Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
  • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
  • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
  • B65B43/60—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation rotatable
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
  • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
  • B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
  • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
  • B65B43/46—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
  • B65B43/465—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers for bags

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an automatic vacuum packaging system for sealing packing of items by use of vacuum bags. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, which enables automatic performance of a series packaging processes, such as holding of a vacuum bag, opening of the vacuum bag, inputting of items, vacuum sealing, etc. at a high speed in a continuous rotation manner, thereby making it unnecessary to have large personnel through minimal management of a vacuum packaging operation, and noticeably improving productivity of the automatic vacuum packaging operation with an automatic sealing process at a high speed.
• the present invention relates to an apparatus for holding the vacuum bag, an apparatus for opening the vacuum bag to input an item into the vacuum bag, and an automatic apparatus for evacuating and sealing the vacuum bag after inputting the item into the vacuum bag, all of which are applicable to the automatic vacuum packaging system.
• the refrigerating machine enables the food or the items to be normally stored for a predetermined time period, it has a problem in view of long term storage in that, when the food or the items are stored for a long period therein, they are likely to be decayed through oxidation due to air inside the packed wrap.
• a conventional vacuum packaging apparatus 1 comprises upper and lower cases 10 and 20 with upper and lower rubber gaskets 24 and 23 fitted thereinto, a vacuum pump 25 to suck air inside the rubber gaskets 23 and 24, and a heater 21 in front of the lower rubber gasket 23 to heat a vacuum bag 30 in order to seal the vacuum bag 30.
• the vacuum pump 25 is operated by pushing a certain switch to generate vacuum in a space between the rubber gaskets 23 and 24 so that air is evacuated from the vacuum bag 30. Then, after completing the vacuum generation in the vacuum bag 30, power is applied to the heater 21 positioned in front of the lower rubber gasket 23, sealing the vacuum bag 30 through fusing.
• the present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems of the prior art and therefore an aspect of the present invention is to provide a rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, which enables vacuum packaging and automatic high speed sealing of large amounts of items by minimal personnel, significantly improving productivity of a vacuum packaging operation.
• Another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, and a vacuum bag holding apparatus, which is installed as a single apparatus therein to hold and convey vacuum bags having various sizes without any exchange, thereby increasing applicability to packaging of various kinds of items while reducing the overall size of the vacuum packaging system.
• Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, and a vacuum bag opening apparatus, which can open or close an inlet of the vacuum bag during conveyance of the vacuum bag, so that the items can be easily input to the vacuum bag, and evacuation and sealing of the vacuum bag can be automatically and rapidly achieved by closing the inlet of the vacuum bag with the item therein in subsequent processes.
• Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, and the vacuum bag holding apparatus, which can rapidly hold the vacuum bag with power while allowing the vacuum bag even with heavy items contained therein to be stably conveyed in a state of being held thereby to a subsequent stage.
• Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, and the vacuum bag opening apparatus, which enables automatic and precise opening of inlets of the vacuum bags having the various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the vacuum bags, thereby allowing the various kinds of items to be contained in the vacuum bags.
• Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, and the vacuum bag opening apparatus, which enables automatic and precise opening of the inlets of the vacuum bags without damaging the vacuum bags, thereby further improving the productivity of the vacuum packaging operation.
• Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, and an automatic vacuum bag sealing apparatus, which can evacuate the vacuum bag through the inlet thereof to generate vacuum in the vacuum bag, followed by sealing the inlet of the vacuum bag, thereby enabling establishment of the automatic vacuum packaging system, and reducing a time for a vacuum process while ensuring convenience in the vacuum process, which can lead to improvement in productivity.
• Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system, which enables vacuum generation and sealing of the vacuum bag to be achieved with a single apparatus, thereby reducing the size of the system with a simple structure, which ensures the vacuum process to be performed conveniently in a short period of time, improving the productivity, and which has a flexible applicability to treat the vacuum bags having different sizes.
• the invention provides a rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system for packaging an item with a vacuum bag, comprising: a frame rotated by a driving source; an arrangement of bag holding units rotatably mounted on the frame and comprising a plurality of grippers circum- ferentially arranged at constant intervals around the frame to hold vacuum bags; a bag opening unit fixedly disposed at a location separated from the frame to open an inlet of each vacuum bag on each of the bag holding unit; an item sealing unit comprising a vacuum induction part to suck air from the vacuum bag when an item is input to the vacuum bag through the open inlet of the vacuum bag, and a heat sealing means to seal the inlet of the vacuum bag after completing an operation of the vacuum induction part; and a controller to activate the driving source and automatically control the bag holding units, the bag opening unit and the item sealing unit by use of preset program, wherein the vacuum packaging system performs a series packaging processes in a continuous rotary type, the processes including holding of each vacuum bag,
• the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system further comprises an item input unit positioned downstream of the bag opening unit and having a chute to input food into the vacuum bag through the inlet thereof by a predetermined amount, wherein the item sealing unit is positioned downstream of the item input unit, and the controller automatically controls the item input unit by use of the preset program.
• the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system further comprises a pneumatic generator comprising a static pressure source, a vacuum source, a static pressure regulator, and a vacuum regulator to impart a predetermined static pressure or vacuum pressure to the bag holding units, the bag opening unit, the item input unit, and the item sealing unit, wherein the controller automatically controls the pneumatic generator by use of the preset program.
• a pneumatic generator comprising a static pressure source, a vacuum source, a static pressure regulator, and a vacuum regulator to impart a predetermined static pressure or vacuum pressure to the bag holding units, the bag opening unit, the item input unit, and the item sealing unit, wherein the controller automatically controls the pneumatic generator by use of the preset program.
• the arrangement of bag holding units enables holding of a plurality of the vacuum bags having various sizes, and comprises: a plurality of first supporters rotatably mounted on the frame, a plurality of pairs of grippers to seize and hold opposite sides of the vacuum bag, each pair of grippers disposed on each of the first supporters and movable with respect to each other in a width direction, a plurality of width regulators to adjust locations of the grippers in the width direction, each width regulator comprising a motor positioned on each first supporter to move each pair of grippers in the width direction, and a plurality of bag holding sources comprising a cylinder to supply a driving force to the grippers.
• the bag opening unit automatically opens the inlet of the vacuum bag corresponding to a size of the vacuum bag, and comprises: a second supporter secured to the base of the frame; a pair of arms movable in a width direction on the second supporter and extending to opposite sides of the vacuum bag; a width regulator to regulate locations of the arms, and comprising a motor for moving the pair of arms; bag opening devices, each being attached to a leading end of each arm, to absorb opposite surfaces of the vacuum bag through via vacuum; and a vacuum source to impart vacuum pressure to the bag opening devices.
