Flexible container squeezing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a squeezing machine that can improve the efficiency of squeezing out contents from flexible containers and reduce the disposal costs of flexible containers. [Solution] A flexible container squeezing machine 1 comprises a receiving member 3 and a pressing member 5 arranged in parallel opposite to each other and at least one of which is supported so as not to rotate, a squeezing section S formed between the receiving member 3 and the pressing member 5, and a guide section G provided on the pull-in side of the squeezing section S to guide the pull-in to the squeezing section S, wherein the flexible container B is pulled out from the squeezing section S to pull the flexible container B from the guide section G to the squeezing section S and squeeze the contents out from the opening of the flexible container B, and further comprises a winding section 201 that winds the bottom side of the flexible container B from the squeezing section S and pulls out the flexible container B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extrusion machine for a flexible container that squeezes out the contents from a flexible container such as a bag or a tube.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of extrusion machine, there are those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3. Those described in these Patent Documents 1 to 3 include a pair of rollers, and squeeze out the contents from a tube passed between the rollers by driving one or both of these pair of rollers.

[0003] However, since the rollers are actively driven to pass the tube between the rollers, there is insufficient squeezing of the tube, and there is a limit to the extraction of the contents.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 4 discloses a roller-type extrusion device that does not actively drive the rollers. This roller-type extrusion device is configured to pull out a bag-shaped container between a pair of rollers.

[0005] However, when pulling out the bag-shaped container with respect to the pair of rollers, the rollers rotate together, so there is insufficient squeezing of the bag-shaped container as described above, and there is a limit to the extraction of the contents.

[0006] Also, Patent Document 5 discloses a tube extrusion device provided with a squeezing bar for the rollers. This tube extrusion device has the squeezing bars arranged at intervals with respect to two rollers. The squeezing of the tube is performed between the rollers, and at that time, the squeezing bar performs a squeezing action. Therefore, the presence of the squeezing bar may improve the extraction of the contents compared to the case of only the rollers.

[0007] However, the squeezing of the tube is only performed between the rollers, and at that time, only the squeezing bar performs a squeezing action, and the action of the squeezing bar becomes insufficient, and there is still a limit to the extraction of the contents.

[0008] On the other hand, in factories, such as food processing plants, there is no suitable squeezing machine for squeezing raw materials from flexible containers such as plastic bags into the mixing equipment used to agitate ingredients. In reality, this has traditionally been done manually by workers.

[0009] However, the bags filled with these raw materials typically weigh around 3-5 kg, making the process of squeezing the materials out of the bags time-consuming and often resulting in incomplete extraction and waste of raw materials.

[0010] In response, the applicant's affiliate proposed the juicing machine described in Patent Document 6.

[0011] Such a squeezing machine could reliably squeeze out the contents from flexible containers such as bags.

[0012] On the other hand, the squeezing process varied from worker to worker depending on factors such as the direction in which the bag was pulled out, requiring skill. Furthermore, if the contents were hard, it could be difficult for less physically strong workers, such as women, to squeeze them out.

[0013] Therefore, depending on the worker, not only is some of the contents left behind, resulting in waste, but the bags themselves must also be disposed of as industrial waste, increasing disposal costs and creating environmental problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6034474 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-117061 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3206627 Gazette [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-43795 [Patent Document 5] Utility Model Registration No. 3220454 Publication [Patent Document 6] Utility Model Registration No. 3238911 Gazette [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] The problems we are trying to solve include not only the waste caused by some workers leaving contents behind, but also the need to dispose of the bags as industrial waste, which increases disposal costs and creates environmental problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The present invention relates to a flexible container squeezing machine comprising: a receiving member and a pressing member arranged in parallel and facing each other, with at least one of them supported so as not to rotate; a squeezing portion formed between the receiving member and the pressing member; and a guide portion provided on the pull-in side of the squeezing portion to guide the pulling in to the squeezing portion, wherein the flexible container is pulled out from the squeezing portion to pull the flexible container from the guide portion to the squeezing portion and squeeze the contents out from the opening of the flexible container, and further comprises a winding portion that winds the bottom side of the flexible container from the squeezing portion and pulls out the flexible container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, by pulling the container out of the squeezing section, the flexible container can be drawn from the guide section to the squeezing section, and the contents can be squeezed out from the opening of the container. At this time, since the container is sandwiched between a receiving member and a pressing member, at least one of which is not rotatable, the squeezing action between the receiving member and the pressing member works effectively, allowing the container to be squeezed. Moreover, stable and accurate squeezing can be achieved regardless of the operator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an articulation machine, including the winding section, relating to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the winding section relating to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the winding section relating to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the aperture device as viewed from the right side of the front surface according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the aperture device as viewed from the left side of the front surface according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the aperture device as viewed from the lower left side of the front side according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing the relationship with the opening / closing lattice centering on the right lock part of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective front view showing the main part centering on the right lock part of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged right side view showing the main part centering on the right lock part of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective front view showing the main part centering on the left lock part of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective side view showing the main part centering on the left lock part of the aperture device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective explanatory view showing the operation of the pressing bar for attaching the bag body to the aperture device fixed to the opening / closing lattice according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective explanatory view showing the pulling out of the bag body with respect to the aperture device fixed to the opening / closing lattice according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway sectional view of the aperture device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member. [Figure 20]Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member, and the blowout is an enlarged view showing the constricted portion slightly separated. [Figure 23] Figure 23 relates to a modification 4 of Example 4, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member, with the blowout shown in an enlarged view with the constricted portion slightly separated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The present invention achieves the objective of shortening the time required for squeezing out raw materials and reducing waste of raw materials caused by squeezing, as follows.

