Tubular bag, method for producing a tubular bag and packaging machine for carrying out the method for producing a tubular bag

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular bag (1) comprising a head (2) and a bottom (3) extending parallel to the head (2), wherein the tubular bag (1) comprises a first connection (4) extending parallel to the head (2) and the bottom (3), the first connection (4) being formed by a material bond, and wherein the tubular bag (1) comprises at least two lateral second connections (5) connecting the head (2) to the bottom (3), the second connections (5) being formed by a material bond, and wherein a flap (7) is formed on and / or in the first connection (4). The invention further relates to a method for producing the tubular bag (1) and a packaging machine (10) for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tubular bag according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for producing a tubular bag according to claim 6 and a machine for carrying out the manufacturing method according to claim 11.

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to produce tubular bags by forming a film web into a tube over a forming shoulder and then sealing the edges of the film web with a longitudinal sealing unit. Subsequently, a first lateral transverse seal is created using a transverse sealing unit, onto which the goods to be packaged are placed by means of a dosing unit. A second transverse seal is created above the packaged goods. This second transverse seal can simultaneously form the first side of a new tubular bag.

[0003] It is also known to integrate sealing devices such as zip closures into the film tube so that the tubular bag can be resealed after initial opening. An exemplary design for such a tubular bag is known from German patent application DE 20 2018 106 482 U1.

[0004] A disadvantage of zip-lock pouches is that the zip closure is complex to manufacture and must be sealed along the entire length of the film. Particularly in the area of ​​the cross-seal forming the sides of the pouch, there is the problem of insufficient heating of the film during the sealing process, which can lead to leaks in the sides of the pouch. Furthermore, the zip closure is often made of a different material than the pouch itself, making recycling difficult or impossible. These pouches are therefore complex and expensive to produce.

[0005] It is also known to reseal a tubular bag after opening it by rolling and / or folding and then securing it, for example, with a rubber band or a clip. Such a bag clip is known, for example, from DE 69 303 472 T2.

[0006] A disadvantage of securing a folded pouch with a rubber band or clip is that a sufficient number of these items must be readily available at home or elsewhere, as they are usually sold and distributed separately from the packaging. Especially when traveling, these closure devices are often not readily available. However, simply folding and / or rolling the pouch without additional securing is insufficient to prevent it from opening unintentionally.

[0007] There is therefore a great need for a resealable tubular bag. Furthermore, the tubular bag should be cost-effective, as well as quick and easy to manufacture. It should also be leak-proof and securely contain the product after resealing. Particular emphasis is placed on the possibility of extensive recycling of the tubular bag. The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide such a tubular bag.

[0008] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple but effective way by a tubular bag according to the teaching of main claim 1, a method for producing a tubular bag according to the teaching of claim 6 and a packaging machine according to the teaching of claim 11.

[0009] According to the invention, a tubular bag is proposed, wherein the tubular bag comprises a head and a bottom parallel to the head, wherein the tubular bag comprises a first connection parallel to the head and bottom, wherein the first connection is materially bonded, and wherein the tubular bag comprises at least two second connections laterally connecting the head and bottom, wherein the second connections are materially bonded. The tubular bag is characterized in that a flap is formed on and / or in the first connection.

[0010] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the tubular bag, which is open at the top, can be closed by simply folding and / or crumpling the top edge and then inserting it into the flap. The flap can be formed easily and preferably from the same material as the rest of the tubular bag. This ensures easy recyclability. Furthermore, forming a flap is quick and easy from a manufacturing perspective, and therefore cost-effective. Since the flap is significantly thinner than a zip closure, a reliably tight seal can be achieved at all connections, especially the cross-connection.

[0011] The tubular bag is formed by first forming a film web into a tube, with the edges of the film web being joined together by a connecting unit, for example, a longitudinal connecting unit, thus creating a first bond. The film web can be overlapped at the edges, so that one side of the film is placed on top of the other side of the film. The edges point in opposite directions. Alternatively, the edges can point in the same direction, so that the edges are placed on top of each other on the inside of the film. Preferably, the first bond is either a longitudinal or a transverse bond, depending on the orientation of the tubular bag.

