Filling and Packaging Machine

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine, and more particularly to a filling and packaging machine that continuously forms a plurality of bag portions in a strip-shaped packaging material and fills each bag portion with a filling material.

Background Art

[0002] As conventional filling and packaging machines, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, a rotary filling and packaging machine for packaging powdery or granular filling materials is known. In this type of filling and packaging machine, as shown in FIG. 1, a circumferential conveyance path (101) that extends horizontally in a substantially arc shape in plan view as a conveyance path (100) of the packaging material, and an extension conveyance path (102) that is connected to the end point of the circumferential conveyance path (101) are usually provided.

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

[0004] Each vertical seal portion (105) includes a pair of seal bars (106) that sandwich the packaging material (103), and heat-seals the portion of the packaging material (103) sandwiched by the pair of seal bars (106). As a result, a vertical seal (107) extending in the vertical direction from the upper end to the lower end is formed in the packaging material (103).

[0005] As shown in Fig. 3, the packaging material (103) is formed with longitudinal seals (107) that maintain a predetermined distance along its conveyance direction. As a result, between adjacent longitudinal seals (107) in the packaging material (103), a bag portion (108) with an upward-opening bag mouth is formed. In the circumferential conveyance path (101) of the packaging material conveyance path (100), each bag portion (108) is filled with a filling material from above through a filling chute (109).

[0006] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in the process of the filling chute (109) moving (circular arc motion) in the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveyance path (101) together with the bag portion (108), the filling chute (109) performs a lifting motion realized by a lifting cam within the main body frame of the filling and packaging machine and a lifting shaft (110) that only moves up and down along the action locus of the cam. At the same time, the filling chute (109) also performs a rotational motion realized by a rotary cam within the main body frame around the lifting shaft (110).

[0007] As is clear from Fig. 2, as the timing for inserting the filling chute (109) into the packaging material (103), the continuously conveyed packaging material (103) is inserted after being folded in half at its center. When the seal bar (106) performs the longitudinal seal (107) of the packaging material (103), the filling chute (109) is already inside the bag portion (108).

[0008] The filling chute (109) moving up and down along with the lifting shaft (110) is to facilitate the insertion of the filling chute (109) into the packaging material (103) in a folded state at the center. Also, the filling chute (109) rotating along with the lifting shaft (110) is to smoothly extract the filling chute (109) from the bag portion (108) of the packaging material (103). At the same time, it widens the mutual spacing distance between adjacent filling chutes (109) to facilitate the insertion of the previous filling chute (109) into the folded packaging material (103) and to realize the continuous operation of the filling chute (109).

[0009] In the circumferential conveying path (101), the packaging material (103) that has completed the formation of the bag portion (108) and the filling of the filling material is conveyed from the circumferential conveying path (101) to the extended conveying path (102). In the extended conveying path (102), a top seal portion (115) for performing a continuous upper seal on the bag mouth (113) of the bag portion (108) is installed.

[0010] The top seal portion (115) includes a heating portion that heats the upper edge portion of the packaging material (103), and a pressing portion that presses and heat-seals the upper edge portion after heating by the heating portion. The pressing portion has a pair of seal rollers, and sandwiches and presses the packaging material between the two seal rollers. In the extended conveying path (102), the packaging material sequentially passes through the heating portion and the pressing portion, and as a result, the upper edge portion is sealed, and the bag portion is sealed to become a product as shown in FIG. 3.

[0011] As described above, in the circumferential conveying path (101) of the packaging material conveying path (100), the packaging material (103) is held between the seal bars of the longitudinal seal portion (105), and in the extended conveying path (102), the packaging material (103) is held between the seal rollers of the pressing portion in the top seal portion. Also, in the conveying area from the end point of the circumferential conveying path (101) to the pressing portion in the extended conveying path (102), the packaging material is supported from below by the guide portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0012]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] However, in the conventional rotary filling and packaging machines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, during continuous operation, a strip-shaped packaging material is held by a pair of seal bars forming a plurality of longitudinal seal portions in a circumferential conveyance path, thereby realizing a longitudinal seal on the packaging material. Moreover, when the plurality of pairs of seal bars move (arc motion) in the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveyance path, the packaging material must be held at the starting point of the circumferential conveyance path and also released at the ending point of the circumferential conveyance path. In order to realize the operation of holding and releasing (releasing the holding state) the packaging material by the seal bar, it is necessary to install a cam mechanism, which only complicates the structure of the filling and packaging machine and increases the equipment cost.

[0014] Also, when the filling chute of the filling material moves (arc motion) in the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveyance path together with the bag portion, in order to avoid interference with the folded packaging material, the filling chute must move up and down along with the lifting shaft before entering the bag portion, and at the same time, a rotational motion centered on the lifting shaft must also be performed. In order to realize these motions, at least two (two types) of a lifting cam and a rotational cam are required, which only complicates the structure of the filling and packaging machine due to the installation of the cam mechanism and also increases the equipment cost.

