WO2014108534A1 - Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package - Google Patents

Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014108534A1
WO2014108534A1 PCT/EP2014/050477 EP2014050477W WO2014108534A1 WO 2014108534 A1 WO2014108534 A1 WO 2014108534A1 EP 2014050477 W EP2014050477 W EP 2014050477W WO 2014108534 A1 WO2014108534 A1 WO 2014108534A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
film
package
printing
print
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/050477
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fredrik GERSTNER
Anna LINDE
Alex VEDOVELLI
Original Assignee
Gambro Lundia Ab
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 Gambro Lundia Ab filed Critical Gambro Lundia Ab
Priority to US14/760,409 priority Critical patent/US20150353214A1/en
Priority to EP14700467.5A priority patent/EP2943421B1/en
Priority to KR1020157021167A priority patent/KR102240048B1/en
Priority to CN201480001222.3A priority patent/CN104284845B/en
Priority to KR1020217008844A priority patent/KR102369844B1/en
Priority to ES14700467.5T priority patent/ES2688159T3/en
Priority to CA2895611A priority patent/CA2895611C/en
Publication of WO2014108534A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014108534A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00Enclosing 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
    • B65B9/02Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04Enclosing 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
    • B65B9/045Enclosing 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 single articles, e.g. tablets
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/021Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas the containers or wrappers being interconnected
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B41/00Supplying or feeding container-forming sheets or wrapping material
    • B65B41/18Registering sheets, blanks, or webs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/02Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
    • B65B57/04Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of such material, containers, or packages
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/02Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, slitting, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging
    • B65B61/025Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, slitting, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging for applying, e.g. printing, code or date marks on material prior to packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/002Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/321Both sheets being recessed
    • B65D75/322Both sheets being recessed and forming one compartment
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/38Articles or materials enclosed in two or more wrappers disposed one inside the other
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52Details
    • B65D75/54Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2220/00Specific aspects of the packaging operation
    • B65B2220/16Packaging contents into primary and secondary packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/06Arrangements on packages concerning bar-codes

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a method for packing a container, a packaging machine for packing such a container, a computer program for controlling such a packaging machine, and a package.
  • Medical products such as medical fluid containers, are sometimes packed with an overwrap. Proper marking of the products is important.
  • An object of the invention is to at least alleviate the above stated problem.
  • the present invention is based on the understanding that printing the information on the inside of the overwrap protects it from wear.
  • a method for packing a container comprises feeding a first film; printing information on the first film; feeding a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; evacuating air between the first and second films and the container at sealing; and sealing the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package.
  • the printing of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package.
  • the printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film.
  • the container is a bag and encloses a liquid content.
  • the printing may be performed as inverted information on the side becoming the inside of the package.
  • the printing may be arranged to provide light absorbing or light reflecting print.
  • At least one of the first and second film may be transparent. At least one of the first and second film may comprise a polymer, preferably, the polymer is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, and cellulose, or mixtures thereof.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • polyolefin polyolefin
  • polyester polyolefin
  • starch starch
  • cellulose or mixtures thereof.
  • the method may further comprise thermoforming at least one of the first and the second film.
  • the thermoforming of the first film may be performed after the printing.
  • the container may be placed on the second film after
  • thermoforming of the second film thermoforming of the second film.
  • the printing position may be controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
  • the printing position may be controlled by a feeding
  • the printing position may be controlled by a feeding mechanism being arranged between a printing module and sealing module. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing.
  • the sealing position may be controlled by a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
  • the container placement on the second film may be synchronized with the position of the print.
  • the printed information may be in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
  • the printed information may be unique for each package.
  • the sealing may comprise any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
  • a packaging machine for packing a container.
  • the machine comprises a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film; a printer constructively arranged to print information on the first film; a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film; a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and second films to enclose a container to be packed, wherein the container is a bag and encloses a liquid content; an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing; and a controller constructively arranged to control operation of the machine.
  • the packing mechanism comprises a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to close a package with a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container.
  • the printer is controlled by the controller to print information configured for the container to be packed, and the printer is constructively arranged on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package.
  • the printer is controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information such that the printed information is readable through the first film.
  • the machine may further comprise a thermoforming station
  • thermoforming station may be arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the printer.
  • the machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism
  • the printer may be controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information.
  • the printer may be constructively arranged to print the information in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
  • the machine may further comprise an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing.
  • the printing position may be controlled by the controller by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
  • the printing position may be controlled by the controller by controlling a feeding mechanism arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism.
  • the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer.
  • the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing.
