Packaging machine sealing device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of accurately and easily aligning a position of a rotation center axis of a toggle link mechanism and a position of an output rotation axis of a servo motor, in a seal device using the toggle link mechanism.SOLUTION: A lateral seal device 10 comprises first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12, a shaft holding block 13, first and second sealers 21, 22, two sealer shafts 31, a servo motor 33, a toggle link mechanism 50, and an integrated block 70. The integrated block is integrally provided with a rotation center axis of the toggle link mechanism (a third connection shaft 53) and the servo motor, and is attached to a machine frame 35 acting as an immobile support body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device such as a horizontal sealing device used in a packaging machine such as a vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Vertical form-fill-seal packaging machines, also known as vertical pillow packaging machines, are widely used in various industrial fields. An example of the operation of a vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine is as follows: First, packaging film is unwound from a roll and formed into a tubular shape using a bag former. Next, the tubular film is fed vertically downward, and vertical seals are applied to the overlapping edge of the tubular film, after which the product is inserted and filled. Next, horizontal seals are applied across the width of the tubular film between the products. Finally, a cutter is used to cut the horizontal seals in the center, producing a so-called pillow package in which the product is filled into the bag.

[0003] The horizontal sealing device in a vertical form-fill-seal machine has two horizontal sealing members that face each other across a tubular film. These horizontal sealing members can move toward and away from each other. Each horizontal sealing member has a built-in heater, and when pressed against the tubular film, the heater applies heat, softening and bonding the pressed portion. In other words, a horizontal seal is created.

[0004] In this type of packaging machine, a horizontal sealing device is known that obtains high sealing pressure by converting the output of a servo motor into the opening and closing operation of a sealing means via a toggle link mechanism (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-188203 A: "Packaging machine equipped with a toggle mechanism-operated sealing unit" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Recently, there has been a demand for improved packaging capacity in packaging machines. In order to increase packaging capacity, i.e., the number of rotations per minute, a high sealing pressure is required. Furthermore, in order to accommodate the wide variety of packaging materials (polyethylene, Japanese paper, etc.) that are suitable for the products being packaged, it is necessary to set the optimal sealing pressure for each packaging material.

[0007] On the other hand, depending on the packaging configuration, the area sealed by the horizontal sealer may have adjacent areas where two layers of packaging material overlap and areas where three or more layers overlap. Even in areas where the thickness of the packaging material varies, it is necessary to reliably seal both the thin and thick areas simultaneously. Furthermore, when multiple packaging machines of the same model are operating simultaneously, production must be carried out without variation in the horizontal sealing pressure between each machine.

