Apparatus for packaging an in particular flat medical product

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging an in particular flat medical product between two oppositely situated flexible material webs. The apparatus comprises a laser sealing unit, comprising a laser, a roller, which is designed to forward the material webs and the product, and a transparent guide body, which is permeable to the laser beam of the laser sealing unit, and wherein a first surface and a second surface delimit the transparent guide body along a direction of extent. The guide body touches one of the material webs at at least one sealing point on the first surface in a sealing region, the sealing region being located between the guide body and the roller. The laser sealing unit is positioned in such a way that the laser beam of the laser sealing unit penetrates the transparent guide body from the second surface to the sealing point on the first surface. The laser sealing unit is designed to heat a thermally activatable adhesive, which is applied to at least one surface of at least one of the flexible material webs, or to heat a material of at least one of the flexible material webs at least at the sealing point.

Description

[0001] Ref. 93240833-l-WO-PCT-03 / 26 / 2025

[0002] Title: Device for packaging a medical product, especially one with a flat surface

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a method and a device for packaging a medical product, in particular one with a flat shape.

[0005] In the medical field, there are various types of wound dressings. These medical products are usually individually packaged in envelope-like containers.

[0006] The individual packaging of medical products is achieved by enclosing each product between two overlapping sheets of flexible material, with the edges of the sheets typically bonded together with adhesive. A thermally activated adhesive is commonly used because it ensures a stable seal between the sheets, protecting the products from external influences. Thanks to this thermally activated adhesive, the packaging cannot be resealed once opened, thus ensuring compliance with health and hygiene standards for the marketing of plasters or similar products. The packaging can consist of two sheets of paper, one sheet of paper and one sheet of plastic, or two sheets of plastic. The plastic material can be, for example, transparent, such as polyethylene.Metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or an aluminum composite material is also frequently used as the web material. Packaging for medical products often consists of a web section with an outer surface printed with product information and a web section made of transparent plastic material. Typically, the thermally activated adhesive is applied to the inner surface of one of the paper webs. For example, there may be an adhesive layer on the inside. Optionally, the adhesive layer can take the form of a sealing seam, so that the adhesive is only present in the area intended for sealing. The web material coated with the thermally activated adhesive may be a pre-coated material that already has an adhesive on it.

[0007] In prior art devices and methods, the packaging of medical products between two flexible web sections is achieved by advancing a continuous array of medical products along a machine direction at a distance from one another. Two continuous flexible webs, one of which is coated with a layer of thermally activated adhesive, overlap each other. The sealing process forms a continuous composite web consisting of the two flexible webs and the continuous array of medical products enclosed between them. The packages are closed by compressing the continuous composite web using a first and second pair of rollers, possibly heated.Typically, the first pair of rollers performs two continuous longitudinal seals between the two flexible films, and the second pair of rollers performs seals perpendicular to the flow direction of the composite web. The direction in which the web-like material passes through the packaging device is referred to as the flow direction. Fixation between the two flexible material webs is achieved by activating the thermally activated adhesive while the flexible material webs are compressed along the compression lines.

[0008] The two material webs can also be fixed together by welding them together, while the flexible material webs are compressed along the compression lines. Welding permanently bonds the two material webs using heat, without the need for an additional material such as a thermally activated adhesive.

[0009] The packaging is then obtained from the continuous composite web by making suitable cuts perpendicular to the flow direction, typically between the transverse seams between each product pair.

[0010] The bond between the two flexible material layers must meet precise quality requirements specified by the paving manufacturers. The quality specifications are as follows:

[0011] - Visually: The seal must be complete, and there must be a clear transition of the adhesive material from one web section to the opposite one, or the two material webs must be sufficiently fused together. The seal must also be complete and clean, without contamination or visible damage; the color of the packaging webs must not change as a result of the sealing process, and the packaging webs must not be noticeably deformed by the sealing process.

[0012] - with regard to the sealing of the seal seam: The peeling force must be within a precisely quantified range, and when opening the packaging, the peeling force must not fluctuate outside specified thresholds between individual areas or between different packages.

[0013] - From the perspective of sealing the seam and complying with hygienic and sanitary standards: The packaging must be sealed in such a way that the product is in an environment where no external contaminants can penetrate the packaging, and that it is also ensured that no substances leak from the inside of the packaging (a leak test is carried out by introducing a colored liquid into the packaging and monitoring for any leakage). Often, the packaging acts as a sterile barrier system, protecting the product from invading pathogens. Especially if the product is sterilized in the sealed packaging after manufacturing, the integrity of the seal is of paramount importance to guarantee sterility.

