EP4292805A1 - Method and apparatus for producing a packaging element - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for producing a packaging element (1) from a flat fiber material (2), comprising the following steps: a) providing a defined amount (3) of a moistening medium (4) with a porous moisture transfer medium (5); b) partially transferring the defined amount (3 ) the humidification medium (3) into defined surface areas (6) of the flat fiber material (2) with the porous moisture transfer medium (5); andc) processing the flat fiber material (2) at least in the defined surface areas (6) in which the moistening medium (4) was introduced into the flat fiber material (2).

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a packaging element. The packaging element can be used in particular for packaging a food product and can form such packaging in whole or in part (if necessary together with other packaging elements).

The invention relates in particular to a preconditioning of a fiber material-based packaging material web in a packaging forming process or a packaging joining process, as well as a preconditioning device for carrying out the method

Packaging molding processes, such as press molding, deep drawing and hydroforming, are known for three-dimensional forming of packaging material webs, in which moistening and/or heating takes place in a molding station, with a steam in a mold of the molding station and/or in a stamp of the molding station. Applicator is provided for moistening the packaging material to be deformed. In addition, packaging joining processes are also known in which moisture is used to ensure a stable connection between different packaging materials.

Humidification and heat can improve the formation or joining of fiber materials. However, when moistening is introduced during forming or joining, the exposure time of the moistening before forming is severely limited by the forming process.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method is to be presented with which moisture can be introduced into flat fiber materials in a particularly advantageous manner can be used to support forming processes for forming flat fiber materials.

This problem is solved with the method according to the features of claim 1. Further advantageous refinements are specified in the dependently formulated patent claims as well as in the description and in particular in the description of the figures. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art combines the individual features with one another in a technologically sensible manner and thus arrives at further refinements of the invention.

1. a) Bereitstellen einer definierten Menge eines Befeuchtungsmediums mit einem porösen Feuchtigkeitsübertragungsmittel;
2. b) Partielles Übertragen der definierten Menge des Befeuchtungsmediums in definierte Flächenbereiche des flächigen Fasermaterials mit dem porösen Feuchtigkeitsübertragungsmittel; und
3. c) Bearbeiten des flächigen Fasermaterials zumindest in den definierten Flächenbereichen, in denen das Befeuchtungsmedium in das flächige Fasermaterial eingebracht wurde.

What will be described here is a method for producing a packaging element from a flat fiber material, comprising the following steps:

1. a) providing a defined amount of a humidification medium with a porous moisture transfer medium;
2. b) partially transferring the defined amount of the moistening medium into defined surface areas of the flat fiber material with the porous moisture transfer agent; and
3. c) processing the flat fiber material at least in the defined surface areas in which the moistening medium was introduced into the flat fiber material.

The flat fiber material is in particular a paper or cardboard and is preferably provided in the form of a material web. Such paper-based packaging material webs are known. Depending on the thickness and structure, one also speaks of a packaging cardboard web, a packaging packaging web or a packaging paper fleece web.

When introducing moisture into flat fiber materials, it is proposed here to only allow the introduction into defined surface areas in which the moisture is intended to have an effect for subsequent processing. The defined surface areas are in particular partial areas of a total area of the flat fiber material.

It has been found that the introduction of moisture only into defined surface areas is particularly advantageous because the moisture can also have a negative influence, at least temporarily, on the material properties of flat fiber materials. For example, a mechanical stability of the flat fiber material necessary for the transport or conveyance of the flat fiber material could be impaired by the moisture in such a way that transport of the flat fiber material during the production of the packaging element is made more difficult.

Defined surface areas are characterized in particular by the fact that they have a defined flat shape. Defined surface areas are characterized, for example, by the fact that they do not extend in a strictly linear or strip-shaped manner along a conveying direction of the flat fiber material. The defined flat shape requires a design with limited (not infinitely continuous) areas.

If the defined amount of moisture or moistening medium is only partially introduced into defined areas of the flat fiber material, other areas of the flat fiber material are preferably not moistened or affected. Such other areas can preferably maintain the stability of the flat fiber material overall in such a way that transport of the flat fiber material in a device for producing the flat fiber material is made possible without any problems. For example, through other areas (dry areas), the transportability of the flat fiber material is preferably maintained during all processing steps for producing the packaging element.

The partial surface areas into which the moistening medium is introduced preferably comprise a maximum surface area of the total flat fiber material of less than 70%, preferably less than 50% and particularly preferably less than 30%. So preferably more than 30% remains, especially preferably more than 50% and very particularly preferably more than 70% dry, ie without humidifying medium. By having such a high proportion of flat fiber material without moistening medium in a packaging material web, sufficient stability of the packaging material web can be achieved. In particular, if the moistening medium is introduced to carry out a joining process, the area proportions into which the moistening medium is introduced are regularly less than 30%. Joints often form a circumferential edge with which two half-shell-shaped packaging elements are joined together to form a package. The moistening medium for joining is preferably introduced in the form of a peripheral edge formed around a deformation area.