[0008] For these reasons, there is a growing demand for improved accuracy in pressure values ​​in transverse sealing. However, in transverse sealing devices using the toggle link mechanism described above, it is necessary to align the position of the rotation center axis of the toggle link mechanism and the position of the output rotation axis of the servo motor with high precision. This is because it is difficult to achieve the desired operation without aligning them with high precision.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can easily and accurately align the position of the rotation center axis of a toggle link mechanism with the position of the output rotation shaft of a servo motor in a sealing device using a toggle link mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The sealing device according to the present invention comprises: First and second sealer holding blocks arranged to be movable in the opening and closing direction; first and second sealers that are respectively provided on opposing surfaces of the first and second sealer holding blocks so as to sandwich a packaging material therebetween, and that are disengaged from or come into contact with the packaging material by the first and second sealer holding blocks that move in the opening and closing direction, and that sandwich and seal the packaging material when they come into contact with each other; a shaft holding block disposed rearward of the second sealer holding block as viewed from the first sealer holding block; a sealer shaft extending in a direction parallel to the opening / closing direction in which the first and second sealer holding blocks move, connecting the first sealer holding block and the shaft holding block, and passing through and guiding the second sealer holding block; a servo motor as a drive source for moving the first and second sealer holding blocks in the opening and closing directions; a toggle link mechanism having a plurality of links and a rotational center shaft, any one of the plurality of links being rotatably attached to a stationary support via the rotational center shaft, and converting the output of the servo motor into movement of the first and second sealer holding blocks in the opening and closing directions; an integral block in which the rotation center shaft and the servo motor are integrally provided and attached to a machine frame as the stationary support; 、 the toggle link mechanism includes first and second toggle link mechanisms; the first toggle link mechanism includes first to third links each having one end and the other end, and first to fifth connecting shafts; the second toggle link mechanism includes fourth and fifth links having one end and the other end, and a sixth connecting shaft; the first link has one end rotatably connected to the second sealer holding block via the first connecting shaft; the second link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first link via the second connecting shaft, and an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end is rotatably attached to the machine frame via the third connecting shaft as the rotation center shaft, the third link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second link via the fourth connecting shaft, and the other end rotatably connected to the shaft holding block via the fifth connecting shaft; the fourth link has one end rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft, the fifth link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth link via the sixth connecting shaft, and the other end attached to the output rotation shaft of the servo motor; The first toggle link mechanism and the second toggle link mechanism are in a relationship such that, when the second toggle link mechanism moves toward each other in a straight line, the first toggle link mechanism, which is pushed by the second toggle link mechanism, also moves toward each other in a straight line. This is a sealing device for a packaging machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the sealing device of the present invention, by attaching an integrated block in which the rotation center axis of the toggle link mechanism and the servo motor are integrally provided to the machine frame, the position of the rotation center axis of the toggle link mechanism and the position of the output rotation axis of the servo motor can be aligned with high precision and easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view showing a vertical bag form-fill-seal packaging machine of the present application. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view showing the horizontal sealing device of the present application, and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 3. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view showing a horizontal sealing device of the present application. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view showing a state in which a toggle link mechanism is removed in the horizontal sealing device of the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an integrated block in a horizontal sealing device of the present application. FIG. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are schematic side views showing the operation of the horizontal sealing device of the present application, where FIG. 6[A] shows the closing operation and FIG. 6[B] shows the opening operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the toggle link mechanism is removed in the horizontal sealing device of the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view showing a vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine 1 of the present application. The vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine of the present application will be described below with reference to Figure 1. In the present application, the "packaging machine," "sealing device," and "packaging material" are exemplified by the vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine 1, the horizontal sealing device 10, and the strip film Fw and tubular film Ft, respectively.

[0014] Vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine 1 is a packaging machine that continuously produces bag packages Bp in which product P is contained in the bags by forming bags by forming horizontal seals with horizontal sealing device 10 on tubular film Ft that is fed vertically so as to surround the periphery of vertically arranged form-fill-seal tube 4, while feeding product P into tubular film Ft through form-fill-seal tube 4. The vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0015] The vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine 1 is equipped with a take-up roll Fr around which a predetermined amount of strip film Fw is wound. Downstream of the flow of the strip film Fw from the take-up roll Fr is a tensioning mechanism 2 that oscillates in the direction indicated by arrow A to apply optimal tension to the strip film Fw. Further downstream of the flow of the tensioning mechanism 2 are a cylinder former 3 that forms the strip film Fw that has passed through the tensioning mechanism 2 into a cylindrical shape, and a form-fill-seal tube 4 onto which the tubular film Ft formed by the tube former 3 is attached.

[0016] The form-fill-seal cylinder 4 is provided with a product input section 4A disposed at the top into which the product P is input, a paper feed mechanism 5 that feeds the tubular film Ft downstream, and a vertical sealing device 6. The vertical sealing device 6 applies vertical seals to both overlapping ends of the tubular film Ft along the feed direction of the paper feed mechanism 5.

[0017] A horizontal sealing device 10 is disposed downstream of the vertical sealing device 6. The horizontal sealing device 10 includes first and second sealers 21, 22 and first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 on which the first and second sealers 21, 22 are respectively mounted. The first and second sealers 21, 22 pressurize and contact the product insertion side of the tubular film Ft containing the product P from both sides, and then heat seal the product. In the horizontal sealing device 10, the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 are movable toward and away from each other (in the X-axis direction) by drive of a servo motor, which will be described later.

