Filling package machine

Abstract

To provide a filling package machine which can omit pairs of seal bars installed along a circumferential transport path of a packing material and a cam for rotating a filling chute around a center of a lifting shaft and has a simple required structure.SOLUTION: A filling package machine includes: a vertical seal part (105) which is located rearward of a packing material folding part (111) and forms a vertical seal (107) in a packing material (103) folded into two parts at its center to form a continuous bag body (114) including bag parts (108); a vacuum bag opening part which opens a bag mouth (113) of each bag part by adsorptive effect of a negative pressure in a circumferential transport path (101); and a filling part which removably inserts a filling chute (109), which is moved up or down by a lifting shaft (110), into the bag mouth of the opened bag to fill the bag part with the filler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine, and more particularly to a filling and packaging machine which forms a plurality of bags continuously in a strip-shaped packaging material and fills each of the bags with a filling material. [Background technology]

[0002] Known conventional filling and packaging machines are rotary filling and packaging machines that package, for example, powdered or granular filling materials, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. In this type of filling and packaging machine, as shown in Figure 1, a typical conveying path (100) for the packaging material is a circumferential conveying path (101) that extends horizontally in a substantially arc shape in a plan view, and an extended conveying path (102) that is continuous with the end point of the circumferential conveying path (101).

[0003] 2, a strip-shaped packaging material (103) is continuously supplied to a circumferential conveying path (101) of a packaging material conveying path (100) in a state where the packaging material (103) is folded in half at the center with a fold (104) facing downward (approximately V-shaped in cross section). In the circumferential conveying path (101), the packaging material (103) is conveyed in the circumferential direction while being held by a plurality of vertical seal portions (105) arranged at intervals along the circumferential surface.

[0004] Each vertical seal section (105) has a pair of seal bars (106) that sandwich the packaging material (103) and heat seals the portion of the packaging material (103) that is sandwiched between the pair of seal bars (106). As a result, a vertical seal (107) is formed in the packaging material (103) that extends in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom.

[0005] As shown in Fig. 3, the packaging material (103) has vertical seals (107) formed at predetermined intervals along the conveying direction. As a result, between adjacent vertical seals (107) in the packaging material (103), bag portions (108) having bag mouths that open upward are formed. In the circumferential conveying path (101) of the packaging material conveying path (100), filler material is filled into each bag portion (108) from above through a filling chute (109).

[0006] 1 and 2, in the process of moving (moving in an arc) in the circumferential direction of the circular conveying path (101) together with the bag portion (108), the filling chute (109) performs an elevation motion realized by an elevation cam in the main body frame of the filling packaging machine and an elevation shaft (110) that rises and falls by the action path of the cam. At the same time, the filling chute (109) also performs a rotational motion around the elevation shaft (110) realized by a rotating cam in the main body frame.

[0007] As is clear from FIG. 2, the timing for inserting the filling chute (109) into the packaging material (103) is after the continuously conveyed packaging material (103) has been folded in half in the center, and by the time the sealing bar (106) performs the vertical seal (107) of the packaging material (103), the filling chute (109) is already inside the bag portion (108).

[0008] The filling chute (109) moves up and down along with the lifting shaft (110) in order to facilitate insertion of the filling chute (109) into the packaging material (103) that is folded in the middle. The filling chute (109) rotates along with the lifting shaft (110) in order to smoothly remove the filling chute (109) from the bag portion (108) of the packaging material (103) and also to increase the distance between adjacent filling chutes (109) so that the previous filling chute (109) can be easily inserted into the packaging material (103) that is folded, thereby realizing continuous operation of the filling chute (109).

[0009] After the formation of the bag portion (108) and the filling material are filled in the packaging material (103) on the circumferential conveying path (101), the packaging material (103) is conveyed from the circumferential conveying path (101) to an extended conveying path (102). A top seal unit (115) is provided on the extended conveying path (102) for continuously sealing the top of the bag mouth (113) of the bag portion (108).

[0010] The top seal section (115) includes a heating section that heats the top edge of the packaging material (103), and a pressure section that applies pressure to the top edge after heating by the heating section to heat seal it. The pressure section has a pair of seal rollers that sandwich and press the packaging material between the two seal rollers. In the extended conveying path (102), the packaging material passes through the heating section and pressure section in sequence, sealing the top edge, resulting in a sealed bag portion and becoming a product as shown in Figure 3.

[0011] As described above, in the circumferential conveying path (101) of the packaging material conveying path (100), the packaging material (103) is sandwiched between the seal bars of the vertical seal section (105), and in the extended conveying path (102), the packaging material (103) is sandwiched between the seal rollers of the pressure section in the top seal section. In the conveying area from the end point of the circumferential conveying path (101) to the pressure section in the extended conveying path (102), the packaging material is supported from below by a guide section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-167146 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-195153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] However, in the conventional rotary filling and packaging machines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a strip of packaging material is clamped by pairs of seal bars forming multiple vertical seal portions on a circular conveying path during continuous operation, thereby achieving vertical sealing of the packaging material, and when the multiple pairs of seal bars move in the circumferential direction of the circular conveying path (arc movement), the packaging material must be clamped at the start point of the circular conveying path and released at the end point of the circular conveying path. In order to achieve the action of clamping and releasing (releasing the clamped state) the packaging material by the seal bars, a cam mechanism must be installed, which complicates the structure of the filling and packaging machine and increases the cost of the equipment.

[0014] Furthermore, when the filling chute for the filling material moves (in an arc) together with the bag in the circumferential direction of the circular transport path, the filling chute must move up and down along with the lifting shaft before entering the bag to avoid interference with the folded packaging material, and at the same time, it must rotate around the lifting shaft. To achieve these movements, at least two cams (two types) are required: a lifting cam and a rotating cam, and the structure of the filling packaging machine becomes more complex just because it is necessary to install these cam mechanisms, and the cost of the equipment also increases.

