Closure system, manufacturing plant for manufacturing a closure system and hygiene products with a closure system

Abstract

A locking system (10) comprising a carrier part (12) with projecting locking elements (16) arranged in several parallel rows (17) on its front (12') and a locking element (14) arranged on the rear of the carrier part (12), wherein the carrier part (12) and the locking element (14) are partially connected to each other by several weld points (18), wherein the weld points (18) extend within at least one space (24) between immediately adjacent rows (17) and are spaced apart from each other along the rows (17), and wherein at least one additional weld point (20) is provided, which is arranged at least partially outside an outermost longitudinal row (17') of locking elements (16) at an edge (22) of the carrier part (12).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a closure system comprising a carrier part with projecting closure elements arranged in several parallel rows on its front side, and a locking element arranged on the rear side of the carrier part. The invention further relates to a manufacturing system for producing such a closure system and a hygiene product with such a closure system.

[0002] To create a fastening system, particularly an adhesive fastening system, a carrier part with protruding fastening elements often needs to be connected to a fixing element. The fixing element can serve as a support structure for the carrier part during use of the fastening system. Furthermore, the fixing element can be used to connect the carrier and fixing element assembly to other components. An example of such a structure is the adhesive fastener of a diaper, where a fixing element is attached to a diaper ear and is, in turn, connected across its surface to a carrier part with fastening elements. When the diaper is put on, the fastening elements can be hooked onto a corresponding part.

[0003] A well-known and widely used method for manufacturing a closure system with a closure element consisting of a carrier part and a fixing part involves bonding the carrier part and fixing part together. This can achieve a sufficiently strong bond between the carrier part and fixing part, usually without unduly increasing the stiffness of the composite. However, disadvantages of bonding include the increased demand for raw materials due to the required adhesive, the greater number of preparatory process steps, and the lower purity of the final product, which has a particularly negative impact on its disposal or recycling.

[0004] EP 3 408 067 B1 describes a method for manufacturing hygiene product closure systems, wherein a carrier part, which has closure elements arranged in rows, is welded to a fixing part by means of an ultrasonic welding process. The carrier part is connected to the fixing part in a continuous process along weld lines. The weld lines are applied between adjacent rows of closure elements. The closure elements are not affected by the welding process. The method uses a block tool of an ultrasonic welding system, which has projections that engage in the spaces between immediately adjacent rows of closure elements and thus serve as guide rails for the carrier part as the carrier part and the fixing part are moved during the welding process.

[0005] Closure components with continuous weld lines exhibit relatively high stiffness, particularly when bent around an axis perpendicular to the weld lines. This can negatively impact the handling of the closure component during further processing and use. It can also negatively affect the tactile perception of the end user.

[0006] EP 2 815 733 A1 discloses a method for welding a support part to a fixing part, wherein in particular a disc tool of an ultrasonic welding system can be used to generate weld lines between adjacent rows of closure elements. Interrupted weld lines can be generated by means of discrete sonotrod projections.

[0007] When joining a carrier part supporting a locking element and a fixing part using a welding process, the treatment of the carrier part's edge presents a particular challenge. With the methods known from EP 3 408 067 B1 or EP 2 815 733 A1, the carrier part can protrude from the fixing part at its outer edge. This can be detrimental from a tactile perspective. Furthermore, there is a risk that the connection between the carrier part and the fixing part will loosen during use, for example, under shear or peel stress.

[0008] Regardless of the challenges regarding stiffness distribution and the connection of the carrier part's edge, creating a connection using a welding process fundamentally requires that both the carrier part and the fixing part be weldable, and preferably made of thermoplastic materials. This requirement can have disadvantages. For example, in the diaper's adhesive closure example mentioned above, it might be desirable for the diaper ear to also serve as the fixing part, thus eliminating the need for a separate fixing part to be attached to the diaper ear. However, the diaper ear might not be able to be made entirely of a thermoplastic material due to other requirements, such as increased elasticity or absorbency. Object of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a reliable closure system that is advantageous in terms of manufacture, recycling, and use, particularly in a hygiene product. It is also an object of the invention to provide a manufacturing plant for producing such a closure system and a hygiene product with an improved closure system. Description of the invention

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by a closure system according to claim 1, a manufacturing plant for manufacturing a closure system according to claim 18, and a hygiene article according to claim 32. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments. Inventive locking system

[0011] The problem is thus solved by a locking system comprising a carrier part with projecting locking elements arranged in several parallel rows on its front side, and a locking element arranged on the rear side of the carrier part, wherein the carrier part and the locking element are connected to each other in certain areas by several welds, the welds extending within the space between immediately adjacent rows and spaced apart from each other along the rows.

[0012] Preferably, at least one additional weld point is provided, which is located at least partially outside an outermost longitudinal row of locking elements on an edge of the support part. The additional weld point serves to fix an edge of the support part.

[0013] The adjacent rows of closure elements can, in particular, run parallel to the outermost longitudinal row. The rows and outermost longitudinal rows then typically run along a machine direction or feed direction of a manufacturing plant.

[0014] Alternatively, the parallel rows of the locking elements can run diagonally to the outermost longitudinal row. Typically, in this case as well, the outermost longitudinal row runs along the machine direction, while the adjacent rows (between two outermost longitudinal rows) run diagonally to the machine direction.

[0015] Preferably, several additional weld points are present, spaced apart from each other along the outermost longitudinal row. This ensures that the flexibility of the locking system is sufficiently maintained.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing element has a material component whose melting temperature is higher than the melting temperature of at least one material component of the support element, in particular by at least 5 K, preferably 15 K, particularly preferably 40 K, or which is not meltable, in particular is not a thermoplastic.

[0017] In a borderline case, the fixing element consists in particular of one or more non-thermoplastic material components.

[0018] The material components of the fixing part and the material components of the support part are defined as those material components that constitute the fixing part and the support part, respectively, in their unwelded state. The fixing part and / or the support part may each consist of a single material. In this case, the fixing part and / or the support part each contain only one material component. Alternatively, the fixing part and / or the support part may consist of a composite material. In this case, the fixing part and / or the support part each contain several material components. For the purpose of comparing melting temperatures, the material component of the fixing part with the lowest melting temperature and / or the material component of the support part with the highest melting temperature is then considered.

[0019] In this context, the term "weld" or "welding" (possibly an additional one) refers, on the one hand, to the creation of a metallurgical bond between several material components (conventional view). On the other hand, it also refers to the mixing of material components, whereby one of the material components has been melted or plasticized, and another material component has been at least partially embedded in the melted or plasticized material, for example, by flowing around it, and a positive-locking connection exists between the material components after the melted / plasticized material component has solidified (alternative view). Accordingly, in this context, a (possibly additional) weld can, in extreme cases, be based solely on the positive-lock principle. In preferred embodiments, a combination of the two joining principles is present.

[0020] Preferably, the fixing element can comprise a thermoplastic material component and a non-thermoplastic material component.

[0021] In this way, the aforementioned joining principles can be combined to create the respective (possibly additional) weld point.

[0022] The fixing element, in particular the higher-melting-point or non-melting-point material component of the fixing element, may contain an additive for modifying at least one property of the locking system. The additive is specifically not suitable for creating a connection at any given (possibly additional) weld point according to the aforementioned positive locking principle. The additive may, for example, be a dye, a lubricant, an antibacterial additive, a conductivity-modifying additive, or a surface-modifying additive.

[0023] Preferably, the higher melting or non-melting (in particular non-thermoplastic) material component of the fixing part can comprise an elastomer, and / or an organic fiber material, in particular a natural fiber material, and / or a mineral filler, in particular in the form of a fiber material.

