Method and device for packing linked bags

Abstract

A method and apparatus for packing a series of bags (10) into a packaging box, the linked bag comprising a plurality of bags (11) connected in sequence along a link stretch direction by interconnections (12) to each other, the interconnections between two connected adjacent bags of the linked bag extending along a connection direction transverse to the link stretch direction, each bag of the linked bag having a length direction referenced along a bag length between the interconnections of the linked bag to its adjacent bag or between an end of the linked bag and an interconnection of the linked bag to its adjacent bag, the linked bag in the stretched configuration having a length direction of each bag of the linked bag extending along the same direction as the link stretch direction and having alternating peaks and valleys, the linked bag in the harmonica configuration having the length directions of adjacent bags of the linked bag alternating along the link stretch direction and successive interconnections alternating as peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for packing linked bags, which are connected bags, into a packing box, the linked bags comprising a plurality of bags connected in sequence along a link stretch direction by interconnections between the linked bag ends to each other, the interconnections between two connected adjacent bags of the linked bag extending along a connection direction transverse to the link stretch direction, each bag of the linked bag having a length direction referenced along a bag length between the interconnections of the linked bag to its adjacent bag or between the linked bag end and the interconnection of the linked bag to its adjacent bag, the linked bags of the stretched configuration having a length direction of each bag of the linked bag extending along the same direction as the link stretch direction, the linked bags of the harmonica configuration having alternating peaks and valleys, the linked bags of the harmonica configuration having length directions of adjacent bags of the linked bag alternating along the link stretch direction. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, products such as potato chips and candy are sold in bags. Such bags of product may be provided as individual bags that are displayed on store shelves or in boxes. However, the bags of product may also be displayed in a store as a series of interconnected bags. Such series of bags are sometimes referred to as linked bags. The bag at the top end of the linked bag may be secured, for example, to a wall so that the linked bag is suspended from the wall. The bag at the bottom end of the linked bag may be separated from the linked bag, for example, by a tear line provided in the interconnect, in order to sell the bag to a customer, and the adjacent bag of the linked bag becomes available as the bottom bag for the next sale.

[0003] The interlocking bags must be made in several production facilities and easily usable for transport. Initially, a tube of bag material can be provided in which, after feeding the product contents therein, interconnections are made by sealing the tube at defined locations, which also define the individual bags. After sealing, the bags are not separated from each other, beyond a selected number of bags, to obtain the interlocking bag. A packaging box with such (interlocking) bags, as well as individual bags with products such as potato chips and candy, offers an efficient way for storage and transport. Known systems introduce complexity and present significant set-up times for switching from one type of packaging of interlocking bags to another type of packaging of interlocking bags. Such known systems further present a large footprint and limited throughput. Furthermore, they present a limited packing density of interlocking bags in a packaging box. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for packaging tie bags into a shipping box.

[0005] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide an efficient method and apparatus for packaging tie bags into a shipping box.

[0006] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for packaging interlocking bags that is relatively simple and straightforward.

[0007] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for packaging interlocking bags that is highly versatile.

[0008] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for packaging linked sacks that is compatible with easily handling other types of linked sacks.

[0009] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for packaging interlocking bags that has a reduced footprint.

[0010] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for packaging linked bags that has improved throughput.

[0011] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for handling linked bags having bags of various thicknesses.

[0012] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for handling interlocking bags that exhibit variations in the interlocking bags being packaged.

[0013] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for handling linked bags with both even and odd numbers of links, and even for handling combinations of both.