Particularly preferably, edge regions of the flat fiber material are not moistened in order to ensure a high level of stability of the flat fiber material there.

The humidification medium described is in particular a liquid and very particularly preferably has an aqueous base. The humidification medium is preferably predominantly water (for example water content over 90 percent) and may also contain additives such as alcohol, soaps, glycerin, etc.). In embodiments, humidification media based on a different basis, for example based on alcohol or glycerin, can also be used. However, water-based humidification media are clearly preferred, possibly even very pure water (distilled water or sterile water) as the humidification medium. This is particularly true if the packaging elements produced using the process are used to package food. Then, humidification media other than water often require complete recovery/extraction from the packaging element after its manufacture and before introduction of the food in order to comply with food law regulations. When using water as humidifying media, special (particularly particularly residue-free) methods for removing moisture can be avoided. In further embodiment variants, water in particular can be used as the humidifying medium be mixed with additives such as saccharides (mono-saccharides and/or poly-saccharides, especially sugar or starch) or surfactants.

The defined amount of humidification medium must in particular be distinguished from an undefined amount. A loading with an undefined amount of a flat fiber material would occur, for example, if the flat fiber material is passed through a bath with humidifying medium, in which so much moistening medium is available that the flat fiber material is saturated with the moistening medium. The defined amount is limited in some way, so that the amount of moistening medium introduced into the flat fiber material does not depend or does not depend exclusively on the absorption capacity of the fiber material, but is also at least partially influenced by the amount of moistening medium provided. This does not have to mean that the amount provided enters completely into the fiber material or transfers into the fiber material. If necessary, a residual amount of the moisture transfer agent may remain. As mentioned, however, it is necessary that the defined amount has an effect on the amount transferred into the flat fiber material. This means that there is a controllable relationship between the amount provided and the amount transferred into the flat fiber material.

Method steps b) and c) are preferably carried out in spatially spaced areas/segments/stations of a device for carrying out the method described. If necessary, further process steps can take place with the flat fiber material between process steps b) and c). If necessary, the flat fiber material can also remain or rest for a predetermined time between step b) and step c) so that the moistening medium can act in the flat fiber material.

The area or the segment or the station for carrying out step b) preferably forms a preconditioning device in which preconditioning takes place in preparation for actual processing in step c).

It is particularly advantageous if, in step c), the flat fiber material is deformed at least in the defined surface areas in which the moistening medium was introduced into the flat fiber material.

Deforming the flat fiber material is a possible processing step, which can follow the moistening in step b) in step c) and in which moistening with the moistening medium can be advantageous in order to carry out this subsequent process. If necessary, other follow-up processes can also follow. However, deformation is not the only possible processing in step c). A joining process in which the flat fiber material is joined to itself or other packaging elements, for example another web of flat fiber material, is a further processing step that follows step b) as an alternative and/or in addition to deformation as step c). can.

When deforming and possibly also when joining, the moistening medium ensures that improved mobility of individual fibers of the fiber material relative to one another is possible. In particular, the moistening medium reduces friction between fibers of the flat fiber material with one another. For this reason, the moisture can improve the deformability and possibly also the joinability of the flat fiber material.

The partial introduction of the defined amount of the moistening medium into defined surface areas of the flat fiber material ensures that the deformability occurs specifically in the areas and to the extent to which deformation should also take place in step c). This applies similarly if joining takes place in step c). Then you can partially introduce the defined amount The moistening medium can be specifically increased in defined surface areas of the flat fiber material.

The steps of the method described together preferably form a packaging forming process.

It is particularly advantageous if, in step c), the flat fiber material is joined at least in the defined surface areas in which the moistening medium was introduced into the flat fiber material.

When joining, sections of the flat fiber material are preferably connected to other sections of flat fiber material. For example, two half-shell-shaped packaging elements made of flat fiber material can be joined together to form a self-contained packaging. In particular if the process carried out in step c) includes joining, it is advantageous if the moistening medium contains saccharides, which can act as an adhesive.

In preferred embodiment variants, step c) can also include a combined forming and joining process or a multi-stage forming and joining process for processing the flat fiber material and producing a packaging element and/or packaging.

If necessary, the moistening in step a) or b) can take place on both sides of the flat fiber material, with the moisture introduced on one side/surface of the flat fiber material serving to improve deformability, while that on another (opposite) side/ Moisture introduced onto the surface of the flat fiber material serves to support or enable the joining process.