[0012] The first material-bonded connection is preferably achieved by applying heat, whereby the material of the film or of a single layer or layers of the film is at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, particularly under pressure. The first connection is especially preferably produced by sealing or welding the film.

[0013] The tubular bag has a top and a bottom side that run parallel to each other. The top side is the side that is on top when used as intended. The bottom side is opposite the top side and is therefore on the bottom when used as intended. Additionally or alternatively, the top and bottom sides can be defined by printing. Essentially, it is arbitrary which side is the top and which is the bottom. In symmetrically constructed tubular bags, the top side can be defined by the fact that this is the side that opens. In the simplest version, the top and bottom sides are formed by simply folding the film. To reinforce the fold, they can be creased to improve the shape of the tubular bag. Preferably, a perforation is incorporated at the top side. The perforation facilitates the opening of the tubular bag at the top.It is preferably conceivable that the head end comprises at least one recess and / or at least one connecting surface, in particular a connecting surface with a recess. The recess and / or the connecting surface make it possible to hang the tubular bag.

[0014] The tubular bag is laterally bounded by two secondary connections that link the bottom and top ends. These secondary connections form the sides of the tubular bag, thus sealing it. The secondary connections are formed by compressing the tubular bag and then bonding the compressed sections together. Preferably, the secondary connections run parallel to each other and / or at a right angle to the top and / or bottom ends. However, for a more visually appealing design, it is also conceivable that the secondary connections run at an angle to each other and / or to the top and bottom ends. Depending on the orientation of the tubular bag, the secondary connection is preferably a transverse or longitudinal connection.Furthermore, the terms "first compound" and "second compound" do not define a production sequence. In particular, it is also conceivable that one or more of the second compounds are produced before the first compound.

[0015] The second, material-bonded bonds are preferably created by applying heat, whereby the material of the film or of a single layer or layers of the film is at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, particularly under pressure. The second bonds are especially preferably produced by sealing or welding the film.

[0016] To enable the tubular bag to be closed after opening, the tubular bag includes a flap formed at and / or in the first connection. According to the invention, this flap is intended to receive and secure the opened head of the tubular bag after it has been folded, crumpled, and / or rolled. Preferably, the head is folded into a triangle or trapezoid and then folded to the side to secure the triangle or trapezoid in the flap. It has been shown that clamping the head under the flap provides sufficient friction in most applications to prevent the tubular bag from opening. It is conceivable to further secure the closure by additional measures, such as applying an adhesive strip. According to the invention, the head is opened and secured by means of the flap; however, it is alternatively conceivable to open and secure the bottom in the same manner.Preferably, the flap extends over at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the width of the tubular bag and / or a maximum of 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and / or 5% of the width of the tubular bag. Preferably, the flap extends over at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the width of a flag described elsewhere, and / or a maximum of 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, and / or 5% of the flag. Particularly preferably, the flap is fixed to both ends of the tubular bag.

[0017] Preferably, the flap and the film sheet from which the tubular bag is formed are made of the same material. This can improve and / or simplify the recycling of the tubular bag.

[0018] The tubular bag can be a block bottom bag, a stand-up bottom bag, a pillow bag, a flat bag, a sealed edge bag and / or a side gusset bag.

[0019] Essentially, the intended use of a tubular bag is arbitrary. It is particularly suitable for bulk goods, especially in the food industry. In this sector, a portion of the contents is often dispensed, while the remaining contents are protected from spillage and insect ingress by sealing the tubular bag. The bulk goods can be enclosed during the manufacturing process of the tubular bag.

[0020] The term "tab" refers to a flat, narrow element used to hold another part of the tubular bag. The various ways in which a tab can be formed are described elsewhere.

[0021] Using the tubular bag according to the invention, it is possible to provide a tubular bag that is quick, easy, and cost-effective to manufacture and is resealable to protect the contents. Furthermore, the tubular bag is easily recyclable and leak-proof.

