EP1165374B1 - Packaging machine and method for packaging a bulk product - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a packaging machine and also to a method for packaging a preferably free-flowing bulk material.

Frequently, products that are either intermediate or end products must be packaged for subsequent processing or distribution. This is also for example in the production of absorbent sanitary articles, such as. Sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence products, baby diapers, the case. The absorbent, which is usually present here as a small-grained and free-flowing bulk material, must be packaged in pillow-shaped units for this purpose. On the pillow-shaped units then usually several cover and documents are applied. Basically, a packaging must not always be completely closed, but may also be such that the product to be packaged is only partially enveloped.

Particularly in the case of mass products, packaging machines are used for packaging the products, which enable a fast and efficient packaging of the goods. For this purpose, the goods to be packed are preferably wrapped in the packaging machines between two or more continuous packaging means webs. The packaging webs are then sealed around the product by a suitable device. Subsequent to the sealing is usually a separation of the chain-shaped contiguous units.

In particular, in bulk solids and here again, especially in free-flowing bulk materials must be supplied in portions before the operation of wrapping the bulk material to be packaged in defined amounts of a receiving device. For this purpose, often at least one of the packaging means webs is deformed so that it has at intervals to each other trough-shaped depressions, in which the bulk material is given. Such devices are known for example from the food or pharmaceutical industry and described for example in DE 25 18 088, DE 25 45 739 or DE 30 36 768. The trough-shaped depressions of the packaging material webs are produced here by means of a plastic or thermoplastic deformation of the packaging webs. This can be done with the aid of an embossing device (DE 25 18 088 and DE 30 36 768) or with a shaping drum, on the circumference depressions of the desired size and shape are arranged.

In the latter case, in DE 25 45 739, the packaging web is applied over the depressions so that the packaging web extends over the depressions. The deformation of the packaging material web is carried out by evacuating the depressions, whereby the packaging medium web is pulled into the depressions.

In DE 25 18 088 and in DE 30 36 768 free-flowing bulk material by means of a separate metering device, which closes with a hopper, fed to the wells. In a subsequent step, the wells are covered by a second packaging web. In this case, the second packaging means web can in turn also have preformed depressions or, as in DE 30 36 768, consist of a flexible material which then merely serves to span the depressions in the first packaging means web. In final work steps, the packaging webs are interconnected and the packaging units are separated.

US-A-4,437,294 describes a packaging machine having a first rotating conveyor element with receiving devices for portioned receiving a bulk material, a feed device for supplying the bulk material to the receiving device, a first device for feeding a filter paper strip, which is arranged so that the filter paper strip after feeding the Bulk material for receiving device on the first conveying element can be applied, and a horizontal sliding surface for further transport of the portioned bulk material on the filter paper strip to a packaging station with a second device for supplying a filter paper strip.

US-A-5,264,230 describes a process for making a shaped and pressed food in ring form between two plies of a food grade plastic film. The method includes moving two polygonal forming cylinders toward each other to effect the steps of forming, pressing and sealing, and thereafter rotating the polygonal cylinders to further transport the packaged food.

Most known from the prior art devices and methods for packaging preferably free-flowing bulk material have in common that the packaging is discontinuous. This means that the production of the packaging and / or the filling of the packaging and / or the closure of the packaging requires at least one stationary operation, in which the packaging means web rests during processing on this processing station. Due to this discontinuous operation, only a very limited number of packaging units per unit time can be produced with the devices and methods known from the prior art. In addition, the filling of the packaging, in particular with free-flowing bulk material which tends to form dust, requires a considerable period of time, provided that excessive dust formation is to be avoided. This in turn leads to a reduction of the ejected packaging units per unit time.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an apparatus and a method for portioned packaging of preferably free-flowing bulk material, wherein advantageously the disadvantages known from the prior art are avoided. In particular, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention should enable a packaging of the bulk material with a higher packaging speed compared to the prior art, so that a higher number of packaging units per unit time can be produced thereby.

The bulk material to be packaged does not necessarily have to be homogeneous, but may also consist of a mixture of different substances, it being possible for the particle size and shape to be variable over a large range.

The packaging machine according to the invention for packaging a preferably free-flowing bulk material comprises a first circulating conveying element, which has on the peripheral outer side at least one receiving device for portioned receiving of the bulk material. The first conveying element is expediently driven by a drive unit, for example an electric motor. In addition, a second circulating conveying element is arranged next to the first circulating conveying element. The second conveyor element is driven by means of, for example, a gear, a gear arrangement or a belt assembly synchronized with the first conveying element in opposite directions. Further, the conveying elements are arranged so that they have a small distance from each other in a section and here preferably parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The conveying elements can also run on curved paths. Preferably, the distance here is slightly larger than the thickness of a first packaging medium web. Furthermore, the packaging machine has a feed device for feeding the bulk material. The bulk material is fed by means of this feeding device of the receiving device for portioned receiving the bulk material. The bulk material does not necessarily have to be homogeneous, but it can also consist of a mixture of different substances. Likewise, the bulk material may also consist of several substances, which are supplied separately from each other of the receiving device in the feeder. In order to pack the bulk material supplied to the receiving device, a first device for feeding the first packaging web is further arranged so that the first packaging web can be applied to the first conveying element after the bulk material has been supplied to the receiving device. Further, a fixing device for fixing the bulk material on the first packaging middle web is arranged so that after transferring the portioned bulk material from the receiving device of the first conveyor element to the second conveyor element, the bulk material is fixed on the first packaging medium web. This fixing device for fixing the bulk material on the first packaging means web is in this case a second device for supplying a second packaging web, which is arranged so that the second packaging means web can be applied to the second conveyor element after transferring the portioned bulk material from the first conveyor element to the second conveyor element. Both the first and the second packaging middle web are in each case supplied in synchronized to the rotational speed of the first and the second rotating conveyor element synchronized speed. The repositioning of the portioned bulk material is expediently carried out in the section in which the two conveying elements have a small distance from one another, wherein the distance is preferably approximately equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the first packaging means web. Furthermore, the conveying elements in this area furthermore advantageously run parallel or approximately parallel to one another. Advantageously, in this case the first packaging means web, which has been applied to the first revolving conveying element, is deflected onto the second conveying element together with the bulk material located in the receiving device. The second device for feeding the second packaging means web is thus preferably arranged so that the second packaging means web in the direction of rotation of the second conveying element shortly after the region in which the two conveying elements have the small distance from each other, the second conveying element is supplied. The first apparatus for supplying the first packaging means web and the second apparatus for feeding the second packaging means web suitably comprise respective holding devices for the respective packaging means webs and deflecting elements, preferably deflection rollers.

The packaging of the bulk material in portioned, i. precisely metered or defined amounts can thus be carried out by means of the device according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention in a continuously running working process. Likewise, the device according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention can be operated continuously. Due to the continuous course of the packaging process can hereby reach a very high number of packaging units per unit time. In the case of packaging the absorbent into pillow-shaped units, it is thus possible to achieve, for example, about 600 to 1200 packaged units per minute. Furthermore, the drive units of the packaging machine required for the drive can be made simple due to the continuous operation. Further, with continuous operation of the packaging machine, less wear occurs compared to discontinuous operation.

