Stringbag packing method and stringbag packing apparatus

Abstract

A stringbag packing method and apparatus for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box, wherein the stringbag comprises a plurality of bags connected with interconnections to one another in sequence along a string extension direction. An interconnection between two connected adjacent bags in the stringbag extends along a connection direction transverse to the string extension direction, each bag in the stringbag has a length direction as seen along a bag length between interconnections to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between an stringbag end and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag in an extended configuration thereof has the length direction of each bag in the stringbag extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction, and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration, that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions of adjacent bags in the stringbag alternating along the string extension direction and consecutive interconnections alternating as the peaks and the valleys of the harmonica configuration.

Description

[0001] Stringbag Packing Method and Stringbag Packing Apparatus

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to a stringbag packing method and a stringbag packing apparatus for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box. The stringbag comprises a plurality of bags connected with interconnections to one another in sequence along a string extension direction between stringbag ends, wherein an interconnection between two connected adjacent bags in the stringbag extends along a connection direction transverse to the string extension direction, each bag in the stringbag has a length direction as seen along a bag length between interconnections to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag in an extended configuration thereof has the length direction of each bag in the stringbag extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction, and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration, that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions of adjacent bags in the stringbag alternating along the string extension direction.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Products such as, for instance, crisps and candy are offered for sale in bags. Such bags with products can be offered as individual bags presented on a shelf or in a box in a shop. However, the bags with products can also be presented as a string of interconnected bags in a shop. Such a string of bags may be referred to as a stringbag. A bag at the top end of the stringbag can be fixed to, for instance, a wall so that the stringbag is suspended from the wall. A bag at the bottom end of the stringbag can be separated from the stringbag, for instance, through a tear line provided in the interconnections, to sell the bag to a customer, and the neighboring bag in the stringbag becomes available as the bottom bag for a next sale.

[0006]

[0003] The stringbags are made at some production facility, and should be readily available for shipping. Initially, a tube of bag material van be provided in which the interconnections are made by sealing the tube at defined locations after having provided the product content inside, which defines the individual bags as well. After sealing the bags are not separated from one another over a chosen number of bags to obtain the stringbag. Just like individual bags with products like crisps and candy, a packing box with such (string)bags provides an efficient manner for storing and shipping. Known systems provide to be complex and present considerable setting times to change over from packing one type of stringbags to another type. Such known systems further show to have large footprints and limited throughput. Additionally, the packing density of stringbags in a packing box shows to be limited. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]

[0004] It is an objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing stringbags into a packing box.

[0008]

[0005] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide an efficient method and apparatus for packing stringbags into a packing box.

[0009]

[0006] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing stringbags which are relatively simple and straightforward.

[0010]

[0007] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing stringbags which are very flexible.

[0011]

[0008] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing stringbags which are easily a set to process another type of stringbags.

[0012]

[0009] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing stringbags which present a reduced footprint.

[0013]

[0010] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing stringbags which have increased throughput.

[0014]

[0011] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for handling stringbags having bags of variable thicknesses.

[0015]

[0012] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for handling stringbags showing variations in the stringbags to be packed.

[0013] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for handling stringbags of both an even and uneven number of strings, and even a combination of both.

[0016]

[0014] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for densily packing stringbags into a packing box.

[0017]

[0015] In an aspect the invention provides for a stringbag packing method for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box, wherein the stringbag comprises a plurality of bags connected with interconnections to one another in sequence along a string extension direction between stringbag ends, an interconnection between two connected adjacent bags in the stringbag extends along a connection direction transverse to the string extension direction, each bag in the stringbag has a length direction as seen along a bag length between interconnections to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag in an extended configuration thereof has the length direction of each bag in the stringbag extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction, and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration, that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions of adjacent bags in the stringbag alternating along the string extension direction and consecutive interconnections alternating as the peaks and the valleys of the harmonica configuration, and wherein the method comprises - providing a supply arrangement configured and arranged for supplying the stringbag in the extended configuration in a conveying direction, with the string extension direction along the conveying direction, at a discharge end of the supply arrangement at a first speed in the conveying direction at a discharge height;

[0018] - providing a formation conveyer providing a formation surface extending in the conveying direction, and configured and arranged for receiving bags of the stringbag from the discharge end of the supply arrangement at a receiving height of the formation surface with interconnections and the stringbag ends directly onto the formation surface, wherein the receiving height is below the discharge height, and for conveying the bags of the stringbag received on the formation surface in the conveying direction at a second speed that is lower than the first speed, wherein the connection directions of the interconnections between adjacent bags in the stringbag extend along the formation surface and transverse to the conveying direction to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation conveyor with the stringbag ends supported and the interconnections alternatingly supported on the formation surface of the formation conveyor, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to substantially only provide interaction between the formation conveyor and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the formation surface, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to impede sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration over the formation surface;

