EP3581507A1 - Method of forming closed packages - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for forming closed packages (17) is shown and described, comprising the following steps: a) providing a closed package (17), b) providing a device for forming packages (17) with at least two support elements (21A, 21B) , 21C, 21D) and with at least two sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D), c) inserting the packaging (17) into the space between the supporting elements (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D), d) moving the sliding elements ( 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) from an open position to a closed position for forming the packaging (17), e) sliding the sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) from a closed position to an open position, and f) Removing the packaging (17) from the space between the support elements (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D), the packaging (17) being formed by shaped surfaces (24, 24 ', 24 "), at least one of which is curved at least in sections .

Description

The invention relates to a method for forming closed packages, comprising the following steps: a) providing a closed package, b) providing a device for forming packages with at least two support elements and with at least two sliding elements, c) introducing the package into the room between the support elements, d) moving the slide elements from an open position to a closed position to form the packaging, e) moving the slide elements from a closed position to an open position, and f) removing the packaging from the space between the support elements.

Also shown and described is an apparatus for forming closed packages, comprising: a base plate for supporting the bottom or gable of the packages, at least two support elements for supporting the side surfaces or the front surface and the rear surface of the packages, and at least two sliding elements for Forming the side surfaces or the front surface and the rear surface of the packaging, the support elements and the sliding elements having at least one molding surface on their side assigned to the packaging.

Packaging can be made in different ways and from a wide variety of materials. A widespread possibility of production consists in producing a blank that usually has fold lines (also called “crease lines”) from the packaging material, from which a packing jacket and finally a packaging is produced by folding and further steps. One of the advantages of this variant is that the blanks are very flat and can therefore be stacked to save space. In this way, the blanks or packaging sleeves can be produced in a different location than that The packaging sleeves are folded and filled. Composites are often used as the material, for example a composite of several thin layers of paper, cardboard, plastic or metal. Such packaging is particularly popular in the food industry.

The production of packaging by folding has the advantage of a particularly fast and inexpensive method of production. Nevertheless, only straight fold lines can actually be generated by folding processes. Special folding tools or post-processing of the packaging are therefore required to create curved folding lines.

Packages with partially curved fold lines are, for example, from the WO 2009/141389 A2 known. Devices and methods for producing such packaging are, for example, from the DE 1 187 178 A , of the EP 2 586 718 A1 , of the EP 2 586 718 A1 or the DE 10 2006 042 506 A1 known. A disadvantage of these devices and methods, however, is that only packaging with straight folded edges can be produced. In addition, some of these documents provide for horizontal processing of the packaging, so that the packaging that is typically standing during filling must be rotated after closing. Occasionally, the packaging is only filled and closed in the molding device during or after the forming ( DE 10 2006 042 506 A1 ). However, this is structurally complex to implement, since aseptic or sterile conditions must often prevail when filling and closing the packaging.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to enable the packaging to be shaped precisely, even in the case of closed packaging with complex geometry.

This object is achieved in a device in that at least one of the shaped surfaces is curved at least in sections.

A device for shaping or reshaping closed packages is shown and described. This can be, for example, a food-filled packaging made of a composite material. The composite material can comprise several thin layers of paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, in particular aluminum. The device initially has a base plate for supporting the bottom or the gable of the packaging. The packaging should therefore be able to be placed on the base plate with its base or with its gable and thus stand vertically on the base plate. The device also comprises at least two support elements for supporting the side surfaces or the front surface and the rear surface of the packaging. The support elements are preferably arranged at a distance from one another which corresponds approximately to the width or depth of the packaging to be supported by them. Furthermore, the device comprises at least two sliding elements for shaping the side surfaces or the front surface and the rear surface of the packaging. Sliding elements are understood to mean elements which can be moved, in particular shifted, relative to one another. In order to be able to shape the packaging, the support elements and the sliding elements have at least one molding surface on their side assigned to the packaging. The shaped surface is understood to mean that surface which is in contact with the packaging when the packaging is formed.

