Device and method for producing a pouch filled with a liquid or pasty filler

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for producing a bag filled with a liquid or pasty filling material, in particular a bag (2) filled with a liquid or pasty food product (14). The device has a co-extrusion device (3) for co-extruding a strip (10) made of a packaging material (15) filled with a filling material (14); the invention relates to a packaging device (1) for packaging bags (2), comprising a plurality of sub-stamps (6a, 6b), and opposing circulating sub-stamps (6a, 6b), between which the strips (10) can be conveyed, and which, when the sub-stamps are moved towards each other on their track paths (U), can expel filling from the packaging material (15) at a sub-region point (8) and can press the packaging material (15) flat to form the bags (2) at the sub-region point (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for producing bags filled with liquid, in particular bags of food, namely a device and a method according to the following technical solution. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art that products such as cosmetics, foodstuffs etc. are packaged in so-called bags. A bag is a package having a flat end section at its ends. Such packages are usually produced using a tubular baler. For example, Figure 8 It is shown how this vertical tubular baler works. For this purpose, a package with a packaging function is produced, wrapped around a forming tube and closed with the aid of a longitudinal sealing seam. The cylinder thus produced is filled with the product to be packaged, such as ketchup, via the forming tube and sealed at the transverse sealing seam using a sealing die. During the filling process, the sealing die usually has to remain closed for a period of time, which reduces the output. On the other hand, sufficient sealing time is required to produce sufficient strength at the sealing point. During sealing, the packages also usually adhere together. In short, when using biodegradable packaging materials (coextruded packaging), such as sodium alginate packaging, pectin packaging or collagen packaging, the above method is complicated and only applicable to a limited extent.

[0003] Fig. 9 Schematically shows a combination with Figure 8 The horizontal flow packaging machine has similar problems to the vertical form, fill and seal machine shown. In particular, liquids cannot be packaged using a horizontal flow packaging machine. Summary of the invention

[0004] On this basis, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing liquid-filled or paste-like products in a simplified, more efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The invention discloses an apparatus and method for sealing bags of filling materials, especially liquid or pasty foods, which can achieve liquid-tight packaging.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the features of the following technical solutions.

[0006] According to the invention, the device for producing bags filled with liquid or pasty fillings, in particular food, comprises a coextrusion device for coextruding a strip of packaging material (shell material) filled with the filling. This coextrusion device extrude the filling or food and the packaging material simultaneously. This coextrusion device is also particularly suitable for extruding a strip of packaging material that can be solidified by a solidifying solution. The packaging material to be solidified, in particular a gel, is preferably a biodegradable packaging material, such as sodium alginate gel, pectin gel or collagen gel. Sodium alginate gel is particularly preferably used for food. For example, calcium chloride solution serves as a solidifying solution.

[0007] In addition, the device has relatively circulating zoned dies between which the strip produced by the coextrusion device can be conveyed. When the zoned dies move toward each other on their orbital paths and engage in the strip, the zoned dies can drive the filler, especially the food, from the packaging material at the zoned points and press the packaging material, which has not yet completely solidified, into a flat state to form a bag at the zoned points.

[0008] With the circulation of the relative partitioning dies, they are not aligned parallel to each other in the front deflection area (which faces the coextrusion device). This means that when they move toward each other in the deflection area until they are aligned substantially parallel to each other again, they drive out the internal mass, i.e. the filler, so that there is no internal mass in the partition point, but only the empty packaging. Therefore, the partition point can be pressurized in an empty manner and sealed liquid-tightly. In the case of a curable packaging material, the packaging material is not fully cured in the partition point, i.e. it is not fully cross-linked, so that the curable packaging material on the upper and lower sides of the packaging can be combined together on the inner side of the partition point, especially also combined together homogeneously. This is feasible because the partitioning dies are engaged in the coextruded strip, and the packaging material, i.e. the film, is not produced in advance, as described in the prior art.

[0009] The device according to the invention thus enables liquid-tight packaging of the filling material due to the smooth and wrinkle-free partition points which are pressed over the entire surface.

