CA2240947A1 - Folding device and bag making and positioning machine - Google Patents
Folding device and bag making and positioning machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2240947A1 CA2240947A1 CA002240947A CA2240947A CA2240947A1 CA 2240947 A1 CA2240947 A1 CA 2240947A1 CA 002240947 A CA002240947 A CA 002240947A CA 2240947 A CA2240947 A CA 2240947A CA 2240947 A1 CA2240947 A1 CA 2240947A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- folding
- band
- plastic material
- sheet material
- nozzle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/04—Forming flat bags from webs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/16—Packaging bread or like bakery products, e.g. unsliced loaves
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
- B65B43/34—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by internal pressure
- B65B43/36—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by internal pressure applied pneumatically
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
- B31B2155/001—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
- B31B2155/001—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally
- B31B2155/0014—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally having their openings facing transversally to the direction of movement
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B2160/00—Shape of flexible containers
- B31B2160/10—Shape of flexible containers rectangular and flat, i.e. without structural provision for thickness of contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/14—Cutting, e.g. perforating, punching, slitting or trimming
Abstract
A folding device for folding sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line to define upper and lower flaps comprises a support and a generally planar first folding element mounted on the support behind which the sheet material passes. The first folding element presents a first folding edge extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the sheet material over which a first portion of the sheet material is folded and a second folding edge extending at an angle to the first folding edge over which a second portion of the sheet material is folded.
The first and second folding edges meet at a corner. A generally planar second folding element, also mounted on the support, is spaced from the first folding device and presents a third folding edge forming generally a right angle with the second folding edge over which the first portion of the sheet material is folded and over which the second portion of the sheet material passes. A machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps is also disclosed.
The first and second folding edges meet at a corner. A generally planar second folding element, also mounted on the support, is spaced from the first folding device and presents a third folding edge forming generally a right angle with the second folding edge over which the first portion of the sheet material is folded and over which the second portion of the sheet material passes. A machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps is also disclosed.
Description
FOLDING DEVICE AND BAG MAKING AND POSITIONING MACHINE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a device to fold sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line and to a machine for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic material so that the bags may be stuffed with products.
BACKGROUND ART
Machines to make and position plastic bags so that the bags may be stuffed with products are known and are used in bakeries where it is desired to bag perishable foodstuffs. It is desired that these machines operate at high speeds to reduce processing times and to handle the capacity of upstream and downstream systems.
For example, Italian Patent Application No. V191A000086 discloses a machine for making bags from a band of transparent hot-melt plastic material.
The band of plastic material is intermittently advanced to a fusing and cutting station where individual bags are formed from the band of plastic material. The individual bags are then intermittently advanced to a filling station which includes a rotatable filling clamp. The filling clamp includes an angular support having an inclined lower surface and is actuable to move a product from a feeder belt into each bag. A
nozzle discharges a jet of compressed air into each bag to inflate the bag to facilitate insertion of the product via the filling clamp.
Although this machine increases bagging capacity, several drawbacks exist. In particular, when the filling clamp is actuated to move a product from the feeder belt and into a bag, the inclined lower surface of the filling clamp may interfere with the open edge of the bag. Also, when the advancement rate of the machine is increased, support for the individual bags decreases making it difficult to support the bags, which in turn results in bags lifting from the machine.
An alternative machine for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,373,390 to Frigo et al. This machine includes a feeding station for feeding a band of pre-folded plastic material to a bag forming station. The bag forming station fuses and cuts the band of plastic material to form individual plastic bags. The individual plastic bags are intermittently advanced to a filling unit by way of a vacuum belt. The filling unit includes a nozzle to discharge a jet of compressed air to inflate each bag as well as a clamp to hold an edge of each bag as the bag is inflated so that the bag may be stuffed. The clamp is adjustable to maintain each bag at the same angle as the product being inserted into the bag. Although the capacity of this machine is satisfactory, the feeding station supplies a pre-folded band of plastic material. Pre-folded plastic material of this nature is expensive making the overall bagging process uneconomical. Also, the use of a clamp to grasp the edge of each bag as the bag arnves at the filling unit makes timing critical and slows the bagging process. Accordingly, improved machines for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic are desired.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel folding device for folding sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line to define upper and lower flaps. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a novel machine for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic material.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a 2o folding device for folding sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line to define upper and lower flaps comprising:
a support;
a generally planar first folding element mounted on said support behind which said sheet material passes, said first folding element presenting a first folding edge extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of said sheet material over which a first portion of said sheet material is folded and a second folding edge extending at an angle to said first folding edge over which a second portion of said sheet material is folded, said first and second folding edges meeting at a corner; and a generally planar second folding element mounted on said support and 3o spaced from said first folding device and presenting a third folding edge forming generally a right angle with said second folding edge over which said first portion of said sheet material is folded and over which said second portion of said sheet material passes.
In a preferred embodiment, the comer is laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the sheet material. It is also preferred that the first folding element is in the form of a trapezoidal plate. Preferably, the second folding element is pivotably mounted on a support bar on the support. In one embodiment, the second folding element is in the form of a triangular plate while in another embodiment, the second folding element is in the form of a rectangular bar.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic material folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps, said machine comprising:
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said is band of material is intermittently advanced and forming cuts in a region of said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations, said cuts extending partially across said band of plastic material in a transverse direction from a peripheral edge of said band of plastic material opposite said fold line;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations in a transverse direction in line with said cuts and extending generally from said fold line to said cuts thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said band of plastic material at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and to hold said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated by air discharged via said nozzle.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic material folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps, said lower flap projecting laterally beyond said upper flap, said machine comprising:
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said band of material is intermittently advanced and cutting said lower flap in a transverse io direction at longitudinally spaced locations in a region generally extending from a peripheral edge of said upper flap to a peripheral edge of said lower flap;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material in a transverse direction extending generally from said fold line to the peripheral edge of said upper flap at longitudinally spaced locations and in line with cuts formed in 15 said lower flap by said cutting mechanism thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing 2o mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said lower flap at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated 25 by air discharged via said nozzle.
The present invention provides advantages in that since the sheet material is folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line by the folding device, stock sheet material can be used to feed bag making machines thereby reducing costs.
Also, the retaining belt in the bag making machine provides a simple, elegant and reliable 3o method of retaining the band of plastic material at the sealing station and the -$-individual bags on the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt moves and while the individual bags are being inflated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an article bagging machine;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a folding device and a bag making and positioning machine forming part of the article bagging machine of 1o Figure 1;
Figure 2a is a perspective view of a gusset forming device forming part of the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view, partly cut-away, of the folding device of Figure 2;
15 Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the folding device of Figure 2 in an open condition;
Figures $a to 5c are perspective views, partly exploded, of the folding device of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a sealing station forming part of 20 the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevational view of the sealing station of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a schematic side elevational view of a filling station forming part of the article bagging machine of Figure 1;
25 Figure 9 is a schematic top plan view of the filling station of Figure 8 and the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figures l0a to lOc are schematic perspective views of alternative embodiments of conveyors used in the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figures 11 a to 11 c are side elevational, rear elevational and top plan views of a cradle used to load the folding device of Figure 3 with a roll of sheet material; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sealing unit for the folding device of Figure 3.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figure 1, an article bagging machine is shown and is generally indicated to by reference numeral 10. Article bagging machine 10 includes a folding device 12 to fold sheet hot-melt plastic material 13 over itself about a longitudinal fold line and form a band 14 of plastic material. The band of plastic material defines upper and lower flaps 14a and 14b respectively with lower flap 14b protruding laterally beyond upper flap 14a. Indicia may be pre-printed on the sheet plastic material. The band 14 of plastic material exiting from the folding device 12 is fed to a bag making and positioning machine 16 where the band of plastic material is partitioned into individual bags which are then stuffed with products to be packaged by way of a filling station 18. A programmable controller 20 communicates with the folding device 12, the bag making and positioning machine 16 and the filling station 18 and synchronizes their operation so that the products are properly bagged by the 2o article bagging machine 10.
