EP4086183A1 - Device for mechanically closing a polymer and / or metal-free strip and its use and operating method for same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for mechanically closing a flexible polymeric and/or metal-free closure tape strip (31), comprising a punch unit (7) with a movable punch (8) and a die recess (3) formed from at least two die jaws (3.1, 3.2) that can be brought together. 4), wherein the punch unit (7) is designed to preform the closure tape strip (31) in a U-shape, and the punch (8) presses the preformed closure tape strip (31) with the strip ends (33.1, 33.2) first for sealing in the die recess (4 ) is pressed in, the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) each having at least one side cheek (5) with a guide cam (6), wherein in the position of use the die recess (4) is encompassed at least in sections laterally by the side cheeks (5) and the guide cams ( 6) have a cam guide surface (38) facing the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and in this way fit into the die recesses Recess (4) intervene so that the closure tape strip (31) is guided during forming in the die (2) between the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and cam guide surfaces (38) facing one another. The invention also relates to the use of a device (1) according to the invention and an operating method of the same.

Description

The invention relates to a device for mechanically closing a flexible, polymeric and/or metal-free closure tape strip. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a device according to the invention for mechanically closing a shirred bag and in particular one filled with food, and an operating method for a device for mechanically closing a flexible, polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip.

Various devices for mechanically closing a closure tape strip are known on the market.

the DE 26 47 598 A1 discloses a device for mechanically closing a U-shaped preformed closure tape strip. The preformed closure tape strip is first placed in a box-shaped receptacle fed. For closure, the receptacle with the closure tape strip is pressed with the strip ends first by a stamp into a depression-shaped die recess. The die recess is designed to be pivotable on a pivoting lever, so that the closure tape strip can be exposed for removal after closure.

In the DE 82 13 191 U1 discloses a device for mechanically closing a closure tape strip. The device has a pivotable support arm, at the free end of which a stamping unit for separating and preforming the closure tape strip is held. The punch unit includes a punch and a punch die with a U-shaped recess. The severing and preforming of the fastener tape strip takes place here in that the support arm is pivoted far enough for the fastener tape material to be inserted between the punch and the punch die. The stamp is then moved into the recess of the stamp die, as a result of which the closure strip is severed and pre-bent in a U-shape. The sealing tape strip is then closed by exposing the U-shaped preformed sealing tape strip in the punch unit and pressing it together between two die jaws that can be pivoted in the manner of pliers at the same height on the support arm, with U-shaped die guide surfaces facing each other.

What the known devices have in common is that they are designed for closing flexible metal closure straps or closure straps with metal wires overmoulded with plastic. Due to their metallic components, closure tapes of this type have low brittleness and consequently good forming properties, so that when these closure tapes are closed there is a low risk of breakage and they can be closed in a comparatively reliable manner.

However, their use in the food sector is disadvantageous. Due to their metallic components, there is a risk that metal parts of the sealing tape strip can be introduced into containers with foodstuffs that are to be sealed with the sealing tape strip. There is therefore an increasing desire in the food sector for metal-free sealing tapes for sealing foodstuffs filled containers, for example bags filled with bread, biscuits or pasta. However, metal-free fastener tapes, in particular polymeric fastener tapes made of plastic, have the disadvantage that their fastener tape material is comparatively brittle and tends to break out when they are closed. A process-reliable closing of these closure tapes is therefore not possible with the aforementioned devices available on the market. In addition, when these metal-free fastener tapes are closed with the aforementioned, known devices, there is a risk that the fastener tape strip will experience excessive bending stress due to its increased brittleness and will tear open or be damaged in any case locally.

The object of the present invention is to specify a device and a method that enable a process-reliable, in particular escape-proof and tear-free, mechanical closure of a polymer or metal-free closure tape strip.

The invention has the features of patent claim 1 in order to achieve the object. Accordingly, the device comprises a punch unit with a movable punch and a die made up of at least two collapsible die jaws with die guide surfaces facing one another for guiding the fastening tape strip, with the die jaws being placed against one another in a position of use in such a way that between the die guide surfaces there is a die that is open at the side and toward the punch and an essentially U-shaped and/or pocket-shaped die recess is formed, wherein the stamping unit is designed to preform the closure tape strip with two bent strip legs in a U-shape, and the stamp presses the closure tape strip with the strip ends of the bent strip legs first into the die recess for sealing wherein the die guide surfaces of the die jaws are configured to engage the fastener tape strip in the die cavity in a facing and/or overlapping strip enenden and wherein the die jaws each have at least one side cheek with a guide cam, wherein in the usage position of the die jaws the side cheeks at least partially encompass the die recess laterally and the guide cams have the cam guide surface facing the die guide surfaces and the Guide cams engage in the die recess in such a way that the strip legs of the fastener tape strip are guided during forming in the die between the die guide surfaces and cam guide surfaces facing one another.

Preferably, a spacing between the guide cam surfaces and the die guide surfaces is selected such that the fastener tape tab is slightly compressed therebetween in cross section. As a result, the closure tape strip is rolled or smoothed out and can be reshaped more easily.

