Bag processing machine

Abstract

To provide a bag processing machine which is advantageous for reducing a plane size of an area for installing a plurality of processing units included in the bag processing machine.SOLUTION: A bag processing machine 10 comprises: a rotating body 11 which is intermittently rotated; a plurality of holding parts 12 which is mounted on the rotating body 11 and moved along a circular moving track according to rotation of the rotating body 11, the moving track being divided into a plurality of processing sections; a fixed support part 50 which is located above the rotating body 11 and is not rotated by the rotation of the rotating body 11; and two or more processing units which are supported by the fixed support part 50 and perform processing on a bag 13 held by the plurality of holding parts 12 in each of two or more processing sections of the plurality of processing sections.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bag processing machine.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a bag processing machine that continuously conveys a plurality of bags so that each bag circulates through a plurality of processing stations (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). Each bag undergoes various processes such as charging of contents and sealing of the mouth portion at the plurality of processing stations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a bag processing machine, by rotating a rotary table while supporting each bag by each of a plurality of holding portions (such as grippers) attached to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary table, each bag moves along a circular orbit and circulates through a plurality of processing stations.

[0005] In this case, various processing devices for performing processing on each bag are placed on a gantry outside the circular orbit of each bag. That is, the various processing devices are arranged at positions further radially away from the center of rotation of the rotary table than the circular orbit of each bag. In particular, these processing devices are often placed on the same gantry. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a gantry having a larger planar size than the rotary table for installing the various processing devices.

[0006] On the one hand, when dirt adheres to the gantry, it is necessary to clean the gantry. In particular, when a process of putting food into a bag is performed in a bag processing machine, in order to keep the processing environment clean, it is required to clean the gantry frequently. When cleaning such a gantry, if the planar size of the gantry is large, it is difficult to clean. In particular, when the planar size of the gantry is larger than the reach of the hand or when the processing device has a complex shape, areas that cannot be reached by the hand and dead corners are likely to occur, and it is difficult to properly clean the gantry.

[0007] In addition, as the planar size of the gantry increases, the area (especially the planar size) required for installing the device tends to increase.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique advantageous for reducing the planar size of the area for installing a plurality of processing devices included in a bag processing machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing machine including a rotating body that is intermittently rotated, a plurality of holding portions that are attached to the rotating body and are moved along a circular movement track in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body, the movement track being divided into a plurality of processing sections, a plurality of holding portions, a fixed support portion that is positioned above the rotating body and does not rotate depending on the rotation of the rotating body, and two or more processing devices supported by the fixed support portion, wherein in each of two or more of the plurality of processing sections, two or more processing devices perform processing on the bags held by the plurality of holding portions.

[0010] The bag processing machine may include a rotary support shaft portion that supports the rotating body, and a fixed support shaft portion that extends inside the rotary support shaft portion and supports the fixed support portion.

[0011] While the rotating body is intermittently stopped, two or more holding portions may be arranged in each of the plurality of processing sections.

[0012] At least one or more of the two or more processing devices are provided movably with respect to two or more bags held by two or more holding parts arranged in corresponding processing sections, and include a movable processing part and a movement driving part that moves the movable processing part. The movable processing part may perform the same processing on two or more bags held by two or more holding parts arranged in corresponding processing sections.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is advantageous for reducing the planar size of the area for installation of a plurality of processing devices included in the bag processing machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a bag processing machine 10.

[0016] Only a part of the bag processing machine 10 is shown in FIG. 1, and for example, illustration of devices provided above the rotary table 11 is omitted. Examples of devices provided above the rotary table 11 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0017] The bag processing machine 10 includes a rotary table 11 that rotates intermittently about a central axis, and a plurality of holding parts 12 (a pair of left and right grippers) attached to the outer peripheral part of the rotary table 11 at equal intervals (equal angular intervals).

[0018] The rotary table 11 repeatedly rotates and stops at a predetermined angle. Along with the intermittent rotation of the rotary table 11, the holding part 12 intermittently moves along a circular movement path. During one rotation of the holding part 12, various packaging processes such as supply (bag feeding) of the bag 13 to the holding part 12, opening of the mouth part of the bag 13, input of the contents into the bag 13, and sealing of the bag 13 are carried out. The movement path of the holding part 12 is also the transfer path of the bag 13. In FIG. 1, illustration of the drive source for intermittently rotating the rotary table 11 is omitted.

