Device and method for opening a plastic bag

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plastic bag opening device which opens an inlet of a plastic bag having a pocket shape, including a lifting member which lifts the plastic bag in a state in which one surface of the plastic bag is adsorbed, and an air blower which injects air toward the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member so that the inlet of the plastic bag is opened to be widened. Accordingly, the inlet of the plastic bag can be completely opened.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0181100, filed on December 16, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for opening a plastic bag, which is capable of automatically opening the inlet of the plastic bag. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, products such as food, medicine, and articles are packaged and distributed in the form of bags, and synthetic resins are often used as the material for these bags.

[0005] For example, a sealing bag can be provided as a plastic bag in the form of an envelope, and each plastic bag has a structure in which one surface is sealed except for one surface. That is, the unsealed surface of the sealing bag serves as an inlet for containing the product.

[0006] With industrial development, a plastic bag opening device has been developed for holding a large number of products in a plastic bag in a short time. The plastic bag opening device includes first and second adsorption pads that respectively adsorb two opposing surfaces of the plastic bag, and a movable part that moves the first and second adsorption pads in a direction away from each other to open the inlet of the plastic bag.

[0007] However, there are limitations to how the plastic bag opening device according to the relevant technology can fully open the inlet of the plastic bag using only the first and second suction pads. That is, the inlet of the plastic bag is difficult to open due to friction and static electricity. Consequently, capacity utilization may be reduced and sealing failures may occur due to incorrect opening of the plastic bag. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention, intended to address the above problems, aims to provide: an apparatus for opening a plastic bag, comprising an air blower to more easily open the inlet of the plastic bag, and particularly, to fully open the inlet of the plastic bag, thereby increasing capacity utilization and preventing defective sealing; and a method for opening the plastic bag using the apparatus.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] The present invention, aimed at solving the above problems, provides a plastic bag opening device for opening the inlet of a plastic bag having a pocket shape. The plastic bag opening device may include: a lifting member that raises the plastic bag while it is being adsorbed onto one surface; and an air blower that injects air toward the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed onto the lifting member, thereby opening and widening the inlet of the plastic bag.

[0012] The lifting component may include: an adsorption pad that adsorbs the surface of the plastic bag; and a lifting portion that allows the adsorption pad to rise, thereby raising the plastic bag adsorbed onto the adsorption pad to the level where the air blower is placed.

[0013] The air blower may include: an injection nozzle that injects air toward the inlet of a plastic bag, causing the inlet of the plastic bag to open and widen; and a frame to which the injection nozzle is attached. In the injection nozzle, the air injection opening may be configured to tilt downwards at a set angle relative to the horizontal line.

[0014] The angle can be set from 3° to 10°.

[0015] The injection nozzle can be connected to the frame in a way that allows its angle to be adjusted up and down or left and right.

[0016] The plastic bag opening device may further include a rotating component that rotates the lifting component so that the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed onto the lifting component faces upward.

[0017] The plastic bag opening device may further include a finger-shaped component having a pair of fingers that are inserted into the inlet of the plastic bag of the lifting component and pull and expand the inlet of the plastic bag in two opposite directions.

[0018] The plastic bag opening device may further include a movable part that moves the lifting part away from the finger part, thereby expanding the area of ​​the plastic bag inlet between the finger part and the lifting part.

[0019] This invention relates to a method for opening the inlet of a plastic bag having a pocket shape. The method may include: a lifting process, adsorbing one surface of the plastic bag and then raising the plastic bag using a lifting member; and an opening process, injecting air towards the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member using an air blower, causing the air injected from the air blower to flow into the plastic bag through the inlet to open and widen the inlet of the plastic bag.

[0020] During the lifting process, the lifting component raises the plastic bag to the level where the air blower is positioned. During the opening process, the air blower injects air towards the inlet of the plastic bag, so that the air is injected downwards at a set angle relative to the horizontal line.

[0021] The angle can be set from 3° to 10°.

[0022] The method for opening a plastic bag may include a rotation process: when the opening process is complete, a lifting component is rotated by using a rotating component, thereby positioning the inlet of the plastic bag that is attracted to the lifting component upwards.