It can be provided that at least one of the shaped surfaces is curved at least in sections. At least one of the shaped surfaces is preferably continuously curved. The curvature can be concave or convex, for example. The curvature of one or more shaped surfaces can also be both concave and convex, so that, for example, the concave and convex regions of a shaped surface are arranged side by side or adjacent. The curved shaped surfaces can be shaped surfaces of the support elements and / or shaped surfaces of the sliding elements. Due to the curvature of the shaped surfaces, packaging with complex geometry can also be formed. These are especially packaging where not all of the folding lines are straight. In front All such folding lines often do not get their final, ready-to-sell shape through a single fold, but require a new shaping.

In one configuration of the device, it is provided that all the shaped surfaces of the support elements and / or all the shaped surfaces of the sliding elements are curved at least in sections. Since not only one molded surface, but all molded surfaces of the support elements and / or the sliding elements are curved at least in sections, packaging with a particularly complex geometry can also be reliably molded. In particular, packaging can be formed in which complex shapes are to be achieved on several sides of the packaging.

According to a further embodiment of the device, it is provided that the support elements are rigidly connected to the base plate. The distance between the two support elements can be set particularly precisely by connecting both support elements to the same base plate. In addition, it can be ensured that the two support elements run approximately at right angles to the base plate. Despite the rigid connection, the support elements can be detachably connected to the base plate so that they can be replaced. This has the advantage that different packages can be formed on the same device. A rigid connection is therefore understood to mean a connection which is immobile in the undissolved state, that is to say in the operating state.

According to a further embodiment of the device, the sliding elements are movably connected to the base plate. By connecting both sliding elements to the same base plate, the direction of movement and the movement path of both sliding elements can be set particularly precisely. It can also be ensured that the two sliding elements run approximately at right angles to the base plate. The sliding elements can be detachably connected to the base plate so that they can be replaced. This has the advantage that different packages can be formed on the same device.

For this purpose, it is further proposed that the sliding elements are movably mounted in guides which are provided in the base plate. A particularly precise movement can be achieved by mounting the sliding elements in guides. The guides are preferably linear. It can be provided that the guides of two opposite sliding elements are arranged on the same axis, that is to say they run collinearly. In this way, the opposing compressive forces compensate each other when the packaging is formed, so that no torques arise.

A further embodiment of the device is characterized by at least four support elements for supporting the side surfaces or the front surface and the rear surface of the packaging. Thanks to an increased number of support elements, the packaging can be held in its position even more precisely during molding. For example, an edge or a side surface of the packaging can be assigned to each of the four support elements.

A further embodiment of the device is characterized by at least four sliding elements for shaping the side surfaces or the front surface and the rear surface of the packaging. The packaging can be shaped even more precisely by an increased number of sliding elements. For example, an edge or a side surface of the packaging can be assigned to each of the four sliding elements. In addition, when generating particularly complex packaging geometries, it makes sense if at least one section (area) of an edge and at least one section (area) of a side face of the packaging are assigned to a sliding element.

In a further development of the device, it is provided that two support elements are arranged on opposite sides of the packaging. The opposite arrangement of the support elements ensures that the packaging is fixed on both sides, which enables the packaging to be positioned precisely.

Two support elements arranged opposite one another can thus fix the packaging in one direction of movement. Four support elements arranged opposite one another can thus fix the packaging in two directions of movement. If four support elements are provided, these are preferably aligned at an angle of approximately 90 ° to one another, so that they surround the packaging evenly.

Another embodiment of the device provides that two sliding elements are arranged on opposite sides of the packaging. Due to the opposite arrangement of the sliding elements, the packaging can be pressurized on both sides. Preferably, two of the sliding elements are oriented in opposite directions and are arranged on the same axis; so they are collinear. In this way, the opposing compressive forces compensate each other when the packaging is formed, so that no torques arise.

