Gasket Claw and Gasket Forming Device

Abstract

To provide a gazette claw for forming a gazette in which the length of folding is different.SOLUTION: A first claw 72 which is for forming a gazette by pushing in a side surface of a cylindrical packaging film 4 includes: a support member 75 extending along a central axis; and a claw part 76 provided at a tip of the support member 75. The claw part 76 includes: a first plate 76a which inclines at a first angle a1 with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longer direction of the support member 75; and a second plate 76b which inclines at a second angle a2 different from the first angle a1 on the opposite side from the first plate 76a with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longer direction of the support member 75.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gusset claw and a gusset forming device.

Background Art

[0002] A pillow packaging device produces a package by forming a strip-shaped packaging film into a tube and packaging an object to be packaged. In the package, a center seal portion where the ends of the packaging film are overlapped and sealed when the packaging film is formed into a tube, and an end seal portion where the opening portion of the packaging film is sealed are formed. The package is used with the side where the center seal portion is formed as the back surface and the other side as the front surface.

[0003] Some packages produced by a pillow packaging device have gussets (machis) formed by folding the side surfaces of the packaging film inward. Patent Document 1 discloses a pillow packaging device including a gusset forming device for forming gussets on the side surfaces of a packaging film.

[0004] The gusset forming device has gusset claws for pushing the packaging film to form a fold. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a device having a claw piece with a U-shaped inclined cross-section.

[0005] According to the claw piece shown in Patent Document 2, the folding lengths of the packaging film in the gusset portion are formed equally. Specifically, the folding length on the back side of the package and the folding length on the front side are equal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Incidentally, there may be a demand for a package in which the length of the fold on the front side is longer than the length of the fold on the back side. In order to form such a package, it is necessary to change the position of the gusset claw to shift the position where the gusset claw presses the packaging film.

[0008] However, in a conventional pillow packaging device, when the position of the gusset claw is changed, a gap is generated between the gusset claw and the packaging film when the packaging film is pushed in. As a result, for example, wrinkles may occur in the end seal portion.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gusset claw for forming gussets having different fold lengths.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, there is provided a gusset claw for pushing in the side surface of a cylindrical packaging film to form a gusset, the gusset claw including a support member extending along a central axis, and a claw portion provided at a tip of the support member, the claw portion including a first plate inclined at a first angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the support member, and a second plate inclined at a second angle different from the first angle on a side opposite to the first plate with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, gussets having different fold lengths can be made.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for implementing the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0014] ==First Embodiment== [Pillow Packaging Device] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the pillow packaging device 1. The pillow packaging device 1 is a device that packages the object to be packaged 3 with the packaging film 4 to produce the package 2. The pillow packaging device 1 packages the objects to be packaged 3 that are sequentially conveyed with the strip-shaped packaging film 4. The pillow packaging device 1 seals and cuts the packaging film 4 so that the objects to be packaged 3 are individually packaged to produce the package 2. In FIG. 1, the direction in which the pillow packaging device 1 conveys the object to be packaged 3 is defined as the conveyance direction, and among the directions orthogonal to the conveyance direction, the direction orthogonal to the surface on which the object to be packaged 3 is conveyed is defined as the vertical direction, and the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction and the vertical direction is defined as the width direction. Also, the side on which the object to be packaged 3 is conveyed is defined as the downstream side, and the direction opposite to the downstream side is defined as the upstream side.

[0015] The package 2 is formed by wrapping the object to be packaged 3 with a tubular packaging film 4 (see Fig. 2). The package 2 has a center seal part (longitudinal seam) 5, an end seal part (transverse seam) 6, and a gusset 7.

[0016] The center seal part 5 is a part where the ends of the packaging film 4 are joined in the cylinder axis direction. The center seal part 5 protrudes from the peripheral surface of the packaging film 4. In Fig. 2, the center seal part 5 is folded with respect to the packaging film 4. In the package 2, the surface on which the center seal part 5 is provided becomes the back surface, and the surface opposite to the surface on which the center seal part 5 is provided becomes the front surface.

