JP4676111B2 - Method of folding packaging material of turret type packaging machine and packaging material folding device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is packagingAllThe present invention relates to a packaging material folding method and a packaging material folding apparatus for a turret type packaging machine capable of folding a packaging material in a form suitable for changing the size of the product.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A packaging material folding method of this type of turret type packaging machine is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-59312. In this known folding method, a body fold of a packaging material, a cylinder flap fold / body seal, an ear fold after cylinder seal, and a front side flap formed by the ear fold are folded in one turret. . In particular, the rear side flap is formed in a state of being folded in the thickness direction with respect to the product, so that even if the thickness of the product to be packaged is changed, there is an advantage that the folded-up tacker for the ear fold can be made common. is there.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the folding method described above, the semi-wrapped product is discharged from the turret, and then the side flaps folded back in the turret and the folding and side sealing are both performed outside the turret. The packaging process extends from the turret to the tip, and when the thickness of the product is changed, the adjustment point extends not only to the turret but also to the packaging process ahead.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel folding method and apparatus. In particular, the present invention has an object to provide a packaging material folding method for a turret type packaging machine and a packaging material folding apparatus capable of completing a packaging process only in the turret even if the thickness of a product to be packaged is changed. It is.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The packaging material folding method according to the present invention (Claim 1) performs packaging material body folding, body flap folding / body sealing, ear folding, side flap folding and side sealing in one turret. More specifically, the following steps are sequentially performed with intermittent rotation of the turret.
[0006]
First, in the body folding process, the product is pushed into the pocket together with the packaging material at the receiving position of the turret, and the packaging material is folded around the trunk of the product. At this time, a pair of trunk flaps protruding from the pocket in the radial direction of the turret are formed.
Next, with the intermittent rotation of the turret, the cylinder flap folding and cylinder sealing process is performed in the process in which the pocket receiving the product advances toward the discharge position. In this process, the body flaps are sequentially folded into the end face of the product and sealed to each other. As a result, the packaging material is wound around the product, and left and right ears of the packaging material projecting on both sides of the product are formed. The trunk flap folding and the trunk sealing operation may be performed when the pocket is positioned at a predetermined position, or may be performed together with the intermittent rotation operation of the turret.
[0007]
  When the pocket is positioned at the folding position before the discharge position after the trunk seal, the ear folding process is performed at this position. In this process, the left and right sides of the packagingTubularBy folding the ears on both sides of the product,Respond to the rest of the earLeft and right outer side flaps extending in the intermittent rotation direction of the turret along the side surface and left and right inner side flaps extending toward the side of the product are formed. The distinction between the inner side flaps and the outer side flaps is that the inner side flap is the inner side flap in the folded state and the outer side flap is the outer side flap. At this time, since the left and right outer side flaps are in a so-called folded state with respect to the product, the outer side flaps can be formed in the ear folding process regardless of the thickness of the product.
[0008]
Following the ear folding process, an inner flap folding process is performed at the same folding position. In this process, the left and right inner side flaps are folded into the sides of the product.
Following the folding of the inner side flap, a flap returning step is performed at the same folding position. In this step, the left and right outer side flaps are folded back to a posture extending toward the side of the product. At this time, the folded inner side flap is maintained in its folded state.
[0009]
  After flap return process, outsidesideA flap folding process is performed. In this process, the left and right outer side flaps folded back to the above posture are respectively attached to the side surfaces of the product.By moving the side folding guide relative toFold it over the outside of the inner side flap. By this folding, the side folding of the packaging material is completed. The folding of the outer side flap may be performed when the pocket is in the folding position, or may be performed at a timing when the pocket moves from the folding position toward the discharge position in accordance with the intermittent rotation operation of the turret.
  On the other hand, a contact / separation process is performed on the side folding guide, and in this contact / separation process, when the outer side flap is formed by the ear folding process, the edge of the side folding guide on the side of the outer side flap is a pocket. Away from the product in the intermittent rotation direction, and when the outer side flap is folded by the side folding guide, the edge is located near the base end of the outer side flap with respect to the product in the pocket. Close the side folding guide.
[0010]
  OutsidesideA side seal process is implemented following a flap folding process. In this process, the sideFlap foldingCompletedidAs the pocket containing the later product moves to the discharge position,CorrespondingFolded on the sideInside and outside side flapsSide seal. This side sealing operation may also be performed when the pocket is positioned at a predetermined position, or may be performed together with the intermittent rotation operation of the turret. As a result, the product is completely folded and a package is formed in the turret. Thereafter, when the pocket is positioned at the discharge position, the packaged product is discharged from the turret.
[0011]
According to the above-described packaging material folding method, after the trunk of the packaging material, the ear fold and the inner side flap are folded at the turret folding position, and the outer side flap is further folded. All side folds of the packaging material can be completed within the position.
The packaging material folding apparatus according to the present invention (Claim 2) includes various members and means for carrying out all the steps of the packaging material folding method described above in one turret. In other words, the packaging material folding device has a plurality of pockets on the outer peripheral portion, and when the pocket is rotated intermittently in one direction and one pocket is positioned at the receiving position, the packaging material is folded into the pocket to obtain a product. And a turret that can be further intermittently rotated to discharge the product from the pocket when the pocket is positioned at the discharge position. Means, inner flap folding means, outer flap folding means, side folding guide, contact / separation means and side seal means.
[0012]
  Specifically, first, the body flap folding / body sealing means includes a body flap protruding in the radial direction of the turret from the pocket at a predetermined body folding position when the pocket advances from the receiving position toward the discharging position by intermittent rotation of the turret. Fold into the end face of the product one after another and seal each other.
  The ear folding means is provided between the receiving position and the discharging position at a folding position in front of the trunk folding position in the intermittent rotation direction, and a pocket containing the product after trunk sealing is positioned at the folding position. When the left and right sides of the packaging projecting on both sides of the productTubularBy folding the ear into the side of the product,Respond to the rest of the earLeft and right outer side flaps extending in the intermittent rotation direction of the turret along the side surface and left and right inner side flaps extending toward the side of the product are formed.
[0013]
  The inner flap folding means is configured to fold the left and right inner side flaps of the product at the folding position after the ear is folded by the ear folding means.CorrespondingFold it to the side. The outer flap folding meansAt the folding position,Fold the left and right outer side flaps back to project from the side of the product.
  The side folding guide extends from the folding position to the intermittent rotation direction on both sides of the turret, and the side folding guide moves relative to both side surfaces of the product in the pocket so that both side surfaces of the product in the pocket are located.After wrappingFold the left and right outer side flaps.
[0014]
  When the outer side flap is formed by the ear folding means, the contacting / separating means is a side folding guide.Its outside side flap sideEdge ofButSeparated in the direction of intermittent turret rotation with respect to the product in the pocketAs far as possible,On the other hand, when the outer side flap is folded by the side folding guide, its edgeButLocated near the base end of the outer side flapAs much as possibleFor products in the pocketSide folding guideClose.
[0015]
  And the side seal means is provided on both sides of the turret and has been folded in the side of the productInside and outside side flapsSide seal.
  According to the packaging material folding apparatus described above, when the pocket receiving the product and the packaging material moves toward the discharge position along with the intermittent rotation of the turret at the turret receiving position, the pocket is folded and trunk-folded in this process. By sequentially passing the sealing means, the ear folding means, the inner flap folding means, the outer flap folding means, the side folding guide and the side sealing means, all the steps of the above-described packaging material folding method are performed. In particular, when the outer side flap is formed, the side folding guide is separated from the product in the pocket by the contacting / separating means, so that the folded outer side flap does not interfere with the side folding guide. On the other hand, when the outer side flap is folded, the edge of the side folding guide is positioned in the vicinity of the base end of the outer side flap by the contact / separation means, and thereafter, the relative movement of the side folding guide with respect to the side surface of the product is used. Thus, the folding of the outer side flap can be reliably guided. Even if the thickness of the product to be packaged is changed, the ear fold means is formed by folding the outer side flap with respect to the product, so that common parts are used regardless of the thickness of the product. be able to.
