FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble
film and a powder. More specifically, the packaging system may be used for producing
pouches containing a detergent powder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The known packaging system has the disadvantage that the produced pouches differ
from each other.
[0003] The invention is based on the insight that there is a need in the field of the art
for a packing system which produces pouches having no differences, or at least a reduced
degree of differences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention has the objective to provide an improved, or at least alternative,
packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder.
[0005] This objective is achieved by a packaging system for producing pouches comprising
a water-soluble film and a powder, such as a detergent powder. Said packaging system
comprises:
- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the
film, and
- a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould
trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved
along:
-- a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds,
-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the film in the mould
cavities to form the compartments in the film,
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in the compartments, and wherein:
--- the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the powder to the
powder filing device,
--- the powder filing device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes
the powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards
the powder dispensers,
--- the powder distribution unit is configured to provide a distribution dose of the
powder to each of the powder channels,
--- the powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor
discharging opening which is positioned along a distribution path,
--- each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening,
--- the channel receiving openings are positioned along the distribution path and
directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive powder discharged
from the distributor discharging opening,
--- the packaging system comprises a distribution drive configured to move the distributor
discharging opening and the channel receiving openings relative to each other with
a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor
to all the powder channels,
- each of the powder channels comprises a distribution dose channel section located
at the channel receiving opening,
- the distribution dose channel sections have a dose channel section volume which corresponds
to the distribution dose of the powder, and
- the distribution dose channel sections are configured to receive the distribution
dose of powder from the powder distributor during one cycle or multiple cycles of
the cyclical movement of the powder distributor along the distribution path and to
subsequently supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder
channels.
[0006] Powders contain particles which up to a certain extent differ from each other with
respect to the particle size and/or the volumetric mass density and/or the particle
shape. Detergent powders contain particles made from different components due to which
detergent powders tend to have a relatively high degree of differences between the
particles.
[0007] In a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a
powder, the powder in the powder stream of the powder supply is subjected to segregation.
For example, larger particles tend to behave differently in the powder stream than
smaller particles, and the same applies to heavier and lighter particles. As a result,
the powder channels of known packaging systems tend to receive powder with a different
composition of the particles when the powder supply is split over the powder channels.
The dispensers in fluid communication with these powder channels will therefore fill
the compartments of the pouches with powders having a different composition of the
particles. This leads to pouches having a relatively high degree of differences with
respect to the powder in the pouches. Especially for detergent powders it is essential
that the powder in the pouches have no differences, or a relatively low degree of
differences, with respect to the powder in the pouches in order to ensure that each
pouch achieves a good cleaning effect.
[0008] The powder distribution unit of the packaging system according to the invention ensures
that the powder channels receive powder having no differences, or at least a relatively
low degree of differences, in the composition of the particles of the powder. Hence,
the produced pouches have no differences, or at least a relatively low degree of differences.
[0009] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder dispensers
are configured to supply a dose of the powder into the compartments of the film, and
wherein preferably each dispenser is configured to supply the dose of the powder into
one of the compartments of the film.
[0010] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device comprises multiple dosing chambers, each dosing chamber being configured to
supply the dose of the powder via one of the powder dispensers into one of the compartments
of the film.
[0011] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention,
--- the powder filling device comprises multiple dosing chambers,
--- each dosing chamber is configured to supply a dose of the powder via one of the
powder dispensers into one of the compartments of the film,
--- each dosing chamber comprises at least one side wall forming an inner side wall
surface surrounding a longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber,
--- said inner side wall surface defines a dosing volume of the dosing chamber,
--- at least part of said at least one side wall is flexible and configured to allow
deformation of said at least one side wall, and
--- the powder filling device comprises for each of the dosing chambers a deformation
unit configured to deform said at least one side wall and to move at least part of
said inner side wall surface along an adjustment path extending transverse, preferable
perpendicular, to the longitudinal chamber axis in order to adjust said dosing volume.
[0012] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
one side wall comprises a single side wall surrounding the longitudinal chamber axis,
wherein said single side wall is preferably an endless wall surrounding the longitudinal
chamber axis, and wherein said single side wall is preferably integrally formed.
[0013] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit is configured to move said at least part of the inner side wall surface from
a first position in which the dosing chamber has a first dosing volume towards and/or
into a second position in which the dosing chamber has a second dosing volume, and
vice versa.
[0014] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the adjustment
path extends from, and including, the first position until, and including, the second
position.
[0015] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit is configured to move said at least part of the inner side wall surface from
the first position in a first direction along the adjustment path and towards and/or
into the second position, the deformation unit is configured to move said at least
part of the inner side wall surface from the second position in a second direction
along the adjustment path and towards and/or into the first position, and the second
direction is preferably opposite to the first direction.
[0016] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit is configured to hold said at least part of the inner side wall surface in multiple
intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, which multiple
intermediate positions form multiple intermediate dosing volumes between the first
dosing volume and the second dosing volume.
[0017] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the second dosing
volume is smaller than the first dosing volume, wherein preferably the second dosing
volume is smaller than the first dosing volume and larger than or equal to 70% of
first dosing volume, wherein preferably the second dosing volume is between, and including,
60% and 80% of the first dosing volume, and wherein preferably the second dosing volume
is about 70% of the first dosing volume.
[0018] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit is configured to push said at least one side wall to move said at least part
of the inner side wall surface from the first position, along said adjustment path
and towards the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber, and towards and/or
into the second position.
[0019] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit is configured to let said at least one side wall elastically move back said at
least part of the inner side wall surface from the second position, along said adjustment
path and away from the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber, and into the
first position.
[0020] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
one side wall is configured to elastically move back said at least part of the inner
side wall surface from the second position, along said adjustment path and away from
the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber, and into the first position.
[0021] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
one side wall is not deformed by the deformation unit when the inner side wall surface
is located in the first position.
[0022] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention said at least
one side wall comprises a first wall part located at a first surface part of the inner
side wall surface and a second wall part located at a second surface part of the inner
side wall surface, the deformation unit is configured to move said first surface part
and said second surface part from the first position towards and/or into the second
position, and vice versa, said first direction of the second surface part is preferably
opposite to said first direction of the first surface part, and said second direction
of the second surface part is preferably opposite to said second direction of the
first surface part.
[0023] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said second
surface part and said first surface part are facing each other.
[0024] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit comprises at least one movable deformation member configured to move said at
least part of said inner side wall surface along said adjustment path.
[0025] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit comprises a movable first deformation member configured to move said first surface
part of said inner side wall surface along said adjustment path.
[0026] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the deformation
unit comprises a movable second deformation member configured to move said second
surface part of said inner side wall surface along said adjustment path.
[0027] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said least one
side wall is configured to allow repetitive deformation.
[0028] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
part of said at least one side wall comprises a flexible material, such as spring
steel or polypropylene.
[0029] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
part of said at least one side wall is made of a flexible material, such as spring
steel or polypropylene.
[0030] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
one side wall comprises a flexible material, such as spring steel or polypropylene.
[0031] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, said at least
one side wall is made of a flexible material, such as spring steel or polypropylene.
[0032] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device is configured to discharge the powder from the dosing chambers in the direction
of the respective longitudinal chamber axis.
[0033] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, each dosing
chamber comprises a chamber filling opening to allow the powder to enter said dosing
chamber and the inner side wall surface extends from said chamber filling opening.
[0034] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the dosing volume
of the dosing chamber is defined by the inner side wall surface and the chamber filling
opening.
[0035] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device is configured to fill the dosing chamber up to the chamber filling opening.
[0036] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the longitudinal
chamber axis extends through the chamber filling opening.
[0037] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, each dosing
chamber comprises a bottom forming an inner bottom surface and the inner side wall
surface extends from said chamber filling opening until the inner bottom surface.
[0038] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the dosing volume
of the dosing chamber is defined by the inner side wall surface, the inner bottom
surface and the chamber filling opening.
[0039] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device is configured to fill the dosing chamber from the inner bottom surface up to
the chamber filling opening.
[0040] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the longitudinal
chamber axis extends through the inner bottom surface.
[0041] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the inner side
wall surface has a non-circular and curvilinear form in cross section perpendicular
to the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber. The inner side wall surface
being located in the first position may have an elliptical form. Said elliptical form
may have an eccentricity being larger than 0 and smaller than 1.
[0042] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device comprises a filling control unit configured to control the deformation units
in order to adjust the dosing volume of the dosing chambers.
[0043] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the filling
control unit is configured to equally adjust the dosing volume of all the dosing chambers.
[0044] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the filling
control unit is configured to individually adjust the dosing volume of each of the
dosing chambers.
[0045] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the filling
control unit is configured to move for each of the dosing chambers at least part of
the dosing chamber walls to adjust the dosing volume in order to control the supplied
dose of the powder.
[0046] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises a density measurement device configured to measure a density of the
powder upstream of the dosing chambers, the density measurement device is in communication
with the filling control unit, and the filling control unit is configured to control
the deformation units to adjust the dosing volume of the dosing chambers in order
to supply the doses of the powder with a predetermined powder dose mass.
[0047] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the density
measurement device is configured to provide a density measurement output signal based
on the measured density of the powder, and the filling control unit is configured
to automatically control the deformation units on basis of the density measurement
output signal from the density measurement device in order to supply the doses of
the powder with a predetermined powder dose mass.
[0048] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the density
measurement device comprises a powder sample unit configured to provide a sample dose
of the supplied powder upstream of the dosing chambers, and the density measurement
device is configured to measure a density of the sample dose of the powder.
[0049] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder sample
unit comprises a powder branch channel configured to provide powder supplied upstream
of the dosing chamber and a sample chamber having a predetermined sample volume, the
powder sample unit is configured fill the sample chamber with powder in order to form
a sample dose of the powder having the predetermined sample volume, the density measurement
device comprises a weighing unit configured to determine a sample mass of the sample
dose of the powder in the sample chamber, and the density measurement device is configured
to determine a density of the sample dose of the powder on basis of the predetermined
sample volume and the measured sample mass.