[0014] Another or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for tightly packing tie bags into a shipping box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for packaging linked bags, which are consecutive bags, in a packaging box, the linked bags comprising a plurality of bags connected in sequence along a link stretch direction by interconnections between the linked bag ends to each other, the interconnections between two connected adjacent bags of the linked bag extending along a connection direction transverse to the link stretch direction, each bag of the linked bags having a length direction referenced along a bag length between the interconnections of the linked bag to its adjacent bag or between the linked bag end and the interconnection of the linked bag to its adjacent bag, the linked bags of the stretched configuration having a length direction of each bag of the linked bag extending along the same direction as the link stretch direction and having alternating peaks and valleys, the linked bags of the harmonica configuration having length directions of adjacent bags of the linked bag alternating along the link stretch direction and successive interconnections alternating as peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration, The method is: - providing a feeding facility configured and arranged to feed, at a discharge end of the feeding facility, connected bags in an extended configuration having a connected extension direction along the conveying direction at a first speed in the conveying direction at the discharge height; - providing a forming conveyor extending in a conveying direction and providing a forming surface configured and arranged, at a receiving height of the forming surface lower than the discharge height, for receiving a bag of linked bags from the discharge end of the supply facility such that the interconnections and the linked bag ends are directly on the forming surface, and for conveying the bag of linked bags received on the forming surface in the conveying direction at a second speed lower than the first speed, wherein connection directions of the interconnections between adjacent bags of the linked bags extend along the forming surface and transverse to the conveying direction to obtain linked bags of harmonica configuration on the forming conveyor, the linked bag ends are supported on the forming surface of the forming conveyor and the interconnections are supported alternately on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, the forming conveyor is configured to provide interaction between the forming conveyor and the linked bags of harmonica configuration substantially only at the linked bag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the forming surface, and the forming conveyor is configured to prevent sliding of the linked bag ends of the harmonica configuration and the respective interconnections on the forming surface; - feeding, by the feeding facility, the connected bags in an elongated configuration at a discharge end of the feeding facility, the connected bags having a connected elongation direction along the conveying direction, in the conveying direction at a first speed at a discharge height to a forming surface of a forming conveyor; - driving the forming surface of the forming conveyor in the conveying direction at a second speed to receive the connected bags from the discharge end of the supply facility at a receiving height (H200) of the forming surface such that the interconnected and connected bag ends are directly on the forming surface, and conveying the bags of connected bags received on the forming surface in the conveying direction at a second speed lower than the first speed, so that the connection directions of the connections between adjacent bags of the connected bags extend along the forming surface and across the conveying direction to obtain connected bags in a harmonica configuration on the forming conveyor, the connected bag ends being supported on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, and the interconnections being supported alternately on the forming surface of the forming conveyor; - Providing the harmonica-structured connected bags from the forming surface of the forming conveyor to the packaging box; Includes.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a linked bag packing device for packing linked bags, which are consecutive bags, into a packaging box, the linked bags comprising a plurality of bags connected in sequence along a link stretch direction by interconnections between linked bag ends to each other, the interconnections between two connected adjacent bags of the linked bag extending along a connection direction transverse to the link stretch direction, each bag of the linked bags having a length direction referenced along a bag length between the interconnections of the linked bag to its adjacent bag or between the linked bag end and the interconnection of the linked bag to its adjacent bag, the linked bags in the stretched configuration having a length direction of each bag of the linked bag extending in the same direction as the link stretch direction and having alternating peaks and valleys, the linked bags in the harmonica configuration having length directions of adjacent bags of the linked bag alternating along the link stretch direction, The device is - a feeding facility configured and arranged to feed, at a discharge end of the feeding facility, connected bags in an elongated configuration having a connected elongation direction along the conveying direction at a first speed in the conveying direction at the discharge height; - a forming conveyor providing a forming surface extending in a conveying direction and configured and arranged, at a receiving height of the forming surface lower than the discharge height, for receiving a bag of linked bags from the discharge end of the supply facility such that the interconnects and linked bag ends are directly on the forming surface and for conveying the bag of linked bags received on the forming surface in the conveying direction at a second speed lower than the first speed, wherein connection directions of connections between adjacent bags of the linked bags extend along the forming surface and transverse to the conveying direction to obtain linked bags of harmonica configuration on the forming conveyor, the linked bag ends are supported on the forming surface of the forming conveyor and the interconnects are supported alternately on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, the forming conveyor is configured to provide interaction between the forming conveyor and the linked bags of harmonica configuration substantially only at the linked bag ends and the respective interconnects supported on the forming surface, and the forming conveyor is configured to prevent sliding of the linked bag ends of the harmonica configuration and the respective interconnects on the forming surface; - packaging equipment constructed and arranged for packaging harmonica-configured connected bags from a forming surface of a forming conveyor into a packaging box; Equipped with.

[0017] The interlocking stretch direction may refer to the interlocking sacks stretching along the same direction as the conveying direction as they are fed at the discharge end of the feeding fixture and presented on the forming surface. A harmonica configuration of interlocking sacks has the sacks of the interlocking sacks arranged in a zigzag fashion along the interlocking stretch direction, with the length directions of individual adjacent sacks alternating in generally opposite directions transverse to the interlocking stretch direction. In the stretched configuration, the individual rearward length directions are aligned with the interlocking stretch direction.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the forming surface is generally flat, optionally exhibiting only a height variation perpendicular to the forming surface, which is substantially less than the sack length, to provide substantial contact between the forming surface and the interlocking sacks of the harmonica configuration only at the interlocking sack ends and their respective interconnections.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distance between the discharge height and the receiving height on the forming surface at which the linked bag is received is provided to be less than the bag length of the linked bag.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the forming surface is configured to provide anti-slip properties, optionally high friction against sliding, optionally a high coefficient of friction against sliding, to prevent sliding of the interlocking bag ends and their respective interconnects in a harmonica configuration of the interlocking bags on the forming surface.

[0021] In one embodiment, the forming surface is configured to have corrugations when viewed along the conveying direction, optionally with each corrugation extending along the forming surface and across the conveying direction, to prevent sliding of the connected bag ends and their respective interconnections in a harmonica configuration of the connected bags on the forming surface.

[0022] In one embodiment, the feeding facility comprises a pull pusher for pulling and pushing the linked bags in the conveying direction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pull pusher includes a feed conveyor and a presser for pressing the linked bags on the feed conveyor during operation.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one of the supply conveyor and the presser exhibits resilience for exerting a resilient force on linked bags transported between the supply conveyor and the presser.

[0025] In one embodiment, the presser comprises at least one roller for pressing and guiding the sachets of the linked sachets.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one of the feed conveyor and the at least one roller includes a resilient perimeter for exerting a resilient force on linked bags conveyed between the feed conveyor and the presser.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of the feed conveyor and the at least one roller is provided with resilient bristles or flaps on its periphery.

[0028] In one embodiment, the pull pusher is arranged to discharge the connection bag at the discharge end of the supply fixture during operation.