[0017] The end seal part 6 is a part where the openings at both ends in the cylinder axis direction of the tubular packaging film 4 are joined. The end seal part 6 is formed by joining the front and back surfaces of the tubular packaging film 4 in a superimposed state. The end seal part 6 is formed at both ends of the tubular packaging film 4.

[0018] The gusset 7 is a part where the side surface of the tubular packaging film 4 is folded. The gusset 7 is formed by folding the vicinity of the end seal part 6 on the side surface of the tubular packaging film 4 inward.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the pillow packaging device 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the pillow packaging device 1 includes a transport table 10, a receiving plate 11, an object to be packaged supply machine 20, a film supply machine 30, a former (bag making machine) 40, a center seal machine (longitudinal seal machine) 50, a first conveyor 61, a second conveyor 66, a gusset forming device 70, an end seal machine (transverse seal machine) 80, and a control unit 90.

[0020] <Transport table> The transport table 10 supports the object to be packaged 3. The transport table 10 is a plate-like member. The transport table 10 extends in the transport direction. The transport table 10 has a long groove extending in the transport direction at the center in the width direction.

[0021] <Packaged item feeder> The packaged item feeder 20 is a device that conveys the packaged item 3 from the transfer table 10 through the former 40 to the receiving plate 11. In this embodiment, the packaged item feeder 20 is a finger conveyor. The packaged item feeder 20 is provided below the transfer table 10 and the former 40. The packaged item feeder 20 includes a sprocket 21, an endless chain 22, and a pushing finger 23.

[0022] The sprocket 21 is a rotating gear. A plurality of sprockets 21 are provided in the conveying direction. At least one sprocket 21 has a drive source such as a motor attached thereto. The endless chain 22 is a chain that is looped around a plurality of sprockets 21. The endless chain 22 forms upper and lower two rows of tracks that are looped around a plurality of sprockets 21 and extend in the conveying direction. The upper track of the endless chain 22 is formed along the lower surface of the transfer table 10. The pushing finger 23 is a rod-shaped part provided on the endless chain 22. A plurality of pushing fingers 23 are provided on the endless chain 22 at regular intervals. The regular intervals are set according to the length of the packaged item 3 in the conveying direction.

[0023] When the sprocket 21 to which the drive source is attached rotates, the endless chain 22 moving on the upper track moves toward the downstream in the conveying direction, and the endless chain 22 moving on the lower track moves toward the upstream in the conveying direction. The pushing finger 23 moves through the long groove of the transfer table 10 and then moves through the long groove of the former 40 when the endless chain 22 moves on the upper track. At this time, the pushing finger 23 pushes the packaged item 3 placed on the transfer table 10 from the upstream side to the downstream side so as to be sandwiched between adjacent pushing fingers 23. Then, the pushing finger 23 conveys the packaged item 3 from the transfer table 10 to the former 40 by moving through the long groove of the transfer table 10 and the long groove of the former 40 while sandwiching the packaged item 3. The pushing finger 23 moves through the long groove of the former 40 while sandwiching the packaged item 3, and conveys the packaged item 3 to the downstream side of the former 40.

[0024] <Film feeder> The film feeder 30 is a device that supplies the strip-shaped packaging film 4. The film feeder 30 supplies the strip-shaped packaging film 4 toward the former 40. The film feeder 30 is provided on the transfer table 10.

[0025] <Former (bag making machine)> The former 40 is a device that forms the packaging film 4 supplied from the film feeder 30 into a cylindrical shape. The former 40 is a cylindrical member. The former 40 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer table 10 and under the film feeder 30. The former 40 is provided such that the height of the lower surface is equal to the height of the upper surface of the transfer table 10. The former 40 is provided with a long groove extending in the transport direction at the center in the width direction of the lower surface.