[0024] Cotton or hemp fibers are preferred as natural fiber materials.

[0025] A non-thermoplastic material component of the fixing part, which contains fibers or threads, can particularly promote the creation of a positive fit with a thermoplastic material component of the carrier part.

[0026] Preferably, the higher melting or non-melting material component is selected in such a way that the closure system can be advantageously influenced, for example with regard to elasticity, feel, appearance, recyclability, absorbency and / or raw material costs.

[0027] For example, the fixing element can consist of a nonwoven, woven, or knitted fabric containing thermoplastic and non-thermoplastic fibers. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can consist of bicomponent fibers containing both thermoplastic and non-thermoplastic components.

[0028] Preferably, the closure system, in particular the carrier part, can comprise two thermoplastic material components with different melt flow behavior. These material components can have similar or different melting points, but, for example, exhibit significantly different viscosities after melting.

[0029] In particular, this can facilitate or support the formation of a respective (possibly additional) weld point according to the positive locking principle explained above. In one embodiment, the fixing element can, for example, consist of a non-thermoplastic fiber material, while the carrier part comprises polypropylene and polyethylene. In this case, the locking elements can consist primarily of polypropylene, while a substrate of the carrier part contains a larger proportion of (easily meltable) polyethylene. At weld points, fibers of the fixing element are embedded in the polyethylene of the carrier part, particularly in a positive locking manner.

[0030] Preferably, the carrier part can comprise a thermoplastic material component and a non-thermoplastic material component. In particular, the non-thermoplastic material component of the carrier part can comprise a mineral filler, and / or an organic fiber material, and / or an elastomer, and / or an additive for modifying at least one property of the closure system. Examples of suitable additives include the substances mentioned above (dyes, lubricants, etc.).

[0031] The non-thermoplastic component of the carrier part can contribute to the utilization of the positive locking principle described above at (potentially additional) weld points. Typically, however, the non-thermoplastic component is added to the carrier part as a filler material to reduce costs. For example, a carrier part can contain calcium carbonate as a filler, particularly up to a volume fraction of 30%. This allows the raw material costs of a carrier part to be reduced without significantly compromising material quality.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one additional weld point, or at least one of the additional weld points, extends to at least an outer edge of the carrier part's rim that runs outside the outermost longitudinal row. This ensures that the carrier part does not protrude from the fixing part at its edge. This can prevent problems during the processing of the locking system and improve its performance characteristics, as snagging on the edge of the carrier part is avoided. Furthermore, the strength, particularly the shear strength, of the locking system is increased.

[0033] Locking elements from different rows can, when viewed perpendicular to the rows, be arranged at the same height. In this case, a transverse row of locking elements is present, with the transverse rows running orthogonally or obliquely to the outermost longitudinal row if the rows are aligned parallel or obliquely to the outermost longitudinal row. Similarly, when viewed perpendicular to the rows, the locking elements from different rows can be partially or completely offset from one another.

[0034] It is not necessary for the centers of all locking elements in a row to lie on a straight line, although this is typically the case. Likewise, it is not necessary for the locking elements in a row to be arranged at regular intervals, although this is typically the case. It is sufficient that mutually distinguishable rows of locking elements exist, with at least one pair of immediately adjacent rows enclosing a space between their respective locking elements. The welds connecting the support element to the fixing element are incorporated section by section into the space between immediately adjacent rows.

[0035] The extent of the welds along the rows of closure elements can be freely selected. In particular, the extent of the welds can be adapted to the required strength of the connection and the stiffness of the composite. For example, the welds arranged in a gap can be configured as a broken line, as a series of spot welds, as a series of welds of varying extents (perhaps in the manner of Morse code), or in a completely free arrangement.

[0036] The segmented weld points allow for flexible adjustment of the joint strength and the stiffness of the composite along the rows of closure elements. In particular, the strength of the connection between the carrier and the fastening element can be achieved to essentially match the strength that would be attained with a continuous weld line, while the resulting product offers significantly greater flexibility. In addition to improved handling and a more pleasant feel and wearing comfort (e.g., when using the closure system on a diaper), the presence of discrete weld points also limits potential crack propagation, which is conceivable with a continuous weld line along its longitudinal direction.

[0037] Preferably, the closure elements located directly adjacent to one of the weld points are not affected by this weld point, particularly during its creation, or at least only to a negligible extent, so that the carrier part of the closure system according to the invention can exert the same adhesive effect in this area as a corresponding unwelded carrier part. Preferably, the closure system has adequate shear strength, whereby, with a closure area (corresponding to the base area of ​​the carrier part) of 625 mm² (e.g., 25 mm x 25 mm), a closure integrity of at least 3 hours is maintained against a nonwoven counterpart under a shear load of 1 kg and at an ambient temperature of 40°C.

[0038] Spaced-apart welds can be provided, in particular, in several or all spaces between pairs of immediately adjacent rows of locking elements of the support member. Preferably, welds are arranged between at least four, and in particular at least five, pairs of rows. Some spaces between adjacent rows may be free of welds.

[0039] By appropriately arranging the welds and defining their extent, the deformation behavior of the locking system can be specifically influenced. For example, when the locking system is actuated by moving the locking element in a certain direction, a rotation of the assembly consisting of the locking element and the carrier element can be automatically induced, which in turn can assist the actuation. For this purpose, gaps between the welds of transversely successive pairs of rows along the outermost longitudinal rows can be offset, resulting in a diagonal pattern of welds and gaps.

[0040] Preferably, at least one additional weld point, or several, and in particular all, of the additional weld points, extend beyond the outer edge of the carrier part that runs outside the outermost row. In other words, each additional weld point can overlap the edge of the carrier part in such a way that a portion of the fixing part extending beyond the outer edge is part of the respective additional weld point. In this case, there is no connection between the carrier part and the fixing part at the portion of the additional weld point extending beyond the edge, but rather only a weld within the fixing part, provided the fixing part contains a thermoplastic material component – ​​the connection between the carrier part and the fixing part is only established at the portion of the respective additional weld point located in the region of the edge.If the fixing element does not contain any thermoplastic material or, in particular, contains large proportions of non-thermoplastic material, thermoplastic material from the carrier part can preferably flow into the non-thermoplastic material structure of the fixing element during welding, extending beyond the line marked by the outer edge. This ensures that the outer edge of the carrier part is reliably connected to the fixing element at the corresponding additional weld point, without placing excessive demands on the precision of the manufacturing process.

[0041] Preferably, the support element and the fixing element are at least approximately flush with each other at transverse edges (i.e., edges of the locking system that run transversely to the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements) across the width of the support element. Some of the welds between the rows preferably extend to the transverse edges.

[0042] Preferably, a counterpart can be part of the closure system, wherein the counterpart is suitable for interacting with the closure elements. In particular, the counterpart can be a section of a "landing zone" for closing a diaper. The counterpart can be made of a nonwoven material. Alternatively, the counterpart can also be a closure part comprising a fixing element and a carrier part with protruding closure elements.

[0043] Preferably, the support part and / or the fixing part comprise thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefins, polyesters and / or polyamides. More preferably, the support part and / or the fixing part comprise biodegradable material and / or bio-based material.

[0044] Preferably, if several additional welds are spaced apart along the outermost longitudinal row, these additional welds are longer transversely to the outermost longitudinal row than they are wide along the outermost longitudinal row. This ensures reliable fixation of the edge of the support part to the fixing part. However, this does not create excessive stiffness in the locking system along the outermost longitudinal row.