[0020] A flexible container squeezing machine comprising: a receiving member and a pressing member arranged in parallel opposite to each other and at least one of which is supported so as not to rotate; a constricting portion formed between the receiving member and the pressing member; and a guide portion provided on the pull-in side of the constricting portion to guide the pulling in to the constricting portion, wherein the flexible container is pulled out from the constricting portion to pull the flexible container from the guide portion to the constricting portion and squeeze the contents out from the opening of the flexible container, the machine further comprising: a winding portion that winds the bottom side of the flexible container from the constricting portion and pulls out the flexible container. [Examples]

[0021] [Squeezer] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an articulation machine including the winding section, relating to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the winding section, relating to an embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the winding section, relating to an embodiment.

[0022] The aperture mechanism 1 is equipped with a winding section 201 for the guide section G and the aperture section S.

[0023] The winding unit 201 is located on the pull-out side of the throttling unit S and is installed on the mounting base 27.

[0024] The winding unit 201 includes a base 203, a winding shaft 205, a handle 207, a release lever 109, a ratchet gear 211, a stopper 213, and the like.

[0025] The base 203 is equipped with left and right legs 215. Base brackets 217 are attached to the left and right legs 215, protruding toward the constricted section S, and are fixed to the support columns 23 and 25 by fastening with bolts or the like.

[0026] The leg portion 215 is provided with a shaft support hole 129. A lever guide 221 is provided on the outer circumference of the shaft support hole 219.

[0027] The lever guide 221 is equipped with a recess 221a for positioning, an outer surface 221b for sliding, and a recess 221c for rotational operation.

[0028] The leg portion 215 is provided with a stopper slit 223 below the shaft support hole 129.

[0029] The base bracket 217 is equipped with an insertion tab 225 with an insertion hole at the left and right center.

[0030] The winding shaft 205 winds the bag body B as a winding body and consists of a pair of shafts 205a and 205b. The pair of shafts 205a and 205b are formed with flat surfaces on opposite sides, sandwiching the bag body B. However, the shape of the opposite sides of the pair of shafts 205a and 205b is not limited as long as they can sandwich and wind the bag body B, and can be formed with curved surfaces, etc.

[0031] The outer surfaces of the pair of shafts 205a and 205b are provided with flat surfaces, which are formed to facilitate engagement of the bag B in the cross-sectional direction and to facilitate winding of the bag B. However, the outer surfaces of the pair of shafts 205a and 205b are not limited in shape as long as they can grip and wind up the bag B, and can be formed with curved surfaces, etc.

[0032] A fitting shaft portion 227 is formed at both ends of the winding shaft 205. The fitting shaft portion 227 is formed by a pair of semicircular shaft portions 227a and 227b, respectively, of the pair of shafts 205a and 205b. The semicircular shaft portions 227a and 227b are configured such that a gap is set between them when the pair of shafts 205a and 205b abut against each other at their opposing planar portions, allowing the ratchet gear 211 to engage. The semicircular shaft portions 227a and 227b constitute the fitting shaft portion 227 and are rotatably and loosely fitted and supported in the shaft support hole 219.

[0033] The handle 207 constitutes the manual operation section and is configured to rotate a pair of shafts 205a and 205b to wind up the bag B. The handle 207 is configured with handle bars 231 attached to left and right handle arms 229. The handle arms 229 are connected by a reinforcing bar 233.

[0034] The left and right handle arms 229 are provided with shaft fitting holes 235 at their lower ends, which loosely fit onto the fitting shaft portion 227 of the winding shaft 205, and are provided with lever insertion slits 237 into which both ends of the release lever 209 are inserted.

[0035] The release lever 209 transmits the rotational operation of the handle 207 via the ratchet gear 211, rotating the winding shaft 205 and disengaging from the ratchet gear 211, allowing the winding shaft 205 to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0036] The release lever 209 and the ratchet gear 211 constitute a ratchet mechanism that intermittently rotates the winding shaft 205 by rotating the handle 207.

[0037] The release lever 209 is equipped with a grip portion 139 in the center and engaging tabs 241 at both the left and right ends.

[0038] The ratchet gear 211 is provided with semicircular holes 211a and 211b into which a pair of semicircular shaft portions 227a and 227b of the winding shaft 205 are loosely fitted.

[0039] The stopper 213 is configured to engage with the ratchet gear 211 and prevent it from returning to its original position in a releasable manner.

[0040] The stopper 213 has an insertion portion 243 in its central part. The insertion portion 243 is inserted into and supported by an insertion tab 225 of the base bracket 217 via a coil spring (not shown).

[0041] The stopper 213 is provided with stopper tongues 245 at both the left and right ends.

[0042] Then, the fitting shaft portion 227 of the insertion shaft 205 is loosely fitted and supported in the shaft support hole 219 of the base 203, and the ratchet gear 211 is attached to the fitting shaft portion 227 via washers 147 on the left and right outer sides of the shaft support hole 219. This attachment is achieved by the semicircular shaft portions 227a and 227b of the fitting shaft portion 227 being loosely fitted into the semicircular holes 211a and 211b of the ratchet gear 211.

[0043] The handle 207 is loosely fitted to the outer end of the fitting shaft portion 227 of the insert shaft 205 through the shaft fitting hole 235 of the handle arm 229.

[0044] The release lever 209 is inserted at both ends into the lever insertion slits 237 of the handle 207, and its engaging tongue portion 241 extends across the lever guide 221 and the ratchet gear 211, allowing it to engage with both. Before the release lever 209 is operated, the engaging tongue portion 241 engages with the recess 221a of the lever guide 221, positioning the handle 207 in its pre-operation position.

[0045] The stopper 213 is configured such that the stopper tongue portion 245 is inserted into the stopper insertion slit 223 of the leg portion 215, and is able to move along the insertion slit 223.

[0046] The winding section 201 in this configuration is positioned to wind the bag body B downwards from the constricting section S.

[0047] This position has been determined in advance through experiments, and is set so that the contents can be completely squeezed out of the bag B depending on the setting of the constriction section S. In other words, if the bag B is positioned higher or lower than the set position relative to the constriction section S, some contents may remain even after the bag B has been squeezed, depending on the setting of the constriction section S. This setting ensures that the contents can be uniformly squeezed out by any operator.