[0010] Liquids are understood here to mean, for example, fillings with a viscosity of, for example, <= 70,000 mPas at 20° C., and thus, for example, also fillings with a viscosity of, for example, < 5000 mPas at 20° C., such as ketchup or mustard, soups, shampoos, creams, honey, jams, etc. (also, for example, applesauce, baby food, salad dressings), and further, in particular, fillings with a viscosity of, for example, <= 1000 mPas at 20° C. (also, for example, juices, oils). However, the device is also suitable for producing bags filled with pasty fillings having a higher viscosity.

[0011] Although the partitioning die can also be arranged on the rod cyclically, it is particularly preferred that the device has a conveying device, which has a relative circulating conveying device, especially a conveyor belt or a chain, and a partitioning die spaced apart is arranged on each. For example, each conveying device is arranged with about 1 to 100 partitioning dies. The relative partitioning dies can move toward each other in the deflection area of ​​the conveying device, especially the conveyor belt, so that their flat pressing surfaces are first aligned in an angled manner when they are engaged in the strip. When further moving out of the deflection area, the partitioning die then becomes parallel to each other, so that the partition point can be pressed to be flat. As also mentioned above, during the transition from the deflection area to the area where the pressing surfaces of the partitioning die are aligned parallel to each other, the filler, especially the food, is driven out from the packaging material. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that during the period of conveying the produced bag in this way along the conveying direction, the partitioning die can further pressurize the partitioning point at least on the first section of the conveying device. In this way, the partitioning point can continue to solidify during the conveying in the conveying device and leave the device in a stable state.

[0012] Advantageously, bags can be produced with a higher throughput than in the prior art, since several partitioning elements are joined simultaneously and the hardening process is therefore not dependent on a portioning cycle.

[0013] Preferably, each partitioning die has a flat pressing surface. The flat pressing surface has no projections or depressions, but is smooth. It is located over the entire surface of the packaging material during pressing. In this way, in particular wrinkle-free partitioning points can be produced, so that when the bag is filled with a liquid or low-viscosity filling material, in particular a food, no liquid can leak out at the partitioning points. Thus, the packaging material can be pressed over the entire surface at the partitioning points.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure surface of the partitioning die has a length which extends perpendicularly to the conveying direction T of the conveying device and is greater than the width of the extruded strand (i.e., greater than the diameter of the extrusion nozzle of the packaging material). This ensures that liquid-tight partitioning points are produced and, for example, substantially rectangular bags are produced, while at the same time ensuring that the partitioning die expel the filler or food product at the partitioning points over the entire width of the bag.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the coextrusion device has a filling tube for discharging the filling material or the food, and an extrusion nozzle which is associated with the filling tube and has a substantially annular extrusion gap for discharging the packaging material. Preferably, the filling tube protrudes beyond the extrusion gap by a distance X, so that the packaging material can be extruded onto the filling tube through the extrusion gap and can at least partially harden along the filling tube, i.e. when, for example, a coagulation solution is applied to the filling tube. A configuration in which the filling tube protrudes beyond the extrusion nozzle for the packaging material is particularly preferred, because the distance between the filling tube and the conveying device can thus be minimized. This has the advantage that the extruded material does not sag downwards and the strands are separated at the earliest possible point in time.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the device can have a lubricant device for supplying a lubricant (e.g. water or a coagulant) between the filling tube and the extruded packaging material. It has been shown that this configuration is particularly suitable for the production of bags, since the packaging can thus be produced gently on the filling tube and removed therefrom. The coagulant is preferably applied to the extruded packaging from the outside upstream of the conveying device.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the width b of the outlet opening of the filling tube is greater than its height h2, wherein the outlet opening has an especially oval cross section or a rectangular cross section with rounded corners. This has the advantage that the product, especially the food, can already be extruded flat and thus the filling can be displaced more easily by the partitioning die and the package can be pressurized better. Another advantage is that when the upper packaging material is merged with the lower packaging material during pressurization, no wrinkles are generated which could lead to a weaker connection during the hardening process and thus to leakage after the bags are separated from each other.