Preferably, the first and / or the second packaging means web consists of an air-permeable and easily deformable material. Such a material can also be at small deflection rollers with correspondingly small deflection radii easily feed and deforms easily according to the contour of the first and / or the second conveyor element. Due to the air permeability it is ensured that no air cushions form below the packaging web. Appropriately, the first and the second packaging web are in this case made wider than the receiving device for receiving the bulk material on the other hand, but also narrower than the conveying elements, so that they do not protrude beyond the conveying elements.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first circulating conveyor element and / or the second circulating conveyor element is designed as a rotatable wheel or as a rotatable roller. If both conveying elements are designed as wheels or as rollers, it is expedient to carry out both wheels or rollers with slightly different or the same diameter as well as with a width which is similar or similar to both wheels or rollers. Further, the wheels or rollers are preferably to be arranged so that the central axes are parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The design of the conveying element as a wheel or roller is structurally simple and thus inexpensive to produce. In addition, high speeds can be realized in a wheel or a roller in the case of rotation about its center due to the uniformly distributed mass moment of inertia of a wheel or a roller without additional measures, such as clamping elements in circumferential bands or stiffening of storage, are taken have to.

Alternatively, at least one revolving conveying element may advantageously comprise a conveyor belt, which is expediently guided over deflecting rollers and may be stabilized at higher revolving speeds by means of additional tensioning and vibration damping elements.

The packaging machine moreover has a closing device for closing an envelope of the bulk material divided into individual portions by the first and second packaging middle webs. The closing device can be designed in a simple manner as a device for applying adhesive on at least one side of a packaging web. Another preferred alternative for closing the sheath is a thermal process in which by means of a completely or even partially heatable embossing wheel, which runs on the second conveyor element and thereby the two Squeezes packaging webs and at least locally heated, the two packaging webs are connected to each other around the bulk material. Furthermore, alternatively by means of mechanically exerted pressure, for example on the support edge of a stamping wheel, or in the case of suitable materials, also by ultrasound action or also by combinations of the different methods, for example gluing with additional mechanical pressure sealing, sealing of the covering can be effected. A prerequisite for this method is that the packaging webs of material are suitable for such a process, ie that new bonds form within the material of the packaging webs under the action of heat or under pressure. By means of the advantageously arranged closing device, it is possible to close the divided into individual portions bulk material immediately after wrapping with the first and the second packaging means web in corresponding individual packages. Moreover, a separating device which expediently adjoins the closing device makes it possible to separate the still unconnected individual packages ejected from the packaging machine immediately after closing. This singling system is preferably designed as a continuously operating cutting device. Thus, the bulk material divided into individual packs can be separated at the speed of packaging and then fed to further processing.

The arranged on the circumference of the first conveying element receiving device for portioned receiving the bulk material is advantageously formed as a chamber-shaped depression in the conveying element. The volume of the depression preferably corresponds exactly to the volume of the quantity of bulk material to be absorbed, which is introduced into this depression. As a result, the portioned bulk material introduced into the recess is flush with the surface of the conveyor element. In order to avoid a local accumulation even in the case of non-uniform filling of the depression, a stripping device is also expediently arranged in the direction of rotation of the first conveying element, preferably at the exit from the region in which the bulk material is supplied. By means of this stripping device, the supplied bulk material can be accurately sized according to the volume of the recess by stripping excess bulk material. Furthermore, the scraper serves to clean the conveyor element outside the area of the recess of excess bulk material.

As a feeding device for supplying the bulk material advantageously a directly adjacent to the first conveying element container is arranged with a funnel-shaped outlet.

The funnel-shaped outlet in this case expediently has a contour adapted to the outer contour of the receiving device for receiving the bulk material. If the receiving device designed as a depression in the conveying element, so the outlet thus closes tightly with the conveying element, but without disturbing the circumferential movement. In the latter case, the portioning of the bulk material is thus carried out in a very simple manner by filling the container with bulk material, which trickles with vertical arrangement of the container solely by the force of gravity in the passing wells and thus filled them portioned. In order to accelerate the filling or to make a filling in hanging or other arrangement of the container, an overpressure can be applied to the bulk material in the container. The delivery device may also be subdivided into two or more chambers or supply lines in order to allow separate delivery of two or more substances to the receiving device.

Preferably, at least one receiving device for receiving the bulk material is also arranged on the circumference of the second conveying element. Particularly preferably, the receiving device is designed here as a chamber-shaped depression. Furthermore, the receiving device for. Receiving the bulk material of the second conveyor element expediently at least equal to or larger volume, wherein the receiving device for receiving the bulk material of the second conveyor element preferably with a larger width and / or a greater length, thus a larger base area, is designed as the receiving device for Absorption of the bulk material of the first conveyor element. As a result of the larger volume of the receiving device of the second conveyor element due to the expediently larger base area of the receiving device of the second conveyor element compared to the receiving device of the first conveyor element, the portioned bulk material after the transfer from the first conveyor element to the second conveyor element completely in the receiving device of the second conveyor element be recorded. In order to take into account a possibly small rearrangement of the bulk material, which can be caused by the repositioning, the recess of the second conveying element is advantageous with the greater width and / or greater length, thus a larger base area, designed as the recess of the first conveying element. This ensures that when transferring the bulk material no bulk material on the edge region, ie the area outside the receiving device distributed. In the edge region located bulk material could cause a connection, such as an adhesive bond, between the first Packaging means web and the second packaging means web has one or more defects in the form of locally leaking points.

The receiving devices of both the first conveyor element and the second conveyor element can in principle have a rectangular as well as a round or oval base.

Advantageously, openings are arranged on the underside of the receiving device for receiving the bulk material of the first and / or the second conveying element, wherein the openings are each connected depending on the angular position of the conveying element with a vacuum, constant pressure or overpressure reservoir. These openings may in this case be designed, for example, as bores or as screen openings, wherein the clear width or the clear cross section of the openings is made smaller than the minimum diameter or the minimum base area of the individual elements of the bulk material.

Advantageously, the first and / or the second conveying element is hollow, for example, as a ring gear, executed, wherein the hollow running. Conveying element is preferably divided by means of at least one inner bulkhead in angle segments and these angle segments are separated from each other as a vacuum, pressure or overpressure reservoir pressure can be acted upon. Preferably, the receiving device for receiving the bulk material of the first and / or the second conveying element in this case in the angular segments in which the respective receiving device is filled with bulk material, subjected to negative pressure, and in the angle segments in which the receiving device is emptied, preferably with overpressure applied. The induced due to the negative pressure in the receiving device suction on the bulk material supports and speeds up the filling process of the receiving device of the first conveyor element with bulk material and also the process of relocating the bulk material from the receiving device of the first conveyor element in the receiving device of the second conveyor element. The bulk material is also compressed by the action of the negative pressure in the desired manner, so that this results in a consistent filling of the receiving device with bulk material. During the transport of the bulk material in the receiving device with the conveying element, an applied negative pressure in the receiving device causes the bulk material to remain in the receiving device even without covering the receiving device, even in the case of an active direction of gravity out of the receiving device. An Indian Recording device applied overpressure accordingly has the opposite effect, namely that the bulk material is ejected from the receiving device. Such an applied in the receiving device of the first conveyor element overpressure is particularly conducive to the rearrangement of the bulk material from the receiving device of the first conveyor element in the receiving device of the second conveyor element. After applying the second packaging means web but also applied to the receiving device of the second conveyor element overpressure for ejecting the coated units can be used. For the effectiveness of the applied in the receiving device of the second conveyor element vacuum on the portioned bulk material, it is advantageous if at least the first packaging means web consists of an air-permeable material, which advantageously has a defined flow resistance.

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the flowable bulk material may be packaged in two or more juxtaposed but separate webs by means of two or more juxtaposed feeding devices and two or more juxtaposed picking devices in the first and second conveying elements. The juxtaposed webs can then be separated or else remain coherent. The latter is particularly advantageous if two different bulk materials to be packed, but the bulk goods may not be mixed.

