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WO2012152403A2 - Sealing system for a packaging machine - Google Patents

Sealing system for a packaging machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012152403A2
WO2012152403A2 PCT/EP2012/001877 EP2012001877W WO2012152403A2 WO 2012152403 A2 WO2012152403 A2 WO 2012152403A2 EP 2012001877 W EP2012001877 W EP 2012001877W WO 2012152403 A2 WO2012152403 A2 WO 2012152403A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
jaw
sealing
packaging machine
machine according
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2012/001877
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012152403A3 (en
Inventor
Joseph Johan Maria Van Rens
Bruno Gerfried BAUMEISTER
Eric Joseph Elizabeth HOUBEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GEA Food Solutions Weert BV
Original Assignee
CFS Weert BV
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 CFS Weert BV filed Critical CFS Weert BV
Priority to EP12723374.0A priority Critical patent/EP2707291A2/en
Priority to US14/116,388 priority patent/US20140109513A1/en
Publication of WO2012152403A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012152403A2/en
Publication of WO2012152403A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012152403A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/24—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool
    • B29C65/26—Hot fluid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/24—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool
    • B29C65/30—Electrical means
    • B29C65/305—Electrical means involving the use of cartridge heaters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/72—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by combined operations or combined techniques, e.g. welding and stitching
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
    • B29C66/431—Joining the articles to themselves
    • B29C66/4312—Joining the articles to themselves for making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles, e.g. transversal seams
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8145—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the constructional aspects of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/81463—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the constructional aspects of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps comprising a plurality of single pressing elements, e.g. a plurality of sonotrodes, or comprising a plurality of single counter-pressing elements, e.g. a plurality of anvils, said plurality of said single elements being suitable for making a single joint
    • B29C66/81469—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the constructional aspects of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps comprising a plurality of single pressing elements, e.g. a plurality of sonotrodes, or comprising a plurality of single counter-pressing elements, e.g. a plurality of anvils, said plurality of said single elements being suitable for making a single joint one placed next to the other in a single line transverse to the feed direction, e.g. shoulder to shoulder sonotrodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
    • B29C66/8181—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects
    • B29C66/81811—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects of the welding jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8225—Crank mechanisms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8226—Cam mechanisms; Wedges; Eccentric mechanisms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • B29C66/83221—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis cooperating reciprocating tools, each tool reciprocating along one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/834—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools moving with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/8351—Jaws mounted on rollers, cylinders, drums, bands, belts or chains; Flying jaws
    • B29C66/83541—Jaws mounted on rollers, cylinders, drums, bands, belts or chains; Flying jaws flying jaws, e.g. jaws mounted on crank mechanisms or following a hand over hand movement
    • B29C66/83543—Jaws mounted on rollers, cylinders, drums, bands, belts or chains; Flying jaws flying jaws, e.g. jaws mounted on crank mechanisms or following a hand over hand movement cooperating flying jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/849—Packaging machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/94—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time
    • B29C66/944—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time by controlling or regulating the time
    • B29C66/9441—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the time by controlling or regulating the time the time being controlled or regulated as a function of another parameter
    • 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
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/22—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by friction or ultrasonic or high-frequency electrical means, i.e. by friction or ultrasonic or induction welding
    • B65B51/225—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by friction or ultrasonic or high-frequency electrical means, i.e. by friction or ultrasonic or induction welding by ultrasonic welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/816—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
    • B29C66/8246—Servomechanisms, e.g. servomotors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/87—Auxiliary operations or devices
    • B29C66/872—Starting or stopping procedures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/912—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9121—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature
    • B29C66/91211—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature with special temperature measurement means or methods
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/912—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9121—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature
    • B29C66/91211—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature with special temperature measurement means or methods
    • B29C66/91212—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature with special temperature measurement means or methods involving measurement means being part of the welding jaws, e.g. integrated in the welding jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/912—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9121—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature
    • B29C66/91231—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by measuring the temperature of the joining tool
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/95—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94
    • B29C66/951—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 by measuring or controlling the vibration frequency and/or the vibration amplitude of vibrating joining tools, e.g. of ultrasonic welding tools
    • B29C66/9512—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 by measuring or controlling the vibration frequency and/or the vibration amplitude of vibrating joining tools, e.g. of ultrasonic welding tools by controlling their vibration frequency
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/95—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94
    • B29C66/951—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 by measuring or controlling the vibration frequency and/or the vibration amplitude of vibrating joining tools, e.g. of ultrasonic welding tools
    • B29C66/9516—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 by measuring or controlling the vibration frequency and/or the vibration amplitude of vibrating joining tools, e.g. of ultrasonic welding tools by controlling their vibration amplitude
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/96—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process
    • B29C66/961—Measuring or controlling the joining process characterised by the method for implementing the controlling of the joining process involving a feedback loop mechanism, e.g. comparison with a desired value
    • 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
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B2051/105—Heat seal temperature control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a packaging machine with a sealing system comprising a front jaw and a rear jaw which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing-position, respectively, whereas the front jaw comprises two guide shafts which are supported in a frame.