[0018] However, it is also advantageous to form a tube section at the end of the filling tube facing the conveying device, the width of whose outlet opening is greater than the diameter h1 of the filling tube and whose height h2 is less than the diameter h1 of the filling tube. This means, as mentioned above, that the outlet opening can in particular have an elliptical cross section or a rectangular cross section with rounded corners, wherein however a standard coextrusion device can be used, in which the additional tube section is molded or attached to the existing filling tube. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the filling tube and the molded tube section is substantially the same, so that a uniform volume flow can be maintained.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the conveying means can be arranged one above the other and the lower circulating conveying means can be longer than the circulating conveying means above it (longer than it when viewed in the conveying direction). In this case, the produced bags can be conveyed further on the conveying means and harden further. Alternatively, the bags can be transferred to other lower conveying means. In both embodiments, the bags can also be separated, for example.

[0020] The device for applying the coagulant is preferably arranged upstream of the circulating conveying means, i.e. between the extrusion nozzle for the packaging material and the conveying device, when viewed in the conveying direction. The coagulation device has already made the packaging sufficiently solid so that the die does not damage the packaging material during the pressing. However, the packaging material is still not completely crosslinked or gelled, so that a perfect material bond between the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material can be ensured during the pressing.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the device has a separating device, which separates the consecutive bags from each other in the area of ​​the partitioning points. Such a separating device can be arranged, for example, in the conveying device or downstream of the conveying device, or the separating device can also be preferably integrated into the partitioning die. In this case, the sharp knife can be permanently integrated into the partitioning die. Alternatively, a movable sharp knife can be integrated into the center of the partitioning die, wherein the knife is moved, for example, by means of a door for cutting off the segment.

[0022] The separating device can also be designed in such a way that the partitioning point is not completely disconnected but is only perforated, for example via a perforating device.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between opposing partitioning dies, in particular the distance between opposing conveying means, is adjustable, so that the distance between the partitioning dies also changes accordingly. This means that the distance and the contact pressure can be precisely adapted to the product to be produced. This is preferred for sensitive packaging materials and for ensuring suitable partitioning points.

[0024] Advantageously, the filling tube of the coextrusion device overlaps spatially with the conveying device, i.e., when viewed in the conveying direction, there is no distance between the end of the filling tube and the end of the conveying device facing the coextrusion device. This ensures close proximity, so that the extruded strip does not sag and tear and the packaging material is not yet completely solidified.

[0025] Preferably, the outlet opening of the filling tube is arranged in the deflection region between the conveying means, in particular in the region behind a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction T when viewed in the conveying direction, on which plane at least one of the front deflection points P of the conveyor belt lies, wherein the filling tube can project so far in the conveying direction that the die can pass through the filling tube. The deflection point is the frontmost point of the conveying means at which the conveying means changes its direction of movement.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the conveying means of the opposite cycle is smaller at the rear end observed in the conveying direction than at the beginning. This means that the partition point can be pressurized more strongly during conveying using the conveying means.

[0027] According to the method for producing bags filled with a liquid or pasty filling, in particular a food, a strip of curable packaging material filled with a filling, in particular a food, is extruded via a coextrusion device. The strip is guided between circulating partitioning dies, which move toward each other, engage in the strip and drive the filling, in particular the food, from the packaging material at the partitioning points and press the packaging material, which has not yet completely cured, into bags at the partitioning points. The curable packaging material can be a gel, in particular a biodegradable gel, preferably a sodium alginate gel, a pectin gel or a collagen gel.

[0028] With the method according to the invention, bags having wrinkle-free, smooth and therefore tight partition points can be produced in an improved manner, so that liquids can also be packaged.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, a conveying device having relatively circulating conveying means, in particular conveyor belts or chains, on which a plurality of spaced-apart partitioning dies are arranged, conveys the separated bags in a conveying direction T, wherein the partitioning points are further pressurized by the partitioning dies.

[0030] The produced separated bags have a rectangular, possibly square, flat shape, i.e. the height of the bag is less than the width; preferably, the ratio of height to width is in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:20. The partition points defining the front and rear of the bag are flat and extend over the entire width of the bag.