According to a further embodiment of the device, it is finally provided that a stop surface is provided on at least one support element and / or on at least one sliding element, which is arranged such that it serves as a stop for the sliding elements. The stop surfaces are intended to prevent the sliding elements from being pushed too far between the supporting elements and thereby damaging or crushing the packaging. The stop surfaces therefore serve to precisely limit the path of the sliding elements. Stop surfaces can be achieved, for example, in that the sliding elements are at least at one point somewhat wider than the gap between the two adjacent support elements. The provision of stop surfaces also simplifies the drive of the sliding elements. This is because the displacement of the sliding elements is limited by the stop surfaces, so that the drive of the sliding elements (for example, electrically or hydraulically or pneumatically) does not have to have any path limitation. This has the advantage that the same drive with different packaging (and with different sliding elements and / or support elements) can be used without having to be replaced or adjusted.

The object described above is achieved according to the invention by a method for forming closed packages. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing a closed package, b) providing a device for forming packages with at least two support elements and with at least two slide elements, c) inserting the package into the space between the support elements, d) moving the slide elements from an open position to a closed position for forming the packaging, e) moving the sliding elements from a closed position to an open position, and f) removing the packaging from the space between the support elements. The packaging formed by the method can, for example, be packaging made of a composite material and filled with food. The composite material can comprise several thin layers of paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, in particular aluminum.

The method is characterized in that the packaging is formed by shaped surfaces, at least one of which is curved at least in sections. At least one of the shaped surfaces is preferably continuously curved. The curvature can be concave or convex, for example. The curvature of one or more shaped surfaces can also be both concave and convex, so that, for example, the concave and convex regions of a shaped surface are arranged side by side or adjacent. The curved shaped surfaces can be shaped surfaces of the support elements and / or shaped surfaces of the sliding elements. As has already been described above in connection with the device, packaging with complex geometry can also be shaped by the curvature of the shaped surfaces. These are especially packaging where not all of the folding lines are straight. Such folding lines in particular often do not get their final, ready-to-sell shape from a single fold, but rather need to be shaped again.

According to a development of the method, it is provided that in step b) a device according to one of the previously described configurations or developments is provided. Due to the at least sectionally curved shaped surfaces, the device described above is particularly suitable in all the illustrated embodiments for carrying out the method.

A further embodiment of the method provides that the packaging in steps d) and e) stand vertically on its base area or on its gable area. The vertical orientation of the packaging has the advantage that the packaging no longer has to be rotated - for example put on its side - after filling and closing. This is because most packaging is filled either through the (still unsealed) bottom area or through the (still unsealed) gable area. Due to the omitted rotary movements, the contents of the packaging are protected, which is particularly desirable for sensitive contents.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the sliding elements are shifted from an open position into a closed position until they collide with the support elements on the stop surfaces. Limiting the displacement by a stop is a structurally simple way to prevent damage to the packaging. A particular advantage is that the drive of the sliding elements is simplified by the stop surfaces. This is because the displacement of the sliding elements is limited by the stop surfaces, so that the (for example electrical or hydraulic or pneumatic) drive of the sliding elements itself does not have to have a path limitation. This has the advantage that the same drive can be used with different packaging (and with different sliding elements and / or support elements) without having to be exchanged or adjusted.

A further development of the method finally provides that the packaging, in particular the gable area of the packaging, is arched outwards in the closed position of the sliding elements. In other words, the volume remaining in the closed position between the sliding elements should be somewhat less than the volume of the closed packaging. In order to make this possible, the packaging of the compression must be able to "dodge" the sliding elements, which is why one side of the packaging - preferably the upper side, that is to say the gable area - should not be touched and deformed by the sliding elements. Instead, there should be a free space on this side of the packaging that allows the packaging to curve outwards - that is, a convex curvature. The packaging should therefore be deformed beyond its ready-to-sell shape. This measure compensates for the resetting behavior of the packaging material.