[0050] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the density
measurement device is configured to perform measurements of several sample doses of
the powder and to calculate an average density of the powder supplied to the dosing
chambers.
[0051] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the density
measurement device is configured to provide an indicative value of flowability of
the powder upstream of the dosing chambers. Said indicative value of the flowability
of the powder may be measured via the rate of the flow-in and/or flow-out of the density
measurement device. Said rate of the flow-in / flow-out of the powder may be measured
in cubical meter per second (m
3/s) or gram per second (g/s). The density measurement device may be configured to
provide a flowability signal based on the measured via the rate of the flow-in / flow-out
of the powder. Said flowability signal may be communicated to the filling control
unit and/or another control unit of the packaging system via a communication connection.
[0052] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises a pouch measurement device configured to measure a characteristic
of the pouches, the pouch measurement device is in communication with the filling
control unit, and the filling control unit is configured to control the deformation
units to adjust the dosing volume of the dosing chambers in order to supply the doses
of the powder required to achieve a predetermined value of the measured characteristic.
[0053] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the pouch measurement
device is configured to provide a pouch measurement output signal based on the measured
characteristic of the pouches, and the filling control unit is configured to automatically
control the deformation units on basis of the pouch measurement output signal from
the pouch measurement device in order to supply the doses of the powder required to
achieve a predetermined value of the measured characteristic.
[0054] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the characteristic
measured by the pouch measurement device is a mass of the pouches.
[0055] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the characteristic
measured by the pouch measurement device is a volume of the pouches.
[0056] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes the powder over multiple
powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards the powder dispensers, the
powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor discharging
opening which is positioned along a distribution path, each powder channel comprises
a channel receiving opening, the channel receiving openings are positioned along the
distribution path and directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive
powder discharged from the distributor discharging opening, and the packaging system
comprises a distribution drive configured to move the distributor discharging opening
and the channel receiving openings relative to each other with a cyclical movement
along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor to all the
powder channels.
[0057] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, each of the
powder channels is in fluid communication with only one of the dosing chambers.
[0058] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, each of the
dosing chambers is in fluid communication with only one of the powder channels.
[0059] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder channels
have a non-circular and curvilinear form in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal
device axis of the filling device. The powder channels may have an elliptical form.
Said elliptical form may have an eccentricity being larger than 0 and smaller than
1.
[0060] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distributor
discharging opening passes all the channel receiving openings during said cyclical
movement of the distributor discharging opening and the channel receiving openings
relative to each other.
[0061] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose is smaller than the dose of the powder, wherein optionally the distribution dose
is smaller than the dose of the powder supplied by the powder dispensers, wherein
optionally the distribution dose is smaller than the dose of the powder supplied by
the dosing chambers.
[0062] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is smaller than or equal to 50% of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0063] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is smaller than or equal to 1/3rd of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0064] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is smaller than or equal to 25% of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0065] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is smaller than or equal to 20% of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0066] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is larger than or equal to 5% of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0067] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is larger than or equal to 10% of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0068] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose of the powder is larger than or equal to 20% of the dose of the powder supplied
by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
[0069] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder distribution
unit is configured to provide the distribution dose of the powder to each of the powder
channels during one cycle of the cyclical movement of the powder distributor along
the distribution path.
[0070] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, each of the
powder channels comprises a distribution dose channel section located at the channel
receiving opening, the distribution dose channel sections have a dose channel section
volume which corresponds to the distribution dose of the powder, and the distribution
dose channel sections are configured to receive the distribution dose of powder from
the powder distributor during one cycle or multiple cycles of the cyclical movement
of the distributor along the distribution path and to subsequently supply said distribution
dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
[0071] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose channel sections are movable from a first dose channel position in which the
distribution dose channel sections are not in fluid communication with a downstream
part of the powder channels into a second dose channel position in which the distribution
dose channel sections are in fluid communication with the downstream part of the powder
channels, and vice versa, and the powder distribution unit is configured to provide
the distribution dose of the powder with the powder distributor to the distribution
dose channel sections located in the first dose channel position and to subsequently
move the distribution dose channel sections channel into the second dose channel position
in order to supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder
channels.
[0072] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device comprises a first channel drive to move the distribution dose channel sections
from the first dose channel position into the second dose channel position, and vice
versa.
[0073] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, each of the
powder channels comprises a first channel section and a second channel section, the
first channel sections are located between the channel receiving openings and the
second channel sections, the second channel sections are located between the first
channel sections and the dosing chambers, and the second channel sections are movable
from a first channel position in which the second channel sections receive powder
from the first channel sections into a second channel position in which the second
channel sections discharge powder in the dosing chambers, and vice versa.
[0074] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device is configured to completely fill the distribution dose channel sections with
powder before said distribution dose channel sections supply said distribution dose
of powder further downstream the powder channels.
[0075] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device comprises a second channel drive to move the second channel sections from the
first channel position into the second channel position, and vice versa.
[0076] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the first channel
sections have a first channel section volume, which first channel section volume is
preferably larger than the dose of powder.
[0077] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the second channel
sections have a second channel section volume, which second channel section volume
is preferably larger than the dose of powder.
[0078] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the first channel
section volume and the second channel section volume are together larger than the
dose of powder.
[0079] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device is configured to completely fill the first channel sections with powder before
said first channel sections transfer said powder towards the second channel sections.
[0080] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the powder filling
device is configured to completely fill the second channel sections with powder before
said second channel sections transfer said powder towards the powder dispensers, preferably
the dosing chambers.
[0081] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises a distribution control unit configured to control the distribution
drive, the first channel drive and/or the second channel drive.
[0082] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive to ensure a timely dispensing of the powder in the
compartments, more specifically to ensure a timely dispensing the doses of powder
in the compartments.
[0083] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive to ensure the first channel section and the second
channel section of each of the powder channels together hold more powder than the
dose of powder before transferring the powder towards one of the dosing chambers.
[0084] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive to ensure the first channel section and the second
channel section of each of the powder channels each hold more powder than the dose
of powder before to transferring the powder towards one of the dosing chambers.
[0085] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive in order to completely fill the distribution dose
channel sections with powder before said distribution dose channel sections supply
said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
[0086] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive in order to completely fill the first channel sections
with powder before said first channel sections transfer said powder towards the second
channel sections.
[0087] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive in order to completely fill the second channel sections
with powder before said second channel sections transfer said powder towards the powder
dispensers, preferably the dosing chambers.
[0088] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the second channel
sections located in the first channel position are in fluid communication with the
first channel sections and not in fluid communication with the dosing chambers, and
the second channel sections located in the second channel position in fluid communication
with the dosing chambers and not in fluid communication with the first channel sections.
[0089] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the first channel
sections and/or the dosing chambers are static.
[0090] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose channel sections are located between the channel receiving openings and the first
channel sections, and the distribution dose channel sections located in the second
dose channel position supply said distribution dose of powder to the first channel
sections.
[0091] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the first channel
sections and the second channel sections are located at a first distance from each
other to form a first powder space between the first channel sections and the second
channel sections, and the powder filling device is configured to in use fill the first
powder space with the powder in order to facilitate movement of the first channel
sections and the second channel sections relative to each other.
[0092] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the second channel
sections are provided with upwardly extending first containment walls to hold the
powder in the first powder space.
[0093] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the second channel
sections and the dosing chambers are located at a second distance from each other
to form a second powder space between the second channel sections and the dosing chambers,
and the powder filling device is configured to in use fill the second powder space
with the powder in order to facilitate movement of the second channel sections and
the dosing chambers relative to each other.
[0094] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the dosing chambers
are provided with upwardly extending second containment walls to hold the powder in
the second powder space.
[0095] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
dose channel sections and the first channel sections are located at a third distance
from each other to form a third powder space between the distribution dose channel
sections and the first channel sections, and the powder filling device is configured
to in use fill the third powder space with the powder in order to facilitate movement
of the distribution dose channel sections and the first channel sections relative
to each other.
[0096] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the first channel
sections are provided with upwardly extending third containment walls to hold the
powder in the third powder space.
[0097] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
path is a circular path, and the channel receiving openings, the first channel sections,
the second channel sections, and the dosing chamber are positioned in a circular configuration.
[0098] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
path, the channel receiving openings, the first channel sections, the second channel
sections, and the dosing chambers surround a longitudinal device axis of the powder
filling device.
[0099] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the channel
receiving openings, the first channel sections, the second channel sections, and the
dosing chamber are coaxially positioned relative to a longitudinal device axis of
the powder filling device.
[0100] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
drive is configured to move the distributor discharging opening relative to all the
channel receiving openings at a same speed.
[0101] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
drive is configured to move the distributor discharging opening along all the channel
receiving openings at a same speed.
[0102] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the distribution
drive is configured to move the distributor discharging opening with a cyclical circular
movement.
[0103] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises a further film supplying device configured to position a water-soluble
further film on the film and over the powder in the compartments in order to form
a web of pouches holding the powder between the film and the further film.
[0104] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises the powder filling device.
[0105] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises the film supplying device.
[0106] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises the compartment forming device.
[0107] The invention further relates to a packaging system for producing pouches comprising
a water-soluble film and a powder, such as a detergent powder, the packaging system
comprising:
- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the
film, and
- a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould
trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved
along:
-- a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds,
-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the film in the mould
cavities to form the compartments in the film,
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in the compartments, and wherein:
--- the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the powder to the
powder filing device,
--- the powder filing device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes
the powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards
the powder dispensers,
--- the powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor
discharging opening which is positioned along a distribution path,
--- each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening,
--- the channel receiving openings are positioned along the distribution path and
directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive powder discharged
from the distributor discharging opening, and
--- the packaging system comprises a distribution drive configured to move the distributor
discharging opening and the channel receiving openings relative to each other with
a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor
to all the powder channels, and
---- wherein optionally the powder filling device comprises multiple dosing chambers,
each dosing chamber being configured to supply a dose of the powder via one of the
powder dispensers into one of the compartments of the film.
[0108] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises the features of any combination of any number of the above defined
embodiments of the packaging system.