[0045] Preferably, at least one, and in particular all, of the additional welds spaced along the outermost longitudinal row extend inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements. Thus, preferably some, and in particular all, of the additional welds extend from the outer edge of the carrier part's rim towards a longitudinal center axis of the carrier part, reaching inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row. This further improves the fixation of the carrier part's rim. This is expressly intended to include embodiments in which a corresponding additional weld extends beyond the longitudinal center axis and, if necessary, to the opposite rim, so that, in extreme cases, a continuous "transverse weld" of the carrier part is present. However, the additional welds generally terminate before reaching the longitudinal center axis.

[0046] Preferably, locking elements located directly adjacent to at least one additional weld point, or adjacent to some, preferably all, of the additional weld points, are not affected by the respective additional weld point, particularly during its creation, or at least only to a negligible extent. In the case of multiple additional weld points, these additional weld points are located, analogously to the weld points, particularly between locking elements on a base surface of the support part. In further embodiments of the invention, some locking elements of the outermost longitudinal row and, if applicable, of more inwardly located rows can be destroyed (over-welded) during the production of the additional weld points.Over-welding of closure elements can be advantageous in this case to bring a larger quantity of thermoplastic material into contact with the higher-melting or non-melting material component of the fixing part.

[0047] In this regard, regardless of any welded closure elements, it can be advantageous to provide material accumulations opposite the intended weld positions and / or additional weld points on the back of a support component to achieve the same effect. These material accumulations can, for example, be formed as linear protrusions on the back of the support component (as long as it is in its unwelded state).

[0048] The locking elements preferably each have a head that projects in at least one radial direction beyond a stem of the locking element. In particular, the locking elements can be in the form of hooks, mushrooms, or palms. The radial direction refers to a vertical direction along the respective stem.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least 0.1%, preferably at least 1%, and particularly preferably at least 10% of the base surface of the support part is welded to the fixing element on a section of the support part that is longer than 1 cm along the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements. Typically, at most 40%, preferably at most 30%, and particularly preferably at most 25% of the base surface of the support part is welded to the fixing element on the section of the support part that is longer than 1 cm along the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements. This provides sufficient strength of the connection without the welded area having a negative impact on the feel and handling of the locking system.

[0050] In cases where welds are arranged in several spaces between immediately adjacent rows of closure elements, welds between different pairs of rows can preferably be arranged at least partially at the same height along the rows. In other words, welds in at least two spaces can overlap along the rows. In particular, the welds between at least two pairs of rows can be congruent with each other along the rows (when viewed perpendicular to the rows). Advantageously, the welds between several or all different pairs of rows can be arranged at least partially at the same height or be congruent with each other. The same applies to the gaps between the welds.This allows for the creation of defined sections of greater or lesser stiffness in the locking system along the rows. This enables the creation of "kinks," which can be advantageous when handling the locking system.

[0051] Similarly, embodiments are conceivable in which weld points between different pairs of rows are offset from one another along the rows, in particular in which the weld points between at least two pairs of rows do not overlap each other along the rows. This can, in particular, result in a uniform stiffness distribution of the locking system along the rows.

[0052] In particular, various designs are also conceivable in which, when viewed perpendicular to the rows, weld points overlap in some sections and do not overlap in other sections of the support part.

[0053] If the rows run parallel to the outermost longitudinal row, the longitudinal extent of the welds measured along the rows between a pair of rows located closer to the edge of the support member can be greater or less than the longitudinal extent of the welds between a pair of rows located further from the edge. In this way, a variation in the stiffness distribution of the locking system can be achieved in the form of a gradient perpendicular to the rows.

[0054] If the longitudinal extent of the welds increases transversely from the lateral edges towards the longitudinal center axis, particularly if it increases continuously, greater flexibility results at the edges, which are often more deformed during use. Conversely, if the longitudinal extent of the welds increases towards the edges, an even better connection between the respective edge and the fixing element is achieved. Depending on the intended use of the locking system, one or the other variant may be advantageous. It is also conceivable, in principle, that the longitudinal extent increases from one edge of the support element to the other. This can realize the aforementioned advantages in the relevant area under asymmetrical stress.

[0055] As mentioned, different weld arrangements can influence the handling of the closure system, resulting in desired properties. Furthermore, different weld patterns can be used to create visual and tactile differentiation between different products or distributors.

[0056] In some versions, the fixing element incorporates nonwoven material, particularly nonwoven material suitable for the engagement of the locking elements. This allows, if necessary, the locking elements of the carrier part attached to the fixing element to interact with the fixing element itself. It also allows, for example, multiple locking systems to be attached to one another for storage purposes. Manufacturing plant according to the invention

[0057] The invention also relates to a manufacturing plant for producing a locking system, in particular for producing a locking system in one of the embodiments described above, wherein the manufacturing plant is configured to supply a fixing element to the rear of a carrier part with projecting locking elements arranged in several parallel rows on its front side and to connect it to the carrier part by means of a welding process, wherein weld points for connecting the carrier part to the fixing element are introduced into a space between immediately adjacent rows of locking elements, wherein the weld points are spaced apart from each other along the rows, and wherein at least one additional weld point for connecting the carrier part to the fixing element is introduced.wherein the additional weld point is at least partially located outside an outermost longitudinal row of locking elements on an edge of the support part.

[0058] The manufacturing plant is specifically designed to carry out the procedure described below.

[0059] The welds and the at least one additional weld are preferably produced at least partially by fusing a material component of the support part and a material component of the fixing part, and / or at least partially by enclosing an unmelted material component of one part, in particular the fixing part, with a material component of the other part, in particular the support part. In a weld obtained by fusing, the material of the support part was temporarily partially melted; preferably, the material of the fixing part was also temporarily partially melted. For a weld obtained by enclosing material components, material components or a material component of one part are embedded in the material of the other part. The material components orThe material component of one part may be completely or partially surrounded by the material of the other part.

[0060] The formation of the weld points and the at least one additional weld point can be carried out in particular according to the principles explained for the closure system according to the invention. Accordingly, a material-locking and / or form-locking connection can be created between the carrier part and the fixing part.

[0061] Preferably, several additional weld points are introduced, spaced apart along the outermost longitudinal row.

[0062] It is further preferred that the additional weld point, or at least some of the additional weld points, are brought at least as close as possible to an outer edge of the edge of the support part running outside the outermost longitudinal row.

[0063] As previously described, each additional weld point can be positioned in such a way that it overlaps the edge of the support component. Any portion of the fixing component that extends beyond the edge or outer edge of the support component then forms part of the respective additional weld point.

[0064] At each position along the rows of locking elements, the weld points and any additional weld point(s) provided there are created, in particular simultaneously, in a single process step, preferably using the same tool. Alternatively, the weld points and the additional weld point(s) can be created in two independent process steps on the manufacturing system.

[0065] During welding, the fixing element, particularly together with the carrier element, can be moved relative to the manufacturing system in a machine direction. This machine direction typically corresponds to the direction along the outermost longitudinal row. The machine direction can also correspond to the direction along the rows of locking elements. Alternatively, the rows can run obliquely to the machine direction. Likewise, the manufacturing system itself can be moved along the machine direction. The parts to be joined can either remain stationary or also be moved.

[0066] Preferably, the process is carried out in a continuous process using the manufacturing system according to the invention, wherein at least one web of carrier material is joined with at least one web of fixing material, and these webs are welded together. Optionally, the closure system or several closure systems can then be separated from the resulting composite web.

[0067] Preferably, the welding at the weld points in the space between immediately adjacent rows of locking elements is carried out in such a way that the locking elements adjacent to the weld points are not damaged by the welding process. Their adhesive effect is then not impaired.

