Locking system with multi-track support components

Abstract

locking system (10), comprising - a fixing part (14) and - at least two carrier parts (12) each with a back (12") and a front (12') from which locking elements (16) protrude, wherein the rear sides (12") of the support parts (12) are arranged on the fixing part (14), and wherein support parts (12) are welded to the fixing part (14), characterized in that that at least one of the support parts (12) extends directly to a first edge (20) of the fixing part (14), in particular that all support parts (12) extend directly to a first edge (20) of the fixing part (14).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system comprising a locking element and at least two support elements, each of which has locking elements projecting from its front side. The support elements are arranged with their rear sides on the locking element. The support elements are welded to the locking element.

[0002] Locking systems with a fixing element and a carrier element carrying the locking elements are known. The fixing element serves as a support structure for the carrier element during use of the locking system. The locking elements of the carrier element are typically arranged in a regular distribution on its front surface. The corresponding locking system can be fixed to a counterpart, thereby forming an adhesive connection.

[0003] An example of such a fastening system is a diaper's hook-and-loop fastener, where the fastening element is attached to a diaper ear, or where the diaper ear itself serves as the fastening element. The carrier part, whose fastening elements are often designed as hook-and-loop fasteners, is in turn connected to the fastening element across its entire surface. When putting on the diaper, the fastening elements can be repositionably hooked onto a fleece lining in an area on the front of the diaper known as the landing zone.

[0004] It is known to weld the carrier part to the fixing part, for example, using an ultrasonic welding process. Compared to the also widely used method of gluing, this has the advantage that a reliable connection between the carrier part and the fixing part, possibly even through multiple layers of the fixing part, can be achieved through an efficient process. In particular, the resulting closure system exhibits greater material purity (fewer different materials), which is advantageous for disposal and recycling, among other things. Furthermore, there is no need to consider the durability and potential health risks of an adhesive.

[0005] In a generic closure system known from DE 10 2023 210 156 A1, several carrier parts or spaced-apart carrier part sections are arranged on a fixing part. DE 10 2023 210 156 A1 describes a manufacturing process and a manufacturing device for producing closure flaps for diapers. A carrier part strip designed as a hook strip is joined with a fixing part strip. The strips are attached to each other section by section. This attachment can be achieved by gluing or welding. Hook sections are cut out of the hook strip, in particular by punching, which remain on the fixing part strip when the hook strip is subsequently detached from it. This allows a closure flap strip to be formed. The closure flap strip can be cut to obtain individual closure flaps.In particular, the hook sections of the locking tabs have gaps to the respective edges of the locking tabs, which means that when fixing the respective locking tabs to a counterpart, there is always a risk that the edges of the locking tabs will stick out from the counterpart.

[0006] EP 3 271 134 B1 describes a method for manufacturing hook and loop fasteners, wherein a substrate material is gathered and then, in particular using an ultrasonic tool, fastening elements are produced on the substrate material. In embodiments, strip-shaped areas with fastening elements for a diaper can be formed. Object of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the invention to further develop a generic closure system in order to obtain a reliable, user-friendly, and efficiently manufacturable closure system, which can be used particularly advantageously on a hygiene product. Furthermore, an advantageous manufacturing system for such a closure system is to be specified. Description of the invention

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a closure system according to claim 1, a hygiene article according to claim 15, a system for producing a plurality of closure systems according to claim 17 and a production system according to claim 29. Inventive locking system

[0009] The problem is thus solved by a locking system comprising a locking element and at least two support elements, each with a back and a front. Locking elements project from the front of each support element. The backs of the support elements are arranged on the locking element. The support elements are welded to the locking element. According to the invention, at least one of the support elements extends to a first edge of the locking element. In particular, all support elements extend to a first edge.

[0010] The support elements are typically all arranged on the same side of the locking element. The locking system has, in particular, at most ten, preferably at most seven, and most preferably at most five, support elements.

[0011] The locking elements can be hook-shaped, mushroom-shaped, palm-shaped and / or hyperboloid-shaped.

[0012] Compared to a locking system with a single carrier part and the corresponding number and distribution density of locking elements, the use of at least two carrier parts results in a softer and more flexible locking system, since the carrier part typically has a higher stiffness than the locking element. Furthermore, the opening behavior can be adjusted by modifying the distribution of the forces required to release the locking system using the multiple carrier parts. In some cases, the increased number of carrier part edges (compared to a locking system with only one carrier part) can even increase the adhesive strength of the locking system, as locking elements at each edge of the carrier part can exert a greater effect when locking onto a counterpart, since a greater number of interlocks with the counterpart material can occur there.The first edge of the fixing part, which in particular also represents an edge of the locking system, can be fixed particularly reliably to the counterpart by the support part extending up to it.

[0013] Preferably, at least one support element extends directly to a second edge of the locking element. This second edge is opposite the first edge. The second edge of the locking element is typically also an edge of the locking system. Therefore, at least one support element preferably extends in one direction over the entire extent of the locking element or the locking system. In preferred embodiments, this direction corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the support element.

[0014] Preferably, all support elements of the locking system extend to just before the second edge. Particularly preferably, all support elements of the locking system extend from the first edge to the second edge.

[0015] This allows the locking system to be reliably fixed to the counterpart at two of its edges. This design also enables a particularly efficient method for manufacturing a large number of locking elements.

[0016] Preferably, the welds between the support parts and the fixing part are each formed with several spaced-apart weld points. Typically, each support part is attached to the fixing part via several weld points.