[0019] In the first processing section I shown in FIG. 1, the bag feeding process is performed. In the first processing section I, a conveyor magazine type bag supply device 14 for supplying the bag 13 to the holding part 12 is arranged. The bag 13 supplied from the bag supply device 14 is held at both side edges near the mouth part by a pair of grippers of the holding part 12 and is suspended with the mouth part facing upward.

[0020] In the second processing section II, the printing process is performed. In the second processing section II, a printing device 15 for printing information such as a date on the bag surface (one side wall surface) of the bag 13 suspended by the holding part 12 is arranged.

[0021] In the third processing section III, an opening process for opening the mouth part of the bag 13 is performed. In the third processing section III, an opening device having an opening device 16 equipped with a pair of suction cups capable of approaching and separating from each other and an opening guide 17 for supporting the mouth part of the bag 13 from the inside to maintain the opened state is arranged.

[0022] In the fourth processing section IV, a solid material input step is performed in which the content (solid material) is put inside the bag 13. In the fourth processing section IV, a solid material input device 18 having a hopper that moves up and down is arranged. The content supplied from a solid material supply section (not shown) is guided by the hopper and put inside the bag 13 through the mouth portion. Note that the opening guide 17 is inserted into the mouth portion in the third processing section III, moves to the fourth processing section IV as the rotary table 11 rotates (the holding section 12 and the bag 13 move) while maintaining the open state of the mouth portion, rises after the solid material input device 18 (hopper) is inserted into the mouth portion of the bag 13 in the fourth processing section IV and moves to the outside of the bag 13, and then returns to the third processing section III.

[0023] In the fifth processing section V, a liquid injection step is performed in which the content (liquid) is injected inside the bag 13. In the fifth processing section V, a liquid injection device 19 having a liquid injection nozzle that moves up and down is arranged. The content supplied from a liquid supply section (for example, a liquid storage tank; not shown) is discharged from the liquid injection nozzle and injected inside the bag 13.

[0024] In the sixth processing section VI, a gas replacement step is performed in which a gas (for example, steam such as water vapor or an inert gas such as nitrogen) is blown inside the bag 13. In the sixth processing section VI, a gas blowing device 20 having a gas blowing nozzle that moves up and down is arranged. The gas supplied from a gas supply section (not shown) is ejected from the gas blowing nozzle and blown inside the bag 13. In the sixth processing section VI, the interval between the grippers of the holding section 12 is widened, the mouth portion of the bag 13 is tensioned, and the opening area of the mouth portion is reduced.

[0025] In the seventh processing section VII, a first sealing step of sealing the bag 13 (especially the mouth portion) is performed. In the seventh processing section VII, a first sealing device 21 having a first sealing heating unit (for example, a pair of hot plates) that opens and closes is arranged.

[0026] In the eighth processing section VIII, a second sealing step of sealing the bag 13 (particularly the mouth portion) is performed. In the eighth processing section VIII, a second sealing device 22 having a second sealing heating unit (for example, a pair of hot plates) that opens and closes is arranged.

[0027] In the ninth processing section IX, a sealing portion cooling step of cooling the bag 13 (particularly the sealed portion) and a product bag discharging step of discharging the bag 13 (that is, the product bag) with the contents enclosed inside are performed. In the ninth processing section IX, a cooling device 23 having a cooling unit that opens and closes and a bag discharging guide 24 are arranged. When the cooling unit in the ninth processing section IX is opened and the clamping portions of the respective grippers are opened, the bag 13 (product bag) is released from the holding portion 12 and the cooling device 23 and falls under the influence of gravity, and is guided by the bag discharging guide 24 and sent to a downstream device (for example, a conveying device such as a belt conveyor not shown in the figure).

[0028] The bag 13 supported by each holding portion 12 intermittently stops in the above-described first processing section I to ninth processing section IX in accordance with the intermittent rotation of the rotary table 11 and is sequentially processed. The various devices provided in the bag processing machine 10 may be driven under the control of a control device (not shown) or may be independently driven without being controlled by the control device. Two or more devices driven under the control of the control device may have their driving timings adjusted by the control device and be driven to cooperate with each other.