[0018] Figures 2 to 6 show the horizontal sealing device 10 of the present application, with Figure 2 being a side view, Figure 3 being a plan view, Figure 4 being a side view showing the state with the toggle link mechanism 50 removed, Figure 5 being a perspective view showing an example of an integrated block 70, Figure 6[A] being a schematic side view showing the closing operation, and Figure 6[B] being a schematic side view showing the opening operation. The configuration of the horizontal sealing device 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

[0019] The horizontal sealing device 10 includes first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12, a shaft holding block 13, first and second sealers 21, 22, two sealer shafts 31, 32, a servo motor 33, a toggle link mechanism 50, and an integrated block 70.

[0020] The first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 are arranged to be movable in the opening / closing direction X. The first and second sealers 21, 22 are respectively arranged on the opposing surfaces of the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 so as to sandwich the tubular film Ft. As the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 move in the opening / closing direction X, they move away from or come into contact with the tubular film Ft, and when they come into contact, they sandwich and seal the tubular film Ft. The shaft holding block 13 is arranged behind the second sealer holding block 12 as viewed from the first sealer holding block 11. Two sealer shafts 31, 32 extend in a direction parallel to the opening / closing direction X in which the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 move, connecting the first sealer holding block 11 and the shaft holding block 13, and also penetrate and guide the second sealer holding block 12.

[0021] The servo motor 33 is a drive source that moves the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 in the opening / closing direction X. The toggle link mechanism 50 has a plurality of links (first to fifth links 41-45) and a rotation center shaft (third connecting shaft 53), and one of the plurality of links (second link 42) is rotatably attached to a stationary support (machine frame 35) via the rotation center shaft (third connecting shaft 53), and converts the output of the servo motor 33 into movement of the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 in the opening / closing direction X.

[0022] The integrated block 70 is integral with the rotation axis (third connecting shaft 53) and the servo motor 33, and is attached to the machine frame 35, which serves as a stationary support. Here, "integral" means that the entire block is one unit and cannot be separated. The integrated block 70 may have a box-like structure, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, it is preferable to provide insertion holes 71, 72, and 73 for inserting both ends of the third connecting shaft 53 and the servo motor 33. A groove may be formed in the machine frame 35, and the integrated block 70 may be fitted into this groove and secured with screws. Note that FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram that omits small accessories and the like.

[0023] The stationary support is a support consisting of a part that does not move when viewed from the sealing device 10. In this application, a horizontal sealer frame is used as the machine frame 35. An up / down shaft 36 passes through the machine frame 35. The horizontal sealing device 10 can move up and down together with the machine frame 35, and the up / down shaft 36 serves as a guide during this movement.

[0024] The toggle link mechanism 50 has first and second toggle link mechanisms 61, 62. The first toggle link mechanism 61 has first to third links 41 to 43 each having one end and the other end, and first to fifth connecting shafts 51 to 55. The second toggle link mechanism 62 has fourth and fifth links 44, 45 each having one end and the other end, and a sixth connecting shaft 56. Note that the reference numerals for the one ends and the other ends of the first to fifth links 41 to 45 are omitted.

[0025] One end of the first link 41 is rotatably connected to the second sealer holding block 12 via a first connecting shaft 51. One end of the second link 42 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link 41 via a second connecting shaft 52, and a portion intermediate the one and the other ends is rotatably attached to the machine frame 35 via a third connecting shaft 53 as a rotation center shaft. One end of the third link 43 is rotatably connected to the other end of the second link 42 via a fourth connecting shaft 54, and the other end is rotatably connected to the shaft holding block 13 via a fifth connecting shaft 55.

[0026] One end of the fourth link 44 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 52. One end of the fifth link 45 is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth link 44 via a sixth connecting shaft 56, and the other end is attached to the output rotation shaft 34 of the servo motor 33.