[0015] Furthermore, during the movement from the starting point to the ending point in the circumferential conveyance path, the seal bar is maintained in a state of holding the packaging material. (Limited by the action locus of the cam mechanism in the seal bar, the seal bar cannot be opened / released in the section of the locus.) When the continuous operation of the rotary filling and packaging machine is stopped, if the seal bar of the longitudinal seal portion remains in a state of holding the packaging material between the starting point and the ending point in the circumferential conveyance path, there is a risk that the packaging material may be deformed or melted by the residual heat of the seal bar.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0016] The present invention aims to solve the above problems. As a rotary filling and packaging machine for achieving this purpose, a belt-shaped packaging material is continuously supplied in a state of being folded in half at the center with the crease facing downward, and after being folded at the center, the longitudinal seal part installed in the packaging material supply path before entering the starting point of the circumferential conveyance path longitudinally seals (adheres or seals) the folded packaging material at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction (conveyance direction), thereby forming an overall continuous bag body having bag portions with the bag mouths facing upward between adjacent ones of the longitudinal seals, and the bag portions of the continuous bag body are carried in from the starting point of the circumferential conveyance path, and when entering the circumferential conveyance path, the bag mouths of each bag portion are opened by the negative pressure suction action of the vacuum bag opening part, and into each bag portion with the opened bag mouth, a filling chute is inserted from above in the same circumferential conveyance path, and the filling material is filled into each bag portion by the filling chute.

[0017] That is, the rotary filling and packaging machine of the present invention has the following configuration to solve the problems of the above prior art. The packaging material conveyance path of the filling and packaging machine includes a packaging material supply path for continuously supplying a belt-shaped packaging material, a circumferential conveyance path extending in an arc shape in a plan view with its starting point connected to the packaging material supply path, and an extended conveyance path connected to the end point of the circumferential conveyance path.

[0018] The folding part of the packaging material is installed in the packaging material supply path, and in the process of continuously supplying the belt-shaped packaging material, the packaging material is folded in a two-fold state (substantially V-shaped in cross section) at the center with the crease facing downward.

[0019] The longitudinal seal part is also installed on the rear side (downstream side) of the folding part in the packaging material supply path, and longitudinally seals the packaging material at predetermined intervals along the conveyance direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material folded in half at the center. Thereby, a continuous bag body having bag portions with the bag mouths facing upward and opening between adjacent ones of the longitudinal seals is formed.

[0020] The vacuum bag opening part includes a suction bag rotating disk mechanism and a servo suction mechanism. The above-mentioned circumferential conveyance path forms a part of the circumferential surface in the suction bag rotating disk mechanism. The continuous bag body formed by the above-mentioned longitudinal seal part is conveyed along the circumferential direction as the suction bag rotating disk mechanism rotates while being held by the suction bag rotating disk mechanism.

[0021] The above-mentioned servo suction mechanism is installed in a corresponding relationship with the suction bag rotating disk mechanism and is located outside the above-mentioned circumferential conveyance path. The servo suction mechanism and the suction bag rotating disk mechanism rotate relatively, and the linear velocity of their rotation is the same. The continuously supplied bag body passes through (passes through) between the servo suction mechanism and the suction bag rotating disk mechanism. The servo suction mechanism adsorbs the outer packaging material in the bag part, and the suction bag rotating disk mechanism also adsorbs the inner packaging material in the bag part. Along with the relative rotation of the two mechanisms, the bag openings of the bag parts passing through (passing through) between them are sequentially opened.

[0022] The filling part includes a plurality of filling shoots, a plurality of lifting shafts, and a lifting cam. Each filling shoot corresponds to a lifting shaft. The bottom of the lifting shaft is connected to the lifting cam. The lifting shaft and the filling shoot move in an arc (move) along the circumferential direction in synchronization with the above-mentioned suction bag rotating disk mechanism. At the same time as the lifting shaft moves in an arc, the filling shoot is lifted and lowered by the specified action locus (stroke) of the lifting cam, so that the filling shoot is inserted into the bag part with the bag opening opened in the above-mentioned circumferential conveyance path, and before the bag part enters the extended conveyance path, the filling shoot is withdrawn from the bag part.

[0023] The filling material supply part is used to supply the filling material into the filling shoot. Moreover, in the above-mentioned circumferential conveyance path, the filling material is filled into the bag part with the bag opening opened by the filling shoot.

[0024] The top seal part is installed in the above-mentioned extended conveyance path, and is configured to perform an upper seal on the bag mouth of the continuous bag body conveyed from the circumferential conveyance path as being filled with the filling material.

[0025] The above suction bag turntable mechanism includes a suction bag turntable mechanism and a suction bag driving unit for rotationally driving the suction bag turntable thereof. The suction bag turntable is provided with a plurality of suction bag areas evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of its turntable body, and suction holes for adsorbing the packaging material on one side (inner or outer side) of the bag body are distributed and opened in the suction bag areas.

[0026] Axle holes for receiving the lifting shaft are evenly distributed and opened on the turntable body of the above suction bag turntable, and the lifting shaft inserted along the axial direction of the turntable body into the axle holes performs an arc movement in the circumferential direction along with the rotation of the turntable body.

[0027] The above servo suction mechanism includes a suction column and a bag opening driving unit for rotationally driving the suction column thereof. The bag opening driving unit consists of a servo motor and a speed reducer. On the circumferential surface of the suction column, a bag opening area corresponding to the suction bag areas on a plurality of suction bag turntables is provided, and a plurality of bag opening negative pressure holes are distributed and opened in the bag opening area.

[0028] The above suction bag driving unit is a hollow turntable, and the lower end of the above suction bag turntable is attached to the rotating part of the hollow turntable, and the suction bag turntable rotates along with the rotating part of the hollow turntable.

[0029] Preferably, an air distribution panel is attached and fixed to the fixed part of the above hollow turntable. A negative pressure chamber is provided inside the air distribution panel, and a groove communicating with the suction holes of the suction bag area is also provided on the surface of the air distribution panel.

[0030] Preferably, the above air distribution panel includes its base and cover. The base of the air distribution panel is attached and fixed to the fixed part of the hollow turntable. Similarly, the cover of the air distribution panel is attached to the above base in a sealed state, and the above groove is provided on the cover of the air distribution panel.