The particular advantage of the invention consists in the fact that the guide cams, which engage laterally in the die recess, engage behind the fastening tape strip during forming in the die recess. In this respect, the closure tape strip is guided or supported between the die guide surfaces of the die jaws that form the die recess and the cam guide surfaces of the guide cams. The maximum required bending stress on the closure tape strip can be reduced as a result, which advantageously also greatly reduces the risk of the closure tape strip tearing open locally. In addition, the closure tape strip is secured against breaking out of the die recess laterally by the side walls placed laterally around the die recess. In this way, it is possible to close or reshape the polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip in the die recess in a defined manner without breaking out or cracking.

The core idea of the invention is to guide the fastener tape strip between the die guide surfaces and the cam guide surfaces when the guide cams engage in the die recess during sealing or forming in the die recess. In this respect, the closure tape strip is bent or rolled around the guide cam during the closure process in the die recess, as a result of which the bending stress on the closure tape strip is advantageously reduced.

In the context of the invention, a polymeric fastener tape strip is a fastener tape strip made of a material with a polymer structure and in particular a plastic fastener tape strip.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side walls of the die jaws are adjustable. This makes it possible to control the engagement of the guide cams in the die recess in a reversibly clocked manner and to provide them for closing in the die recess and, in particular, to cancel them for removing the closed sealing tape strip from the die recess or for moving the die jaws apart.

According to a development of the invention, two side cheeks are provided opposite one another for each die jaw, which can be expanded or closed in the manner of tongs. As a result, the strip legs are guided in the matrix on both sides in a particularly reliable manner.

According to a further development of the invention, the side cheeks of the die jaws for spreading or closing are each operatively connected via mechanical lever kinematics held on the support arms to an actuating means and preferably an actuating cylinder, and the die jaws are fixed to support arms of equal length that can be pivoted in the manner of tongs about a pivot axis. The die jaws can thus be pivoted apart for removal of the closed closure strip and placed against one another to provide the die recess. As a result, the die jaws can also be reversibly clocked.

For example, the pivot axes of the support arms could be connected via a camshaft, a gear wheel or a belt and driven by a central drive of the device.

For this purpose, the side cheeks preferably have opposite wedge flank projections with wedge surfaces that widen obliquely in the direction of the punch. An end of the lever kinematics facing the side walls is connected by an adjusting fork facing one another and in the direction of the ram obliquely tapering and corresponding to the wedge surfaces of the wedge flank projections formed fork wedge surfaces, wherein the adjusting fork is placed on the die jaws that the wedge surfaces and the fork wedge surfaces abut one another.

According to a development of the invention, the die guide surfaces of the die jaws have, at least in sections, a radius section with a radius provided by a recess body provided between the side walls of the die jaws or by at least one side wall per die jaw. In any case, the radius section of the die guide surfaces is provided by the recess body or by the recess body and at least one of the side cheeks brought into the engaged position or by at least one of the side cheeks brought into the engaged position. The die guide surfaces can therefore be formed in one piece by the replacement body or by one of the side walls per die jaw or in multiple parts by the replacement body on the one hand and one or both side walls per die jaw on the other hand or by both side walls per die jaw.

The recess body can in each case be held on a die base body of the die jaw in an exchangeable manner via a detachable connecting means. The device according to the invention can therefore be converted with little effort for the processing of different sizes of fastener tape strips or fastener tape materials or as a result of wear and tear occurring on the matrix guide surfaces. The radius section of the matrix guide surfaces is on the one hand shape-defining for a closure shape of the closed closure tape strip, on the other hand it serves for the closure tape strip to slide along the matrix guide surfaces until the closure shape is set.

According to a development of the invention, the guide cams are held at the level of the guide surface section of the die guide surfaces of the die jaws that is not hit by the punch. The cam guide surfaces of the guide cams have, in any case in sections, a cam radius that corresponds to the radius of the respective die guide surface facing them.

In this respect, it is provided to arrange the guide cams at the level of a strip section of the closure tape strip, which is subjected to the highest bending stress during forming in the die recess. Experience has shown that this is the case in the strip sections in which a strip bottom of the fastening tape strip merges into the strip legs. The completely sealed closure tape strip can be bent by up to almost 180° in these strip sections, which takes place in the die recess just above a maximum area approached by the punch. The cam guide surfaces preferably have a cam radius so that the closure tape strip can nestle against it and slide along it when it is closed in the die recess.

According to a development of the invention, the stamping unit has a stamping die with a stamping recess in which the stamp is guided, the stamping unit being designed for preforming the closure strip and the stamping die being movable relative to the stamp.

According to a development of the invention, the stamp die of the stamp unit is movably arranged such that the fastener tape strip can be separated from a fastener tape material by a first cutting edge provided on the stamp die being movable relative to a rigidly held second cutting edge. The fastener tape material can be fed out of a tape recess at a height between the cutting edges and can be supported on the punch die. In this way, the separation and preforming of the closure tape strip can be carried out simultaneously or in one operation by moving the punch die.