[0022] Advantageous further developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0023] It is conceivable that the first connection includes a flap and that the tab is formed by a cut and / or a perforation in the flap. A flap is created when the longitudinal edges of the film are aligned in the same direction during the formation of the tube, preferably with their longitudinal edges facing each other, and the film is then sealed on both sides by a connecting unit, preferably a longitudinal connecting unit, to form a tube. The flap is not connected to the tube, at least in the area of ​​the tab; at least one edge of the flap remains connected to the tube bag. Preferably, the cut and / or the perforation runs parallel to the first connection and / or completely within the flap. This secures the flap to the tube bag on both ends. It is also preferably conceivable that the flap is secured to the tube in the area of ​​the second connection.If a film coated on one side with a sealing layer is used, it is also possible to prevent the flag from being attached to the hose.

[0024] In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the tubular bag is printed and / or embossed, and that the print and / or embossing includes a parallel fold line running above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second joints and above the flap and extending towards the top. Preferably, the print and / or embossing includes two fold lines, each starting at the second joints and above the flap and extending towards the center of the top. The fold lines simplify and clarify the intended folding of the tubular bag for closing the top. In particular, the embossing makes it easy to create a clean fold for resealing the tubular bag. The print simplifies the communication of the intended function of the flap.

[0025] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tubular bag includes at least one third connection and / or at least one fold at the top and / or bottom. The at least one fold and / or the at least one third connection allow the production of the bag types described elsewhere. The tubular bag preferably includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten top folds. More preferably, the tubular bag includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten bottom folds. Even more preferably, the tubular bag includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten third connections. It is particularly conceivable that the at least one fold is incorporated at the bottom, especially to increase stability.The fold is continuous and preferably reinforced by at least one third connection, in particular a longitudinal connection. A W-shaped fold is particularly conceivable, wherein the outwardly directed folds are reinforced by two third connections. In this embodiment, the bottom side is the side on which the tubular bag stands during intended use. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bottom side and / or top side are folded into a block bottom bag in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, previously formed folds of the bottom side and / or the top side are integrated into the second connection in such a way that the folds can no longer unfold. The third connection preferably runs along a fold.

[0026] The third bond is particularly preferably formed by material bonding. This material bond is further preferably achieved by the application of heat, whereby the material of the film or of a single layer or layers of the film is at least partially melted and brought into contact with one another, particularly under pressure. The third bond is particularly preferably formed by sealing or welding the film.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the tubular bag and / or the flap are made of a film comprising polyethylene (PE), in particular oriented polyethylene film (OPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), monoaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (MOPET) and / or biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), polypropylene (PP), in particular oriented polypropylene film (OPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP) and / or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and / or paper, in particular paper with an applied sealing layer. The weight fraction of paper is particularly preferably at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%. Furthermore, the film, tubular bag, and / or flap are made of a mono-composite. A mono-composite is a composite material in which the individual layers are made of the same material or of chemically similar materials.This allows the production of monocomposites with combinations of features that were previously only achievable through a combination of different materials. Monocomposites are particularly advantageous with regard to recyclability and disposal, enabling the achievement and maintenance of high environmental standards. Furthermore, at least one non-volatile and / or washable substance can be arranged between two or more layers to form an aroma barrier. The proportion of this substance is preferably no more than 5% by weight of the monocomposite, thus preserving its recyclability. More preferably, the substance is a metal or a metal alloy, with the aroma barrier being produced by metallization. Ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum oxide (ALOX), and / or silicon oxide (SIOX) are particularly preferred substances.

[0028] It is assumed that the definitions and / or explanations of the terms mentioned above apply to all aspects described below, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, process steps and / or features of process steps described above in connection with the tubular bag and / or below in connection with the packaging machine are also conceivable embodiments of the tubular bag manufacturing process described below, and features of the tubular bag and / or the packaging machine described below in connection with the tubular bag manufacturing process are conceivable embodiments of the tubular bag and / or the tubular bag manufacturing machine described above.

[0029] According to the invention, a method for producing a tubular bag described elsewhere is further proposed, in which a film web is formed into a tube by means of a forming shoulder, wherein the tube is longitudinally joined by means of a longitudinal joining unit to form a first joint, and wherein the tube is transversely joined twice by means of a transverse joining unit to form a tubular bag, creating at least two second joints. The method is characterized in that a flap is formed at and / or in the first joint and / or parallel to the first joint.