[0031] Preferably, the cover of the above air distribution panel is made of an alloy of copper and tin. A plurality of blind holes are opened on the upper part of the cover, and graphite is injected into the blind holes.

[0032] On the circumferential surface of the turntable body in the above suction bag turntable, a plurality of suction bag modules are evenly installed, and the suction bag modules form suction bag areas on the circumferential surface of the turntable body.

[0033] Preferably, the suction bag module includes a module body. The outer surface of the module body forms a concave curved surface, and suction holes are distributed and opened on the concave curved surface. At the same time, a communication hole corresponding to the groove of the air distribution board is provided on the bottom surface of the module body, and the communication hole is connected to the suction hole.

[0034] The servo suction mechanism includes a mounting base for the suction column. Both the suction column and the bag-opening drive unit are installed on the mounting base of the suction column, and an air distribution board is interposed between the lower end surface of the suction column and the upper end surface of the mounting base.

[0035] Preferably, the longitudinal sealing portion includes a pair of rotatable longitudinal sealing rollers. A plurality of longitudinal sealing knife holders are evenly fitted along the circumferential direction of the longitudinal sealing roller, and the packaging material folded in half at the center is passed between the two longitudinal sealing rollers, and the two longitudinal sealing rollers apply longitudinal seals to the packaging material at predetermined intervals.

[0036] More preferably, the longitudinal sealing portion includes a reciprocating translation unit along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material folded in half at the center. The translation unit is located below the folded packaging material, and a plurality of sets of longitudinal sealing knife units arranged in parallel along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material are installed on the translation unit. Each set of longitudinal sealing knife units has two relatively moving longitudinal sealing knife holders, and a predetermined interval is provided between adjacent longitudinal sealing knife sets. The packaging material folded in half at the center passes between the two relatively moving longitudinal sealing knife holders and is longitudinally sealed at predetermined intervals by a plurality of sets of longitudinally sealing knives moving synchronously.

Advantages of the Invention

[0037] According to the above configuration of the filling and packaging machine according to the present invention, after folding the strip-shaped packaging material in half at the center, in the packaging material supply path upstream of entering the starting point of the circumferential conveying path, the longitudinal sealing portion installed in the packaging material supply path performs longitudinal sealing on the folded packaging material, and then conveys the continuous bag body sealed or adhered in the vertical direction into the circumferential conveying path.

[0038] That is to say, in the configuration of the present invention, first, a longitudinal seal is performed in the packaging material supply path. In the circumferential conveyance path, while the suction bag turntable mechanism holds a continuous bag body by the negative pressure adsorption action, conveyance (movement / arc movement) along the circumferential conveyance path is performed. It is possible to avoid the longitudinal seal portion composed of a pair of seal bars that sandwich the packaging material as in the prior art from moving in an arc along the circumferential conveyance path together with the longitudinal seal on the continuous bag body, and to omit the cam mechanism for realizing the operation of the arcuately moving seal bar and the clamping and releasing (release of the clamped state) of the packaging material by the seal bar. As a result, not only can the necessary structure be simplified and the cost of the equipment be kept low, but also the problem that the packaging material receiving the residual heat of the seal bar during the stop of continuous operation is deformed or melted can be solved.

[0039] Further, in the above configuration of the present invention, the suction bag turntable mechanism and the servo suction mechanism are configured to open the bag mouth of the bag portion based on the principle of negative pressure. The filling chute for the filling material only needs to be inserted into the bag portion through the opened bag mouth, and the filling chute only needs to perform the lifting and lowering operation. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the filling chute around the center of the lifting and lowering shaft as in the prior art.

[0040] In the prior art, at the time point before the packaging material folded in the center enters the starting point (upstream side) of the circumferential conveyance path, since the filling chute has already entered the circumferential conveyance path, the filling chute has to move to the tangential direction of the circumferential conveyance path and maintain the movement locus of entering the circumferential conveyance path from that tangential direction. For this purpose, it is necessary to rotate the filling chute around the center of the lifting and lowering shaft by a required rotation angle.

[0041] In contrast, in the present invention, since the bag mouth of the bag portion is opened in the circumferential conveyance path, it is only necessary to insert the filling chute into the bag portion, and it is not necessary to maintain the same movement locus as the direction of the tangent at the starting point in the circumferential conveyance path for the filling chute. As a result, the rotary cam for rotating the filling chute around the center of the lifting and lowering shaft becomes unnecessary, and the structure is simplified and the cost of the equipment can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, in the configuration of the present invention, the vacuum bag opening portion composed of the suction bag turntable mechanism and the servo suction mechanism is configured to open the bag mouth of the bag portion. The structure is simple, and the bag mouth of the bag portion passing between the two mechanisms can be smoothly opened sequentially, and high bag opening efficiency and filling efficiency can be obtained.

[0043] A part of the circumferential surface in the suction bag turntable mechanism forms an arc shape of the circumferential conveying path, and the continuously supplied bag can be held on the circumferential surface of the suction bag turntable mechanism by means of negative pressure suction. The servo suction mechanism adsorbs the packaging material from the side of the bag part opposite to the suction bag turntable mechanism, and after the servo suction mechanism and the suction bag turntable mechanism rotate relative to each other, the bag mouth of the bag part will be opened, making it easier to insert the next filling chute into the bag part.