[0014] One of the main problems with prior art equipment and methods is that the current maximum speed of packaging machines is in the range of 50-60 m / min. This speed limitation is due to the fact that, as the speed of the packaging machine increases, the pressure rollers are no longer able to supply sufficient energy to the flexible webs to ensure the correct transfer of the adhesive material from one web to another, or the bonding of the two webs, because the contact time between the pressure rollers and the webs decreases proportionally. In this context, increasing the web speed of the packaging machine beyond 50-60 m / min would jeopardize the required quality standards.

[0015] The objective technical task is therefore to provide a method and a device that allow reliable sealing of the packaging of a flat-shaped medical product, especially at high web speeds.

[0016] The problem is solved by a device for packaging a medical product, particularly one with a flat surface, between two opposing flexible material webs. The device comprises a laser sealing unit, including a laser, a transparent guide body that is transparent to the laser beam of the laser sealing unit, and a roller configured to guide the material webs and the product. The transparent guide body is bounded by a first surface and a second surface along a direction of extension. The guide body contacts one of the material webs at at least one sealing point in a sealing area located between the guide body and the roller. The laser sealing unit is arranged such that the laser beam of the laser sealing unit penetrates the transparent guide body from the second surface to the sealing point on the first surface.At this sealing point, a thermally activatable adhesive, which is applied to at least one surface of at least one of the flexible material webs, or a material of at least one of the flexible material webs, is heated.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a method for packaging a medical product, in particular one with a flat surface, according to claim 9 and a system according to claim 8.

[0018] The sealing seam is formed by all the connection points between two material web sections that enclose a medical product. The intended sealing seam corresponds to the positions on the material webs that are subsequently to be joined by the sealing seam. The sealing seam is created by gluing or welding the two material webs together.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing seam completely encloses the medical product and thus serves as a sterile barrier.

[0020] The sealing seam can comprise two longitudinal seams parallel to the direction of flow. It can also include transverse seams that connect the two longitudinal seams to form a closed seal. A transverse seam is defined as any part of the sealing seam that does not run substantially parallel to the direction of flow. For example, the transverse seam can run perpendicular to the direction of flow. Alternatively, the transverse seam can consist of two lines extending from the longitudinal seams that converge at a single point. The transverse seam can also have a rounded shape.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealing seam of the packaging of a medical product consists of a first and a second longitudinal seam and transverse seams arranged between them, wherein the two longitudinal seams and the transverse seams form a rectangle. It can also be provided that the sealing seam is designed such that two or more medical products can be sealed side by side perpendicular to the direction of flow.

[0022] The material webs are made of a flexible material. This material is preferably paper or plastic. For example, the plastic is PET, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene (PE). The thermally activated adhesive is preferably applied to at least one surface of the material webs. The thermally activated adhesive can be applied to the material web in a brushed manner; in particular, a flexible material web coated in this way can have an adhesive content of 14%. In an alternative embodiment, the thermally activated adhesive is applied to the surface of one of the material webs in a grid pattern. The grid-coated material web preferably has an adhesive content of 9%. The use of the grid pattern leaves gas-permeable areas free between the adhesive areas. This embodiment is therefore preferable for sterilization with ethylene oxide.The laser beam heats a designated sealing seam on this adhesive coating, thus bringing it into an adhesive state. The thermally activated adhesive can therefore be heated precisely at the designated sealing seam, preventing the medical product from unintentionally adhering to the packaging.

[0023] In one embodiment, the surface of a material web is coated with thermally activated adhesive only at the points corresponding to the intended sealing seam. Preferably, the entire surface is coated. One or both of the material webs may have a coating of thermally activated adhesive.

[0024] In the case of welding the two material webs, at least one of the material webs must comprise a thermoplastic. Preferably, this is PE, PP, PET, or PA. Likewise, at least one of the two material webs can be a composite material comprising a thermoplastic. Preferably, the two material webs have a layer comprising a thermoplastic on their surface facing the other material web. In one embodiment, such a composite material can comprise a lacquer, kraft paper, aluminum foil, a PE peel film, and adhesives for bonding the layers. Corresponding composite materials are described, for example, in DIN EN ISO 2286-2 and DIN EN ISO 534.

[0025] The weight per square meter of a paper web is typically between 40 g / m². 2 and 100 g / m² 2If the paper is coated with a grid pattern of thermally activated adhesive, the material web typically has a weight of 60 g / m². 2 up to 120 g / m² 2 .

