NL2033078B1 - Packaging system and method for producing pouches - Google Patents

Packaging system and method for producing pouches Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2033078B1
NL2033078B1 NL2033078A NL2033078A NL2033078B1 NL 2033078 B1 NL2033078 B1 NL 2033078B1 NL 2033078 A NL2033078 A NL 2033078A NL 2033078 A NL2033078 A NL 2033078A NL 2033078 B1 NL2033078 B1 NL 2033078B1
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NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
foil
forming condition
control command
packaging system
mold
Prior art date
Application number
NL2033078A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Scavo Elio
Ten Hove Gerrit
Peter Akkerman Jensen
Kornelis Van Dijk Evert
Original Assignee
Eme Engel Machf En Engineering B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eme Engel Machf En Engineering B V filed Critical Eme Engel Machf En Engineering B V
Priority to NL2033078A priority Critical patent/NL2033078B1/en
Priority to EP23198469.1A priority patent/EP4342805A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2033078B1 publication Critical patent/NL2033078B1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B41/00—Supplying or feeding container-forming sheets or wrapping material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B41/00—Supplying or feeding container-forming sheets or wrapping material
    • B65B41/12—Feeding webs from rolls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
    • B65B47/02—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved with means for heating the material prior to forming
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/02—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/023—Packaging fluent material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B65B9/042—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for fluent material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging system for producing pouches having at least one compartment and made from a water-soluble first foil and a water-soluble second 5 foil, the packaging system comprising a mould conveyor configured to move multiple moulds in a conveying direction wherein each mould comprises at least one forming cavity; a first foil supplying device configured to position the first foil on the support surface of the mould and over its at least one forming cavity; a forming device configured to form a part of the first foil extending over the at least one forming cavity into the at least one forming cavity of the 10 moulds to form at least one open compartment of the pouch; a sensor system configured to acquire forming condition data of the at least one open compartment, the sensor system being configured to be operatively coupled to a control system configured for comparing the forming condition data to a desired forming condition, and for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, wherein the packaging system is 15 configured to control the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.

Description

P35772NLO0O/MLI
Title: Packaging system and method for producing pouches
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a packaging system and a method for producing pouches having at least one compartment and made from a water-soluble first foil and a water-soluble second foil.
The present invention further relates to a control system and a control method for controlling a pouch production of a packaging system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Detergent pouches, or pods, have become increasingly popular over the last number of years, both for the laundry washing and for dishwashing. Detergent pouches are generally made from a water soluble material such as PVOH. This material forms the wall of the pouch and wraps the detergent, e.g. a powder, gel, and/or liquid.
Detergent pouches provide a number of advantages over other kinds of dosage methods, leading to increased convenience for the user. The dose is always controlled and the same. Also, in case of a detergent pouch having multiple chambers holding different substances, the ratio between the volumes is always controlled and the same. If handled properly, there is no or significantly less contact between the hands of the user and the detergent. This results in less skin irritation. There is also less spilling of detergent.
The production of detergent pouches is generally done with a packaging system, wherein a plurality of moulds are transported along a trajectory, and wherein different process steps are performed in order to produce a plurality of individualized pouches.
A problem during pouch production is the inefficiency due to downtime. Downtime for example occurs when the detergent is spilled. When the detergent is spilled on a part of a water-soluble foil outside a dedicated open compartment, the production needs to be halted until the spill has been cleaned.
Further, during pouch production the forming of the water soluble foil into open compartments, that are to be filled with detergent, is often not consistent. This often leads to problems in process steps downstream. There is a need for a more consistent forming of the open compartments.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTOIN
It is an object of the invention to provide a packaging system and method for producing pouches with improved control.
It is an object of the invention to provide a packaging system and method for producing pouches that is more efficient.
It is an object of the invention to manufacture with less material and consequently at less costs.
It is an object of the invention to reduce the percentage of defective pouches.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to achieve at least one object, the invention provides a packaging system for producing pouches having at least one compartment and made from a water-soluble first foil and a water-soluble second foil, the packaging system comprising: - a mould conveyor configured to move multiple moulds in a conveying direction along a trajectory, wherein each mould comprises at least one forming cavity, and a support surface adjoining the at least one forming cavity, - a first foil supplying device configured to position the first foil on the support surface of the mould and over its at least one forming cavity, - a forming device configured to form a part of the first foil extending over the at least one forming cavity into the at least one forming cavity of the moulds to form at least one open compartment of the pouch, - a sensor system configured to acquire forming condition data of the at least one open compartment, the sensor system being configured to be operatively coupled to a control system configured for comparing the forming condition data to a desired forming condition, and for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition,
wherein the packaging system is configured to control the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
The packaging system provides an improved control of the pouch production. This is achieved by the sensor system which acquires forming condition data of the at least one open compartment. By determining the forming condition at an early stage of pouch production, i.e. forming of the first foil, the pouch production can be better controlled from an early stage as well. When the forming condition is not according to a desired forming condition, for example filling of the at least one open compartment can be prevented at a later stage. Also, the forming of the first foil into the open compartment itself can be influenced based on the acquired forming condition data by for example heating the first foil more and/or more locally.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the sensor system comprises an imaging device configured to image the forming condition of the open compartments, wherein the control system is configured for comparing the forming condition of the open compartments based on the imaging of the imaging device.
With the imaging device the forming condition can be better determined and compared to the desired forming condition.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the imaging device is a thermal imaging device configured to image a temperature distribution of the first foil downstream the first foil supplying device, wherein the control system is configured for comparing the forming condition of the open compartments based on the imaging of the temperature distribution of the first foil.
The temperature distribution image of the first foil allows for a more accurate and effective determination of the forming condition of the at least one open compartment. In the present invention it was recognized that the use of a thermal imaging device is beneficial, because a temperature of parts of the first foil is influenced when said parts come into contact with a surface of the forming cavity. The difference in temperature between parts of the first foil that have come in contact with the surface of the forming cavity and parts of the first foil that have not come in contact with the surface of the forming cavity can be effectively imaged by the thermal imaging device. Generally, parts that have not come into contact with the surface of the forming cavity are considered to be not formed properly. Based on the imaged temperature distribution, the control system can effectively compare the forming condition of the at least one compartment to the desired forming condition.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the forming device comprises a suction device and/or a stamping device configured to respectively suck and/or stamp the part of the first foil extending over the at least one forming cavity into the at least one forming cavity.
In an embodiment the packaging system further comprises a foil heating device configured to heat the first foil prior and/or during the positioning of the first foil on the support surface and over its at least one forming cavity, and/or during the forming of the part of the first foil extending over the at least one forming cavity into the at least one forming cavity.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the foil heating device is configured to heat the first foil to a first foil temperature that is higher than a mould temperature of the support surface of the mould.
