EP3558826A1

EP3558826A1 - Packaging installation and method for producing a packaging unit, and also a packaging unit made of packaging sleeves and external packaging

Info

Publication number: EP3558826A1
Application number: EP17828758.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kurt Dahlmanns; Dieter Diesinger; Georg Schulte; Richard Leufen
Original assignee: SIG Technology AG
Current assignee: Sig Services Ag
Priority date: 2016-12-23
Filing date: 2017-12-22
Publication date: 2019-10-30
Also published as: US20200017248A1; CN110114273B; WO2018114560A2; MX2019007320A; BR112019013000A2; US11884434B2; WO2018115478A1; AU2017383135A1; JP7234113B2; AU2017383135B2; WO2018114560A3; DE102016125588A1; CN110114273A; JP2020502000A; BR112019013000B1

Abstract

The document illustrates and describes a packaging installation and a method for producing a packaging unit (11, 11') from a packaging-sleeve group (2), which has a multiplicity of folded-flat, in particular upright, packaging sleeves (P), and external packaging. In order to cut back on costs for the material of the external packaging and to reduce, or as far as possible even to prevent, dust created by the external packaging during unpacking, and to reduce the amount of waste produced by the external packaging, provision is made for the packaging installation to have at least one conveying unit (3) for conveying the packaging-sleeve group (2) in a conveying direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the packaging-sleeve group (2), and also to have at least one external-packaging unit (7), by means of which a web material (5), which forms the external packaging, is supplied in a basic position, and for a sealing unit (18) for sealing the web material (5), which encloses the packaging-sleeve group (2), to be arranged downstream of the web material (5) in the basic position, as seen in the conveying direction. This takes place by way of the following steps: - the packaging-sleeve group (2) is supplied, - a web material (5) is opened out in a basic position, - the packaging-sleeve group (2) is conveyed, in a conveying direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the packaging-sleeve group (2), through the opened-out web material (5), wherein the web material (5) is pre-stressed, - the packaging-sleeve group (2) passes through a sealing unit (18) arranged downstream of the web material (5) in the basic position, as seen in the conveying direction, - the web material (5) is sealed by means of the sealing unit (18), and - the sealed web material (5) is severed in a sealed region (24).

Description

Packaging installation and method for the production of a packaging unit, as well as a packaging unit made of packing coats and an outer packaging

The invention relates to a packaging system for producing a

Packaging unit comprising a packing sheath group having a plurality of flat-folded, upright packing shells and an outer packaging. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a packaging unit from a plurality of flat folded, upright packing coats

having Packungsmantelgruppe and an outer packaging. Finally, the invention relates to a packaging unit with a plurality of flat-folded, upright packing coats having Packungsmantelgruppe, wherein the

Packungsmäntel each are open on opposite sides, and one

Overpack.

By upright packing coats should be understood packaging coats which stand on a longitudinal edge or a cut edge. The longitudinal edge is usually formed by a crease line and the cutting edge always of open

Composite material. A packing sheath group formed from such flat-folded, upright neighboring packing sheaths thus has two

opposite sides of longitudinal edges of the packaging coats on, while the other opposite longitudinal sides are formed from open edges. In this case, it may be expedient to protect the longitudinal sides with the open cut edges of the packing shells, as already known, against the ingress of dirt or germs by treating them with a sterilizing agent. For this purpose, the open cut edges can be treated with a liquid sterilant or can be brought into at least indirect contact with inserted sterilized with "sterilized" strips, sheets or the like, so that in the interior of the subsequent outer packaging a correspondingly sufficient

sterilizing atmosphere prevails. Numerous outer packaging is known in the field of packaging technology. Outer packagings are packaging whose intended contents are other packagings. Packs are therefore also referred to as primary packaging and outer packaging as secondary packaging. As packs or

First-time packs, for example, can also be considered packaging jackets. Packing jackets are used as "semi-finished products" for the manufacture of food or beverage packages Packing jackets are made from flat blanks and can be made, for example, by folding the blank and welding or gluing a seam A blank Z known in the art is shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B shows one in the manner described

produced packing jacket P.

Such a packing jacket P is characterized in that it is closed by welding the longitudinal seam S from FIG. 1A to at least one longitudinal side, but is open on two opposite sides. The packing jacket is stored folded flat and for further transport - for example, to another place for the purpose of filling or production of the finished package - in the already mentioned

Packed outer packaging.

An outer packaging or secondary packaging thus has, inter alia, the purpose of grouping together several packaging coats into units in order to be able to stack them more easily on pallets or the like and transport them compactly. Another function of outer packaging is to protect the outer packaging, such as impacts, damage or dirt, from the outer packaging. The exempt from the outer packaging units of packing coats are supplied at their destination, for example, directly to a filling machine. For the purposes of the present invention, a packaging unit is to be understood as meaning a system or a packaging system which has a multiplicity of Packungsmänteln and an outer packaging includes. The variety of packaging coats is regularly in the form of flat-folded, upright

Packungsmänteln provided. The outer packaging usually represents the packaging for the multiplicity of packaging coats. The multiplicity of packaging coats is provided in the outer packaging, inter alia for transport purposes. This is done for example by inserting the packaging coats in the outer packaging or

Enclosing the packaging coats with the outer packaging.

In the prior art usually cardboard or corrugated cardboard are used as materials for outer packaging. Overpacks of this type are summarized here under the term carton. The materials for the materials for the

Overpacks are relatively expensive. Another disadvantage of these cartons is that the outer cartons are opened at the destination as the filling machine, by the

Filling machine must be eliminated and finally disposed of.

In addition, it is problematic on a repackaged outer carton that it is susceptible to dust. Cartons contain a lot of dust. This so-called carton dust can be located on those in the carton

Packing coats are delivered. This is especially the case when the

Cartons for unpacking the packaging shells - usually at the place of filling the food or beverage packages - cut open, for example, opened with a circular saw.

