PACKAGING MACHINE FOR PAPER BAGS

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging machine (1) for producing a packaging bag (20), in particular a packaging bag for bulk material, and for closing a filled packaging bag, comprising: a feed device (2) for feeding in a packaging material (22); at least one connecting device (30) for producing the packaging bag by connection of at least two layers of the packaging material, wherein, during the connection, the packaging material is conveyed substantially continuously, in particular without acceleration; and at least one closure device (40) for closing the produced and filled packaging bag (20).

Claims

1. A packaging machine for producing a packaging bag for bulk material and for closing a filled packaging bag, comprising: a feed device for feeding a packaging material; at least one connecting device for producing the packaging bag by connecting at least two layers of the packaging material, the packaging material being conveyed substantially continuously, without acceleration, upon/during connecting; and at least one closing device for closing the produced and filled packaging bag.

2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device and/or the closing device is adapted to connect the packaging material mechanically by embossing, interlocking& and/or knurling.

3. A packaging machine for producing a packaging bag for bulk material and for closing a filled packaging bag, comprising: a feed device for feeding a packaging material; at least one connecting device for producing a packaging bag by mechanically connecting at least two layers of the packaging material; and at least one closing device for closing the produced and filled packaging bag.

4. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the connecting device and/or the closing device is adapted to connect the packaging material by embossing, interlocking and/or knurling; and/or wherein the packaging material is conveyed substantially continuously, without acceleration, upon/during connecting by the at least one connecting device.

5. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one connecting device is displaced relative to the packaging material upon/during connecting; and/or wherein the packaging material is conveyed substantially continuously, without acceleration, upon/during being closed by the at least one closing device; and/or wherein the at least one closing device is displaced in relation to the packaging material and/or the packaging bag during closing.

6. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the connecting device and/or the closing device is adapted to connect the packaging material at least partially substantially without a material connection; and/or wherein the connecting device and/or the closing device is adapted to connect the packaging material substantially in a positive/form-fit manner and/or non-positive/friction-fit manner.

7. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the connecting device is adapted to create one or more connecting seams substantially parallel to a conveying direction of the packaging material and substantially without a material connection; and wherein at least one of the connecting device and the closing device are adapted to create one or more connecting seams with a material connection substantially orthogonal to a conveying direction of the packaging material.

8. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the packaging material at least partially comprises fibrous material comprising at least one of cellulose, wood pulp and/or paper, and waste paper material.

9. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one connecting device and/or the at least one closing device is adapted to create a connecting seam substantially orthogonal to a conveying direction of the packaging material; and/or wherein the at least one connecting device and/or the at least one closing device is adapted to create a connecting seam substantially parallel to a conveying direction of the packaging material.

10. A connecting device for connecting at least two layers of a packaging material for producing a packaging bag for bulk material, comprising: at least one embossing tool with an embossing structure; wherein the connecting device is adapted to produce and/or close a packaging bag by connecting through mechanical embossing, interlocking, and/or knurling, at least two layers of the packaging material, while the packaging material is being conveyed substantially continuously and without acceleration; and wherein the packaging material comprises fibrous material comprising at least one of cellulose, wood pulp and/or paper, and waste paper material.

11. The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein the embossing tool comprises at least one rotatable roller with an embossing structure.

12. The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein the connecting device is adapted to create a connecting seam substantially parallel to a conveying direction of the packaging material; and/or wherein the connecting device is adapted to create a connecting seam substantially orthogonal to a conveying direction of the packaging material.

13. A method for producing a packaging bag for bulk material and for closing a filled packaging bag, the method comprising: shaping and/or folding a packaging material by folding and/or pleating the packaging material; producing the packaging bag by creating at least two connecting seams by respective connection through mechanical embossing, interlocking, and/or knurling at least two layers of the packaging material; and substantially continuously, and without acceleration, conveying the packaging material while producing at least one connecting seam; and/or closing the produced and filled packaging bag; wherein the packaging material comprises fibrous material comprising at least one of cellulose, wood pulp and/or paper, and waste paper material.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein at least two connecting seams are arranged substantially orthogonal to one another, and/or at least two connecting seams are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: feeding the packaging material; and/or creating at least one connecting seam substantially without a material connection; and/or closing the packaging bag by creating at least one connecting seam arranged parallel and/or orthogonal to at least one connecting seam for producing the packaging bag; and/or filling the packaging bag with bulk material; and/or separating part of the packaging material; and/or creating at least one connecting seam substantially orthogonal to a conveying direction of the packaging material; and/or creating at least one connecting seam substantially parallel to a conveying direction of the packaging material.

16. A closed packaging bag filled with bulk material, comprising: at least two connecting seams arranged substantially parallel, which connect at least two layers of a packaging material of the packaging bag substantially without a material connection; and at least one connecting seam, substantially orthogonal to the at least two connecting seams arranged in parallel which connects the packaging material with a material connection; wherein the packaging material comprises fibrous material that comprises at least one of cellulose, wood pulp, paper, and/or waste paper material.

17. The closed packaging bag according to claim 16, wherein at least one connecting seam connects the packaging material of the packaging bag substantially without a material connection.