• the item sealing unit seals the vacuum bag after generating vacuum in the vacuum bag, and comprises: an upper plate movably connected to a lifting cylinder mounted on the frame; a lower plate movable with respect to the upper plate to clamp an inlet of a vacuum bag between the upper and lower plates, the lower plate comprising a movable cylinder to adjust a separation between the upper and lower p lates; the vacuum induction part having a vacuum suction port to suck and discharge air from the vacuum bag through the inlet of the vacuum bag clamped between the upper and lower plates; and the heat sealing means comprising a heater to seal the inlet of the vacuum bag positioned between the upper and lower plates.
• the pneumatic generator comprises: a first circular plate rotatably integrated to the frame; the vacuum source mounted on the first circular plate; the static pressure source mounted on the first circular plate to supply the static pressure; the static pressure regulator comprising a pressure tank connected to the static pressure source to maintain a preset static pressure in the static pressure source, and a distribution header connected to the pressure tank to distribute a plurality of pressure hose strands; and the vacuum pressure regulator comprising a vacuum tank connected to the vacuum source to maintain a preset vacuum pressure in the vacuum source, and a distribution header connected to the pressure tank to distribute a plurality of vacuum hose strands.
• the invention provides an apparatus for holding a vacuum bag to enable opening of an inlet of the vacuum bag, inputting of food into the vacuum bag through the inlet thereof, and sealing the inlet thereof while the vacuum bag is conveyed, comprising: a supporter; a pair of grippers to seize and hold opposite sides of the vacuum bag, the grippers being movable with respect to each other in a width direction; a width regulator to adjust locations of the grippers in the width direction, the width regulator comprising a motor to move the grippers along a rail in the width direction; a bag holding source comprising a cylinder to supply a driving force to the grippers, wherein the apparatus holds and conveys vacuum bags having different sizes.
• the invention provides an apparatus for opening a vacuum bag in opposite directions, comprising: a supporter; a pair of arms movable in a width direction on the supporter and extending to opposite sides of the vacuum bag; a width regulator to regulate locations of the arms, and comprising a motor for moving the pair of arms; bag opening devices, each being attached to a leading end of each arm, to absorb opposite surfaces of the vacuum bag through via vacuum; and a vacuum source to impart vacuum pressure to the bag opening devices, wherein the apparatus automatically opens an inlet of the vacuum bag corresponding to a size of the vacuum bag.
• the invention provides an apparatus for evacuating and sealing a vacuum bag, comprising: an upper plate; a lower plate movable with respect to the upper plate to clamp an inlet of a vacuum bag between the upper and lower plates, the lower plate comprising a movable cylinder to adjust a separation between the upper and lower plates; a vacuum induction part having a vacuum suction port to suck and discharge air from the vacuum bag through the inlet of the vacuum bag clamped between the upper and lower plates; and a sealing means comprising a heater to seal the inlet of the vacuum bag positioned between the upper and lower plates.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional vacuum packaging system
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 3 is a plan view of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 4 is a side view of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating a cam track of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a central shaft of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention, in which arrows indicate forward and rearward movements of the bag holding unit;
• Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention;
• Fig. 9 is a plan view of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention;
• Figs. 10a and 10b are a side view and a cross-sectional view of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention, respectively;
• Fig. 11 is a detailed view of a width regulator of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention;
• Fig. 11 is a detailed view of a width regulator of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention;
• Fig. 11 is a detailed view of a width regulator of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present
• FIG. 12 is a detailed view illustrating an operation of a gripper of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the bag opening unit and the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an operation of the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a support beam and a item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 18 is a side view illustrating the support beam and the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Figs. 20a and 20b are explanatory views showing the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention, in which upper and lower plates are opened from a closed state
• Figs. 20a and 20b are explanatory views showing the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention, in which upper and lower plates are opened from a closed state
• Figs. 20a and 20b are explanatory views showing the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention, in which upper and lower plates are opened from a closed state
• FIG. 21a and 21b are explanatory views showing a sealing means of the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating a sealing operation of the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a location of a pneumatic generator of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 24 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the pneumatic generator of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 25 is a plan view illustrating an overall operation of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 26a and 26b are a plan view and a partially detailed view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 27a and 27b are a plan view and a partially detailed view illustrating another alternative embodiment of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 28 is an explanatory view illustrating an operation of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating an operation of the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating an operation of the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the bag holding unit and the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 31 is a plan view illustrating the operation of the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 32 is a plan view illustrating the operation of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 33 is a plan view illustrating an operation of closing an inlet of a bag by the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 31 is a plan view illustrating the operation of the bag opening unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 32 is a plan view illustrating the operation of the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention
• Fig. 33 is a plan view illustrating an operation of closing an inlet of a bag by the bag holding unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according
• Fig. 34a is a side view of the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention, below which a vacuum bag is located;
• Fig. 34b is a side view of the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention lowered immediately above the vacuum bag;
• Fig. 35a is a side view illustrating an operation of evacuating the vacuum bag by the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention,;
• Fig. 35b is a side view illustrating an operation of sealing the vacuum bag by the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention;
• Fig. 36 is a side view illustrating a state after sealing the vacuum bag by the item sealing unit of the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system according to the present invention.
• a rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system 500 is to perform a series packaging processes, such as holding of a vacuum bag, opening of the vacuum bag, inputting of items into the vacuum bag, vacuum sealing of the vacuum bag, etc. in a continuous rotary type.
• the vacuum packaging system 500 of the invention comprises a frame 600 rotated by a driving source 610.
• the frame 600 comprises a base 612 formed from a heavy material, a central shaft
• the driving source 610 is constituted by a forward and reverse motor which is electrically operated.
• the base 612 is provided at a lower surface thereof with a plurality of wheels 612a so as to allow movement of the frame.
• the vacuum packaging system 500 of the present invention can be moved to anywhere in a workplace, providing convenience in use.
• the central shaft 615 is rotatably mounted at a lower end thereof to the center of the base 612 via a bearing 615, and is connected to a driven pulley 617 at a location above the bearing 615a of the central shaft 615.
• the driven pulley 617 is operably connected to a driving pulley 619 of the motor mounted on the base 612 via a belt 622 or the like.
• the central shaft 615 can be rotated on the base 612 via the driving pulley
• the driving pulley 619, the belt 622, and the driven pulley 617 are used as a structure for connecting the driving source610 to the central shaft 615 in the above description, the present invention is not limited to this structure.
• other connecting mechanisms such as a driving sprocket (not shown) a driven sprocket, and a chain (not shown), can be used.
• the frame 600 comprises a first circular plate 630 positioned at an upper portion of the shaft 615 to mount a pneumatic generator 4000, which will be described below, a second circular plate 650 positioned above the first circular plate 630 to mount an arrangement of bag holding units 1000 spaced at constant intervals from each other, and a plurality of support beams 660 above the second circular plate 630 to mount item sealing units 3000 thereon, respectively.