[0017] Depending on the design of the welds, particularly their thickness, the stiffness of the locking system may be locally increased at the weld points. By providing several spaced-apart welds, a global, direction-independent flexibility and deformability of the locking system can be ensured. In some embodiments, the response of the locking system to applied forces can even be advantageously influenced by the appropriate positioning of the welds.

[0018] Preferably, at least some of the welds are located entirely between immediately adjacent locking elements of a respective support part, without affecting the locking elements. In this way, the adhesive strength of the support parts can be maintained despite the necessary welds. In other embodiments, none of the locking elements of the support parts, or at least one of the support parts, may be affected by the welding. In preferred embodiments, at least some locking elements are completely or partially welded over during the welding process, while in other embodiments, some of the welds are located at least partially between immediately adjacent locking elements without affecting them during the welding process.In this way, an advantageous compromise can be achieved between the adhesive strength of the carrier parts and the necessary precision of a manufacturing process.

[0019] Preferably, the weld extends at least partially directly to the first and / or second edge. In particular, at least some of the weld points of both support parts extend to the first and / or second edge. This feature can be achieved particularly easily using the manufacturing process described later. This ensures that the respective support parts are securely connected to the fixing element at the first and / or second edge. This can improve performance characteristics, as it prevents the support parts from protruding at the first and / or second edge. Furthermore, it increases the strength, especially the shear strength, of the locking system.

[0020] In particular, some welds may be designed to define a specific longitudinal edge of a support member. Longitudinal edges of the support members typically run perpendicular to the first edge of the defining element. At least some of the welds located there may extend right up to the respective longitudinal edge.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one support element extending to the first edge has a longitudinal length that is greater than the width of the support element in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As already indicated, the at least one support element is advantageously oriented such that its longitudinal direction runs perpendicular to the first edge. In particular, all support elements have a longitudinal length that is greater than their respective width in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the support elements being oriented such that their longitudinal direction runs perpendicular to the first edge.

[0022] The longitudinal directions of the support elements preferably run parallel to each other. In preferred embodiments, the longitudinal directions of the support elements are perpendicular to the first and second edges of the fixing element. The support elements are preferably designed as straight strips.

[0023] Typically, all support components are the same length.

[0024] The width of the support elements can be between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 15 mm, and particularly preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm. Support elements with corresponding widths typically have a sufficient number of locking elements in the width direction to ensure adequate adhesion of the individual support elements.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, several, and in particular all, support parts are of the same width. This ensures a uniform distribution of the force required when releasing the locking system.

[0026] Alternatively, at least two of the support parts can have different widths. In some embodiments, all immediately adjacent support parts can have different widths. Two support parts between which at least one further support part is arranged can still have the same width. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which all support parts of the locking system have different widths.

[0027] Varying the widths of the support components can, for example, create a controlled opening behavior of the locking system, such as an increase and / or decrease in the release force during the opening process. The load distribution within the locking system during opening or under load while in the closed position can also be advantageously influenced. For instance, wider support components can be used in areas where high loads on the locking system are expected during normal use, while reducing the amount of support component material in potentially low-load areas. Finally, this can provide acoustic or haptic feedback, such as increasing force required for opening or a staggered sound.

[0028] Preferably, the distance between the longitudinal edges of the two outermost support parts along the first edge is at least 1.5 times, and in particular twice, the length of the longest support part.

[0029] In other words, considering the total width of the support element arrangement on the fixing element, including any gaps between the support elements, this width is at least 1.5 times the length of the longest support element. The locking system can be designed as a locking tab which, particularly starting from a connection area where the locking tab is attached to another structure, can be subjected to tension in the direction of the first, and preferably second, edge and can be peeled off along that same direction during an opening process.

[0030] As already indicated, immediately adjacent support sections can preferably be spaced apart from each other. Typically, they are spaced apart along the direction of the first edge, in particular along the width direction of each respective support section.

[0031] In alternative embodiments of the closure system according to the invention, immediately adjacent support parts can lie directly against each other with their longitudinal edges.

[0032] Typically, however, there is a gap between immediately adjacent carrier parts. The gap between the carrier parts can be between 0.1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, and particularly preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. This further optimizes the handling of the locking system. The locking system is typically opened by peeling it off transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carrier parts. By spacing the carrier parts apart, this peeling process can be interrupted at intervals. This allows for controlled removal of the locking system. In particular, it can be ensured that an unintentional peeling process is automatically interrupted.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the same distance is provided between all immediately adjacent support parts. In particular, if the respective distances vary by less than 30%, the distances are considered to be equal. Preferably, the distances between the immediately adjacent support parts vary by less than 1 mm if the distances are at least 3.5 mm each. This ensures a uniform opening behavior.

[0034] Alternatively, different distances can be established between at least two pairs of immediately adjacent support elements. Properties of the locking system, such as stiffness, feel, opening behavior, appearance, load-bearing capacity, etc., can be configured as desired by selecting the respective distances.

[0035] All carrier parts can have identical locking elements; in particular, all carrier parts can be identical. For example, all carrier parts can have mushroom-shaped locking elements, especially where the carrier parts originate, for example, from a pre-produced carrier part strip, whereby, among other things, the height and distribution density of the locking elements, the material composition, and the thickness of a carrier layer of the carrier part, i.e., the distance between the front and back of the respective carrier parts, are identical. Identical carrier parts can nevertheless have different dimensions, particularly in the width direction.

[0036] Preferably, at least two different types of support parts may be present. Different types of support parts differ in at least one of their properties, apart from the external dimensions of their base area, such as the material, color, thickness of the support layer, the type, shape and / or size of the locking elements, and / or the arrangement of (otherwise identical or different) locking elements.