[0016]
As described above, when the side folding guide moves relative to both side surfaces of the product, it is possible to guide the folding of the left and right outer side flaps by the edges, but in the present invention, the side folding guide is fixed. Either the product moves due to the rotation of the turret, the side fold guide moves along the side of the product while the turret is stopped, or both the side fold guide and the product move. Is included. In particular, when the product moves due to the rotation of the turret with the side folding guide fixed, the position of the edge of the side folding guide needs to be appropriately positioned according to the thickness of the product.
[0017]
  For this reason, in addition to the above, the packaging material folding apparatus of the present inventionFirstPosition adjusting means is provided (Claim 3).FirstThe position adjusting means adjusts the position where the end edge should be positioned in accordance with the thickness of the product in the pocket when the side folding guide is moved closer by the contact / separation means. Thereby, the completion of the side folding within one or two positions of the turret is realized regardless of the thickness of the product.
[0018]
  In addition, the packaging material folding apparatus of the present inventionofInner flap folding meansIsFold the inner side flapWhen the inner flap folding means includes the inner flap folding guide and the inner flap folding means folds the inner side flap with the inner flap folding guide, the tip of the inner flap folding guideAdjust the position according to the thickness of the product in the pocketSecondIt is preferable to provide a position adjusting means. In this case, after the inner side flap is folded by the inner flap folding means, the folded state is maintained better.
[0019]
  The above-described ear folding means is in the folding position.AtSpaced apart in the radial direction of the turret,in frontA pair of ear-folding tackers arranged on the outer peripheral side and inner peripheral side of the pocket, and the pair of ear-folding tackersAlong the corresponding side of the productDrive means for contacting and separating from each other (claim 5). As described above, since the ear folding means is formed by folding the outer side flap, the pair of ear folding tackers may be common regardless of the thickness of the product.
[0020]
  In addition, it is preferable that the contact / separation operation of the pair of ear folding tackers by the driving unit is performed in conjunction with the contact / separation operation of the side folding guide by the above-described contact / separation unit (Claim 6). When the folding tackers are close to each other, the side folding guidesBe kept awayIt has become a thing. Therefore, when the ears of the packaging material are folded by the proximity movement of the ear folding tacker, the side folding guide is retracted from the product during this time as the outer side flaps are gradually folded up. Interference between the outer side flap and the side folding guide can be surely avoided. On the other hand, the outer side flaps are folded back by the separation operation of the ear folding tacker, and the side folding guide is brought close to the product in conjunction with this, so that the side folding guide moves relative to both sides of the product thereafter. Thus, the folding of the outer side flap can be reliably guided.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 schematically shows a series of packaging processes carried out in a turret type packaging machine. The turret type packaging machine includes a film reel FR as a packaging material roll, and a heat-weldable film F is drawn out from the film reel FR along a predetermined supply path. A supply path 2 extending vertically extends continuously at the end of the supply path, and the film F becomes a film sheet S in the supply path 2.
[0022]
  A tape reel TR is disposed above the feeding path 2, and the opening tape T is pulled out from the tape reel TR. Opening tape T is film FSupplyIt is connected to the film F in the middle of the route.
  In the turret type packaging machine, the feeding path 2 of the film F and the transfer path of the product A to be packaged are arranged so as to intersect each other. Specifically, the supply conveyor 4 for the product A is disposed on one side of the feeding path 2 and the turret 6 is disposed on the other side. The supply conveyor 4 extends horizontally toward the feeding path 2 and conveys the products A in a line. An elevator (not shown) is disposed at the end of the supply conveyor 4. The elevator receives products A one by one at the same level as the conveying surface of the supply conveyor 4, and then rises to supply one product A. It can be cut out from the product row on the conveyor 4.
[0023]
  Although only the rotation center of the turret 6 is shown in FIG. 1, the turret 6 has a plurality of pockets at equal intervals on the outer periphery thereof. The turret 6 is intermittently rotated by the angle between the pockets as seen in the circumferential direction.AndThe direction of rotation is clockwise (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) when viewed from the front of the aircraft. Each pocket is set to a size that can receive exactly one product A, and these pockets are sequentially positioned at predetermined receiving positions as the turret is intermittently rotated. The receiving position is defined at the same level as the lift position of the elevator across the feeding path 2, and when one pocket is positioned horizontally at the receiving position, the receiving reference surface (lower inner surface) in the pocket isAscending positionIt is positioned at the same level as the bottom surface of product A. Accordingly, the lower surface of the product A becomes the reference surface when viewed on the supply conveyor 4 in the turret 6.
[0024]
Although not shown in FIG. 1, a cutter unit is disposed in the middle of the feeding path 2, and a film gripper (feeding claw) is disposed below the feeding path 2. The cutter unit is located above the supply conveyor 4 and can cut the film F in the transverse direction as shown. Further, the film gripper reciprocates up and down along the feeding path 2, rises to the cutter unit and grips the lower end of the film, and then feeds the film F along the feeding path 2 as it descends. Along with this feeding operation, a new film F is pulled out from the film reel FR, and the opening tape T is continuously attached to the film F in this process.
[0025]
The film gripper descends to a lower limit position below the supply conveyor 4 and hangs the fed film F between the end of the supply conveyor 4 and the turret 6. At this point, the cutter unit cuts the film F and the opening tape T in the transverse direction, whereby a film sheet S with the opening tape is formed as a packaging material having a predetermined length below the cutter unit. .
[0026]
Further, when viewed in the supply direction of the product A on the supply conveyor 4, a push pusher (not shown) is waiting behind the lifted position of the elevator. The pushing pusher can reciprocate along the pushing path from the standby position across the feeding path 2 to the receiving position of the turret 6. Therefore, when the pushing pusher is moved toward the receiving position, the pushing pusher pushes the product A at the lifted position of the elevator toward the receiving position of the turret 6 together with the film sheet S, and the turret 6 at the receiving position. The product A is pushed together with the film sheet S into one pocket. In this process, the film sheet S is folded into a U shape around the trunk of the product A.
[0027]
The product A in the pocket and the folded film sheet S move in the circumferential direction along with the intermittent rotation of the turret 6, and in this process, the film sheet S is folded into a flap flap and a trunk seal, and left and right ear folds, which will be described later. The left and right side flaps are folded, and the left and right side seals and the like are sequentially subjected to folding and sealing processes. Note that the left and right sides of the product A mean both sides in the transfer direction. In FIG. 1, the rear side of the turret type packaging machine corresponds to the left side of the product A and the front side corresponds to the right side. In this way, the film sheet S as a packaging material completely wraps the product A, and as a result, a folded package H is obtained in the form of a double point end fold. The turret 6 has a discharge position opposite to the above-described receiving position, that is, 180 ° ahead in the rotation direction. At this discharge position, the package H is discharged from the pocket of the turret 6.
[0028]
FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the turret 6. The turret 6 has a pair of left and right side disks 10, and the side disk 10 on the front side of the machine body is shown in FIG. The left and right side disks 10 are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12 and are arranged in parallel to each other. The rotary shaft 12 is connected to an intermittent drive unit (not shown), and the turret 6 is intermittently rotated in one direction together with the rotary shaft 12 by the intermittent drive.
[0029]
The outer peripheral portion of each side disk 10 is processed into a plurality of bracket pieces 14. In the present embodiment, twelve bracket pieces 14 are formed radially, and these bracket pieces 14 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The left and right side disks 10 are paired with the corresponding bracket pieces 14 aligned in the circumferential direction. One pocket 16 is attached to each pair of left and right bracket pieces 14, and thus the turret 6 has a total of 12 pockets 16. Each pocket 16 is composed of two blade members, these blade members are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the side disk 10 and can receive the product A together with the film sheet S therein.
[0030]
Since the total number of the pockets 16 is 12, the turret 6 is intermittently rotated by 30 °. As a result, each pocket 16 is sequentially positioned at the receiving position and the discharging position. The pocket 16 sequentially reaches the discharge position from the receiving position through five intermediate positions.