[0109] The invention further relates to a packaging system for producing pouches comprising
a water-soluble film and a powder, such as a detergent powder, the packaging system
comprising:
- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the
film, and
- a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould
trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved
along:
-- a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds,
-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the film in the mould
cavities to form the compartments in the film,
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in the compartments, and wherein:
--- the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the powder to the
powder filing device,
--- the powder filling device comprises multiple dosing chambers,
--- each dosing chamber is configured to supply a dose of the powder via one of the
powder dispensers into one of the compartments of the film,
--- each dosing chamber comprises at least one side wall forming an inner side wall
surface surrounding a longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber,
--- said inner side wall surface defines a dosing volume of the dosing chamber,
--- at least part of said at least one side wall is flexible and configured to allow
deformation of said at least one side wall, and
--- the powder filling device comprises for each of the dosing chambers a deformation
unit configured to deform said at least one side wall and to move at least part of
said inner side wall surface along an adjustment path extending transverse, preferable
perpendicular, to the longitudinal chamber axis in order to adjust said dosing volume.
[0110] The deformation units are configured to adjust said dosing volume in order to control
the dose of powder supplied by the dosing chambers into the compartments of the film.
Thereby, accurate control of the supplied dose is possible to match the desired end
result of the pouches.
[0111] Powders contain particles which may differ from each other with respect to the particle
size and/or the volumetric mass density and/or the particle shape and/or other properties.
Detergent powders usually contain particles comprising different components due to
which detergent powders tend to have a relatively high degree of differences between
the particles.
[0112] In a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a
powder, the powder in the powder stream of the powder supply is subject to segregation.
For example, larger particles tend to behave differently in the powder stream than
smaller particles, and the same applies to heavier and lighter particles. As a result,
over the course of emptying a powder supply container to fill the powder in multiple
subsequent pouches, the size and/or weight distribution of the powder particles supplied
to the pouches may change over time.
[0113] If dosing chambers having a constant dosing volume are used, such differences in
the size and/or weight distribution of the powder particles may lead to differences
in pouch characteristics over time, for example varying pouch mass.
[0114] The properties of the powder supplied to the pouches may change over time due to
other reasons as well, such as absorption of moisture by the powder or differences
in powder properties between powder batches or within a powder batch.
[0115] An accurate adjustment of the dosing volume is achieved by the packaging system with
the dosing chambers having the at least one deformable side wall and the deformation
unit. This allows that the degree of differences between the pouches can be reduced.
[0116] In addition, the accurate adjustment of the dosing volume is achieved with a relatively
simple construction having a low number of movable parts. Said dosing chambers and
deformation unit require a relatively low degree of maintenance.
[0117] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging
system comprises the features of any combination of any number of the above defined
embodiments of the packaging system.
[0118] The invention further relates to a method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble
film and a powder, such as a detergent powder, with the packaging system according
to the invention, said method comprising deforming said at least one side wall and
moving at least part of said inner side wall surface along the adjustment path extending
transverse, preferable about perpendicular, to the longitudinal chamber axis in order
to adjust said dosing volume.
[0119] The invention further relates to a method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble
film and a powder, such as a detergent powder, with the packaging system according
to the invention, said method comprising moving the distributor discharging opening
of the powder distributor and the channel receiving openings of the powder channels
relative to each other with a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply
powder from the powder distributor to all the powder channels.
[0120] The invention further relates to a method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble
film and a powder, such as a detergent powder, with the packaging system according
to the invention, said method comprising receiving the distribution dose of powder
from the powder distributor during one cycle or multiple cycles of the cyclical movement
of the powder distributor along the distribution path and to subsequently supplying
said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0121] Embodiments of the packaging system according to invention and the method according
to the invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding
parts, and in which:
Figure 1 schematically shows an overview of a first example of the packaging system
according to the invention,
Figure 2 schematically shows an overview of a second example of the packaging system
according to the invention,
Figure 3A schematically shows a view in perspective of an embodiment of the powder
filling device of the packaging system of the figures 1 and 2,
Figure 3B schematically shows an exploded view of the powder filling device figure
3A,
the Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show a schematical representation of part of a cross sectional
view of the dosing chambers along line IV of figure 3B and parallel to the longitudinal
device axis of the powder filling device,
the Figures 5A and 5B schematically show part of a cross sectional view of the dosing
chambers along line V of figure 3B and perpendicular to the longitudinal device axis
of the powder filling device,
the Figures 6-8 schematically show exploded views of part of a further embodiment
of the powder filling device of the packaging system of the figures 1 and 2,
Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of said part of the powder filling device
of the figures 6-8,
the Figures 10A and 10B show a schematical representation of a cross sectional view
of the powder filling device along the distribution path of figure 7 and parallel
to the longitudinal device axis of the powder filling device,
Figure 11A schematically shows another further embodiment of the powder filling device
of the packaging system of the figures 1 and 2,
Figure 11B schematically shows an exploded view of the powder filling device of figure
11A, the Figures 11C and 11D show a schematical representation of a cross sectional
view of the powder filling device along the distribution path of figure 11A and parallel
to the longitudinal device axis of the powder filling device, and
Figure 12 schematically shows a cross sectional view along the longitudinal device
axis of an alternative configuration of the powder filling device 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0122] Figure 1 shows an overview of a first example of the packaging system 1 according
to the invention. The packaging system 1 is configured to produce pouches 2 comprising
a water-soluble film 3A, B and a powder 4.
[0123] The packaging system 1 comprises multiple moulds 5. Each mould 5 has a mould cavity
6 for forming a compartment 7 in the film 3A.
[0124] A mould conveyor 9 moves the moulds 5 in a conveying direction 10 along a mould trajectory,
more specifically an endless mould trajectory. The mould conveyor 9 is configured
as a mould conveyor belt 30.
[0125] The moulds 5 are moved along a film supplying device 12A configured to position the
film 3A on the moulds 5. Subsequently, a compartment forming device 13 positions parts
of the film 3A in the mould cavities 6 to form the compartments 7 in the film 3A.
After that, a powder filling device 14 having multiple powder dispensers 8 fills the
compartments 7 with the powder 4. A powder supply 15 supplies the powder 4 to the
powder filing device 14. A further film supplying device 12B positions a water-soluble
further film 3B on the film 3A and over the powder 4 in the compartments 7 in order
to form a web 28 of pouches 2 holding the powder between the film 3A and the further
film 3B. The web 28 of pouches 2 can be cut to form individualised pouches 2.
[0126] Figure 2 shows an overview of a second example of the packaging system 1 according
to the invention. The main difference with respect to the packaging system 1 of figure
1 is that the mould conveyor 9 is configured as a mould rotary drum 35.
[0127] Figure 3A shows a view in perspective of an embodiment of the powder filling device
14 of the packaging system 1 of the figures 1 and 2. Figure 3B shows an exploded view
of the powder filling device 14 figure 3A.
[0128] The powder filling device 14 comprises multiple dosing chambers 16. Each dosing chamber
16 is configured to supply a dose of the powder 4 via one of the powder dispensers
8 into one of the compartments 7 of the film 3. In the shown embodiment, each dosing
chamber 16 supplies the dose of powder 4 to a dispensing channel 37 leading to one
of the powder dispensers 8.
[0129] The figures 4A, 4B and 4C show a schematical representation of part of a cross sectional
view of the dosing chambers 16 along line IV of figure 3B and parallel to the longitudinal
device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14. The figures 5A and 5B show part of
a cross sectional view of the dosing chambers 16 along line V of figure 3B and perpendicular
to the longitudinal device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14.
[0130] Each dosing chamber 16 comprises at least one side wall 19 forming an inner side
wall surface 20 surrounding a longitudinal chamber axis 21 of the dosing chamber 16.
Said inner side wall surface 20 defines a dosing volume 22A, B of the dosing chamber
16. At least part of said at least one side wall 19 is flexible and configured to
allow deformation of said at least one side wall 19. The powder filling device 14
comprises for each of the dosing chambers 16 a deformation unit 23 configured to deform
said at least one side wall 19 and to move at least part of said inner side wall surface
20 along an adjustment path 24 extending transverse, preferable perpendicular, to
the longitudinal chamber axis 21 in order to adjust said dosing volume 22.
[0131] The skilled person understands that the terms indicating that the adjustment path
24 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal chamber axis 21 does not only cover that
the adjustment path 24 extends 100% perpendicular to the longitudinal chamber axis
21. In practise this also covers that the adjustment path 24 extends as functionally
perpendicular to the longitudinal chamber axis 21.
[0132] The deformation units 23 are configured to adjust said dosing volume 22 in order
to control the dose of the powder 4 supplied by the dosing chambers 16 into the compartments
7 of the film 3. Thereby, accurate control of the supplied dose is possible to match
the desired end result of the pouches 2.
[0133] Powders contain particles which may differ from each other with respect to the particle
size and/or the volumetric mass density and/or the particle shape and/or other properties.
Detergent powders usually contain particles comprising different components due to
which detergent powders tend to have a relatively high degree of differences between
the particles.
[0134] In a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a
powder, the powder in the powder stream of the powder supply is subject to segregation.
For example, larger particles tend to behave differently in the powder stream than
smaller particles, and the same applies to heavier and lighter particles. As a result,
over the course of emptying a powder supply container to fill the powder in multiple
subsequent pouches, the size and/or weight distribution of the powder particles supplied
to the pouches may change over time.
[0135] If dosing chambers having a constant dosing volume are used, such differences in
the size and/or weight distribution of the powder particles may lead to differences
in pouch characteristics over time, for example varying pouch mass.
[0136] The properties of the powder supplied to the pouches may change over time due to
other reasons as well, such as absorption of moisture by the powder or differences
in powder properties between powder batches or within a powder batch.
[0137] An accurate adjustment of the dosing volume 22A-B is achieved by the packaging system
1 according to the invention with the dosing chambers 16 having the at least one deformable
side wall 19 and the deformation unit 23. This allows that the degree of differences
between the pouches 2 can be reduced.
[0138] In addition, the accurate adjustment of the dosing volume 22A-B is achieved with
a relatively simple construction having a low number of movable parts. Said dosing
chambers 16 and deformation unit 23 require a relatively low degree of maintenance.