[0029] In one embodiment, the feeding facility includes a feeder for providing the linked bags to the pull pusher and feeding the linked bag tips to the pull pusher.

[0030] In one embodiment, the feeder includes a feed conveyor for presenting the leading ends of the linked bags to the pull pusher.

[0031] In one embodiment, the feeder includes a guide track having a U-shape in a vertical plane for reversing the initial feeding direction of the linked bags to present the linked bag tips to the pull pusher.

[0032] In one embodiment, the guide track is a driven track for moving the linked bags on the track towards the pull pusher.

[0033] In an embodiment, the guide track includes rollers for guiding the linked bags, and optionally the rollers are driven rollers for moving the linked bags on the track towards the pull pusher.

[0034] In one embodiment, the feeder includes a lift for picking up the linked bag at an intermediate position between both ends of the linked bag, lifting the linked bag, and advancing the linked bag tip to the pull pusher, particularly when lowering the linked bag tip as it is advanced after lifting.

[0035] In one embodiment, the forming conveyor includes end stops for linked bags of harmonica configuration to define end locations of the linked bags of harmonica configuration on the forming surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the location of the end stops can be set along the conveying direction to set the end locations of the interlocking pouches in a harmonica configuration on the forming surface.

[0037] In another aspect, the present invention optionally provides a method for packaging linked bags in a packaging box, the linked bags being a series of bags according to any one of the preceding claims, the linked bags comprising a plurality of bags connected in sequence along a link stretch direction by interconnections between the linked bag ends to each other, the interconnections between two connected adjacent bags of the linked bag extending along a connection direction transverse to the link stretch direction, each bag of the linked bags having a length direction referenced along a bag length between the interconnections of the linked bag to its adjacent bag or between the linked bag end and the interconnection of the linked bag to its adjacent bag, the linked bags in the stretched configuration having a length direction of each bag of the linked bag extending in the same direction as the link stretch direction, with alternating peaks and valleys, the linked bags in the harmonica configuration having length directions of adjacent bags of the linked bag alternating along the link stretch direction, The method is: - forming at least two interlocking bags into a harmonica configuration; - arranging at least two connecting bags, adjacent to each other in a nested configuration with a connecting extension direction of the at least two connecting bags parallel to each other and next to each other, the at least two connecting bags of harmonica configuration having peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration of one connecting bag and also respective valleys and peaks of the harmonica configuration of an adjacent connecting bag; - Provide at least two interlocking bags together in a packing box; Includes.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method comprises: - providing linked bags in a harmonica configuration on a collection surface; - collecting at least two interlocking bags in a nested configuration on a collection surface; - providing at least two interlocking bags in a nested configuration from the collection surface to the packaging box; Includes.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method comprises: - feeding a stretched configuration of connected bags to a forming surface by a feeding facility; - forming a harmonica configuration of interlocking bags on the forming surface; - providing a connecting bag on the collecting surface from the forming surface; Includes.

[0040] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present invention as non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments. These embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection. Those skilled in the art will understand that they can come up with other alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the present invention and can be reduced to practice without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar or identical reference symbols indicate similar, identical or corresponding parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1A] 1A-1D show schematic side views of various stages of bringing a linked bag from an extended configuration to a harmonica configuration in a linked bag packaging apparatus according to the invention; [Figure 1B] 1A-1D show schematic side views of various stages of bringing a linked bag from an extended configuration to a harmonica configuration in a linked bag packaging apparatus according to the invention; [Figure 1C] 1A-1D show schematic side views of various stages of bringing a linked bag from an extended configuration to a harmonica configuration in a linked bag packaging apparatus according to the invention; [Figure 1D] 1A-1D show schematic side views of various stages of bringing a linked bag from an extended configuration to a harmonica configuration in a linked bag packaging apparatus according to the invention; [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B show perspective views of a connected pouch in an extended configuration and a harmonica configuration, respectively, corresponding to FIGS. 1A and 1D. [Figure 2B] 1A and 1B show perspective views of a connected pouch in an extended configuration and a harmonica configuration, respectively, corresponding to FIGS. 1A and 1D. [Figure 3A] 1 shows various embodiments of a feeding facility for a packaging device according to the invention; [Figure 3B] 1 shows various embodiments of a feeding facility for a packaging device according to the invention; [Figure 3C] 1 shows various embodiments of a feeding facility for a packaging device according to the invention; [Figure 3D] 1 shows various embodiments of a feeding facility for a packaging device according to the invention; [Figure 4A] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating the provision of a harmonica-configured connecting bag to a packaging box; [Figure 4B] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating the provision of a harmonica-configured connecting bag to a packaging box; [Figure 4C] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating the provision of a harmonica-configured connecting bag to a packaging box; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] 1A-1D show an embodiment of a part of a linked bag packaging device 1 according to the invention for packaging linked bags 10 in a packaging box 20, as well as various stages of bringing the linked bags 10 from an extended configuration E10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A to a harmonica (or zigzag) configuration Z10 shown in FIGS. 1D and 2B. The linked bags 10 are continuous bags 11, comprising a plurality of bags 11 connected in sequence along a linking stretch direction D10 by interconnections 12 to each other. The interconnections 12 between two connected adjacent bags 11 of the linked bag extend along a connection direction D12 transverse to the linking stretch direction D10. Each bag 11 of the linked bag 10 has a length direction D11 referenced along a bag length L11 between the interconnections 12 to adjacent bags of the linked bag or referenced between a linked bag end 19 (the end of the linked bag 10) and the interconnections 12 to adjacent bags of the linked bag. The linked bag 10 stretches between both linked bag ends 19.

