Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a method for picking up and conveying film pouches from a supply to a processing unit.

The invention furthermore concerns an insertion apparatus for picking up and conveying film pouches from a supply to a processing unit. In addition, the invention concerns a web of film pouches. Background of the Invention

There is a considerable work load connected with pacldng film packings which are inserted one by one into packing machines, as this operation is performed manually. An example of this is found in the tobacco industry where the tobacco is packed in film pouches. The film pouches are inserted in a packing machine by means of a conveyor belt. The film pouches are placed manually on the conveyor belt one by one by a packing worker. At the same time the packing worker supervises the packing machine with the object of ensuring a high degree of utilisation of the machine.

For a long time and for several reasons there have been a desire for releasing the packing worker from the work of placing the film pouches on the conveyor belt. For these reasons it can be said that this is a repetitious work which is unwanted for work environment and ergonomic considerations, that the packing worker can better ensure the efficiency of the machine and avoid failure, and that the same packing worker can supervise several packing machines.

Object of the Invention

It is the object of the invention to indicate a method, an apparatus and packing items that enable simpler handling in connection with filling the packing items. Description of the Invention

According to the present invention, this is achieved by a method for picking up and conveying film pouches from a supply to a processing unit, wherein the film pouches are provided from a continuous web of film pouches, the web conveyed successively through an insertion apparatus where a support mandrel is guided into a channel- shaped edge area of the web, wherein the film pouches are separated from the channel- shaped edge area by passing through a separator, wherein the separated film pouches are disposed one by one on a transport means in the processing unit, and wherein the separated channel-shaped edge area is moved by a drive means.

Furthermore, this is achieved by an insertion apparatus for picking up and conveying film pouches from a supply to a processing unit, wherein the insertion apparatus includes inserting means for successive insertion of a continuous web of film pouches and a separator for separating the film pouches from the web, the inserting means including a support mandrel adapted for insertion into a channel-shaped edge area of the web, and a drive means adapted for moving the web by engagement of the channel-shaped edge area.

In addition, this is achieved by a web of film pouches, the web including film material of a weldable polymer, wherein a channel-shaped edge area is formed along one side edge of the web, wherein the channel-shaped edge area extends in longitudinal direction of the web, and wherein the channel-shaped edge area is delimited from the remainder of the web by a side-weld, wherein the web consists of a contiguous series of film pouches separated by transverse slits extending from the other side edge of the web into the side-weld, wherein each film pouch includes a first film wall extending from the other side edge of the web to the side-weld, and a overlying second film wall extending from the other side edge of the web to a certain distance from the side-weld, wherein the film walls are connected with weldings along the transverse slits for forming a compartment with a mouth a certain distance from the side-weld.

The channel-shaped web area which is removed in the insertion apparatus before placing the film pouches in the processing unit enables, in combination with the support mandrel and the drive means, automated insertion of film pouches in a processing unit. This provides a considerably simpler handling of the film pouches.

The processing unit can be already known packing machines which both fill and pack the film pouches in display and shipping packages.

The processing unit can furthermore be a packing machine which does not contain a filling station. In this situation, the film pouches can be fed to the insertion apparatus for separation from the web.

The method, the insertion apparatus and the web of film pouches can be used in connection with already existing processing units. ,It is thus not necessary to make costly modifications of the existing processing units. The separated channel-shaped edge area can be recycled after use.

The web according to the invention ilirthennore provides an oppoitunity for more simple handling of the film pouches during the making of the film pouches. As the film pouches are contiguous they can easily be packed in a box where they are z- folded in multiple layers and possibly distributed across the entire area of the box.

This can be effected by automated production equipment.

By the invention is then saved manual work, both during packing of the finished web and during insertion of the film pouches in a processing unit. Thereby, manual capacity can be released for other chores in the production.

According to a further embodiment, the method according to the invention is peculiar in that the separated channel-shaped edge area is wound on a reel.

Hereby it is possible to convey the remains of the web away after separation of the film pouches in a reliable way. The remains are constituted by the channel-shaped edge area. By winding the remains on a reel it is e.g. avoided that the remains go into the processing unit where they can cause failure of the processing unit.

When the reel is full it can be replaced by an empty reel. The full reel is sent to a recycling station where the remains are removed and reused for new film items, and the reel is returned.

