JP2000177711A - Packed material feeder device in bag filling and packing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely insert a hopper without using any separate port-guiding device for a bag of which size is set small within a range where some materials to be packed can be stored. SOLUTION: A flexible hopper 5 formed into a cylindrical shape by raw material such as hard polyethylene and the like can be ascended or descended. Both side surfaces 5d, 5e of the hopper corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper are opened or closed. In addition, they are closed until the hopper 5 is descended and inserted into the bag port and kept flat. After insertion, they are opened to form an opened port. With such an arrangement as above, even in case of a narrow bag port, the hopper 5 can be easily inserted, resulting in that the bag port can be widened after insertion and held.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding articles to be packed in a bag-filling and packaging machine, and more particularly, to an apparatus for inserting a article to be packaged into a bag through the hopper by inserting a lower end of a hopper into a bag mouth. The present invention relates to a package input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A packaged object (solid matter) feeding device provided in a bag packing machine is provided with a funnel-shaped hopper which can be moved up and down in a feeding step, and the hopper is lowered to insert a lower portion into a bag mouth. Thereafter, the items to be packaged are put into the bag via the hopper. On the other hand, usually, the bag size (bag width, bag length) is set relatively small within a range in which an article to be packaged can be stored.
This is because the packaging bag has a sense of volume, improves appearance, and improves commercial value.

[0003] A commonly used circular funnel-shaped SUS
The opening area of the lower end of the hopper is set to a minimum size that allows the packaged object to pass through. This is to ensure that the hopper is inserted into the bag mouth as securely as possible. However, as described above, since the bag size is set relatively small within the range in which the packaged object can be stored, the opening area of the bag mouth is also small, so that the opening area of the lower end of the hopper is smaller than the opening area of the bag mouth. It was extremely close, and the bag mouth was freely deformed due to its material and did not have a constant opening shape, so that it was extremely difficult to insert the hopper into the bag mouth.

Therefore, a device called an opening guide device is provided, and prior to insertion of the hopper, a guide claw of the opening guide device is inserted into the bag mouth, and after holding the bag mouth in a predetermined shape, the hopper is inserted. 2. Description of the Related Art Bag packing machines are known. 7A, the suction opening device (not shown) and the opening guide device 1 are installed at the bag opening position (III), and the bag gripped by the gripper is moved. When stopped at the above position, a pair of vacuum suction cups of the suction opening device sucks both sides of the bag to open the bag mouth, and then a pair of guide claws 2 of the opening guide device 1 are inserted into the bag mouth. Widen the bag opening. This opening guide device 1 rotates by one process following the intermittent rotation of the table T toward the next filling process (IV), and FIG.
As shown in (b), in the filling step (IV), the hopper 3 is inserted into the bag mouth opened by the guide claw 2. Here, the guide claw 2 is pulled out from the bag mouth, and the opening guide device 1 rotates in the reverse direction and returns to the original bag mouth opening position (III).

Although the insertion of the hopper 3 can be surely performed, the provision of the opening guide device 1 causes the operation time of this device to affect the performance of the bag-filling and packaging machine, thereby lowering productivity. In addition, there is a problem that the machine itself becomes complicated and maintenance performance is reduced. In addition, the hopper 3 has an insertion space for the guide claws 2.
, The width a of the lower end opening of the hopper 3 must be reduced, which causes a problem that it becomes difficult for the packaged object to pass through the lower end opening of the hopper 3.