[0015] Furthermore, the seal bar is maintained in a state in which it is clamping the packaging material while moving from the start point to the end point on the circular transport path. (The action path of the cam mechanism on the seal bar is limited, and the seal bar cannot be opened / released in that section of the path.) If the seal bar of the vertical seal section is left clamping the packaging material between the start point and the end point on the circular transport path when the continuous operation of the rotary filling and packaging machine is stopped, there is a risk that the packaging material will deform or melt due to the residual heat of the seal bar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to achieve this aim, a rotary filling and packaging machine is provided which continuously supplies a strip of packaging material folded in half at the center with the crease facing downwards, and after folding it at the center, uses a vertical sealing section installed in the packaging material supply path before it enters the start of a circular conveying path to vertically seal (glue or seal) the folded packaging material at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction (conveying direction) to form a continuous bag body with bag parts whose mouths face upward between adjacent vertical seal parts, and the bag parts of the continuous bag body are transported from the start of the circumferential conveying path and, at the point of entering the circumferential conveying path, the bag mouths of each bag part are opened by the negative pressure suction action of a vacuum bag opening section, and a filling chute is inserted from above, also on the circumferential conveying path, into each of the bag parts with their mouths open, and the filling chute fills each bag part with filling material.

[0017] That is, in order to solve the problems of the prior art, the rotary filling and packaging machine of the present invention has the following configuration: The packaging material conveying path of the filling and packaging machine comprises a packaging material supply path that continuously supplies a strip-shaped packaging material, a circumferential conveying path that extends in an arc shape in a plan view and whose starting point is connected to the packaging material supply path, and an extension conveying path that is connected to the end point of the circumferential conveying path.

[0018] The packaging material folding section is installed in the packaging material supply path, and as the strip-shaped packaging material is continuously supplied, the packaging material is folded in half in the center (approximately V-shaped in cross section) with the crease facing downward.

[0019] The vertical seal section is also installed behind (downstream of) the folding portion in the packaging material supply path, and vertically seals the packaging material folded in half at the center at predetermined intervals along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material, thereby forming a continuous bag body with bag portions whose mouths open upward between adjacent vertical seals.

[0020] The vacuum bag opening section includes a suction bag turntable mechanism and a servo suction mechanism. The circumferential transport path forms a part of the circumferential surface of the suction bag turntable mechanism. The continuous bag body formed by the vertical seal section is held by the suction bag turntable mechanism and transported in the circumferential direction as the suction bag turntable mechanism rotates.

[0021] The servo suction mechanism is installed in a corresponding relationship with the suction bag turntable mechanism and is located outside the circular conveying path. The servo suction mechanism and the suction bag turntable mechanism rotate relative to each other and rotate at the same linear speed. The continuously supplied bags pass between the servo suction mechanism and the suction bag turntable mechanism, and the servo suction mechanism sucks the outer packaging material of the bag part, while the suction bag turntable mechanism sucks the inner packaging material of the bag part. As the two mechanisms rotate relative to each other, the bag openings of the bags passing between the servo suction mechanism and the suction bag turntable mechanism are opened one after another.

[0022] The filling section includes a plurality of filling chutes, a plurality of lifting shafts, and a lifting cam. The filling chutes and the lifting shafts correspond to each other, and the bottoms of the lifting shafts are connected to the lifting cams. The lifting shafts and the filling chutes move in an arc along the circumferential direction in synchronization with the suction bag rotating disk mechanism. At the same time as the lifting shafts move in an arc, the filling chutes are raised and lowered by an action locus (stroke) defined by the lifting cams, so that the filling chutes are inserted into the bags whose mouths have been opened on the circumferential conveying path, and the filling chutes are removed from the bags before the bags enter the extended conveying path.

[0023] The filler supply section is used to supply the filler into the filling chute. Moreover, the filler is filled into the bag portion whose mouth is opened by the filling chute on the circumferential conveying path.

[0024] The top seal section is disposed on the extended conveying path and is adapted to perform top sealing on the openings of the continuous bags which have been conveyed from the circumferential conveying path as having been filled with the filling material.

[0025] The suction bag turntable mechanism includes a suction bag turntable mechanism and a suction bag drive unit for rotating the suction bag turntable. The suction bag turntable has a plurality of suction bag areas uniformly distributed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body, and suction holes for sucking the packaging material on one side (inner or outer side) of the bag body are opened and distributed in the suction bag areas.

[0026] The suction bag turntable has a turntable body with uniformly distributed shaft holes for receiving the lifting shafts, and the lifting shafts inserted into the shaft holes along the axial direction of the turntable body perform an arcuate motion in the circumferential direction as the turntable body rotates.

[0027] The servo suction mechanism includes a suction column and a bag opening drive unit for rotating the suction column. The bag opening drive unit is composed of a servo motor and a reducer. The suction column has a bag opening area on its circumferential surface, which corresponds to the suction bag areas on the suction bag turntable, and a number of bag opening negative pressure holes are distributed in the bag opening area.

[0028] The suction bag drive unit is a hollow turntable, and the lower end of the suction bag turntable is attached to the rotating part of the hollow turntable, so that the suction bag turntable rotates together with the rotating part of the hollow turntable.

[0029] Preferably, an air distribution panel is attached and fixed to the fixed portion of the hollow turntable, a negative pressure chamber is provided inside the air distribution panel, and a tank is provided on the surface of the air distribution panel that communicates with the suction hole in the suction bag area.