[0037] For example, a locking system can have carrier parts with identical, for example mushroom-shaped, locking elements, where the carrier parts differ in that one of the carrier parts has locking elements spaced further apart. In this case, the carrier parts have identical locking elements, but of different types.

[0038] It is also conceivable that the support parts of different types differ only in their color. In preferred embodiments, however, the support parts of different types differ in more than one property.

[0039] Different types of support components can be advantageously combined. In particular, the advantages of each type can complement each other. For example, a support component type that promises high nominal adhesion under normal conditions can be combined with a support component type that may exhibit lower nominal adhesion under normal conditions, but whose adhesion is maintained over a wider temperature or humidity range.

[0040] Preferably, the longitudinal edges of the two outermost support parts along the first edge can be welded to the fixing part, in particular continuously.

[0041] As previously indicated, welds can extend to the longitudinal edges of the support components to reliably define their longitudinal edges. In some embodiments, the aforementioned outer longitudinal edges of the entire support component assembly can be defined by a continuous weld line along the respective longitudinal edge. While this increases the stiffness of the locking system in one direction, it may also result in higher shear strength of the locking system in the bonded state. Inner longitudinal edges, i.e., longitudinal edges opposite another support component, are preferably not continuously welded. In some embodiments, the inner longitudinal edges can remain free of welds.Furthermore, welding the outermost longitudinal edges can reduce or prevent unwanted protrusion of the fixing part from a counterpart, whereas on inner longitudinal edges a less intimate connection of the support parts with the fixing part can further improve the performance characteristics as explained. Inventive hygiene product

[0042] The invention also relates to a hygiene article, in particular a diaper, with a closure system in one of the described embodiments.

[0043] Preferably, the fixing part projects from a main body of the hygiene article, wherein the first edge extends from the main body to a free edge of the fixing part, in particular wherein the support part nearest to the free edge is spaced away from the free edge.

[0044] The free edge can thus form a grip section which can be used to loosen and tighten the locking system.

[0045] If the hygiene product is in the form of a diaper, it typically has two closure systems according to the invention.

[0046] The main body of the hygiene product and the fastening element can be formed monolithically together. For example, a diaper ear formed monolithically with the main body of a diaper can represent the fastening element.

[0047] Alternatively, the main body and the fastening element can be separate parts, which are connected, for example, at an overlapping area. With regard to the diaper, the fastening element can also be designed as a diaper ear in this case, or alternatively as a flap that is in turn connected to the diaper ear.

[0048] The hygiene product according to the invention offers advantageous handling and comfort during use. At the same time, its closure system can be designed in a variety of ways, while always ensuring a reliable adhesive bond. Inventive system for manufacturing locking systems

[0049] The invention also relates to a system for manufacturing a plurality of closure systems in one of the embodiments described above. The manufacturing system is configured to carry out a manufacturing process described below. The multiple carrier parts are obtained by cutting at least one carrier strip in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction. The longitudinal direction of the carrier strip typically corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the carrier parts. The transverse direction of the carrier strip corresponds, in particular, to the width direction of the carrier parts. The carrier strip incorporates the closure elements and was, in particular, manufactured in an upstream process.

[0050] In this process, the at least one carrier strip is cut longitudinally, particularly before welding it to a fixed strip, to obtain carrier strips. The carrier strip can be cut using at least one stationary blade. Alternatively, at least one circular, rotating blade can be used. In particular, the respective blades can be heated for this purpose, thereby thermally sealing the cut edges. Likewise, the blades can be subjected to ultrasonic vibrations to achieve thermal sealing and, in particular, low cutting forces. If more than one blade is present, adjacent blades can have either the same or different spacing in the transverse direction, depending on the desired width of the resulting carrier sections.

[0051] The carrier strips are cut transversely before or, preferably, after welding to obtain the carrier parts. In preferred embodiments, the carrier strips are first welded to the fixing strip, and the resulting strip-shaped laminate is then cut into individual closure systems, as will be explained in more detail below. In this way, the process can be carried out as a continuous, efficient process. In particular, the processing of the carrier strip and the joining of the carrier strips to the fixing strip can be carried out at a feed rate of 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.

[0052] Preferably, the support strips are moved away from each other in the transverse direction before welding. In this way, a desired distance can be established between the support strips, or rather, between the later support parts.

[0053] In particular, the carrier strips can be guided over a convex roller for this purpose. The convex roller can, for example, be a roller with a straight axis and a crowned or chamfered roller body, or a roller with a curved axis and a flexible roller body with a constant diameter along the axis. The convex roller allows the carrier strips to be separated easily and effectively. The convex roller is preferably mounted to rotate freely.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, spreading elements, such as fingers and / or rollers, can engage between the carrier strips and spread them apart in the transverse direction.

[0055] To manufacture the previously described closure systems with different types of carrier parts, several carrier part strips can be cut within the process. The resulting carrier part strips can be separated and / or mixed together, whereby, in particular, parallel webs of carrier part strips of different types are obtained in the desired arrangement (order in the transverse direction), which can then be welded onto a fixed part strip.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment of the method, the at least one carrier strip is cut longitudinally during welding, resulting in carrier strips. Accordingly, the welding and longitudinal cutting occur simultaneously in time and location. One or more, possibly different, carrier strips can be used.

[0057] In some embodiments, the longitudinal cutting of a carrier strip occurs in several steps. Initially, only a scoring / marking or the creation of a perforation line / predetermined breaking point may take place. In this case, the carrier strips are completely separated from each other in a later process step, for example, by stretching the fixed-piece strip with the welded-on carrier sections, prepared for separation, in the transverse direction.