Fig. 1A:

einen Zuschnitt zum Falten eines Packungsmantels,

Fig. 1B:

einen Packungsmantel, der aus dem in Fig. 1A gezeigten Zuschnitt gebildet ist, im flach gefalteten Zustand in einer Vorderansicht,

Fig. 1C:

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 1B in einer Rückansicht,

Fig. 1D:

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 1B und Fig. 1C im aufgefalteten Zustand,

Fig. 1E:

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 2D mit vorgefalteten Boden- und Giebelflächen,

Fig. 1E':

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 2D mit vorgefalteten Boden- und Giebelflächen,

Fig. 1F:

eine erste Ausgestaltung einer Verpackung, die aus dem in Fig. 1B gezeigten Packungsmantel gebildet ist, nach dem Verschweißen,

Fig. 1F':

eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer Verpackung, die aus dem in Fig. 1B gezeigten Packungsmantel gebildet ist, nach dem Verschweißen,

Fig. 1G:

die Verpackung aus Fig. 1F mit angelegten Ohren,

Fig. 1G':

die Verpackung aus Fig. 1F' mit angelegten Ohren,

Fig. 2A:

eine erste Ausgestaltung einer Vorrichtung zur Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Formen von geschlossenen Verpackungen in einer offenen Stellung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2B:

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2A in geschlossener Stellung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2C:

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2A in offener Stellung im Querschnitt,

Fig. 2D:

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2A in geschlossener Stellung im Querschnitt,

Fig. 3A:

eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer Vorrichtung zur Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Formen von geschlossenen Verpackungen in einer offenen Stellung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 3B:

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 3A in geschlossener Stellung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 3C:

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 3A in offener Stellung im Querschnitt, und

Fig. 3D:

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 3A in geschlossener Stellung im Querschnitt.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing which represents only one preferred exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1A:

a blank for folding a packaging jacket,

Fig. 1B:

a packing jacket made from the in Fig. 1A shown blank is formed, in the flat folded state in a front view,

1C:

the packing jacket Figure 1B in a rear view,

Fig. 1D:

the packing jacket 1B and 1C when unfolded,

Fig. 1E:

the packing jacket Figure 2D with pre-folded floor and gable surfaces,

Fig. 1E ':

the packing jacket Figure 2D with pre-folded floor and gable surfaces,

Fig. 1F:

a first embodiment of a package that from the in Figure 1B packing jacket shown is formed after welding,

1F ':

a second embodiment of a packaging, which from the in Figure 1B packing jacket shown is formed after welding,

Fig. 1G:

the packaging Figure 1F with big ears,

Fig. 1G ':

the packaging 1F ' with ears on,

Fig. 2A:

1 shows a first embodiment of a device for executing the method according to the invention for forming closed packages in an open position in a perspective view,

Fig. 2B:

the device Figure 2A in the closed position in a perspective view,

Fig. 2C:

the device Figure 2A in the open position in cross section,

Fig. 2D:

the device Figure 2A in the closed position in cross section,

Fig. 3A:

2 shows a second embodiment of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention for forming closed packages in an open position in a perspective view,

3B:

the device Figure 3A in the closed position in a perspective view,

3C:

the device Figure 3A in the open position in cross section, and

Fig. 3D:

the device Figure 3A in the closed position in cross section.

Fig. 1A shows a blank 1 for folding a packaging jacket. The blank 1 can comprise several layers of different materials, for example paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, in particular aluminum. The blank 1 has a plurality of fold lines 2, which are intended to facilitate the folding of the blank 1 and divide the blank 1 into a plurality of areas. The blank 1 can be divided into a first side surface 3, a second side surface 4, a front surface 5, a rear surface 6, a sealing surface 7, floor surfaces 8 and gable surfaces 9. The bottom surfaces 8 and the gable surfaces 9 each comprise rectangular surfaces 10 and triangular surfaces 11. A packing jacket can be formed from the blank 1 by folding the blank 1 in such a way that the sealing surface 7 can be connected, in particular welded, to the front surface 5.

The four large surfaces (ie the two side surfaces 3, 4, the front surface 5 and the rear surface 6) of the in Fig. 1 blank 1 shown are not separated from each other by a straight fold line 2; instead, the four large surfaces 3, 4, 5, 6 are separated from one another by two curved fold lines 2 ', between each of which a free-form surface 12 is arranged. The two side surfaces 3, 4 of the blank 1 each have a false fold line 13. The two false fold lines 13 are straight and run parallel to one another. In addition, the false fold lines 13 run through a contact point SB of three adjacent triangular surfaces 11 of the base surface 8 and through a contact point SG of three adjacent triangular surfaces 11 of the gable surfaces 9.