On the other hand, there is also a device in which the shape and structure of the hopper itself are devised so that the hopper is securely inserted into the bag mouth.
For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 53-98480 discloses a flexible tapered guide at the tip of a hopper (specifically, two plates which are expanded outward and a large number of cuts are formed). A hopper provided with a conical cylindrical body which is adapted to enter and expand outward is described. In any of the specific examples, it is easy to insert the guide at the tip of the hopper into the bag, and when the object to be packaged is put in, the object to be packaged passes through the guide while being expanded by the falling weight and falls into the bag. I do. However, in this hopper, it is necessary to feed the package through the guide with an appropriate momentum, but the adjustment is extremely difficult. If the momentum is strong, the packaged item jumps out of the widened guide, falls out of the bag or gets stuck on the edge of the bag, and loses its shape due to the impact of throwing, and the impact on the bottom of the bag. If it is strong, the bag may be displaced from the gripper, while if the momentum is weak, it will not be properly dropped due to being caught by the guide. In addition, since the restoring force of the guide is weakened during repeated feeding and it can not be inserted into the bag mouth, or the length of the hopper increases by the length of the guide, it takes time for the hopper to move up and down and the packaged object to fall. However, there are various problems such as a decrease in the productivity of the apparatus.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-34166 discloses that
A hopper in which the lower portion of the hopper is constituted by a narrow tongue piece and a semi-cylindrical rocking plate provided opposite thereto, and the rocking plate is tapered downward. When the rocker is closed, the tip becomes thinner so that it can be easily inserted into the bag mouth, and when the rocker is opened after insertion, the bag mouth can be expanded to a nearly circular shape along the outer shape of the rocker. . However, when the swinging plate is opened, a large gap is formed between the tongue piece and the swinging plate, and there is a problem that the packaged object jumps out of the gap or gets caught in the gap or the edge of the bag.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Sho 60-3051 discloses a fixed hopper wall which does not deform the hopper (in a plan view, approximately 1
A hopper is described which is composed of a flexible hopper wall (approximately ／ circular arc in plan view) and a flexible hopper wall made of an elastic material so that the diameter of the flexible hopper wall can be adjusted. When the flexible hopper wall is strongly pressed against the standard hopper wall, the overall size of the hopper is slightly reduced, and the hopper can be easily inserted into the bag. However, since the size of the standard hopper wall does not change, the degree of improvement in ease of insertion is very small.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for charging articles to be packaged in a bag-filling and packaging machine, which has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. Ensure that the hopper is inserted into a bag whose bag size is set to be small enough to accommodate the packaged object, and that the packaged item can be inserted without the item being popped out or caught in the middle. The purpose is to:

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for charging articles to be packaged, which is provided with a flexible hopper formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be movable up and down, and the hopper can be deformed into a flat shape or an opening shape. It is characterized by having. In this case, at least the lower part of the hopper inserted into the bag is made deformable in the above-described form. Further, the packaged object loading apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a flexible hopper formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be able to move up and down, and both side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper swing around the vicinity of the upper end of the hopper. It moves (opens and closes). More specifically, for example, a pair of support arms to which both side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper are provided, the support arms can be moved up and down, and the support arms can swing about each other around the upper end of the hopper What is necessary is just to make it. In the apparatus for charging articles to be packaged, if the hopper has a flat shape at least at a bag mouth insertion position and is set to be open after insertion, when the hopper is spread open, the bag mouth is closed. It will be spread out along the outer shape. As a preferable specific example of the hopper, a notch is formed at a lower portion corresponding to the width direction of the bag so that the hopper can be easily inserted into the bag mouth, and for example, the hopper is made narrower toward the tip. Can be.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the packaged object loading apparatus according to the present invention raises and lowers a hopper 5 formed into a cylindrical shape, a deformation mechanism 6 that deforms the hopper 5, and a hopper 5. It comprises a lifting mechanism 7. As shown in FIG. 4, the hopper 5 is formed by molding a flexible material (for example, resin such as hard polyethylene) into a cylindrical integral structure, and has a notch at a lower portion corresponding to the width direction of the bag. 5a and 5b are formed, and the width becomes narrower toward the tip. In this example, the hopper 5 is formed by molding a single thin flexible material into a cylindrical shape and connecting the seams 5c. In FIG. 4, the hopper mounting plate 24 (see FIG. 1) is drawn by imaginary lines at the center positions of both side surfaces 5d and 5e of the hopper 5 corresponding to the bag surface. Joint 5c
Is located at this position.
However, the cross-sectional shape is difficult to be asymmetrically distorted.

The deforming mechanism 6 includes a pair of hopper support arms 8 and 9 to which the hopper 5 is attached, swing arms 11 and 12 to which the hopper support arms 8 and 9 are attached and arranged at a slight inclination, and one of the swing mechanisms. A stopper pin 13 fixed to one end of the moving arm 11 and a cam roller 14 attached to the other end, and a cam 15 contacted by the cam roller 14
And a hopper mounting bracket 18 for pivotally supporting the swing arms 11 and 12 on horizontal fulcrum shafts 16 and 17, and a stopper 1 fixed to the hopper mounting bracket 18.
9, spring hooks 21 and 22 attached to the swing arms 11 and 12, and tension springs 23 disposed therebetween.
Consists of

The hopper support arm 8 (9) has a mounting portion 8a (9a) to the swing arm 11 (12), a horizontal portion 8b (9b) extending horizontally from the mounting portion 8a (9a), and a downwardly attached lower end of the horizontal portion. Hopper support 8c extending a predetermined length
(9c). When the hopper 5 is mounted, the hopper mounting plate 24 in which the bolts 24a are planted is fitted inside the hopper 5, and the bolts 24a are put out through the holes 5f formed in the hopper 5 and the holes of the hopper support 8c (9c). Is fixed to the hopper supporting portion 8c (9c) by a nut 25. A groove 12a into which the stopper pin 13 fits is formed at the tip of the swing arm 12, and the stopper pin 13 slides along the groove 12a when the stopper pin 13 moves up and down with the swing of the swing arm 11. The two swing arms 11, 12 simultaneously swing almost symmetrically. Also, a head 13 formed at the rear end of the stopper pin 13
When a moves upward by a predetermined distance, it contacts the lower end of the stopper 19. Since the height of the stopper 19 is adjustable by a bolt, the width of the swing of the swing arms 11 and 12 can be adjusted.