[0058] As already indicated, the fixing elements are preferably obtained from a fixing element strip by cutting a laminate made of the fixing element strip and welded-on carrier element strips in the transverse direction, so that the individual locking systems are obtained.

[0059] The laminate, consisting of the bonding strip and the carrier strips obtained from the carrier strip or strips before or during welding, can initially be wound onto a reel after welding. To create the locking systems, it can later be unwound from the reel and then cut in the transverse direction. The strip-shaped, rolled-up laminate can be stored and / or transported particularly advantageously.

[0060] In one embodiment of the method, the fixing strip can be stretched in the transverse direction after the carrier strips have been welded on, in order to create gaps between immediately adjacent carrier strips, and then the individual locking systems can be separated by cutting in the transverse direction.

[0061] When stretching the fixing strip, the desired distance between the support strips (i.e., the later support parts) can be optionally created, or, if the support strips have already been separated, increased.

[0062] In some embodiments, a final separation (breaking open) of the carrier strips can also take place during stretching, provided that the complete longitudinal splitting was only prepared by cutting a carrier strip.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element strip with the welded-on carrier element strips can be cut in the transverse direction, and then the fixing elements of the individual locking systems obtained by cutting in the transverse direction can be stretched in the transverse direction to establish, in particular create or increase, distances between immediately adjacent carrier elements.

[0064] Welding is preferably carried out by ultrasonic welding, in particular with a rotating, cylindrical anvil and / or with a rotating, cylindrical sonotrode.

[0065] To achieve spaced-apart weld points, the anvil and / or the sonotrode may preferably have discrete weld protrusions. In some embodiments, these weld protrusions can engage between immediately adjacent locking elements of the support parts during welding without damaging them. To define the outer longitudinal edges of the outermost support strips, a continuous weld protrusion circumferentially encircling the cylindrical anvil (and / or the sonotrode) may be provided. Further weld protrusions are preferably not circumferential.

[0066] When carrying out the process, it is particularly conceivable that weld points, for example in a regular pattern, are distributed across the entire carrier assembly. In particular, the weld point pattern also encompasses areas of the fixing strip that lie between transversely spaced carrier strips. This creates indentations (pseudo-welds) in the fixing strip. This may be desirable to achieve a specific appearance of the final locking system or to modify its stiffness distribution.

[0067] In preferred embodiments, the anvil can have longitudinal separating elements for the carrier strip (or several parallel carrier strips, particularly of different types). Accordingly, the carrier strip can be cut longitudinally during welding, or complete cutting can be prepared by weakening the carrier strip. As already mentioned, gaps between the carrier strips or carrier parts can be achieved by stretching the fixing strip and / or individual fixing elements in the transverse direction. The fixing strip is not cut longitudinally by the longitudinal separating elements.

[0068] The invention also relates to a system that is set up to carry out at least part of the process described above.

[0069] The system comprises a welding unit for welding at least one carrier strip to a fixed strip. The welding unit is preferably designed as an ultrasonic welding unit. In particular, it comprises a rotatable, cylindrical anvil and a rotatable, cylindrical sonotrode. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the welding unit comprises a flat sonotrode along which one of the strips and / or the carrier strips can slide. Welding protrusions are preferably located on the anvil.

[0070] The system is configured to cut the carrier strip longitudinally before or after welding, so that carrier strips are obtained. Preferably, the system is further configured to cut the fixing strip with the welded-on carrier strips transversely, so that individual locking systems are obtained.

[0071] The system preferably includes cutting and / or spreading means (rotating blades, convex roller, spreading fingers, etc.) for producing or separating the carrier strips.

[0072] In some embodiments, the system may include a device for cutting the fixing strip and / or the laminate consisting of the fixing strip and carrier strip in the transverse direction. In alternative embodiments, the system may be configured to prepare for transverse cutting by introducing transversely extending weakening into the laminate, for example, by creating a kerf or a perforation line. In this case, after processing by the system, the sealing systems remain part of a precursor strip with the sealing systems still partially connected to one another. This precursor strip can, for example, be wound onto a reel for storage or transport. In further alternative embodiments, the transverse cutting or its preparation can be omitted entirely at the system and, for example, carried out in a subsequent process at another system.

[0073] Using the system according to the invention, a large number of closure systems according to the invention can be produced in a rational process, in particular with a high process speed, or their final completion can be facilitated by cutting a strip that is advantageously prepared for this purpose.

[0074] 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

[0075] The invention is illustrated in the drawing and described with reference to exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a locking system according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of nine further locking systems according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic side view and a partial top view of a system according to the invention for manufacturing a locking system; Fig. 4 a schematic side view and a partial top view of a second apparatus according to the invention for manufacturing a locking system; Fig. 5. A flowchart of a variant of a manufacturing process; Fig. 6. A flowchart of a second variant of a manufacturing process; Fig. 7 a hygiene article according to the invention with two closure systems according to the invention; Fig. 8 a second hygiene article according to the invention with two closure systems according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing

[0076] In the figures of the drawing, elements that appear multiple times are usually only partially provided with reference symbols for better clarity.

[0077] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a locking system 10 according to the invention. The locking system 10 has three support parts 12. Locking elements 16 project from the respective front faces 12' of the support parts 12. In this embodiment, the locking elements 16 are mushroom-shaped and regularly spaced. The locking elements 16 of the support parts 12 and the support parts 12 themselves are identical in the illustrated embodiment. The support parts 12 are arranged with their respective rear faces 12'' on a fixing part 14 and welded to it at several weld points 18. The support parts 12 are designed as straight strips and run parallel to each other. They each extend directly from a first edge 20 of the fixing part 14 to a second edge 22 of the fixing part 14 opposite the first edge 20. The first edge 20 and the second edge 22 are both edges of the locking system 10.Some of the weld points 18 extend to the immediate vicinity of the first edge 20 and / or the second edge 22. The fixing element 14 has a grip area 14'' on a free edge 14', which can be grasped to operate the locking system 10.