[0029] Next, an example of the overall structure of the bag processing machine 10 including the devices provided above the rotary table 11 will be described.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the bag processing machine 10 in the fifth processing section V. FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the bag processing machine 10 in the seventh processing section VII.

[0031] In the bag processing machine 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cylindrical stand 31 is fixedly attached to the first pedestal 51, and a rotary support shaft portion 35 is rotatably provided inside the stand 31 via a hollow shaft 32. Specifically, the hollow shaft 32 is rotatably supported inside the stand 31 via a bearing, and the rotary support shaft portion 35 is rotatably supported inside the hollow shaft 32 via a bearing. A drive gear 30 is fixed to the lower end of the rotary support shaft portion 35. The drive gear 30 is connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown) installed between the first pedestal 51 and the second pedestal 52 and rotates intermittently. The rotary support shaft portion 35 rotates intermittently integrally with the drive gear 30. In this way, the hollow shaft 32 and the rotary support shaft portion 35 rotate independently of each other about a common rotation center axis Ax.

[0032] The second pedestal 52 is provided at a position separated downward from the first pedestal 51. A drive gear 30, a lever 37, a rod 38, and a drive source (not shown) for rotating the drive gear 30 are provided in the space between the first pedestal 51 and the second pedestal 52.

[0033] A full - circumference cam 34 is attached to the upper end portion of the hollow shaft 32. The full - circumference cam 34 is provided slidable in the vertical direction and engaged in the rotational direction with respect to the hollow shaft 32, and rotates together with the hollow shaft 32 about the rotation center axis Ax. The full - circumference cam 34 has a substantially disk - shaped portion and a cylindrical portion extending upward from the outer peripheral portion of the disk - shaped portion, and the upper surface of the cylindrical portion serves as a cam surface. The full - circumference cam 34 is lifted and lowered by a lifting device (not shown), and its position in the height direction (vertical direction) can be determined. A lever 37 is fixed to the lower end of the hollow shaft 32. The tip of a rod 38 that advances and retreats by a cam (not shown) is rotatably connected to the lever 37. By the advancement and retreat of the rod 38, the hollow shaft 32 and the full - circumference cam 34 rotate in the forward and reverse directions about the rotation center axis Ax together with the lever 37.

[0034] A rotary table 11 is attached to the upper end of a rotary support shaft portion 35, and the rotary table 11 is supported by the rotary support shaft portion 35. The rotary table 11 is provided so as to be slidable within a predetermined range in the axial direction along the rotation center axis Ax with respect to the rotary support shaft portion 35, and is engaged in the rotational direction centered on the rotation center axis Ax, and rotates together with the rotary support shaft portion 35 about the rotation center axis Ax. When the rotary support shaft portion 35 intermittently rotates about the rotation center axis Ax, the rotary table 11 intermittently rotates about the rotation center axis Ax.

[0035] A plurality of holding portions 12 (gripper pairs) are attached around the rotary table 11 at equal angular intervals, and the angular interval between adjacent holding portions 12 is the same as the angle of one intermittent rotation of the rotary table 11. Each holding portion 12 includes a pair of left and right swing levers 44 (only one swing lever 44 on one side is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) rotatably attached to a support shaft 43 fixed to the rotary table 11, in the same manner as the gripper pair described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-298418, a cylindrical gripper arm 45 fixed to the tip of each swing lever 44, and a clamping portion attached to the tip of each gripper arm 45. An air cylinder is disposed inside each gripper arm 45 as a drive source for opening and closing the clamping portion.

[0036] The two swing levers 44 included in each gripper pair are biased inward by a tension spring 46, and receive an elastic force from the tension spring 46 in a direction approaching each other.

[0037] The roller 48 is placed on the cam surface of the full - circumference cam 34, and the roller 48 is rotatably supported by the L - shaped lever 47. The roller 48 rolls on the cam surface of the full - circumference cam 34. The L - shaped lever 47 and the roller 48 are part of a mechanism for opening and closing two swing levers 44 (and thus two gripper arms 45 and two clamping parts). This mechanism has the same structure and the same function as the mechanism described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5 - 28169, and is attached to the rotary table 11 corresponding to each holding part 12. When the rotary table 11 and the full - circumference cam 34 rotate relative to each other, the roller 48 rolls on the cam surface of the full - circumference cam 34. At this time, if there is a height difference on the cam surface where the roller 48 rolls, the L - shaped lever 47 swings, the two swing levers 44 (and thus the two gripper arms 45 and the two clamping parts) open and close in the horizontal plane, and the distance between the two clamping parts changes.