[0044] Therefore, there is an advantage that high conveying efficiency and filling efficiency can be ensured compared with the prior art. The relative rotation method adopted in the present invention is an operation of opening the bag by applying negative pressure to the bag body passing through (penetrating) between the suction bag turntable mechanism and the servo suction mechanism. Since the operation opens the bag mouth of one bag part at a time, high bag opening efficiency, accuracy and continuity can be obtained.

[0045] In that case, further in the configuration of the present invention, since the hollow turntable forms the suction bag driving unit of the suction bag turntable, the operating stability of the suction bag turntable can be ensured. At the same time, the inside of the hollow turntable is utilized as an installation space, and by installing the lifting shaft and the lifting cam of the filling chute inside it, the overall structure can be made compact.

[0046] Since the lifting shaft of the filling chute is attached to the turntable body of the suction bag turntable, the lifting shaft can be integrally moved (arc motion) in the circumferential direction with the turntable body. The driving sources of the two can be shared, and the lifting motion of the lifting shaft can be completely controlled by the lifting cam, achieving the simplification of the required structure and a high degree of completion of the equipment.

[0047] In addition, due to the adoption of the air distribution board, negative pressure adsorption force is provided to the suction bag area on the surface of the suction bag turntable, so that stable negative pressure adsorption force can be ensured. In this regard, compared with the structure of the conventional negative pressure vacuum plate (a structure in which a negative pressure gas path communicating with the suction holes is installed in the vacuum plate), the internal space can be saved, and the partial failure of the suction bag area caused by the blockage phenomenon of the gas path in the negative pressure vacuum plate can also be avoided.

[0048] In the preferred configuration of the present invention, a groove is provided in the lid of the air distribution board, and the groove is connected in communication with the suction holes in the suction bag area on the circumferential surface of the suction bag rotating disk. When connecting the suction holes and the groove, it adsorbs, and when not connected, it does not adsorb. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeatedly switch the negative pressure, and the stable negative pressure adsorption force can be provided.

[0049] Furthermore, the air distribution board is attached and fixed to the fixed part of the hollow turntable, which is the drive unit of the suction bag rotating disk. Since the suction bag rotating disk rotates relative to the air distribution board, by dividing the air distribution board into two parts, namely the base and the lid, when wear occurs on the air distribution board, it is not necessary to replace the whole with a new one. It is sufficient to replace only the lid, and the maintenance cost can be reduced.

[0050] As a preferred configuration of the present invention, if the lid of the air distribution board is made of an alloy of tin and copper, the wear resistance is improved, and the service life of the lid of the air distribution board can be extended. If graphite is injected into the blind hole opening in the lid, it helps to reduce the wear of the lid of the air distribution board due to the rotation of the suction bag rotating disk and extend its service life. Moreover, due to the structure in which the blind hole is different from the through hole, it is also possible to prevent the graphite injected into the hole from falling off.

[0051] Also, since the servo suction mechanism includes the mounting base of the suction column, not only the suction column but also the bag opening drive unit can be mounted on the mounting base. The mounting structure is simplified, and the air distribution board is also easier to mount.

[0052] Furthermore, as a preferred configuration of the present invention, if the longitudinal seal part includes a pair of rotatable longitudinal seal rollers, the longitudinal seal efficiency of the packaging material folded in the center is high, and it does not adversely affect the packaging material conveyance efficiency of the filling and packaging machine. The longitudinal seal at a predetermined interval for the packaging machine can be performed smoothly and stably.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

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Figure 8

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Figure 10

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Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0055] Figs. 1 and 2 show a conventional rotary filling and packaging machine, and Figs. 4 and 5 show a rotary filling and packaging machine according to the first (basic) embodiment of the present invention. As is apparent from the common components of both, in the conveying path of the continuously supplied packaging material, there are a circumferential conveying path (101) extending horizontally in a substantially arc shape in plan view, a packaging material supply path (100) connected to the starting point (inlet) (P1) of the circumferential conveying path (101), and an extended conveying path (102) also connected to the ending point (outlet) (P2) of the circumferential conveying path (101).

[0056] As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the folding part (111) is installed in the packaging material supply path (100). In the process of continuously supplying the strip-shaped packaging material (103), the packaging material (103) is folded in half at the center so that the fold line (104) faces downward (in a substantially V-shaped cross-section). Note that the packaging material supply part of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5 may be the same general one as in the prior art.

[0057] As is apparent from Figs. 4 and 5, the filling and packaging machine according to the first (basic) embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the packaging material conveying path having the folding part (111) in the above packaging material supply path (100), includes a longitudinal seal part (105) of the continuously folded packaging material (103) at the folding part (111), a vacuum bag opening part for opening the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108) formed by the longitudinal seal (107), a filling part for filling the filling material into the bag part (108) with the opened bag mouth (113), and a top seal part (115) for upper-sealing the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108) filled with the filling material.

[0058] The longitudinal seal part (105) is installed in the above packaging material supply path (100) and is located on the rear side (downstream side) of the folding part (111). At predetermined intervals along the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center, the packaging material (103) is longitudinally sealed (107) as shown in Fig. 3.

[0059] By performing the longitudinal seal (107), a bag part (108) with an upward-opening bag mouth (113) is formed between adjacent longitudinal seals (107). The packaging material (103) in the folded state forming the bag part (108) is formed as a continuous bag body (114) by passing through the longitudinal seal part (105). The installation location and structure of the longitudinal seal part (105) are completely different from those in the prior art filling and packaging machine.