Due to the later filling with sensitive contents, such as food, however, the packaging coats are subject to increased sterility requirements. Since the packing shells are regularly open on two sides, an environment with good sterile conditions is desirable and any negative external influences such as soiling, especially in the form of dust, should be avoided. If contaminants pass through the open sides into the interior of a packing jacket, they must be removed before filling at great expense. Furthermore, the cartons formed of cardboard or corrugated board are not well protected against moisture or water, since the material has a high water absorption capacity. This can also be an undesirable contact with the

protective packing coats with a foreign substance in the form of water. In addition, this can lead to a softening of the material of the outer cartons, including the resistance of the outer packaging to external influences, in particular in the form of shocks and damage may suffer. In addition, the materials used for the cartons are relatively stable.

Thus, the outer cartons are relatively dimensionally stable packages, the outer appearance of which is constant as soon as the outer carton - for example in the form of a folding carton - is made. However, since the stored in the cartons packaging coats regularly regularly after production in the

Carton be packaged and the packaging coats thereby still have a relation to the ambient temperature increased temperature, shrink wrapped in a carton packaging coats in the course of their cooling. Due to the associated with the shrinkage of the packaging coats smaller footprint of

Packing coats in the outer carton increases the proportion of air in the outer carton. Thus, on the one hand, more unused space is wasted in the outer carton,

On the other hand, with the greater range of motion for the packaging jackets stored in the carton, there is a greater risk of damage due to excessive movement, such as shaking or vibration, associated with the packaging shells. If a relatively stable outer carton should nevertheless be damaged and, for example, buckle the material of the outer carton, it may be a

Fold the side of the outer carton into the designated storage space for the

Packing coats come in the outer carton. The packaging jackets stored in the outer carton can be damaged by a bending edge of the outer carton. Furthermore, due to the outer cartons after their use, a great deal of effort is made with regard to the disposal of the outer cartons at the destination of the packaging shells stored in them. The recyclers of the pack coats are faced with a large amount of waste. The disposal of cartons is also problematic because the cartons are relatively sturdy packages. The waste produced by the outer packaging of cardboard also has a high volume and also a high weight.

Against this background, the invention is based on the object

Packing unit of the type described above and explained in more detail above and further develop that the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided. In particular, costs for the material of the outer packaging itself should be saved. Furthermore, should be reduced or possibly even prevented during unpacking resulting carton dust. Finally, a reduction in the costs incurred by the outer packaging waste is desired.

This task is initially through a packaging system of the beginning

described in that the packaging system has at least one conveying unit for conveying the packing mantle group in a conveying direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the packing mantle group and at least one Umverpackungseinheit for providing a wrapping shaping web material in a normal position and that seen in the conveying direction behind the web material in the basic position a sealing unit for

Sealing the web wrapping material surrounding the package cladding group

is provided.

The above-described object is likewise achieved by a method of the type described in the introduction, the method being characterized by the following steps

characterized by providing the package cladding group, mounting a web material in a home position, conveying the package cladding assembly by the stretched web material, the web material being biased, passing the webbing material Packing shell group of a sealing unit arranged behind the web material in the basic position, as seen in the conveying direction, sealing the web material by means of the sealing unit and separating the sealed web material in a sealed area.

Finally, the object is also achieved by a packaging unit of the type described above, wherein the packaging unit is characterized in that the outer packaging is at least made of a web material. The packaging installation according to the invention, the method according to the invention and the packaging unit according to the invention are each characterized by the fact that a packaging unit can be produced in a simple manner, dispensing with the outer carton usually used as an outer packaging. In a packaging installation according to the invention, the packing casing group can be effectively conveyed through the packaging installation into a conveyor unit by means of the conveyor unit

Conveying direction to be transported perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the packing jacket group. A structurally simple embodiment of

Packaging system according to the invention is achieved when a slide is provided as a conveying unit. The pusher can convey the package shell group through the packaging equipment by pushing the package shell group perpendicular to its longitudinal extent with the front of the pusher in the conveying direction. Alternatively, the conveyor unit can also be designed as a clamping unit. The clamping unit packs the packing sheath group at their end faces,

for example by means of lateral slides, and exerts a pressure on the

Packing coat group, so that it can be transported as a unit through the packaging system. In this case, such a two-part clamping unit itself provide for the transport of the pack casing group by the clamping unit moves on rails through the packaging system or moved in rails is suspended. Alternatively, the clamping unit merely provides for the cohesion of the packing casing group and, in interaction with a conveyor belt on which the packing casing group can be transported, constitutes the conveying unit. The conveying direction referred to is a direction along the packing system. In this case, the conveying direction indicates the intended path of the pack casing group through the packaging system. The conveying direction thus runs regularly from the start of the packaging plant, where the packaging plant is equipped with the packing coats to be packed, to the output of

Packaging plant, where the packaging unit to be produced can be removed.

A lightweight and inexpensive outer packaging for the packing mantle group can be achieved by providing a web material through an overwrapping unit. As web material can be considered, the web-shaped provided and, in particular on rolls, can be wound up. As an example, here are known from the prior art films such as

To call plastic films or paper or a combination of these materials. Web material is distinguished, in contrast to the cardboard used in the prior art as outer packaging material in particular by a lighter weight and better deformability.

This saves on transport costs, among other things. In addition, the disadvantageous carton dust is no longer incurred, for example, when the existing outer web of packaging material is opened later. In addition, a weight and

Reduction of volume achieved by the packaging waste is achieved, and the high demands on the sterility of the packaging coats due to the later filling with food taken into account. Furthermore, the

Packungsmäntel compressed by the repackaging with the adjacent sheet material and fixed at their ends by the prestressed sheet material. As a result, the existing in the outer packaging space between two adjacent Packungsmänteln compared to the case described in the art relating to cartons reduced. Thus, more packing coats fit into an outer packaging and - finally for onward transport - on a pallet and in a means of transport such as a truck.

