Sealing Device

Abstract

To provide a seal apparatus that can prevent a powder to be suctioned when degassing and sealing a sealed object that contains the powder.SOLUTION: A seal apparatus includes: a pressing portion and a receiving portion to clamp an opening portion of a sealed object containing powder; a heater provided at the pressing portion and / or the receiving portion and for sealing the opening portion; a degassing nozzle that is inserted inside the sealed object from the opening portion and is disposed so to be located at a position where a suction port is separated from the powder; and a long degassing auxiliary member extending from the suction port to the powder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A sealing device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is used to seal the opening of a packaging bag made of synthetic resin film that contains an object to be contained.

[0003] When sealing the opening of a packaging bag, the air inside the bag may be removed (deaerated) and then sealed. By deaerating and sealing in this way, it is possible to prevent oxidation and spoilage of the contents and reduce the storage space required by reducing the volume of the contents.

[0004] However, when degassing and sealing a packaging bag containing powder, the following problems arise. First, as shown in Fig. 12A, degassing is usually performed by bringing the degassing nozzle 7 as close as possible to the powder P. However, unlike solids, in the case of powder, the powder P is sucked out through the degassing port (suction port), resulting in a decrease in the measured value. Second, in order to avoid the first problem, as shown in Fig. 12B, if degassing is performed after moving the degassing nozzle 7 away from the powder P to a distance where it will not suck in the powder P, the film of the packaging bag S will come into close contact with the degassing nozzle 7 and the powder P, preventing degassing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-121798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device that can prevent the inhalation of powder when degassing and sealing an object containing powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The sealing device of the present invention comprises a pressing part and a receiving part for clamping an opening of an object to be sealed in which powder is contained; a heater provided in the pressing portion and / or the receiving portion for sealing the opening; a degassing nozzle that is inserted into the object to be sealed from the opening and that is positioned so that its suction port is spaced apart from the powder; and a long degassing assisting member extending from the suction port toward the powder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a sealing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the degassing assist member and the mounting shaft [Figure 6] Plan view of degassing aid [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the degassing assisting member taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the operation of the sealing device [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the front end of the degassing nozzle is inserted into a packaging bag; [Figure 10] 10 is a plan view of a degassing assistance member according to another embodiment; [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a degassing assistance member according to another embodiment. [Figure 12A] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a first defect of a conventional sealing device. [Figure 12B] 10A and 10B are plan and cross-sectional views illustrating a second defect of a conventional sealing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the sealing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, the dimensional ratios of the drawings do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the sealing device 1. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the sealing device 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the sealing device 1.

[0011] In the following description, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vertical direction is the Z direction, the direction in which the pressing portion 5 and the receiving portion 6 extend is the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is the Y direction. When expressing a direction, if a distinction is made between positive and negative directions, the direction is described with a positive or negative sign, such as "+X direction" and "-X direction." When expressing a direction without distinguishing between positive and negative directions, the direction is simply described as "X direction." In addition, the Y direction may be defined based on the main body portion 2, with the side where the pressing portion 5 and the receiving portion 6 are arranged being referred to as the front side and the side where the base portion 2a is arranged being referred to as the rear side, and the +Y direction also being referred to as the front direction and the -Y direction also being referred to as the rear direction.

[0012] The sealing device 1 seals the opening S1 of a packaging bag S (an example of an object to be sealed) shown in FIG. 9. The sealing device 1 comprises a main body 2 and a base 2a that supports the main body 2 from below. The base 2a extends in the vertical direction and supports the rear of the main body 2. A foot switch 3 is connected to the lower part of the base 2a. The base 2a also comprises two legs 4 that extend forward from the lower end of the base 2a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the legs 4 may be provided with casters.

[0013] The sealing device 1 also has a pressing unit 5 on the upper front side of the main body 2. When sealing, this pressing unit 5 is pressed down. The pressing unit 5 is supported so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis set in the main body 2 (see FIG. 3). The pressing unit 5 is pressed down by an air cylinder (not shown) built into the main body 2, but it may also be pressed down using other actuators such as a motor. A sensor or the like may also be provided so that the pressing unit 5 is automatically pressed down when the packaging bag S is set in a predetermined position.

[0014] The pressing portion 5 includes a first pressing portion 51 and a second pressing portion 52. The first pressing portion 51 is disposed in front of the second pressing portion 52. The first pressing portion 51 and the second pressing portion 52 can move independently.

[0015] The sealing device 1 is disposed below the pressing portion 5 and includes a receiving portion 6 corresponding to the pressing portion 5. The receiving portion 6 includes a first receiving portion 61 and a second receiving portion 62. The first receiving portion 61 and the second receiving portion 62 correspond to the first pressing portion 51 and the second pressing portion 52, respectively.

