EP0708033A1 - Packaging container composed of a tubular film closed at its two extremities - Google Patents

Abstract

The packaging container, for lubricants and sealants and the like, is a filled film tube which is closed at both ends. A closing piston (9) is at one end of the film tube, where the section of the film tube behind the piston on a piston advance can be held back against the piston advance direction. The end of the tube, away from the piston, is closed by a flange plate (3), at right angles. The film tube had an inner polyamide coating and an outer polyethylene cladding. The plate is of polyamide or polyethylene, or aluminium. The film tube, piston and piston ring and/or the flange plate are pref. of polyethylene.

Description

The invention relates to a packaging container, consisting of a film tube closed at both ends in the filled state.

Packaging containers of the generic type are known per se for receiving lubricants, sealants and the like. Such lubricants or sealants are used, for example, in the construction industry or in the field of automotive engineering. Originally, these agents were provided in stable, substantially thick-walled cylindrical containers. A nozzle tip can be arranged at one end of these containers, and pressure can be applied at the other end of the container by appropriate applications, so that the agent located in the container is pressed out of the container by the nozzle tip. The cylindrical containers used are generally disposable containers, which are disposed of or recycled after the contents have been discharged.

A special packaging container of the type described is disclosed in US Pat. No. 2,853,209. A cylindrical container is formed from a very special polyethylene material that has been polymerized using a catalyst containing chromium oxide. The special polymer has sufficient inherent rigidity to be able to absorb axial pressures, on the other hand sufficient flexibility to be able to telescope into one another.

It is known to provide the agents to be processed as an alternative to the cylindrical containers in tubular bags. Such tubular bags consist essentially of a film tube made of thin film material, which is closed at both ends. For this purpose it is known to close both ends by means of so-called metal clips. The use of such tubular bags is primarily intended to avoid the need to dispose of a large number of empty cylindrical containers. Since the tubular bags are not dimensionally stable, they are used for processing the agents in them in a dimensionally stable cylindrical envelope, at one end of which a closure with an outlet opening, for example for arranging a nozzle tip, is arranged. Pressure can then be exerted on the tubular bag from the other end of the cylindrical outer shell. To dispense the mass in the tubular bag, the tubular bag must be opened. In practice, this is done by destroying the tubular bag cover, for example by slitting, piercing or the like. This puncturing or opening of the tubular bag expediently takes place in the region of the end which is located on the closure of the cylindrical sleeve provided with the nozzle tip.

In a further development of this idea, an application was known in which pointed projections projecting downward, that is to say into the interior of the cylindrical sleeve, are arranged in the region of the closure to be provided with a nozzle tip. A tubular bag pushed in from the other end, to which pressure is exerted, inevitably comes into contact with these tips, which pierce the bag and thereby open it.

After the tubular bags have been emptied, they are removed from the cylindrical sleeves, so that only a small, empty tubular bag has to be disposed of. This is an advantage over the use of cylindrical packaging containers.

In practice, however, this idea fails because the dispensing sleeves and the sealing caps used with them for the arrangement of nozzle tips come into contact with the agent in the tubular bag come and be smeared by this. Since most of these agents, for example the sealing compounds, harden in contact with the atmosphere, the dispensing means are completely clogged, so that in practice they have to be disposed of at least partially. This eliminates the planned advantages and the environmental impact of the disposal of tubular bags on the one hand and dispensing devices on the other hand is considerably increased.

Another particular disadvantage of the known tubular bag systems is that the operator inevitably comes into contact with the agent in the tubular bag when disposing of the tubular bag, namely at the latest when the tubular bag has to be removed from the dispensing device. This limits the range of uses of the known tubular bag systems and, moreover, is not practical and unclean from the operator's point of view.

The previously known method for producing previously known tubular bags and the previously known devices for carrying out this method do not permit a deviation from the previous tubular bag system. In a known manner, a film tube is produced from a film web, in which the two side edges of the film web are put together and connected to one another. The free end of the film tube is closed and the lengths of film tube filled with the appropriate means are closed and cut to length. Before being cut to length, the resulting free and empty film tube end is also closed at the same time, so that in this way continuously filled and sealed tube bags are produced which can be used in the manner described above.

In addition to the described disadvantages of the known tubular bag systems, according to which both the dispensing device and the operator come into contact with the agent in the tubular bag, the known tubular bag systems also do not meet the requirements for residual emptying. It is required that only less than one percent of the originally contained filling quantity may remain in the container in such containers after complete emptying. However, since the tubular bag is undefined kink, these emptying quantities can not be guaranteed.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to improve a packaging container of the generic type in such a way that it can be used and disposed of without contamination of the aids used for its use, a defined residual emptying being made possible within the framework of the applicable regulations.