18. The closed packaging bag according to claim 16, wherein the packaging bag has a fold line orthogonal to the at least two parallel connecting seams; and/or wherein the packaging bag has two pairs of substantially parallel connecting seams, the pairs of substantially parallel connecting seams being arranged substantially orthogonal to one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary packaging machine for producing, filling and sealing a packaging bag;

[0105] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connecting device for producing a packaging bag;

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary connecting device;

[0107] FIG. 4 shows a section of the exemplary connecting device of FIG. 3;

[0108] FIG. 5 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a connecting device for producing or a closing device for closing a packaging bag;

[0109] FIG. 6 shows the connecting device or closing device of FIG. 5 and a packaging material with a connecting seam;

[0110] FIG. 7a shows an exemplary connecting seam in a packaging material;

[0111] FIG. 7b shows an exemplary packaging bag with a plurality of connecting seams;

[0112] FIG. 7c shows the filled packaging bag of FIG. 7b with a corner cut off;

[0113] FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary packaging machine for producing, filling and sealing a packaging bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] In particular two types of packaging machines are common in the packaging industry: horizontal form fill and seal machine (HFFS) and vertical form fill and seal machine (VFFS). These packaging machines or packaging methods differ in particular with regard to an essential conveying direction of the packaging material or the packaging bag. In an HFFS process, the packaging material and/or packaging bags are conveyed in a substantially horizontal direction. In a VFFS process, the packaging material and/or the packaging bags are conveyed in a substantially vertical direction. The packaging machine, connecting device, closing device and method according to aspects of the present invention are particularly suitable for HFFS and/or VFFS applications. The figures show exemplary embodiments of one or more aspects of the invention, with at least some of the examples shown being suitable for both HFFS and VFFS applications. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the HFFS and VFFS methods mentioned.

[0115] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary packaging machine 1 in an HFFS design. The packaging machine 1 comprises a roll of packaging material 22 for producing packaging bags 20. The packaging material 22 is fed to the packaging machine 1 by a feed device 2 in a substantially horizontal conveying direction 16. In the embodiment shown, the feed device 2 comprises a pair of driven rollers or cylinders that transport or convey the packaging material 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 also has a shaping or folding device 4 for (re)shaping and/or folding the packaging material 22. In the example shown, the forming or folding device 4 is adapted to fold the packaging material 22 substantially in the middle to form a doubled band (comprising two layers) of the packaging material 22 with a fold or pleat 26 along one side. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the feed device 2 is arranged downstream of the forming or folding device 4. Alternatively and/or in addition, the feed device 2 can be arranged upstream of the shaping or folding device 4. Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 can have one or more additional feed devices 4 and/or shaping or folding devices, which can be arranged at different points in the packaging machine 1.

[0116] As an alternative to the example shown, the packaging material 22 can be stored in the form of individual pieces or sheets. In such an example, the feed device 2 and/or the shaping or folding device 4 are preferably configured such that two or more, in particular three or four, pieces or sheets of the packaging material 22 are arranged and/or conveyed in a manner at least partially overlapping or lying one on top of the other.

[0117] The packaging machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 also comprises one or more, for example two, connecting devices 30 for connecting two or more, in particular three or four, layers of packaging material 22. Preferably, at least one of the connecting devices 30 is adapted to create, at least one, in particular two or three, connecting seams 24 in or on at least a part of the packaging material 22. Exemplary configurations of a connecting device 30 are shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 and will be described in detail below.

[0118] Preferably, the one or more connecting devices 30 are arranged upstream of a shaping or folding device 4 in the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22. Alternatively and/or in addition, at least one connecting device 30 can be arranged upstream of a shaping or folding device 4. A connecting device 30 can in particular be adapted to create a connecting seam 24 substantially orthogonal or transversely to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22. Alternatively and/or in addition, a connecting device can be adapted to create a connecting seam 24 substantially parallel or longitudinal to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22.

[0119] In the exemplary packaging machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, the two connecting devices 30 are designed to produce packaging bags 20 by creating a connecting seam 24 orthogonal or perpendicularly to the conveying direction 16 and/or the formed fold 26 of the packaging material 22. In the packaging machine 1 shown, in this way, a plurality of packaging bags 20 are produced on the band of packaging material 22. Each packaging bag 20 is preferably formed by two adjacent or neighboring connecting seams 24 and the portion of the packaging material 22 located between them (cf. also FIG. 2). The packaging bags 20 also have an opening on the side opposite the fold 26.

[0120] The packaging machine 1 of FIG. 1 comprises one or more, e.g. two, separating devices 6 for separating or severing or isolating one or more packaging bags 20 from the band of packaging material 22. In the example shown, the separating device 6 comprises two severing tools, for example a knife or a blade or cutting edge, which are adapted to cut or sever at least part of the packaging material 22. In the exemplary embodiment of the packaging machine 1 shown, the separating device 6 is adapted to separate a region of the packaging material 22 that forms a packaging bag 20.

[0121] According to an alternative embodiment, a packaging machine 1 can have a plurality, e.g. two, separating devices 6, which are preferably not arranged directly adjacent in the packaging machine. For example, a first separating device 6 can separate the packaging material 20 such that the separated portion has two or more connected packaging bags 20. The separated portion can be conveyed to devices for filling and/or sealing and, optionally, then be fed to a second separating device 6, which separates at least one packaging bag 20 from the previously separated portion. A separating device 6 can alternatively and/or in addition be arranged upstream of a shaping or folding device 4.