[0019] - supplying the stringbag in the extended configuration by the supply arrangement in the conveying direction, with the string extension direction along the conveying direction, at the discharge end of the supply arrangement at the first speed at the discharge height to the formation surface of the formation conveyor;

[0020] - driving the formation surface of the formation conveyor at the second speed in the conveying direction, receiving the stringbag from the discharge end of the supply arrangement at the receiving height (H200) of the formation surface with interconnections and the stringbag ends directly onto the formation surface and conveying the bags of the stringbag received on the formation surface in the conveying direction at the second speed that is lower than the first speed, wherein the connection directions of the connections between adjacent bags in the stringbag extend along the formation surface and transverse to the conveying direction to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation conveyor with the stringbag ends supported and the interconnections alternatingly supported on the formation surface of the formation conveyor; and

[0021] - providing the stringbag in the harmonica configuration from the formation surface of the formation conveyor of the formation conveyor into the packing box.

[0022]

[0016] In another aspect the invention provides for a stringbag packing apparatus for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box, wherein the stringbag comprises a plurality of bags connected with interconnections to one another in sequence along a string extension direction between stringbag ends, an interconnection between two connected adjacent bags in the stringbag extends along a connection direction transverse to the string extension direction, each bag in the stringbag has a length direction as seen along a bag length between interconnections to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag in an extended configuration thereof has the length direction of each bag in the stringbag extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction, and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration, that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions of adjacent bags in the stringbag alternating along the string extension direction, and wherein the apparatus comprises

[0023] - a supply arrangement configured and arranged for supplying the stringbag in the extended configuration in a conveying direction, with the string extension direction along the conveying direction, at a discharge end of the supply arrangement at a first speed in the conveying direction at a discharge height;

[0024] - a formation conveyer providing a formation surface extending in the conveying direction, and configured and arranged for receiving bags of the stringbag from the discharge end of the supply arrangement at a receiving height of the formation surface with interconnections and the stringbag ends directly onto the formation surface, wherein the receiving height is below the discharge height, and for conveying the bags of the stringbag received on the formation surface in the conveying direction at a second speed that is lower than the first speed, wherein the connection directions of the connections between adjacent bags in the stringbag extend along the formation surface and transverse to the conveying direction to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation conveyor with the stringbag ends supported and the interconnections alternatingly supported on the formation surface of the formation conveyor, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to substantially only provide interaction between the formation conveyor and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the formation surface, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to impede sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration over the formation surface; and

[0025] - a packing arrangement configured and arranged for packing the stringbag in the harmonica configuration from the formation surface of the formation conveyor of the formation conveyor into the packing box.

[0026]

[0017] The string extension direction can be seen as extending along and in the same direction as the conveying direction when the stringbag is supplied at the discharge end of the supply arrangement and provided on the formation surface. The harmonica configuration of the stringbag has the bags of the stringbag arranged in a zigzag fashion along the string extension direction with the length directions of the individual adjacent bags alternating in more or less opposite directions transverse to the string extension direction. In the extended configuration, the length directions of the individual backs are aligned with the string extension direction.

[0018] In an embodiment, the formation surface is substantially flat, optionally to only present variations in a height direction perpendicular to the formation surface, which are substantially smaller than the bag length to substantially only provide contact between the formation surface and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends and respective interconnections.

[0027]

[0019] In an embodiment, a distance between the discharge height and the receiving height on the formation surface where the stringbag is received is provided to be smaller than the length of the bags in the stringbag.

[0028]

[0020] In an embodiment, the formation surface is configured to provide non-slip properties to prevent sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration of the stringbag over the formation surface, optionally a large friction against sliding, optionally a large friction coefficient against sliding.

[0029]

[0021] In an embodiment, the formation surface is configured to have corrugations as seen along the conveying direction to prevent sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration of the stringbag over the formation surface, optionally each corrugation extending along the formation surface and transverse to the conveying direction.

[0030]

[0022] In an embodiment, the supply arrangement comprises a pull pusher for pulling and pushing the stringbag in the conveying direction.

[0031]

[0023] In an embodiment, the pull pusher comprises a supply conveyor and a presser for pressing the stringbag, in operation, on the supply conveyor.

[0032]

[0024] In an embodiment, at least one of the supply conveyor and the presser present resilience for exerting a resilient force onto a stringbag conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser.

[0033]

[0025] In an embodiment, the presser comprises at least one roller for pressing and guiding the bags in the stringbag.

[0034]

[0026] In an embodiment, at least one of the supply conveyor and the at least one roller comprises a resilient external circumference for exerting a resilient force onto a stringbag conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser

[0035]

[0027] In an embodiment, at least one of the supply conveyor and the at least one roller comprises resilient hairs or flaps at its external circumference.

[0036]

[0028] In an embodiment, the pull pusher is arranged to discharge the stringbag, in operation, at the discharging end of the supply arrangement.