According to a further development of the invention, the device is designed to preform the closure tape strip eccentrically, ie with two strip legs of different lengths in a U-shape. For this purpose, the fastener tape material can be fed in a tape feed direction that is preferably oriented perpendicularly to a stamping direction of the punch in such a way that an exposed first strip end of the fastener tape strip is guided behind the punch die in the tape feed direction and that an opposite second strip end of the fastener tape strip that is to be separated from the fastener tape material is flush with the stamp die closes. Since the two die guide surfaces of the die jaws are designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical, the asynchronously preformed closure tape strip is closed in the die recess in such a way that the shorter of the two strip legs overlaps the longer strip leg.

If the geometry of the die guide surfaces is adapted and the mutual assignment of the die jaws differs, the longer of the two strip legs can cover the short one when the closure strip is closed.

If the device is alternatively designed to feed the fastening tape material centrally and to preform the fastening tape strip synchronously, ie with strip legs of the same length, the fastening tape strip is closed in the die recess with the strip ends facing one another and not overlapping. This embodiment of the device is also conceivable in principle according to the invention.

The invention has the features of patent claim 11 in order to achieve the object. Accordingly, the device according to the invention is used to close a bag neck of the gathered bag with a flexible metal-free closure tape strip.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention can be used in the food sector and for closing bags filled with food, since the sealing strip is metal-free. The device according to the invention is designed in such a way that it can be integrated into existing bag closing machines or production lines as a replacement unit for an existing device for closing, in particular, metal-containing closure bands.

• Ein Verschlussbandmaterial für den Verschlussbandstreifen wird durch eine Bandzuführungsausnehmung zu der Stempeleinheit zugeführt und dann dort geklemmt und dann wird der Verschlussbandstreifen von dem Verschlussbandmaterial abgetrennt,
• dann wird in der Stempeleinheit durch Verfahren einer Stempelmatrize relativ zu einem Stempel der Verschlussbandstreifen im Wesentlichen U-förmig vorgeformt,
• dann wird der vorgeformte Verschlussbandstreifen zum Verschließen mit den Streifenenden voran von dem Stempel in eine aus zwei einander zugewandten Matrizenführungsflächen von in einer Verwendungsstellung aneinandergelegten Matrizenbacken gebildete Matrizenausnehmung eingepresst, wobei Führungsnocken, die an die Matrizenausnehmung jedenfalls abschnittsweise seitlich umgreifenden Seitenwangen der Matrizenbacken vorgesehen sind, seitlich in die Matrizenausnehmung eingreifen derart, dass der Verschlussbandstreifen zwischen den Matrizenführungsflächen und den Nockengleitflächen der Führungsnocken geführt ist,
• dann werden die Seitenwangen derart bewegt, dass die Führungsnocken außerhalb der Matrizenausnehmung vorgesehen sind und
• dann wird der verschlossene Verschlussbandstreifen aus der Matrizenausnehmung entnommen.

The invention has the features of patent claim 12 in order to achieve the object. Accordingly, an operating method for a device for mechanically closing a flexible polymer or metal-free Closing tape strip, in particular for a device according to the invention, the following steps:

• A fastener tape material for the fastener tape tab is fed to the die unit through a tape feed hole and then clamped there, and then the fastener tape tab is separated from the fastener tape tab,
• then the fastener tape strip is preformed in a substantially U-shape in the stamp unit by moving a stamp die relative to a stamp,
• then the preformed closure tape strip is pressed with the strip ends first by the punch into a die recess formed from two facing die guide surfaces of die jaws placed against one another in a use position, with guide cams, which on the die recess at least partially laterally encompassing side walls of the die jaws, being provided laterally in engage the die recess in such a way that the fastener tape strip is guided between the die guide surfaces and the cam sliding surfaces of the guide cams,
• then the side walls are moved in such a way that the guide cams are provided outside the die recess and
• then the sealed closure tape strip is removed from the die cavity.

The particular advantage of the invention is that the guide cams are engaged in the die recess when the closure tape strip is closed and engage laterally in the die recess. As a result, the closure tape strip is guided between the die guide surfaces of the die jaws and the cam sliding surfaces of the guide cams and is bent or rolled around the guide cam during the forming process in the die recess. Reaching a critical bending stress that could lead to the closure tape strip tearing out, as well as buckling of the fastener tape strip to a center of the die cavity is prevented by the engagement of the guide cams. The side walls also form a lateral closure of the die recess, at least in sections, so that the closure tape strip is prevented from breaking out laterally during closure in the die recess. The closure of the closure tape strip in the die recess can therefore be carried out in a process-reliable manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, before the preformed closure tape strip is pressed into the die recess, the side walls of the die jaws are brought into an engagement position with the guide cams such that the guide cams engage laterally in the die recess. In this way, a guide channel for the closure tape strip to be closed is formed between the die guide surfaces of the die jaws and the guide cams. The engagement of the guide cams prevents the closure tape strip from buckling in the direction of a center of the die recess.