[0016] The first pressing portion 51 and the first receiving portion 61 have the function of clamping the vicinity of the opening S1 of the packaging bag S. The clamping surfaces of the first pressing portion 51 and the first receiving portion 61 are formed of an elastic material such as rubber. Note that the clamping surfaces of the first pressing portion 51 and the first receiving portion 61 may also be formed of a resin material such as sponge.

[0017] The second pressing portion 52 and the second receiving portion 62 have the function of pressing and clamping the opening S1 of the packaging bag S to seal it. The second receiving portion 62 has a linear heater (not shown) built into its upper portion, and its surface is covered with a fluororesin sheet. This makes it difficult for fused pieces of the resin packaging bag S to adhere, and even if they do adhere, they are easily removed. The linear heater has a length sufficient to cover the length of the opening S1 of the packaging bag S. The linear heater may be built into the second pressing portion 52, or may be built into both the second pressing portion 52 and the second receiving portion 62.

[0018] The first pressing portion 51 is attached so as to be slidable in the up and down direction relative to the second pressing portion 52. As shown in Fig. 3, the first pressing portion 51 is biased downward relative to the second pressing portion 52 by a biasing means such as a spring, and in the normal state, the first pressing portion 51 protrudes downward from the second pressing portion 52.

[0019] The sealing device 1 is equipped with a degassing nozzle 7 (see FIG. 3) that is movable in the front-rear direction. The degassing nozzle 7 is provided at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the space sandwiched between the first pressing portion 51 and the first receiving portion 61 when viewed from the front (viewed in the Y direction). The degassing nozzle 7 is connected to a vacuum pump or ejector (not shown). The degassing nozzle 7 sucks air from inside the packaging bag S.

[0020] 4 and 5 are enlarged perspective views of a portion of FIG. 3. The degassing nozzle 7 is fixed to a slide base 73 via brackets 71 and 72. The slide base 73 is driven in the front-rear direction by a cylinder (not shown). This drives the degassing nozzle 7 in the front-rear direction. The degassing nozzle 7 can be inserted into the packaging bag S by moving from the rear of the main body 2 to the space between the first pressing portion 51 and the first receiving portion 61.

[0021] The front end of the degassing nozzle 7 has a flattened elliptical cylindrical shape. The suction port 7a of the degassing nozzle 7 is elliptical with a height (length in the Z direction) of 2 mm to 5 mm and a width (length in the X direction) of 17 mm to 25 mm. In this embodiment, the suction port 7a of the degassing nozzle 7 is elliptical with a height of 4.5 mm and a width of 24 mm.

[0022] The sealing device 1 is equipped with a long degassing assistance member 8 that extends in the +Y direction from the suction port 7a of the degassing nozzle 7. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the degassing assistance member 8. The degassing assistance member 8 is in the shape of a thin flat plate. The degassing assistance member 8 is composed of a rear end portion 8a on the -Y direction side and a front end portion 8b on the +Y direction side.

[0023] The rear end portion 8a extends linearly in the Y direction. The rear end portion 8a is inserted through the suction port 7a of the degassing nozzle 7 and fixed to the fixed shaft 81. The rear end portion 8a has an attachment hole 8c for fixing to the fixed shaft 81 with a screw. The fixed shaft 81 extends through the degassing nozzle 7 and is fixed to the rear end of the degassing nozzle 7 (see FIG. 4).

[0024] The front end 8b extends in a wavy or zigzag shape in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the front end 8b extends in the Y direction while repeatedly bending with a substantially constant plate width. However, the front end of the front end 8b is wider.

[0025] The degassing assistance member 8 has recesses 8d formed at its side ends in the X direction. The recesses 8d are formed by extending the front end portion 8b in a zigzag pattern. The recesses 8d are formed at both side ends of the degassing assistance member 8. The recesses 8d at both side ends of the degassing assistance member 8 are also arranged in a staggered pattern along the Y direction.

[0026] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the degassing assistance member 8 taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. The degassing assistance member 8 has grooves 9a and 9b formed on its plate surface so as to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). The grooves 9a and 9b are formed over the entire front end portion 8b and in part of the rear end portion 8a. The grooves 9a and 9b reach the inside of the degassing nozzle 7.

[0027] The thickness t8 of the degassing assistance member 8 is preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness t8 of the degassing assistance member 8 is 1 mm.

[0028] The grooves 9a, 9b are formed at intervals in the X direction. The groove 9a formed on the plate surface on the -Z side of the degassing assistance member 8 is offset in the X direction from the groove 9b formed on the plate surface on the +Z side of the degassing assistance member 8.

[0029] The grooves 9a and 9b have a rectangular cross section. The width w9 of the grooves 9a and 9b is preferably 1 mm to 4 mm. In this embodiment, the width w9 of the grooves 9a and 9b is 2 mm. The depth d9 of the grooves 9a and 9b is preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm. In this embodiment, the depth d9 of the grooves 9a and 9b is 0.3 mm.

