Device for mechanically sealing a polymeric and / or metal-free sealing tape strip, as well as use and operating method therefor

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for mechanically closing the neck of a shirred bag with a flexible polymeric and / or metal-free closure tape strip. Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating method for a device for mechanically closing the neck of a shirred bag with a flexible polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip.

[0002] There are various devices available on the market for mechanically sealing a fastener tape strip.

[0003] DE 26 47 598 A1 discloses a device for mechanically closing a U-shaped preformed fastener tape strip. The preformed fastener tape strip is first fed into a box-shaped holder. For closing, the holder containing the fastener tape strip is pressed into a depression-shaped die recess by a punch, strip ends first. The die recess is pivotable on a pivot lever, so that the fastener tape strip can be exposed for removal after closing.

[0004] DE 82 13 191 U1 discloses a device for mechanically closing a fastener tape strip. The device has a pivotable support arm, at the free end of which is mounted a punch unit for severing and preforming the fastener tape strip. The punch unit comprises a punch and a punch die with a U-shaped recess. The severing and preforming of the fastener tape strip is achieved by pivoting the support arm far enough to insert the fastener tape material between the punch and the punch die. The punch is then inserted into the recess of the punch die, whereby the fastener tape strip is severed and pre-bent into a U-shape.The closure strip is then closed by exposing the U-shaped pre-formed closure strip in the stamping unit and pressing it together between two die jaws that can be pivoted in a pliers-like manner at the same height on the support arm, with U-shaped die guide surfaces facing one another.

[0005] US 2,722,001 A further discloses a device for mechanically closing a fastener tape strip. The device comprises a die formed from two die jaws that can be brought together, and a punch unit with a movable punch. The punch is designed to press the fastener tape strip into a die recess formed between the die jaws in such a way that the fastener tape strip, guided by die guide surfaces of the die jaws, is closed with overlapping strip ends in the die recess.

[0006] What these known devices have in common is that they are designed for closing flexible metal fastener tapes or fastener tapes with plastic-coated metal wires. Due to their metallic components, fastener tapes of this type exhibit low brittleness and thus good forming properties, so there is a low risk of breakage when closing these fastener tapes and they can be closed with comparatively reliable processing.

[0007] However, their use in the food sector is disadvantageous. Due to their metallic components, there is a risk that metal parts of the sealing tape strip could be introduced into food containers that are to be sealed with the sealing tape strip. There is therefore a growing desire in the food sector to use metal-free sealing tapes to seal food-filled containers, such as bags filled with bread, biscuits, or pasta. However, metal-free sealing tapes, particularly polymeric sealing tapes made of plastic, have the disadvantage that their sealing tape material is comparatively brittle and tends to break during sealing. Therefore, reliable sealing of these sealing tapes is not possible with the aforementioned devices available on the market.In addition, when closing these metal-free fastener tapes with the aforementioned known devices, there is a risk that the fastener tape strip will experience excessive bending stress due to its increased brittleness and will in any case tear or be damaged locally.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method which enable a process-reliable, in particular escape-proof and tear-free, mechanical closing of a bag neck of a gathered bag with a polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip.

[0009] To achieve this object, the invention has the features of patent claim 1. Accordingly, the device comprises a stamping unit with a movable stamp and a die formed from at least two die jaws which can be brought together and have mutually facing die guide surfaces for guiding the fastener tape strip, wherein the die jaws are placed against one another in a use position such that a substantially U-shaped and / or pocket-shaped die recess is formed between the die guide surfaces, which is open laterally and towards the stamp, wherein the stamping unit is designed to pre-form the fastener tape strip into a U-shape with two bent strip legs, and the stamp presses the fastener tape strip into the die recess with the strip ends of the bent strip legs first for closing, wherein the die guide surfaces of the die jaws are designed toto close the fastener tape strip in the die recess with mutually facing and / or overlapping strip ends, and wherein the die jaws each have at least one side cheek with a guide cam, wherein in the use position of the die jaws, the side cheeks laterally encompass the die recess at least in sections and the guide cams have cam guide surfaces facing the die guide surfaces, and the guide cams engage in the die recess in such a way that the strip legs of the fastener tape strip are guided between the mutually facing die guide surfaces and cam guide surfaces during forming in the die.

[0010] Preferably, the distance between the guide cam surfaces and the die guide surfaces is selected such that the fastener tape strip is slightly compressed in cross-section between them. This rolls or smooths the fastener tape strip and makes it easier to form.