Preferably, moistening with moistening medium is carried out on the surface of the flat fiber material for joining in order to ensure that the fibers of different fibers stick together To promote sections of the flat fiber material. In the context of joining processes, the introduction of moistening medium also means, in particular, the application of moistening medium to a surface of the flat fiber material, possibly combined with a (superficial) penetration of the moistening medium into areas of the flat fiber material close to the surface.

The amount of moistening medium that is provided for joining the flat fiber material is preferably selected per unit area of the flat fiber material so that the moistening medium does not penetrate deeply into the flat fiber material, but only penetrates into areas of the flat fiber material close to the surface.

Preferably, the flat fiber material is moistened for deformation over the entire thickness/depth of the flat fiber material and not just on the surface, where the flat fiber material is to be deformed. By introducing moistening medium into the entire thickness/depth of the flat fiber material, mobility of the fibers of the flat fiber material in the respective areas is ensured, which improves the deformability.

It is also advantageous if the porous moisture transfer agent has a transfer surface on which a moisture film is provided, which is partially brought into contact with the flat fiber material in step b).

The moistening medium is therefore preferably provided in the form of a moisture film on the transfer surface. The transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent preferably acts like a swab or stamp.

In step b), the moisture film provided on the transfer surface is dabbed or stamped onto or into the flat fiber material. The defined amount of humidifying medium is defined by the film area of the moisture film predetermined by the transfer surface and its film thickness. The film thickness preferably depends on the properties of the moisture transfer agent and the properties of the humidifying medium. Relevant properties of the moisture transfer agent and the humidification medium are, for example, the contact angles and the surface tension, which determine the humidification medium and the moisture transfer agent.

The moisture transfer agent or its transfer surface preferably has the shape of the defined surface areas of the flat fiber material into which the moistening medium is to be introduced and it preferably forms a type of stamp with which the moistening medium can be applied to the flat fiber material or introduced into the flat fiber material.

The moisture transfer agent is particularly preferably a rigid body.

The moisture transfer agent is also preferably a metamorphic material.

The moisture transfer agent is in particular rigid or stiff and does not deform during the implementation of the method or not to an extent relevant to the method. The term “rigid” also means in particular “non-elastic” or “non-deformable”. These terms can be used interchangeably here. Such a material is to be distinguished in particular from a classic sponge or from sponge-like materials, which have flexibility and which is usually at least partially deformed when moistening medium is dispensed, so that the moistening medium is pressed out of the sponge. Effects of the deformation of the moisture transfer agent preferably play no role or a very minor role in the delivery of humidification medium to the flat fiber material.

The property of the moisture transfer agent to be rigid or rigid enables the delivery of a defined amount of humidification medium, which is not possible with such precision (in such a defined manner) with a classic sponge, because unavoidable deformation effects of a sponge always lead to higher tolerance deviations in the amount delivered appear. A defined amount in the sense of the patent application discussed here is, for example, an amount that deviates by less than +/- 10% from a desired delivery amount.

The property of the moisture transfer medium to be rigid or rigid enables very precise positioning of the humidification medium in the defined surface areas. The moisture transfer agent is preferably a metallic material and most preferably can be processed mechanically. The moisture transfer agent is preferably made at least partially from aluminum. But it can also be made of chrome steel or plastic. The moisture transfer agent is preferably designed precisely in the form that is advantageous for the targeted introduction of the humidifying medium into the defined surface areas of the flat fiber material. Preferably, a shape of the moisture transfer agent and in particular a shape of a transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent corresponds to a shape of the defined surface areas. The moisture transfer agent is preferably produced by a sintering process.

The porosity of the moisture transfer agent is preferably formed by pores or capillaries, which form an open (permeable) porosity. The capillaries or pores preferably end at the transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent. Capillary effects form a moisture film on the transfer surface with a defined amount of humidification medium per cm ² . The film is therefore suitable for releasing a defined amount of moisture into the fiber material. The transfer surface is a surface of the moisture transfer agent which, when carrying out the method described in step b), interacts with the flat fiber material in such a way that the Moisture film on the transfer surface or the moistening medium contained therein at least partially transfers into the flat fiber material.

It is also advantageous if the humidifying medium is introduced into the moisture transfer medium at an introduction point that is spaced from the transfer surface.

The introduction can be carried out with a pressure line that is connected to the introduction point and presses the moisture transfer agent with the humidification medium at a defined pressure. The porosity of the moisture transfer agent is preferably chosen so that a pressure equilibrium is established in the moisture transfer agent when a defined moisture film is present on the transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent.

In step b), the moisture film is broken down by passing into the flat fiber material.

Humidifying medium then preferably flows into the moisture transfer agent via the introduction point, so that the moisture film is formed again (as intended).