[0030] The interval between adjacent grooves 9a, 9b is preferably 2 mm to 6 mm. In this embodiment, the interval between grooves 9a is 3 mm, and the interval between grooves 9b is 4 mm.

[0031] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sealing device 1. Fig. 9 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the front end of the deaeration nozzle 7 is inserted into the packaging bag S.

[0032] In step ST1, the foot switch 3 attached to the sealing device 1 is pressed. As a result, in step ST2, the degassing nozzle 7 moves forward and into the space between the first pressing portion 51 and the first receiving portion 61.

[0033] In step ST3, the packaging bag S is set on the front side of the main body 2. At this time, the packaging bag S is set so that the suction port 7a of the degassing nozzle 7 is inserted into the packaging bag S through the opening S1. Powder P is contained inside the packaging bag S.

[0034] The degassing nozzle 7 is positioned so that the suction port 7a is located away from the powder P. By separating the suction port 7a from the powder P, the amount of powder P sucked into the degassing nozzle 7 can be reduced. The distance D (see FIG. 9) between the suction port 7a and the powder P is preferably 100 mm to 250 mm, and more preferably 200 mm to 250 mm. If the distance D is shorter than 100 mm, the degassing nozzle 7 can more easily suck in the powder P. If the distance D is longer than 250 mm, the length of the degassing assistant member 8 must be increased, which increases the suction resistance. Note that the distance D is the distance from the suction port 7a to the closest powder P.

[0035] In step ST4, the foot switch 3 attached to the sealing device 1 is pressed to lower the pressing portion 5, and in step ST5, the first pressing portion 51 and the opposing first receiving portion 61 clamp the vicinity of the opening S1.

[0036] In step ST6, the foot switch 3 attached to the sealing device 1 is pressed. As a result, in step ST7, the deaeration nozzle 7 sucks the air inside the packaging bag S.

[0037] By providing a degassing assistant member 8 that extends from the suction port 7a of the degassing nozzle 7 toward the powder P, it is possible to prevent the film of the packaging bag S from coming into complete contact with the powder P between the degassing nozzle 7 and the powder P (see FIG. 12B), even when the degassing nozzle 7 is positioned away from the powder P. The degassing nozzle 7 can slowly suck air through gaps formed on the side surfaces of the degassing assistant member 8, allowing degassing while limiting the amount of powder P sucked in. Note that although the front end 8b of the degassing assistant member 8 is in contact with the powder P in FIG. 9, the front end 8b of the degassing assistant member 8 may be separated from the powder P. However, the distance between the front end 8b of the degassing assistant member 8 and the powder P is preferably 150 mm or less, and more preferably 100 mm or less.

[0038] Furthermore, the degassing assistant member 8 has grooves 9a and 9b extending in the longitudinal direction, which makes it easier for the degassing nozzle 7 to suck in air (degas).

[0039] Furthermore, by providing a recess 8d at the side end in the X direction of the degassing auxiliary member 8, the powder P sucked in by the degassing nozzle 7 in the -Y direction is caught in the recess 8d, thereby preventing the powder P from being sucked in by the degassing nozzle 7.

[0040] It is also possible to provide a moving mechanism (not shown) to move the degassing assisting member 8 up and down or back and forth several times during degassing, thereby facilitating degassing.

[0041] When the degassing in step ST7 is completed, the degassing nozzle 7 retracts in step ST8. The degassing nozzle 7 may be retracted by pressing the foot switch 3 after a desired time has elapsed, or the degassing time may be set in advance and the degassing nozzle 7 may be configured to retract automatically when the set time has elapsed. Alternatively, a vacuum gauge may be connected to the degassing nozzle 7 so that the degassing nozzle 7 retracts automatically when a desired vacuum level is reached. At this time, the degassing assistant member 8 retracts while sandwiched between the packaging bag S, but because the degassing assistant member 8 is formed in a thin, flat plate shape, it does not put much strain on the packaging bag S.

[0042] After the degassing nozzle 7 has retracted, in step ST9, the pressing part 5 is automatically pressed further down. As a result, the first pressing part 51, which had been biased downward by the biasing means, is pressed upward, and the opening S1 is compressed by the second pressing part 52 and the second receiving part 62.

[0043] In step ST10, the heater built into the second receiving portion 62 is heated to heat-seal the opening S1, thereby sealing the opening S1.

[0044] When heating by the heater for a predetermined time has been completed, the pressing portion 5 is released in step ST11, whereby the clamped state in the vicinity of the opening S1 is released, and the sealed packaging bag S can be taken out.