[0048] Furthermore, the constricted state of the bag body B, according to the setting of the constriction section S, can also be changed by modifying the receiving member 3 and the pressing member 5, as described later, and the position of the winding section 201 relative to the constriction section S is set according to this change.

[0049] However, if a certain amount of contents remaining in the bag B is acceptable, the vertical positional relationship between the winding section 201 and the diaphragm section S of the diaphragm 1 is flexible.

[0050] [Effects of the winding mechanism] As described later, the bottom end of the bag B, which has been squeezed and pulled out by the diaphragm section S of the diaphragm 1, is inserted and supported between the pair of shafts 205a and 205b of the insertion shaft 205. This insertion support creates a gap between the pair of shafts 205a and 205b, allowing the bottom end of the bag B to be inserted directly from the diaphragm 1 side, and closing the gap between the shafts 205a and 205b.

[0051] Next, with your hands on the handlebar 231, place your fingers on the grip portion 139 of the release lever 209 and pull the grip portion 139 towards the handlebar 231. This pull will lift the engaging tongue portion 241 of the release lever 209 out of the recess 221a of the lever guide 221. Then, rotate the handle 207 to place the engaging tongue portion 241 onto the outer surface portion 221b.

[0052] As the handle 207 continues to rotate, the engaging tongue 241 slides on the outer surface 221b, falls into the recess 221c, and engages with the ratchet gear 211.

[0053] When the handle 207 is further rotated, the engaging tongue 241 moves downward within the recess 221c, and at the same time, the ratchet gear 211 is rotated.

[0054] The rotational drive of the ratchet gear 211 causes the winding shaft 205 to rotate, and the bag B gets caught on the winding shaft 205. This winding causes the bag B to move through the squeezing section S of the squeezing machine 1, and the contents are properly squeezed out from the bag B.

[0055] The winding shaft 205 can be continuously rotated by reciprocating the handle 207 within the range of the recess 221c.

[0056] After squeezing the contents out of bag B, the stopper 213 is pushed down against the biasing force of the coil spring to release the engagement of the stopper 213 with the ratchet gear 211, and bag B is pulled back to remove it from the winding shaft 205.

[0057] In this way, by operating the winding unit 201, the squeezing operation by the squeezing machine 1 can be performed uniformly and easily, allowing the contents to be easily squeezed out of the bag B. Furthermore, regardless of whether the contents are hard or soft, even workers with little strength, such as women, can accurately and easily squeeze them out. For this reason, it does not require special skills, and can compensate for labor shortages.

[0058] Furthermore, since almost no contents remain in bag B after the contents have been squeezed out, there is no need to treat the bag after squeezing as industrial waste, thus reducing disposal costs and contributing to environmental protection.

[0059] The winding unit 201 employs a manual operation unit via a ratchet mechanism that intermittently rotates the winding shaft 205, but it can also be replaced with an electric drive unit such as an electric motor via a reciprocating mechanism.

[0060] The winding unit 201 can be configured with a handle that continuously rotates the winding shaft 205 as the manual operation unit, or with a geared motor or the like as the electric drive unit.

[0061] [Squeezer] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the aperture machine from the front right side. Figure 5 is a right side view of the aperture machine. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the aperture machine from the front left side. Figure 7 is a left side view of the aperture machine. Figure 8 is a front view of the aperture machine, and Figure 9 is a top view of the aperture machine. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the aperture machine from the front lower left side. Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the aperture machine, showing its relationship to the opening and closing grid, centered on the right locking part. Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective front view of the main part of the aperture machine, centered on the right locking part. Figure 13 is an enlarged right side view of the main part of the aperture machine, centered on the right locking part. Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective front view of the main part of the aperture machine, centered on the left locking part. Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective side view of the main part of the aperture machine, centered on the left locking part.

[0062] In the following description, the front of the diaphragm 1 refers to the side facing the exit direction of the flexible bag body, which is a flexible container; the back refers to the side where the bag body is retracted; up and down refers to the up and down direction in the direction of gravity; left and right refers to the left and right when the diaphragm 1 is viewed from the front; front and back refers to the front side of the diaphragm 1 being the front and the back side being the rear; and axial and radial directions refer to the axial and radial directions of the receiving member, respectively. Furthermore, the diaphragm 1 in Figure 1 differs slightly from the diaphragm 1 in Figure 4 in terms of the shape of the knobs, etc., but can be used as the diaphragm 1 in Figure 1, and the winding section 201 is positioned in relation to the guide section G and the diaphragm section S.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4 to 10, the squeezing machine 1 is equipped with a roller member 3 and a pressing member 5. The roller member 3 constitutes a receiving member.

[0064] The roller member 3 is supported by the support portion 7 and is rotatable. This roller member 3 is made of stainless steel or the like and has a solid, circular cross-section.

[0065] The pressing member 5 is supported by the support portion 7 and is unable to rotate. This pressing member 5 is formed as a solid, circular-cross-section pressing rod made of stainless steel or the like. The diameter of the pressing rod 5 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the roller member 3.

[0066] The retaining bar 5 has upper surfaces 5a and 5b formed at its left and right ends. The upper surfaces 5a and 5b are formed by partially cutting the outer surface of the retaining bar 5, which has a circular cross-section, to create flat end surfaces. The upper surface 5b at the right end has a straight or curved guide slope 5c at the right end of the retaining bar 5. A flat front surface 5d is formed at the right end of the retaining bar 5 by partially cutting the outer surface. A rotational engagement part 5e is provided on the left end side of the retaining bar 5. The rotational engagement part 5e is made of a hinge pin. The hinge pin 5e protrudes from both the front and rear.