If necessary, an additional lockable valve (particularly preferably a metering valve) can be provided at the introduction point, with which the pressure line for providing the humidification medium can be separated from the introduction point in order to control the amount of humidification medium introduced into the moisture transfer medium.

In embodiment variants, a return line is also provided, with which excess humidification medium can be removed from the moisture transfer medium. The return can, for example, direct excess humidifying medium back into the same reservoir from which the humidifying medium was also provided to the moisture transfer medium becomes. In other design variants, the return flow can, for example, also direct excess humidification medium to a disposal facility. This is particularly useful if the quality of the humidifying medium returned via the return is not perfect. This can be the case, for example, if fibers of the flat fiber material can pass into the moistening medium.

The return can also be provided with a valve with which the amount of humidifying medium discharged via the return can be regulated. Such a valve can be designed, for example, as a valve membrane. Such a valve membrane is permeable to the humidifying medium, particularly above a predetermined pressure difference threshold, so that humidifying medium is always removed via the valve membrane when the pressure in the moisture transfer medium exceeds a threshold value. Particularly preferably, such a valve membrane is in contact with a surface portion of the moisture transfer medium and covers access to the return, so that excess humidification medium can enter the return through the valve membrane.

It is also advantageous if the moistening medium is distributed on a transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent with the aid of capillary structures in the moisture transfer agent. The capillary structures form a type of distribution structure for the humidification medium from the introduction point to the transfer surface.

The moisture transfer agent can absorb an amount of humidification medium per volume determined by its porosity. When the moisture transfer agent is filled with the humidification medium for the first time, air is first displaced from the moisture transfer agent.

As soon as the moisture transfer agent is completely filled with the humidification medium, the humidification medium swells on the transfer surface out of the moisture transfer agent and thus forms the moisture film.

When the moistening medium is introduced into the flat fiber material in step b), the moisture transfer agent is preferably not (in particular not completely) emptied. Rather, the moistening medium present as a film of moisture on the transfer surface is transferred from there. Humidification medium located within the moisture transfer medium flows in when the moisture film has been transferred and re-forms the moisture film.

When the moisture transfer agent is initially filled before carrying out the method described, air is preferably displaced from the moisture transfer agent and emerges from the transfer surface in the form of bubbles. As soon as the air is completely displaced from the moisture transfer medium, the moisture film described forms from the humidification medium on the transfer surface.

The introduction of humidification medium via the introduction point into the moisture transfer medium can be carried out intermittently or continuously. When introduced continuously, the moisture transfer agent with the humidifying medium is preferably subjected to a constant pressure. When introduced with interruptions, the moisture transfer agent is preferably only temporarily exposed to the moistening medium, for example during the introduction of the defined amount into the flat fiber material (step b) and/or always at times before and/or after carrying out step b)).

Process steps a), b) and c) are preferably repeated regularly in order to successively produce a large number of packaging elements. By introducing humidification medium via the introduction point into the moisture transfer medium with interruptions before and/or after an implementation From step b), for example, it can be achieved that the introduction takes place at least partially independently of the transfer of the moistening medium into the flat fiber material. The build-up of the moisture film takes place while the transfer surface of the flat fiber material is spaced apart. When introduced with interruptions during step b), the amount introduced into the flat fiber material can also be at least partially determined by the amount introduced/the volume flow with which the moisture transfer agent is acted upon at the point of introduction.

The moistening medium is preferably introduced or transferred into the flat fiber material in step b) with the aid of capillary forces. Capillary forces preferably act from the flat fiber material, which suck the humidifying medium from the moisture film onto the transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent. These capillary forces can, for example, originate from an inner surface on the individual fibers of flat fiber material.

The accuracy of the dosing with the moisture transfer agent can be further increased by an additional return line for humidification medium (already described above). In particular, the return is formed in the immediate vicinity of the transmission surface. The return can, for example, be connected to the moisture transfer medium via a valve membrane formed all around the transfer surface. In this way, the return flow can effectively avoid exceeding a desired pressure of the humidifying medium in the moisture transfer medium.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, further effects and measures (in particular hydromechanical effects and measures) can also be used to transport the moistening medium into the flat fiber material. The transfer of the humidification medium is preferred actively supported by the moisture transfer agent to the flat fiber material.

In an embodiment variant in which active support of the transmission is realized, compression (or compaction) of the flat fiber material preferably takes place before step b) is carried out. Preferably, the compression/compacting of the flat fiber material is at least partially reversible, so that the flat fiber material expands again after the compression/compacting. Such an expansion is preferably used to (actively) suck humidifying medium into the flat fiber material. The flat fiber material preferably acts like a compressed sponge that expands and thereby sucks in the humidification medium.