Referring now to Figures 3 to S, the folding device 12 is better illustrated. As can be seen, the folding device includes a housing 30 for accommodating a roll 32 of the sheet plastic material 13. The roll is supported on a shaft 34. The ends of the shaft 34 are rotatably accommodated by supports 35 within the housing 30. A shelf 36 within the housing is positioned above the roll 32 and shaft 34. A drive roller 40 is supported by the shelf 36 adjacent one of its ends around which the sheet plastic material 13 is wound. The drive roller 40 is rotated by a drive (not shown) to unwind the sheet material 13 from the roll 32. A tension controller (not shown) maintains tension on the sheet material as it is unwound from the roll 32 3o to control the movement of the sheet material.
_7_ The shelf 36 is slideable along guides (not shown) within the housing 30 to expose the shaft 34, roll 32 and drive roller 40 when the housing 30 is opened.
This facilitates replacement of the shaft 34 and roll 32 when the roll 32 of sheet material has been unwound as will be described.
The housing 30 has an opening in a side thereof through which the sheet material passes. The housing also includes a generally planar, stepped upper surface 42. A pair of superimposed, spaced folding plates SO and 52 are mounted on the lower step of the upper surface. The lower folding plate SO is generally trapezoidal and presents a pair of folding edges 54 and 56, one folding edge 54 of which extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material and the other folding edge 56 of which forms an angle with respect to the folding edge 54.
The folding edges 54 and 56 meet at a corner 58 that is laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material.
The upper folding plate 52 is generally triangular and is pivotally mounted on a support bar 60 on the upper surface 42 so that it is spaced slightly above the lower folding plate 50. The upper folding plate 52 presents a folding edge forming about a 90° angle with the folding edge 56. The pivotal connection between the support bar 60 and the upper folding plate 52 allows the lower folding plate 50 to be exposed to facilitate threading of the folding device 12 with the sheet plastic material.
Although not shown, a photodetector is positioned in the housing 30 to detect the position of one edge of the sheet plastic material. Output from the photodetector is fed back to an adjustment mechanism within the housing 30 to move the shaft 34 axially so that the edge of the film is properly positioned. In this manner, the position of the corner 58 with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material can be controlled.
Refernng now to Figures 11 a to 11 c, a cradle 70 for transporting a roll 32 of the sheet plastic material when to the folding device 12 when the folding device needs to be restocked is shown. As can be seen, the cradle 70 includes a wheeled 3o undercarriage 72 on which the roll of sheet material can be supported. Side members _$_ 74 extend upwardly from opposed sides of the undercarnage 72 and include laterally spaced uprights 76 spanned by a bridge 78. A pair of recess are formed in the top of each bridge 78 to accommodate the shaft 34. Lifting arms 80 are pivotally mounted on the side members. Each lifting arm 80 has a recess 82 formed therein at one end to accommodate the shaft. The other end of each lifting arm 80 is bent upwardly and outwardly. A handle 84 spans the other ends of the lifting arms to allow an operator to push the cradle 70 as well as push downwardly on the lifting arms 80 to pivot the lifting arms about the side members and lift the roll 32 of sheet plastic material from the undercarriage 72. In this manner, the roll of sheet material can be pushed into the housing 30 when the housing is opened and lifted into position on the supports 35.
The roll of sheet plastic material can then be taped to the sheet plastic material of the previous roll without requiring re-threading of the folding device 12. When this is being done the drive roller 40 is manually locked to inhibit its rotation and thereby facilitate the taping procedure.
The bag making and positioning machine 16 includes a plurality of stations supported by a frame (not shown) at longitudinally spaced locations.
Specifically, at the upstream end of the machine 16 adjacent the folding device 12 is a feeding station 120 to feed the band of plastic material 14 emerging from the folding device 12. Feeding station 120 includes a first set of transverse rollers 122 to 128 2o around which the band of plastic material is wound. A drive roller 140 forms a nip with roller 128 through which the band 14 of plastic material passes to draw the band of plastic material from the folding device. Downstream of the drive roller 140 is another set of vertically staggered transverse rollers 130 to 138. Roller 132 moves vertically as the band 14 of plastic material emerges from the feeding station 120 and is commonly referred to as a "dancing roller". A photodetector 141 detects when the dancing roller 132 reaches its top position and provides output to the controller 20.
Positioned between rollers 124 and 126 is a gusset forming device 142 (see Figure 2a). The gusset forming device 142 includes a pair of spaced, coaxial discs 144 mounted on a rotatable shaft 146. The discs 144 rotate between the upper 3o and lower flaps 14a and 14b. An external disc 148 contacts the band 14 of plastic material at the longitudinal fold line between the discs 144 to compress inwardly the band of plastic material along longitudinal fold line thereby forming a gusset.
Downstream of the feeding station 120 is a cutting station 150.
Cutting station includes a planar support surface over which the band 14 of plastic material is advanced. The cutting station 150 also includes a reciprocating mechanical punch 152 which is movable between a retracted position where the punch 152 is positioned above the band of plastic material and an operative position where the punch 152 contacts the band of plastic material. The punch in the operative position contacts the lower flap 14b of the band of plastic material and removes a generally rectangular or other suitably shaped section 154 of the lower flap extending from the peripheral edge of the upper flap 14a to the peripheral edge of the lower flap.
The punched pieces of the lower flap are removed by a vacuum source (not shown).
Downstream of the cutting station 150 is a nip 160 constituted by a pair of drive rollers 162 and 164 between which the band 14 of plastic material passes. A
conveyor 165 which includes an endless conveyor belt 166 wound around roller as well as roller 170 is positioned downstream of the nip 160. The conveyor belt 166 presents a generally planar support surface 172. Slightly downstream of the nip 160 and positioned above the conveyor belt 166 is a sealing station 180, best seen in Figures 6 and 7.
Sealing station 180 includes an electrically heated transverse blade 182 having a sharp distal cutting edge 184. The blade 182 extends from the longitudinal fold line to the peripheral edge of the upper flap 14a. The transverse blade 182 is coupled to an actuator 186 which is operable to lower and raise the blade at preset times. Guides (not shown) cooperate with the blade 182 to guide the blade as it is reciprocated by the actuator 186. The blade 182 is coupled to a pair of retention members 188 by way of elastic members 190. The retention members 188 are preferably formed of sheet metal and are beaked adjacent their lower ends to form edges 192 which contact and retain the band of plastic material when the blade 182 is lowered. A roller 196 is positioned beneath the conveyor belt 166 and is aligned with 3o the blade 182 to provide an abutment surface for the blade as the blade is lowered to contact the band 14 of plastic material. A hood 198 is positioned above the blade and is connected to an aspirator 200 by way of a tube 202 and activated carbon filter 204 to remove fumes released during sealing and cutting of the band of plastic material.