According to a further development of the invention, the die jaws are brought into a use position before the fastening tape strip is pressed into the die recess, in which the die jaws are placed against one another to form the die recess, and after the fastening tape strip has been closed in the die recess, the die jaws are moved apart into a non-use position. Advantageously, the die, which is designed to be divided in the use position, is thereby opened after the closing of the fastening tape strip for its removal, in that the die jaws pivot apart.

According to a further development of the invention, after the sealing tape strip has been closed in the die recess and before the die jaws are moved apart into the non-use position, the side cheeks of the die jaws are swung out of the engaged position, in which the guide cams provided on the side cheeks engage in the die recess, into a non-engagement position, in which the guide cams are held outside the die recess.

The disengaged position of the side cheeks allows the die jaws to pivot away from each other and release the sealed fastener tape strip for removal.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer Flachfalteinheit in einer Nichtverwendungsstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 mit der Flachfalteinheit in einer Verwendungsstellung

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

eine Vorderansicht eines Ausbruchs der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 mit einem Stempel in einer Zwischenstellung,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausbruchs der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 mit dem Stempel in einer Endlagenstellung,

Fig. 6

eine Detailansicht des Ausbruchs nach Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

eine erste perspektivische Einzelansicht einer ersten Matrizenbacke und einer darauf aufgesetzten ersten Stellgabel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 mit Seitenwangen der ersten Matrizenbacke in einer Nichteingriffsstellung,

Fig. 8

eine zweite perspektivische Einzelansicht der ersten Matrizenbacke und der ersten Stellgabel nach Fig. 7 mit den Seitenwangen in einer Eingriffsstellung,

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf die erste Matrizenbacke und die erste Stellgabel nach Fig. 7 mit den Seitenwangen in der Nichteingriffsstellung,

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf die erste Matrizenbacke und die erste Stellgabel nach Fig. 7 mit den Seitenwangen in der Eingriffsstellung

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Einzelansicht der ersten Matrizenbacke und der ersten Stellgabel eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit den Seitenwangen in der Nichteingriffsstellung,

Fig. 12

eine erste Draufsicht auf die erste Matrizenbacke und die erste Stellgabel nach Fig. 11 mit den Seitenwangen in der Nichteingriffsstellung,

Fig. 13

eine zweite Draufsicht auf die erste Matrizenbacke und die erste Stellgabel nach Fig. 11 mit den Seitenwangen in der Eingriffsstellung,

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Einzelansicht der ersten Matrizenbacke und der ersten Stellgabel eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit den Seitenwangen in der Nichteingriffsstellung,

Fig. 15

eine erste Draufsicht auf die erste Matrizenbacke und die erste Stellgabel nach Fig. 14 mit den Seitenwangen in der Nichteingriffsstellung und

Fig. 16

eine zweite Draufsicht auf die erste Matrizenbacke und die erste Stellgabel nach Fig. 14 mit den Seitenwangen in der Eingriffsstellung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention can be found in the further dependent claims and the following description. Features mentioned there can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Features and details of the device described according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the use according to the invention and with the operating method according to the invention and vice versa. Thus, mutual reference can always be made to the disclosure on the individual aspects of the invention. The drawings serve only as examples to clarify the invention and have no restrictive character. Show it:

1

a front view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention with a flat folding unit in a non-use position,

2

a front view of the device according to the invention 1 with the flat folding unit in a use position

3

a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention 1 ,

4

a front view of a breakout of the device according to the invention 1 with a stamp in an intermediate position,

figure 5

a perspective view of an outbreak of the device according to the invention 1 with the stamp in an end position,

6

a detailed view of the eruption figure 5 ,

7

a first perspective individual view of a first die jaw and a first adjusting fork placed thereon of the device according to the invention 1 with side cheeks of the first die jaw in a disengaged position,

8

a second perspective detail view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 7 with the side walls in an engaged position,

9

a top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 7 with the side bolsters in the disengaged position,

10

a top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 7 with the side panels in the engaged position

11

a perspective individual view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention with the side walls in the disengaged position,

12

a first top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 11 with the side bolsters in the disengaged position,

13

a second top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 11 with the side walls in the engaged position,

14

a perspective individual view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention with the side walls in the disengaged position,

15

a first top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 14 with the side bolsters in the disengaged position and

16

a second top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork 14 with the side panels in the engaged position.

the Figures 1 to 10 indicate a first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for closing a flexible, polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip 31 .

The device 1 comprises as essential assemblies a frame 34, a tape feed unit 23 for feeding a fastener tape material 30 for the fastener tape strip 31, a stamping unit 7 for preforming the fastener tape strip 31, and two die jaws 3.1, 3.2 held on support arms 12.1, 12.2 that can be pivoted in opposite directions and pivoted against one another form a die recess 4 for closing the fastener tape strip 31 .