[0122] In the present exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 1 comprises a rotary machine 10 for accommodating and/or transporting or conveying one or more packaging bags 20 and/or individual portions of the packaging material 22. The rotary machine 10 is preferably adapted to feed one or more packaging bags 20 and/or or separated individual portions of the packaging material 22 substantially continuously or intermittently to one or more stations or devices of the packaging machine 1, in particular a filling device 8 of the packaging machine 1 for filling the packaging bag 20, preferably with bulk material. Advantageously, the filling device 8 has an opening device and/or or pouch forming device 12 for opening the opening of the packaging bag 20 and/or forming the packaging bag 20, in particular by forming a substantially bulbous pouchin preparation for the filling of the packaging bag 20. One or more, e.g. two, three or four, inlet devices 14 are adapted to fill the packaging bag 20 with one or more objects, in particular with bulk material.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary machine 10 is preferably adapted to transport or convey the packaging bags 20 along a substantially circular path to one or more stations or devices of the packaging machine 1, in particular the filling device 8. Preferably, the packaging bags 20 can temporarily remain in a substantially stationary manner at one or more of the devices.

[0124] Moreover, the packaging machine 1 has one or more, in particular 2 or 3, closing devices 40 for closing one or more, e.g. two, packaging bags 20. In the present example, two filled packaging bags 20 are fed to a closing device 40 and closed by it. A closing device 40 is preferably adapted to close the opening of a packaging bag 20, in particular by connecting a packaging material 22 forming the opening. Preferably, the closing device 40 comprises one or more embossing tools 32 for creating at least one connecting seam 24 for closing the opening of the packaging bag 20. The closing device 30 can be designed to be substantially stationary or displaceable relative to the one or more packaging bags. Particularly advantageous is a closing device 40 that can be displaced substantially parallel to or along the side of the packaging bag 20 that comprises the opening. Exemplary embodiments of a closing device are shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 and will be described in detail below. Alternatively and/or in addition, the closing device 40 can be adapted to apply an adhesive to close the opening. Here, it is particularly advantageous to close the opening using cold glue or a similar cold-bonding adhesive.

[0125] The packaging bag 20 that has been produced, filled and closed is then fed out of the packaging machine 1. Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 optionally has one or more control devices 18 for controlling or inspecting in particular the packaging material 22 and/or a connecting seam 24. Conveying or feeding of the packaging material 22 and/or the packaging bag 20 can in particular take place substantially intermittently or continuously. In particular, conveying in the individual stations or sections of the packaging machine 1 can vary. As shown in the example in FIG. 1, the packaging material 22 is preferably transported or conveyed at least up to a separating device 6 in a substantially continuous manner, i.e. at a substantially constant speed, in particular without acceleration.

[0126] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary connecting device 30, in particular for use in or as part of a packaging machine 1 according to one aspect of the invention. The connecting device 30 is adapted to connect, in particular mechanically, two or more, in particular 3 or 4, layers of a packaging material 22.

[0127] Mechanical connecting describes in particular connecting for example two layers of a packaging material that is substantially free of material connection. Mechanical connecting preferably takes place by forming a positive/form-fit and/or non-positive/friction-fit connection by exerting pressure on one or more, e.g. two, objects to be connected and/or at least partial reshaping of one or more, e.g. two, objects to be connected.

[0128] A preferred form of mechanical connecting includes embossing and/or interlocking and/or knurling of at least one of the connection partners, i.e. the objects to be connected.

[0129] The connecting device 30 according to a preferred embodiment comprises at least one embossing tool 32 with one or more, e.g. two, embossing structures 34. The embossing tool 32 is designed as a rotatable roller 36, for example, which has an embossing structure 34 on its outer circumference. The roller 36 is preferably arranged such that its axis of rotation is aligned substantially orthogonal or perpendicularly to a conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22 and substantially parallel to a surface of the packaging material 22. The connecting device 30 is preferably designed such that the packaging material 22 can be guided or passed at least partially through it.

[0130] In the preferred embodiment of the connecting device 30 shown, the rotatable roller 36 in particular can be rotated such that the embossing structure 34 present on the outer circumference of the roller 36 has substantially, but at least about, the same speed as the conveyed packaging material 22 when it comes into contact therewith. Such an at least approximate synchronicity between the embossed structure 34 and the packaging material 22 can in particular create an improved connecting seam 24 and/or prevent or at least reduce damage to the packaging material 22.

[0131] In order to achieve or improve at least approximate synchronicity, a sensor, for example a rotary encoder, can preferably be provided to detect the speed of the packaging material 22 and to control and/or regulate the rotational speed of the roller 36 accordingly.

[0132] The connecting device 30 in FIG. 2 is preferably designed to create a connecting seam 24 substantially orthogonal or perpendicularly or transversely to a conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22. Alternatively and/or in addition, the roller 36 of the connecting device 30 can have an embossed structure 34 for creating a connecting seam 24 substantially parallel to or along the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22.

[0133] The connecting device 30 of FIG. 2 is in particular adapted to produce a packaging bag 20, with a packaging bag 20 in the present example being formed by two substantially parallel connecting seams 24 and a fold or pleat 26, which is formed by shaping or folding the packaging material 22 (not shown). The connecting seams 24 arranged in parallel may have been created by the same embossing structure 34 of an embossing tool 32, by different embossing structures 34 of the same embossing tool 32, or by different embossing structures of different embossing tools 32. An imaginary dividing line 28 divides portions or areas of the packaging material 22 that each have a packaging bag 20. In the further process for separating one or more packaging bags 20, the packaging material 22 is preferably separated or cut along the dividing line 28. Alternatively, a connecting seam 24 can preferably be separated or divided or cut in the middle, so that one part of a connecting seam 24 is part of a packaging bag 20 and the other part of the same connecting seam 24 is part of another packaging bag 20.