[0026] The weight per square meter of a composite material is typically between 60 g / m². 2 and 120 g / m² 2 , preferably between 80 g / m² 2 and 110 g / m² 2 and especially preferably between 90 g / m² 2 and 105 g / m² 2 In one embodiment, the medical products have a maximum height of 15 mm, preferably 5 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm. The height of the medical product is defined as its maximum dimension perpendicular to the material web. In a preferred embodiment, the planar medical products are wound dressings.

[0027] Before reaching the packaging device for a medical product, the material web, and therefore any adhesive, is at a temperature below its melting point. This temperature is typically around 23°C. Within the packaging device, the material webs, and especially the adhesive, are heated. Using a laser in the laser sealing unit allows for faster energy transfer than with heated sealing roller pairs.

[0028] If the material web does not include a thermally activatable adhesive, the laser sealing unit is designed to heat the intended sealing seams of the material webs to a temperature of 100°C to 220°C, preferably 110°C to 180°C, in particular 120°C to 160°C.

[0029] If the material web comprises a thermally activatable adhesive, the laser sealing unit is designed to heat the thermally activatable adhesive, which is applied to the surface of at least one of the material webs, to 80°C to 160°C, preferably 90°C to 150°C, in particular 100°C to 140°C.

[0030] Preferably, the laser sealing unit is designed to emit a heat quantity of 0.01

[0031]

[0032]

[0033] to introduce up to 30, preferably 0.1 to 20, in particular 1 to 15 into the mm mm mnr mnr mn mm material web or the thermally activatable adhesive.

[0034] The guide body and roller apply the pressure necessary for sealing to the material webs and / or the heated thermally activated adhesive in the sealing area.

[0035] The guide body is transparent to the laser beam of the laser sealing unit. It also exhibits high heat resistance, preventing deformation or damage during the sealing of medical products. Preferably, the guide body is made of glass, such as borosilicate glass, quartz glass, sapphire glass, or calcium fluoride. Alternatively, it can be made of ceramic or plastic, such as PMMA.

[0036] The guide body is bounded by the first surface and the second surface along a direction of extension. Simultaneously, the guide body contacts one of the material webs at least at the sealing point. The sealing point is a point on the first surface of the transparent guide body within the sealing area. The laser beam of the laser sealing unit penetrates the guide body from the second surface to the sealing point on the first surface.

[0037] Preferably, the guide body is designed such that the laser beam of the laser sealing unit strikes the second surface of the transparent guide body substantially perpendicularly, and the laser beam of the laser sealing unit exits the transparent guide body at the first surface at a substantially perpendicular angle to this first surface. A first tangent plane at the sealing point is thus preferably parallel to a second tangent plane at a second point on the second surface of the guide body. The second point is located on the second surface of the guide body, extending from the normal through the sealing point.

[0038] The guide body is fixed immobile above the material track.

[0039] The guide body can therefore, for example, take the form of a sphere or an ellipsoid.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide body is configured such that it is in contact with a material web in the sealing area at several sealing points. Particularly preferably, the guide body is configured such that at least a portion of the first surface of the transparent guide body rests against the material web across its entire width in the sealing area. In this embodiment, the laser beam of the laser sealing unit can be expanded or split to reach at least some of the sealing points. The laser sealing unit can also comprise a plurality of lasers to reach at least some of the sealing points. Furthermore, the laser beam can be deflected so that, at a first time, the laser beam exits the guide body at a first sealing point, and at a second time, the laser beam exits the guide body at a second sealing point.Preferably, the guide body has the shape of a cylinder, wherein the height of the cylinder preferably corresponds to at least the width of the material web, and wherein the geometric axis of the cylindrical guide body is preferably arranged perpendicular to the flow direction and parallel to the material web at the sealing point. In this embodiment, the contact area of ​​the guide body with the material web is reduced, thus minimizing friction.

[0041] Similarly, the guide body can be a volume with two first and second surfaces arranged parallel to each other, such as a cuboid.

[0042] Since the first surface is in contact with one of the flexible material webs, it is advantageous if the coefficient of friction between the material web and the first surface of the transparent guide body is at most 0.30, preferably less than 0.2, more preferably less than 0.15, and particularly at most 0.1 according to ISO 8295. A coefficient of friction >0.3 can lead to abrasion or distortion of the material web.

[0043] This prevents the material webs from being deformed by static friction and the additional tension exerted on them. This improves the quality of the seal and ensures that the products are packaged safely and sterilely.

[0044] To minimize friction between the first surface of the transparent guide body, the transparent guide body consists, at least on the first surface, of materials with low roughness, such as PTFE or PEEK. The coefficient of friction of PTFE or PEEK and the material web is between 0.05 and 0.3. In an alternative embodiment, the transparent guide body preferably has a coating of low-friction materials such as silicone or PTFE, at least on the first surface.

