PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING POUCHES COMPRISING A WATER-SOLUBLE BASE FILM, A WATER-SOLUBLE COVER FILM, AND A FLUID OR POWDER

Abstract

 A packaging system (1) for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film (3), a water-soluble cover film (4), and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder, wherein the packaging system (1) comprises multiple moulds (7), each mould having a mould cavity (8) for forming a compartment (9) in said base film (3), and a mould conveyor (10) configured to move the moulds (7) in a conveying direction along a mould trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory, and wherein the moulds are moved along a base film device (13), a compartment forming device (14), a filling device (15), and a cover film device (16), the cover film device comprising a moistening unit (18) and the packaging system comprising a re-moistening unit (27).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder. More specifically, the packaging system may be used for producing pouches containing a detergent fluid or a detergent powder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The known packaging system has the disadvantage that insufficiently sealed pouched are produced after the production process has temporarily been stopped. As a result, fluid or powder may leak from the pouches resulting in down time of the packaging system in order to allow cleaning operations.

[0003] The invention is based on the insight that there is a need in the field of the art for a packaging system which produces sufficiently sealed pouches after the production process has temporarily been stopped in order to avoid or at least reduce the risk of leakage of fluid or powder.

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 base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder. Said packaging system comprises:

• multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in said base 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 base film device configured to supply said base film and to position said base film on the moulds,

  -- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of said base film in the mould cavities to form the compartments in said base film,

  -- a filling device comprising multiple dispensers to dispense the fluid or powder in the compartments,

  -- a cover film device configured to supply a water-soluble cover film and to position said cover film on said base film and over the fluid or powder in the compartments in order to form a web of pouches holding the fluid or powder between said base film and said cover film, and wherein:

  --- the cover film device comprises a moistening unit configured to moisten said supplied cover film along a moistening line and a pressing member, such as a pressing roller, configured to press said cover film moistened by the moistening unit on said base film in order to seal said cover film and said base film while forming a sealing line between said cover film and said base film,

  --- the packaging system is configured to change from an operation mode into a stop mode, and vice versa,

  --- the moistening unit is configured to moisten said cover film along the moistening line in the operation mode and to stop the moistening of said cover film along the moistening line when changing into the stop mode,

  --- the packaging system comprises a re-moistening unit configured to re-moisten a re-moistening section of said cover film located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line,

  --- the re-moistening unit comprises a unit housing and a re-moistening member attached to the unit housing,

  --- the re-moistening member comprises a flexible free end section extending away from the unit housing,

  --- the unit housing is connected to a sealing fluid supply to supply a sealing fluid into the unit housing,

  --- the re-moistening member comprises a porous material having a capillary effect and configured to transfer the sealing fluid supplied into the unit housing to the free end section, and

  --- the packaging system is configured to move the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0006] If the production process is temporarily stopped, the moistened but not yet sealed part of the cover film dries out. Said part of the cover film is located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line. When the production process is continued after temporarily having been stopped, an insufficient adequate seal may be obtained between said part of the cover film and the base film. Said part of the cover film is referred to as the re-moistening section of the cover film and extends from the moistening line until the sealing line.

[0007] The re-moistening unit is configured to re-moisten said re-moistening section of the cover film. By placing the free end section in contact with the sealing line, a good sealing between the cover film and the base film at the sealing line can be obtained. It has been found that this area has a relatively high risk of being inadequately sealed after the production process has been temporarily stopped.

[0008] In addition, the re-moistening unit allows that a good sealing along the complete re-moistening section of the cover film and the base film can be obtained.

[0009] In addition, the re-moistening is achieved with the re-moistening unit having a relatively simple construction. Furthermore, the re-moistening is achieved without the negative effects of sealing fluid being sprayed around close to the moulds.

[0010] The free end section may be only in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten the re-moistening section of said cover film or may be in contact with said cover film, the sealing line, and said base film to re-moisten the re-moistening section of said cover film.

[0011] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the free end section has, when contacting the sealing line, a cover section being in contact with said cover film and a base section being in contact with said base film, and the cover section is larger than the base section.

[0012] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film device is configured to supply said cover film along a cover film trajectory and the re-moistening section of said cover film is along said cover film trajectory located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line. Hence, the re-moistening section of the cover film and extends along said cover film trajectory from the moistening line until the sealing line.

[0013] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the moistening line extends transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the cover film trajectory.

[0014] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing line extends transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the conveying direction.

[0015] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film has a cover film width extending perpendicular to the cover film trajectory, and the moistening line extends along the complete cover film width.

[0016] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the porous material is configured to transfer the supplied sealing fluid homogenously to the free end section.

[0017] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to move the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0018] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to push the free end section against said cover film at the sealing line to elastically deform the free end section. This is amongst others beneficial to create a homogenous pushing effect of the free end section and the cover film against each other and to compensate for unevenness in the cover film.

[0019] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section parallel to said base film being positioned on the moulds when making contact with said cover film.

[0020] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section parallel to said base film being positioned on the moulds when making contact with the sealing line.

[0021] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to first place the free end section in contact with said cover film at a first distance from the sealing line and to subsequently move the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and towards the sealing line.

[0022] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film device is configured to hold the re-moistening section of said cover film in a tightened manner in the operation mode and optionally to hold the re-moistening section of said cover film in a loose manner in the stop mode.

[0023] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to apply a force on said cover film with the free end section when moving the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and towards the sealing line.

[0024] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to place the free end section in contact with said cover film at the first distance from the sealing line and along said cover film by moving the free end section parallel to the base film being positioned on the moulds, optionally at a second distance between, and including, 1 mm and 10 mm from said base film being positioned on the moulds or at a second distance between, and including 2 mm and 5 mm, from said base film being positioned on the moulds.

[0025] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line after said positioning of the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with the sealing line.