In a further embodiment variant, in which active support of the transfer is realized, flat fiber material is subjected to a negative pressure on a side opposite the moisture transfer medium, which realizes an active suction of humidification medium into the flat fiber material.

It is also advantageous if the moisture transfer agent is brought into contact with the flat fiber material before step b) and is spaced away from the flat fiber material again after step b).

Particularly preferably, the moisture transfer agent is spaced from the flat fiber material during step a). In this way, a particularly uniform structure of a moisture film can be created on a transfer surface of the moisture transfer agent, which is then transferred to the flat fiber material in step b).

It is also advantageous if a contact time during which the moisture transfer agent and the flat fiber material are in contact in step b) is set so that this contact time covers the defined amount of the moistening medium influenced, which transfers from the moisture transfer agent into the flat fiber material.

The contact time is particularly preferably tailored to the defined amount and the properties of the flat fiber material and the moisture transfer agent. The contact time is particularly preferably further tailored to the properties of the humidification medium. Particularly preferably, the contact time is reduced compared to a period of time for which there would have to be contact between the moisture transfer agent and the flat fiber material so that complete saturation of the flat fiber material with the moistening medium would occur. In further embodiment variants, means for actively adjusting the contact time are provided, with which the contact time can preferably be adjusted depending on parameters (active, during operation).

In addition, it is advantageous if the moisture transfer agent forms a surface section of a roller and the moisture transfer agent is brought into contact with the flat fiber material by rotating the roller and is spaced away from the flat fiber material again by a further rotation.

Particularly preferably, a shape of the defined surface areas of the flat fiber material to be moistened is reproduced on the surface of the roller from moisture transfer agent, particularly preferably in the manner of inserts made from the moisture transfer agent in the surface of the roll, which form the surface sections.

Introduction points for introducing the moistening medium into the moisture transfer agent are preferably located inside the roller. The roller is designed like a kind of rolling stamp. Starting from the inside of the roller, the moisture transfer agent is supplied with the moistening medium.

It is also advantageous if the humidification medium and/or the flat fiber material is tempered before and/or during step b).

The temperature control is preferably heating. A device for carrying out the method described preferably has heating means for this purpose. The transfer of humidifying medium into the flat fiber material can be improved by temperature control. Heating is particularly preferably carried out in order to increase the flowability of the humidifying medium and thus improve the distribution of the humidifying medium in the flat fiber material. In addition, the friction between fibers of the flat fiber material can be increased by temperature control (in particular heating) in conjunction with the humidification medium, so that the processability of the flat fiber material is further improved.

The temperature control can, for example, involve setting the temperature of the humidifying medium and/or the flat fiber material to values between 20°C and 90°C, in particular between 30°C and 80°C and particularly preferably between 40°C and 80°C, more particularly preferably between 60°C and 75°C. In embodiment variants, the humidifying medium in the moisture transfer agent can also have higher temperatures above its boiling point, for example above 100 ° C. In such embodiments, the humidification medium is in its vapor phase in the moisture transfer agent. The moisture film then preferably forms on the transfer surface as a condensate of the vapor of the humidification medium in the moisture transfer agent.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the moisture transfer agent and/or the flat fiber material are exposed to ultrasound waves before and/or during step b).

Ultrasonic waves can also be used to improve the introduction of the moistening medium into the flat fiber material and, in addition, the processability of the flat fiber material is preferably further improved.

It is also advantageous if the method is carried out regularly and repeatedly, in a first execution of the method before step a), an additional filling quantity of the humidifying medium is introduced into the moisture transfer medium in addition to a defined quantity and in subsequent executions of the method the defined quantity is introduced into the moisture transfer medium Moisture transfer agent is refilled.

Particularly preferably, a device for carrying out the method described has a control with which the delivery of humidifying medium to the moisture transfer medium can be controlled. The release of moistening medium to the moisture transfer agent is preferably controlled in such a way that each time step b) is carried out, an equal amount of moistening medium is released from the moisture transfer agent to the flat fiber material. Particularly preferably, a device for carrying out the method described has a conveying device and optionally at least one valve with which the delivery of humidifying medium to the moisture transfer medium can be controlled.

In addition, it is advantageous if the flat fiber material forms a layer of a composite material constructed in layers, with a further layer of the composite material being a barrier material which covers the flat fiber material on one side, the partial introduction of the defined amount of the moistening medium into the flat fiber material in step b) starting from a side of the flat fiber material opposite the barrier material.

The barrier layer makes it more difficult for air to escape from the flat fiber material because the passage of air through the barrier layer is impaired or even prevented. When the humidification medium enters the flat fiber material, air must therefore escape towards the moisture transfer medium or to the side. In order to facilitate the entry of the moistening medium into the flat fiber material, it is particularly advantageous in this case if the flat fiber material is compacted and/or compressed before step b).

