Inductor for transversal sealing, packaging machine comprising the same and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to packaging technology and provides an inductor for transversely sealing a tube of packaging material containing food, the inductor comprising: a body comprising a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, the first and second sealing surfaces being arranged to face the packaging material during a sealing state; a recess provided in the body, the recess being for receiving a knife during a cutting state, the first and second sealing surfaces being located on opposite sides of the recess; and an electrical conductor arrangement provided in the body, the electrical conductor arrangement being for inducing eddy currents in the packaging material during the sealing state, each of the first and second sealing surfaces comprising a top portion, an inner sealing portion located between the recess and the top portion, and an outer sealing portion located between the top portion and an outer edge of the inductor, and the inner sealing portion being inclined towards the recess, the outer sealing portion being inclined towards the outer edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to packaging technology. More specifically, it relates to an inductor for laterally sealing a tube containing packaging material for food. It also relates to a packaging machine and method for producing food packaging. Background Technology

[0002] Today, paper carton packaging for liquid foods, such as Tetra Pak cartons for milk, is produced. ™ (Tetra Brik ™ Packaging is well-known. Tetra Pak bricks. ™ The packaging machine is an example of a roll-feed packaging machine (sometimes also called a roll-feed filling machine). In a roll-feed packaging machine, a web of packaging material supplied to the packaging machine on a roll is formed into a tube and provided with a longitudinal seal. After the tube has been formed and the longitudinal seal provided, the tube is filled with product. A transverse seal is continuously performed from the bottom end of the tube. In connection with the transverse seal, the bottom end of the tube is cut off, thereby forming a package containing liquid product. These packages are then transferred to a folding device, which folds the packages into their final shape using pre-formed fold lines (sometimes called weakening lines) provided in the packaging material.

[0003] Another type of packaging machine is the so-called preform-feed packaging machine. Unlike roll-feed packaging machines, in preform-feed packaging machines, packages are made one by one. Another difference is that the longitudinal sealing is not done in the packaging machine, but pre-done. Therefore, in this context, the preform is considered a sleeve-shaped sheet of packaging material. In a preform packaging machine, the preform is upright (i.e., unfolded), thus forming an internal space. After being uprighted, a closed end is formed by providing a transverse seal at one end of the sleeve. In the next step, the product is filled into the sleeve, and then the other end of the sleeve is closed by providing a transverse seal, thus forming a closed package.

[0004] To ensure the safe preservation of products within the packaging, a reliable lateral seal should be applied. Technologies providing reliable lateral seals have been used for many years, but improvements to lateral seal technologies are needed due to increasing demands for speed (e.g., the number of packages produced per hour), the different types of products to be filled into the packaging (e.g., high-viscosity products and products containing seeds and other types of particles), and service intervals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to overcome, at least in part, one or more of the limitations of the prior art described above.

[0006] According to a first aspect, an inductor is provided for laterally sealing a tube containing packaging material for food. The inductor includes:

[0007] The body includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, which are arranged to face the packaging material during a sealed state.

[0008] A recess provided in the body for receiving the tool during cutting, wherein a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface are located on opposite sides of the recess; and

[0009] An electrical conductor device disposed in the body is used to induce eddy currents in the packaging material during the sealed state.

[0010] Its features are,

[0011] Each of the first and second sealing surfaces includes a top portion, an inner sealing portion located between the recess and the top portion, and an outer sealing portion located between the top portion and the outer edge of the inductor.

[0012] The inner sealing portion is inclined toward the concave portion, while the outer sealing portion is inclined toward the outer edge, so that when the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are pressed against the sealing strip, the product in the food held inside the tube is pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube.

[0013] The term "lateral seal" here refers to a seal at the top or bottom of a tube of packaging material.

[0014] The term "inclination" here refers to inclination at a certain angle. Therefore, it should be interpreted as height relative to length, or in other words, height divided by length.

[0015] The term "sealing strip" here refers to a portion of the pipe that forms a lateral seal.

[0016] The advantage of using the disclosed inductor for the lateral sealing of a tube is that a desired pressure distribution can be achieved. With this desired pressure distribution, product can be extruded from the sealing zone, allowing no product, or at least a reduced amount of product, to be encapsulated within the sealing zone. Therefore, the disclosed inductor can provide a more reliable sealing zone where no product can leave the packaging and no air can enter. In particular, if encapsulated, food containing particles (e.g., seeds) can significantly affect the lateral seal.

[0017] Another advantage of the disclosed inductor design is that the pressure toward the inductor can be reduced due to the effect of the phase placed outside the outer sealing portion—which can provide gentler handling of the packaging material and, in turn, allow the use of thinner packaging material or avoid fewer cracks or other damage to the packaging material.