[0045] In one possible embodiment, the roller is configured such that the flexible material webs are compressed along the intended sealing seam between the roller and the guide body, thereby enclosing each medical product. The roller may have compression areas on its outer surface with a closed shape, designed to compress the material webs around the respective medical product. These compression areas preferably have protrusions in the shape of the intended sealing seam. The compression areas may be shaped such that the protruding compression areas follow the entire intended sealing seam or a portion thereof. The intended sealing seam preferably follows the circumference of the packaging.

[0046] The aforementioned compression areas can be heated by means of electrical resistances, so that they are surrounded by unheated areas.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the roller comprises one or more projecting compression areas made of soft material. The one or more projecting compression areas of the roller preferably consist of an elastomer, such as silicone.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the roller consists at least partially of a compressible material designed to flexibly adapt to the contours of the product. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the roller can conform to the shape of the medical product, thus exerting uniform pressure on the material webs along the intended sealing seam, even if the product has an irregular surface. This ensures a reliable seal without damaging the medical product.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the roller is designed as an elastomer roller, preferably as a silicone roller, or alternatively as a silicone foam roller, or as a sandwich structure. If the roller has a sandwich structure, the core can comprise polyurethane foam or silicone foam, and the outer skin can be made of silicone elastomer.

[0050] Elastomeric rollers, particularly silicone rollers, are commonly used in the production of wound dressings and are characterized by their easy availability, durability, and temperature stability. A silicone roller typically has a Shore A hardness of 20 to 80, measured according to ASTM D2240. Due to its elastic design, a silicone roller is compressible to a limited extent and can adapt to different product thicknesses.

[0051] A silicone foam roller preferably has a Shore 00 hardness, measured according to ASTM D2240, in the range of 10 to 70, particularly 20 to 60. The silicone foam is especially preferably closed-cell, which prevents the penetration of liquids and provides hygienic advantages. The silicone foam is elastically deformable and adapts to unevenness of the counter surface during operation.

[0052] The sandwich construction mentioned above comprises a core of polyurethane or silicone foam and an outer skin made of a silicone elastomer with a hardness of 40 to 60 Shore A. This design combines the advantages of a soft, compressible core structure with an abrasion-resistant outer surface. The elastic properties of the core ensure uniform pressure distribution across the entire seal, while the silicone elastomer outer skin guarantees high wear resistance. This combination of softness and abrasion resistance makes the sandwich construction particularly suitable for high web speeds of 100 to 250 m / min. Furthermore, the elastic properties of these materials prevent damage to sensitive medical products during the sealing process.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the roller is designed as a sandwich structure with a core of PUR foam or silicone foam and an outer skin of silicone elastomer, and includes a heatable component, in particular a heatable layer. The heatable layer can be configured to introduce additional heat energy into the material webs to support the activation of the thermally activated adhesive or to promote the welding of the material webs. This enables improved sealing quality, especially at higher web speeds, since the combination of laser energy and the heated layer of the roller ensures optimized energy input into the intended seal.Another advantage of the heated layer is that it supports constant sealing conditions, since a temperature equilibrium with the environment is easier to maintain with a heated roller than with a passive roller that is only heated by process waste heat.

[0054] In another embodiment, a mask can be used which is mounted over the material web facing the guide body. The mask is partially transparent to the laser beam. The mask is designed such that the material web and, if applicable, the thermally activated adhesive are irradiated only along the intended sealing seam. Thus, only the intended sealing seam is heated. In this embodiment, the laser beam preferably sweeps across the entire width of the material web. This can be achieved by widening the laser beam using optical elements such as lenses, prisms, and / or mirrors, for example, before it passes through the guide body. The laser can also be pulsed. Likewise, the mask can be designed such that the material web and, if applicable, the thermally activated adhesive are irradiated only along a portion of the intended sealing seam.For example, the mask may only allow irradiation along the intended longitudinal seams or the intended transverse seams.

[0055] Furthermore, the device can include a pair of auxiliary rollers. Advantageously, these are designed to bring the material webs together around the product at an acute angle before they enter the sealing area. The pair of auxiliary rollers is arranged upstream of the sealing area.

[0056] The device preferably comprises a pair of transport rollers configured to convey the composite web of flexible material webs and the continuous arrangement of medical products enclosed between the two flexible continuous material webs downstream from the sealing area after the sealing process. The composite web is then preferably guided past the at least one cutting unit. The cutting unit cuts the material webs so that the medical products are individually packaged. In a further preferred embodiment, the individually packaged medical products are sterilized by a sterilization unit and / or packed in a transport carton.