[0060] That is, in the prior art filling and packaging machine, the longitudinal seal part (105) is located within the circumferential conveyance path (101), but in the filling and packaging machine of the present invention, as described above, the longitudinal seal part (105) is located in the packaging material supply path (100) on the front side (upstream side) of the starting point (P1) of the circumferential conveyance path (101). Further, compared with the longitudinal seal part (105) provided in the prior art filling and packaging machine, which consists of a pair of seal bars (106) that sandwich the packaging material (103) and heat-seal the clamped portion, in the filling and packaging machine of the present invention, the longitudinal seal part (105) consists of a rotary longitudinal seal roller as shown in FIG. 4, or the longitudinal seal part (105) consists of a plurality of sets of reciprocating longitudinal seal knife units as shown in FIG. 5, and a longitudinal seal part with an appropriate structure can be adopted based on the conveyance efficiency of other packaging materials.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vacuum bag opening part includes a suction bag turntable mechanism (1) and a servo suction mechanism (2). The circumferential conveyance path (101) of the packaging material (103) forms a part of the circumferential surface in the suction bag turntable mechanism (1). The continuous bag body (114) formed via the longitudinal seal part (105) is conveyed in the circumferential direction along with the rotation of the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) while being held by the suction bag turntable mechanism (1).

[0062] The servo suction mechanism (2) is installed corresponding to the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) and is located outside the circumferential conveyance path (101). The servo suction mechanism (2) and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) rotate relative to each other, and the linear velocity of their rotation is the same. The continuously supplied bag body (114) passes through the facing space between the servo suction mechanism (2) and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1). The servo suction mechanism (2) adsorbs the packaging material outside the bag part (108) of the bag body (114), and the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) also adsorbs the packaging material inside the bag part (108). Along with the relative rotation of the two mechanisms (1) and (2), the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108) passing through the space between them is sequentially opened. Although there are many structures for realizing vacuum bag opening in the prior art, applying the above vacuum bag opening part to the filling and packaging machine to continuously open the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108) of the continuous bag body (114) after longitudinal sealing (107) is unique to the present invention.

[0063] In addition, the filling part of the filling material includes a plurality of filling chutes (109), a plurality of lifting shafts (110), and a lifting cam (not shown). The filling chute (109) and the lifting shaft (110) correspond to each other respectively. The bottom of the lifting shaft (110) is connected to the lifting cam. The lifting shaft (110) and the filling chute (109) perform an arc movement (movement) along the circumferential conveying path (101) synchronously with the above suction bag turntable mechanism (1).

[0064] In the circumferential conveying path (101), the lifting shaft (110) performs an arc movement (movement) along the circumferential direction thereof. At the same time, the filling chute (109) also performs a lifting movement along with the action locus (stroke) defined by the lifting cam. When the filling chute (109) descends, it is inserted into the bag part (108) with the bag mouth (113) opened. Before the bag part (108) enters the extended conveying path (102) from the end point (P2) of the circumferential conveying path (101), the filling chute (109) is withdrawn from the bag part (108) by the ascent of the lifting shaft (110).

[0065] In that case, as suggested by FIG. 2, the lifting shaft (110) and the filling chute (109) are connected and integrated via a horizontal arm of a certain length. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the filling chute (109) only performs a lifting movement by the lifting shaft (110) and does not need to rotate around the center of the lifting shaft (110). Therefore, only a lifting cam is sufficient, and a rotary cam for the filling chute as in the prior art is not required.

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

[0067] The top seal part (115) is installed in the above-mentioned extended conveyance path (102), and performs an upper seal on the bag part (108) of the continuous bag body (114) filled with the filler conveyed from the circumferential conveyance path (101) at the upper part of its bag mouth (113). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top seal part (115) may have any structure capable of continuously performing an upper seal on the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108).

[0068] As long as the circumferential conveyance path (101) of the above-mentioned packaging material conveyance path extends horizontally in an arc shape in plan view, it may form an arc shape of about 1 / 2 (semicircle) from the starting point (P1) to the ending point (P2) as shown in FIG. 4, or may form an arc shape of about 3 / 4 from the same starting point (P1) to the ending point (P2) as shown in FIG. 5. In short, according to the packaging requirements, packaging speed requirements, and other production situations of the filling and packaging machine, the arc shape (conveyance locus of the packaging material) of the circumferential conveyance path (101) can be appropriately set and adjusted within a range from, for example, a 1 / 4 arc shape to a 1 / 2 arc shape. <Second Embodiment>

[0069] A preferable alternative structure of the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) described as the above-mentioned first embodiment will be specifically described as the second embodiment. The suction bag turntable mechanism (1) of the second embodiment includes a suction bag turntable (3) as shown in FIG. 6 and its rotation driving suction bag driving unit. On the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3), a plurality of suction bag areas (7) are provided in a uniform distribution state as shown in FIG. 10, and moreover, a large number of suction holes (8) for adsorbing the packaging material on one side (outer side or inner side) of the bag body (114) are distributed and opened in each suction bag area (7).

[0070] As suggested from FIGS. 8 to 10, a shaft hole (25) for receiving the above-mentioned lifting shaft (110) is formed through the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3), and the lifting shaft (110) in a uniform distribution state inserted along the axial direction of the turntable body (6) into the shaft hole (25) performs an arc movement (movement) in the circumferential direction along with the rotation of the turntable body (6).

[0071] Similarly, the servo suction mechanism (2) at the vacuum bag opening part includes a suction column (4) and a bag opening drive unit (5) for rotationally driving the suction column (4). As is apparent from FIGS. 6 to 9, a bag opening area (9) corresponding to a plurality of suction bag areas (7) on the circumferential surface of the suction bag turntable (3) is provided on the circumferential surface of the suction column (4). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 14, a plurality of bag opening negative pressure holes (10) are distributed and opened in the bag opening area (9). The suction bag area (7) on the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) and the bag opening area (9) of the suction column (4) are in a corresponding position relationship.