[0018] Another advantage of having the first and second sealing surfaces angled is that the pressure gradient can continuously accumulate within the tube. Since different products may vary in aspects such as viscosity and whether they contain particles, and if particles are present, these particles may have different properties, different products may require different measures to avoid product residue in the sealing strip. By customizing the angle distribution (i.e., how the sealing surfaces are angled), the pressure gradient accumulation of the product can be optimized based on the product retained within the tube, which means even further improvements to the lateral seal.

[0019] In addition to improving the removal of product residue from the sealing tape during sealing stage S, tilting the sealing surface also positively impacts seal quality. A pressure gradient is also formed within the molten polymer layer during sealing stage S. This allows for more precise control over the movement of the molten polymer within the packaging material compared to using flat-surface inductors. Consequently, this reduces the risk of molten polymer aggregates within the packaging material. In other words, the molten polymer can be distributed more effectively. Another positive effect is that achieving a reliable lateral seal requires less polymer. The more precise control over the distribution of the molten polymer during sealing stage S likely means less polymer is needed, which is advantageous both environmentally and cost-wise.

[0020] The length of the outer sealing portion (OSS-L) can be greater than the length of the inner sealing portion (ISS-L).

[0021] The term "external sealing surface" here refers to the length of the external sealing surface located between the top portion and the outer portion of the inductor.

[0022] The term "inner sealing surface" here refers to the length of the inner sealing surface located between the recess and the top portion.

[0023] The inductor may include an inner portion inclination of an inner portion of an outer sealing surface, which may be greater than the outer portion inclination of an outer sealing surface, wherein the inner portion may be close to the top portion.

[0024] The inner sealing surface can have a constant inclination.

[0025] The sealing tape length can be less than 14 mm. The advantage of a sealing tape length less than 14 mm is that less packaging material is required for lateral sealing, thus improving cost efficiency. Therefore, by designing the inductor to contain less food in the sealed area, an improved total cost of ownership can be achieved.

[0026] Electrical conductor devices may include twin-loop circuits.

[0027] The term "dual circuit" here means that the electronic conductor may include a first coil and a second coil, that is, a coil is disposed on either side of the recess configured to receive the tool during the cutting phase. A dual circuit may include an identical circuit forming the first and second coils.

[0028] According to a second aspect, a packaging machine for producing food packaging is provided. The packaging machine includes:

[0029] A reel receiver, arranged to receive reels of packaging material;

[0030] A tube forming device, arranged to form tubes from packaging material;

[0031] The product filling equipment is arranged with food filling tubes;

[0032] A lateral sealing device is arranged to provide a lateral seal at the lower part of a pipe. The lateral sealing device includes a first sealing clamp element and a second sealing clamp element, wherein the first sealing clamp element is attached to a first arm and the second sealing clamp element is attached to a second arm, wherein the first arm is attached to a first motor device and the second arm is attached to a second motor device.

[0033] The first sealing clamp element includes the aforementioned inductor.

[0034] The second sealing clamp element includes an anvil.

[0035] The first and second motor devices are configured to move the transverse sealing device between the following states:

[0036] The upper part is in the open state, with the first arm and the second arm in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element separated;

[0037] The upper sealing state is such that the first arm and the second arm are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are pressed onto the tube from opposite sides;

[0038] The lower sealing state, wherein the first and second arms are in the lower position and the first and second sealing clamp elements are pressed against the tube from opposite sides; and

[0039] The lower part is in the open state, with the first and second arms in the lower position and the first and second sealing clamp elements separated.

[0040] The upper and lower inclined surfaces of the inductor enable the food to be removed from the sealed portion of the packaging material during the transition from the upper open state to the upper sealed state.

[0041] The packaging machine can be configured to produce food packaging, each of which can contain less than 200 ml of food.

[0042] The packaging machine may operate at a speed of less than 20,000 food packages per hour.

[0043] According to a third aspect, a method for producing food packaging containing food is provided. The method includes:

[0044] Receiving a roll of packaging material using a roll receiver;

[0045] Tubes are formed from packaging material using a tube former;

[0046] Use product filling equipment to fill food into tubes;

[0047] A transverse sealing device comprising a first sealing clamp element and a second sealing clamp element is used to transversely seal the lower portion of the tube, wherein the first sealing clamp element is attached to a first arm and the second sealing clamp element is attached to a second arm, wherein the first arm is attached to a first motor device and the second arm is attached to a second motor device, wherein the first sealing clamp element includes an inductor for heating the packaging material.

[0048] The inductors include:

[0049] The body includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface being arranged to face the packaging material during a sealed state;

[0050] A recess provided in the body for receiving the tool during cutting, wherein a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface are located on opposite sides of the recess; and

[0051] An electrical conductor device disposed in the body is used to induce eddy currents in the packaging material during the sealed state.