• the support beams 660 are circumferentially arranged at constant intervals around the shaft 615 like ribs of an umbrella.
• the central shaft 615 is made from iron, and has a tubular shape, of which inner space has a sufficiently large diameter to allow power cables, signal cables, and vacuum pressure supply hoses 680 to pass therethrough.
• the vacuum packaging system 500 of the invention has the plurality of bag holding units 100, which are mounted on the second circular plate 650 rotatably mounted on the frame 600, and each of which comprises a plurality of grippers arranged at constant intervals in the circumferential direction of the frame 600.
• each of the bag holding units 1000 is mounted on the second circular plate 650 via an advancing and retreating part 700 which employs a cam track 710, and is able to move back and forth in a radial direction on the second circular plate 650 while rotating along with the second circular plate 650.
• each of the bag holding units 1000 is disposed at the perimeter of the second circular plate 650, that is, at a location discrete from a stationary disc 720 with the cam track 710 disposed thereon, on the second circular plate 650 below an associated support beam 660.
• the bag holding unit 1000 comprises a first supporter 1010 which is movable in the radial direction on the second circular plate 650 along a plurality of guide bars 752 positioned on the second circular plate 650.
• the second circular plate 650 can be rotated around the central shaft 615, and thus the bag holding unit 1000 mounted on the second circular plate 650 is also rotated.
• the bag holding unit 1000 comprises a connecting rod 754, which is secured to a rear side of the first supporter 1010 and provided at a rear end with a roller 756 such that the connecting rod 754 can be moved along the cam track 710 through rotation of the roller 566.
• the cam track 710 is installed on an upper surface of the stationary disc 720 above the second circular plate 650.
• the stationary disc 720 is slidable on a circular slide rail 760 installed on an upper surface of the second circular plate 650, the stationary disc 720 is coupled at one end to an upper end of a securing bar 770 extending from the base 612 to be positioned on the second circular plate 650 so as not to be rotated, and formed at the center thereof with an opening 720 through which the central shaft 615 passes.
• the stationary disc 720 permits rotation of the second circular plate 650 while minimizing friction on the circular slide rail 760. Then, the bag holding unit 1000 is rotated along with the second circular plate 650, and the connecting rod 754 connected to the rear side of the first supporter 1010 is moved by the roller 756 which is coupled to the rear end of the connecting rod 754 and moves along the cam track 710 of the stationary disc 720.
• the cam track 710 comprises a cam extension 712 which radially extends from a rotational center of the cam track 710 and allows the bag holding unit 1000 to advance more radially from the second circular plate 650 than on other portions of the cam track 710.
• the first supporter 1010 advances along the guide bar 752 on the second circular plate 650, and when the roller 756 of the bag holding unit 1000 passes the cam extension 712 of the cam track 710, the first supporter 1010 moves back along the guide bar 752 on the second circular plate 650.
• the bag holding unit 1000 moves back and forth on the second circular plate 650 via such an advancing and retreating part 700, and is shown in detail in Figs. 8 to 11.
• the bag holding unit 1000 comprises grippers 1020a and 1020b, which are movable in a width direction on the first supporter 1010, and can seize and hold opposite sides of a vacuum bag P.
• the gripper 1020a (1020b) is connected at one side to the first supporter 1010 so as to move on the first supporter 1010, and is provided at the other side with a seizing hand 1023a (1023b) to seize the vacuum bag P.
• the grippers 1020a and 1020b are moved in the width direction along a rail 1032 on the first supporter 1010 by a width regulator 1030.
• the width regulator 1030 comprises a motor 1032, which is mounted on the first supporter 1010 and may be constituted by a servo motor capable of being electrically rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
• the width regulator 1030 comprises a screw shaft 1036, which is installed on the first supporterlOlO to rotate in the width direction, and a pair of nut members 1038a and 1038b, which are fastened to the screw shaft 1036 and have upper surfaces secured to the grippers 1020a and 1020b, respectively.
• the width regulator 1030 comprises a driving pulley 1042 secured to a rotational shaft of the servo motor, a driven pulley 1044 mounted on the center of the screw shaft 1036, and a belt 1046 to connect the driving pulley 1042 to the driven pulley 1044.
• the driven pulley 1044 is also rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction by means of the belt 1046 connecting the driving pulley 1042 thereto, so that the screw shaft 1036 with the driven pulley 1044 mounted thereon is rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction on the first supporter 1010 by means of bearing blocks 1039a and 1039b positioned at opposite sides of the screw shaft 1036.
• the screw shaft 1036 capable of rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction causes right or left movement of the nut members 1038a and 1038b.
• the grippers 1020a and 1020b can be moved in the width direction on the first supporter 1010 by such an operation.
• the screw shaft 1036 has screws formed in opposite directions on opposite sides centered on the driven pulley 1044. Specifically, if the screw shaft 1036 has a right-hand screw formed at one side, a left-hand screw is formed at the other side, and vice versa. Such directionality of the screws causes the nut members 1038a and 1038b engaging with the screw shaft 1036 to move in opposite directions during an operation of the screw shaft 1036 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. That is, for example, if the servo motor constituting the motor 1032 rotates in the clockwise direction, the grippers 1020a and 1020b coupled to the nut members 1038a and 1038b move with respect to each other. On the other hand, if the servo motor constituting the motor 1032 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the grippers 1020a and 1020b coupled to the nut members 1038a and 1038b move apart from each other.
• the width regulator 1030 such that, if the servo motor constituting the motor 1032 rotates in the clockwise direction, the grippers 1020a and 1020b coupled to the nut members 1038a and 1038b move apart from each other, whereas if the servo motor constituting the motor 1032 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the grippers 1020a and 1020b coupled to the nut members 1038a and 1038b move toward each other.
• the grippers 1020a and 1020b are moved to have linearity on the first supporter 1010.
• the rail 1032 is constituted by a typical LM guide, and secured to the first supporter 1010 while being maintained in parallel to a front side of the screw shaft 1036.
• a pair of sliders 1054a and 1054b is slidably fitted to the rail 1032, and has upper surfaces fastened to lower surfaces of the grippers 1020a and 1020b by means of bolts 1052 while being in face-to-face contact with each other, as shown in Fig. 10b.
• the bag holding unit 1000 further comprises a bag holding source 1060 which comprises cylinders 1062a and 1062b to supply a driving force to the grippers 1020a and 1020b, respectively, and serve to seize the vacuum bag P.
• a bag holding source 1060 which comprises cylinders 1062a and 1062b to supply a driving force to the grippers 1020a and 1020b, respectively, and serve to seize the vacuum bag P.
• the bag holding source 1060 serve to permit the grippers 1020a and 1020b to grip the vacuum bag P, and drive the seizing hand 1023a (1023b) of the gripper 1020a (1020b).