[0037]

[0029] In an embodiment, the supply arrangement comprises a feeder for providing the string bag to the pull pusher and feeding a leading stringbag end into the pull pusher.

[0038]

[0030] In an embodiment, the feeder comprises a feed conveyor for providing the leading end of stringbag to the pull pusher.

[0039]

[0031] In an embodiment, the feeder comprises a guiding track having a U shape in a vertical plane for reversing an initial feed direction of the stringbag to provide the leading stringbag end to the pull pusher.

[0032] In an embodiment, the guiding track is a driven track for moving the stringbag on the track towards the pull pusher.

[0040]

[0033] In an embodiment, the guiding track comprises rollers for guiding the stringbag, optionally wherein the rollers are driven rollers for moving the stringbag on the track towards the pull pusher.

[0041]

[0034] In an embodiment, the feeder comprises a lift for picking up the stringbag at an intermediate position between both ends of the stringbag, lifting the stringbag and forwarding the leading stringbag end to the pull pusher, especially when lowering the leading stringbag end when forwarding after lifting.

[0042]

[0035] In an embodiment, the formation conveyor comprises an end stop for the stringbag in the harmonica configuration to define an end position of the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface.

[0043]

[0036] In an embodiment, a position of the end stop can be set along the conveying direction for setting an end position of the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface.

[0044]

[0037] In another aspect the invention provides for a stringbag packing method for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box, optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stringbag comprises a plurality of bags connected with interconnections to one another in sequence along a string extension direction between stringbag ends, an interconnection between two connected adjacent bags in the stringbag extends along a connection direction transverse to the string extension direction, each bag in the stringbag has a length direction as seen along a bag length between interconnections to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag in an extended configuration thereof has the length direction of each bag in the stringbag extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction, and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration, that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions of adjacent bags in the stringbag alternating along the string extension direction, and wherein the method comprises

[0045] - providing at least two stringbags into the harmonica configuration;

[0046] - arranging the at least two stringbags in the harmonica configurations next to one another in a nesting configuration that has the string extension directions of the at least two stringbags parallel to and next to one another and peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration of one stringbag besides valleys and peaks, respectively, of the harmonica configuration of an adjacent stringbag;

[0047] - providing the at least two stringbags together into the packing box.

[0048]

[0038] In an embodiment, the method comprises

[0049] - providing each stringbag in the harmonica configuration onto a collection surface;

[0050] - collecting the at least two stringbags into the nesting configuration on the collection surface; and - providing the at least two stringbags in the nesting configuration from the collection surface into the packing box.

[0051]

[0039] In an embodiment, the method comprises

[0052] - supplying a stringbag in the extended configuration by a supply arrangement to a formation surface;

[0053] - providing the stringbag into the harmonica configuration on the formation surface; and

[0054] - providing the stringbag from the formation surface onto the collection surface.

[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056]

[0040] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention by way of non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments. These embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection. The person skilled in the art will realize that other alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or same reference symbols denote like, same or corresponding parts, and in which

[0057] Figure 1 A to 1 D schematically show side views of various stages of providing a stringbag from the extended configuration into a harmonica configuration in a stringbag packing apparatus according to the invention;

[0058] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of stringbags in the extended configuration and harmonica configuration, respectively, corresponding to figures 1 A and 1 D, respectively;

[0059] Figures 3A to 3D show various embodiments of a supply arrangement of a packing apparatus according to the invention; and

[0060] Figures 4A to 4C schematically show providing a stringbag in the harmonica configuration into a packing box.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062]

[0041] Figures 1 A to 1 D show an embodiment of part of a stringbag packing apparatus 1 according to the invention, for packing a stringbag 10 into a packing box 20, and various stages of providing the stringbag 10 from an extended configuration E10 shown in figures 1A and 2A into a harmonica (or zigzag) configuration Z10 shown in figure 1 D and 2B. The stringbag 10 is a string of bags 11 , and comprises a plurality of bags 11 connected with interconnections 12 to one another in sequence along a string extension direction D10. An interconnection 12 between two connected adjacent bags 11 in the stringbag extends along a connection direction D12 that is transverse to the string extension direction D10. Each bag 11 in the stringbag 10 has a length direction D11 as seen along a bag length L11 between interconnections 12 to adjacent bags in the stringbag or as seen between a string bag end 19 (an end of the stringbag 10) and an interconnection 12 to an adjacent bag in the stringbag. The stringbag 10 extends between both its stringbag ends 19.