[0030] This process allows the production of a tubular bag with the advantages described elsewhere. The film web can be advanced intermittently or continuously. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the formation of the second connection occurs simultaneously on two tubular bags, with these bags being separated from each other by a cutting device that can be located below or within the cross-connection unit. It is also conceivable that the process includes a filling step for the tubular bag that takes place after the formation of the first and before the formation of the second connection. Particularly preferred is the material-bonded joining by sealing and / or welding. The forming shoulder is preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on the type of bag to be produced.

[0031] It is conceivable that the longitudinal joining takes place while forming a flag, and that the flag is cut and / or perforated to create a flap. The cutting and / or perforation can occur before, after, and / or during the longitudinal joining. If the cutting and / or perforation occurs before the flag is formed, the film web is cut and / or perforated on both sides in the area that will later form the flag.

[0032] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the film is printed and / or embossed, and that the printing and / or embossing includes a fold line running parallel above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second connections and extending towards the top. Preferably, the printing and / or embossing includes two fold lines, each starting at the second connections and above the flap and extending towards the center of the top. It is particularly preferred that the film be printed before forming at the symmetrical or asymmetrical forming shoulder. The embossing is also preferably carried out before forming. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the film is embossed after being formed into a tube and before being filled using an embossing roller. The embossing can also include a perforation at the top of the tubular bag, as described elsewhere. The printing and / or embossing facilitates or...illustrates the intended folding of the opened tube bag.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the film and / or the tube, which is longitudinally connected by means of a second longitudinal connection unit to form the first connection, is folded on one or both sides and / or connected longitudinally a second time. This allows the production of the bag types described elsewhere. The one-sided or two-sided folding preferably takes place before the transverse connection with the transverse connection unit. The at least second longitudinal connection preferably takes place during the first longitudinal connection and / or before the transverse connection.

[0034] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tube is filled horizontally or vertically after the formation of the first of the two connections and before the formation of the second of the two connections. This enables simple, quick, and airtight packaging of products. Pourable products, especially pourable foodstuffs, are preferably filled vertically. Divisible piece products, especially divisible piece products such as, but not exclusively, cheese and pastries, are particularly preferably filled horizontally.

[0035] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the process includes a "folding" step, in which the top and / or bottom of the tubular bag are folded to produce clean fold edges.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the invention, a packaging machine is proposed for carrying out a method for producing tubular bags described elsewhere, comprising a forming shoulder for forming a tube from a film web, a first longitudinal joining unit for producing a first joint, and a transverse joining unit for producing at least two second joints. The packaging machine is characterized in that it includes a flap forming means for creating a flap running along and / or within the first joint. The longitudinal joining with the longitudinal joining unit and the transverse joining with the transverse joining unit are material-bonded, preferably under the influence of heat and / or pressure. The transverse joining unit is particularly preferably a transverse welding unit and / or a transverse sealing unit.Even more preferred is a longitudinal welding unit and / or a longitudinal sealing unit for the first longitudinal joining unit.

[0037] The packaging machine can be used to produce tubular bags with the advantages described elsewhere. The first longitudinal splicing unit joins the film forming the tubular bag in such a way that it is sealed into a tube by the first connection. The transverse splicing unit applies the second connections transversely to the tube, so that the resulting bags are closed on all sides. The packaging machine is preferably a horizontal or vertical forming and filling machine. Depending on the type of bag being produced, the forming shoulder is preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0038] The terms "longitudinal joining unit" and "transverse joining unit" refer to joining units that connect the film web longitudinally or transversely with respect to the film web to create the first or second connections.

[0039] The term "flashing device" refers to a device that enables the formation, attachment, and / or insertion of a flap onto the tubular bag. Examples of possible embodiments are disclosed elsewhere.

[0040] In one embodiment, the lashing device is conceivable to be a cutting blade and / or a perforating blade. It is particularly preferred that the cutting blade and / or the perforating blade is arranged in the first longitudinal joining unit. It is further preferred that the cutting blade and / or the perforating blade is arranged before or after the first longitudinal joining unit. The cutting blade and / or the perforating blade at least partially cuts a flap formed by the first longitudinal joining unit or an area of ​​the film that will form the flap, in order to create the flap.