[0011] The particular advantage of the invention is that the guide cams, which engage laterally in the die recess, engage behind the fastener strip during forming in the die recess. The fastener strip is thus guided or supported between the die guide surfaces of the die jaws, which form the die recess, and the cam guide surfaces of the guide cams. The maximum required bending stress on the fastener strip can thus be reduced, which advantageously also greatly reduces the risk of local tearing of the fastener strip. Furthermore, the side walls placed laterally around the die recess protect the fastener strip from breaking out of the die recess.In this way, a break-out and crack-free and defined closing or forming of the polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip in the die recess is possible.

[0012] The core concept of the invention is to guide the fastener tape strip during closing or forming in the die recess between the die guide surfaces and the cam guide surfaces by means of the guide cams engaging in the die recess. The fastener tape strip is thus bent or rolled around the guide cam in the die recess during the closing process, thereby advantageously reducing the bending stress on the fastener tape strip.

[0013] For the purposes of the invention, a polymeric fastener tape strip is a fastener tape strip made of a material with a polymer structure and in particular a plastic fastener tape strip.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side walls of the die jaws are adjustable. This makes it possible to reversibly control the engagement of the guide cams in the die recess in a timed manner and to provide them for sealing in the die recess and, in particular, to release them for removing the sealed fastener tape strip from the die recess or for moving the die jaws apart.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, two opposing side cheeks are provided for each die jaw, which can be expanded or closed in a pincer-like manner. This ensures that the strip legs are guided particularly reliably on both sides of the die.

[0016] According to a further development of the invention, the side walls of the die jaws are each operatively connected to an actuating means and preferably an actuating cylinder for spreading or closing via a mechanical lever kinematics mounted on the support arms. The die jaws are attached to support arms that are each pivotable about a pivot axis in a pincer-like manner and of equal length. The die jaws can thus be pivoted apart to remove the closed fastener tape strip and placed against one another to form the die recess. This also allows the die jaws to be controlled in a reversible, timed manner.

[0017] For example, the pivot axes of the support arms could be connected via a camshaft, a gear or a belt and driven by a central drive of the device.

[0018] For this purpose, the side cheeks preferably have opposing wedge flank projections with wedge surfaces that widen obliquely toward the punch. One end of the lever kinematics facing the side cheeks is formed by an adjusting fork with facing fork wedge surfaces that taper obliquely toward the punch and are shaped to correspond to the wedge surfaces of the wedge flank projections. The adjusting fork is placed on the die jaws in such a way that the wedge surfaces and the fork wedge surfaces are adjacent to one another.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the die guide surfaces of the die jaws have, at least in sections, a radius section provided by a recess body of the die jaws provided between the side cheeks or by at least one side cheek per die jaw. In any case, the radius section of the die guide surfaces is provided by the recess body or by the recess body and at least one of the side cheeks brought into the engaged position or by at least one of the side cheeks brought into the engaged position. The die guide surfaces can therefore be formed in one piece by the exchange body or by one of the side cheeks per die jaw, or in multiple parts by the exchange body on the one hand and one or both side cheeks per die jaw on the other hand or by both side cheeks per die jaw.

[0020] The recess body can be interchangeably secured to a die base body of the die jaw via a detachable connecting means. The device according to the invention can therefore be easily converted for processing different fastener tape strip sizes or fastener tape materials, or due to wear on the die guide surfaces. The radius section of the die guide surfaces defines the closure shape of the closed fastener tape strip, and also allows the fastener tape strip to slide along the die guide surfaces until the closure shape is set.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the guide cams are held at the level of the guide surface section of the die guide surfaces of the die jaws not approached by the punch. The cam guide surfaces of the guide cams have, in any case in sections, a cam radius corresponding to the radius of the respective facing die guide surface. It is therefore provided that the guide cams are arranged at the level of a strip section of the fastener tape strip that experiences the greatest bending stress during forming in the die recess. Experience has shown that this is the case in the strip sections in which a strip base of the fastener tape strip merges into the strip legs. The finished, closed fastener tape strip can be bent by up to almost 180° in these strip sections, which takes place in the die recess just above an area maximally approached by the punch.The cam guide surfaces preferably have a cam radius so that the closure band strip can nestle against it and slide along it in the die recess during closing.

[0022] According to the invention, the stamping unit comprises a stamping die with a stamping recess in which the stamp is guided, wherein the stamping unit is designed to preform the fastener tape strip and wherein the stamping die is movable relative to the stamp.