Furthermore, the invention provides a method for packaging a preferably free-flowing bulk material ready. The method in this case comprises a first method step, in which a certain amount of the bulk material of a receiving device, preferably a depression, a first circulating conveyor element is supplied. The specific amount of the bulk material is then transported by means of this first rotating conveyor element. In a subsequent process step, a first packaging web is applied during the further transport over the specific amount of the bulk material so that the specific amount of the bulk material is completely covered by the first packaging medium web. Following this, the first packaging means web and the specific amount of the bulk material is transferred during further transport to a second revolving conveyor element, wherein the first packaging medium web comes to rest between the specific amount of the bulk material and the second rotating conveyor element. In a further method step, a second packaging means web is applied during the further transport over the specific amount of the bulk material so that the specific amount of the bulk material is completely enveloped by the first and the second packaging medium web and in a last method step, the first and the second packaging middle web are interconnected , A significant advantage of the method described here to the method known from the prior art, in turn, is the continuous process of the method, in which the specific amount of the bulk material can be transported continuously after feeding the bulk material to the receiving device during the further process sequence. For this purpose, the specific amount of the bulk material is preferably transported further by means of a continuously rotating first wheel as the first circulating conveying element and by means of a continuously rotating second wheel as the second circulating conveying element. As a result of this continuous process, the number of units packaged per unit time can be significantly increased as compared to methods known in the art. In order to achieve an optimal number of packaged units, the packaging webs are preferred each at a web speed of 150 m / min to 240 m / min, more preferably at about 200 m / min supplied.

In the method step in which the first and second packaging webs are joined together, for example, adhesive material can be applied between the packaging webs or the two packaging webs can also be joined together by means of a thermal embossing process or another according to the above-explained methods or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to separate the portioned and coated bulk material after connecting the first with the second packaging medium web. The isolated bulk packaging can thus be fed directly to another use.

The above-mentioned process steps are expediently repeated in the order given.

The bulk material is preferably an adsorbent or an absorbent, preferably polymethylene urea or an amorphous silicate, or else a mixture thereof supplied. Polymethyleneurea or amorphous silicates are characterized in the dry state on the one hand advantageously by a good flowability and on the other hand by a very high absorption capacity. However, the device according to the invention can also be operated with a conventional absorbent or adsorbent, for example a pulp super absorber mixture, pulp flakes or amorphous silicates, such as Zeofree, or mixtures thereof, as well as, for example, eucalyptus lips. Conventional Absorbenzien- or Adsorbenzien often have a lower flowability and are optionally surrounded by a flow wrapping.

As a first and / or as a second packaging means web is preferably a dust-tight and preferably hydrophobic nonwoven is supplied. This fleece prevents leakage even of very small particles of the bulk material from the packaging. Air and liquids, however, can penetrate the fleece. The hydrophobic property of the nonwoven causes the pillow-shaped packaging also in the case of wetting with liquid on your Outside appear dry. The liquid is thus completely passed on to the absorbent and absorbed by the latter.

In order to support the application of the specific amount of the bulk material to the first revolving conveyor element and / or the further transport of the specific amount of the bulk material, a negative pressure is advantageously generated in the region of the receiving device of the conveying element. Due to this negative pressure, the bulk material is sucked into the receiving device. The filling of the receiving device with bulk material takes place thereby faster, whereby the packaging speed can be increased. On the other hand, as a result of the negative pressure in the receiving device, less dust formation occurs during filling of the receiving device, since in particular the small, dust-like particles are sucked into the receiving device.

Furthermore, in order to support the relocation of the specific amount of the bulk material from the first circulating conveyor element to the second circulating conveyor element, an overpressure is advantageously generated in the region of the first conveyor element and / or a negative pressure is generated in the region of the second conveyor element. The pressure is in this case applied, for example, by means of openings on the underside of the receiving devices so that it lies below, that is, on the side facing the conveying element, of the bulk material. The overpressure in the region of the first conveying element causes the bulk material in the receiving device to be ejected from the receiving device, whereas by means of the negative pressure in the region of the second conveying element a suction effect on the bulk material to be relocated is achieved.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the bulk material supplied to the receiving device of the first conveying element is preferably dimensioned precisely by means of a stripping device, for example a scraper or a brush, which rotates counter to the first conveying element, or a stationary brush with recirculation. This is particularly easy to carry out when the receiving device of the first conveying element is designed as a recess and, for example, the scraper or the brush is arranged flush with the surface of the conveying element. The stripping device is used in addition to the accurate dimensioning of the bulk material in particular also to clean the conveyor element outside the range of the receiving device of excess bulk material. In particular, excess bulk material that comes to lie in the areas where the first bonded to the second packaging medium web or welded together or otherwise can cause the connection to have defects in the form of leaks.

According to a particular embodiment, the packaging machine according to the invention further comprises a device with which the free-flowing bulk material is supplied only exactly to the receiving devices, thus preventing delivery to areas outside of the receiving devices.

This supply device in this case comprises at least one metering container and a circulating belt, wherein the belt has at least one passage opening. The tape is preferably designed as a PTFE glass fabric tape or as a polyurethane tape with steel or Glaszugträgereinlagen or as a steel strip and is guided by means of deflection and / or tension rollers. Furthermore, the band is arranged so that it passes directly at the outlet opening of the dosing and thus closes the dosing on the outlet side. If the through-opening passes through the outlet region of the metering container, bulk material can trickle through the through-openings arranged in the band. In order to assist such a trickling through of the bulk material through the through-openings, it is advantageous to position the dosing vertically or at a certain angle of inclination, wherein the tape terminates at the bottom. In this case, only the force acting on the bulk gravity causes the trickling out of the bulk material from the through hole. The trickling out, however, can also be assisted by an overpressure applied in the metering container or can also be carried out against gravity. Advantageously, a plurality of passage openings are expediently arranged in a row relative to one another in the band. The distance between the centers of the through holes arranged in the band is equal to the distance between the centers of the receiving devices passing by the delivery device. Furthermore, the passage openings are advantageously designed with a slightly smaller cross section or at most a cross section of the same size as the receiving devices. In operation, the circulation of the tape is to be synchronized with the recording device (s) passing by the tape so that the through holes come to lie directly above the recording devices. Since the passage openings of the band have a smaller or maximally equal cross-section as the receiving devices, the bulk material can thus only reach the recesses, but not in other areas on the respective first packaging means web.

The device designed for the precise feeding of a preferably free-flowing bulk material into a receiving device can be used as a feeding device in connection be used with the method according to the invention.

Furthermore, instead of being a circulating belt, the feeding device can also be designed as a wheel or roller.

In the drawings described below, embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, but can also be realized in other ways. The embodiments thus represent rather a first possibility for carrying out the invention.