[0030] Preferably, the air distribution panel includes a base and a lid. The base of the air distribution panel is fixed to a fixed portion of the hollow turntable, and the lid of the air distribution panel is hermetically attached to the base, and the tank is provided on the lid of the air distribution panel.

[0031] Preferably, the air distribution panel cover is made of a copper-tin alloy, and has a plurality of blind holes in the top thereof, into which graphite is injected.

[0032] A plurality of suction bag modules are uniformly disposed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body of the suction bag turntable, and the suction bag modules form a suction bag area on the circumferential surface of the turntable body.

[0033] Preferably, the suction bag module includes a module body, the outer surface of which is a concave curved surface, suction holes are distributed on the concave curved surface, and a communication hole corresponding to the tank of the air distribution panel is provided on the bottom surface of the module body, and the communication hole and the suction hole are connected to each other.

[0034] The servo suction mechanism includes a mounting base for a suction column, both of which are mounted on the mounting base, and an air distribution panel is disposed between the lower end surface of the suction column and the upper end surface of the mounting base.

[0035] Preferably, the vertical sealing section includes a pair of rotatable vertical sealing rollers, a plurality of vertical seal knife holders are evenly fitted around the circumferential direction of the vertical sealing rollers, and the packaging material folded in half at the center is passed between the vertical sealing rollers, so that vertical seals are applied to the packaging material at predetermined intervals by the vertical sealing rollers on both sides.

[0036] More preferably, the vertical seal section includes a parallel movement unit that reciprocates along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material folded in half at the center. The parallel movement unit is located below the packaging material in the folded state, and multiple sets of vertical seal knife units that are arranged in parallel along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material are installed on the parallel movement unit. Each set of vertical seal knife units has two vertical seal knife holders that move relative to each other, and adjacent sets of vertical seal knives are spaced apart at a predetermined interval. The packaging material folded in half at the center passes between the two vertical seal knife holders that move relative to each other, and is vertically sealed at predetermined intervals by multiple sets of vertical seal knives that move synchronously. Effect of the Invention

[0037] According to the above-described configuration of the filling and packaging machine of the present invention, the strip-shaped packaging material is folded in half in the middle, and then, in the packaging material supply path before entering the starting point of the circular conveying path (upstream side), a vertical seal section installed in the packaging material supply path vertically seals the folded packaging material, and then the continuous bag body that has been sealed or glued in the vertical direction is conveyed into the circular conveying path.

[0038] In other words, in the configuration of the present invention, vertical sealing is first performed in the packaging material supply path, and then in the circumferential conveying path, the suction bag turntable mechanism holds the continuous bags by negative pressure suction, while conveying (moving / moving in an arc) along the circumferential conveying path. This prevents the vertical seal section, consisting of a pair of seal bars that clamp the packaging material, from moving in an arc along the circumferential conveying path together with the vertical seal on the continuous bags, as in the prior art, and makes it possible to omit the need for the arc-moving seal bars and the cam mechanism for realizing the operation of clamping and releasing the packaging material by the seal bars (releasing the clamped state). As a result, not only is the required structure simplified and the equipment costs kept low, but it also has the effect of eliminating the problem of the packaging material being deformed or melted when exposed to the residual heat of the seal bars when continuous operation is stopped.

[0039] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, the suction bag turntable mechanism and the servo suction mechanism are configured to open the bag mouth of the bag part based on the principle of negative pressure, and the filling chute for the filler only needs to be inserted into the bag part through the opened bag mouth, and the filling chute only needs to move up and down, so there is no need to rotate the filling chute around the center of the lifting axis as in the prior art.

[0040] In the conventional technology, the filling chute has already entered the circular conveying path before (upstream) the packaging material folded in the middle enters the starting point of the circular conveying path, so the filling chute must move tangent to the circular conveying path and maintain a motion trajectory from the tangent direction into the circular conveying path; to do this, the filling chute needs to be rotated the required angle around the center of the lifting axis.

[0041] In contrast, in the present invention, the bag mouth of the bag portion is opened on the circumferential conveying path, so it is only necessary to insert the filling chute into the bag portion, and there is no need to maintain the filling chute on the same motion trajectory as the direction that is tangent to the starting point on the circumferential conveying path, and no rotating cam is required to rotate the filling chute around the center of the lifting shaft, which simplifies the structure and reduces equipment costs.

[0042] Furthermore, in the configuration of the present invention, the bag mouths of the bag parts are opened by a vacuum bag opening unit consisting of a suction bag turntable mechanism and a servo suction mechanism, and the structure is simple. The bag mouths of the bag parts passing between the two mechanisms can be opened smoothly and sequentially, resulting in high bag opening efficiency and filling efficiency.

[0043] The suction bag turntable mechanism has a circular conveying path that is arc-shaped, and the continuously supplied bags can be held on the suction bag turntable mechanism by negative pressure suction. The servo suction mechanism sucks the packaging material from the side of the bag opposite the suction bag turntable mechanism, and after the servo suction mechanism and the suction bag turntable mechanism rotate relative to each other, the bag mouth of the bag is opened, making it easier to insert the next filling chute into the bag.

[0044] Therefore, there is an advantage that higher conveying efficiency and filling efficiency can be ensured compared to the conventional technology. The relative rotation method adopted in the present invention is a bag opening operation by applying negative pressure to the bag body that slips (passes) between the suction bag turntable mechanism and the servo suction mechanism, and this operation opens the bag mouth of one bag part at a time, so high bag opening efficiency, precision, and continuity can be obtained.

[0045] In this case, furthermore, in the configuration of the present invention, the hollow turntable forms the suction bag drive unit of the suction bag turntable, so that the operational stability of the suction bag turntable can be ensured, and at the same time, the interior of the hollow turntable can be utilized as mounting space, into which the lifting shaft and lifting cam of the filling chute can be attached, thereby making the overall structure compact.