In addition, the inventive device 1 in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 10 a flat folding unit with two elongated folding plates 26.1, 26.2. The folding plates 26.1, 26.2 are in 1 and 2 indicated front views of the device 1 according to the invention. When the device 1 is used according to the invention for closing a bag with metal-free sealing tape strips 31, they are used to flatten the bag fed in a horizontal throughput direction D, for example by means of an endlessly circulating conveyor belt, before it is gathered by means of a gathering device and connected to the bag by means of the device 1 according to the invention Closing tape strip 31 is closed. The bag, the conveyor belt and the shirring unit are not shown in the figures.

the 1 shows the flat-folding unit in a non-use position, in which a pivotably held second folding plate 26.2 is pivoted away from a first folding plate 26.1 fixed rigidly to the frame 34. The folding plates 26.1, 26.2 have two facing, correspondingly shaped longitudinal edges 27.1, 27.2, the first folding plate 26.1 having a depression 29 aligned with the punch unit 7, which forms a support for a bag end of the bag to be closed. 2 shows the flat-folding unit placed in a use position. The second folding plate 26.2 is pivoted here towards the first folding plate 26.1, a longitudinal gap 28 of constant height being left free for the bag between the longitudinal edges 27.1, 27.2 of the folding plates 26.1, 26.2.

The two support arms 12.1, 12.2 of equal length hold the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 in 1 in a non-use position in which the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are pivoted apart. In 2 are the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 placed in a position of use and applied to each other. For pivoting, the support arms 12.1, 12.2 are each fixed to a pivot axis 13.1, 13.2 at an end opposite the die jaws 3.1, 3.2. The pivot axes 13.1, 13.2 of the two equally long support arms 12.1, 12.2 are positioned at the same height.

The fastener tape material 30 for the fastener tape strip 31 is in 1 via a tape guide channel 24 of the tape feed unit 23 by a tape guide 41 with tape guide rollers (not shown) in a housing interior and with a tape recess in a tape feed direction B oriented parallel to the through-feed direction D. The fastener tape material 30 for the fastener tape strip 31 has been placed on a stamp 8 and an upper side 37 of a stamp die 9 of the stamp unit 7 .

In the exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention shown in the figure, the fastening tape material 30 provided for the fastening tape strip 31 is fed eccentrically in relation to the stamp 8. This means that a free first strip end 33.1 of the fastening tape strip 31 is placed at a greater distance from the stamp 8 than a second strip end 33.2 of the fastening tape strip 31 to be cut to length.

The punch 8 and the punch die 9 can be moved relative to one another in a punch direction S oriented perpendicularly to the direction of passage D. The stamp die 9 has a stamp opening 10 in which the stamp 8 is guided. In addition, the punch 8 and the punch die 9 are guided in a stable manner via guide bearings 11 .

After feeding, the fastener tape material 30 is clamped. For this purpose, the device 1 has a hold-down device 42 which is placed on the fastening tape material 30 opposite the stamp 8 . In this respect, the fastening tape material 30 is clamped between the stamp 8 and the hold-down device 42 .

The closure tape strip 31 is then separated from the supplied closure tape material 30 in the device 1 and preformed. This is done by moving the stamp die 9 upwards relative to the stamp 8, ie in the direction of the hold-down device 42. A first cutting edge 22.1 is provided on the stamping die 9, which passes a facing, opposite second cutting edge 22.2, which is held rigidly on the strip feed 41, when it is raised. The closure tape strip 31 is thereby severed from the closure tape material 30 .

At the same time, the closing tape strip 31 is formed into a U-shape by the raising of the stamping die 9 in relation to a strip base 39 clamped between the stamp 8 and the hold-down device 42, in that strip legs 32.1, 32.2 are positioned essentially at right angles between the strip base 39 and the strip ends 33.1, 33.2 of the closing tape strip 31 the punch 8 are bent. Due to the eccentric feeding of the fastening tape material 30, the bent strip legs 33.1, 33.2 of the fastening tape strip 31 are now of different lengths. A first strip leg 32.1 associated with the first strip end 33.1 is longer than a second strip leg 32.2 associated with the second strip end 33.2.

the 3 shows the device according to the invention 2 in full cut. The closure tape strip 31 is now preformed in a U-shape. In addition, the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are brought into the position of use. They are placed against each other and form a divided die 2 . The die jaws 3.1, 3.2 have die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 facing one another, which form a die recess 4 for closing the fastening tape strip 31 in the position of use. The die recess 4 is essentially U-shaped and is open at the side and at the bottom, that is to say towards the punch unit 7 .

For lateral closing of the die recess 4 at least in sections, the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 each have two mirror-symmetrical and pivotable side cheeks 5 with guide cams 6 at the same height.

Before the closure tape strip 31 is inserted into the die recess 4 for sealing, the side walls 5 are brought from a disengaged position, in which the guide cams 6 are held laterally outside the die recess 4, into an engaged position, in which the guide cams 6 engage in the die recess 4 in such a way that cam guide surfaces 38 of the guide cams 6 face the matrix guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 and between the guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2, 43 a guide channel for the fastener tape strip 31 is formed.