[0023] The method for opening a plastic bag may include an initial expansion process: when the rotation process is complete, the plastic bag inlet is pulled and expanded in two opposite directions by inserting a pair of fingers disposed in the finger component into the inlet of the plastic bag that is adsorbed onto the lifting component and moving the pair of fingers in a direction away from each other.

[0024] The method for opening a plastic bag may include a secondary expansion process: when the initial expansion process is completed, the inlet of the plastic bag is expanded in the area between the finger and the lifting component by moving the lifting component away from the finger component using a movable component.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] The plastic bag opening device according to the present invention may include an air blower to inject air into the inlet of the plastic bag and fully open the inlet of the plastic bag. Therefore, capacity utilization can be increased, and defective sealing can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a plastic bag according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view illustrating a plastic bag opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating an air blower of a plastic bag opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating the rotating component of a plastic bag opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the finger-shaped component of a plastic bag opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6This is a plan view illustrating the operating state of the finger-shaped component of the plastic bag opening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating a movable component of a plastic bag opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for opening a plastic bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating a plastic bag opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily practice the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Parts irrelevant to the description are excluded from the drawings to clearly illustrate the invention. Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 The plastic bag 10 has a pocket-like structure with one surface forming an inlet 11. The plastic bag 10 with this structure is held in a state where it is compressed flat so that one surface 12 and another surface 13 are in close contact with each other. When the plastic bag 10 is used, its inlet 11 is opened for storing or packaging products, etc.

[0039] However, the following problem exists: due to friction or static electricity occurring between one surface 12 and the other surface 13, the plastic bag 10 is not easy to open.

[0040] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the plastic bag opening device 1 can automatically open the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, and in particular, fully open the inlet of the plastic bag. Accordingly, the efficiency of containing articles can be improved.

[0041] The plastic bag opening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] [Plastic bag opening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention]

[0043] As in Figures 1 to 3Schematic illustration: The plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure for opening an inlet 11 of a plastic bag 10 having a pocket shape. That is, the plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a lifting member 100, which is positioned on one surface 12 of the plastic bag 10 (… Figure 1 The plastic bag 10 is lifted while the top surface of the plastic bag is being adsorbed; and an air blower 200 injects air toward the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 adsorbed to the lifting member 100, thereby opening the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 to widen it.

[0044] Lifting components

[0045] The lifting component 100 is designed to raise the plastic bag 10.

[0046] That is, as in Figure 2 Schematic diagram shows that the lifting component 100 includes: an adsorption pad 110 that adsorbs the plastic bag 10 on one surface 12; and a lifting portion 120 that allows the adsorption pad 110 to rise and raises the plastic bag 10 adsorbed onto the adsorption pad 110 to the horizontal line where the air blower 200 is placed.

[0047] Here, multiple adsorption pads 110 can be provided to raise the entire surface 12 located on the side of the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, and preferably, five or more adsorption pads 110 can be provided.

[0048] Specifically, the adsorption pad 110 may have a structure in which air suction is used to adsorb the plastic bag 10 onto one of its surfaces 12. The lifting part 120 may be configured as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to allow the adsorption pad 110 to rise or return to its initial position.

[0049] The lifting member 100 having the structure described above can stably adsorb the plastic bag 10 onto one of its surfaces 12 and effectively raise the adsorbed plastic bag 10.

[0050] air dryer

[0051] The air blower 200 is designed to open the import port of a plastic bag.

[0052] That is, as in Figure 3 As illustrated, the air blower 200 includes: an injection nozzle 210 that injects air toward the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, thereby opening the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 to widen; and a frame 220 to which the injection nozzle 210 is attached.

[0053] Here, the frame 220 is formed in the direction corresponding to the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 ( Figure 1The injection nozzles 210 extend in the front-back direction and are arranged in multiples at set intervals on one surface of the frame 220 facing the plastic bag 10.

[0054] Here, the injection nozzle 210 can be configured to face the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, so that the air injection opening through which it injects air is tilted downward at a set angle α° relative to the horizontal line. The air injected from the injection nozzle 210 can be injected toward the other surface 13 of the plastic bag 10 instead of the first surface 12. Accordingly, the other surface 13 of the plastic bag 10, which is attached to the first surface 12 by electrostatics or the like, can be easily separated to open the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10.