[0026] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film device is configured to position the pressing member in a pressing position in which the pressing member is positioned on the cover film and at said sealing line and to position the pressing member in a non-pressing position being spaced from said sealing line.

[0027] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film device is configured to position the pressing member above the cover film and the sealing line in the non-pressing position in the stop mode and to subsequently move the pressing member downwards in the pressing position after said positioning of the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with the sealing line.

[0028] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film device is configured to move the pressing member downwards in the pressing position in order to tighten the re-moistening section of said cover film. Said tightening of the cover film by the pressing member facilitates the movement of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line.

[0029] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the cover film device is configured to move the pressing member downwards towards the pressing position during said moving of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line.

[0030] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section at a free end distance from said cover film during said movement of the pressing member downwards towards the pressing position.

[0031] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to after said moving of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line, and optionally after moving the free end section at a free end distance from the cover film, the free end section is positioned in contact with said cover film in a static free end position with respect to the pressing member and the cover film device is configured to move a remaining part of the re-moistening section of the cover film located upstream of the free end section along the free end section.

[0032] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit is configured to hold the free end section of the re-moistening member at an operation distance from said cover film in the operation mode.

[0033] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit comprises a unit drive configured to move the re-moistening unit relative to the cover film and the base film.

[0034] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the unit drive is configured to position the re-moistening unit in a waiting position during the operation mode.

[0035] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit comprises a fluid collector positioned below the waiting position and configured to collect sealing fluid spilled by the re-moistening member.

[0036] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the unit drive is configured to hold the re-moistening member and the unit housing at least slightly tilted in the waiting position so that gravity provides a pulling effect on sealing fluid in the free end section at least partly towards the unit housing. The tilted position of the re-moistening member reduces dripping of the sealing fluid out of the re-moistening member, more specifically from the free end section. In addition, it allows venting of the re-moistening member and the unit housing. The re-moistening member and the unit housing are vented by supplying sealing fluid to the unit housing of the tilted re-moistening member.

[0037] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the moistening unit and the re-moistening unit are integrated and the re-moistening unit is in the operation mode placed in contact with said cover film to moisten said cover film along the moistening line. Hence, the re-moistening unit is in the operation mode used as the moistening unit.

[0038] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging system is configured to move the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0039] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the packaging system is configured to force said cover film at the sealing line against the free end section to elastically deform the free end section. This is amongst others beneficial to create a homogenous pushing effect of the free end and the cover film against each other and to compensate for unevenness in the cover film.

[0040] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the mould conveyor, the base film device, and the cover film device are configured to move the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0041] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention,

- said base film has a base film width extending perpendicular to the conveying direction,

- said cover film has a cover film width extending perpendicular to the conveying direction,

- the free end section has a free end width extending perpendicular to the conveying direction, and

- the free end width is between, and including, 90 % and 100 % of the base film width and/or is between, and including, 90 % and 100 % of the cover film width.

[0042] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the free end section has a free end width, the free end section has a free end height extending perpendicular to the free end width, and the free end height is between, and including, 1 mm and 60 mm, preferably between, and including, 2 mm and 15 mm.

[0043] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the free end section has a bevelled front surface extending under angle of between, and including, 30 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the conveying direction.

[0044] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening member comprises felt material, wherein the re-moistening member is preferably made from a felt material. The free end section may consist of the felt material.

[0045] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the felt material comprises natural fibres, such as wool or animal fur, and/or synthetic fibres, such as petroleum-based acrylic or acrylonitrile or wood pulp-based rayon.

[0046] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the unit housing encloses a housing part of the re-moistening member and the free end section is not enclosed by the unit housing.

[0047] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the housing part of the re-moistening member has a housing width perpendicular to the conveying direction and the unit housing is configured to supply the sealing fluid to the housing part along the complete housing width. The fee end width and the housing width may be equal to each other.

[0048] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing fluid supply is configured to supply in a controlled manner sealing fluid to the re-moistening member in the operation mode and in the stop mode. Hence, the sealing fluid supply can increase the supply of the sealing fluid, reduce the supply of the sealing fluid, stop the supply of the sealing fluid, and start the supply of the sealing fluid.

[0049] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing fluid supply comprises a sealing fluid control unit configured to control the supply of the sealing fluid to the unit housing of the re-moistening unit.

[0050] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing fluid supply comprises a pump unit configured to supply the sealing fluid to the unit housing of the re-moistening unit, and wherein the pump unit is preferably also configured to remove the sealing fluid from the unit housing.

[0051] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing fluid control unit may be configured to control the removal of the sealing fluid from the unit housing.

[0052] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the sealing fluid supply is configured to supply sealing fluid in a cyclical manner to the re-moistening unit located in the waiting position in order to moisten the re-moistening member.

[0053] In an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the re-moistening unit comprises an oscillating drive configured to oscillate the free end section in a direction transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the conveying direction when being in contact with the cover film, preferably when being in contact with the cover film and the sealing line.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder, wherein the packaging system comprises:

- a base film device configured to supply said base film, and

- a cover film device configured to supply a water-soluble cover film and to position said cover film on said base, and wherein:

-- the cover film device comprises a moistening unit configured to moisten said supplied cover film along a moistening line and a pressing member, such as a pressing roller, configured to press said cover film moistened by the moistening unit on said base film in order to seal said cover film and said base film while forming a sealing line between said cover film and said base film,

-- the packaging system is configured to change from an operation mode into a stop mode, and vice versa,

-- the moistening unit is configured to moisten said cover film along the moistening line in the operation mode and to stop the moistening of said cover film along the moistening line when changing into the stop mode, and

-- the packaging system comprises a re-moistening unit configured to re-moisten a re-moistening section of said cover film located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line.

[0056] In an embodiment of the packaging system according said second aspect of the invention, the re-moistening unit comprises a re-moistening member comprising a flexible end section.