The pivoting of the side walls 5 takes place via actuating cylinders 17.1, 17.2 held on the support arms 12.1, 12.2, which are operatively connected to lever kinematics 14.1, 14.2 and an actuating fork 20.1, 20.2 encompassing the die jaws 3.1, 3.2. The lever kinematics 14.1, 14.2 each comprise an adjusting fork 16.1, 16.2 connected in alignment with the adjusting cylinders 17.1, 17.2 and a pivoting lever 15.1, 15.2. The pivoted levers 15.1, 15.2 are held pivotably at an upper end of the support arms 12.1, 12.2, with a first end of the pivoted levers 15.1, 15.2 being rotatable with the adjusting forks 16.1, 16.2 and an opposite second end of the pivoted levers 15.1, 15.2 being rotatable with the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 are connected. A linear actuating movement of the actuating cylinders 17.1, 17.2 is translated into a linear upward or downward movement of the actuating forks 20.1, 20.2 via the lever kinematics 14.1, 14.2.

The movement of the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 is translated into a pivoting movement of the side walls 5 as follows: The adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 have fork wedge surfaces 21 facing one another and tapering obliquely downwards. The side walls 5 have opposite wedge flank projections 18 with wedge surfaces 19 tapering towards the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2. The adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 are placed on the side walls 5 in such a way that the wedge surfaces 19 and the fork wedge surfaces 21 abut one another or are guided towards one another. The side walls preferably have inner wedge surfaces on an inside facing the die jaws 3.1, 3.2, which are oriented parallel to the wedge surfaces 19. The adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 have a cone held between the fork wedge surfaces 21 with a conical surface that extends corresponding to the inner wedge surfaces or widens in the direction of the stamp 8. The inner wedge surfaces and the cone surface are analogous to the wedge surfaces 19 and the fork wedge surfaces 21 placed against each other or out against each other. The cone and the inner wedge surfaces of the side panels 5 are not shown in the figures. A lowering of the setting forks 20.1, 20.2 thus causes the side walls 5 to pivot together under mechanical control. Raising the setting forks 20.1, 20.2 causes the side walls 5 to swing out, under mechanical control.

after as in Figure 3 shown, the fastening tape strip 31 has been preformed in a U-shape and the side walls 5 have been brought into the engaged position, the fastening tape strip 31 is pressed into the die recess 4 Stamp 8 pressed into the die recess 4. For this purpose, the hold-down device 42 has previously been moved out of the range of movement of the punch 8 .

4 shows the device 1 according to the invention 1 in the breakout, with the punch 8 in an intermediate position, in which the strip legs 32.1, 32.2 are partially inserted into the die recess 4, but the closure strip 31 is not yet closed.

Another view of an outbreak of the device 1 according to the invention 1 are figure 5 on. The stamp 8 is here compared to the intermediate position 4 been brought into an end position, that is, the closure tape strip 31 has been pressed into the die recess 4 and closed.

The side panels 5 are for a better understanding in the 4 and figure 5 not shown.

6 gives a detailed view figure 5 with a focus on the die cavity 4 and the closed fastener tape strip 31. The front side panels 5 are not shown here for reasons of clarity. It can be seen that the fastening tape strip 31 has bead-shaped longitudinal edge reinforcements 40 on its longitudinal edges. The closed closure tape strip 31 is shaped in such a way that the strip ends 33.1, 33.2 overlap one another, with the shorter strip leg 32.1 overlapping the longer strip leg 32.2. To achieve With this shape, the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 each have a radius R1, R2 in sections. The die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 are each curved inwards towards the center of the die recess 4, running into one another in the shape of a heart. The cam guide surfaces 38 of the guide cams 6 facing the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 have a cam radius shaped to correspond to the radius R1, R2. A distance between the guide cam surfaces 38 and the matrix guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 is preferably selected such that the closure tape strip 31 is slightly compressed in cross section at least in the area of the longitudinal edge reinforcements 40 between them. In this way, the closure tape strip 31 is rolled or smoothed out, which promotes the reshaping of the same when it is closed in the die recess 4 .

In the present case, the radii R1, R2 of the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 are the same size. This is exemplary. Alternatively, the radii R1, R2 can have different sizes.

Individual views of a first die jaw 3.1 of the two die jaws 3.1, 3.2 and a first adjusting fork 20.1 of the two adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 placed thereon give the Figures 7 to 10 on. In addition to the already explained conversion of the movement of the first adjusting fork 20.1 into a pivoting movement of the side walls 5 by the wedge surfaces 19 and fork wedge surfaces 21 placed against one another, it can be seen that the section of the first die guide surface 25.1 provided with a first radius R1 is replaced by a section provided between the side walls 5 exchangeable first recess body 35.1 of the die jaws is formed, which is held on a first die base body of the first die jaw 3.1 via a detachable first connecting means 36.1, a screw in the illustrated embodiment.

A second die guide surface 25.2 of a second die jaw 3.2 is also formed analogously to the first die guide surface 25.1 of the first die jaw 3.1 via a second recess body 35.2, which is detachably held on a second die base body of the second die jaw 3.2 via a second connecting means 36.2. The device 1 can thus be converted quickly for example as a result of wear on the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 or sealing tape strips 31 designed differently for sealing.