  • Such a packaging machine is known from the state of the art and is for example a so called vertical flow wrapper in which a film is formed into a tube and is provided with a longitudinal seal. This tube is filled with the packaging item and a cross seal is provided at the lower and the upper end of the package. Subsequently, the package is separated from the film tube.
  • the cross seal is applied by a sealing system which comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw which reciprocate between an open and a sealing position.
  • the sealing system of these packaging machine is, however, rather complicated.
  • a packaging machine with a sealing system comprising a front jaw and a rear jaw, which reciprocates between an open- and a sealing-position, respectively, whereas the front jaw comprises two guide shafts which are supported in a frame and whereas the rear jaw is supported on the guide shafts of the front jaw.
  • the present invention relates to a packaging machine, which packages a packaging item into individual packages.
  • this packaging machine is a so called vertical flow wrapper, which forms a plain film into a tube, provides a longitudinal seal to the film tube, fills the film tube with a packaging item and provides a cross seal at the top and at the bottom of each package in order to close the package hermetically. Subsequently or simultaneously, the package is separated from the film tube.
  • the inventive packaging machine comprises a sealing system.
  • This sealing system has a front jaw and a rear jaw, which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing position. In the sealing position, the two jaws interact and apply heat and/or pressure to the film tube in order to apply the cross-seal.
  • the front jaw comprises two guide shafts, which are supported in a frame of the sealing system and which guide the linear movement of the front jaw from its open to its sealing position and vice versa.
  • the guide shafts of the front jaw are also utilize to support/guide the rear jaw during its linear movement from the open- to the sealing- position and vice versa. This assures, that there is no offset between the front and the rear jaw and that the system is very stiff.
  • each guide shaft of the front jaw comprises two bearings, respectively.
  • all these four bearings are situated in a frame which is made from a single piece. This reduces manufacturing tolerances, simplifies the construction and provides optimal stiffness.
  • one bearing of each guide shaft of the front jaw is located between the front jaw and the rear jaw.
  • This preferred embodiment of the present invention gives the sealing system maximum stability in the sealing position, since, during sealing, the frame, the front jaw and the rear jaw are very close together.
  • the front jaw and the rear jaw are connected to a beam, respectively. Both these beams are, according to this embodiment of the present invention, supported at the frame by linear guiding means. This avoids, that the guide shaft of the front jaw are subjected to shear forces.
  • the motor drives the jaws and provides the pressure needed for the sealing with ultrasonic sound. There are no other means needed to position the jaws and/or to provide the necessary pressure during the ultrasonic sealing.
  • the bearings of the inventive packaging machine are free from play.
  • the play between the bearing and the bared part is less than 20, preferably 10 micrometers.
  • the jaws are driven by a servo motor.
  • the frame of the sealing system is made from two segments, which are connected by two side plates.
  • connection between the two segments and/or the connection between the side plates and the segments comprises dowel pins, in order to reduce manufacturing tolerances.
  • At least one sealing jaw comprises a sonotrode for sealing of the film material with ultrasonic sound.
  • each jaw comprises two connections with shaft, respectively, whereas one connection of each jaw is preferably an adjustable connection and one connection of each jaw is preferably a fixed connection.
  • This adjustment allows the exact positioning of the jaws relative to each other, particularly the parallel positioning of the jaws in one or two planes.
  • the jaws can be adjusted relative to the shaft at a certain temperature, respectively.
  • the connection between the front jaw and the shaft comprises an adjustable bush in a chamber in the front jaw.
  • the connection between the rear jaw and the shaft is an adjustable block. The jaws will be assembled and adjusted at a certain temperature.
  • the sealing system comprises a heating- and/or cooling-means and more preferably a temperature sensor.
  • the sealing system can preferably only be started and/or operated in case the temperature of the sealing system, particularly the temperature of one or both jaw(s) is/are in a range of the temperature at which it has been adjusted. If the temperature is out of this range, one or both jaws will either be cooled or heated.
  • the rear jaw comprises an anvil which is heated to adjust the temperature.
  • the sealing system comprises a film sensor.
  • the sealing system can only be operated when the film sensor detects the presence of a film.
  • Another subject matter of the present invention is a sealing-jaw of a packaging machine that comprises heating- and/or cooling means.
  • the heating and/or cooling means are utilized to heat or cool the sealing jaw to a certain temperature and/or to maintain the sealing jaw at a certain temperature.
  • the heating means is an electrical heating means, for example one or more heating cartridge(s).