For example, when an empty pocket 16 is newly positioned at the receiving position, the pocket 16 containing the completed package H is positioned at the discharge position at this time. From this state, when the product A is pushed into the empty pocket 16 by the push-in pusher 20 described above, the package H is discharged from the pocket 16 at the discharge position by the push-out operation of the discharge pusher 22. After the product A is pushed in, the push-in pusher 20 returns to the standby position, and when the elevator 8 is raised to cut out the next product A, the state shown in FIG.
[0031]
  Through the series of operations described above, the film sheet S is folded around the trunk of the product A at the receiving position of the turret 6, and a part of the film sheet S is formed from the pocket 16, that is, the end surface and both side surfaces of the product A. Protruding state (TrunkFolding process). In addition, the site | part of the film sheet S which protruded from the end surface of the product A becomes a trunk | drum flap.
[0032]
After that, the pocket 16 that has received the product A together with the film sheet S at the receiving position advances toward the discharge position along with the intermittent rotation of the turret 6. The packaging material folding apparatus according to the present invention completes the folding of the film sheet S and the heat sealing thereof until the pocket 16 reaches the discharge position. 24 and a side fold / side seal unit 26.
[0033]
In the following description, for convenience, the second intermediate position counted from the receiving position in the intermittent rotation direction of the turret 6 is referred to as a cylinder flap folding / body sealing position. As necessary, a designation is added later for a specific intermediate position.
The body flap folding / body sealing unit 24 is disposed outside the turret 6. When the pocket 16 is positioned at the trunk flap folding / trunk seal position, the pocket 16 enters the working area of the trunk flap folding / trunk seal unit 24 at this position.
[0034]
The body flap folding / body sealing unit 24 includes a folding block 28 and a folding heater block 30. The folding block 28 is positioned upstream of the folding heater block 30 when viewed in the rotational direction of the turret 6, and the folding heater block 30 has a built-in heater. The folding block 28 can swing reciprocally from the rear side of the pocket 16 located at the barrel flap folding / sealing seal position to the position just above it when viewed in the intermittent rotation direction of the turret 6. On the other hand, the folding heater block 30 can swing reciprocally from the front side of the pocket 16 at the barrel flap folding / sealing seal position to just above it.
[0035]
When the pocket 16 that has received the product A together with the film sheet S is positioned at the cylinder flap folding / sealing seal position, the folding block 28 moves forward toward the pocket 16, and one cylinder of the film sheet S at the lower edge thereof. Fold the flap onto the end face of product A. On the other hand, the folding heater block 30 starts to move behind the folding block 28. Immediately after the folding block 28 starts to move backward, the folding heater block 30 reaches the end surface of the product A, folds the other body flap, and superimposes it on the folded one body flap.
[0036]
At this time, the folding heater block 30 presses the end face of the product A through the trunk flap. In this state, the trunk flaps are mutually heat-sealed, that is, trunk-sealed, and then the folding heater block 30 is moved back to the standby position.
When body flap folding / body sealing is performed in this way (body flap folding / body sealing process), the film sheet S becomes a cylinder surrounding the product A, and both side portions thereof protrude from both side surfaces of the product A, respectively. Each cylindrical part has a pair of short side and long side.
[0037]
The folding block 28 and the folding heater block 30 described above are connected to a drive source (both not shown) via a power transmission path including a cam and a link, and are supplied with power from the drive source. It is swung at a predetermined timing.
When the third intermediate position from the receiving position in the movement direction of the pocket 16, that is, the intermediate position one position ahead of the body flap folding / body sealing position is defined as the folding position, the side folding / side sealing unit 26 is It is arranged from the folding position to the discharge position. The side fold / side seal unit 26 includes a pair of left and right side frames 32, which are arranged in parallel to each other on both sides of the turret 6, and extend on both sides of the turret 6 in the vertical direction.
[0038]
When the pocket 16 of the turret 6 reaches the folded position, the pocket 16 is positioned between the left and right side frames 32. Between the left and right side frames 32, a pair of upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are arranged on both sides of the turret 6, and these ear folding tackers 34 and 36 fold the cylindrical portion of the film sheet S at the ear. .
[0039]
  FIG. 3 shows various members of the side fold / side seal unit 26. The side fold / side seal unit 26 includes an inner flap fold guide 38, side fold guides 40 and 42, a fixed side guide 44, a side sealer 48, and the like in addition to the above-described ear fold tackers 34 and 36. These various members are arranged on both sides of the turret 6 and are paired on the left and right. The ear folding tackers 34 and 36, the inner flap folding guide 38, and the side folding guides 40 and 42 are all movable members.InIs a predetermined reciprocating motion as indicated by the arrows in FIG.ButGiven.
[0040]
  First, each of the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 is provided so as to be reciprocable in the vertical direction. Each inner flap folding guide 38 is horizontal.In the directionIt is provided so as to be able to reciprocate, and is close to the pocket 16 at the folding position during the forward movement and is separated during the backward movement. The side folding guides 40 and 42 are provided so as to reciprocate in the horizontal direction, and these side folding guides 40 and 42 reciprocate integrally. The side folding guides 40 and 42 are close to the pocket 16 at the folding position during the forward movement and are separated during the backward movement.
[0041]
The folding of the film sheet S accompanying the reciprocation of the above-described ear folding tackers 34 and 36, the inner flap folding guide 38, and the side folding guides 40 and 42 will be schematically described.
Now, when the turret 6 is intermittently rotated and the pocket 16 that has been in the intermediate position one before is positioned in the folding, the film sheet S in the product A in the pocket 16 corresponds to the cylindrical portions on both sides thereof. It is positioned between the side ear fold tackers 34, 36. In this state, the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are moved forward in a direction approaching each other, and the upper and lower ears of the film sheet S are folded into the side surfaces of the product A, respectively. This folding forms two side flaps on the film sheet S on both sides of the product A. Here, of the two side flaps, the one that is folded first is defined as the inner side flap IF, and the one that is superimposed on the outer side is defined as the outer side flap OF. The inner side flap IF is viewed in the intermittent rotation direction of the turret 6. The outer side flap OF is formed on the front side.
[0042]
The upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are made of a plate material that projects in a tapered manner toward the cylindrical portion of the film sheet S, and the edge extending in the oblique direction from the front end thereof is a folded edge of the outer side flap OF. On the other hand, the edges extending in the vertical direction from the tips of the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are positioned in substantially the same plane as one surface (reference surface) of the product A. For this reason, when the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are close to each other, the inner side flap IF is formed in a posture extending to the side of the product A, while the outer side flap OF is formed of the product A. It is formed in a posture extending in the intermittent rotation direction of the turret 6 along the side surface, that is, in a state of being folded up in the thickness direction of the product A (see FIG. 1).
[0043]
When the inner and outer side flaps IF and OF are formed, and the left and right inner flap folding guides 38 are moved forward from the rest position shown in FIG. 2 toward the pocket 16 in the folding position, the inner flaps as shown in FIG. The front end portion of the folding guide 38 is in a state where the inner side flap IF is folded into the side surface of the product A.
The side folding guides 40 and 42 are plate-like members, and these side folding guides 40 and 42 extend in the horizontal direction from the vicinity of the pocket 16 at the folding position. The fixed side guide 44 also has a plate shape, and the fixed side guide 44 is arranged so as to continue below the side folding guides 40 and 42. Thereby, the side folding guides 40 and 42 and the fixed side guide 44 cover the pocket 16 at each intermediate position between the folding position and the discharge position from the side.
[0044]
As described above, when the outer side flap OF is formed by the close operation of the ear fold tackers 34 and 36, the side fold guides 40 and 42 are located at a position away from the pocket 16 at the fold position. Thereafter, the side folding guides 40 and 42 are moved closer to the pocket 16 in conjunction with the separating operation of the ear folding tackers 34 and 36, and the vertical edge of the side folding guide 40 is immediately on the product A as shown in FIG. Located in the vicinity. At this time, the outer side flap OF is released from being folded up by the ear fold tackers 34 and 36 and returned to the posture extending to the side of the product A. Therefore, the outer side flap OF is the tip of the inner flap folding guide 38. It will be in the state located between the edge and the edge of the side folding guide 40.