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine mit zwei rotierenden Rädern;

Fig. 2

die erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine aus Figur 1 in der Seitenansicht;

Fig. 3

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine weitere, erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine mit zwei rotierenden Rädern, bei der das aus zwei Stoffen bestehende Schüttgut in zwei getrennten Bahnen verpackt wird;

Fig.4

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine mit nur einem rotierenden Rad;

Fig. 5

eine weitere nicht erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine mit nur einem rotierenden Rad;

Fig. 6

eine weitere nicht erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine mit nur einem rotierenden Rad;

Fig. 7

in perspektivischer Einzeldarstellung ein Prägerad zum thermischen Verbinden der beiden Verpackungsmittelbahnen;,

Fig. 8

eine weitere nicht erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsmaschine, wobei die umlaufenden Förderelemente als Förderbänder ausgeführt sind; und

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 8 dargestellten Verpackungsmaschine darstellt.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a packaging machine according to the invention with two rotating wheels;

Fig. 2

the packaging machine according to the invention of Figure 1 in side view;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of another packaging machine according to the invention with two rotating wheels, in which the bulk material consisting of two materials is packed in two separate tracks;

Figure 4

a perspective view of a non-inventive packaging machine with only one rotating wheel;

Fig. 5

another packaging machine not according to the invention with only one rotating wheel;

Fig. 6

another packaging machine not according to the invention with only one rotating wheel;

Fig. 7

in a perspective single representation of an embossing wheel for thermal connection of the two packaging means webs;,

Fig. 8

another packaging machine not according to the invention, wherein the circulating conveyor elements are designed as conveyor belts; and

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the packaging machine shown in Fig. 8 represents.

Shown are only those essential to understanding the invention elements and components. Equivalent or similar elements and components are provided in the drawings with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a packaging machine according to the invention, which is particularly well suited for packaging a bulk material having a density of less than about 0.15 g / ml. The bulk material is packaged here in pillow-shaped units 60. The bulk material used for the production of pillow-shaped units, which serve as a basic unit for the production of sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence articles or other absorbent sanitary articles, preferably consists of an absorbent or adsorbent, which is advantageously in the form of a flowable bulk material and a rapid absorption of the supplied liquid guaranteed. Furthermore, the absorbed liquid is advantageously evenly distributed and there is also a slight tendency to re-release the liquid even under pressure. Preferably, the absorbent or adsorbent consists of a single, as homogeneous as possible substance, which is also suitably soft and easily deformable. However, it is also possible and expedient to use a conventional material, as already explained above.

The packaging machine shown in Figure 1 in a perspective view is shown in a similar embodiment in Figure 2 in a side view. The packaging machine has two revolving conveying elements, which are designed here as rotating wheels 1,11. The second wheel 11 is in this case designed so that it is rotatable in opposite directions to the first wheel 1. The two wheels 1, 11 are arranged side by side at a small distance from each other. The distance between the two wheels is expediently slightly larger than the thickness of the first packaging middle web. The central axes of the two wheels run parallel or nearly parallel here, so that the peripheral outer sides of the two wheels also run in a certain range parallel or nearly parallel to each other. Not shown are the respective drive units or the synchronizing unit of the second wheel 11. At the periphery of both rotating wheels 1, 11 are arranged in each case a plurality of receiving devices for portioned receiving the bulk material. The receiving devices are here as a chamber-shaped depressions 2, 12 each formed with a rectangular base and equidistant arranged distributed on the handling of each wheel. Furthermore, the wheels 1, 11 are hollow inside. The inner cavities of the wheels are each divided by means of inner bulkhead 3, 13 in angle segments 5, 6, 15, wherein each angle segment is sealed relative to an adjacent angle segment. Each angular segment can thus be acted upon by compressed air supply with negative pressure, constant pressure or pressure independently of the other angle segments. The inner bulkheads 3, 13 and thus the pressurized angle segments 5, 6, 15 are stationary, whereas the wheels 1, 11, which form the outer shell of the angle segments, rotate. By means of mesh-shaped sieves 4, which are arranged as a bottom lining in the recesses 2, 12 of both wheels 1, 11 and communicates through the openings, the fluid in the angle segments with the fluid in the receiving devices, is applied in each case in the angle segments under or overpressure also transmitted to the areas of the adjacent to the angle segments recording devices.

For supplying the bulk material 20, a supply device is arranged in a vertical arrangement on the first rotating wheel 1. The supply device comprises a container 21 with a funnel-shaped outlet 22, wherein the outlet 22 is formed so that it is dimensionally adjacent to the first rotating wheel 1. The container 21 is filled with the flowable bulk material 20, which trickles due to the gravitational force in the passing below the outlet 22 recesses 2 of the first rotating wheel 1. In order to support the trickling of the bulk material 20 in the wells 2, a negative pressure is also applied in the corresponding angular segment 5, which causes a negative pressure in the wells due to the mesh-shaped sieves 4. Furthermore, a homogeneous filling of the recesses 2 with bulk material 20 is ensured by the negative pressure. By means of the scraper 23 located in the direction of rotation of the wheel 1 at the exit from the outlet area of the feeding device, excess bulk material which would protrude from the recess is stripped off on exiting the outlet area of the feeding device. The bulk material remaining in the depression thus corresponds in quantity to exactly the volume of the depression, as a result of which the bulk material 20 is subdivided into defined portions in a simple manner. In addition, the wheel 1 is cleaned by the scraper 23 of excess, adhering to the outside of the recesses bulk material.

Furthermore, in FIG. 1, a first device for feeding a first packaging middle web is arranged such that the first packaging middle web 30 is positioned behind the feed device in the direction of rotation of the first rotating wheel 1 Wheel 1 is supplied and applied to the first wheel 1. The first packaging means web 30 is expediently made wider than the depressions 2, 12. Furthermore, the first packaging means web 30 preferably consists of an air-permeable material. In the production of pillow-shaped units 60, which are used as a basic unit for the production of sanitary napkins, the first packaging web further advantageously consists of a non-woven, synthetic web, for example a three-layer web consisting of a spunbonded web, a meltblown web and another spunbonded web ('Spunbond / meltblown / spunbond '). The preparation of such a material is described for example in PCT / US96 / 11171. Alternatively, the first packaging means web can also consist of a laminate which is composed of one or more spunbonded nonwovens and / or carded nonwovens. The first packaging medium web preferably has a basis weight of 15 to 25 gm ^-2 (grams per square meter). Furthermore, the material of the first packaging means web is preferably not permeable to dust particles, so that even small particles of the packaged as bulk absorbent can not escape. On the other hand, however, it is preferably permeable to liquids, especially to the constituents of menstrual bleeding that occur in liquid form. Further, the material of the first packaging medium web is preferably soft, can be useful with another packaging web and / or thermally bond is advantageous dyeable, advantageously allows rapid passage of liquids, has expediently a low tendency to remoisten and advantageously does not tend to stains. The second packaging means web is preferably made of a similar material as the first packaging means web. In particular, that packaging means web which faces the liquid inlet in use of the sanitary napkin should expediently have a good permeability to these liquids, whereas the other packaging web may have only low permeability or impermeability to liquids.

In FIG. 1, the only element of the first device for feeding the first packaging means web is merely a deflection roller 31, which ensures a deflection of the first packaging means path 30 in the direction of rotation of the first rotating wheel 1. Not shown, but expediently arranged beyond, the first device for supplying the first packaging means web further preferably comprises a holder of the first packaging means web. Depending on the application beyond further advantageous deflection rollers or else Be arranged clamping elements. The first packaging medium web 30 is in this case preferably supplied at a web speed of between 150 m / min and 240 m / min and particularly preferably at 200 m / min. The first packaging medium web 30 applied to the first rotating wheel 1 covers the depressions 3 filled with bulk material during the further transport of the bulk material in accordance with the rotation of the first wheel 1.