  • the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism may be controlled by the controller from a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
  • the machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism controlled by the controller to place containers on the second film synchronized with the position of the print.
  • the sealer mechanism may be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films by any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
  • a computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising computer program code including computer executable instructions, which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the machine to perform the method according to the first aspect.
  • a package for a container wherein the package is formed from a first and a second film being evacuated from air between the first and second films and the container and sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container.
  • the package comprises printed information which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film. The printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film.
  • the container is a bag with liquid content.
  • the container may be a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content.
  • the liquid content of the bag may comprise a medical solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and water.
  • the printed information may be arranged in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
  • the printed information may be a print arranged to provide light reflecting fields.
  • the printed information may be a print arranged to or be a print arranged to provide light absorbing fields.
  • the printed information may also be a combination thereof.
  • the printed information may be configured for machine reading of the print.
  • the printed information may either be inverted or be non-inverted.
  • the printed information may be mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package.
  • Fig 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of Fig. 1 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine.
  • Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations according to embodiments.
  • Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments.
  • Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments.
  • Fig. 7 is a top view of a package according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 8 is a side view of a package according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers.
  • Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of Fig. 9 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine.
  • Fig. 1 1 schematically illustrates a computer-readable medium and a processor on which a computer program held by the computer-readable medium can be executed.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine 100, according to embodiments, for packaging containers 1 02.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine 1 00 of Fig. 1 regarded along the path of the containers through the machine.
  • the machine 1 00 comprises a first feeder 1 04 arranged to feed a first film 1 06.
  • the first feeder 1 04 can comprise a roll of film which can provide controlled feed, e.g. by servo motors, or can passively feed by keeping a preferred stretch of the film as later stages of the machine pulls the film.
  • the machine 100 also comprises a printer 108 arranged to print information on the first film 1 06.
  • the printing operations will be further demonstrated below.
  • the machine 100 also comprises a second feeder 1 10 arranged to feed a second film 1 1 2.
  • the two films 1 06, 1 1 2 will form the package.
  • the machine 1 00 comprises a packing mechanism 1 14 arranged to cause the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 to enclose a container 1 02 to be packed.
  • the machine also comprises a controller 1 24 arranged to control operation of the machine 1 00.
  • the controller 1 24 can comprise one or more controllers, and the illustration in Fig. 1 is only schematic.
  • the printer 1 08 can comprise its own controller for acquiring the information to be printed, and the printer 1 08 can also comprise a controller for controlling the position of the printing.
  • the feeding mechanisms, and also the other elements that will be demonstrated below can have dedicated controllers for each function.
  • two or more functions can share controllers.
  • the master controller can be logically arranged in hierarchy with controllers dedicated to specific functions.
  • the packing mechanism 1 14 comprises a sealer mechanism 1 1 6, 1 1 8 arranged to close a package 126 with a seal 120, 1 22 of the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 along a line encircling the container 1 02.
  • This can be made in numerous ways, e.g. depending on the geometry of the package 1 26 to be formed.
  • sealing in line with the path of the films 1 06, 1 1 2 can be made continuously by a first sealing means 1 1 6 as the films pass while transversal sealing is performed by a second sealing means 1 14 at each occasion a transversal sealing position is at the second sealing means 1 14.
  • the entire sealing around the container 102 can be performed in one step by the sealing means 1 14.
  • the machine can also comprise an air evacuator 1 1 5 arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing.
  • the overwrap formed by the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 will then be assured to fit tight to the container.
  • An advantage is that reading of the printed information may be enhanced since the lack of air between the container 102 and the first film 1 06 may make the printed area flat, and the ensured contact between the container 1 02 and the first film 1 06 at the printed area may enhance reflecting and/or absorbing properties of the print, as will be discussed below. Further advantages are that the content of the container can be further protected, and that a damage of the package is easily spotted before use of the content.
  • the sealer mechanism 1 1 6, 1 1 8 can be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 by for example welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
  • the printer 1 08 is controlled by the controller 1 24 to print information configured for the container 1 02 to be packed. That is, information indicating or being linked to information about for example product identification, time and date, batch number, and/or package number, etc. for the particular package or batch of packages is printed.
  • the date can be production date and/or expiry date.
  • the printing can be performed as heat printing, ink jet printing, laser printing, or any other printing technique suitable for the film used.
  • the printing can be configured for machine reading of the print, e.g. by scanning.
  • the print can be either arranged to provide light reflecting print or light absorbing print. For configuring to reflecting or absorbing print, the encoding of the print, e.g.
  • a (matrix) barcode can be inverted or non-inverted to facilitate, improve or enable reading or scanning.