Alternatively, the reel can be emptied while mounted on the insertion apparatus.

According to a further embodiment, the method according to the invention is peculiar in that the method includes a filling step before the film pouches are separated from the web, the filling step including opening the mouth of the film pouch, filling the film pouch compartment, and closing the mouth of the film pouch.

Hereby it becomes possible to fill the film pouches while they are securely suspended and retained on the support mandrel.

Prior art filling stations which are disposed beside or integrated with the insertion apparatus can be used.

The mouth of the film pouch is opened and closed, for example assisted by suction cups.

According to yet an embodiment, the inventive method is peculiar in that the method includes a welding step after the filling step, the welding step including establishing a weld transversely of the mouth for closing the film pouch.

Hereby is achieved that film pouch can be closed airtight.

The welding can be performed with welding jaws or welding rollers which provide for continuous advancing of the web. According to a further embodiment, the insertion apparatus according to the invention is peculiar in that the separator includes a mechanical cutter .

Hereby is achieved that the film pouches and the channel-shaped edge area can be separated in a simple way. The cutter, or knife, will gradually become blunt and is therefore either to be sharpened or replaced from time to time. The cutter is a passive unit which does not use energy.

According to a further embodiment, the insertion apparatus according to the invention is peculiar in that the separator includes a hot wire.

Hereby is achieved that the film pouches and the channel-shaped edge area can be separated in a simple way. The hot wire does not become blunt but uses energy. However, the film may to a certain extent stick to the hot wire why it may be necessary with cleaning of the hot wire.

According to a further embodiment, the insertion apparatus according to the invention is peculiar in that the separator includes orientation means for orienting the film pouches before being placed on a transport means.

Hereby is achieved that the film pouches are placed on the transport means in the processing unit in a simple and reliable way.

The orientation means can be provided by a guideway guiding the film pouches with correct orientation until separation from the web is finished so that the film pouches are continuously advanced through the insertion apparatus.

The orientation means may furthermore be established by a nozzle which by means of compressed air blows the film pouches into correct orientation.

The orientation means can be established by a vacuum unit sucking the film pouches into correct orientation. The above mentioned means may furthermore be combined.

According to a further embodiment, the insertion apparatus according to the invention is peculiar in that the drive means includes a roller motor unit with a motor and at least two opposing rollers, wherein at least one roller is driven by the motor and wherein the rollers are in contact for moving the channel -shaped edge area between the rollers.

Hereby is achieved that the web is advanced in a simple and reliable way.

The drive means can be provided with a unit for measuring the tension in the web. The measuring is used for regulating speed and acceleration of the drive means such that the tension does not exceed a value at which the web is torn apart. In that way it is ensured that the web is not inadvertently pulled apart.

According to a further embodiment, the insertion apparatus according to the invention is peculiar in that the drive means includes a reel for winding up the channel -shaped edge area.

Hereby it is achieved, as mentioned above, to convey the remainders of the web away after separation of the film pouches in a reliable way.

The reel is driven by its own reel motor unit.

The reel is controlled such that the speed is synchronous with the drive means. This is required such that a constant tension in the web is ensured.

The speed of the reel will gradually drop while being filled as the diameter of the material on the reel becomes larger. The synchronisation with the drive means can be effected by direct monitoring of the speed of the web by measuring the tension in the web between the reel and the drive means or by measuring the torque at the reel motor unit. According to a further embodiment, the web of film pouches according to the invention is peculiar in that the first and second film walls are made of double-sided film and that a sheet insert is placed between the film sides. Hereby is achieved that the film pouch is provided rigidity and strength by the sheet insert. A flexible film may thus be used which by itself is not strong enough to support the desired functions of the film pouch.

It is advantageous to be able to choose a relatively flexible material in the area with the channel-shaped edge area with regard to the actions to which the material is subjected during its passage through the insertion apparatus. However, the material must not be so flexible as to be stretched to an extent such that the friction in the insertion apparatus cannot be overcome without the material being elongated excessively so that it breaks.

According to a further embodiment, the insertion apparatus according to the invention is peculiar in that the inseition apparatus includes a filling station for filling the film pouches, wherein the filling station is disposed before the separator relative to the direction of movement of the web.

Hereby is achieved that the pouches are filled when they leave the insertion apparatus. The film pouches are closed, for example by welding with welding jaws.