• the seizing hand 1023a (1023b) of the gripper 1020a (1020b) comprises a support plane 1064a (1064b) bent at a front end of the gripper 1020a (1020b), a bracket 1066a (1066b) protruding from the support plane 1064a (1064b), and a pushing bar 1070a (1070b), which has a center coupled to the bracket 1066a (1066b) to rotate about a hinge shaft 1068a (1068b), and a rear end operatively connected to the cylinder 1062a (1062b) of the bag holding source 1060.
• the pushing bars 1070a and 1070b have the rear ends rotatably connected to ends of the rods 1072a and 1072b of the cylinders 1062a and 1062b via pins 1074a and 1074b, respectively, so that, when the rods 1072a and 1072b of the cylinders 1062a and 1062b move forward or rearward, the pushing bars 1070a and 1070b are rotated about the hinge shafts 1068a and 1068b, and allow the front ends thereof to be brought into contact with the support planes 1064a and 1064b of the seizing hands 1023a and 1023b or to be apart from the support planes 1064a and 1064b, respectively.
• both ends of the vacuum bag P are interposed and held between the support planes 1064a and 1064b and the pushing bars 1070a and 1070b.
• the cylinder 1062a (1062b) may be constituted by a pneumatic cylinder, and has a body connected to a pneumatic line 1076 to operate the rod 1072a (1072b) of the cylinder 1062a (1062b) to move forward or rearward.
• a pneumatic line 1076 to operate the rod 1072a (1072b) of the cylinder 1062a (1062b) to move forward or rearward.
• the cylinders 1062a and 1062b are constituted by the pneumatic cylinders
• the cylinders 1062a and 1062b are connected to a pneumatic generator 4000, which will be described below, via the pneumatic line 1076 which comprises a flexible pipe, valves (not shown), and various pressure control systems (not shown), to supply or discharge the pneumatic pressure.
• the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system 500 comprises a bag opening unit 2000, which is located above the bag holding unit 1000, to open an inlet of the vacuum bag P so as to allow food to be correctly input to the vacuum bag P.
• the bag opening unit 2000 is fixedly disposed at a location discrete from the frame 600, and comprises bag opening devices to open the inlet of the vacuum bag in the bag holding unit 1000.
• the bag opening unit 2000 is positioned at an upper end of a "C"-like support beam
• the bag opening unit 2000 comprises a pair of arms 2020a and
• Each of the arms 2020a and 2020b has one end, that is, a rear end, movably connected onto the second supporter 2015, and the other end, that is, a leading end, which extends along either side of the vacuum bag P and is formed with a bag opening device 2030a (2030b).
• Each of the arms 2020a and 2020b is moved in the width direction along a rail 2042 on the second supporter 2015 by a width regulator2040, and has a middle part bent to form a " ⁇ " shape with the leading end thereof disposed at either side of the vacuum bag P.
• the width regulator 2040 comprises a motor 2044, which is mounted on the second supporter 2015 and may be constituted by a servo motor capable of being electrically rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
• the width regulator 2040 comprises a screw shaft 2046, which is installed on the second supporter 2015 to rotate in the width direction, and a pair of nut members 2048a and 2048b, which are fastened to the screw shaft 2046 and have upper surfaces secured to the arms 2020a and 2020b, respectively.
• the width regulator 2040 comprises a driving pulley 2052 secured to a rotational shaft of the motor 2044, a driven pulley 2054 mounted on the center of the screw shaft 2046, and a belt 2056 to connect the driving pulley 2052 to the driven pulley 2054.
• the driven pulley 2054 is also rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction by means of the belt 2056 connecting the driving pulley 2052 thereto, so that the screw shaft 2046 with the driven pulley 2054 mounted thereon is rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction on the second supporter 2015 by means of bearing blocks 2048a and 2048b positioned at opposite sides of the screw shaft 2046.
• the screw shaft 2046 capable of rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction causes right or left movement of the nut members 2048a and 2048b.
• the nut members 2048a and 2048b are respectively secured at the upper surfaces to rear ends of the arms 2020a and 2020b by bolts 2060, the arms 2020a and 2020b can be moved in the width direction on the second supporter 2015 by such an operation.
• the screw shaft 2046 has screws formed in opposite directions on opposite sides centered on the driven pulley 2054. Specifically, if the screw shaft 2046 has a right-hand screw formed at one side, a left-hand screw is formed at the other side, and vice versa. Such directionality of the screws causes the nut members 2048a and 2048b engaging with the screw shaft 2046 to move in opposite directions during operation of the screw shaft 2046 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. That is, for example, if the servo motor constituting the motor 2044 rotates in the clockwise direction, the arms 2020a and 2020b respectively coupled to the nut members 2048a and 2048b move toward each other. On the other hand, if the servo motor constituting the motor 2044 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the arms 2020a and 2020b respectively coupled to the nut members 2048a and 2048b move apart from each other.
• the width regulator 2040 such that, if the servo motor constituting the motor 2044 rotates in the clockwise direction, the arms 2020a and 2020b coupled to the nut members 2048a and 2048b move apart from each other, whereas if the servo motor constituting the motor 2044 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the arms 2020a and 2020b coupled to the nut members 2048a and 2048b move toward each other.
• the rail 2140 to have linearity on the second supporter 2015.
• the rail 2140 is constituted by a typical LM guide, and secured to the second supporter 2015 while being maintained in parallel to a front side of the screw shaft 2046.
• a pair of sliders 2064a and 2064b are slidably fitted to the rail 2140, and have upper surfaces fastened to lower surfaces of the arms 2020a and 2020b by means of bolts 2062 while being in face-to-face contact with each other, as shown in Fig. 15.
• the bag opening unit 2000 comprises the bag opening devices 2030a and 2030b respectively attached to leading ends of the arms 2020a and 2020b to absorb both surfaces of the vacuum pump P through induction of vacuum.
• each bag opening device 2030a (2030b) comprises an absorber
• the absorber 2072 mounted inside the leading end of the arm 2020a (2020b).
• the absorber 2072 is a flexible tube which has an opening formed at the center thereof, and has a rear end press-fitted into a vacuum inlet 2074 formed in each of the arms 2020a and 2020b.
• an anti-foreign substance member 2076 of a sponge material or the like is attached to a leading end of the absorber 2072 to prevent the foreign substances from entering the absorber 2072.
• the bag opening unit 2000 further comprises a vacuum source 2080 to impart vacuum pressure to the bag opening devices 2030a and 2030b.
• the vacuum source 2080 may comprise a vacuum pump positioned on the base 612 or a vacuum tank, of which vacuum pressure is maintained at a constant value.