[0057] In an embodiment of the packaging system according said second aspect of the invention, the re-moistening unit comprises a unit housing and a re-moistening member attached to the unit housing, and the re-moistening member comprises a flexible free end section extending away from the unit housing.

[0058] In an embodiment of the packaging system according said second aspect of the invention, the unit housing is connected to a sealing fluid supply to supply a sealing fluid into the unit housing, and the re-moistening member comprises a porous material having a capillary effect and configured to transfer the sealing fluid supplied into the unit housing to the free end section.

[0059] In an embodiment of the packaging system according said second aspect of the invention, the packaging system is configured to move the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0060] The invention further relates to a method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder, with a packaging system according to the invention, wherein said method comprises the step of re-moistening a re-moistening section of said cover film located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line with said re-moistening unit.

[0061] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, said method comprises moving the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0062] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, said method comprises moving the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0063] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, said method comprises moving the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

[0064] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, said method comprises holding the free end section of the re-moistening member at an operation distance from said cover film in the operation mode.

[0065] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, said method comprises placing the re-moistening unit in the operation mode in contact with said cover film to moisten said cover film along the moistening line.

[0066] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method operates according to the features of any of the above defined embodiments of the packaging system.

[0067] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the features of any combination of any number of the above defined embodiments of the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] 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,

the Figures 3A-K schematically show enlarged views of the part III of figure 1 depicting a first embodiment of the packaging system and method according to the invention,

the Figures 3L-M schematically show enlarged views of the part III of figure 1 depicting a second embodiment of the packaging system and method according to the invention,

Figure 3N schematically shows an enlarged view of the part III of figure 1 depicting a third embodiment of the packaging system and method according to the invention,

Figure 4 schematically shows an enlarged view of the re-moistening unit located in a waiting position during the operation mode as depicted in figure 3A,

Figure 5A schematically shows an enlarged side view of the re-moistening unit of figure 3A,

Figure 5B schematically shows a top view in direction VB of the re-moistening unit of figure 3A,

Figure 5C schematically shows an enlarged view of part VC, and

Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of part of the packaging system of figure 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] Figure 1 shows an overview of a first example of the packaging system 1 and method according to the invention. The packaging system 1 is configured to produce pouches 2 comprising a water-soluble cover film 4, a water-soluble base film 3, and a fluid 5 or powder 6.

[0070] The packaging system 1 comprises multiple moulds 7. Each mould 7 has a mould cavity 8 for forming a compartment 9 in the base film 3.

[0071] A mould conveyor 10 moves the moulds 7 in a conveying direction 11 along a mould trajectory 12, more specifically an endless mould trajectory 12. The mould conveyor 10 is configured as a mould conveyor belt.

[0072] The moulds 7 are moved along a base film device 13 configured to supply said base film 3 and to position said base film 3 on the moulds 7, a compartment forming device 14 configured to position parts of said base film 3 in the mould cavities 8 to form the compartments in said base film 3, a filling device 15 comprising multiple dispensers 50 to dispense the fluid 5 or powder 6 in the compartments, a cover film device 16 configured to supply the water-soluble cover film 4 and to position said cover film 4 on said base film 3 and over the fluid 5 or powder 6 in the compartment9 in order to form a web 17 of pouches 2 holding the fluid 5 or powder 6 between said base film 3 and said cover film 4. The web 17 of pouches 2 can be cut to form individualised pouches 2.

[0073] The cover film device 16 comprises a moistening unit 18 configured to moisten said supplied cover film 4 and a pressing member 20, more specifically a pressing roller 21, configured to press said cover film 4 moistened by the moistening unit 18 on said base film 3 in order to seal said cover film 4 and said base film 3. The packaging system 1 is configured to change from an operation mode 23 (see the figures 3A and 3N) into a stop mode 24 (see the figures 3B-M ), and vice versa.

[0074] 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 10 is configured as a mould rotary drum.

[0075] The figures 3A-K show enlarged views of the part III of figure 1 depicting a first embodiment of the packaging system 1 and method according to the invention. It will be clear to the skilled person that this can be applied in a similar manner, mutatis mutandis, to the packaging system 1 and method of figure 2.

[0076] The moistening unit 18 moistens the supplied cover film 4 along a moistening line 19. In practice, the moistening unit 18 will in general not only moisten the supplied cover film 4 along the moistening line 19. The moistening unit 18 will in general moisten the cover film 4 over a larger area. In the shown example, the moistening unit 18 sprays the sealing fluid along the moistening line 19 on the cover film 4. A larger area than only the moistening line 19 is moistened by the spraying of the sealing fluid. This situation may also occur when other types of moistening unit 18s are used, such as a wetting roller.

[0077] The pressing member 20, more specifically the pressing roller 21, seals said cover film 4 and said base film 3 while forming a sealing line 22 between said cover film 4 and said base film 3. The sealing line 22 extends perpendicular to the conveying direction 11. The moistening unit 18 is configured to moisten said cover film 4 along the moistening line 19 in the operation mode 23 and to stop the moistening of said cover film 4 along the moistening line 19 when changing into the stop mode 24.

[0078] The packaging system 1 comprises a re-moistening unit 27 configured to re-moisten a re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 located downstream of the moistening line 19 and upstream of the sealing line 22.

[0079] The re-moistening unit 27 comprises a unit housing 28 and a re-moistening member 29 attached to the unit housing 28. The re-moistening member 29 comprises a flexible free end section 30 extending away from the unit housing 28. The unit housing 28 is connected to a sealing fluid supply 31 to supply a sealing fluid into the unit housing 28.

[0080] The re-moistening member 29 comprises a porous material 32 having a capillary effect and configured to transfer the sealing fluid supplied into the unit housing 28 to the free end section 30. The packaging system 1 is configured to move the re-moistening member 29 and the sealing line 22 relative to each other in order to position the free end section 30 of the re-moistening member 29 in contact with said cover film 4 and the sealing line 22 to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 in the stop mode 24 (see figure 3F).

