Ultrasonic sealing anvil

The This invention relates to ultrasonic welding jaws. The present invention particularly relates to an ultrasonic sealing jaws with acoustic insulation.

Gable-top cartons or container are for packaging milk, juices and other food products and many other products widely used. Such cartons are made blank which is warmverschweißbar with itself, produced. The typical material is cardboard, which on both sides coated with polyethylene or other heat fusible material is.

be gable roof closures usually characterized sealed, the carton along prefabricated Fold lines is formed by an upstanding ridge to form (or a corresponding web for sealing at the bottom) having a plurality of layers of heat fusible material. Of the Web is clamped between an ultrasound horn base or vane head and jaws, wherein ultrasonic energy over the horn is directed to the compound and the heat-fusible material brings the web to melt, whereby the sealing produced is.

On Problem that exists in the design of ultrasonic welding equipment, is to prevent that the separate moving parts of the equipment are welded together, if they accidentally or intentionally during welding getting together. Another problem is the cooling of the jaw or of the jaws during the Welding, without the welding process to to disturb. Another problem is caused by the scattering of ultrasonic vibrations the weld site to other parts of the jaw or the equipment. Some isolation means for acoustically isolating the components in ultrasonic sealing or ultrasonic welding are described in US Patent Nos. 3,294,616 and 4,256,529.

The present invention relates to a jaw for use with an ultrasonic horn or head made for sealing of the closure of a carton having first and second sides, which in a Versiegelposition is arranged. A typical closure which is sealed with the jaw of the invention can be, is a gable roof closure or a bottom closure a carton for liquid foods. The jaw has a front end that faces the ultrasonic horn is and comprises: a jaw body; a vibration member, the front of the jaw member is disposed; a sealing portion connected to the vibrating part is; Insulation parts that insulate the jaw body and acoustically between the jaw member and arranged the vibration member; and arranged in the baking Cooling system. According to the present Invention, the insulating parts for acoustically isolating the Baking a membrane that is made of rubber or rubber and so designed is that they parallel a first rectilinear part the sealing portion, a first diagonal member, the first with the connected straight part, a second rectilinear part, the parallel. the first straight part, with respect to this set back, and to the first diagonal member at a juncture of the opposite the first diagonal member having a first rectilinear part End is connected to the first diagonal portion, a second diagonal portion which is connected to the first diagonal portion at one end, which the junction of the first diagonal member to the second rectilinear Part is opposite, and a third straight comprising part which is connected to the second diagonal member, and parallel to the sealing portion and in the same plane as the extends first rectilinear portion and the connecting force relative increases to the revision or Repetitivkraft. The jaws of the present invention is a component of a Kartonversieglers, of a station in a packaging machine for Gable top container can be. The sealing portion normally has a predetermined Sealing pattern and is usually placed above the vibration member.

The This invention also relates to a jaw system for use with a plurality of ultrasonic horns. The Back system includes a back rod with a back drive is connected and which transmits the movement to the back rod; a Plurality of jaws invention as described above, which are connected with the jaw rod and each for performing Versieglungsoperationen individual in connection with the ultrasonic horn are able to; and a plurality of internal connecting pipes Back to transfer heat absenkendem fluid between the cooling systems of the plurality of jaws. Each of the plurality of internal connection back pipes with each respective jaws of the plurality of jaws by at least connected an O-ring.

Each the majority of the internal bakery connecting pipes may be made of substantially stainless steel. The majority of the internal bakery connecting pipes allows it each jaw to move independently of the others. Each the plurality of ultrasonic horns may have a converter and a sonotrode. The horn may include a plurality of pads or cushions, of which are protruded and arranged on the horn so that they prevent interference in ultrasonic welding. Each<?page 3?>majority the pad has a predetermined length corresponding to the substantially Minimal thickness of the object corresponding to the ultrasonic sealing the is subjected.