[0067] The longitudinal direction of the retaining rod 5 is aligned with the axial direction of the roller member 3, and the retaining rods 5 are arranged in parallel opposite each other in the radial direction of the roller member 3. In this opposing arrangement, the support of the retaining rod 5 to the support portion 7 allows them to move closer to and further away from each other in the radial direction of the roller member 3. The retaining rod 5 is offset from the roller member 3 towards the bag body retraction side, which will be described later. The degree of offset is arbitrary.

[0068] Furthermore, the pressing machine 1 is equipped with a coil spring 9 as a biasing member that biases the roller member 3 and the pressing rod 5 toward each other. Due to this biasing, the pressing rod 5 comes into contact with the roller member 3d in an opposing position.

[0069] The portion where the presser rod 5 contacts the roller member 3d in an opposing position constitutes the constricted portion S. Therefore, the constricted portion S is formed by the adjacent portions of the outer curved surfaces of the roller member 3d and the presser rod 5.

[0070] A guide portion G is formed on the retraction side of the constriction section S, where the presser rod 5 abuts against the roller member 3d in an opposing position. The guide portion G is formed between the circular outer surfaces of the roller member 3d and the presser rod 5. The guide portion G has a shape that expands toward the front in the retraction direction between the outer curved surfaces of the roller member 3d and the presser rod 5. In other words, the guide portion G has a shape that gradually shrinks toward the constriction section S, and is configured to guide the retraction of the bag body B into the constriction section S.

[0071] In other words, the constricting section S and the guide section G are formed by a combination of circular outer surfaces, which are the outer surfaces of the roller member 3d and the presser bar 5.

[0072] Therefore, by pulling the bottom of the bag out of the squeezing section S, the bag is guided into the squeezing section S by the guide section G, and the contents, such as paste-like food ingredients, can be squeezed out from the opening of the bag.

[0073] In this case, by adjusting the diameters of the roller member 3 and the pressing rod 5, when pulling out the flexible bag, the rotation of the roller member 3 facilitates the pulling operation, while the non-rotatable pressing rod 5 accurately applies a squeezing force to the bag.

[0074] As shown in Figures 4 to 15, the support section 7 is composed of an independent support frame. The support frame 7 is made of stainless steel or the like. This support frame 7 includes a pair of left and right receiving member insertion sections 11 and 13, a pair of left and right pressing member insertion sections 15 and 17, and a pair of left and right locking sections 19 and 21. These left and right receiving member insertion sections 11 and 13, the pair of left and right pressing member insertion sections 15 and 17, and the pair of left and right locking sections 19 and 21 are provided on a pair of left and right support columns 23 and 25. These support columns 23 and 25 are fixed upright on the installation base section 27. The installation base section 27 is provided with an engagement fixing section 29.

[0075] The pair of receiving member insertion parts 11 and 13 are formed on the left and right support columns 23 and 25. The insertion operation of the roller member 3 allows the roller member 3 to be detachably supported on both sides in the axial direction from the radial direction, and it is rotated and supported by the left and right support columns 23 and 25. The front-to-back positions of the receiving member insertion parts 11 and 13 are set to be offset from the front-to-back center position of the support columns 23 and 25 by the aforementioned offset amount.

[0076] The left and right receiving member insertion portions 11 and 13 are formed at the upper ends of the opposing surfaces of the left and right support columns 23 and 25. The left and right receiving member insertion portions 11 and 13 are U-shaped rotational fitting grooves with their upper ends open when viewed from the opposing surfaces of the left and right support columns 23 and 25.

[0077] The front and rear wall surfaces of the left and right rotational fitting grooves 11 and 13 are parallel to each other in the front and rear directions, and their lower ends are formed in a semicircular shape that is continuous with the front and rear wall surfaces. The radius of this semicircle corresponds to the circular cross-section of the roller member 3. In other words, the left and right rotational fitting grooves 11 and 13 are set to support the end of the roller member 3 so that it can rotate freely relative to the roller member 3 while positioning it when the end of the roller member 3 is received by the lower ends of the grooves 11 and 13.

[0078] The left and right rotational fitting grooves 11 and 13 have a depth dimension in the left-right direction that is such that they can receive the end of the roller member 3 in the axial direction. The left and right rear surfaces of the left and right rotational fitting grooves 11 and 13 face the end of the roller member 3 when it receives the end, positioning the roller member 3 in the axial direction while allowing it to rotate relative to the grooves.

[0079] The pair of left and right pressing member insertion parts 15 and 17 are formed on the left and right support columns 23 and 25. These left and right pressing member insertion parts 15 and 17 are designed to receive both ends in the longitudinal direction from the parallel direction which is the radial direction of the roller member 3 when the pressing rod 5 is inserted, and to hold the roller member 3 and the pressing rod 5 in contact with each other in an opposing arrangement.

[0080] The left and right retaining member insertion portions 15 and 17 are formed at the upper ends of the left and right support columns 23 and 25 and penetrate from left to right. The left and right retaining member insertion portions 15 and 17 are substantially U-shaped retaining fitting grooves with their upper ends open when viewed from the opposing sides of the left and right support columns 23 and 25. The left and right pair of retaining fitting grooves 15 and 17 have different specific shapes from each other.

[0081] The left retaining groove 15 is set in the front-to-back center of the left support column 23. The front and rear walls of the left retaining groove 15 are parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction, and its lower end extends downward beyond the depth of the roller member 3 that is rotatably supported by the rotational fitting grooves 11 and 13. The depth of the lower end of this left retaining groove 15 is intended to allow the retaining rod 5 to be rotated around the left support column 23 as the center of rotation, as will be described later, and to be pulled up relative to the roller member 3.

[0082] The spacing between the front and rear walls of the left retaining groove 15 is set to correspond to the diameter of the retaining rod 5. In other words, when the left end of the retaining rod 5 is held between the front and rear walls of the left retaining groove 15, the retaining rod 5 is positioned in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the left end of the retaining rod 5 is designed to be inserted from the top of the retaining groove 15.