  • a light reflecting print e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light reflection at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields, e.g. in a (matrix) barcode.
  • the liquid of the container, or the container itself is such that it provides good reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning. Then it is preferable to use a light absorbing print, e.g.
  • the ink or the print technique provides light absorption at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields.
  • the liquid of the container, or the container itself is such that it provides indefinite reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a combination of light reflecting print and light absorbing print such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between the different fields provided to give the information.
  • the printer 1 08 is constructively arranged on a side of the first film 1 06 becoming the inside of the package 1 26. This is particularly advantageous since the print then is protected from wear when the package 1 26 is handled. Another advantage is that the printing is given an inherent protection against manipulation after production of the package 1 26.
  • the printer 1 08 can be controlled by the controller 1 24 to print information as mirrored information. Thus, upon use of a transparent film 1 06, the printed information is readily read the right way through the film 1 06.
  • the printer 1 08 can be arranged to print the information in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
  • the machine can also comprise a thermoforming station 1 1 1 , 1 13 arranged to thermoform one or both of the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2. This provides for a desired form of the package.
  • the thermoforming station 1 1 1 is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film 1 06 is performed downstream of the printer 1 08.
  • the containers 1 02 can me manually put into the machine 1 00, as indicated in Figs.1 and 2, on the second film 1 1 2.
  • the machine can comprise a container feeder mechanism 1 03, as depicted in Figs. 1 0 and 1 1 , arranged to place containers 1 02 on the second film 1 1 2.
  • the placement of the containers 1 02 is preferably made downstream of a thermoforming station 1 1 3 when that is used for the second film 1 1 2. Downstream the placement of the containers 1 02, the containers 1 02 will be enclosed between the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 and then sealed to form the package 126, as
  • the printing position can be controlled by the controller 124 by for example the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package 1 26.
  • the printing position can also be controlled by the controller 1 24 by controlling a feeding mechanism 1 09, as illustrated in Fig. 10, arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism.
  • the feeder mechanisms 1 04 and 1 09 introduce a certain slack before and after the printer 1 08. This slack is possible to vary, wherein the film can be kept still at printing.
  • mechanisms 1 04 can also relief control of elements with physical constraints, e.g. a heavy roll of film.
  • the printing position is controlled by adjusting the position of the printer, e.g. by an actuator 1 07 as illustrated in Fig. 1 . This can also aid if printing takes some time, although small, but the first film 1 06 is moving during printing. This can improve printing quality.
  • the printing position can also be controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a time instant of the printing such that the print is place in the desire position.
  • the controlling can also be made the other way around.
  • the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism 1 1 8 can be controlled by the controller 1 24 from the position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
  • the container feeder mechanism 1 03 can be controlled by the controller 1 24 to place containers 1 02 on the second film 1 1 2 synchronized with the position of the print.
  • Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment.
  • the method comprises feeding 300 a first film; printing 302 information on the first film; feeding 304 a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing 306 the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package.
  • the printing 302 of the information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, for example product identification, date time, batch identification, package identification, etc. or an identification enabling such information to be accessed.
  • the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, which provides particular advantages as demonstrated above.
  • the packages can be cut 307 between transversal seals to form packages having one or a desired number of containers.
  • the container can be a bag.
  • the container can enclose a liquid content.
  • the first and/or second film can be transparent and comprise for example a polymer.
  • the polymer can be for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, cellulose, or mixtures thereof.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • polyolefin polyolefin
  • polyester polyolefin
  • starch cellulose
  • cellulose or mixtures thereof.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations, as of action 302 in Fig. 3, according to embodiments.
  • the printing includes acquiring 400 information configured for the container or containers to be packed at the moment, which information then is to be printed.
  • the information which can be in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, or pictogram, or any combination thereof, is printed on the side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. Therefore, it can be beneficial that the printing is performed 402 as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package.
  • the printing is synchronized 401 with other operations in packing, for example transversal sealing, such that the print becomes placed on a desired position on the package.
  • the printing position is controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package, the printing position is controlled by time instant of the printing, or the printing position is controlled by a feeding mechanism or a printer position adjusting mechanism.
  • Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments. Here, most of the actions illustrated in Fig. 5 are to be
  • the first film can be thermoformed 500 to gain a desired form of the package.
  • the thermoforming of the first film is preferably performed after printing.
  • the second film can be thermoformed 502.
  • thermoforming 502 of the second film the container is preferably placed 504 according to the forming on the second film, i.e. after thermoforming 502, such that the container becomes in the right position in the package.