[0046] Since the lifting shaft of the filling chute is attached to the turntable body of the suction bag turntable, the lifting shaft can be moved in a circumferential direction (arc motion) integrally with the turntable body, allowing the two to share the same drive source. It is also possible to completely control the lifting motion of the lifting shaft by means of the lifting cam, thereby simplifying the required structure and achieving a high level of equipment perfection.

[0047] In addition, the adoption of the air distribution panel provides negative suction force to the suction bag area on the surface of the suction bag turntable, ensuring a stable negative suction force. In this respect, compared to the conventional negative pressure vacuum panel structure (a structure in which a negative pressure gas path is installed inside the vacuum panel that connects to the suction holes), it has the advantage of being able to save internal space and to avoid partial loss of suction bag area caused by clogging of the gas path inside the negative pressure vacuum panel.

[0048] In the above-mentioned preferred configuration of the present invention, a tank is provided on the cover of the air distribution panel, and the tank is connected in communication with a suction hole in the suction bag area on the circumferential surface of the suction bag turntable, so that when the suction hole and the tank are connected, suction occurs, and when they are not connected, suction does not occur. This eliminates the need to repeatedly switch negative pressure, and a stable negative pressure suction force can be provided.

[0049] Furthermore, the air distribution panel is attached and fixed to a fixed portion of the hollow turntable, which is the drive unit of the suction bag turntable, and the suction bag turntable rotates relative to the air distribution panel. Therefore, by dividing the air distribution panel into two parts, the base and the lid, when the air distribution panel becomes worn, it is not necessary to replace the entire panel with a new one; it is sufficient to replace only the lid, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover of the air distribution panel is made of an alloy of tin and copper, which improves the wear resistance and extends the service life of the cover. If graphite is poured into the blind hole in the cover, the wear of the cover caused by the rotation of the suction bag turntable is reduced, which helps to extend the service life of the cover. Moreover, the blind hole has a structure different from the through hole, which makes it possible to prevent the graphite poured into the hole from falling out.

[0051] In addition, since the servo suction mechanism also includes a mounting base for the suction column, not only the suction column but also the bag opening drive unit can be mounted to the mounting base, simplifying the mounting structure and making it easier to install the air distribution panel.

[0052] Furthermore, as a preferred configuration of the present invention, if the vertical sealing section includes a pair of rotatable vertical sealing rollers, the vertical sealing efficiency of the packaging material folded in the middle is high, and vertical sealing can be performed smoothly and stably at predetermined intervals for the packaging machine without adversely affecting the packaging material transport efficiency of the filling and packaging machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a conventional rotary filling and packaging machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the filling and packaging machine shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a part of the continuous bag body. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 1 and showing a rotary filling and packaging machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the bag portion of the bag body and a filling chute for the filler, with the filling packaging machine of FIG. 4 cut horizontally at only a mid-height position, so to speak. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic overall perspective view showing the mechanism of a vacuum bag opening section in the filling and packaging machine of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged plan view showing the mechanism of the vacuum bag opening section of FIG. 6 in correspondence with FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a turntable body of the suction bag turntable extracted from FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the hollow rotating table (suction bag driving unit) extracted from FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the air distribution panel extracted from FIG. 9. [Figure 13] 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the suction bag module extracted from FIG. 9. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the servo suction mechanism extracted from FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and does not limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. First Embodiment

[0055] Figures 1 and 2 show a rotary filling packaging machine of the prior art, while Figures 4 and 5 show a rotary filling packaging machine according to the first (basic) embodiment of the present invention; as is clear from the common components of both machines, the conveying path for the continuously supplied packaging material includes a circumferential conveying path (101) extending horizontally in a roughly arc-like shape in a plan view, a packaging material supply path (100) connected to the start point (entrance) (P1) of the circumferential conveying path (101), and an extended conveying path (102) connected to the end point (exit) (P2) of the circumferential conveying path (101).

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 and 2 and 4 and 5, the folding portion (111) is installed in the packaging material supply path (100) and folds the packaging material (103) in half at the center with the crease (104) facing downward (in a generally V-shaped cross section) as the strip-shaped packaging material (103) is continuously supplied. The packaging material supply portion of the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be a general one similar to that of the prior art.

[0057] As is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5, the filling and packaging machine according to the first (basic) embodiment of the present invention has a packaging material conveying path with a folding section (111) in the packaging material supply path (100), as well as a vertical seal section (105) of the continuous packaging material (103) folded in half at the folding section (111), a vacuum bag opening section which opens the bag mouth (113) of the bag portion (108) formed by the vertical seal (107), a filling section for filling the bag portion (108) with the bag mouth (113) opened, and a top seal section (115) which seals the top of the bag mouth (113) of the bag portion (108) which has already been filled with the filling material.

[0058] The vertical seal section (105) is installed in the packaging material supply path (100) and is located rearward (downstream) of the folding portion (111), and vertically seals (107) the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center at predetermined intervals along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material (103) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] By making the vertical seal (107), a bag portion (108) having an upwardly opening bag mouth (113) is formed between adjacent vertical seals (107), and the folded packaging material (103) with the bag portion (108) formed therein is formed into a continuous bag body (114) by passing through the vertical seal portion (105). The location and structure of the vertical seal portion (105) are completely different from those in conventional filling and packaging machines.