[0027] The first toggle link mechanism 61 and the second toggle link mechanism 62 are in a relationship in which when the second toggle link mechanism 62 moves toward each other in a straight line, the first toggle link mechanism 61, which is pushed by the second toggle link mechanism 62, also moves toward each other in a straight line (Figure 6[B] → [A]).

[0028] Note that FIG. 2 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 3 , and shows the integrated block 70 with a cutout. However, because some parts are omitted or simplified in FIGS. 2 and 3 , there are some differences between the two views. The second sealer holding block 12 is provided with a link holding member 121. Therefore, one end of the first link 41 is rotatably connected to the second sealer holding block 12 via the link holding member 121 and the first connecting shaft 51. Similarly, the shaft holding block 13 is provided with a link holding member 131. Therefore, the other end of the third link 43 is rotatably connected to the shaft holding block 13 via the link holding member 131 and the fifth connecting shaft 55. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , multiple linear bushings 311 and 321 are fitted into the two sealer shafts 31 and 32, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3 , in a plan view, the first and third links 41 and 43 are rectangular, the second link 42 is L-shaped, and the link holding members 121 and 131 are U-shaped.

[0029] Next, the horizontal sealing device 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Hereinafter, the first and second sealer holding blocks 11, 12 and the first and second sealers 21, 22 may be collectively referred to as "sealing means."

[0030] The horizontal sealing device 10 has a unit structure that clamps the tubular film Ft from both the left and right directions in the figure, and includes a sealing means, a servo motor 33, and a toggle link mechanism 50 that converts the output of the servo motor 33 into opening and closing operation of the sealing means. The sealing means includes first and second sealer holding blocks 11 and 12 that clamp and seal the tubular film Ft from both sides in the horizontal direction, and bar-shaped first and second sealers 21 and 22 supported by the first and second sealer holding blocks 11 and 12, respectively. The bar-shaped first and second sealers 21 and 22 have a length that exceeds the width of the tubular film Ft when, for example, two sheets of packaging film are overlapping each other.

[0031] Movement of the toggle link mechanism 50 causes the second seal retaining block 12 and the second sealer 22 to move, and in response to this movement, the first seal retaining block 11 and the first sealer 21 also move (FIG. 6). For this reason, the horizontal sealing device 10 is provided with a shaft retaining block 13 to which the toggle link mechanism 50 is connected, and two sealer shafts 31 and 32 that connect the shaft retaining block 13 to the first seal retaining block 11. The two sealer shafts 31 and 32 are attached to the shaft retaining block 13 and the first seal retaining block 11, and pass through the second seal retaining block 12 to guide the movement of the second seal retaining block 12.

[0032] The first and second sealers 21, 22 are arranged on either side of the tubular film Ft, and move in the opening / closing direction X by the operation of a toggle link mechanism 50, which will be described later. In response to this closing operation, the first and second sealers 21, 22 come into contact with the tubular film Ft, and when they do so, they apply a seal such as a heat seal to the tubular film Ft. The servo motor 33 serves as a drive source for driving the sealing means to perform the opening and closing operations, and is disposed at a position below and away from the opening and closing operation surface of the sealing means.

[0033] The toggle link mechanism 50 is configured as a double toggle link mechanism that combines a first toggle link mechanism 61 and a second toggle link mechanism 62. The first toggle link mechanism 61 and the second toggle link mechanism 62 are arranged in a manner that performs toggle link operation within a plane (cross section of line AA shown in FIG. 3) that is perpendicular to the bar-like extension direction of the first and second sealers 21, 22. However, the second toggle link mechanism 62 is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] The first toggle link mechanism 61 is disposed between the second sealer holding block 12 and the shaft holding block 13. The shaft holding block 13 is disposed away from the second sealer holding block 12 in the opening direction. The first toggle link mechanism 61 includes first to third links 41 to 43. The first link 41 is rotatably connected at one end to the second sealer holding block 12 by a first connecting shaft 51. The third link 43 is rotatably connected at one end to the shaft holding block 13 by a fifth connecting shaft 55. The second link 42 is rotatably connected to the other ends of the first and third links 41 and 43 by second and fourth connecting shafts 52 and 54, respectively. The second link 42 is rotatably disposed on the fixed machine frame 35 by the third connecting shaft 53 located at its center. Therefore, the position of the rotation axis is fixed relative to the machine frame 35, resulting in a toggle link mechanism that operates stably.