[0139] Said at least one side wall 19 comprises a single side wall 26 surrounding the longitudinal
chamber axis 21, wherein said single side wall 26 is preferably an endless wall surrounding
the longitudinal chamber axis 21, and wherein said single side wall 26 is preferably
integrally formed.
[0140] The deformation unit 23 is configured to move said at least part of the inner side
wall surface 20 from a first position 27 in which the dosing chamber 16 has a first
dosing volume 22A towards and/or into a second position 29 in which the dosing chamber
16 has a second dosing volume 22B, and vice versa. The adjustment path 24 extends
from, and including, the first position 27 until, and including, the second position
29.
[0141] The inner side wall surface 20 has a non-circular and curvilinear form in cross section
perpendicular to the longitudinal chamber axis 21 of the dosing chamber 16. This reduces
the risk of bridging of the powder 4 in the dosing chambers 16. The inner side wall
surface 20 being located in the first position 27 has an elliptical form. Said elliptical
form has an eccentricity being larger than 0 and smaller than 1.
[0142] The deformation unit 23 is configured to move said at least part of the inner side
wall surface 20 from the first position 27 in a first direction 31 along the adjustment
path 24 and towards and/or into the second position 29. The deformation unit 23 is
configured to move said at least part of the inner side wall surface 20 from the second
position 29 in a second direction 32 along the adjustment path 24 and towards and/or
into the first position 27. The second direction 32 is opposite to the first direction
31.
[0143] The deformation unit 23 is configured to hold said at least part of the inner side
wall surface 20 in multiple intermediate positions between the first position 27 and
the second position 29. Said multiple intermediate positions form multiple intermediate
dosing volumes 22 between the first dosing volume 22A and the second dosing volume
22B.
[0144] The second dosing volume 22B is smaller than the first dosing volume 22A, wherein
preferably the second dosing volume 22B is smaller than the first dosing volume 22A
and larger than or equal to 70% of first dosing volume 22A. The second dosing volume
22B is preferably between, and including, 60% and 80% of the first dosing volume 22A.
The second dosing volume 22B is preferably about 70% of the first dosing volume 22A.
[0145] The deformation unit 23 is configured to push said at least one side wall 19 to move
said at least part of the inner side wall surface 20 from the first position 27, along
said adjustment path 24 and towards and/or towards the longitudinal chamber axis 21
of the dosing chamber 16, and into the second position 29.
[0146] The deformation unit 23 is configured to let said at least one side wall 19 elastically
move back said at least part of the inner side wall surface 20 from the second position
29, along said adjustment path 24 and away from the longitudinal chamber axis 21 of
the dosing chamber 16, and into the first position 27.
[0147] Said at least one side wall 19 is configured to elastically move back said at least
part of the inner side wall surface 20 from the second position 29, along said adjustment
path 24 and away from the longitudinal chamber axis 21 of the dosing chamber 16, and
into the first position 27.
[0148] Said at least one side wall 19 is not deformed by the deformation unit 23 when the
inner side wall surface 20 is located in the first position 27.
[0149] Said at least one side wall 19 comprises a first wall part 33 located at a first
surface part 34 of the inner side wall surface 20 and a second wall part 36 located
at a second surface part 43 of the inner side wall surface 20. The deformation unit
23 is configured to move said first surface part 34 and said second surface part 43
from the first position 27 towards and/or into the second position 29, and vice versa.
Said first direction 31 of the second surface part 43 is opposite to said first direction
31 of the first surface part 34. Said second direction 32 of the second surface part
43 is opposite to said second direction 32 of the first surface part 34. Said second
surface part 43 and said first surface part 34 are facing each other.
[0150] The deformation unit 23 comprises at least one movable deformation member 38, 39
configured to move said at least part of said inner side wall surface 20 along said
adjustment path 24.
[0151] The deformation unit 23 comprises a movable first deformation member 38 configured
to move said first surface part 34 of said inner side wall surface 20 along said adjustment
path 24. The deformation unit 23 comprises a movable second deformation member 39
configured to move said second surface part 43 of said inner side wall surface 20
along said adjustment path 24.
[0152] Said least one side wall 19 is configured to allow repetitive deformation. Said side
wall 19 is made of a flexible material, such as spring steel or polypropylene. In
other examples, said at least one side wall 19 comprises a flexible material, such
as spring steel or polypropylene. In yet other examples, said at least part of said
at least one side wall 19 comprises a flexible material, such as spring steel or polypropylene
or said at least part of said at least one side wall 19 is made of a flexible material,
such as spring steel or polypropylene.
[0153] The powder filling device 14 is configured to discharge the powder 4 from the dosing
chambers 16 in the direction of the respective longitudinal chamber axis 21.
[0154] Each dosing chamber 16 comprises a chamber filling opening 41 to allow the powder
to enter said dosing chamber 16 and the inner side wall surface 20 extends from said
chamber filling opening 41. The dosing volume 22 of the dosing chamber 16 is defined
by the inner side wall surface 20 and the chamber filling opening 41. The powder filling
device 14 is configured to fill the dosing chamber 16 up to the chamber filling opening
41. The longitudinal chamber axis 21 extends through the chamber filling opening 41.
[0155] Each dosing chamber 16 comprises a bottom 17 forming an inner bottom surface 18 and
the inner side wall surface 20 extends from said chamber filling opening 41 until
the inner bottom surface 18. The dosing volume 22 of the dosing chamber 16 is defined
by the inner side wall surface 20, the inner bottom surface 18 and the chamber filling
opening 41. The powder filling device 14 is configured to fill the dosing chamber
16 from the inner bottom surface 18 up to the chamber filling opening 41. The longitudinal
chamber axis 21 extends through the inner bottom surface 18.
[0156] The bottom 17 is formed by a valve 46 having two valve doors 47 which are closed
during the filling of the dosing chambers 16 with the powder (see figures 4A and 4B)
and are opened to release the powder 4 from the dosing chambers 16 (see figure 4C).
[0157] As shown in the figures 1, 2, 3A, 5A and 5B, the powder filling device 14 comprises
a filling control unit 44 configured to control the deformation units 23 in order
to adjust the dosing volume 22 of the dosing chambers 16.
[0158] The filling control unit 44 is configured to equally adjust the dosing volume 22
of all the dosing chambers 16. In other examples, the filling control unit 44 is configured
to individually adjust the dosing volume 22 of each of the dosing chambers 16.
[0159] The filling control unit 44 is configured to move for each of the dosing chambers
16 at least part of the dosing chamber 16 walls to adjust the dosing volume 22 in
order to control the supplied dose of the powder 4.
[0160] The packaging system 1 comprises a density measurement device 45 configured to measure
a density of the powder 4 upstream of the dosing chambers 16. The density measurement
device 45 is in communication with the filling control unit 44 via a first communication
connection 101. The filling control unit 44 is configured to control the deformation
units 23 to adjust the dosing volume 22 of the dosing chambers 16 in order to supply
the doses of the powder with a predetermined powder dose mass. The deformation units
23 are in communication with the filling control unit 44 via a second communication
connection 102.
[0161] The density measurement device 45 is configured to provide a density measurement
output signal based on the measured density of the powder, and the filling control
unit 44 is configured to automatically control the deformation units 23 on basis of
the density measurement output signal from the density measurement device 45 in order
to supply the doses of the powder with a predetermined powder dose mass. Since the
density measurement output signal from the density measurement device 45 is representative
of the powder 4 which is still upstream from the dosing chambers, the filling control
unit 44 will wait with a required deformation of the inner side wall surface 20 to
adjust the dosing volume 22 until said powder reaches the dosing chambers 16.
[0162] The density measurement device 45 comprises a powder sample unit 48 configured to
provide a sample dose of the supplied powder upstream of the dosing chambers 16, and
the density measurement device 45 is configured to measure a density of the sample
dose of the powder.
[0163] The powder sample unit 48 comprises a powder branch channel 51 configured to provide
powder supplied upstream of the dosing chamber 16 and a sample chamber 52 having a
predetermined sample volume 53. The powder sample unit 48 is configured fill the sample
chamber 52 with powder in order to form a sample dose of the powder having the predetermined
sample volume 53. The density measurement device 45 comprises a weighing unit 54 configured
to determine a sample mass of the sample dose of the powder in the sample chamber
52. The density measurement device 45 is configured to determine a density of the
sample dose of the powder on basis of the predetermined sample volume 53 and the measured
sample mass.
[0164] The density measurement device 45 is configured to perform measurements of several
sample doses of the powder and to calculate an average density of the powder supplied
to the dosing chambers 16.
[0165] The density measurement device 45 may also be configured to provide an indicative
value of flowability of the powder upstream of the dosing chambers 16. Said indicative
value of the flowability of the powder 4 may be measured via the rate of the flow-in
and/or flow-out of the density measurement device 45. Said rate of the flow-in / flow-out
of the powder may be measured in cubical meter per second (m
3/s) or gram per second (g/s). The density measurement device 45 may be configured
to provide a flowability signal based on the measured via the rate of the flow-in
/ flow-out of the powder. Said flowability signal may be communicated to the filling
control unit 44 and/or another control unit of the packaging system 1 via a communication
connection.
[0166] As indicated in the figures 1 and 2, the packaging system 1 comprises a pouch measurement
device 57 configured to measure a characteristic of the pouches 2. The pouch measurement
device 57 is in communication with the filling control unit 44 via a third communication
connection 103. The filling control unit 44 is configured to control the deformation
units 23 to adjust the dosing volume 22 of the dosing chambers 16 in order to supply
the doses of the powder required to achieve a predetermined value of the measured
characteristic.
[0167] The pouch measurement device 57 is configured to provide a pouch measurement output
signal based on the measured characteristic of the pouches 2, and the filling control
unit 44 is configured to automatically control the deformation units 23 on basis of
the pouch measurement output signal from the pouch measurement device 57 in order
to supply the doses of the powder required to achieve a predetermined value of the
measured characteristic.
[0168] The characteristic measured by the pouch measurement device 57 is a mass of the pouches
2. In other examples, the characteristic measured by the pouch measurement device
57 is a volume of the pouches 2.