[0063]

[0042] The stringbag 10 in the extended configuration E10 thereof has the length direction D11 of each bag 11 in the stringbag 10 extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction D10. In a harmonica configuration Z10, the stringbag has the length directions D11 of adjacent bags 10 in the stringbag 10 alternating along the string extension direction D10. Figures 1A and 2A, with the stringbag in an extended configuration E10, show the length directions D11 of the individual bags 11 within the stringbag 10 extending parallel to and in the same direction as the string extension direction D10. The length direction D11 of the individual bags 11 is taken as being in the same direction as the string extension direction D10 as seen in the extended configuration of the stringbag. Figures 1 D and 2B, with the stringbag 10 in a harmonica configuration Z10, show the length directions D11 of the individual bags 11 alternating along the string extension direction D10, which means that the length directions D11 of adjacent backs are transverse to the string extension direction D10 and have a component pointing in opposite directions. The length directions D11 being transverse to the string extension direction D10 is intended to mean that there is a length direction component that is perpendicular to the string extension direction, while there may be a length direction component along the string extension direction D10. A harmonica configuration may have various degrees of “harmonicazation”, with more or less of a length direction component perpendicular to the string extension direction. In the harmonica configuration Z10, the stringbag 10 has alternating peaks and valleys provided by the interconnections 12 alternatingly providing a top or valley of the stringbag 10. The stringbag ends 19 are at a level of the valleys when the stringbag is in the harmonica configuration Z10. Generally, the stringbag will have an even number of bags in the strringbag.

[0064]

[0043] Figure 1A shows that the stringbag 10 in the extended configuration E10 is supplied on a supply arrangement 100 of the packing apparatus 1 in a conveying direction D1 , with the string extension direction D10 along the conveying direction D1. The supply arrangement comprises 100 a supply conveyor 110 for supplying the stringbag 10 in the extended configuration E10 at the discharge end 101 of the supply arrangement 100 at a first speed V100 at a discharge height H100. The surface of the supply conveyor is at the discharge height H100. The supply conveyor 110 is running at the first speed V100 to supply the stringbag 10 at the first speed V100 at the discharge end 101 .

[0065]

[0044] The stringbag 10 is subsequently received on the formation surface 210 of formation conveyor 200. The formation conveyor 200 and the formation surface 210 thereof extend in the conveying direction D1. The formation conveyor 200 is configured and arranged for receiving the bags of the stringbag 10 at the first speed V100 from the discharge end 101 of the supply arrangement 100 onto the formation surface 210. The formation surface 210 of the formation conveyor 200 is driven at a second speed V200 that is lower than the first speed V100. A ratio of the second speed V200 with respect the first speed V100 is dependent on the application and may, for instance, be set in dependence of the bag length L11 in the stringbag. When a bag of the stringbag is received on the formation surface 210, the bag is conveyed on the formation surface in the conveying direction at the second speed V200. The connection directions D12 of the interconnections 12 between adjacent bags 11 in the stringbag 10 extend along the formation surface 210 and transverse to the conveying direction D1 (and transverse to the string extension direction D10). The bags of the stringbag are received at a receiving height H200 onto the formation surface 210 below the discharge height H100. The distance d between the discharge height H100 and the receiving height H200 on the formation surface where the bags of the stringbag are received is smaller than the length L11 of the bags 11 in the stringbag 10.

[0066]

[0045] Figure 1 B shows that a leading stringbag end 19 formed by a leading end of a leading bag in the stringbag 10 conveyed in the conveying direction D1 has been received at the receiving height H200 onto the formation surface 210. The length direction L11 of the leading bag is directed downwards since the receiving height H200 is below the discharge height H100. The leading end of the leading bag (leading stringbag end) in contact with the formation surface 210 travels at the speed V200. The opposing end of the leading bag is pushed by the subsequent bag 11 in the stringbag at about the first velocity V100 since it moves upwards as well and since the subsequent bag still travels at the first speed V100 on the supply conveyor 110 of the supply arrangement. Figure 1 C shows that the interconnected trailing end of the second bag and the leading end of the third bag in the stringbag 10 have been received onto the formation surface 210 of the formation conveyor. Since the formation surface 210 is moving at the second speed V200 smaller than the first speed V100, the length directions D11 of the leading first bag and the third bag in the string bag 10 are directed downwards while the length direction D11 of the second bag is directed upwards. The interconnection 12 between the first (leading) bag and the second bag will form a peak of the stringbag in the configuration formed on the formation surface 210, while the interconnection 12 between the second bag and the third bag will form a valley of the stringbag in the configuration formed on the formation surface.

[0067]

[0046] This process continues until all bags 11 of the stringbag 10 have been received onto the formation surface to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration Z10 on the formation surface 210 of the formation conveyor 200 as shown in figure 1 D. The stringbag ends 19 and respective interconnections 12 that will provide the valleys of the stringbag in the harmonica configuration are received directly from the supply arrangement 100 onto the formation surface 210 of the formation conveyor 200. The length directions D11 of adjacent bags in the stringbag 10 are alternating along the string extension direction D10 in the harmonica configuration Z10. The peaks and valleys provided by respective interconnection are alternating as well. This means that a peak is provided by an interconnection between a stringbag end and a neighbouring interconnection, that provides a valley, at the other side or in between two interconnections neighbouring on either side, and that each provide a valley, and that a valley is provided by an interconnection in between two interconnections neighbouring on either side, and that each provide a peak. The interconnections 12 are alternatingly supported on the formation surface, which means that every other interconnection, that provides a valley, is supported on the formation surface (as shown in figures 1 D, 2B and 4A). When the full stringbag 10 has been received on the formation surface 210 in the harmonica formation Z10, movement of the formation surface may be stopped at some point to allow the stringbag in the harmonica configuration to be provided into a packing box.