Heating the first foil increases the temperature difference between the surface of the forming cavity and the first foil, such that the thermal imaging device can provide an improved image of the temperature distribution of the first foil during and/or after forming.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the foil heating device comprises at least one heating unit, wherein a heat output of the at least one heating unit is adjustable.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the at least one heating unit is movable in the conveying direction, the heating unit being configured to move along with the first foil during the forming thereof while heating the foil.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the foil heating device comprises an infrared heating unit and/or a microwave heating unit.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the packaging system further comprises a filling device configured to at least partially fill the at least one open compartment with a powder, a liquid, or a gel, wherein the filling device is configured to be operatively coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, the filling device being configured to, based on receipt of the control command, at least partially fill the at least one open compartment when the forming condition is according to the desired forming condition, and to not at least partially fill the at least one open compartment when the forming condition is not according to the desired forming condition.
By controlling the filling of the at least one open compartment based on the forming condition data acquired by the sensor system, a more efficient packaging system can be provided.
Further, by not filling the at least one open compartment when it is not formed according to the desired forming condition, the chances of spills can be reduced. When an open compartment is not formed according to the desired forming condition, an inner volume of the open compartment is generally smaller than desired. As the filling device usually fills the open compartment with a predetermined amount of detergent, the predetermined amount may be too much for the smaller inner volume of an open compartment that is not formed according to the desired forming condition. Less spills lead to less downtime of the packaging system, and thereby to a more efficient packaging system.
Further, less material is used, because the powder, liquid and/or gel detergent is saved for another open compartment.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the moulds are arranged in lanes and rows, wherein each mould is defined by a lane number and a row number, wherein the control command includes the lane number and row number of a mould corresponding to an open compartment having a forming condition not according to the desired forming condition, wherein the filling device is configured to not at least partially fill the open compartment in the mould corresponding to the lane number and row number based on the receipt of the control command.
By not filling the open compartment corresponding to mould with a specific lane number and row number, the pouch production can be further improved. When for example an entire row is not filled while said row comprises one or more open compartments that are formed according to the desired forming condition, the material of said well-formed open compartments is wasted.
In an embodiment the packaging system further comprises - a second foil supplying device configured to position the second foil on at least a part of the first foil contacting the support surface of the mould and over the at least one open compartment, thereby closing the at least one open compartment, - a sealing device for sealing the second foil to the first foil in order to form a pouch having at least one compartment.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the packaging system further comprises a pouch rejection device configured to reject defective pouches, wherein the rejection device is configured to be operatively coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, the rejection device being configured to, based on receipt of the control command, reject pouches having at least one compartment with a forming condition that is not according to the desired forming condition.
By controlling the rejection process of the pouches based on the forming condition data acquired by the sensor system, a more efficient packaging system can be provided.
When the control command is received by both the filling device and the rejection device, a synergetic effect may occur in that the rejection device rejects empty pouches, or ghost pouches. Ghost pouches are pouches that are not filled with a detergent, and only consist of the water soluble first and second foil. Ghost pouches are beneficial compared to defective filled pouches, because it saves detergent and the water-soluble foil of the ghost pouches can be recycled more easily.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the moulds are arranged in lanes and rows, wherein each mould is defined by a lane number and a row number, wherein the control command includes the lane number and row number of a mould corresponding to an open compartment having a forming condition that is not according to the desired forming condition, wherein the pouch rejection device is configured to reject a defective pouch in the mould corresponding to the lane number and row number based on the receipt of the control command.
By rejecting defective pouches that correspond to a mould with a specific lane number and row number, the pouch production can be further improved. When for example an entire row would be rejected while said row comprises one or more non-defective pouches, the material of said non-defective pouches is wasted.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the foil heating device is configured to be operatively coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, wherein the control system further is configured for identifying one or more areas of the first foil that are not formed according to the desired forming condition based on the forming condition data provided by the sensor system, and for generating the control command if the one or more areas are identified, wherein the foil heating device is configured to heat one or more identified areas of the first foil based on receipt of the control command.
By heating the one or more identified areas the pouch production can be improved, because by heating the one or more identified areas said areas may become formed. The heat allows the water soluble foil to stretch better. As a result the consistency of the forming of the open compartments can be improved.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the foil heating device is configured to locally heat one or more areas of the first foil prior to the positioning thereof on the support surface of the mould and over its at least one forming cavity, wherein said one or more areas correspond to the one or more areas identified by the control system during the forming of a previous at least one open compartment.
By locally heating the one or more areas the pouch production can be improved, because by locally heating the one or more identified areas said areas may become formed, reducing the chance for open compartments that have a forming condition not according to the desired forming condition.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, during forming of the at least one open compartment, the foil heating device is configured to heat the one or more identified areas that are not formed according to the desired forming condition until the one or more identified areas are formed according to the desired forming condition with the forming device. This way there may be fewer open compartments with a forming condition not according to the desired forming condition. In the end leading to a higher percentage of correctly produced pouches.
In an embodiment of the packaging system, the mould conveyor is configured to move multiple moulds in a conveying direction along an endless trajectory.
The present invention further relates to a method for producing pouches having at least one compartment and made from a water-soluble first foil and a water-soluble second foil, the method comprising: a) moving multiple moulds in a conveying direction, wherein each mould comprises at least one forming cavity, and a support surface adjoining the at least one forming cavity, b) positioning a first foil on the support surface of the mould and over its at least one forming cavity, c) forming a part of the first foil extending over the at least one forming cavity into the at least one forming cavity of the moulds to form at least one open compartment of the pouch,
d) acquiring forming condition data of the at least one open compartment with a sensor system, the sensor system being operatively coupled to a control system for comparing the forming condition data to a desired forming condition, and for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, wherein the packaging system controls the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
The method according to the present invention provides the same advantages as the packaging system according to the invention.
In an embodiment the method comprises imaging the forming condition of the open compartments.
In an embodiment the method comprises imaging the temperature distribution of the first foil downstream of the supplying device.
In an embodiment the method comprises heating the first foil prior and/or during the positioning of the first foil on the support surface and over its at least one forming cavity, and/or during the forming of the first foil into the at least one forming cavity.
In an embodiment the method comprises heating the first foil prior to the positioning of the first foil on the support surface and over its at least one forming cavity to a first foil temperature that is higher than a mould temperature of the support surface of the moulds.
In an embodiment the method comprises at least partially filling the at least one open compartment with a powder or a liquid when the forming condition is according to the desired forming condition, and not at least partially filling the at least one open compartment when the forming condition is not according to the desired forming condition.
In an embodiment of the method, the moulds are arranged in lanes and rows, wherein each mould is defined by a lane number and a row number, wherein the control command includes the lane number and row number of a mould corresponding to an open compartment having a forming condition not according to the desired forming condition, wherein the method comprises not at least partially filling the open compartment in the mould corresponding to the lane number and row number based on the receipt of the control command.
