METHOD FOR PACKING, PACKAGING MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND PACKAGE

Abstract

A method for packing a container is disclosed. The method comprises feeding (300) a first film; printing (302) information on the first film; feeding (304) a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing (306) the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing (302) of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. A packaging machine (100), a computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, and a package (126) for a container (102) are also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a method for packing a container, a packaging machine for packing such a container, a computer program for controlling such a packaging machine, and a package.

BACKGROUND

Medical products, such as medical fluid containers, are sometimes packed with an overwrap. Proper marking of the products is important. However, sometimes the marking is subject to wear during transportation and other handling. Information can in such cases get lost, wherein the product cannot be used for security reasons.

It is therefore a desire to provide marking of such products where the marking is more resistant to wear.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to at least alleviate the above stated problem. The present invention is based on the understanding that printing the information on the inside of the overwrap protects it from wear.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for packing a container. The method comprises feeding a first film; printing information on the first film; feeding a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; evacuating air between the first and second films and the container at sealing; and sealing the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. The printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film. The container is a bag and encloses a liquid content.

The printing may be performed as inverted information on the side becoming the inside of the package. The printing may be arranged to provide light absorbing or light reflecting print.

At least one of the first and second film may be transparent. At least one of the first and second film may comprise a polymer, preferably, the polymer is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, and cellulose, or mixtures thereof.

The method may further comprise thermoforming at least one of the first and the second film. The thermoforming of the first film may be performed after the printing. The container may be placed on the second film after thermoforming of the second film.

The printing position may be controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be controlled by a feeding mechanism. The printing position may be controlled by a feeding mechanism being arranged between a printing module and sealing module. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing.

The sealing position may be controlled by a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.

The container placement on the second film may be synchronized with the position of the print.

The printed information may be in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The printed information may be unique for each package.

The sealing may comprise any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a packaging machine for packing a container. The machine comprises a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film; a printer constructively arranged to print information on the first film; a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film; a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and second films to enclose a container to be packed, wherein the container is a bag and encloses a liquid content; an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing; and a controller constructively arranged to control operation of the machine. The packing mechanism comprises a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to close a package with a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The printer is controlled by the controller to print information configured for the container to be packed, and the printer is constructively arranged on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. The printer is controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information such that the printed information is readable through the first film.

The machine may further comprise a thermoforming station constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and second films. The thermoforming station may be arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the printer.

The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism constructively arranged to place containers on the second film downstream of the thermoforming station.

The printer may be controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information.

The printer may be constructively arranged to print the information in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.

The machine may further comprise an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing.

The printing position may be controlled by the controller by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be controlled by the controller by controlling a feeding mechanism arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively or additionally the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing.

The sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism may be controlled by the controller from a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.

The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism controlled by the controller to place containers on the second film synchronized with the position of the print.

The sealer mechanism may be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films by any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program, for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising computer program code including computer executable instructions, which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the machine to perform the method according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a package for a container, wherein the package is formed from a first and a second film being evacuated from air between the first and second films and the container and sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The package comprises printed information which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film. The printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film. The container is a bag with liquid content.

The container may be a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of the bag may comprise a medical solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and water.

The printed information may be arranged in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.

The printed information may be a print arranged to provide light reflecting fields. The printed information may be a print arranged to or be a print arranged to provide light absorbing fields. The printed information may also be a combination thereof.

The printed information may be configured for machine reading of the print.

The printed information may either be inverted or be non-inverted.

The printed information may be mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of FIG. 1 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a package according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a package according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of FIG. 9 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a computer-readable medium and a processor on which a computer program held by the computer-readable medium can be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine 100, according to embodiments, for packaging containers 102. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine 100 of FIG. 1 regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. The machine 100 comprises a first feeder 104 arranged to feed a first film 106. The first feeder 104 can comprise a roll of film which can provide controlled feed, e.g. by servo motors, or can passively feed by keeping a preferred stretch of the film as later stages of the machine pulls the film.

The machine 100 also comprises a printer 108 arranged to print information on the first film 106. The printing operations will be further demonstrated below.