[0169] Turning back to the figures 3A and 3B, the powder filing device comprises a powder
distribution unit 61 which distributes the powder over multiple powder channels 62
configured to transfer the powder towards the powder dispensers 8 via the dispensing
channels 37. The powder distribution unit 61 comprises a powder distributor 63 comprising
a distributor discharging opening 64 which is positioned along a distribution path
65. Each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening 66. The channel receiving
openings 66 are positioned along the distribution path 65 and directed towards the
distributor discharging opening 64 to receive powder discharged from the distributor
discharging opening 64. The packaging system 1 comprises a distribution drive 67 configured
to move the distributor discharging opening 64 and the channel receiving openings
66 relative to each other with a cyclical movement 68 along the distribution path
65 to supply powder from the powder distributor 63 to all the powder channels 62.
[0170] Powders contain particles which up to a certain extent differ from each other with
respect to the particle size and/or the volumetric mass density and/or the particle
shape. Detergent powders contain particles made from different components due to which
detergent powders tend to have a relatively high degree of differences between the
particles.
[0171] In a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a
powder, the powder in the powder stream of the powder supply is subjected to segregation.
For example, larger particles tend to behave differently in the powder stream than
smaller particles, and the same applies to heavier and lighter particles. As a result,
the powder channels of known packaging systems tend to receive powder with a different
composition of the particles when the powder supply is split over the powder channels.
The dispensers in fluid communication with these powder channels will therefore fill
the compartments of the pouches with powders having a different composition of the
particles. This leads to pouches having a relatively high degree of differences with
respect to the powder in the pouches. Especially for detergent powders it is essential
that the powder in the pouches have no differences, or a relatively low degree of
differences, with respect to the powder in the pouches in order to ensure that each
pouch achieves a good cleaning effect.
[0172] The powder distribution unit 61 of the packaging system 1 according to the invention
ensures that the powder channels 62 receive powder having no differences, or at least
a relatively low degree of differences, in the composition of the particles of the
powder. Hence, the produced pouches 2 have no differences, or at least a relatively
low degree of differences.
[0173] Each of the powder channels 62 is in fluid communication with only one of the dosing
chambers 16. Each of the dosing chambers 16 is in fluid communication with only one
of the powder channels 62.
[0174] The powder channels 62 may have a non-circular and curvilinear form in cross section
perpendicular to the longitudinal device axis of the filling device. The powder channels
62 may have an elliptical form. Said elliptical form may have an eccentricity being
larger than 0 and smaller than 1.
[0175] The distributor discharging opening 64 passes all the channel receiving openings
66 during said cyclical movement 68 of the distributor discharging opening 64 and
the channel receiving openings 66 relative to each other.
[0176] The powder distribution unit 61 is configured to provide a distribution dose of the
powder to each of the powder channels 62. The distribution dose is preferably smaller
than the dose of the powder. This further facilitates to ensure that the produced
pouches have no differences, or at least a relatively low degree of differences, in
the composition of the particles of the powder. The distribution dose is preferably
smaller than the dose of the powder supplied by the powder dispensers 8, more specifically
the distribution dose is preferably smaller than the dose of the powder supplied by
the dosing chambers 16.
[0177] The distribution dose of the powder is smaller than or equal to 50% of the dose of
the powder supplied by the dosing chambers 16. The distribution dose of the powder
is preferably smaller than or equal to 1/3rd of the dose of the powder supplied by
the dosing chambers 16. The distribution dose of the powder is preferably smaller
than or equal to 25% of the dose of the powder supplied by the dosing chambers 16.
The distribution dose of the powder is preferably smaller than or equal to 20% of
the dose of the powder supplied by the dosing chambers 16.
[0178] The distribution dose of the powder is larger than or equal to 5% of the dose of
the powder supplied by the dosing chambers 16. The distribution dose of the powder
is preferably larger than or equal to 10% of the dose of the powder supplied by the
dosing chambers 16. The distribution dose of the powder is preferably larger than
or equal to 20% of the dose of the powder supplied by the dosing chambers 16.
[0179] The powder distribution unit 61 is configured to provide the distribution dose of
the powder to each of the powder channels 62 during one cycle of the cyclical movement
68 of the power distributor 63 along the distribution path 65. The distributor discharging
opening 64 is moved along all the channel receiving openings 66 during said one cycle.
[0180] Each of the powder channels 62 comprises a first channel section 69 and second channel
section 70. The first channel sections 69 are located between the channel receiving
openings 66 and the second channel sections 70. The second channel sections 70 are
located between the first channel sections 69 and the dosing chambers 16.
[0181] The second channel sections 70 are movable from a first channel position 71 in which
the second channel sections 70 receive powder from the first channel sections 69 into
a second channel position 72 in which the second channel sections 70 discharge powder
in the dosing chambers 16, and vice versa. The second channel sections 70 located
in the first channel position 71 are in fluid communication with the first channel
sections 69 and not in fluid communication with the dosing chambers 16. The second
channel sections 70 located in the second channel position 72 in fluid communication
with the dosing chambers 16 and not in fluid communication with the first channel
sections 69. The first channel sections 69 and the dosing chambers 16 are static.
This will be shown more in detail in the figures 10A and 10B.
[0182] The powder filling device 14 comprises a second channel drive 78 to move the second
channel sections 70 from the first channel position 71 into the second channel position
72, and vice versa. The second channel drive 78 is the same as shown in figure 12.
[0183] The first channel sections 69 have a first channel section volume 73. The second
channel sections 70 have a second channel section volume 74. The first channel section
volume 73 is preferably larger than the dose of powder. The second channel section
volume 74 is preferably larger than the dose of powder. This reduces the risk of air
entrapment between the particles of the powder, which negatively affects the dosing
of said powder. This way a more uniform flow behaviour of the powder is achieved.
This all contributes to a further reduction of differences between the produced pouches.
[0184] The powder filling device 14 is configured to completely fill the first channel sections
69 with powder before said first channel sections 69 transfer said powder towards
the second channel sections 70. The powder filling device 14 is also configured to
completely fill the second channel sections 70 with powder before said second channel
sections 70 transfer said powder towards the powder dispensers 8, more specifically
the dosing chambers 16. This further reduces the risk of air entrapment between the
particles of the powder.
[0185] The packaging system 1 comprises a distribution control unit 49 configured to control
the distribution drive 67 and the second channel drive 78 to ensure a timely dispensing
of the powder in the compartments 7. The distribution control unit 49 is in communication
with the distribution drive 67 via a fourth communication connection 104. The distribution
control unit 49 is in communication with the second channel drive 78 via a sixth communication
connection 106.
[0186] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67 and the second channel drive 78 to ensure the first channel section 69 and the
second channel section 70 of each of the powder channels 62 each hold more powder
than the dose of powder before transferring the powder towards one of the dosing chambers
16.
[0187] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67, the first channel drive 77 and/or the second channel drive 78 in order to completely
fill the first channel sections 69 with powder before said first channel sections
69 transfer said powder towards the second channel sections 70.
[0188] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67, the first channel drive 77 and/or the second channel drive 78 in order to completely
fill the second channel sections 70 with powder before said second channel sections
70 transfer said powder towards the powder dispensers 8, more specifically the dosing
chambers 16.
[0189] The distribution path 65 is a circular path. The channel receiving openings 66, the
first channel sections 69, the second channel sections 70, and the dosing chamber
16 are positioned in a circular configuration.
[0190] The distribution path 65, the channel receiving openings 66, the first channel sections
69, the second channel sections 70, and the dosing chambers 16 surround a longitudinal
device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14.
[0191] The channel receiving openings 66, the first channel sections 69, the second channel
sections 70, and the dosing chamber 16 are coaxially positioned relative to a longitudinal
device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14.
[0192] The distribution drive 67 is configured to move the distributor discharging opening
64 relative to all the channel receiving openings 66 at the same speed. The distribution
drive 67 is configured to move the distributor discharging opening 64 along all the
channel receiving openings 66 at the same speed. Said speed of the powder distributor
63 may be adjusted over time.
[0193] The distribution drive 67 is configured to move the distributor discharging opening
64 with a cyclical circular movement.
[0194] The figures 6-8 show exploded views of part of a further embodiment of the powder
filling device 14 of the packaging system 1 of the figures 1 and 2. Said further embodiment
of the powder filling device 14 operates in a similar manner as the powder filling
device 14 of figure 3A. Said further embodiment of the powder filling device 14 has
in the same way as the powder filling device 14 of figure 3A a circular distribution
path 65. The channel receiving openings 66, the first channel sections 69, the second
channel sections 70, and the dosing chamber 16 are positioned in a circular configuration.
The distribution path 65, the channel receiving openings 66, the first channel sections
69, the second channel sections 70, and the dosing chambers 16 surround a longitudinal
device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14. The channel receiving openings 66,
the first channel sections 69, the second channel sections 70, and the dosing chamber
16 are coaxially positioned relative to a longitudinal device axis 75 of the powder
filling device 14. Only part of the circularly positioned channel receiving openings
66, first channel sections 69, second channel sections 70, and dosing chamber 16 are
shown. Figure 9 shows a side view of said part of the powder filling device 14 of
the figures 6-8.
[0195] The figures 10A and 10B show a schematical representation of a cross sectional view
of the powder filling device 14 along the distribution path 65 of figure 7 and parallel
to the longitudinal device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14.
[0196] The second channel sections 70 are movable from a first channel position 71 (see
fig. 10A) in which the second channel sections 70 receive powder from the first channel
sections 69 into a second channel position 72 (see fig. 10B) in which the second channel
sections 70 discharge powder in the dosing chambers 16, and vice versa. The second
channel sections 70 located in the first channel position 71 are in fluid communication
with the first channel sections 69 and not in fluid communication with the dosing
chambers 16. The second channel sections 70 located in the second channel position
72 in fluid communication with the dosing chambers 16 and not in fluid communication
with the first channel sections 69. The first channel sections 69 and the dosing chambers
16 are static.