  • the heating- and/or the cooling means are designed such that anvil of the jaw and the bearings of the sealing jaw comprises an at least essentially uniform temperature, respectively. This assures that there is no or only minimal distortion in the anvil, the bearings and/or the jaw, so that so that the front jaw and the rear jaw are perfectly parallel, which is particularly essential for the sealing of a thin film.
  • the cooling means is preferably a tube system, preferably a tube circuit, in which a liquid, preferably water flows and is preferably circulated and which, more preferably is provided within the anvil of the sealing jaw.
  • a liquid preferably water flows and is preferably circulated and which, more preferably is provided within the anvil of the sealing jaw.
  • the water flow can be also utilized for heating-purposes.
  • the tube system extends along the front- and along the rear side of the anvil. This also assures an, at least essentially, equal temperature of the anvil und thus no distortion.
  • a temperature sensor is provided at the anvil, in the vicinity of the anvil and/or in the liquid to measure the
  • the temperature of the anvil is 45 - 50 °C, more preferably 48 - 52 °C.
  • the heating means are preferably utilized to bring and/or maintain the rear jaw at a certain, more preferably a minimum, temperature.
  • Another subject matter of the present invention is a method to seal a packaging with two jaws, whereas at least one jaw, preferably the rear jaw, is tempered prior to sealing.
  • This embodiment of the present invention assures that the quality of the sealing of the film is acceptable even during the entire production period, even after start-up at the beginning of a shift.
  • the temperature of the jaw, particularly the rear jaw and preferably, at least the anvil is heated until a certain temperature is reached. Only then, the inventive packaging machine starts its production.
  • the heating is preferably executed by one or more electrical heating means, preferably heating cartridge(s).
  • Yet another subject matter of the present invention is a method to seal a packaging with a sonotrode, whereas the sealing period is adjusted based on the temperature of the sonotrode.
  • a package made from a plastic film is formed, filled with a packaging item and then hermetically closed by sealing the film.
  • the sonrode is untilized to seal a film with ultrasonic sound.
  • the sonotrode provides the ultrasonic sound.
  • the sealing time is adjusted based on the temperature of the sonotrode.
  • the sealing time is decreased with increasing temperature of the sonotrode.
  • the sealing time is the time during which the two sealing jaws are pressed together.
  • the inventive packaging machine and/or the inventive method is self adapting. For example, after a certain time period after the start of the packaging machine and/or after a certain amount seals have been applied to the film, a control system automatically reduces the sealing time. Alternatively, the temperature of the sonotrode is determined and based on this reading, the sealing time is automatically adjusted.
  • Figure 1 shows the sealing system
  • Figure 2 shows the bearing of the guide shaft.
  • Figure 3 shows the linear guiding means.
  • Figure 4 shows the connection between the frame and the side plates.
  • Figure 5 shows the bearings in the frame.
  • Figure 6 shows the sealing system.
  • Figure 7 shows the connection between the jaws 2, 3 and the guide shaft.
  • Figure 8 shows a film sensor
  • FIG 9 shows the inventive sealing jaw Figures 1 and 6 show the sealing system 1 of the inventive packaging machine.
  • This sealing system 1 comprises a front jaw 2 and a rear jaw 3 which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing-position. The sealing position is depicted in figure 1 and the open position is depicted in figure 6.
  • the front jaw 2 is connected to two guide shafts 4, which are supported in a frame 13 of the sealing system 1. At their rear end, the guide shafts 4 are connected to a beam 5.
  • the rear jaw 3 comprises bearings 22, which support the rear jaw 3 at the guide shafts 4 of the front jaw 2.
  • Each bearing 22 comprises preferably two segments, which are separated from each other so that a moment of a torque can be easily transferred from the rear jaw 3 to the guide shaft 4.
  • the rear jaw 3 is connected to two drive shafts 7, which comprise at their rear end a beam 6.
  • Each beam 5, 6 is connected with one end of a crank 8, respectively.
  • the other end of the cranks 8 are connected to a rotational drive 9, which is driven by a motor 17, preferably a servo motor.
  • a motor 17 preferably a servo motor.
  • the rotational drive 9 By turning the rotational drive clockwise, the front jaw 2 and the rear jaw 3 move from their open position to the sealing position.
  • a counter clockwise rotation of the rotation drive 9 results in a movement of the jaws 2, 3 into their open position.
  • both beams 5, 6 comprise a bearing 18, respectively, each supported on a linear guiding means 19.
  • each guide shaft 4 is supported by two bearings 15, 16, respectively, which are relatively far apart in order to increase the stiffness of the system. All four bearings 15, 16 are situated in a first segment 13.1 of frame 13, which is machined from a single piece of metal.
  • the entire frame 13 is, in the present case, made from two segments 13.1 , 13.2, which are connected to each other by two side plates 14.
  • One segment, 13.1 comprises all four bearings 15, 16, the other segment 13.2 comprises the beam 5, 6 for the jaws 2, 3.