In the region 50 in which the outer sides of the two wheels 1, 11 run parallel or approximately parallel to one another, the first packaging middle web 30 is transferred together with the bulk material located in portions in the depressions to the second rotating wheel 11. In addition to the specification of the geometric path of the first packaging medium web 30, which is determined by the arrangement of the first wheel 1 and the second wheel 11, an overpressure is additionally applied in the angular segment 6 of the first rotating wheel 1 in which the repositioning takes place. This pressure acts as a result of the openings of the bottom side arranged in the wells mesh screens 4 also on the bulk material and the first packaging web and leads here to eject the bulk material from the wells 2 of the first rotating wheel 1. The second rotating wheel 11 is the first rotating Wheel 1 synchronized so that the ejected from a recess 2 of the first rotating wheel 1 portion-wise bulk material comes to rest in a recess 12 of the second rotating wheel 11. After relocating, the first packaging middle web 30 is arranged directly on the second rotating wheel 12. In the regions of the depressions 12 of the second wheel 11, the first packaging means web 30 advantageously adapts to the surface contour of the second rotating wheel 11 for this purpose. The portioned bulk material comes due to the repositioning within the wells 12 on the first packaging means 30 to lie. Since a certain loosening of the previously slightly compacted bulk material results as a result of the repositioning, the recesses 12 of the second rotating wheel 11 are each designed with a slightly larger base than the recesses 2 of the first wheel 1. Thus, it is ensured that the portioned bulk material completely in a recess 12 of the second rotating wheel 11 comes to rest. In a preferred embodiment for the production of pillow-shaped units which are filled with an absorbent or an adsorbent and are used in sanitary napkins, the depressions 2 in the first wheel 1 are each about 100 mm in length, about 50 mm in width and a depth of about 5 mm. In contrast, the recesses 12 of the second wheel 11 are each made longer and wider by 1 to 2 mm.

The bulk material arranged in the depressions 12 of the second rotating wheel 11 is subsequently transported further in accordance with the rotation of the second rotating wheel 11. In order to cover the bulk material, which lies uncovered in the recesses 12 after relocating, a second packaging material web 32 is supplied to the second rotating wheel 11 after relocating the bulk material. The second packaging means web 32 is expediently made wider than the recesses 12 provided in the second rotating wheel 11. The feeding device for feeding the second packaging web 32 here comprises a plurality of deflection rollers 33, which are arranged such that the second packaging means web 32 is tangential to the second wheel 11 is supplied. The feeding of the first and the second packaging means web is preferably carried out in each case with a web speed between 150 m / min and 240 m / min, preferably about 200 m / min. Furthermore, it is advantageous to additionally provide a holder, not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for the second packaging means web 32, which makes it possible to hold the second packaging means web 32, which is usually present in rolls. The second packaging means web 32 supplied to the second wheel 11 strictly speaking does not lie directly on the second wheel 11 but on the first packaging means web 30, the second packaging means web 32 spanning the depressions 12 filled with bulk material in the second rotating wheel 11. The portioned bulk material located in the recesses 12 is thus enveloped by the first and the second packaging means web. In order to connect the first and the second packaging means web to one another, adhesive material is applied to the second packaging means web 32 in FIG. 1 before feeding the second packaging means web 32 to the second wheel 11. The adhesive is applied by means of a device 40 for this purpose over the entire width of the second packaging means web 32 on the side of the second packaging means web, which later faces the first packaging means web. As a method of application here preferably a spray application method with a low basis weight of about 5-10 g / m ² or a screen printing process with a higher basis weight, wherein in the screen printing adhesive is applied only in the edge regions of the packaging web, or applying the adhesive by means of applicator roll in Question. The adhesive applied to the second packaging means web 32 causes the second packaging means web 32, after application to the second wheel 11, to be bonded to the first packaging web 30 at those locations where the two packaging webs lie directly on top of each other. The bulk material is thus packed in portions between the first and the second packaging medium web 30, 32 in separate units 60. In a last in Figures 1 and 2 shown step, the packaged units 60 are then removed from the second wheel 11. This removal takes place in a simple manner so that the mutually bonded packaging webs 30, 32 are deflected away from the second rotating wheel 11 away. The pillow-shaped individual packs 60 of the portion-packed bulk material are in this case connected to one another via the still connected packaging webs. Appropriately, the removal of the packaged units 60 is followed by a separation of the packaged units 60 by means of, for example, a cutting device, which is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, however. Before the separation and possibly even before the removal of the packaged units 60 from the second rotating wheel 11, the packaged units advantageously also pass through an embossing station, by means of which the packaging means webs are pressed together at the respective splices. As a result, a secure connection of the two packaging webs is ensured at the splices. The embossing station is not shown in FIG.

Each of the two circulating, in each case in the figures 1 and 2 designed as a rotating wheel conveyor element can also be designed as a circulating on deflection and tensioning rollers band. Such an embodiment of both conveyor elements as circulating belts is described in connection with the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9. Likewise, the feeding device described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9 can also be used in an embodiment of the invention according to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3 shows a further packaging machine according to the invention, which is modified in comparison to the packaging machines of FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially in that here two separate bulk goods 20a, 20b can be packed in separate packaging units 60a, 60b designed as packaging bags. The packaging units 60a, 60b are each arranged in pairs next to each other. The packaging of various bulk materials in different and separate packaging bags is particularly useful and sometimes necessary if the bulk materials have very different densities or very different grain sizes. This could then eventually lead to segregation of the individual bulk material elements in an unintentional manner during packaging or in the packaged state. It may also be necessary to package two or more bulk materials in separate packaging bags, if it should deliberately come to no mixing.

In order to be able to pack the two bulk goods 20a, 20b separately from one another by means of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 3, the feed device consisting of a container 21 and a funnel-shaped outlet 22 is subdivided into two separate regions, through which one bulk material enters the first wheel 1 provided wells 2 is supplied. For this purpose, both the first rotating wheel 1 and the second rotating wheel 11 at their peripheral outer sides on a plurality of pairs arranged side by side recesses 2, 12, which serve as receiving devices for receiving the portioned bulk material. The structure of the first and second rotating wheel 1, 11 as a ring gear with different angle segments 5, 6, 15, which can be pressurized separately from each other, and the feeders 31, 33 for supplying the first and second packaging medium web 30, 32 as The device 40 for applying adhesive material also corresponds in principle to the embodiment of the invention according to FIGS. 1 and 2. At the exit from the packaging machine, the bulk material is disposed in portions in two separate, pillow-shaped pockets which are each formed by the first and the second packaging web , in front. The paired, but separate units 60a, 60b can be singulated after packaging either in individual units or folded together after a pairwise separation.

The packaging machine illustrated in FIG. 4 does not represent an embodiment of the invention. It is particularly suitable in such a case in which a flow-permeable packaging web is used for at least the first packaging means web. The flow-permeable packaging middle web sets this the flow through a defined resistance. The packaging machine shown here comprises, in addition to a rotating wheel 1, which has a plurality of wells 2 in the circumferential outer surface for receiving portions of bulk material, a feed device 21, 22 for supplying the bulk material 20. Further, the packaging machine comprises a first device 31 for supplying a first Packaging means web 30 and a second device 33 for supplying a second packaging medium web 32 and a device 40, by means of which in a planar application adhesive is applied to the second packaging means web.