[0081] If the production process is temporarily stopped, the moistened but not yet sealed part of the cover film 4 dries out. Said part of the cover film 4 is located downstream of the moistening line 19 and upstream of the sealing line 22. When the production process is continued after temporarily having been stopped, an insufficient adequate seal may be obtained between said part of the cover film 4 and the base film 3.

[0082] Said part of the cover film 4 is referred to as the re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4. As will be explained in relating to the figures 3A-K, the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to re-moisten said the re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4. By placing the free end section 30 in contact with the sealing line 22, a good sealing between the cover film 4 and the base film 3 at the sealing line 22 can be obtained. It has been found that this area has a relatively high risk of being inadequately sealed after the production process has been temporarily stopped.

[0083] In addition, the re-moistening unit 27 allows that a good sealing along the complete re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4 and the base film 3 can be obtained.

[0084] Furthermore, the re-moistening is achieved with the re-moistening unit 27 having a relatively simple construction. Furthermore, the re-moistening is achieved without the negative effects of sealing fluid being sprayed around close to the moulds 7.

[0085] The porous material 32 is configured to transfer the supplied sealing fluid homogenously to the free end section 30. The free end section 30 may be only in contact with said cover film 4 and the sealing line 22 to re-moisten the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 or may be in contact with said cover film 4, the sealing line 22, and said base film 3 to re-moisten the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4.

[0086] The cover film device 16 is configured to supply said cover film 4 along a cover film trajectory 36 and the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 is along said cover film trajectory 36 located downstream of the moistening line 19 and upstream of the sealing line 22. Hence, the re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4 and extends along said cover film trajectory 36 from the moistening line 19 until the sealing line 22. The moistening line 19 extends transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the cover film trajectory 36. The cover film 4 has a cover film width W₂ extending perpendicular to the cover film trajectory 36, and the moistening line 19 extends along the complete cover film width W₂.

[0087] In the embodiment depicted in the figures the figures 3A-K, the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to move the re-moistening member 29 in order to position the free end section 30 of the re-moistening member 29 in contact with said cover film 4 and the sealing line 22 to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 in the stop mode 24.

[0088] The cover film device 16 is configured to position the pressing member 20 in a pressing position 25 in which the pressing member 20 is positioned on the cover film 4 and at said sealing line 22 (see figures 3A, J, K) and to position the pressing member 20 in a non-pressing position 26 being spaced from said sealing line 22 (see figures 3B-I). The movements of the pressing member 20 between the pressing position 25 and the non-pressing position 26 is in figure 3B shown by arrow 104. Said movement is created by member drive 58 being controlled by a member control unit 81. The rotation movement of the pressing member 20 is shown by arrow 105.

[0089] The packaging system is controlled by a control system 80 which communicates with the member control unit 81 via a communication line 71. Said control system 80 communicates via another communication line 70 with a re-moisten control unit 82 and a sealing fluid control unit 83 (see also figure 4).

[0090] As shown in figure 3A, the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to hold the free end section 30 of the re-moistening member 29 at an operation distance 33 from said cover film 4 in the operation mode 23.

[0091] The re-moistening unit 27 comprises a unit drive 54 configured to move the re-moistening unit 27 relative to the cover film 4 and the base film 3. These movements will be explained more in detail with respect to the figures 3B-K. The movements of the re-moistening unit 27 allowed by the unit drive 54 are in figure 3B indicted by the arrows 101, 102, 103.

[0092] The unit drive 54 is configured to position the re-moistening unit 27 in a waiting position 55 during the operation mode 23 (see figures 3A and 4). The re-moistening unit 27 comprises a fluid collector 56 positioned below the waiting position 55 and configured to collect sealing fluid spilled by the re-moistening member 29.

[0093] The unit drive 54 is configured to hold the re-moistening member 29 and the unit housing 28 at least slightly tilted in the waiting position 55 so that gravity provides a pulling effect on sealing fluid in the free end section 30 at least partly towards the unit housing 28. The tilted position of the re-moistening member 29 reduces dripping of the sealing fluid out of the re-moistening member 29, more specifically from the free end section 30. In addition, it allows venting of the re-moistening member 29 and the unit housing 28. The re-moistening member 29 and the unit housing 28 are vented by supplying sealing fluid to the unit housing 28 of the tilted re-moistening member 29.

[0094] Figure 3B differs from figure 3A in that the packaging system 1 has changed into the stop mode 24. The moistening unit 18 has stopped the moistening of the cover film 4 along the moistening line 19. The pressing member 20 has been moved from the pressing position 25 into the non-pressing position 26.

[0095] In figure 3C, the unit drive 54 has pivoted the re-moistening unit 27 downwards with respect to the tilted position as indicated by arrow 106.

[0096] As shown in figure 3D, the unit drive 54 subsequently moves the re-moistening unit 27 along a straight path toward the cover film 4 and the base film 3 as in indicated by arrow 107. After that, the re-moistening unit 27 is moved horizontally towards the cover film 4 as indicated by arrow 108 of figure 3E in order to make contact with the cover film 4. In figure 3F, the re-moistening unit 27 is pivoted downwards as shown by arrow 109 in order to place the free end section 30 in contact with the sealing line 22.

[0097] Hence, the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to move the free end section 30 parallel to said base film 3 being positioned on the moulds when making contact with said cover film 4 (see figures 3D and 3E).

[0098] The re-moistening unit 27 is configured to first place the free end section 30 in contact with said cover film 4 at a first distance 37 from the sealing line 22 and to subsequently move the free end section 30 being in contact with said cover film 4 along said cover film 4 and towards the sealing line 22 (see figures 3E and 3F).