[0023] According to the invention, the punch die of the punch unit is movably arranged such that the fastener tape strip can be severed from a fastener tape material by moving a first cutting edge provided on the punch die relative to a rigidly held second cutting edge. The fastener tape material can be fed from a tape recess at a height between the cutting edges and supported on the punch die. In this way, the separation and preforming of the fastener tape strip can take place simultaneously or in a single operation by moving the punch die.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the device is designed to pre-form the fastener tape strip off-center, i.e., with two strip legs of different lengths in a U-shape. For this purpose, the fastener tape material can be fed in a strip feed direction that is preferably oriented perpendicular to a punching direction of the punch such that an exposed first strip end of the fastener tape strip is guided behind the punch die in the strip feed direction and that an opposite second strip end of the fastener tape strip, to be separated from the fastener tape material, ends flush with the punch die. Since the two die guide surfaces of the die jaws are essentially mirror-symmetrical, the asynchronously pre-formed fastener tape strip is thus closed in the die recess such that the shorter of the two strip legs overlaps the longer strip leg.

[0025] If the geometry of the die guide surfaces is adjusted and the die jaws are not mutually assigned, the longer of the two strip legs can cover the shorter one when closing the closure strip.

[0026] If the device is alternatively configured to feed the fastener tape material centrally and preform the fastener tape strip synchronously, i.e., with strip legs of equal length, the fastener tape strip is sealed in the die recess with the strip ends facing each other and not overlapping. This embodiment of the device is also conceivable in principle according to the invention.

[0027] To achieve this object, the invention has the features of patent claim 10. Accordingly, the device according to the invention is used to close a bag neck of the gathered bag with a flexible, metal-free closure tape strip.

[0028] The device according to the invention advantageously allows for use in the food sector and for closing bags filled with food, since the closure strip is metal-free. The device according to the invention is designed such that it can be integrated into existing bag-closing machines or production lines as a replacement unit for an existing device for closing, in particular, metal-containing closure strips.

[0029] To achieve this object, the invention has the features of patent claim 11. Accordingly, an operating method for a device for mechanically closing a bag neck of a gathered bag with a flexible polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip, in particular for a device according to the invention, comprises the following steps: A fastener tape material for the fastener tape strip is fed through a tape feed recess to the stamping unit and then clamped there, and then the fastener tape strip is separated from the fastener tape material, then in the stamping unit, by moving a stamping die relative to a stamp, the fastener tape strip is pre-formed in a substantially U-shape, then the pre-formed fastener tape strip is pressed, with the strip ends first, by the stamp into a die recess formed by two mutually facing die guide surfaces of die jaws placed against one another in a use position, wherein guide cams, which are provided on side cheeks of the die jaws which laterally encompass the die recess in at least some sections, engage laterally in the die recess in such a way thatthat the closure band strip is guided between the die guide surfaces and the cam sliding surfaces of the guide cams, then the side cheeks are moved in such a way that the guide cams are provided outside the die recess and then the closed closure band strip is removed from the die recess.

[0030] The particular advantage of the invention is that the guide cams are engaged in the die recess when the fastener tape strip is closed and engage laterally into the die recess. As a result, the fastener tape strip is guided between the die guide surfaces of the die jaws and the cam sliding surfaces of the guide cams and is bent or rolled around the guide cam during the forming process in the die recess. The engagement of the guide cams prevents the fastener tape strip from reaching a critical bending stress, which could lead to tearing out of the fastener tape strip, as well as from buckling towards the center of the die recess. The side cheeks also form a lateral closure of the die recess, at least in sections, thus preventing the fastener tape strip from breaking out laterally in the die recess during closing.The sealing of the closure strip in the die recess can therefore be carried out in a process-reliable manner.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, before the preformed fastener tape strip is pressed into the die recess, the side walls of the die jaws are brought into engagement with the guide cams such that the guide cams engage laterally in the die recess. A guide channel for the fastener tape strip to be closed is thus formed between the die guide surfaces of the die jaws and the guide cams. The engagement of the guide cams prevents the fastener tape strip from buckling toward the center of the die recess.

[0032] According to a further development of the invention, the die jaws are moved into a use position before the fastener strip is pressed into the die recess, in which the die jaws are placed against one another to form the die recess. After the fastener strip is closed, the die jaws are moved into a non-use position in the die recess. Advantageously, the die, which is split in the use position, is opened for removal after the fastener strip is closed by pivoting the die jaws apart.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, after the closure band strip has been closed in the die recess and before the die jaws are moved apart into the non-use position, the side cheeks of the die jaws are pivoted out of the engaged position, in which the guide cams provided on the side cheeks engage in the die recess, into a non-engaged position in which the guide cams are held outside the die recess.

[0034] The non-engaged position of the side cheeks allows the die jaws to be pivoted away from each other and the closed sealing tape strip to be released for removal.

