Heat sealing bar mounting device for bag making machine

Abstract

A heat-sealing rod mounting device for a bag-making machine is used to mount a heat-sealing rod to a heater in a detachable manner. A rod body with a mounting head passes through the heater. A support supports the heater. A slider is housed in a guide recess of the support in a slidable manner together with the rod body, and accommodates one end of the rod body. A force applying member is arranged between the heater and the slider, and applies a force to the slider toward a bottom surface of the guide recess. A fluid supply unit is configured to supply fluid to the guide recess and stop the supply of fluid. The fluid supply unit is configured to supply fluid to the guide recess, and cause the slider to slide together with the rod body against the force applying member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a heat sealing bar mounting device for a bag making machine, and more particularly to a mounting device that allows for the attachment and detachment of a heater relative to the heat sealing bar. Background Technology

[0002] A bag-making machine heat-seals bag components, such as the body or side panels, to produce a bag. The machine, for example, uses a pair of heat-sealing rods to clamp the component and heat it. At least one of the heat-sealing rods is mounted to a heater and heated during the heat-sealing process.

[0003] Typically, bag-making machines heat-seal the components of a bag so that it has a sealing portion along its periphery. Therefore, when using the same bag-making machine to manufacture bags of different designs, it is necessary to change the heat-sealing bar to a different shape. For this purpose, the bag-making machine is equipped with a heat-sealing bar mounting device. Using this device, the operator can remove the heat-sealing bar from the heater and install another heat-sealing bar into the heater, thereby replacing the heat-sealing bar.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a heat-sealing rod mounting device. This mounting device includes a rod (tension pin) that passes through a heater and an insert for inserting the heat-sealing rod. The rod has a mounting head at its front end. Both the mounting head and the insert have specific shapes so that the mounting head can be detachably accommodated within the insert.

[0005] During the loading and unloading of the heat-sealing rod, the rod body needs to be moved relative to the heater along its long side, thereby causing the mounting head at its front end to move forward and backward. The mounting device in Patent Document 1 also includes a user-operated mechanism to move the rod body. The operating mechanism may be a toggle mechanism, a fluid cylinder (air or hydraulic), a servo motor, a direct-acting solenoid valve, etc. The mounting device in Patent Document 1 does not require bolted connections for mounting the heat-sealing rod to the heater.

[0006] This disclosure provides a heat-sealing rod mounting device with a novel structure that allows the rod with mounting head to move relative to the heater in its long side direction.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5058367 Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a heat-sealing rod mounting device is provided for a bag-making machine for detachably mounting a heat-sealing rod to a heater, wherein...

[0011] The heat-sealing rod mounting device has the following features:

[0012] A rod that passes through the heater has a mounting head at its first end configured to be removably mounted to an insert into which a heat-sealing rod is embedded.

[0013] A support member that supports the heater has a guide recess opposite the heater;

[0014] A slider having a receiving recess for receiving a second end of the rod, which together with the rod can be slidably received within the guide recess in a manner that approaches and moves away from the heater;

[0015] A force-applying member, disposed between the heater and the slider, applies force to the slider toward the bottom surface of the guide recess; and

[0016] A fluid supply unit is configured to supply fluid to the guide recess and stop supplying fluid, and is configured to supply the fluid to the guide recess so that the slider and the rod together slide toward the heater against the force-applying member.

[0017] The rod may have a protrusion extending radially along the second end. The slider may have a stop at the opening of the receiving recess. The heat-sealing rod mounting device may further include an additional force-applying member disposed within the receiving recess, which applies force to the protrusion to engage it with the stop.

[0018] The protrusion may be flange-shaped and have a convex spherical surface. The stop may be ring-shaped and have a concave spherical surface complementary to the convex spherical surface. When the protrusion is engaged with the stop by the additional force-applying member, the convex spherical surface and the concave spherical surface are in surface contact.

[0019] The force-applying component and the additional force-applying component may be springs.

[0020] Alternatively, a flow path hole can be formed in the support member, and the bottom surface of the guide recess can be connected to the guide recess. The fluid supply unit can be configured to supply fluid to the guide recess through the flow path hole.

[0021] The fluid supply unit may include: a pipe connected to the flow path orifice; and a fluid supplier connected to the pipe, supplying the fluid to the guide recess through the pipe and the flow path orifice.

[0022] The fluid supplier may be a cylinder that supplies air as the fluid.