The working principle of the packaging machine shown in Figure 4 differs from the packaging machines according to the invention is that here before the supply of Bulk material to the provided in the wheel 1 wells 2, the first packaging medium web 30 is applied to the rotating wheel 1. The first packaging means web 30 and the second packaging means web 32 and the bulk material 20 advantageously satisfy the properties mentioned in connection with the description of the figures relating to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the first packaging means web 30 is expediently easily deformable. The negative pressure applied in an angular segment 5 of the hollow wheel 1 is transmitted to the regions of the recesses 2 via the mesh-shaped sieves 4 arranged on the bottom side in the depressions 2. The negative pressure is preferably selected so that the first packaging means web 30 is thereby deformed according to the contour of the recesses 2 and thus form pockets in the first packaging means web 30. The recesses 2 provided in the wheel 1 also have here an approximately rectangular base area. In a preferred embodiment for the production of pillow-shaped units filled with an absorbent and used in sanitary napkins, the depressions are each designed to have a length of about 100 mm, a width of about 50 mm and a depth of about 5 mm. After the portion-wise introduction of the bulk material 20 into the recesses 2, which takes place according to the same principle as already described above, the second packaging medium web 32 is applied to cover the filled with bulk material depressions 2 on the wheel 1. Strictly speaking, the second packaging means web 32 does not come to lie directly on the wheel 1 but on the first packaging middle web 30 and spans the depressions 2. The packaging webs 30, 32 are expediently wider than the depressions 2 and are preferably at a web speed of about 150 m / min to 240 m / min, more preferably at about 200 m / min supplied. However, the web speed of both packaging webs 30, 32 must be the same size here. On the one hand to ensure an accurate filling of the wells 2 and on the other hand to clean the first packaging medium web 30 in the areas outside the wells 2 of excess and adhering bulk, is also located in the exit region of the feeder 22, a scraper. The stripping device is designed here as a wheel 1 counter-rotating brush 24. In addition, a closing device in the form of a device 40 for the surface application of adhesive material is arranged in the feed of the second packaging means web 32. The adhesive is, for this purpose, applied in a similar manner as described above, flat on one side of the second packaging medium web 32. Alternative ways of connecting the two packaging webs together, which could be used here, are discussed above. Furthermore At least the second packaging means web 32 is biased by means of additional clamping elements, not shown, so that the second packaging medium web 32 rests after application to the wheel 1 under a certain contact pressure close to the first packaging medium web 30. Thus, it also comes to a bonding of the first packaging medium web 30 with the second packaging medium web 32. The portionwise packed bulk material is then removed from the rotating wheel 1 and suitably supplied to a separating device, not shown. Here, too, an embossing station, not shown in FIG. 4, is expediently additionally arranged in front of the separating device, by means of which the packaging webs of material are pressed along the glue lines and thus secure bonding between the two packaging webs is ensured.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, it is necessary that the first packaging web can be deformed in a good manner to adapt to the wells. This can easily lead to wrinkling of the first packaging middle web, whereby the operation of the stripper can be at least impaired. However, bulk material accumulates in the area of the adhesive surfaces, this can lead to a local defect of the bond and thus to a leak in the packaging, through which the bulk material can escape.

In the case of the packaging machine not shown in FIG. 5, as an alternative to the surface application of the adhesive to the second packaging web, as shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive is selectively applied only along adhesive lines 44 and thus only a small area to the second packaging web 32. The adhesive lines 44 are in this case applied to the second packaging means web 32 that they surround the respective recesses 2 after feeding the second packaging means 32 on the rotating wheel 1 and lead here to a gluing of the first packaging medium web 30 with the second packaging means web 32. The application of the adhesive to the second packaging web 32 is effected by means of an applicator roll 41, are formed on the elevations corresponding to the intended adhesive lines. Adhesive substance is applied to these elevations by means of a further roller 42 which is then transferred to the second packaging means web 32 in the printing process. Preferably, in this case, a further counter-roller 43 is used.

For packaging webs, which are such that they enter into a connection with one another under pressure and / or heat, the packaging machine not according to the invention shown in FIG. 6 is suitable. Here, similar to the packaging machine shown in FIG. 4, both the first packaging middle web 30 and the bulk material 20 are sucked into the pocket-shaped depressions 2 of the rotating wheel 1 as a result of the negative pressure applied in an angular segment 5. While the wheel 1 is rotating continuously, a second packaging medium web 32 is then fed and applied to the wheel 1. The feeding takes place here tangentially to the wheel 1. The second packaging means web 32 applied to the wheel 1 spans the depressions 2. In order to connect the first packaging means web 30 to the second packaging web 32, an embossing wheel 45 is additionally in the embodiment of the invention shown here arranged, which is designed in a similar manner as the rotating wheel 1 as a ring gear and on the outer circumferential side depressions 46 are arranged, the bottoms of which can be lined with mesh-shaped screens 47 as needed in an expedient embodiment of the invention as shown here. In addition, the depressions 46 of the embossing wheel 45 are each designed with a raised edge in the form of sealing edges 48. The sealing edges 48 in this case run according to the outline of the finished packaging. The embossing wheel 45 runs on these sealing edges 48 on the rotating wheel 1 and presses by means of these sealing edges 48 on the first wheel 1. In addition, in the designed as a ring gear embossing wheel 45 in an angular segment 49, a negative pressure can be applied, extending through the openings the mesh-shaped screens 47 also transmits to each engaging with the first wheel depressions 46. As a result, the detachment process of the packaged units from the depressions 2 of the first wheel 1 is supported. Such a stamping wheel 45 is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 7. The pressing force exerted against the first wheel 1 by pressing can be varied, for example, by means of a spring which acts on the displaceable stamping wheel 45 or can also be kept constant. In the case of corresponding materials of the packaging webs 30, 32, a connection between the two packaging webs 30, 32 alone can result from the action of pressure, which has sufficient strength for some applications. Is using appropriate materials of the first or the second packaging web or the adhesive to achieve a connection of the first with the second packaging means web heat required or beneficial, so the embossing wheel 45 on the entire outside or even along the sealing edges 48, for example, electrically be heated. Furthermore can be done at the same time in addition to the closing at certain substances during pressing at the same time a separation by separating the packaged unit along the Andrückkanten.

In an alternative connection method, the two packaging means webs can also be connected to each other by means of ultrasound.

Figure 8 and Figure 9 show no packaging machines according to the invention, but explain the operation of the feeder, with which the flowable bulk material is supplied only exactly to the receiving devices. The packaging machines shown here are particularly suitable for bulk goods having a density of 0.15 g / ml and above. In the case of a high density of the bulk material, the forces acting on the individual particles of the bulk material would be very high in a packaging machine according to the above-described embodiments of the invention and in particular for small wheel diameters and high rotational speeds. This could lead to the bulk material could not be introduced into the wells in a compact manner. In contrast, the respective first conveying element 1 according to the packaging machines shown in Figures 8 and 9 on large areas in which the conveying element 1 rotates along a non-curved path. Here, therefore, no centrifugal forces caused by rotation act on the bulk material introduced into the depressions. The first conveying element 1 comprises in the packaging machines illustrated here in each case a flexible belt 70, preferably a toothed belt, which rotates between two deflection rollers 71a, 71b. Preferably, the belt 70 is thereby driven via one of the deflection rollers 71a or 71b. Furthermore, two slideways (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) are arranged here, which provide additional support for the belt 70 in each case in the area in which the bulk material 20 is packaged. In this way and also by supporting rollers, in particular a self-excited swinging of the belt 70 can be prevented. On the illustrated belt 70, a covering is further vulcanized, in which a plurality of recesses 2 are provided in a row arrangement, each with the same distance from each other. These recesses 2 are executed here spherical segment-like and visible in the upper part of the belt 70 due to the cut in this area representation of the belt.