[0134] Optionally, the embossing tool 32 can be designed or arranged such that at least part of the packaging material 22 passes through the connecting device 30 in a substantially unchanged form, in particular without being connected or having a connecting seam 24. In the example of FIG. 2, the packaging material 22 is not connected on a side opposite the fold or pleat 26.

[0135] In further configurations, at least part of the connecting device 30 can alternatively and/or in addition be displaceable with respect to the packaging material 22. For example, the embossing tool 32 can be oscillatingly displaced in order to be temporarily brought into contact with the packaging material 22. Such a configuration enables improved synchronicity between the embossing structure 34 and the conveyed packaging material 22.

[0136] It should be noted that at least some of the described features of the connecting device 30 shown can also be comprised by a closing device 40 for closing a packaging bag 20.

[0137] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an exemplary preferred embodiment of a connecting device 30 for connecting at least two layers of packaging material, in particular without a material connection, the connecting device being suitable in particular for use in a packaging machine 1 according to an aspect of the invention. The connecting device 30 shown comprises two embossing tools 32 that are designed as rotatable rollers 36. Each of the rollers 36 preferably has an embossed structure 34 arranged substantially parallel to the respective axis of rotation on the outer circumference of the roller 36. In this example, the axes of rotation of the rollers 36 are oriented substantially in parallel. Alternatively, the axes of rotation can have different orientations.

[0138] The rollers 36 of the connecting device 30 are in particular arranged or positioned such that a band and/or a sheet of packaging material 22 can be guided or passed through between the rollers 36. Preferably, the length of the rollers 36 is greater than the width of the packaging material 22. In alternative embodiments, only a portion of the width of the packaging material 22 may pass between the rollers 36. In the example shown, the packaging material is doubled, i.e. it was folded, so that the band of packaging material 22 is at least partially formed in two layers. The band of packaging material 22 has a fold or pleat 26.

[0139] Preferably, the connecting device 30 also comprises at least one drive unit 38, in particular a motor, for driving or rotating at least one roller 36. The example shown advantageously has a transmission that connects the motor 38 to the two rollers 36 and makes them synchronous or drives them similarly. This is particularly advantageous since in this way a deviation in the rotation of the rollers 36 can be prevented, or at least reduced.

[0140] More preferably, the connecting device 30 is adapted to press the two rollers 36, which are substantially stationary during operation, against one another. For example, by introducing a force onto one roller 36 in the direction of the other roller 36, a pressure can be formed. A packaging material passed between the rollers is exposed to this pressure at least in some region(s) and/or temporarily.

[0141] When a connecting seam is created, a pressure of between about 10 bar and about 200 bar, more preferably between about 40 bar and 100 bar, is preferably applied. A contact pressure of between about 10 kN and about 50 kN, more preferably between about 17.5 kN and about 32 kN, is preferably generated.

[0142] The connecting device 30 of the illustrated embodiment is adapted to connect a packaging material 22 that is transported in particular substantially without acceleration or at a constant speed. In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous to rotate the rollers 36 such that the embossed structure 34 and the packaging material 22 have a substantially, but at least almost, identical speed when they touch or come into contact with one another. In this way, tearing and/or damage to the packaging material 22 can advantageously be prevented, or at least reduced.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 4, the rollers 36 have an embossed structure 34 in the longitudinal direction. This enables creating a connecting seam 24 that is aligned substantially transversely or perpendicularly or orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22. Alternatively and/or in addition, at least one of the rollers 36 may have an embossed structure 34 in any orientation, in particular in the circumferential direction of the roller 36. Such an embossed structure 34 is particularly suitable for producing a connecting seam 24 substantially parallel to or in the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22.

[0144] Advantageously, the embossing structures 34 of the two rollers 36 have substantially complementary or opposite or reciprocal patterns. For example, the embossed structure 34 of one roller 36 consists of a pattern with the sequence: depression, elevation, depression, elevation, depression. Preferably, the embossing structure 34 of the other roller 36 consists of a complementary pattern with the sequence: elevation, depression, elevation, depression, elevation. More preferably, the two rollers 36 are arranged and aligned such that, when the rollers 36 or the embossed structures 36 are opposite or come into contact, the position of a depression in one embossed structure 34 substantially corresponds to the position of an elevation in the other embossed structure 34 and vice versa. In other words, the embossed structures 34 of the rollers are preferably designed such that they engage at least temporarilysimilar to coupled gears. In this way, an advantageous connecting seam 24 that is particularly gentle on the material and/or a connecting seam 24 with increased durability or strength can be created in a connection material 22.

[0145] In the present exemplary embodiment, the connecting device is arranged in a substantially stationary manner. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting device 30 can be displaceable, in particular in relation to the packaging material 22 and, preferably, parallel to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22.

[0146] One or more rollers of an exemplary connecting device as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 advantageously have a length of about 100 mm to about 500 mm, preferably from about 350 mm to about 400 mm, and a diameter of about 100 mm to about 250 mm. preferably from about 140 mm to about 160 mm.