[0038] When the rotary table 11 rotates intermittently, the full - circumference cam 34 also rotates in the positive direction by the same angle as the rotary table 11 following the rotary table 11, and the relative rotation angle between the rotary table 11 and the full - circumference cam 34 is zero (0), and substantially no relative rotation occurs between the rotary table 11 and the full - circumference cam 34. On the other hand, when the rotary table 11 stops intermittently, the full - circumference cam 34 rotates in the reverse direction and returns to its original position, and substantially relative rotation occurs between the rotary table 11 and the full - circumference cam 34. This point is the same as that of the packaging machine described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5 - 28169.

[0039] In the above - mentioned bag - processing machine 10, an air cylinder is used as a drive source for opening and closing the clamping part of the holding part 12, similar to the disclosed technology in Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2009 - 298418, and the air cylinder is arranged inside the gripper arm 45. However, the opening and closing of the clamping part of the holding part 12 can also be performed by an opening - and - closing drive mechanism installed at an appropriate position (for example, the empty - bag supply process position or the discharged - bag discharge process position) on the first gantry 51 or the second gantry 52 as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 6 - 156440.

[0040] The gripper described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-156440 includes a pair of left and right swing levers attached to an intermittently rotating table, a gripper arm having a base fixed to each swing lever, and a clamping portion disposed inwardly opposite at the tip of each gripper arm. The clamping portion has a fixed-side clamping piece with a clamping surface facing in the radial direction and a movable-side clamping piece rotatably attached to the tip of the gripper arm. This gripper is the same as the gripper of the device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-298418. A connecting mechanism portion for transmitting the power of the opening and closing drive mechanism to the movable-side clamping piece and a compression spring installed on the gripper arm for constantly biasing the movable-side clamping piece in the closing direction are installed on the gripper arm. A cylindrical member (roller) is attached to the passive member, and when the protrusion of the opening and closing drive mechanism advances and presses the cylindrical member in the radial direction of the table, the movable-side clamping piece opens, and when the protrusion retreats, the movable-side clamping piece closes by the biasing force of the compression spring.

[0041] The bag processing machine 10 of the present embodiment further includes a fixed support shaft portion 33 fixedly attached to the second gantry 52 via a support fixing portion 53, and a fixed support portion 50 fixedly attached to the fixed support shaft portion 33. The fixed support shaft portion 33 extends in the height direction so as to penetrate inside the rotation support shaft portion 35 and is disposed on the rotation center axis Ax. A bearing is provided between the rotation support shaft portion 35 and the fixed support shaft portion 33. Even when the rotation support shaft portion 35 (and thus the rotation table 11) rotates about the rotation center axis Ax, the fixed support shaft portion 33 does not rotate.

[0042] The disk-shaped fixed support portion 50 supported by the fixed support shaft portion 33 is attached to the top of the fixed support shaft portion 33 and is positioned above the rotation table 11 and the plurality of holding portions 12. As described above, even when the rotation support shaft portion 35 that supports the rotation table 11 rotates, the fixed support shaft portion 33 that supports the fixed support portion 50 does not rotate, so the fixed support portion 50 does not rotate even when the rotation table 11 rotates.

[0043] In this embodiment, among a plurality of processing sections (first processing section I to ninth processing section IX), two or more processing apparatuses that perform processing on the bags 13 held in the plurality of holding units 12 are supported by the fixed support portion 50.

[0044] The processing apparatuses referred to here may include a bag supply apparatus 14, a printing apparatus 15, an opening apparatus 16, an opening guide 17, a solid matter input apparatus 18, a liquid injection apparatus 19, a gas blowing apparatus 20, a first sealing apparatus 21, a second sealing apparatus 22, and a cooling apparatus 23.