[0052] Each of the first and second sealing surfaces includes a top portion, an inner sealing portion disposed between the recess and the top portion, and an outer sealing portion disposed between the top portion and the outer edge of the inductor.

[0053] The inner sealing portion is inclined towards the concave part, while the outer sealing portion is inclined towards the outer edge.

[0054] The second sealing clamp element includes an anvil.

[0055] The sealing step includes the following sub-steps:

[0056] The transverse sealing device is placed in the upper open state, with the first arm and the second arm in the upper position, and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are separated by using the first motor device and the second motor device.

[0057] The transverse sealing device is placed in the upper sealing state, wherein the first arm and the second arm are in the upper position, and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are pressed onto the tube from opposite sides by using the first motor device and the second motor device, so that when the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are pressed against the sealing strip, the particles in the food held in the tube are pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube.

[0058] The transverse sealing device is positioned in the lower sealing state, with the first and second arms in the lower position, and the first and second sealing clamp elements are pressed onto the pipe from opposite sides using the first and second motor devices; and

[0059] The transverse sealing device is placed in the lower open state, with the first arm and the second arm in the lower position, and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are separated by using the first motor device and the second motor device.

[0060] The inductor disclosed in the second aspect may include an outer sealing portion length (OSS-L) that may be greater than the inner sealing portion length (ISS-L).

[0061] The inductor disclosed in the second aspect may include an inner portion inclination of an inner portion of an outer sealing surface, the inner portion inclination being greater than the outer portion inclination of an outer portion of an outer sealing surface, wherein the inner portion may be close to the top portion.

[0062] The inner sealing surface can have a constant inclination.

[0063] The sealing tape length can be less than 14 mm.

[0064] According to the fourth aspect, a food packaging package is provided. This food packaging package can be obtained through the following steps:

[0065] Receiving a roll of packaging material using a roll receiver;

[0066] Tubes are formed from packaging material using a tube former;

[0067] Use product filling equipment to fill food into tubes;

[0068] A transverse sealing device comprising a first sealing clamp element and a second sealing clamp element is used to transversely seal the lower portion of the tube, wherein the first sealing clamp element is attached to a first arm and the second sealing clamp element is attached to a second arm, wherein the first arm is attached to a first motor device and the second arm is attached to a second motor device, wherein the first sealing clamp element includes an inductor for heating the packaging material.

[0069] The inductors include:

[0070] The body includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface being arranged to face the packaging material during a sealed state;

[0071] A recess provided in the body for receiving the tool during cutting, wherein a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface are located on opposite sides of the recess; and

[0072] An electrical conductor device disposed in the body is used to induce eddy currents in the packaging material during the sealed state.

[0073] Each of the first and second sealing surfaces includes a top portion, an inner sealing portion disposed between the recess and the top portion, and an outer sealing portion disposed between the top portion and the outer edge of the inductor.

[0074] The inner sealing portion is inclined towards the concave part, while the outer sealing portion is inclined towards the outer edge.

[0075] The second sealing clamp element includes an anvil.

[0076] The sealing step includes the following sub-steps:

[0077] The transverse sealing device is placed in the upper open state, with the first arm and the second arm in the upper position, and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are separated by using the first motor device and the second motor device.

[0078] The transverse sealing device is placed in the upper sealing state, wherein the first arm and the second arm are in the upper position, and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are pressed onto the tube from opposite sides by using the first motor device and the second motor device, so that when the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are pressed against the sealing strip, the particles in the food held in the tube are pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube.

[0079] The transverse sealing device is positioned in the lower sealing state, with the first and second arms in the lower position, and the first and second sealing clamp elements are pressed onto the pipe from opposite sides using the first and second motor devices; and

[0080] The transverse sealing device is placed in the lower open state, with the first arm and the second arm in the lower position, and the first sealing clamp element and the second sealing clamp element are separated by using the first motor device and the second motor device.

[0081] Food packaging may include transverse sealing fins with a height of 7 mm or less. A sealing strip length of less than 14 mm allows for sealing fin lengths in manufactured packaging that are less than 7 mm.

[0082] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0083] The effects and features of the second, third, and fourth aspects are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect. The embodiments mentioned in the first aspect are largely compatible with the second, third, and fourth aspects. It should also be noted that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the inventive concept involves all possible combinations of features. Further scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that while preferred embodiments of the invention are shown, the detailed descriptions and specific examples given are illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will understand from the following detailed description various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention.

[0084] Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific components of the described device or the steps of the described method, as such devices and methods can be modified. The terminology used herein is also for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not restrictive. It must be noted that the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” used in the specification and appended claims are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “a unit” or “the unit” can include multiple devices, etc. Furthermore, the words “including,” “comprising,” “containing,” and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein...