After the sealing tape strip 31 has been closed in the die recess 4, the side walls 5 of the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are swung out into the disengaged position and the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are analogous to FIG 1 swung apart on the support arms 12.1, 12.2 in the non-use position. The closed fastener tape 31 is thereby exposed and can be removed.

The first die jaw 3.1 and the first adjusting fork 20.1, which is placed on it as usual, of a second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS Figures 11 to 13 specified. In contrast to the device 1 according to the invention Figures 1 to 10 the first die guide surface 25.1 of the first die jaw 3.1 is provided here both by the first recess body 25.1 and by the two side walls 5. For this purpose, the side walls 5 are to be brought into the engaged position.

11 shows the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 in a perspective individual view, with the side walls 5 of the first die jaw 3.1 being brought into the pivoted non-engagement position. To provide the radius section of the first die guide surface 25.1, the side cheeks 5 each have a cheek projection 43 with the first radius 1 on the insides of the cheeks facing one another.

the 12 and 13 each give a top view of the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 11 on, with the side panels in 12 to the disengaged position and in 13 are brought into the engagement position. To provide the first die guide surface 25.1 in the engaged position, the cheek projections 43 of the side cheeks 5 are positioned laterally against the first recess body 35.1 in such a way that the first recess body 35.1 provides a central partial surface and the cheek projections each provide lateral partial surfaces for the first die guide surface 25.1.

The second die jaw 3.2 of the device 1 according to the invention Figures 11 to 13 is preferably designed analogously to the first die jaw 3.1. Otherwise, the device 1 agrees with the Figures 11 to 13 with the device 1 according to Figures 1 to 10 match.

the Figures 14 to 16 indicate the first die jaw 3.1 and the first adjusting fork 20.1 placed thereon of a third exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 according to Figures 14 to 16 differs from the device 1 according to the Figures 1 to 10 in the design of the die jaws 3.1, 3.2, the first die jaw 3.1 being shown in the figure and the second die jaw 3.2 being designed largely analogously to this. Otherwise, the devices 1 match.

14 shows the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 in a perspective individual view, with the side walls 5 of the first die jaw 3.1 being brought into the pivoted non-engagement position. the 15 and 16 each give a top view of the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 14 on, with the side panels in 15 to the disengaged position and in 16 are brought into the engagement position.

The radius section of the first die guide surface 25.1 is provided exclusively by the two side walls 5 here. A first replacement body 35.1 is not provided. To form the first die guide surface 25.1, the side cheeks 5 each have the cheek projection 43 with the first radius R1 on their mutually facing cheek inner sides.

To provide the first die guide surface 25.1, the side walls 5 are brought into the engaged position as usual. The cheek projections 43, which in each case provide partial surfaces of the first die guide surface 25.1, are laid sideways against one another.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. In particular, the components shown can be freely selected within wide limits in terms of their arrangement with respect to one another and in terms of their dimensions and shapes.

According to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 can also be designed in such a way that the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 are each provided by a single side cheek 5. This side cheek 5 then has a cheek projection 43 with the radius R1, R2, which protrudes over the width of the die guide surface 25.1, 25.2.

According to the invention, it is provided that the method steps for mechanical operation of the device 1 take place in cycles. The movable components, in particular the support arms 12.1, 12.2, the punch 8, the punch die 9, the strip feed unit 23, the hold-down device 42 and the second folding plate 26.2 can be coordinated with one another and be driven centrally.

A preferred use of the device 1 according to the invention provides that the device 1 is used to close a bag or another tubular container with a metal-free closure band 31 . In this case, the bag can previously have been filled with food, for example noodles, biscuits or bread. For example, the device 1 can be used to seal bags filled with screws, toys or other non-edible objects.

Identical components and component functions are identified by the same reference symbols.

Claims (15)