[0083] In the left retaining fitting groove 15, the upper surface of the left support column 23 is provided with a rotating engagement portion 31 closer to the locking portion 19 on the other side. The rotating engagement portion 31 is formed as a roughly U-shaped support groove that penetrates from front to back, with its upper end open when viewed from the front to back direction of the left support column 23. The support groove 31 engages the hinge pin 5e detachably by inserting the retaining rod 5 from the radial direction, and this engagement rotates the retaining rod 5 to arrange it in a parallel, opposing position to the roller member 3.

[0084] The left and right walls of the support groove 31 are parallel to each other, and the lower end is formed in a semicircular shape. The radius of this semicircle corresponds to the radius of the hinge pin 5e of the retaining rod 5. In other words, when the support groove 31 receives the hinge pin 5e at its lower end by an insertion operation from the radial direction of the retaining rod 5, the engagement of the hinge pin 5e with the support groove 31 supports the hinge pin 5e so that it can rotate relative to it. Through this support, the rotation of the retaining rod 5 with the hinge pin 5e as the pivot point causes the retaining rod 5 to be positioned opposite the roller member 3. At this time, the left end of the retaining rod 5 is fitted into the left retaining fitting groove 15 and positioned in the front-rear direction.

[0085] The right retaining groove 17 is located in the front-to-back center of the right support column 25. The front and rear wall surfaces of the right retaining groove 17 are parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back width of the right retaining groove 17 is set to be narrower than that of the left retaining groove 15, in accordance with the formation of the front surface 5d of the retaining rod 5. In other words, the front wall surface of the right retaining groove 17 is closer to the rear wall surface in accordance with the formation of the front surface 5d.

[0086] The lower end of the right retaining groove 17 is such that its depth partially overlaps with the roller member 3, which is rotatably supported by the rotational fitting grooves 11 and 13. When the retaining rod 5 rotates due to the engagement of the hinge pin 5e with the support groove 31 and is positioned facing the roller member 3, the right end of the retaining rod 5 is fitted into the right retaining groove 17 from above and positioned. In this positioning state, the front surface 5d of the retaining rod 5 faces the front wall surface of the right retaining groove 17, preventing the retaining rod 5 from rotating. Furthermore, if the front surface 5d of the retaining rod 5 does not face the front wall surface of the right retaining groove 17 and the assembly operation is performed with a 180° rotational position shift, the right end of the retaining rod 5 cannot be fitted into the right retaining groove 17, thus preventing incorrect assembly.

[0087] The pair of left and right locking parts 19 and 21 are equipped with the coil spring 9 and lock the retaining rod 5 in a way that allows it to be released from its position in the left and right retaining fitting grooves 15 and 17. At least one of the pair of locking parts 19 and 21, the right locking part 21, is movably supported to retract relative to the retaining rod 5 and release the lock. The retraction of the right locking part 21 releases the retaining of the retaining rod 5 and also allows the retaining rod 5 to be released from its opposing position relative to the roller member 3.

[0088] As shown in Figures 4 to 13, the right-hand locking mechanism 21 includes a movable spring case 33 and a plunger set 35.

[0089] The movable spring case 33 is fixed between one end of the front and rear arms 37 by a bolt 39. The arms 37 are rotatably supported on the right support column 25 by a stepped bolt 41. A positioning engagement portion 37a is provided at the lower end of the arm 37. A positioning pin 40 protrudes from the support column 25 relative to this positioning engagement portion 37a. When the locking portion 21 is rotated outward in the axial direction, the positioning engagement portion 37a engages with the positioning pin 40, thereby positioning the rotation of the locking portion 21.

[0090] The plunger set 35 includes the coil spring 9. The coil spring 9 is interposed between the head 45 and the male threaded portion 47 of the plunger 43. The male threaded portion 47 is hollow and is screwed into the movable spring case 33. A lock nut 49 is attached to the male threaded portion 47. The lock nut 49 locks the screwed depth position of the male threaded portion 47 in relation to the movable spring case 33 by fastening it to the movable spring case 33.

[0091] The upper part of the plunger 43 is fitted into the axial center of the male threaded portion 47. The fitting of the plunger 43 to the male threaded portion 47 allows the plunger 43 to move relative to the male threaded portion 47 in the upward direction, compressing the coil spring 9. A plunger knob 51 is fixed to the male threaded portion 47.

[0092] Therefore, by loosening the lock nut 49 and rotating the plunger knob 51 to screw the male threaded portion 47 into the movable spring case 33, the male threaded portion 47 moves closer to the plunger 43, which is in the locked position, and the coil spring 9 is compressed. This compression strengthens the elastic contact of the head 45 with the upper surface 5b of the retaining rod 5.

[0093] As shown in Figures 4 to 10, 14, and 15, the other of the pair of locking parts 19 and 21, the left locking part 19, is fixed to the left support column 23 of the support frame 7. The left locking part 19 includes a fixed spring case 52 and a plunger set 35. The fixed spring case 52 includes a fixed tongue 53. The fixed tongue 53 is fixed to the left support column 23 by a bolt 55.

[0094] The plunger set 35 has the same structure as the right locking part 21, with the male screw part 47 screwing into the fixed spring case 52 to allow vertical position adjustment, and the head 45 of the plunger 43 elastically contacting the left upper surface 5a of the retaining rod 5.

[0095] As shown in Figures 4 to 10, the mounting base portion 27 is formed from a flat plate. The mounting base portion 27 is formed in the shape of a semi-rectangular frame when viewed from above. The mounting base portion 27 is shaped in the shape of a semi-rectangular frame so that it bypasses the direction of pulling out the flexible container at the lower part of the roller member 3 and the retaining rod 5 in the direction of gravity. The mounting base portion 27 is provided with a pair of elongated guide holes 57 on both the left and right sides, front and back.