The machine 100 also comprises a second feeder 110 arranged to feed a second film 112. The two films 106, 112 will form the package. Thus, the machine 100 comprises a packing mechanism 114 arranged to cause the first and second films 106, 112 to enclose a container 102 to be packed.

The machine also comprises a controller 124 arranged to control operation of the machine 100. Here, it should be noted that the controller 124 can comprise one or more controllers, and the illustration in FIG. 1 is only schematic. For example, the printer 108 can comprise its own controller for acquiring the information to be printed, and the printer 108 can also comprise a controller for controlling the position of the printing. Similar, the feeding mechanisms, and also the other elements that will be demonstrated below can have dedicated controllers for each function. Alternatively, two or more functions can share controllers. Alternatively, or additionally, there can be a master controller. For example, the master controller can be logically arranged in hierarchy with controllers dedicated to specific functions.

The packing mechanism 114 comprises a sealer mechanism 116, 118 arranged to close a package 126 with a seal 120, 122 of the first and second films 106, 112 along a line encircling the container 102. This can be made in numerous ways, e.g. depending on the geometry of the package 126 to be formed. For example, sealing in line with the path of the films 106, 112 can be made continuously by a first sealing means 116 as the films pass while transversal sealing is performed by a second sealing means 114 at each occasion a transversal sealing position is at the second sealing means 114. Alternatively, the entire sealing around the container 102 can be performed in one step by the sealing means 114. The machine can also comprise an air evacuator 115 arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing. The overwrap formed by the first and second films 106, 112 will then be assured to fit tight to the container. An advantage is that reading of the printed information may be enhanced since the lack of air between the container 102 and the first film 106 may make the printed area flat, and the ensured contact between the container 102 and the first film 106 at the printed area may enhance reflecting and/or absorbing properties of the print, as will be discussed below. Further advantages are that the content of the container can be further protected, and that a damage of the package is easily spotted before use of the content. The sealer mechanism 116, 118 can be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films 106, 112 by for example welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.

The printer 108 is controlled by the controller 124 to print information configured for the container 102 to be packed. That is, information indicating or being linked to information about for example product identification, time and date, batch number, and/or package number, etc. for the particular package or batch of packages is printed. The date can be production date and/or expiry date. The printing can be performed as heat printing, ink jet printing, laser printing, or any other printing technique suitable for the film used. The printing can be configured for machine reading of the print, e.g. by scanning. Here, the print can be either arranged to provide light reflecting print or light absorbing print. For configuring to reflecting or absorbing print, the encoding of the print, e.g. of a (matrix) barcode, can be inverted or non-inverted to facilitate, improve or enable reading or scanning. For example, if liquid content of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides poor reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a light reflecting print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light reflection at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields, e.g. in a (matrix) barcode. In another example, the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides good reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning. Then it is preferable to use a light absorbing print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light absorption at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields. There can also be cases where the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides indefinite reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a combination of light reflecting print and light absorbing print such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between the different fields provided to give the information. The printer 108 is constructively arranged on a side of the first film 106 becoming the inside of the package 126. This is particularly advantageous since the print then is protected from wear when the package 126 is handled. Another advantage is that the printing is given an inherent protection against manipulation after production of the package 126. The printer 108 can be controlled by the controller 124 to print information as mirrored information. Thus, upon use of a transparent film 106, the printed information is readily read the right way through the film 106. The printer 108 can be arranged to print the information in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.

The machine can also comprise a thermoforming station 111, 113 arranged to thermoform one or both of the first and second films 106, 112. This provides for a desired form of the package. Upon thermoforming of the first film 106, the thermoforming station 111 is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film 106 is performed downstream of the printer 108.

The containers 102 can me manually put into the machine 100, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the second film 112. Alternatively, the machine can comprise a container feeder mechanism 103, as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, arranged to place containers 102 on the second film 112. The placement of the containers 102 is preferably made downstream of a thermoforming station 113 when that is used for the second film 112. Downstream the placement of the containers 102, the containers 102 will be enclosed between the first and second films 106, 112 and then sealed to form the package 126, as demonstrated above.