[0045] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the liquid injection apparatus 19 is supported by the fixed support portion 50. The liquid injection apparatus 19 shown in FIG. 2 includes a liquid injection drive source 19a, a liquid injection nozzle 19c, and a liquid injection movement mechanism 19b connected between the liquid injection drive source 19a and the liquid injection nozzle 19c. The power output from the liquid injection drive source 19a is transmitted to the liquid injection movement mechanism 19b. The liquid injection movement mechanism 19b operates according to the power transmitted from the liquid injection drive source 19a and moves the liquid injection nozzle 19c up and down in the height direction.

[0046] The specific configurations of the liquid injection drive source 19a, the liquid injection movement mechanism 19b, and the liquid injection nozzle 19c are not limited, and the liquid injection apparatus 19 can be configured by a known apparatus. For example, the liquid injection drive source 19a can be configured by a motor or the like, and the liquid injection movement mechanism 19b can be configured by a mechanism that converts the power transmitted from the liquid injection drive source 19a into power acting in the vertical direction (for example, a mechanism including a link mechanism at least in part). The liquid injection nozzle 19c can be moved up and down in the height direction by the power acting in the vertical direction transmitted from the liquid injection movement mechanism 19b.

[0047] Regarding such a liquid injection apparatus 19, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the liquid injection drive source 19a and a part of the liquid injection movement mechanism 19b are arranged directly above the fixed support portion 50 and are fixedly attached to the fixed support portion 50 (especially the upper surface).

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first sealing device 21 is supported by the fixed support portion 50. The first sealing device 21 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first sealing drive source 21a, a first sealing heating unit 21c, and a first sealing movement mechanism 21b connected to the first sealing drive source 21a and the first sealing heating unit 21c. The power output from the first sealing drive source 21a is transmitted to the first sealing movement mechanism 21b. The first sealing movement mechanism 21b operates in response to the power transmitted from the first sealing drive source 21a, and opens and closes the first sealing heating unit 21c in the horizontal direction (particularly in the thickness direction of the bag 13 held by the holding portion 12). The first sealing heating unit 21c heats and presses the mouth portion of the bag 13 to perform heat sealing on the mouth portion and seal the inside of the bag 13.

[0049] The specific configurations of the first sealing drive source 21a, the first sealing movement mechanism 21b, and the first sealing heating unit 21c are not limited, and the first sealing device 21 can be configured by a known device. For example, the first sealing drive source 21a can be configured by a motor or the like, and the first sealing movement mechanism 21b can be configured by a mechanism that converts the power transmitted from the first sealing drive source 21a into power acting in the horizontal direction (for example, a mechanism including a link mechanism at least partially). The first sealing heating unit 21c can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction by the power acting in the horizontal direction transmitted from the first sealing movement mechanism 21b.

[0050] Regarding such a first sealing device 21, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the first sealing drive source 21a and a part of the first sealing movement mechanism 21b are arranged directly above the fixed support portion 50 and are fixedly attached to the fixed support portion 50 (particularly the upper surface).

[0051] In the present embodiment, among the plurality of processing devices included in the bag processing machine 10, the processing device that performs processing on the upper portion of the bag 13 (for example, the mouth portion and the vicinity of the mouth portion) is disposed at least partially directly above the fixed support portion 50 and is fixedly attached to the fixed support portion 50 (particularly the upper surface). On the other hand, among the plurality of processing devices included in the bag processing machine 10, the processing device that performs processing on portions other than the upper portion of the bag 13 is fixedly attached to the first pedestal 51 (particularly the upper surface). Specifically, the printing device 15 and the opening device 16 are supported by the first pedestal 51. On the other hand, the opening guide 17, the solid matter input device 18, the liquid injection device 19, the gas blowing device 20, the first sealing device 21, the second sealing device 22, and the cooling device 23 are supported at least partially by the fixed support portion 50 (particularly the upper surface).

[0052] In the above example, processing devices (for example, the liquid injection device 19 (see FIG. 2) and the first sealing device 21 (see FIG. 3)) are installed on the upper surface of the fixed support portion 50, and the processing devices are provided on the side opposite to the rotating table 11 and each holding portion 12 in the height direction via the fixed support portion 50. However, one or more processing devices may be installed on the lower surface of the fixed support portion 50, and the one or more processing devices may be positioned between the fixed support portion 50 and the rotating table 11 in the height direction.