[0043] The linked pouch 10 in its stretched configuration E10 has a length direction D11 of each pouch 11 of the linked pouch 10 that extends along the same direction as the linked stretch direction D10. In the harmonica configuration Z10, the linked pouch has length directions D11 of adjacent pouches 10 of the linked pouch 10 that alternate along the linked stretch direction D10. Figures 1A and 2A show the linked pouch in the stretched configuration E10 and the length directions D11 of the individual pouches 11 in the linked pouch 10 that extend parallel to and in the same direction as the linked stretch direction D10. The length directions D11 of the individual pouches 11 are taken to be in the same direction as the linked stretch direction D10 when viewed in the stretched configuration of the linked pouch. 1D and 2B show the interlocking sack 10 in a harmonica configuration Z10 with the length directions D11 of the individual sacks 11 alternating along the interlocking stretch direction D10, meaning that the adjacent rearward length directions D11 have a component that is transverse to the interlocking stretch direction D10 and points in the opposite direction. The length directions D11 transverse to the interlocking stretch direction D10 are intended to mean that there may be a length direction component that is perpendicular to the interlocking stretch direction and at the same time a length direction component along the interlocking stretch direction D10. The harmonica configuration may have various degrees of "harmonicazation" and have some length direction component perpendicular to the interlocking stretch direction. In the harmonica configuration Z10, the interlocking sack 10 has alternating peaks and valleys provided by the interconnects 12 that provide alternating peaks or valleys of the interlocking sack 10. When the interlocking sack is in the harmonica configuration Z10, the interlocking sack ends 19 are at the height of the valleys. Generally, the linked pouches will have an even number of pouches in the linked pouch.

[0044] 1A shows that linked bags 10 in stretched configuration E10 are fed in a conveying direction D1 on a feeding facility 100 of a packaging machine 1, with the linked stretch direction D10 being along the conveying direction D1. The feeding facility 100 comprises a feeding conveyor 110 for feeding the linked bags 10 in stretched configuration E10 at a first speed V100 at a discharge height H100 at a discharge end 101 of the feeding facility 100. The surface of the feeding conveyor is at a discharge height H100. The feeding conveyor 110 is running at a first speed V100 for feeding the linked bags 10 at the discharge end 101 at the first speed V100.

[0045] The connected bags 10 are then received on a forming surface 210 of a forming conveyor 200. The forming conveyor 200 and its forming surface 210 extend in a conveying direction D1. The forming conveyor 200 is configured and arranged to receive the bags of connected bags 10 from the discharge end 101 of the supply facility 100 at a first speed V100 on the forming surface 210. The forming surface 210 of the forming conveyor 200 is driven at a second speed V200 lower than the first speed V100. The ratio of the second speed V200 with respect to the first speed V100 depends on the application and may be set, for example, depending on the bag length L11 of the connected bags. Once the bags of the connected bags are received on the forming surface 210, they are conveyed on the forming surface in the conveying direction at the second speed V200. The connection direction D12 of the interconnections 12 between adjacent bags 11 of the linked bag 10 extends along the forming surface 210 and transverse to the conveying direction D1 (and transverse to the connection stretch direction D10). The bags of the linked bag are received at a receiving height H200 on the forming surface 210 below the discharge height H100. The distance d between the discharge height H100 and the receiving height H200 on the forming surface at which the bags of the linked bag are received is less than the length L11 of the bags 11 of the linked bag 10.

[0046] FIG. 1B shows that the connected bag tip 19 formed by the tip of the leading bag of the connected bag 10 conveyed in the conveying direction D1 is received on the forming surface 210 at the receiving height H200. Since the receiving height H200 is below the discharge height H100, the length direction L11 of the leading bag faces downward. The tip of the leading bag (connected bag tip) that contacted the forming surface 210 advances at a speed V200. The opposite end of the leading bag moves upward and is pushed by the trailing bag 11 of the connected bag at approximately the first speed V100, since the trailing bag still advances at the first speed V100 on the supply conveyor 110 of the supply facility. FIG. 1C shows that the end of the interconnected second bag and the tip of the third bag of the connected bag 10 are received on the forming surface 210 of the forming conveyor. Because the forming surface 210 is moving at a second speed V200 that is less than the first speed V100, the length direction D11 of the leading first and third bags of the linked bag 10 points downward, while the length direction D11 of the second bag points upward. The interconnections 12 between the first (leading) and second bags form peaks of the linked bag in its configured formed on the forming surface 210, while the interconnections 12 between the second and third bags form valleys of the linked bag in its configured formed on the forming surface.