In an embodiment the method further comprises e) positioning a second foil on at least a part of the first foil contacting the support surface of the mould and over the at least one open compartment with a second foil supplying device in order to close the at least one open compartment, f) sealing the second foil to the first foil with a sealing device in order to form a pouch having at least one compartment.
In an embodiment the method comprises rejecting defective pouches with a pouch rejection device, wherein the rejection device is operatively coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, wherein the rejection device, based on receipt of the control command, rejects pouches having at least one compartment with a forming condition that is not according to the desired forming condition.
In an embodiment of the method, the moulds are arranged in lanes and rows, wherein each mould is defined by a lane number and a row number, wherein the control command includes the lane number and row number of a mould corresponding to an open compartment having a forming condition that is not according to the desired forming condition, wherein the method comprises rejecting a defective pouch in the mould corresponding to the lane number and row number based on the receipt of the control command.
In an embodiment the method comprises identifying one or more areas of the first foil that are not formed according to the desired forming condition based on the forming condition data provided by the sensor system, and heating che or more identified areas of the first foil based on receipt of the control command.
In an embodiment the method comprises locally heating one or more areas of the first foil prior to the positioning thereof on the support surface of the mould and over its at least one forming cavity, wherein said one or more areas correspond to the one or more areas identified during the forming of a previous at least one open compartment.
In an embodiment of the method, during the forming of the at least one open compartment the one or more identified areas that are not formed according to the desired forming condition are heated until the one or more identified areas are formed according to the desired forming condition.
The present invention further relates to a control system configured to be operatively coupled to a sensor system of a packaging system according to the invention, the sensor system being configured to acquire forming condition data of at least one open compartment of a pouch to be produced, wherein the control system is configured - for receiving the forming condition data of the sensor system - for comparing the forming condition data to a desired forming condition, - for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, and - for transmitting the control command to the packaging system for controlling the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
The present invention further relates to a control method for controlling a pouch production of a packaging system, the method comprising: - providing a control system operatively coupled to a sensor system of a packaging system, - receiving forming condition data of the sensor system, - comparing the forming condition data to a desired forming condition, - generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, and - transmitting the control command to the packaging system for controlling the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention.
Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of another embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention.
Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a plurality of moulds with at least one forming cavity, and a first foil.
Figure 4 schematically shows a top view of a mould with three forming cavities.
Figure 5A schematically shows the mould of figure 4 in cross-section along section A-
A, wherein a first foil is positioned over the forming cavities.
Figure 5B shows an image of a temperature distribution of the first foil during positioning thereof on a plurality of moulds corresponding to figure 5A.
Figure BA schematically shows the mould of figure 4 in cross-section along section A-
A, wherein a first foil is formed into a plurality of open compartments, wherein the open compartments have a forming condition according to a desired forming condition.
Figure 6B schematically shows an image of a temperature distribution of formed open compartments.
Figure 7A schematically shows the mould of figure 4 in cross-section along section A-
A, wherein a first foil is formed into a plurality of open compartments, wherein the open compartments have a forming condition not according to a desired forming condition.
Figure 7B schematically shows an image of a temperature distribution of formed open compartments, wherein a plurality of open compartments have a forming condition not according to a desired forming condition.
Figure 8 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pouch produced with a packaging system according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Turning to figures 1 and 2, two embodiments are shown of a packaging system 1 according to the invention for producing pouches 2 having at least one compartment 3 and made from a water-soluble first foil 4 and a water-soluble second foil 5.
The packaging system 1 comprises a mould conveyor 6 configured to move multiple moulds 7 in a conveying direction 8 along a trajectory 9. In the embodiment as shown in figure 1 the mould conveyor 6 has an oblong shape, wherein the moulds 7 follow an endless trajectory 9 with a substantial horizontal component. The machine direction of the mould conveyor 6 in figure 1 is from right to left, or counter-clockwise.
The mould conveyor 6 as shown in figure 2 is of the rotary drum type, having an endless trajectory 9 that is circular. The machine direction of the mould conveyor 6 in figure 2 is counter-clockwise.
Each mould 7 comprises at least one forming cavity 10, and a support surface 11 adjoining the at least one forming cavity 10, see figures 3 and 4. In the shown embodiments each mould 7 comprises three forming cavities 10. The moulds 7 may also have a different number of forming cavities 10, as well as other shapes thereof.
The packaging system 1 comprises a first foil supplying device 12 configured to position the first foil 4 on the support surface 11 of the mould 7 and over its at least one forming cavity 10, thereby closing the at least one forming cavity 10.
The packaging system 1 comprises a forming device 13 that is configured to form a part 14 of the first foil 4 extending over the at least one forming cavity 10 into the at least one forming cavity 10 of the moulds 7 to form at least one open compartment 15 of the pouch.
In the shown embodiment the forming device 13 comprises a suction device 24 configured to suck the part of the first foil 4 extending over the at least one forming cavity 10 into the at least one forming cavity 10. The suction device 24 typically comprises a vacuum system which is connected via passages to the forming cavities 10.
The forming device 13 may also, or instead, comprise a stamping device configured to stamp the part of the first foil 4 extending over the at least one forming cavity 10 into the at least one forming cavity 10.
To improve the forming of the first foil 4 into the at least one forming cavity 10, the packaging system 1 further comprises a foil heating device 25. The foil heating device 25 can heat the first foil 4 prior and/or during the positioning of the first foil 4 on the support surface 11 and over its at least one forming cavity 10. The foil heating device 25 may also be configured to heat the first foil 4 during the forming of the part of the first foil 4 extending over the at least one forming cavity 10 into the at least one forming cavity 10.
The foil heating device 25 is configured to heat the first foil 4 to a first foil temperature that is higher than a mould temperature of the support surface 11 of the mould 7.
The foil heating device 25 comprises at least one heating unit 26. The heat output of the at least one heating unit 26 may be adjustable.
The at least one heating unit 26 may be movable in the conveying direction 8, such that the heating unit 26 moves along with the first foil 4 during the forming thereof while heating the foil.
The foil heating device 25 may comprise an infrared heating unit 27 and/or a microwave heating unit.
Downstream of the forming device 13 a filling device 28 is provided for at least partially filling the formed open compartments 15 with a powder, a liquid, and/or a gel 29.
Subsequently, downstream of the filling device 28 a second foil supplying device 32 is provided. The second foil supplying device 32 positions the second foil 5 on at least a part of the first foil 4 contacting the support surface 11 of the mould 7 and over the at least one open compartment 15, thereby closing the at least one open compartment 15.
In order to seal the second foil 5 to the first foil 4 a sealing device 33 is provided.
Sealing the second foil 5 to the first foil 4 forms a pouch 2 having at least one compartment 3.