[0078] The support elements 12 have a greater extent in a longitudinal direction X than in a lateral direction Y. The same applies to the weld points 18. The lateral direction Y of the support elements 12 corresponds to the transverse direction Y of the fixing element 14 and the locking system 10. The longitudinal direction X of the support elements 12 corresponds to the longitudinal direction X of the fixing element 14 and the locking system 10.

[0079] During the manufacture of the locking system 10, each outer longitudinal edge 24' of the outer support parts 12 was fixed by means of a weld 18 in the form of a continuous weld line. A series of locking elements 16 were welded over when the outer longitudinal edges 24' were fixed. The weld lines extend at least to the immediate vicinity of the outer longitudinal edges 24'. In particular, the weld lines overlap the outer edges 24' to ensure their reliable fixation.

[0080] Remaining (inner) longitudinal edges 24 are free of weld points 18.

[0081] Apart from the continuous weld lines on the outer longitudinal edges 24', weld points 18 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X and are arranged here by way of example in a regular pattern. Regardless of the embodiment shown, it is conceivable that weld points 18 on the outer longitudinal edges 24' are also spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X (not shown).

[0082] Some of the welds 18 can be located between immediately adjacent locking elements 16 without impairing their function. Other welds 18 can damage locking elements 16.

[0083] During the manufacture of the locking system 10, welds were intentionally or accidentally introduced in areas between the support parts 12. These appear as pseudo-welds 18', where no actual weld joint exists, but rather a weld or indentation in the fixing part 14. The appearance and / or stiffness distribution of the locking system 10 can be adjusted by means of the pseudo-welds 18'. Furthermore, the manufacture of the locking system 10 can potentially be simplified due to lower precision requirements.

[0084] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, two of the three identical support parts 12 have the same width B in the width direction Y (left and middle in the illustration), while the third support part 12 (right in the illustration) is less wide.

[0085] In this embodiment, the distances A between the support parts 12 are all the same.

[0086] The dimensions of the support parts 12 are determined irrespective of the weld points 18 applied, i.e. the welded areas on the outer longitudinal edges 24, which contain material of the support parts 12, are still considered as components of the respective support parts 12.

[0087] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of nine locking systems 10 according to the invention. A fixing element 14 is indicated in each case by a dashed outline. Each of the locking systems 10 has, by way of example, five support elements 12, wherein each of the support elements 12 extends from a first edge 20 to a second edge 22 of the respective fixing element 14, or locking system 10.

[0088] The three locking systems 10 in the first (left) column each have support parts 12 with identical dimensions. The distances A between each adjacent support part 12 are also the same. The locking systems 10 shown in the first column each have two different types of support parts 12. Support parts 12 of different types can differ, for example, in material, color, and / or the type of locking elements 16 (see Fig. 1) distinguish. Closure elements 16 and weld points 18 are in Fig. 2 not shown in detail. The two upper locking systems 10 of the first column have a symmetrical arrangement of the different types starting from the respective central support element 12. In particular, different types can alternate when viewed in the transverse direction Y, or support elements 12 of the same type can lie next to each other. In contrast, the lower locking system 10 of the first column has an asymmetrical arrangement of the support element types.

[0089] Locking systems 10 of the second (middle) column in Fig. 2 all have the same type of support element. The locking systems 10 each have at least two support elements 12 of different widths B and / or with different distances A to their respective adjacent support elements 12. The two upper locking systems 10 of the second column have a symmetrical arrangement of the support elements 12 with respect to their widths B and distances A, starting from their respective central support element 12. Any two support elements 12 have the same width B. The lower locking system 10 of the second column has an asymmetrical arrangement of the support elements 12 with respect to their respective distances A, starting from its central support element 12, but all support elements 12 have the same width B.

[0090] The locking systems 10 in the third (right) column have the same configuration with respect to the widths B and distances A of the support elements 12 as the locking systems 10 in the second column. In the third column, there are two different support element types in each column. In the upper locking system 10 of the third column, the support element types are arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle support element 12. In contrast, the two lower locking systems 10 in the third column have an asymmetrical arrangement of the different support element types with respect to the center. The middle locking system 10 also has an arrangement of widths B and distances A that is symmetrical with respect to its center, while the lower locking system 10 also has an asymmetrical arrangement in this respect.

[0091] The in Fig. The two illustrated locking systems 10 represent only an exemplary selection of the possible variations in which a locking system 10 according to the invention can be implemented.

[0092] A distance Q between the respective outer longitudinal edges 24' of the support parts 12 of a locking system 10 is, for all in Fig. 2 shown locking systems 10 at least 1.5 times the length of the respective longitudinal edges 24 in longitudinal direction X.

[0093] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a system 26 according to the invention, or at least a part of a corresponding system 26 for producing a plurality of closure systems 10 according to the invention (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) or a laminate 28 consisting of a fixed strip 30 with welded-on carrier strips 32, from which closure systems 10 can be obtained by simply cutting along a transverse direction Y. A schematic top view of part of the system 26 is also shown in part. The coordinate system in Fig. The transverse direction Y shown in section 3 applies only to this top view.