[0099] The cover film device 16 is configured to hold the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 in a tightened manner in the operation mode 23 (see figure 3A) optionally to hold the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 in a loose manner in the stop mode 24 (see figures 3B-I). The re-moistening unit 27 is configured to apply a force F on said cover film 4 with the free end section 30 when moving the free end section 30 being in contact with said cover film 4 along said cover film 4 and towards the sealing line 22 (see figure 3E).

[0100] The re-moistening unit 27 is configured to place the free end section 30 in contact with said cover film 4 at the first distance 37 from the sealing line 22 and along said cover film 4 by moving the free end section 30 parallel to the base film 3 being positioned on the moulds, at a second distance 38 between, and including, 1 mm and 10 mm from said base film 3 being positioned on the moulds or at a second distance 38 between, and including 2 mm and 5 mm, from said base film 3 being positioned on the moulds 7 (see figures 3D and 3E).

[0101] In other embodiments of the example (not shown), the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to move the free end section 30 parallel to said base film 3 being positioned on the moulds when making contact with the sealing line 22.

[0102] As shown in the enlarged view III-F-I of figure 3F, the free end section 30 is only in contact with said cover film 4 and the sealing line 22. Hence, the free end section 30 is not in contact with the base film 3 when making contact with the sealing line 22.

[0103] In the alternative embodiment shown in the enlarged view III-F-II of figure 3F, the free end section 30 is in contact with said cover film 4, the sealing line 22, and said base film 3 when making contact with the sealing line 22. The free end section 30 has a cover section 34 being in contact with said cover film 4 and a base section 35 being in contact with said base film 3. The cover section 34 is larger than the base section 35.

[0104] The re-moistening unit 27 is configured to push the free end section 30 against said cover film 4 at the sealing line 22 to elastically deform the free end section 30. This is amongst others beneficial to create a homogenous pushing effect of the free end section 30 against the cover film 4 and to compensate for unevenness in the cover film 4.

[0105] In figure 3G, the re-moistening unit 27 is pivoted upwards as shown by arrow 110 and moved backwards as shown by arrow 111 to move along the cover film 4 and away from the sealing line 22. In figure 3H, the re-moistening unit 27 is further pivoted upwards as shown by arrow 112 and moved backwards as shown by arrow 113 to move further along the cover film 4 and away from the sealing line 22.

[0106] Hence, the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to move the free end section 30 being in contact with said cover film 4 along said cover film 4 and away from the sealing line 22 after said positioning of the free end section 30 of the re-moistening member 29 in contact with the sealing line 22.

[0107] In figure 3I, the re-moistening unit 27 is further moved backwards as shown by arrow 114 to position the free end section 30 at a distance from the cover film 4. In figure 3J, the pressing member 20 is moved to the pressing position 25 as indicated by arrow 115 and the re-moistening unit 27 is pivoted downwards as shown by arrow 116 to stay at a distance from the cover film 4.

[0108] Hence, the cover film device 16 is configured to position the pressing member 20 above the cover film 4 and the sealing line 22 in the non-pressing position 26 in the stop mode 24 and to subsequently move the pressing member 20 downwards in the pressing position 25 after said positioning of the free end section 30 of the re-moistening member 29 in contact with the sealing line 22 (see figure 3I and 3J).

[0109] The cover film device 16 is configured to move the pressing member 20 downwards in the pressing position 25 in order to tighten the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4. Said tightening of the cover film 4 by the pressing member 20 facilitates the movement of the free end section 30 being in contact with said cover film 4 along said cover film 4 and away from the sealing line 22 (see figure 3I and 3J).

[0110] The re-moistening unit 27 is configured to move the free end section 30 at a free end distance 42 from said cover film 4 during said movement of the pressing member 20 downwards towards the pressing position 25 (see figure 3I and 3J).

[0111] In an alternative embodiment of the packaging system 1 (not shown), the cover film device 16 is configured to move the pressing member 20 downwards towards the pressing position 25 during said moving of the free end section 30 being in contact with said cover film 4 along said cover film 4 and away from the sealing line 22.

[0112] In figure 3K, the re-moistening unit 27 is pivoted upwards as indicted by arrow 117 in order to be placed in contact with the cover film 4 and the pressing member 20 is rotated as shown by arrow 118 in order to move the remaining part 57 of the re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4 along the free end section 30. Said remaining part 57 of the re-moistening section 44 extends from the free end section 30 until the moistening line 19. The moistening unit 18 should be activated during the re-moistening of said remaining part 57 of the re-moistening section 44. After the complete remaining part 57 of the re-moistening section 44 has been re-moistened, the re-moistening unit 27 will be moved to the waiting position 55 and the packaging system 1 will again be operating in the operation mode 23 as shown in figure 3A.

[0113] Hence, the re-moistening unit 27 is configured to after said moving of the free end section 30 being in contact with said cover film 4 along said cover film 4 and away from the sealing line 22, and optionally after moving the free end section 30 at a free end distance 42 from the cover film 4, the free end section 30 is positioned in contact with said cover film 4 in a static free end position 43 with respect to the pressing member 20 and the cover film device 16 is configured to move a remaining part 57 of the re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4 located upstream of the free end section 30 along the free end section 30 (see figure 3K).

[0114] The figures 3L-M show enlarged views of the part III of figure 1 depicting a second embodiment of the packaging system 1 and method according to the invention. It will be clear to the skilled person that this can be applied in a similar manner, mutatis mutandis, to the packaging system 1 and method of figure 2.

[0115] The operation of the second embodiment of the packaging system 1 and method according to the invention follows the steps in line with the figures 3A-D, 3L, 3M in order to place the free end section 30 in contact with the sealing line 22. After that, the re-moistening in moved upwards and the re-moistening section 44 of the cover film 4s in re-moistened in a manner similar to the figures 3G-K.