[0068] Preferably, welding is carried out at at least one, in particular several or all, of the multiple additional weld points spaced along the outermost longitudinal row at the edge of the support part, such that the additional weld points extend inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements towards the longitudinal center axis of the support part. At least one, in particular several or all, of the additional weld points can be made without damaging immediately adjacent locking elements of the outermost longitudinal row.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, welding at at least one, in particular some or all, of the additional weld points on the edge of the support part can be carried out in such a way that the additional weld points extend along the outermost longitudinal row over at least one closure element of the outermost longitudinal row. If these additional weld points extend at least to the outermost longitudinal row or inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row, at least one closure element at a corresponding additional weld point will be welded over and thereby destroyed. In this way, a particularly strong connection between the fixing element and the support part can be created at the corresponding location.

[0070] The maximum extent of each additional weld can run transversely to the machine direction or transversely to the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements. In the machine direction or along the outermost longitudinal row, the additional welds are then shorter than they are wide in the transverse direction. In extreme cases, one of the several additional welds can extend across the entire width of the support component.

[0071] Preferably, the feed rate along the outermost longitudinal row of locking elements is at least 70 m / min, preferably at least 100 m / min, more preferably at least 150 m / min, particularly preferably at least 300 m / min, and most preferably at least 500 m / min. The feed rate refers to the speed at which the carrier section or carrier section and the fixing section or fixing section move relative to the manufacturing system during joining. If the feed is not uniform, the feed rate refers to an average feed rate. This averaging is performed, in particular, over the time required to produce a locking system.

[0072] Preferably, the welding process is an ultrasonic welding process, wherein at least one projection of a first welding tool of the manufacturing system is inserted into the gap and wherein at least one further projection of the first welding tool is applied to the edge of the carrier part, and wherein a second welding tool cooperating with the first welding tool to produce one of the respective weld points comes into contact with that side of the fixing part which is facing away from the locking elements.

[0073] The first welding tool can be, in particular, an anvil from the manufacturing system, while the second welding tool is a sonotrode. Alternatively, the first welding tool can be a sonotrode, while the second welding tool is the anvil. Ultrasonic welding enables the reliable production of welded joints and high welding speeds.

[0074] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first welding tool is a rotatable disc tool. The disc tool has several projections on its circumference, as well as a further projection or several further projections, wherein the projections are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, and wherein the further projections may also be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The projections serve to create the weld points. The further projections or the further projection serve to create the additional weld point(s). Thus, as the disc tool rolls on the carrier part, a defined sequence of engagements of the projections between the locking elements or of contacts of the further projections or the further projection with the edge of the carrier part is achieved, resulting in welding. The projections and the further projections or...The additional projections are typically offset from one another axially along the axis of rotation of the disc tool and are usually arranged in circumferential rows around the circumference of the disc tool. If the parallel rows of locking elements run obliquely to the outermost longitudinal row or machine direction, the projections of the disc tool are typically arranged helically around its circumference. The projections can then engage between the rows as the disc tool rolls. A rotatable disc tool enables particularly high feed rates.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the first welding tool is a block tool. When using a block tool, weld points and preferably additional weld points are introduced alternately in welding phases, and in feed phases the support part and the fixing part are advanced relative to the welding tools (whereby no welding takes place during the feed phases).

[0076] The block tool has at least one projection for engaging a gap between a pair of immediately adjacent rows. The projection can extend continuously in the machine direction. The block tool can have several spaced-apart projections along its longitudinal direction for engaging the gap. Furthermore, the block tool usually has at least one additional projection, preferably several spaced-apart additional projections, for bearing against the edge of the carrier part.

[0077] During the welding phases, the carrier part and the fixing part can be shifted relative to the manufacturing system. The distances between successive projections and any subsequent further projections are chosen to be large enough that the weld points and additional weld points created by different projections or further projections do not merge into one another despite the shifting. Alternatively, no shifting occurs in at least some welding phases. During the feed phases, the block tool can be lifted from the carrier part and / or the second welding tool from the fixing part. If the block tool is lifted, it is lifted only to the point where the projection(s) no longer have contact with the base surface of the carrier part, but still continue to engage between the locking elements.Alternatively, no lifting can occur during the feed phases, and only the vibration of the sonotrode can be interrupted.

[0078] When using a block tool as the first welding tool, it is also conceivable that the second welding tool is a rotatable disc tool with discrete counter-projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another, and possibly several further counter-projections. Despite continuous contact of the projections and further projections of the block tool with the front of the carrier part, welding then only occurs locally when – depending on the rotational position of the (second) disc tool – one of the counter-projections or further counter-projections of the disc tool interacts with one of the projections or further projections of the (first) block tool.

[0079] If one of the welding tools is a disc tool, the process can be carried out with a constant feed rate and continuous operation of the sonotrode. This simplifies the control of the welding process and reduces the complexity of the production system. Furthermore, a particularly high feed rate can be achieved in this way.

[0080] Preferably, the at least one projection, when engaging the gap, partially engages the locking elements, particularly their radially projecting heads. This allows for improved guidance of the carrier part on the first welding tool. Furthermore, the extent of the weld points transverse to the rows can be increased, with a corresponding weld point extending to the respective stem of a locking element. In particular, if the stem transitions ramp-like or smoothly (rounded) from the base of the carrier part to the stem of the corresponding locking element, it can be partially welded over without damaging the head of the corresponding locking element.In particular, if the first welding tool is a disc tool, when inserting at least one projection into the gap, a slight displacement of the locking elements in the transverse direction can occur in order to subsequently enable the heads to engage behind each other.

[0081] Welds are preferably produced in several spaces between different pairs of immediately adjacent rows of locking elements. In particular, welds can be produced in all spaces of the support member. Preferably, several additional, spaced-apart welds are produced along both edges, parallel to the outermost longitudinal row and typically to the rows of locking elements. The welding tools used can have several projections transverse to the machine direction and, optionally, two sets of further projections. Alternatively, several welding tools can be provided on the production line.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing system can simultaneously weld a plurality of carrier parts or carrier part webs with at least one fixing element or fixing element web in parallel processing. Likewise, in particular, one (single) carrier part or several carrier parts with several fixing elements can be processed in parallel processing on the manufacturing system. Inventive hygiene product

[0083] The invention also relates to a hygiene product, in particular in the form of a diaper, with a closure system in one of the embodiments described above. In particular, the closure system can be manufactured using the production equipment described above, which is configured to carry out the method described above.

[0084] Accordingly, the hygiene product has a closure system comprising a carrier part with projecting closure elements and a fixing part, wherein the carrier part and the fixing part are partially connected to each other by several welds, the welds extending within the space between immediately adjacent rows and spaced apart from each other along the rows in at least one space. Preferably, at least one additional weld is provided, which is located at least partially outside an outermost longitudinal row of closure elements at an edge of the carrier part. Particularly preferably, several additional welds spaced apart along the outermost longitudinal row are provided, which more preferably extend at least to an outer edge of the edge of the carrier part running outside the outermost longitudinal row. In embodiments, the fixing part can be a diaper ear of a diaper.Alternatively, the fastening element can be a flap, which in turn can be attached to a diaper ear. Typically, the diaper ear is attached to or formed part of the main diaper body. In particular, the diaper ear can be monolithic with the main body.

[0085] The hygiene product is easy to manufacture. The closure system can be adapted, particularly with regard to stiffness distribution, to improve handling and user comfort. At the same time, the carrier part is reliably fixed to the fixing part. Since no additional raw material is introduced into the composite when welding the carrier and fixing parts together, recycling the hygiene product is relatively straightforward.