[0035] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention can be gathered from the further subclaims and the following description. Features mentioned therein may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Features and details of the device described according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the operating method according to the invention, and vice versa. Thus, the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention can always be referenced reciprocally. The drawings serve merely as examples to clarify the invention and are not limiting in nature. They show: Fig. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention with a flat folding unit in a non-use position, Fig. 2 is a front view of the device according to the invention according to Fig. 1with the flat folding unit in a use position Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a front view of a cutout of the device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 with a stamp in an intermediate position, Fig. 5 a perspective view of a cutout of the device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 with the punch in an end position, Fig. 6 a detailed view of the breakout after Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a first perspective individual view of a first die jaw and a first adjusting fork placed thereon of the device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 with side cheeks of the first die jaw in a non-engaged position, Fig. 8 a second perspective individual view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork according to Fig. 7 with the side cheeks in an engaged position, Fig. 9 a top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork according to Fig. 7with the side cheeks in the non-engaged position, Fig. 10 a top view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork after Fig. 7 with the side cheeks in the engaged position Fig. 11 a perspective individual view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention with the side cheeks in the non-engaged position, Fig. 12 a first plan view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork according to Fig. 11 with the side cheeks in the non-engaged position, Fig. 13 a second plan view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork according to Fig. 11with the side cheeks in the engaged position, Fig. 14 a perspective individual view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention with the side cheeks in the non-engaged position, Fig. 15 a first plan view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork according to Fig. 14 with the side cheeks in the non-engaged position and Fig. 16 a second plan view of the first die jaw and the first adjusting fork after Fig. 14 with the side panels in the engaged position.

[0036] The Fig. 1 to 10 indicate a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for closing a flexible polymeric or metal-free closure tape strip 31.

[0037] The device 1 comprises as essential components a frame 34, a tape feed unit 23 for feeding a fastener tape material 30 for the fastener tape strip 31, a stamp unit 7 for preforming the fastener tape strip 31, and two die jaws 3.1, 3.2 held on oppositely pivotable support arms 12.1, 12.2, which, when pivoted against one another, form a die recess 4 for closing the fastener tape strip 31.

[0038] In addition, the device 1 according to the invention in the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 10 a flat folding unit with two longitudinally stretched folding plates 26.1, 26.2. The folding plates 26.1, 26.2 are in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 21. The front views of the device 1 according to the invention are shown. When the device 1 is used to close a bag with metal-free closure tape strips 31, they serve to flatten the bag, which is fed in a horizontal direction of travel D, for example by means of an endlessly circulating conveyor belt, before it is gathered by means of a gathering device and closed with the closure tape strip 31 by means of the device 1 according to the invention. The bag, the conveyor belt, and the gathering unit are not shown in the figures.

[0039] The Fig. 1shows the flat folding unit in a non-use position, in which a pivotably held second folding plate 26.2 is pivoted away from a first folding plate 26.1 rigidly attached to the frame 34. The folding plates 26.1, 26.2 have two mutually facing, correspondingly shaped longitudinal edges 27.1, 27.2, wherein the first folding plate 26.1 has a depression 29 aligned with the stamping unit 7, which forms a support for a bag end to be closed. Fig. 2 shows the flat folding unit in a use position. The second folding plate 26.2 is pivoted toward the first folding plate 26.1, leaving a longitudinal gap 28 of constant height for the bag between the longitudinal edges 27.1, 27.2 of the folding plates 26.1, 26.2.

[0040] The two equally long support arms 12.1, 12.2 hold the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 in Fig. 1in a non-use position in which the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are pivoted apart. In Fig. 2 The die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are moved into a use position and aligned with each other. For pivoting, the support arms 12.1, 12.2 are each attached to a pivot axis 13.1, 13.2 at one end opposite the die jaws 3.1, 3.2. The pivot axes 13.1, 13.2 of the two equally long support arms 12.1, 12.2 are positioned at the same height.

[0041] The fastener tape material 30 for the fastener tape strip 31 is in Fig. 1via a tape guide channel 24 of the tape feed unit 23 through a tape guide 41 with tape guide rollers (not shown) in a housing interior and with a tape recess in a tape feed direction B oriented parallel to the throughput direction D. The fastener tape material 30 for the fastener tape strip 31 has been deposited on a stamp 8 and an upper side 37 of a stamp die 9 of the stamp unit 7.

[0042] In the embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention shown in the figure, the feeding of the fastener tape material 30 intended for the fastener tape strip 31 takes place off-center with respect to the punch 8. This means that a free first strip end 33.1 of the fastener tape strip 31 is deposited at a greater distance from the punch 8 than a second strip end 33.2 of the fastener tape strip 31 to be cut to length.

[0043] The punch 8 and the punch die 9 are movable relative to each other in a punch direction S oriented perpendicular to the throughput direction D. The punch die 9 has a punch opening 10 in which the punch 8 is guided. Furthermore, the punch 8 and the punch die 9 are stably guided via guide bearings 11.