[0116] Hence, the packaging system 1 (e.g. the mould conveyor 10, the base film device 13, and the cover film device 16) is configured to move the sealing line 22 towards the re-moistening member 29 in order to position the free end section 30 of the re-moistening member 29 in contact with said cover film 4 and the sealing line 22 to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section 44 of said cover film 4 in the stop mode 24 (see figures 3L-M).

[0117] The packaging system 1 is configured to force said cover film 4 at the sealing line 22 against the free end section 30 to elastically deform the free end section 30. This is amongst others beneficial to create a homogenous pushing effect of the free end section 30 against the cover film 4 and to compensate for unevenness in the cover film 4.

[0118] Figure 3N shows an enlarged view of the part III of figure 1 depicting a third embodiment of the packaging system 1 and method according to the invention. It will be clear to the skilled person that this can be applied in a similar manner, mutatis mutandis, to the packaging system 1 and method of figure 2.

[0119] The moistening unit 18 and the re-moistening unit 27 are integrated and the re-moistening unit 27 is in the operation mode 23 placed in contact with said cover film 4 to moisten said cover film 4 along the moistening line 19. Hence, the re-moistening unit 27 is used as the moistening unit 18. The packaging system 1 does not have a separate moistening unit 18.

[0120] When the packaging system 1 is changed into the stop mode 24, the re-moistening unit 27 will be moved in to a position near the cover film 4 as shown in figure 3D. After that, the steps of 3E-M can be applied.

[0121] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the re-moistening unit 27 located in a waiting position 55 during the operation mode 23 as depicted in figure 3A.

[0122] The sealing fluid supply 31 is configured to supply in a controlled manner sealing fluid to the re-moistening member 29 in the operation mode 23 and in the stop mode 24. Hence, the sealing fluid supply 31 can increase the supply of the sealing fluid, reduce the supply of the sealing fluid, stop the supply of the sealing fluid, and start the supply of the sealing fluid.

[0123] The sealing fluid supply 31 comprises a sealing fluid control unit 83 configured to control the supply of the sealing fluid to the unit housing 28 of the re-moistening unit 27. The sealing fluid supply 31 comprises a pump unit 59 configured to supply the sealing fluid to the unit housing 28 of the re-moistening unit 27. The pump unit 59 is also configured to remove the sealing fluid from the unit housing 28. The sealing fluid control unit 83 is also configured to control the removal of the sealing fluid from the unit housing 28. The sealing fluid supply 31 is configured to supply sealing fluid in a cyclical manner to the re-moistening unit 27 located in the waiting position 55 in order to moisten the re-moistening member 29. The sealing fluid control unit 83 communicates with the pump via communication line 75.

[0124] The movement of the re-moistening unit 27 caused by the unit drive 54 are controlled via a re-moisten control unit 82. The re-moisten control unit 82 communicates with the unit drive 54 via the communication lines 72, 73, 74. The re-moisten control unit 82 and the sealing fluid control unit 83 are integrated.

[0125] The figure 5A-C show the re-moistening unit 27 of figure 3A. The free end section 30 has a free end width W₃, the free end section 30 has a free end height H extending perpendicular to the free end width W₃, and the free end height H is between, and including, 1 mm and 60 mm, preferably between, and including, 2 mm and 15 mm.

[0126] The free end section 30 has a bevelled front surface 49 extending under angle α of between, and including, 30 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the conveying direction 11 when making contact with the sealing line 22. The angle α is shown with respect to the horizontal direction 45.

[0127] The re-moistening member 29 is made from a felt material 51. The felt material 51 may comprises natural fibres, such as wool or animal fur, and/or synthetic fibres, such as petroleum-based acrylic or acrylonitrile or wood pulp-based rayon.

[0128] The unit housing 28 encloses a housing part 52 of the re-moistening member 29 and the free end section 30 is not enclosed by the unit housing 28. The housing part 52 of the re-moistening member 29 has a housing width W₄ perpendicular to the conveying direction 11 and the unit housing 28 is configured to supply the sealing fluid to the housing part 52 along the complete housing width W₄. The fee end width W₃ and the housing width W₄ are equal to each other.

[0129] Figure 6 shows a top view of part of the packaging system of figure 3A. The base film 3 has a base film 3 width W₁ extending perpendicular to the conveying direction 11. The cover film 4 has a cover film 4 width W₂ extending perpendicular to the conveying direction 11. The free end section 30 has a free end width W₃ extending perpendicular to the conveying direction 11. The free end width W₃ is preferably between, and including, 90 % and 100 % of the base film 3 width W₁ and/or between, and including, 90 % and 100 % of the cover film 4 width W₂.

[0130] The re-moistening unit 27 can optionally be provided with an oscillating drive 60 configured to oscillate the free end section 30 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction 11 when being in contact with the cover film 4, and more specifically when being in contact with the cover film 4 and the sealing line 22. Said oscillating movement is indicated by arrow 61. This facilitates the re-moistening of the cover film 4.

[0131] The invention further relates to a packaging system and/or method according to any one of the following clauses.

1. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder,
wherein the packaging system comprises:

• a base film device configured to supply said base film, and
• a cover film device configured to supply a water-soluble cover film and to position said cover film on said base, and wherein:

  -- the cover film device comprises a moistening unit configured to moisten said supplied cover film along a moistening line and a pressing member, such as a pressing roller, configured to press said cover film moistened by the moistening unit on said base film in order to seal said cover film and said base film while forming a sealing line between said cover film and said base film,

  -- the packaging system is configured to change from an operation mode into a stop mode, and vice versa,

  -- the moistening unit is configured to moisten said cover film along the moistening line in the operation mode and to stop the moistening of said cover film along the moistening line when changing into the stop mode, and

  -- the packaging system comprises a re-moistening unit configured to re-moisten a re-moistening section of said cover film located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line.

2. Packaging system according to clause 1, wherein the re-moistening unit comprises a re-moistening member comprising a flexible end section.