[0086] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the drawings. According to the invention, the features mentioned above and those further elaborated can each be used individually or in any suitable combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples for illustrating the invention. Brief description of the drawing

[0087] The invention is illustrated in the drawing and described with reference to exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a a perspective view of a first embodiment of a locking system according to the invention; Fig. 1b a top view of the locking system from Fig. 1a; Fig. 1c a top view of a track with several closure systems according to the invention, as shown in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b are shown individually; Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 3 a third embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 5 a fifth embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 6 a sixth embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 7 a seventh embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 8 an eighth embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 9 a ninth embodiment of a locking system according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 10 a perspective view of a manufacturing plant according to the invention in the form of an ultrasonic welding plant for the production of a closure system according to the invention; Fig. 11 a perspective view of a further manufacturing plant according to the invention in the form of an ultrasonic welding plant for the production of a closure system according to the invention, including an enlarged detail view of the further ultrasonic welding plant; Fig. 12 a hygiene article according to the invention in the form of a diaper with two closure systems according to the invention; Fig. 13 a further hygiene article according to the invention in the form of a diaper with two closure systems according to the invention; Fig. 14 a cutaway side view of a locking system according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing

[0088] Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a locking system 10, which has a carrier part 12 and a fixing part 14. The carrier part 12 has protruding locking elements 16 on its front face 12'. (For clarity, elements appearing multiple times in the figures of the drawing are generally only partially labelled.) In the illustrated embodiment, the locking elements 16 are shaped like mushrooms, each mushroom being further subdivided into a head 16' and a stem 16" (see also Figure 1). Fig. 11), wherein the head 16' projects radially over the stem 16".

[0089] The support element 12 is connected to the fixing element 14 at weld points 18 and at additional weld points 20. The additional weld points 20 are located on an edge 22 of the support element 12 and extend, in particular, over an outer edge 22' of the edge 22 onto the fixing element 14. The weld points 18 extend in spaces 24 between rows 17 (see Fig. 1b) of immediately adjacent closure elements 16. The additional weld points 20 are located in particular between two immediately adjacent closure elements 16 at the edge 22 of the support part 12.

[0090] The number and size of the locking elements 16 of the locking system 10 can generally be freely selected. If the locking elements 16 are designed in the form of mushrooms, a larger number and smaller size of the locking elements 16 are preferably chosen than in Fig. Figure 1a is shown. The representation of the locking elements 16 and the weld points 18 as well as the additional weld points 20 is, for better clarity, particularly oversized in the figures of the drawing compared to the representation of the fixing part 14 and is to be understood purely schematically.

[0091] Fig. 1b shows the locking system 10 from Fig. Figure 1a shows a top view. The arrangement of the weld points 18 and the additional weld points 20 is clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the weld points 18 are located between all pairs of immediately adjacent rows 17. The locking elements 16 are arranged here in a completely regular manner, so that in addition to the rows 17, transverse rows 15 are also formed. Furthermore, the rows 17 run parallel to each outermost longitudinal row 17', so that each outermost longitudinal row 17' also constitutes a row 17.

[0092] The additional weld points 20 are spaced apart from one another along the edges 22 of the support part 12 and overlap the respective outer edge 22' towards the fixing part 14. The additional weld points 20 preferably have a greater extent transverse to the edges 22 than along the rows 17. In particular, the additional weld points 20 can extend inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row 17' of locking elements 16, as shown. It is also conceivable that the additional weld points 20 run outside the outermost longitudinal row 17', or with only minimal engagement with the outermost longitudinal row 17', along the edge 22 of the support part 12 (not shown).

[0093] At the transverse edges 26 of the closure system 10, the existing weld points 18 and the additional weld points 20 located there can be flush with the support part 12.

[0094] In the embodiment shown here, the locking elements 16 are not affected by either the weld points 18 or the additional weld points 20.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the extent of each elongated weld point 18 along the rows 17 is greatest near a longitudinal center axis 28 and decreases towards the edges 22. In two of the rows 17, spot weld points 18 are additionally introduced between the elongated weld points 18. Neglecting the spot weld points 18, there is a "gradient of expansion" of the welding pattern from the edges 22 to the longitudinal center axis 28. A corresponding gradient (running in discrete steps) can also be provided, in particular, across the entire width of the support part 12 transversely to the rows 17 (not shown in detail). Likewise, the locking system 10 can have a "distribution density gradient," in which the number of weld points 18 decreases or increases in one or more directions.

[0096] Some of the welds 18 between different pairs of rows 17 run partially, or possibly completely, at the same level when viewed along the transverse rows 15. Other welds 18 in different spaces 24 do not overlap when viewed along the transverse rows 15.

[0097] Fig. Figure 1c shows a plurality of similar locking systems 10 from the preceding figures or in a top view. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1c, the closure systems 10 are manufactured in a continuous process from at least one strip, here several strips, of the carrier part 12 and here one strip, or possibly several strips, of the fixing part 14. The resulting composite strip is then cut to obtain the multiple closure systems 10. Preferably, the cutting is carried out at the transverse edges 26 of the closure systems 10 such that existing weld points 18 and additional weld points 20 are approximately halved. This ensures a secure hold of the respective carrier part 12 on the respective fixing part 14, even at the transverse edges 26. For this purpose, weld points 18 can be introduced in several, in particular all, spaces 24 at the level of a future transverse edge 26. Furthermore, additional weld points 20 can be introduced on the edges 22 at the level of the future transverse edges 26.

[0098] Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a locking system 10. A carrier part 12 and a fixing part 14 are shown according to the illustration in the Fig. The variant shown in 1a - 1c is designed accordingly. Weld points 18 of equal dimensions are located at the same height between each pair of immediately adjacent rows 17 of locking elements 16. Weld points 18 are not provided in all spaces 24 between immediately adjacent rows 17. When viewed perpendicular to the rows 17, i.e., along the transverse rows 15, the weld points 18 in various spaces 24 are congruent with each other.

[0099] Additional weld points 20 are shown during the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the welds extend relatively far along the rows 17. The additional welds 20 were applied, in particular, by welding over two locking elements 16 at the edge 22 of the support part 12. In contrast, the welds 18 do not affect any of the locking elements 16.

[0100] The additional weld points 20 are also arranged at the same height along the rows 17 as the weld points 18. In particular, the additional weld points 20 are also identical to the weld points 18 when viewed in the transverse direction. More weld points 18 than additional weld points 20 can be provided along the rows 17.

[0101] The locally concentrated arrangement of the weld points 18, 20 along the rows creates defined "kinks" of low stiffness between the weld points 18, 20 along transverse rows 15, where no weld points 18, 20 are present. This allows for advantageous operation and / or haptics of the locking system 10.

[0102] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a locking system 10. A carrier part 12 and a fixing part 14 are shown according to the figures in the Fig. The embodiments shown in 1a - 2 are designed as follows. Weld points 18 between immediately adjacent rows 17 of closure elements 16 have a gradient starting from a longitudinal central axis 28 of the carrier part 12 such that their extent (length) increases towards the edges 22.

[0103] The locking elements 16 are not affected by the welds 18. The welds 18 run partially below the heads 16' of the locking elements 16 and thus extend to the respective stems 16'' (see Fig. 1a) of the locking elements 16. If necessary, a projection 16''' (see Fig. 11) One of the stems 16" where the corresponding stem 16" rises from a front face 12' of the carrier part 12 may be partially welded over (not shown in detail). The functionality of the corresponding locking element 16 is not noticeably impaired, in particular as long as the respective head 16' remains intact.

[0104] Additional welding points 20 are shown here as examples according to the one in the Fig. The additional weld points 20 are arranged in the embodiment shown in 1a - 1c. They do not necessarily have to be opposite each other on the opposite edges 22, but could also be offset from each other and / or have different dimensions (not shown in detail).