[0023] The heat-sealing rod mounting device may also include a user interface. The fluid supply unit may be configured to switch the fluid supply and stop the supply in response to input via the user interface.

[0024] The heat-sealing rod mounting device can be configured such that, when the heat-sealing rod is mounted on the heater, the heat-sealing rod is in close contact with a first surface of the heater. The heater can have an injection hole extending between the first surface and a second surface different from the first surface as a through hole. The heat-sealing rod mounting device can further include: a tubular member that defines a flow path on the second surface connected to the injection hole; an air injector that injects air into the injection hole through the flow path; a pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure in the flow path; and a determination unit configured to determine whether the heat-sealing rod is in close contact with the first surface based on the air pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

[0025] The determination unit can be configured such that: if the pressure sensor detects an air pressure exceeding a threshold when air is injected into the injection hole, it determines that the heat sealing rod is in close contact with the first surface; if the pressure sensor does not detect an air pressure exceeding the threshold when air is injected into the injection hole, it determines that the heat sealing rod is not in close contact with the first surface. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 An illustrative heater and an illustrative heat-sealing rod are shown.

[0027] Figures 2A to 2C The top view, sectional view, and front view of the illustrated insert are shown respectively.

[0028] Figure 3 An example is shown of the insertion of the insert into the heat-sealing rod.

[0029] Figure 4 An example heat-sealing rod mounting device is shown in summary.

[0030] Figure 5 A summary Figure 4 The installation structure of the installation device.

[0031] Figure 6 Will Figure 5 The region S is shown magnified.

[0032] Figure 7 Partially shown Figure 1 The heater and the heat sealing rod.

[0033] Figures 8A to 8C An example is shown of the installation of the heat seal rod towards the heater.

[0034] Figure 9The positional relationship between the insert and the rod is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 10A An example is shown of a structure used to confirm the installation status of the heat-sealing rod. Figure 10B Will Figure 10A The region T is shown magnified. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] The heat-sealing rod mounting device is used in a bag-making machine. The bag-making machine has a heat-sealing device that heat-seals bag components such as the body or side panels. The heat-sealing device includes a heater and a pair of heat-sealing rods. The heat-sealing rod mounting device is assembled to the heat-sealing device and configured to allow the operator to detachably mount the heat-sealing rods to the heater.

[0038] Figure 1 An illustrative heater 1 and an illustrative heat-sealing rod 2 (hereinafter referred to simply as a rod) are shown.

[0039] The heater 1 is elongated. The heater 1 has one or more through holes 10. For example, multiple, specifically four, through holes 10 are formed in the heater 1, arranged along the centerline 1c of the heater 1's long side. The heater 1 has heat pipes 11 inside. The heat pipes 11 maintain the interior of the heater 1 at a substantially uniform, set temperature by transferring heat. For example, two heat pipes 11 are located on either side of the through holes 10 and extend along the long side of the heater 1.

[0040] The rod 2 is elongated. One or more inserts 3 are embedded in the rod 2. For example, specifically four inserts 3 are embedded in the rod 2, arranged along the center line 2c of the long side of the rod 2. Each insert 3 is inserted into and embedded in an insertion recess 20 formed on one side of the rod 2. Figure 3 The number and arrangement of the inserts 3 (insertion recesses 20) correspond to the number and arrangement of the through holes 10 in the heater 1. Therefore, as described later, when the rod 2 is properly positioned in the heater 1, the through holes 10 in the heater 1 and the inserts 3 in the rod 2 match each other (see reference). Figure 1 (See attached figure L1).

[0041] Figures 2A to 2C The top view, sectional view, and front view of the illustrated insert 3 are shown respectively. As described later, the insert 3 is configured to accommodate the mounting head 40 of the rod 4. Figure 5 It is accommodated in a removable manner. In this embodiment, the insert 3 includes a socket 30, an inward protrusion 31, and a flange 32.

[0042] For socket 30, the first end ( Figure 2B , Figure 2CThe upper end of the middle is open, and the second end is open. Figure 2B , Figure 2C The lower end of the socket is closed. For the socket 30, a portion of its side has an opening, thus having an insertion port 300.