[0026] <Receiving plate> The receiving plate 11 supports the article to be packaged 3 conveyed from the former 40 by the article supply machine 20. The receiving plate 11 is a plate-shaped member. The receiving plate 11 extends in the transport direction. The receiving plate 11 is provided such that the height of the upper surface is equal to the height of the upper surface of the transfer table 10 and the lower surface of the former 40.

[0027] <Center sealer (longitudinal sealer)> The center sealer 50 is a device that seals the portion where the ends of the packaging film 4 are overlapped. The center sealer 50 is provided on the downstream side of the former 40 and under the receiving plate 11. The center sealer 50 forms a center seal portion 5 as shown in, for example, FIG. 2 by heating and pressing the overlapped portion of the packaging film 4 formed by the former 40 to seal it. The center sealer 50 sandwiches the center seal portion 5 with pinch rollers (not shown) and sends it to the downstream side.

[0028] <First conveyor> The first conveyor 61 conveys the object to be packaged 3 wrapped in the packaging film 4 from the downstream side of the receiving plate 11 to the upstream side of the end sealing machine 80. The first conveyor 61 is a belt conveyor. The first conveyor 61 is provided on the downstream side of the receiving plate 11. The first conveyor 61 includes a pulley 62 and an endless belt 63.

[0029] The pulley 62 is a rotating roller. The pulley 62 is provided on the downstream side of the receiving plate 11 and the center sealing machine 50. A plurality of pulleys 62 are provided in the conveying direction. At least one pulley 62 is attached with a driving source such as a motor. The endless belt 63 is a belt wound around a plurality of pulleys 62. The endless belt 63 is wound around a plurality of pulleys to form upper and lower two rows of tracks extending in the conveying direction. The upper track of the endless belt 63 is formed such that the upper surface of the endless belt 63 is equal to the height of the upper surface of the receiving plate 11. Thereby, the object to be packaged 3 is conveyed at the same height when being conveyed from the conveying table 10 to the first conveyor 61.

[0030] When the pulley 62 attached with the driving source rotates, the endless belt 63 moving on the upper track moves in the conveying direction, and the endless belt 63 moving on the lower track moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0031] <Gusset forming device> The gusset forming device 70 is a device that folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 to form a gusset. The gusset forming device 70 is provided on the side of the downstream end of the first conveyor 61. The gusset forming device 70 intermittently folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 in conjunction with the end sealing machine 80. Details of the gusset forming device 70 will be described later.

[0032] <End sealing machine (lateral sealing machine)> The end-sealing machine 80 is a device that overlaps the portions of the packaging film 4 that open in the conveying direction, heats and presses those portions to form the end-sealing portion 6. The end-sealing machine 80 is provided downstream of the first conveyor 61. The end-sealing machine 80 is arranged such that a pair of end-sealers (not shown) that face each other vertically sandwich the portion of the packaging film 4 that opens in the conveying direction, substantially simultaneously with the gusset forming device 70 folding the side surface of the packaging film 4 to form a gusset. The end-sealing machine 80 forms an end-sealing portion 6 as shown in, for example, FIG. 2 by heating and pressing the sandwiched packaging film 4 to seal it. Then, the end-sealing machine 80 cuts the end-sealing portion 6 along the width direction. As a result, the packaging film 4 is separated in the conveying direction, and the package 2 is produced.

[0033] <Second Conveyor> The second conveyor 66 is a device that conveys the package 2 from downstream of the end-sealing machine 80 to the outside of the pillow packaging device 1. The second conveyor 66 is a belt conveyor. The second conveyor 66 is provided downstream of the end-sealing machine 80. The second conveyor 66 includes a pulley 67 and an endless belt 68. Note that, since the pulley 67 and the endless belt 68 that constitute the second conveyor 66 have the same configuration as the pulley 62 and the endless belt 63 that constitute the first conveyor 61, the description thereof is omitted.