The web material ultimately designed the outer packaging for the packaging coats and is initially provided in a basic position. The basic position of the web material is such that the web material seen in the conveying direction in

Transport path of the packing sheath group is located. For example, that can

Web material in a seen in the conveying direction in the conveying path of the

Packungsmantelgruppe lying plane be spanned. The web material is in the basic position at most on the packing sheath group, the orientation of the web material is not affected in the normal position by the packing sheath group. In particular, the web material in the basic position has not yet been displaced by the packing jacket group. The outer packaging can then be produced in a simple manner by the packing sheath group in the

Conveying direction is transported by the web material. In this way, the packing sheath group is wrapped or sheathed with the web material, wherein in particular the ends lying in the transport direction are fixed and thus hold the packing shells together.

After wrapping the package cladding group with the web material, the sealing unit can seal the web material and thus provide for completion of the overwrap around the package cladding assembly. In this way, the package cladding group is completely encased by the web material from four sides of the six sides and the two end faces are partially encased. Under one

closed position of a repackaging is to be understood as a layer or a coating, whereby the packing sheath group, by the web material once surrounded or enclosed, held together and completely covered even in the region of the open upper and lower ends of the individual packing shells. The wrapping of the individual packing shells organized in the packing sheath group achieves an outer packaging which can protect the packing sheath from external influences such as dirt or moisture. The packaging system according to the invention thus ensures a simple production of a packaging unit, which saves weight and volume in comparison to the carton known from the prior art, enables a more cost-effective transport of packaging coats, improves the problem of carton dust and reduces the waste arising from the outer packaging can be achieved.

Analogous to the above description of the packaging system according to the invention, by the inventive method an outer packaging for a

Packungsmantelgruppe achieved, which has a lower weight and a cost savings and a lower volume compared to the known from the prior art cartons. This can reduce transport costs. Furthermore, the carton dust caused by the outer cartons is no longer noticeable, so that the requirement for improved sterility of the packing shells is fulfilled. The volume as well as the weight of the waste resulting from the outer packaging are also considerably reduced in comparison with the use of outer cartons as outer packaging. Preferably, the inventive method is carried out with a packaging system according to the invention of the type described above. This is also the already in the context of the embodiments of

Packaging system described benefits associated. The same applies to the packaging unit according to the invention, in which the weight and the volume of the outer packaging can be significantly reduced compared to the cartons used previously. Furthermore, the

Avoiding carton dust, and reduced by the outer packaging waste. Preferably, the packaging unit according to the invention by a method according to the invention of the type described above, and particularly preferably with a packaging system according to the invention of the type described above produced. This is also accompanied by the advantages already described in the context of the embodiments of the packaging installation or of the method.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention

Packaging unit, the sealing unit is formed by a pair of sealed against each other arranged sealing jaws. The two sealing jaws of the pair

Sealing jaws can be essentially flat, opposing

Have outer surfaces. The packaging casing group is conveyed behind the sealing unit as seen in the conveying direction during the production of a packaging unit between the sealing jaws of the sealing unit and through the stretched web material. In this way, the web material during the delivery of the

Packing shroud group through the packaging plant around the packing sheath group laid around. Thus, the packing sheath group is used to form the

Envelope wrapped on all sides of the web material, so that only the end faces are still largely uncovered, but are covered and held in the corners of the web material. The sealing jaws or work rolls are arranged movable relative to one another so that the formation of the outer packaging from the web material can be completed in a simple and automated manner. These can be the

Sealing jaws, after they have been passed by the packing mantle group in the conveying direction, to drive towards each other. Thus, the web material, which already encloses three longitudinal sides of the packing sheath group, can still be placed around the fourth longitudinal side of the packing sheath group. By a subsequent sealing of the web material, the outer packaging is already completed except for the end faces of the packing jacket group. Thus, the web material can be effectively sealed in a single step by the sealing unit in a structurally simple manner. Furthermore, the web material can be trapped by the Aufeinanderzufahren the sealing jaws or work rolls. The mobility of the sealing jaws on the one hand be designed such that in each case two, oppositely arranged, sealing jaws movable, so each other to be movable, executed. The reference to the individual sealing jaws, zurückzulegende way is thus minimal. On the other hand, only one of the two sealing jaws can be arranged so that they can move, so that the movably arranged sealing jaw can move toward and away from the other one. In this way, only one of the sealing jaws has to be set in such a way that it can move and the other one does not necessarily have to be arranged for movement.

In a further embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing unit is designed as a sealing and cutting device. The sealing and cutting device has sealing surfaces and a cutting device. This can ensure an effective completion of a layer of outer packaging.

The sealing surfaces provide for joining together two pieces of web material. This joining can generally be done by welding or gluing. The cutting device in turn ensures that the sealed web material can be separated again. This is preferably done in a sealed area of the sealed sheet material. Thus, a layer of overwrapping can be completed and the resulting finished package wrapped shroud group separated from the remaining web material. The cutting device may be formed by a knife which is located between the sealing surfaces of the sealing unit and extends outward or can be extended outwardly and is movable back again between the sealing surfaces. This is a structurally simple way to form a

Cutting device guaranteed. Alternatively, a heated wire may be provided as a cutting device, wherein the wire in the heated state as a hot wire can separate the sealed sheet material. Furthermore, both means for detecting the temperature for sealing the web material and means for cooling the joined web material, in particular a unit for introducing compressed air, may be provided. In this way it can be ensured that, on the one hand, a sufficiently high temperature is achieved for the successful sealing of the web material, and that

on the other hand, the sealed sheet material has cooled sufficiently before it is separated by the cutting device. In addition, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing surfaces can provide a welding section in a contact zone of the sealing and cutting device. In this way, the completion of a layer of a web material can be effected in a structurally simple manner, since the sealing surfaces of the sealing and cutting device only have to travel close enough together in their contact zone.

Particularly preferably, the welding section is provided in the form of a heatable section, preferably in the form of heating or welding strips, so that rapid joining of the web material can take place with little effort. The heating or welding belts can be heated by the sealed sealing and cutting device after the sealing and cutting device has come together and after clamping the web material.