[0057] The invention further relates to a system for packaging a medical product, in particular one with a flat surface. The system comprises a first device according to the invention and a second device according to the invention. The two flexible material webs are first guided past the first device and then past the second device in a downstream direction.

[0058] The first device comprises a first laser sealing unit, a first roller and a first guide body, and the second device comprises a second laser sealing unit, a second roller and a second guide body.

[0059] The first and second laser sealing units each comprise a laser designed to heat a thermally activated adhesive applied to at least one surface of at least one of the flexible material webs, or to at least partially heat one of the material webs, in order to fuse them together. Alternatively, instead of two lasers, the laser beam of a single laser can be split into two partial beams to function simultaneously as the laser of the first laser sealing unit and as the laser of the second laser sealing unit. The flexible material webs are first at least partially sealed in a first sealing area located between the first roller and the first guide body. Subsequently, the two material webs are at least partially sealed in a second sealing area located between the second roller and the second guide body.Preferably, different parts of the intended sealing seam are sealed in the first and second sealing areas.

[0060] For example, the first device creates a longitudinal seam. The longitudinal seam is the portion of the sealing seam that runs essentially parallel to the current direction. Two flexible material webs and a product are provided. At least one of the material webs can have a thermally activated adhesive. The product is enclosed between the two opposing flexible material webs. For example, the portion of the intended sealing seam that runs essentially parallel to the current direction is heated by the first laser sealing unit. The two material webs are pressed together by the first roller and the first guide body, particularly along this intended longitudinal seam, to enclose the products between the material webs. The first roller preferably has bulges in the shape of the intended longitudinal seam. The product thus enclosed is provided to the second device.The second device then creates, for example, a transverse seam. Preferably, the parts of the intended seal that have not yet been sealed are heated by the laser of the second laser sealing unit. The two material webs are then pressed together by the second roller and the second guide body, particularly along this intended transverse seam. The second roller preferably has bulges in the shape of the intended transverse seam. The seal is completed by the second sealing step of the second device, so that the seal preferably has a closed shape.

[0061] Alternatively, the first device can seal the transverse seam and the second device can perform the sealing of the longitudinal seam.

[0062] Similarly, sections of the intended sealing seam that require a higher energy input for a secure sterile barrier can be resealed using the second device.

[0063] The use of a system consisting of two devices according to the invention, each sealing the longitudinal or transverse seams, has the advantage that the system can be easily adapted to different packaging sizes. This can be achieved by adjusting the rollers, and in particular the spacing of the protrusions, and / or by controlling the angular velocity of the roller.

[0064] The invention also relates to a method for packaging a medical product, in particular one with a flat surface. The method comprises the following steps:

[0065] a. Providing two flexible material webs and a product, b. Enclosing the product between the two opposing flexible material webs,

[0066] c. Guiding the flexible material webs and the product into a sealing area located between a roller and a guide body, by means of the roller,

[0067] wherein the guide body is bounded by a first surface and a second surface along a direction of extension, and wherein the guide body touches one of the flexible material webs at a sealing point on the first surface,

[0068] d. Heating at least a part of a provided sealing seam in the sealing area at the sealing point by means of a laser sealing unit, wherein the laser beam of the laser sealing unit penetrates the transparent guide body from the second surface to the sealing point on the first surface. In a first embodiment, at least one of the flexible material webs has a thermally activatable adhesive on the surface facing the other material web.

[0069] In a second embodiment, at least one of the flexible material webs consists of a material that bonds with the second flexible material web when heated. This material can be a thermoplastic or a composite material comprising a thermoplastic.

[0070] This process transfers the laser energy to the material web and / or the thermally activatable adhesive more quickly than conventional methods, where the adhesive and / or the material web is heated by a heating unit integrated into a pair of pressure rollers. Therefore, with this method, it is possible and advantageous for the flexible material webs to be guided at a web speed of 150 m / min to 250 m / min, particularly 180 m / min to 210 m / min.

[0071] The material web facing the guide body is at least partially transparent to the laser beam of the laser sealing unit.

[0072] The laser beam can be directed to the guide body using suitable optical elements, such as mirrors. This allows for a more flexible arrangement of the laser.

[0073] If none of the material webs includes a thermally activated adhesive, the laser sealing unit is designed to heat the intended sealing seams of the material webs to a temperature of 100°C to 220°C, preferably 110°C to 180°C, and particularly 120°C to 160°C. Briefly reaching a temperature at least 10°C above the melting temperature of the material web is particularly advantageous.

