GB1591962A

GB1591962A - Packaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB1591962A
Application number: GB352278A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Merat J P
Current assignee: Merat J P
Priority date: 1977-01-28
Filing date: 1978-01-27
Publication date: 1981-07-01
Also published as: DE2803561A1; JPS53120989A

Description

(54) PACKAGING APPARATUS (71) We, JEAN-PIERRE MERAT, of 135 Avenue Gabriel Peri, 94170 Le Perreux, France, and GASTONWIEL, of 100 rue Auguste Baumier, 75 Paris, France, both of French nationality, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to packaging apparatus for use in de-aeration packing.

It is known for de-aeration or vacuum packing, particularly of dusty products, to be effected by means of air rarefaction devices, by means of temperature rises, or by means of suction devices, either fitted peripherally on the openings of the packaging used, or penetrating the packaging.

Industries which normally vacuum pack their products in "open mouth" type bags use packing lines provided with filling posts comprising weighing or proportioning machinery which pours the products into a bag via an intake hopper having a cylindrical or oval spount on which an operator fits the mouth of an empty bag. The bag is held, for the time necessary for filling, by a system of grips commonly known as "bag clamps".

According to this invention there is provided packaging apparatus for use in deaeration packing of materials using packaging receptacles provided with porous portions, the apparatus comprising suction means, for coupling with such porous portions to evacuate such a receptacle, and retaining means, for holding such a receptacle, the retaining means including a substantially horizontal support provided with first and second passageways, first and second displaceable members located in the first and second passageways respectively, first and second pairs of downwardly-extending members connected with the first and second displaceable members respectively, first and second flexible clamping portions connected between corresponding members of the first and second pairs of downwardlyextending members for clamping such a receptacle, the apparatus further comprising first and second downwardly-extending hinged plates, arranged between the first and second flexible clamping portions such that an opening of such a receptacle may be fitted around the first and second hinged plates and retained by means of the first and second flexible clamping portions, displacement means, for effecting relative displacement between the first and second hinged plates, and a conduit, the lower portion of which is deformable and may extend into the opening of such a receptacle to dispense a material to be packaged.

Such packaging apparatus could be provided with means for sealing the porous portions of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus with varnish, glue, or the like, or by the application of closure beans, or by melting the external surfaces of these porous portions.

The suction means could be provided with connecting means comprising a nozzle for coupling with the porous portions of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus.

This nozzle could be circular, and the suction means could be a vacuum pump.

In the case of packaging apparatus provided with means for sealing the porous portions of packaging receptacles with varnish, glue, or the like, diffusers, and a tank connected with them, could be provided for spraying the varnish, glue, or the like on to the porous portions.

The packaging apparatus could be provided with means for fitting it to a spout of an intake hopper of a weigher or proportioner.

The lower portion of the conduit could be arranged between the first and second hinged plates such that it may be deformed by them.

The shape of the first and second flexible clamping portions could conveniently correspond to the external form of the first and second hinged plates respectively. The first and second flexible clamping portions could be hinged members, or they could be portions of a flexible belt.

The first and second hinged plates could be provided with ports coupled via at least one outlet with further suction means the ports preferably comprising grooves or drilled holes, and the further suction means conveniently comprising a vacuum pump.

The displacement means could comprise means arranged on both sides of the horizontal support, for effecting uniform, lateral displacements of the lower portion of the conduit. This means for effecting displacements could comprise actuators.

Alternatively, the displacement means could comprise means for effecting lateral displacements of the first and second pairs of downwardly-extending members. Such means for effecting displacements could comprise actuators.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of apparatus for packing using flexible or semi-rigid packaging Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a bag clamp intended for fitting to a spout or intake hopper bf a weigher or proportioner Figure 3 shows a view of linking, hinged plates for the bag clamp shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 shows a diagram of the lower portion of one embodiment of linking, hinged plates for the bag clamp shown in Figure 2, Figure 5 shows a diagram of the lower portion of another embodiment of linking, hinged plates for the bag clamp shown in Figure 2, Figure 6 shows a view, partly in section, of a recessed hinged plate provided with suction ports and grooves for the bag clamp shown in Figure 2, and Figure 7 shows a schematic, crosssectional view of the bag clamp shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus shown comprises a suction device 1, for example a vacuum pump, which is connected via suction discs 2 to porous discs 3.