[0096] The engagement and fixing portion 29 is detachably engaged and fixed to the opening and closing grate 59 shown in Figure 11. The opening and closing grate 59 is, for example, provided to the opening of a stirring container so as to be openable and closable, and has the function of protecting workers from the rotating parts inside the stirring container.

[0097] The engagement and fixing portion 29 comprises left and right engagement blocks 61 and left and right fixing knobs 63.

[0098] The engagement block 61 is provided with engagement tongues 65 protruding from both the left and right sides. The male threaded portion of the fixing knob 63 is screwed into the engagement block 61 through the elongated hole 57 on the front side of the mounting base 27. The engagement block 61 can be releasably fastened and fixed to the mounting base 27 by rotating the fixing knob 63. The engagement block 61 is provided with a headed guide pin 67. The guide pin 67 is positioned to pass through the elongated hole 57 on the rear side of the mounting base 27. The head of the guide pin 67 is positioned to face the mounting base 27 from the elongated hole 57. The guide pin 67 is guided along the elongated hole 57.

[0099] [Attaching the aperture] Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of a retaining rod for attaching a bag to a drawstring machine that omits the winding section fixed to the opening and closing grid. Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the pulling out of a bag from a drawstring machine that omits the winding section fixed to the opening and closing grid.

[0100] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the squeezing device 1 is used by fixing it to the opening and closing grid 59 of the stirring container. When fixing the squeezing device 1, the engagement blocks 61 are moved along the elongated holes 57 to adjust the spacing between them, and the engagement blocks 61 are inserted into the gaps of the opening and closing grid 59. At the insertion position of the engagement blocks 61, one or both of the engagement blocks 61 are moved along the elongated holes 57 to widen the gap between them, and at the adjusted position, they are fastened by rotating the fixing knob 63. This operation positions the engagement blocks 61 on the mounting base 27, and the squeezing device 1 can be detachably fixed and attached to the opening and closing grid 59.

[0101] [Squeezing it out] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a flexible resin bag B containing the paste-like raw material is attached to a press 1 fixed to the opening / closing grid 59 of the stirring container and then pulled out.

[0102] To pull the bag B out of the squeezing machine 1, the bottom of the bag B is attached between the roller member 3 and the retaining rod 5. This attachment is done by operating the retaining rod 5. When operating the retaining rod 5, as shown in Figure 13, the right locking part 21 is rotated outward to the right around the stepped bolt 41 while gripping the plunger knob 51, opening the retaining fitting groove 17 on the right support column 25. The locking part 21 is positioned towards the support column 25 when the positioning engaging part 37a engages with the positioning pin 40.

[0103] When the locking part 21 rotates, the head 45 of the right plunger 51 receives torque from the right locking part 21, guiding the head 45 of the plunger 43 down the slope 5c from the upper surface 5b. This guidance allows the right locking part 21 to rotate smoothly outward to the right.

[0104] The right end of the retaining rod 5 is pulled up, and the retaining rod 5 is rotated around the hinge pin 5e supported in the support groove 31 of the left support column 23, opening upward relative to the roller member 3.

[0105] The bottom side of the bag body B, which has one end cut open, is placed on the roller member 3 as shown in Figure 13. While holding it down with your hand, rotate the retaining rod 5 downwards around the hinge pin 5e so that the retaining rod 5 is positioned opposite the roller member 3. The right end of the retaining rod 5 is then fitted directly into the retaining fitting groove 17 of the right support column 25.

[0106] In this fitted state, the flat front surface 5d of the retaining rod 25 faces the flat front wall surface of the right retaining fitting groove 17, preventing the retaining rod 5 from rotating, and positioning the retaining rod 5 in the left and right retaining fitting grooves 15 and 17.

[0107] While gripping the plunger knob 51 of the right locking part 21, rotate the locking part 21 back around the stepped bolt 41, and rotate the locking part 21 inward to the left to set it on the retaining groove 17 on the right support column 25.

[0108] At this time, the head 45 of the plunger 43 of the locking part 21 rides up onto the upper surface 5b against the biasing force of the coil spring 9, guided by the inclined surface 5c at the right end of the retaining rod 5, and the return operation of the locking part 21 is completed.

[0109] In the left locking section 19, the flat surface of the left upper surface 5a of the retaining rod 5 contacts the head 45 of the left locking section 19 from below, and the left coil spring 9 biases the left head 45.

[0110] Therefore, both the left and right ends of the retaining rod 5 are subjected to the biasing force of the coil spring 9 and elastically contact the roller member 3. In this elastic contact state, the longitudinal direction of the retaining rod 5 is aligned with the axial direction of the roller member 3, and the retaining rod 5 is positioned opposite the roller member 3 in the radial direction. In this opposing arrangement, the bottom of the bag body B is positioned facing the front side in the pulling direction from between the roller member 3 and the retaining rod 5.

[0111] When the worker grasps the bottom of bag B with their hand and pulls it out, bag B is pulled out from between the roller member 3 and the presser bar 5. Bag B moves to the squeezing section S, guided by the guide section G between the roller member 3 and the presser bar 5. As bag B passes through the squeezing section S, it is squeezed, and the raw material inside bag B is squeezed through the opening and closing grid 59 into the mixing container.

[0112] In this case, since the pressing rod 5 has a circular cross-section and a smaller diameter than the roller member 3, the squeezing force on the bag body B is effectively applied. Furthermore, since the pressing rod 5 is offset from the roller member 3 towards the side where the bag body B is pulled in, the tangential direction between the pressing rod 5 and the roller member 3 is at an upward angle with respect to, for example, the horizontal pulling out of the bag body B. Therefore, the squeezing force is more effectively applied to the pulling out of the bag body B.

[0113] These features allow the raw material to be reliably squeezed out of bag B by pulling it out as described above.

[0114] In the test, after squeezing the raw material out of the transparent resin bag B, it was possible to squeeze out so much material that no residue remained in the bag B.

[0115] [Washing] To clean the wringing machine 1, remove the roller member 3 and the retaining rod 5 from the support frame 7. Then execute it.