[0034] <Control Unit> As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 90 is a computer that controls the operation of the pillow packaging device 1. The control unit 90 is connected to the above-described packaged-goods supply machine 20, film supply machine 30, first conveyor 61, gusset forming device 70, end-sealing machine 80, and second conveyor 66, respectively. The control unit 90 controls the operation of each device.

[0035] [Operation of Pillow Packaging Device] Next, the operation of the pillow packaging device 1 will be described. The object to be packaged feeder 20 conveys the object to be packaged 3 placed on the conveying table 10 through the former 40 to the receiving plate 11. The film feeder 30 continuously supplies the packaging film 4 to the former 40. The former 40 forms the packaging film 4 into a cylindrical shape so as to enclose the object to be packaged 3. The former 40 forms a portion where the end of the packaging film 4 is overlapped under the object to be packaged 3 in a state where the object to be packaged 3 is enclosed. The center seal machine 50 seals the overlapped portion of the packaging film 4 to form the center seal portion 5. The first conveyor 61 places the object to be packaged 3 wrapped in the packaging film 4 conveyed from the center seal machine 50 on the endless belt 63 moving on the upper track and conveys it to the end seal machine 80. When the object to be packaged 3 is conveyed to the end of the first conveyor 61, the gusset forming device 70 pushes in the side surface of the packaging film 4 and folds it inward in the width direction to form a gusset. The end seal machine 80 forms the end seal portion 6 by sandwiching the portion opening in the conveying direction of the packaging film 4 vertically substantially simultaneously with the gusset forming device 70 forming the gusset. The end seal machine 80 cuts the end seal portion 6 to separate the package 2 from the packaging film 4. The second conveyor 66 places the package 2 on the endless belt 68 moving on the upper track and conveys it out of the pillow packaging device 1 from the downstream of the end seal machine 80.

[0036] [Configuration of Gusset Forming Device] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the details of the gusset forming device 70 will be described. The gusset forming device 70 includes a pair of claw forming portions 71 and a pair of pushing mechanisms 100. The pair of claw forming portions 71 and the pair of pushing mechanisms 100 are provided so as to face each other in the width direction with the first conveyor 61 and the second conveyor 66 interposed therebetween. Note that in FIG. 4, only one of the claw forming portion 71 and the pushing mechanism 100 of the gusset forming device 70 is shown.

[0037] The claw forming portion 71 is a portion that folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 to form a gusset. The claw forming portion 71 has a first claw 72, a second claw 73, and an attachment portion 74. Here, the first claw 72 and the second claw 73 each correspond to a gusset claw.

[0038] The first claw 72 has a support member 75 and a claw portion 76 (see FIG. 5).

[0039] The support member 75 is a portion that supports the claw portion 76. The support member 75 is a rod-shaped portion extending along the central axis. The claw portion 76 is attached to the tip of the support member 75. In the present embodiment, two support members 75 are provided for a pair of claw forming portions 71. The claw portions 76 are respectively attached to the tips of the two support members 75 (see FIG. 5).

[0040] The claw portion 76 is a portion that contacts the side surface of the packaging film 4 and folds the side surface of the packaging film 4. The claw portion 76 is provided at one end of the support member 75. The claw portion 76 has a first plate 76a and a second plate 76b.

[0041] The first plate 76a is a portion that forms a fold on one surface side of the packaging film 4 among the two folds that constitute the gusset. The first plate 76a according to the present embodiment forms a fold on the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed. The first plate 76a according to the present embodiment is in the shape of a trapezoidal plate. The first plate 76a forms an angle a5 with the side corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid and the side corresponding to the oblique side on the tip side of the support member 75 (see FIG. 6). The portion of the first plate 76a corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid is attached to the support member 75. The first plate 76a is provided so as to be inclined by a first angle a1 with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 (see FIG. 7). Note that the first plate 76a may be a quadrilateral other than a trapezoid or a triangle.