[0043] The inward protrusion 31 is located at the open end (first end side) of the socket 30, extending inward from the inner circumferential surface of the socket 30. Thus, the inward protrusion 31 defines the bearing surface 310 and the step 311 within the socket 30. The bearing surface 310 narrows towards the open end of the socket 30 with a defined point located on the center line 3c of the insert 3 as its vertex. It should be noted that... Figure 2A The reference numeral Lr in the attached figure indicates a baseline that passes through the center line 3c, is perpendicular to the center line 3c, and is parallel to the insertion port 300.

[0044] The flange 32 is located at the closed end (second end side) of the socket 30 and extends outward from the outer peripheral surface of the socket 30.

[0045] Rod 2 can be made of a relatively soft metal such as aluminum or brass. Insert 3 can be made of a harder metal such as S45C. Therefore, insert 3 can be made of a metal harder than rod 2. Insert 3 can be a single piece or a combination of multiple parts.

[0046] Figure 3 An example is shown of inserting the insert 3 into the rod 2. The rod 2 has an insertion recess 20 on one side for inserting the insert 3. The insertion recess 20 has an insertion groove 200, a mounting groove 201 adjacent to the insertion groove 200, and an insertion groove 202 adjacent to the bottom of the mounting groove 201 (see reference). Figure 3 (a)

[0047] The operator inserts the insert 3 into the insertion slot 200 with its flange 32 facing the bottom surface of the insertion recess 20 (see reference). Figure 3 (b)). At this time, the insertion port 300 of the insert 3 faces the assembly slot 201.

[0048] Next, the operator rotates insert 3 180° (see reference). Figure 3 (c)).

[0049] Next, the operator slides the insert 3 into the assembly slot 201 (see reference). Figure 3 (d) At this time, the socket 30 is guided along the mounting groove 201. When the insert 3 moves to the end of the mounting groove 201, its flange 32 is inserted into the insertion groove 202. In addition, the reference line Lr of the insert 3 is aligned with the center line 2c of the long side of the rod 2. The insertion port 300 of the insert 3 faces the insertion groove 200.

[0050] Next, the operator places the fastener 21 (e.g., a retaining ring) into the insertion slot 200 (see reference). Figure 3 (e)). The retainer 21 secures the insert 3, preventing it from moving from the mounting groove 201 and the insertion groove 202. Since the insertion groove 202 has a width greater than that of the mounting groove 201, the locking surface is defined by the width difference between the insertion groove 202 and the mounting groove 201. When the insert 3 moves to the end of the insertion groove 202, its flange 32 faces this locking surface. This prevents the insert 3 from dislodging from the rod 2 (insertion recess 20). Thus, the insert 3 is inserted into and positioned on the rod 2.

[0051] Figure 4 An exemplary heat-sealing rod mounting device is shown in summary for mounting rod 2 to heater 1. The heat-sealing rod mounting device includes one or more rod bodies 4, support members 5, and fluid supply units 6.

[0052] For example, multiple, specifically four, rods 4 are provided. The rods 4 pass through the heater 1. That is, the rods 4 pass through the through hole 10 of the heater 1. Figure 1 And extend. The number of through holes 10 should correspond to the type of rod 2 or heater 1 or the commonality of components, and can be set to a large number. The number of rods 4, the number of through holes 10 and the number of inserts 3 can be appropriately selected.

[0053] The support member 5 supports the heater 1. The heater 1 is fixedly mounted relative to the support member 5.

[0054] The fluid supply unit 6 is configured to allow the rod 4 to move relative to the heater 1 in the direction of its long side for loading and unloading the rod 2.

[0055] Figure 5 The mounting structure of the mounting device is shown in summary. Rod 4 is located at its first end ( Figure 4 The upper end of the rod 2 has a mounting head 40. The mounting head 40 is configured as an insert 3 that can be detachably mounted within the rod 2. The mounting head 40 may be a flange shape extending radially along the rod 4, thereby defining the engagement surface 400. The mounting head 40 is located on the side opposite to the support 5 relative to the heater 1. The through hole 10 of the heater 1 is sized to allow the mounting head 40 to pass through.

[0056] Rod 4 at its second end ( Figure 5 The lower end of the rod 4 has a protrusion 41. The protrusion 41 extends radially along the rod 4 and may have a flange shape. The protrusion 41 is located on the side of the support 5 relative to the heater 1.

[0057] The rod body 4 with mounting head 40 and protrusion 41 can be integral. The rod body 4 can be, for example, a bolt-like component. Alternatively, the mounting head 40 and protrusion 41 can be made of different components than the rod body 4 and are respectively mounted on the first and second ends of the rod body 4.