[0105] The area fraction of all weld points 18 and 20 can be between 1% and 30% of the base area of ​​the support part 12.

[0106] An essentially regular arrangement of the weld points 18 and the additional weld points 20 in one direction along the rows 17, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1a-3, this may be advantageous. However, in variants of the closure system 10 according to the invention, the arrangement and / or extent of the weld points 18 in a space 24 and / or the arrangement and / or extent of the additional weld points 20 along an edge 22 over the extent of the support part 12 along the rows 17 (from one transverse edge 26 to an opposite transverse edge 26) may be irregular or exhibit an “extent gradient” and / or “distribution density gradient”.

[0107] Fig. Figures 4-9 show excerpts of further embodiments of a locking system 10.

[0108] Fig. Figure 4 shows weld points 18 in a regular arrangement, wherein, when viewed transversely to rows 17, the weld points 18 are partially overlapping and regularly offset from one another. Additional weld points 20 are arranged at both edges 22. The additional weld points 20 were partially created by welding over some closure elements 16 and have a smaller extent along the rows 17 than transversely to the rows 17. The additional weld points 20 extend inwards beyond each outermost longitudinal row 17' and an adjacent row 17 and overlap each outer edge 22' of the edges 22 of a support part 12 outwards.

[0109] In Fig. 5 are weld points 18 analogous to the embodiment in Fig. 4 arranged. The additional weld points 20 are, in contrast to Fig. 4. The additional welds are formed in a point-like manner. They were partially created by welding over some of the closure elements 16. The additional welds 20 form additional rows 20' parallel to the rows 17 and are offset from each other when viewed transversely to the additional rows 20'. In particular, at least some of the additional welds 20 of different additional rows 20' can also be arranged partially or completely at the same height along the additional rows 20' (not shown). The distances between two pairs of immediately adjacent additional rows 20' at an edge 22 can differ. For example, the pair of additional rows 20' that is close to an outer edge 22' can have a smaller distance than the pair that is further away from the outer edge 22'.The outermost additional weld points 20 overlap in particular the outer edges 22' of the edges 22 of the support part 12 and are here mostly arranged outside a respective outermost longitudinal row 17' of closure elements 16.

[0110] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a locking system 10, wherein weld points 18 have a larger extent and smaller distances from each other along rows 17 of locking elements 16 than in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrated embodiments. Additional weld points 20 are formed as rhombuses. The additional weld points 20 can optionally be grouped into “clusters” as shown and / or formed into additional rows 20’ (see Figure 5). Fig. 5) be arranged at the edges 22 of a support part 12. Alternatively, the additional weld points 20 can be arranged at substantially equal intervals from each other at the edges 22 (not shown).

[0111] Fig. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a closure system 10, wherein additional weld points 20 are similar to the additional weld points 20 in Fig. 5 are trained. Weld points 18 show, in contrast to the weld points 18, that Fig. 5 the same extent, but a different arrangement. Thus, on both sides of a longitudinal center axis 28 of a support part 12, two weld points 18 are at least approximately congruent opposite each other, with the weld points 18 being arranged overlapping and offset from each other on each side of the longitudinal center axis 28 (when viewed transversely to the longitudinal center axis 28).

[0112] Fig. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a locking system 10 in which weld points 18 in a space 24 between two immediately adjacent rows 17 of locking elements 16 are only a small distance apart. “Welding lines” are used to form the discrete weld points 18 of a space 24 along the Fig. The 8 diagonally running dashed lines are interrupted. The individual interruptions are small and not shown in detail. In this way, a comparatively large area of ​​the gap 24 can be covered with weld points 18, while the interruptions in the "weld line" still ensure the "flexibility" of the connection between a carrier part 12 and a fixing part 14. By specifying an appropriate orientation of the dashed lines and the resulting arrangement of the interruptions, the handling properties of the locking system 10 can also be influenced.

[0113] Additional welding points (20) are in Fig. 8 are formed as triangles. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of different triangles is the same on both sides, resulting in a different welding geometry at the two edges 22 from the perspective of the support part 12.

[0114] Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a closure system 10 in which the weld points 18 are similar to the illustration in Fig. 8 are formed by short interruptions of "weld lines" on the diagonally running dashed lines. Due to the crosswise course of the dashed lines and the resulting arrangement of the interruptions, the weld points 18 here exhibit particularly different dimensions.

[0115] Additional welding points 20 are formed analogously to welding points 18. Fig. In section 9, an interrupted "weld line" is arranged at the edges 22 of a support part 12, wherein each outermost longitudinal row 17' of locking elements 16 is practically completely welded over. The interrupted, additional "weld lines" at the edges 22 are wider here than the interrupted "weld lines" between adjacent rows 17 of locking elements 16. In this way, a particularly reliable fastening of the edges 22 of the support part 12 to a fixing part 14 can be achieved.

[0116] Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows a perspective, partial view of a manufacturing system 30 in the form of an ultrasonic welding system, which has a first welding tool 32 in the form of a disc tool and a second welding tool 34. One of the welding tools 32, 34 is a sonotrode, while the other welding tool 32, 34 is an anvil. The sonotrode and anvil act to produce a respective weld point 18, 20 (see Fig. 1a - 9) together. Here, the first welding tool 32 serves as an anvil. The second welding tool 34 is designed here as a rotatable, cylindrical sonotrode with a smooth circumferential surface.

[0117] Fig. Figure 10 shows a band-shaped fixing element 14 and two band-shaped support elements 12, which are brought together in a machine direction MD and welded together. Dashed lines indicate that individual locking systems 10 can be obtained by cutting. Cutting does not necessarily have to be done as indicated. In particular, a locking system 10 can, for example, have several support elements 12 on a fixing element 14.

[0118] The first welding tool 32 has discrete projections 36 for generating the weld points 18. When welding a support part 12 to a fixing part 14, the projections 36 engage in gaps 24 between immediately adjacent rows 17 of locking elements 16 (compare Fig. 1a - 9). The first welding tool 32 also has further projections 38 for producing additional weld points 20. The further projections 38 extend at least to an outer edge 22' of the respective support part 12, in particular they overlap this outer edge 22'.

[0119] The first welding tool 32 can be a single component or comprise several components. In particular, the first welding tool 32 can be modularly extended or modified, for example, to process different numbers of carrier parts 12 simultaneously. Preferably, the first welding tool 32 can be easily replaced by a differently designed first welding tool 32, for example, to change the pattern of the weld points 18, 20.

[0120] The projections 36 can deflect the locking elements 16 of the carrier part 12 laterally as they penetrate the spaces 24, whereby the stems 16' can be elastically deformed without damaging them or the heads 16". Consequently, the projections 36 can engage under the heads 16' during welding.

[0121] By means of the in Fig. The principle described in section 10 allows for particularly high process speeds when carrying out a method for manufacturing a closure system 10. For example, a feed rate of carrier parts 12 and fixing part 14 in the machine direction MD can be more than 250 m / min.

[0122] Fig. Figure 11 shows another production system 30 in the form of an ultrasonic welding system in a perspective, partial view. The production system 30 has a first welding tool 32, here in the form of a block tool, and a second welding tool 34, here also a block tool. The welding tools 32 and 34 are connected analogously to the illustration in Fig. 10 a band-shaped fixing part 14 and two band-shaped support parts 12 are supplied.

[0123] By means of projections 36 (one of the projections 36 is shown in the detail view) of the first welding tool 32, weld points 18 are preferably made in several intervals 24 along rows 17 of closure elements 16 (see Fig. 1a - 9). Additional weld points 20 (see) are created by means of further projections 38 (not visible). Fig. 1a - 9) especially at all edges 22 (see Fig. 1a - 9) of the support parts 12 are attached.