[0053] Also, the processing device that performs processing on portions other than the upper portion of the bag 13 may be supported by the fixed support portion 50. Further, the processing device that performs processing on the upper portion of the bag 13 may be supported by a member other than the fixed support portion 50 (for example, the first pedestal 51 or the second pedestal 52). Also, a processing device (for example, a printing inspection device) not shown in the drawings may be supported by the fixed support portion 50 or may be supported by a member other than the fixed support portion 50.

[0054] As described above, the bag processing machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a rotary table 11 (rotating body) that is intermittently rotated, a plurality of holding portions 12 that are attached to the rotary table 11 and move along a circular movement track in accordance with the rotation of the rotary table 11, and the movement track is divided into a plurality of processing sections I to IX. A plurality of holding portions 12, a fixed support portion 50 that is positioned above the rotary table 11 and does not rotate depending on the rotation of the rotary table 11, and two or more processing devices supported by the fixed support portion 50, among the plurality of processing sections I to IX. Two or more processing devices that perform processing on the bag 13 held by the plurality of holding portions 12 in each of two or more of the processing sections.

[0055] According to this bag processing machine 10, two or more processing devices are supported by the fixed support portion 50. Thereby, two or more processing devices can be installed by effectively utilizing the space above the rotary table 11. Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the planar size of the area for installing the plurality of processing devices included in the bag processing machine 10.

[0056] As a result, the cleaning work of the bag processing machine 10 can be performed simply and conveniently. In addition, the number of devices installed outside the movement track of the bag 13 can be reduced, the planar sizes of the first gantry 51 and the second gantry 52 can be reduced, and ultimately the planar size of the entire bag processing machine 10 can be reduced.

[0057] Further, by installing the processing device on the upper surface of the fixed support portion 50, it is possible to effectively reduce the contamination of the processing device by the contents (that is, solids and liquids) during the operation of the bag processing machine 10. On the other hand, by installing the processing device on the lower surface of the fixed support portion 50, the distance between the processing device and the bag 13 becomes closer, and the obstacle between the processing device and the bag 13 is also reduced, so that the simplification and miniaturization of the processing device can be promoted.

[0058] The bag processing machine 10 of the present embodiment further includes a rotary support shaft portion 35 that supports the rotary table 11, and a fixed support shaft portion 33 that extends inside the rotary support shaft portion 35 and supports the fixed support portion 50.

[0059] Thus, while suppressing an increase in the planar size of the area for installing the fixed support shaft portion 33 and the rotary support shaft portion 35, the fixed support portion 50 can be firmly supported by the fixed support shaft portion 33.

[0060] For example, it is also possible to install a support column and a fixed support portion outside the bag processing machine 10 (particularly horizontally outside the rotary table 11). However, in this case, the planar size of the entire bag processing machine 10 is increased by the support column and the fixed support portion. On the other hand, by installing the fixed support shaft portion 33 inside the rotary support shaft portion 35, the fixed support portion 50 can be easily arranged above the rotary table 11, and an increase in the planar size of the entire bag processing machine 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] [First Modification Example] In this modification example, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding elements as those in the above-described embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the bag processing machine 10 (particularly the fourth processing section IV to the ninth processing section IX) according to the first modification example.

[0063] The bag processing machine 10 according to this modification example basically has the same configuration as the bag processing machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 above. However, in this modification example, while the rotary table 11 is intermittently stopped, two or more holding portions 12 (specifically, four holding portions 12) are arranged in each of the plurality of processing sections I to IX.

[0064] Then, the movable processing portions of the two or more processing devices supported by the fixed support portion 50 perform the same processing on the two or more bags 13 held by the two or more holding portions 12 arranged in the corresponding processing sections at the same timing.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the solid material input device 18, the liquid injection device 19, the gas injection device 20, the first sealing device 21, and the cooling device 23 are attached to the upper surface of the fixed support portion 50 and are supported by the fixed support portion 50.

[0066] The solid material input device 18 includes a single solid material input drive source 18a, a plurality (specifically, four) of solid material input guides (for example, hoppers) 18c, and a single solid material input moving mechanism 18b connected to the solid material input drive source 18a and each solid material input guide 18c. The power output from the solid material input drive source 18a is transmitted to the solid material input moving mechanism 18b. The solid material input moving mechanism 18b operates according to the power transmitted from the solid material input drive source 18a and moves the four solid material input guides 18c up and down in the height direction.