[0044] After feeding, the fastener tape material 30 is clamped. For this purpose, the device 1 provides a hold-down device 42, which is placed on the fastener tape material 30 opposite the punch 8. The fastener tape material 30 is thus clamped between the punch 8 and the hold-down device 42.

[0045] Subsequently, the fastener tape strip 31 is separated from the supplied fastener tape material 30 in the device 1 and preformed. This occurs by moving the punch die 9 upward relative to the punch 8, i.e., in the direction of the hold-down device 42. A first cutting edge 22.1 is provided on the punch die 9, which, as it moves upwards, passes a second cutting edge 22.2 facing opposite it, which is rigidly held on the tape feed 41. The fastener tape strip 31 is thereby severed from the fastener tape material 30.

[0046] At the same time, the fastener tape strip 31 is formed into a U-shape by the raising of the punch die 9 relative to a strip base 39 clamped between the punch 8 and the hold-down device 42, in that strip legs 32.1, 32.2 are bent between the strip base 39 and strip ends 33.1, 33.2 of the fastener tape strip 31 essentially at right angles to the punch 8. Due to the off-center feed of the fastener tape material 30, the bent strip legs 33.1, 33.2 of the fastener tape strip 31 are now of different lengths. A first strip leg 32.1 associated with the first strip end 33.1 is longer than a second strip leg 32.2 associated with the second strip end 33.2.

[0047] The Fig. 3 shows the device according to the invention Fig. 2in full section. The closure band strip 31 is now preformed in a U-shape. Furthermore, the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are moved into the use position. They are placed against one another and form a split die 2. The die jaws 3.1, 3.2 have facing die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2, which, in the use position, form a die recess 4 for closing the closure band strip 31. The die recess 4 is essentially U-shaped and open laterally and downwardly, i.e., toward the punch unit 7.

[0048] In order to close the die recess 4 laterally, at least in sections, the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 each have two mirror-symmetrical and pivotable side cheeks 5 with guide cams 6 at the same height.

[0049] Before the closure tape strip 31 is inserted into the die recess 4 for closing, the side cheeks 5 are moved from a non-engaged position, in which the guide cams 6 are held laterally outside the die recess 4, into an engaged position, in which the guide cams 6 engage in the die recess 4 such that cam guide surfaces 38 of the guide cams 6 face the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 and a guide channel for the closure tape strip 31 is formed between the guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2, 43.

[0050] The side walls 5 are pivoted via actuating cylinders 17.1, 17.2 mounted on the support arms 12.1, 12.2, which are operatively connected to lever kinematics 14.1, 14.2 and an actuating fork 20.1, 20.2 that surrounds the die jaws 3.1, 3.2. The lever kinematics 14.1, 14.2 each comprise an actuating fork 16.1, 16.2 that is aligned with the actuating cylinders 17.1, 17.2, and a pivoting lever 15.1, 15.2. The pivot levers 15.1, 15.2 are pivotably mounted at an upper end of the support arms 12.1, 12.2, with a first end of the pivot levers 15.1, 15.2 being rotatably connected to the adjusting forks 16.1, 16.2, and an opposite second end of the pivot levers 15.1, 15.2 being rotatably connected to the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2. A linear actuating movement of the actuating cylinders 17.1, 17.2 is thus translated into a linear upward or downward movement of the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 via the lever kinematics 14.1, 14.2.

[0051] The translation of the movement of the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 into a pivoting movement of the side cheeks 5 occurs as follows: The adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 have fork wedge surfaces 21 facing one another and tapering diagonally downwards. The side cheeks 5 have opposing wedge flank projections 18 with wedge surfaces 19 tapering towards the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2. The adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 are placed on the side cheeks 5 in such a way that the wedge surfaces 19 and the fork wedge surfaces 21 abut one another or are guided against one another. The side cheeks preferably have inner wedge surfaces on an inner side facing the die jaws 3.1, 3.2, which are oriented parallel to the wedge surfaces 19. The adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 have a cone held between the fork wedge surfaces 21 with a conical surface corresponding to the inner wedge surfaces or widening in the direction of the punch 8.The inner wedge surfaces and the conical surface are placed against each other or guided against each other in a manner analogous to the wedge surfaces 19 and the fork wedge surfaces 21. The cone and the inner wedge surfaces of the side walls 5 are not shown in the figure. Lowering the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 thus causes the side walls 5 to pivot together in a mechanically forced manner. Raising the adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 causes the side walls 5 to pivot out in a mechanically forced manner.