[0031] The packaging material can contain food flakes, such as bell pepper flakes or spice flakes. This achieves a particularly attractive appearance and a special taste, such as cream cheese coated with bell pepper flakes.

[0032] Advantageously, the distance from the outlet opening of the filling tube to a plane E1 which is perpendicular to the conveying direction T and on which at least one of the front axes around which the conveying means circulates lies is approximately 5 to 30 mm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the following drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment according to the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A roughly schematic section of an embodiment is shown in a perspective view in FIG.

[0036] Figure 3 The filling tube outlets on three different filling tubes according to the invention are schematically shown in side and top views.

[0037] Figure 4 The bags produced in a chain and the separated bags are schematically shown.

[0038] Figure 5a A schematic diagram of a delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 5b A schematic perspective view of a partitioned stamp is shown.

[0040] Figure 6 A cross section of a coextrusion device according to the invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 7 A further embodiment is shown with an extended lower conveying means and an integrated separating unit.

[0042] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A flow packaging machine according to the prior art is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 A roughly schematic embodiment of an apparatus 1 for producing bags 2 filled with a liquid or pasty filling or food is shown. The following embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to food to be filled, but are equally applicable to other fillings, ie non-foods.

[0044] The device has a coextrusion device 3 for coextruding a strip of packaging material 15 filled with a food 14. For example, the liquid food can be ketchup, mustard, jam or honey. Non-food products such as shampoo, creams, liquid detergents, etc. can also be considered as liquid fillers. However, fillers or foods with higher viscosities can also be tightly packaged using the device according to the invention, and liquid-tight packaging is also preferred here so that the product does not dry out.

[0045] Sodium alginate gel is particularly suitable as a curable packaging material, alternatively pectin gel or collagen gel. Such materials are particularly preferred because they are biodegradable and also edible and can reduce the amount of plastic waste. Such materials are commercially available, for example, as a paste or as a powder to be mixed with water.

[0046] Figure 6 A possible embodiment of such a coextrusion device 3 is shown. The coextrusion device 3 has a filling tube 9 for discharging the food 14 and an extrusion nozzle 13 associated with the filling tube 9, which has a preferably annular extrusion gap 11 for discharging the packaging material 15. Although not shown here, there is a coextrusion device that discharges the packaging material 15 directly onto the outer surface of the food 14. However, this is difficult to achieve in the case of liquid or low-viscosity materials. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The following filling tube is shown, which protrudes beyond the extrusion gap 11 into the section X, so that the packaging material 15 is extruded through the extrusion gap 11 onto the filling tube 9 and can thus harden along the filling tube 9 and can then be removed from the filling tube 9 together with the extruded food 14. In order to ensure that the extruded packaging material 15 already begins to harden on the filling tube 9, a device 16 for applying a coagulant can be arranged in the region of the filling tube section X. For example, a 10% saline solution, in particular a calcium chloride solution, is suitable as a coagulant.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the device can have a lubricant device 19 for supplying lubricant between the filling tube 9 and the discharged packaging material 15. In this way, the slippage between the filling tube and the discharged packaging material can be minimized. For example, water can be added as a lubricant. For example, the lubricant device includes a supply device 19a for lubricant. The supply portion 19a is formed as a channel in the filling tube 9 here. For example, the channel extends in a ring shape in the wall of the filling tube. In the region of the extrusion gap 11, other annular gaps are arranged around the outer surface of the filling tube 9. For this purpose, the filling tube 9 has a diameter in the region behind other annular gaps 19b that is smaller than the filling tube in the region in front of other annular gaps 19b. Internal injection of lubricant can be carried out between the discharged packaging material and the surface of the filling tube 9 via the annular gap 19b. This makes the discharged packaging material slide easily on the filling tube.