  • the segment 13.1 , 13.2 and all the side plates are connected to each other by dowel pins 20 which can be particularly seen from figure 4.
  • All bearings 15, 16, 22 are preferably play free bearings, for example ball recirculating sleeve bearings.
  • the sealing of the film, particularly the cross-seal is provided by means of a ultrasonic sound. Therefore, the sealing system comprises a sonotrode 28, in the present case two sonotrodes 28, which are operated in parallel and which are both connected to the front jaw 2.
  • the position of both sonotrodes 28 relative to the front jaw 2 can be adjusted individually.
  • the frequency and/or the amplitude of each sonotrode can be set individually.
  • each shaft 4 is supported to the frame 13 by bearings 15, 16, which are separated from each other. All four bearings 15, 16 are supported in one segment 13.1 of frame 13, which is manufactured from a single piece of metal.
  • each beam 5, 6 comprises a bearing 18, in the present case a play free bearing, which is supported on the linear guiding means 19.
  • the cooperation of bearings 18 and the linear guiding means 19 avoid, that shear forces are introduced into shafts 4 or shafts 7.
  • the bearing is a ball recirculating sleeve bearing.
  • FIG 4 shows the connection between the segment 13.1 and side plates 14.
  • the connection comprises dowel pins 10 and fastening means here screws 21.
  • the dowel pins assure the exact positioning between the segment 13.1 and the side plate 14.
  • each jaw 2, 3 comprises two connections 22.1 , 22.2, 23.1 , 23.2 with the shafts 4, respectively, whereas one connection 22.1 , 23.1 of each jaw 2, 3 is an adjustable connection and one connection 22.2, 23.2 of each jaw 2, 3 is preferably a fixed connection.
  • This adjustment preferably allows the exact positioning of the jaws 2, 3 relative to each other, particularly the parallel positioning of the jaws 2, 3 relative to each other in one or more plane(s).
  • the jaws 2, 3 can be adjusted relative to the shaft 4 at a certain temperature, respectively.
  • the connection between the front jaw and the shaft comprises an adjustable bush in a chamber in the front jaw.
  • the connection between the rear jaw and the shaft is an adjustable block.
  • the sealing system comprises a heating- and/or cooling-means and more preferably a temperature sensor.
  • the sealing system can preferably only be started and/or operated in case the temperature of the sealing system, particularly the temperature of one or both jaw(s) is in a range of the temperature at which it has been adjusted. If the temperature is out of this range, one or both jaws will either be cooled or heated or the system will be shut down.
  • the rear jaw comprises an anvil which is heated to adjust the temperature.
  • the sealing system comprises a film sensor 24.
  • the sealing system can only be operated when the film sensor 24 detects the presence of a film. 27/06/2012
  • Figure 9 shows the inventive rear sealing jaw 3, which comprises, in the present case, an anvil 27 and two bearings 22.1 , 22.2, in the present case designed as bearing-blocks.
  • the sealing of the film is applied by ultrasonic sound, which is provided by a sonotrode, which Is part of the front jaw 2.
  • the anvil At its front side, the anvil comprises a sealing bar 29, which is in contact with the film, in order to apply the seal to the film, which, during sealing, is pressed between the sonotrode 28 and the sealing bar 29.
  • the rear jaw 3, particularly its anvil 26 is heated and/or cooled, to bring and/or maintain the sealing jaw and/or the anvil at a certain temperature, whereas a uniform temperature, particularly over the entire anvil 26.
  • a uniform temperature distribution over the anvil 26 assures that no or only little distortion of the anvil takes place, so that the sealing bar 29 is always parallel to the sonotrode.
  • the heating is carried out by two cartridges 25. The cartridges are particularly utilized to increase the temperature of the rear jaw after a longer production-break.
  • the anvil comprises a tube system 26 in the anvil 27. Through the tube system, a liquid, preferably water, is passes to cool and/or heat the rear jaw.
  • the tube system can be part of a closed loop comprising a heat-exchange-element to heat or cool the temperature of the liquid, if needed.
  • the tube system extends along the front end 26.2 and along the rear end 26.1 of the anvil, in order to achieve a uniform temperature in the anvil.
  • heat can be transferred from the anvil to the bearings in order to adjust, i.e. heat and/or cool, their temperature.
  • the anvil and the bearings are at the same temperature.
  • the rear jaw Before the operation of the inventive packaging machine is started, for example at the beginning of morning shift, the rear jaw is preferably heated to its operation temperature.
  • the packaging machine starts packaging articles.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Package Closures (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The following invention relates to a packaging machine with a sealing system comprising a front jaw and a rear jaw which reciprocate between an open-and a sealing-position, respectively, whereas a front jaw comprises two guide shafts which are supported in a frame.

Description

Sealing system for a packaging machine
The present invention relates to a packaging machine with a sealing system comprising a front jaw and a rear jaw which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing-position, respectively, whereas the front jaw comprises two guide shafts which are supported in a frame.