It is also advantageous if in step c) a three-dimensional deformation of the flat fiber material takes place, with a two-dimensional stretching of the flat fiber material taking place at least in some areas.

The two-dimensional expansion is preferably carried out as part of a press-forming, deep-drawing and/or hydroforming process carried out in step c).

With the method described, the moistening medium is particularly preferably introduced into defined surface areas of the flat fiber material in which the two-dimensional expansion takes place. In the case of a two-dimensional expansion, the material of the flat fiber material is stretched in two directions at least in some areas, such as the material of a balloon when it is inflated. Two-dimensional stretching is to be distinguished from one-dimensional stretching, which occurs, for example, when the flat fiber material is stretched along one direction, such as a rubber band that is stretched out. In order to stretch a flat fiber material two-dimensionally without it tearing, a very high degree of mobility of the fibers of the flat fiber material relative to one another is required, which can be achieved by partially introducing the moistening medium.

A device for producing packaging elements will also be described here, the device being set up to carry out the method described.

It should be pointed out that the special advantages and design features described in connection with the method described above can also be applied and transferred to the device described below.

The device preferably has a plurality of stations arranged one behind the other. The flat fiber material is preferably provided by a material supply as an endless material - for example in the form of rolls or coils of the flat fiber material. A humidification station can then be arranged, for example, in which the described method step b) for introducing the humidification medium takes place. This can be followed by a forming station, in which, for example, processing takes place by deformation (step c)). The flat fiber material is fed from processing station to processing station as an endless material. In a processing station, the flat fiber material is preferably divided into individual sections, each of which then forms a packaging element.

Fig. 1:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des beschriebenen Verfahrens;

Fig. 2:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in einem Zustand beim Befeuchten des flächigen Fasermaterials;

Fig. 3:

eine schematische Ansicht von oben auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 4:

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des beschriebenen Verfahrens;

Fig. 5:

noch eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des beschriebenen Verfahrens;

Fig. 6:

noch eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante einer Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des beschriebenen Verfahrens; und

Fig. 7:

eine Detaildarstellung eines Feuchtigkeitsübertragungsmittels.

The invention and the technical environment of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show preferred exemplary embodiments, to which the invention is, however, not limited. It should be particularly noted that the figures and in particular the size relationships shown in the figures are only schematic. Show it:

Fig. 1:

a schematic representation of a device for carrying out the method described;

Fig. 2:

a schematic representation of a device according to Fig. 1 in a state when moistening the flat fiber material;

Fig. 3:

a schematic view from above of a device according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4:

a schematic representation of a further embodiment variant of a device for carrying out the method described;

Fig. 5:

another schematic representation of a further embodiment variant of a device for carrying out the method described;

Fig. 6:

another schematic representation of a further embodiment variant of a device for carrying out the method described; and

Fig. 7:

a detailed representation of a moisture transfer agent.

The Fig. 1 to 6 each show embodiment variants of a device 14 for carrying out the method described in different states and from different perspectives. The basic structure of such a device 14 should first be based on Fig. 1 to 3 be explained. The Fig. 4 and 5 then show further special features with which such a device 14 can be equipped.

In the Fig. 1 to 3 It can be seen that a flat fiber material 2 in the device 14 is initially provided by a material provision 19. The material provision 19 is, for example, a drum or a roll from which the flat fiber material 2 is provided as an endless material. The flat fiber material 2 then passes into several processing stations 17, 18 arranged one behind the other, which are arranged one behind the other along the flat fiber material 2 provided as an endless material. Here, after the material has been provided 19, there is first a moistening station 18 and behind it a shaping station 17. The forming station 17 can be seen here as an example of any processing stations that can follow a moistening station 18. This could also be, for example, a joining station or a similar processing station. The representation of the processing stations 17, 18 in the Fig. 1 to 3 is not conclusive. There may be additional processing stations. After processing there is preferably a (also not here shown) separation of the processed flat fiber material 2 in such a way that (individual) packaging elements 1 are created.

In the humidification station 18, a defined amount 3 of a humidification medium 4 is provided with the aid of moisture transfer agent 5 and introduced into defined surface areas 6 of the flat fiber material 2. This corresponds to steps a) and b) in the Fig. 1 and 2 are marked accordingly.

Possible defined areas 6 are in Fig. 3 to recognize. Fig. 3 also shows a packaging element 1, which was produced using the method described. This packaging element 1 has deformation areas 28. The deformation areas 28 are sometimes even so-called multi-dimensional deformation areas 29, which are characterized by the fact that in these areas there is not just a deformation in one plane, but a deformation in several planes. In Fig. 3 It can be seen that the defined surface areas 6 are designed so that moisture is introduced in particular where the flat fiber material 2 is deformed. The deformation in these areas is then carried out after moistening in the subsequent shaping station 17.