• the vacuum source 2080 is connected to a vacuum inlet 2074 of each arm 2020a (2020b) via a vacuum hose 2082, which is provided at a middle section with an automatic On/ Off valve 2084, such that the vacuum pressure can be selectively imparted to the absorber 2072 of the bag opening device through the vacuum hose 2082.
• the automatic On/Off valve 2084 is electrically connected to a controller 5000 described below to be switched on or off by a remote control or to be manually switched on or off via the controller 5000.
• the vacuum packaging system 500 of the invention further comprises an item input unit 2500 which comprises a chute 2505 to input food by a predetermined amount into an open inlet Pa of the vacuum bag downstream of the bag opening unit 2000.
• Such an item input unit 2500 is provided in a workshop where the vacuum packaging system 500 of the invention is positioned, and allows the item such as food to be input to the vacuum bag P by the predetermined amount through the chute 2505.
• the vacuum packaging system 500 of the invention comprises an item sealing unit 3000, which comprises a vacuum induction part 3050 to suck air from the vacuum bag in which the food is fed from the rear side of the item input unit 2500, and a heat sealing means 3080 to seal the inlet of the vacuum bag after completing operation of the vacuum induction part 3050.
• an item sealing unit 3000 which comprises a vacuum induction part 3050 to suck air from the vacuum bag in which the food is fed from the rear side of the item input unit 2500, and a heat sealing means 3080 to seal the inlet of the vacuum bag after completing operation of the vacuum induction part 3050.
• the item sealing unit 3000 is mounted at a distal end of each support beams 660, which are arranged at an upper portion of the frame 600 like ribs of the umbrella, and is rotated along with the frame 600.
• the item sealing unit 3000 comprises a lifting cylinder 3310 secured to a fixing plate 3300 positioned at the distal end of each support beam 660, and is mounted on a rod 3312 of the cylinder 3310 via a connection bracket 3314 so as to be lifted or lowered with respect to the support beam 660.
• the item sealing unit 3000 is lowered toward the inlet of the vacuum bag when the rod 3312 of the cylinder 3310 is drawn therefrom by operation of the cylinder 3310, and lifted above the vacuum bag when the rod 3312 is raised.
• the item sealing unit 3000 is liftably positioned above the bag holding unit 1000, generates vacuum in the vacuum bag P, and then seals the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P.
• the item sealing unit 3000 of this invention comprises an upper plate 3030 movably connected to the rod 3312 of the lifting cylinder 3310.
• the upper plate 3030 is integrally connected to the rod 3312 of the lifting cylinder 3310 via the bracket 3314 to be lifted or lowered according to an operation of the lifting cylinder 3310.
• the item sealing unit 3000 of this invention further comprises a lower plate 3020, which is movable with respect to the upper plate 3030 and has movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b disposed thereon to adjust a separation between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020, clamping the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020.
• the upper and lower plates 3030 are sized to correspond to each other, and have a rectangular cross-section.
• the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b for adjusting the distance between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 are constituted by a pair of pneumatic cylinders, each of which has a body 3034a (3034b) secured to the upper plate 3030, a rod 3036a (3036b) extending toward the lower plate 3030 through the upper plate 3030, and a distal end secured to the lower plate 3020.
• the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b are supplied with pneumatic pressure from a pneumatic generator 4000 to cause forward and rearward movements of the rods 3036a and 3036b.
• each of the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b is provided with a pneumatic pipe 3042 to connect the movable cylinders to the pneumatic generator 4000, and with a valve unit 3040 such as a solenoid valve and the like, which permits electrical handling at a remote location to achieve withdrawal or pull-in of the rods 3036a and 3036b.
• a pneumatic pipe 3042 to connect the movable cylinders to the pneumatic generator 4000
• a valve unit 3040 such as a solenoid valve and the like, which permits electrical handling at a remote location to achieve withdrawal or pull-in of the rods 3036a and 3036b.
• the valve unit 3040 is electrically connected to the controller, which will be described below, to allow opening or closing of the upper and lower plates by a remote control or to allow manual opening or closing via the controller 5000.
• each of the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 comprises a first guiding part 3043 to assure the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 have stable linear movement when the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 are opened or closed by the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b.
• the first guiding part 3043 comprises a plurality of guide rods 3044a and 3044b secured to opposite sides of the lower plate 3020 while extending toward the upper plate 3030, and a plurality of holes 3046a and 3046b formed in the upper plate 3030 corresponding to the rods 3044a and 3044b such that the rods 3044a and 3044b can be fitted into and guided by the holes, respectively.
• the first guiding part 3043 are operated in such a way that the guide rods 3044a and 3044b of the lower plate 3020 are guided along the holes 3046a and 3046b of the upper plate 3030, thereby providing a precisely linear opening and closing operation.
• the item sealing unit 3000 comprises the vacuum induction part 3050 to suck and discharge air from the vacuum bag P through the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P clamped between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020.
• the vacuum induction part 3050 comprises elongated recesses 3052a and 3052b formed in the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020, resilient members 3054a and 3054b of sponge and the like mounted in the recesses 3052a and 3052b, a through-hole 3056 formed at one side of the upper plate 3030, and a vacuum hose 3062 connected between the through hole 3056 and the pneumatic source 400.
• the recesses 3052a and 3052b are formed to have a predetermined thickness in a lower surface of the upper plate 3030 and an upper surface of the lower plate 3020, respectively, and the resilient members 3052a and 3052b mounted in the recesses 3052a and 3052b have a length slightly greater than the width of the vacuum bag P, as shown in Figs. 21a and 21b.
• 3052b by an adhesive or other fixing means is air-permeable to allow air to be sucked therethrough, and provides resilient force when vacuum pressure is applied to the resilient members 3052a and 3054b via the through-hole 3056 of the upper plate 3030.
• the through-hole 3056 extends from one side of the recess 3052b of the upper plate
• the vacuum induction part 3050 is connected to the vacuum suction port 3058 via the vacuum hose 3062 which extends from the pneumatic generator 4000 and is provided at the middle section thereof with the automatic On/Off valve 3064 to selectively open or close the vacuum hose 3062 such that the vacuum pressure is selectively applied to the suction port 3058 through the vacuum hose 3062.
• the automatic On/Off valve 3064 is electrically connected the controller 5000, which will be described below, to allow opening or closing of the automatic open and close valve 3064 by a remote control or to allow manual opening or closing thereof via controller 5000.
• the vacuum induction part 3050 can impart the vacuum pressure to the recesses 3052a and 3052b formed in the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020.
• the vacuum bag is preferably formed on an inner surface with an air channel. That is, the air channel formed on the inner surface of the vacuum bag facilitates suction of air from the interior of the vacuum bag therethrough.
• the item sealing unit 3000 comprises the sealing means 3080 which comprises a heater 3070 to seal the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P positioned between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020.