Such a packaging machine is known from the state of the art and is for example a so called vertical flow wrapper in which a film is formed into a tube and is provided with a longitudinal seal. This tube is filled with the packaging item and a cross seal is provided at the lower and the upper end of the package. Subsequently, the package is separated from the film tube. The cross seal is applied by a sealing system which comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw which reciprocate between an open and a sealing position. The sealing system of these packaging machine is, however, rather complicated.
It was therefore the objective of the present invention to provide a packaging machine which does not comprise the deficiencies according to the state of the art.
The problem is attained with a packaging machine with a sealing system, comprising a front jaw and a rear jaw, which reciprocates between an open- and a sealing-position, respectively, whereas the front jaw comprises two guide shafts which are supported in a frame and whereas the rear jaw is supported on the guide shafts of the front jaw.
The disclosure made regarding this embodiment of the present invention also applies to the other embodiments and vice versa.
The present invention relates to a packaging machine, which packages a packaging item into individual packages. Preferably this packaging machine is a so called vertical flow wrapper, which forms a plain film into a tube, provides a longitudinal seal to the film tube, fills the film tube with a packaging item and provides a cross seal at the top and at the bottom of each package in order to close the package hermetically. Subsequently or simultaneously, the package is separated from the film tube. In order to apply the cross seal to the package, the inventive packaging machine comprises a sealing system. This sealing system has a front jaw and a rear jaw, which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing position. In the sealing position, the two jaws interact and apply heat and/or pressure to the film tube in order to apply the cross-seal. In the open position, the two jaws are removed from the film tube. The front jaw comprises two guide shafts, which are supported in a frame of the sealing system and which guide the linear movement of the front jaw from its open to its sealing position and vice versa. According to the present invention, the guide shafts of the front jaw are also utilize to support/guide the rear jaw during its linear movement from the open- to the sealing- position and vice versa. This assures, that there is no offset between the front and the rear jaw and that the system is very stiff.
According to another or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each guide shaft of the front jaw comprises two bearings, respectively. According to this embodiment of the present invention, all these four bearings are situated in a frame which is made from a single piece. This reduces manufacturing tolerances, simplifies the construction and provides optimal stiffness.
The disclosure made regarding this embodiment of the present invention also applies to the other embodiments and vice versa.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one bearing of each guide shaft of the front jaw is located between the front jaw and the rear jaw. This preferred embodiment of the present invention gives the sealing system maximum stability in the sealing position, since, during sealing, the frame, the front jaw and the rear jaw are very close together.
According to another or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front jaw and the rear jaw are connected to a beam, respectively. Both these beams are, according to this embodiment of the present invention, supported at the frame by linear guiding means. This avoids, that the guide shaft of the front jaw are subjected to shear forces.
According to another or a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor drives the jaws and provides the pressure needed for the sealing with ultrasonic sound. There are no other means needed to position the jaws and/or to provide the necessary pressure during the ultrasonic sealing.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearings of the inventive packaging machine are free from play. Preferably, the play between the bearing and the bared part is less than 20, preferably 10 micrometers.
Preferably, the jaws are driven by a servo motor. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame of the sealing system is made from two segments, which are connected by two side plates.
Preferably, the connection between the two segments and/or the connection between the side plates and the segments comprises dowel pins, in order to reduce manufacturing tolerances.
Preferably, at least one sealing jaw comprises a sonotrode for sealing of the film material with ultrasonic sound.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each jaw comprises two connections with shaft, respectively, whereas one connection of each jaw is preferably an adjustable connection and one connection of each jaw is preferably a fixed connection. This adjustment allows the exact positioning of the jaws relative to each other, particularly the parallel positioning of the jaws in one or two planes. Additionally or exclusively, the jaws can be adjusted relative to the shaft at a certain temperature, respectively. Preferably, the connection between the front jaw and the shaft comprises an adjustable bush in a chamber in the front jaw. Preferably the connection between the rear jaw and the shaft is an adjustable block. The jaws will be assembled and adjusted at a certain temperature.
Preferably, the sealing system comprises a heating- and/or cooling-means and more preferably a temperature sensor. The sealing system can preferably only be started and/or operated in case the temperature of the sealing system, particularly the temperature of one or both jaw(s) is/are in a range of the temperature at which it has been adjusted. If the temperature is out of this range, one or both jaws will either be cooled or heated. Preferably the rear jaw comprises an anvil which is heated to adjust the temperature.
Preferably, the sealing system comprises a film sensor. The sealing system can only be operated when the film sensor detects the presence of a film.
Another subject matter of the present invention is a sealing-jaw of a packaging machine that comprises heating- and/or cooling means.