The porous moisture transfer agent 5 provides the humidification medium 4 for humidification preferably on a transfer surface 7 in the form of a moisture film 8. The humidification medium 4 is introduced into the porous moisture transfer medium 5 at an introduction point 15. The conditions with which the moisture transfer agent 5 is exposed to the humidification medium 4 at the introduction point 15 and the specific properties of the moisture transfer agent 5 cause the defined amount 3 of the humidification medium 4 to be available in the form of the moisture film 8. The moisture transfer agent 5 is brought into contact with the flat fiber material 2 in the manner of a stamp. The device 14 is preferably operated in a clocked manner. With each cycle and before the next cycle, the flat fiber material 2 moves a little further. This process can be called "feed" or “transportation”. A section of the flat fiber material 2, which is in one cycle for processing in the moistening station 18, is in a further cycle following this cycle, for example in the shaping station 17 and so on. During the cycle, the moisture transfer agent 5 is preferably brought into contact with the flat fiber material 2 in order to transfer the defined amount 3 of the moistening medium 4 into the flat fiber material. This situation is in Fig. 2 shown. In Fig. 1 a situation is shown in which the moisture transfer agent 5 is spaced from the flat fiber material 2 and the flat fiber material can be moved further.

In Fig 1 Further details on how the forming station 17 works are described. Process step c) is carried out in the forming station 17. The shaping station 17 preferably has a mold 26 and a stamp 27 shaped in accordance with the mold 26. With the stamp 27, the flat fiber material 2 is preferably pressed under pressure into the mold 26 in order to achieve permanent shaping of the flat fiber material. If necessary, the mold 26 and/or the stamp 27 can have heating means 25 with which heating can take place, which supports permanent shaping of the flat fiber material 2.

Fig. 4 . shows a further embodiment variant of a described device for carrying out the described method, in which the moisture transfer means 5 are not brought into contact with the flat fiber material 2 in the manner of stamps, but are arranged on a roller 11, so that the porous moisture transfer means 5 surface sections 10 of the Roller 11 forms. The diameter and the arrangement of the moisture transfer agent 5 on the roller 11 is selected so that the moisture transfer agent 5 comes into contact with the flat fiber material 2 by rotating the roller 11 during the feed or transport between two cycles. The Fig. 4 shows the situation during a feed. The moisture transfer agent 5 is preferably supplied with the humidification medium 4 from an inner area of the roller 11. This is in Fig. 4 also shown because the introduction points 15 for introducing the moistening medium 4 into the porous moisture transfer medium 5 are arranged inside the roller 11 on the moisture transfer medium 5.

Fig. 5 shows yet another embodiment variant of a device for carrying out the method described, which is again the same as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The concept shown is implemented with moisture transfer means 5 attached to stamps. In addition, a compacting device 16 is arranged here in front of the moistening station 18, which compacts the flat fiber material 2 before moistening takes place in the moistening station 18. Through compaction, the absorption behavior of the flat fiber material 2 for the moistening medium 4 can be modified and a desired moistening behavior can thus be set. In Fig. 5 Furthermore, shown as an example is a flat fiber material 2, which is provided together with a barrier material 13 as a composite material 12 and processed using the method described. The humidification medium 4 with the moisture transfer agent 5 is introduced starting from the side of the flat fiber material 2 facing away from the barrier material 13.

Fig. 6 shows yet another embodiment variant of a device for carrying out the method described, which is again the same as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The concept shown is implemented with moisture transfer means 5 attached to stamps. In addition, it is shown here that moisture is introduced into the flat fiber material 2 from both sides using moisture transfer agents 5. If a barrier material 13 is present on one side of the flat fiber material 2 (not shown here), the barrier material 13 preferably has interruptions/recesses and the introduction of the moistening medium 4 preferably takes place in the area of these interruptions/recesses, for example in order to specifically target moistening medium 4 there for a joining process to introduce.

Fig. 7 shows a detailed representation of a moisture transfer agent 5 together with means for supplying the porous moisture transfer agent 5 with the moisture. On the top of the moisture transfer medium 5 shown, the transfer surface 7 is formed, on which the defined amount 3 of the humidification medium 4 is provided in the form of a moisture film 8. The moisture film 8 has a film thickness 24 and a film area 23, which together form the volume of the moisture film 8 and thus also the defined amount 3. The moisture transfer agent 5 preferably consists of the metamorphic material already described above with internal capillary structures 9. The humidification medium 4 passes through the capillary structures 9 from the introduction point 15 to the transfer surface 7. The properties of the capillary structures 9 support the formation of the moisture film 8.