The present invention will now by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

<figref idrefs="S18">1</figref> a perspective view of an embodiment of an ultrasonic welding die as in our European Pat. No. 1,009,618 describes;

<figref idrefs="S19">2</figref> on Back system in which an inventive jaws are used can;

<figref idrefs="S19">3</figref> a partial cross-section of the back system of <figref idrefs="S19">2</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> a Side view of a jaw of the invention;

<figref idrefs="S20">5A</figref> a perspective view of a jaw according to the prior art;

<figref idrefs="S20">5B</figref> a Side view of baking <figref idrefs="S20">5A</figref>

<figref idrefs="S20">6A</figref> a perspective view of baking <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S20">6B</figref> a Side view of baking <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S20">7A</figref> a Side view of a jaw of the invention with a rubber membrane in an alternative orientation;

<figref idrefs="S20">7B</figref> a Side view of baking <figref idrefs="S20">7A</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S21">8</figref> a perspective view of another embodiment of the present Invention with some additional features;

<figref idrefs="S22">9</figref> a perspective view of an ultrasonic welding jaw in engagement with a Sonotrode of an ultrasonic horn;

<figref idrefs="S23">10</figref> a perspective view of an ultrasonic welding jaw in engagement with a cardboard;

<figref idrefs="S23">11</figref> a perspective view of an ultrasonic welding jaw in engagement with a welded cardboard;

<figref idrefs="S25">12</figref> a Plan view of an ultrasonic Kartonversiegler; and

<figref idrefs="S24">13</figref>-<figref idrefs="S24">15</figref> a Versiegelvorgang on a gable roof closure.

Of the inventive ultrasonic welding jaws may be in a form, fill and seal machine for are cartons as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,812, is used. This machine is only one example of the possible application of the ultrasonic welding jaws according to the invention. The expert may be many possible imagine applications of ultrasonic welding jaws that are not from Scope of the present invention differ.

As in <figref idrefs="S18">1</figref> illustrated, the jaws <figref>20</figref> on front end <figref>21</figref> and a rear end <figref>22</figref>, The jaws<figref>20</figref> Has a jaw member <figref>23</figref>. a vibration member <figref>24</figref>, A sealing part <figref>26</figref> and Means for acoustically isolating the jaw body, which in this embodiment, baking <figref>20</figref> an air space <figref>28</figref> is. airspace<figref>28</figref> becomes the vibration member <figref>24</figref> at the front end, the back body <figref>23</figref> at the rear end and a pair of bridges parllelen <figref>30</figref> and <figref>32</figref> at the sides limited. The parallel bridges<figref>30</figref> and <figref>32</figref> connect also the vibration member <figref>24</figref> with the jaw member <figref>23</figref>, As from <figref idrefs="S18">1</figref> It can be seen are the parallel bridges except for predetermined length the sealing part <figref>26</figref>, This construction gives the to bake <figref>20</figref> the necessary stability for a effective sealing operation (not shown). airspace<figref>28</figref> allows isolation the jaw body <figref>23</figref> from vibration member <figref>24</figref> while the activation of the ultrasonic horn, during the Versiegelvorgangs Energy for baking transfers. Of the airspace <figref>28</figref> allows the fact that the energy in the vibration member <figref>24</figref> remain and not over the Back body <figref>23</figref> at transmit the frame (not shown) is. The means for acoustic insulation are hereinafter yet described in detail.

As in <figref idrefs="S19">2</figref> shown, includes the Back System <figref>36</figref> a Back bar <figref>38</figref>, A series of baking <figref>20A</figref>-F And Plurality of internal connecting pipes Back <figref>39</figref>, The six to bake <figref>20A</figref>-F enable the simultaneous sealing of six cartons with a reciprocal Hub of arranged jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F. The present embodiment shows a baking system with baking bars, the skilled person is, however, understood that more or less baking in the context of the present invention can be used. The jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F removably on the back bar <figref>38</figref> attached to a regular exchange the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F to facilitate.

The Back bar <figref>38</figref> is arranged so that they between them an open position in which the carton can happen, and a closed position in which they face a side of the closure in the closing position presses, emotional &lt;?page 4?&gt;can be. In this manner, a plurality sealed cartons simultaneously.