[0060] That is, in the filling and packaging machine of the prior art, the vertical sealing unit (105) is located within the circumferential conveying path (101), but in the filling and packaging machine of the present invention, the vertical sealing unit (105) is located in the packaging material supply path (100) on the front side (upstream side) of the starting point (P1) of the circumferential conveying path (101), as described above. Also, while the vertical sealing unit (105) provided in the filling and packaging machine of the prior art is composed of a pair of seal bars (106) that clamp the packaging material (103) and heat seal the clamped portion, in the filling and packaging machine of the present invention, a vertical sealing unit (105) composed of a rotating vertical sealing roller as shown in Figure 4, a vertical sealing unit (105) composed of multiple sets of reciprocating vertical sealing knife units as shown in Figure 5, or any other vertical sealing unit of an appropriate structure can be adopted based on the conveying efficiency of the packaging material.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the vacuum bag opening section includes a suction bag turntable mechanism (1) and a servo suction mechanism (2). The circumferential conveying path (101) of the packaging material (103) forms a part of the circumferential surface of the suction bag turntable mechanism (1). The continuous bag body (114) formed via the vertical sealing section (105) is held by the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) and conveyed in the circumferential direction as the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) rotates.

[0062] The servo suction mechanism (2) is installed corresponding to the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) and is located outside the circular conveying path (101). The servo suction mechanism (2) and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) rotate relative to each other, and the linear speed of rotation is the same. The continuously supplied bag body (114) passes between the servo suction mechanism (2) and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) facing each other, and the servo suction mechanism (2) sucks the packaging material on the outside of the bag part (108) of the bag body (114), and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) sucks the packaging material on the inside of the bag part (108). With the relative rotation of the two mechanisms (1) and (2), the bag openings (113) of the bag parts (108) that pass between the two mechanisms are opened one after another. There are many structures in the prior art that can realize vacuum bag opening, but the application of the above-mentioned vacuum bag opening section to a filling and packaging machine makes it possible to continuously open the bag mouths (113) of the bag portions (108) of successive bag bodies (114) after the vertical seal (107) has been performed, which is an original invention of the present invention.

[0063] The filling section for the filling material includes a plurality of filling chutes (109), a plurality of lifting shafts (110) and a lifting cam (not shown). The filling chutes (109) and the lifting shafts (110) correspond to each other, and the bottoms of the lifting shafts (110) are connected to the lifting cams. The lifting shafts (110) and the filling chutes (109) perform arcuate motion (movement) along the circumferential conveying path (101) in synchronization with the suction bag turntable mechanism (1).

[0064] The lifting shaft (110) performs an arcuate motion (movement) along the circumferential direction on the circumferential conveying path (101), and at the same time performs an ascending and descending motion accompanied by the filling chute (109) only along the action locus (stroke) defined by the lifting cam. As it descends, the filling chute (109) is inserted into the bag portion (108) with the bag mouth (113) opened, and also, as the lifting shaft (110) ascends, the filling chute (109) is removed from the bag portion (108) before the bag portion (108) enters the extended conveying path (102) from the end point (P2) of the circumferential conveying path (101).

[0065] In this case, the lifting shaft (110) and the filling chute (109) are connected together via a horizontal arm of a certain length, as suggested in Fig. 2. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the filling chute (109) only moves up and down due to the lifting shaft (110) and does not need to rotate around the center of the lifting shaft (110), so only a lifting cam is required. There is no need for a rotating cam for the filling chute as in the prior art.

[0066] Furthermore, the filler supply unit (112) is used to supply filler into the filling chute (109). The filling chute (109) fills the filler into the bag portion (108) with the bag mouth (113) opened on the circumferential conveying path (101). The filler supply unit (112) in the illustrated embodiment is the same as that of the prior art, and the filler supply unit (112) shown in Fig. 2 is intended for powdered filler, but a filler supply structure for granular, liquid, or other various fillers can also be applied to the filling and packaging machine of the present invention.

[0067] The top seal unit (115) is installed on the extended conveying path (102) and performs top sealing of the bag mouths (113) of the bag portions (108) of the continuous bags (114) filled with the filling material conveyed from the circumferential conveying path (101). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the top seal unit (115) may have any structure capable of continuously performing top sealing of the bag mouths (113) of the bag portions (108).

[0068] As long as the circumferential conveying path (101) of the packaging material conveying path extends horizontally as an arc shape in a plan view, it may be approximately a 1 / 2 (semicircular) arc shape from the start point (P1) to the end point (P2) as shown in Fig. 4, or it may be approximately a 3 / 4 arc shape from the start point (P1) to the end point (P2) as shown in Fig. 5. In short, the arc shape of the circumferential conveying path (101) (the conveying path of the packaging material) can be appropriately set and adjusted within the range of, for example, a 1 / 4 arc shape to a 1 / 2 arc shape depending on the packaging requirements and packaging speed requirements of the filling and packaging machine and other production conditions. <Second Embodiment>

[0069] Another preferable structure of the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) described above as the first embodiment will be specifically described as the second embodiment. The suction bag turntable mechanism (1) of the second embodiment includes a suction bag turntable (3) and a suction bag drive unit for driving the turntable to rotate, as shown in Fig. 6. A plurality of suction bag areas (7) are uniformly distributed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3), as shown in Fig. 10, and each suction bag area (7) has a large number of suction holes (8) for suctioning the packaging material on one side (outer or inner) of the bag body (114) distributed therein.

[0070] As can be seen from Figures 8 to 10, the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) has shaft holes (25) formed therethrough to receive the lifting shafts (110). The lifting shafts (110) are inserted into the shaft holes (25) along the axial direction of the turntable body (6) in a uniformly distributed state and perform an arc motion (movement) in the circumferential direction as the turntable body (6) rotates.