[0052] After as in Figure 3Once the fastener tape strip 31 has been pre-formed in a U-shape, as shown, and the side cheeks 5 have been brought into the engaged position, the fastener tape strip 31 is pressed into the die recess 4. For this purpose, the fastener tape strip 31 is pressed into the die recess 4 by the punch 8 with the strip ends 33.1, 33.2 of the bent strip legs 32.1, 32.2 leading. The hold-down device 42 has previously been moved out of the movement range of the punch 8 for this purpose.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows the device 1 according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in the breakout, with the punch 8 in an intermediate position in which the strip legs 32.1, 32.2 are inserted in sections into the die recess 4, but the closure band strip 31 is not yet closed.

[0054] A further view of an excavation of the device 1 according to the invention according to Fig. 1 gives Fig. 5The stamp 8 is opposite the intermediate position Fig. 4 has been brought into an end position, i.e. the closure band strip 31 has been pressed into the die recess 4 and closed.

[0055] The side panels 5 are for a better understanding in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 not shown.

[0056] Fig. 6 provides a detailed view Fig. 5with a focus on the die recess 4 and the closed fastener tape strip 31. The front side cheeks 5 are not shown for reasons of clarity. It can be seen that the fastener tape strip 31 has bead-shaped longitudinal edge reinforcements 40 on its longitudinal edges. The closed fastener tape strip 31 is formed in such a way that the strip ends 33.1, 33.2 overlap one another, with the shorter strip leg 32.1 overlapping the longer strip leg 32.2. To achieve this shape, the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 each have a radius R1, R2 in sections. The die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 are each curved inwards in a heart-shaped manner, converging towards the center of the die recess 4. The cam guide surfaces 38 of the guide cams 6 facing the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 have a cam radius shaped corresponding to the radius R1, R2.The distance between the guide cam surfaces 38 and the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 is preferably selected such that the closure tape strip 31 is slightly compressed in cross-section, at least in the region of the longitudinal edge reinforcements 40 therebetween. In this way, a rolling or smoothing of the closure tape strip 31 takes place, which promotes its deformation during closing in the die recess 4.

[0057] In this case, the radii R1 and R2 of the die guide surfaces 25.1 and 25.2 are the same size. This is an example. Alternatively, the radii R1 and R2 can have different sizes.

[0058] Individual views of a first die jaw 3.1 of the two die jaws 3.1, 3.2 and a first adjusting fork 20.1 of the two adjusting forks 20.1, 20.2 placed on it show the Fig. 7 to Fig. 10In addition to the already explained translation of the movement of the first adjusting fork 20.1 into a pivoting movement of the side cheeks 5 by the juxtaposed wedge surfaces 19 and fork wedge surfaces 21, it can be seen that the section of the first die guide surface 25.1 provided with a first radius R1 is formed by an exchangeable first recess body 35.1 of the die jaws provided between the side cheeks 5, which is held on a first die base body of the first die jaw 3.1 via a detachable first connecting means 36.1, a screw in the illustrated embodiment.

[0059] A second die guide surface 25.2 of a second die jaw 3.2 is also formed, analogous to the first die guide surface 25.1 of the first die jaw 3.1, via a second recess body 35.2, which is releasably held to a second die base body of the second die jaw 3.2 via a second connecting means 36.2. The device 1 can thus be quickly converted, for example, due to wear of the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 or for closing differently designed closure strips 31.

[0060] After the closure of the closure band strip 31 in the die recess 4 has been completed, the side cheeks 5 of the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are swung out into the non-engaged position and the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 are moved analogously to Fig. 1pivoted apart via the support arms 12.1, 12.2 into the non-use position. The closed closure strap 31 is thus exposed and can be removed.

[0061] The first die jaw 3.1 and the first adjusting fork 20.1 placed thereon as usual of a second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown in the Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 In contrast to the device 1 according to the invention according to the Fig. 1 to 10 The first die guide surface 25.1 of the first die jaw 3.1 is provided here by both the first recess body 25.1 and the two side cheeks 5. For this purpose, the side cheeks 5 must be moved into the engagement position.

[0062] Fig. 11shows the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 in a perspective individual view, with the side cheeks 5 of the first die jaw 3.1 pivoted into the non-engaged position. To provide the radius portion of the first die guide surface 25.1, the side cheeks 5 each have a cheek projection 43 with the first radius 1 on the facing cheek inner sides.

[0063] The Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 each provide a top view of the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 Fig. 11 with the side panels in Fig. 12 into the non-engagement position and into Fig. 13are brought into the engaged position. The cheek projections 43 of the side cheeks 5 are laterally applied to the first recess body 35.1 in order to provide the first die guide surface 25.1 in the engaged position, such that the first recess body 35.1 provides a central partial surface and the cheek projections each provide lateral partial surfaces for the first die guide surface 25.1.