On Part of the ultrasonic energy from transducers or Versiegelhörnern during Operation of the ultrasonic Verschweißvorichtung on the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F Transferred. The ultrasonic energy is of the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F In the form heat distributed or dissipated. A cooling system may be used, to an overheating the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F During Operation of the ultrasonic welding device to prevent. The inventive cooling system is best in <figref idrefs="S19">3</figref> shown. As in<figref idrefs="S19">3</figref> shown, is the cooling system from an internal passageway <figref>40</figref> by each of the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F And in particular by the vibration member <figref>24</figref> the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F. Each the internal connection paths <figref>40</figref> has a predetermined Diameter and extends from one side of the jaws <figref>20</figref> to the opposing End. The internal passageway<figref>40</figref> located in a Position in which the operation of the jaws <figref>20</figref> is minimally affected, while its cooling is maximized. The flow of heat lowering fluid through the internal passageway <figref>40</figref> is also a factor for The cooling capability the internal communication path <figref>40</figref>, As the flow rate determines how fast the heat absorbed by the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F Is removed. A lower flow rate requires a larger surface area and vice versa. The internal passageway<figref>40</figref> So should a sufficient surface have to heat from baking <figref>20</figref> based on a fixed flow rate the heat lowering to absorb fluid in a predetermined period.

Of the internal communication path <figref>40</figref> also has no contact with the means for acoustically isolating the baking, regardless of whether the acoustic insulation, an air space <figref>28</figref>, as in <figref idrefs="S18">1</figref> shown, or a rubber membrane, as in <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> and <figref>5</figref> shown,. The necessity of to avoid contact with the means for acoustically isolating, is wherein the size and Arrangement of internal communication path <figref>40</figref> in each jaw <figref>20A</figref>-F Important. The cooling capabilities optimized, the internal communication path has <figref>40</figref> a have sufficient large surface area, its size must However, do not hinder the insulation. The position or arrangement the internal connection paths <figref>40</figref> allowed the isolation means also not impede, but this need with the ability to the heat effectively from the jaws <figref>20</figref> evacuate, be agreed.

Each internal communication path <figref>40</figref> of each of the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F Together by an internal brick connecting pipe <figref>39</figref> connected. Each of the internal bakery connecting pipes <figref>39</figref> has a Diameter, which allows the tube, in each of the internal passageways <figref>40</figref> to be introduced and yet an effective flow of fluid through the tube <figref>39</figref> to enable. If the internal communication path <figref>40</figref> is introduced, is the internal connection pipe <figref>39</figref> with each of the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F With at least a preferably two O-rings <figref>42</figref> joined or sealed. The O-rings <figref>42</figref> enable it each jaw <figref>20</figref>, In proportion to any other baking <figref>20</figref> move, without the internal connecting pipe <figref>39</figref> between two adjacent jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F Is achieved. The internal connecting pipes Back <figref>39</figref> have a predetermined Length, which is sufficient to the connection between two adjacent to bake <figref>20A</figref>-F upright receive, if a baking <figref>20</figref> out of alignment with its adjacent jaw <figref>20</figref> is moved. In a preferred embodiment, the internal bakery connecting pipes <figref>39</figref> of plastic material. It can however, other materials, such as stainless steel, in which Implementation of the present invention are used. Those skilled it is clear that in addition to stainless steel, other materials are conceivable are, without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention. The internal connecting pipes Back <figref>39</figref>, With each of the two end jaws <figref>20A</figref> and F on one end of the internal connecting pipes Back <figref>39</figref> connected are, are on opposite Ends with an inlet tube <figref>44</figref> and an outlet pipe <figref>46</figref>, as in <figref idrefs="S19">2</figref> shown, connected. In this manner all internal passageways <figref>40</figref>, All internal connecting pipes Back <figref>39</figref>. the inlet pipe <figref>44</figref> and the outlet <figref>46</figref> about the Fluid in conjunction.

The inlet pipe <figref>44</figref> is a source <figref>48</figref> (not shown) for the heat lowering fluid in connection, and the outlet <figref>46</figref> is with a drain system <figref>50</figref> (Not shown) for Altfludium connected. As heat -lowering fluid is defined a fluid which substantially the temperature by heat transfer between an object and the fluid maintains. In the present invention, the heat used lowering fluid, to heat by an object, the jaws <figref>20</figref>To transfer to the fluid. A preferred heat -lowering fluid is water, but other fluids can in implementing of the present invention may be used. The inlet pipe<figref>44</figref> can be connected directly to a known source of water or with a device which cools the water first. The water flows through the inlet pipe <figref>44</figref> the first internal back connecting pipe <figref>39</figref>. in the internal communication path <figref>40</figref> the first jaw <figref>20A</figref> and then in a similar Way through the rest of the jaws <figref>20B</figref>-F. If that Water through the last jaws <figref>20F</figref> flowed, flows through the outlet pipe <figref>46</figref> in the drain system <figref>50</figref> for Altfluidum, such as a drain, which is connected to the sewer. Alternatively, the water can from the exhaust pipe <figref>46</figref> in a Zirku&lt;?page 5?&gt;tion system flow, to the water back to the inlet pipe <figref>44</figref> bring to. The Use of plastic or stainless steel for the internal Back connecting pipes <figref>39</figref> reduces the risk that the Tube <figref>39</figref> oxidized by the water.