The introduction point 15 is designed here, for example, in such a way that the moisture transfer agent 5 is evenly exposed to the humidification medium 4 on a side opposite the transfer surface 7. This embodiment variant is only an example. The introduction point 15 can also be designed in such a way that it only applies the humidifying medium 4 to the moisture transfer agent 5 in a smaller area. However, the introduction point 15 is preferably spaced from the transfer surface 7.

In order to apply the humidifying medium 4 to the porous moisture transfer medium 5 at the introduction point 15, there is preferably a conveying device 21 and possibly also valves 20, with which the humidifying medium 4 is supplied (if necessary in a metered manner) from a reservoir 22. In Fig. 7 Also shown is a return line 30 with which excess humidification medium 4 can be returned from the moisture transfer medium 5. The return 30 is here connected to the moisture transfer medium 5 via a valve membrane 31 and excess humidification medium 4, which would impair the desired formation of the moisture film 8 or which could cause the film thickness 24 to be exceeded (locally), can be passed through the return 30 be returned. The valve membrane 31 is preferably set up in such a way that excess humidification medium 4 automatically passes into the return 30 depending on the pressure of the humidifying medium 4 in the moisture transfer medium 5.

Reference symbol list

1

Packaging element

2

flat fiber material

3

defined quantity

4

Humidification medium

5

Moisture transfer agents

6

defined areas

7

Transfer surface

8th

Moisture film

9

Capillary structures

10

surface section

11

roller

12

Composite material

13

Barrier material

14

contraption

15

Place of introduction

16

Compaction device

17

forming station

18

Humidification station

19

Material provision

20

Valve

21

Conveyor device

22

reservoir

23

Film area

24

Film thickness

25

Heating medium

26

shape

27

Rubber stamp

28

Deformation range

29

multidimensional deformation range

30

Rewind

31

Valve membrane

Claims (15)

Method for producing a packaging element (1) from a flat fiber material (2), comprising the following steps: a) providing a defined amount (3) of a humidification medium (4) with a porous moisture transfer medium (5); b) partially transferring the defined amount (3) of the moistening medium (4) into defined surface areas (6) of the flat fiber material (2) with the porous moisture transfer medium (5); and c) processing the flat fiber material (2) at least in the defined surface areas (6) in which the moistening medium (4) was introduced into the flat fiber material (2). Method according to claim 1, wherein in step c) the flat fiber material (2) is deformed at least in the defined surface areas (6) in which the moistening medium (4) was introduced into the flat fiber material (2). Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in step c) the flat fiber material (2) is joined at least in the defined surface areas (6) in which the moistening medium (4) was introduced into the flat fiber material (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the porous moisture transfer medium (5) has a transfer surface (7) on which a moisture film (8) is provided, which is partially brought into contact with the flat fiber material (2) in step b). A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the moisture transfer agent is a rigid body. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moistening medium (4) is distributed on a transfer surface (7) of the moisture transfer medium (5) with the aid of capillary structures (9) in the moisture transfer medium (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture transfer agent (5) is brought into contact with the flat fiber material (2) before step b) and is spaced away from the flat fiber material (2) again after step b). Method according to claim 7, wherein a contact time during which the moisture transfer agent (5) and the flat fiber material (2) are in contact in step b) is set such that this contact time influences the defined amount (3) of the moistening medium (4). , which passes from the moisture transfer agent (5) into the flat fiber material (2). Method according to claim 8, wherein the moisture transfer agent (5) forms a surface section (10) of a roller (11) and by rotating the roller (11), the moisture transfer agent (5) is brought into contact with the flat fiber material (2) and by a further rotation is spaced apart again from the flat fiber material (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the humidification medium (4) and/or the flat fiber material (2) is tempered before and/or during step b). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein before and/or during step b) the moisture transfer agent (5) and/or the flat fiber material (2) are exposed to ultrasonic waves. Method according to claim 11, wherein the method is carried out regularly and repeatedly, in a first execution of the method before step a) an additional filling quantity of the humidifying medium (4) is introduced into the moisture transfer medium (5) in addition to a defined quantity (3) and in subsequent ones In each embodiment of the method, the defined amount (3) is refilled into the moisture transfer agent (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat fiber material (2) forms a layer of a layered composite material (12), a further layer of the composite material (12) being a barrier material (13) which covers the flat fiber material (2) on one side , wherein the partial introduction of the defined amount (3) of the moistening medium (4) into the flat fiber material (2) in step b) takes place starting from a side of the flat fiber material (2) opposite the barrier material (13). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step c) a three-dimensional deformation of the flat fiber material (2) takes place, with a two-dimensional stretching of the flat fiber material (2) taking place at least in regions. Device (14) for producing a packaging element (1), the device being set up to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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