It is important that the printed information does not become in a position where it can be cut away at final trimming or cutting of the package. It is also advantageous if the print is placed such that it is readily read, by man or machine, on the package. Therefore, the printing position can be controlled by the controller 124 by for example the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package 126. The printing position can also be controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a feeding mechanism 109, as illustrated in FIG. 10, arranged between the printer and sealer mechanism. Here, the feeder mechanisms 104 and 109 introduce a certain slack before and after the printer 108. This slack is possible to vary, wherein the film can be kept still at printing. These mechanisms 104 can also relief control of elements with physical constraints, e.g. a heavy roll of film. Alternatively, the printing position is controlled by adjusting the position of the printer, e.g. by an actuator 107 as illustrated in FIG. 1. This can also aid if printing takes some time, although small, but the first film 106 is moving during printing. This can improve printing quality.

The printing position can also be controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a time instant of the printing such that the print is place in the desire position.

The controlling can also be made the other way around. For example, the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism 118 can be controlled by the controller 124 from the position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. Upon use of a container feeder mechanism 103 as depicted in FIG. 10, the container feeder mechanism 103 can be controlled by the controller 124 to place containers 102 on the second film 112 synchronized with the position of the print.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment. The method comprises feeding 300 a first film; printing 302 information on the first film; feeding 304 a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing 306 the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing 302 of the information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, for example product identification, date time, batch identification, package identification, etc. or an identification enabling such information to be accessed. The printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, which provides particular advantages as demonstrated above. Optionally, the packages can be cut 307 between transversal seals to form packages having one or a desired number of containers.

The container can be a bag. The container can enclose a liquid content. The first and/or second film can be transparent and comprise for example a polymer. The polymer can be for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, cellulose, or mixtures thereof. Among these, PVC, polyolefin and polyester have shown to be particularly suitable for packing containers with medical fluids.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations, as of action 302 in FIG. 3, according to embodiments. The printing includes acquiring 400 information configured for the container or containers to be packed at the moment, which information then is to be printed. The information, which can be in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, or pictogram, or any combination thereof, is printed on the side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. Therefore, it can be beneficial that the printing is performed 402 as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package. Optionally, the printing is synchronized 401 with other operations in packing, for example transversal sealing, such that the print becomes placed on a desired position on the package. For example, the printing position is controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package, the printing position is controlled by time instant of the printing, or the printing position is controlled by a feeding mechanism or a printer position adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments. Here, most of the actions illustrated in FIG. 5 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any combination. For example, the first film can be thermoformed 500 to gain a desired form of the package. The thermoforming of the first film is preferably performed after printing. Similarly the second film can be thermoformed 502. Upon thermoforming 502 of the second film, the container is preferably placed 504 according to the forming on the second film, i.e. after thermoforming 502, such that the container becomes in the right position in the package. The first and second films can then be joined 506 around the container. Air is optionally evacuated 508 between the films and the container such that the films fit tight to the container. The films can then be welded 510 to seal the package. The sealing can also comprise, instead of or in addition to welding 510, any of gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments. As of FIG. 5, the actions illustrated in FIG. 6 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any combination. FIG. 6 is further to be considered as an alternative approach to controlling printing position to other operations by letting the printing position control the succeeding operations. For this, optical approach, such as vision technology, can be used for the control where the observed print controls the timing and/or position of other operations. The container placement can for example be synchronized 600 with the position of the printed information. Transversal sealing can also be synchronized 602 with the printed information placement.

The methods according to the present invention are suitable for implementation with aid of processing means, such as computers and/or processors, especially for the case where operations of a packaging machine are controlled by digital controllers such as programmable logic controllers, processors or computers. Therefore, there is provided computer programs, comprising instructions arranged to cause the programmable logic controllers, processors or computers to perform the steps of any of the methods according to any of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. The computer programs preferably comprises program code which is stored on a computer readable medium 1100, as illustrated in FIG. 11, which can be loaded and executed by a programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1102 to cause it to perform the methods, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention, preferably as any of the embodiments described with reference to any of FIGS. 3 to 6. The programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1102 and computer program product 1100 can be arranged to execute the program code sequentially where actions of the any of the methods are performed stepwise. The programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1102 are preferably what normally is referred to as an embedded system. Thus, the depicted computer readable medium 1100 and programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1102 in FIG. 11 should be construed to be for illustrative purposes only to provide understanding of the principle, and not to be construed as any direct illustration of the elements.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a package 126 according to an embodiment. The inner rectangle with rounded corners is here illustrating the enclosed container and the area outside that illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together. The printed information 109 is here given as example as a matrix barcode.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the package 126. The rounded part is here illustrating the enclosed container and the line illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together. The printed information 109 is here seen to be on the package 126.