[0045]
Thereafter, when the turret 6 is rotated intermittently next time, the pocket 16 in the folding position moves to the next intermediate position. At this time, when the pocket 16 enters between the left and right side fold guides 40, each side fold guide 40 folds the outer side flap OF at the edge thereof and superimposes it on the inner side flap IF already in the folded state. The detailed configuration and operation of the series of inner flap folding guides 38 and side folding guides 40 and 42 will be described later together with the operations of the ear folding tackers 34 and 36.
[0046]
If the intermediate position just before the discharge position is defined as the side seal position, the fixed side guide 44 has an opening 46 at the side seal position, and this opening 46 connects the pocket 16 at the intermediate position to the fixed side guide. 44 to expose. A side sealer 48 is disposed in the opening 46, and the side sealer 48 can be brought into contact with and separated from the pocket 16 at the side seal position through the opening 46. Therefore, when the pocket 16 that has been in the folded position is positioned at the side seal position as the turret 6 rotates intermittently, the side sealer 48 comes into contact with the folded ears and both side flaps, and heat-seals them. As a result, the package H is completed in the turret 6.
[0047]
Thereafter, when the pocket 16 containing the packaged product H is positioned at the discharge position, the packaged product H is discharged from the pocket 16 by the discharge pusher 22 as described above, and a series of packaging processes is completed.
FIGS. 4 to 8 specifically show a mechanism for reciprocating the above-described ear folding tackers 34 and 36 and side folding guides 40 and 42.
[0048]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the side fold / side seal unit 26 has a drive shaft 50, and the drive shaft 50 extends horizontally through the left and right side frames 32. The drive shaft 50 is connected to a drive source (not shown) inside the machine body, and the drive shaft 50 is reciprocally rotated by this drive source.
The drive shaft 50 is supported by the left and right side frames 32 via sleeves 52. Each sleeve 52 is connected to the drive shaft 50 via a parallel key 54, and the sleeve 52 is formed with a key groove 56 that allows the parallel key 54 to slide in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, each sleeve 52 is supported by the side frame 32 via a bearing 58, whereby the drive shaft 50 and each sleeve 52 can be rotated integrally, while the left and right side frames 32 are driven by the drive shaft 50. It can slide in the axial direction.
[0049]
Drive levers 60 are attached to the outer circumferences of the left and right sleeves 52 inside the side frames 32, respectively. Each drive lever 60 is fastened to the outer periphery of the sleeve 52 by a base end portion and extends obliquely downward from the drive shaft 50. As described above, when the drive shaft 50 is reciprocated, the drive lever 60 is reciprocated along the side surface of the turret 6.
[0050]
  A chevron-shaped upper yoke 62 is rotatably supported on the left and right side frames 32. One end of each upper yoke 62 extends downward from the fulcrum 64, and the other end extends rearward when viewed in the transfer direction of the product A.
  In addition, subframes 66 are arranged outside the left and right side frames 32, respectively. The sub-frame 66 partially covers the lower part of the side frame 32 from the side, and the folding position is seen in the rotational direction of the turret 6.SideThe edge of the subframe 66 is coincident with the edge of the side frame 32. Each sub-frame 66 is connected to the side frame 32 via a linear motion guide 68, so that the sub-frame 66 can slide in the vertical direction with respect to the side frame 32. A lower yoke 70 is rotatably supported on each subframe 66, and the lower yoke 70 is disposed symmetrically with the corresponding upper yoke 62 in the vertical direction. Therefore, one end of the lower yoke 70 extends upward from the fulcrum 72, and the other end extends rearward when viewed in the transfer direction of the product A.
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, cross frames 74 are respectively attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right side frames 32. Each cross frame 74 extends in the horizontal direction between the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70, and projects from the inner surface of the side frame 32 toward the turret 6. A linear motion guide 76 is attached to the protruding end surface of each cross frame 74 in a horizontal posture, and the left and right linear motion guides 76 extend parallel to the side surface of the corresponding turret 6.
[0052]
The above-described side folding guides 40 and 42 are supported by the cross frame 74 via the linear motion guide 76, whereby the side folding guides 40 and 42 can slide in the horizontal direction. Each linear guide 76 has two slide blocks 78, and the side folding guides 40 and 42 are respectively attached to separate slide blocks 78. In FIG. 6, only one slide block 78 is shown.
[0053]
  FIG. 7 shows in detail the joining relationship between the side folding guides 40 and 42 and the drive lever 60. 4 to 7, the left and right side folding guides 42 are each provided with a connection guide 80 at the upper edge of the outer surface. The connection guide 80 protrudes upward from the upper edge of the side folding guide 42, and a link rod 82 is pin-connected to the protruding end. Each of the drive levers 60 is connected to a corresponding connection guide 80 via a link rod 82, whereby the swing of the drive lever 60 is converted into a horizontal reciprocation of the side folding guide 42 and transmitted. It has become a mechanism. In FIG. 4, the connection guide 80 is indicated by a broken line.ofIllustratedIsIt is omitted.
[0054]
The protruding end portions of the left and right connecting guides 80 are further extended toward the side folding guide 40, and this extended portion is bent in an L shape toward the side of the turret 6 as shown in FIG. Yes. An adjustment screw 83 is disposed above the side folding guide 40, the adjustment screw 83 is disposed in a horizontal posture, and its head is rotatably supported by an extension portion of the connection guide 80. As a result, the adjustment screw 83 is restrained in the axial direction relative to the connection guide 80, while being allowed to rotate about the axis.
[0055]
A bracket 84 is attached to the side folding guide 40, and the bracket 84 protrudes above the side folding guide 40. A screw hole is formed at the protruding end of the bracket 84, and an adjusting screw 83 is screwed into the screw hole. The adjustment screw 83 connects the two side folding guides 40 and 42 to each other via the coupling guide 80 and the bracket 84, and can adjust the interval between the two side folding guides 40 and 42 by the rotation thereof. Specifically, when the adjusting screw 83 is rotated, the side folding guide 40 is displaced in the feed direction of the adjusting screw 83, and therefore the interval between the two side folding guides 40 and 42 can be adjusted. Such adjustment of the distance between the side folding guides 40 and 42 is performed in accordance with a change in the thickness of the product A. Details thereof will be described later.
[0056]
The connecting guide 80 has a predetermined length in the vertical direction, and a guide groove 85 is formed in a portion below the protruding end. The guide groove 85 extends in a vertical direction with a certain width, and a roller 86 is accommodated in the guide groove 85 so as to be able to roll. The roller 86 is supported by one end of the above-described upper yoke 62, whereby the upper yoke 62 and the side folding guide 42 are rolled and joined together by a pair. Therefore, the horizontal reciprocating motion of the side folding guide 42 is a mechanism that is converted into the reciprocating rotational motion of the upper yoke 62 accompanying the rolling of the roller 86 in the guide groove 85.
[0057]
A roller guide 88 is attached to the side folding guide 42 below the connection guide 80 with a cross frame 74 interposed therebetween. Only the guide groove 90 similar to the connection guide 80 is formed in the roller guide 88, and the roller 92 is accommodated in the guide groove 90 so as to be able to roll like the connection guide 80. The roller 92 is supported at one end of the lower yoke 70, and the lower yoke 70 is also joined to the side folding guide 42 by rolling. Therefore, the horizontal reciprocation of the side folding guide 42 is a mechanism that is converted into the reciprocating rotation of the lower yoke 70 in the same manner as the upper yoke 62.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 4, the fulcrum 64 of the upper yoke 62 and the fulcrum 72 of the lower yoke 70 are arranged on the same vertical line. Similarly, the upper and lower guide grooves 85 and 90 are also arranged on the same vertical line, and the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction. It is performed symmetrically at the same angle. Such reciprocating rotation of the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 is a mechanism that is further converted into a vertical movement operation of the ear fold tackers 34 and 36, and the mechanism will be described below.