The elevating mechanism 7 includes an elevating shaft 26 which is moved up and down by a driving means (not shown), an elevating shaft support stand 27 and a stand cover 28 installed on a machine base. The hopper mounting bracket 18 is connected to the elevating shaft 26 via a mounting member. And is driven up and down a predetermined distance. Now, the elevating shaft 26 and the hopper mounting bracket 1
8 is in the raised position (solid line in FIG. 1), the swing arm 1
1 and 12 are fulcrum shafts 16 and 1 by the urging force of a tension spring 23.
Swing around 7 (incline so that the inside is lifted)
The head 13a of the stopper pin 13 is stopped at a position where it contacts the lower end of the stopper 19. At this time, with the swing of the swing arms 11, 12, the hopper support arm 8,
The hopper 9 also swings, and the hopper supporting portions 8c and 9c are inclined so that the lower side faces inward.

When the elevating shaft 26 is lowered from this state,
Until the entire deformation mechanism 6 (except for the cam 15) is lowered and the cam roller 14 comes into contact with the cam 15, the hopper supporting portions 8c and 9c remain inclined as shown by the solid line in FIG. When the cam roller 14 comes into contact with the cam 15 after the descent of the elevating shaft 26, the cam roller 14 stops,
The swing arms 11 and 12 start swinging around the fulcrum shafts 16 and 17 (swing in the downward direction) against the biasing force of the tension spring 23, respectively.
9 also oscillates and its hopper supports 8c, 9c begin to open outward. The elevating shaft 26 is set so that the swing arms 11 and 12 swing to a substantially horizontal position, and stop when the hopper support portions 8c and 9c are opened to a predetermined position (the virtual line in FIG. 1). When the elevating shaft 26 moves up, an operation opposite to the above operation is performed.

The hopper 5 has flexibility, and the center position of both side surfaces 5d and 5e corresponding to the bag surface extends vertically for a predetermined length, and the hopper mounting plate 24 and the hopper supporting portion 8 are provided.
c, 9c and attached to the hopper support arms 8, 9. Therefore, the hopper support arm 8,
Oscillation of 9 (oscillation of hopper supporting parts 8c, 9c (opening / closing))
As a result, the side surfaces 5d and 5e of the hopper 5 swing (open and close). Since the hopper supporting portions 8c and 9c swing around the upper ends of the side surfaces 5d and 5e of the hopper 5, the side surfaces 5d and 5e corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper 5 are centered near the upper ends thereof. Swinging inward and outward (opening / closing), and therefore, there is almost no deformation of the cross section in the vicinity of the upper end opening of the hopper 5 due to the swinging, and the amount of deformation increases almost proportionately downward. Hopper support 8c,
When the position 9c is swung inward as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, both side surfaces 5d and 5e of the hopper 5 are inclined with substantially the same inclination as the hopper supporting portions 8c and 9c, and the lower the lower, the lower the opening (particularly the lower opening). 1) When the side surfaces 5d and 5e are closed and the cross-section becomes flattened and comes to a position where it swings outward as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. It becomes an opening shape.

In this apparatus for charging articles to be packaged, the cam roller 14 is set so as to come into contact with the cam 15 when the elevating shaft 26 is lowered and the tip of the hopper 5 is inserted into the bag mouth of the bag W. The hopper supporting part 8 descends a predetermined distance from there.
The descent is set to stop when c and 9c are opened to a predetermined position. In addition, the opening degree of the hopper support parts 8c and 9c can be adjusted by the installation position of the cam 15. The deformation of the hopper 5 is performed as it moves up and down, and the state and action of the deformation of the hopper 5 are shown in FIGS.
The description will be made with reference to FIG. (A) When the hopper 5 is at the ascending position, the side surfaces 5d and 5e corresponding to the bag surface are closed and flattened downward as the hopper 5 goes downward. The lower bag W has an open bag mouth.
The degree of flatness of the hopper 5 can be adjusted by the stopper 19.