The bottom surfaces 8 of the in Fig. 1A blank 1 shown have four corner points E8 and the gable surfaces 9 have four corner points E9. The corner points E8, E9 represent corner points of the packaging to be produced from the blank 1. Each corner point E8 of a floor surface 8 is assigned a corresponding corner point E9 of a gable surface 9, which is the corner point E9 which is above this corner point when the packaging is standing E8 is arranged. Divided by two Corner points E8, E9 assigned to one another run a corner axis EA, which would correspond to a vertical packaging edge in the case of conventional cuboid packaging. At the in Fig. 1A blank 1 shown there are therefore four corner axes EA (just as in the case of the packaging jacket and the packaging made therefrom (for reasons of clarity, only one corner axis EA is shown)). No folding lines are provided between the corner points E8 of the floor surfaces 8 and the corner points E9 of the gable surfaces 9 assigned to them - that is, along the corner axes EA.

In Figure 1B is a packing jacket 14, which from the in Fig. 1A shown blank 1 is formed, shown in a flat view in a front view. The already related to Fig. 1A Areas of the packaging jacket described are in Figure 1B provided with corresponding reference numerals. The packaging jacket 14 is produced from the blank 1 in two steps: First, the blank 1 is folded along the two false fold lines 13. The two partial areas 6A, 6B of the divided rear surface 6 are then connected to one another in the area of the sealing surface 7, in particular welded, as a result of which a (in Figure 1B hidden) longitudinal seam 15 arises. The packing jacket 14 thus has a circumferential, closed structure in the circumferential direction with an opening in the region of the bottom surface 8 and with an opening in the region of the gable surface 9. The edge of the longitudinal seam 15 running within the packaging jacket 14 is covered. The purpose of covering the open cut edge of the composite is to avoid contact between the contents of the packaging and this layer, in particular the paper or cardboard layer contained therein. The cutting edge is covered here by folding over the composite layer after previous peeling. In the front view, the centrally located front surface 5 is visible, which is delimited on both sides by fold lines 2 '. Laterally, partial areas 3A, 4A of the side surfaces 3, 4 can be seen, which are also delimited laterally by fold lines 2 '. The remaining partial areas 3B, 4B of the side surfaces 3, 4 are on the back of the packaging jacket 14 and therefore in Figure 2B covered. Open spaces 12 are provided between the fold lines 2 '. The open spaces 12 are in the areas of Packing jacket 14 arranged, which later form the (non-angular) "edges" of a package.

1C shows the packing jacket 14 Figure 1B in a rear view. The already related to Fig. 1A and Figure 1B Areas of the packaging jacket described are in 1C provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the rear view, the centrally located rear surface 6 is visible, which comprises two partial areas 6A, 6B connected by the longitudinal seam 15 and which is delimited on both sides by fold lines 2 '. Laterally, partial areas 3B, 4B of the side surfaces 3, 4 can be seen, which are also delimited laterally by fold lines 2 '. The remaining partial areas 3A, 4A of the side surfaces 3, 4 are on the front side of the packaging jacket 14 and therefore in 1C covered. Between the fold lines 2 ', 14 free areas 12 are also provided on the back of the packaging jacket. The free areas 12 are arranged in the areas of the packaging jacket 14 which later form the (non-angular) "edges" of a packaging body.

In Figure 1D is the packing jacket 14 from 1B and 1C shown in the unfolded state. The already related to 1A to 1C Areas of the packaging jacket described are in Figure 1D provided with corresponding reference numerals. The unfolded state can be achieved by several folding steps: First, the packaging jacket 14 is folded along the fold lines 2 ′, which are arranged between the four large areas 3, 4, 5, 6 and the four open areas 12. Secondly, the packing jacket 14 is refolded along the false fold lines 13 running through the side surfaces 3, 4. The refolding takes place by approximately 180 °. The refolding along the false fold lines 13 has the result that the two partial regions 3A, 3B of the first side surface 3 adjoining the false fold line 13 no longer lie on one another, but are at least arranged approximately in the same plane. In a corresponding manner, the refolding along the dummy fold lines 13 has the result that the two subregions 4A, 4B of the second side face 4 adjoining the dummy fold line 13 no longer lie on one another, but are at least approximately in the same plane. The packing jacket 14 is therefore only in its flat state ( 1B, 1C ) folded along the false fold lines 13; when unfolded ( Figure 1D ) the packing jacket 14 (as well as the packaging to be produced therefrom) is no longer folded along the false fold lines 13. Hence the designation "Schein" fold lines 13.