[0197] Figure 11A shows another further embodiment of the powder filling device 14 of the
packaging system 1 of the figures 1 and 2. Figure 11B shows an exploded view of the
powder filling device 14 of figure 11A.
[0198] The first channel sections 69, the second channel sections 70, and the dosing chamber
16 of said another further embodiment of the powder filling device 14 operates in
a similar manner as the powder filling devices 14 of the figure 3A and 9.
[0199] Said another further embodiment of the powder filling device 14 differs from the
powder filling devices 14 of the figure 3A and 9 in that each of the powder channels
62 comprises a distribution dose channel section 81 located at the channel receiving
opening 66. The distribution dose channel sections 81 have a dose channel section
volume 82 which corresponds to the distribution dose of the powder 4. The distribution
dose channel sections 81 are configured to receive the distribution dose of powder
from the powder distributor 63 during one cycle or multiple cycles of the cyclical
movement 68 of the powder distributor 63 along the distribution path 65 and to subsequently
supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels 62.
[0200] The figures 11C and 11D show a schematical representation of a cross sectional view
of the powder filling device 14 along the distribution path 65 of figure 11A and parallel
to the longitudinal device axis 75 of the powder filling device 14.
[0201] The distribution dose channel sections 81 are movable from a first dose channel position
83 in which the distribution dose channel sections 81 are not in fluid communication
with a downstream part 85 of the powder channels 62 into a second dose channel position
84 in which the distribution dose channel sections 81 are in fluid communication with
the downstream part 85 of the powder channels 62, and vice versa. The powder distribution
unit 61 is configured to provide the distribution dose of the powder with the powder
distributor 63 to the distribution dose channel sections 81 located in the first dose
channel position 83 and to subsequently move the distribution dose channel sections
81 channel into the second dose channel position 84 in order to supply said distribution
dose of powder further downstream the powder channels 62.
[0202] The powder filling device 14 comprises a first channel drive 77 to move the distribution
dose channel sections 81 from the first dose channel position 83 into the second dose
channel position 84, and vice versa. The first channel drive 77 is the same as shown
in figure 12.
[0203] The powder filling device 14 comprises a second channel drive 78 to move the second
channel sections 70 from the first channel position 71 into the second channel position
72, and vice versa. The second channel drive 78 is the same as shown in figure 12.
[0204] The powder filling device 14 is configured to completely fill the distribution dose
channel sections 81 with powder before said distribution dose channel sections 81
supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels 62.
[0205] The powder filling device 14 is configured to completely fill the first channel sections
69 with powder before said first channel sections 69 transfer said powder towards
the second channel sections 70.
[0206] The powder filling device 14 is configured to completely fill the second channel
sections 70 with powder before said second channel sections 70 transfer said powder
towards the powder dispensers 8, more specifically the dosing chambers 16.
[0207] The packaging system 1 comprises a distribution control unit 49 configured to control
the distribution drive 67, the first channel drive 77, and the second channel drive
73 to ensure a timely dispensing of the powder in the compartments 7.
[0208] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67, the first channel drive 77, and the second channel drive 78 to ensure the first
channel section 69 and the second channel section 70 of each of the powder channels
62 each hold more powder than the dose of powder before transferring the powder towards
one of the dosing chambers 16.
[0209] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67, the first channel drive 77 and/or the second channel drive 78 in order to completely
fill the distribution dose channel sections 81 with powder before said distribution
dose channel sections 81 supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream
the powder channels 62.
[0210] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67, the first channel drive 77 and/or the second channel drive 78 in order to completely
fill the first channel sections 69 with powder before said first channel sections
69 transfer said powder towards the second channel sections 70.
[0211] The distribution control unit 49 is configured to control the distribution drive
67, the first channel drive 77 and/or the second channel drive 78 in order to completely
fill the second channel sections 70 with powder before said second channel sections
70 transfer said powder towards the powder dispensers 8, more specifically the dosing
chambers 16.
[0212] The distribution control unit 49 is in communication with the distribution drive
67 via a fourth communication connection 104. The distribution control unit 49 is
in communication with the first channel drive 77 via a fifth communication connection
105. The distribution control unit 49 is in communication with the second channel
drive 78 via a sixth communication connection 106.
[0213] The distribution dose channel sections 81 are located between the channel receiving
openings 66 and the first channel sections 69. The distribution dose channel sections
81 located in the second dose channel position 84 supply said distribution dose of
powder to the first channel sections 69.
[0214] Figure 12 shows a cross sectional view along the longitudinal device axis 75 of an
alternative configuration of the powder filling device 14 of figure 11A.
[0215] The first channel sections 69 and the second channel sections 70 are located at a
first distance 91 from each other to form a first powder space 92 between the first
channel sections 69 and the second channel sections 70. The powder filling device
14 is configured to in use fill the first powder space 92 with the powder 4. The second
channel sections 70 are provided with upwardly extending first containment walls 93
to hold the powder 4 in the first powder space 92.
[0216] The second channel sections 70 and the dosing chambers 16 are located at a second
distance 94 from each other to form a second powder space 95 between the second channel
sections 70 and the dosing chambers 16. The powder filling device 14 is configured
to in use fill the second powder space 95 with the powder 4. The dosing chambers 16
are provided with upwardly extending second containment walls 96 to hold the powder
4 in the second powder space 95. The second containment walls 96 extends further and
at least partly surrounds the distribution dose channel sections 81, the first channel
sections 69 and the second channel sections 70 to hold the powder inside the powder
filling device 14.
[0217] The distribution dose channel sections 81 and the first channel sections 69 are located
at a third distance 97 from each other to form a third powder space 97 between the
distribution dose channel sections 81 and the first channel sections 69. The powder
filling device 14 is configured to in use fill the third powder space 97 with the
powder 4. The first channel sections 69 are provided with upwardly extending third
containment walls 99 to hold the powder 4 in the third powder space 97.
[0218] The distribution dose channel sections 81 are moved from the first dose channel position
83 into the second dose channel position 84, and vice versa, via a first channel drive
77.
[0219] The second channel sections 70 are moved from the first channel position 71 into
a second channel position 72, and vice versa, via a second channel drive 78.
[0220] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary
of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled
in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately
detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to
be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0221] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term
plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having,
as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other
elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting
the scope of the claims or the invention.
[0222] The invention further relates to any one of the following clauses.
- 1. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder,
such as a detergent powder, the packaging system comprising:
- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the
film, and
- a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould
trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved
along:
-- a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds,
-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the film in the mould
cavities to form the compartments in the film,
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in the compartments, and wherein:
--- the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the powder to the
powder filing device,
--- the powder filling device comprises multiple dosing chambers,
--- each dosing chamber is configured to supply a dose of the powder via one of the
powder dispensers into one of the compartments of the film,
--- each dosing chamber comprises at least one side wall forming an inner side wall
surface surrounding a longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber,
--- said inner side wall surface defines a dosing volume of the dosing chamber,
--- at least part of said at least one side wall is flexible and configured to allow
deformation of said at least one side wall, and
--- the powder filling device comprises for each of the dosing chambers a deformation
unit configured to deform said at least one side wall and to move at least part of
said inner side wall surface along an adjustment path extending transverse, preferable
perpendicular, to the longitudinal chamber axis in order to adjust said dosing volume.
- 2. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder,
such as a detergent powder, the packaging system comprising a powder filling device
comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder in compartments provided
in the film, and wherein:
- the powder filling device comprises multiple dosing chambers,
- each dosing chamber is configured to supply a dose of the powder via one of the powder
dispensers into one of the compartments of the film,
- each dosing chamber comprises at least one side wall forming an inner side wall surface
surrounding a longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber,
- said inner side wall surface defines a dosing volume of the dosing chamber,
- at least part of said at least one side wall is flexible and configured to allow deformation
of said at least one side wall, and
- the powder filling device comprises for each of the dosing chambers a deformation
unit configured to deform said at least one side wall and to move at least part of
said inner side wall surface along an adjustment path extending transverse, preferable
perpendicular, to the longitudinal chamber axis in order to adjust said dosing volume.
- 3. Packaging system according to clause 1 or 2, wherein said at least one side wall
comprises a single side wall surrounding the longitudinal chamber axis, wherein said
single side wall is preferably an endless wall surrounding the longitudinal chamber
axis, and wherein said single side wall is preferably integrally formed.
- 4. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the deformation
unit is configured to move said at least part of the inner side wall surface from
a first position in which the dosing chamber has a first dosing volume towards and/or
into a second position in which the dosing chamber has a second dosing volume, and
vice versa.
- 5. Packaging system according to clause 4, wherein the adjustment path extends from,
and including, the first position until, and including, the second position.
- 6. Packaging system according to clause 4 or 5, wherein
- the deformation unit is configured to move said at least part of the inner side wall
surface from the first position in a first direction along the adjustment path and
towards and/or into the second position,
- the deformation unit is configured to move said at least part of the inner side wall
surface from the second position in a second direction along the adjustment path and
towards and/or into the first position, and
- the second direction is preferably opposite to the first direction.
- 7. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 6, wherein the deformation
unit is configured to hold said at least part of the inner side wall surface in multiple
intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, which multiple
intermediate positions form multiple intermediate dosing volumes between the first
dosing volume and the second dosing volume.
- 8. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 7, wherein the second
dosing volume is smaller than the first dosing volume, wherein preferably the second
dosing volume is smaller than the first dosing volume and larger than or equal to
70% of first dosing volume, wherein preferably the second dosing volume is between,
and including, 60% and 80% of the first dosing volume, and wherein preferably the
second dosing volume is about 70% of the first dosing volume.
- 9. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 8, wherein the deformation
unit is configured to push said at least one side wall to move said at least part
of the inner side wall surface from the first position, along said adjustment path
and towards the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber, and towards and/or
into the second position.
- 10. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 9, wherein the deformation
unit is configured to let said at least one side wall elastically move back said at
least part of the inner side wall surface back from the second position, along said
adjustment path and away from the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber,
and into the first position.
- 11. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 10, wherein said at least
one side wall is configured to elastically move back said at least part of the inner
side wall surface from the second position, along said adjustment path and away from
the longitudinal chamber axis of the dosing chamber, and into the first position.