[0086] Figure 1 This is a general schematic diagram of a roll-feed packaging machine;

[0087] Figure 2 This is a more detailed drawing of a sealing device arranged inside a packaging machine, which is used to provide a lateral seal;

[0088] Figure 3A -D indicates the sub-state of the lateral sealing device and the sealing state;

[0089] Figure 4A -C shows the inductor from a different perspective;

[0090] Figure 5A -C shows the inductor in more detail;

[0091] Figure 6 A line graph showing multiple pressure distributions is presented;

[0092] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for producing food packaging containing food. Detailed Implementation

[0093] Figure 1 A packaging machine 100 is generally shown. In the example shown, the packaging machine 100 is a roll-feed carton packaging machine. The general principle of such a machine is to form a web 102 from a roll of packaging material. The packaging machine 100 may include a roll receiver (not shown) for receiving the roll of packaging material. Although not shown, the web 102 may be sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide bath, a low-pressure electron beam (LVEB) device, or any other device capable of reducing large quantities of unwanted microorganisms if required to meet food safety regulations. After sterilization, the web 102 can be formed into a tube 104 by using a tube former. According to a non-limiting example, the tube former may be a longitudinal sealing device. Once the tube has been formed, a product (e.g., milk) can be fed into the tube 104 from a product filling device through a product tube 106 placed at least partially within the tube 104.

[0094] To form package 112 from tube 104 containing product, a lateral seal can be performed at the lower end of the tube using sealing device 110. Typically, sealing device 110 has two main functions: providing a lateral seal by welding the two opposite sides of tube 104 together, separating the product below tube 104 (placed below sealing device 110) from the product in tube 104 (placed above sealing device 110), and cutting off the lower portion of tube 104 to form package 112. Alternatively, instead of providing a lateral seal and cutting off the lower portion in the same device, the step of cutting off the lower portion can be performed by different equipment in subsequent steps, or by the user if the packages are intended to be sold in multi-packs. Figure 2 and Figure 3A -D Further discussion on sealing device 110.

[0095] refer to Figure 2 The general principle of the sealing device 110 is shown in more detail. The tube 104 can be fed from above, which allows the product to be held inside the tube 104. The sealing device 110 can be configured in a first stage, sealing stage S. In sealing state S, the first sealing element 200 and the second sealing element 202 move toward each other, such that the two opposite sides of the tube 104 are pressed against each other. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different topic.) Figure 3A -D discusses the sealing condition S in more detail.

[0096] The sealing device 110 can be configured for a subsequent step, referred to herein as the cutting stage C. In the cutting stage C, the lower portion of the tube 104 can be cut off to form the package 112. To increase the speed of package formation, during the sealing stage S and the cutting stage C, the sealing elements 200, 202 (also referred to herein as sealing clamp elements) can move together with the tube 104 in the tube feed direction A.

[0097] To provide a more controllable formation process for the package 112, so-called volume forming wings 204a, 204b can be used. More specifically, by using these, a tube 104 having a circular cross-section can be guided in a controlled manner into the package 112 having a rectangular cross-section.

[0098] The first sealing element 200 may be equipped with an inductor 206, which will be discussed below. Figure 4A -C and Figure 5A -C will be discussed in more detail. After providing a lateral seal, the lower part of the tube 104 can be cut off using the cutter 208 to form the package 112. In this example, the cutter 208 and the inductor 206 are disposed in the first sealing element 200, but other arrangements are possible. For example, the cutter 208 may be disposed on the other side of the tube 104, in the second sealing element 202, or the cutting step may be performed by a separate device downstream of the sealing device.

[0099] refer to Figure 3A -D, illustrating a sub-state of sealing state S by way of example. Additionally, a lateral sealing device 300, which can be part of sealing device 110, is illustrated by way of example. More specifically, the lateral sealing device 300 can be used as sealing device 110. Although Figure 3A Only one transverse sealing device 300 is shown in Figure -D, but the packaging machine 100 may preferably include two transverse sealing devices 300 that operate in pairs. However, since the two transverse sealing devices 300 can be arranged in the same manner, only one of them is shown in the figure.

[0100] If two transverse sealing devices 300 are used, they can be configured to alternately provide a transverse seal to the lower portion of the tube 104. This principle is derived from, for example, Tetra Pak. ™ (Tetra Pak ™ The Tetra Pak A3 Flex packaging machine sold is widely known.

[0101] The lateral sealing device 300 may include a first sealing clamp element 302a and a second sealing clamp element 302b. The first sealing clamp element 302a may be attached to a first arm 304a. The second sealing clamp element 302b may be attached to a second arm 304b. The first arm 304a may be attached to a first motor device 303a. The second arm 304b may be attached to a second motor device 303b. The first motor device 306a and the second motor device 306b may be configured to move the lateral sealing device 300. The first motor device 306a and the second motor device 306b may be configured to move the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b toward each other. The first sealing clamp element 302a may include an inductor 206 for heating the packaging material 108. The second sealing clamp element 302b may include an anvil for providing back pressure during the formation of the lateral seal. The tube 104 may also include a sealing strip, in which a lateral seal can be provided. The sealing strip may include a sealing strip length 308. Preferably, the length of the sealing strip 308 can be less than 14 mm.