[0072] As an example, the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) has a solid disk shape as shown in FIG. 7, and a rotating shaft (not shown) connected to its center is driven by the suction bag drive unit. In that case, as the suction bag drive unit, a combination of a servo motor and a speed reducer can be adopted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, a negative pressure gas path (24) for connecting to the suction holes (8) distributed in the suction bag area (7) is arranged inside the turntable body (6). The negative pressure gas path (24) is connected to a negative pressure source through a negative pressure rotary joint and a piping structure not shown in the figure.

[0074] In that case, as is apparent from FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIG. 13, the suction bag area (7) is a concave curved surface formed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6). After the bag part (108) of the packaging material (103) is opened, the concave curved surface is beneficial for storing the packaging material on one side (outer or inner side) of the bag part (108) and maintaining the opening state of the bag mouth (113).

[0075] As another example, the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3) is a hollow disk shape as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9. The bag parts (108) of the packaging material are respectively stored in the concave curved surfaces of the suction bag areas (7) formed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6). All of the bag parts (108) in the continuous bag body (114) are sequentially adsorbed to the suction bag areas (7). After the suction bag area (7) of the turntable body (6) and the bag opening area (9) of the suction column (4) correspond to each other, the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108) is opened.

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

[0077] Instead of the suction bag area (7) on the rotating shaft side of the turntable body (6), the suction bag area (7) is formed on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6). By installing the suction bag module (19), each part of the suction bag area (7) is made independent of each other. Even if one suction bag module (19) fails, it can be replaced with a new one alone, which helps to reduce the maintenance cost.

[0078] The reason for moving the filling chute (109) of the filler up and down by the lifting shaft (110) is to insert the filling chute (109) into the bag part (108) with the bag mouth (113) opened from above and to extract it upward from the bag part (108). A shaft hole (25) for receiving the lifting shaft (110) is provided in the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3). The number of the lifting shafts (110) is the same as the number of the filling chutes (109), and the number of the filling chutes (109) is the same as the number of the suction bag areas (7) on the circumferential surface of the turntable body (6), and they correspond to each other respectively.

[0079] In addition, the lifting shaft (110) stands vertically in a uniform distribution state along the axial direction of the turntable body (6), and is adapted to perform an arc movement (movement / operation) along the circumferential direction as the turntable body (6) rotates. Therefore, by using the driving force of the turntable body (6), the filling chute (109) can be moved in an arc through the lifting shaft (110). A lifting cam can be installed in the hollow interior of the turntable body (6) to control the lifting movement of the filling chute (109). The cost of the equipment is reduced by sharing the power source. <Third Embodiment>

[0080] A further preferable and different structure of the suction bag turntable mechanism (1) described as the first and second embodiments will be described as the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the suction bag drive unit that drives the suction bag turntable (3) is a hollow turntable (11) as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11.

[0081] That is, the lower end portion of the suction bag turntable (3) is attached to the rotating portion (12) of the hollow turntable (11) and rotates together with the rotating portion (12) of the hollow turntable (11). By using the hollow turntable (11) as a driving device for the suction bag turntable (3), stable operation of the suction bag turntable (3) is ensured. In addition, a lifting shaft (110) and a lifting cam, which are the driving sources for the lifting of the filling chute (109), can be installed inside the hollow of the hollow turntable (11), and there is also an advantage that the overall structure becomes compact by saving the mounting space.

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

[0083] Through the air distribution plate (13), a negative pressure suction force is provided to the suction bag area (7) on the turntable body (6) of the suction bag turntable (3), ensuring the stability of the negative pressure suction force. Compared with the structure shown in FIG. 7 of the second embodiment, the internal space can be saved, and it is also possible to avoid the failure of a partial suction bag area (7) due to the clogging phenomenon of the negative pressure gas path (24) inside the structure.

[0084] In addition, the air distribution plate (13) of the third embodiment is provided with a groove (16), and the groove (16) is connected and communicated with the suction holes (8) of the suction bag area (7) only at the circumferential portion of the set angle of the suction bag turntable (3). When the groove (16) and the suction hole (8) are connected, they adsorb, and when they are not connected, they do not adsorb, so there is no need to repeatedly switch the negative pressure, and the negative pressure adsorption force can be provided stably.

[0085] As a more beneficial structure of the third embodiment, the intake manifold (13) includes a base (17) and a lid (18) as shown in Fig. 12, and the base (17) of the intake manifold (13) is fixedly attached to the fixed part (14) of the hollow turntable (11). On the other hand, the lid (18) of the intake manifold (13) is hermetically attached to the base (17), and the above-described groove (16) is provided in the lid (18).

[0086] Since relative rotation occurs between the intake manifold (13) fixedly attached to the hollow turntable (11) and the suction bag turntable (3), in order to avoid wear of the intake manifold (13), it is separated into two parts, the base (17) and the lid (18). If wear occurs on the intake manifold (13), instead of replacing the whole with a new one, only the lid (18) can be replaced with a new one, so that the maintenance cost can be reduced.

[0087] The lid (18) of the intake manifold (13) is made of an alloy of tin and copper. A plurality of holes are drilled in the upper side of the lid (18), and graphite is injected into the holes. Since the lid (18) is made of an alloy of tin and copper, its wear resistance is improved and its service life can be extended.