[0074] If the material web includes a thermally activatable adhesive, the laser sealing unit is designed to heat the thermally activatable adhesive, which is applied to the surface of at least one of the material webs, to 80°C to 160°C, preferably 90°C to 150°C, in particular 100°C to 140°C.

[0075] A temperature of up to 5°C above the melting temperature of the thermally activated adhesive is particularly advantageous. In particular, a temperature of 80°C is provided for in step d of the process.

[0076] Alternatively, the temperature of the material web heated by the laser beam is between 100°C and 220°C, preferably between 110°C and 180°C, particularly between 120°C and 160°C, so that the material webs can be welded together.

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] In particular, a heat quantity of 0.01 to 30, preferably 0.1 to 20 mm mm mm is required.

[0080]

[0081] , in particular 1-^ to 15 into the material web or the thermally activatable mm mnr mnr

[0082] Adhesive applied.

[0083] The laser power used is primarily adjusted to the weight per square meter of the material webs and, if present, to the weight per square meter of the thermally activated adhesive. Furthermore, the laser power used depends, among other things, on the specific heat capacity of the material webs and the thermally activated adhesive.

[0084] Preferably, the laser power can be tailored to the contour of the intended seal. Particularly preferably, the laser power is tailored to the propagation of the intended seal perpendicular to the current direction swept by the laser beam. In this case, the laser power can be increased if the intended seal is wider perpendicular to the current direction; that is, the laser power must reach its maximum value when the intended seal covers the entire width of the material web. The laser power is lower than this maximum value if the area to be heated of the intended seal does not cover the entire width of the material web. Preferably, the laser beam is widened when a portion of the contour with a greater width is swept, and particularly preferably, the laser power is increased so that the area power is constant over the entire intended seal.

[0085] For a single package, the laser power can therefore initially be increased when the laser beam hits the first intended transverse seam. The laser power is then reduced to heat the two intended longitudinal seams, and subsequently increased again to irradiate the second intended transverse seam of the package.

[0086] In one embodiment, the laser sealing unit can comprise two lasers. Alternatively, instead of two lasers, the laser beam of a single laser can be split into two partial beams.

[0087] The material webs are preferably brought together at an angle of up to 90°, with the angle preferably being at most 60°, and particularly at most 30°. Care must be taken to ensure that the material web carrying the medical products is oriented essentially perpendicular to gravity so that the medical products do not slip during the sealing process and remain within the area enclosed by the intended seal. The material web not carrying medical products can then be guided along the roller so that it is brought together with the other material web in the sealing area.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the laser is arranged such that the laser beam is oriented essentially perpendicular to the surface of the material web, which contains the thermally activatable adhesive. By orienting the laser beam perpendicularly to the surface to be irradiated, the greatest possible energy input is achieved.

[0089] Figure 1: Schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2: Schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3: Schematic representation of a system consisting of two devices according to the invention.

[0090] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the device for packaging a flat medical product. The medical products A to be packaged can be, for example, wound dressings.

[0091] The device 100 comprises a laser 31 as a laser sealing unit 30. The laser 31 heats the thermally activatable adhesive, which is applied to the surface of a first flexible material web 11, along a designated sealing seam. The surface of the first material web 11, which carries the thermally activatable adhesive, faces the second material web 12. The first material web 11 carries the wound dressings A to be packaged. The first material web is brought together with a second material web 12 at an angle of approximately 30° in the sealing area 50. The wound dressings A are enclosed between the flexible material webs 11 and 12.

[0092] Between the roller 40, whose surface has indentations in the form of the intended sealing seam, and the guide body 20, the two material webs 11, 12 are pressed together in the sealing area 50 (dashed rectangle) at the intended sealing seam, where the adhesive is heated. The guide body 20 is fixed in place. The guide body 20 is transparent to the laser beam, so that the laser beam enters the guide body 20 at its second surface 22 and exits it at the first surface 21 of the guide body 20. There, in the sealing area 50, the laser beam strikes the first material web 11. The first material web 11 is also transparent to the laser beam, so that it strikes the thermally activated adhesive essentially without energy loss.

[0093] Since the laser beam of laser 31 allows energy to be selectively transferred to the material web 11 and, in particular, to the thermally activated adhesive, a more reliable sealing of the wound dressings is possible even at high web speeds, such as 200 m / min. Likewise, the probability of material damage due to excessively high temperatures is reduced. Furthermore, defects in the sealing seams, which would breach the sterile barrier, can be prevented as a result of insufficient sealing temperatures (i.e., inadequate energy input).