[0035] The second toggle link mechanism 62 includes fourth and fifth links 44, 45. One end of the fifth link 45 is attached to the output rotation shaft 34 of the servo motor 33. The fourth link 44 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 52 of the first toggle link mechanism 61. The other ends of the fourth and fifth links 44, 45 are rotatably connected to each other by a sixth connecting shaft 56. The fourth link 44 may be rotatably connected to the fourth connecting shaft 54 ​​instead of the second connecting shaft 52.

[0036] 6, the first toggle link mechanism 61 and the second toggle link mechanism 62 perform link operations such that they bend at the second and fourth connecting shafts 52, 54 and the sixth connecting shaft 56, respectively. At this time, when the servo motor 33 is driven and the second toggle link mechanism 62 moves closer to the first toggle link mechanism 61 in a straight line, the first toggle link mechanism 61 is pushed by the fourth link 44 of the second toggle link mechanism 62 and also moves closer to the first toggle link mechanism in a straight line (FIG. 6[B]→[A]).

[0037] The output of the servo motor 33, which serves as a drive source, is converted by the toggle link mechanism 50 into the opening and closing operation of the sealing means. This conversion of operation allows the sealing means to open and close the tubular film Ft, and during the closing operation, the sealing means seals the tubular film Ft, for example, by heat sealing. In the second toggle link mechanism 62, when the fifth link 45 rotates together with the output rotation shaft 34 of the servo motor 33 and the fourth and fifth links 44, 45 move closer to a straight line so that the angle at which they intersect at the sixth connecting shaft 56 approaches 180 degrees, the pushing force exerted by the second connecting shaft 52 on the first toggle link mechanism 61 increases. At this time, due to the relationship between the first toggle link mechanism 61 and the second toggle link mechanism 62, the first toggle link mechanism 61 also moves closer to a straight line so that the angles at which the first to third links 41-43 intersect at the second and fourth connecting shafts 52, 54, respectively, approach 180 degrees.

[0038] This movement of the first toggle link mechanism 61 causes the first link 41 to directly bring the second sealer 22 closer to the tubular film Ft, and the third link 43 to push the shaft holding block 13 away from the tubular film Ft. The pushing action of the shaft holding block 13 causes the first sealer 21 to approach the tubular film Ft from the opposite side of the second sealer 22 via the two sealer shafts 31, 32. Therefore, as the second toggle link mechanism 62 moves closer in a straight line, the first toggle link mechanism 61 is pushed with increased force from the second connecting shaft 52, and at the same time, the first toggle link mechanism 61, moving closer in a straight line, causes the first and second sealers 21, 22 to abut against the tubular film Ft with even greater force in the sealing means. As a result, the first and second sealers 21, 22 can perform a horizontal seal on the tubular film Ft with high sealing pressure.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the integral block 70 is integrally provided with a sensor 74 for detecting the operating state of the toggle link mechanism 50 in addition to the rotation center shaft (third connecting shaft 53) and the servo motor 33.

[0040] The sensor 74 is a proximity sensor that is provided near the second link 42 and detects the presence or absence (approach or separation) of the second link 42, for example, by using capacitance. The output signal of the sensor 74 is, for example, on if the second link 42 is present, and off if the second link 42 is absent. In other words, an on signal is output during the period from the state of Figure 6[A] to just before the state of Figure 6[B] is reached, and an off signal is output when the state of Figure 6[B] is reached.

[0041] This makes it possible to determine the origin of the first and second sealers 21, 22 using the sensor 74. First, the second link 42 is rotated until it passes the point where the ON signal becomes the OFF signal. Then, the second link 42 is rotated in the reverse direction, returning it to the point where the OFF signal becomes the ON signal, and this point is set as the origin.