[0047] This process continues until all the bags 11 of the interlocking bag 10 are received on the forming surface to obtain an interlocking bag of harmonica configuration Z10 on the forming surface 210 of the forming conveyor 200 as shown in FIG. 1D. The interlocking bag ends 19 and the respective interconnects 12 providing the valleys of the interlocking bag of harmonica configuration are received directly on the forming surface 210 of the forming conveyor 200 from the supply facility 100. The length directions D11 of adjacent bags of the interlocking bag 10 alternate along the interlocking stretch direction D10 in the harmonica configuration Z10. The peaks and valleys provided by the respective interconnects alternate in the same way. This means that the peaks are provided by the interconnections between the interlocking bag ends and the adjacent interconnects providing the valleys on the other side, or between two adjacent interconnects on both sides each providing a valley, and the valleys are provided by the interconnections between two adjacent interconnects on both sides each providing a peak. The interconnects 12 are supported alternately on the forming surface, meaning that every other interconnect that provides a valley is supported on the forming surface (as shown in Figures 1D, 2B, and 4A). When all the interlocking bags 10 are received on the forming surface 210 in the harmonica formation Z10, the movement of the forming surface may be stopped at some point to allow the interlocking bags in the harmonica configuration to be provided in a packaging box.

[0048] The forming conveyor 200 is supported on the forming surface and is configured to provide interaction between the forming conveyor and the linked bags 10 of the harmonica configuration Z10 substantially only at the linked bag ends 19 and the respective interconnections that provide valleys. The forming conveyor is configured to prevent sliding of the linked bag ends and the respective interconnections of the harmonica configuration on the forming surface. To prevent sliding of the bags 11 of the linked bag 10 on the forming surface 210, the forming surface is configured to have anti-slip properties. If the bags slide on the forming surface, the harmonica configuration may be lost. The figure shows that to prevent sliding of the bags of the linked bag 10 on the forming surface, the forming surface is configured to have corrugations 211 when viewed along the conveying direction D1. Each corrugation extends along the forming surface and across the conveying direction D10. Other types of anti-slip properties may also be employed, for example providing high friction by providing a high coefficient of friction. The forming surface is generally flat and in the embodiment shown exhibits only a height variation perpendicular to the forming surface, which is substantially less than the bag length (L11) to provide substantial contact between the forming surface 210 and the connecting bags of the harmonica configuration only at the connecting bag ends 19 and the respective interconnects 12 forming the valleys.

[0049] 3A-3D show various further embodiments of the feeding facility 110 of the packaging machine 1. The embodiments of Figs. 3A-3D show an extension of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A-1D by having a pull pusher 130 for pulling and pushing the linked bags 10 in the conveying direction D1. The pull pusher 130 comprises a feeding conveyor 110 and a presser 120 for pressing the linked bags on the feeding conveyor 110 during operation. The presser 120 can be adjusted vertically in order to set the pressing force of the linked bags on the bags 11 for setting a sufficient pulling and pushing action by the pull pusher 130. The linked bags 10 are moved by pulling to and pushing from the pull pusher 130. The pull pusher is arranged to discharge the linked bags at the discharge end 101 of the feeding facility 100 during operation. The presser 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3D includes a series of rollers 121 parallel to the feed conveyor 110.

[0050] The presser 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 3C has one larger roller 121 with elastic bristles on its periphery (outer surface) for exerting a pressing force on the bags 11 of the linked bags 10. Optionally, one or both of the feed conveyor and the presser may exhibit elasticity for exerting an elastic force on the linked bags conveyed between the feed conveyor and the presser. This allows for variations in the thickness of the bags of the linked bags. On the one hand, it prevents the pressure exerted on the bags from becoming too small, and on the other hand, it prevents the friction from becoming too large so that the bags get stuck between the presser and the feed conveyor. The feed conveyor and / or the roller(s) 121 may have an elastic periphery for exerting an elastic force on the linked bags (10) conveyed between the feed conveyor and the presser. In the embodiment shown, the elastic periphery is provided only on the rollers by elastic bristles. Such elastic bristles or flaps may be provided on the feed conveyor as well, or on both the feed conveyor and the roller(s).

[0051] 3B, 3C, and 3D includes a feeder 140 for providing linked bags 10 to the pull pusher 130 and feeding linked bag tips to the pull pusher 130. The embodiment of FIG. 3B includes a feed conveyor 150 aligned with the feed conveyor 110. The feed conveyor 150 may be operated at a speed slightly slower than the first speed V100 of the feed conveyor 110 such that the linked bags 10 are pulled from the feed conveyor to ensure a stretched configuration of the linked bags as they exit the feed fixture 100.

[0052] The embodiment of FIG. 3C reverses the initial feeding direction of the linked bags 10 from the feed conveyor 150 by exiting the linked bags from the feed conveyor 150 onto a U-shaped (when viewed in a vertical plane) guide track 160 having rollers 161 that guide the linked bags leading ends to the pull pusher 130, after which the feed conveyor may be operated at a lower speed to allow pulling by the pull pusher 130. The guide track 160 is a driven track for moving the linked bags along and on the track towards the pull pusher 130. To that end, the rollers 161 of the guide track are driven rollers for moving the linked bags on the track. The rollers 161 may be rotatably connected to each other such that a motor connected to only one roller 161 drives all rollers of the guide track to move the linked bags 10 along the guide track 160 from the feed conveyor 150 to the push puller 130. Although FIG. 3C shows rotation arrows on only some of the rollers 161 to indicate that the rollers 161 are rotatably driven, all or most of the rollers 161 are driven rollers.