[0088] In addition, since graphite is injected into the lid (18) of the intake manifold (13), the frictional force generated between the lid (18) of the intake manifold (13) and the suction bag turntable (3) is reduced, and the wear is reduced, so that the service life can be extended. Furthermore, since the above holes are blind holes, unlike through holes, there is no risk of the injected graphite falling out. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0089] A preferable alternative structure of the suction bag module (19) described as the second embodiment will be specifically described as the fourth embodiment. The suction bag module (19) of the fourth embodiment includes a module body (20) as shown in Fig. 13.

[0090] The module body (20) has a hollow structure, and its outer surface forms a concave curved surface (21). The suction holes (8) distributed here communicate with the hollow chamber in the module body (20). A communication hole (22) with the groove (16) in the intake manifold (13) is formed at the bottom of the module body (20), and the communication hole (22) is connected to the suction hole (8). The combination of the communication hole (22) and the intake manifold (13) in the hollow turntable (11) supplies negative pressure for the suction hole (8). <Fifth Embodiment>

[0091] A preferable alternative structure of the servo suction mechanism (2) described as the first and second embodiments will be specifically described as the fifth embodiment. The servo suction mechanism (2) of the fifth embodiment also includes a mounting base (23) of a suction column (4) as shown in FIG. 14.

[0092] Both the suction column (4) and the bag opening drive unit (5) are attached to the mounting base (23), and an air distribution board (13) is inserted and installed between the lower end surface of the suction column (4) and the upper end surface of the mounting base (23). The structure of the air distribution board (13) is the same as that of the air distribution board (13) described as the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0093] Incidentally, the bag opening drive unit (5) of the servo suction mechanism (2) adopted in the fifth embodiment is, for example, a gear device. By appropriately controlling the transmission and gear ratio of the gear device, the servo suction mechanism (2) and the suction bag rotating disk mechanism (1) can be relatively rotated at the same linear velocity by sharing the same power source. Also, as another example, the bag opening drive unit (5) may have a combined structure of a servo motor and a speed reducer, and the suction column (4) may be rotated by connecting it to the suction column (4) via a crankshaft. <Sixth Embodiment>

[0094] A preferable alternative structure of the longitudinal seal portion (105) described as the first embodiment will be specifically described as the sixth embodiment. The longitudinal seal portion (105) of the sixth embodiment consists of a pair of rotatable longitudinal seal rollers (26) as shown in FIG. 4.

[0095] A plurality of longitudinal seal knife holders (27) are evenly fitted along the circumferential direction of the longitudinal seal roller (26). The packaging material (103) folded in half at the center passes between the two longitudinal seal rollers (26), and longitudinal seals (107) at predetermined intervals with respect to the packaging material (103) are performed by the longitudinal seal rollers (26) located on both sides.

[0096] Also, as another example different from FIG. 4, the longitudinal seal portion (105) includes a parallel movement unit (28) that reciprocates along the transport direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material (103) folded in half at the center as shown in FIG. 5.

[0097] The translation unit (28) is located below the packaging material (103), and a plurality of sets of longitudinal seal knife units (not shown) arranged in parallel along the conveyance direction (longitudinal direction) of the packaging material (103) are installed therein. Each set of longitudinal seal knife units includes two relatively moving longitudinal seal knife holders (27), and the adjacent longitudinal seal knife sets are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The packaging material (103) folded in two at the center passes between the two relatively moving longitudinal seal knife holders (27), and the plurality of sets of longitudinal seal knives move synchronously to longitudinally seal (107) the packaging material (103) at predetermined intervals.

[0098] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these do not limit the scope of the claims of the present invention, and various changes and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] (1) ······ Suction bag turntable mechanism (2) ······ Servo suction mechanism (3) ······ Suction bag turntable (4) ······ Adsorption column (5) ······ Bag opening drive unit (6) ······ Turntable body (7) ······ Suction bag area (8) ······ Adsorption holes (9) ······ Bag opening area (10) ····· Bag opening negative pressure holes (11) ······ Hollow turntable (12) ······ Rotating part (13) ······ Air distribution board (14) ······ Fixed part (15) ······ Negative pressure chamber (16) ······ Connection groove (17) ······ Base of the air distribution board (18) ······ Cover of the air distribution board (19) ······ Suction bag module (20) ······ Module body (21) ······ Concave curved surface (22) ······ Communication holes (23) ······ Mounting base for adsorption holes (24) ······ Negative pressure gas path (25) ······ Shaft hole (26) ······ Vertical sealing roller (27) ······ Vertical seal knife holder (28) ······ Parallel movement unit (100) ····· Packaging material conveying path (packaging material supply path) (101) ······ Circumferential conveying path (102) ······ Extension conveying path (103) ······ Packaging material (104) ······ Fold (105) ······ Vertical seal part (106) ······ Seal bar (107) ······ Vertical seal (108) ······ Bag part (109) ··· Filling chute (110) ··· Lifting shaft (111) ··· Foldable part (112) ··· Filler supply part (113) ··· Bag mouth (114) ··· Bag body (115) ··· Top seal part