[0064] The second die jaw 3.2 of the device 1 according to the invention according to the Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 is preferably designed analogously to the first die jaw 3.1. Otherwise, the device 1 is Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 with the device 1 according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 10 agree.

[0065] The Fig. 14 to Fig. 16 indicate the first die jaw 3.1 and the first adjusting fork 20.1 placed thereon of a third embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 according to the Fig. 14 to Fig. 16 differs from device 1 according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 10 in the design of the die jaws 3.1, 3.2, with the first die jaw 3.1 being shown figuratively and the second die jaw 3.2 being designed largely analogously. Otherwise, the devices 1 are identical.

[0066] Fig. 14 shows the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 in a perspective individual view, with the side cheeks 5 of the first die jaw 3.1 being moved into the swung-out non-engagement position. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 each provide a top view of the first adjusting fork 20.1 and the first die jaw 3.1 Fig. 14 with the side panels in Fig. 15 into the non-engagement position and into Fig. 16 are brought into the engagement position.

[0067] The radius section of the first die guide surface 25.1 is provided here exclusively by the two side cheeks 5. A first replacement body 35.1 is not provided. To form the first die guide surface 25.1, the side cheeks 5 each have the cheek projection 43 with the first radius R1 on their mutually facing cheek inner sides.

[0068] To provide the first die guide surface 25.1, the side cheeks 5 are moved into the engagement position as usual. The cheek projections 43, which each provide partial surfaces of the first die guide surface 25.1, are placed laterally flush with one another.

[0069] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention. In particular, the illustrated components can be freely selected within wide limits with regard to their arrangement relative to one another as well as their dimensions and shapes.

[0070] According to an alternative embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, the die jaws 3.1, 3.2 can also be designed such that the die guide surfaces 25.1, 25.2 are each provided by a single side cheek 5. This side cheek 5 then has a cheek projection 43 with the radius R1, R2, projecting over a width of the die guide surface 25.1, 25.2.

[0071] According to the invention, the method steps for mechanically operating the device 1 are carried out in a synchronized manner. The movable components, in particular the support arms 12.1, 12.2, the punch 8, the punch die 9, the strip feed unit 23, the hold-down device 42, and the second folding plate 26.2, can be coordinated with one another and driven centrally by means of belts, gears, racks, camshafts, or other power transmission means (not shown in the figures).

[0072] A preferred use of the device 1 according to the invention provides for the device 1 to be used to close a bag or other tubular container with a metal-free closure band 31. The bag can have been previously filled with food, for example, pasta, biscuits, or bread. For example, the device 1 can be used to close bags filled with screws, toys, or other non-edible objects.

[0073] Identical components and component functions are identified by the same reference symbols.

Claims

1. A device (1) for mechanically closing a bag neck of a gathered bag with a bending-flexible polymeric and / or metal-free closure band strip (31), comprising - a punch unit (7) with a displaceable punch (8) and - a die (2) formed from at least two die jaws (3.1, 3.2) in a divided manner, which can be brought together, with mutually facing die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) for guiding the closure band strip (31), - wherein the die jaws (3.1, 3.2), in a use position, are placed against one another in such a way that a substantially U-shaped and / or pocket-shaped die recess (4) that is open laterally and towards the punch (8) is formed between the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25,2), - wherein the punch (8) presses the closure band strip (31), with the strip ends (33.1, 33.2) of the bent strip legs (32.1, 32.2) first, into the die recess (4) for closing, - wherein the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are formed to close the closure band strip (31) in the die recess (4) with mutually facing and / or overlapping strip ends (33.1, 33.2), characterized in that the punch unit (7) is formed to pre-shape the closure band strip (31) in a U-shape with two bent strip legs (32.1, 32.2), - wherein the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) each have at least one side cheek (5) with a guide cam (6), wherein in the use position of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2), the side cheeks (5) laterally encompass the die recess (4) in any case in sections, wherein the guide cams (6) have cam guide surfaces (38) facing the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2), and wherein the guide cams (6) engage in the die recess (4) in such a way that the strip legs (32.1, 32.2) of the closure band strip (31) are guided in the die (2) between the mutually facing die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and cam guide surfaces (38) during reshaping, and - wherein the punch unit (7) has a punch die (9) with a punch recess (10) in which the punch (8) is guided, wherein the punch unit (7) is formed for preshaping the closure band strip (31), and wherein the punch die (9) is displaceable relative to the punch (8), and wherein the punch die (9) of the punch unit (7) is arranged such that the closure band strip (31) can be severed from a closure band material (30) by a first cutting edge (22.1) provided on the punch die (9) being displaceable relative to a rigidly held second cutting edge (22.2).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the side cheeks (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are formed to be adjustable.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two side cheeks (5) per die jaw (3.1, 3.2) are provided opposite one another, which can be spread and / or closed in the manner of tongs.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are in each case fixed on equally long support arms (12.1, 12.2) which can be pivoted against one another about a pivot axis (13.1, 13.2), and in that, for spreading and / or closing, the side cheeks (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are in each case operatively connected to an actuating means and preferably an actuating cylinder (17.1, 17.2) via mechanical lever kinematics (14.1, 14.2) held on the support arms (12.1, 12.2).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the side cheeks (5) have mutually opposite wedge flank projections (18) with wedge surfaces (19) which widen obliquely in the direction of the punch (8), and in that in each case an end of the lever kinematics (14.1, 14.2) facing the side cheeks (5) is formed by an actuating fork (20.1, 20.2) with fork wedge surfaces (21) which face one another and taper obliquely in the direction of the punch (8) and are shaped in a manner corresponding to the wedge surfaces (19) of the wedge flank projections (18),wherein the actuating fork (20.1, 20.2) being put on the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) such that the wedge surfaces (19) and the fork wedge surfaces (21) are placed against one another.