[0053] The embodiment of FIG. 3D has a lift 170 for picking up the linked bag 10 at a midpoint between the ends 19 of the linked bag, lifting the linked bag and advancing the linked bag tip 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 linked bag 10 as it moves upwards on the right part of the chain 171. The bar 173 then moves with the chain over the upper pulley 172, and then the bar 173 moves downwards with the chain to feed the linked bag tip to the pull pusher 130. The bar 173 is further lowered and the linked bag 10 is pulled to the pull pusher 130. The linked bag tip advanced to the push puller 130 as it moves left over the upper pulley 172.

[0054] 4A-4C show diagrammatically the provision of a linked bag 10 of a harmonica formation Z10 to a packaging box 20. FIG. 4A corresponds to FIG. 1D and shows a side view of a linked bag 10 of a harmonica formation Z10 on the forming surface 210, but with a movable end stop 250 for the linked bag. The movable end stop 250 can be set at an offset position along the conveying direction for each subsequent linked bag 10 of a harmonica formation on the forming surface 210 to enable collection of the subsequent linked bag of the nested formation on the collecting surface 310, as shown in FIG. 4B. The end stop 250 defines the end position of the linked bag of the harmonica formation on the forming surface and can be actively set at different positions for each linked bag.

[0055] FIG. 4B shows a top view of a portion of the linked bag packing machine corresponding to FIG. 4A, but with a forming conveyor 200 and a feeding facility on both sides of the collecting surface 310. A pusher 260 is present for each forming conveyor 200 to push the linked bags 10 from the forming surface 210 onto the collecting surface 310. The pusher 260 is embodied as a movable wall for moving the linked bags in harmonica configuration from the forming surface 210 directly above the collecting surface 310. FIG. 4B shows that two other linked bags 10 in harmonica configuration have been provided in advance from the forming surface 210 onto the collecting surface 310. The pusher 260 simply provides the linked bags from the forming surface 210 onto the collecting surface 310, after which another pusher 320 associated with the collecting surface is moved downwards and subsequently pushes one or more linked bags provided from the forming surface 210 onto the collecting surface 310 further onto the collecting surface. The linked bags 10 in a harmonica configuration may be collected on the collecting surface 310 from the forming conveyors 200 on both sides of the collecting surface. When the linked bags are formed in a harmonica configuration on the forming surface of each forming conveyor 200, the movable end stops 250 are positioned such that the linked bags are formed in a harmonica configuration on the forming surface in a position such that adjacent linked bags collected on the forming surface 310 are in a nested configuration. In the nested configuration, the linking extension directions of adjacent linked bags are parallel to each other and next to each other, and the peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration of one linked bag are aligned with the valleys and peaks of the harmonica configuration of the adjacent linked bag, respectively. When the required number of linked bags are collected on the collecting surface in a nested configuration, both pushers 320 move towards each other to closely collect the nested linked bags. The top view of Figure 4B shows two linked bags 10 in a nested configuration on the collecting surface 310, and a third linked bag 10 still on the forming surface 210, but in a position that enables the nesting configuration by becoming an adjacent linked bag on the collecting surface. Figure 4C shows adjacent linked bags 10 in a nested configuration in a side view.

[0056] After a plurality of interlocking bags 10 are provided and tightly collected in a nested configuration on the collection surface 310, a packaging facility 400 receives the tightly collected interlocking bags in a nested configuration from the collection surface and transfers them to a packing box 20 as shown in FIG. 4C. The packaging facility has a fixed end wall 411 and a movable end wall 412 for fixing the tightly collected interlocking bags in a nested configuration along the interlocking stretch direction. The packaging facility has opposing side walls that are both movable for fixing the tightly collected interlocking bags in a nested configuration transverse to the interlocking stretch direction. FIG. 4C shows a cross section, but the movable side wall 413 is shown in dashed lines. FIG. 4C is merely a schematic diagram of a plurality of collected interlocking bags in a harmonica configuration and a nested configuration in the packaging facility 400. In the embodiment shown, the end walls and side walls are part of the packaging facility 400 for picking up the interlocking bags 10 from the collection surface 310 and transferring them to the packing box 20. The packaging box 20 can be positioned, for example, on the side of the collection surface 310 opposite the forming surface 210. However, many other methods can be envisioned for providing the harmonica forming and nesting interlocking pouches to the packaging box 20 from the forming surface 210.