A compact, stable packaging unit can be achieved by the

has at least one web material brake for holding the web material, wherein the web material brake in the

Viewing direction is arranged in front of the sealing unit. The web brake material can pinch the web material, for example between two mutually movable brake shoes. If the web material is held when the

Packungsmantelgruppe is promoted by the web material, so will the

Web material by the transport of the packing sheath group through the Web material stretched or stretched and put under tension. After completion of the position of the outer packaging of the web material, the tensioned web material lays tightly around the packing sheath group. In this way, an intrinsically stable and compact arrangement of the packing shells can be achieved in the jacketed packing sheath group.

Furthermore, the packaging installation according to the invention can additionally or alternatively have a support for providing the packing jacket group and for at least partially guiding the packing jacket group through the packaging installation. This can be done by the packaging system a safe conveying the packing shroud group. In this case, under the packing sheath group is generally and below the still completely unpacked packing sheath group of packing shells, as well as the already wrapped with the sheet material packing sheath group, as well as the already covered sheath pack group - so the finished

Packaging unit - to understand.

The overlay can be a worktable. This constitutes one

structurally simple embodiment of a support. The support is thus at least a passive component of the conveyor system of the packaging installation, wherein the support can also be designed as a conveyor belt. As a result, the overlay can also become an active component of the conveyor system and, alternatively to or interacting with the conveyor unit, transport the packshell group through the conveyor

Ensure packaging system. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the outer packaging unit are formed by a pair of supply rolls with the wound sheet material. In this case, the supply rolls of the pair supply rolls on two, based on the

Packing coat group opposite sides can be arranged. That the

Overlay forming web material may be wound on the supply reels. So can a web material in one between the pair supply rolls

be arranged spanned level. Alternatively, the web material after settlement of a supply roll also be initially redirected, so that a plane of the web material for the design of the outer packaging can be stretched at any point of the packaging system. A pair of stock rolls is regularly characterized in that two stock rolls have substantially parallel axes. The couple

Stock rolls can be arranged so that the two supply rolls are arranged on opposite sides of the packing shell group, resulting in a space-saving design of the packaging system.

In addition, a brake may be integrated in the supply rolls, so that upon actuation of this brake and at the same time conveying the packing casing group through the stretched web material, the web material can be put under tension. This brings with it the advantages previously described in the course of the web brake.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the packaging installation has, behind the outer packaging unit, a heat treatment unit for applying the projecting web material to the end faces of the packing jacket group. By a heat treatment, a further tensioning and subsequent solidification of the packing cladding group can be achieved if a correspondingly designed film is used as the web material. While the corners of the two end faces are sufficiently fixed by the elongation of the prestressed sheet material and thus hold the entire packing sheath group together, the ends of the sheet material protrude outward at the end faces of the packing sheath group, substantially by the amount of excess film width in relation to the length of the packing sheath group. By applying a corresponding amount of heat, these projecting ends of the web material can be applied and further solidify the stability of the packing jacket group. For this purpose, it is provided in a first advantageous embodiment of the invention that the heat treatment unit has a heat tunnel. Such a

Heat tunnel has an opening as an inlet for through the heat tunnel

transported Packungsmantelgruppe and another opening as an outlet at the end of the heat tunnel. Inside the heat tunnel can be a uniform

Temperature distribution prevail, but it is also possible by appropriately trained heating elements and heat guide the end faces of the

Apply more heat to the package sheath group than the rest of the package

Pack casing group.

Alternatively, it is also possible to dispense with a heat tunnel and instead provide a plurality of hot air nozzles, wherein at each end of the

Packungsmantelgruppe preferably four hot air nozzles or blower are arranged. For this purpose, round or slot nozzles are suitable, wherein the use of slot nozzles is more expedient in order to achieve a uniform concern of the protruding portions of the web material.

It is also possible to provide on each side a nozzle or a blower whose flow direction and possibly flow intensity with respect to the

Packungsmantelgruppe is changeable. If, in particular, centrally arranged regions of the end faces of the packing sheath group remain free or uncovered, then, in the context of the present invention, it should nevertheless be said that the outer packaging is closed. Alternatively, it is possible, with sufficiently large supernatant, to shrink the end faces in such a way that the end faces of the package container are completely closed.

In order to prevent undesired microbiological influences, the front projection can also be welded or sealed, so that forms a closed interior as quickly as possible and without the influence of high air movements. The loose front projections can then be applied by shrinking to the container body. The sealing of the web material can take place according to a further embodiment of the invention by means of joining. Preferably, the joining is welding or gluing. In this way, the formation of a layer of a web material as packaging is completed quickly. The reached

Composite is stable, so that the packing sheath group is safely protected from external influences.

In a further embodiment of the invention for sealing the web material sealing jaws to drive towards each other, the sealing of the web material can be done quickly in a simple manner. The sealing jaws can also guide the web material and thus bring together two to be sealed or mating parts of the web material and pinch between them. In addition, sealing surfaces of the sealing jaws can seal the web material. This is done in particular by means of heating, preferably a heatable section, preferably in the form of heating or welding strips. In this way, a simple and quick joining of the web material parts to be sealed can be achieved. The web material can thus be welded together.

For a simple completion of the production of the material encased in web material packing jacket group, the sealed web material can be separated according to a further embodiment of the invention. Thus, the formation of a closed layer of web material can be completed as outer packaging. For this purpose, the sealed web material is separated in a sealed area. This sealed area may be glued or welded, for example.