The disclosure made regarding this embodiment of the present invention also applies to the other embodiments and vice versa. The heating and/or cooling means are utilized to heat or cool the sealing jaw to a certain temperature and/or to maintain the sealing jaw at a certain temperature. Preferably, the heating means is an electrical heating means, for example one or more heating cartridge(s). Preferably, the heating- and/or the cooling means are designed such that anvil of the jaw and the bearings of the sealing jaw comprises an at least essentially uniform temperature, respectively. This assures that there is no or only minimal distortion in the anvil, the bearings and/or the jaw, so that so that the front jaw and the rear jaw are perfectly parallel, which is particularly essential for the sealing of a thin film. The cooling means is preferably a tube system, preferably a tube circuit, in which a liquid, preferably water flows and is preferably circulated and which, more preferably is provided within the anvil of the sealing jaw. The water flow can be also utilized for heating-purposes. Preferably, the tube system extends along the front- and along the rear side of the anvil. This also assures an, at least essentially, equal temperature of the anvil und thus no distortion. Preferably, a temperature sensor is provided at the anvil, in the vicinity of the anvil and/or in the liquid to measure the
temperature of the anvil. Preferably, the temperature of the liquid that is passed through the anvil is 45 - 50 °C, more preferably 48 - 52 °C.
The heating means are preferably utilized to bring and/or maintain the rear jaw at a certain, more preferably a minimum, temperature.
Another subject matter of the present invention is a method to seal a packaging with two jaws, whereas at least one jaw, preferably the rear jaw, is tempered prior to sealing.
The disclosure made regarding this embodiment of the present invention also applies to the other embodiments and vice versa.
This embodiment of the present invention assures that the quality of the sealing of the film is acceptable even during the entire production period, even after start-up at the beginning of a shift. The temperature of the jaw, particularly the rear jaw and preferably, at least the anvil is heated until a certain temperature is reached. Only then, the inventive packaging machine starts its production. The heating is preferably executed by one or more electrical heating means, preferably heating cartridge(s).
Yet another subject matter of the present invention is a method to seal a packaging with a sonotrode, whereas the sealing period is adjusted based on the temperature of the sonotrode. According to the present invention, a package, made from a plastic film is formed, filled with a packaging item and then hermetically closed by sealing the film. The sontrode is untilized to seal a film with ultrasonic sound. The sonotrode provides the ultrasonic sound.
The disclosure made regarding this embodiment of the present invention also applies to the other embodiments and vice versa.
According to the present invention, the sealing time is adjusted based on the temperature of the sonotrode. Preferably, the sealing time is decreased with increasing temperature of the sonotrode. The sealing time is the time during which the two sealing jaws are pressed together.
Preferably, the inventive packaging machine and/or the inventive method is self adapting. For example, after a certain time period after the start of the packaging machine and/or after a certain amount seals have been applied to the film, a control system automatically reduces the sealing time. Alternatively, the temperature of the sonotrode is determined and based on this reading, the sealing time is automatically adjusted.
The inventions are now explained according to figures 1-9. These explanations do not limit the scope of protection. The explanation applies to all inventions, respectively.
Figure 1 shows the sealing system.
Figure 2 shows the bearing of the guide shaft.
Figure 3 shows the linear guiding means.
Figure 4 shows the connection between the frame and the side plates. Figure 5 shows the bearings in the frame. Figure 6 shows the sealing system.
Figure 7 shows the connection between the jaws 2, 3 and the guide shaft.
Figure 8 shows a film sensor.
Figure 9 shows the inventive sealing jaw Figures 1 and 6 show the sealing system 1 of the inventive packaging machine. This sealing system 1 comprises a front jaw 2 and a rear jaw 3 which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing-position. The sealing position is depicted in figure 1 and the open position is depicted in figure 6. The front jaw 2 is connected to two guide shafts 4, which are supported in a frame 13 of the sealing system 1. At their rear end, the guide shafts 4 are connected to a beam 5. As can be particularly seen from figure 6, the rear jaw 3 comprises bearings 22, which support the rear jaw 3 at the guide shafts 4 of the front jaw 2. Each bearing 22 comprises preferably two segments, which are separated from each other so that a moment of a torque can be easily transferred from the rear jaw 3 to the guide shaft 4. Additionally, the rear jaw 3 is connected to two drive shafts 7, which comprise at their rear end a beam 6. Each beam 5, 6 is connected with one end of a crank 8, respectively. The other end of the cranks 8 are connected to a rotational drive 9, which is driven by a motor 17, preferably a servo motor. By turning the rotational drive clockwise, the front jaw 2 and the rear jaw 3 move from their open position to the sealing position. A counter clockwise rotation of the rotation drive 9 results in a movement of the jaws 2, 3 into their open position. In order to avoid, that the guide shaft 4 and/or the drive shaft 7 is subjected to a shear force, both beams 5, 6 comprise a bearing 18, respectively, each supported on a linear guiding means 19. As can be also seen from figure 6, two bearings 15 of the guide shaft 4 are