[0147] In order to create connecting seams 24 as shown in FIG. 2, the rollers 36 can have a plurality of embossed structures 34, the embossed structures 34 being arranged unevenly, for example not symmetrically, on the roller surface. In this way, the distances between the connecting seams 24 created by the same connecting device 30 on the packaging material 20 can vary according to the arrangement of the embossing structures 34, with the conveying speed and/or rotational speed of the rollers 36 remaining the same. This advantageous embodiment saves in particular a second connecting device 30 and/or another pair of rollers. Alternatively, a connecting seam 24 can be divided by a separating device 6, preferably about in the middle and in its longitudinal direction, so that one part of a connecting seam 24 connects the packaging material 20 along a side of a first packaging bag 20 and another part of the connecting seam 24 connects the packaging material 20 along a side of another packaging bag 20.

[0148] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an exemplary embodiment of a connecting device 30 and/or a closing device 40. The device shown is particularly suitable for creating both a connecting seam 24 for producing a packaging bag 20 and a connecting seam 24 for closing a packaging bag 20, in particular in a packaging machine 1 according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0149] The connecting device 30 and/or closing device 40 preferably has two embossing tools 32, in particular in the form of two rollers 36. The rollers 36 each have an embossing structure 34, preferably in a region close to one end of the roller in the axial direction. The embossing structure 34 is provided along at least part of the circumference of the roller. The embossed structure is preferably provided across the entire circumference of the roller.

[0150] The connecting device 30 and/or closing device 40 shown is adapted in particular to create a connecting seam 24 in a region of a packaging material 22 near the edge.

[0151] To create a connecting seam 24, the connecting device 30 or closing device 40 can be displaced, for example, along an edge or a rim of a substantially stationary packaging material 22. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous for closing a filled packaging bag 20, since a corresponding displacement of the closing device 40 can be implemented in a simple manner when the packaging bag 20 is substantially stationary. With such an embodiment, coordinated rotation of the rollers 36 is particularly advantageous. The rollers 36 are preferably driven or rotated such that the speed of the region of the embossing structure 34 that is in contact with the packaging material 22 has a substantially identical speed as the displacement of the connecting device 30 or closing device 40, but in substantially the opposite direction, i.e. opposite to the displacement direction of the connecting device 30 or closing device 40. In this way, an advantageous connecting seam 24 that is particularly gentle on the material and/or a connecting seam 24 with increased durability or strength can be produced in a connection material 22.

[0152] As an alternative to this, at least a portion of a packaging material 22 and/or a preferably filled packaging bag 20 can be displaced relative to the connecting device 30 or closing device 40, as shown in FIG. 6, for example. This is particularly advantageous when a packaging bag 20 is produced from an intermittently and/or continuously fed packaging material 22.

[0153] Alternatively, the connecting device 30 and/or the closing device 40 can comprise a roller 36 with an embossed structure 34 and an adjacent plate, with the packaging material 22 being passed between the roller and the plate. As an alternative to this, the connecting device 30 and/or closing device 40 can be moved or driven over the packaging material 22.

[0154] Alternatively and/or in addition, the connecting device 30 and/or the closing device 40 is adapted to connect three layers of a packaging material 22, with the third layer preferably being formed by shaping, in particular folding and/or bending, the first or the second layer of the packaging material.

[0155] Similar to what is described in FIGS. 3 and 4, the two rollers 36 have embossing structures 34 with preferably complementary or engaging or toothed patterns in order to produce an improved connecting seam 24.

[0156] Alternatively and/or in addition, a connecting device 30 and/or closing device 40, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, can be adapted or arranged in such a way as to create a connecting seam 24 in a lower region of the fed packaging material 20substantially without a material connection or at least partially by material connection. Such a bottom seam is particularly advantageous in an HFFS process in which the packaging bag 20 does not have a fold of the packaging material 20 at the lower end.

[0157] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show exemplary connecting seams 24 and exemplary packaging bags 20 according to an aspect of the invention.

[0158] FIG. 7a shows a packaging material 22 or a portion of a packaging bag 20 with a connecting seam 24 having a relief comprising adjacent elevations and depressions.

[0159] This preferred configuration of a connecting seam 24 has elevations and depressions arranged substantially in parallel, the elevations and depressions being aligned substantially orthogonal or perpendicularly to a direction in which the connecting seam 24 extends (from left to right). The connecting seam 24 is preferably created without a material connection by mechanical connecting, in particular embossing, interlocking and/or knurling, for example with a connecting device 30 and/or a closing device 40 according to one aspect of the invention.

[0160] Alternatively and/or in addition, a connecting seam 24 can be formed substantially uniformly, i.e. in a continuously repeating pattern, and/or varying. Alternatively and/or in addition, a connecting seam 24 can have a relief with elevations and/or depressions, which are at least partially aligned in the longitudinal direction or parallel to a substantial extension direction of the connecting seam 24. Alternatively and/or in addition, a connecting seam can comprise elevations and/or depressions of any shape, in particular substantially circular, wavy, jagged and/or curved.

[0161] Particularly preferably, the elevations and/or depressions are arranged substantially orthogonal or perpendicularly to an essential alignment or orientation of fibers of the packaging material. In particular, an angle between the elevations and/or depressions and a substantial orientation of the fibers is preferably greater than about 20, more preferably greater than about 45. In this way, an advantageous durability or resistance of a connecting seam 24 can be achieved since fibers of two or more elevations and/or depressions are connected.