[0124] One of the welding tools 32, 34 is a sonotrode, while the other acts as an anvil. For example, the first welding tool 32 can be the sonotrode and the second welding tool 34 can be the anvil.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure elements 16 are designed as mushrooms, each with a head 16' and a stem 16''. The stem 16'' can optionally be subdivided into a projection 16''' at the transition to a front face 12' of the respective support part 12 and a trunk section. The projections 36 of the first welding tool 32 are, in particular, T-shaped and can partially engage under the heads 16' of the mushrooms. When the support parts 12 and projections 36 are moved relative to each other, the projections 36, which engage in the rows 17 and, in particular, under the closure elements 16, can guide the support parts 12. In particular, by the projections 36 engaging under the closure elements 16, a corresponding weld point 18 can also be extended under the heads 16'' of the mushrooms.In particular, the protrusions 16''' can be partially welded over without significantly impairing the functionality of the corresponding locking elements 16. In variants of the manufacturing system, projections 36 for generating weld points 18 as well as purely guide projections (not shown), which are slightly shorter than the protrusions 36, may be present.

[0126] The projections 36 can extend continuously or in sections along a length I of the first welding tool 32.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first welding tool 32 can, for example, have longitudinally continuous projections 36, while the second welding tool 34 has longitudinally spaced, discrete counter-projections (not shown) for interaction with the projections 36. With appropriate dimensioning of the welding tools 32, 34, it is also possible to design the first welding tool 32 as a block tool, while the second welding tool 34 is a roller tool (compare Fig. 10).

[0128] The first welding tool 32 can be periodically raised and lowered. In some embodiments, this occurs to such a small extent that the projections 36 remain engaged with the locking elements 16. In other embodiments, the projections 36 are disengaged from the rows 17. This can also be achieved with T-shaped, interlocking projections 36 by an elastic, non-destructive displacement of the heads 16'' of the locking elements 16 to the side.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, the sonotrode can be switched on during welding phases and switched off again during feed phases. During feed phases, the support parts 12 and the fixing part 14 can be moved relative to the manufacturing system 30 in the machine direction MD without creating a weld. Relative displacement can also occur during welding phases, especially if sufficiently large distances are established between the projections 36 of the welding tools 32, 34.

[0130] The additional projections 38 for generating the additional weld points 20 preferably extend outside each outermost row 17 of locking elements 16 when using a block tool, so as not to collide with the locking elements 16 of the outermost row 17 when the components are displaced in the machine direction MD. If the first welding tool 32 is raised sufficiently during feed phases, the additional projections 38 can extend over the locking elements 16 of the outermost row 17 to the longitudinal center axis 28 (see Fig. 1b) be extended.

[0131] Fig. Figure 12 shows a hygiene article 40 in the form of a diaper with two fastening systems 10, in particular fastening systems 10 in one of the embodiments described above. Each fastening system 10 has a retaining element 14 and a carrier element 12 with projecting fastening elements 16. The fastening elements 16 are suitable for interlocking with a nonwoven fabric of the hygiene article 40, in particular with a nonwoven fabric of a "landing zone" 42 of the hygiene article 40. The retaining element 14 is attached to a diaper ear 44. The diaper ear 44 itself can be an integral part of the diaper. Typically, however, the diaper ear 44 is arranged along a connection line 44' on a main body 50 of the diaper. In particular, the retaining element 14 can be attached to the diaper ear 44 by means of welding and / or bonding. The connection of the diaper ear 44 to the main body 50 of the diaper can also be effected, in particular, by means of welding.Advantageously, the closure of the diaper created by means of the closure system 10 can be manually opened and readjusted multiple times. The respective securing element 14 can also be made of non-woven fabric, so that the closure elements 16 of a carrier part 12 can be "parked" on the corresponding securing element 14 when the diaper is open, for example to prevent unintentional snagging on the clothing of a person changing a small child or on other diapers in a package.

[0132] Fig. Figure 13 shows another hygiene product, number 40, in the form of a diaper. Unlike Fig. 12 is a respective diaper ear 44, here also the fixing element 14. The respective diaper ear 44 can optionally be arranged along a connection line 44' on the main body 50 of the diaper. Alternatively, the diaper ear 44 can be a monolithic component of the main body 50. An absorbent core 52 can be arranged on the main body 50. Each respective support element 12 is connected by means of weld points 18 and additional weld points 20 (see Figure 12). Fig. 1a - 9) is attached to the diaper ear 44 (which forms the fixing part 14). The diaper ear 44 has, in particular, greater elasticity and higher absorbency than the one in Fig. 12 shown fixing part 14.

[0133] Fig. Figure 14 shows a cutaway side view of a fastening system 10. The fastening system 10 has a fixing element 14 and a support element 12 attached to it. The diaper ear 44 is shown as an example of the fixing element 14. Fig.Figure 13 shows the closure elements 16 in the present embodiment, which are palm-shaped or hyperboloid. The thermoplastic material of the carrier part 12 includes, in particular, a filler 46, for example, calcium carbonate, to reduce costs. The diaper ear 44 or fixing part 14 has non-thermoplastic fibers 48. In particular, the diaper ear 44 or fixing part 14 can additionally have a thermoplastic material component, possibly also in fiber form. The carrier part 12 is connected to the diaper ear 44 or fixing part 14 at the additional weld points 20 shown and at the weld point 18. At least part of the respective connection results from a positive locking of the fibers 48 with the thermoplastic material component of the carrier part 12, which flowed around or was mixed with the fibers 48 when the weld point 18 or the additional weld points 20 were created.If the diaper ear 44 or fixing part 14 has a thermoplastic material component with a similar melting point to a thermoplastic material component of the carrier part 12, a portion of the respective connection results from a fusion of the thermoplastic material components.

[0134] By considering the figures of the drawing together, the invention relates to a closure system 10, a manufacturing plant 30 for manufacturing a closure system 10, and a hygiene article 40 with a closure system 10. The closure system 10 has a carrier part 12 with projecting closure elements 16, which are arranged in several parallel rows 17 on its front 12', and a fixing part 14, which is arranged on the back of the carrier part 12.

[0135] The fixing element 14 can, in particular, comprise a material component whose melting point is higher than the melting point of at least one material component of the support element 12. Preferably, the aforementioned material component of the fixing element 14 is non-meltable and, in particular, is not a thermoplastic. Specifically, it can be a non-thermoplastic fiber material 48.