The fact that the web material is separated in the sealed area, on the one hand, the coated with at least one layer of a sheet material

Packing shell group released and the web material simultaneously clamped for the next Packmantelmantelgruppe. In addition, according to the present invention, the sealing jaws may again move away from each other after sealing the web material or after separating the sealed web material. Preferably, the sealing jaws can drive back to their original positions. This is not a problem, because after the sealing of the web material, the function of guiding the web material through the

Sealing jaws and the function of holding the Packungsmantelgruppe in the current position are no longer necessary. A particularly compact and stable packaging unit can alternatively or additionally be achieved in that the web material after a

predetermined conveying path of the packing mantle group through the web material, in particular by means of a web material brake, braked, preferably held, is. The earlier the web material brake is actuated, that is, the lower the conveying path already traveled by the packing jacket group, the greater is the tension imposed on the web material or the elongation of the web material during conveyance of the package shell group through the web material. Thus, the

desired elongation of the web material over the advance of the

Packing shell group and the web brake adjustable. This applies both to the packing sheath group and to the packing sheath group sheathed with the web material.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention

Packaging unit is finally proposed that the web material is formed as a film. In particular, a polyethylene (PE) film is suitable as

Web material for overpacking, as PE is a cheaper yet lighter material for use as a web material. The fact that the compared to PE film heavier outer cartons, which are used in the art as outer packaging, are avoided, a lighter and less voluminous packaging unit is achieved. Furthermore, this brings advantages in terms of Processability of the web material and reduces the cost of the material for the outer packaging.

Particularly preferred is a stretch film or shrink film made of PE. Stretch films have the advantage that they are highly elastic and can thus withstand high tensions. Thus, the web material can withstand the stretching caused by the conveyance of the package cladding group through the web material without damage. Thus, a packaging unit comprising packing sheaths and stretch film is characterized by a strong cohesion, since the stretch foil, after a layer has been formed around the packing sheath group, exerts a pressure on the packing sheath group and thus ensures a compact, stable unit.

Generally, a distinction can be made between two types of stretch film. For one thing, there are stretch films that are stickable but not weldable. On the other hand, there are stretch films which are not adhesively but weldable, these second-mentioned, weldable stretch films are preferably used.

Shrink films, on the other hand, can continue to shrink after processing. Using a, in particular weldable, stretch film and / or a

Shrink wrap, a packaging unit, which is a unit of packing coats and shrink film, be made particularly compact.

In the described ways, the space occupied by the packaging unit can be reduced, for example during transport. The

Packing coats are compressed by the web material, thereby reducing the gap between two adjacent package coats located in the overwrap. It thus fit more packing coats in an outer packaging and - ultimately for onward transport - on a pallet and in a means of transport such as a truck. Furthermore, a packaging unit is achieved which has a high stability due to the close-fitting packing shells. Another advantage of using a weldable stretch film or

PE shrink film is that the stretch film or shrink film is welded under tension. In this way, a simple processability of the

Stretch film or shrink film and thus an advantageous production of a

Packing unit guaranteed.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention is used as the film, a PE shrink film with a thickness in the range of 15 to 45 μπι, preferably with a thickness in the range of 25 to 40 μηι and particularly preferably used with the strength 35 μη.

In addition, the film used for the outer packaging may not be quite airtight or perforated. As a result, the shrink-wrapped directly after the production packaged, still warm packing coats emerging

Excess air from the outer packaging either escape through the non-airtight film or through the perforations provided in the film.

In addition, the risk of damage to the repacked packaging coats is avoided by a formed, for example, from cardboard or corrugated, kinked carton, since the risk of buckling in a repackaging of sheet material or foil no longer exists.

The above in connection with each of the invention

Packaging system, the method according to the invention or the packaging unit according to the invention described benefits are not on the respective

Embodiment of the invention limited. Although the advantages are explicitly described only in connection with one of the embodiments, they are also associated with the respective other embodiments of the present invention. The invention will be described below with reference to a purely preferred

Exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing explained in more detail. In the drawing: Fig. 1A shows a known from the prior art blank for folding a

Packing jacket, a known from the prior art packing jacket, which is formed from the blank shown in Fig. 1A, in the flat folded state, a first embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention, in a schematic side view, Fig. 2B shows a further embodiment of an inventive

Packaging plant, in a schematic side view, a detailed view of the area C of the packaging installation of FIG. 2A or 2B, the detail view of FIG. 3A in a step subsequent to the step shown in FIG

Packing unit, Fig. 3C, the packaging system of Fig. 3A in one of the in Fig. 3B

illustrated step subsequent step in manufacturing a packaging unit,

FIG. 3D shows the packaging installation from FIG. 3A in a manner similar to that in FIG. 3C

illustrated step subsequent step in manufacturing a packaging unit, FIG. 3E shows the packaging installation from FIG. 3A in a step subsequent to the cutting through of the web material following the step shown in FIG. 3D, the packaging installation from FIG

coated packing jacket group, after severing the web material, a sealing unit of the packaging system according to the invention of Figure 3A in plan view in a first step in sealing the

4A, in a step subsequent to the step illustrated in FIG. 4A in sealing the web material, the sealing unit of FIG. 4A in a step subsequent to the sealing of the web material at the step shown in FIG. 4B, the treatment the perspective view of the protruding ends of the web material at the end faces of a jacketed packing jacket group by means of hot air with sufficient length of the projecting web material, the treatment of the projecting ends of the web material on the end faces of a jacketed packing jacket group by means of hot air with only short protruding web material in a perspective view and FIG 6 shows a pallet with a multiplicity of inventive devices

Packaging units. In Fig. 1A a known from the prior art blank Z is shown, from which a packing jacket can be formed. The blank Z may comprise several layers of different materials, for example paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, in particular aluminum, and is usually laminated. The blank Z has a plurality of fold lines which are intended to facilitate the folding of the blank and divide the blank into several areas. From the blank Z, a packing jacket can be formed by folding the blank Z such that a sealing surface S to be recognized on the right side of the blank Z coincides with the left edge of the blank

Blank Z connected, in particular welded, can be.

In Fig. 1B, a packing jacket P known from the prior art and folded and connected in the manner described above is shown in a flat folded condition. In the flat folded state, several

Packungsmäntel P particularly space-saving combined into one unit, in particular stacked or lined up, be. Therefore, the packing shells P are stacked, for example, at the place of manufacture and transported in batches to their destination, such as the place of filling. There, the packaging coats P can be stacked and unfolded to be filled with content, such as food. The packing shells P to be stacked and to be transported are open on two opposite sides - in the illustration according to FIG. 1B at the top and bottom.