in the Application provides the cooling system a-lowering heat Fluid such as chilled Water, on the cheeks <figref>20A</figref>-F So prepared that a transfer of heat of the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F allows for fluid is. Because the fluid from the inlet pipe<figref>44</figref> by the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F To outlet <figref>46</figref> flows, reduces heat transfer to the fluid the temperature of the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F From, thereby adverse Effects due to overheating the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-F can be avoided.

at an ultrasonic welding process the jaws <figref>20</figref> Part of the vibration system and must acoustically from the rest of the machine are isolated. The jaws<figref>20</figref> have to be are acoustically isolated to possible damage to the machine and to avoid a loss of ultrasonic energy to the machine frame to prevent. Currently, these acoustic insulation is a Rubber layer between the vibration member <figref>24</figref> and the jaw member <figref>23</figref> achieved. The rubber coating makes the front end <figref>21</figref> baking <figref>20</figref> (the sealing part <figref>26</figref> and the vibration member <figref>24</figref>) flexible, the pressure distribution of the sealing portion <figref>26</figref> impaired. If the rubber is hard and stiff, the insulating effect is low, thereby A larger quantity is transmitted to the ultrasonic energy to the machine frame. If no Insulation is present, the amount of transmitted ultrasound energy extremely large.

In of the present invention have the means for acoustically isolating a baking <figref>20</figref> several embodiments. An embodiment is an airspace gap <figref>28</figref> in between the vibration member <figref>24</figref> and the jaw member <figref>23</figref> as in <figref idrefs="S18">1</figref> shown. The Running Dream <figref>28</figref> decreases the amount of ultrasonic energy, the to the back body <figref>23</figref> transfer is. Another embodiment is in <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> shown in which a specially formed rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> is formed so that the Connecting force applied to the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> is applied, relative to the repetition force during operation of the ultrasound device exercised will be raised. As in <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> illustrated, the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> a first section <figref>54</figref>That parallel to the sealing portion <figref>26</figref> is, a second angled portion <figref>56</figref>, A third portion <figref>58</figref>, of the parallel to the sealing portion <figref>26</figref> is a fourth, angled section <figref>60</figref> and a fifth section <figref>62</figref>. in parallel with the sealing member <figref>26</figref> is. This special Training the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> prevented by increasing the Connecting force in relation for repeating force that the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> from to bake <figref>20</figref> solves.

To the Comparison is in <figref idrefs="S20">5A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S20">5B</figref> on Known jaws shown that a rubber membrane <figref>52A</figref> used has a substantially rectilinear formation. The well-known rubber membrane <figref>52A</figref> tends due to repetition force and lack of binding force to dissolve. In<figref idrefs="S20">6A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S20">6B</figref> becomes the jaws <figref>20</figref> with the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> out <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> shown. An alternative embodiment is in <figref idrefs="S20">7A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S20">7B</figref> shown, in which the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> is designed differently than in the <figref idrefs="S20">6A</figref> and <figref idrefs="S20">6B</figref> represented.

at present have most baking a sealing pattern which is not a separable component of baking is. The jaws of the present invention<figref>20</figref> Has additionally to the above features, a new structure that the Sealing portion of the vibration member <figref>24</figref> and the remainder of the baking <figref>20</figref> separated. As in<figref idrefs="S21">8</figref> shown, can the jaws invention <figref>20</figref> in The following components are broken: the jaw member <figref>23</figref>; the vibration member<figref>24</figref>; the cooling system and the sealing portion <figref>26</figref>, The multi-component baking<figref>20</figref> permits simpler exchanging or replacing components in comparison to a known jaws, which must be replaced as a complete unit. The sealing member <figref>26</figref> can not affect the insulation between the vibration member <figref>24</figref> and the jaw member <figref>23</figref> changed will.