[0162] FIG. 7b shows a portion of a substantially rectangular packaging bag 20 made of packaging material 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. The illustration shows three connecting seams 24 having a substantially identical relief. Two of the connecting seams 24 are substantially parallel and substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the third connecting seam 24.

[0163] The connecting seams 24 are preferably produced without a material connection by mechanical connecting, in particular embossing, interlocking and/or knurling, for example with a connecting device 30 and/or a closing device 40 according to one aspect of the invention.

[0164] In the exemplary packaging bag 20 shown, it is particularly advantageous for the fibers of the packaging material 22 to be aligned and/or oriented neither in parallel nor perpendicularly, preferably at an angle of approximately 45, to the connecting seams 24, since thereby a substantially uniform stability of the connecting seams 24 running in different directions can be achieved.

[0165] In alternative embodiments of a packaging bag 20, one or more packaging seams 24 can be configured differently, at least in part, or have different reliefs. Alternatively and/or in addition, one or more connecting seams 24 can be arranged at any angle, e.g. 45. Alternatively and/or in addition, a packaging bag 24 can have a substantially round or rounded contour at least in some region(s), with the packaging bag 20 preferably having a correspondingly designed or extending connecting seam 24.

[0166] According to a preferred embodiment, the third connecting seam (running from right to left) in the example shown alternatively and/or in addition has elevations and/or depressions aligned in accordance with the elevations and/or depressions of the connecting seams arranged in parallel. This is particularly advantageous if the fibers of the packaging material 22 are oriented or run substantially from top to bottom, i.e. substantially parallel to the connecting seams 24 arranged in parallel.

[0167] A packaging bag 20 can alternatively and/or in addition have one or more connecting seams 24 created by means of a material connection. In particular, a packaging bag 20 can have a first connecting seam 24 that is substantially free of a material connection, with this first connecting seam 24 connecting at least two superimposed and/or overlapping layers of a packaging material 22 and, preferably, corresponding to a side fold of a tubular bag. Such a packaging bag 20 advantageously has a second connecting seam 24 and a third connecting seam 24 arranged substantially parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the first connecting seam 24 and, more preferably, at opposite ends of a closed packaging bag 20. Preferably, the second connecting seam 24 and the third connecting seam 24 are substantially free of a material connection. Alternatively, at least one of the second and third connecting seams 24 can be created at least in some region(s) by means of a material connection or can connect at least two layers of the connection material 22 by means of a material connection. Such a packaging bag 20 is particularly advantageous in a VFFS process, as shown in FIG. 8. In an HFFS method, as shown in FIG. 1, a packaging bag 20 with two non-materially connected connecting seams 24, which are arranged orthogonal to a conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 20 and preferably define two sides of the packaging bag 20, is particularly advantageous. Moreover, such a packaging bag 20 has one, preferably two, materially connected connecting seams 24 that form a top seam and/or a bottom seam of the packaging bag 20. Here, the top seam corresponds to the connecting seam 24 that closes a last opening of the packaging bag 20 through which it was filled. A bottom seam corresponds in particular to a connecting seam 24 in a lower region of the packaging bag 20 and preferably defines a lower end of the cavity of the packaging bag 20. In particular, such a bottom seam is subjected to increased stress during the filling process of the packaging bag 20, so that it should advantageously have increased strength, for example by means of a connecting seam 24 with a material connection and, optionally, a positive/form-fit and/or non-positive/friction-fit connection.

[0168] FIG. 7c shows a filled packaging bag 20 with an substantially square shape, with one corner having been cut off. The packaging bag 20 shown contains hardware, in particular at least one nut and at least one washer. A packaging bag 20 is designed to alternatively and/or in addition contain one or more other objects, in particular bulk material. In particular, the packaging bag 20 can have three connecting seams 24 without a material connection and one connecting seam 24 created with a material connection. The connecting seam 24 created with a material connection preferably closes a last opening of the packaging bag 20 through which the latter was filled.

[0169] A packaging machine 1 according to one aspect of the invention is particularly suitable or adapted to produce and/or to close a packaging bag 20 as shown in FIG. 7b or 7c.

[0170] Preferably, the packaging material 22 from which a packaging bag 20 is made has a thickness of between about 0.05 mm and about 1 mm, more preferably between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm. More preferably, the packaging material 22 has a grammage between about 10 g/m.sup.2 and about 150 g/m.sup.2, more preferably between about 60 g/m.sup.2 and about 110 g/m.sup.2.

[0171] In particular, packaging material 22 with different strength or thickness and/or with a different grammage can form a packaging bag 20.

[0172] An exemplary packaging material 22 suitable for use in a packaging machine 1, for use in a connecting device 30, for a method for producing a packaging bag 20 and/or for a packaging bag 20 according to aspects of the invention preferably has one or more of the following parameters and/or properties: [0173] a grammage of from about 59 to about 73 g/m.sup.2 (specifically according to ISO 536); and/or [0174] a thickness of about 68 to about 86 m (particularly according to ISO 534); and/or [0175] a roughness according to PPS of about 3.8 to about 7.2 m (in particular according to ISO 8791-4); and/or [0176] a longitudinal brake resistance of greater than about 35 N/15 mm and/or a transverse break resistance of greater than about 15 N/15 mm (in particular according to ISO 1924-2); and/or [0177] a longitudinal elongation at break of greater than about 1.5% and/or a transverse elongation at break of greater than about 2.0% (in particular according to ISO 1924-2); and/or [0178] a Mullen burst pressure greater than about 86 kPa (particularly according to ISO 2758); and/or [0179] a longitudinal tear resistance of greater than about 350 mN and/or a transverse tear resistance of greater than about 400 mN (in particular according to ISO 1974); and/or [0180] a humidity of about 6.5-7.5% (in particular according to ISO 287); and/or [0181] a water absorption capacity or an absorbency of less than about 33 g/m.sup.2 (in particular according to ISO 353/Cobb 60s).