Fig. 2A shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention. Individual packing shells P are first fed to the packaging installation and stacked in a magazine 1. In a removal unit indicated in the region A, a group of packaging shells P is removed from a magazine and arranged in a transport direction in the region B, on a support as a pack sheath group 2 transversely to a transport direction indicated by unspecified arrows. This Packmantelmantelgruppe 2 is on a support then the area C of the packaging system, which in more detail in FIG. 3A to 3F. There promotes a conveyor unit 3, the laterally compressed by holding plates 4 Packungsmantelgruppe 2 by a

Web material 5. The web material 5 is initially provided by the outer packaging unit 7 in a basic position. When conveying the packing sheath group 2 through the web material 5, the web material 5 is placed around the packing sheath group 2, wherein the web material 5 is no longer in the normal position. Finally, this results in a wrapped by the web material 5 Packungsmantelgruppe 2 '. This encased packing sheath group 2 'is then in the area D of

Forwarded packaging plant in which the Packungsmantelgruppe 2 'fed to a heat treatment unit 8, wherein the jacketed

Packungsmantelgruppe 2 'is heated in a heat tunnel 9.

A warming of the already wrapped with sheet material 5 Packungsmantelgruppe 2 'in a heat treatment unit 8 is therefore expedient, because in the above-mentioned production in the outer packaging unit 7, although all the long sides of the Packungsmantelgruppe 2 and, due to the bias and extensibility of the web material 5 used also the end faces in their corner areas and, as a result, also along their peripheral edges form-fitting with

Web material 5 are covered, depending on the length of the supernatant, so the difference in the width of the web material 5 and the length of the packing sheath group 2, in the region of the end faces the web material 5 protrudes more or less far from the end face. By the heat treatment in the heat tunnel 9 can be, in particular by a correspondingly guided leadership of the hot air, projecting in the region of the end faces web material 5 on the front side and there connect with the other folded areas of the projecting web material 5 more or less firmly, the Softening point of the expediently used PE film can be exploited.

As an alternative to using the heat tunnel 9 shown in FIG. 2A, it is also possible, as shown in FIG. 2B, to completely dispense with a heat tunnel 9 and instead use a plurality of hot air nozzles 10, which are arranged in the region of the end faces such that the hot air from the

Hot air nozzles 10, the portions of the sheet material 5 to the center of the end face of the packing sheath group 2 'folded and there, optionally solidified by the supply of cold air. The exact application of hot air will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The packaging unit 11 to be produced is thus a system or a packaging system comprising a multiplicity of packing shells P, such as one illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1B, and an outer packaging of web material 5. In a packaging unit 11, a multiplicity of packing sheaths P are shown arranged upright in a flat folded state. The this variety

Packing sheaths P surrounding outer packaging serves to protect the packing shells P against external influences such as impacts, damage or soiling. Fig. 3A shows the area C of the packaging installation of Fig. 2A or 2B in a more detailed view. The Packungsmantelgruppe 2 is held by the conveyor unit 3 on the support 1. The conveyor unit 3 comprises at the end faces of

Packungsmantelgruppe 2 each have a holding plate 4, between which the

Packungsmantelgruppe 2 is compressed and thus overcomes existing in all flat-folded Packmänteleln P restoring forces. The holding plates 4 are suspended by means of guide elements 12 movable on a rail 13.

A slider, which is not visible in FIG. 3A, preferably packs the package shell group 2 on its rear longitudinal side, the slider length corresponding to the length of the package shell group 2, around all the upright ones

Packing coats P to push exactly parallel in the direction of the web material 5. The outer packaging unit 7 has a pair of supply rolls 14, 15. It is the

Supply roll 14 above and the supply roll 15 below the support 1A and arranged below the packing shell group 2. Between the deflection rollers 17A and the packing shroud group 2, one web material brake 16 is recognized, each with two brake shoes 16A and 16B. The ends of the two tracks are each deflected by a guide roller 17A toward each other and welded together by means of a seam 5E.

FIG. 3B shows a step subsequent to the step shown in FIG. 3A during the production of a packaging unit 11. It is the

Packungsmantelgruppe 2 already funded by the conveyor unit 3 by means of the unrecognizable slider a piece of the stretched web material 5. The web material 5 is thus no longer in its [in a vertical plane

extending) basic position, but lies down, deflected by stationary arranged deflection rollers 17 B, rather around the longitudinal side surfaces of the

Packing sheath group 2. Here corresponds to the clear dimension between the

Deflection rollers 17 B exactly the height of the packing sheath group 2. Thus, the packing sheath group 2 is initially partially wrapped with the web material 5. While the Packungsmantelgruppe 2 is further promoted by the web material 5, the web material 5 from the supply rolls 14, 15 of the

Outer packing unit 7, as indicated by the two arrows, unwound.

The further transport of the pack casing group 2 is shown in FIG. 3C, where the upper and lower longitudinal sides are already covered with web material 5 and the conveying unit 3 is almost shown in its end position. If necessary, the pack casing group 2 can also be stabilized after release by the conveying unit 3 by further holding or guiding elements (not shown) arranged laterally and / or above the packing casing group 2. FIG. 3D shows, in a next step, that the widths of the package shell 2 'encased in the longitudinal direction of the web material 5 are in their end position moved by the conveying unit 3, while the conveying unit 3 returns to its position

Starting position is moved back. In alignment with the rear longitudinal side of the packing jacket group 2 'extends a vertically movable sealing unit 18 which two towards each other and from each other wegbewegbare sealing jaws 19 has. In the position shown in FIG. 3D, the two sealing jaws 19 have already moved toward one another and weld the web material 5 to a welding region which directly adjoins the in

Conveying direction rear longitudinal side of the packing sheath group 2 'adjacent. Thus, the web material 5 remains streamlined in this process, now act the

Bahnmaterialbremsen 16 on the web material 5 and prevent further settlement of the same from the supply rolls 14 and 15th

The next treatment step is shown in Fig. 3E, while the two sealing jaws 19 are still in their sealing position and the welding area is separated by an only indicated knife over the entire width of the web material 5, so that the web material 5 between the rollers 14th and 15 is again in its home position (see FIG. 3A). Finally, it is shown in FIG. 3F that the two sealing jaws 19 have again moved away from one another and have reached their starting position. The at her

Packing shell group 2, which is completely sheathed along longitudinal sides, is thereby moved further in the conveying direction, preferably with a transporting means 1B, which supports the

Extension of the edition represents 1A. The packing sheath group 2 'in this case has a front and a rear weld 5E.