[0042] Next, the operation and effect of the horizontal sealing device 10 will be described.

[0043] According to the horizontal sealing device 10, an integrated block 70, in which the rotation center shaft (third connecting shaft 53) of the toggle link mechanism 50 and the servo motor 33 are integrally provided, is attached to the machine frame 35, so that the position of the rotation center shaft (third connecting shaft 53) of the toggle link mechanism 50 and the position of the output rotation shaft 34 of the servo motor 33 can be aligned with high precision and easily. In FIG. 4, the position of the third connecting shaft 53 is indicated by a center 531, and the position of the output rotation shaft 34 is indicated by a center 341. This will be explained in detail below.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first to third links 41-43 in the toggle link mechanism 50 are not perfectly linear. In other words, the toggle link mechanism 50 operates so that the first and second sealers 21, 22 contact and seal the tubular film Ft just before the first to third links 41-43 become coaxially linear with the first and second seals 21, 22. This is because the greatest sealing pressure is obtained just before the first to third links 41-43 become linear. Therefore, to achieve operation of the toggle link mechanism 50 such that the first to third links 41-43 stop just before becoming linear, the third connecting shaft 53, which serves as the rotational axis of the toggle link mechanism 50, and the output rotating shaft 34 of the servo motor 33 must be positioned with high precision. In other words, even the slightest deviation is not permitted in the positioning, such as the parallelism, between the third connecting shaft 53 and the output rotating shaft 34.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a horizontal sealing device 80 as a comparative example. In Figure 7, the same parts as in Figure 4 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In the horizontal sealing device 80, the third connecting shaft 53 serving as the rotation center shaft and the servo motor 33 are attached to the horizontal sealer frame serving as the machine frame 35 via separate brackets 81 and 82, respectively.

[0046] Therefore, in the comparative example, it was necessary to precisely attach the third connecting shaft 53 to the machine frame 35, and further precisely attach the servo motor 33 to the machine frame 35, and further precisely position the third connecting shaft 53 and the output rotation shaft 34. This work was extremely difficult, and therefore work efficiency was reduced.

[0047] In contrast, in the present application, by attaching an integrated block 70 in which the third connecting shaft 53 and the servo motor 33 are integrally formed to the machine frame 35, high-precision positioning of the third connecting shaft 53 and the output rotation shaft 34 is completed when assembling the integrated block 70, which makes it easier to attach the integrated block 70 to the machine frame 35 and improves work efficiency.

[0048] This effect also produces the following secondary effects: The number of parts that require high machining precision, such as the brackets 81 and 82 in the comparative example, is reduced. The work of attaching to the machine frame 35 is simplified, ensuring consistent quality regardless of the skill level of the worker. The adjustment of the toggle link mechanism 50 during operation is minimized.

[0049] The effects of the horizontal sealing device 10 on the vertical form-fill-seal-seal machine 1 are as follows: The performance of each packaging machine can be standardized. Horizontal sealing with a stable pressure value can be achieved even when the processing speed is increased. Stable horizontal sealing can be achieved regardless of the packaging material or packaging form. The assembly efficiency of the packaging machine and the production efficiency of the packaging machine are improved.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the horizontal sealing device 10, an integral block 70 is attached to the machine frame 35, which is integrally provided with not only the third connecting shaft 53 and the servo motor 33, but also a sensor 74 that detects the operating state of the toggle link mechanism 50. As a result, high-precision positioning of the third connecting shaft 53, the output rotating shaft 34, and the sensor 74 is completed when assembling the integral block 70, which makes it easier to attach the integral block 70 to the machine frame 35 and improves work efficiency.

[0051] <Other> Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention.