Claims

1. A method for packing linked bags, which are connected bags, into a packaging box (20), wherein the linked bag (10) comprises a plurality of bags (11) connected in sequence along a connection extension direction (D10) by interconnections (12) between the linked bag ends (19), the interconnections (12) between two connected adjacent bags (11) of the linked bag (10) extending along a connection direction (D12) transverse to the connection extension direction (D10), and each bag (11) of the linked bag (10) has a connection (12) between the interconnections (12) to adjacent bags of the linked bag or between the linked bag end (19) and the interconnection to the adjacent bag of the linked bag. the connected bags (10) in the stretched configuration (E10) have the length direction (D11) of each bag (11) of the connected bags (10) stretched along the same direction as the connection stretch direction (D10), and have alternating peaks and valleys; the connected bags in the harmonica configuration (Z10) have the length directions (D11) of adjacent bags (11) of the connected bags (10) arranged alternately along the connection stretch direction (D10), and successive interconnections arranged alternately as the peaks and valleys of the harmonica configuration; The method comprises: providing a supply facility (100) configured and arranged to supply the connected bags (10) in the extended configuration (E10) at a discharge end (101) of the supply facility, the connected bags (10) having the connected extension direction (D10) along the conveying direction (D1) at a discharge height (H100) in the conveying direction (D1) at a first speed (V100) in the conveying direction; a forming conveyor (200) providing a forming surface (210), the forming surface (210) extending in the conveying direction (D1), configured and arranged to receive bags of linked bags (10) from the discharge end (101) of the supply equipment (100) at a receiving height (H200) of the forming surface lower than the discharge height (H100) so that the interconnections and the linked bag ends are directly on the forming surface (210), and to convey the bags of linked bags received on the forming surface in the conveying direction at a second speed (V200) lower than the first speed (V100), the connecting direction (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags of the linked bags being such that the connecting direction (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags of the linked bags is such that the connecting direction (D12) of the interconnections (12) of the adjacent bags on the forming conveyor ... connecting conveyor is such that the connecting direction (D12) of the adjacent bags on the connecting conveyor is such that the connecting direction (D12) of the adjacent bags on the connecting conveyor is such that the connecting direction (D12) of the adjacent bags on the connecting conveyor is directly on the forming surface (210) providing a forming conveyor (200) extending along the forming surface (210) and transverse to the conveying direction (D1) to obtain the connected bags in a harmonica configuration (Z10), the connected bag ends being supported on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, and the interconnections being supported alternately on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, the forming conveyor being configured to provide interaction between the forming conveyor and the connected bags in the harmonica configuration substantially only at the connected bag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the forming surface, and the forming conveyor being configured to prevent sliding of the connected bag ends and the respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration on the forming surface; supplying the connected bags (10) in the stretched configuration (E10) having the connected stretch direction (D10) along the conveying direction at the discharge end (101) of the supply equipment (100) in the conveying direction (D1) at the first speed (V100) at the discharge height (H100) onto the forming surface (210) of the forming conveyor (200); The forming surface (210) of the forming conveyor (200) is driven in the conveying direction (D1) at the second speed (V200), and receives the connected bags (10) from the discharge end (101) of the supply equipment (100) at the receiving height (H200) of the forming surface so that the interconnected and connected bag ends are directly on the forming surface (210), and the connected bags received on the forming surface are fed forward at the second speed (V200) which is lower than the first speed (V100). conveying the connected bags in the conveying direction, wherein the connection direction (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags of the connected bags extends along the forming surface (210) and across the conveying direction (D1) to obtain the connected bags in the harmonica configuration (Z10) on the forming conveyor, and the connected bag ends are supported on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, and the interconnections are supported alternately on the forming surface of the forming conveyor; Providing the connected bags (10) of the harmonica configuration (Z10) from the forming surface (210) of the forming conveyor (200) to the packaging box (20); Including, method.

2. A linked bag packing device (1) for packing linked bags, which are a series of bags, into a packaging box (20), wherein the linked bag (10) comprises a plurality of bags (11) connected in sequence along a connecting extension direction (D10) by interconnections (12) between the linked bag ends (19), the interconnections (12) between two connected adjacent bags (11) of the linked bag (10) extending along a connecting direction (D12) transverse to the connecting extension direction (D10), and each bag (11) of the linked bag (10) is connected between the interconnections (12) to the adjacent bags of the linked bag or between the linked bag ends (19). and the interconnection of the connected bag to an adjacent bag, the connected bag (10) in its stretched configuration (E10) has the length direction (D11) of each bag (11) of the connected bag (10) stretching in the same direction as the connection stretch direction (D10), and the connected bag in its harmonica configuration (Z10) has the length direction (D11) of adjacent bags (11) of the connected bag (10) arranged alternately along the connection stretch direction (D10), The device (1) comprises: a supplying facility (100) configured and arranged to supply the connected bags (10) in the extended configuration (E10) having a connected extension direction (D10) along a conveying direction at a discharge end (101) of the supplying facility in the conveying direction (D1) at a first speed (V100) in the conveying direction at a discharge height (H100); a forming conveyor (200) providing a forming surface (210), the forming surface (210) extending in the conveying direction (D1), configured and arranged to receive bags of linked bags (10) from the discharge end (101) of the supply facility (100) at a receiving height (H200) of the forming surface lower than the discharge height (H100) so that the interconnections and the linked bag ends are directly on the forming surface (210), and to convey the bags of linked bags received on the forming surface in the conveying direction at a second speed (V200) lower than the first speed (V100), the connecting direction (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags of the linked bags being such that the connecting direction (D12) of the interconnections (12) between adjacent bags of the linked bags is greater than the connecting direction (D12) of the bags on the forming conveyor; a forming conveyor (200) extending along the forming surface (210) and transverse to the conveying direction (D1) to obtain the connected bags in a harmonica configuration (Z10), the connected bag ends being supported on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, and the interconnections being supported alternately on the forming surface of the forming conveyor, the forming conveyor being configured to provide interaction between the forming conveyor and the connected bags in the harmonica configuration substantially only at the connected bag ends and the respective interconnections supported on the forming surface, and the forming conveyor being configured to prevent sliding of the connected bag ends and the respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration on the forming surface; a packaging facility (400) configured and arranged to package the connected bags (10) of the harmonica configuration (Z10) from the forming surface (210) of the forming conveyor (200) into the packaging box (20); Equipped with Device (1).