[0041] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the packaging machine includes a printing unit for producing a print and / or an embossing unit for producing an embossing. In particular, it is conceivable that the embossing unit is an embossing roller. This allows the advantages of the printing and embossing processes described elsewhere to be achieved.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, it is conceivable that the packaging machine comprises at least one folding unit and / or at least one second longitudinal joining unit. The at least one folding unit enables one-sided and / or two-sided folding to form the various bag types. Preferably, the packaging machine comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten folding units. The at least second longitudinal joining unit allows for further longitudinal joins to increase dimensional stability and / or sturdiness. Particularly preferably, the packaging machine comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten second longitudinal joining units.

[0043] It is conceivable that the packaging machine includes at least one vertical or horizontal feeding unit. Using this feeding unit, products can be filled directly into the flow packs to be produced.

[0044] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their function.

[0045] Specifically, we show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a tubular bag according to the invention in the unopened state; Fig. 2 the process of opening the tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 3 the process of removing products from the tubular bags according to the invention; Fig. 4 the process of a first folding of the tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 5 the process of a second folding of the tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 6 the process of a third folding of the tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 7 the process of preparing to close the tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 8 the process of closing the tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 9 a first perspective view of a closed tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 10 a second perspective view of a closed tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 11 a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag designed as a stand-up pouch; Fig. 12 a perspective view of an unopened tube bag designed as a pillow bag; Fig. 13 a flowchart of a method according to the invention; and Fig. 14 a packaging machine according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tubular bag 1 according to the invention in its unopened state. The tubular bag 1 has a head 2 and a bottom 3 opposite the head 2. The bottom 3 is folded in a known manner, so that the tubular bag 1 is designed as a stand-up pouch. Since the tubular bag 1 is made from a film web, it has a first joint 4 at which the film web has been longitudinally joined. Laterally, the head 2 and the bottom 3 are connected by two second joints 5, designed as transverse joints, which close the tubular bag 1. The longitudinal joining process is carried out such that the film webs are each placed on top of each other with the side forming the inside of the tubular bag according to the invention. In this way, a flap is formed. A slit 6 is made in the center of the flap, creating a tab 7.The incision 6 is approximately half the width of the tubular bag 1.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows the process of opening the tubular bag 1 according to the invention. The tubular bag 1 is cut open at the top 2 with scissors. It is also conceivable that the tubular bag 1 has a perforation (not shown) at the top 2, which allows the tubular bag 1 to be easily torn open. Likewise, the tubular bag 1 can have a tear tab at the top 2.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows the process of removing products from the pouch 1. For this purpose, the pouch 1 is tilted to the side so that products (not shown) can fall out of the open end 2 of the pouch 1. It is also possible to remove the products by inserting a hand into the pouch 1.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows the process of the first fold of the tubular bag 1. For this, a first corner on the head side 2 is folded from the second connection 5 towards the center of the head side 2 in the direction of the first connection 4. This process can be explained by a printed fold line (not shown) on the tubular bag 1 and / or simplified by an embossed marking (not shown). The fold serves to allow the tubular bag 1 to be closed. The fold is made at an angle of approximately 45°. Depending on the distance of the flap 7, steeper or more acute angles are possible.

[0050] Fig. Figure 5 shows the process of a second fold of the tubular bag 1. The second corner of the head end 2 is folded over, starting from the second connection 5 and moving towards the first connection 4. The second fold also extends to approximately the middle of the head end 2. In this case, the fold is made at an angle of approximately 45°. The first and second folds form a trapezoid on the head end 2.

[0051] Fig. Figure 6 shows the process of a third fold of the tubular bag 1. The trapezoid formed by the first and second folds on the head side 2 is folded over with the point towards the flap 7.

[0052] This fold can also be explained by a print and / or simplified by an embossing.

[0053] Fig. 7 the process of preparing to close the tubular bag 1. The short side of the trapezoid formed by folding at the head side 2 of the tubular bag 1 is guided towards the flap 7.