Downstream of the sealing station 180 and positioned above the conveyor belt 166 is a pressing unit 210. The pressing unit 210 includes a pair of longitudinally spaced, transverse rotatable shafts 212 and 214. Shaft 212 supports three pulleys 216 to 220 thereon at laterally spaced locations. A roller 221 is positioned beneath the forward run of the conveyor belt 166 and is aligned with the shaft 212. Shaft 214 also supports three pulleys 222 to 226 thereon at laterally to spaced locations. Each pulley 222 to 226 on shaft 214 is in-line with a pulley on the shaft 212. Belts 228 to 232 are wound around the in-line pulleys on the shafts and 214. A disc 234 is mounted on the end of the shaft 214.
Downstream of the pressing unit 210 is a nozzle 240 positioned above and to one side of the conveyor belt 166. The nozzle 240 is connected to a source of compressed air (not shown) by way of a valve 242 so that a stream of compressed air may be directed towards the conveyor belt. A series of closely spaced rollers support the forward run of the conveyor belt 166 adjacent the nozzle.
A longitudinally oriented, endless retaining belt 250 contacts and runs along one side of the conveyor belt 166. The retaining belt 250 is wound around 2o roller 164 of nip 160 as well as around a pulley 260 forming a nip 262 with roller 170.
The forward and backward runs of the retaining belt 250 pass beneath a disc positioned above the conveyor belt 166 adjacent the pulley 260 as well as beneath the disc 234 on the shaft 214.
The filling station 18 (best seen in Figures 8 and 9) includes a feeder belt 260 wound around rollers 262, one of which is shown. The feeder belt 260 carries abutment profiles 264 thereon to maintain the spacing between products carried by the feeder belt. The feeder belt 260 is in-line with an unloading belt 270.
Unloading belt 270 is also wound around rollers 272, one of which is shown.
The feeder belt 260 and unloading belt run alongside the bag making and positioning 3o machine 16 and pass through an article bagging unit such as that described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,483,786. The article bagging unit includes a clamping unit 282 supported on a reciprocating arm 284. The reciprocating arm 284 is actuable to extend the clamping unit 282 into an inflated bag 290 on the conveyor 165 and pull the bag over a product 266 arriving at the end of the feeder belt 260.
The operation of the article bagging machine 10 will now be described.
Initially the sheet plastic material 13 is folded into a band by the folding device 12 and the band of plastic material is threaded through the bag making and positioning machine 16. Once this is completed, the bag making and positioning machine 16 can be operated to make automatically individual plastic bags from the band of plastic l0 material and position the individual bags so that they may be stuffed with products by the filling station 18.
During operation, the sheet plastic material 13 is intermittently unwound from the roll by the drive roller 40 and passes beneath the lower folding plate 50. The sheet plastic material is then folded back over the lower folding plate about folding edges 54 and 56. At this point in time, a longitudinal fold line is created in the sheet plastic material by the comer 58 defined by the two folding edges 54 and 56. The portion of the sheet plastic material which is folded about the transverse folding edge 54 changes directions by about 180° while the portion of the sheet plastic material folded over the inclined folding edge 56 changes directions by approximately 90°. The portion of the sheet plastic material folded over the transverse folding edge 54 passes beneath the upper folding plate 52 and is then folded over the upper folding plate 52 about folding edge 60 so that it changes directions by about 90°. The end result is the formation of the band 14 of plastic material which includes upper and lower flaps 14a and 14b with the lower flap projecting laterally beyond the upper flap by virtue of the fact that the corner 58 is laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material.
As the band 14 of plastic material emerges from the folding device 12 and is intermittently advanced, it is pulled by the drive roller 140 of the feeding station 120 whose rotation is synchronized with the drive roller 40 via the controller 20. The feeding station 120 creates slack in the band 14 of plastic material to allow the drive rollers 162 and 164 to draw intermittently the band of plastic material at a rate different than the rate at which the sheet plastic material is unwound from the roll 32. Specifically, the drive rollers 40 and 140 are rotated until enough slack develops in the band of plastic material so that the dancing roller 132 is positioned at its lowermost extent. At this time, the drive rollers 40 and 140 are stopped. As the band 14 of material is drawn from the feeding station 120, the dancing roller 132 moves vertically. When the photodetector 141 detects the dancing roller 132, the controller 20 actuates the drive rollers 40 and 140 again to develop slack in the band of plastic material. A gusset is also formed along the longitudinal fold line of the band of l0 plastic material by the gusset forming device 142.
The drive rollers 162 and 164 are rotated to draw intermittently the band of plastic material from the feeding station 120 so that the band of plastic material is indexed from the feeding station to the cutting station 150, then to the sealing station 160 and finally to the conveyor 165. As the band of plastic material is indexed to the cutting station 150, the punch 152 is reciprocated so that it moves downwardly to contact the lower flap 14b and remove a section of the lower flap. The punch 152 is then retracted until the band of plastic material is indexed once again, at which time the punch is reciprocated. In this manner, the punch removes sections of the lower flap 14b of the band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations.
2o After the band 14 of plastic material has been punched, the band of plastic material is indexed so that the punched band of plastic material passes through the nip 160 and arrives at the sealing station 180. As the band of plastic material passes through the nip, the forward run of the retaining belt 250 contacts the lower flap 14b of the band of plastic material to retain the band of plastic material on the upper surface 172 of the conveyor belt 166. The retaining belt 250 and the conveyor belt 166 are indexed with the band of plastic material so that the belts and the band of plastic material advance together at basically the same rate. Indexing of the band of plastic material is timed such that the band of plastic material stops at the sealing station 180 with the removed section of the lower flap 14b being in line with the longitudinal axis of the blade 182.
At this point of time, the actuator 186 is operated to lower the blade so that the blade contacts the band of plastic material. When the blade 182 contacts the band of plastic material, the blades seals and cuts through the band of plastic material.
The seal formed by the blade 182 defines the lateral edges of two adjacent individual plastic bags which are closed along three sides and open at one end adjacent the protruding lower flap. Since the blade 182 only extends from the longitudinal fold line to the peripheral edge of the upper flap, it does not interface with the retaining belt 250 which overlies the lower flap. The punched section of the lower flap completes the transverse cut through the band of plastic material to separate an to individual bag from the band of plastic material. Once the band of plastic material has been sealed and cut, the actuator 186 retracts the blade until the band of plastic material has been indexed again at which time the blade is lowered. In this manner, individual bags are formed and separated from the band of plastic material.
Once an individual bag has been separated from the band of plastic material, the individual bag is carried by the conveyor belt towards the nozzle 240.
The forward run of the belts 228 to 232 forming part of the pressing unit 210 hold the individual bag on the conveyor belt 166 inhibiting it from lifting as it travels to the nozzle 240. At the same time, the retaining belt 250 holds the lower flap of the individual bag against the upper surface of the conveyor belt 166. As the individual bag approaches the nozzle, the lower flap of the individual bag is further urged towards the conveyor belt 166 by the forward run as well as the backwards run of the retaining belt 250 due to the fact that the backwards run of the retaining belt 250 passes beneath the discs 264 and 234. This helps to maintain securely the individual bag in position on the conveyor belt.