[0094] At the system 26, a carrier strip 32' is unwound, in particular drawn off, from a carrier roll 34. The carrier strip 32' is guided to a cutting device 36 and there, in particular by means of rotating blades 36', is cut into carrier strips 32 in a longitudinal direction X. In the present embodiment, it is cut. However, embodiments are conceivable in which the carrier strip 32' is only partially cut to obtain the carrier strips 32; the cutting is then completed later. The cutting device 36 can, in particular, have a counter bearing 36'' for the blades 36'.

[0095] In the present case, the carrier strips 32 are separated after cutting by means of a convex roller 38, for example a curved, flexible roller, to predetermined distances A (see also Fig. 1) to be positioned between the carrier strips 32. In embodiments, spreading elements 38' can alternatively or additionally engage between the carrier strips 32 to separate them or to assist in separating them.

[0096] The carrier strips 32 are subsequently joined and welded together with the fixing strip 30, which in turn can be unwound from a fixing roll 42, on an ultrasonic welding system 40. In this process, a cylindrical, in particular rotating, sonotrode 44 and an anvil 46 opposite the sonotrode 44 are used. The anvil 46 has discrete welding projections 46' to create weld points 18 that are not aligned with each other and / or are linear (see Fig. 1) to create between the fixing part strip 30 and the carrier part strips 32, if necessary without locking elements 16 (see Fig. 1) to excessively impair the carrier strip 32.

[0097] In alternative embodiments, the anvil 46 can have at least one circumferential longitudinal separating element 46'' (in Fig. 3 additionally shown), in order to realize the cutting of the carrier strip 32' and the welding of the carrier strips 32 at the same time and place; the cutting device 36 and devices 38, 38' for separating the carrier strips 32 in the transverse direction Y can then be omitted.

[0098] In the partial top view of the Fig. 3 the sonotrode 44 and the fixing section band 30 are hidden.

[0099] The laminate 28 resulting from the welding process can be stretched in the transverse direction Y after welding, for example again with a convex roller 38 (not shown in detail) to create or increase distances A between the carrier strips 32.

[0100] The laminate 28, consisting of the fixing strip 30 and the carrier strip 32, is wound onto a roll 48. The laminate 28 can then be unwound from the roll 48 at a part of the system 26 (not shown) or at another system and cut in the transverse direction Y to obtain individual locking systems 10.

[0101] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a system 26 for manufacturing locking systems 10 (see Fig. 2) Unlike Annex 26 from Fig. 3, in addition to the carrier strip 32', a further carrier strip 32a' is unwound from a further carrier roll 34a and fed to the cutting device 36 in order to obtain further carrier strips 32a in addition to the carrier strips 32. The further carrier strips 32a are processed together with the carrier strips 32 analogously to the procedure in Fig. 3 are separated (further) on a convex roller 38 and welded together with a fixing strip 30 on an ultrasonic welding system 40.

[0102] The further carrier strip 32a' and the further carrier strips 32a can be of the same type as the carrier strip 32' and the carrier strips 32 in embodiments. The simultaneous feeding of several carrier strips 32', 32a' of the same type can be advantageous, for example, for process economy reasons.

[0103] Preferably, the additional carrier strip 32a' and the additional carrier strips 32a are of a different type than the carrier strip 32' and the carrier strips 32. In this way, closure systems 10 with different types of carrier parts 12 can be advantageously produced. The respective type of carrier strip 32', 32a' and carrier strip 32, 32a is determined based on the properties of the carrier parts 12 types explained above (analogous to these).

[0104] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a plurality of closure systems 10 can be obtained by dividing the laminate 28 obtained after welding, which correspond to the lower closure system 10 of the first or third column in Fig. 2 correspond.

[0105] In order to ultimately obtain closure systems 10, in particular each with different types of carrier parts 12, in different configurations (see Fig. 2) The respective system 26 used for this purpose can be configured in numerous variations. For example, it is conceivable that carrier strips 32', 32a' are cut on different cutting devices 36 and then spread apart and mixed together before welding to obtain the desired sequence of carrier strips 32, 32a. It is equally conceivable that carrier strips 32, in particular of one type, are first welded onto the fixing strip 30, and in a subsequent process step, carrier strips 32a, in particular of a different type, are welded onto the laminate 28 consisting of the fixing strip 30 and carrier strips 32. The system 26 can, in particular, comprise two ultrasonic welding systems 40 or two anvils 46 (not shown).It is also conceivable that several laminates 28, particularly those with different designs, are produced in parallel at the plant 26, wherein carrier strips 32 of a carrier strip 32' are each partially fed to a fixing strip 30 and another fixing strip (not shown), and simultaneously carrier strips 32a of a carrier strip 32a' are each partially fed to the fixing strip 30 and the other fixing strip. In particular, a multitude of other possible configurations of the plant 26 and the implementation of a manufacturing process 100 (see . ) are possible. Fig. 5) conceivable.

[0106] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a manufacturing process 100. Step 102 comprises cutting a carrier strip 32' in a longitudinal direction X. In step 104, the carrier strips 32 obtained in this way are separated to establish gaps A between the carrier strips 32. Step 106 comprises welding the carrier strips 32 onto a fixing strip 30. In step 108, the laminate 28 obtained in this way is wound onto a roll 48. Step 110 comprises unwinding the laminate 28 from the roll 48 and cutting the laminate 28 in a transverse direction Y to obtain a plurality of closure systems 10 according to the invention.

[0107] Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a further embodiment of a manufacturing process 100. Step 102' again comprises cutting or a first partial step of cutting, in particular slicing and / or scoring and / or perforating, a carrier strip 32' in a longitudinal direction X. Step 106' comprises welding the carrier strips 32 thus obtained, optionally still connected, onto a fixing strip 30. In step 104', the laminate 28 is stretched in the transverse direction to establish gaps A between the carrier strips 32. If the carrier strip 32' was not completely cut in step 102', the carrier strips 32 are separated from each other in step 104'. In step 110', the laminate 28 is cut in the transverse direction Y to obtain several closure systems 10. As already indicated above, steps 104' and 110' may be carried out in reverse order in embodiments of method 100.