After sealing the formed pouches 2 are moved to a cutting device that cuts, or individualises the pouches 2.
A pouch rejection device 35 is located downstream of the cutting device. The pouch rejection device 35 is configured to reject defective pouches 2.
The packaging system 1 comprises a sensor system 16 configured to acquire forming condition data 17 of the at least one open compartment 15.
The sensor system 16 may comprise an imaging device 20, like a camera, for imaging the forming condition of the open compartments 15.
The sensor system 16 may in particular comprise a thermal imaging device 22 configured to image a temperature distribution 23 of the first foil 4 downstream the first foil supplying device 12.
The imaging device, here a thermal imaging device 22, is positioned above the mould conveyor 6, such that it can image the first foil when it moves past the imaging device.
The sensor system 16 is configured to be operatively coupled to a control system 18 that is configured for comparing the forming condition data 17 to a desired forming condition 19. The control system 18 can be provided on the packaging system 1, but may also be located at a remote server, or in the cloud.
The control system 18 is further configured for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition. For example, when the forming condition of the at least one compartment 3 is not according to the desired forming condition 19, the control system 18 generates a corresponding control command. Or, when the forming condition of the at least one compartment 3 is according to the desired forming condition 19, the control system 18 generates a corresponding control command. The packaging system 1 is configured to control the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
In case the sensor system 16 comprises the imaging device 20, the control system 18 is configured for comparing the forming condition of the open compartments 15 based on the imaging of the imaging device 20.
In case the imaging device 20 is a thermal imaging device 22 configured to image a temperature distribution 23 of the first foil 4 downstream the first foil supplying device 12, the control system 18 is configured for comparing the forming condition of the open compartments 15 based on the imaging of the temperature distribution 23 of the first foil 4.
The control command can for example be received by the filling device 28 when the filling device 28 is operatively coupled to the control system 18. Based on receipt of the control command, the filling device 28 at least partially fills the at least one open compartment 15 when the forming condition is according to the desired forming condition 19, and not at least partially fills the at least one open compartment 15 when the forming condition is not according to the desired forming condition 19.
The control command may also be received by the pouch rejection device 35 when the pouch rejection device 35 is operatively coupled to the control system 18. Based on receipt of the control command, the pouch rejection device 35 rejects pouches 2 having at least one compartment 3 with a forming condition that is not according to the desired forming condition 19.
The control command may also be received by the foil heating device 25 when the foil heating device 25 is operatively coupled to the control system 18. The control system 18 may then be configured for identifying one or more areas 37 of the first foil 4 that are not formed according to the desired forming condition 19 based on the forming condition data 17 provided by the sensor system 16. If one or more areas 37 are identified the control system 18 generates the control command, wherein the foil heating device 25 is configured to heat one or more identified areas 37 of the first foil 4 based on receipt of the control command.
The foil heating device 25 may be configured to locally heat one or more areas 37 of the first foil 4 prior to the positioning thereof on the support surface 11 of the mould 7 and over its at least one forming cavity 10. Local heating can for example be done by an infrared heating unit 27 which is able to accurately aim heat radiation to specific areas 37 of the first foil 4. Said one or more areas 37 may correspond to the one or more areas 37 identified by the control system 18 during the forming of a previous at least one open compartment 38.
This way an effective feedback loop can be created, thereby improving the forming of the open compartments 15 during operation of the packaging system 1.
During forming of the at least one open compartment 15, the foil heating device 25 may be configured to heat the one or more identified areas 37 that are not formed according to the desired forming condition 19 until the one or more identified areas 37 are formed according to the desired forming condition 19 with the forming device 13. For example, the control system 18 may be configured to send a control command to the foil heating device 25 when an open compartment 15 is formed according to the desired forming condition 19 upon which the foil heating device 25 stops heating the identified areas 37.
As the moulds 7 are arranged in lanes 30 and rows 31, each mould 7 is defined by a lane number and a row number. The control command may include the lane number and row number of a mould 7 corresponding to an open compartment 15 having a forming condition not according to the desired forming condition 19. In that case the filling device 28 is configured to not at least partially fill the open compartment 15 in the mould 7 corresponding to the lane number and row number based on the receipt of the control command.
This also applies to the pouch rejection device 35, which can be configured to reject a defective pouch 2 in the mould 7 corresponding to the lane number and row number based on the receipt of the control command.
Operation
The present invention further provides a method for producing pouches 2 having at least one compartment 3 and made from a water-soluble first foil 4 and a water-soluble second foil 5. The method comprises: a) moving multiple moulds 7 in a conveying direction 8, wherein each mould 7 comprises at least one forming cavity 10, and a support surface 11 adjoining the at least one forming cavity 10, b) positioning a first foil 4 on the support surface 11 of the mould 7 and over its at least one forming cavity 10,
c) forming a part 14 of the first foil 4 extending over the at least one forming cavity 10 into the at least one forming cavity 10 of the moulds 7 to form at least one open compartment 15 of the pouch, d) acquiring forming condition data 17 of the at least one open compartment 15 with a sensor system 16, the sensor system 16 being operatively coupled to a control system 18 for comparing the forming condition data 17 to a desired forming condition 19, and for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, wherein the packaging system 1 controls the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
The forming condition data 17 can be acquired in different ways. A possible way is by imaging the forming condition of the open compartments 15, in particular with an imaging device 20.
Figures 5B, 6B, and 7B show forming condition data 17 in the form of a temperature distribution 23 of the first foil 4.
An upper half of figure 5B corresponds to the positioning of the first foil 4 on the support surface 11 of the moulds 7 and over the forming cavities 10. The situation for a single mould 7 is schematically shown in figure 5A, wherein the first foil 4 is shown closing off the forming cavities 10 of the mould 7 as shown in figure 4 along section A-A. In the situation of figure SA the part of the first foil 4 that extends over the forming cavities 10 has not been into contact with a surface of the mould 7. Said part of the first foil 4 therefore has a different, in particular a higher, temperature than the mould 7. This difference is shown in the temperature distribution 23 image of figure 5B as contrasting, wherein the lighter area of figure 5B shows the first foil 4, and wherein the darker area of figure 5B shows the moulds 7.
Turning to figures 8A and 6B another situation is shown, wherein the open compartments 15 are formed according to a desired forming condition 19. Figure 6A shows the first foil 4 being in contact with a surface of the forming cavities 10, i.e. a desired forming condition 19. Figure 6B shows an image of the temperature distribution 23 made by the thermal imaging device 22 corresponding to the situation of figure 6A. In figure 6B the first foil 4 is formed into all forming cavities 10 of all twelve moulds 7 shown, each mould 7 having three forming cavities 10. Figure 6B does show a few lighter, or brighter, areas 37. Those lighter areas 37 correspond to parts of the first foil 4 that are not in contact with the forming cavity 10 and are therefore not considered to be formed completely. However the forming condition does not have to correspond to a completely formed open compartment 15 in order to be formed according to a desired forming condition 19. In the case of figure 5B the forming condition still corresponds to a desired forming condition 19. The desired forming condition 19 may for example be a percentage of a completely formed open compartment 15, such as for example at least 80%, or preferably at least 90%.