After the individual bag has arnved in front of the nozzle 240, the valve 242 is opened so that the nozzle 240 discharges a stream of compressed air into the open end of the individual bag to inflate the bag. When the bag is inflated, the reciprocating arm is actuated to extend the clamping unit 282 into the inflated bag and the valve 242 is closed. At this stage, the clamping unit 282 is expanding to hold the bag and the reciprocating arm 284 is retracted to carry the bag back to the feeding belt. The held bag is then pulled over a product 266 arriving at the end of the feeder belt. The clamping unit is then retracted from the bag allowing the bagged product to fall to the unloading conveyor 270. Specifics of the clamping unit and the operation of the filling station can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,483,786, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
If desired, a detector 296 (see Figure 9) for detecting whether each individual bag inflates when the nozzle 240 discharges the stream of compressed air can be provided such as that shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,375,390. In this case, the detector 296 includes a ring-shaped elastic contact member 298 positioned above the conveyor belt 166 which is raised when each individual bag is inflated after the valve 242 has been opened. If the valve is opened and the contact member 298 fails to be raised, the detector 296 provides a signal to the controller 20 to stop the article bagging machine 10.
In addition, if further support for the individual plastic bags is desired, a clamping unit (not shown) can be provided to one side of the conveyor belt adjacent the nozzle 240 to clamp down onto the retaining and conveyor belts 250 and 166 respectively before the valve 242 is opened.
If it is desired to vary the width of the individual bags, the rate at which the band of plastic material is indexed can be changed. In order to monitor the speed at which the band of plastic material is indexed and drawn from the feeding station 120, an encoder is provided on the conveyor for detecting the speed at which the conveyor belt is operated. The encoder provides signals to the controller so that the speed of the conveyor and hence, the index rate of the band of plastic material can be monitored.
Refernng now to Figures l0a to lOc, another embodiment of a conveyor 165' for use in the bag making and positioning machine is shown. In this embodiment, the conveyor is constituted by a plurality of laterally spaced, endless belts 300, each of which is wound about a pair of longitudinally spaced pulleys 302 and 304. The pulleys at each end of the conveyor are mounted on common shafts 306. As shown in these Figures, the conveyor 165' may be horizontally disposed or may be upwardly or downwardly inclined allowing the bag making and positioning machine 16 to be used with left-handed or right-handed bagging machines. If desired, the conveyor 165' can be pivoted downwardly to a vertical inoperative position to allow trays holding pre-made bags to be positioned in front of the nozzle 240 so that they may be inflated and captured by the clamping unit in the filling station 18.
Referring now to Figure 12, a sealing unit 300 for the folding unit 12 is shown. The sealing unit 300 can be provided on the shelf 36 spaced from the drive roller 40. As can be seen, the sealing unit 300 includes a pair of laterally spaced transverse rollers 302 and 304 over which the sheet plastic material is wound.
Between the rollers is a generally planar support plate 306 over which a manually actuated clamping unit 308, a transverse sealing bar 310 and a pneumatic clamping unit 312 are disposed. The pneumatic clamping unit 312 is synchronized with the drive roller 40 and holds the sheet plastic material when the drive roller is stationary.
When a new roll 30 of sheet plastic material is being placed in the folding device 12, the new sheet plastic material is wound over the roller 302 and fed beneath the manual clamping unit 308 and sealing bar 310 so that the sheet plastic material of the new roll overlies the sheet plastic material of the previous roll beneath the sealing bar 310. At this stage, the manual clamping unit 308 is actuated to hold the sheet plastic material of the new roll in place and the sealing bar is lowered to heat seal and fuse the sheet 2o plastic material of the new roll to the sheet plastic material of the previous roll. In this manner, the joining of the sheet plastic material from the two rolls is facilitated as compared to taping manually the sheet material of the two rolls together.
Although the corner 58 of the folding device has been described as being laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the sheet material, it should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that if desired, the fold line can be formed along the central longitudinal axis of the sheet material. In this case, when the band of plastic material is fed to the bag making and positioning machine 16, the punch 152 removes sections of the upper and lower flaps in a region extending from the peripheral edges of the upper and lower flaps and partially into the band of sheet material. The retaining belt 250 in this case overlies the upper flap of the band of sheet of material at the region to hold the band of sheet material at the sealing mechanism and the individual bags as they are moved along the conveyor 165 and inflated by the nozzle 240.
Although the feeding station 120 has been described as including the gusset forming device, it should be appreciated that this device is optional and can be removed if desired.
Furthermore, although the filling station 18 has been described as including a reciprocating arm which extends the clamping unit into an inflated bag and then pulls the bag over a product at the end of the feeder belt 260, it should be appreciated that other filling stations can be used. For example, the filling station can be of the pushing type to push a product at the end of the feeding belt 260 into the inflated bag on the conveyor. The bagged product can then be pushed across the conveyor belt 166 and onto an unloading conveyor 270 on the opposite side of the conveyor belt or alternatively can be carried downstream by the conveyor belt to an unloading conveyor in line with the conveyor belt 166.
Although the upper folding plate 52 is illustrated as being generally triangular, it should be apparent to those of skill in the art, that other plate configurations can be used which present a folding edge generally forming a right angle with the folding edge 56. For example, the upper folding plate 52 may be in the 2o form of a rectangular bar oriented at about a 45° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the band of plastic material.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, although the bag making and positioning machine has been shown receiving the band of plastic material from folding device 12, the bag making and positioning machine can receive the band of plastic material directly from a roll of pre-folded such material as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,373,390. Also, it should also be apparent that the folding device may be used to supply folded sheet material to basically any downstream system.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a device to fold sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line and to a machine for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic material so that the bags may be stuffed with products.
BACKGROUND ART
Machines to make and position plastic bags so that the bags may be stuffed with products are known and are used in bakeries where it is desired to bag perishable foodstuffs. It is desired that these machines operate at high speeds to reduce processing times and to handle the capacity of upstream and downstream systems.
For example, Italian Patent Application No. V191A000086 discloses a machine for making bags from a band of transparent hot-melt plastic material.
The band of plastic material is intermittently advanced to a fusing and cutting station where individual bags are formed from the band of plastic material. The individual bags are then intermittently advanced to a filling station which includes a rotatable filling clamp. The filling clamp includes an angular support having an inclined lower surface and is actuable to move a product from a feeder belt into each bag. A
nozzle discharges a jet of compressed air into each bag to inflate the bag to facilitate insertion of the product via the filling clamp.
Although this machine increases bagging capacity, several drawbacks exist. In particular, when the filling clamp is actuated to move a product from the feeder belt and into a bag, the inclined lower surface of the filling clamp may interfere with the open edge of the bag. Also, when the advancement rate of the machine is increased, support for the individual bags decreases making it difficult to support the bags, which in turn results in bags lifting from the machine.
An alternative machine for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,373,390 to Frigo et al. This machine includes a feeding station for feeding a band of pre-folded plastic material to a bag forming station. The bag forming station fuses and cuts the band of plastic material to form individual plastic bags. The individual plastic bags are intermittently advanced to a filling unit by way of a vacuum belt. The filling unit includes a nozzle to discharge a jet of compressed air to inflate each bag as well as a clamp to hold an edge of each bag as the bag is inflated so that the bag may be stuffed. The clamp is adjustable to maintain each bag at the same angle as the product being inserted into the bag. Although the capacity of this machine is satisfactory, the feeding station supplies a pre-folded band of plastic material. Pre-folded plastic material of this nature is expensive making the overall bagging process uneconomical. Also, the use of a clamp to grasp the edge of each bag as the bag arnves at the filling unit makes timing critical and slows the bagging process. Accordingly, improved machines for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic are desired.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel folding device for folding sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line to define upper and lower flaps. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a novel machine for making and positioning bags formed of hot-melt plastic material.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a 2o folding device for folding sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line to define upper and lower flaps comprising:
a support;
a generally planar first folding element mounted on said support behind which said sheet material passes, said first folding element presenting a first folding edge extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of said sheet material over which a first portion of said sheet material is folded and a second folding edge extending at an angle to said first folding edge over which a second portion of said sheet material is folded, said first and second folding edges meeting at a corner; and a generally planar second folding element mounted on said support and 3o spaced from said first folding device and presenting a third folding edge forming generally a right angle with said second folding edge over which said first portion of said sheet material is folded and over which said second portion of said sheet material passes.