[0048] Since the filling tube 9 protrudes beyond the extrusion gap 11, it can be arranged with its outlet opening 12 particularly close to the conveying device 4 arranged downstream in the conveying direction T. In this case, the conveying device has opposite circulating conveying means 5a, 5b, here for example conveyor belts, on each of which a spaced-apart partitioning die 6a, 6b is arranged. Irrespective of this embodiment, for example 1 to about 100 partitioning dies can be arranged on the circulating conveying means.

[0049] In this embodiment, the outlet opening 12 of the filling tube 9 extends so far in the conveying direction T that the outlet opening 12 of the filling tube is arranged in the deflection area between the conveying means, i.e., in this case in the area behind the plane E2, on which at least one of the front deflection points P of the conveyor belt is located and which extends perpendicularly to the conveying direction T, i.e., here perpendicularly to the image plane. However, the filling tube 9 only extends so far into the deflection area that it does not collide with the partitioning dies 6a, 6b. The distance from the outlet opening 12 to the plane E1, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction T and around which the conveying means 5a, 5b circulate, is approximately 5 to 30 mm. 1a , A 1b At least one of them is located on plane E1.

[0050] When the partition die 6a, 6b circulates on the corresponding conveying device 5a, 5b, they all pass through the deflection point P and are not yet aligned parallel to each other in the deflection area between planes E1 and E2. Because the partition die is not aligned parallel to each other, when the partition die moves toward each other in the deflection area, they drive out the internal quality from the packaging, so that when the partition die 6a, 6b are subsequently aligned parallel to each other and the packaging material 15 is pressurized, there is no internal quality in the partition point 8, but only the empty packaging. Therefore, the partition point 8 can be pressurized and combined (homogeneous) in an emptying manner. In the case of curable packaging material, the packaging material is not yet fully cured, i.e., not yet fully cross-linked, in the partition point, so that the curable packaging material on the top and bottom of the packaging can be combined in the partition point. During pressurization, the partition die 6a, 6b has a distance s, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 0.5mm. This distance can still change in the conveying direction T, for example, if the distance between the conveying devices is greater than or equal to or less than the distance at the opposite rear end according to the application at an end facing the filling pipe. For example, the distance in the front and middle regions can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, while the distance in the rear region can be 0.1 to 1 mm. The distance between the partitioning dies can be set independently of one another on both sides of the conveying means, in particular by setting the distance between the conveying means 5a, 5b.

[0051] During the transport of the pressurized bag 2 in the transport direction T, the partitioning points 8 are thus further pressurized by the partitioning dies 6a, 6b, so that the partitioning points 8 can continue to solidify during transport and leave the transport device in a stable state.

[0052] In such Figure 1 At the end of the conveying device shown, Figure 4The bags 2 shown leave the device as a bag chain or in a separate manner, in which the individual bags are still connected via the partition point 8. The bags 2 can be separated by a separation device 17 ( Figure 7 ) is separated or subsequently separated into individual bags at the partition point 8. For this reason, it is important that the bag is pressed flat and without wrinkles at the partition point 8, so that no liquid or food can escape from the bag 2 via wrinkles or channels. It is also possible that the separation device 17 is already integrated into the pressing molds 6a, 6b. This flat pressing surface is then divided into two flat pressing surfaces by a separation device or a knife.

[0053] However, as already described, the connected bags can also be perforated with a perforating device (not shown) in the region of the partitioning points. The bags can then leave the device in the form of a chain and simply be cut off by the consumer.

[0054] Figure 3 Different filling tubes according to the invention are shown in side views and cross-sections. Figure 3 In the upper region of FIG. , a filling tube 9 with a filling tube diameter h1 is shown. Figure 3 , a filling tube 9 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In contrast to the previous figure, the outlet opening 12 does not have a circular cross section, but rather a cross section with a height h2, which is smaller than the width b of the outlet opening 12. The outlet opening 12 thus has a cross section that is in particular elliptical or rectangular with rounded corners. The width b of the outlet opening 12 preferably extends in a direction parallel to the conveying means (in this case the conveyor belts 5a and 5b), i.e. also along the length l of the partitioning dies 6a, 6b (see Figure 5a , 5b ). This has the advantage that the food can already be extruded flat, and therefore the food can be more easily displaced by the partitioning die 6a, 6b, and then the package can be pressurized in a better and wrinkle-free manner. Wrinkles should be avoided because wrinkles may lead to weaker connections during the hardening process and may also lead to leakage after the separation process of the bag. In order to realize the corresponding outlet opening 12, for example, a tube section 90 can be formed on the hollow cylindrical filling tube 9, the width of its outlet opening 12 being greater than the diameter of the filling tube and its height being less than the diameter h1 of the filling tube. In this way, a conventional extrusion head with a hollow cylindrical tube can be used.