[0094] The guide body 20 is cuboidal. The first surface 21 of the guide body 20 is the surface of the cuboid facing the first material web 11. The second surface 22 of the guide body 20 is the surface of the cuboid facing away from the material webs. The width of the guide body is at least equal to the width of the material webs 11 and 12, and the guide body 20 rests against the material web 11 in the sealing area over the entire width of the intended sealing seam. These sealing points are marked by the reference numeral 23. For sealing a intended transverse seam, the laser beam is expanded. The laser 31 is pulsed so that the laser beam heats the thermally activated adhesive only at the intended transverse seam. For sealing a intended longitudinal seam, the laser beam is split into two laser beams. The laser 31 is pulsed so that the laser beam heats the thermally activated adhesive only at the intended longitudinal seam.

[0095] The coefficient of friction between the first material web 11 and the first surface 21 of the guide body 20 is 0.1. The guide body 20 consists of quartz glass coated with PTFE on its first surface 21. The material webs 11, 12 can thus be guided through the sealing area 50 without friction-induced deformation.

[0096] Alternatively, the surface of the first material web 11 may not have a thermally activatable adhesive, in which case the first material web is connected to the second material web exclusively by welding.

[0097] Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0098] The device 100 also includes a laser 31 as a laser sealing unit 30, wherein the first flexible material web 11 is heated along a designated sealing seam by means of the laser 31. The second material web 12 carries the wound dressings A to be packaged. The wound dressings A are enclosed between the flexible material webs 11 and 12. The device further includes a roller 40 and a guide body 20 transparent to the laser light.

[0099] The two material webs 11, 12 are pressed together in the sealing area 50 between the roller 40 and the guide body 20 at the designated sealing seam, where the material web 11 is heated. The guide body 20 is fixedly positioned above the roller 40.

[0100] The guide body 20 is an elliptical cylinder which touches the first material web 11 in the sealing area 50 along its height. The sealing points are indicated by the reference symbol 23. The base of the cylinder can also have other shapes, for example a circle or a semicircle. The height of the cylinder is at least equal to the width of the material webs 11.

[0101] In a less preferred embodiment, the guide body 20 can assume the shape of an ellipsoid. In this case, the guide body 20 contacts the material web 11 at a single sealing point.

[0102] The first surface 21 of the guide body 20 faces the first material web 11 and the second surface 22 of the guide body 20 faces away from the material webs.

[0103] The laser beam penetrates the transparent guide body 20 perpendicularly from the second surface 22 of the guide body 20 and exits it again at one of the sealing points 23, where the guide body 20 rests on the first material track 11. The tangent plane at a sealing point 23 is parallel to the tangent plane at the point where the laser beam entered the guide body 20.

[0104] The first material web 11 can be partially guided along the first surface 21. This has the advantage that the angle at which the two material webs 11, 12 are brought together can be increased.

[0105] The first surface 21 of the guide body 20 has, at least at the points where the first material web 11 is guided along the first surface 21, a coefficient of friction of 0.1 between the first material web 11 and the first surface 21 of the guide body 20. The material webs 11, 12 can therefore be guided through the sealing area 50 without friction-induced deformation.

[0106] The material webs are guided at a web speed of 200 m / min.

[0107] For sealing a planned transverse seam, the laser beam is expanded. The laser 31 is pulsed, so that the laser beam heats the first material web 11 only at the planned transverse seam. For sealing a planned longitudinal seam, the laser beam is split into two laser beams. The laser 31 is pulsed, so that the laser beam heats the first material web 11 only at the planned longitudinal seam.

[0108] Alternatively, the first material web 11 can be coated with a thermally activatable adhesive on the side facing the second material web 12.

[0109] Figure 3 shows a top view of a system consisting of two devices 100a, 100b according to the invention for packaging a medical product A. The two flexible material webs 11, 12 are first guided past the first device 100a in a downstream direction and then past the second device 100b. The first device 100a creates the transverse seam of the seal and the second device 100b creates the longitudinal seam of the seal.

[0110] The first device 100a comprises a first laser sealing unit, a first roller, and a first guide body, and the second device 100b comprises a second laser sealing unit, a second roller, and a second guide body. The components of the devices are not shown here.

[0111] The flexible material webs 11, 12 are first sealed along the intended transverse seam in a first sealing area 50a, which is located between the first roller and the first guide body. In sealing area 50a, the laser beam of the first laser sealing unit strikes the first material web 11 in a first area 23a. In this first area 23a, the first guide body contacts the first material web 11. The first area 23a extends essentially along a line perpendicular to the flow direction across the entire width of the material webs. The first laser is pulsed, so that a transverse seam Q is created by irradiating the first material web in the first area 23a.