The filling station can be integrated with the insertion apparatus.

Alternatively, the filling station can be an independent apparatus which can be moved so that the same insertion apparatus can be used with and without filling station.

This provides great flexibility in the processing of the film pouches. Description of the Drawing

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, where: Fig. 1 shows a first illustration of an insertion apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a second illustration of the insertion apparatus in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows an illustration of a separator and a drive means in the insertion apparatus in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows an illustration of an insertion apparatus in a second embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 5a shows a cross-section through a web of film pouches;

Fig. 5b shows a plan view of a web of film pouches;

Fig. 6a shows a cross-section tlixough a web of film pouches wherein a welding is formed transversely of the mouth; and

Fig. 6b shows a plan view a web of film pouches wherein a welding is formed transversely of the mouth.

In the explanation of the Figures, identical or coiTesponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different Figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single Figure/embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Figs. 1 and 2 show an insertion apparatus 1 for inserting film pouches 3 into a processing unit (not shown), and Fig. 3 shows an illustration of a separator 9 and a drive means 13 in the insertion apparatus 1.

The insertion apparatus 1 includes insertion means 5 for successive insertion of a contiguous web 7 of film pouches 3 and a separator 9 for separating the film pouches 3 from the web 7.

The insertion means 5 include a support mandrel 1 1 and a drive means 13. The support mandrel 1 1 is adapted for insertion into a channel-shaped edge area 15 on the web 7 thus hanging down from the support mandrel 11. The drive means 13 is adapted for advancing the web 7 by engaging the channel -shaped edge area 15. The drive means 13 is disposed after the separator 9 and the support mandrel 11 relative to the direction of movement 17 of the web. The separator 9 which is most clearly seen on Fig. 3 is adapted to separate the film pouches 3 from the web 7 and the channel-shaped edge area 15. In the shown embodiment, the separator 9 is equipped with a mechanical cutter 19, see Fig. 3, which is disposed such as to pass through the web 7 so that the film pouches 3 are separated from the channel-shaped area 15. The now separated film pouches 3' are placed one by one on a transport means 21, here a conventional conveyor belt, in the processing unit. The transport means 21 then moves the film pouches 3' on into the processing unit. The channel-shaped edge area 15' separated from the film pouches 3' is moved through die drive means 13.

The separator 9 additionally includes orientation means 23 that provide correct orientation of the film pouches 3 in relation to the cutter 19 and to the transport means 21 as well. In the shown embodiment, the film pouches are oriented horizontally by the orientation means 23.

The orientation means 23 can e.g. include a nozzle blowing compressed air against the film pouches 3 such that they pivot up from a vertical position towards a horizontal position when passing the separator 9. The film pouches 3 are retained such that they are correctly placed on the transport means 21. hi an alternative embodiment the separator 9 includes a hot wire. When the web 7 passes the hot wire, the film pouches 3 and the channel-shaped edge are 15 are separated. The drive means 13 includes a roller motor unit 25. The roller motor unit 25 has a motor 27 which is connected to a roller 29' which is in contact with an opposing roller 29". The opposing roller 29" is suspended in a spring 30 which ensures compression between the rollers 29', 29". The channel-shaped edge area 15 is moved in between the rollers 29', 29". When the motor causes the rollers 29', 29" to rotate, the web 7 is pulled forward over the support mandrel 1 1 by the pull of the rollers in the channel- shaped edge area 15. The opposite roller 29" is provided with a suspension 31 enabling movement of the opposite roller 29" into a position at which the rollers 29', 29" are no longer in contact. This position is used when starting up where the channel-shaped edge area 15 is passed in between the rollers 29', 29".

The drive means 13 includes a reel 33 in the shown embodiment. The reel 33 is provided with its own reel motor unit 35 driving the reel 33 synchronously with the roller motor unit 25 such that the speed of the reel 33 is adapted to the speed of the roller motor unit 25. The reel 33 is gradually filled whereby the diameter of the wound up channel-shaped edge are 15 from the 7 is increased. The speed at which the reel 33 rotates therefore necessarily has to decrease such that the tension in the channel - shaped edge area 15 is not increased. The insertion apparatus 1 includes a control unit (not shown) for mutually synchronising the speeds of the roller motor unit 25 and the reel motor unit 35.