[0055] It is also possible that Figure 3 As shown below, the entire filling tube already has a corresponding oval or square (with rounded edges) cross-section.

[0056] Figure 5a and Figure 5bThe partitioning dies 6a, 6b are shown in more detail. The partitioning dies 6a and 6b have a distance K from each other, which in turn substantially corresponds to the distance K between the partitioning points 8 in the bag 2 (see Figure 4 ). The partitioning dies 6a, 6b each have a flat and preferably smooth pressing surface. This also helps to achieve a wrinkle-free partition point, so that no liquid can leak out at the partition point 8 in a bag filled with liquid or low-viscosity food.

[0057] Advantageously, the pressing surface of the partitioning dies 6a, 6b has a length l which extends perpendicularly to the conveying direction T of the conveying device and is greater than the width of the discharged strand, i.e. greater than the diameter e of the extrusion nozzle 13 (see for example Figure 6 ). This ensures that a substantially rectangular bag is produced and at the same time ensures that the partitioning die drives off the food product at the partitioning point over the entire width r of the bag and seals it reliably.

[0058] Thus, the packaging material 15 can be pressed over its entire surface at the partitioning points 8. The partitioning dies 6a, 6b can be attached to the conveying means 5a, 5b (eg conveyor belts) via the connecting means 20, which here are only Figure 5b For example, plastic or stainless steel are particularly suitable as materials for the partition die, since the surface does not adhere to the packaging material.

[0059] Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The embodiment shown here is substantially the same as the aforementioned embodiment, wherein, however, the lower conveyor belt 5b is longer than the upper conveyor belt 5a, or the other lower conveying device 5b is adjacent to the lower first conveying device 5b in the conveying direction, so that the produced bag 2 or bag product strip can be transferred to the other lower belt. In this embodiment, the separation process can be carried out in each section, and the conveying is only carried out on the lower belt. For example, a rotating separation device 17 can be used for this purpose. The situation that the lower conveying device conveys the separated product from production to the separation process also means that there is no transfer problem. The separation process is carried out roughly in the middle of the partition point 8 with a small mechanical load. The conveying element, in particular the partitioning element, can also serve as a support for the separation element during separation.

[0060] Reference below Figures 1 to 7 The method according to the present invention is described in more detail.

[0061] In the method according to the invention for producing a filled bag 2 , firstly a strip 10 of curable packaging material filled with the food product 14 is extruded via a coextrusion device 3 .

[0062] Prior to separation, the packaging material 15 is treated with a coagulation solution via the device 16 for applying a coagulation solution. The coagulation solution can be sprayed via the device 16 onto the packaging material 9 applied to the filling tube 9 (e.g. in the form of a ring, for example) and collected in Figure 1 In the tray shown. In particular, calcium chloride solution is used as coagulation solution. As mentioned above, a lubricant can also be introduced between the filling tube and the packaging material 15.

[0063] The strip 10 produced in this way is discharged at the end of the filling tube 9. The end of the filling tube 9 extends as far as possible in the conveying direction T, that is, preferably into the deflection area of ​​the conveying means 5a, 5b. Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, when the partitioning dies 6a, 6b are engaged in the strip 10, they are at an angle α to each other and then continue to move until they are finally aligned parallel to each other. Therefore, when the partitioning elements 6a, 6b move towards each other in the deflection area until they are again aligned substantially parallel to each other, they drive out the food 14, i.e. the internal mass, so that there is no food in the partitioning point 8, but only the empty packaging. At this time, the packaging material 15 has not yet been completely cured and cross-linked, so that the partitioning point 8 can be neatly pressurized and glued, and the top side and the bottom side are combined in a material-locked manner. The bag 2 thus produced is further conveyed via the partitioning dies 6a, 6b in the conveying direction T and is further pressurized during conveying. During conveying in the conveying device 4, the partitioning point 8 can be further hardened and stabilized.