In a preferred embodiment, the comer is laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the sheet material. It is also preferred that the first folding element is in the form of a trapezoidal plate. Preferably, the second folding element is pivotably mounted on a support bar on the support. In one embodiment, the second folding element is in the form of a triangular plate while in another embodiment, the second folding element is in the form of a rectangular bar.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic material folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps, said machine comprising:
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said is band of material is intermittently advanced and forming cuts in a region of said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations, said cuts extending partially across said band of plastic material in a transverse direction from a peripheral edge of said band of plastic material opposite said fold line;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations in a transverse direction in line with said cuts and extending generally from said fold line to said cuts thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said band of plastic material at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and to hold said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated by air discharged via said nozzle.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic material folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps, said lower flap projecting laterally beyond said upper flap, said machine comprising:
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said band of material is intermittently advanced and cutting said lower flap in a transverse io direction at longitudinally spaced locations in a region generally extending from a peripheral edge of said upper flap to a peripheral edge of said lower flap;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material in a transverse direction extending generally from said fold line to the peripheral edge of said upper flap at longitudinally spaced locations and in line with cuts formed in 15 said lower flap by said cutting mechanism thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing 2o mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said lower flap at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated 25 by air discharged via said nozzle.
The present invention provides advantages in that since the sheet material is folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line by the folding device, stock sheet material can be used to feed bag making machines thereby reducing costs.
Also, the retaining belt in the bag making machine provides a simple, elegant and reliable 3o method of retaining the band of plastic material at the sealing station and the -$-individual bags on the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt moves and while the individual bags are being inflated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an article bagging machine;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a folding device and a bag making and positioning machine forming part of the article bagging machine of 1o Figure 1;
Figure 2a is a perspective view of a gusset forming device forming part of the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view, partly cut-away, of the folding device of Figure 2;
15 Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the folding device of Figure 2 in an open condition;
Figures $a to 5c are perspective views, partly exploded, of the folding device of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a sealing station forming part of 20 the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevational view of the sealing station of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a schematic side elevational view of a filling station forming part of the article bagging machine of Figure 1;
25 Figure 9 is a schematic top plan view of the filling station of Figure 8 and the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figures l0a to lOc are schematic perspective views of alternative embodiments of conveyors used in the bag making and positioning machine of Figure 2;
Figures 11 a to 11 c are side elevational, rear elevational and top plan views of a cradle used to load the folding device of Figure 3 with a roll of sheet material; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sealing unit for the folding device of Figure 3.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figure 1, an article bagging machine is shown and is generally indicated to by reference numeral 10. Article bagging machine 10 includes a folding device 12 to fold sheet hot-melt plastic material 13 over itself about a longitudinal fold line and form a band 14 of plastic material. The band of plastic material defines upper and lower flaps 14a and 14b respectively with lower flap 14b protruding laterally beyond upper flap 14a. Indicia may be pre-printed on the sheet plastic material. The band 14 of plastic material exiting from the folding device 12 is fed to a bag making and positioning machine 16 where the band of plastic material is partitioned into individual bags which are then stuffed with products to be packaged by way of a filling station 18. A programmable controller 20 communicates with the folding device 12, the bag making and positioning machine 16 and the filling station 18 and synchronizes their operation so that the products are properly bagged by the 2o article bagging machine 10.
Referring now to Figures 3 to S, the folding device 12 is better illustrated. As can be seen, the folding device includes a housing 30 for accommodating a roll 32 of the sheet plastic material 13. The roll is supported on a shaft 34. The ends of the shaft 34 are rotatably accommodated by supports 35 within the housing 30. A shelf 36 within the housing is positioned above the roll 32 and shaft 34. A drive roller 40 is supported by the shelf 36 adjacent one of its ends around which the sheet plastic material 13 is wound. The drive roller 40 is rotated by a drive (not shown) to unwind the sheet material 13 from the roll 32. A tension controller (not shown) maintains tension on the sheet material as it is unwound from the roll 32 3o to control the movement of the sheet material.
_7_ The shelf 36 is slideable along guides (not shown) within the housing 30 to expose the shaft 34, roll 32 and drive roller 40 when the housing 30 is opened.
This facilitates replacement of the shaft 34 and roll 32 when the roll 32 of sheet material has been unwound as will be described.
The housing 30 has an opening in a side thereof through which the sheet material passes. The housing also includes a generally planar, stepped upper surface 42. A pair of superimposed, spaced folding plates SO and 52 are mounted on the lower step of the upper surface. The lower folding plate SO is generally trapezoidal and presents a pair of folding edges 54 and 56, one folding edge 54 of which extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material and the other folding edge 56 of which forms an angle with respect to the folding edge 54.
The folding edges 54 and 56 meet at a corner 58 that is laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material.
The upper folding plate 52 is generally triangular and is pivotally mounted on a support bar 60 on the upper surface 42 so that it is spaced slightly above the lower folding plate 50. The upper folding plate 52 presents a folding edge forming about a 90° angle with the folding edge 56. The pivotal connection between the support bar 60 and the upper folding plate 52 allows the lower folding plate 50 to be exposed to facilitate threading of the folding device 12 with the sheet plastic material.
Although not shown, a photodetector is positioned in the housing 30 to detect the position of one edge of the sheet plastic material. Output from the photodetector is fed back to an adjustment mechanism within the housing 30 to move the shaft 34 axially so that the edge of the film is properly positioned. In this manner, the position of the corner 58 with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material can be controlled.
Refernng now to Figures 11 a to 11 c, a cradle 70 for transporting a roll 32 of the sheet plastic material when to the folding device 12 when the folding device needs to be restocked is shown. As can be seen, the cradle 70 includes a wheeled 3o undercarriage 72 on which the roll of sheet material can be supported. Side members _$_ 74 extend upwardly from opposed sides of the undercarnage 72 and include laterally spaced uprights 76 spanned by a bridge 78. A pair of recess are formed in the top of each bridge 78 to accommodate the shaft 34. Lifting arms 80 are pivotally mounted on the side members. Each lifting arm 80 has a recess 82 formed therein at one end to accommodate the shaft. The other end of each lifting arm 80 is bent upwardly and outwardly. A handle 84 spans the other ends of the lifting arms to allow an operator to push the cradle 70 as well as push downwardly on the lifting arms 80 to pivot the lifting arms about the side members and lift the roll 32 of sheet plastic material from the undercarriage 72. In this manner, the roll of sheet material can be pushed into the housing 30 when the housing is opened and lifted into position on the supports 35.
The roll of sheet plastic material can then be taped to the sheet plastic material of the previous roll without requiring re-threading of the folding device 12. When this is being done the drive roller 40 is manually locked to inhibit its rotation and thereby facilitate the taping procedure.
The bag making and positioning machine 16 includes a plurality of stations supported by a frame (not shown) at longitudinally spaced locations.