In an alternative embodiment, the insertion apparatus is without a roller motor unit 25. The web 7 is exclusively driven by winding up the channel-shaped edge area 15 on the reel 33. In the shown embodiment, the web 7 is supplied from a supply 36 in the form of a box wherein the web is Z-folded and distributed across the entire area of the box.

Fig. 4 shows an illustration of an insertion apparatus 1 in a second embodiment according to the invention. The insertion apparatus 1 differs from the insertion apparatus on Figs. 1 - 3 only by including a filling station 38 which is disposed before the separator 9 as seen in the direction of movement 17 of the web. In the filling station 38 is performed a filling step before separating the film pouches 3 from the web 7. The filling step includes opening the mouth 57 of tire film pouch, see Figs. 5a or 6a, filling the compartment 55 of the film pouch, see Figs. 5a or 6a, and closing of the mouth 57 of the film pouch. Alternatively, the filling station 38 can be an independent apparatus which can be moved so that the same insertion apparatus 1 can be used with and without a filling station 38. Fig. 5a shows a cross-section through the web 7 of the film pouches 3, and Fig. 5b shows a plan view of a web 7 of film pouches 3.

The web 7 is formed of a film of a weldable polymer. The web has a channel-shaped edge area 15 along one side edge 37. The channel-shaped edge area 15 extends in longitudinal direction 39 of the web. The channel -shaped edge area 15 is delimited from the remainder of the web 7 by a side-weld 41 located in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the web. In the shown embodiment, the channel-shaped edge area 15 is fuitliermore delimited by a welding designated 43 along one side edge 37 of the web. Alternatively, this can be a fold such that the channel-shaped edge area 15 is formed by welding a folded piece of film. Welding is effected by the side- weld 41.

The web 7 consists of a contiguous series of film pouches 3 which are separated by transverse slits 45 extending from the other side edge 47 of the web and into the side- weld 41. Each film pouch includes a first film wall 49 extending from the second side edge 47 to the side- weld 41 and an overlying second film wall 51 extending from the other side edge 47 of the web to a certain distance from the side- weld 41. The film walls 49, 51 are connected by welds 53 along the transverse slits 45 for forming a compartment 55 with a mouth 57 at a distance from the side-weld 41. The section of the first film wall 49 which is not overlapped by the second film wall 51 is used after separation of the film pouch 3 from the web 7 for closing the mouth 57 by folding the section in over the second film wall 51.

The folded section is typically retained by an adhesive applied directly on the film, a banderole, a piece of loose tape or other suitable way of attachment. The web 7 can be formed of a double-sided film such that a sheet insert 59 can be placed between the film sides. This sheet insert 59 adds rigidity and strength to the film pouch 3. The sheet insert 59 can be made of a paper material, a plastic material or a combination of paper and plastic.

In this embodiment, the film pouch 3 is a pouch formed of film packing wherein each film pouch 3 includes a first film wall 49 and an overlying second film wall 51, wherein the film walls 49, 51 are connected by weldings 53 for forming a compartment 55 with a mouth 57 a certain distance from the free edge of the first film wall. The section of the first film wall 49 which is not overlapped by the second film wall 51 is used for closing the mouth 57 by folding the section in over the second film wall 51. The folded section is typically retained by an adhesive applied directly on the film, a banderole, a piece of loose tape or other suitable way of attachment.

Fig. 6a shows a cross-section through a web 7 of film pouches 3, and Fig. 6b shows a pl an view of the web 7 of film pouches 3 in Fig. 6a. The web 7 of film pouches 3 differs from the embodiment show in Figs. 5a and 5b only by the establishment of a welding 61 transversely of the mouth 57 such that the film pouches 3 are closed. This step is performed after filling the film pouches 3.

In this embodiment, the film pouch 3 is a pouch formed of film packing wherein each film pouch 3 includes a first film wall 49 and an overlying second film wall 51 , wherein the film walls 49, 51 are connected by weldings 53 for forming a compartment 55 with a mouth 57 a certain distance from the free edge of the first film wall. A welding 61 is used for closing the mouth 57. After filling, the channel-shaped edge area 15 and the part of the first film wall 49 not overlapped by the second film wall 51 are cut off along the cutting line 63.

The cutting line 63 can be located above the welding as shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, or in the welding 61 such that it is divided during the cutting off of the film pouches 3.