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the forming surface (210) is generally flat and optionally exhibits only a height variation perpendicular to the forming surface, which is substantially less than the bag length (L11) to provide substantially contact between the forming surface and the connected bags of the harmonica configuration only at the connected bag ends and their respective interconnections.

4. 4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the distance (d) between the discharge height (H100) and the receiving height (H200) on the forming surface (210) at which the connected bags (10) are received is set to be smaller than the bag length (L11) of the connected bags.

5. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the forming surface (210) is configured to provide anti-slip properties, optionally high friction against sliding, optionally a high coefficient of friction against sliding, to prevent sliding of the linked bag ends and their respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration of the linked bags on the forming surface.

6. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the forming surface (210) is configured to have corrugations when viewed along the conveying direction (D1), optionally with corrugations extending along the forming surface and transverse to the conveying direction, to prevent sliding of the connected bag ends and their respective interconnections in the harmonica configuration of the connected bags on the forming surface.

7. 4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the feeding facility (100) comprises a pull-pusher (130) for pulling and pushing the connected bags (10) in the conveying direction (D1).

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pull pusher (130) comprises a supply conveyor (110) and a presser (120) for pressing the linked bags (10) onto the supply conveyor during operation.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the supply conveyor (110) and the presser (120) exhibits resilience for exerting a resilient force on a connected bag (10) conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser.

10. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the presser (120) comprises at least one roller (121) for pressing and guiding the bags (11) of the connected bags (10).

11. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the supply conveyor (110) and the at least one roller (121) comprises a resilient periphery for exerting a resilient force on a connected bag (10) conveyed between the supply conveyor and the presser.

12. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the supply conveyor (110) and the at least one roller (121) is provided with resilient bristles or flaps on its periphery.

13. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pull pusher (130) is arranged to discharge the connection bag at the discharge end (101) of the supply facility (100) during operation.

14. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the supply facility comprises a feeder (140) for providing the linked bags (10) to the pull pusher (130) and for feeding linked bag tips to the pull pusher (130).

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the feeder (140) comprises a feed conveyor (150) for providing the linked bag tips (10) to the pull pusher (130).

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the feeder (140) comprises a guide track (160) having a U-shape in a vertical plane for reversing the initial feeding direction of the connected bags (10) to present the connected bag tips to the pull pusher (130).

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the guide track (160) is a driven track for moving the linked bags (10) on the track towards the pull pusher (130).

18. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the guide track (160) comprises rollers (161) for guiding the linked bags (10), optionally the rollers being driven rollers for moving the linked bags (10) on the track towards the pull pusher (130).

19. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the feeder (140) comprises a lift (170) for picking up the linked bag (10) at an intermediate position between the ends (19) of the linked bag, lifting the linked bag, and advancing the linked bag tip to the pull pusher (130), particularly when lowering the linked bag tip when advancing after lifting.

20. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the forming conveyor (200) comprises end stops (250) for the linked bags (10) of the harmonica configuration to define end positions of the linked bags of the harmonica configuration on the forming surface (210).

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the positions of the end stops (250) can be set along the conveying direction to set the end positions of the connected bags of the harmonica configuration on the forming surface (210).

22. Optionally, a method for packing linked bags, which are connected bags, into a packaging box (20) according to claim 1, wherein the linked bag (10) comprises a plurality of bags (11) connected in sequence along a connecting extension direction (D10) by interconnections (12) between the linked bag ends (19) of the linked bag (10), the interconnections (12) between two connected adjacent bags (11) of the linked bag (10) extending along a connecting direction (D12) transverse to the connecting extension direction (D10), and each bag (11) of the linked bag (10) has a connecting portion (12) between the interconnections (12) to the adjacent bags of the linked bag (10) or between the connecting portions (12) of the linked bag (10). The connected bags (10) have a length direction (D11) referenced along the bag length (L11) between the bag end (19) and the interconnection of the connected bags to adjacent bags, and the connected bags (10) in their stretched configuration (E10) have the length direction (D11) of each bag (11) of the connected bags (10) stretching in the same direction as the connection stretch direction (D10), and the connected bags in their harmonica configuration (Z10) have the length directions (D11) of adjacent bags (11) of the connected bags (10) arranged alternately along the connection stretch direction (D10), The method comprises: forming at least two connecting bags into the harmonica configuration; Arranging the at least two connecting bags, the at least two connecting bags being adjacent to each other in a nested configuration with the connecting extension directions of the at least two connecting bags parallel to each other and next to each other, the harmonica-configured peaks and valleys of one connecting bag and the harmonica-configured peaks and valleys of an adjacent connecting bag, respectively; providing the at least two connecting bags together in the packaging box; Including, method.

23. providing connected bags of the harmonica configuration on a collection surface; collecting the at least two linked bags in the nested configuration on the collection surface; providing the at least two interlocking bags in the nested configuration from the collection surface to the packaging box; 23. The method of claim 22, comprising:

24. supplying the connected bags (10) in the stretched configuration (E10) to a forming surface (210) by a supply facility (100); forming said connecting pouches into said harmonica configuration (Z10) on said forming surface (210); and providing said connecting pouches from said forming surface onto said collecting surface. Including, 24. The method of claim 22 or 23.

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