As already mentioned, the packaging installation has web material brakes 16, which can clamp or release the web material 5. In this way, the web material 5 can be stretched or stretched by the web material 5 during conveyance of the package shell group 2, so that a tension is imposed on the web material 5. This condition is illustrated in FIG. 3B where the web brake 16 is closed. As a result, the web material 5 is clamped while the

Packungsmantelgruppe 2 is conveyed through the web material 5.

FIG. 4A shows a sealing unit 18 of the packaging installation according to the invention in a first step during sealing of the web material 5. The sealing unit 18 is known as Sealing and cutting device formed. The sealing jaws 19 of the sealing unit 18 have outer clamping jaws 22, the ends of which are illustrated in FIG.

collapsed state of the sealing jaws 19 clamp the web material 5. In one of the sealing jaws 19, the cutting device in the form of a movable knife 20 and in the other, opposite sealing jaw 19, the counterpart to the cutting device 20 in the form of a receptacle 21 for the knife 20 is arranged. Furthermore, 22 sealing surfaces 23 are provided in the sealing jaws 19 between the jaws, which are also designed to be movable. Thus, the arranged between the sealing surfaces 23 knife 20 and between the

Sealing surfaces 23 arranged receptacle 21 by Aufeinanderzufahren the

Sealing surfaces 23 are also moved towards each other. In the illustration according to FIG. 4A, the sealing surfaces 23 are arranged in an extended position. The sealing surfaces 23 may generally provide a weld portion such as a heatable portion, particularly in the form of heating or welding bands, in the contact zone of the sealing surfaces 23.

In Fig. 4B, the sealing unit 18 is shown in a step subsequent to the step shown in Fig. 4A in sealing the sheet material 5. in the

In contrast to the illustration in FIG. 4A, the sealing surfaces 23 are arranged moved together, so that the web material 5 is located between the sealing surfaces 23 in the contact zone of the sealing and cutting device. Further, for example, by heating the heatable portion in the contact zone of the sealing surfaces 23, a sealed portion 24 of the web material 5 has been formed. The two parts of the web material 5 are thus joined together in the sealed area 24. The knife 20 of the cutter is in a non-extended condition, i. in a not retracted into the receptacle 21 state, arranged.

Fig. 4C shows the sealing unit 18 in a step subsequent to the step shown in Fig. 4B in sealing the web material 5. In contrast to the view of Fig. 4B, the blade 20 of the cutting device is disposed in an extended position. The knife 20 is in the in the opposite sealing jaw 19 arranged receptacle 21 retracted. In this case, the web material 5 has been severed in the sealed area 24 or between the two sealed areas 24 of the web material 5. After sealing and separating the web material 5, the knife 20 of the cutting device can drive back between the sealing surfaces 23. Furthermore, the entire sealing jaws 19 can also move apart again, so that the starting position of the sealing unit 18 is reached again. In this way, on the one hand, the at least partially sheathed packing sheath group 2 'is released, on the other hand also provided a new sheet material 5 in the basic position.

Figs. 5A and 5B show, for better understanding in perspective view, how the projecting ends of the sheet material 5 at the end faces of Figs

Packungsmantelgruppe 2 'can be deflected by means of hot air. For this purpose, four hot-air nozzles 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are preferably arranged on both end faces of the packing jacket group 2 ', of which only the front nozzles are shown. It can be seen immediately that the application of the protruding ends of the web material 5 causes them to lie on the end faces of the packing jacket group 2 'and to be welded together there, as can be seen in the right image, where a ready-made packaging unit 11 is shown. Due to the relatively large amount of material of the welded ends of the web material 5, this has an irregularly shaped structure in the central region of the end faces, which, however, is harmless for the function of the outer packaging. It can also be seen that also the welds 5E are folded on the end faces. Preferably, hot air is first added to the opposing nozzles 10A and 10B to allow the projecting upper and lower ends of the web material to face the end face of the web

Packing jacket group 2 'set before then the nozzles IOC and 10D are activated, so that the entire projecting web material 5 is applied flat and welded together. It is clear that there should be no welding between web material 5 and coating of the outer packing coats. Finally, it can be clearly seen in FIG. 5A that the packing sheath group 2 'is in the region of its End faces both at the corners and along their edges

Packing coat group 2 'tight, creating a solid unit that is dimensionally stable and thus easy to transport. FIG. 5B shows an alternative representation in which the width of the web material 5 is shorter with respect to the length of the package shell group 2 ', so that only a few projecting web material 5 results. This results in that the end faces of the packing sheath group 2 'can not be completely covered with web material 5, when the protruding ends are folded over on the end face and welded together. In the right-hand illustration of FIG. 5B, it can rather be seen that a type of window F is formed in the interior of the end faces. Such

Execution of a finished packaging unit 11 'is desirable, for example, if no thickening by welded together at the end faces

Web material 5 should take place.

Finally, FIG. 6 shows a conventional pallet 25 known from the prior art, which is loaded with a multiplicity of packaging units 11 according to the invention. For this purpose, the individual packaging units 11, which are formed from a packing shell group 2 having a plurality of packing shells P and an outer packaging formed from a sheet material 5, are stacked on the pallet 25. Such pallets 25 loaded with the packaging units 11 according to the invention are provided for the further transport of the packaging shells P, for example to the designated place for the purpose of filling and producing the finished packs.