[0059]
Linear motion guides 94 are attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right side frames 32 in a vertical posture, and the linear motion guides 94 extend in the vertical direction along the edge portions of the side frames 32. As indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, each linear motion guide 94 has two upper and lower slide blocks 96, and a slide plate 98 is attached to each of the upper and lower slide blocks 96. Although only the left side frame 32 is shown in FIG. 6, the slide plates 98 are arranged in parallel on both sides of the turret 6 on the left and right side frames 32, respectively. A bracket 100 is attached to the inner surface of each slide plate 98, and the bracket 100 is located on the front side of the product A in the pocket 16 in the folded position. Each bracket 100 extends vertically toward the side surface of the turret 6, and the left and right brackets 100 face each other with the turret 6 interposed therebetween.
[0060]
  As shown in FIG.Tip ofA rocker arm 102 is supported on each, and the left and right rocker arms 102 are symmetrical in the vertical direction. The base end portion of each rocker arm 102 is formed in a boss shape, and this base end portion is pin-connected to the bracket 100. Therefore, the rocker arm 102 is rotatable with respect to the bracket 100 around the base end. Each rocker arm 102 is bent and formed in a bowl shape from the base end toward the tip, and the upper and lower rocker arms 102 are bent at the tip.Look up and downIt arrange | positions so that it may mutually oppose.
[0061]
  The ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are each attached to the base end portion of the rocker arm 102, while the roller-like cam follower 104 is rotatably attached to the tip end portion of each rocker arm 102. Two cam plates 106 and 108 are attached to the end surfaces of the left and right side frames 32, respectively. The cam plates 106 and 108 are attached to the left and right side frames 32.CorrespondingIt extends toward the side surface of the turret 6.
[0062]
The end surfaces of the cam plates 106 and 108 are formed as cam surfaces for the cam follower 104. When the cam follower 104 is driven along the cam surface, the rocker arm 102 is swung around the base end portion. Each rocker arm 102 is attracted to the bracket 100 by the tensile force of the spring 110, so that the cam follower 104 is always pressed against the cam surface.
[0063]
  The upper and lower slide plates 98 are connected to the other ends of the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 through link rods 112, respectively. As a result, the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 are swung.TheConvert to vertical reciprocation of upper and lower slide plates 98DoThe mechanism is realized. Further, since the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 are simultaneously oscillated symmetrically in the vertical direction, the upper and lower slide plates 98 are moved toward and away from each other as the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 are oscillated.Do. The upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are moved toward and away from each other by the above-described contact and separation operation of the slide plate 98.Do.
[0064]
In FIG. 8, the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are shown in a state of being close to each other. At this time, the upper and lower rocker arms 102 are driven along the cam surface to hold the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 in a vertical posture, respectively. On the other hand, when the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are separated from each other, the upper and lower rocker arms 102 rotate with respect to the bracket 100 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. , 36 is inclined with respect to the side surface of the product A. At this time, the tips of the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are separated from the side of the product A. Therefore, the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 have a mechanism that allows the side folding operation of the product A to be performed together with the mutual movement of the ear folding tackers 34 and 36. When the sheet S is folded in an ear, the tip of the sheet S is brought into contact with a position slightly separated from the base of the cylindrical portion. Thereby, the ear-folding of the cylindrical portions by the ear-folding tackers 34 and 36 is smoothly performed.
[0065]
  FIG. 9 specifically shows the connection relationship between the side frame 32 and the subframe 66 in detail. On the left and right sides of the turret 6, the lower ear folding tackers 36 are respectively provided.TheIt can be attached to and detached from the upper ear folding tacker 34.That is,Corresponding to the size change of product A, the interval between the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 is adjusted.For,The sub frame 66 can be positioned in the vertical direction.
[0066]
As described above, the left and right subframes 66 are connected to the side frames 32 via the linear motion guides 68, but the relative positional relationship between the side frames 32 and the subframes 66 can be adjusted by the adjusting screw 114. It is. Specifically, cradles 116 and 118 are attached to the upper edge portions of the left and right side frames 32, respectively. These cradles 116 and 118 are rear sides as viewed from the end face of the side frame 32 in the transfer direction of the product A. It extends to. The upper ends of the adjusting screws 114 are rotatably supported by the cradles 116 and 118, respectively.
[0067]
Each adjustment screw 114 passes through the cross frame 74 and extends in the vertical direction along the inside of the side frame 32. The adjustment screw 114 has a larger diameter on the upper side than the cross frame 74, and a lower smaller diameter portion projects downward from the lower edge of the side frame 32, and a threaded portion is formed at the projecting end. A stopper 120 is fitted into the small diameter portion of the adjusting screw 114, and the stopper 120 is fixed at a position directly below the cross frame 74. Accordingly, each adjustment screw 114 is restrained from being displaced in the axial direction by the cross frame 74.
[0068]
On the other hand, a bracket 122 is attached to each subframe 66, and the bracket 122 extends horizontally from the inner side surface of the subframe 66 toward the side surface of the turret 6. Each bracket 122 is formed with a screw hole, and a screw portion of the adjusting screw 114 is screwed into the screw hole. Therefore, the left and right adjustment screws 114 connect the side frame 32 and the sub frame 66 to each other via the cradles 116 and 118 and the bracket 122, respectively, and the position of the sub frame 66 with respect to the side frame 32 is vertically changed by the rotation. Can be adjusted. Specifically, when the adjustment screw 114 is rotated, the sub frame 66 is displaced in the feed direction of the adjustment screw 114, so that the position of the sub frame 66 can be adjusted up and down with respect to the side frame 32.
[0069]
Such adjustment of the vertical position of the subframe 66 is performed according to the size change of the product A. As seen in FIG. 9, when the vertical length W of the product A is changed, the outer end of the turret 6 is the reference end surface of the product A. Therefore, when the length W is changed, the other end surface of the product A is changed. The position of is displaced on the inner peripheral side of the turret 6. Therefore, when changing the length W of the product A, the lower ear fold tacker 36 is adjusted in accordance with the position of the other end surface of the product A.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 8, the lower cam plate 108 has a long hole 124 extending in the vertical direction, and the threaded portion of the crank lever 126 is screwed into the side frame 32 through the long hole 124. Yes. The crank lever 126 can fasten the cam plate 108 to the side frame 32 and fix the subframe 66. Therefore, when adjusting the position of the sub-frame 66, the tightening of the crank lever 126 is first loosened and the adjustment screw 114 is rotated with the sub-frame 66 free.
[0071]
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the process of an actual ear folding operation by the ear folding tackers 34 and 36. Further, in FIGS. 10 and 11, a link mechanism constituted by various members on the left side (the rear side of the machine body) of the turret 6 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.
In FIG. 10, when the drive shaft 50 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the drive lever 60 is rotated in the same direction around the drive shaft 50, and this rotation is performed by the side folding guide 40 via the link rod 82. , 42 is converted into a horizontal movement. Further, the horizontal movement of the side folding guides 40 and 42 is converted into rotation about the fulcrums 64 and 72 of the upper yoke 62 and the lower yoke 70 as described above, and the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are brought close to each other by this rotation. The
[0072]
Therefore, the forward rotation of the drive lever 60 about the drive shaft 50 in the counterclockwise direction causes the ear fold tackers 34 and 36 to be in the cylindrical portion of the film sheet S along the side surface of the product A at the folding position. In addition, the side folding guides 40 and 42 are moved away from the product A in the rotational direction of the turret 6, and an ear folding operation is applied. As a result of this ear folding operation, the short side forming the cylindrical portion of the film sheet S is folded to the side surface of the product A as shown in FIG. 11, so that the left and right outer side flaps OF and inner side flap IFs Are formed respectively.
[0073]
Thereafter, when the inner side flap IF is folded and the drive shaft 50 is moved back in the clockwise direction, the drive lever 60 is moved back in the same direction around this, and the side folding guides 40 and 42 and the ear fold tacker are moved back. 34 and 36 return from the state of FIG. 11 to the state of FIG.
FIG. 12 shows a mechanism for applying a folding operation to the inner flap folding guide 38 on one side. The inner flap folding guide 38 is made of a plate, and its tip is bent at a substantially right angle toward the side surface of the turret 6. The bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 extends in the vertical direction, and the total length is set according to the maximum length of the product A to be packaged.