[0054] Fig. Figure 8 shows the process of closing the tubular bag 1. To close the tubular bag 1, the short side of the trapezoid is pulled under the flap 7. Friction and a positive fit hold the head end 2 in its folded and folded position within the flap 7, preventing the tubular bag 1 from opening. Partially opening the first and second folds in the flap 7 further secures the closure of the tubular bag 1. The tubular bag 1 can be opened at any time by pulling the trapezoid out of the flap 7. Resealing is still possible in the same simple way as described above. In addition to the trapezoidal shape, it is also possible to fold the head end 2 into a triangular shape, in which the first two folds meet in the middle of the head end or partially overlap. Depending on the position of the flap 7, it is also possible to omit one of the two folds.If the flap 7 extends over the entire width of the tubular bag 1, it is also conceivable to bring about the closure without the first two folds by inserting the head side 2 under the flap 7 without prior folding.

[0055] Fig. 9 and Fig. Figures 10 each show a perspective view of the closed tubular bag 1. The top side 2 was folded to create a point that could be pulled through the flap 7. The flap 7 is formed by a slit 6 in the flap. Because it is a stand-up pouch, the closed tubular bag 1 can stand upright on its bottom side 3 when closed.

[0056] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag 1, designed as a stand-up pouch. The tubular bag 1 comprises a top side 2 and an opposite bottom side 3. A first connection 4, which includes a flap, runs centrally between the top side 2 and the bottom side 3. The flap has a tab 7 shaped as a notch 6. Extending laterally from the bottom side 3 to the top side 2, the tubular bag 1 has two second connections 5, which complete the tubular bag 1. On the bottom side 3, a fold 2 is formed with outward-facing folds 8 and an inward-facing fold 8, which is held in shape by the second connections 5. In addition, a third connection 9 is arranged on each of the outward-facing folds 8 and on the top side 2.

[0057] Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag 1, designed as a pillow bag. The tubular bag 1 comprises a top side 2 and an opposite bottom side 3. A first connection 4, which includes a flap, runs between the top side 2 and the bottom side 3. The flap has a tab 7 shaped as a notch 6. The tubular bag 1 is completed by two second connections 5, each arranged laterally on the tubular bag 1 between the top side 2 and the bottom side 3. The tubular bag 1 has a fold with pleats 8 on both the bottom side 2 and the top side 1, which are partially unfolded to form the pillow bag.

[0058] Fig. Figure 13 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention. The method can be performed on a packaging machine 10 according to the invention (see Figure 13). Fig. 14) are carried out. In a first step 100, a film web is formed into a tube over a forming shoulder. In a subsequent second step 200, the tube is first cut along one edge with a cutting blade to form a flap and then longitudinally joined with a first longitudinal joining unit, creating a first connection. Then, in a third step 300, a first transverse connection, which is a second connection of the tubular bag, is created by means of a transverse joining unit, forming a fabric connection. The production step of the first transverse connection can also be the production step of a second transverse connection of a tubular bag produced immediately beforehand. During and / or after the production of the first transverse connection, the tubular bag is filled.Finally, in a fourth step, a second cross-connection, which is also a second connection of the tubular bag, is produced using the cross-connection unit, forming a fabric bond. The production step of the second cross-connection can also be the production step of a first cross-connection of a tubular bag produced immediately afterward. After and / or during the production of the cross-connection, the tubular bags are separated.

[0059] Fig.Figure 14 shows a packaging machine 10 in which a film web 11 is drawn over a symmetrical forming shoulder 12 and formed into a tube with overlapping edges. The overlapping edges are cut by a lamination device 13 designed as a cutting blade and then joined together by a first longitudinal joining unit 14, forming a first joint, such that the film web 11 forms a tube. A transverse joining unit 15 joins the tube transversely, forming a second joint, which is part of both a finished tubular bag and a tubular bag currently being manufactured. A fold introduced on the bottom side by a folding unit 16 is also fixed by the transverse joining unit 15.The tubular bag currently being manufactured is filled during and / or after the production of the second connection by means of a vertical feeding unit 17. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2018 106 482 U1

[0003] DE 69 303 472 T2

[0005]

Images