[0108] As can be seen from the description of the Fig. As becomes clear in sections 2 to 6, many further variations of procedure 100 are conceivable.

[0109] Fig. Figure 7 shows a hygiene article 50 according to the invention, in the form of a diaper, with an absorbent core 58 and two closure systems 10 according to the invention. A landing zone of the diaper, in particular comprising nonwoven fabric, serves as a counterpart 56 for both closure systems 10.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, each fastening element 14 of the closure systems 10 is designed as a tab, which in turn is connected to a diaper ear 54. The fastening element 14 can also be connected to the diaper ear 54, for example, by welding. The diaper ear 54 can in turn be connected to a main body 52 of the diaper or be formed monolithically with it.

[0111] Each fixing element 14 carries several support elements 12. The support elements 12 of a fixing element 14 are arranged in strips on the fixing element 14 and spaced apart from each other along a first edge 20 of the fixing element 14. The locking elements 16 and weld points 18 are not shown in detail here (see [reference]). Fig. 1).

[0112] The various support parts 12 can be identical or different with regard to their dimensions in the transverse direction Y and / or the type of their locking elements 16. The support parts 12 extend in the longitudinal direction X (see Fig. 1) over the entire fixing part 14 between its edges 20, 22.

[0113] Two closure systems 10 of a hygiene article 50 do not necessarily have to be of the same design, although this is typically the case with diapers.

[0114] The respective edges 20, 22 of the fixing parts 14, respectively of the locking systems 10, extend away from the main body 52 to a free edge 14', whereby the free edge 14' can be accessed for operating the respective locking system 10.

[0115] By means of the multiple support parts 12 per locking system 10 shown, it can be achieved in particular that the tab forming the locking element 14 has a more pleasant feel, especially being softer and more flexible, than a locking system 10 with a support part 12 of the same total area extending in the transverse direction Y. The opening behavior can also be modified by adjusting the curve of the forces required for opening. In this way, the perceived ease of handling can be increased.

[0116] Under certain circumstances, 24 is located on the respective longitudinal edges (see Fig. 1) The respective carrier parts 12 exhibit a slightly higher adhesion to the counterpart 56 (here, the landing zone of the diaper) than the remaining area of ​​a respective carrier part 12. This can result, for example, from the fact that closure elements 16 have a greater range of motion on one side at the longitudinal edges 24 (potentially generating more interlocks with loops of the counterpart 56). The adhesive strength of a closure system 10 can potentially be increased by a fragmented carrier part arrangement without increasing the total number of closure elements 16.

[0117] In embodiments, a diaper ear 54 can itself constitute a fixing element 14. This is shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a hygiene article 50. Here, carrier parts 12 of different types are joined by means of weld points 18 (see Figure 8). Fig. 1) directly attached to the diaper ear 54. In order to carry out the method 100 in an efficient manner, the diaper ear 54 was preferably subsequently attached to a main body 52.

[0118] Also in the embodiment of Fig. 8 a respective first and second edge 20, 22 of the fixing parts 14, respectively locking systems 10, extend away from the main body 52 to a free edge 14'.

[0119] Referring to the figures of the drawing, the invention relates to a locking system 10 with a locking element 14 and at least two support elements 12, each of which has locking elements 16 projecting from its front face 12'. The support elements 12 are arranged with their rear faces 12" on the locking element 14. The support elements 12 are preferably welded to the locking element 14 by means of several discrete weld points 18. The support elements 12 preferably extend to a first edge 20 and, in particular, to a second edge 22 of the locking element 14. The locking system 10 has, in particular, between two and ten support elements 12 spaced apart from one another along the first edge 20. The support elements 12 of a locking system 10 can, in particular, be of different types; for example, they can have different colors.A hygiene article 50 advantageously comprises at least one closure system 10 according to the invention. The invention also relates to a system 26 for manufacturing a closure system 10 according to the invention, or to a system 26 that can be used in carrying out steps of a manufacturing process for closure systems according to the invention. Reference symbol list 10 Locking system 12 Carrier part 12' Front 12'' back 14 fixing part 14' free margin 14'' handle area 16 locking element 18 welding points 18' Pseudo-weld 20 first edge 22 second margin 24 Long edge 24' outer longitudinal edge 26 Annex 28 Laminat 30 fixing section band 32 carrier strips 32a further carrier strips 32' Carrier section 32a' further carrier section 34 Carrier part roller 34' further carrier roller 36 Cutting device 36' blade 36" counter bearing 38 convex roll 38' Spreader element 40 ultrasonic welding systems 42 fixing part roller 44 sonotrodes 46 Anvil 46' weld protrusions 46" longitudinal separating element 48 rolls 50 hygiene products 52 Main body 54 Diaper ear 56 counterpart 100 procedures 102 Procedure step 102' Procedure step 104 Procedure step 104' Procedure step 106 Procedure step 106' Procedure step 108 Procedure step 110 Procedure step 110' Process step A distance B width X Longitudinal direction Y Latitude / Transverse Q distance 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 10 2023 210 156 A1