[0042] The second plate 76b is a part that forms the folding on the other side of the packaging film 4 among the two foldings that constitute the gusset. The second plate 76b according to the present embodiment forms the folding on the side where the center seal portion 5 is formed. The second plate 76b according to the present embodiment is trapezoidal in shape. The second plate 76b forms an angle a5 with the side corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid and the side corresponding to the hypotenuse at the tip side of the support member 75 (see Fig. 6). The portion of the second plate 76b corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid is attached to the support member 75. The second plate 76b is provided so as to be inclined by a second angle a2 on the opposite side of the first plate 76a with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 (see Fig. 7). In the present embodiment, the second angle a2 is larger than the first angle a1. The second plate 76b is joined so that the portion corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid is aligned with the portion corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid of the first plate 76a, and integrally with the first plate 76a to form the claw portion 76. Note that the second plate 76b may be a quadrilateral other than a trapezoid or a triangle.

[0043] As described above, the claw portion 76 is formed by joining the second plate 76b to the first plate 76a. The claw portion 76 is V-shaped and opens upstream when viewed from the outside in the width direction.

[0044] The second claw 73 has the support member 75 and the claw portion 76. The direction of the claw portion 76 of the second claw 73 is different from that of the first claw 72. The claw portion 76 of the second claw 73 is attached to the support member 75 so as to be V-shaped and open downstream when viewed from the outside in the width direction. The claw portion 76 of the second claw 73 faces the claw portion 76 of the first claw 72 in the conveying direction.

[0045] The first claw 72 and the second claw 73 are connected by a plate-shaped frame at the other end side of their respective support members 75. Note that the claw forming portion 71 may be constituted by the first claw 72 and the mounting portion 74 without having the second claw 73.

[0046] The attachment portion 74 is a portion for attaching the support member 75 to the pushing mechanism 100. The attachment portion 74 is a plate-shaped portion. Note that the shape, position, and number of the attachment portion 74 are not particularly limited as long as the support member 75 can be attached to the pushing mechanism 100. In the present embodiment, one attachment portion 74 is provided at the other end of the support member 75 of the first claw 72. The attachment portion 74 has an attachment hole 74a.

[0047] The attachment hole 74a is a hole for attaching a fastening member that connects the attachment portion 74 and the pushing mechanism 100. The pushing mechanism 100 is connected to the attachment hole 74a via a fastening member such as a bolt. Thereby, the claw forming portion 71 and the pushing mechanism 100 are connected. The shape, position, and number of the attachment holes 74a are not particularly limited as long as a fastening member that connects the attachment portion 74 and the pushing mechanism 100 can be attached. In the present embodiment, two attachment holes 74a are provided in the attachment portion 74.

[0048] The pushing mechanism 100 is a portion that actuates the gasket claw. The pushing mechanism 100 has a drive motor 101 and a linear motion mechanism 102 (see FIG. 4).

[0049] The drive motor 101 is a motor that operates the linear motion mechanism 102. The drive motor 101 is, for example, a servo motor that rotates forward and backward.

[0050] The linear motion mechanism 102 is a portion that moves linearly as the drive motor 101 rotates. The mechanism of the linear motion mechanism 102 is not particularly limited as long as it has the effect of linear motion as the drive motor 101 rotates. In the present embodiment, the linear motion mechanism 102 is a mechanism using a ball screw and a linear guide. The linear motion mechanism 102 is provided so as to move linearly in the width direction. The end of the ball screw of the linear motion mechanism 102 is connected to the drive motor 101. Note that the linear motion mechanism 102 may be, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, or the like. The linear motion mechanism 102 has a moving portion 103 and a connecting portion 104.

[0051] The moving part 103 is a part that moves linearly as the ball screw of the linear motion mechanism 102 rotates. The moving part 103 moves linearly in the width direction as the ball screw of the linear motion mechanism 102 rotates.

[0052] The connecting part 104 is a part for attaching the mounting part 74 to the pushing mechanism 100. The connecting part 104 is a plate-shaped part. Note that the shape, position, and number of the connecting part 104 are not particularly limited as long as the mounting part 74 can be attached to the pushing mechanism 100. In the present embodiment, one connecting part 104 is provided on the side surface of the moving part 103. The connecting part 104 has a mounting hole 104a.