[0058] The support member 5 supporting the heater 1 has a guide recess 50 opposite to the heater 1. The guide recess 50 is formed on the surface of the support member 5 opposite to the heater 1. A flow path hole 51 is formed in the support member 5 and is connected to the guide recess 50 on the bottom surface of the guide recess 50.

[0059] The heat-sealing rod mounting device also includes a slider 7, a force-applying component 80, and an additional force-applying component 81.

[0060] The slider 7 is received and housed within the guide recess 50, and can slide within the guide recess 50 in a manner that approaches and moves away from the heater 1. The outer peripheral surface of the slider 7 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the guide recess 50 without clearance. Thus, when the slider 7 slides within the guide recess 50, a certain degree of sealing is ensured between the inner peripheral surface of the guide recess 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the slider 7. A space 52 is defined by the guide recess 50 and the slider 7 between the bottom surface of the guide recess 50 and the slider 7. The space 52 is connected to the flow path hole 51 of the support member 5.

[0061] The slider 7 includes a receiving recess 70 and a stop 71. The receiving recess 70 is formed on the slider 7 at the second end of the rod 4 in a manner that accommodates a protrusion 41. The stop 71 is formed in the opening of the receiving recess 70 and is a ring-shaped protrusion extending inward. The slider 7 can be integral or composed of a combination of multiple parts.

[0062] The force-applying component 80 is positioned between the heater 1 and the slider 7, in the direction that causes the slider 7 to move away from the heater 1 (in... Figure 5 A force is applied to the bottom surface of the guide recess 50 (facing downwards). The force-applying member 80 can be a spring. As described later, through this force, the rod 2 is brought into close contact with and fixed to the heater 1.

[0063] The force-applying member 81 is disposed within the receiving recess 70 between the bottom surface of the receiving recess 70 and the end face of the protrusion 41 of the rod 4, facing the heater 1 (in Figure 5 A force is applied to the protrusion 41 (facing upwards) to keep the protrusion 41 continuously engaged with the stop 71. Because the protrusion 41 is engaged with the stop 71, the rod 4 will not disengage from the slider 7 and can move together with the slider 7. The force-applying component 81 can be a spring.

[0064] Figure 6 Will Figure 5The region S is shown magnified. The flange-shaped protrusion 41 has a convex spherical surface 410. The ring-shaped stop 71 has a concave spherical surface 710 with a shape complementary to the convex spherical surface 410. In the protrusion 41 as... Figure 5 When the force-applying member 81 is engaged with the stop member 71, the convex spherical surface 410 and the concave spherical surface 710 come into contact.

[0065] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the fluid supply unit 6 includes a pipe 60 and a fluid supplier 61 (shown only in [location not specified]). Figure 4 The tube 60 is connected at its first end to each flow path hole 51 of the support 5. Thus, the fluid supply unit 6 is in fluid communication with the flow path holes 51 and the space 52. The tube 60 is connected at its second end to the fluid supplier 61. During operation, the fluid supplier 61 supplies fluid to the guide recess 50 (space 52) through the tube 60 and the flow path holes 51.

[0066] The fluid supplier 61 may be, for example, a fluid cylinder connected to the second end of the pipe 60 via a valve to supply fluid. Multiple fluid suppliers 61 can therefore be configured as multiple fluid cylinders. The fluid cylinder may be a pneumatic cylinder. The fluid supplier 61 is not limited to a fluid cylinder and may also have other structures such as a fluid pump (e.g., an air pump). The fluid is not limited to air and may be other fluids. The fluid may also be a gas or a liquid.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat-sealing rod mounting device also includes a user interface 90. The user interface 90 is an operator-operated mechanism such as a button, switch, or touchscreen. The user interface 90 can be located in the fluid supply unit 6, or in other components within the bag-making machine, such as the control panel. The fluid supply unit 6 is configured to switch the supply of fluid to the guide recess 50 and stop the supply in response to input via the user interface 90.

[0068] For example, in response to receiving an operating signal from the user interface 90, the fluid supply unit 6 controls the opening and closing of a valve to activate the fluid cylinder, which acts as the fluid supplier 61, thereby supplying fluid to the guide recess 50 (space 52) through the pipe 60 and the flow path orifice 51. In response to receiving a stop signal from the user interface 90, the fluid supply unit 6 controls the opening and closing of a valve to deactivate the fluid cylinder, which acts as the fluid supplier 61, thereby stopping the fluid supply. It should be noted that the space 52 is configured to maintain a certain degree of sealing when fluid is supplied.