[0068]

[0047] The formation conveyor 200 is configured to substantially only provide interaction between the formation conveyor and the stringbag 10 in the harmonica configuration Z10 at the stringbag ends 19 and the respective interconnections supported on the formation surface, and providing for the valleys. The formation conveyor is configured to impede sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration over the formation surface. To prevent sliding of the bags 11 in the stringbag 10 on the formation surface 210, the formation surface is configured to have non-slip properties. When the bags would slide over the formation surface, the harmonica configuration may become lost. The figures show that the formation surface is configured to have corrugations 211 as seen along the conveying direction D1 to prevent sliding of bags of the stringbag 10 over the formation surface. Each corrugation extends along the formation surface and transverse to the conveying direction D10. Other types of non-slip properties may be employed as well, such as providing a large friction by presenting a large friction coeeficient. The formation surface is substantially flat and, in the embodiments shown, only presents variations in a height direction perpendicular to the formation surface, which are substantially smaller than the bag length (L11) to substantially only provide contact between the formation surface 210 and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends 19 and respective interconnections 12 forming the valleys.

[0069]

[0048] Figures 3A to 3D shows various further embodiments of a supply arrangement 110 of the packing apparatus 1 . The embodiments of figure 3A to 3D show an extension of the embodiment shown in figures 1A to 1 D by having a pull pusher 130 for pulling and pushing the stringbag 10 in the conveying direction D1. The pull pusher 130 comprises the supply conveyor 110 and a presser 120 for pressing the stringbag, in operation, on the supply conveyor 110. The presser 120 can be adjusted in the vertical direction to set a pressing force onto the bags 11 of the stringbag for setting an adequate pulling and pushing action by the pull pusher 130. The stringbag 10 is moved by pulling into the pull pusher 130 and pushing out of the pull pusher. The pull pusher is arranged to discharge the stringbag, in operation, at the discharging end 101 of the supply arrangement 100. The presser 120 of the embodiments of figures 3A, 3B and 3D comprises a series of rollers 121 parallel to the supply conveyor 110.

[0070]

[0049] The presser 120 of the figure 3C embodiment has one larger roller 121 with resilient hairs at its external circumference (external surface) to exert a pressing force onto the bags 11 of the stringbag 10. Optionally, one or both of the supply conveyor and the presser may present resilience for exerting a resilient force onto a stringbag conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser. This allows for variations in thicknesses of bags in the stringbags. On the one hand it prevents that too less pressure is exterted onto a bag, and on the other hand it prevents too much friction so that a bag might get stuck between presser and supply conveyor. The supply conveyor and / or the roller(s) 121 can have a resilient external circumference for exerting a resilient force onto a stringbag (10) conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser. In the embodiment shown, the resilient external circumference is provided only on the roller by resilient hairs. Such resilient hairs or flaps may be provided onto the supply conveyor as well, or on both the supply conveyor and the roller(s).

[0071]

[0050] The embodiments shown in figures 3B, 3C and 3D have a feeder 140 for providing the string bag 10 to the pull pusher 130 and feeding a leading stringbag end into the pull pusher 130. The embodiment of figure 3B has a feed conveyor 150 in line with the supply conveyor 110. The feed conveyor 150 can be operated on a slightly lower speed than the first speed V100 of the supply conveyor 110 so that the stringbag 10 is pulled from the feed conveyor for ensuring the extended configuration of the stringbag when discharging from the supplying arrangement 100.

[0072]

[0051] The embodiment of figure 3C reverses an initial feed direction of the stringbag 10 from the feed conveyor 150 by shooting the stringbag from the feed conveyor 150 into a U-shaped (as seen in the vertical plane) guiding track 160 with rollers 161 , which guides the leading stringbag end into the pull pusher 130, after which the feed conveyor may be operated at lower speed to allow pulling by the pull pusher 130. The guiding track 160 is a driven track for moving the stringbag along and on the track towards the pull pusher 130. To that end the rollers 161 of the guiding track are driven rollers for moving the stringbag on the track. The rollers 161 can be mutually rotationally connected so that a motor connected to only one roller 161 will drive all rollers of the guiding track for moving the stringbag 10 along the guiding track 160 from the feed conveyor 150 to the push puller 130. Figure 3C only shows a rotation arrow for some rollers 161 to indicate that they are rotationally driven, but all or most rollers 161 are driven rollers. Driving the guiding track enhances