On Set of screws <figref>70</figref> connects the sealing part <figref>26</figref> With the vibration member <figref>24</figref> and allows easy replacement the sealing parts <figref>26</figref>, The screws<figref>70</figref> come not in contact with the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> or internal communication path <figref>40</figref>, A Revulkanisierung the rubber membrane<figref>52</figref> becomes also avoided when a new sealing portion <figref>26</figref> is required, since the vibration member <figref>24</figref> and the jaw member <figref>23</figref>. the rubber membrane <figref>52</figref> surrounded, during the replacement of the vibration member <figref>26</figref> not be changed in its position.

It is clear that a lack of a sealing to the object, as a packaging material during the Ultaschallschweißens to a damage to the jaws <figref>20</figref> and Sontotrode <figref>72</figref> of the ultrasonic horn <figref>74</figref> leads. In some sealant applications, it is necessary, a predetermined distance between the sonotrode <figref>72</figref> and baking <figref>20</figref> during the Ultrasound welding keep upright. Excessive pressure on a packaging material, that is being subjected to ultrasonic welding, leads to that molten packaging material from the Versiegelabschnitt is extruded; this is an example for a welding application, in which a minimal distance between the sonotrode <figref>72</figref> and baking <figref>20</figref> must be respected. To damage of baking <figref>20</figref> and &lt;?page 6?&gt;the horn <figref>72</figref> to avoid and a predetermined distance between the jaws <figref>20</figref> and the horn <figref>72</figref> observed, the present invention includes a plurality of support pads or pillows <figref>76</figref> for producing a gap between the sonotrode <figref>72</figref> and baking <figref>20</figref>,

As in <figref idrefs="S22">9</figref> illustrated, the jaws <figref>20</figref> a Plurality of support pads <figref>76</figref>. which are arranged in predetermined positions to a too strong welding the cardboard web and damage to the welding equipment to avoid. The majority the support cushion <figref>76</figref> is to baking <figref>20</figref>, The cushion<figref>76</figref> consist of a heat-resistant plastic material, the low Kriechdehung and sufficient durability having to hold the repeated welding stand. The length of pad <figref>76</figref> is determined by the welding requirements. As in <figref idrefs="S23">10</figref> and <figref idrefs="S23">11</figref> shown, the length the cushion <figref>76</figref> on the thickness of the ultrasonic horn by and baking <figref>20</figref> intended to be sealed closure. If the length does not sufficient extruding the sealing material from the Verschweißabschnitt. If the length is greater as needed the closure is not properly sealed in Versiegelvorgang. A preferred pad <figref>76</figref> consists of a polyetheretherketone ( "PEEK"). The PEEK material can from strong forces 3000 N acting on the cushion <figref>76</figref> be exercised resist.

Industrial application

A Ultrasonic Kartonveriegelvorrichtung the patent application of Schott et al is in <figref idrefs="S25">12</figref> shown. As already mentioned, can the new shoes according to the present Invention as a component in a Kartonversiegelvorrichtung in a Kartonfüll- and seal machine as described in Stark et al, used will. As in<figref idrefs="S25">12</figref> illustrated, the Kartonversiegelvorrichtung a number of components to the Versiegeloperation or Verschweißoperation perform on a closure. Interesting are the jaws <figref>20A</figref>-H, The baking rack <figref>38</figref> and the ultrasonic horns.

<figref idrefs="S24">13</figref> to <figref idrefs="S24">15</figref> show a sealed- or welding operation, which is performed on a gable-top closure. In<figref idrefs="S24">13</figref> becomes baking <figref>20</figref> opposite to of an ultrasonic horn <figref>74</figref> arranged. In<figref idrefs="S24">14</figref> becomes a web <figref>80</figref> a gable roof closure between the jaws <figref>20</figref> and the ultrasonic horn <figref>74</figref> arranged to cooperate with ultrasonic energy welded to become. In<figref idrefs="S24">15</figref> comes the jaws <figref>20</figref> With the web <figref>80</figref> engaged, forcing it against the ultrasonic horn <figref>74</figref>. around the closure with the ultrasonic horn <figref>74</figref> generated Ultrasonic energy to weld together. The means for acoustic Isolation reduce the amount of ultrasonic energy from the vibration member <figref>24</figref> on the jaw member <figref>23</figref> transfer is. This also reduces the amount of ultrasonic energy that transferred to the other components of the machine and Versiegelvorrichtung is.