[0069] Figure 7 The positioning line Lp is shown in summary. Figure 1The structure of the heater 1 and rod 2 near the rod. The guide pin 12 can also be embedded in the heater 1, for example. A hole 22 for receiving the guide pin 12 for positioning can be formed in the rod 2. The guide pin 12 can have a narrow front end. The hole 22 can be chamfered. The number of guide pins can be multiple, for example, two, and their positions can be... Figure 1 Near both sides of the long side of rod 2 in the middle.

[0070] Reference Figures 8A to 8C The method of mounting rod 2 to heater 1 is described. First, the operator uses user interface 90 ( Figure 4 ) to operate, causing the fluid supply unit 6 ( Figure 4 Fluid is supplied to the guide recess 50 (space 52) through the flow path hole 51. As a result, the slider 7 overcomes the force-applying member 80 (its force) and moves towards the heater 1. Figure 8A The rod 4 slides along the guide recess 50 (above) due to the close contact between the force-applying member 81 and the slider 7 (see reference). Figure 8A , Figure 8B As a result, the mounting head 40 is moved further away from the first surface of the heater 1 (becoming the surface in contact with the rod 2) 13 ( Figure 8A , Figure 8B That is, the amount of protrusion of the mounting head 40 from the first surface 13 increases.

[0071] Next, the operator holds the rod 2 with the insert 3 inserted and moves it, placing the protruding mounting head 40 into the insertion slot 200 of the insertion recess 20. Figure 8B Then, the operator positions lever 2 relative to heater 1. Figure 8B Slightly slide the rod 2 in the right direction (horizontally perpendicular to the center line 2c of the long side of the rod 2) so that the mounting head 40 enters the socket 30 of the insert 3 through the insertion port 300. At this time, the rod 2 is guided by the guide pin 12 ( Figure 7 Guided, it is roughly positioned relative to heater 1. Then, the mounting head 40 is able to pass over the step 311 within the insert 3 due to its increased protrusion as described above. If the operator wants to slightly lift the rod 2 from heater 1, even if the rod 4 is from the reference line Lr ( Figure 3 The positional deviation will also be naturally induced to match the baseline Lr.

[0072] Next, the operator operates the user interface 90 to stop the fluid supply to the fluid supply unit 6. As a result, the slider 7 (which has moved towards the heater 1 due to the fluid supply) moves towards the bottom surface of the guide recess 50 together with the rod 4 due to the force-applying member 80. Figure 8C Thus, the mounting head 40 is tightly fitted and installed within the insert 3. Specifically, as... Figure 9As is most commonly shown, the engaging surface 400 of the mounting head 40 comes into close contact with and engages with the receiving surface 310 of the insert 3. As a result, the rod 2 comes into close contact with the first surface 13 of the heater 1 and is positioned relative to the heater 1. In this way, the rod 2 is installed onto the heater 1. When the heater 1 heats up, the rod 2 is heated due to heat conduction from the heater 1.

[0073] It should be noted that removing rod 2 from heater 1 is simply a matter of reversing the above steps.

[0074] In this way, the operator can easily install the rod 2 onto the heater 1 through the user interface 90. Therefore, the operator can replace the rod 2 with different sealing surface shapes on the heater 1, and can accommodate changes in the shape of the rod 2 that accompany changes in the design of the bag being manufactured.

[0075] As described above, the heat-sealing rod mounting device is configured such that when the rod 2 is mounted on the heater 1, the rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13. The heat-sealing rod mounting device may include a structure for determining whether the rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13 of the heater 1. Figure 10A The structure is illustrated in summary. The heater 1 has an injection port 15. This injection port 15 serves as a through-hole 10 for the rod body 4. Figure 1 Different through holes (e.g.) are formed in the heater 1. The injection hole 15 extends between the first surface 13 and the second surface 14 on the opposite side of the first surface 13.

[0076] The heat-sealing rod mounting device includes: a tubular member 91, which internally defines a flow path 92 connected to an injection hole 15 on its second surface 14; and an air injector 93, which injects air into the injection hole 15 through the flow path 92. The tubular member 91 may be an additional tube prepared separately from the tube 60. For the tubular member 91, its first end is connected to the injection hole 15 on its second surface 14, and its second end is connected to the air injector 93. The air injector 93, like the fluid supplier 61, is an air supply device that supplies compressed air; for example, it may be a known air supply device including a compressor, regulator, cylinder, etc.