[0112] Subsequently, in a second sealing area 50b, located between the second roller and the second guide body, the two material webs 11, 12 are sealed along the intended longitudinal seam. In sealing area 50b, the laser beam of the second laser sealing unit strikes the first material web 11 in a second area 23b, creating the longitudinal seam A. The second guide body contacts the first material web at least in this second area 23b. The second area 23b consists of two points of impact, each of which can be assigned to one of the two longitudinal seams A.

Claims

Claims 1. Device (100) for packaging a medical product (A), in particular a planar product, between two opposing flexible material webs (11, 12) comprising: - a laser sealing unit (30), comprising a laser (31), - a roller (40) designed to convey the material webs (11, 12) and the product (A), - a transparent guide body (20) which is transparent to the laser beam of the laser sealing unit (30) and wherein a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) delimit the transparent guide body (20) along a direction of extension, wherein the guide body (20) contacts one of the material webs (11) at at least one sealing point (23) on the first surface (21) in a sealing area (50), wherein the sealing area (50) is arranged between the guide body (20) and the roller (40), wherein the laser sealing unit (30) is arranged such that the laser beam of the laser sealing unit (30) penetrates the transparent guide body (20) from the second surface (22) to the sealing point (23) on the first surface (21), and wherein the laser sealing unit (30) is configured to heat a thermally activatable adhesive applied to at least one surface of at least one of the flexible material webs (11, 12) or a material of at least one of the flexible material webs (11, 12) at least at the sealing point (23).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the roller (40) comprises one or more projecting compression areas.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the roller (40) consists at least partially of a compressible material designed to flexibly adapt to a contour of the product (A).

4. Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the roller (40) - as an elastomer roller, preferably as a silicone roller, or - as a silicone foam roller, or - as a roller with a sandwich construction with a core of PUR foam or silicone foam and an outer skin of silicone elastomer 5. Device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the roller (40) is designed as a sandwich structure with a core of PUR foam or silicone foam and an outer skin of silicone elastomer and wherein the roller comprises a heatable portion, in particular a heatable layer.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a pair of transport rollers which is designed to convey the material webs (11, 12) and the product (A) from the sealing area (50) after the sealing process.

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the first surface (21) of the transparent guide body (20) rests against the material web over the entire width of the material web in the sealing area.

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coefficient of friction between the material web (11) and the first surface (21) of the transparent guide body (20) according to ISO 8295 is at most 0.30, preferably less than 0.2, more preferably less than 0.15 and in particular at most 0.

1.

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser beam of the laser sealing unit (30) strikes the second surface (22) of the transparent guide body (20) substantially perpendicularly and the laser beam of the laser sealing unit (30) exits the transparent guide body (20) at the first surface (21) at an angle substantially perpendicular to that first surface (21).

10. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser beam of the laser is configured to have an energy of at least 0.01 to 30 preferably 0.1 to 20, in particular 1 to 15, on the intended mm / mm / mm / mm / to transfer the sealing seam.

11. System comprising a first device (100a) and a second device (100b) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the two flexible material webs (11, 12) are first guided past the first device (100a) and then past the second device (100b) in a downstream direction.

12. Method for packaging a medical product, in particular one with a flat surface (A), comprising the steps: a. Providing two flexible material webs (11, 12) and a product (A), b. Enclosing the product (A) between the two opposing flexible material webs (11, 12), c. Guiding the flexible material webs (11, 12) and the product (A) into a sealing area (50) located between a roller (40) and a guide body (20) by means of the roller (40), and wherein the guide body (20) is bounded by a first surface (21) and a second surface (22) along a direction of extension, wherein the guide body (20) touches one of the flexible material webs (11) at a sealing point (23) on the first surface (21), d. Heating at least part of a provided sealing seam in the sealing area (50) at the sealing point (23) by means of a laser sealing unit (30), wherein the laser beam of the laser sealing unit (30) penetrates the transparent guide body (20) from the second surface (22) to the sealing point (23) on the first surface (21), and wherein preferably at least the material web (11) facing the laser beam of the laser sealing unit (30) is at least partially transparent to the laser beam.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the flexible material webs (11, 12) are moved in the direction of the current at a speed of 100 to 250 m / min, preferably 150 to 250 m / min, in particular 180 to 210 m / min.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the flexible material webs (11, 12) has a thermally activatable adhesive on the surface facing the other material web.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the material webs (11,12) are heated to a temperature of 100°C to 220°C, preferably 110°C to 180°C, in particular 120°C to 160°C.

16. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the material webs (11, 12) are heated to a temperature of 80°C to 160°C, preferably 90°C to 150°C, in particular 100°C to 140°C.

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