- 12. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 11, wherein said at least
one side wall is not deformed by the deformation unit when the inner side wall surface
is located in the first position.
- 13. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 4 - 12, wherein:
- said at least one side wall comprises a first wall part located at a first surface
part of the inner side wall surface and a second wall part located at a second surface
part of the inner side wall surface,
- the deformation unit is configured to move said first surface part and said second
surface part from the first position towards and/or into the second position, and
vice versa,
- said first direction of the second surface part is preferably opposite to said first
direction of the first surface part, and
- said second direction of the second surface part is preferably opposite to said second
direction of the first surface part.
- 14. Packaging system according to clause 13, wherein said second surface part and
said first surface part are facing each other.
- 15. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the deformation
unit comprises at least one movable deformation member configured to move said at
least part of said inner side wall surface along said adjustment path.
- 16. Packaging system according to clause 13 - 15, wherein the deformation unit comprises
a movable first deformation member configured to move said first surface part of said
inner side wall surface along said adjustment path.
- 17. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 13 - 16, wherein the deformation
unit comprises a movable second deformation member configured to move said second
surface part of said inner side wall surface along said adjustment path.
- 18. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said least
one side wall is configured to allow repetitive deformation.
- 19. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said at
least part of said at least one side wall comprises a flexible material, such as spring
steel or polypropylene.
- 20. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the powder
filling device is configured to discharge the powder from the dosing chambers in the
direction of the respective longitudinal chamber axis.
- 21. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each dosing
chamber comprises a chamber filling opening to allow the powder to enter said dosing
chamber and the inner side wall surface extends from said chamber filling opening.
- 22. Packaging system according to clause 21, wherein the dosing volume of the dosing
chamber is defined by the inner side wall surface and the chamber filling opening.
- 23. Packaging system according to clause 21 or 22, wherein the powder filling device
is configured to fill the dosing chamber up to the chamber filling opening.
- 24. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 21 - 23, wherein the longitudinal
chamber axis extends through the chamber filling opening.
- 25. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the powder
filling device comprises a filling control unit configured to control the deformation
units in order to adjust the dosing volume of the dosing chambers.
- 26. Packaging system according to clause 25, wherein the filling control unit is configured
to equally adjust the dosing volume of all the dosing chambers.
- 27. Packaging system according to clause 25 or 26, wherein the filling control unit
is configured to individually adjust the dosing volume of each of the dosing chambers.
- 28. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 25 - 27, wherein the filling
control unit is configured to move for each of the dosing chambers at least part of
the dosing chamber walls to adjust the dosing volume in order to control the supplied
dose of the powder.
- 29. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 25 - 28, wherein:
- the packaging system comprises a density measurement device configured to measure
a density of the powder upstream of the dosing chambers,
- the density measurement device is in communication with the filling control unit,
and
- the filling control unit is configured to control the deformation units to adjust
the dosing volume of the dosing chambers in order to supply the doses of the powder
with a predetermined powder dose mass.
- 30. Packaging system according to clause 29, wherein the density measurement device
is configured to provide a density measurement output signal based on the measured
density of the powder, and the filling control unit is configured to automatically
control the deformation units on basis of the density measurement output signal from
the density measurement device in order to supply the doses of the powder with a predetermined
powder dose mass.
- 31. Packaging system according to clause 29 or 30, wherein the density measurement
device comprises a powder sample unit configured to provide a sample dose of the supplied
powder upstream of the dosing chambers, and the density measurement device is configured
to measure a density of the sample dose of the powder.
- 32. Packaging system according to clause 31, wherein:
- the powder sample unit comprises a powder branch channel configured to provide powder
supplied upstream of the dosing chamber and a sample chamber having a predetermined
sample volume,
- the powder sample unit is configured fill the sample chamber with powder in order
to form a sample dose of the powder having the predetermined sample volume,
- the density measurement device comprises a weighing unit configured to determine a
sample mass of the sample dose of the powder in the sample chamber, and
- the density measurement device is configured to determine a density of the sample
dose of the powder on basis of the predetermined sample volume and the measured sample
mass.
- 33. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 29 - 32, wherein the density
measurement device is configured to perform measurements of several sample doses of
the powder and to calculate an average density of the powder supplied to the dosing
chambers.
- 34. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 25 - 33, wherein:
- the packaging system comprises a pouch measurement device configured to measure a
characteristic of the pouches,
- the pouch measurement device is in communication with the filling control unit, and
- the filling control unit is configured to control the deformation units to adjust
the dosing volume of the dosing chambers in order to supply the doses of the powder
required to achieve a predetermined value of the measured characteristic.
- 35. Packaging system according to clause 34, wherein the pouch measurement device
is configured to provide a pouch measurement output signal based on the measured characteristic
of the pouches, and the filling control unit is configured to automatically control
the deformation units on basis of the pouch measurement output signal from the pouch
measurement device in order to supply the doses of the powder required to achieve
a predetermined value of the measured characteristic.
- 36. Packaging system according to clause 34 or 35, wherein the characteristic measured
by the pouch measurement device is a mass of the pouches.
- 37. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 34 - 36, wherein the characteristic
measured by the pouch measurement device is a volume of the pouches.
- 38. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder,
such as a detergent powder, the packaging system comprising:
- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the
film, and
- a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould
trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved
along:
-- a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds,
-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the film in the mould
cavities to form the compartments in the film,
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in the compartments, and wherein:
--- the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the powder to the
powder filing device,
--- the powder filing device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes
the powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards
the powder dispensers,
--- the powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor
discharging opening which is positioned along a distribution path,
--- each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening,
--- the channel receiving openings are positioned along the distribution path and
directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive powder discharged
from the distributor discharging opening, and
--- the packaging system comprises a distribution drive configured to move the distributor
discharging opening and the channel receiving openings relative to each other with
a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor
to all the powder channels, and
---- wherein optionally the powder filling device comprises multiple dosing chambers,
each dosing chamber being configured to supply a dose of the powder via one of the
powder dispensers into one of the compartments of the film.
- 39. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder,
such as a detergent powder, the packaging system comprising a powder filling device
comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder in compartments provided
in the film, and wherein:
- the powder filing device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes the
powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards the
powder dispensers,
- 40. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder,
such as a detergent powder, the packaging system comprising:
- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the
film, and
- a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould
trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved
along:
-- a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds,
-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the film in the mould
cavities to form the compartments in the film,
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in the compartments, and wherein:
--- the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the powder to the
powder filing device,
--- the powder filing device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes
the powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards
the powder dispensers,
--- the powder distribution unit is configured to provide a distribution dose of the
powder to each of the powder channels,
--- the powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor
discharging opening which is positioned along a distribution path,
--- each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening,
--- the channel receiving openings are positioned along the distribution path and
directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive powder discharged
from the distributor discharging opening,
--- the packaging system comprises a distribution drive configured to move the distributor
discharging opening and the channel receiving openings relative to each other with
a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor
to all the powder channels,
- each of the powder channels comprises a distribution dose channel section located
at the channel receiving opening,
- the distribution dose channel sections have a dose channel section volume which corresponds
to the distribution dose of the powder, and
- the distribution dose channel sections are configured to receive the distribution
dose of powder from the powder distributor during one cycle or multiple cycles of
the cyclical movement of the powder distributor along the distribution path and to
subsequently supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder
channels, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device is configured to completely fill the
distribution dose channel sections with powder before said distribution dose channel
sections supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
- 41. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder,
such as a detergent powder, the packaging system comprising:
-- a powder filling device comprising multiple powder dispensers to dispense the powder
in compartments provided in the film, and wherein:
--- the powder filing device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes
the powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards
the powder dispensers,
--- the powder distribution unit is configured to provide a distribution dose of the
powder to each of the powder channels,
--- the powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor
discharging opening which is positioned along a distribution path,
--- each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening,
--- the channel receiving openings are positioned along the distribution path and
directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive powder discharged
from the distributor discharging opening,
--- the packaging system comprises a distribution drive configured to move the
distributor discharging opening and the channel receiving openings relative to each
other with a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply powder from the
powder distributor to all the powder channels,
- each of the powder channels comprises a distribution dose channel section located
at the channel receiving opening,
- the distribution dose channel sections have a dose channel section volume which corresponds
to the distribution dose of the powder, and
- the distribution dose channel sections are configured to receive the distribution
dose of powder from the powder distributor during one cycle or multiple cycles of
the cyclical movement of the powder distributor along the distribution path and to
subsequently supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder
channels, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device is configured to completely fill the
distribution dose channel sections with powder before said distribution dose channel
sections supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
- 42. Packaging system according to clause 40 and 41, wherein the powder dispensers
are configured to supply a dose of the powder into the compartments of the film, and
wherein preferably each dispenser is configured to supply the dose of the powder into
one of the compartments of the film.
- 43. Packaging system according to clause 40 - 42, wherein the powder filling device
comprises multiple dosing chambers, each dosing chamber being configured to supply
the dose of the powder via one of the powder dispensers into one of the compartments
of the film.
- 44. Packaging system according to any of the clauses 1 - 37, wherein:
--- the powder filling device comprises a powder distribution unit which distributes
the powder over multiple powder channels configured to transfer the powder towards
the powder dispensers,
--- the powder distribution unit comprises a powder distributor comprising a distributor
discharging opening which is positioned along a distribution path,
--- each powder channel comprises a channel receiving opening,
--- the channel receiving openings are positioned along the distribution path and
directed towards the distributor discharging opening to receive powder discharged
from the distributor discharging opening, and
-- the packaging system comprises a distribution drive configured to move the distributor
discharging opening and the channel receiving openings relative to each other with
a cyclical movement along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor
to all the powder channels.
- 45. Packaging system according to clauses 38 - 44, wherein each of the powder channels
is in fluid communication with only one of the dosing chambers.
- 46. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 38 - 45, wherein each of
the dosing chambers is in fluid communication with only one of the powder channels.