[0067] In this way, the solid material input device 18 includes four solid material input guides 18c (movable processing parts) that are movably provided with respect to four bags 13 held by four holding parts 12 arranged in the corresponding processing section (that is, the fourth processing section IV), and a solid material input moving mechanism 18b that moves the four solid material input guides 18c.

[0068] Similarly, the liquid injection device 19 includes a single liquid injection drive source 19a, a plurality (specifically, four) of liquid injection nozzles 19c, and a single liquid injection moving mechanism 19b connected to the liquid injection drive source 19a and each liquid injection nozzle 19c. The power output from the liquid injection drive source 19a is transmitted to the liquid injection moving mechanism 19b. The liquid injection moving mechanism 19b operates according to the power transmitted from the liquid injection drive source 19a and moves the four liquid injection nozzles 19c up and down in the height direction.

[0069] The gas blowing device 20 also includes a single gas blowing drive source 20a, a plurality (specifically, four) of gas blowing nozzles 20c, and a single gas blowing movement mechanism 20b connected to the gas blowing drive source 20a and each gas blowing nozzle 20c. The power output from the gas blowing drive source 20a is transmitted to the gas blowing movement mechanism 20b. The gas blowing movement mechanism 20b operates according to the power transmitted from the gas blowing drive source 20a and moves the four gas blowing nozzles 20c up and down in the height direction.

[0070] On the other hand, the first sealing device 21 includes a plurality (specifically, two) of first sealing drive sources 21a, a plurality (specifically, four) of first sealing heating units 21c, and a plurality (specifically, two) of first sealing movement mechanisms 21b. One first sealing drive source 21a and a plurality (specifically, two) of first sealing heating units 21c are connected to each first sealing movement mechanism 21b. The power output from each first sealing drive source 21a is transmitted to the corresponding first sealing movement mechanism 21b, and the first sealing movement mechanism 21b operates according to the power transmitted from the first sealing drive source 21a and opens and closes the corresponding two first sealing heating units 21c in the horizontal direction.

[0071] In this way, the first sealing device 21 performs the same process on the two bags 13 held by the two holding portions 12 arranged in the corresponding seventh processing section VII at the same timing. When the two first sealing drive sources 21a are driven in synchronization with each other and the two first sealing movement mechanisms 21b are driven in synchronization with each other, it is possible to perform the same process on the four bags 13 held by the four holding portions 12 arranged in the seventh processing section VII at the same timing.

[0072] Similarly, the second sealing device 22 includes a plurality (specifically, two) of second seal driving sources 22a, a plurality (specifically, four) of second seal heating units 22c, and a plurality (specifically, two) of second seal moving mechanisms 22b. One second seal driving source 22a and a plurality (specifically, two) of second seal heating units 22c are connected to each second seal moving mechanism 22b. The power output from each second seal driving source 22a is transmitted to the corresponding second seal moving mechanism 22b, and the second seal moving mechanism 22b operates according to the power transmitted from the second seal driving source 22a to open and close the corresponding two second seal heating units 22c in the horizontal direction.

[0073] Similarly, the cooling device 23 includes a plurality (specifically, two) of cooling driving sources 23a, a plurality (specifically, four) of cooling units 23c, and a plurality (specifically, two) of cooling moving mechanisms 23b. One second seal driving source 22a and a plurality (specifically, two) of cooling units 23c are connected to each cooling moving mechanism 23b. The power output from each second seal driving source 22a is transmitted to the corresponding cooling moving mechanism 23b, and the cooling moving mechanism 23b operates according to the power transmitted from the cooling driving source 23a to open and close the corresponding two cooling unit parts 23c in the horizontal direction.

[0074] As described above, according to this modification, while the rotary table 11 intermittently stops, two or more bags 13 are arranged in each of the plurality of processing sections I to IX.

[0075] Thereby, the processing device supported by the fixed support portion 50 can perform the same processing on two or more bags 13 held by two or more holding portions 12 arranged in the corresponding processing section. As a result, the processing performance of the bag processing machine 10 can be improved.

[0076] Further, at least one of two or more processing devices is provided movably with respect to two or more bags 13 held by two or more holding portions 12 arranged in corresponding processing sections, and includes a moving drive unit that moves the movable processing unit. The movable processing unit performs the same processing on two or more bags 13 held by two or more holding portions 12 arranged in corresponding processing sections.