The first apparatus for feeding the first packaging means web here in each case comprises a deflection roller 31, by means of which the respective first packaging means web 30 deflects in a horizontal path. The Breitstreckvorrichtungen 35 subsequent thereto in Figures 8 and 9 serve to the first packaging medium web 30 on the To press the top of the belt 70 on the belt and thus smooth. Each of the subsequently arranged thermoforming roller 36 has in the region of the recesses 2 an elliptical cross section, which is designed so that the thermoforming roller 36 engages positively when rolling on the belt 70 in the recesses 2. The first packaging middle web 30 disposed between the belt 70 and the deep drawing roll 36 is deformed by the positive engagement of the deep drawing roll 36 with the depressions 2 of the belt 70 in these regions corresponding to the contour of the belt 70. This results in the formation of well-shaped depressions in the first packaging means web 30. In order to assist filling of these well-shaped depressions with bulk material 20, a negative pressure is additionally applied in each case in a region 5 a below the belt. Through small openings 4 in the belt 70, which are realized in the figures 8 and 9 by means of small holes, this negative pressure is transferred to the areas of the wells 2. Equally, however, the pressure can also be transmitted by means of a basic porosity of the belt. Furthermore, in order to transfer the negative pressure to the bulk material, it is expedient to produce the first packaging means web 30 from an air-permeable material. Indicated at 72 are vacuum connections, by means of which the regions 5a and 5b can be pressurized with negative pressure.

The bulk material is introduced into the recesses in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 in each case via a feed device designed in several parts. This feeding device in this case in each case comprises a reservoir 21a, from which the bulk material 20 flows into a single or double executed rotary feeder 25. From there, the bulk material trickles into a metering container 21 b, in which an overpressure p _{1 'can be} suitably applied via a compressed air connection 29, is present. The lower outlet of the metering container 21 b is bounded in each case by a circulating belt 26, preferably a PTFE glass fabric belt or a steel belt. In order to circulate the belt with a small circulation path, the feeders were made angled in the packaging machines shown in Figures 8 and 9.

In the bands 26 of FIGS. 8 and 9, passage openings 26a are further arranged in each case in a row with each other, wherein the distances between the centers of the passage openings 26a are equal to the distances between the centers of the recesses 2 arranged in the belts 70. The through-openings 26a are also designed somewhat smaller in their diameters or clear opening widths than the opening diameter or opening widths of the arranged in the belt 70 Recesses 2. The belts 26 are synchronized with the respective belts 70, the synchronization being such that the through-holes 26a, in a concentric arrangement over the recesses, lie directly above the belt 70 during the horizontal circulation sections shown in Figs , The belts 26 thus run parallel to the belts 70 in these circulation sections. If a through-opening 26a now passes through the region of the metering container 21b, bulk material 20 trickles through the passage opening 26a into the underlying recess 2 as a result of the force of gravity. Since the through-openings 26a of the belt 26 are made smaller than the opening widths of the recesses 2, the bulk material 20 can thus only reach the recesses, but not in other areas on the respective first packaging web 30. This is particularly avoided that bulk material 20 outside the recesses 2 accumulates there on the first packaging means web 30, where in a subsequent step the first packaging means web 30 is to be bonded or otherwise thermally bonded to the second packaging means web 32. In some cases, it may also be advantageous to apply the rotating belt 26 with a certain contact pressure against the first packaging medium web 30. As a result, a gap between the circulating belt 26 and the first packaging medium web 30 can be avoided, in which otherwise, in particular very fine-grained bulk material could get.

In addition, the metering 21b are sealed in Figures 8 and 9 respectively at the inlet and outlet of the belts 26 to prevent inadvertent leakage of the bulk material 20 from the metering containers 21b due to the belt circulation. For this purpose, a sealing chamber 27 is arranged in each case at the inlet of the belt 26 in the region of the metering container 21b, in which a pressure p ₂ is applied, which is greater than the pressure p ₁ in the metering 21b. At the outlet of the belt 26 from the region of the metering container 21b, a stripping device in the form of a height-adjustable scraper 23 is additionally arranged in each case, which scrapes loose material adhering to the belt 26. The bands 26 are subsequently deflected by means of deflection rollers 28 of the belt 70 and returned to the starting point. In order to strip also on the underside of a belt 26 adhering bulk material, for example, as a result of electrostatic charging of the belt, in addition a further scraper 23 including an advantageously arranged suction device may be arranged on the underside of the belt 26.

The portioned in the wells 2 and portioned bulk material is then transported further with the belt 70. To fix the bulk material in the wells 2, lies below the belt 70 continues to be a negative pressure, wherein the negative pressure applied in these areas 5b may deviate from the negative pressure in the region 5a of the filling of the wells.

During the further transport, in each case a second wrapping medium web 32 is fed tangentially to the belt 70 by means of a second circulating conveying element 11. In this case, the second packaging means web 32 is not applied directly to the belt 70 but to the first packaging middle web 30 and the bulk material 20 introduced into the depressions 2. The guidance of the second packaging medium web 32 takes place here by means of deflection rollers 33.

In order to connect the two packaging means webs 30, 32 with each other, as shown in Figure 8 and 9, applied on the entire surface of that side of the second packaging medium web 32, which faces later in the first packaging means web, by means of a device 40 Adhäsivstoff. In addition, a respective pressure roller 37 ensures a sufficient contact pressure of the second packaging means web 32 on the first packaging means web 30, so that in this way a permanent bonding of the first with the second packaging means web is achieved. The bulk material contained in the wells 2 is thus packed in portions.

Each of the packaging webs 30, 32 glued together with the bulk material wrapped in portions is taken from the circulating belt 70 in FIGS. 8 and 9, which are shown as the last working step.

This could be followed by an embossing and separating device, not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, by means of which the bulk goods packed in portions are separated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

one or first rotating wheel respectively first revolving conveyor element

2

Recess in the first rotating wheel or in the first rotating conveyor element

3

Inner bulkhead of the first rotating wheel

4

mesh-shaped sieve or openings

5

subjected to negative pressure angle segment of the first rotating wheel

5a

subjected to negative pressure first region of the first rotating conveyor element

5b

subjected to negative pressure second region of the first rotating conveyor element

6

subjected to pressure angle segment of the first rotating wheel

11

second rotating wheel and second revolving conveyor element

12

Recess in the second rotating wheel

13

Inner bulkhead of the second rotating wheel

15

subjected to negative pressure angle segment of the second rotating wheel

20

bulk

20a

first bulk material

20b

second bulk material

21

container

21a

reservoir

21b

dosing

22

funnel-shaped outlet

23

scraper

24

brush

25

rotary

26

circulating band

26a

Through opening

27

sealing chamber

28

idler pulley

29

Compressed air nozzle

30

first packaging medium web

31

Guide roller for feeding the first packaging medium web

32

second packaging means web

33

Guide roller for feeding the second packaging medium web

35

Spreading device

36

Thermoforming roll

37

capstan

40

Device for the surface application of adhesive

41

applicator roll

42

roller

43

Counter support roller

44

glue lines

45

embossing wheel

46

wells

47

mesh-shaped sieve

48

seal edges

49

subjected to negative pressure angle segment of the stamping wheel

50

Transfer area

60

Unit of portioned packed bulk material

60a

Unit of portioned packed first bulk material

60b

Unit of portioned packed second bulk material

70

belt

71a, b

idler pulley

72

vacuum port

73

Toothing of the belt

Claims (39)