  • the first and second films can then be joined 506 around the container. Air is optionally evacuated 508 between the films and the container such that the films fit tight to the container.
  • the films can then be welded 510 to seal the package.
  • the sealing can also comprise, instead of or in addition to welding 510, any of gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
  • Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments.
  • the actions illustrated in Fig. 6 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any combination.
  • Fig. 6 is further to be considered as an alternative approach to controlling printing position to other operations by letting the printing position control the succeeding operations.
  • optical approach such as vision technology, can be used for the control where the observed print controls the timing and/or position of other operations.
  • the container placement can for example be synchronized 600 with the position of the printed information.
  • Transversal sealing can also be synchronized 602 with the printed information placement.
  • the methods according to the present invention are suitable for implementation with aid of processing means, such as computers and/or processors, especially for the case where operations of a packaging machine are controlled by digital controllers such as programmable logic controllers, processors or computers. Therefore, there is provided computer programs, comprising instructions arranged to cause the programmable logic controllers, processors or computers to perform the steps of any of the methods according to any of the embodiments described with reference to Figs 3 to 6.
  • the computer programs preferably comprises program code which is stored on a computer readable medium 1 100, as illustrated in Fig.
  • the programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1 102 and computer program product 1 100 can be arranged to execute the program code sequentially where actions of the any of the methods are performed stepwise.
  • the programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1 102 are preferably what normally is referred to as an embedded system.
  • Fig. 7 is a top view of a package 126 according to an embodiment.
  • the inner rectangle with rounded corners is here illustrating the enclosed container and the area outside that illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together.
  • the printed information 109 is here given as example as a matrix barcode.
  • Fig. 8 is a side view of the package 126.
  • the rounded part is here illustrating the enclosed container and the line illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together.
  • the printed information 109 is here seen to be on the package 126.
  • the package 126 is suitable for a container, for example a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content.
  • the liquid content of the bag can comprise a medical solution.
  • the medical solution can for example be dialysis fluid or water for use in medical applications.
  • the package 126 is formed from a first and a second film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container.
  • the package 126 comprises printed information 109 which is configured for the container to be packed, such as product, date, time, batch, and/or packet identification. Thus, the printed information may enable unique identification of the product, the batch or even the single package.
  • the controller controlling the printing may store information
  • the information is printed on an inside of the first film. Thereby is the printed information protected from for example wear during transportation and handling of the product.
  • the printed information is arranged in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.

Abstract

A method for packing a container is disclosed. The method comprises feeding (300) a first film; printing (302) information on the first film; feeding (304) a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing (306) the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing (302) of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. A packaging machine (100), a computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, and a package (126) for a container (102) are also disclosed.

Description

METHOD FOR PACKING, PACKAGING MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND PACKAGE
Technical field
The present invention generally relates to a method for packing a container, a packaging machine for packing such a container, a computer program for controlling such a packaging machine, and a package.
Background
Medical products, such as medical fluid containers, are sometimes packed with an overwrap. Proper marking of the products is important.
However, sometimes the marking is subject to wear during transportation and other handling. Information can in such cases get lost, wherein the product cannot be used for security reasons.
It is therefore a desire to provide marking of such products where the marking is more resistant to wear.
Summary
An object of the invention is to at least alleviate the above stated problem. The present invention is based on the understanding that printing the information on the inside of the overwrap protects it from wear.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for packing a container. The method comprises feeding a first film; printing information on the first film; feeding a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; evacuating air between the first and second films and the container at sealing; and sealing the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. The printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film. The container is a bag and encloses a liquid content. The printing may be performed as inverted information on the side becoming the inside of the package. The printing may be arranged to provide light absorbing or light reflecting print.
At least one of the first and second film may be transparent. At least one of the first and second film may comprise a polymer, preferably, the polymer is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, and cellulose, or mixtures thereof.
The method may further comprise thermoforming at least one of the first and the second film. The thermoforming of the first film may be performed after the printing. The container may be placed on the second film after
thermoforming of the second film.
The printing position may be controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be controlled by a feeding
mechanism. The printing position may be controlled by a feeding mechanism being arranged between a printing module and sealing module. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing.
The sealing position may be controlled by a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
The container placement on the second film may be synchronized with the position of the print.
The printed information may be in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The printed information may be unique for each package.
The sealing may comprise any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a packaging machine for packing a container. The machine comprises a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film; a printer constructively arranged to print information on the first film; a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film; a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and second films to enclose a container to be packed, wherein the container is a bag and encloses a liquid content; an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing; and a controller constructively arranged to control operation of the machine. The packing mechanism comprises a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to close a package with a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The printer is controlled by the controller to print information configured for the container to be packed, and the printer is constructively arranged on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. The printer is controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information such that the printed information is readable through the first film.