[0102] Figure 3A The diagram illustrates a transverse sealing device 210 in its upper open state 300A. As shown, the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b can be in the upper position, and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b can be separated.

[0103] Figure 3B A lateral sealing device 210 in its upper sealed state 300B is shown. As shown, the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b can be in the upper position, and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b can be pressed onto the tube 104 from opposite sides, such that the two opposite sides of the tube 104 are pressed against each other. To provide a lateral seal, heat can be provided by inducing eddy currents in the packaging material to simultaneously press the two opposite sides together. The heat causes the polymer layer of the packaging material to melt, which in turn allows the polymer layer to be used to ensure that the two opposite sides can adhere to each other and remain together after the clamps are removed. When the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b are pressed onto the tube 104, a seal is formed from the sealing tape and the internal and external sealing portions of the inductor (see Figure 104). Figure 5C Remove food. In other words, during the transition from the upper open state 300A to the upper sealed state 300B, the product is removed from the sealing strip, so that no product, or at least a reduced amount of product, can be sealed in the lateral seal, which, as mentioned above, will negatively affect the quality of the lateral seal.

[0104] Figure 3CThe transverse sealing device 210 in the lower sealing state 300C is shown. As shown, the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b can be in the lower position, and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b can be engaged with... Figure 3B The same method discussed applies as the tube 104 is pressed from the opposite side.

[0105] Figure 3D The diagram illustrates a transverse sealing device in the lower open position 300D. As shown, the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b can be in the lower position, and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b can be separated.

[0106] In the state Figure 3A , 3B After the states described in 3C and 3D, the transverse sealing device 300 can continue by repeating these states again.

[0107] refer to Figure 4A -C, inductor 206 is shown from different perspectives as an example. Inductor 206 is configured for use in the lateral sealing tube 104 as described above. Inductor 206 can be mounted in the lateral sealing device 300. Preferably, as in combination Figure 2 and Figure 3A As discussed in -D, the inductor 206 can be mounted in the first sealing clamp element 302a. The technique of using inductors to achieve lateral sealing of packaging material is well-known. However, the disclosed inductor 206 differs from conventional inductors in at least the fact that the inductor 206 includes an irregularly shaped surface rather than a flat surface. The purpose of using the disclosed inductor 206 in conjunction with the lateral sealing device 300 can be to extrude product from the sealing strip of the packaging material 108. Therefore, this can provide a more reliable lateral seal because no product, or at least a reduced amount of product, can be encapsulated within the sealing area.

[0108] refer to Figure 4A An inductor 206 is shown below as an example. The inductor 206 may include a body 402. The body 402 may be provided with a protrusion 404. The protrusion 404 may be configured to ensure that the inductor 206 can be properly mounted in the packaging machine 100. The inductor 206 may further include one or more holes 406 to ensure that the inductor 206 can be properly mounted. The inductor 206 can be mounted using bolts or screws, wherein the holes 406 may be configured to receive bolts or screws. Therefore, the protrusion 404 and the holes 406 may be configured to cooperate to ensure that the inductor 206 can be mounted in the correct manner. Additionally, [further details will be provided]. Figure 4BFurther discussion suggests that the aperture 306 may be configured to fix the first conductor 312a and the second conductor 312b. The inductor 206 may also include one or more inlets 408 for allowing cooling medium to be fed into the inductor 206.

[0109] refer to Figure 4B The inductor 206 is shown in a side perspective view as an example. Besides... Figure 4A As shown, the inductor 206 may also include a shaped surface 410, which will combine with Figure 5A -C discusses the irregular surface 410 in more detail. The inductor 206 may also include an electrical conductor device (not shown). The electrical conductor device may be disposed within the body 402. (As in combination) Figure 2 and Figure 3A As discussed in -D, the electrical conductor device can be configured to induce eddy currents in the packaging material during a sealed state S. Inductor 206 may include a first conductor 412a and a second conductor 412b. Therefore, the electrical conductor device may include a dual loop, i.e., two circuits for inducing eddy currents in the packaging material. The electrical conductor device can be configured to induce eddy currents in the packaging material via the first conductor 412a and the second conductor 412b during a sealed state S.

[0110] refer to Figure 4C Inductor 206 is shown from above as an example. Figure 4C A top view of the body 402, the hole 406 for properly mounting the inductor 206, and the irregular surface 410 is shown.