[0074]
A base end portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 is fixed to a hinge arm 128, and the hinge arm 128 is rotatable in a horizontal plane around a rotation shaft 129. A rotation lever 130 is attached to the rotation shaft 129, and the rotation lever 130 is pin-connected to the link rod 131a. The link rod 131a is combined with another link rod 131b so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. The slide of the link rods 131a and 131b is restrained by tightening of the crank lever 132. When the tightening of the crank lever 132 is loosened, the link rods 131a and 131b become free from each other, and in this state, the link rods 131a and 131b can be slid with respect to each other so that the entire length can be expanded and contracted. The link rods 131a and 131b are fixed to each other by tightening the crank lever 132 while being adjusted to a desired overall length.
[0075]
The other link rod 131b is pin-connected to the drive lever 133, and this drive lever 133 is fixedly attached to one end of the drive shaft 134. The drive shaft 134 penetrates the left and right side frames 32 and extends horizontally toward the rear side of the machine body, and its base end is connected to a drive source (not shown) inside the machine body. The drive shaft 134 and the drive lever 133 are reciprocally rotated by a drive source in the same manner as the drive shaft 50 and the drive lever 60 described above. Accordingly, the link rods 131a and 131b are reciprocated at a predetermined timing by the reciprocating rotation of the drive lever 133, and the inner flap folding guide 38 is reciprocally rotated via the rotation lever 130.
[0076]
An angle lever 135 is disposed above the rotation lever 130, and a rotation shaft 129 is attached to one end of the angle lever 135. The angle lever 135 is attached to the support shaft 136 at the central bent portion, and is rotatable in a horizontal plane around the support shaft 136.
The other end of the angle lever 135 is connected to the piston rod 138 of the air cylinder 137, and the angle lever 135 can rotate about the support shaft 136 by the expansion and contraction of the piston rod 138. When the piston rod 138 is contracted and the angle lever 135 is rotated counterclockwise from the illustrated state, the rotation lever 130 is also rotated in the same direction. As a result, the rotation shaft 129 is displaced from the forward position of the solid line to the retracted position indicated by the two-dot chain line.
[0077]
  As described above, the rotation lever 130 is displaced in the horizontal direction by the rotation of the angle lever 135, and thus the link rod 131.aThe pin joint end of the pin pivots up and down with respect to the drive lever 133DisplacementNot only is it possible, but it also rotates horizontallyDisplacementIt is possible.
  In FIG. 12, before the inner flap folding guide 38 starts to be folded, the rotary shaft 129 is in the retracted position (indicated by a two-dot chain line), and the bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 is from the side surface of the product A. It is in a separated state (position a in FIG. 12).
[0078]
When the folding operation of the inner flap folding guide 38 is started, the angle lever 135 is first rotated clockwise about the support shaft 136, and the rotation shaft 129 is displaced from the retracted position to the advanced position. At this time, the inner flap folding guide 38 is also rotated clockwise about the support shaft 136, so that the inner flap folding guide 38 protrudes toward the side surface of the product A (position b in FIG. 12). .
[0079]
Next, when the rotation lever 130 is rotated clockwise around the rotation shaft 129 at the forward movement position, the inner flap folding guide 38 is rotated clockwise toward the product A at the folding position. Then, as indicated by the solid line, the outer surface of the bent portion is brought into close contact with the side surface of the product A (position c in FIG. 12). At this time, the forward rotation path of the bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38, that is, the access path X is in contact with the side surface of the product A. Here, the access path X indicates the turning locus of the tip of the inner flap folding guide 38.
[0080]
Thereafter, when the pivot shaft 129 of the pivot lever 130 is displaced to the retracted position, the inner flap folding guide 38 is pulled down to the side of the product A (position d in FIG. 12). When the turning lever 130 is turned counterclockwise about the turning shaft 129, the bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 moves backward from the access path X to the side of the turret 6. It moves along the movement path, that is, the retreat path Y, and returns to the initial state (position a in FIG. 12). Thereby, when the product A at the intermediate position immediately before the folding position is transferred to the folding position next time, the inner flap folding guide 38 that rotates backward on the retracting path Y, and the cylindrical portion T of the film sheet S, Interference can be avoided. In FIG. 12, all the products A in each pocket 16 of the turret 6 are shown on the same plane.
[0081]
A mechanism for reciprocally turning the inner flap folding guide 38 described above, that is, a folding operation of the inner side flap IF, is unitized including the air cylinder 137. That is, outside the left and right side frames 32, slide frames 139 are arranged along the outer surfaces, and the slide frames 139 are connected to the side frames 32 via the linear motion guides 140. The linear guide 140 is attached to the outer surface of the side frame 32 in a horizontal posture, and the slide frame 139 is fixed to the slide block 142. Therefore, the slide frames 139 can slide in the horizontal direction with respect to the left and right side frames 32.
[0082]
The air cylinder 137 is connected to the hinge bracket 143 at the rear end thereof, and the air cylinder 137 is supported by the slide frame 139 via the bracket 143. The support shaft 136 of the angle lever 135 is also attached to the slide frame 139. Therefore, the air cylinder 137, the angle lever 135, the rotation lever 130, the hinge arm 128, and the inner flap folding guide 38 are all slide frames. 139 can slide in the horizontal direction.
[0083]
On the other hand, a cross plate 144 is attached to the front end edges of the left and right side frames 32 as viewed in the transfer direction of the product A. Each cross plate 144 projects to the outside of the side frame 32, and an adjustment screw 146 is rotatably supported by the projecting portion. A screw receiving portion 148 is formed at the upper edge portion of the slide frame 139, and the adjustment screw 146 is screwed into the screw receiving portion 148. A stopper 150 is fitted on the adjustment screw 146, and the displacement of the adjustment screw 146 in the axial direction with respect to the cross plate 144 is restricted by the stopper 150.
[0084]
Therefore, the adjustment screw 146 connects the side frame 32 and the slide frame 139 to each other via the cross plate 144, and moves the slide frame 139 in the horizontal direction with respect to the side frame 32 by the rotation. The position of the inner flap folding guide 38 can be adjusted in the horizontal direction. Specifically, when the adjusting screw 146 is rotated, the slide frame 139 is displaced in the feeding direction of the adjusting screw 146, and therefore the inner flap folding guide 38 performs the folding action of the inner side flap IF with respect to the side frame 32. The position can be adjusted in the rotational direction of the turret 6, that is, in the thickness direction of the product A at the folding position. At this time, since the position of the air cylinder 137 is also adjusted by the slide of the slide frame 139, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the air cylinder 137 independently of the inner flap folding guide 38. The position adjustment of the inner flap folding guide 38 and the length adjustment of the link rods 131a and 131b described above are performed according to the thickness change of the product A. Details thereof will be described later.
[0085]
The threaded portion of the crank lever 152 is screwed into the cross plate 144 from its end surface, and the tip of the threaded portion is in contact with the outer surface of the adjusting screw 146 in the cross plate 144. The crank lever 152 can tighten the adjusting screw 146 with respect to the cross plate 144 and restrict its rotation. Therefore, when adjusting the position of the inner flap folding guide 38, the tightening of the crank lever 152 is first loosened, and then the adjustment screw 146 is rotated.
[0086]
From the above description, the details of the mechanism that gives the individual operations to the ear folding tackers 34, 36, the side folding guides 40, 42, and the inner flap folding guide 38 have been clarified. Will be described. Moreover, the remaining steps of the packaging material folding method implemented in the turret type packaging machine of FIG.
[0087]
FIG. 13 shows a state immediately after the product A after the cylinder folding of the film sheet S and the cylinder flap folding / sealing seal is positioned at the folding position of the turret 6 as described above. At this time, the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are in a resting position separated from each other, and the inner flap folding guide 38 is in a state before the folding operation (position a in FIG. 12), and its rotating lever 130 is. The rotation shaft 129 is positioned at the retracted position.
[0088]
  In this state, as shown in FIG. 14, when the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 move close to each other and start the ear folding of the film sheet S, the side folding guides 40 and 42 are separated from the product A in conjunction with this. start. At this time, the angle lever 135ofBy receiving the rotation, the rotation shaft 129 of the rotation lever 130 is displaced from the retracted position to the advanced position, so that the inner flap folding guide 38 protrudes toward the side surface of the product A (position a in FIG. 12). To position b).