Figures 7A and 7B show a situation in which open compartments 15 have a forming condition not according to a desired forming condition 19. Figure 7A schematically shows the first foil 4 being partly in contact with the surface of the forming cavities 10 after forming. The volume of the open compartments 15 is smaller than desired. When these smaller volume open compartments 15 would be filled with a detergent at the filling device 28, there is a greater likelihood for spills. Spills are detrimental for pouch production, because the spills need to be cleaned, leading to downtime. Based on the image of the temperature distribution 23 as shown in figure 7B, the control system 18 can identify which open compartments 15 are not formed properly, and generate a control command accordingly for the filling device 28, the foil heating device 25, and/or the pouch rejection device 35. The lighter, or brighter parts, indicate the badly formed open compartments 19.
The method further comprises e) positioning a second foil 5 on at least a part 14 of the first foil 4 contacting the support surface 11 of the mould 7 and over the at least one open compartment 15 with a second foil supplying device 32 in order to close the at least one open compartment 15, f) sealing the second foil 5 to the first foil 4 with a sealing device 33 in order to form a pouch 2 having at least one compartment 3.
As the control system 18 has compared and identified which open compartments 15 are not formed according to the desired forming condition 19, a control command can be transmitted to the pouch rejection device 35. Based on the control command, the pouch 2 having an open compartment 15 with a non-desired forming condition 19, is rejected.
The invention further provides a control system 18 configured to be operatively coupled to a sensor system 16 of a packaging system 1 according to the invention, the sensor system 16 being configured to acquire forming condition data 17 of at least one open compartment 15 of a pouch 2 to be produced, wherein the control system 18 is configured - for receiving the forming condition data 17 of the sensor system 16 - for comparing the forming condition data 17 to a desired forming condition 19,
- for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, and - for transmitting the control command to the packaging system 1 for controlling the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
The invention yet further provides a control method for controlling a pouch production of a packaging system 1, the method comprising: - providing a control system 18 operatively coupled to a sensor system 16 of a packaging system 1, - receiving forming condition data 17 of the sensor system 16, - comparing the forming condition data 17 to a desired forming condition 19, - generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined forming condition, and - transmitting the control command to the packaging system 1 for controlling the pouch production based on receipt of the control command.
Lastly turning to figure 8, an embodiment of a pouch 2 is shown that is made with a packaging system 1 according to the invention. The pouch 2 comprises three compartments 3, wherein each compartment 3 is filled with a powder, a gel 29 or a liquid. The compartments 3 are enclosed by a water-soluble first foil 4 and a water-soluble second foil 5. It is noted that in the industry the word pod instead of pouch 2 is also used when referring to a detergent pouch. The words pod and pouch 2 are considered synonyms in this document.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.
The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (33)

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS 1. Verpakkingssysteem (1) voor het produceren van pouches (2) met ten minste een compartiment (3) en gemaakt van een in water oplosbare eerste folie (4) en een in water oplosbare tweede folie (5), waarbij het verpakkingssysteem omvat: - een maltransporteur (8) ingericht om meerdere mallen (7) in een transportrichting (8) langs een baan (9) te bewegen, waarbij elke mal ten minste een malholte (10) omvat, en een steunoppervlak (11) dat aan de ten minste ene malholte grenst, - een eerste folietoevoerinrichting (12) ingericht om de eerste folie op het steunoppervlak van de mal en over zijn ten minste ene malholte te positioneren, - een vorminrichting (13) ingericht om een deel (14) van de eerste folie dat zich uitstrekt over de ten minste ene malholte te vormen in de ten minste ene malholte van de mallen om ten minste een open compartiment (15) van de pouch te vormen, - een sensorsysteem (16) dat is ingericht om vormingsconditiedata (17) van het ten minste ene open compartiment te verwerven, waarbij het sensorsysteem is ingericht om operationeel te zijn gekoppeld met een regelsysteem (18) dat is ingericht om de vormingsconditiedata te vergelijken met een gewenste vormingsconditie (19), en voor het genereren van een besturingsopdracht die overeenkomt met een vooraf bepaalde vormingsconditie, waarbij het verpakkingssysteem is ingericht om de pouchproductie te regelen op basis van ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.1. Packaging system (1) for producing pouches (2) with at least one compartment (3) and made of a water-soluble first film (4) and a water-soluble second film (5), the packaging system comprising: - a mold conveyor (8) designed to move several molds (7) in a conveying direction (8) along a path (9), wherein each mold comprises at least a mold cavity (10) and a supporting surface (11) attached to the at least one mold cavity, - a first foil feeding device (12) adapted to position the first foil on the supporting surface of the mold and over its at least one mold cavity, - a forming device (13) adapted to feed a part (14) of the first foil extending across the at least one mold cavity to form in the at least one mold cavity of the molds to form at least one open compartment (15) of the pouch, - a sensor system (16) adapted to receive forming condition data (17) from acquire the at least one open compartment, wherein the sensor system is arranged to be operationally coupled to a control system (18) arranged to compare the formation condition data with a desired formation condition (19), and to generate a control command corresponding with a predetermined forming condition, wherein the packaging system is arranged to control pouch production based on receipt of the control command. 2. Verpakkingssysteem volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het sensorsysteem een beeldvormingsinrichting (20) omvat die is ingericht om de vormingsconditie van de open compartimenten af te beelden, waarbij het regelsysteem is ingericht voor het vergelijken van de vormingsconditie van de open compartimenten op basis van de beeldvorming (21) van de beeldvormingsinrichting.Packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises an imaging device (20) adapted to display the formation condition of the open compartments, wherein the control system is adapted to compare the formation condition of the open compartments based on the imaging (21) of the imaging device. 3. Verpakkingssysteem volgens conclusie 2, waarbij de beeldvormingsinrichting een warmtebeeldvormingsinrichting (22) is dat is ingericht om een beeld te vormen van een temperatuurverdeling (23) van de eerste folie stroomafwaarts van de eerste folietoevoerinrichting, waarbij het regelsysteem is ingericht voor het vergelijken van de vormingsconditie van de open compartimenten op basis van de beeldvorming van de temperatuurverdeling van de eerste folie.The packaging system of claim 2, wherein the imaging device is a thermal imaging device (22) adapted to image a temperature distribution (23) of the first film downstream of the first film feeding device, the control system being adapted to compare the formation condition of the open compartments based on the imaging of the temperature distribution of the first foil. 4. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de vorminrichting een zuiginrichting (24) en/of een stempelinrichting omvat die is ingericht om respectievelijk het gedeelte van de eerste folie dat zich uitstrekt over de ten minste ene malholte in de ten minste ene malholte te zuigen en/of te stempelen.4. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the forming device comprises a suction device (24) and/or a stamping device that is adapted to respectively place the part of the first foil that extends over the at least one mold cavity into the at least one mold cavity. sucking and/or stamping. 5. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een folieverwarmingsinrichting (25) die is ingericht om de eerste folie te verwarmen voorafgaand aan en/of tijdens het positioneren van de eerste folie op het steunoppervlak en over zijn ten minste ene malholte, en/of tijdens het vormen van het deel van de eerste folie dat zich uitstrekt over de ten minste ene malholte in de ten minste ene malholte.Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a foil heating device (25) adapted to heat the first foil prior to and/or during positioning of the first foil on the supporting surface and over its at least one mold cavity, and /or during the formation of the part of the first foil that extends over the at least one mold cavity in the at least one mold cavity. 6. Verpakkingssysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de folieverwarmingsinrichting is ingericht om de eerste folie te verwarmen tot een eerste folietemperatuur die hoger is dan een maltemperatuur van het steunoppervlak van de mal.6. Packaging system according to the preceding claim, wherein the foil heating device is designed to heat the first foil to a first foil temperature that is higher than a mold temperature of the supporting surface of the mold. 7. Verpakkingssysteem volgens conclusie 5 of 6, waarbij de folieverwarmingsinrichting ten minste een verwarmingseenheid (26) omvat, waarbij een warmteafgifte van de ten minste ene verwarmingseenheid instelbaar is.Packaging system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the foil heating device comprises at least one heating unit (26), wherein a heat output from the at least one heating unit is adjustable. 8. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der conclusies 5-7, waarbij de ten minste ene verwarmingseenheid in de transportrichting verplaatsbaar is, waarbij de verwarmingseenheid is ingericht om tijdens het vormen van de eerste folie met de eerste folie mee te bewegen terwijl de folie wordt verwarmd.8. Packaging system according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the at least one heating unit is movable in the transport direction, wherein the heating unit is designed to move along with the first foil during the formation of the first foil while the foil is heated. 9. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der conclusies 5-8, waarbij de folieverwarmingsinrichting een infraroodverwarmingseenheid (27) en/of een microgolfverwarmingseenheid omvat.Packaging system according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein the foil heating device comprises an infrared heating unit (27) and/or a microwave heating unit. 10. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het verpakkingssysteem verder een vulinrichting (28) omvat die is ingericht om het ten minste ene open compartiment ten minste gedeeltelijk te vullen met een poeder, een vloeistof en/of een gel ( 29), waarbij de vulinrichting is ingericht om operationeel gekoppeld te zijn met het regelsysteem voor het ontvangen van de besturingsopdracht, waarbij de vulinrichting is ingericht om, op basis van ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht, het ten minste ene open compartiment ten minste gedeeltelijk te vullen wanneer de vormingsconditie in overeenstemming is met de gewenste vormingsconditie, en om het ten minste ene open compartiment niet ten minste gedeeltelijk te vullen wanneer de vormingsconditie niet in overeenstemming is met de gewenste vormingsconditie.10. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging system further comprises a filling device (28) that is designed to at least partially fill the at least one open compartment with a powder, a liquid and/or a gel (29), wherein the filling device is arranged to be operationally coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, wherein the filling device is arranged to at least partially fill the at least one open compartment, based on receipt of the control command, when the forming condition is in accordance with the desired forming condition, and not to at least partially fill the at least one open compartment when the forming condition is not in accordance with the desired forming condition. 11. Verpakkingssysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de mallen in banen (30) en rijen (31) zijn opgesteld, waarbij elke mal is gedefinieerd door een baannummer en een rijnummer, waarbij de besturingsopdracht het baannummer en rijnummer omvat van een mal die correspondeert met een open compartiment met een vormingsconditie die niet overeenkomt met de gewenste vormingsconditie, waarbij de vulinrichting is ingericht om het open compartiment in de mal niet ten minste gedeeltelijk te vullen overeenkomstig het baannummer en rijnummer op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.Packaging system according to the preceding claim, wherein the molds are arranged in lanes (30) and rows (31), each mold being defined by a lane number and a row number, the control command comprising the lane number and row number of a mold corresponding to an open compartment with a forming condition that does not correspond to the desired forming condition, wherein the filling device is arranged not to at least partially fill the open compartment in the mold in accordance with the track number and row number based on the receipt of the control command. 12. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende: - een tweede folietoevoerinrichting (32) ingericht om de tweede folie te positioneren op ten minste een deel van de eerste folie dat contact maakt met het steunoppervlak van de mal en over het ten minste ene open compartiment, waardoor het ten minste ene open compartiment wordt gesloten, - een sluitinrichting (33) voor het sluiten van de tweede folie aan de eerste folie om een pouch te vormen met ten minste een compartiment.Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a second foil supply device (32) adapted to position the second foil on at least a part of the first foil that contacts the supporting surface of the mold and over the at least one open compartment, by which the at least one open compartment is closed, - a closing device (33) for closing the second foil to the first foil to form a pouch with at least one compartment. 13. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het verpakkingssysteem verder een pouchafwijsinrichting (35) omvat die is ingericht om defecte pouches af te wijzen, waarbij de afwijsinrichting is ingericht om operationeel te zijn gekoppeld met het regelsysteem voor het ontvangen van de besturingsopdracht, waarbij de afwijsinrichting is ingericht om, op basis van ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht, pouches af te wijzen met ten minste een compartiment met een vormingsconditie die niet overeenkomt met de gewenste vormingsconditie.A packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging system further comprises a pouch rejection device (35) adapted to reject defective pouches, the rejection device being adapted to be operationally coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, wherein the rejection device is designed to reject, on the basis of receipt of the control command, pouches with at least one compartment with a formation condition that does not correspond to the desired formation condition. 14. Verpakkingssysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de mallen in banen en rijen zijn opgesteld, waarbij elke mal is gedefinieerd door een baannummer en een rijnummer, waarbij de besturingsopdracht het baannummer en rijnummer omvat van een mal die correspondeert met een open compartiment met een vormingsconditie die niet overeenstemt met de gewenste vormingsconditie, waarbij de pouchafwijsinrichting is ingericht om een defecte pouch in de mal af te wijzen die overeenkomt met het baannummer en rijnummer op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.Packaging system according to the preceding claim, wherein the molds are arranged in lanes and rows, each mold being defined by a lane number and a row number, the control command comprising the lane number and row number of a mold corresponding to an open compartment with a forming condition that does not correspond to the desired forming condition, wherein the pouch rejection device is arranged to reject a defective pouch in the mold that corresponds to the track number and row number based on the receipt of the control command. 15. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies 5-14, waarbij de folieverwarmingsinrichting is ingericht om operationeel gekoppeld te zijn met het regelsysteem voor het ontvangen van de besturingsopdracht, waarbij het regelsysteem verder is ingericht voor het identificeren van een of meer gebieden (37) van de eerste folie die niet zijn gevormd volgens de gewenste vormingsconditie op basis van de vormingsconditiedata die zijn verschaft door het sensorsysteem, en voor het genereren van de besturingsopdracht als de een of meer gebieden zijn geïdentificeerd, waarbij de folieverwarmingsinrichting is ingericht om een of meer geïdentificeerde gebieden (37) van de eerste folie te verwarmen op basis van ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.15. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims 5-14, wherein the foil heating device is arranged to be operationally coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, wherein the control system is further arranged to identify one or more areas (37) of the first film not formed according to the desired forming condition based on the forming condition data provided by the sensor system, and for generating the control command if the one or more areas are identified, wherein the film heating device is arranged to control one or more identified areas (37) of the first foil based on receipt of the control command. 16. Verpakkingssysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de folieverwarmingsinrichting is ingericht om een of meer gebieden van de eerste folie plaatselijk te verwarmen voorafgaand aan het positioneren daarvan op het steunoppervlak van de mal en over diens ten minste ene malholte, waarbij de genoemde een of meer gebieden corresponderen met de een of meer gebieden die zijn geïdentificeerd door het regelsysteem tijdens het vormen van een vorig ten minste een open compartiment (38).16. Packaging system according to the preceding claim, wherein the foil heating device is adapted to locally heat one or more areas of the first foil prior to positioning thereof on the supporting surface of the mold and over its at least one mold cavity, said one or more areas correspond to the one or more areas identified by the control system during formation of a previous at least one open compartment (38). 17. Verpakkingssysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusies 15 of 16, waarbij, tijdens het vormen van het ten minste ene open compartiment, de folieverwarmingsinrichting is ingericht om de een of meer geïdentificeerde gebieden die niet zijn gevormd volgens de gewenste vormingsconditie te verwarmen tot de een of meer geïdentificeerde gebieden met de vorminrichting zijn gevormd volgens de gewenste vormingsconditie.17. Packaging system according to the preceding claims 15 or 16, wherein, during the formation of the at least one open compartment, the foil heating device is arranged to heat the one or more identified areas that have not been formed according to the desired forming condition to the one or more identified areas with the forming device are formed according to the desired forming condition. 18. Verpakkingssysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de mallentransporteur is ingericht om meerdere mallen in een transportrichting langs een eindeloze baan te verplaatsen.18. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mold conveyor is designed to move multiple molds in a transport direction along an endless path. 19. Werkwijze voor het vervaardigen van pouches (2) met ten minste een compartiment (3) en gemaakt van een in water oplosbare eerste folie (4) en een in water oplosbare tweede folie (5), waarbij de werkwijze omvat:19. Method for manufacturing pouches (2) having at least one compartment (3) and made from a water-soluble first foil (4) and a water-soluble second foil (5), the method comprising: a) het verplaatsen van meerdere mallen in een transportrichting, waarbij elke mal ten minste een malholte omvat, en een op de ten minste ene malholte aansluitend steunoppervlak, b) het positioneren van een eerste folie op het steunoppervlak van de mal en over zijn ten minste ene malholte, c) het vormen van een deel van de eerste folie dat zich uitstrekt over de ten minste ene malholte in de ten minste ene malholte van de mallen om ten minste een open compartiment van de pouch te vormen, d} het verkrijgen van vormingsconditiedata van het ten minste ene open compartiment met een sensorsysteem, waarbij het sensorsysteem operationeel is gekoppeld met een regelsysteem voor het vergelijken van de vormingsconditiedata met een gewenste vormingsconditie, en voor het genereren van een besturingsopdracht die overeenkomt met een vooraf bepaalde vormingsconditie, waarbij het verpakkingssysteem de pouchproductie regelt op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.a) moving multiple molds in a transport direction, wherein each mold comprises at least one mold cavity and a supporting surface connecting to the at least one mold cavity, b) positioning a first foil on the supporting surface of the mold and over its at least one mold cavity, c) forming a portion of the first film extending over the at least one mold cavity in the at least one mold cavity of the molds to form at least one open compartment of the pouch, d} obtaining molding condition data of the at least one open compartment with a sensor system, wherein the sensor system is operably coupled to a control system for comparing the molding condition data with a desired molding condition, and for generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined molding condition, wherein the packaging system controls the controls pouch production based on receipt of the control command. 20. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de werkwijze omvat van het vormen van een beeld van de vormingsconditie van de open compartimenten.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method comprises imaging the formation condition of the open compartments. 21. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de werkwijze het vormen van een beeld van de temperatuurverdeling van de eerste folie stroomafwaarts van de toevoerinrichting omvat.21. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method comprises forming an image of the temperature distribution of the first foil downstream of the feeding device. 22. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 19 - 21, omvattende het verwarmen van de eerste folie voorafgaand aan en/of tijdens het positioneren van de eerste folie op het steunoppervlak en over zijn ten minste ene malholte, en/of tijdens het vormen van de eerste folie in de ten minste ene malholte.22. Method according to any one of claims 19 - 21, comprising heating the first foil prior to and/or during positioning of the first foil on the supporting surface and over its at least one mold cavity, and/or during forming the first foil in the at least one mold cavity. 23. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 19 - 22, omvattende het verwarmen van de eerste folie, voorafgaand aan het positioneren van de eerste folie op het steunoppervlak en over zijn ten minste ene malholte, tot een eerste folietemperatuur die hoger is dan een maltemperatuur van het steunoppervlak van de mallen.23. Method according to any one of claims 19 - 22, comprising heating the first foil, prior to positioning the first foil on the supporting surface and over its at least one mold cavity, to a first foil temperature that is higher than a mold temperature of the supporting surface of the molds. 24. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 19 - 23, omvattende het ten minste gedeeltelijk vullen van het ten minste ene open compartiment met een poeder, een vloeistof en/of een gel wanneer de vormingsconditie in overeenstemming is met de gewenste vormingsconditie, en het niet ten minste gedeeltelijk vullen van het ten minste ene open compartiment wanneer de vormingsconditie niet overeenkomt met de gewenste vormingsconditie.24. Method according to any of the claims 19 - 23, comprising at least partially filling the at least one open compartment with a powder, a liquid and/or a gel when the forming condition is in accordance with the desired forming condition, and not at least partially filling the at least one open compartment when the forming condition does not correspond to the desired forming condition. 25. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de mallen in banen en rijen worden opgesteld, waarbij elke mal wordt gedefinieerd door een baannummer en een rijnummer, waarbij de besturingsopdracht het baannummer en rijnummer omvat van een mal die overeenkomt met een open compartiment met een vormingsconditie die niet overeenkomt met de gewenste vormingsconditie, waarbij de werkwijze omvat het niet ten minste gedeeltelijk vullen van het open compartiment in de mal corresponderend met het baannummer en rijnummer op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the molds are arranged in lanes and rows, each mold being defined by a lane number and a row number, the control command comprising the lane number and row number of a mold corresponding to an open compartment with a forming condition that does not correspond to the desired forming condition, wherein the method includes not at least partially filling the open compartment in the mold corresponding to the track number and row number based on the receipt of the control command. 26. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 19-25, verder omvattende: e) het positioneren van een tweede folie op ten minste een deel van de eerste folie dat contact maakt met het steunoppervlak van de mal en over het ten minste ene open compartiment met een tweede folietoevoerinrichting om het ten minste ene open compartiment af te sluiten, f) het sluiten van de tweede folie op de eerste folie met een sluitinrichting om een pouch te vormen met ten minste een compartiment.26. Method according to any one of claims 19-25, further comprising: e) positioning a second foil on at least a part of the first foil that contacts the supporting surface of the mold and over the at least one open compartment with a second foil supply device to close the at least one open compartment, f) closing the second foil on the first foil with a closing device to form a pouch with at least one compartment. 27. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 19 - 26, omvattende het afwijzen van defecte pouches met een pouchafwijsinrichting, waarbij de afwijsinrichting operationeel is gekoppeld met het regelsysteem voor het ontvangen van de besturingsopdracht, waarbij de afwijsinrichting op basis van ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht pouches afwijst met ten minste een compartiment met een vormingsconditie die niet overeenkomt met de gewenste vormingsconditie.27. Method according to any one of claims 19 - 26, comprising rejecting defective pouches with a pouch rejection device, wherein the rejection device is operationally coupled to the control system for receiving the control command, wherein the rejection device rejects pouches with at least one compartment with a formation condition that does not correspond to the desired formation condition. 28. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de mallen in banen en rijen zijn opgesteld, waarbij elke mal wordt gedefinieerd door een baannummer en een rijnummer, waarbij de besturingsopdracht het baannummer en rijnummer omvat van een mal die overeenkomt met een open compartiment met een vormingsconditie die niet overeenkomt met de gewenste vormingsconditie, waarbij de werkwijze omvat het afwijzen van een defecte pouch in de mal die overeenkomt met het baannummer en rijnummer op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the molds are arranged in lanes and rows, each mold being defined by a lane number and a row number, the control command comprising the lane number and row number of a mold corresponding to an open compartment with a forming condition that does not match the desired forming condition, the method comprising rejecting a defective pouch in the mold corresponding to the web number and row number based on the receipt of the control command. 29. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 19 - 28, omvattende het identificeren van een of meer gebieden van de eerste folie die niet zijn gevormd volgens de gewenste vormingsconditie op basis van de vormingsconditiedata die zijn verschaft door het sensorsysteem, en het verwarmen van een of meer geidentificeerde gebieden van de eerste folie op basis van ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.A method according to any one of claims 19 to 28, including identifying one or more areas of the first film that are not formed according to the desired forming condition based on the forming condition data provided by the sensor system, and heating one or more more identified areas of the first foil based on receipt of the control command. 30. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, omvattende het plaatselijk verwarmen van een of meer gebieden van de eerste folie voorafgaand aan het positioneren daarvan op het steunoppervlak van de mal en over zijn ten minste ene malholte, waarbij genoemde een of meer gebieden overeenkomen met de een of meer gebieden die zijn geïdentificeerd tijdens het vormen van een vorig ten minste een open compartiment.A method according to the preceding claim, comprising locally heating one or more areas of the first foil prior to positioning it on the supporting surface of the mold and over its at least one mold cavity, said one or more areas corresponding to the one or more areas identified during the formation of a previous at least one open compartment. 31. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 28 of 30, waarbij tijdens het vormen van het ten minste ene open compartiment de een of meer geïdentificeerde gebieden die niet zijn gevormd volgens de gewenste vormingsconditie worden verwarmd totdat de een of meer geïdentificeerde gebieden zijn gevormd volgens de gewenste vormingsconditie.31. Method according to claim 28 or 30, wherein during the formation of the at least one open compartment the one or more identified areas that have not been formed according to the desired formation condition are heated until the one or more identified areas have been formed according to the desired formation condition. 32. Regelsysteem ingericht om operationeel te zijn gekoppeld met een sensorsysteem van een verpakkingssysteem volgens een van de conclusies 1-18, waarbij het sensorsysteem is ingericht om data over de vormingsconditie te verwerven van ten minste een open compartiment van een te produceren pouch, waarbij het regelsysteem is ingericht - voor het ontvangen van de vormingsconditiedata van het sensorsysteem - voor het vergelijken van de vormingsconditiedata met een gewenste vormingsconditie, - voor het genereren van een besturingsopdracht dat overeenkomt met een vooraf bepaalde vormingsconditie, en - voor het verzenden van de besturingsopdracht naar het verpakkingssysteem voor het besturen van de pouchproductie op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.32. Control system adapted to be operationally coupled to a sensor system of a packaging system according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the sensor system is adapted to acquire data about the forming condition of at least an open compartment of a pouch to be produced, wherein it control system is configured - to receive the forming condition data from the sensor system - to compare the forming condition data with a desired forming condition, - to generate a control command that corresponds to a predetermined forming condition, and - to send the control command to the packaging system for controlling pouch production based on the receipt of the control command. 33. Een besturingsmethode voor het besturen van een pouchproductie van een verpakkingssysteem, waarbij de methode omvat: - het verschaffen van een regelsysteem dat werkzaam is gekoppeld met een sensorsysteem van een verpakkingssysteem,33. A control method for controlling pouch production of a packaging system, the method comprising: - providing a control system operatively coupled to a sensor system of a packaging system, - het ontvangen van vormingsconditiedata van het sensorsysteem,- receiving formation condition data from the sensor system, - het vergelijken van de vormingsconditiedata met een gewenste vormingsconditie,- comparing the formation condition data with a desired formation condition, - het genereren van een besturingsopdracht dat overeenkomt met een vooraf bepaalde vormingsconditie, en- generating a control command corresponding to a predetermined formation condition, and - het verzenden van de besturingsopdracht naar het verpakkingssysteem voor het besturen van de pouchproductie op basis van de ontvangst van de besturingsopdracht.- sending the control command to the packaging system for controlling pouch production based on the receipt of the control command.
NL2033078A 2022-09-20 2022-09-20 Packaging system and method for producing pouches NL2033078B1 (en)

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EP1375351A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and apparatus for making filled and sealed pouches
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