[0055] Here, the set angle α° can be set from 3° to 10°, and preferably from 5° to 8°. When the set angle of the injection nozzle 210 is 3° or less, there is no significant difference compared to the case of injection towards a horizontal line. When the set angle is 10° or greater, air may be injected to the outside of the inlet 11, and therefore efficiency may be reduced.

[0056] In the operating state of the plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, having the structure described above, the lifting member 100 raises one surface 12 of the plastic bag 10 in the adsorption state. Here, the other surface of the plastic bag 10 ( Figure 1 The bottom surface of the plastic bag may have a portion that is electrostatically bonded to that surface. The entire other surface 13 may also be bonded to that surface, and the entire other surface 13 may also be separated from that surface due to a load.

[0057] Then, the air blower 200 is used to inject air toward the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10. The air injected by the air blower 200 can flow into the inlet 11 to open the inlet 11, and a portion of the air that has already flowed into the plastic bag 10 can be discharged through the inlet 11 to open the inlet 11 again.

[0058] Therefore, since the plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a lifting member 100 and an air blower 200, the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 can be opened to be fully widened.

[0059] Rotating components

[0060] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the plastic bag opening device 1 may further include a rotating component 400, wherein the rotating lifting component 100 causes the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 to face upward.

[0061] That is, because the rotating component 400 allows the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 to be as in Figure 4The product is placed facing upwards, making it easier to introduce it into the plastic bag 10.

[0062] In one example, the rotating component 400 includes: a rotating body 410 to which the lifting component 100 is rotatably connected; and a rotating part 420 that rotates the lifting component 100 connected to the rotating body 410 such that the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 adsorbed onto the lifting component 100 is positioned upwards. The rotating part 420 may be a drive motor.

[0063] finger-shaped components

[0064] The plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a finger-shaped member 300, which pulls the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 to initially expand the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 in two opposite directions.

[0065] That is, as in Figure 5 and 6 As illustrated, the finger-shaped component 300 includes a pair of fingers 310, and when inserted into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, the pair of fingers 310 move in directions away from each other while pulling the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, which is adsorbed onto the lifting component 100, in two opposite directions.

[0066] In one example, the finger-like component 300 includes: a pair of fingers 310 that, while inserted into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, move in directions away from each other while simultaneously pulling the plastic bag 10 into the inlet 11 of the lifting component 100 in two opposite directions; a first drive unit 320 that allows the pair of fingers 310 to descend toward the plastic bag 10 such that the pair of fingers 310 are inserted into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10; and a second drive unit 330 that allows the pair of fingers 310 to move in directions away from each other.

[0067] The finger-shaped component 300 with this structure can expand the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 in the two opposite directions, and can also prevent the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 from sagging.

[0068] Movable parts

[0069] The plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a movable part 500 for secondary expansion of the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10.

[0070] That is, as in Figure 7Schematic diagram: The movable member 500 moves the lifting member 100 away from the finger member 300, thereby expanding the area of ​​the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 between the finger member 300 and the lifting member 100. In other words, one surface 12 of the plastic bag is attracted to the lifting member 100, and the other surface 13 of the plastic bag 10 is supported by the finger member 300. Therefore, when the movable member moves the lifting member 100, the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 can be expanded as one surface 12 of the plastic bag 10 moves together with the lifting member 100.

[0071] The following describes an opening method using a plastic bag opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] [Method for opening a plastic bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention]

[0073] As in Figure 8 As illustrated in the diagram, the method for opening a plastic bag according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a lifting process, an opening process, a rotating process, an initial expansion process, and a secondary expansion process, thereby opening the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 having a pocket shape to widen it.

[0074] The plastic bag opening method according to the first embodiment of the present invention uses the plastic bag opening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, and the plastic bag opening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a lifting member 100, an air blower 200, a rotating member 400, a finger-shaped member 300, and a movable member 500.