[0077] The heat-sealing rod mounting device also includes a pressure sensor 94 for detecting the air pressure within the flow path 92. The pressure sensor 94 may be, for example, an air gauge connected to the middle portion of the tubular member 91 and in air communication with the flow path 92 to detect the air pressure within the flow path 92 over time.

[0078] The heat-sealing rod mounting device also includes a determination unit 95, which is configured to determine whether the rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13 based on the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor 94. The determination unit 95 can be implemented, for example, by a processor executing a program stored in a storage medium.

[0079] Figure 10A The diagram shows the rod 2 properly mounted on the heater 1. The rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13, blocking one end of the injection hole 15. Therefore, with the rod 2 in close contact with the first surface 13, when the air injector 93 injects air into the injection hole 15 through the flow path 92, the air cannot flow out of the injection hole 15. As a result, the pressure within the flow path 92 increases significantly. The pressure sensor 94 detects this significant increase in air pressure.

[0080] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A An enlarged view of region T shows the state where rod 2 is not properly installed on heater 1. Rod 2 is not in close contact with the first surface 13 and does not block one end of the injection hole 15, creating a gap G between rod 2 and heater 1. Therefore, when rod 2 is not in close contact with the first surface 13, when air injector 93 injects air into injection hole 15 through flow path 92, air flows out of injection hole 15 and leaks into gap G (see reference). Figure 10B (The arrows indicate the airflow). As a result, the air pressure within flow path 92 does not increase. Or, even if the air pressure within flow path 92 increases, it does not increase as it would when rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13. Pressure sensor 94 does not detect a significant increase in air pressure.

[0081] In other words, the pressure change (rise) within the flow path 92 during air injection differs when rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13 and when rod 2 is not in close contact with the first surface 13. By utilizing this, it is possible to confirm whether rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13; in other words, it is possible to confirm whether rod 2 is properly installed in heater 1.

[0082] Therefore, if the pressure sensor 94 detects an air pressure exceeding a threshold (a predetermined pressure value) during air injection into the injection port 15 based on the air injector 93, the determination unit 95 determines that the rod 2 is in close contact with the first surface 13 (there is no improper installation of the rod 2). On the other hand, if the pressure sensor 94 does not detect an air pressure exceeding the aforementioned threshold during air injection into the injection port 15 based on the air injector 93, the determination unit 95 determines that the rod 2 is not in close contact with the heater 1 (there is improper installation of the rod 2). It should be noted that the threshold is preset based on the heater 1, the rod 4, the force-applying members 80, 81, etc., and / or through verification tests.

[0083] Air injector 93 can be configured, for example, to automatically inject air at such times as after rod 2 is installed toward heater 1 and / or when the bag-making machine (heat-sealing device) is operating. Furthermore / alternatively, air injector 93 can also be configured to respond to operator-based input via user interface 90. Figure 10AAir is injected through manual operation by the operator, such as inputting information. In this way, the air injector 93 does not always inject air, but only injects air when a tight seal is confirmed.

[0084] The processor constituting the determination unit 95 can also be configured to send an operation stop signal to the bag making machine / heat sealing device when the pressure sensor 94 does not detect an air pressure exceeding a threshold (in the case of improper installation of lever 2). The bag making machine / heat sealing device can also be configured to stop its operation upon receiving the operation stop signal. Furthermore / alternatively, the processor can also activate the warning device 96 in the case of improper installation of lever 2. Figure 10A The warning device 96 is a visual device (such as an LED or a display) or an auditory device (such as a speaker). The warning output is the lighting or flashing of an LED, the display of a warning on a display screen, or the generation of a warning sound from a speaker.

[0085] As can be seen from the above, the embodiment can move the rod 4 with the mounting head 40 relative to the heater 1 in its long side direction using a novel structure that uses the fluid supply unit 6 for fluid supply and supply stop and the force of the force application member 80.

[0086] In the implementation, the fluid supply is switched and stopped in response to input via the user interface 90, thus enabling the rod 2 to be loaded and unloaded in a single operation.