3. Packaging system according to clause 1, wherein:

• the re-moistening unit comprises a unit housing and a re-moistening member attached to the unit housing, and
• the re-moistening member comprises a flexible free end section extending away from the unit housing.

4. Packaging system according to clause 3, wherein:

• the unit housing is connected to a sealing fluid supply to supply a sealing fluid into the unit housing, and
• the re-moistening member comprises a porous material having a capillary effect and configured to transfer the sealing fluid supplied into the unit housing to the free end section.

5. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the packaging system is configured to move the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

6. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

7. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to push the free end section against said cover film at the sealing line to elastically deform the free end section.

8. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section parallel to said base film when making contact with said cover film.

9. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section parallel to said base film when making contact with the sealing line.

10. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 1-8, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to first place the free end section in contact with said cover film at a first distance from the sealing line and to subsequently move the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and towards the sealing line.

11. Packaging system according to clause 10, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to place the free end section in contact with said cover film at the first distance from the sealing line and along said cover film by moving the free end section parallel to the base film, optionally at a second distance between, and including, 1 mm and 10 mm from said base film or at a second distance between, and including 2 mm and 5 mm, from said base film.

12. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line after said positioning of the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with the sealing line.

13. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein:

• the cover film device is configured to hold the re-moistening section of said cover film in a tightened manner in the operation mode and optionally to hold the re-moistening section of said cover film in a loose manner in the stop mode, and
• the re-moistening unit is configured to apply a force on said cover film with the free end section when moving the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and towards the sealing line.

14. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover film device is configured to position the pressing member in a pressing position in which the pressing member is positioned on the cover film and at said sealing line and to position the pressing member in a non-pressing position being spaced from said sealing line.

15. Packaging system according to clause 14, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the cover film device is configured to position the pressing member above the cover film and the sealing line in the non-pressing position in the stop mode and to subsequently move the pressing member downwards in the pressing position after said positioning of the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with the sealing line.

16. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the cover film device is configured to move the pressing member downwards towards the pressing position during said moving of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line.

17. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 1-15, in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section at a free end distance from said cover film during said movement of the pressing member downwards towards the pressing position.

18. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to after said moving of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line, and optionally after moving the free end section at a free end distance from the cover film, the free end section is positioned in contact with said cover film in a static free end position with respect to the pressing member and the cover film device is configured to move a remaining part of the re-moistening section of the cover film located upstream of the free end section along the free end section.

19. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to hold the free end section of the re-moistening member at an operation distance from said cover film in the operation mode.

20. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the re-moistening unit comprises a unit drive configured to move the re-moistening unit relative to the cover film and the base film.

21. Packaging system according to clause 20, wherein:

• the unit drive is configured to position the re-moistening unit in a waiting position during the operation mode, AND/OR
• the re-moistening unit comprises a fluid collector positioned below the waiting position and configured to collect sealing fluid spilled by the re-moistening member, AND/OR
• the unit drive is configured to hold the re-moistening member and the unit housing at least slightly tilted in the waiting position so that gravity provides a pulling effect on sealing fluid in the free end section at least partly towards the unit housing.

22. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 1-18, 20, wherein the moistening unit and the re-moistening unit are integrated and the re-moistening unit is in the operation mode placed in contact with said cover film to moisten said cover film along the moistening line.

23. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the packaging system is configured to move the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

24. Packaging system according to clause 23, wherein the packaging system is configured to force said cover film at the sealing line against the free end section to elastically deform the free end section.

25. Packaging system according to clause 23 or 24, wherein the base film device, and the cover film device are configured to move the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

26. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein:

• said base film has a base film width extending perpendicular to the conveying direction,
• said cover film has a cover film width extending perpendicular to the conveying direction,
• the free end section has a free end width extending perpendicular to the conveying direction, and
• the free end width is between, and including, 90 % and 100 % of the base film width and/or is between, and including, 90 % and 100 % of the cover film width.

27. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the free end section has a free end width, the free end section has a free end height extending perpendicular to the free end width, and the free end height is between, and including, 1 mm and 60 mm, preferably between, and including, 2 mm and 15 mm.

28. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the free end section has a bevelled front surface extending under angle of between, and including, 30 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the conveying direction.

29. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the re-moistening member comprises felt material, preferably wherein the re-moistening member is made from a felt material.

30. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 3, wherein the unit housing encloses a housing part of the re-moistening member and the free end section is not enclosed by the unit housing.

31. Packaging system according to clause 30, wherein the housing part of the re-moistening member has a housing width perpendicular to the conveying direction and the unit housing is configured to supply the sealing fluid to the housing part along the complete housing width.

32. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 4, wherein the sealing fluid supply is configured to supply in a controlled manner sealing fluid to the re-moistening member in the operation mode and in the stop mode.

33. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 4, wherein the sealing fluid supply comprises a sealing fluid control unit configured to control the supply of the sealing fluid to the unit housing of the re-moistening unit.

34. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 4, wherein the sealing fluid supply comprises a pump unit configured to supply the sealing fluid to the unit housing of the re-moistening unit, and wherein the pump unit is preferably also configured to remove the sealing fluid from the unit housing.

35. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 4, wherein the sealing fluid supply is configured to supply sealing fluid in a cyclical manner to the re-moistening unit located in the waiting position in order to moisten the re-moistening member.

36. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, and in combination with clause 2 or 3, wherein the re-moistening unit comprises an oscillating drive configured to oscillate the free end section in a direction transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the conveying direction when being in contact with the cover film, preferably when being in contact with the cover film and the sealing line.

37. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packaging system comprises:

• multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in said base 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:

  -- the base film device being configured to position said base film on the moulds, and

  -- the cover film device.

38. Packaging system according to clause 37, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section parallel to said base film being positioned on the moulds when making contact with said cover film.