[0053] The mounting hole 104a is a hole for attaching a fastening member that connects the mounting part 74 and the pushing mechanism 100. The mounting part 74 is connected to the mounting hole 104a via a fastening member such as a bolt. The shape, position, and number of the mounting hole 104a are not particularly limited as long as a fastening member that connects the mounting part 74 and the pushing mechanism 100 can be attached. In the present embodiment, two mounting holes 104a are provided in the connecting part 104.

[0054] [Operation of the Gasket Forming Device Itself] The gasket forming device 70 is provided such that the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 of the first claw 72 is in the width direction. The gasket forming device 70 moves the pair of claw forming parts 71 inward in the width direction at the timing when the object to be packaged 3 is conveyed to the downstream end of the first conveyor 61 and the upstream side of the end sealing machine 80, and folds the both side surfaces of the packaging film 4. The claw forming part 71 is actuated by the pushing mechanism 100. Specifically, the moving part 103 moves inward in the width direction as the drive motor 101 rotates. The pair of claw forming parts 71 move inward in the width direction as the moving part 103 moves inward in the width direction. When the pair of claw forming parts 71 reach the side surface of the packaging film 4, the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b fold the side surface of the packaging film 4 inward.

[0055] The first plate 76a folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 on the side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed. The second plate 76b folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 on the side where the center seal portion 5 is formed. While the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b move inward in the width direction, the second plate 76b contacts the side surface of the packaging film 4 for a longer time than the first plate 76a. As a result, the folding length of the formed gusset is formed such that the folding length on the side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed is longer than the folding length on the side where the center seal portion 5 is formed.

[0056] After the first plate 76a and the second plate 76b form the gusset, the gusset forming device 70 moves the pair of claw forming portions 71 outward in the width direction. Specifically, the moving portion 103 moves outward in the width direction as the drive motor 101 rotates in the reverse direction. The pair of claw forming portions 71 move outward in the width direction as the moving portion 103 moves outward in the width direction. The gusset forming device 70 repeats the above-described operation every time the object to be packaged 3 is conveyed to the downstream end of the first conveyor 61 and the upstream side of the end seal machine 80.

[0057] The gusset forming device 70 performs the above-described operations in conjunction with the end sealing machine 80. The gusset forming device 70 moves a pair of claw forming parts 71 inward in the width direction substantially simultaneously with the pair of end sealers of the end sealing machine 80 coming into contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the part where the packaging film 4 opens in the conveying direction, and brings them into contact with both side surfaces of the packaging film 4. The gusset forming device 70 further moves the pair of claw forming parts 71 inward in the width direction while the pair of end sealers of the end sealing machine 80 approach from above and below to sandwich the packaging film 4 vertically, and forms gussets on both side surfaces of the packaging film 4. The gusset forming device 70 moves the pair of claw forming parts 71 outward in the width direction immediately before heating and pressing the packaging film 4 sandwiched by the pair of end sealers of the end sealing machine 80 to seal the packaging film 4, and separates the pair of claw forming parts 71 from both side surfaces of the packaging film 4. Then, the end sealing machine 80 seals the packaging film 4 to form the end seal part 6. The end sealing machine 80 cuts the end seal part 6 along the width direction, and the package 2 is separated from the packaging film 4.

[0058] [Summary] In the present embodiment, the first claw 72 for pushing in the side surface of the cylindrical packaging film 4 and forming a gusset includes a support member 75 extending along the central axis, and a claw part 76 provided at the tip of the support member 75. The claw part 76 includes a first plate 76a inclined at a first angle a1 with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75, and a second plate 76b inclined at a second angle a2 different from the first angle a1 on the side opposite to the first plate 76a with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75.