(B) The hopper 5 is lowered and the cam roller 14
Is in contact with the cam 15, the hopper 5 is still flat, and the lower end of the hopper 5 is just inserted into the bag mouth. Since the lower part of the hopper 5 is flat, it is easy to insert even if the bag opening is not so large in the direction perpendicular to the bag surface, and the notches 5a, 5b are formed, so that the width of the flat hopper 5 ( Even if the width (b) of the bag is about the same as or slightly larger than the bag width c, it can be inserted reliably.

(C) As the hopper 5 is further lowered, both side surfaces 5d and 5e corresponding to the bag surface are opened (the width direction of the bag is reduced by that amount), and at the same time, the bag mouth is formed along the outer shape of the hopper 5. Can be greatly expanded vertically. As the hopper 5, it is possible to use a hopper whose peripheral length when viewed in its cross section (cross section near the upper edge of the bag) is almost the same as the inner peripheral length of the bag mouth. If such a hopper is used, the cross section of the hopper greatly expands, and at that time, the bag mouth can be pushed widely from the inner surface and held in that state. Can be put in the bag. The lower end position of the hopper 5 is preferably a position where the upper ends of the notches 5a and 5b are inserted to near the upper edge of the bag. Also, in the above example, the hopper 5 was opened until it was very close to a circle.
, The opening degree of the hopper 5 can be freely set so that the opening degree of the hopper 5 becomes a shape suitable for the shape of the package (a specific opening is small). For example, when an object to be packaged having a shape in a direction (for example, a flat shape like a hamburger) is put in, the opening degree of the hopper 5 may be set small.

A hopper 35 shown in FIG. 6 is another example of the hopper according to the present invention. When the upper opening is inclined, and the object to be packaged is inserted from the direction of the arrow, the falling distance of the object to be packaged is reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that the inner wall of the hopper 35 can be used for positioning at the time of charging the article to be packaged. Although the hoppers 5 and 35 are formed by molding a single piece of flexible material into a cylindrical integrated structure, a hopper having a seamless integrated structure from the beginning may be formed. In addition, the notch is formed at the lower portion for easy insertion and a large opening. However, the notch may not necessarily be formed depending on the width b when the hopper is in the flat state.

Further, in the hoppers 5 and 35, both side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface open and close around the upper end of the hopper. At least the lower portion of the hopper inserted into the bag is flat. Since the insertion into the bag mouth becomes easier if possible, only a part (for example, the lower half) of the side surface corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper opens and closes, and the other part (for example, the upper half) does not deform its cross section. Can also be set. In the hoppers 5 and 35, the cross section is hardly deformed near the upper end of the hopper. However, the cross section can be set to be flat or open over the entire length of the hopper including the upper end. In this case, for example, a configuration in which the entire side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface move in the horizontal direction, or a configuration in which the entire both side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface are opened and closed around a position above the upper end of the hopper can be considered.

[0022]

According to the present invention, the hopper can be inserted into a bag whose bag size is set as small as possible without containing the opening guide device. It can be done reliably. Further, the packaged object does not jump out or get caught on the way.
Further, by adjusting the degree of opening of the lower opening (the degree of the wide mouth), the hopper can be freely set to a shape suitable for the shape of the article to be packaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for charging articles to be packaged according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view (in a state where it is deformed to have a wide mouth).

FIG. 3 is a sectional view near a stopper.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a shape of a hopper.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a deformation associated with the elevation of the hopper.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hopper of another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an opening guide device in a conventional bag-filling and packaging machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Hopper 5a, 5b Notch of hopper 5d, 5e Side corresponding to bag surface of hopper 6 Deformation mechanism 7 Elevating mechanism 8, 9 Support arm 13 Stopper pin 14 Cam roller 15 Cam 19 Stopper

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A packaged packaging machine for charging a packaged packaging machine, wherein a flexible hopper formed in a cylindrical shape is provided so as to be movable up and down, and the hopper is deformable in a flat or open shape. apparatus. 2. A bag-filling machine comprising a flexible hopper formed in a cylindrical shape and capable of ascending and descending, and both side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper opening and closing around the upper end of the hopper. A device for loading articles to be packed in a packaging machine. And a pair of support arms to which both side surfaces corresponding to the bag surface of the hopper are attached, wherein the support arms are vertically movable and swingable about the vicinity of the upper end of the hopper. An apparatus for charging articles to be packaged in a bag-filling and packaging machine according to claim 2. 4. The support arm swings inward until the lower opening of the hopper is inserted into the bag mouth, closes the hopper flat, and swings outward at a position below the hopper. The device for charging a packaged object in a bag-filling and packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the hopper is opened. 5. The bag packing according to claim 1, wherein the hopper has a notch formed in a lower portion on a side corresponding to a width direction of the bag and has a narrow width. A device for loading articles to be packed in a packaging machine.