Specifically, at the upstream end of the machine 16 adjacent the folding device 12 is a feeding station 120 to feed the band of plastic material 14 emerging from the folding device 12. Feeding station 120 includes a first set of transverse rollers 122 to 128 2o around which the band of plastic material is wound. A drive roller 140 forms a nip with roller 128 through which the band 14 of plastic material passes to draw the band of plastic material from the folding device. Downstream of the drive roller 140 is another set of vertically staggered transverse rollers 130 to 138. Roller 132 moves vertically as the band 14 of plastic material emerges from the feeding station 120 and is commonly referred to as a "dancing roller". A photodetector 141 detects when the dancing roller 132 reaches its top position and provides output to the controller 20.
Positioned between rollers 124 and 126 is a gusset forming device 142 (see Figure 2a). The gusset forming device 142 includes a pair of spaced, coaxial discs 144 mounted on a rotatable shaft 146. The discs 144 rotate between the upper 3o and lower flaps 14a and 14b. An external disc 148 contacts the band 14 of plastic material at the longitudinal fold line between the discs 144 to compress inwardly the band of plastic material along longitudinal fold line thereby forming a gusset.
Downstream of the feeding station 120 is a cutting station 150.
Cutting station includes a planar support surface over which the band 14 of plastic material is advanced. The cutting station 150 also includes a reciprocating mechanical punch 152 which is movable between a retracted position where the punch 152 is positioned above the band of plastic material and an operative position where the punch 152 contacts the band of plastic material. The punch in the operative position contacts the lower flap 14b of the band of plastic material and removes a generally rectangular or other suitably shaped section 154 of the lower flap extending from the peripheral edge of the upper flap 14a to the peripheral edge of the lower flap.
The punched pieces of the lower flap are removed by a vacuum source (not shown).
Downstream of the cutting station 150 is a nip 160 constituted by a pair of drive rollers 162 and 164 between which the band 14 of plastic material passes. A
conveyor 165 which includes an endless conveyor belt 166 wound around roller as well as roller 170 is positioned downstream of the nip 160. The conveyor belt 166 presents a generally planar support surface 172. Slightly downstream of the nip 160 and positioned above the conveyor belt 166 is a sealing station 180, best seen in Figures 6 and 7.
Sealing station 180 includes an electrically heated transverse blade 182 having a sharp distal cutting edge 184. The blade 182 extends from the longitudinal fold line to the peripheral edge of the upper flap 14a. The transverse blade 182 is coupled to an actuator 186 which is operable to lower and raise the blade at preset times. Guides (not shown) cooperate with the blade 182 to guide the blade as it is reciprocated by the actuator 186. The blade 182 is coupled to a pair of retention members 188 by way of elastic members 190. The retention members 188 are preferably formed of sheet metal and are beaked adjacent their lower ends to form edges 192 which contact and retain the band of plastic material when the blade 182 is lowered. A roller 196 is positioned beneath the conveyor belt 166 and is aligned with 3o the blade 182 to provide an abutment surface for the blade as the blade is lowered to contact the band 14 of plastic material. A hood 198 is positioned above the blade and is connected to an aspirator 200 by way of a tube 202 and activated carbon filter 204 to remove fumes released during sealing and cutting of the band of plastic material.
Downstream of the sealing station 180 and positioned above the conveyor belt 166 is a pressing unit 210. The pressing unit 210 includes a pair of longitudinally spaced, transverse rotatable shafts 212 and 214. Shaft 212 supports three pulleys 216 to 220 thereon at laterally spaced locations. A roller 221 is positioned beneath the forward run of the conveyor belt 166 and is aligned with the shaft 212. Shaft 214 also supports three pulleys 222 to 226 thereon at laterally to spaced locations. Each pulley 222 to 226 on shaft 214 is in-line with a pulley on the shaft 212. Belts 228 to 232 are wound around the in-line pulleys on the shafts and 214. A disc 234 is mounted on the end of the shaft 214.
Downstream of the pressing unit 210 is a nozzle 240 positioned above and to one side of the conveyor belt 166. The nozzle 240 is connected to a source of compressed air (not shown) by way of a valve 242 so that a stream of compressed air may be directed towards the conveyor belt. A series of closely spaced rollers support the forward run of the conveyor belt 166 adjacent the nozzle.
A longitudinally oriented, endless retaining belt 250 contacts and runs along one side of the conveyor belt 166. The retaining belt 250 is wound around 2o roller 164 of nip 160 as well as around a pulley 260 forming a nip 262 with roller 170.
The forward and backward runs of the retaining belt 250 pass beneath a disc positioned above the conveyor belt 166 adjacent the pulley 260 as well as beneath the disc 234 on the shaft 214.
The filling station 18 (best seen in Figures 8 and 9) includes a feeder belt 260 wound around rollers 262, one of which is shown. The feeder belt 260 carries abutment profiles 264 thereon to maintain the spacing between products carried by the feeder belt. The feeder belt 260 is in-line with an unloading belt 270.
Unloading belt 270 is also wound around rollers 272, one of which is shown.
The feeder belt 260 and unloading belt run alongside the bag making and positioning 3o machine 16 and pass through an article bagging unit such as that described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,483,786. The article bagging unit includes a clamping unit 282 supported on a reciprocating arm 284. The reciprocating arm 284 is actuable to extend the clamping unit 282 into an inflated bag 290 on the conveyor 165 and pull the bag over a product 266 arriving at the end of the feeder belt 260.
The operation of the article bagging machine 10 will now be described.
Initially the sheet plastic material 13 is folded into a band by the folding device 12 and the band of plastic material is threaded through the bag making and positioning machine 16. Once this is completed, the bag making and positioning machine 16 can be operated to make automatically individual plastic bags from the band of plastic l0 material and position the individual bags so that they may be stuffed with products by the filling station 18.
During operation, the sheet plastic material 13 is intermittently unwound from the roll by the drive roller 40 and passes beneath the lower folding plate 50. The sheet plastic material is then folded back over the lower folding plate about folding edges 54 and 56. At this point in time, a longitudinal fold line is created in the sheet plastic material by the comer 58 defined by the two folding edges 54 and 56. The portion of the sheet plastic material which is folded about the transverse folding edge 54 changes directions by about 180° while the portion of the sheet plastic material folded over the inclined folding edge 56 changes directions by approximately 90°. The portion of the sheet plastic material folded over the transverse folding edge 54 passes beneath the upper folding plate 52 and is then folded over the upper folding plate 52 about folding edge 60 so that it changes directions by about 90°. The end result is the formation of the band 14 of plastic material which includes upper and lower flaps 14a and 14b with the lower flap projecting laterally beyond the upper flap by virtue of the fact that the corner 58 is laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the sheet plastic material.
As the band 14 of plastic material emerges from the folding device 12 and is intermittently advanced, it is pulled by the drive roller 140 of the feeding station 120 whose rotation is synchronized with the drive roller 40 via the controller 20. The feeding station 120 creates slack in the band 14 of plastic material to allow the drive rollers 162 and 164 to draw intermittently the band of plastic material at a rate different than the rate at which the sheet plastic material is unwound from the roll 32. Specifically, the drive rollers 40 and 140 are rotated until enough slack develops in the band of plastic material so that the dancing roller 132 is positioned at its lowermost extent. At this time, the drive rollers 40 and 140 are stopped. As the band 14 of material is drawn from the feeding station 120, the dancing roller 132 moves vertically. When the photodetector 141 detects the dancing roller 132, the controller 20 actuates the drive rollers 40 and 140 again to develop slack in the band of plastic material. A gusset is also formed along the longitudinal fold line of the band of l0 plastic material by the gusset forming device 142.