[0059] According to the above configuration, when the first claw 72 presses into the side surface of the packaging film 4, the first plate 76a folds the upper side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed) from the upper and lower center lines of the side surface of the packaging film 4, and the second plate 76b folds the lower side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is formed). Here, the first plate 76a that folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 on the surface side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed) where it is desired to increase the folding length of the gusset in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 is inclined at the first angle a1, and the second plate 76b that folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 on the surface side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is formed) where it is desired to decrease the folding length of the gusset is inclined at a second angle a2 greater than the first angle a1. Therefore, the second plate 76b can contact the side surface of the packaging film 4 for a longer time than the first plate 76a. Accordingly, the second plate 76b presses the side surface of the packaging film 4 deeper inward than the first plate 76a. As a result, the folding length of the formed gusset is formed longer on the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed than on the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is formed. That is, according to the gusset claw according to the present embodiment, gussets having different folding lengths can be formed.

[0060] Further, the gusset forming device 70 according to the present embodiment includes a pushing mechanism 100 that operates the first claw 72.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the pushing mechanism 100 can move the first claw 72 along the longitudinal direction of the support member 75. Here, after the pushing mechanism 100 moves the first claw 72 so as to press into and pull back from the side surface of the packaging film 4, by transporting the packaging film 4 by a certain distance in the transport direction, the first claw 72 can form gussets at regular intervals on the side surface of the packaging film 4. That is, according to the gusset forming device 70 according to the present embodiment, gussets having different folding lengths can be formed at regular intervals in the transport direction on the side surfaces of the continuous packaging film 4.

[0062] ==Second Embodiment== Next, the first claw 72 and the second claw 73 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the members and configurations common to the above embodiment will be omitted. The first claw 72 and the second claw 73 have a claw portion 176 described below instead of the claw portion 76.

[0063] The claw portion 176 is a portion that contacts the side surface of the packaging film 4 and folds the side surface of the packaging film 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the claw portion 176 is provided at one end of the support member 75. The claw portion 176 has a first plate 176a and a second plate 176b.

[0064] The first plate 176a is a portion that forms a fold on one surface side of the packaging film 4 among the two folds that form the gusset. The first plate 176a according to the present embodiment forms a fold on the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed. The first plate 176a according to the present embodiment is in the shape of a trapezoidal plate (see FIG. 9). The first plate 176a has a first side 176c corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid and extending in the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 and a first hypotenuse 176d corresponding to the hypotenuse of the trapezoid forming a third angle a3 at the tip side of the support member 75. The first plate 176a has the first side 176c corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid attached to the support member 75. The first plate 176a is provided so as to be inclined by a first angle a1 with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 (see FIG. 10). Note that the first plate 176a may be a quadrilateral other than a trapezoid or a triangle.

[0065] The second plate 176b is a part that forms the fold on the other side of the packaging film 4 among the two folds that make up the gusset. The second plate 176b according to the present embodiment forms the fold on the side where the center seal portion 5 is formed. The second plate 176b according to the present embodiment is trapezoidal in shape (see FIG. 9). The second plate 176b has a second side 176e corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid and extending in the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 and a second hypotenuse 176f corresponding to the hypotenuse of the trapezoid forming a fourth angle a4. In the present embodiment, the fourth angle a4 is larger than the third angle a3. The second plate 176b has the second side 176e corresponding to the lower base of the trapezoid attached to the support member 75. The second plate 176b is provided so as to be inclined by a first angle a1 on the opposite side of the first plate 176a with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 (see FIG. 10). In the present embodiment, the first plate 176a and the second plate 176b are inclined by the same first angle a1 with respect to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member 75. The second plate 176b is joined so as to align the second side 176e with the first side 176c of the first plate 176a, and forms the claw portion 176 integrally with the first plate 176a. Note that the second plate 176b may be a quadrilateral other than a trapezoid or a triangle.