[0111] refer to Figure 5A -C, shown as an example Figure 4B The inductor 206 shown has a cross-section of 500. (As in conjunction with...) Figure 4A As discussed in -C, the inductor 206 may include a body 402, a protrusion 404, a shaped surface 410, and a first conductor 412a and a second conductor 412b.

[0112] refer to Figure 5A The body 402 may further include a first sealing surface 502a and a second sealing surface 502b. During the sealed state S, the first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b may be arranged facing the packaging material. The inductor may further include a recess 504. The recess 504 may be provided in the body 402. (As combined...) Figure 2 The recess 504 discussed herein can be configured to receive the tool 208 during the cutting state C. A first sealing surface 502a and a second sealing surface 502b can be positioned on opposite sides of the recess 504. Therefore, the first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b can be symmetrical about the recess 504. Figure 4CAs shown, the first sealing surface 502a, the second sealing surface 502b, and the recess 504 can form an irregular surface 410.

[0113] refer to Figure 5B The recess 504 can be shown in more detail through examples. Additionally, Figure 5B A portion 500 of the first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b may also be shown. The first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b may each have a first top portion 506a and a second top portion 506b, respectively. The first top portion 506a and the second top portion 506b are also referred to herein as top portion 506. The first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b may each have a first inner sealing portion 508a and a second inner sealing portion 508b, respectively. The first inner sealing portion 508a and the second inner sealing portion 508b are also referred to herein as inner sealing portion 508. Figure 5C As further shown, the inner sealing portion 508 can be positioned between the recess 504 and the top portion 506. The inner sealing portion 508 can be inclined toward the recess 504. According to a non-limiting example, the inner sealing portion 508 can have a constant inclination, but other arrangements are also possible.

[0114] refer to Figure 5C The first sealing surface 502a can be shown in more detail by way of example. However, it should be understood that reference... Figure 5C The features discussed can also be related to the second sealing surface 502b. Therefore, the second sealing surface 502b may include the same features as the first sealing surface 502a.

[0115] Besides already combined Figure 5B In addition to the contents discussed, the first sealing surface 502a may be provided with an outer sealing portion 510. The outer sealing portion 510 may be positioned between the top portion 506 of the inductor 206 and the outer edge 512. The outer sealing portion 510 may be inclined toward the outer edge 512.

[0116] Furthermore, the inner sealing portion 508 may have an inner sealing portion length ISS-L. The outer sealing portion 510 may have an outer sealing portion length OSS-L. OSS-L may be greater than ISS-L. Preferably, the inner sealing portion length ISS-L may be 25% of the outer sealing portion length OSS-L.

[0117] The inner sub-part 514 of the outer sealing portion 510 may include an inner sub-part tilt. The outer sub-part 516 of the outer sealing portion 510 may include an outer sub-part tilt. The inner sub-part tilt may be greater than the outer sub-part tilt. The inner sub-part 514 may be adjacent to the top portion 506. According to a non-limiting example, the outer sub-part tilt may be parallel to a plane, and therefore the tilt may be 0 degrees. In this case, the outer sub-part 516 may be parallel to a plane, and therefore the outer sub-part 516 may not include any tilt. The advantage of having an outer sub-part parallel to a plane is that the outer sub-part 516 can be easily manufactured and the distance between the outer sub-part 516 and the inductor can be easily measured.

[0118] The disclosed design allows particles in the food retained within the tube 104 to be pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube 104 when the first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b are pressed against the sealing strip (not shown). The sealing strip may be a portion of the tube 104, which can be formed as a lateral seal in a more controllable manner compared to when the inductor has a flat surface.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a line graph showing a first pressure distribution and a second pressure distribution. This line graph demonstrates the relationship between pressure and distance from the center of the inductor, with the distance plotted in millimeters (mm).

[0120] The first line 602 may indicate a first pressure distribution, which may be a conventional inductor including a flat surface and ridges, referred to herein as a reference inductor. As shown, the first line 602 may include a local minimum located approximately 2.6-3.6 mm from the center of the inductor. This local minimum may result in the product being encapsulated within a sealed area of ​​the tube 104 of the packaging material 108.

[0121] The second line 604 can represent a second pressure distribution, which can be connected to the exposed inductor 206, i.e., the tilted inductor. As shown, the second line 604 does not include the local minima that the first line 602 may include.

[0122] Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, local minima can be avoided when using the inductor 206 disclosed herein, which has an irregular surface 410 (as described above, compared to the flat surface that a conventional inductor may have). Since local minima can cause food to be sealed in a sealed area, this risk can be avoided by using the inductor 206 disclosed herein.

[0123] refer to Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates a method 700 for producing food packaging 108 containing food.