The package 126 is suitable for a container, for example a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of the bag can comprise a medical solution. The medical solution can for example be dialysis fluid or water for use in medical applications. The package 126 is formed from a first and a second film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The package 126 comprises printed information 109 which is configured for the container to be packed, such as product, date, time, batch, and/or packet identification. Thus, the printed information may enable unique identification of the product, the batch or even the single package. The controller controlling the printing may store information accordingly in a database, wherein data corresponding to the printed information, e.g. a metadata file, and thus the product, batch and/or package may be retrieved, e.g. upon use of the product of the package or any found issues regarding the product of the package. The information is printed on an inside of the first film. Thereby is the printed information protected from for example wear during transportation and handling of the product. The printed information is arranged in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1-31. (canceled)

32. A method for packing a container comprising: feeding a first film;printing information on the first film;feeding a second film, wherein the first and second films enclose a container to be packed;evacuating air between the first and second films and the container; andsealing the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package,wherein the printing of information includes printing information configured for the container to be packed, and wherein the printing is performed (i) on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, and wherein the printing is performed (ii) as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, andwherein the container is a bag enclosing a liquid content.

33. The method according to claim 31, further comprising thermoforming at least one of the first and the second films, wherein the container is placed on the second film after thermoforming of the second film.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein said thermoforming of the first film is performed after the printing.

35. The method according to claim 31, which includes controlling the position of the printing using a previous sealing operation such that the printed information becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.

36. The method according to claim 31, wherein the sealing position is controlled using a position of the printing such that the printed information becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.

37. The method according to claim 31, wherein container placement on the second film is synchronized using a position of the printing.

38. The method according to claim 31, wherein the sealing includes any one of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.

39. A packaging machine for packing a container, the machine comprising: a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film;a printer constructively arranged to print information on the first film;a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film;a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and second films to enclose the container to be packed, wherein the container is a bag enclosing a liquid content;an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container,wherein the packing mechanism includes a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to seal the first and second films along a line encircling the container to form a package; anda controller constructively arranged to control operation of the machine,wherein the printer is controlled by the controller to print information configured for the container to be packed, and wherein the printer is constructively arranged to print the information for the container on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, and wherein the printer is controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information such that the printed information is readable through the first film.

40. The machine according to claim 39, further comprising a thermoforming station constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and second films; anda container feeder mechanism constructively arranged to place containers on the second film downstream of the thermoforming station.

41. The machine according to claim 40, wherein the thermoforming station is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the printer.

42. The machine according to claim 39, wherein the position of the printer is controlled by the controller using a previous sealing operation such that the printed information becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.

43. The machine according to claim 39, wherein the position of the printer is controlled by the controller using a feeding mechanism arranged between the printer and the sealer mechanism.

44. The machine according to claim 39, wherein the position of the sealer mechanism is controlled by the controller from a position of the printer such that the printed information becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.

45. The machine according to claim 39, comprising a container feeder mechanism controlled by the controller so as to place containers on the second film in synchronization with the position of the printer.

46. A computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, the computer program comprising: computer program code including computer executable instructions, which when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the packaging machine to: feed a first film;print information on the first film;feed a second film, wherein the first and second films enclose a container to be packed;evacuate air between the first and second films and the container; andseal the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package;wherein the printing of information includes printing information configured for the container to be packed, and wherein the printing is performed (i) on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package and (ii) as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film; andwherein the container is a bag enclosing a liquid content.

47. A package for a container, the package comprising: first and second films, wherein air is evacuated between the first and second films and the container, the first and second films sealed along a line encircling the container;wherein the package includes printed information which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film;wherein the printed information includes mirrored information printed on the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film; andwherein the container is a bag with liquid content.

48. The package according to claim 47, wherein the printed information is a print arranged to provide (i) light reflecting fields, (ii) light absorbing fields, or (iii) any combination thereof.

49. The package according to claim 47, wherein the printed information is configured to be read by a machine.