Device (1) for mechanically closing a flexible, polymeric and/or metal-free closure tape strip (31). - a stamp unit (7) with a movable stamp (8) and - a die (2) made up of at least two die jaws (3.1, 3.2) that can be brought together and have die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) facing one another for guiding the fastening tape strip (31), - wherein the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are placed against one another in a position of use in such a way that between the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) a substantially U-shaped and/or pocket-shaped die recess (4) is formed which is open laterally and towards the punch (8). is, - wherein the stamp unit (7) is designed to preform the closure tape strip (31) with two bent strip legs (32.1, 32.2) in a U-shape, and the stamp (8) preforms the closure tape strip (31) with the strip ends (33.1, 33.2) of the presses the bent strip leg (32.1, 32.2) first into the die recess (4) to close it, - the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) being designed to close the closure tape strip (31) in the die recess (4) with strip ends (33.1, 33.2) facing and/or overlapping, - wherein the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) each have at least one side cheek (5) with a guide cam (6), wherein in the usage position of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) the side cheeks (5) laterally encompass the die recess (4) at least in sections, wherein the guide cams (6) have cam guide surfaces (38) facing the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and wherein the guide cams (6) engage in the die recess (4) in such a way that the strip legs (33.1, 33.2) of the closure tape strip (31) during forming are guided in the die (2) between the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and cam guide surfaces (38) facing one another. Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the side walls (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are designed to be adjustable. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two side cheeks (5) are provided opposite one another for each die jaw (3.1, 3.2) and can be spread and/or closed in the manner of tongs. Device (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are fixed to support arms (12.1, 12.2) which can be pivoted relative to one another about a pivot axis (13.1, 13.2) and are of the same length and that for spreading and/or closing the Side walls (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are each operatively connected to an actuating means and preferably an actuating cylinder (17.1, 17.2) via mechanical lever kinematics (14.1, 14.2) held on the support arms (12.1, 12.2). Device (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the side walls (5) have opposite wedge flank projections (18) with wedge surfaces (19) which widen obliquely in the direction of the punch (8) and that each end faces the side walls (5). the lever kinematics (14.1, 14.2) are formed by an adjusting fork (20.1, 20.2) with fork wedge surfaces (21) facing one another and tapering obliquely in the direction of the punch (8) and shaped to correspond to the wedge surfaces (19) of the wedge flank projections (18), the adjusting fork (20.1, 20.2) being placed on the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) in such a way that the wedge surfaces (19) and the fork wedge surfaces (21) lie against one another. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2), at least in sections, are supported by a recess body (35.1, 35.2) of the die jaws ( 3.1, 3.2) and/or are provided by at least one side cheek (5) per die jaw (3.1, 3.2) and/or that the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) have a radius section with a radius (R1, R2) and/or that in any case the radius section of the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) is provided by the recess body (35.1, 35.2) and/or by at least one of the side cheeks (5) brought into the engaged position. Device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the guide cams (6) are held at the level of the guide surface section of the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) not approached by the punch (8) and/or that the Cam guide surfaces (38) of the guide cams (6), at least in sections, have a cam radius corresponding to the radius (R1, R2) of the respective facing die guide surface (25.1, 25.2). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the stamping unit (7) has a stamping die (9) with a stamping recess (10) in which the stamp (8) is guided, the stamping unit (7 ) is designed for preforming the closure tape strip (31) and wherein the stamp die (9) can be moved relative to the stamp (8). Device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the stamp die (9) of the stamp unit (7) is arranged in such a way that the fastener tape strip (31) can be separated from a fastener tape material (30) by a die provided on the stamp die (9). first cutting edge (22.1) can be moved relative to a rigidly held second cutting edge (22.2), and/or that the fastening tape material (30) can be fed out of a tape feed recess at a height between the cutting edges (22.1, 22.2) and can be supported on the punch die (9). is. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device (1) is designed to preform the fastening tape strip (31) eccentrically, i.e. with two strip legs (32.1, 32.2) of different lengths, in a U-shape, and/ or that the fastener tape material (30) can be fed in a tape feed direction (B) preferably oriented perpendicularly to a punch direction (S) of the punch (8) in such a way that an exposed first strip end (33.1) of the fastener tape strip (31) is behind in the tape feed direction (B). the punch die (9) is guided and that an opposite second strip end (33.2) of the fastening tape strip (31) to be separated from the fastening tape material (30) terminates flush with the punch die (9). Use of a device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 for mechanically closing a shirred bag and in particular one filled with foodstuffs, the device (1) closing a bag neck of the shirred bag with a flexible, metal-free fastening tape strip (31). Operating method for a device (1) for mechanically closing a flexible, polymeric and/or metal-free closure tape strip (31), in particular for a device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: - fastener tape material (30) for the fastener tape strip (31) is fed through a tape feed hole to a die unit (7) and then clamped there, and then the fastener tape strip (31) is separated from the fastener tape material (30), - then in the stamping unit (7) by moving a stamping die (9) relative to a stamp (8) the closure tape strip (31) is preformed essentially U-shaped, - then the preformed closure tape strip (31) for closure with the strip ends (33.1, 33.2) first is pushed by the punch (8) into one of two facing die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of in die recess (4) formed when the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are placed against one another in a position of use, with guide cams (6), which are provided on the side cheeks (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) laterally encompassing the die recess (4) at least in sections, laterally in the Engage in the die recess (4) in such a way that the closure strip (31) is guided between the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and the cam sliding surfaces of the guide cams (6), - Then the side walls (5) are moved in such a way that the guide cams (6) are provided outside the die recess (4) and - then the closed closure tape strip (31) is removed from the die cavity (4). Operating method according to Claim 12, characterized in that before the preformed fastening strip (31) is pressed into the die recess (4), the side walls (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are brought into an engagement position with the guide cams (6) in such a way that the guide cams (6) engage laterally in the die recess (4). Operating method according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are brought into a position of use before the fastening strip (31) is pressed into the die recess (4), in which the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) move the die recess ( 4) are placed one on top of the other in a forming manner, and that the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are moved into a non-use position that is moved apart after the closing tape strip (31) has been closed in the die recess (4). Operating method according to one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that after the closure of the fastening tape strip (31) in the die recess (4) and before the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are moved apart into the non-use position, the side cheeks (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) from the engagement position, in which the guide cams (6) provided on the side walls (5) engage in the die recess (4), can be pivoted into a Disengaged position in which the guide cams (6) are held outside the die cavity (4).

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