[0071] Similarly, the servo suction mechanism (2) of the vacuum bag opening section includes a suction column (4) and a bag opening drive unit (5) for rotating the suction column (4). As is clear from Figures 6 to 9, the circumferential surface of the suction column (4) is provided with bag opening areas (9) corresponding to the multiple suction bag areas (7) on the circumferential surface of the suction bag turntable (3), and the bag opening areas (9) are provided with multiple bag opening negative pressure holes (10) distributed therein, as shown in Figures 7 and 14. The suction bag areas (7) on the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) and the bag opening areas (9) of the suction column (4) are in a corresponding relationship.

[0072] The turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) is, for example, a solid disk as shown in Fig. 7, and a rotating shaft (not shown) connected to the center of the turntable body (6) is driven by the suction bag drive unit. The suction bag drive unit in this case may be a combination of a servo motor and a reducer.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 7, negative pressure gas paths (24) are arranged inside the turntable body (6) to connect with the suction holes (8) distributed in the suction bag area (7). The negative pressure gas paths (24) are connected to a negative pressure source via a negative pressure rotary joint and a piping structure (not shown).

[0074] In this case, as is clear from Figures 6 to 8 and 13, the suction bag area (7) is a concave curved surface formed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6), and this concave curved surface is useful for storing the packaging material on one side (outer or inner) of the bag portion (108) of the packaging material (103) after the bag portion (108) is opened, and for maintaining the bag mouth (113) in an open state.

[0075] As another example, the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) is hollow and disk-shaped as shown in Figures 6, 8 and 9. The suction bag area (7) is formed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6) and the bag portions (108) of the packaging material are stored one by one in the concave curved surface of the suction bag area (7). All of the bag portions (108) in the continuous bag body (114) are sequentially sucked into the suction bag area (7). The bag opening areas (113) of the bag portions (108) are opened only when the suction bag area (7) of the turntable body (6) and the bag opening areas (9) of the suction columns (4) correspond to each other.

[0076] As a further preferred example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the bottom of the turntable body (6) is connected to the rotating part (12) of the hollow turntable (11), and a flange structure (not shown) for the connection can be adopted. A plurality of suction bag modules (19) are installed on the circumferential side of the turntable body (6), and mounting holes (not shown) for mounting the plurality of suction bag modules (19) are provided on the circumferential side of the turntable body (6).

[0077] The suction bag module (19) forms a suction bag area (7) on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6) instead of the suction bag area (7) on the rotation shaft side of the turntable body (6). By installing the suction bag module (19), each suction bag area (7) is made independent of each other. Therefore, even if one suction bag module (19) breaks down, it can be replaced with a new one individually, which helps reduce maintenance costs.

[0078] The reason why the filling chute (109) for the filler is raised and lowered by the lifting shaft (110) is to insert the filling chute (109) from above into the bag part (108) with the bag mouth (113) opened, and to pull it out upward from the bag part (108). The turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) is provided with shaft holes (25) for receiving the lifting shafts (110), and the number of the lifting shafts (110) matches the number of the filling chutes (109), and the number of the filling chutes (109) matches and corresponds to the number of the suction bag areas (7) on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6).

[0079] The lifting shafts (110) are vertically arranged in a uniform distribution state along the axial direction of the turntable body (6), and are adapted to perform an arcuate motion (movement / operation) along the circumferential direction as the turntable body (6) rotates. Therefore, the driving force of the turntable body (6) can be used to cause the filling chute (109) to perform an arcuate motion via the lifting shafts (110), and a lifting cam can be attached to the hollow interior of the turntable body (6) to control the lifting motion of the filling chute (109). The shared use of the power source reduces the cost of the equipment. <Third Embodiment>

[0080] Another preferable structure of the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) described above as the first and second embodiments will be described as the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the suction bag drive unit for driving the suction bag turntable (3) is a hollow turntable (11) as shown in Figures 9 and 11.

[0081] In other words, the lower end of the suction bag turntable (3) is attached to the rotating part (12) of the hollow turntable (11) and rotates together with the rotating part (12) of the hollow turntable (11). By using the hollow turntable (11) as a drive device for the suction bag turntable (3), stable operation of the suction bag turntable (3) is ensured. In addition, the lifting shaft (110) and lifting cam that serve as the lifting drive source for the filling chute (109) can be installed inside the hollow of the hollow turntable (11), and there is an advantage in that the overall structure becomes compact due to the saving of the installation space.

[0082] Compared with the structure shown in FIG. 7 of the second embodiment, the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) of the third embodiment has a hollow disk structure, and an air distribution panel (13) is attached and fixed to the fixed portion (14) of the hollow turntable (11). A negative pressure chamber (15) is installed inside the air distribution panel (13), and a tank (16) communicating with the suction holes (8) of the suction bag area (7) is provided on the surface of the air distribution panel (13).

[0083] The negative pressure suction force is provided to the suction bag area (7) in the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) through the air distribution panel (13), and the negative pressure suction force is ensured to be stable. Compared with the structure shown in Fig. 7 of the second embodiment, the internal space can be saved, and partial failure of the suction bag area (7) due to clogging of the negative pressure gas path (24) inside the structure can be avoided.

[0084] In addition, a tank (16) is provided in the air distribution panel (13) of the third embodiment, and the tank (16) is connected to the suction hole (8) of the suction bag area (7) only in the circumferential portion of the set angle of the suction bag turntable (3). When the tank (16) and the suction hole (8) are connected, suction occurs, and when they are not connected, suction does not occur. This eliminates the need to repeatedly switch the negative pressure, and the suction force of the negative pressure can be provided stably.

[0085] As a further advantageous structure of the third embodiment, the air distribution panel (13) includes a base (17) and a lid (18) as shown in Fig. 12, and the base (17) of the air distribution panel (13) is attached and fixed to the fixed portion (14) of the hollow turntable (11). On the other hand, the lid (18) of the air distribution panel (13) is attached to the base (17) in a sealed state, and the above-mentioned tank (16) is provided on the lid (18).