Claims

1. A filling and packaging machine comprising a packaging material supply path (100) for continuously supplying a belt-shaped packaging material (103) in a state of being folded in half at the center with the fold (104) facing downward, a circumferential transport path (101) extending in an arc shape in plan view that is continuous with the starting point (P1) of the packaging material supply path (100), and an extended transport path (102) that is continuous with the end point (P2) of the circumferential transport path (101), Installed on the rear side of the packaging material folding part (111) in the packaging material supply path (100), a longitudinal seal (107) is applied to the packaging material (103) at predetermined intervals along the transport direction of the packaging material (103) that is folded in half at the center, thereby forming a continuous bag body (114) having a bag part (108) with a bag mouth (113) facing upward between adjacent longitudinal seals (107). A longitudinal seal part (105); A suction bag rotating disc mechanism (1) that forms an arc shape of the circumferential transport path (101) and transports along the circumferential direction of the circumferential transport path (101) while holding the continuous bag body (114) formed by the longitudinal seal part (105), and a servo suction mechanism (2) that is located outside the circumferential transport path (101) and rotates relative to the suction bag rotating disc mechanism (1) and has the same linear velocity of rotation. The servo suction mechanism (2) adsorbs the outside of the bag part (108) in the bag body (114), and the suction bag rotating disc mechanism (1) also adsorbs the inside of the bag part (108). A vacuum bag opening part that sequentially opens the bag mouth (113) of the bag part (108) passing between the two as they rotate relative to each other; It includes a plurality of filling chutes (109), a plurality of lifting shafts (110), and lifting cams. The filling chutes (109) and the lifting shafts (110) correspond to each other respectively. The bottom of the lifting shaft (110) is connected to the lifting cam. The lifting shaft (110) and the filling chute (109) are synchronized with the suction bag rotating disk mechanism (1) of the above-mentioned vacuum bag opening part, and perform an arc movement along the circumferential direction of the circumferential conveying path (101). While the lifting shaft (110) performs an arc movement, the filling chute (109) only moves up and down along the action locus defined by the lifting cam. When it descends, the filling chute (109) is inserted into the bag part (108) where the bag mouth (113) is opened in the circumferential conveying path (101). And when it ascends, before the bag part (108) enters from the circumferential conveying path (101) to the extended conveying path (102), it is provided with a filling part for the filling material to extract the filling chute (109) from the bag part (108). The suction bag rotating disk mechanism (1) of the above-mentioned vacuum bag opening part includes a suction bag rotating disk (3) and a hollow rotating table (11) which is integrally attached as a rotation driving suction bag driving unit to the lower end part of the suction bag rotating disk (3). Along the axial direction of the rotating disk main body (6) in the suction bag rotating disk (3), the lifting shafts (110) are inserted in a uniform distribution state. Similarly, on the circumferential surface of the rotating disk main body (6), a plurality of suction bag modules (19) which become a suction bag area (7) provided with suction holes (8) for the packaging material (103) are installed in a uniform distribution state. On the other hand, An air distribution board (13) with a built-in negative pressure chamber (15) is attached to the fixed part (14) of the hollow rotating table (11). A tank (16) communicating with the suction holes (8) of the suction bag area (7) is provided on the surface of the air distribution board (13). At the same time, The servo suction mechanism (2) of the above-mentioned vacuum bag opening part includes a mounting base (23) for the suction column, a suction column (4) attached to the mounting base (23), and a bag opening driving unit (5) for driving the rotation of the suction column. A bag opening area (9) corresponding to the suction bag area (7) of the suction bag rotating disk (3) is provided on the circumferential surface of the suction column (4). The air distribution board (13) is inserted and installed between the upper and lower parts of the suction column (4) and its mounting base (23). A filling and packaging machine is characterized by this.

2. In the suction bag turntable (3), in the suction bag area (7) of the turntable body (6), suction holes (8) for adsorbing one-sided packaging material (103) in the bag body (114) are distributed in an opening manner. On the other hand, In the bag-opening area (9) of the suction column (4) in the servo suction mechanism (2), a plurality of bag-opening negative pressure holes (10) are distributed in an opening manner. The filling and packaging machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The air distribution board (13) includes its base (17) and lid (18). While the base (17) of the air distribution board (13) is fixedly attached to the fixed part (14) of the hollow turntable (11), Similarly, the lid (18) of the air distribution board (13) is attached to the above base (17) in a sealed state, and a groove (16) communicating with the suction holes (8) in the suction bag area (7) is provided in the lid (18). The filling and packaging machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The lid (18) of the air distribution board (13) is made of an alloy of tin and copper. A plurality of blind holes are processed and formed on the upper side of the lid (18), and graphite is injected into the blind holes. The filling and packaging machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The outer surface of the module body (20) in the suction bag module (19) forms a concave curved surface (21), and suction holes (8) are distributed in an opening manner on the concave curved surface (21). Similarly, a communication hole (22) corresponding to the groove (16) of the air distribution board (13) is provided on the bottom surface of the module body (20), and the communication hole (22) and the above suction holes (8) are connected. The filling and packaging machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The longitudinal seal part (105) includes a pair of rotatable longitudinal seal rollers (26). Along the circumferential direction of the longitudinal seal rollers (26), a plurality of longitudinal seal knife holders (27) are evenly fitted. The folded-in-half packaging material (103) in the center is passed between the two longitudinal seal rollers (26), and the longitudinal seal rollers (26) located on both sides longitudinally seal the packaging material (103) at predetermined intervals. The filling and packaging machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

7. A translation unit (28) that reciprocates along the conveyance direction of a packaging material (103) that is folded in half at the center in the longitudinal seal portion (105), the translation unit (28) being located below the packaging material (103), and a plurality of sets of longitudinal seal knife units arranged in parallel along the conveyance direction of the packaging material (103) are installed therein. Each set of the longitudinal seal knife units includes two relatively moving longitudinal seal knife holders (27), and the adjacent longitudinal seal knife sets are spaced apart by a predetermined interval, and the packaging material (103) is passed between the two longitudinal seal knife holders (27), and by the synchronous movement of the plurality of sets of longitudinal seal knives, the packaging material (103) is longitudinally sealed (107) at predetermined intervals. The filling and packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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