6. The device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are provided, in any case in sections, by a die jaws' (3.1, 3.2) recess body (35.1, 35.2) provided between the side cheeks (5) and / or by at least one side cheek (5) per die jaw (3.1, 3.2), and / or in that the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) have a radius section with a radius (R1, R2), and / or in that in any case the radius section of the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) is provided by the recess body (35.1, 35.2) and / or by at least one of the side cheeks (5) moved in the engagement position.

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide cams (6) are held at the height of the guide surface section, not approached by the punch (8), of the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2), and / or in that the cam guide surfaces (38) of the guide cams (6) have, in any case in sections, a cam radius corresponding to the radius (R1, R2) of the respectively facing die guide surface (25.1, 25.2).

8. The device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the closure band material (30) can be fed from a band feed recess at a height between the cutting edges (22.1, 22.2) and can be supported on the punch die (9).

9. The device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (1) is formed to pre-shape the closure band strip (31) eccentrically, i.e. in a U-shape with two strip legs (32.1, 32.2) of different lengths, and / or in that the closure band material (30) can be fed in a band feed direction (B) oriented preferably perpendicularly to a punch direction (S) of the punch (8) in such a way that an exposed first strip end (33.1) of the closure band strip (31) is guided behind the punch die (9) in the band feed direction (B) and that an opposite second strip end (33.2) of the closure band strip (31) to be severed from the closure band material (30) terminates flush with the punch die (9).

10. An operating method for a device (1) for mechanically closing a bag neck of a gathered bag with a bending-flexible polymeric and / or metal-free closure band strip (31), in particular for a device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - Closure band material (30) for the closure band strip (31) is fed through a band feed recess to a punch unit (7) and then clamped there, and then the closure band strip (31) is severed from the closure band material (30), - then, in the punch unit (7), the closure band strip (31) is pre-shaped substantially in a U-shape by displacing a punch die (9) relative to a punch (8), - then, for closing, the pre-shaped closure band strip (31), with the strip ends (33.1, 33.2) first, is pressed by the punch (8) into a die recess (4) formed from two mutually facing die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) of die jaws (3.1, 3.2) placed against one another in a use position, wherein guide cams (6), which are provided on the die jaws' (3.1, 3.2) side cheeks (5) that laterally encompass the die recess (4) in any case in sections, engage laterally in the die recess (4) in such a way that the closure band strip (31) is guided between the die guide surfaces (25.1, 25.2) and the cam slide surfaces of the guide cams (6), - then the side cheeks (5) are moved such that the guide cams (6) are provided outside the die recess (4), and - then the closed closure band strip (31) is removed from the die recess (4).

11. The operating method according to claim 10, characterized in that before the pre-shaped closure band strip (31) is pressed into the die recess (4), the side cheeks (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are moved with the guide cams (6) into an engagement position such that the guide cams (6) engage laterally in the die recess (4).

12. The operating method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that before the closure band strip (31) is pressed into the die recess (4), the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are moved into a use position in which the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are placed against one another so as to form the die recess (4), and that after the closure band strip (31) is closed in the die recess (4), the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are moved into a moved-apart non-use position.

13. The operating method according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that after the closure band strip (31) has been closed in the die recess (4) and before the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are moved apart into the non-use position, the side cheeks (5) of the die jaws (3.1, 3.2) are pivoted out of the engagement position in which the guide cams (6) provided on the side cheeks (5) engage in the die recess (4) into a non-engagement position in which the guide cams (6) are held outside the die recess (4).