[0087] Unlike existing technologies, in this embodiment, the rod 4 does not need to penetrate the support member 5. This allows for structures such as placing the pipe 60, which communicates with the space 52, on the side of the support member 5, increasing the freedom of spatial arrangement. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fluid supply unit 6 is constructed using the pipe 60 or the fluid supplier 61. This allows for a smaller space occupied by the support member 5 (…). Figure 5 The fluid supply unit 6 is configured in a manner that utilizes the space below the support member 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to place the user interface 90 in the space near the support member 5; the user interface 90 can simply be positioned in a location easily accessible to the operator. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rod 2 can be installed and removed in a single operation in a space-saving manner.

[0088] In the case where the heat-sealing rod mounting device illustrated in Patent Document 1 is applied to the lower rod of a pair of upper and lower rods, the operator needs to duck under the bag-making machine to access the operating mechanism for moving the tension pin (rod). However, in this embodiment, due to the aforementioned advantages, this is unnecessary. Therefore, this embodiment is applicable to the loading and unloading of the lower rod regardless of whether the loading and unloading of the upper rod is effective.

[0089] Figure 6The surface contact between the convex spherical surface 410 of the flange-shaped protrusion 41 and the concave spherical surface 710 of the annular stop 71 is maintained even when the rod body 4 is slightly tilted. That is, this surface contact allows for a slight tilt of the rod body 4. For example, it is advantageous that the rod body 4 can subtly tilt to absorb the positional displacement when the insert 3 is displaced relative to the rod 2 within the insertion recess 20. Such positional displacement of the insert 3 may occur, for example, due to the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion between the support 5 and the rod 2 when the heater 1 is heated.

[0090] The heat-sealing rod mounting device disclosed herein can be assembled into heater units of various bag-making machines, such as longitudinal or transverse heat-sealing devices, regardless of their vertical position or the direction of component transport. Furthermore, it is not limited to the lower rod in a pair of rods; the heat-sealing rod mounting device can also be used for loading and unloading the upper rod. Typically, a pair of rods includes a rod that moves via a working mechanism and a rod that is statically supported (e.g., a rubber table), but the heat-sealing rod mounting device can also be used for loading and unloading various types of rods.

[0091] exist Figure 3 In the insertion recess 20 of rod 2, the insertion groove 200 is adjacent to the mounting groove 201, away from the center line 2c in the long side direction. Therefore, when installing rod 2, the operator slides rod 2 at a right angle to the center line 2c relative to heater 1. For example, similar to the example in Patent Document 1, the insertion groove 200 can be located on the center line 2c. That is, rod 2 can be configured such that the operator slides rod 2 parallel to the center line 2c relative to heater 1 when installing rod 2. The sliding direction is not limited to this, as long as the structure in which rod 2 is ultimately positioned at the designed center position relative to heater 1 is acceptable.

[0092] When the operator installs rod 2, the insert 3 or rod 4 cannot be visually identified, therefore... Figure 7 The guide pin 12 serves as a mark for alignment. Alternatively, arbitrary marks can be applied to the heater 1 and the rod 2 using methods such as engraving for alignment.

[0093] Because it has a mechanism that can detect improper installation of rod 2, it can prevent the heat sealing device / bag making machine from operating when rod 2 is not properly installed in heater 1.

[0094] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the rod 2 is tightly mounted to the heater 1 via multiple rods 4 (see reference). Figure 4 Therefore, the tightness of the rod 2 towards the first surface 13 is not strictly uniform. The tightness near the rod 4 is stronger than the tightness away from the rod 4.

[0095] If the flatness of the contact surface between rod 2 and / or heater 1 is low: If the injection hole 15 is formed away from rod 4, a small amount of air leakage may occur even if rod 2 is properly installed in heater 1. Therefore, if the threshold is not set accurately, false detection due to improper installation may occur. If the injection hole 15 is located near rod 2, this problem will not occur.

[0096] When the flatness of the contact surfaces of rod 2 and / or heater 1 is high: as long as rod 2 is properly installed on heater 1, it will be in uniform and tight contact with the first surface 13. Regardless of the location of the injection hole 15, no air leakage problem will occur when rod 2 is properly assembled.

[0097] In this way, the location and number of injection holes 15 should be determined by taking into account the number or location of the rods 4, the flatness of the contact surface, etc. For example, multiple injection holes 15 can be provided, some of which are formed close to the rods 4, and the rest are formed away from the rods 4.