[0124] In the first step S702, the roll of packaging material 108 can be received using a roll receiver. In the second step S704, a tube 104 can be formed from the packaging material 108 using a tube former. In the third step S706, food can be filled into the tube 104 using a product filling device. In the fourth step S708, the tube 104 can be laterally sealed at its lower part. This can be achieved by using a combination... Figure 3A -D discusses the transverse sealing device 300 to seal the tube 104.

[0125] The fourth step S708 may include the first sub-step S710, wherein the first sub-step S710 may include placing the transverse sealing device 300 in the upper open state 300A, wherein the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b are separated by using the first motor device 306a and the second motor device 306b.

[0126] The fourth step S708 may include a second sub-step S712, wherein the second sub-step S712 may include placing the transverse sealing device 300 in an upper sealing state 300B, wherein the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b are in an upper position and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b are pressed from opposite sides onto the tube 104 by using the first motor device 306a and the second motor device 306b, such that when the first sealing surface 502a and the second sealing surface 502b are pressed against the sealing strip, particles in the food held in the tube 104 are pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube 104.

[0127] The fourth step S708 may include a third sub-step S714, wherein the third sub-step S714 may include placing the transverse sealing device 300 in a lower sealing state 300C, wherein the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b are pressed from opposite sides onto the tube 104 by using the first motor device 306a and the second motor device 306b.

[0128] The fourth step S708 may include a fourth sub-step S716, wherein the fourth sub-step S716 may include placing the transverse sealing device 300 in a lower open state 300D, wherein the first arm 304a and the second arm 304b are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element 302a and the second sealing clamp element 302b are separated by using the first motor device 306a and the second motor device 306b.

[0129] Based on the above description, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be implemented in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An inductor (206) for laterally sealing a tube (104) containing food packaging material (108), the inductor (206) comprising: The body (402) includes a first sealing surface (502a) and a second sealing surface (502b), the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) being arranged to face the packaging material (108) during a sealed state (S); A recess (504) is provided in the body (402) for receiving a cutting tool (208) during the cutting state (C), wherein the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) are located on opposite sides of the recess (504); as well as An electrical conductor device disposed in the body (402) is used to induce eddy currents in the packaging material (108) during the sealed state (S). Its features are, Each of the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) includes a top portion (506), an inner sealing portion (508) located between the recess (504) and the top portion (506), and an outer sealing portion (510) located between the top portion (506) and the outer edge (512) of the inductor (206). The inner sealing portion (508) is inclined toward the recess (504), and the outer sealing portion (510) is inclined toward the outer edge (512), such that when the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) are pressed against the sealing strip, the product in the food held in the tube (104) is pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube, wherein the inclination refers to an inclination at a certain angle.

2. The inductor (206) according to claim 1, wherein the length of the outer sealing portion (OSS-L) is greater than the length of the inner sealing portion (ISS-L).

3. The inductor (206) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclination of the inner sub-part (514) of the outer sealing portion (510) is greater than the inclination of the outer sub-part (516) of the outer sealing portion (510), wherein the inner sub-part (514) is adjacent to the top portion (506).

4. The inductor (206) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner sealing surface has a constant inclination.

5. The inductor (206) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the sealing strip (308) is less than 14 mm.

6. The inductor (206) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical conductor device comprises a dual circuit.

7. A packaging machine (100) for producing food packaging (112), said packaging machine (100) comprising: A reel receiver, the reel receiver being arranged to receive a reel of packaging material (108); A tube forming device, the tube forming device being arranged to form a tube (104) from the packaging material (108); Product filling equipment, the product filling equipment being arranged to fill the tube (104) with food; A lateral sealing device (300) is arranged to provide a lateral seal at the lower portion of the tube (104). The lateral sealing device (300) includes a first sealing clamp element (302a) and a second sealing clamp element (302b), wherein the first sealing clamp element (302a) is attached to a first arm (304a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) is attached to a second arm (304b), wherein the first arm (304a) is attached to a first motor device (306a) and the second arm (304b) is attached to a second motor device (306b). The first sealing clamp element (302a) includes an inductor (206) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The second sealing clamp element (302b) includes an anvil. The first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b) are configured to move the transverse sealing device (300) between the following states: The upper open state (300A) is wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are separated; Upper sealing state (300B), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are pressed onto the tube (104) from opposite sides; The lower sealing state (300C) is wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are pressed against the tube (104) from opposite sides; and The lower part is in the open state (300D), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are separated. The upper and lower inclined surfaces of the inductor (206) enable the food to be removed from the inner sealing portion (508) and the outer sealing portion (510) of the packaging material (108) during the transition from the upper open state (300A) to the upper sealed state (300B).

8. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 7, wherein each of the food packages (112) produced comprises less than 200 ml of food.

9. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the operating speed of the packaging machine (100) is less than 20,000 food packages (112) per hour.