The machine may further comprise a thermoforming station
constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and second films. The thermoforming station may be arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the printer.
The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism
constructively arranged to place containers on the second film downstream of the thermoforming station.
The printer may be controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information.
The printer may be constructively arranged to print the information in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
The machine may further comprise an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing.
The printing position may be controlled by the controller by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be controlled by the controller by controlling a feeding mechanism arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively or additionally the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing.
The sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism may be controlled by the controller from a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism controlled by the controller to place containers on the second film synchronized with the position of the print.
The sealer mechanism may be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films by any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program, for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising computer program code including computer executable instructions, which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the machine to perform the method according to the first aspect.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a package for a container, wherein the package is formed from a first and a second film being evacuated from air between the first and second films and the container and sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The package comprises printed information which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film. The printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film. The container is a bag with liquid content.
The container may be a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of the bag may comprise a medical solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and water.
The printed information may be arranged in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
The printed information may be a print arranged to provide light reflecting fields. The printed information may be a print arranged to or be a print arranged to provide light absorbing fields. The printed information may also be a combination thereof.
The printed information may be configured for machine reading of the print.
The printed information may either be inverted or be non-inverted. The printed information may be mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package. Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.
Brief description of the drawings
The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings.
Fig 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of Fig. 1 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine.
Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations according to embodiments.
Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments.
Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments.
Fig. 7 is a top view of a package according to an embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a side view of a package according to an embodiment.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers.
Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of Fig. 9 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. Fig. 1 1 schematically illustrates a computer-readable medium and a processor on which a computer program held by the computer-readable medium can be executed. Detailed description
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine 100, according to embodiments, for packaging containers 1 02. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine 1 00 of Fig. 1 regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. The machine 1 00 comprises a first feeder 1 04 arranged to feed a first film 1 06. The first feeder 1 04 can comprise a roll of film which can provide controlled feed, e.g. by servo motors, or can passively feed by keeping a preferred stretch of the film as later stages of the machine pulls the film.
The machine 100 also comprises a printer 108 arranged to print information on the first film 1 06. The printing operations will be further demonstrated below.
The machine 100 also comprises a second feeder 1 10 arranged to feed a second film 1 1 2. The two films 1 06, 1 1 2 will form the package. Thus, the machine 1 00 comprises a packing mechanism 1 14 arranged to cause the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 to enclose a container 1 02 to be packed.
The machine also comprises a controller 1 24 arranged to control operation of the machine 1 00. Here, it should be noted that the controller 1 24 can comprise one or more controllers, and the illustration in Fig. 1 is only schematic. For example, the printer 1 08 can comprise its own controller for acquiring the information to be printed, and the printer 1 08 can also comprise a controller for controlling the position of the printing. Similar, the feeding mechanisms, and also the other elements that will be demonstrated below can have dedicated controllers for each function. Alternatively, two or more functions can share controllers. Alternatively, or additionally, there can be a master controller. For example, the master controller can be logically arranged in hierarchy with controllers dedicated to specific functions.
The packing mechanism 1 14 comprises a sealer mechanism 1 1 6, 1 1 8 arranged to close a package 126 with a seal 120, 1 22 of the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 along a line encircling the container 1 02. This can be made in numerous ways, e.g. depending on the geometry of the package 1 26 to be formed. For example, sealing in line with the path of the films 1 06, 1 1 2 can be made continuously by a first sealing means 1 1 6 as the films pass while transversal sealing is performed by a second sealing means 1 14 at each occasion a transversal sealing position is at the second sealing means 1 14. Alternatively, the entire sealing around the container 102 can be performed in one step by the sealing means 1 14. The machine can also comprise an air evacuator 1 1 5 arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing. The overwrap formed by the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 will then be assured to fit tight to the container. An advantage is that reading of the printed information may be enhanced since the lack of air between the container 102 and the first film 1 06 may make the printed area flat, and the ensured contact between the container 1 02 and the first film 1 06 at the printed area may enhance reflecting and/or absorbing properties of the print, as will be discussed below. Further advantages are that the content of the container can be further protected, and that a damage of the package is easily spotted before use of the content. The sealer mechanism 1 1 6, 1 1 8 can be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 by for example welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
