodies (88) open on one side from package sleeves (63) open on both sides according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in particular according to claim 8, in the case of which at least the sleeve (70) of the filled and closed package (59) is pressed in an at least two-piece mould (112), in particular along the circumference.
10. Device for forming package bodies (88) open on one side from package sleeves (63) open on both sides for the manufacture of filled packages (59), in particular for manufacturing filled packages (59), preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 9, with a magazine (22) comprising a stack (81) formed from package sleeves (63), wherein the package sleeves (63) of the stack (81) are folded flat along at least two fold edges (65) running in the longitudinal direction of the package sleeves (63), wherein a transfer device is provided to transfer the package sleeves (63) of the stack (81) consecutively to a moulding station (84) to unfold the package sleeves (63) and a push-on device to push the package sleeves (63), which are unfolded in the moulding station (84), onto a mandrel (86), characterised in that the moulding station (84) has a channel (95) to partially unfold the package sleeves (63) moved through the channel (95) and in that at the end of the channel (95) opposing grooves (97) are provided to receive the fold edges (65) of the package sleeves (63).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the moulding station (84) preferably has one unfolding device (83), at least two stamps for simultaneously compressing and unfolding the package sleeves (63) and preferably in that the at least two stamps are formed as at least two mould halves (100, 101) such that the package sleeve (63) is unfolded by closing the mould (99), in particular comes at least substantially circumferentially into contact with the inside of the mould (99).
12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that a pre-folding device (82) has the channel (95) to partially unfold the package sleeves (63) moved in particular in a straight line through the channel (95) and preferably in that the width of the channel (95) tapers in the transport direction of the package sleeves (63) to a dimension that is smaller than the width of the flat-folded package sleeves (63) received in particular in the magazine (22) such that lateral boundaries (96) of the channel (95) press against the at least two fold edges (65) of the package sleeve (63) when the package sleeve (63) is moved through and move the fold edges (65) of the package sleeve (63) towards one another.
13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that lateral boundaries (96) of the channel (95) are arranged stationary at least when the package sleeve (63) is moved through and preferably in that a feed device (98) is provided to feed the package sleeves (63) to the unfolding device (83) in the longitudinal extension of the grooves (97), in particular in the grooves (97) and/or with the grooves (97).
14. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that a transfer device, in particular comprising a gripping arm (93) and a feed device (98) are provided to move the package sleeve (63) in a first transport direction through a pre-folding device (82) and in a second transport direction aligned substantially perpendicular to the first transport direction, into, preferably through, the unfolding device (83) and/or in that the mandrel (86), in particular the head (105) of the mandrel (86) is formed to adjust between a, preferably wider, pressing position and a, in particular narrower, starting position to push on and remove package sleeves (63) and in particular the head (105) of the mandrel (86) in the pressing position provides the pressing surface (108) for pressing a longitudinal end (87) of the package sleeve (63) against the mandrel (83).
15. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that a gable pre-folding device (90) comprising two stamps (110) to compress a filled and closed package (59) adjoining the package lugs (69) of the package gable (66), whilst at least partially folding a fold line (54) of the package (59) is provided to lay the package lugs (69) on the sleeve (70) of the package (59) and further preferably in that an at least two-piece mould (112) is provided for in particular circumferentially pressing the sleeve (70) of the filled and closed package (59).

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