[0075] Improvement process

[0076] refer to Figure 2 During the lifting process, the lifting component 100 is used to adsorb one surface 12 of the plastic bags 10 stacked on the top side of the stacked plastic bags 10. Figure 1 (top surface of the bag) and then raise the plastic bag 10.

[0077] That is, the lifting member 100 adsorbs the plastic bag 10 onto one surface 12 of the plastic bag 10 via the adsorption pad 110 and raises the plastic bag 10 via the lifting part 120. Here, the lifting member 100 raises the plastic bag 10 to the horizontal line where the air blower 200 is placed.

[0078] Here, the surface 12 is placed on one side of the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10. Figure 1 The top surface of the middle) and another surface 13 ( Figure 1 The bottom surface (of the material) can be made into a completely tight contact state or a partially tight contact state through bonding or electrostatics.

[0079] Opening process

[0080] refer to Figure 3 During the opening process, an air blower 200 is used to inject air into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, which is adsorbed onto the lifting member 100. The inlet 11 can then be opened by the pressure of the air injected from the air blower 200. In particular, even when one surface 12 and the other surface 13 placed on one side of the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 are in close contact with each other, the one surface 12 and the other surface 13 can be easily separated from each other by air pressure, and as a result, the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 can be opened to widen.

[0081] Furthermore, a portion of the air that has already flowed into the plastic bag 10 can be discharged to the outside through the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, and the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 can be fully opened by the air discharged to the outside of the plastic bag 10.

[0082] During the opening process, the air blower 200 can inject air toward the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 such that the air is injected downwards at a set angle α° relative to the horizontal line. That is, the air blower 200 can inject air toward another surface 13 placed on one side of the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10, and correspondingly, the other surface 13 of the plastic bag 10 can be easily separated from the first surface 12 of the plastic bag 10. As a result, the inlet 11 can be effectively opened.

[0083] The angle α° can be set from 3° to 10°, and preferably from 5° to 7°.

[0084] When the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 is opened, a rotation process, a primary expansion process, and a secondary expansion process can be performed to expand the area of ​​the plastic bag 10 in the direction of the inlet 11, thereby making it easier to accommodate the product.

[0085] Rotation process

[0086] refer to Figure 4 The rotation process is designed to position the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 facing upwards, and when the opening process is completed, the rotating component 400 is used to rotate the lifting component 100 so that the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 adsorbed to the lifting component 100 is positioned facing upwards.

[0087] Initial expansion process

[0088] refer to Figure 5-6The initial expansion process aims to initially expand the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 and prevent the inlet 11 from sagging. When the rotation process is complete, a pair of fingers 310 disposed in the finger member 300 are inserted into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 by the lifting member 100, and these fingers 310 move in directions away from each other. Then, the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 can be pulled in two opposite directions by the pair of fingers 310 to initially expand the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10.

[0089] Secondary expansion process

[0090] refer to Figure 7 When the initial expansion process is completed, during the secondary expansion process, the movable part 500 is used to move the lifting part 100 away from the finger part 300. Then, the surface 12 of the plastic bag 10 moves together with the lifting part 100, and as a result, the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 can be expanded a second time in the area (or distance) between the finger part 300 and the lifting part 100.

[0091] When the process described above is completed, the product can be conveniently inserted into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 and packaged.

[0092] In the following text, the same reference numerals will be used to describe another embodiment of the invention for elements that are the same as those in the embodiments described above, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0093] [Plastic bag opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention]

[0094] As in Figure 9 and 10 Schematic illustration: According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a plastic bag opening device 1 includes a lifting member 100 and an air blower 200. The air blower 200 includes: an injection nozzle 210 that injects air toward the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 so that the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 is opened to widen; and a frame 220 to which the injection nozzle 210 is connected.

[0095] Here, the injection nozzle 210 can be connected to the frame 220 in a manner that allows its angle to be adjusted up and down or left and right.

[0096] In one example, refer to Figure 10 A spherical connecting portion 211 is formed in the injection nozzle 210, and a spherical connecting groove 221 to which the spherical connecting portion 211 is connected is formed in the frame 220. That is, the spherical connecting portion 211 can rotate up and down or left and right within the spherical connecting groove 221, and the injection nozzle 210 can be adjusted up and down or left and right using the spherical connecting portion 211.