[0182] A first, exemplary and suitable packaging material 22 substantially comprises uncoated paper and: [0183] a grammage of from about 59 to about 65 g/m.sup.2; and/or [0184] a thickness of about 68 to about 75 m; and/or [0185] a roughness according to PPS of from about 3.8 to about 4.2 m; and/or [0186] a longitudinal brake resistance of greater than about 35 N/15 mm and/or a transverse brake resistance of greater than about 15 N/15 mm (in particular according to ISO 1924-2); and/or [0187] a longitudinal elongation at break greater than about 1.5% and/or a transverse elongation at break greater than about 2.0%; and/or [0188] a Mullen burst pressure of greater than about 86 kPa; and/or [0189] a longitudinal tear resistance of greater than about 380 mN and/or a transverse tear resistance of greater than about 430 mN; and/or [0190] a moisture of about 6.8-7.2%; and/or [0191] a water absorption capacity or absorbency of less than about 33 g/m.sup.2.

[0192] A second, exemplary and also suitable packaging material 22 substantially comprises uncoated paper and: [0193] a grammage of from about 67 to about 73 g/m.sup.2; and/or [0194] a thickness of from about 76 to about 86 m; and/or [0195] a roughness according to PPS of from about 3.8 to about 7.2 m; and/or [0196] a longitudinal brake resistance of greater than about 38 N/15 mm and/or a transverse brake resistance of greater than about 16 N/15 mm; and/or [0197] a longitudinal elongation at break greater than about 1.8% and/or a transverse elongation at break greater than about 2.1%; and/or [0198] a Mullen burst pressure of greater than about 95 kPa; and/or [0199] a longitudinal tear resistance of greater than about 400 mN and/or a transverse tear resistance of greater than about 450 mN; and/or [0200] a moisture of about 6.5-7.5%; and/or [0201] a water absorption capacity or absorbency of less than about 33 g/m.sup.2.

[0202] Alternatively and/or in addition, the packaging material can preferably include one or more of the following properties: [0203] consisting primarily of non-recycled fibers; and/or [0204] consisting primarily of fresh fiber pulp; and/or [0205] consisting of less than 30%, preferably less than 10%, by weight of recycled fibers; and/or [0206] comprising fibers from softwood, in particular spruce, pine, fir and/or Douglas fir; and/or [0207] comprising fibers from hardwood, in particular beech, birch, poplar and/or eucalyptus; and/or [0208] comprising fibers from softwood, in particular spruce, pine, fir and/or Douglas fir, and fibers from hardwood, in particular beech, birch, poplar and/or eucalyptus, the proportion by weight of the fibers from softwood preferably being lower than the proportion by weight of the fibers from hardwood; for example, a weight proportion of fibers from softwood from 10% to 40% and of hardwood from 60% to 90%.

[0209] Said parameters and/or properties of a packaging material 22 are only listed as examples and describe packaging materials 22 that are particularly suitable for the invention, in particular with regard to their tear strength and/or durability and/or processability and/or rigidity. However, packaging materials 22 with at least partially different parameters and/or properties are also suitable for the invention. In particular, the packaging material 22 can be selected accordingly for example depending on the requirements of the packaging bag 20 and/or the production method and/or the connecting device 30 and/or the packaging machine 1.

[0210] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary packaging machine 1 in a VFFS design, which is adapted in particular to produce so-called tubular bag packaging. The packaging machine 1 shown comprises a feed device 2 adapted to feed in a packaging material 22, in particular from a roll. Preferably, the packaging material 22 is fed intermittently. Alternatively, the packaging material 22 can be fed substantially continuously. One or more feeding devices, for example comprising friction belts, are optionally provided for conveying the packaging material 22. The packaging machine 1 has a substantially funnel-shaped filling device 8. The packaging material 22 is formed by a folding device 4 of the packaging machine 1. In the present example, the shaping or folding device 4 comprises a tube arranged following the filling device 8. The packaging material 22 is preferably formed or guided around the tube such that at least part of the edges of the packaging material 22 face one another and/or abut one another or overlap one another. The packaging material 22 shaped in this way is conveyed or transported in the direction of at least one connecting device 30. The at least one connecting device 30 is preferably adapted and arranged so as to connect the overlapping region of the packaging material 22.

[0211] Mechanical connecting describes in particular connecting for example two layers of a packaging material that is substantially free of material connection. Mechanical connecting preferably takes place by forming a positive/form-fit and/or non-positive/friction-fit connection by exerting pressure on one or more, e.g. two, objects to be connected and/or at least partial reshaping of one or more, e.g. two, objects to be connected.

[0212] A preferred form of mechanical connecting comprises embossing or interlocking or knurling of at least one of the connection partners, i.e. the objects to be connected.

[0213] Preferably, the at least one connecting device 30 is configured in accordance with the connecting devices 30 or locking devices 40 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In particular, the connecting device 30 preferably has at least one, in particular two, rotatable rollers 36 each having an embossed structure 34. The connecting device 30 is preferably adapted to create a connecting seam 24 in the longitudinal direction or parallel to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material, with the connecting seam 24 corresponding to a side fold of the tubular bag packaging.