The drive rollers 162 and 164 are rotated to draw intermittently the band of plastic material from the feeding station 120 so that the band of plastic material is indexed from the feeding station to the cutting station 150, then to the sealing station 160 and finally to the conveyor 165. As the band of plastic material is indexed to the cutting station 150, the punch 152 is reciprocated so that it moves downwardly to contact the lower flap 14b and remove a section of the lower flap. The punch 152 is then retracted until the band of plastic material is indexed once again, at which time the punch is reciprocated. In this manner, the punch removes sections of the lower flap 14b of the band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations.
2o After the band 14 of plastic material has been punched, the band of plastic material is indexed so that the punched band of plastic material passes through the nip 160 and arrives at the sealing station 180. As the band of plastic material passes through the nip, the forward run of the retaining belt 250 contacts the lower flap 14b of the band of plastic material to retain the band of plastic material on the upper surface 172 of the conveyor belt 166. The retaining belt 250 and the conveyor belt 166 are indexed with the band of plastic material so that the belts and the band of plastic material advance together at basically the same rate. Indexing of the band of plastic material is timed such that the band of plastic material stops at the sealing station 180 with the removed section of the lower flap 14b being in line with the longitudinal axis of the blade 182.
At this point of time, the actuator 186 is operated to lower the blade so that the blade contacts the band of plastic material. When the blade 182 contacts the band of plastic material, the blades seals and cuts through the band of plastic material.
The seal formed by the blade 182 defines the lateral edges of two adjacent individual plastic bags which are closed along three sides and open at one end adjacent the protruding lower flap. Since the blade 182 only extends from the longitudinal fold line to the peripheral edge of the upper flap, it does not interface with the retaining belt 250 which overlies the lower flap. The punched section of the lower flap completes the transverse cut through the band of plastic material to separate an to individual bag from the band of plastic material. Once the band of plastic material has been sealed and cut, the actuator 186 retracts the blade until the band of plastic material has been indexed again at which time the blade is lowered. In this manner, individual bags are formed and separated from the band of plastic material.
Once an individual bag has been separated from the band of plastic material, the individual bag is carried by the conveyor belt towards the nozzle 240.
The forward run of the belts 228 to 232 forming part of the pressing unit 210 hold the individual bag on the conveyor belt 166 inhibiting it from lifting as it travels to the nozzle 240. At the same time, the retaining belt 250 holds the lower flap of the individual bag against the upper surface of the conveyor belt 166. As the individual bag approaches the nozzle, the lower flap of the individual bag is further urged towards the conveyor belt 166 by the forward run as well as the backwards run of the retaining belt 250 due to the fact that the backwards run of the retaining belt 250 passes beneath the discs 264 and 234. This helps to maintain securely the individual bag in position on the conveyor belt.
After the individual bag has arnved in front of the nozzle 240, the valve 242 is opened so that the nozzle 240 discharges a stream of compressed air into the open end of the individual bag to inflate the bag. When the bag is inflated, the reciprocating arm is actuated to extend the clamping unit 282 into the inflated bag and the valve 242 is closed. At this stage, the clamping unit 282 is expanding to hold the bag and the reciprocating arm 284 is retracted to carry the bag back to the feeding belt. The held bag is then pulled over a product 266 arriving at the end of the feeder belt. The clamping unit is then retracted from the bag allowing the bagged product to fall to the unloading conveyor 270. Specifics of the clamping unit and the operation of the filling station can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,483,786, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
If desired, a detector 296 (see Figure 9) for detecting whether each individual bag inflates when the nozzle 240 discharges the stream of compressed air can be provided such as that shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,375,390. In this case, the detector 296 includes a ring-shaped elastic contact member 298 positioned above the conveyor belt 166 which is raised when each individual bag is inflated after the valve 242 has been opened. If the valve is opened and the contact member 298 fails to be raised, the detector 296 provides a signal to the controller 20 to stop the article bagging machine 10.
In addition, if further support for the individual plastic bags is desired, a clamping unit (not shown) can be provided to one side of the conveyor belt adjacent the nozzle 240 to clamp down onto the retaining and conveyor belts 250 and 166 respectively before the valve 242 is opened.
If it is desired to vary the width of the individual bags, the rate at which the band of plastic material is indexed can be changed. In order to monitor the speed at which the band of plastic material is indexed and drawn from the feeding station 120, an encoder is provided on the conveyor for detecting the speed at which the conveyor belt is operated. The encoder provides signals to the controller so that the speed of the conveyor and hence, the index rate of the band of plastic material can be monitored.
Refernng now to Figures l0a to lOc, another embodiment of a conveyor 165' for use in the bag making and positioning machine is shown. In this embodiment, the conveyor is constituted by a plurality of laterally spaced, endless belts 300, each of which is wound about a pair of longitudinally spaced pulleys 302 and 304. The pulleys at each end of the conveyor are mounted on common shafts 306. As shown in these Figures, the conveyor 165' may be horizontally disposed or may be upwardly or downwardly inclined allowing the bag making and positioning machine 16 to be used with left-handed or right-handed bagging machines. If desired, the conveyor 165' can be pivoted downwardly to a vertical inoperative position to allow trays holding pre-made bags to be positioned in front of the nozzle 240 so that they may be inflated and captured by the clamping unit in the filling station 18.
Referring now to Figure 12, a sealing unit 300 for the folding unit 12 is shown. The sealing unit 300 can be provided on the shelf 36 spaced from the drive roller 40. As can be seen, the sealing unit 300 includes a pair of laterally spaced transverse rollers 302 and 304 over which the sheet plastic material is wound.
Between the rollers is a generally planar support plate 306 over which a manually actuated clamping unit 308, a transverse sealing bar 310 and a pneumatic clamping unit 312 are disposed. The pneumatic clamping unit 312 is synchronized with the drive roller 40 and holds the sheet plastic material when the drive roller is stationary.
When a new roll 30 of sheet plastic material is being placed in the folding device 12, the new sheet plastic material is wound over the roller 302 and fed beneath the manual clamping unit 308 and sealing bar 310 so that the sheet plastic material of the new roll overlies the sheet plastic material of the previous roll beneath the sealing bar 310. At this stage, the manual clamping unit 308 is actuated to hold the sheet plastic material of the new roll in place and the sealing bar is lowered to heat seal and fuse the sheet 2o plastic material of the new roll to the sheet plastic material of the previous roll. In this manner, the joining of the sheet plastic material from the two rolls is facilitated as compared to taping manually the sheet material of the two rolls together.
Although the corner 58 of the folding device has been described as being laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the sheet material, it should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that if desired, the fold line can be formed along the central longitudinal axis of the sheet material. In this case, when the band of plastic material is fed to the bag making and positioning machine 16, the punch 152 removes sections of the upper and lower flaps in a region extending from the peripheral edges of the upper and lower flaps and partially into the band of sheet material. The retaining belt 250 in this case overlies the upper flap of the band of sheet of material at the region to hold the band of sheet material at the sealing mechanism and the individual bags as they are moved along the conveyor 165 and inflated by the nozzle 240.
Although the feeding station 120 has been described as including the gusset forming device, it should be appreciated that this device is optional and can be removed if desired.
Furthermore, although the filling station 18 has been described as including a reciprocating arm which extends the clamping unit into an inflated bag and then pulls the bag over a product at the end of the feeder belt 260, it should be appreciated that other filling stations can be used. For example, the filling station can be of the pushing type to push a product at the end of the feeding belt 260 into the inflated bag on the conveyor. The bagged product can then be pushed across the conveyor belt 166 and onto an unloading conveyor 270 on the opposite side of the conveyor belt or alternatively can be carried downstream by the conveyor belt to an unloading conveyor in line with the conveyor belt 166.