The printer 1 08 is controlled by the controller 1 24 to print information configured for the container 1 02 to be packed. That is, information indicating or being linked to information about for example product identification, time and date, batch number, and/or package number, etc. for the particular package or batch of packages is printed. The date can be production date and/or expiry date. The printing can be performed as heat printing, ink jet printing, laser printing, or any other printing technique suitable for the film used. The printing can be configured for machine reading of the print, e.g. by scanning. Here, the print can be either arranged to provide light reflecting print or light absorbing print. For configuring to reflecting or absorbing print, the encoding of the print, e.g. of a (matrix) barcode, can be inverted or non-inverted to facilitate, improve or enable reading or scanning. For example, if liquid content of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides poor reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a light reflecting print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light reflection at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields, e.g. in a (matrix) barcode. In another example, the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides good reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning. Then it is preferable to use a light absorbing print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light absorption at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields. There can also be cases where the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides indefinite reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a combination of light reflecting print and light absorbing print such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between the different fields provided to give the information. The printer 1 08 is constructively arranged on a side of the first film 1 06 becoming the inside of the package 1 26. This is particularly advantageous since the print then is protected from wear when the package 1 26 is handled. Another advantage is that the printing is given an inherent protection against manipulation after production of the package 1 26. The printer 1 08 can be controlled by the controller 1 24 to print information as mirrored information. Thus, upon use of a transparent film 1 06, the printed information is readily read the right way through the film 1 06. The printer 1 08 can be arranged to print the information in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
The machine can also comprise a thermoforming station 1 1 1 , 1 13 arranged to thermoform one or both of the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2. This provides for a desired form of the package. Upon thermoforming of the first film 1 06, the thermoforming station 1 1 1 is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film 1 06 is performed downstream of the printer 1 08.
The containers 1 02 can me manually put into the machine 1 00, as indicated in Figs.1 and 2, on the second film 1 1 2. Alternatively, the machine can comprise a container feeder mechanism 1 03, as depicted in Figs. 1 0 and 1 1 , arranged to place containers 1 02 on the second film 1 1 2. The placement of the containers 1 02 is preferably made downstream of a thermoforming station 1 1 3 when that is used for the second film 1 1 2. Downstream the placement of the containers 1 02, the containers 1 02 will be enclosed between the first and second films 1 06, 1 1 2 and then sealed to form the package 126, as
demonstrated above.
It is important that the printed information does not become in a position where it can be cut away at final trimming or cutting of the package. It is also advantageous if the print is placed such that it is readily read, by man or machine, on the package. Therefore, the printing position can be controlled by the controller 124 by for example the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package 1 26. The printing position can also be controlled by the controller 1 24 by controlling a feeding mechanism 1 09, as illustrated in Fig. 10, arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism. Here, the feeder mechanisms 1 04 and 1 09 introduce a certain slack before and after the printer 1 08. This slack is possible to vary, wherein the film can be kept still at printing. These
mechanisms 1 04 can also relief control of elements with physical constraints, e.g. a heavy roll of film. Alternatively, the printing position is controlled by adjusting the position of the printer, e.g. by an actuator 1 07 as illustrated in Fig. 1 . This can also aid if printing takes some time, although small, but the first film 1 06 is moving during printing. This can improve printing quality.
The printing position can also be controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a time instant of the printing such that the print is place in the desire position.
The controlling can also be made the other way around. For example, the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism 1 1 8 can be controlled by the controller 1 24 from the position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. Upon use of a container feeder mechanism 1 03 as depicted in Fig. 1 0, the container feeder mechanism 1 03 can be controlled by the controller 1 24 to place containers 1 02 on the second film 1 1 2 synchronized with the position of the print.
Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment.
The method comprises feeding 300 a first film; printing 302 information on the first film; feeding 304 a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing 306 the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing 302 of the information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, for example product identification, date time, batch identification, package identification, etc. or an identification enabling such information to be accessed. The printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, which provides particular advantages as demonstrated above. Optionally, the packages can be cut 307 between transversal seals to form packages having one or a desired number of containers.
The container can be a bag. The container can enclose a liquid content. The first and/or second film can be transparent and comprise for example a polymer. The polymer can be for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, cellulose, or mixtures thereof. Among these, PVC, polyolefin and polyester have shown to be particularly suitable for packing containers with medical fluids.
Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations, as of action 302 in Fig. 3, according to embodiments. The printing includes acquiring 400 information configured for the container or containers to be packed at the moment, which information then is to be printed. The information, which can be in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, or pictogram, or any combination thereof, is printed on the side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. Therefore, it can be beneficial that the printing is performed 402 as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package.
Optionally, the printing is synchronized 401 with other operations in packing, for example transversal sealing, such that the print becomes placed on a desired position on the package. For example, the printing position is controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package, the printing position is controlled by time instant of the printing, or the printing position is controlled by a feeding mechanism or a printer position adjusting mechanism.
Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments. Here, most of the actions illustrated in Fig. 5 are to be
considered as options which can be combined in any combination. For example, the first film can be thermoformed 500 to gain a desired form of the package. The thermoforming of the first film is preferably performed after printing. Similarly the second film can be thermoformed 502. Upon
thermoforming 502 of the second film, the container is preferably placed 504 according to the forming on the second film, i.e. after thermoforming 502, such that the container becomes in the right position in the package. The first and second films can then be joined 506 around the container. Air is optionally evacuated 508 between the films and the container such that the films fit tight to the container. The films can then be welded 510 to seal the package. The sealing can also comprise, instead of or in addition to welding 510, any of gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments. As of Fig. 5, the actions illustrated in Fig. 6 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any combination. Fig. 6 is further to be considered as an alternative approach to controlling printing position to other operations by letting the printing position control the succeeding operations. For this, optical approach, such as vision technology, can be used for the control where the observed print controls the timing and/or position of other operations. The container placement can for example be synchronized 600 with the position of the printed information. Transversal sealing can also be synchronized 602 with the printed information placement.
The methods according to the present invention are suitable for implementation with aid of processing means, such as computers and/or processors, especially for the case where operations of a packaging machine are controlled by digital controllers such as programmable logic controllers, processors or computers. Therefore, there is provided computer programs, comprising instructions arranged to cause the programmable logic controllers, processors or computers to perform the steps of any of the methods according to any of the embodiments described with reference to Figs 3 to 6. The computer programs preferably comprises program code which is stored on a computer readable medium 1 100, as illustrated in Fig. 1 1 , which can be loaded and executed by a programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1 102 to cause it to perform the methods, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention, preferably as any of the embodiments described with reference to any of Figs. 3 to 6. The programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1 102 and computer program product 1 100 can be arranged to execute the program code sequentially where actions of the any of the methods are performed stepwise. The programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1 102 are preferably what normally is referred to as an embedded system. Thus, the depicted computer readable medium 1 100 and
programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1 102 in Fig. 1 1 should be construed to be for illustrative purposes only to provide understanding of the principle, and not to be construed as any direct illustration of the elements. Fig. 7 is a top view of a package 126 according to an embodiment. The inner rectangle with rounded corners is here illustrating the enclosed container and the area outside that illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together. The printed information 109 is here given as example as a matrix barcode.
Fig. 8 is a side view of the package 126. The rounded part is here illustrating the enclosed container and the line illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together. The printed information 109 is here seen to be on the package 126.
The package 126 is suitable for a container, for example a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of the bag can comprise a medical solution. The medical solution can for example be dialysis fluid or water for use in medical applications. The package 126 is formed from a first and a second film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The package 126 comprises printed information 109 which is configured for the container to be packed, such as product, date, time, batch, and/or packet identification. Thus, the printed information may enable unique identification of the product, the batch or even the single package. The controller controlling the printing may store information
accordingly in a database, wherein data corresponding to the printed
information, e.g. a metadata file, and thus the product, batch and/or package may be retrieved, e.g. upon use of the product of the package or any found issues regarding the product of the package. The information is printed on an inside of the first film. Thereby is the printed information protected from for example wear during transportation and handling of the product. The printed information is arranged in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A method for packing a container comprising
feeding (300) a first film;
printing (302) information on the first film;
feeding (304) a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed;
evacuating air between the first and second films and the container at sealing (306); and
sealing (306) the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package,
wherein the printing (302) of information comprises
printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, and
wherein the printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film,
the container is a bag and encloses a liquid content.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second film is transparent and comprises a polymer, preferably, the polymer is selected from polyvinyl chloride, PVC, polyolefin, polyester, starch, and cellulose, or mixtures thereof.
3. The method according to any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising thermoforming (500, 502) at least one of the first and the second film.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein thermoforming (500) of the first film is performed after printing (302).
5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the container is placed (504) on the second film after thermoforming (502) of the second film.
6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing position is controlled (401 ) by the occasion of a previous sealing operation (306) such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the printing position is controlled by a feeding mechanism (104, 109).
8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the printing position is controlled by a feeding mechanism (109) being arranged between a printing module (108) and sealing module (1 14).
9. The method according to any of claims 8 to 7, wherein the printing position is controlled by time instant of the printing.
10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing position is controlled (602) by a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
1 1 . The method according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein container placement on the second film is synchronized (600) with the position of the print.