• the sealing means 3080 comprises a compressor 3084 at the front side of the upper plate 3030, a recess of a predetermined size corresponding to the compressor 3084 at the front side of the lower plate 3020, and the heater 3070 positioned in the recess 3086.
• the compressor 3084 comprises an elongated compressing bar
• the lifting cylinder 3090a (3090b) comprises a body 3092a (3090b) secured to the upper plate 3030, and a rod 3094a (3094b), which operated to extend into the recess 3096 formed in the lower surface of the upper plate 3030 through a hole of the upper plate 3030, and to be brought into contact with the compressing bar 3088 to urge the compressing bar 3088 to be inserted into the recess 3096.
• the heater 3070 in the recess 3086 of the lower plate 3020 comprises a backing
• the heater wire 3074 formed from a dielectric and insulating material such as mica and the like, and a heater wire 3074 of an electric resistance wire secured on the backing 3072 so that the heater wire 3074 generates heat via application of power to the electric wire, thereby fusing the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P.
• the sealing means 3080 constructed as described above is operated in such a way that, after the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P is disposed above the recess 3086, the compressing bar 3088 is lowered by operation of the lifting cylinders 3090a and 3090b to urge the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P onto the heater 3070 within the recess 3086, and power is applied to the heater 3070, fusing and sealing the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P.
• the lifting cylinders 3090a and 3090b comprise a valve unit 3040a such as a solenoid valve and the like, which is positioned between the cylinders and the pneumatic generator 4000 to control the pneumatic pressure along with a pneumatic pipe 3097, and permits electrical handling at a remote location to achieve withdrawal or pull-in of the rods 3094a and 3094b.
• a valve unit 3040a such as a solenoid valve and the like
• the sealing means 3080 comprises a second guiding part 3100 to assure a stable vertical movement of the compressing bar 3088.
• the second guiding part 3100 comprises a plurality of guide rods 3104a and 3104b extending upwardly from opposite sides of the compressing bar 3088 through holes 3102a and 3102b of the upper plate 3030, and a plurality of cylindrical guide tubes 3106a and 3106b secured to the upper surface of the upper plate 3030 to receive the plurality of guide rods 3104a and 3104b therein such that the guide rods 3104a and 3104b can slide in the guide tubes 3106a and 3106b, respectively.
• the compressing bar 3088 can be stably and linearly moved during the operation of the lifting cylinders 3090a and 3090b.
• the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system 500 of the invention comprises the pneumatic generator 4000, which comprises a vacuum source 4010 and a vacuum regulator 4020 to impart a predetermined vacuum pressure to the bag holding unit 1000 and the item sealing unit 3000, and a static pressure source 4030 and a static pressure regulator 4040.
• the pneumatic generator 4000 which comprises a vacuum source 4010 and a vacuum regulator 4020 to impart a predetermined vacuum pressure to the bag holding unit 1000 and the item sealing unit 3000, and a static pressure source 4030 and a static pressure regulator 4040.
• the pneumatic generator 4000 is disposed on the first circular plate 630 rotatably integrated to the central shaft 615 of the frame 600, and comprises a vacuum pump 4012 acting as the vacuum source 4010, a vacuum tank 4014 connected to the vacuum pump 4012 through a pipe and a distribution header 4016 connected to the vacuum tank 4014 through the pipe, on the first circular plate 630.
• the vacuum tank 4014 is provided thereon with a pressure gauge 4014a, which sends electrical signals of pressure to the controller 5000 after detection of the pressure in the vacuum tank 4014 to allow the controller 5000 to operate the vacuum pump 4012 such that the predetermined vacuum pressure is maintained in the vacuum tank 4014.
• the controller 5000 sends the electrical signals to the vacuum pump to operate the vacuum pump 4012 until the vacuum tank 4014 reaches a target vacuum pressure.
• the vacuum tank 4014 is maintained at the predetermined vacuum pressure.
• the vacuum tank is connected to the distribution header 4016.
• the header 4016 is connected to a plurality of branches 4018 to supply predetermined vacuum pressures to vacuum required locations which include the bag holding unit 1000 and the item sealing unit 3000.
• the branches 4018 are respectively provided with valves 4016 which can be opened or closed at a remote location.
• Each of the branches 4018 enters the central shaft 615, and is connected to the bag holding unit 1000 on the second circular plate 650 or to the item sealing unit 3000 through an associated support beam 660 at the upper end of the central shaft 615 to supply the static pressure and the vacuum pressure thereto.
• the static pressure source 4030 and the static pressure regulator 4040 can be constructed similar to the vacuum source 4010 and the vacuum regulator 4020 by use of a technique well-known in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted hereinafter.
• the pneumatic generator 4000 may be operated in such a way that the static pressure and the vacuum pressure can be suitably controlled according to the components requiring the static pressure and the vacuum pressure.
• the pneumatic generator 4000 may be applied to different components through other branches connected to other small vacuum pressure distribution headers (not shown). Since such a technique for distribution of the static pressure and the vacuum pressure is well known in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted hereinafter.
• the pneumatic generator 4000 is mounted on the first circular plate 630 rotating along with the shaft 615 so that the second circular plate 650 having the bag holding unit 1000 mounted thereon is integrally rotated with the frame 6000 having the item sealing unit 3000 mounted thereon, it has an advantage in that the static pressure and vacuum pressure hoses can be connected to corresponding components without any difficulty.
• the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system 500 comprises the controller 5000 to automatically control and operate the driving source 610, the bag holding unit 2000, the item input unit 2500, the item sealing unit 3000, and the pneumatic generator 4000 according to preset program.
• the controller 5000 is constituted by a small computer or a programmable logic controller (PLC), and automatically controls the driving source 610, the bag holding unit 2000, the item input unit 2500, the item sealing unit 3000, and the pneumatic generator4000 according to the preset program or sequence to input items into the vacuum bag, seal the vacuum bag, and discharge the vacuum bag to an outside.
• PLC programmable logic controller
• the controller 5000 can automatically control the width regulator 1030 and the bag holding source 1060 of the bag holding unit 1000, and set an opening size of the vacuum bag corresponding to the size of the vacuum bag in the bag opening unit 2000.
• RPM number of rotations
• the controller 5000 can receive and send various control signals to achieve automatic control of the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b, the vacuum induction part 3050, and the sealing means 3080 in the item sealing unit 3000.
• controller 5000 can control the vacuum source 4010, the vacuum regulator 4020, the static pressure source 4030, and the static pressure regulator 4040 of the pneumatic generator4000 at a remote location to supply desired static pressure and vacuum pressure at any time.
• the frame 600 is first rotated by the driving source 610, and stopped at a desired location by a brake system 6000 as shown in Figs. 4 to 6. Meanwhile, since the brake system 600 and sensors (not shown) for detecting a stopping location of the frame 600 may be realized by a hydraulic brake system and a short distance detection sensor well known in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted hereinafter.