Figure 1E shows the packing jacket 14 Figure 1D with pre-folded floor and gable surfaces. The already related to Figures 1A to 1D Areas of the packaging jacket described are in Figure 1E provided with corresponding reference numerals. The pre-folded state denotes (as in Figure 1D ) a state in which the fold lines 2 'have been pre-folded both in the area of the bottom surfaces 8 and in the area of the gable surfaces 9. Those areas of the bottom surfaces 8 and the gable surfaces 9 which adjoin the front surface 5 and the rear surface 6 (i.e. the rectangular surfaces 12) are folded inwards during the pre-folding and later form the bottom or the gable of the packaging. Those areas of the bottom surfaces 8 and the gable surfaces 9 which adjoin the side surfaces 3, 4 (i.e. the triangular surfaces 11) are folded outwards during the pre-folding and form protruding regions made of excess material, which are also referred to as "ears" 14 and in a later manufacturing step - for example by welding or gluing processes - can be applied to the packaging.

In Fig. 1E ' is also the packing jacket 14 ' Figure 1D shown with pre-folded floor and gable surfaces, which is why corresponding reference numerals are used here. The difference to Figure 1E is that the triangular surfaces 11 are not folded outwards but inwards.

Figure 1F shows a package 17, which from the in Figure 1B Packing jacket 14 shown is formed after welding. The already related to 1A to 1E Areas of packaging described are in Figure 1F provided with corresponding reference numerals. The packaging 17 is shown after the welding, that is to say in the filled and closed state. In the area of the floor surfaces 8 and in the area of the gable surfaces 9, a fin seam 18 is formed after the closure Figure 1F the ears 16 and the fin seam 18 protrude. Both the ears 14 and the fin seam 18 are created in a later manufacturing step, for example by gluing or welding processes.

1F ' also shows a package 17, which from the in Figure 1B Packing jacket 14 shown is formed after welding. Corresponding reference numerals are therefore also used here. The difference to Figure 1F lies in the fact that the triangular surfaces 11 in the bottom area of the packaging were not folded outwards before welding, but inwards. Therefore, the "ears" 14 in the bottom area of the packaging do not protrude outwards, but extend inwards. This leads to a shorter fin seam 18.

In Fig. 1G the packaging 17 is out Figure 1F shown with ears 14 on. The already related to Figures 1A to 1F Areas of packaging described are in Fig. 1G provided with corresponding reference numerals. In addition to the ears 14, the fin seams 18 are also applied to the packaging 17. The upper ears 14 arranged in the area of the gable surface 9 are folded down and laid flat against the two side surfaces 3, 4. The upper ears 14 are preferably glued or welded to the two side surfaces 3, 4. The lower ears 14 arranged in the area of the bottom surface 8 are also folded down, but laid flat against the underside of the packaging 17, which is formed by two rectangular surfaces 10 of the bottom surface 8. The lower ears 14 are preferably also glued or welded to the packaging 17 - in particular to the rectangular surfaces 10. At the in Fig. 1G shown packaging 17, the front surface 5 and the rear surface 6 are arranged parallel to each other. Likewise, the two side surfaces 3, 4 are arranged parallel to one another in the packaging 17. An angle of approximately 90 ° is formed between each two adjacent surfaces of the four large surfaces 3, 4, 5, 6. However, the transition between the four large areas 3, 4, 5, 6 takes place (in contrast to the packaging 17) Fig. 1G ) not by square edges, but by geometrically complex shaped open spaces 12.