[0116] In the same manner as when attaching the bag body B, rotate the right locking part 21 outward to the right to open the retaining fitting groove 17 on the right support column 25.

[0117] Similarly to the above, the right end of the retaining rod 5 is pulled up, and the retaining rod 5 is rotated around the hinge pin 5e supported in the support groove 31 of the left support column 23, opening upward relative to the roller member 3.

[0118] In this state, move the retaining rod 5 upward to pull the hinge pin 5e out of the support groove 31, pull the left end of the retaining rod 5 out of the retaining fitting groove 15 of the left support column 23 to the right, which is the direction of the retaining rod 5's inclination at that time, and remove the retaining rod 5.

[0119] Since the roller member 3 is no longer held in place by the retaining rod 5, it is pulled upward, and both left and right ends are detached from the left and right rotating fitting grooves 11 and 13, thereby removing the roller member 3.

[0120] These retaining rods 5 and roller members 3 can be individually washed with water by removing them, making cleaning extremely easy.

[0121] The retaining rod 5 and roller member 3 can be easily attached to the support frame 7 by following the reverse procedure of removal.

[0122] Figure 18 is a partially abbreviated cross-sectional view of the throttling machine. Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member. Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member. Figure 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member. Figure 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member, with the blowout shown slightly separated from the throttling section. Figure 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receiving member and the pressing member, with the blowout shown slightly separated from the throttling section.

[0123] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the receiving member 3 is a square bar as described above. The square bar 3 has a cross-sectional shape based on a quadrilateral, for example, a regular quadrilateral with four faces 3a as its basic shape. Chamfered portions 3b are formed at each vertex between the faces 3a of the square bar 3. Of the chamfered portions 3b of the square bar 3, the chamfered portion 3b facing the retaining bar 5 becomes the corner portion (edge) 3ba formed on the receiving member.

[0124] Therefore, this constricted portion S is formed between the flat surface of the corner portion 3ba of the square bar 3 and the outer circular curved surface of the retaining bar 5.

[0125] The guide section G is formed between the inclined surface 3aa formed by one of the four faces 3a of the square bar 3 and the outer circular curved surface of the retaining bar 5. The inclined surface 3aa is set to slope downwards towards the front of the retraction side of the bag body B.

[0126] Therefore, the guide section G and the aperture section S, when combined with the winding section 201, can produce similar effects.

[0127] Furthermore, as the bag B rises along the inclined surface 3aa of the rectangular bar 3 and is drawn into the constricted section S, gravity presses the bag B against the inclined surface 3aa, thus facilitating the smooth discharge of its contents.

[0128] Since bag B is also pressed against the chamfered portion 3b just before the retraction side of the tip of the inclined surface 3aa, the contents can be slightly squeezed as bag B moves.

[0129] In the squeezing section S, the corner (edge) 3ba of the square bar 3 improves the trimming effect against the outer circular curved surface of the pressing bar 5, allowing the contents to be squeezed out without leaving any residue.

[0130] The square bar 3 can be easily inserted into the receiving member insertion parts 11 and 13 from above because the cross-section of the square bar 3 does not have a specific directionality.

[0131] In the left locking section 19, the screwing position of the male screw portion 47 with respect to the fixed case 52 can be adjusted to cause the pin 43 to contact the retaining rod 5 or to set a desired gap with respect to the retaining rod 5. Combined with the elastic contact of the plunger 43 in the right locking section 21, this appropriately restricts the movement of the retaining rod 5 and allows for smooth discharge of the contents.

[0132] Figure 20 shows a modified cross-sectional shape of the retaining bar 5, which is a retaining member.

[0133] The retaining bar 5 has a similar cross-sectional shape to the square bar 3, but with a smaller cross-sectional dimension. The retaining bar 5 is a square bar with a basic shape of a regular square cross-section, having faces 5h on all four sides. Chamfered portions 5i are formed at the four vertices between the faces 5h of the retaining bar 5. Of the chamfered portions 5i of the retaining bar 5, the chamfered portion 5i facing the square bar 3 becomes the corner portion (edge) 5ia facing the square bar 3.

[0134] The constricted portion S is formed between the flat surface of the corner (edge) 3ba of the square bar 3 and the flat surface of the corner (edge) 5ia of the retaining bar 5. In the direction of pulling out the bag body B, the width of the corner 3ba of the square bar 3 is set to be slightly larger than the width of the corner 5ia of the retaining bar 5. The relationship between the widths of the corners 3ba and 5ia can be set inversely or equal.

[0135] The guide section G is formed between the inclined surface 3aa of the square bar 3 and the inclined surface 5ha formed by one of the four faces 5h of the retaining bar 5. The inclined surface 3aa is set to slope downwards toward the front in the direction in which the bag body B is pulled in, and the inclined surface 5ha is set to slope upwards toward the front in the direction in which the bag body B is pulled in.

[0136] Therefore, the same effects can be achieved by combining the guide section G, the aperture section S, and the winding section 201.

[0137] Furthermore, the opposing surfaces of the corner sections 3ba and 5ia promote the squeezing of the contents, allowing for smooth discharge of the contents.

[0138] As the bag B passes through the constricted section S, the bag B is immediately subjected to friction at the top of the corner section 3ba and the inclined surface 3aa of the square bar 3, which allows for smooth discharge of the contents.

[0139] Figure 21 shows a modified cross-sectional shape of the receiving member, the square bar 3.

[0140] The angle of the inclined surface 3aa of the rectangular bar 3 is set to be gentle. The vertical width of the chamfered portion 3b on the near side of the rectangular bar 3 in the direction of retraction is increased in accordance with the gentler angle of the inclined surface 3aa. The cross-sectional shape of the rectangular bar 3 is formed symmetrically with respect to the retraction and withdrawal directions of the bag body B.

[0141] The constricted portion S is formed between the flat surface of the corner portion 3ba of the square bar 3 and the outer circular curved surface of the retaining bar 5.