[0005] EP 3 271 134 B1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Locking system (10), comprising - a fixing part (14) and - at least two carrier parts (12) each with a back (12") and a front (12') from which locking elements (16) protrude, wherein the rear sides (12") of the support parts (12) are arranged on the fixing part (14), and wherein support parts (12) are welded to the fixing part (14), characterized by , that at least one of the support parts (12) extends directly to a first edge (20) of the fixing part (14), in particular that all support parts (12) extend directly to a first edge (20) of the fixing part (14). [2] Locking system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support part (12) extends directly to a second edge (22) of the fixing part (14), wherein the second edge (22) is opposite the first edge (20), in particular wherein all support parts (12) extend directly to the second edge (22). [3] Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the welds of the support parts (12) with the fixing part (14) are each formed with several spaced-apart weld points (18). [4] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the welding extends at least in certain areas directly to the first and / or second edge (20, 22). [5] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support part (12) has a length in a longitudinal direction (X) that is greater than a width (B) of the support part (12) in a width direction (Y) oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the support part (12) is oriented such that the longitudinal direction (X) runs transversely to the first edge (20), in particular wherein all support parts (12) have a length in a respective longitudinal direction (X) which is greater than a respective width (B) of the respective support part (12) in a width direction (Y) oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the support parts (12) are oriented such that the longitudinal direction (X) is perpendicular to the first edge (20). [6] Closure system (10) according to claim 5, wherein several, in particular all, support parts (12) are of the same width. [7] Closure system (10) according to claim 5, wherein at least two of the support parts (12) are of different widths, in particular wherein all support parts (12) immediately adjacent to each other are of different widths. [8] Closure system (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a distance (Q) from outer longitudinal edges (24') of the two outermost support parts (12) along the first edge (20) is at least 1.5 times as large, in particular twice as large, as the length of the longest support part (12). [9] Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein immediately adjacent support parts (12) are spaced apart from each other. [10] Locking system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the same distance (A) is provided between all immediately adjacent support parts (12). [11] Locking system (10) according to claim 9, wherein different distances (A) are provided between at least two pairs of immediately adjacent support parts (12). [12] Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all carrier parts (12) have similar locking elements (16), in particular wherein all carrier parts (12) are similar. [13] Closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two different types of carrier parts (12) are provided. [14] Locking system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein longitudinal edges (24') of the two outermost support parts (12) along the first edge (20) are welded to the fixing part (14), in particular continuously. [15] Hygiene articles (50), in particular diapers, with at least one closure system (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [16] Hygiene article (50) according to claim 15, wherein the fixing part (14) projects from a main body (52) of the hygiene article (50), wherein the first edge (20) extends from the main body (52) to a free edge (14') of the fixing part (14), in particular wherein the support part (12) nearest to the free edge (14') is spaced apart from the free edge (14'). [17] Plant (26) configured for producing a plurality of closure systems (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plant (26) is configured to cut at least one carrier part strip (32', 32a') in a longitudinal direction (X) and in a transverse direction (Y) to obtain the multiple carrier parts (12). [18] System (26) according to claim 17, wherein the system (26) is configured to cut the at least one carrier strip (32', 32a') in the longitudinal direction (X) before welding, so that carrier strips (32, 32a) are obtained. [19] Device (26) according to claim 18, wherein the device (26) is configured to move the carrier strips (32, 32a) away from each other in the transverse direction (Y) before welding. [20] Device (26) according to claim 19, wherein the device (26) has a convex roller (38) and is configured to guide the carrier strips (32, 32a) over the convex roller (38) to establish distances (A) in the transverse direction (Y). [21] Device (26) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the device (26) has spreading elements (38') which are configured to engage between the carrier strips (32, 32a) and to spread them apart in the transverse direction (Y). [22] System (26) according to claim 17, wherein the system (26) is configured to cut the at least one carrier strip (32', 32a') during welding in the longitudinal direction (X) so that carrier strips (32, 32a) are obtained. [23] System (26) according to one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the system (26) is configured to obtain the fixing parts (14) from a fixing part strip (30) by cutting a laminate (28) of fixing part strip (30) and welded carrier part strips (32, 32a) in the transverse direction (Y) so that the individual locking systems (10) are obtained. [24] System (26) according to claim 23, wherein the system (26) is configured to first wind the laminate (28) of fixing part strip (30) and carrier part strip (32, 32a) onto a roll (48) after welding, later unwind it from the roll (48) and then cut it in the transverse direction (Y). [25] System (26) according to one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the system (26) is configured to stretch the fixing strip (30) in the transverse direction (Y) after welding on the carrier strips (32, 32a) in order to create distances (A) between immediately adjacent carrier strips (32, 32a), and then to separate the individual locking systems (10) by cutting in the transverse direction (Y). [26] System (26) according to one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the system (26) is configured to cut the fixing part strip (30) with the welded-on carrier part strips (32, 32a) in the transverse direction (Y), and then to stretch the fixing parts (14) of the individual locking systems (10) obtained by cutting in the transverse direction (Y) in the transverse direction (Y) in order to establish distances (A) between immediately adjacent carrier parts (12). [27] System (26) according to one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the system (26) is configured for welding by ultrasonic welding, in particular with a rotating anvil (46) and / or with a rotating sonotrode (44). [28] Device (26) according to claim 27, wherein the anvil (46) has longitudinal separating elements (46") for the at least one carrier section strip (32', 32a'). [29] System (26), in particular according to one of claims 17 to 28, comprising a welding system for welding at least one carrier strip (32', 32a') to a fixing strip (30), wherein the system (26) is configured to cut the carrier strip (32', 32a') before or after welding in a longitudinal direction (X) so that carrier strips (32, 32a) are obtained, and preferably to cut the fixing strip (30) with the welded carrier strips (32, 32a) in the transverse direction (Y) so that individual closure systems (10) are obtained.

Images