[0073]

[0052] The embodiment of figure 3D has a lift 170 for picking up the stringbag 10 at an intermediate position between both ends 19 of the stringbag, and lifting the stringbag and forwarding the leading stringbag end to the pull pusher 130. The lift, in the embodiment shown, has a chain 171 guided over two pulleys 172 and a horizontal bar 173 connected to the chain. The bar 173 picks up the stringbag 10 when moving upwards on the right-hand part of the chain 171. Subsequently the bar 173 moves with the chain over the upper pulley 172, after which the bar 173 moves downward with the chain and feeds the leading stringbag end into the pull pusher 130. The bar 173 is lowered further and the stringbag 10 is pulled into the pull pusher 130. When moving over the upper pulley 172 to the left, the leading stringbag end forwarded to the push puller 130.

[0053] Figures 4A to 4C schematically show to provide the stringbag 10 in the harmonica formation Z10 into a packing box 20. Figure 4A corresponds to figure 1 D, and shows a side view of the stringbag 10 in the harmonica formation Z10 on the formation surface 210 but with a movable end stop 250 for the string bag. The movable end stop 250 can be set at an offset position along the conveying direction for each subsequent stringbag 10 in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface 210 to allow collecting subsequent stringbags in a nesting configuration on a collection surface 310 as is shown in figure 4B. The end stop 250 defines an end position of the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface, and can be actively set at a different position for each string bag.

[0074]

[0054] Figure 4B shows a top view of part of the stringbag packing apparatus corresponding to figure 4A, but with formation conveyor 200 and supply arrangement on either side of a collection surface 310. A pusher 260 is present for each formation conveyor 200 for pushing the string bag 10 from the formation surface 210 onto the collection surface 310 The pusher 260 is embodied as a movable wall for moving a stringbag in the harmonica configuration from the formation surface 210 just on the collection surface 310. Figure 4B shows that two other stringbags 10 in the harmonica configuration have been provided earlier onto the collection surface 310 from the formation surface 210. The pusher 260 just provides a stringbag from the formation surface 210 onto the collection surface 310, after which another pusher 320 associated with the collection surface is moved downward to subsequently push one or more stringbags provided from the formation surface 210 on the collection surface 310 further onto the collection surface. Stringbags 10 in the harmonica configuration may be collected on the collection surface 310 from the formation conveyors 200 on either side of the collection surface. When a stringbag is formed in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface of a respective formation conveyor 200, the movable end stop 250 is positioned such that a stringbag is formed in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface at a position so that adjacent stringbags collected on the formation surface 310 are in a nesting configuration. In the nesting configuration, the string extension directions of adjacent stringbags are parallel to and next to one another and peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration of one stringbag are besides valleys and peaks, respectively, of the harmonica configuration of an adjacent stringbag. When the required number of stringbags have been collecting in the nesting configuration on the collection surface, both pushers 320 are moved towards each other to have the nested stringbags collected densily. The top view of figure 4B shows two stringbags 10 in a nesting configuration on the collection surface 310 and a third stringbag 10 still on the formation surface 210 but at a position to allow a nesting configuration with what will become the adjacent stringbag on the collection surface. Figure 4C shows adjacent stringbags 10 in a nesting configuration in side view.

[0075]