located between the front shaft 2 and the rear shaft 3. This assures, that the bearing and the front and the rear jaw 2, 3 are in close proximity during sealing. As can be also seen from figure 6, each guide shaft 4 is supported by two bearings 15, 16, respectively, which are relatively far apart in order to increase the stiffness of the system. All four bearings 15, 16 are situated in a first segment 13.1 of frame 13, which is machined from a single piece of metal. The entire frame 13 is, in the present case, made from two segments 13.1 , 13.2, which are connected to each other by two side plates 14. One segment, 13.1 comprises all four bearings 15, 16, the other segment 13.2 comprises the beam 5, 6 for the jaws 2, 3. In order to reduce manufacturing tolerances, the segment 13.1 , 13.2 and all the side plates are connected to each other by dowel pins 20 which can be particularly seen from figure 4. All bearings 15, 16, 22 are preferably play free bearings, for example ball recirculating sleeve bearings. In the present case, the sealing of the film, particularly the cross-seal is provided by means of a ultrasonic sound. Therefore, the sealing system comprises a sonotrode 28, in the present case two sonotrodes 28, which are operated in parallel and which are both connected to the front jaw 2. Preferably, the position of both sonotrodes 28 relative to the front jaw 2 can be adjusted individually. Preferably, the frequency and/or the amplitude of each sonotrode can be set individually. Reference is now made to figure 2. It can be clearly seen, that each shaft 4 is supported to the frame 13 by bearings 15, 16, which are separated from each other. All four bearings 15, 16 are supported in one segment 13.1 of frame 13, which is manufactured from a single piece of metal.
In figure 3, the linear guiding means 19 of the beams 5, 6 can be seen, each beam 5, 6 comprises a bearing 18, in the present case a play free bearing, which is supported on the linear guiding means 19. The cooperation of bearings 18 and the linear guiding means 19 avoid, that shear forces are introduced into shafts 4 or shafts 7. Preferably, the bearing is a ball recirculating sleeve bearing.
Figure 4 shows the connection between the segment 13.1 and side plates 14. The connection comprises dowel pins 10 and fastening means here screws 21. The dowel pins assure the exact positioning between the segment 13.1 and the side plate 14.
From figure 5, it can be seen, that all four bearings 15, 16 are situated in one segment 13.1 of frame 13.
According to figure 7, each jaw 2, 3 comprises two connections 22.1 , 22.2, 23.1 , 23.2 with the shafts 4, respectively, whereas one connection 22.1 , 23.1 of each jaw 2, 3 is an adjustable connection and one connection 22.2, 23.2 of each jaw 2, 3 is preferably a fixed connection. This adjustment preferably allows the exact positioning of the jaws 2, 3 relative to each other, particularly the parallel positioning of the jaws 2, 3 relative to each other in one or more plane(s). Additionally or exclusively, the jaws 2, 3 can be adjusted relative to the shaft 4 at a certain temperature, respectively. Preferably, the connection between the front jaw and the shaft comprises an adjustable bush in a chamber in the front jaw. Preferably the connection between the rear jaw and the shaft is an adjustable block. The jaws will be assembled and adjusted at a certain temperature. Preferably, the sealing system comprises a heating- and/or cooling-means and more preferably a temperature sensor. The sealing system can preferably only be started and/or operated in case the temperature of the sealing system, particularly the temperature of one or both jaw(s) is in a range of the temperature at which it has been adjusted. If the temperature is out of this range, one or both jaws will either be cooled or heated or the system will be shut down. Preferably the rear jaw comprises an anvil which is heated to adjust the temperature.
In figure 8, the sealing system comprises a film sensor 24. The sealing system can only be operated when the film sensor 24 detects the presence of a film. 27/06/2012
Figure 9 shows the inventive rear sealing jaw 3, which comprises, in the present case, an anvil 27 and two bearings 22.1 , 22.2, in the present case designed as bearing-blocks. In the present example, the sealing of the film is applied by ultrasonic sound, which is provided by a sonotrode, which Is part of the front jaw 2. At its front side, the anvil comprises a sealing bar 29, which is in contact with the film, in order to apply the seal to the film, which, during sealing, is pressed between the sonotrode 28 and the sealing bar 29.
According to the present invention, the rear jaw 3, particularly its anvil 26 is heated and/or cooled, to bring and/or maintain the sealing jaw and/or the anvil at a certain temperature, whereas a uniform temperature, particularly over the entire anvil 26. A uniform temperature distribution over the anvil 26 assures that no or only little distortion of the anvil takes place, so that the sealing bar 29 is always parallel to the sonotrode. In the present case, the heating is carried out by two cartridges 25. The cartridges are particularly utilized to increase the temperature of the rear jaw after a longer production-break. Additionally or alternatively, the anvil comprises a tube system 26 in the anvil 27. Through the tube system, a liquid, preferably water, is passes to cool and/or heat the rear jaw. The tube system can be part of a closed loop comprising a heat-exchange-element to heat or cool the temperature of the liquid, if needed. As can be clearly seen, that the tube system extends along the front end 26.2 and along the rear end 26.1 of the anvil, in order to achieve a uniform temperature in the anvil. The person skilled in the art understands, that heat can be transferred from the anvil to the bearings in order to adjust, i.e. heat and/or cool, their temperature. Preferably the anvil and the bearings are at the same temperature.