[0064] The process is repeated and subsequent partitioning dies 6a, 6b are joined in the produced strip in the same manner as described above. The distance between the partitioning dies corresponds substantially to the distance between the partitioning points in the bag 2.

[0065] The individual bags can then be subdivided at the partitioning point 8 via a separating device, for example on an extended lower conveying device 5b or on a lower second conveying device connected to the lower first conveying device 5b, or the bags can be produced as chains with a specific chain length, i.e., they are not separated or separated after a specific number of bags.

[0066] As from Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the produced bag 2 has a rectangular flat shape, i.e. the height u is smaller than the width r. The bag 2 is delimited at the front and rear by partition points 8a, 8b having a width m, which preferably has half the size of the entire partition point 8 produced by the partitioning die and corresponds substantially to half the width of the partitioning dies 6a, 6b. The pressed end areas delimiting the front and rear of the bag, i.e. the partitioning locations 8a, 8b, are flat and extend over the entire width of the bag. They also have a rectangular shape.

[0067] K is, for example, in the range of 15 to 200 mm, r is preferably in the range of 15 to 70 mm, and u is preferably in the range of 4 to 40 mm. These dimensions are merely exemplary and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] According to another possible embodiment, the packaging material (e.g., sodium alginate paste) includes crushed food (e.g., bell pepper slices). For example, the bell pepper slices have a particle size of 1 to 4 mm. 3 The extrusion gap for the packaging material must then be adapted accordingly and have a gap width that is greater than the largest dimension of the food pieces, e.g. the food pieces have a largest dimension of <2 mm and the gap width is therefore 2 mm. The proportion of comminuted food pieces in the packaging material (e.g. paste) that has not yet been extruded is in the range from 10 to 50% by volume.

[0069] According to other embodiments, the device has an additional twisting device, via which the filling tube can be twisted around its longitudinal axis. For example, the filling tube is rotated by 0.5 to 3 turns, preferably more than 1.5 turns, to produce a liquid-tight partition between two adjacent packages. Alternating flat partition points and twisted (i.e. rounded) partition points can then be produced, for example to produce a bag-shaped product.

Claims

1. A device (1) for producing bags (2) filled with a liquid or pasty filling, in particular bags (2) filled with a liquid or pasty food (14), characterized in that Features - a coextrusion device (3) for coextruding a strip (10) consisting of a packaging material (15) filled with said filler (14), and - oppositely circulating partitioning dies (6a, 6b), between which the strip (10) can be conveyed and, as the partitioning dies move towards each other on their orbital paths (U), can expel the filling (14) from the packaging material (15) at the partitioning point (8) and press the packaging material (15) into a flat state at the partitioning point (8) to form a bag (2).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device (1) The invention comprises a conveying device (4) having relatively circulating conveying means (5a, 5b), in particular conveyor belts or chains, on which the partitioning dies (6a, 6b) are arranged spaced apart, in particular in the following manner, That is, during the conveying of the bag (2) along the conveying direction (T), the partitioning dies (6a, 6b) are able to further pressurize the packaging material at the partitioning points (8).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The partitioning dies (6a, 6b) each comprise a flat pressing surface (7) in order to press the packaging material (15) at the partitioning points (8) in a smooth and wrinkle-free manner over the entire surface.

4. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The pressing surface (7) of the partitioning die (6a, 6b) has a length (l) extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction (T) of the conveying device (4) and greater than or equal to the width (b) of the discharged strip (10).

5. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The coextrusion device (3) comprises a filling tube (9) for discharging the filling material (14) and an extrusion nozzle (13), wherein the filling tube is used to discharge the filling material (14), and the extrusion nozzle is associated with the filling tube (9) and has an annular extrusion gap (11) for discharging the packaging material (15), wherein preferably, The filling tube (9) protrudes beyond the extrusion gap (11) by a distance X, so that the packaging material (15) is extruded through the extrusion gap (11) onto the filling tube (9) and can harden along the filling tube (9), in particular The device comprises a lubricant device (19) for supplying a lubricant between the filling pipe (9) and the packaging material (15) being discharged.

6. A device (1) at least according to claim 5, characterised in that The width (b) of the outlet opening (12) of the filling tube (9) is greater than its height (h2), wherein the outlet opening (12) comprises in particular an elliptical cross section or a rectangular cross section with rounded corners.

7. A device (1) at least according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that A pipe section (90) is formed at the end (E) of the filling pipe (9) facing the conveying device (4), the width (b) of the outlet opening (12) of the pipe section being greater than the diameter (h1) of the filling pipe and the height (h) being less than the diameter (d) of the filling pipe (9), wherein preferably the cross-sectional area of ​​the filling pipe (9) and the formed pipe section (90) are substantially the same.

8. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that The conveying means are arranged one above the other and the lower circulating conveying means (5b) is longer than the conveying means (5a) above it, or other conveying means are adjacent to the lower conveying means.

9. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that The device (1) has a device (16) for applying a coagulant upstream of the circulating conveying means (5a, 5b) when viewed in the conveying direction (T).

10. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a separating device (17) which separates consecutive bags (2) from one another in the region of the partitioning point (8), the separating device (17) preferably being integrated into the partitioning die (6a, 6b) or being a perforating device which perforates the bags (2) at the partitioning point.

11. The device (1) according to at least claim 2, characterized in that The distance between the opposing partitioning dies (6a, 6b) is adjustable, in particular the distance between the opposing conveying means (5a, 5b) is adjustable.

12. An apparatus (1) according to at least claim 2, wherein the filling tube (9) and the conveying device (4) overlap in space, in particular the outlet opening (12) of the filling tube is arranged in a deflection region between the conveying devices (5a, 5b), in particular in a region behind a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction (T) when viewed in the conveying direction, and at least one of the front flipping points (P) of the conveying devices is located on the plane.

13. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The distance between the conveying means (6a, 6b) of the opposite cycle is smaller, equal to or greater at the rear end (E) viewed in the conveying direction (T) than at the beginning, the distance being in particular adjustable.

14. A method for producing bags (2) filled with a liquid or pasty filling, in particular bags (2) filled with a liquid or pasty food (14), in particular using an apparatus (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 or 18, characterized in that A strip (10) of a curable packaging material (15) filled with a filler (14) is extruded via a coextrusion device (3) and guided between circulating zoned dies (6a, 6b), wherein The circulating partitioning dies (6a, 6b) move towards each other, engage in the strip (10), and here drive the filler (14) from the packaging material (15) at the partitioning point (8), and press the packaging material (15) that has not yet completely solidified into a flat state at the partitioning point (8) to form a bag (2).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The conveying device (4) has relatively circulating conveying devices (5a, 5b), in particular conveyor belts or chains, on which a plurality of spaced-apart partitioning dies (6a, 6b) are arranged respectively, and the conveying devices convey the partitioned bags (2) along a conveying direction (T), wherein the partitioning dies (6a, 6b) further pressurize the partitioning points (8).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The bag (2) is separated at its partitioning points, and the separated bag (2) has a rectangular flat shape, wherein preferably the height (u) of the bag is smaller than the width (r), and in particular the ratio of the height (u) to the width (r) is preferably in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:20, and preferably the partitioning points (8a, 8b) for sealing the bag (2) at the front and rear extend over the entire width (r) of the bag (2).

17. The method according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The packaging material comprises a food piece.

18. The device according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The distance from the outlet opening (12) of the filling tube (9) to a plane (E1) which is perpendicular to the conveying direction (T) and about which the conveying means (5a, 5b) circulates is about 5 to 30 mm. 1a , A 1b ) is located on the plane.

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