[0089]
When the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 complete the ear folding as shown in FIG. 15, the left and right inner side flaps IF and outer side flaps OF are respectively formed on both sides of the product A as described above (ear folding process). . At this time, since the side folding guides 40 and 42 are located at the position farthest from the product A, interference between the outer side flap OF and the side folding guide 40 is avoided.
[0090]
When the ear folding by the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 is completed, the inner flap folding guide 38 has already started to move, and the bent portion is moving toward the product A along the access path X ( (Move from position b to position c in FIG. 12).
Thereafter, when the bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 reaches the side surface of the product A as shown in FIG. 16, folding of the inner side flap IF is started. At this time, the bent portion of the inner flap fold guide 38 partially overlaps the tips of the ear fold tackers 34 and 36, but between the bent portion of the inner flap fold guide 38 and the side surface of the product A, A gap that allows the backward movement of the ear fold tackers 34 and 36 is secured, and these tips do not interfere with each other.
[0091]
Then, as shown in FIG. 17, when the inner flap folding guide 38 is completely moved forward and its bent portion comes into close contact with the side surface of the product A via the inner side flap IF, the folding of the inner side flap IF is completed ( Inner side flap folding process).
At this time, the ear fold tackers 34 and 36 start to move backward, and the ear fold tackers 34 and 36 are in the process of coming out from between the inner flap fold guide 38 and the side surface of the product A. In this process, the outer side flap OF is released from being folded by the ear fold tackers 34 and 36, so that the outer side flap OF tries to return to the free state by the elastic force (so-called waist) at its base. Further, at this time, the side folding guides 40 and 42 move backward in conjunction with the backward movement of the upper and lower ear folding tackers 34 and 36 and are in the process of approaching the product A. A slight contact with the outer side flap OF can also serve to assist its folding back. In particular, when the elastic force of the outer side flap OF is insufficient due to the material of the film sheet S, folding can be positively guided by the edge of the side folding guide 40 coming into contact with the outer side flap OF. As a result, the outer side flap OF is folded back from the posture indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 12 to the posture extending toward the side of the product A as indicated by the solid line (flap returning step).
[0092]
When both the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 and the side folding guides 40 and 42 complete the backward movement, the end edge of the side folding guide 40 is positioned in the vicinity of the base end of the outer side flap OF.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, when the ear folding tackers 34 and 36 are separated from the product A and the side folding guide 40 is positioned at the folding position, the turret 6 is intermittently rotated. Accordingly, the pocket 16 at the folding position moves together with the product A toward the next intermediate position, and at this time, the outer side flap OF is folded by the side folding guide 40 as described above (outer side flap folding step).
[0093]
When the turret 6 starts rotating and the outer side flap OF is folded, the rotation lever 130 of the inner flap folding guide 38 receives the rotation of the angle lever 135 and the rotation shaft 129 moves from the forward position. Displaced to the retracted position. As a result, the bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 is pulled down from the side surface of the product A as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 12 (position d in FIG. 12).
[0094]
Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the inner flap folding guide 38 is rotated backward by the backward movement of the link rods 131a and b, and returns to the first rest position before the next product A is positioned at the folding position ( (Move from position d to position a in FIG. 12). Therefore, when the inner flap folding guide 38 moves back to the rest position along the retraction path Y, the cylindrical portion of the next product A does not interfere with the inner flap folding guide 38.
[0095]
Thereafter, by repeating the above-described operation, the ear fold and the inner side flap fold at the folding position of the turret 6 and the outer side flap fold accompanying the subsequent intermittent rotation of the turret 6 are similarly performed. The product A that has been side-folded is side-sealed at an intermediate position two points ahead of the folding position as described above (side-sealing process).
[0096]
The above is the packaging material folding method implemented by the packaging material folding apparatus of one embodiment, but in this embodiment, even if the thickness of the product A is changed, only the adjustment operation of the side folding / side seal unit 26 is the same. The packaging process can be carried out. Specifically, when changing the thickness of the product A to be packaged, the lengths of the link rods 131a and 131b are adjusted together with the adjustment work by the adjusting screws 83 and 146 described above.
[0097]
  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, with the inner flap folding guide 38 moved back to the folding position (c position in FIG. 12), the adjustment screw 146 is rotated in either direction to fold the inner flap. The guide 38 is positioned in the horizontal direction. Further, the crank rod 132 is loosened and the link rods 131a and 131b are slid to each other, and the total length of the link rods 131a and 131b is adjusted so that the bent portion of the inner flap folding guide 38 is parallel to the side surface of the product A. The lever 132 is tightened. In this case, the position of the inner flap folding guide 38 is set so that the distance G between the edge of the product A and the leading edge of the inner flap folding guide 38 is a predetermined value (for example, about 1.0 mm) when viewed in the thickness direction of the product A. adjust(SecondPosition adjusting means).
[0098]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the adjustment screw 83 is rotated in either direction to position the side folding guide 40 in the horizontal direction. At this time, it is assumed that the drive lever 60 is in the rest position and each side folding guide 40, 42 is in a position closest to the folding position. In this state, the position of the side folding guide 40 is adjusted so that the gap G between the leading edge of the inner flap folding guide 38 and the edge of the side folding guide 40 becomes the above-described predetermined value (FirstPosition adjusting means).
[0099]
Other necessary operations include changing the pocket size of the turret 6 and changing the feeding length of the film sheet S, and the details thereof are omitted.
Even when the thickness of the product A is changed as described above, all the side folding and side sealing of the film sheet S can be completed in the turret 6. Further, when changing the thickness of the product A, it is not necessary to replace the ear fold tackers 34 and 36, and it can be dealt with only by adjusting the adjustment screws 83 and 146.
[0100]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in one embodiment, the packaging path is set in the upper half circumference of the turret 6, but the packaging path may be set in the lower half circumference. In one embodiment, the horizontal folding of the side folding guides 40 and 42 is performed in conjunction with the ear folding tackers 34 and 36. However, the side folding guide 40 is driven by a drive source different from the ear folding tackers 34 and 36. , 42 may be reciprocated.
[0101]
Furthermore, if a preheater is installed in the side folding guides 40 and 42, the side folded surface is preheated until the semi-packaged product reaches the side seal position after the side folding is completed. Sealing time can be shortened.
In the above-described embodiment, the inner flap folding guide 38 is reciprocally rotated. Instead, a so-called block motion may be applied to the inner flap folding guide 38.
[0102]
Moreover, the above-mentioned outer side flap folding process can also be performed in the folding position without rotating the turret 6. For example, if the reciprocating stroke of the side folding guides 40 and 42 is extended so that the side folding guide 40 overlaps the side surface of the product A at the folding position at the end of the backward movement, all the pockets 16 are moved in one position. The side fold is completed. In this case, since the side folding guide 40 moves along the side surface of the product A after the outer side flap OF is folded back, the folding of the outer side flap OF can be guided at the edge thereof. However, at this time, in order to avoid interference with the inner flap folding guide 38 when the outer side flap OF is folded, it is necessary to appropriately set the timing at which the inner flap folding guide 38 retracts from the side surface of the product A.
[0103]
Furthermore, if a heater block is installed in the side folding guide 40, the side folding guide 40 can be used to fold the outer side flap OF and perform side sealing. In this case, all of the ear folding process, the inner side flap folding process, the flap returning process, the outer side flap folding process, and the side seal process can be performed at one position of the turret 6.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has realized a novel packaging material folding method (claim 1).
The present invention has realized a novel packaging material folding apparatus (claim 2).
In particular, the packaging material folding apparatus according to the present invention (Claim 3) is a folding apparatus that completes a whole series of packaging processes in the turret, and eliminates the need for parts replacement accompanying a change in product thickness. For this reason, it greatly contributes to downsizing of the entire packaging machine, reduction of installation space, improvement of work efficiency, and the like.
[0105]
  Furthermore, the operation position of the inner flap folding means(End position of inner flap folding guide)Can be adjusted (Claim 4), the folding of the inner side flap is further stabilized even if the thickness of the product is changed.