10. A method for producing food packaging (112) containing food, the method comprising: The roll of packaging material (108) is received by using a roll receiver; A tube (104) is formed from the packaging material (108) using a tube former; The food is filled into the tube (104) using a product filling device; The lower portion of the tube (104) is laterally sealed by a lateral sealing device (300) comprising a first sealing clamp element (302a) and a second sealing clamp element (302b), wherein the first sealing clamp element (302a) is attached to a first arm (304a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) is attached to a second arm (304b), wherein the first arm (304a) is attached to a first motor device (306a) and the second arm (304b) is attached to a second motor device (306b), wherein the first sealing clamp element (302a) includes an inductor (206) for heating the packaging material (108). The inductor (206) mentioned above includes: The body (402) includes a first sealing surface (502a) and a second sealing surface (502b), the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) being arranged to face the packaging material (108) during a sealed state (S); A recess (504) provided in the body (402) for receiving a cutting tool (208) during a cutting state (C), wherein a first sealing surface (502a) and a second sealing surface (502b) are located on opposite sides of the recess (504); and An electrical conductor device disposed in the body (402) is used to induce eddy currents in the packaging material (108) during the sealed state (S). Each of the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) includes a top portion (506), an inner sealing portion (508) located between the recess (504) and the top portion (506), and an outer sealing portion (510) located between the top portion (506) and the outer edge (512) of the inductor (206). The inner sealing portion (508) is inclined toward the recess (504), and the outer sealing portion (510) is inclined toward the outer edge (512), wherein the inclination refers to an inclination at a certain angle. The second sealing clamp element (302b) includes an anvil. The sealing step includes the following sub-steps: S710: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in the upper open state (300A), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are separated by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b); S712: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in the upper sealing state (300B), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are pressed from opposite sides onto the tube (104) by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b), such that when the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) are pressed against the sealing strip, particles in the food held in the tube (104) are pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube (104); S714: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in a lower sealing state (300C), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are pressed onto the tube (104) from opposite sides by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b); and S716: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in the lower open state (300D), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are separated by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the length of the outer sealing portion (OSS-L) is greater than the length of the inner sealing portion (ISS-L).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the inclination of the inner sub-part (514) of the outer sealing portion (510) is greater than the inclination of the outer sub-part (516) of the outer sealing portion (510), wherein the inner sub-part (514) is adjacent to the top portion (506).

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the inner sealing surface has a constant inclination.

14. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the length (308) of the sealing strip is less than 14 mm.

15. A food packaging (112), said food packaging (112) being obtained by the following steps: The roll of packaging material (108) is received by using a roll receiver; A tube (104) is formed from the packaging material (108) using a tube former; The food is filled into the tube (104) using a product filling device; The lower part of the tube (104) is laterally sealed (S708) by a lateral sealing device (300) including a first sealing clamp element (302a) and a second sealing clamp element (302b), wherein the first sealing clamp element (302a) is attached to a first arm (304a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) is attached to a second arm (304b), wherein the first arm (304a) is attached to a first motor device (306a) and the second arm (304b) is attached to a second motor device (306b), wherein the first sealing clamp element (302a) includes an inductor (206) for heating the packaging material (108). The inductor (206) mentioned above includes: The body (402) includes a first sealing surface (502a) and a second sealing surface (502b), the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) being arranged to face the packaging material (108) during a sealed state (S); A recess (504) is provided in the body (402) for receiving a cutting tool (208) during the cutting state (C), wherein the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) are located on opposite sides of the recess (504); as well as An electrical conductor device disposed in the body (402) is used to induce eddy currents in the packaging material (108) during the sealed state (S). Each of the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) includes a top portion (506), an inner sealing portion (508) located between the recess (504) and the top portion (506), and an outer sealing portion (510) located between the top portion (506) and the outer edge (512) of the inductor (206). The inner sealing portion (508) is inclined toward the recess (504), and the outer sealing portion (510) is inclined toward the outer edge (512), wherein the inclination refers to an inclination at a certain angle. The second sealing clamp element (302b) includes an anvil. The sealing (S708) step includes the following sub-steps: S710: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in the upper open state (300A), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are separated by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b); S712: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in the upper sealing state (300B), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the upper position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are pressed from opposite sides onto the tube (104) by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b), such that when the first sealing surface (502a) and the second sealing surface (502b) are pressed against the sealing strip, particles in the food held in the tube (104) are pushed away from the sealing strip of the tube (104); S714: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in a lower sealing state (300C), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are pressed onto the tube (104) from opposite sides by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b); and S716: The transverse sealing device (300) is placed in the lower open state (300D), wherein the first arm (304a) and the second arm (304b) are in the lower position and the first sealing clamp element (302a) and the second sealing clamp element (302b) are separated by using the first motor device (306a) and the second motor device (306b).

16. The food packaging according to claim 15, wherein the height of the transverse sealing fins is 7 mm or less.

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