For the technical solution to this problem, it is proposed that a cylindrical piston be arranged in the tubular bag, the part of the film tube lying behind the piston in the case of a piston advance being retentive against the piston advance direction, and that at the end of the film tube opposite the piston, this with a Longitudinal center line is closed substantially vertically arranged flange-like plate.

In the sense of the present invention, film tube is understood to mean a cylindrical tube made of a film-like material which has no or only very little axial rigidity. Usually, these film tubes cannot withstand the piston feed movements and deviate from the cylindrical shape, or they are just so strong that the piston can be advanced without the film tube being deformed.

The measure according to the invention enables a defined pressing out of the tubular bag. When pressed, the piston can be guided along the inner wall of the tubular bag and prevent material residues from remaining in kinks and the like. It is possible that the rear edge of the piston, which is connected to the end of the tubular bag over the entire circumference, is turned inside out, if this is provided, so that material accumulation is avoided in the area behind the piston. At the same time, the amount of waste remaining is reduced by this arrangement according to the invention. The practically scratched out film tube is reduced to half its length when empty and can be easily disposed of when the film tube material and the piston material are the same. The part of the film tube behind the piston must also be retained or the tube must be cylindrically stabilized. On the other hand, a simple separation is made possible, the operator also not having to come into contact with the residual material in the tubular bag, since a material-free film tube outer side can also be gripped behind the piston. Finally, the manufacture of the packaging container is considerably improved by the configuration according to the invention, since the suction of the air in the tubular bag is improved and simplified by inserting the cylindrical piston. If the tubular bag is closed with a clip, there are undefined contours that are not easy to evacuate. According to the invention, the tubular bag remains smooth at its end and enables the piston to be inserted and the rear bag volume to be evacuated at the same time. Airtight packaging is necessary to avoid premature reactions of the material in the tubular bag.

The cylindrical piston is advantageously designed as a hollow piston. According to a proposal of the invention, the tubular bag end is attached to the inner circumference of the hollow piston. The hollow piston is inserted into the tubular bag so that the end of the tubular bag can be folded around the rear edge of the hollow piston and then attached to the inner periphery of the hollow piston. This measure achieves the advantages described above.

According to an alternative advantageous proposal of the invention, the cylindrical piston has a detachable piston ring at the rear end. This piston ring is connected to the tubular bag end. For emptying, the piston is separated from the piston ring arranged at the rear end, in that the piston ring is held relative to the advanced piston. This measure is particularly favorable because folds of the hose in the compression area are counteracted, even without cylindrical stabilizers. Although the emptied tubular bag material is not turned inside out, the emptying is improved due to the defined tensioning of the tubular film wall. According to an advantageous proposal of the invention, the separation point between the pistons and piston ring on a locking connection. This is expediently designed such that both are separated from one another by exerting pressure on the piston while the piston ring is held in place, and the piston is advanced relative to the piston ring in order to dispense the material in the tubular bag.

It is advantageously proposed that a membrane closing the film tube is arranged at least in one of the two opening areas of the film tube. The film tube can thus be hermetically sealed against oxygen and diffusions of any kind can be avoided. It is advantageously proposed that a membrane be arranged at the end of the film tube opposite the piston. It is furthermore advantageously proposed to arrange a membrane at the end provided with the piston, which membrane covers the piston surface pointing into the film tube according to a proposal of the invention. Alternatively, it is proposed to seal the outside of the piston with the membrane. In this case, the film tube must be attached to the outside of the piston ring, for example by welding.

The piston and possibly the piston ring are advantageously made of aluminum. This is particularly advantageous if, according to a further proposal of the invention, the film tube is also made of aluminum. This significantly simplifies waste disposal.

Alternatively, it is proposed that the piston and possibly the piston ring be made of plastic, preferably polyethylene. According to a proposal of the invention, the film tube is also made of plastic. The film tube can be coated both inside and outside. Polyamide is advantageously proposed for the inner coating, and polyethylene is advantageously used for the outer coating. All or individual elements can also be formed from polyamide.

The connection between the tubular bag end and the rear area of the cylindrical piston is of particular importance, be it on the piston itself or on the piston ring. According to a proposal of the invention, the tubular bag and the piston or the piston ring are joined together at this end welded. Alternatively, it is advantageously proposed to glue the elements together. The same applies to the connection of the film tube and the flange-like plate.

The packaging container according to the invention is characterized by particularly clean and simple usability. In addition, the packaging container according to the invention can be completely emptied and disposed of without soiling the tools used or the operator. As a result, the environmental impact is significantly reduced by using the packaging container according to the invention. Furthermore, the processing of the means provided in the packaging containers is simplified and more economical. The material yield is improved by the better evacuability of the packaging container during filling. Finally, the packaging container according to the invention can be produced with little economic effort and makes it possible to use aids which can also be produced with little economic effort.