[0052] The present invention can be applied to packaging machines other than the above-mentioned form, fill and seal machine. A sealing device equipped with a double toggle link mechanism that converts the output of a servo motor into a contact / separation operation (opening and closing operation) can also be applied to a sealing device that seals overlapping sheet-like packaging material. In the case of a form, fill and seal machine, the present invention can be applied to the sealing device of not only a vertical type but also a horizontal type form, fill and seal machine, and can be applied to the sealing device of the sealing means of the form, fill and seal machine, whether it is an intermittent operation type or a continuous operation type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Vertical form-fill-seal machine (packaging machine) 2 Tension mechanism 3 Cylinder maker 4 Bag making and filling cylinder 4A Product loading section 5 Paper feed mechanism 6 Vertical sealing device Fr winding roll Fw Strip film (packaging material) Ft Cylindrical film (cylindrical packaging material) P product Bp bag packaging 10 Horizontal sealing device (sealing device) 11,12 First and second sealer retaining blocks 13 Shaft retaining block 121,131 Link retaining member 21, 22 First and Second Sheila 31,32 Two seal shafts 311,321 Linear bushing 33 Servo motor 34 Output rotating shaft 341 Center 35 Machine frame (stationary support) 36 Up / down shaft 50 Toggle link mechanism 61, 62 First and second toggle link mechanisms 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 First to fifth links 51,52,54,55,56 First, second, fourth to sixth connecting shaft 53 Third connecting shaft (rotation center shaft) 531 Center 70 Integrated Block 71, 72, 73 Insertion holes 74 Sensors 80 Horizontal sealing device (comparison example) 81,82 Bracket

Claims

1. First and second sealer holding blocks arranged to be movable in the opening and closing direction; first and second sealers that are respectively provided on opposing surfaces of the first and second sealer holding blocks so as to sandwich a packaging material therebetween, and that are disengaged from or come into contact with the packaging material by the first and second sealer holding blocks that move in the opening and closing direction, and that sandwich and seal the packaging material when they come into contact with each other; a shaft holding block disposed rearward of the second sealer holding block as viewed from the first sealer holding block; two sealer shafts extending in a direction parallel to the opening / closing direction in which the first and second sealer holding blocks move, connecting the first sealer holding block and the shaft holding block, and passing through and guiding the second sealer holding block; a servo motor as a drive source for moving the first and second sealer holding blocks in the opening and closing directions; a toggle link mechanism having a plurality of links and a rotational center shaft, any one of the plurality of links being rotatably attached to a stationary support via the rotational center shaft, and converting the output of the servo motor into movement of the first and second sealer holding blocks in the opening and closing directions; an integrated block in which the rotation central shaft and the servo motor are integrally provided and attached to a machine frame serving as the stationary support; the toggle link mechanism includes first and second toggle link mechanisms; the first toggle link mechanism includes first to third links each having one end and the other end, and first to fifth connecting shafts; the second toggle link mechanism includes fourth and fifth links having one end and the other end, and a sixth connecting shaft; the first link has one end rotatably connected to the second sealer holding block via the first connecting shaft; the second link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first link via the second connecting shaft, and an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end is rotatably attached to the machine frame via the third connecting shaft as the rotation center shaft, the third link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second link via the fourth connecting shaft, and the other end rotatably connected to the shaft holding block via the fifth connecting shaft; the fourth link has one end rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft, the fifth link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth link via the sixth connecting shaft, and the other end attached to the output rotation shaft of the servo motor; The first toggle link mechanism and the second toggle link mechanism are in a relationship such that, when the second toggle link mechanism moves toward each other in a straight line, the first toggle link mechanism, which is pushed by the second toggle link mechanism, also moves toward each other in a straight line. Sealing device for packaging machines.

2. In addition to the rotation center shaft and the servo motor, a sensor for detecting the operating state of the toggle link mechanism is integrally provided in the integrated block. The sealing device of a packaging machine according to claim 1.

3. The packaging machine is a vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine that continuously produces bag packages in which the product is contained in the bag by forming a bag by applying horizontal sealing to the tubular packaging material, which is fed vertically so as to surround the periphery of a vertically arranged filling tube, using the sealing device, and feeding a product into the tubular packaging material through the filling tube.

3. The sealing device of claim 1 or 2.

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