  Since the packaging material folding apparatus of the present invention folds the packaging material by the ear fold tacker (Claim 5), the parts can be shared regardless of the thickness of the product, which contributes to simplification of the apparatus.
[0106]
In addition, by interlocking the contact / separation operation between the ear folding tacker and the side folding guide (Claim 6), the drive source can be simplified and the folding operation can be linked, and a rational and compact mechanism can be realized. is there.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a series of packaging processes for products in a turret type packaging machine.
2 is a front view schematically showing a turret of the packaging machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic arrangement view of various members in a side fold / side seal unit.
FIG. 4 is a front view specifically showing a folding mechanism of the side folding / side seal unit.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a side fold / side seal unit partially including a cross section.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram specifically showing the front side (right side) ear folding mechanism in the side folding / side seal unit.
FIG. 9 is a diagram specifically illustrating a sub-frame position adjusting mechanism.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the ear folding mechanism.
11 is a diagram showing a state when the ear folding mechanism is folded from the state of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a folding mechanism of the inner flap folding guide.
FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state where both the ear fold tacker and the inner flap fold guide are at a rest position at the folding position.
14 is a diagram showing a state in which the ear fold tacker and the inner flap fold guide have started forward movement from the state of FIG.
15 is a diagram showing a state where the ear folding by the ear folding tacker is completed from the state of FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a folding process of the inner side flap by the inner flap folding guide when the ear folding tacker starts moving backward from the state of FIG. 15;
17 is a view showing a state in which folding of the inner side flap by the inner flap folding guide is completed from the state of FIG.
18 is a diagram showing a state in which the ear folding tacker has finished returning from the state of FIG. 17 and the turret has intermittently rotated.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a process in which the inner flap folding guide returns to the rest position from the state of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
  6 Turret
24 Body flap fold / body seal unit (body flap fold / body seal means)
34, 36 Ear folding tacker (ear folding means, outer flap folding means)
38 Inner flap folding guide (inner flap folding means, outer flap folding means)
40 Side folding guide (outside flap folding means, side seal means)
48 Side sealer (side seal means)
50 Drive shaft (contact / separation means)
60 Drive lever (contact / separation means)
62 Upper yoke (drive means)
70 Lower yoke (drive means)
83 Adjustment screw (FirstPosition adjustment means)
146 Adjustment screw (SecondPosition adjustment means)

Claims (6)

The packaging all-out products using the turret type packaging machine having a turret which intermittently rotates in the One only chromatic respectively one direction discharge position for performing the discharge of the receiving position and products for receiving into the pocket, the product In the packaging material folding method of folding the packaging material around
When one pocket of the turret is positioned at the receiving position, a body folding step of pushing the product together with the packaging material into the pocket and folding the packaging material around the trunk of the product;
When the pocket receiving the product advances from the receiving position toward the discharging position due to the intermittent rotation of the turret, the body flap of the packaging material protruding in the radial direction of the turret from the pocket in this process is used. A cylinder flap folding and cylinder sealing process in which the cylinders are sequentially folded and sealed together,
After the cylinder seal, when the pocket is positioned at the folding position of the front of the discharge position, the folding ear folding the left and right cylindrical ear protruding on each side of the product packaging material to the corresponding sides of the product, Ear folding step of forming left and right ears left and right outer side flaps extending in the intermittent rotation direction along corresponding side surfaces of the product and left and right inner side flaps extending toward the side of the product , respectively,
Following the ear folding step, an inner side flap folding step of folding the left and right inner side flaps into the corresponding side surfaces of the product at the folding position, respectively.
Following the inner side flap folding step, a flap returning step of folding back the left and right outer side flaps to a posture extending toward the side of the product at the folding position,
After the flap returning step, the left and right outer side flaps folded back to the posture are moved on the outer side of the inner side flap by moving the side folding guides relative to the corresponding side surfaces of the product. The outer side flap folding process to fold together,
When the outer side flap is formed by the ear folding step, the side folding guide is moved away from the product in the pocket so that the edge on the outer side flap side is separated from the product in the pocket in the intermittent rotation direction. An approach and separation step of bringing the side folding guide closer to the product in the pocket so that the end edge is positioned in the vicinity of the proximal end of the outer side flap when the outer side flap is folded by the folding guide;
Following the outer side flap folding process, the corresponding said outer side flaps and the inner side flap of the folding already in the aspects of the product and side seals, packaging products wrapped completely the product on a packaging material in the inner pocket A side seal process ,
A packaging material for a turret type packaging machine, comprising: a discharging step of discharging the packaged product from the pocket when the pocket is positioned at the discharging position after the side sealing step. Folding method. When there are a plurality of pockets on the outer periphery and it is intermittently rotated in one direction and one pocket is positioned at the receiving position, it receives a product in which the packaging material is folded in the pocket, and then further intermittently. A turret capable of discharging the product from the pocket when rotated and the pocket is positioned in the discharge position;
When the pocket advances from the receiving position toward the discharge position by intermittent rotation of the turret, a packaging body flap that protrudes in the radial direction of the turret from the product at a predetermined body flap folding position is formed on the end surface of the product. A body flap fold and body seal means for sequentially folding and sealing each other with a body seal;
Between the receiving position and the discharging position, a folding position is provided in front of the trunk flap folding position in the intermittent rotation direction, and a pocket containing the product after the trunk sealing is positioned at the folding position. when, by the folding ear folding the left and right cylindrical ear protruding on each side of the product packaging material to the corresponding sides of the product, the right and left extending in the intermittent rotating direction along the rest of the left and right ears in the corresponding sides of the product and ears folding means formed respectively on the right and left inner side flaps extending towards the side of the outer side flaps and products,
An inner flap folding means for folding the left and right inner side flaps to the corresponding side surfaces of the product at the folding position after the ear folding means is folded by the ear folding means,
Outer flap folding means for folding back the left and right outer side flaps to a posture projecting sideways from the corresponding side surface of the product at the folding position ;
By extending both sides of the turret from the folding position in the intermittent rotation direction and moving relative to both side surfaces of the product in the pocket, the left and right outer side flaps after folding back correspond to the product. Side fold guides that fold into the sides,
The outside when the side flaps are formed away so as to spaced in said intermittent rotation direction with respect to the product of the side folding guide the outer side flaps side edge is in the pocket by the ear folding device, whereas, and moving means for close to the side folding guide for the product in said pocket so as to position the base end vicinity of the end edge the outer side flaps when the said outer side flaps by the side folding guide is folded ,
Provided on both sides of the turret, the said corresponding folding pre inner side flaps and outer side flaps at the side surface of the product and side seals completely the product to be discharged from the pocket at the discharge position packaging material A wrapping material folding apparatus for a turret type packaging machine, comprising a side seal means for forming a packaged package . When the side folding guide is moved closer by the contact / separation means, the position folding means further includes first position adjusting means for adjusting a position where the edge of the side folding guide should be positioned according to the thickness of the product in the pocket. The packaging material folding apparatus of the turret type packaging machine according to claim 2. It said flap folding means includes a flap folding guides among constituting the folding of the inner side flaps,
When the inner flap folding means folds the inner side flap with the inner flap folding guide, it further comprises second position adjusting means for adjusting the tip position of the inner flap folding guide according to the thickness of the product in the pocket. The packaging material folding apparatus of the turret type packaging machine according to claim 3. The ear folding means is
The radially spaced apart in the turret at the folding position, the tacker folding a pair of ears which are arranged respectively on the outer peripheral side and inner peripheral side of the front Symbol pocket,
5. The packaging material folding apparatus for a turret type packaging machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a driving unit that moves the pair of ear folding tackers toward and away from each other along corresponding side surfaces of the product . The contact / separation operation of the pair of ear fold tackers by the driving means is performed in conjunction with the contact / separation operation of the side folding guide by the contact / separation means, and when the pair of ear fold tackers are close to each other, 6. The packaging material folding apparatus for a turret type packaging machine according to claim 5, wherein the folding guide is kept away from the product.

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