For dispensing, the packaging container according to the invention is closed at the end opposite the piston with a flange-like plate which has a dispensing opening. This discharge opening is advantageously formed on the plate in the form of a tubular nozzle connection piece. A nozzle tip for dispensing the agents located in the packaging container can be attached to these. The nozzle connection piece is advantageously arranged concentrically on the circular plate and, according to a further proposal, has a thread so that the nozzle tip can be screwed on. Of course, the nozzle connection piece can also be arranged in an eccentric position. This is advantageous if several packaging containers are used next to each other for the processing of multi-component systems. For example, packaging containers of the type according to the invention with different diameters can be clamped next to one another in dispensing devices. The output is then carried out by mixing nozzles, which are each connected to the nozzle connection piece of the container. In this way, multi-component mixtures can be created. The nozzle connecting piece advantageously has an internal thread. Thus the packaging container can be Completely empty, because after a complete compression of the packaging container, the remaining agents to be processed are in the tip of the nozzle.

The plate is advantageously inserted into the film tube and connected to the tube material. For this purpose it has proven to be advantageous to connect and flare the plate with its circumference to the tube material. It is important that the flanged edge is arranged so that it lies flush with the cylindrical tubular bag material underneath in one plane and does not protrude from the cylindrical contour. This measure supports the use of simple output devices. The connection can also be made by welding or gluing.

According to a proposal of the invention, the plate is made of plastic, preferably polyethylene or polyamide. The plate can also be made of aluminum. The formation of polyethylene has the advantage of high dimensional stability, so that even external shocks do not change the appearance of the packaging. It is advantageously proposed that the packaging container be dimensionally stable and stand up independently. This can be achieved, for example, by an appropriate piston arrangement in combination with an appropriate filling pressure. In the case of the dimensionally stable and independently designed packaging container, the film thickness of the film tube material is selected so that the forces arising from the piston advance can be endured without the film tube being filled and cylindrically unsupported in the area in front of the piston being deformed. Cylindrical support is understood to mean, for example, the tight contact of the film tube within a cylindrical tube of an output device.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels für einen erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsbehälter;

Fig. 2

eine schematische längsgeschnittene Darstellung eines Verpackungsbehälters;

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Endbereichs des Verpackungsbehälters gemäß Figur 2;

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des vorderen Endbereiches des Verpackungsbehälters gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung gemäß Figur 3 eines anderen Ausführungsbeispieles und

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung gemäß Figur 3 eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispieles.

Further advantages and features of the invention result from the following description with reference to the figures. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment for a packaging container according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic longitudinal section of a packaging container;

Fig. 3

an enlarged view of the end region of the packaging container according to Figure 2;

Fig. 4

an enlarged view of the front end portion of the packaging container according to another embodiment;

Fig. 5

a representation of Figure 3 of another embodiment and

Fig. 6

a representation of Figure 3 of another embodiment.

The packaging container 1 shown in Figure 1 consists of a tubular bag 2, which is closed at one end with a plate 3, which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the film tube. The plate 3 is circular and the tubular bag 2 is attached to the outer periphery of the plate 3. The other end 4 of the tubular bag 2 is closed by a piston which will be described in more detail later. On the plate 3, a nozzle connection piece 5 is arranged, which is cut open for processing the material arranged in the packaging container 1.

The embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 shows that the nozzle connection piece 5 has a thread 6, so that a nozzle tip can be attached to the nozzle connection piece 5 by screwing. Other forms of fastening are possible, such as bayonet locks and the like. In the lower area of the nozzle connecting piece, the plate 3 has a locking device 7 which is pierced before the material is first dispensed. The plate 3 is connected to the tubular bag 2 in the region of the circumference by a crimp. When manufacturing this edge 8, care must be taken that the flanged edge lies uniformly in the cylindrical contour of the packaging container. The flanged edge in the region of the edge 8 should neither protrude beyond this contour lie within. This uniform outer wall improves the use of dispensing devices of simple construction.

At the other end, which is shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3, a piston 9 is inserted into the film tube 2. This piston 9 comprises a piston plate region, the outer contour of which corresponds to the inner contour of the plate 3. This enables complete residual emptying. Furthermore, the piston 9 comprises a piston ring region 11, which strokes along the inner wall of the film tube 2 when the piston is advanced and also ensures an airtight seal. Arranged behind the piston 9 is a piston ring 12, which is connected to the piston in the piston ring region via a connection 13, a snap-in connection in the exemplary embodiment shown. If the piston ring 12 is held firmly and the piston 9 is advanced, the two areas are separated from one another. The piston ring 12 is connected to the hose material at the fastening point 14, which can be located on the lower outer edge, on the rear edge or on the inside of the piston ring.