[0086] Since relative rotation occurs between the air distribution plate (13) attached and fixed to the hollow turntable (11) and the suction bag turntable (3), in order to prevent wear of the air distribution plate (13), it is divided into two parts, a base (17) and a lid (18). If the air distribution plate (13) is worn out, it is not necessary to replace the entire plate with a new one, but only the lid (18) needs to be replaced with a new one, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0087] The cover (18) of the air distribution panel (13) is made of a tin-copper alloy, and a number of holes are drilled on the upper side of the cover (18) and graphite is poured into the holes. Since the cover (18) is made of a tin-copper alloy, it has improved wear resistance and can extend its service life.

[0088] In addition, the cover (18) of the air distribution panel (13) is filled with graphite, which reduces the friction between the cover (18) of the air distribution panel (13) and the suction bag rotating panel (3), thereby reducing wear and extending the service life. Furthermore, since the holes are blind holes, there is no risk of the graphite filling them falling out, unlike through holes. <Fourth embodiment>

[0089] Another preferable structure of the suction bag module (19) described above as the second embodiment will be specifically described as the fourth embodiment. The suction bag module (19) of the fourth embodiment includes a module body (20) as shown in FIG.

[0090] The module body (20) has a hollow structure, and its outer surface is a concave curved surface (21), and the suction holes (8) distributed therein communicate with a hollow chamber inside the module body (20). A communication hole (22) with the tank (16) in the air distribution panel (13) is formed in the bottom of the module body (20), and the communication hole (22) is connected to the suction hole (8). The combination of the communication hole (22) and the air distribution panel (13) in the hollow turntable (11) supplies negative pressure to the suction hole (8). <Fifth embodiment>

[0091] Another preferable structure of the servo suction mechanism (2) described above as the first and second embodiments will be specifically described as the fifth embodiment. The servo suction mechanism (2) of the fifth embodiment also includes a mounting base (23) for the suction column (4) as shown in FIG.

[0092] Both the suction columns (4) and the bag-opening drive unit (5) are attached to the mounting base (23), and an air distribution panel (13) is interposed between the lower end surface of the suction columns (4) and the upper end surface of the mounting base (23). The structure of the air distribution panel (13) is the same as that of the air distribution panel (13) explained as the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 12.

[0093] The bag opening drive unit (5) of the servo suction mechanism (2) employed in the fifth embodiment is, for example, a gear device, and by appropriately controlling the transmission and gear ratio of the gear device, the servo suction mechanism (2) and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) can be rotated relatively at the same linear speed by sharing the same power source. As another example, the bag opening drive unit (5) may be a combination of a servo motor and a reducer, and connected to the suction column (4) via a crankshaft to rotate the suction column (4). Sixth embodiment

[0094] Another preferable structure of the vertical seal portion (105) described above as the first embodiment will be specifically described as the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical seal portion (105) of the sixth embodiment is composed of a pair of rotatable vertical seal rollers (26).

[0095] A plurality of vertical seal knife holders (27) are evenly fitted around the circumference of the vertical seal roller (26), and the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center passes between the two vertical seal rollers (26), and the vertical seal rollers (26) located on both sides make vertical seals (107) on the packaging material (103) at predetermined intervals.

[0096] As another example different from that shown in FIG. 4, the vertical seal portion (105) includes a parallel movement unit (28) that reciprocates along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center, as shown in FIG.

[0097] The parallel movement unit (28) is located below the packaging material (103), and multiple sets of vertical seal knife units (not shown) are installed in parallel along the transport direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material (103). Each set of vertical seal knife units includes two vertical seal knife holders (27) that move relative to each other, and adjacent sets of vertical seal knives are arranged at a predetermined interval. The packaging material (103) folded in half at the center passes between the two vertical seal knife holders (27) that move relative to each other, and the multiple sets of vertical seal knives move synchronously to vertically seal the packaging material (103) at predetermined intervals (107).

[0098] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] (1) Suction bag turntable mechanism (2) Servo suction mechanism (3) Suction bag turntable (4) Adsorption column (5) Bag opening drive unit (6) Rotating plate body (7) Suction bag area (8) Suction hole (9) Bag opening area (10) Bag opening negative pressure hole (11) Hollow turntable (12) Rotating part (13)...Air distribution board (14)...Fixation site (15) Negative pressure chamber (16) Connection tank (17) Air distribution panel base (18) Air distribution panel cover (19) Suction bag module (20) Module body (21) Concave surface (22)...Communication hole (23) Mounting base for suction holes (24) Negative pressure gas path (25) Shaft hole (26) Vertical seal roller (27) Vertical seal knife holder (28)... Parallel movement unit (100) Packaging material conveying path (packaging material supply path) (101) Circular transfer path (102) Extended transport path (103)...Packaging material (104) Crease (105) Vertical seal part (106) Seal bar (107) Vertical seal (108)...Fukuro part (109) Filling chute (110) Lifting shaft (111)...Folding part (112) Filler supply area (113)...bag mouth (114)...Bag body (115) Top seal part