Although the upper folding plate 52 is illustrated as being generally triangular, it should be apparent to those of skill in the art, that other plate configurations can be used which present a folding edge generally forming a right angle with the folding edge 56. For example, the upper folding plate 52 may be in the 2o form of a rectangular bar oriented at about a 45° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the band of plastic material.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, although the bag making and positioning machine has been shown receiving the band of plastic material from folding device 12, the bag making and positioning machine can receive the band of plastic material directly from a roll of pre-folded such material as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,373,390. Also, it should also be apparent that the folding device may be used to supply folded sheet material to basically any downstream system.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A folding device for folding sheet material over itself about a longitudinal fold line to define upper and lower flaps comprising:
a support;
a generally planar first folding element mounted on said support behind which said sheet material passes, said first folding element presenting a first folding edge extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of said sheet material over which a first portion of said sheet material is folded and a second folding edge extending at an angle to said first folding edge over which a second portion of said sheet material is folded, said first and second folding edges meeting at a corner; and a generally planar second folding element mounted on said support and spaced from said first folding device and presenting a third folding edge forming generally a right angle with said second folding edge over which said first portion of said sheet material is folded and over which said second portion of said sheet material passes.
a support;
a generally planar first folding element mounted on said support behind which said sheet material passes, said first folding element presenting a first folding edge extending generally normal to the longitudinal axis of said sheet material over which a first portion of said sheet material is folded and a second folding edge extending at an angle to said first folding edge over which a second portion of said sheet material is folded, said first and second folding edges meeting at a corner; and a generally planar second folding element mounted on said support and spaced from said first folding device and presenting a third folding edge forming generally a right angle with said second folding edge over which said first portion of said sheet material is folded and over which said second portion of said sheet material passes.
2. A folding device as defined in claim 1 wherein said corner is laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis of said sheet material.
3. A folding device as defined in claim 2 wherein said first folding element is in the form of a trapezoidal plate.
4. A folding device as defined in claim 3 wherein said second folding element is pivotally mounted on a support bar on said support.
5. A folding device as defined in claim 4 wherein said second folding element is in the form of a triangular plate.
6. A folding device as defined in claim 4 wherein said second folding element is in the form of a rectangular bar.
7. A machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic material folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps, said machine comprising:
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said band of material is intermittently advanced and forming cuts in a region of said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations, said cuts extending partially across said band of plastic material in a transverse direction from a peripheral edge of said band of plastic material opposite said fold line;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations in a transverse direction in line with said cuts and extending generally from said fold line to said cuts thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said band of plastic material at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and to hold said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated by air discharged via said nozzle.
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said band of material is intermittently advanced and forming cuts in a region of said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations, said cuts extending partially across said band of plastic material in a transverse direction from a peripheral edge of said band of plastic material opposite said fold line;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material at longitudinally spaced locations in a transverse direction in line with said cuts and extending generally from said fold line to said cuts thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said band of plastic material at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and to hold said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated by air discharged via said nozzle.
8. A machine for making and positioning bags formed from a band of hot-melt plastic material folded over itself about a longitudinal fold line and defining upper and lower flaps, said lower flap projecting laterally beyond said upper flap, said machine comprising:
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said band of material is intermittently advanced and cutting said lower flap in a transverse direction at longitudinally spaced locations in a region generally extending from a peripheral edge of said upper flap to a peripheral edge of said lower flap;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material in a transverse direction extending generally from said fold line to the peripheral edge of said upper flap at longitudinally spaced locations and in line with cuts formed in said lower flap by said cutting mechanism thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said lower flap at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated by air discharged via said nozzle.
a cutting mechanism receiving said band of plastic material as said band of material is intermittently advanced and cutting said lower flap in a transverse direction at longitudinally spaced locations in a region generally extending from a peripheral edge of said upper flap to a peripheral edge of said lower flap;
a sealing mechanism sealing and cutting said band of plastic material in a transverse direction extending generally from said fold line to the peripheral edge of said upper flap at longitudinally spaced locations and in line with cuts formed in said lower flap by said cutting mechanism thereby to form individual bags each having an open end;
a nozzle downstream of said sealing mechanism discharging air to inflate each individual bag prior to filling;
a conveyor to advance each individual bag from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle; and a retainer extending at least from said sealing mechanism to said nozzle, said retainer engaging an upper surface of said lower flap at said region to hold said band of plastic material at said sealing mechanism and said individual bags on said conveyor as said individual bags are advanced by said conveyor and inflated by air discharged via said nozzle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240947A CA2240947A1 (en) | 1998-06-04 | 1998-06-04 | Folding device and bag making and positioning machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240947A CA2240947A1 (en) | 1998-06-04 | 1998-06-04 | Folding device and bag making and positioning machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2240947A1 true CA2240947A1 (en) | 1999-12-04 |
Family
ID=29275908
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240947A Abandoned CA2240947A1 (en) | 1998-06-04 | 1998-06-04 | Folding device and bag making and positioning machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2240947A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107554837A (en) * | 2017-09-22 | 2018-01-09 | 常熟市百联自动机械有限公司 | Bag and device for spreading |
| CN109732992A (en) * | 2019-01-22 | 2019-05-10 | 海宁科达包装机械有限公司 | It is a kind of can bound edge high temperature cloth Bag Making Machine |
| CN110422671A (en) * | 2019-08-27 | 2019-11-08 | 宜昌麦迪科机电设备有限责任公司 | Gauze folding device and gauze continuously roll over machines more |
| CN112721320A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-04-30 | 成都市兴恒泰印务有限公司 | Production process of three-edge sealed vertical bag |
| CN112743912A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-05-04 | 成都市兴恒泰印务有限公司 | Three-edge sealing vertical bag production equipment with triangular folding mechanism |
| CN113682584A (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2021-11-23 | 无锡友迈智能装备有限公司 | Bag folding method and bag folding device of bag making machine |
| CN114953713A (en) * | 2022-07-27 | 2022-08-30 | 新乡市新机创新机械有限公司 | One-fold double-specification switching mechanism of rotary press |
-
1998
- 1998-06-04 CA CA002240947A patent/CA2240947A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107554837A (en) * | 2017-09-22 | 2018-01-09 | 常熟市百联自动机械有限公司 | Bag and device for spreading |
| CN109732992A (en) * | 2019-01-22 | 2019-05-10 | 海宁科达包装机械有限公司 | It is a kind of can bound edge high temperature cloth Bag Making Machine |
| CN110422671A (en) * | 2019-08-27 | 2019-11-08 | 宜昌麦迪科机电设备有限责任公司 | Gauze folding device and gauze continuously roll over machines more |
| CN110422671B (en) * | 2019-08-27 | 2024-03-22 | 宜昌麦迪科机电设备有限责任公司 | Gauze folding device and gauze continuous multi-folding machine |
| CN112721320A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-04-30 | 成都市兴恒泰印务有限公司 | Production process of three-edge sealed vertical bag |
| CN112743912A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-05-04 | 成都市兴恒泰印务有限公司 | Three-edge sealing vertical bag production equipment with triangular folding mechanism |
| CN113682584A (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2021-11-23 | 无锡友迈智能装备有限公司 | Bag folding method and bag folding device of bag making machine |
| CN114953713A (en) * | 2022-07-27 | 2022-08-30 | 新乡市新机创新机械有限公司 | One-fold double-specification switching mechanism of rotary press |
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