[0097] Therefore, in the plastic bag opening device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the injection nozzle 210 can be adjusted up and down or left and right to match the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10 adsorbed onto the lifting member 100. As a result, the air injected from the injection nozzle 210 can be accurately injected into the inlet 11 of the plastic bag 10.

[0098] The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All modifications made within the equivalent meaning of the claims and within the scope of the claims are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

[0099] [Symbol Explanation]

[0100] 10: Plastic bags

[0101] 11: Imports

[0102] 12: A surface

[0103] 13: Another surface

[0104] 100: Lifting components

[0105] 110: Adhesive pad

[0106] 120: Lifting Department

[0107] 200: Air dryer

[0108] 210: Injection nozzle

[0109] 220: Framework

[0110] 400: Rotating component

[0111] 410: Rotating Body

[0112] 420: Rotating part

[0113] 300: Finger-shaped component

[0114] 310: Finger-like object

[0115] 320: First Drive Unit

[0116] 330: Second Drive Unit

[0117] 500: Movable parts

Claims

1. A plastic bag opening apparatus configured to open an inlet of a plastic bag having a pocket shape, the plastic bag opening apparatus comprising: a lifting member configured to elevate the plastic bag in a state in which one surface of the plastic bag is adsorbed; and an air blower configured to inject air toward the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member such that the inlet of the plastic bag is opened to be widened, wherein the plastic bag opening apparatus further comprises a finger member provided with a pair of fingers inserted into the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member and configured to pull and expand the inlet of the plastic bag in two opposite directions, and wherein the plastic bag opening apparatus further comprises a movable member configured to move the lifting member away from the finger member such that the inlet of the plastic bag is expanded by an area between the finger member and the lifting member.

2. The plastic bag opening device of claim 1, wherein, the lifting member comprises: an adsorption pad configured to adsorb the one surface of the plastic bag; and a lifting portion configured to allow the adsorption pad to rise to elevate the plastic bag adsorbed to the adsorption pad to a level at which the air blower is placed.

3. The plastic bag opening device of claim 2, wherein, the air blower comprises an injection nozzle configured to inject air toward the inlet of the plastic bag such that the inlet of the plastic bag is opened to be widened, and a frame to which the injection nozzle is coupled, wherein in the injection nozzle, an air injection opening is disposed to be inclined downward at a set angle with respect to the level.

4. The plastic bag opening device of claim 3, wherein, the set angle is set to 3° to 10°.

5. The plastic bag opening device of claim 3, wherein, the injection nozzle is coupled to the frame in a manner that the angle thereof is adjustable up and down or left and right.

6. The plastic bag opening apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating member configured to rotate the lifting member such that the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member faces upward.

7. A plastic bag opening method of opening an inlet of a plastic bag having a pocket shape, the plastic bag opening method comprising: a lifting process of adsorbing one surface of the plastic bag and then elevating the plastic bag by using a lifting member; and an opening process of injecting air toward the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member by using an air blower such that air injected from the air blower flows into the plastic bag through the inlet to open the inlet of the plastic bag to be widened, wherein the plastic bag opening method further comprises a preliminary expansion process of pulling and expanding the inlet of the plastic bag in two opposite directions by inserting a pair of fingers provided in a finger member into the inlet of the plastic bag adsorbed to the lifting member and moving the pair of fingers in directions away from each other, and wherein the plastic bag opening method further comprises a secondary expansion process: when the primary expansion process is completed, expanding the inlet of the plastic bag by moving the lifting member away from the finger member using a movable member.

8. The plastic bag opening method of claim 7, wherein, In the lifting process, the lifting member lifts the plastic bag to the level where the air blower is placed, and In the opening process, the air blower injects air toward the inlet of the plastic bag such that air is injected downward at a set angle with respect to the horizontal line.

9. The plastic bag opening method of claim 8, wherein, The set angle is set to 3° to 10°.

10. The plastic bag opening method according to claim 7, further comprising a rotating process: when the opening process is completed, rotating the lifting member by using a rotating member, whereby the inlet of the plastic bag adhered to the lifting member is placed to face upward.

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