Before the operation of the inventive packaging machine is started, for example at the beginning of morning shift, the rear jaw is preferably heated to its operation temperature.
This is preferably done by the electrical heating elements 25. As soon as this temperature has been reached, the packaging machine starts packaging articles.
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
ISA/EP List of reference signs:
Sealing System
Front jaw
Rear jaw
Guide shaft, drive shaft
Beam for the front jaw
Beam for the rear jaw
Drive shaft rear jaw
Crank
Rotation means
0 Linear guide
11 Bearing for the vertical movement of the system 2 Bearing for the rear jaw
3 Frame
3.1 first segment of the frame
3.2 second segment of the frame
4 Side plate
5 Bearing for the guide shaft 4
6 Bearing for the guide shaft 4
7 Motor
8 Bearing
9 Linear guiding means
0 Dowel pin
1 Fastening means, screw
2 Bearing of the rear jaw
3 Connection between the front jaw and the guide shaft 4 Film sensor
5 heating cartridge
6 liquid circuit
7 anvil
8 sonotrode
9 sealing bar

Claims

Claims:
1. Packaging machine with a sealing system (1 ), comprising a front jaw (2) and a rear jaw (3), which reciprocate between an open- and a sealing-position, respectively, whereas the front jaw (2) comprises two guide shafts (4) which are supported in a frame (13), characterized in, that the rear jaw (3) is supported on the guide shafts (4) of the front jaw.
2. Packaging machine according to claim 1 or the preamble of claim 1 , characterized in, that each guide shaft (4) comprises two bearings (15, 16), respectively and that all bearings (15, 16) are situated in a frame (13.1 ) which is made from one single piece.
3. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bearing (15) of the guide shaft (4) is located between the front jaw (2) and the rear jaw (3).
4. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1 , characterized in, that the front jaw (2) is coupled to a beam (5) and the rear jaw is connected to a beam (6) and that each beam (5, 6) is supported at the frame (13) by a linear guiding means (19) respectively.
5. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1 , characterized in, that the motor (17) drives the jaws (2, 3) and provides the pressure needed for the sealing with ultrasonic sound.
6. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearings (15, 16, 22) are free from play.
7. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jaws (2, 3) are driven by a servo motor.
8. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (13) is made from two pieces (13.1 , 13.2) which are connected by two side plates (14).
9. Packaging machine according to claim 8, characterized in, that the parts (13.1 , 13.2) of the frame (13) and/or the side plates (14) are connected by dowel pins (20).
10. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the sealing system is based on ultrasonic sound.
11. Packaging machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that each jaw (2, 3) comprises two connections (22, 23) with shaft (4), respectively, whereas one connection (22.1 , 23.1 ) of each jaw (2, 3) is an adjustable connection and one connection (22.2, 23.2) of each jaw (2, 3) is a fixed connection.
12. Sealing-jaw (2, 3) of a packaging machine, characterized in, that it comprises heating- and/or cooling means (25, 26).
13. Sealing-jaw (2, 3) according to claim 12, characterized in, that it comprises an anvil and that the heating- and/or cooling means (25, 26) are distributed at the front- and at the rear part of the anvil.
14. Method to seal a packaging with two jaws (2, 3), characterized in, that at least one jaw is tempered prior to sealing.
15. Method to seal a packaging with a sonotrode, characterized in, that the sealing period is adjusted based on the temperature of the sonotrode.
PCT/EP2012/001877 2011-05-10 2012-05-02 Sealing system for a packaging machine Ceased WO2012152403A2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12723374.0A EP2707291A2 (en) 2011-05-10 2012-05-02 Sealing system for a packaging machine
US14/116,388 US20140109513A1 (en) 2011-05-10 2012-05-02 Sealing system for a packaging machine

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11003838.7 2011-05-10
EP11003838 2011-05-10
EP11003879.1 2011-05-11
EP11003879 2011-05-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012152403A2 true WO2012152403A2 (en) 2012-11-15
WO2012152403A3 WO2012152403A3 (en) 2013-03-28

Family

ID=46149380

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2012/001877 Ceased WO2012152403A2 (en) 2011-05-10 2012-05-02 Sealing system for a packaging machine

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20140109513A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2707291A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012152403A2 (en)

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Also Published As

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US20140109513A1 (en) 2014-04-24
EP2707291A2 (en) 2014-03-19

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