For the use of the packaging container, this is inserted into a tubular dispenser, so that the plate 3 is supported at one end. The nozzle connection piece 5 projects through the counter bearing plate and can be provided with a nozzle tip for dispensing. At the other end, the piston ring 12 is fixed with the film tube end attached to it. By means of a piston rod arrangement, the piston 9 can then be advanced through the nozzle connecting piece 5 to dispense the material. By sticking to the rear end of the film tube, the piston always strokes along smooth film tube walls, so that complete emptying is promoted.

To manufacture the packaging container according to the invention, a tubular film tube is first wrapped around a cylindrical body and connected along the longitudinal edge, for example by gluing, welding or the like. At this stage, the plate 3 can be inserted into the film tube to be formed. The edge of the plate 3 is then crimped in order to connect the plate 3 to the film tube. As the cylinder is pulled out of the film tube, it becomes simultaneously filled. Finally, the piston is inserted under suction of the air in the rear end and connected to the film tube at the rear edge. This connection is made by welding, e.g. B. high frequency welding, flanging, gluing or the like. To carry out the method, a production machine with a process step turret is expediently used, so that the production process runs continuously and a production measure takes place in each turret step. Starting with the insertion of a plate 3 and the film tube winding, the production ends with the completely filled and evacuated packaging container.

FIG. 4 shows the area of the film tube 2 which is closed by the sealing plate 3, a membrane 15 hermetically sealing the film tube being arranged in the interior of the film tube 2 directly below the sealing plate 3. This membrane can be welded, glued or otherwise connected to the film tube in the peripheral region. It is essential that the film tube is closed with a membrane after filling. The application of the closure plate is then simplified. The film tube is always gas-tight and secured against diffusion.

In Figure 5, a corresponding membrane 15 is shown at the piston end of the film tube 2. This membrane also hermetically seals the film tube in the peripheral area. The piston 9 and possibly the piston ring 12 can then also be introduced in other mechanical processing positions.

Another alternative or additional form of arrangement for a membrane 15 is shown in FIG. Here, the piston ring 12 is provided with a flange so that the membrane 15 is fastened to the flange in a completely sealing manner on the underside. The film tube 2 is then connected to the piston ring in the region of the cylindrical circumference of the piston ring 12.

In the case of the use of elements made of plastic, that is, in the event that the film tube, the piston and / or the closure plate Are made of plastic, individual or all elements can be laminated or coated with aluminum. In this case, the greatest possible protection against materials in your packaging container is guaranteed.

Reference list

1

Packaging container

2nd

Foil tube

3rd

Locking plate

4th

Piston end

5

Nozzle connection piece

6

thread

7

Locking device

8th

edge

9

piston

10th

Piston plate

11

Piston ring area

12th

Piston ring

13

connection

14

Attachment point

15

membrane

Claims (20)

Packaging container, consisting of a film tube closed at both ends in the filled state, characterized in that a piston (9) closing it is arranged at one end of the film tube, the part of the film tube lying behind the piston when the piston is being advanced being retained against the direction of the piston advance, and that at the end of the film tube (2) opposite the piston, the latter is closed with a flange-like plate (3) arranged essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal center line. Packaging container according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston is designed as a hollow piston. Packaging container according to claim 2, characterized in that the tubular bag end (4) is fastened to the inner circumference of the hollow piston. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston (9) has a detachable piston ring at the rear end. Packaging container according to claim 4, characterized in that the tubular bag end (4) is connected to the piston ring (12). Packaging container according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the separation point between the piston (9) and the piston ring (12) has a latching connection. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flange-like plate (3) has a tubular nozzle connection piece (12). Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one of its ends a membrane (15) closing the tube. Packaging container according to claim 8, characterized in that the membrane (15) is arranged in the film tube (2) in the region of the end opposite the piston. Packaging container according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that a membrane (15) is arranged in the film tube (2) at the piston end. Packaging container according to claim 10, characterized in that the membrane (15) is arranged on the underside of the piston ring. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film tube (2), the piston (9), the piston ring (12) and / or the flange-like plate (3) are formed from aluminum. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film tube, the piston (9), the piston ring (12) and / or the flange-like plate are made of plastic, preferably polyethylene. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film tube is coated on the inside. Packaging container according to claim 15, characterized in that the inner coating is formed by polyamide. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film tube is coated on the outside. Packaging container according to claim 17, characterized in that the outer coating is formed by polyethylene. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections between the egg elements are formed by welding. Packaging container according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the connections between the individual elements are formed by gluing. Packaging container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed to stand independently and is dimensionally stable.

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