In Fig. 1G ' the packaging 17 is out 1F ' shown with the fin seam 18 applied. Corresponding 5 reference symbols are therefore also used here. The fin seam 18 is folded over and laid flat against the underside of the packaging 17, which is formed by two rectangular surfaces 10 of the bottom surface 8. The fin seam 18 is preferably glued or welded to the packaging 17 - in particular to a rectangular surface 10. The difference to Fig. 1G lies in the structure of the bottom of packaging 17: In Fig. 1G the ears 14 are arranged below the rectangular surfaces 10 and are therefore visible from the underside; in Fig. 1G ' however, the rectangular surfaces 10 are arranged below the ears 14 and are therefore visible from the underside.

Figure 2A shows a first embodiment of a device 19 for performing the method according to the invention for forming closed packages 17 in an open position in a perspective view. The device 19 comprises a base plate 20 on which the packaging 17 can be placed with its bottom. The device also includes two support elements 21A, 21B, which are fixedly and immovably connected to the base plate 20 and two sliding elements 22A, 22B, which are movably connected to the base plate 20. Linear guides 23 are provided in the base plate 20 for the movable mounting of the sliding elements 22A, 22B. The two support elements 21A, 21B each have one (in. On the sides assigned to the packaging 17) Figure 2A hidden) shaped surface 24. The two sliding elements 22A, 22B also each have three (in. On the sides assigned to the packaging 17) Figure 2A concealed) molded surfaces 24, of which a centrally arranged molded surface 24 'is intended to form the front surface 5 or the rear surface 6 and of which two laterally arranged molded surfaces 24 "are intended to form the free-form surfaces 12 of the packaging 17. The shape of the molded surfaces 24, 24 ', 24 "corresponds to the negative of the shape to be achieved of the surfaces of the packaging 17 formed by it. In the in Figure 2A position shown, the package 17 has already been pushed from above between the two rigid support elements 21A, 21B; the two However, sliding elements 22A, 22B are not yet in contact with the package 17, which is why the position is referred to as the "open" position.

In Figure 2B the device 19 is off Figure 2A shown in the closed position in a perspective view. The already related to Figures 1A to 2A Areas of the device described are in Figure 2B provided with corresponding reference numerals. The main difference to Figure 2A lies in the fact that the two sliding elements 22A, 22B have been moved inwards and are now in contact with the packaging 17. This position is therefore called the "closed" position. Due to the contact between the shaped surfaces 24, 24 ', 24 "and the packaging 17, the packaging 17 is deformed and brought into its ready-for-sale form Figure 2B it can be seen that the two sliding elements 22A, 22B are wider than the packaging 17 and therefore have a stop surface 25 on both sides. The stop surfaces 25 prevent the two sliding elements 22A, 22B from being able to be pushed between the two supporting elements 21A, 21B and thereby crushing the packaging 17.

Figure 2C shows the device 19 Figure 2A in the open position in cross section. The already related to 1A to 2B Areas of the device described are in Figure 2C provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the Figure 2C position shown corresponds to the position Figure 2A , For reasons of better clarity, the packaging is 17 in Figure 2C however not shown. The linear course of the two guides 23 and the position of the shaped surfaces 24, 24 ', 24 "can be clearly seen.

In Figure 2D the device 19 is off Figure 2A shown in cross-section in the closed position. The already related to 1A to 2C Areas of the device described are in Figure 2D provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the Figure 2D position shown corresponds to the position Figure 2B , For reasons of better clarity, the packaging 17 is also in Figure 2D not shown.

The circumferential structure of the shaped surfaces 24, 24 ', 24 ", which results when the sliding elements 22A, 22B are pushed inwards, is clearly recognizable.