[0098] When multiple injection holes 15 are formed, the same number of tubular components 91, air injectors 93 and pressure sensors 94 as the injection holes 15 can be provided.

[0099] Alternatively, this can be achieved using only a single tubular member 91, an air injector 93, and a pressure sensor 94. In this case, the tubular member 91 is a branch pipe connected to the air injector 93 and each injection port 15. Therefore, its flow path 92 includes a main flow path connected to the air injector 93, and multiple branch flow paths branching from the main flow path and connected to the injection ports 15 respectively. The air injector 93 injects air simultaneously into all injection ports 15 through the flow path 92 (the main flow path and each branch flow path).

[0100] If the diameter of the injection hole 15 is small, a small air injector 93 can be used to handle it.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0102] 1: Heater; 13: First surface; 14: Second surface; 15: Injection hole; 2: Heat sealing rod; 3: Insert; 4: Rod body; 40: Mounting head; 41: Protrusion; 410: Convex spherical surface; 5: Support; 50: Guide recess; 51: Flow path; 6: Fluid supply unit; 60: Pipe; 61: Fluid supply unit; 7: Slider; 70: Receiving recess; 71: Stop; 710: Concave spherical surface; 80: Force application member; 81: (Additional) Force application member; 90: User interface; 91: Tubular member specifying the flow path; 92: Flow path; 93: Air ejector; 94: Pressure sensor; 95: Judgment unit.

Claims

1. A heat-sealing rod mounting device for a bag-making machine, used for detachably mounting a heat-sealing rod to a heater, wherein... The heat-sealing rod mounting device includes: A rod that passes through the heater, having a mounting head at its first end configured to be detachably mounted to an insert into which a heat-sealing rod is embedded; A support member that supports the heater has a guide recess opposite the heater and forms a flow path hole that is in direct fluid communication with the guide recess; A slider having a receiving recess for receiving a second end of the rod, which together with the rod can be slidably received within the guide recess in a manner that approaches and moves away from the heater; A force-applying member, disposed between the heater and the slider, applies force to the slider toward the bottom surface of the guide recess; and A fluid supply unit is configured to supply fluid to the guide recess through the flow path orifice and to stop supplying fluid, and is configured to supply the fluid to the guide recess so that the slider and the rod together slide toward the heater against the force-applying member.

2. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The rod has a protrusion extending radially along the second end. The slider has a stop at the opening of the receiving recess. The heat-sealing rod mounting device also includes an additional force-applying member disposed within the receiving recess, which applies force to the protrusion to engage it with the stop member.

3. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion is flange-shaped and has a convex spherical surface. The stop is ring-shaped and has a concave spherical surface that is complementary to the convex spherical surface. When the protrusion is stopped by the stop by the additional force-applying member, the convex spherical surface comes into contact with the concave spherical surface.

4. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 2, wherein, The force-applying component and the additional force-applying component are springs.

5. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path hole is connected to the bottom surface of the guide recess.

6. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 5, wherein, The fluid supply unit includes: A tube, which is connected to the flow path orifice; and A fluid supplier, connected to the pipe, supplies the fluid to the guide recess through the pipe and the flow path orifice.

7. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 6, wherein, The fluid supplier is a cylinder that supplies air as the fluid.

8. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-sealing rod mounting device also has a user interface. The fluid supply unit is configured to switch the fluid supply and stop the supply in response to input via the user interface.

9. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-sealing rod mounting device is configured such that when the heat-sealing rod is mounted on the heater, the heat-sealing rod is in close contact with a first surface of the heater, and the heater has an injection hole extending between the first surface and a second surface different from the first surface as a through hole. The heat-sealing rod mounting device also includes: A tubular member having a flow path defined on its second surface that is connected to the injection hole; An air injector that injects air into the injection port through the flow path; A pressure sensor is used to detect the air pressure within the flow path; as well as The determination unit is configured to determine whether the heat-sealing rod is in close contact with the first surface by measuring the air pressure through the pressure sensor.

10. The heat-sealing rod mounting device according to claim 9, wherein, The determination unit is configured as follows: If the pressure sensor detects an air pressure exceeding a threshold when air is injected into the injection hole, it determines that the heat-sealing rod is in close contact with the first surface. If the pressure sensor does not detect an air pressure exceeding the threshold when air is injected into the injection hole, it is determined that the heat sealing rod is not in close contact with the first surface.

Images