• a bag holding location 6500 is defined at the front side of the bag opening unit 2000, that is, upstream of the automatic vacuum packaging system 500, and is supplied with the vacuum bag P by a sheet, as shown in Fig. 25.
• the bag holding location 6500 is defined corresponding to a start point of the cam extension 712 of the cam track 710 in the advancing and retreating part 700.
• the vacuum bag is mounted to the bag holding unit 1000 at the bag holding location 6500, opened by the bag opening unit 2000 located downstream of the bag holding unit 1000, supplied with an item by the item input unit 2500 by a rotation of the frame, and evacuated and sealed by the item sealing unit 3000 by another rotation of the frame.
• the item sealing unit 3000 is operated at a location corresponding to an end point of the cam extension 712.
• the vacuum bag is located in a state of being advanced by the cam extension 712 of the cam track 710, and operations of the bag holding unit 1000, the bag opening unit 2000 and the item input unit 2500 are performed in front of the item sealing unit 3000, the bag holding unit 1000, the bag opening unit 2000 and the item input unit 2500 are not interfered with the item sealing unit 3000.
• an operating location of the item input unit 2500 corresponds to the end point of the cam extension 712, the vacuum bag P is moved back in a state of being mounted on the bag holding unit 1000 for the purpose of assuring the operation of the item sealing unit 3000, and is located below the item sealing unit 3000.
• the bag holding unit 1000 seizes and holds the opposite sides of the vacuum bag P by use of the grippers 1020a and 1020b at the bag holding location 6500.
• the grippers 1020a and 1020b can be adjusted in separation therebetween corresponding to the width of the vacuum bag P so that any of vacuum bags P having different sizes can be suitably held by the grippers 1020a and 1020b.
• controller 5000 adjusts the separation between the grippers
• the motor 1032 by operation of the motor 1032 in the width regulator 1030 to adjust locations of the grippers 1020a and 1020b corresponding to the width of the vacuum bag P.
• the screw shaft 1036 is rotated corresponding to the predetermined RPM through the driving pulley 1042, belt 1046 and driven pulley 1044, causing the grippers 1020a and 1020b to move in the width direction by a predetermined distance through the nut members 1038a and 1038b.
• the controller 5000 drives the cylinders 1062a and 1062b of the bag holding sourcel060 to open the seizing hands 1023a and 1023b of the grippers 1020a and 1020b, and then to close the seizing hands 1023a and 1023b with the vacuum bag P disposed in the seizing hands 1023a and 1023b of the grippers 1020a and 1020b, thereby holding the vacuum bag P with the grippers 1020a and 1020b.
• the vacuum bag P is preferably held at a location slightly lower than an upper end by the grippers 1020a and 1020b.
• the vacuum bag P permits an input of the item, evacuation, and sealing of the inlet Pa while being rotated.
• a mounting location of vacuum bag P be previously determined such that the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P is located slightly higher than the grippers 1020a and 1020b.
• a width regulator 1130 of a bag holding unit 1000' comprises a motor 1132 on the first supporter 1010, a screw shaft 1136 positioned thereon to rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the motor 1132, and a nut member 1138 fastened to the screw shaft 1136.
• the width regulator 1130 further comprises links 1140a and 1140b, each of which is connected at one end to either side of the nut member 1138 and at the other end to a lower surface of the gripper 1020a (1020b).
• the rail 1142 is secured to the first supporter 1010 in the transverse direction, and has a pair of sliders 1144a and 1144b slidably fitted to the rail 1142.
• the sliders 1144a and 1144b have upper surfaces abutted against and fastened to the lower surfaces of the grippers 1020a and 1020 by bolts 1146.
• the grippers 1020a and 1020b can be adjusted right or left by the width regulator 1130.
• a width regulator 1160 of a bag holding unit 1000 comprises a plurality of motors 1162a and 1162b on the first supporter 1010, a plurality of screw shafts 1166a and 1166b positioned thereon to rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the motors 1162a and 1162b, and a nut member 1168 fastened to the screw shafts 1166a and 1166b.
• the motor 1162b is mounted on a movable plate 1172 movable on a separate rail 1170 positioned on the first supporter 1010.
• the nut member 1168 is formed with a screw hole 1182a to which the screw shaft 1166a is fastened, and a circular hole 1182b through which a circular cross-section 1184 of the screw shaft 1166b passes.
• the present invention can achieve the movement of the grippers 1020a and
• the vacuum bag P with the opposite sides thereof seized by the grippers 1020a and 1020b is conveyed toward the bag opening unit 2000 through rotation of the bag holding unit 1000, which is achieved through rotation of the frame 600 and the central shaft 615 resulting in rotation of the second circular plate 650 by the driving source 610.
• the controller 5000 drives the motor 2044 of the width regulator 2040 to adjust the separation between the arms 2020a and 2020b.
• the servo motor constituting the motor 2044 is driven at a predetermined RPM
• the screw shaft 2046 is rotated corresponding to the predetermined RPM by the driving pulley 2052, belt 2056 and driven pulley 2054, causing the arms 2020a and 2020b to linearly move by a predetermined distance in the width direction via the nut members 2048a and 2048b.
• the controller 5000 can adjust the locations of the arms 2020a and 2020b through adjustment of RPM and a rotating direction of the motor 2044, and control the absorbers 2072 of the bag opening devices 2030a and 2030b to be brought into contact with the vacuum bag P to absorb the opposite surfaces of the vacuum bag P, as shown in Fig. 29.
• the controller 5000 opens the automatic On/Off valve 2084 positioned in the vacuum hose 2082 of the vacuum source 2080 by the predetermined program or the manual operation so that the vacuum pressure from the vacuum source 2080 is exerted on the absorbers 2072, which in turn absorb the opposite surfaces of the vacuum bag P to open the vacuum bag in opposite directions.
• the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P is open by such an operation described above, and then, the width regulator 2040 moves the arms 2020a and 2020b apart from the vacuum bag P, thereby enlarging the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P.
• the motor 2044 of the width regulator 2040 is operated to increase the separation between the arms 2020a and 2020b.
• the vacuum bag P with the opposite sides attached to the absorbers 2072 is naturally widened at its inlet Pa by the movement of the arms 2020a and 2020b, thereby defining a food input space, as shown in Fig. 29.
• the bag holding unit 1000 is moved to allow the clamps 1020a and 1020b to come near to each other, which makes it efficient to enlarge the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P.
• Each of the absorbers 2072 is formed from a folding-type flexible tube having resilience, which minimizes damage of the vacuum bag P when the inlet P of the vacuum bag P is enlarged.
• a width regulator 2130 according to yet another alternative embodiment is shown.