- 47. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 38 - 46, wherein the distributor
discharging opening passes all the channel receiving openings during said cyclical
movement of the distributor discharging opening and the channel receiving openings
relative to each other.
- 48. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 38 - 47, wherein the distribution
dose is smaller than the dose of the powder, wherein optionally the distribution dose
is smaller than the dose of the powder supplied by the powder dispensers, wherein
optionally the distribution dose is smaller than the dose of the powder supplied by
the dosing chambers.
- 49. Packaging system according to clause 48, wherein the distribution dose of the
powder is smaller than or equal to 50% of the dose of the powder supplied by the powder
dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers, wherein the distribution dose of
the powder is preferably smaller than or equal to 1/3rd of the dose of the powder supplied by the powder dispensers, optionally with the
dosing chambers, wherein the distribution dose of the powder is preferably smaller
than or equal to 25% of the dose of the powder supplied by the powder dispensers,
optionally with the dosing chambers, wherein the distribution dose of the powder is
preferably smaller than or equal to 20% of the dose of the powder supplied by the
powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
- 50. Packaging system according to clause 48 or 49, wherein the distribution dose of
the powder is larger than or equal to 5% of the dose of the powder supplied by the
powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers, wherein the distribution dose
of the powder is preferably larger than or equal to 10% of the dose of the powder
supplied by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers, and wherein
the distribution dose of the powder is preferably larger than or equal to 20% of the
dose of the powder supplied by the powder dispensers, optionally with the dosing chambers.
- 51. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 48 - 50, wherein the powder
distribution unit is configured to provide the distribution dose of the powder to
each of the powder channels during one cycle of the cyclical movement of the powder
distributor along the distribution path.
- 52. Packaging system according to any one of the claims 48 - 51, wherein:
- each of the powder channels comprises a distribution dose channel section located
at the channel receiving opening,
- the distribution dose channel sections have a dose channel section volume which corresponds
to the distribution dose of the powder, and
- the distribution dose channel sections are configured to receive the distribution
dose of powder from the powder distributor during one cycle or multiple cycles of
the cyclical movement of the powder distributor along the distribution path and to
subsequently supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder
channels, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device is configured to completely fill the
distribution dose channel sections with powder before said distribution dose channel
sections supply said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
- 53. Packaging system according to clause 52, wherein:
- the distribution dose channel sections are movable from a first dose channel position
in which the distribution dose channel sections are not in fluid communication with
a downstream part of the powder channels into a second dose channel position in which
the distribution dose channel sections are in fluid communication with the downstream
part of the powder channels, and vice versa, and
- the powder distribution unit is configured to provide the distribution dose of the
powder with the powder distributor to the distribution dose channel sections located
in the first dose channel position and to subsequently move the distribution dose
channel sections channel into the second dose channel position in order to supply
said distribution dose of powder further downstream the powder channels, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device comprises a first channel drive to
move the distribution dose channel sections from the first dose channel position into
the second dose channel position, and vice versa.
- 54. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 38 - 53, wherein:
- each of the powder channels comprises a first channel section and a second channel
section,
- the first channel sections are located between the channel receiving openings and
the second channel sections,
- the second channel sections are located between the first channel sections and the
dosing chambers, and
- the second channel sections are movable from a first channel position in which the
second channel sections receive powder from the first channel sections into a second
channel position in which the second channel sections discharge powder in the dosing
chambers, and vice versa, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device comprises a second channel drive to move
the second channel sections from the first channel position into the second channel
position, and vice versa,
- wherein optionally the first channel sections have a first channel section volume,
which first channel section volume is preferably larger than the dose of powder, and
- wherein optionally the second channel sections have a second channel section volume,
which second channel section volume is preferably larger than the dose of powder,
and
- wherein optionally the first channel section volume and the second channel section
volume are together larger than the dose of powder, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device is configured to completely fill the
first channel sections with powder before said first channel sections transfer said
powder towards the second channel sections, and
- wherein optionally the powder filling device is configured to completely fill the
second channel sections with powder before said second channel sections transfer said
powder towards the powder dispensers, preferably the dosing chambers.
- 55. Packaging system according to clause 54, wherein:
- the second channel sections located in the first channel position are in fluid communication
with the first channel sections and not in fluid communication with the dosing chambers,
and
- the second channel sections located in the second channel position in fluid communication
with the dosing chambers and not in fluid communication with the first channel sections.
- 56. Packaging system according to clause 54 or 55, wherein the first channel sections
and/or the dosing chambers are static.
- 57. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 56, wherein:
- the distribution dose channel sections are located between the channel receiving openings
and the first channel sections, and
- the distribution dose channel sections located in the second dose channel position
supply said distribution dose of powder to the first channel sections.
- 58. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 57, wherein:
- the first channel sections and the second channel sections are located at a first
distance from each other to form a first powder space between the first channel sections
and the second channel sections, and
- the powder filling device is configured to in use fill the first powder space with
the powder.
- 59. Packaging system according to the preceding clause, wherein the second channel
sections are provided with upwardly extending first containment walls to hold the
powder in the first powder space.
- 60. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 59, wherein:
- the second channel sections and the dosing chambers are located at a second distance
from each other to form a second powder space between the second channel sections
and the dosing chambers, and
- the powder filling device is configured to in use fill the second powder space with
the powder.
- 61. Packaging system according to the preceding clause, wherein the dosing chambers
are provided with upwardly extending second containment walls to hold the powder in
the second powder space.
- 62. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 61, wherein:
- the distribution dose channel sections and the first channel sections are located
at a third distance from each other to form a third powder space between the distribution
dose channel sections and the first channel sections, and
- the powder filling device is configured to in use fill the third powder space with
the powder.
- 63. Packaging system according to the preceding clause, wherein the first channel
sections are provided with upwardly extending third containment walls to hold the
powder in the third powder space.
- 64. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 63, wherein:
- the distribution path is a circular path, and
- the channel receiving openings, the first channel sections, the second channel sections,
and the dosing chamber are positioned in a circular configuration.
- 65. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 64, wherein the distribution
path, the channel receiving openings, the first channel sections, the second channel
sections, and the dosing chambers surround a longitudinal device axis of the powder
filling device.
- 66. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 54 - 65, wherein the channel
receiving openings, the first channel sections, the second channel sections, and the
dosing chamber are coaxially positioned relative to a longitudinal device axis of
the powder filling device.
- 67. Packaging system according to any of the clauses 38 - 66, wherein the distribution
drive is configured to move the distributor discharging opening relative to all the
channel receiving openings at a same speed.
- 68. Packaging system according to any of the clauses 38 - 67, wherein the distribution
drive is configured to move the distributor discharging opening along all the channel
receiving openings at a same speed.
- 69. Packaging system according to any of the clauses 38 - 68, wherein the distribution
drive is configured to move the distributor discharging opening with a cyclical circular
movement.
- 70. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packaging
system comprises a further film supplying device configured to position a water-soluble
further film on the film and over the powder in the compartments in order to form
a web of pouches holding the powder between the film and the further film.
- 71. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packing
system comprises multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment
in the film.
- 72. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packing
system comprises a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction
along a mould trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein optionally
the moulds are moved along a film supplying device configured to position the film
on the moulds and/or a compartment forming device configured to position parts of
the film in the mould cavities to form the compartments in the film and/or the powder
filling device.
- 73. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packing
system comprises a film supplying device configured to position the film on the moulds.
- 74. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packing
system comprises a compartment forming device configured to position parts of the
film in the mould cavities to form the compartments in the film.
- 75. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packing
system comprises the packaging system comprises a powder supply for supplying the
powder to the powder filing device.
- 76. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination
with clause 53 or 54, wherein the packaging system comprises a distribution control
unit configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive and/or
the second channel drive.
- 77. Packaging system according to clause 76, wherein the distribution control unit
is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive and/or the
second channel drive to ensure a timely dispensing of the powder in the compartments,
more specifically to ensure a timely dispensing the doses of powder in the compartments.
- 78. Packaging system according to clause 76 or 77, wherein the distribution control
unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive and/or
the second channel drive to ensure the first channel section and the second channel
section of each of the powder channels together hold more powder than the dose of
powder before transferring the powder towards one of the dosing chambers.
- 79. Packaging system according to clause 76 or 77, wherein the distribution control
unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive and/or
the second channel drive to ensure the first channel section and the second channel
section of each of the powder channels each hold more powder than the dose of powder
before to transferring the powder towards one of the dosing chambers.
- 80. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 76 - 79, wherein the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive to completely fill the distribution dose channel sections
with powder before said distribution dose channel sections supply said distribution
dose of powder further downstream the powder channels.
- 81. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 76 - 80, wherein the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive to completely fill the first channel sections with
powder before said first channel sections transfer said powder towards the second
channel sections.
- 82. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 76 - 81, wherein the distribution
control unit is configured to control the distribution drive, the first channel drive
and/or the second channel drive to completely fill the second channel sections with
powder before said second channel sections transfer said powder towards the powder
dispensers, preferably the dosing chambers.
- 83. Method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder, such
as a detergent powder, with the packaging system according to any one of the preceding
clauses, said method comprising deforming said at least one side wall and moving at
least part of said inner side wall surface along the adjustment path extending transverse,
preferable perpendicular, to the longitudinal chamber axis in order to adjust said
dosing volume.
- 84. Method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder, such
as a detergent powder, with the packaging system according any one of the clauses
1 - 82 and in combination with any one of the clauses 38, 39 or 44, said method comprising
moving the distributor discharging opening of the powder distributor and the channel
receiving openings of the powder channels relative to each other with a cyclical movement
along the distribution path to supply powder from the powder distributor to all the
powder channels.
- 85. Method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble film and a powder, such
as a detergent powder, with the packaging system according any one of the clauses
1 - 82 and in combination with any one of the clauses 40, 41 or 52, said method
comprising receiving the distribution dose of powder from the powder distributor during
one cycle or multiple cycles of the cyclical movement of the powder distributor along
the distribution path and to subsequently supplying said distribution dose of powder
further downstream the powder channels.
[0223] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be
made to the packaging system and the method disclosed in the figures without departing
from the scope as defined in the claims.