Claims

1. A filling and packaging machine comprising: a packaging material supply path (100) for continuously supplying a strip-shaped packaging material (103) folded in half at the center with a crease (104) facing downward; a circumferential conveying path (101) extending in a substantially arc shape in a plan view, the start point (P1) of which is connected to the packaging material supply path (100); and an extension conveying path (102) connected to an end point (P2) of the circumferential conveying path (101), a vertical seal section (105) that is installed behind (downstream of) the packaging material folding portion (111) in the packaging material supply path (100) and vertically seals (107) the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center at predetermined intervals along the conveying direction of the packaging material (103) to form a continuous bag body (114) having bag sections (108) with bag mouths (113) facing upward between adjacent vertical seals (107); a suction bag turntable mechanism (1) which forms a substantially arc-shaped circumferential conveying path (101) and conveys the continuous bag body (114) formed by the vertical seal portion (105) along the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveying path (101) while holding the continuous bag body (114) formed by the vertical seal portion (105); and a servo suction mechanism (2) which is located outside the circumferential conveying path (101) and rotates relative to the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) and rotates at the same linear speed as the suction bag turntable mechanism (1), the servo suction mechanism (2) sucking the outside of the bag portion (108) in the bag body (114) and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) similarly sucking the inside of the bag portion (108), and a vacuum bag opening unit which sequentially opens the bag mouths (113) of the bag portions (108) passing between the two mechanisms (1) and (2) as they rotate relative to each other; The system includes a plurality of filling chutes (109), a plurality of lifting shafts (110) and a lifting cam, each of which corresponds to the filling chutes (109), and the bottom of the lifting shaft (110) is connected to the lifting cam. The lifting shaft (110) and the filling chute (109) perform an arc motion along the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveying path (101) in synchronization with the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) of the vacuum bag opening section, and the lifting shaft (110) moves in an arc motion along the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveying path (101). a filling section which moves up and down along the action locus accompanied by a filling chute (109) and which, by its descent, inserts the filling chute (109) into a bag portion (108) whose bag mouth (113) has been opened on the circumferential conveying path (101) and, by its ascent, removes the filling chute (109) from the bag portion (108) before the bag portion (108) enters the extended conveying path (102) from the circumferential conveying path (101).

2. 2. The filling and packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the planar shape of the circumferential conveying path (101) from the start point (P1) to the end point (P2) forms a substantially half circle.

3. 2. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) of the vacuum bag opening section includes a suction bag turntable (3) and a suction bag drive unit for rotating the suction bag turntable (3), the suction bag turntable (3) has a turntable body (6) on its circumferential surface provided with a plurality of suction bag areas (7) uniformly distributed thereon, and suction holes (8) for sucking the packaging material (103) on one side of the bag body (114) are provided in the suction bag areas (7).

4. 4. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) has uniformly distributed axial holes (25) for receiving the lifting shafts (110), and the lifting shafts (110) inserted into the axial holes (25) along the axial direction of the turntable body (6) move in an arc as the turntable body (6) rotates.

5. 5. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the suction bag drive unit for rotating the suction bag turntable (3) is a hollow turntable (11), and the lower end of the suction bag turntable (3) is attached to a rotating portion of the hollow turntable (11) so as to rotate integrally therewith.

6. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that an air distribution panel (13) is attached and fixed to a fixed portion (14) of the hollow turntable (11), a negative pressure chamber (15) is provided inside the air distribution panel (13), and a tank (16) communicating with the suction holes (8) of the suction bag area (7) is provided on the surface of the air distribution panel (13).

7. 7. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the air distribution panel (13) includes a base (17) and a lid (18), the base (17) of the air distribution panel (13) is attached and fixed to a fixed portion (14) of the hollow turntable (11), and the lid (18) of the air distribution panel (13) is attached to the base (17) in a sealed state, and a tank (16) is provided on the lid (18).

8. 8. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover (18) of the air distribution panel (13) is made of an alloy of tin and copper, a plurality of blind holes are machined and formed on the upper side of the cover (18), and graphite is injected into the blind holes.

9. 5. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a plurality of suction bag modules (19) are uniformly arranged on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3), and the suction bag modules (19) form a suction bag area (7) on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6).

10. 10. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer surface of the module body (20) in the suction bag module (19) is a concave curved surface (21), suction holes (8) are distributed on the concave curved surface (21), and a communication hole (22) corresponding to the tank (16) of the air distribution panel (13) is provided on the bottom surface of the module body (20), and the communication hole (22) and the suction holes (8) are connected.

11. 5. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the servo suction mechanism (2) of the vacuum bag opening section includes a suction column (4) and a bag opening drive unit (5) for rotating the suction column (4), bag opening areas (9) corresponding to a plurality of suction bag areas (7) on the suction bag turntable (3) are provided on the circumferential surface of the suction column (4), bag opening negative pressure holes (10) are distributed in the bag opening areas (9), and the suction bag areas (7) and the bag opening areas (9) of the suction bag turntable (3) are in a corresponding positional relationship.

12. 12. A filling and packaging machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the servo suction mechanism (2) includes a mounting base (23) for the suction column (4), both the suction column (4) and the bag opening drive unit (5) are mounted on the mounting base (23), and an air distribution panel (13) is interposed between the lower end surface of the suction column (4) and the upper end surface of the mounting base (23).

13. 5. A filling and packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the vertical sealing section (105) includes a pair of rotatable vertical sealing rollers (26), a plurality of vertical sealing knife holders (27) are evenly fitted along the circumferential direction of the vertical sealing rollers (26), and the packaging material (103) folded in half in the middle is passed between the two vertical sealing rollers (26), and the vertical sealing rollers (26) located on both sides vertically seal (107) the packaging material (103) at predetermined intervals.

14. The vertical seal portion (105) includes a parallel movement unit (28) that reciprocates along the conveying direction of the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center, the parallel movement unit (28) is located below the packaging material (103), and multiple sets of vertical seal knife units are installed in parallel along the conveying direction of the packaging material (103), A filling and packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that each set of vertical sealing knife units includes two vertical sealing knife holders (27) moving relative to each other, a predetermined interval is opened between adjacent vertical sealing knife sets, and the packaging material (103) is passed between both vertical sealing knife holders (27), and the packaging material (103) is vertically sealed (107) at predetermined intervals by the synchronous movement of the multiple sets of vertical sealing knives.

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