Figure 3A shows a second embodiment of a device 19 'for executing the method according to the invention for forming closed packages 17 in an open position in a perspective view. The structure of the second embodiment of the device 19 ′ corresponds to the structure of the first embodiment of the device 19, which is why in FIG Figure 3A corresponding reference numerals are used. A difference from the first embodiment is that the second embodiment of the device 19 ′ has four support elements 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, which are connected to the base plate 20 in a fixed and immovable manner. In addition, the second embodiment of the device 19 ′ has four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, which are movably connected to the base plate 20. In the second embodiment, the four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are each also supported in a linear guide 23 which is provided in the base plate 20. The four support elements 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D each have one on the inner sides - that is to say on the sides assigned to the packaging 17 (in Figure 2A hidden) shaped surface 24. The four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D also each have one on the inner sides - that is to say on the sides assigned to the packaging 17 (in Figure 2A hidden) molding surface 24 ". The molding surfaces 24 of the four support elements 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D are intended to form the two side surfaces 3, 4, the front surface 5 and the rear surface 6 of the packaging 17 and the molding surfaces 24" of the sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are intended to form the free-form surfaces 12 of the packaging 17. The shape of the shaped surfaces 24, 24 "corresponds to the negative of the shape to be achieved of the surfaces of the packaging 17 formed by them Figure 3A In the position shown, the package 17 has already been pushed from above between the four rigid support elements 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D; however, the four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are not yet in contact with the package 17, which is why the position is referred to as the "open" position.

In Figure 3B the device 19 'is off Figure 2A shown in the closed position in a perspective view. The already related to 1A to 3A Areas of the device described are in Figure 3B provided with corresponding reference numerals. The main difference to Figure 3A is that the four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D have been moved inwards and are now in contact with the packaging 17. This position is therefore called the "closed" position. Due to the contact between the shaped surfaces 24, 24 "and the packaging 17, the packaging 17 is deformed and brought into its ready-for-sale form Figure 3B it can be seen that the four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are wider the gap between two adjacent support elements 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, which is why they have a stop surface 25 on both sides. The stop surfaces 25 prevent the four sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D from being pushed between the four support elements 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D and thereby crushing the packaging 17.

Figure 3C shows the device 19 ' Figure 3A in the open position in cross section. The already related to 1A to 3B Areas of the device described are in Figure 3C provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the Figure 3C position shown corresponds to the position Figure 3A , For reasons of better clarity, the packaging is 17 in Figure 3C however not shown. The linear course of the four guides 23 and the position of the shaped surfaces 24, 24 "can be clearly seen.

In Fig. 3D Finally, the device 19 'is off Figure 3A shown in cross-section in the closed position. The already related to 1A to 3C Areas of the device described are in Fig. 3D provided with corresponding reference numerals. In the Fig. 3D position shown corresponds to the position Figure 3B , For reasons of better clarity, the packaging 17 is also in Fig. 3D not shown. The circumferential structure of the shaped surfaces 24, 24 ″, which results when the sliding elements 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are pushed inward, is clearly recognizable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1:

cut

2, 2 ':

fold line

3:

first side surface

4:

second side surface

5:

front surface

6:

rear surface

6A, 6B:

Partial area (the rear surface)

7:

sealing surface

8th:

floor area

9:

gable area

10:

rectangular area

11:

triangular face

12:

Free-form surface

13:

Scheinfaltlinie

14, 14 ':

pack casing

15:

longitudinal seam

16:

ear

17:

packaging

18:

fin seal

19, 19 ':

device

20:

baseplate

21A, 21B, 21C, 21D:

support element

22A, 22B, 22C, 22D:

sliding element

23:

guide

24, 24 ', 24 ":

form surface

25:

stop surface

EA:

Eckachse

E8:

Corner point (of floor surface 8)

E9:

Corner point (of gable surface 9)

Claims (3)

A method of forming closed packages (17), comprising the following steps: a) providing a closed package (17), b) providing a device for forming packages (17) with at least two support elements (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) and with at least two sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D), c) inserting the packaging (17) into the space between the support elements (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D), d) sliding the sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) from an open position into a closed position to form the packages (17), e) sliding the sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) from a closed position into an open position, and f) removing the packaging (17) from the space between the support elements (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D), wherein the packages (17) are formed by shaped surfaces (24, 24 ', 24 "), at least one of which is curved at least in sections,
characterized in that
the packaging (17) in steps d) and e) stand vertically on their bottom area or on their gable area. Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) are shifted from an open position into a closed position until they collide with the support elements (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) at the stop surfaces (25). Method according to claim 1 or claim 2,
characterized in that
the packaging (17), in particular the gable area of the packaging (17), is curved outwards in the closed position of the sliding elements (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D).

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