• the width regulator 2130 comprises a motor 2132 on the second supporter 2015, screw shafts 1166a and 1166b secured to rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the motor 2132, and a plurality of nut members 2138a and 2138b fastened to the screw shaft 2136 and to rear ends of the arm 2020a and 2020b.
• the screw shaft 2136 is formed therearound with right and left-hand screws, which are fastened to the nut members 2138a and 2138b secured to the arms 2020a and 2020b, respectively, so that the screw shaft 2136 is rotated upon an operation of the motor 2132.
• the screw shaft 1166b is rotated by the motor 2132, the separation between the arms 2020a and 2020b is widened or narrowed by means of the nut members 2138a and 2138b coupled to the right and left-hand screws of the screw shaft 2136, respectively.
• the present invention can achieve the movement of the arms 2020a and
• the width regulator 2130 comprises a rail 2140 coplanar with the screw shaft 2136 on the second supporter 2115, and serves to allow the arms 2020a and 2020b to move right or left without being departed from the rail 2140 through rotation of the screw shaft 2136 with sliders 2142a and 2142b disposed between the arms 2020a and 2020b and the rail 2140, respectively.
• the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P is widened, as shown in Fig. 32.
• the width regulator 2040 further widens the arms 2020a and 2020b, thereby preventing the arms 2020a and 2020b from being interfered with the vacuum bag P.
• the bag holding unit 1000 is operated to decrease the separation between the grippers 1020a and 1020b via the operation of the motor 1032 of the width regulator 1030.
• the motor 1032 is driven at a predetermined RPM in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in response to the predetermined program of the controller 5000. Therefore, the grippers 1020a and 1020b are moved apart from each other, as shown in Fig. 33, so that the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P with the opposite sides seized by the grippers 1020a and 1020b is naturally closed, narrowing the item input space.
• FIG. 34a The operation of the item sealing unit 3000 is shown from Figs. 34a to 36. With the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 opened, the item sealing unit 3000 is located above the vacuum bag P having the item therein (see Fig. 34a). At this time, the rods 3036a and 3036b are drawn out of the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b to cause the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 to be widened, and the rods 3094a and 3094b are pulled into the lifting cylinders 3090a and 3090b of the sealing means 3080 to cause the compressing bar 3088 to be inserted into the recess 3096 of the upper plate 3030.
• the sealing means 3080 is operated.
• the heater wire 3074 is heated to a predetermined temperature through application of power to the heater 3070 on the lower plate 3020, and the lifting cylinders 3090a and 3090b of the compressing bar 3084 in the upper plate 3030 are operated to draw the rods 3094a and 3094b out of the cylinders 3090a and 3090b, so that the compressing bar 3088 is lowered from the upper plate 3030, and urges a part immediately below the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag P into the recess 3086 of the lower plate 3020.
• the compressing bar 3088 urges the part of the vacuum bag P immediately below the inlet Pa thereof into the recess 3086 between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020, and then the heater3070 forms a fused part Pb immediately below the inlet Pa of the vacuum bag, thereby sealing the vacuum bag P.
• the lifting cylinders 3090a and 3090b of the sealing means 3080 are operated to allow the rods 3094a and 3094b to be inserted thereinto, thereby releasing a state of the compressing bar 3088 urging the vacuum bag P, as shown in Fig. 36.
• the automatic On/Off valve 3064 in the vacuum hose 3062 of the vacuum induction part 3050 is blocked so that the vacuum pressure is not exerted to the space between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 through the suction port 3058, and the rods 3036a and 3036b are drawn out of the movable cylinders 3032a and 3032b, so that the separation between the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 is increased.
• the rod 3312 is lifted from the lifting cylinder 3310of the item sealing unit 3000 and brought into contact with the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020, thereby moving the upper and lower plates 3030 and 3020 upwardly to be separated from the vacuum bag P.
• evacuation and sealing operations for the vacuum bag P are performed during rotation of the frame 600 from a location of the item sealing unit 3000 downstream of the item input unit 2500 to the front side of the bag holding unit 1000, that is, a bag releasing location 7000 upstream of the system.
• the vacuum bag P is rotated in a state of being held by the bag holding unit to the bag releasing location 7000 where the seizing hands 1023 a and 1023b of the grippers 1020a and 1020b are open to allow the packed vacuum bag P to be laid down into a separate collecting container (not shown). Then, a new vacuum bag P is provided to the bag holding unit 1000 at the bag mounting location 6500 to start the next process.
• the rotary type automatic vacuum packaging system of the invention enables vacuum packaging and automatic high speed sealing of large amounts of items by minimal personnel, significantly improving productivity of a vacuum packaging operation.
• the packaging system of the invention enables the vacuum bags having various sizes to be held and conveyed by use of a single apparatus through adjustment of locations of grippers in the width direction and a separation therebetween.
• the packaging system of the invention can be applied to the vacuum bags having different sizes, thereby increasing applicability to packaging of various kinds of items, and employs the single apparatus to process the vacuum bags of the different sizes, thereby reducing the overall size of the vacuum packaging system.
• the vacuum packaging system of the invention opens or closes an inlet of each vacuum bag during conveyance of the vacuum bag, facilitating formation of an item input space, so that the items can be easily input to the vacuum bag, and evacuation and sealing of the vacuum bag can be automatically and rapidly achieved by closing the inlet of the vacuum bag with the item therein in subsequent processes.
• the vacuum packaging system of the invention holds the vacuum bag by use of power from a pneumatic cylinder, and thus allows the vacuum bag even with heavy items contained therein to be stably conveyed to a subsequent stage, thereby enabling establishment of a rapid and efficient vacuum packaging system.
• the vacuum packaging system of the invention enables automatic and precise opening of inlets of the vacuum bags of the various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the vacuum bags through adjustment of locations of arms in a bag opening unit in the width direction and a separation therebetween, thereby allowing the various kinds of items to be contained in the vacuum bags.
• the vacuum packaging system of the invention enables automatic and precise opening of the inlets of the vacuum bags without damaging the vacuum bags by use of absorbers constituted by a flexible tube, thereby further improving the productivity of the vacuum packaging operation.
• the vacuum packaging system of the invention generates vacuum in the vacuum bag by suctioning air from the vacuum bag through the inlet thereof, and then seals the inlet of the vacuum bag, thereby enabling establishment of the automatic and rapid vacuum packaging system.
• the vacuum packaging system of the invention comprises the item sealing unit integrated to upper and lower plates to realize vacuum generation and sealing of the vacuum bag by a single apparatus, thereby further reducing the size of the vacuum packaging system with such a simple structure.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Vacuum Packaging (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=37967987

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Cited By (7)

Families Citing this family (10)

Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2005
  • 2005-10-26 KR KR1020050101127A patent/KR100754029B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2006
  • 2006-10-25 WO PCT/KR2006/004367 patent/WO2007049913A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events