[0136] The support part 12 and the fixing part 14 are partially connected to one another by several welds 18, wherein the welds 18 extend within at least one gap 24 between immediately adjacent rows 17 and are spaced apart from one another along the rows 17. Preferably, at least one additional weld 20 is provided, which is arranged at least partially outside an outermost longitudinal row 17' of locking elements 16 at an edge 22 of the support part 12. Welds 18 and / or the at least one additional weld 20 can be formed using a material-locking principle and / or a positive-locking principle. The manufacturing system 30 according to the invention is particularly suitable for manufacturing a locking system 10 according to the invention using the described method.The hygiene article 40 according to the invention is in particular designed in the form of a diaper and has at least one closure system 10 according to the invention. Reference symbol list 10 Locking system 12 Carrier part 12' Front 14 fixing part 15 transverse row 16 locking element 16' head 16'' stem 16''' approach 17th row 17' outermost longitudinal row 18 welding points 20 additional welding points 20' additional row 22 Rand 22' outer edge 24 spaces 26 horizontal margin 28 Longitudinal center axis 30 production plant 32 first welding tool 34 second welding tool 36 lead 38 more lead 40 hygiene products 42 Landing zone 44 diaper ear 44' connecting line 46 Filler 48 fibers / fiber material 50 main bodies 52 core l length MD Machine direction 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] EP 3 408 067 B1 [0004, 0007] EP 2 815 733 A1 [0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] A locking system (10) comprising a carrier part (12) with projecting locking elements (16) arranged in several parallel rows (17) on its front (12') and a locking element (14) arranged on the rear of the carrier part (12), wherein the carrier part (12) and the locking element (14) are partially connected to each other by several weld points (18), wherein the weld points (18) extend within the space (24) in at least one gap (24) between immediately adjacent rows (17) and are spaced apart from each other along the rows (17), and wherein at least one additional weld point (20) is provided, which is arranged at least partially outside an outermost longitudinal row (17') of locking elements (16) at an edge (22) of the carrier part (12). [2] Closure system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part (14) has a material component whose melting temperature is higher than the melting temperature of at least one material component of the carrier part (12), in particular by at least 5 K, or which is not meltable, in particular is not a thermoplastic. [3] Closure system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing part (14) comprises a thermoplastic material component and a non-thermoplastic material component. [4] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (14), in particular the higher melting or non-melting material component of the locking element (14), comprises an additive for modifying at least one property of the closure system (10). [5] Closure system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the higher melting or non-melting material component of the fixing part (14) comprises an elastomer, and / or an organic fiber material (48), in particular a natural fiber material, and / or wherein the non-thermoplastic material component comprises a mineral filler, in particular in the form of a fiber material. [6] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure system (10) comprises two thermoplastic material components with different melt flow behavior. [7] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier part (12) comprises a thermoplastic material component and a non-thermoplastic material component, in particular wherein the non-thermoplastic material component comprises a mineral filler (46), and / or an organic fiber material, and / or an elastomer, and / or an additive for modifying at least one property of the closure system (10). [8] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional weld point (20) or at least one of several additional weld points (20) extends at least to an outer edge (22') of the edge (22) of the carrier part (12) extending outside the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [9] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several additional weld points (20) are provided, the additional weld points (20) being spaced apart from each other along the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [10] Closure system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the additional weld points (20) are longer transverse to the outermost longitudinal row (17') than they are wide along the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [11] Closure system (10) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein at least one, in particular all, of the additional weld points (20) extend inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row (17') of closure elements (16). [12] Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking elements (16) each have a head (16') which projects in at least one radial direction over a stem (16'') of the locking element (16). [13] Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on a section of the carrier part (12) which is longer than 1 cm along the outermost longitudinal row (17') of locking elements (16) at least 0.1%, preferably at least 1%, of the base area of ​​the carrier part (12) is welded to the fixing part (14), in particular wherein less than 40% of the base area of ​​the carrier part (12) is welded to the fixing part (14). [14] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld points (18) are arranged in several spaces (24) between immediately adjacent rows (17) of closure elements (16), wherein weld points (18) between different pairs of rows (17) are arranged at least partially at the same height along the rows (17), in particular wherein the weld points (18) between at least two pairs of rows (17) are congruent with each other along the rows (17). [15] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld points (18) are arranged in several spaces (24) between immediately adjacent rows (17) of closure elements (16), wherein weld points (18) between different pairs of rows (17) are offset from each other along the rows (17), in particular wherein the weld points (18) between at least two pairs of rows (17) do not overlap each other along the rows (17). [16] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld points (18) are arranged in several spaces (24) between immediately adjacent rows (17) of closure elements (16), wherein the longitudinal extent of the weld points (18) along the rows (17) between a pair of rows (17) arranged closer to the edge (22) of the carrier part (12) is greater or less than the longitudinal extent of the weld points (18) between a pair of rows (17) located further away from the edge (22). [17] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing part (14) comprises nonwoven material, in particular nonwoven material suitable for engaging the closure elements (16). [18] Manufacturing plant (30) for manufacturing a locking system (10), in particular a locking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to supply a fixing element (14) to the rear of a carrier part (12) with projecting locking elements (16) arranged in several parallel rows (17) on its front (12') and to connect it to the carrier part (12) by means of a welding process, wherein weld points (18) for connecting the carrier part (12) to the fixing element (14) are introduced into a space (24) between immediately adjacent rows (17) of locking elements (16), wherein the weld points (18) are spaced apart from each other along the rows (17), and wherein at least one additional weld point (20) for connecting the carrier part (12) to the fixing element (14) is introduced.wherein the additional weld point (20) is introduced at least partially outside an outermost longitudinal row (17') of closure elements (16) on an edge (22) of the carrier part (12). [19] Manufacturing plant (30) according to claim 18, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to produce the weld points (18) and / or the at least one additional weld point (20) at least partially by fusing a material component of the support part (12) and a material component of the fixing part (14) and / or at least partially by enclosing an unmelted material component of one part, in particular the fixing part (14), by a material component of the other part, in particular the support part (12). [20] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to introduce the additional weld point (20) or at least one of several additional weld points (20) at least to an outer edge (22') of the edge (22) of the support part (12) extending outside the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [21] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to introduce several additional welding points (20) spaced apart from each other along the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [22] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to carry out the welding at the welding points (18) in the space (24) between the immediately adjacent rows (17) of closure elements (16) in such a way that closure elements (16) adjacent to the welding points (18) are not affected by the welding process, in particular not damaged. [23] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to carry out the welding at at least one of the additional welding points (20) on the edge (22) of the carrier part (12) in such a way that the additional welding points (20) extend inwards beyond the outermost longitudinal row (17') of closure elements (16), in particular without damaging immediately adjacent closure elements (16) of the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [24] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to carry out the welding at at least one of the additional welding points (20) on the edge (22) of the carrier part (12) such that the additional welding point (20) extends along the outermost longitudinal row (17') over at least one closure element (16) of the outermost longitudinal row (17'). [25] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to carry out the welding in such a way that a feed rate along the outermost longitudinal row (17') of closure elements (16) is at least 70 m / min, preferably at least 150 m / min, particularly preferably at least 300 m / min, most preferably at least 500 m / min. [26] Manufacturing system (30) according to one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the manufacturing system (30) is configured to carry out the welding process as an ultrasonic welding process, wherein at least one projection (36) of a first welding tool (32) of the manufacturing system (30) is inserted into the space (24) and wherein at least one further projection (38) of the first welding tool (32) is placed on the edge (22) of the carrier part (12), and wherein a second welding tool (34) of the manufacturing system (30), which cooperates with the first welding tool (32) to produce one of the respective weld points (18, 20), comes into contact with that side of the fixing part (14) which is facing away from the locking elements (16). [27] Manufacturing plant (30) according to claim 26, wherein the first welding tool (32) is a rotatable disc tool, wherein the projections (36) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and in particular wherein the further projections (38) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. [28] Manufacturing plant (30) according to claim 26, wherein the first welding tool (32) is a block tool, and wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to, in particular, alternately introduce welding points (18) and additional welding points (20) in welding phases and to advance the carrier part (12) and the fixing part (14) relative to the welding tools (32, 34) in feed phases. [29] Manufacturing apparatus (30) according to one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least one projection (36) is designed to partially engage the locking elements (16) when engaging the space (24). [30] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to produce weld points (18) in several spaces (24) between different pairs of immediately adjacent rows (17) of closure elements (16). [31] Manufacturing plant (30) according to one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the manufacturing plant (30) is configured to simultaneously weld a plurality of carrier parts (12) with at least one fixing part (14) in parallel processing. [32] Hygiene article (40), in particular in the form of a diaper, with a closure system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in particular wherein the fixing part (14) forms a diaper ear (44).

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