[0066] As described above, the claw portion 176 is formed by joining the second plate 176b to the first plate 176a. The claw portion 176 of the first claw 72 is V-shaped and opens upstream when viewed from the outside in the width direction. Also, the claw portion 176 of the second claw 73 is V-shaped and opens downstream when viewed from the outside in the width direction.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the first claw 72 for pushing in the side surface of the cylindrical packaging film 4 to form a gusset includes a support member 75 extending along the central axis, and a claw portion 176 provided at the tip of the support member 75. The claw portion 176 has a first plate 176a having a first side 176c extending in the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 and a first hypotenuse 176d forming a third angle a3 with the first side 176c on the tip side of the support member 75, and a second plate 176b having a second side 176e extending in the longitudinal direction of the support member 75 and a second hypotenuse 176f forming a fourth angle a4 different from the third angle a3 with the second side 176e on the tip side of the support member 75.

[0068] According to the above configuration, when the first claw 72 pushes in the side surface of the packaging film 4, the first plate 176a folds the upper side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed) from the upper and lower center lines of the side surface of the packaging film 4, and the second plate 176b folds the lower side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is formed). Here, since the first hypotenuse 176d of the first plate 176a that folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 on the surface side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed) where the folding length of the gusset is desired to be long forms a third angle a3 with the first side 176c on the tip side of the support member 75, and the second hypotenuse 176f of the second plate 176b that folds the side surface of the packaging film 4 on the surface side (the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is formed) where the folding length of the gusset is desired to be short forms a fourth angle a4 larger than the third angle a3 with the second side 176e on the tip side of the support member 75, the second hypotenuse 176f contacts the side surface of the packaging film 4 earlier than the first hypotenuse 176d. Therefore, the second plate 176b pushes the side surface of the packaging film 4 more inward than the first plate 176a. As a result, the folding length of the formed gusset is formed longer on the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is not formed than on the surface side where the center seal portion 5 is formed. That is, according to the gusset claw according to the second embodiment, gussets with different folding lengths can be produced.

[0069] <Modification> You may apply a combination of each of the following modification points.

[0070] (1) Modification Example 1 In this embodiment, the pushing mechanism 100 included a drive motor 101 and a linear motion mechanism 102. However, the pushing mechanism 100 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the first claw 72 in the longitudinal direction of the support member 75. For example, a structure that moves the first claw 72 by a servo motor and a link mechanism described in Japanese Patent No. 5219432 may be used. Also, a structure that moves the first claw 72 by a cylinder described in Japanese Patent No. 5126962 may be used. Further, a structure that moves the first claw 72 by a link mechanism using a cam described in Japanese Patent No. 4294983 may be used.

[0071] (2) Modification Example 2 The end seal machine 80 may be, for example, a box motion type sealing device in which a pair of end sealers described in JP-A-2021-031061 form an end seal portion 6 on the packaging film 4 in synchronization with the movement of the cylindrical packaging film 4 in the conveying direction.

[0072] (3) Modification Example 3 The pillow packaging device 1 may be, for example, an inverted pillow packaging device described in Japanese Patent No. 7007727.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0073] 3... Object to be packaged, 4... Packaging film, 7... Gusset, 70... Gusset forming device, 72... First claw (gusset claw), 73... Second claw (gusset claw), 75... Support member, 76, 176... Claw portion, 76a, 176a... First plate, 76b, 176b... Second plate, 100... Pushing mechanism, 176c... First side, 176d... First hypotenuse, 176e... Second side, 176f... Second hypotenuse, a1... First angle, a2... Second angle, a3... Third angle, a4... Fourth angle

Claims

**Claim 1** A gusset claw for pushing in the side surface of a cylindrical packaging film to form a gusset, comprising: a support member extending along a central axis; a claw portion provided at a tip of the support member; The gusset claw is provided with: The claw portion includes: a first plate inclined at a first angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member; a second plate inclined at a second angle different from the first angle on the side opposite to the first plate with respect to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the support member; a gusset claw having the above structure. **Claim 2** A gusset forming device comprising the gusset claw according to claim 1 and a pushing mechanism for operating the gusset claw. ​

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