[0045] As described above, the sealing device 1 of this embodiment comprises a pressing portion 5 and a receiving portion 6 for clamping the opening S1 of the packaging bag S containing powder P, a heater provided in the receiving portion 6 for sealing the opening S1, a degassing nozzle 7 inserted into the interior of the packaging bag S from the opening S1 and positioned so that the suction port 7a is away from the powder P, and a long degassing auxiliary member 8 extending from the suction port 7a toward the powder P.

[0046] According to this configuration, the degassing nozzle 7 is positioned so that the suction port 7a is located away from the powder P, thereby reducing the amount of powder P sucked in by the degassing nozzle 7. Furthermore, the degassing nozzle 7 can slowly suck in air through gaps formed on the side surfaces of the degassing assistant member 8, allowing degassing while reducing the amount of powder P sucked in.

[0047] In the sealing device 1 according to this embodiment, the degassing assisting member 8 is in the form of a thin flat plate, and has a recess 8d formed at a side edge in the plate width direction.

[0048] According to this configuration, the powder P sucked by the degassing nozzle 7 is caught in the recessed portion 8d, thereby preventing the powder P from being sucked into the degassing nozzle 7. In addition, since the degassing assistant member 8 is formed in a thin, flat plate shape, it is less likely to impose a burden on the packaging bag S.

[0049] In addition, in the sealing device 1 according to this embodiment, the degassing assistance member 8 is configured to extend in a wavy or zigzag shape in plan view.

[0050] According to this configuration, the recesses 8d can be formed on both ends of the degassing assistant member 8 in the plate width direction, so that the suction of the powder P by the degassing nozzle 7 can be effectively suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, in the sealing device 1 according to this embodiment, the degassing assisting member 8 has grooves 9a and 9b formed on the plate surface so as to extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] This configuration makes it easier to degas using the degassing nozzle 7.

[0053] In addition, in the sealing device 1 of this embodiment, grooves 9a, 9b are formed on a pair of plate surfaces of the degassing auxiliary member 8, respectively, and the groove 9a formed on one plate surface is offset in the plate width direction relative to the groove 9b formed on the other plate surface.

[0054] According to this configuration, since a plurality of grooves 9a and 9ab are arranged at different positions in the sheet width direction, degassing by the degassing nozzle 7 becomes easier.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations should not be considered to be limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is defined not only by the description of the above embodiments but also by the claims, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0056] The structures employed in the above-described embodiments can be employed in any other embodiment. The specific configurations of the components are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] (1) In the sealing device 1 according to the above embodiment, the degassing assistance member 8 is configured to extend in a wave-like or zigzag shape in plan view. As a result, the degassing assistance member 8 has recesses 8d arranged in a staggered pattern along the Y direction. However, the sealing device 1 is not limited to this configuration. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the recesses 8d formed on both ends of the degassing assistance member 8 in the X direction are arranged in positions facing each other.

[0058] (2) In the sealing device 1 according to the above embodiment, the degassing assistance member 8 has grooves 9a and 9b formed on the plate surface so as to extend in the longitudinal direction. However, the sealing device 1 is not limited to this configuration. The degassing assistance member 8 does not necessarily have to have the grooves 9a and 9b.

[0059] (3) In the seal device 1 according to the above embodiment, the grooves 9a and 9b have a rectangular cross section. However, the seal device 1 is not limited to this configuration. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the grooves 9a and 9b have a triangular cross section. The angle of the groove walls of the grooves 9a and 9b is preferably 60° to 120°. In this embodiment, the angle of the groove walls of the grooves 9a and 9b is 60°. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...sealing device, 2...main body, 2a...base, 3...foot switch, 4...leg, 5...pressing portion, 6...receiving portion, 7...deaeration nozzle, 7a...suction port, 8...deaeration auxiliary member, 8a...rear end, 8b...front end, 8c...mounting hole, 8d...recess, 9a...groove, 9b...groove, 51...first pressing portion, 52...second pressing portion, 61...first receiving portion, 62...second receiving portion, 71...bracket, 72...bracket, 73...slide base, 81...fixed shaft, P...powder, S...packaging bag, S1...opening

Claims

1. a pressing portion and a receiving portion for clamping an opening of an object to be sealed in which powder is accommodated; a heater provided in the pressing portion and / or the receiving portion for sealing the opening; a degassing nozzle that is inserted into the object to be sealed from the opening and that is positioned so that its suction port is spaced apart from the powder; a long degassing assisting member extending from the suction port toward the powder, The degassing assistance member is a thin, flat plate having a recess formed at a side edge in the plate width direction.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the degassing assistance member extends in a wavy or zigzag shape in plan view.

3. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degassing assistance member has a groove formed in a plate surface thereof so as to extend in the longitudinal direction.

4. The grooves are formed on each of the pair of plate surfaces of the degassing assistance member, The sealing device according to claim 3 , wherein the groove formed on one plate surface is offset in the plate width direction relative to the groove formed on the other plate surface.

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