[0214] The packaging material 22 is preferably conveyed further to a device that preferably comprises a connecting device 30, a closing device 40, and a separating device 6. In this way, a first open packaging bag or one having at least one opening can be produced and a second, already filled packaging bag can be closed and isolated in a combined process step. Alternatively, the device comprises only one or two of connecting device 30, closing device 40 and/or separating device 6. One or more of connecting device 30, closing device 40 and/or separating device 6 can also be arranged at a distance from one another. In particular, a separating device 6 can be arranged separately, preferably at an end of the VFFS machine that is remote in the conveying direction 16.

[0215] In particular, a connecting device 30 is adapted to create a connecting seam 24 substantially in the transverse direction or orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22 in order to produce a first packaging bag 20. In addition, a second, already filled packaging bag 20 is preferably closed by creating a connecting seam substantially in the transverse direction or orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22 by a closing device 40. Furthermore, the packaging material 22 is preferably closed by a separating device 6 along a dividing line 28, substantially in the transverse direction or orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22, so that the second packaging bag 20 is separated or severed from the packaging material 22.

[0216] Preferably, the connecting device 30 and/or the closing device 40 is designed in accordance with the connecting device 30 or closing device 40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 or in FIGS. 5 and 6. In particular, the connecting device 30 and/or the closing device 40 is adapted for mechanical connecting, including embossing or interlocking or knurling.

[0217] As an alternative to the configuration described above, only one connecting device 30 or one closing device 40 can be provided in order to create a single connecting seam 24 transversely to the conveying direction 16. In this case, the separating line 28 is preferably positioned substantially in the middle of the connecting seam 24 created. This preferred embodiment allows a reduced outlay on components and control.

[0218] In the example of the packaging machine 1 shown, at least part of the connecting device 30, the closing device 40 and/or the separating device 6 is designed to be displaceable in order to enable the packaging bag 20 to be filled. In particular, the connecting device 30, the closing device 40 and/or the separating device 6 or a respectively displaceable part thereof is displaced substantially orthogonal or perpendicularly to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22. In this way, a connection is created between the filling device 8 and the packaging bag 20 produced, so that the packaging bag 20 can be filled.

[0219] A further configuration comprises a connecting device 30 adapted to create at least one connecting seam 24 parallel to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22, substantially without a material connection, and a further connecting device 30 and/or a closing device 40 adapted to create at least one connecting seam 24 orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 of the packaging material 22, preferably at least in some region(s), by means of a material connection, in particular by means of cold glue, two-component (2K) adhesive, hot-melt adhesive, dispersion adhesive, contact adhesive, polymerization adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive or a similar adhesive, in particular with an adhesive that can be cold-bonded, i.e. substantially without heating.

[0220] Alternatively and/or in addition, a layer of glue can be applied to the packaging material 22 in the region of a connecting seam 24 to be produced, in particular a head seam, with the layer of glue preferably comprising cold glue and/or a glue that can be processed at room temperature. The glue layer can dry substantially immediately. As a result, the layers of packaging material are preferably not yet connected to one another. A connecting, in particular a gluing of the layers of the packaging material of the head seam, takes place in that the connecting seam 24 is created by heating the glue and/or hot-sealing the glue, in particular at a temperature of about 100-140 C. For example, the glue layer can be applied to one layer of packaging material, so that the glue layer is arranged between two opposite layers of packaging material. It is also possible for a layer of glue to be applied to each layer of packaging material. In the case of a glue layer, the two layers of packaging material are connected by heating the glue layer. If there are two layers of glue, the layers of glue are bonded to each other and to the two layers of packaging material by heating. Heating can take place by means of one or two or more than two heating jaws. A pair of heating jaws can be used. A pair of jaws can be used, one jaw being heated and one jaw being unheated.

[0221] For applying one or more of the aforementioned substances, a device can be provided, in particular positioned upstream of a shaping or folding device 4. Preferably, a first connecting seam 24 arranged orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 for producing the packaging bag 20 and a second connecting seam 24 arranged orthogonal to the conveying direction 16 for closing the packaging bag 20 are created, with these connecting seams 24 preferably being arranged at an opposite end of a packaging bag 20 in each case.

[0222] In a further embodiment, a connecting seam 24 arranged orthogonal to the conveying direction can be produced by the connecting device 30 and/or the closing device 40 and severed by a separating device 6, preferably about in the middle, so that a part of the connecting seam 24 forms a top seam of a packaging bag 20 and another part of the connecting seam 24 forms a bottom seam of another packaging bag 20. A separating device 6 can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the connecting device 30 and/or the closing device 24 or at a distance in the conveying direction 16.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

[0223] 1 packaging machine [0224] 2 feed device [0225] 4 forming or folding device [0226] 6 separating device [0227] 8 filling device [0228] 10 rotary machine [0229] 12 opening device/pouch forming device [0230] 14 inlet device [0231] 16 conveying direction [0232] 18 control device [0233] 20 packaging bag [0234] 22 packaging material [0235] 24 connecting seam [0236] 26 fold/pleat [0237] 28 dividing line [0238] 30 connecting device [0239] 32 embossing tool [0240] 34 embossing structure [0241] 36 roller [0242] 38 drive unit [0243] 40 closing device