1. A packaging machine for packing preferably free-flowing bulk material (20) with a first revolving conveying element (1), which has at least one receiving device (2) for receiving the bulk material in portions, comprising a feeding device (21, 22) for feeding the bulk material (20) to the receiving device (2), furthermore comprising a first device (31) for feeding a first line of packaging material (30), which is arranged in such a way that, after the bulk material has been fed to the receiving device (2), the first line of packaging material (30) can be applied to the first conveying element (1), furthermore comprising a second conveying element (11), which is counter-revolvingly synchronized with the first conveying element (1) and, furthermore, is close to the first rotating element (1) in one section (50) and runs parallel or approximately parallel to the first conveying element (1) in this section (50), and comprising a fixation device for the fixation of the bulk material,
   wherein the fixation device for the fixation of the bulk material is a second device (33) for feeding a second line of packaging material (32) which is arranged in such a way that, after transfer of the portioned bulk material from the receiving device (2) of the first conveying element (1) onto the second conveying element (11), said second line of packaging material (32) can be placed onto said second conveying element (11), whereafter the bulk material is fixed on the first line of packaging material, and comprising a sealing device for sealing a cover of the bulk material divided into individual portions, said cover being formed by the first and the second line of packaging material.
2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second revolving conveying element is a rotatable wheel or a rotatable roller.
3. The packaging machine according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and/or the second revolving conveying element is a conveyor belt which is preferably guided over guide pulleys.
4. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a container (21) having a funnel-shaped outlet (22) is arranged directly adjacent to the first conveying element as a feeding device for feeding the bulk material, and the funnel-shaped outlet (22) has a contour matching the outer contour of the receiving device for receiving the bulk material.
5. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a stripping device (23, 24) is arranged in the direction of rotation of the first conveying element (1) preferably at the exit area of the feeding device for feeding the bulk material.
6. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device for receiving the portions of the bulk material is a chamber-shaped depression (2) in the first conveying element.
7. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one receiving device for receiving the bulk material preferably in the form of a chamber-shaped depression (12) is also arranged on the periphery of the second conveying element (11).
8. The packaging machine according to claim 7, wherein the receiving device of the second conveying element, preferably the chamber-shaped depression (12), has a greater volume, preferably a greater width and a greater length, than the receiving device for receiving the bulk material of the first conveying element (1).
9. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein openings are arranged on the bottom side of the receiving device for receiving the bulk material of the first and/or the second conveying element and, depending on the angular position of the respective conveying element, the openings are connected with an under-pressure, equal-pressure or over-pressure reservoir.
10. The packaging machine according to claim 9, wherein the first and/or the second conveying element is hollow and preferably divided into angle segments (5, 6, 15) by means of at least one internal dividing element (3, 13), wherein an under-pressure, equal-pressure or over-pressure can be individually applied to these angle segments (5, 6, 15).
11. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein an under-pressure is preferably applied to the receiving device for receiving the bulk material from the first and/or the second conveying element in the angle segments (5, 15) into which the respective receiving device is filled with bulk material, and an over-pressure is preferably applied in the angle segments (6) into which the respective receiving device is emptied.
12. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device comprises a device (40, 41) for applying an adhesive.
13. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device comprises an embossing wheel (45) which can preferably be heated at the sealing edges (48) or can also be completely heated.
14. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more adjacent feeding devices and two or more receiving devices (2) are arranged in the first and the second conveying element for packaging free-flowing bulk materials (20a, 20b) in two or more adjacent, but separate lines.
15. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or the second line of packaging material (30, 32) consists of an air-permeable and easily deformable material with a preferably defined flow resistance.
16. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line speeds are each between 150 m/min and 240 m/min, preferably approximately 200 m/min.
17. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a separation device is arranged following the sealing device.
18. The packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding device for feeding the bulk material has a metering container (21a, 21b) provided with an outlet opening and a revolving element (26), wherein the revolving element has at least one through hole (26a) and is arranged such that it runs directly past the outlet opening of the metering container, and, furthermore, the through hole (26a) has a slightly smaller cross-section or, as a maximum, a cross-section of the same size as the receiving device (2) of the revolving conveying element, and, furthermore, the revolution of the revolving element (26) is synchronized so that the through hole (26a) lies directly above the receiving device (2) as it runs past the outlet opening of the metering container.
19. The packaging machine according to claim 18, wherein the revolving element is provided as a revolving belt which is preferably guided over a guide and/or tightening pulley.
20. The packaging machine according to claim 19, wherein the belt is provided as PTFE glass fabric belt or as polyurethane belt with steel and/or glass carcass reinforcement or as steel belt.
21. The packaging machine according to claim 20, wherein the revolving element is provided as a wheel or roller.
22. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein several through holes are arranged in a row in the revolving element at such a distance apart from one another that, during revolution, they each come to lie above the receiving device or receiving devices.
23. A method for packaging a preferably free-flowing bulk material, wherein

    a) a given quantity of the bulk material is fed to a receiving device, preferably a depression (2), of a first revolving conveying element (1) and is then advanced further by means of said first revolving conveying element (1),

    b) a first line of packaging material (30) is placed on the given quantity of bulk material in such a way that, while advancing further, the first line of packaging material covers the given quantity of bulk material completely,

    c) the first line of packaging material and the given quantity of bulk material are transferred onto a second rotating conveying element (11) while advancing further, whereby the first line of packaging material comes to lie between the given quantity of the bulk material and the second rotating conveying element,

    d) subsequently, a second line of packaging material (32) is placed onto the given quantity of bulk material in such a way that, while advancing further, the first and second lines of packaging material cover the bulk material completely, and

    e) the first and the second line of packaging material are joined together.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the steps a to d or a to e of the procedure are continuously repeated.
25. The method according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the given quantity of bulk material is advanced further by means of a first continuously rotating first wheel as the first revolving conveying element and by means of a continuously rotating second wheel as the second revolving conveying element.
26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein an absorbent material, preferably polymethylene urea or an amorphous silicate, is fed as bulk material.
27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein a dust-proof and preferably hydrophobic non-woven material is fed as the first and/or second line of packaging material.
28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein an under-pressure is produced in the area of the receiving device of the conveying element to assist the placement of the given quantity of bulk material onto the first rotating conveying element and/or the further advancing of the given quantity of bulk material.
29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein an over-pressure is produced in the area of the first conveying element and/or an under-pressure is produced in the area of the second conveying element to assist the transfer of the given quantity of bulk material from the first rotating conveying element to the second rotating conveying element.
30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the bulk material fed to the receiving device of the first conveying element is precisely measured by means of a stripping device.
31. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the first and second lines of packaging material are joined together by means of an adhesive applied between the lines of packaging material.
32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the first and second lines of packaging material are joined together by means of a thermal or mechanical embossing method or a combination of these methods.
33. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the portioned and covered bulk material is separated after joining the first line with the second line of packaging material.
34. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the lines of packaging material are fed at a line speed of 150 m/min to 240 m/min, preferably at approximately 200 m/min.
35. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the bulk material is fed to the receiving device of the first rotating conveying element (1) from an outlet opening of a metering container (21a, 21b), through a through hole (26a) of a revolving element (26) which is arranged such that it runs directly past the outlet opening of the metering container, and, furthermore, the through hole (26a) has a slightly smaller cross-section or, as a maximum, a cross-section of the same size as the receiving device (2) of the revolving conveying element, and, furthermore, the revolution of the revolving element (26) is synchronized so that the through hole (26a) lies directly above the receiving device (2) as it runs past the outlet opening of the metering container.
36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the revolving element is provided as a revolving belt which is preferably guided over a guide and/or tightening pulley.
37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the line is provided as PTFE glass fabric belt or as polyurethane belt with steel and/or glass carcass reinforcement or as a steel belt.
38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the revolving element is provided as a wheel or roller.
39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein several through holes are arranged in a row in the rotating element at such a distance apart from one another that, during rotation, they each come to lie above the receiving device or receiving devices.

Images