39. Packaging system according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section parallel to said base film being positioned on the moulds when making contact with the sealing line.

40. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 39, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to place the free end section in contact with said cover film at the first distance from the sealing line and along said cover film by moving the free end section parallel to the base film being positioned on the moulds, optionally at a second distance between, and including, 1 mm and 10 mm from said base film being positioned on the moulds or at a second distance between, and including 2 mm and 5 mm, from said base film being positioned on the moulds.

41. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 40, wherein the mould conveyor, the base film device, and the cover film device are configured to move the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode

42. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 41, wherein the moulds are moved along:

- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of said base film in the mould cavities to form the compartments in said base film, and

- a filling device comprising multiple dispensers to dispense the fluid or powder in the compartments, and wherein

-- the cover film device is configured to position said cover film over the fluid or powder in the compartments in order to form a web of pouches holding the fluid or powder between said base film and said cover film.

43. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 42, wherein the packaging system comprises multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in the base film.

44. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 43, wherein the packaging system comprises a mould conveyor configured to move the moulds in a conveying direction along a mould trajectory, such as an endless mould trajectory.

45. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 44, wherein the packaging system comprises the packaging system comprises a filling device comprising multiple dispensers to dispense the fluid or powder in the compartments.

46. Packaging system according to any one of the clauses 37 - 45, wherein the packaging system comprises a compartment forming device configured to position parts of said base film in the mould cavities to form the compartments in said base film.

47. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packaging system comprises a base film device configured to supply said base film and optionally to position the film on the moulds.

48. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packaging system comprises a cover film device configured to supply said water-soluble cover film and to position said cover film on said base film and optionally over the fluid or powder in the compartments in order to form a web of pouches holding the fluid or powder between said base film and said cover film.

49. Method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder, with a packaging system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said method comprises the step of re-moistening a re-moistening section of said cover film located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line with said re-moistening unit.

50. Method according to clause 49, wherein said method comprises moving the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

51. Method according to clause 50, wherein said method comprises moving the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

52. Method according to clause 50 or 51, wherein said method comprises moving the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

53. Method according to any one of the clauses 50-52, wherein said method comprises holding the free end section of the re-moistening member at an operation distance from said cover film in the operation mode.

54. Method according to any one of the clauses 50-53, wherein said method comprises placing the re-moistening unit in the operation mode in contact with said cover film to moisten said cover film along the moistening line.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

Claims

1. Packaging system for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder, wherein the packaging system comprises:

- multiple moulds, each mould having a mould cavity for forming a compartment in said base 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 base film device configured to supply said base film and to position said base film on the moulds,

-- a compartment forming device configured to position parts of said base film in the mould cavities to form the compartments in said base film,

-- a filling device comprising multiple dispensers to dispense the fluid or powder in the compartments,

-- a cover film device configured to supply a water-soluble cover film and to position said cover film on said base film and over the fluid or powder in the compartments in order to form a web of pouches holding the fluid or powder between said base film and said cover film, and wherein:

--- the cover film device comprises a moistening unit configured to moisten said supplied cover film along a moistening line and a pressing member, such as a pressing roller, configured to press said cover film moistened by the moistening unit on said base film in order to seal said cover film and said base film while forming a sealing line between said cover film and said base film,

--- the packaging system is configured to change from an operation mode into a stop mode, and vice versa,

--- the moistening unit is configured to moisten said cover film along the moistening line in the operation mode and to stop the moistening of said cover film along the moistening line when changing into the stop mode,

--- the packaging system comprises a re-moistening unit configured to re-moisten a re-moistening section of said cover film located downstream of the moistening line and upstream of the sealing line,

--- the re-moistening unit comprises a unit housing and a re-moistening member attached to the unit housing,

--- the re-moistening member comprises a flexible free end section extending away from the unit housing,

--- the unit housing is connected to a sealing fluid supply to supply a sealing fluid into the unit housing,

--- the re-moistening member comprises a porous material having a capillary effect and configured to transfer the sealing fluid supplied into the unit housing to the free end section, and

--- the packaging system is configured to move the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

2. Packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

3. Packaging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to first place the free end section in contact with said cover film at a first distance from the sealing line and to subsequently move the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and towards the sealing line.

4. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to move the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line after said positioning of the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with the sealing line.

5. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

- the cover film device is configured to hold the re-moistening section of said cover film in a tightened manner in the operation mode and optionally to hold the re-moistening section of said cover film in a loose manner in the stop mode.

6. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to apply a force on said cover film with the free end section when moving the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and towards the sealing line.

7. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover film device is configured to move the pressing member downwards towards the pressing position during said moving of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line.

8. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the re-moistening unit is configured to after said moving of the free end section being in contact with said cover film along said cover film and away from the sealing line, and optionally after moving the free end section at a free end distance from the cover film, the free end section is positioned in contact with said cover film in a static free end position with respect to the pressing member and the cover film device is configured to move a remaining part of the re-moistening section of the cover film located upstream of the free end section along the free end section.

9. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging system is configured to move the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

10. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the re-moistening member comprises felt material, preferably wherein the re-moistening member is made from a felt material.

11. Method for producing pouches comprising a water-soluble base film, a water-soluble cover film, and a fluid or powder, such as a detergent fluid or detergent powder, with a packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises moving the re-moistening member and the sealing line relative to each other in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein said method comprises moving the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said method comprises moving the sealing line towards the re-moistening member in order to position the free end section of the re-moistening member in contact with said cover film and the sealing line to re-moisten at least part of the re-moistening section of said cover film in the stop mode.

14. Method according to any one of the claims 11-14, wherein said method comprises holding the free end section of the re-moistening member at an operation distance from said cover film in the operation mode.

15. Method according to any one of the claims 11-15, wherein said method comprises placing the re-moistening unit in the operation mode in contact with said cover film to moisten said cover film along the moistening line.

Drawing