12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the printed information is in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
13. The method according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sealing (306) comprises any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
14. A packaging machine (100) for packing a container (102), the machine (100) comprising
a first feeder (104) constructively arranged to feed a first film (106); a printer (108) constructively arranged to print information on the first film (106);
a second feeder (1 10) constructively arranged to feed a second film (1 12); a packing mechanism (1 14) constructively arranged to cause the first and second films (106, 1 12) to enclose a container (102) to be packed, wherein the container is a bag and encloses a liquid content; and
an air evacuator (1 15) constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing, wherein the packing mechanism (1 14) comprises
a sealer mechanism (1 16, 1 18) constructively arranged to close a package (126) with a seal (120, 122) of the first and second films (106, 1 12) along a line encircling the container (102); and
a controller (124) constructively arranged to control operation of the machine (100),
wherein the printer (108) is controlled by the controller (124) to print information configured the container (102) to be packed, and the printer (108) is constructively arranged on a side of the first film (106) becoming the inside of the package (126), and the printer (108) is controlled by the controller (124) to print information as mirrored information such that the printed information is readable through the first film (106).
15. The machine according to claim 14, further comprising a thermoforming station (1 1 1 , 1 13) constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and second films (106, 1 12).
16. The machine according to claim 15, wherein the thermoforming station (1 1 1 ) is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film (106) is performed downstream of the printer (108).
17. The machine according to claim 15 or 16, comprising a container feeder mechanism (103) constructively arranged to place containers (102) on the second film (1 12) downstream of the thermoforming station (1 13).
18. The machine according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the printer (108) is constructively arranged to print the information in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
19. The machine according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the printing position is controlled by the controller (124) by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package (126).
20. The machine according to claim 19, wherein the printing position is controlled by the controller (124) by controlling a feeding mechanism (109) arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism.
21 . The machine according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the printing position is controlled by the controller (124) by controlling a time instant of the printing.
22. The machine according to any of claims 14 to 21 , wherein the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism (1 18) is controlled by the controller (124) from a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
23. The machine according to any of claims 14 to 22, comprising a container feeder mechanism (103) controlled by the controller (124) to place
containers (102) on the second film (1 12) synchronized with the position of the print.
24. The machine according to any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the sealer mechanism (1 16, 1 18) is constructively arranged to seal the first and second films (106, 1 12) by any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
25. A computer program, for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising computer program code including computer executable instructions, which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the machine to perform the method according to any of claims 1 to 13.
26. A package (126) for a container (102), wherein the package (126) is formed from a first and a second film (106, 1 12) being evacuated from air between the first and second films and the container and sealed by a seal of the first and second films (106, 1 12) along a line encircling the container (102), wherein the package (126) comprises printed information (109) which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film, wherein the printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and the container (102) is a bag with liquid content.
27. The package according to claim 26, wherein the printed information is arranged in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
28. The package according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the liquid content of the bag comprises a medical solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and water.
29. The package according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the printed information (109) is a print arranged to provide light reflecting fields or a print arranged to provide light absorbing fields, or a combination thereof.
30. The package according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the printed information (109) is configured for machine reading of the print.
31 . The package according to claim 30, the printed information (109) is either inverted or non-inverted.
PCT/EP2014/050477 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package WO2014108534A1 (en)

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US14/760,409 US20150353214A1 (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package
EP14700467.5A EP2943421B1 (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Method for packing, packaging machine and computer program
KR1020157021167A KR102240048B1 (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package
CN201480001222.3A CN104284845B (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 For the method for packaging container, packaging machine and the encapsulant for container
KR1020217008844A KR102369844B1 (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package
ES14700467.5T ES2688159T3 (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Packing method, packing machine and computer program
CA2895611A CA2895611C (en) 2013-01-14 2014-01-13 Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package

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US201361752074P 2013-01-14 2013-01-14
SE1350038-4 2013-01-14
US61/752,074 2013-01-14
SE1350038 2013-01-14

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CA2895611C (en) 2021-01-12
KR102240048B1 (en) 2021-04-16
ES2688159T3 (en) 2018-10-31
KR102369844B1 (en) 2022-03-02
EP2943421A1 (en) 2015-11-18
EP2943421B1 (en) 2018-07-11
CA2895611A1 (en) 2014-07-17
AU2013201560B2 (en) 2015-05-14
AU2013201560A1 (en) 2014-07-31
KR20150105966A (en) 2015-09-18
CN104284845B (en) 2017-03-08
CN104284845A (en) 2015-01-14
KR20210036999A (en) 2021-04-05
US20150353214A1 (en) 2015-12-10

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