[0142] The guide section G is formed between the inclined surface 3aa of the square bar 3 and the outer circular curved surface of the retaining bar 5.

[0143] The same effect can be achieved by combining the guide section G, the aperture section S, and the winding section 201.

[0144] Furthermore, since the slope of the inclined surface 3aa is set to be gentle, the bag body B can be smoothly guided to the aperture section S. against Figure 22 shows a modified corner (edge) shape of the receiving member, the square bar 3.

[0145] In Figure 22, the square bar 3 has a gently concave curved surface set in the center of the width direction of the plane of the corner portion 3ba. The curvature of the concave curved surface of the corner portion 3ba is set to be approximately the same as the curved surface of the retaining bar 5. The curvature of the concave curved surface of the corner portion 3ba can also be set to be slightly larger or slightly smaller than the curvature of the curved surface of the retaining bar 5. The corner portion 3ba is set to be wider than the other chamfered portions 3b. The width of the corner portion 3ba can also be set to be narrower than the other chamfered portions 3b, or to be the same width. A concave curved surface can also be formed on the other chamfered portions 3b, and they can be selectively set as corner portions 3ba that constitute the constricted portion S. In this case, the cross-section of the square bar 3 is not directional, and the insertion of the square bar 3 into the receiving member insertion portions 11 and 13 can be easily performed.

[0146] The constricted portion S is formed when the outer circular curved surface of the retaining rod 5 fits into the concave curved surface of the corner portion 3ba of the square rod 3, and is located between the corner portion 3ba and the outer circular curved surface of the retaining rod 5.

[0147] The same effects as described above can be achieved by the guide section G, the aperture section S, and the winding section 201.

[0148] Furthermore, since the outer circular curved surface of the retaining rod 5 fits into the concave curved surface of the corner portion 3ba, the squeezing of the bag body B in the constricted portion S can be relatively strengthened.

[0149] Figure 23 shows a modified corner (edge) shape of the receiving member, the square bar 3.

[0150] In Figure 23, the square bar 3 has a recess set in the plane of the corner portion 3ba. The bottom surface of the recess is formed flat, and the surface between the recess and the plane of the corner portion 3ba is set at an angle. The angle of the bottom surface and the surface of the recess corresponds to the shape of the corner portion (edge) 5ia of the retaining bar 5. The recess of the corner portion 3ba can also be set to be slightly larger than the width of the corner portion (edge) 5ia of the retaining bar 5. The corner portion 3ba is set to be wider than the other chamfered portions 3b. The width of the corner portion 3ba can also be set to be narrower than the other chamfered portions 3b, or to be the same width. Recesses can also be formed in the other chamfered portions 3b and selectively set as corner portions 3ba that constitute the constricted portion S. In this case, the cross-section of the square bar 3 is not directional, and the insertion of the square bar 3 into the receiving member insertion portions 11 and 13 can be made easier.

[0151] The constricted portion S is formed between the corner portions 3ba and 5ia, when the corner portion 5ia of the retaining rod 5 is fitted into the recess of the corner portion 3ba of the square rod 3.

[0152] The same effects as described above can be achieved by the guide section G, the aperture section S, and the winding section 201.

[0153] Furthermore, since the corner portion 5ia of the retaining rod 5 fits into the recess of the corner portion 3ba, the squeezing of the bag body B in the constricting portion S can be relatively strengthened. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1. Aperture 3. Roller component (receiving component) 5. Pressing bar (pressing member) 201 Winding section 205 Winding shaft (winding body) 207 Handle (manual operation part) 209 Release lever (ratchet mechanism) 211 Ratchet Gear (Ratchet Mechanism) G Guide Section S Aperture section B Bag (flexible container)

Claims

1. A receiving member and a pressing member are arranged in parallel and opposite to each other, with at least one of them supported in a way that prevents rotation. The constricted portion formed between the receiving member and the pressing member, A guide portion is provided on the retraction side of the aperture portion to guide the retraction into the aperture portion, A flexible container squeezing machine comprising, which pulls the flexible container from the squeezing section, thereby drawing the flexible container from the guide section to the squeezing section and squeezing out the contents from the opening of the flexible container, A winding section that winds the bottom side of the flexible container from the constricted section and pulls out the flexible container, A squeezing machine for flexible containers, including [a specific material].

2. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 1, The winding section is positioned to wind the flexible container downward from the constricted section, A squeezing machine for flexible containers.

3. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 1 or 2, The winding unit comprises a winding body and a manual operation unit or an electric drive unit via a ratchet mechanism that intermittently rotates the winding body. A squeezing machine for flexible containers.

4. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 1 or 2, The winding unit comprises a winding body and a manual operation unit or an electric drive unit for continuously rotating the winding body. A squeezing machine for flexible containers.

5. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 1 or 2, The receiving member and the pressing member, or one or both, are positioned facing each other and moving closer together and further apart. A support part that supports the operation, The receiving member and the pressing member are biased to move closer together or into contact with each other. A biasing member, A squeezing machine for flexible containers equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

6. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 5, The pressing member is a pressing rod with a circular cross-section and a smaller diameter than the roller member. The aforementioned retaining rod is offset from the roller member, A squeezing machine for flexible containers.

7. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 1 or 2, The receiving member is supported so as not to rotate, The constricted portion is formed by the corner portion of the receiving member and the outer circumferential surface of the pressing member. Formed by, The guide portion is formed by a slope that slopes downward from the corner portion formed on the receiving member and the outer circumferential surface of the pressing member. A squeezing machine for flexible containers.

8. A squeezing machine for a flexible container according to claim 1 or 2, The receiving member is a rectangular bar with a polygonal cross-section, The aforementioned corner portion is the vertex of the polygonal cross-section of the square bar, The aforementioned slope is a face of the polygonal cross-section of the rectangular bar. A squeezing machine for flexible containers.

Images