From Fig. 6 it can also be seen that the edges of the stacked on the pallet 25 packaging units 11 are provided with an attached only for transport edge protection 26, for example made of reinforced cardboard. The whole thing out

Packaging units 11 and edge protection strip 26 and at least the support side of the pallet 25 is then wrapped with a shrink film and / or stretch film and if necessary, applied with heat, so that it forms a solid unit, which can not slip during transport by truck.

A system shown by way of example in FIG. 6 has various advantages over the systems known from the prior art, for example the packaging units made of packing shells packed in an outer carton as outer packaging. Here is the much cheaper outer packaging made of sheet material, especially from film, to call. Furthermore, the weight may be reduced in contrast to the solutions in the prior art. Furthermore, the waste resulting from the outer packaging can also be reduced and also better prepared

Dirt - for example in the form of cardboard dust - protected

Packing unit 11 or 11 'can be achieved.

Claims

claims

1. Packaging installation for producing a packaging unit (11, 11 ') from one of a plurality of flat-folded, upright packing coats (P)

having a pack casing group (2) and an outer packaging,

In other words, the packaging installation has at least one conveying unit (3) for conveying the packing jacket group (2) in a conveying direction perpendicular to the conveying direction

Longitudinal extension of the packing sheath group (2) and at least one

Umverpackungseinheit (7) for providing a the Umverpackung shaping web material (5) in a normal position and that seen in the conveying direction behind the web material (5) in the basic position, a sealing unit (18) for sealing the Packungsmantelgruppe (2)

enclosing web material (5) is provided.

2. Packaging installation according to claim 1,

In other words, the sealing unit (18) is arranged by a pair movable relative to one another

Sealing jaws (19) is formed.

3. Packaging installation according to claim 1 or 2,

The sealing unit (18) is designed as a sealing and cutting device, wherein the sealing and cutting device has sealing surfaces (23) and a sealing device (18)

Cutting device (20).

4. Packaging installation according to claim 3,

characterized in that the sealing surfaces (23) provide a welding section in a contact zone of the sealing and cutting device, in particular in the form of a heatable section, preferably in the form of heating or welding belts.

5. Packaging installation according to one of claims 1 to 4,

In other words, the packaging installation has at least one web material brake (16) for

Holding the web material (5), wherein the web material brake (16) seen in the conveying direction in front of the sealing unit (18) is arranged.

6. Packaging installation according to one of claims 1 to 5,

The packaging system is a support (1) for providing the

Packungsmantelgruppe (2) and for at least partially guiding the

Packing shell group (2) through the packaging plant has.

7. Packaging installation according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that the outer packaging unit (7) is formed by a pair of supply rolls (14, 15) with the wound web material (5), the supply rolls (14, 15) being arranged on two sides opposite to the package shell group (2) ,

8. Packaging installation according to one of claims 1 to 7,

The packaging system behind the outer packaging unit (7) is one of the packaging machines

Heat treatment unit (8) for applying the projecting sheet material (5) at the end faces of the packing shell group (2).

9. Packaging installation according to claim 8,

characterized in that the heat treatment unit (8) has a heat tunnel (9).

10. Packaging installation according to claim 8,

In other words, if the heat treatment unit (8) has a plurality of hot air nozzles (10A, 10B,

IOC, 10D).

Method for producing a packaging unit (11) from one of a multiplicity of flat-folded, upright packing sheaths (P)

Packing casing group (2) and an outer packaging, in particular with a packaging installation according to one of claims 1 to 7,

marked by

the following steps:

Providing the packing sheath group (2),

- clamping a web material (5) in a basic position,

Conveying the packing casing group (2) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the packing casing group (2) through the tensioned web material (5), the web material (5) being prestressed,

Passing through the packing jacket group (2) of a sealing unit (18) arranged behind the web material (5) in the basic position, viewed in the conveying direction,

- Sealing of the web material (5) by means of the sealing unit (18) and

- Separating the sealed sheet material (5) in a sealed area (24).

Method according to claim 11,

characterized in that the sealing of the web material (5) by means of joining, in particular by means of welding or gluing, takes place. Method according to claim 11 or 12,

d a d u r c h e k e n n e, e s s for sealing the web material (5) sealing jaws (19) of the sealing unit (18) to drive towards each other.

Method according to claim 13,

d a d u r c h e s e n c i n e s, d a s s

Sealing surfaces (23) of the sealing jaws (19), the sheet material (5), in particular by means of heating, preferably a heatable portion, preferably in the form of heating or welding bands seal.

Method according to one of claims 11 to 14,

That is, the sealed sheet material (5), in particular by means of one in the sealing unit, can be used

(18) formed cutting device (20) is separated.

Method according to one of claims 12 to 15,

The sealing jaws (19) are again moved away from each other after sealing the web material (5) or after separation of the sealed web material (5), in particular, back to their original positions.

Method according to one of claims 11 to 16,

The web material (5) is, according to a predetermined conveying path, of the web material (5)

Packungsmantelgruppe (2) by the web material (5), in particular by means of a web brake material (16), braked, preferably held, so that the corners of the packing shell group (2) are fixed by the web material (5).

18. A packaging unit (11, 11 ') having a packing sheath group (2) having a plurality of flat-folded, upright packing sheaths (P), wherein the packing shells (P) are each open on opposite sides, and an outer packaging,

characterized in that the outer packaging of at least one web material (5) is designed and that the packaging unit (11, 11 ') in particular by a method according to one of claims 11 to 16, preferably with a packaging system according to one of claims 1 to 10, is made ,

19. Packaging unit (11, 11 ') according to claim 18,

The web material (5) is formed as a film, in particular a PE film, preferably a stretch film and / or shrink film made of PE, the web material (5) is formed.

20. Packaging unit (11, 11 ') according to claim 19,

The film used is a PE shrink film with a thickness in the range of 15 to 45 μm as the film.

21. Packaging unit (11, 11 ') according to claim 20,

As a film, a PE shrink film with a thickness in the range from 25 to 40 μm, preferably with a thickness of 35 μm, is used as the film.