[0077] Thereby, while suppressing an increase in the number of parts of the processing device, it is possible to efficiently process a large number of bags 13. Further, even if the planar size of the fixed support portion 50 is small, it is possible to appropriately install the processing device on the fixed support portion 50.

[0078] In particular, when the movable processing unit of the processing device can be moved between a position for performing processing on the corresponding bag 13 and a position retracted from the corresponding bag 13 only by moving the movable processing unit up and down in the height direction (see the solid matter charging device 18, the liquid injection device 19, and the gas blowing device 20 shown in FIG. 4), a single drive source and a single moving mechanism can move a large number of movable processing units at once.

[0079] On the other hand, even when it is necessary to move the movable processing unit of the processing device in the horizontal direction according to the orientation of the corresponding bag 13 in order to move the movable processing unit between a position for performing processing on the corresponding bag 13 and a position retracted from the corresponding bag 13 (see the first sealing device 21, the second sealing device 22, and the cooling device 23 shown in FIG. 4), a single drive source and a single moving mechanism can move a plurality of movable processing units at once.

[0080] Various modifications may be added to each element of the above-described embodiments and modified examples, or the configurations may be partially or entirely combined between the above-described embodiments and modified examples. Further, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and specific effects corresponding to the specific configurations of the respective embodiments may also be exhibited. Thus, various additions, changes, and partial deletions can be made to each element described in the claims, the specification, and the drawings without departing from the technical idea and spirit of the present disclosure.

Description of Symbols

[0081] 10 Bag processor, 11 Rotary table, 12 Holding part, 13 Bag, 14 Bag supply device, 15 Printing device, 16 Opening device, 17 Opening guide, 18 Solid matter input device, 18a Solid matter input drive source, 18b Solid matter input moving mechanism, 18c Solid matter input guide, 19 Liquid injection device, 19a Liquid injection drive source, 19b Liquid injection moving mechanism, 19c Liquid injection nozzle, 20 Gas blowing device, 20a Gas blowing drive source, 20b Gas blowing moving mechanism, 20c Gas blowing nozzle, 21 First sealing device, 21a First sealing drive source, 21b First sealing moving mechanism, 21c First sealing heating unit, 22 Second sealing device, 22a Second sealing drive source, 22b Second sealing moving mechanism, 22c Second sealing heating unit, 23 Cooling device, 23a Cooling drive source, 23b Cooling moving mechanism, 23c Cooling unit, 24 Bag discharge guide, 30 Drive gear, 31 Stand, 32 Hollow shaft, 33 Fixed support shaft part, 34 Full - circumference cam, 35 Rotating support shaft part, 37 Lever, 38 Rod, 43 Support shaft, 44 Swing lever, 45 Gripper arm, 46 Tension spring, 47 L - shaped lever, 48 Roller, 50 Fixed support part, 51 First pedestal, 52 Second pedestal, 53 Support fixing part, Ax Rotation center axis, I First processing section, II Second processing section, III Third processing section, IV Fourth processing section, V Fifth processing section, VI Sixth processing section, VII Seventh processing section, VIII Eighth processing section, IX Ninth processing section

Claims

1. A rotor that is rotated intermittently; a plurality of holding units attached to the rotor and moved along a circular movement path in response to rotation of the rotor, the movement path being divided into a plurality of processing sections; a fixed support portion that is positioned above the rotating body and does not rotate with the rotation of the rotating body; A bag processing machine comprising: two or more processing devices supported by the fixed support portion, the two or more processing devices performing processing on bags held in the multiple holding portions in each of two or more processing sections among the multiple processing sections.

2. A rotation support shaft portion that supports the rotating body; The bag processing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fixed support shaft portion extending inside the rotating support shaft portion and supporting the fixed support portion.

3. 3. The bag processing machine according to claim 1, wherein two or more holding portions are arranged in each of the plurality of processing sections while the rotating body is intermittently stopped.

4. At least one of the two or more processing devices a movable processing section that is movable with respect to two or more bags held by two or more holding sections that are disposed in the corresponding processing section; A movement drive unit that moves the movable processing unit, The movable processing section performs the same processing on two or more bags held by two or more holding sections arranged in the corresponding processing section.

4. The bag processor according to claim 3.

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