[0055] After a number of stringbags 10 have been provided and densily collected in the nesting configuration on the collection surface 310, a packing arrangement 400 takes the densily collected stringbags in the nesting configuration from the collection surface and transfers them into a packing box 20 as shown in figure 4C. The packing arrangement has a fixed end wall 411 and a movable end wall 412 to clamp the densily collected stringbags in the nesting configuration along the string extension directions. The packing arrangement has opposing side walls that are both movable to clamp the densily collected stringbags in the nesting configuration transverse to the string extension directions. Although figure 4C shows a cross-section, a movable side wall 413 is shown in dashed line. Figure 4C is only a schematic representation of a number of collected stringbags in the harmonica configuration and nesting configuration in the packing arrangement 400. In the embodiment shown, the end walls and the side walls are part of the packing arrangement 400 for taking and transferring the stringbags 10 from the collection surface 310 into the packing box 20. The packing box 20 can be positioned, for instance, to the side of the collection surface 310 opposite the formation surface 210. However, many other ways can be envisioned for providing stringbags in the harmonica formation, and nesting configuration, from the formation surface 210 into a packing box 20.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A stringbag packing method for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box (20), wherein the stringbag (10) comprises a plurality of bags (11) connected with interconnections (12) to one another in sequence along a string extension direction (D10) between stringbag ends (19), an interconnection (12) between two connected adjacent bags (11) in the stringbag (10) extends along a connection direction (D12) transverse to the string extension direction (D10), each bag (11) in the stringbag (10) has a length direction (D11) as seen along a bag length (L11) between interconnections (12) to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end (19) and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag (10) in an extended configuration (E10) thereof has the length direction (D11) of each bag (11) in the stringbag (10) extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction (D10), and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration (Z10), that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions (D11) of adjacent bags (11) in the stringbag (10) alternating along the string extension direction (D10) and consecutive interconnections alternating as the peaks and the valleys of the harmonica configuration, and wherein the method comprises- providing a supply arrangement (100) configured and arranged for supplying the stringbag (10) in the extended configuration (E10) in a conveying direction (D1), with the string extension direction (D10) along the conveying direction, at a discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement at a first speed (V100) in the conveying direction at a discharge height (H100);- providing a formation conveyer (200) providing a formation surface (210) extending in the conveying direction (D1), and configured and arranged for receiving bags of the stringbag (10) from the discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement (100) at a receiving height (H200) of the formation surface with interconnections and the stringbag ends directly onto the formation surface (210), wherein the receiving height (H200) is below the discharge height (H100), and for conveying the bags of the stringbag received on the formation surface in the conveying direction at a second speed (V200) that is lower than the first speed (V100), wherein the connection directions (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags in the stringbag extend along the formation surface (210) and transverse to the conveying direction (D1) to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration (Z10) on the formation conveyor with the stringbag ends supported and the interconnections alternatingly supported on the formation surface of the formation conveyor, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to substantially only provide interaction between the formation conveyor and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the formation surface, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to impede sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in theharmonica configuration over the formation surface;- supplying the stringbag (10) in the extended configuration (E10) by the supply arrangement (100) in the conveying direction (D1), with the string extension direction (D10) along the conveying direction, at the discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement at the first speed (V100) at the discharge height (H100) to the formation surface (210) of the formation conveyor (200);- driving the formation surface (210) of the formation conveyor (200) at the second speed (V200) in the conveying direction (D1), receiving the stringbag (10) from the discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement (100) at the receiving height (H200) of the formation surface with interconnections and the stringbag ends directly onto the formation surface (210) and conveying the bags of the stringbag received on the formation surface in the conveying direction at the second speed (V200) that is lower than the first speed (V100), wherein the connection directions (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags in the stringbag extend along the formation surface (210) and transverse to the conveying direction (D1) to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration (Z10) on the formation conveyor with the stringbag ends supported and the interconnections alternatingly supported on the formation surface of the formation conveyor; and- providing the stringbag (10) in the harmonica configuration (Z10) from the formation surface (210) of the formation conveyor (200) into the packing box (20).

2. A stringbag packing apparatus (1) for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box (20), wherein the stringbag (10) comprises a plurality of bags (11) connected with interconnections (12) to one another in sequence along a string extension direction (D10) between stringbag ends (19), an interconnection (12) between two connected adjacent bags (11) in the stringbag (10) extends along a connection direction (D12) transverse to the string extension direction (D10), each bag (11) in the stringbag (10) has a length direction (D11) as seen along a bag length (L11) between interconnections (12) to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end (19) and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag (10) in an extended configuration (E10) thereof has the length direction (D11) of each bag (11) in the stringbag (10) extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction (D10), and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration (Z10), that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions (D11) of adjacent bags (11) in the stringbag (10) alternating along the string extension direction (D10), and wherein the apparatus (1) comprises- a supply arrangement (100) configured and arranged for supplying the stringbag (10) in the extended configuration (E10) in a conveying direction (D1), with the string extension direction (D10) along the conveying direction, at a discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement at a first speed (V100) in the conveying direction at a discharge height (H100);- a formation conveyer (200) providing a formation surface (210) extending in the conveying direction (D1), and configured and arranged for receiving bags of the stringbag (10) from the discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement (100) at a receiving height (H200) of the formation surface with interconnections and the stringbag ends directly onto the formation surface (210), wherein the receiving height (H200) is below the discharge height (H100), and for conveying the bags of the stringbag received on the formation surface in the conveying direction at a second speed (V200) that is lower than the first speed (V100) , wherein the connection directions (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags in the stringbag extend along the formation surface (210) and transverse to the conveying direction (D1) to obtain the stringbag in the harmonica configuration (Z10) on the formation conveyor with the stringbag ends supported and the interconnections alternatingly supported on the formation surface of the formation conveyor, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to substantially only provide interaction between the formation conveyor and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the formation surface, and wherein the formation conveyor is configured to impede sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration over the formation surface; and- a packing arrangement (400) configured and arranged for packing the stringbag (10) in the harmonica configuration (Z10) from the formation surface (210) of the formation conveyor (200) into the packing box (20).

3. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formation surface (210) is substantially flat, optionally to only present variations in a height direction perpendicular to the formation surface, which are substantially smaller than the bag length (L11) to substantially only provide contact between the formation surface and the stringbag in the harmonica configuration at the stringbag ends and respective interconnections.

4. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (d) between the discharge height (H100) and the receiving height (H200) on the formation surface (210) where the stringbag (10) is received is provided to be smaller than the bag length (L11 ) of the bags in the stringbag.

5. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formation surface (210) is configured to provide non-slip properties to prevent sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration of the stringbag over the formation surface, optionally a large friction against sliding, optionally a large friction coefficient against sliding.

6. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the formation surface (210) is configured to have corrugations as seen along the conveying direction (D1) to prevent sliding of the stringbag ends and respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration of the stringbag over the formation surface, optionally each corrugation extending along the formation surface and transverse to the conveying direction.

7. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply arrangement (100) comprises a pull pusher (130) for pulling and pushing the stringbag (10) in the conveying direction (D1).

8. The method or the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the pull pusher (130) comprises a supply conveyor (110) and a presser (120) for pressing the stringbag (10), in operation, on the supply conveyor.

9. The method or the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the supply conveyor (110) and the presser (120) present resilience for exerting a resilient force onto a stringbag (10) conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser.

10. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the presser (120) comprises at least one roller (121) for pressing and guiding the bags (11) in the stringbag (10).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding three claims, wherein at least one of the supply conveyor (110) and the at least one roller (121) comprises a resilient external circumference for exerting a resilient force onto a stringbag (10) conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser.

12. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding four claims, wherein at least one of the supply conveyor (110) and the at least one roller (121) comprises resilient hairs or flaps at its external circumference.

13. The method or the apparatus according to any one of claims 7-12, wherein the pull pusher (130) is arranged to discharge the stringbag, in operation, at the discharge end (101) of the supply arrangement (100).

14. The method or the apparatus according to any one of claims 7-13, wherein the supply arrangement comprises a feeder (140) for providing the string bag (10) to the pull pusher (130) and feeding a leading stringbag end into the pull pusher (130).

15. The method or the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the feeder (140) comprises a feed conveyor (150) for providing the leading stringbag end (10) to the pull pusher (130).

16. The method or the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the feeder (140) comprises a guiding track (160) having a U-shape in a vertical plane for reversing an initial feed direction of the stringbag (10) to provide the leading stringbag end to the pull pusher (130).

17. The method or the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the guiding track (160) is a driven track for moving the stringbag (10) on the track towards the pull pusher (130).

18. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the guiding track (160) comprises rollers (161) for guiding the stringbag (10), optionally wherein the rollers are driven rollers for moving the stringbag (10) on the track towards the pull pusher (130).

19. The method or the apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the feeder (140) comprises a lift (170) for picking up the stringbag (10) at an intermediate position between both ends (19) of the stringbag, lifting the stringbag and forwarding the leading stringbag end to the pull pusher (130), especially when lowering the leading stringbag end when forwarding after lifting.

20. The method or the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formation conveyor (200) comprises an end stop (250) for the stringbag (10) in the harmonica configuration to define an end position of the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface (210).

21. The method or the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein a position of the end stop (250) can be set along the conveying direction for setting an end position of the stringbag in the harmonica configuration on the formation surface (210).

22. A stringbag packing method for packing a string of bags, stringbag, into a packing box (20), optionally according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stringbag (10) comprises a plurality of bags (11) connected with interconnections (12) to one another in sequence along a string extension direction (D10) between stringbag ends (19), an interconnection (12) between two connected adjacent bags (11) in the stringbag (10) extends along a connection direction (D12) transverse to the string extension direction (D10), each bag (11) in the stringbag (10) has a length direction (D11) as seenalong a bag length (L11) between interconnections (12) to adjacent bags in the stringbag or between a stringbag end (19) and an interconnection to an adjacent bag in the stringbag, the stringbag (10) in an extended configuration (E10) thereof has the length direction (D11) of each bag (11) in the stringbag (10) extending along and in the same direction as the string extension direction (D10), and the stringbag in a harmonica configuration (Z10), that has alternating peaks and valleys, thereof has the length directions (D11) of adjacent bags (11) in the stringbag (10) alternating along the string extension direction (D10), and wherein the method comprises- providing at least two stringbags into the harmonica configuration;- arranging the at least two stringbags in the harmonica configurations next to one another in a nesting configuration that has the string extension directions of the at least two stringbags parallel to and next to one another and peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration of one stringbag besides valleys and peaks, respectively, of the harmonica configuration of an adjacent stringbag;- providing the at least two stringbags together into the packing box.

23. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method comprises- providing each stringbag in the harmonica configuration onto a collection surface;- collecting the at least two stringbags into the nesting configuration on the collection surface; and- providing the at least two stringbags in the nesting configuration from the collection surface into the packing box.

24. The method according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the method comprises- supplying a stringbag (10) in the extended configuration (E10) by a supply arrangement (100) to a formation surface (210);- providing the stringbag into the harmonica configuration (Z10) on the formation surface (210); and- providing the stringbag from the formation surface onto the collection surface.

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