The apparatus is also provided with sealing means comprising diffusers 4 coupled with a tank 5 containing a varnish, glue or similar material. The porous discs 3 form part of a bag 6 to be filled by the apparatus with a dusty material 7. This bag 6 may be secured by the apparatus to a mouth 8 of a machine 9, such as a weigher or proportioner.

In use, the bag 6 is fitted to the mouth 8 of the machine 9 and the material 7 poured from the machine 9 into the bag 6. The suction device 1 is actuated and sucks out air mixed with the material 7 via the discs 3, which discs act as filters thus preventing the material 7 from escaping from the bag 6.

When the bag is full and de-aeration or a vacuum has been obtained, the discs 3 are, in the case of a vacuum and possibly with de-aeration, hermetically sealed by spraying them with varnish, glue, or a similar substance by means of the diffusers 4. Once sealed with the varnish or glue, the discs 3 can be covered with labels of a suitable size, glue being used to fasten the labels.

Altcrnatively, the discs 3 may be sealed by the application of some closure means, or by the application of heat by a heating system, to melt - and thus close the pores of - the external surfaces of the discs 3.

The construction of the discs 3 is determined by the nature of the product to be packed and also by the material of which the packaging is made. The discs 3 can be made of sintered metal, polyvinyl chloride, copolymer, vinylacetate, high density polyethylene, paper, or any other material which permits the passage of air whilst preventing the passage of the product to be packed. The number of discs 3, their shape and dimensions, and their location on the packaging are determined by the physical characteristics of the products to be packed and by the required speed of packing.

Referring to Figure 2, a bag clamp comprises a clamping portion 10 which is secured to a spout 11 of an intake hopper of a weigher or proportioner (not shown). The clamping portion 10 is integral with a horizontal support 12, which support is provided at both its ends with passageways in the form of channels 13 which serve to guide respective displaceable members in the form of sliding supports 14. Both of the supports 14 are provided with a pair of downwardlyextending members in the form of grips 15, respective ones of which are coupled via first and second flexible clamping portions hinges 16 in the form of arranged adjacent vertical hinges 17. The vertical hinges 17 are secured to the supports 14. A flexible belt could be used in place of the hinges 16.

Figure 3 shows the arrangement of the hinges 17 and one of a pair of hinged plates 18 which serve to deform the lower portion of a flexible blanking spout 19. Such deformation is effected by means of lateral expansion or compression produced by two members 20, each connected to a respective hinged plate 18 (see Figures 4 and 5).

Figures 4 and 5 indicate two different arrangements of the hinged plates 18 which make possible different shapes of deformation of the spout 19.

Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the spout 19, which is made of flexible, impermeable tubing, such as rubber, fabric or a woven or unwoven plastics material, has its lower portion held flat by the hinged plates 18 which are arranged so as to impart a pressure or traction movement on both of the two main outside faces of the spout 1 9 such that the spout 19 may be opened or closed by corresponding displacements of the hinged plates 18. A bag 22 is held on the spout 19 by the arrangement of the grips 15, the hinges 16, and the sliding supports 14. The hinged plates 18 are secured to respective sides of the lower portion of the spout 19.

The grips 15, hinges 17, and hinged plates 18 exactly follow concentric and eccentric displacements of the lower portion of the spout 19 when it opens and closes.

Referring to Figure 6, the hinged plates 18 may be recessed and provided with suction ports 23 connected to a vacuum pump by means of flexible pipes. Such an arrangement provides an effective means of holding the bag 22 once the circumference of the latter has been applied to the spout 19. Opening and closing of the lower portion of the spout 19 is achieved by means of pulling or pushing displacements of the members 20, which members could comprise mechanical or electrical drive actuators for example.

Alternatively, the spout 19 could be opened and closed by means of pressure or traction displacements of the grips 15, using, for example, actuators arranged so that their traction parts bear on the axial part of the grips 15.

Referring to Figure 7, the hinged plates 18 are arranged such that there is formed an internal recess 24 which accommodates the lower portion of the spout 19 forming a flexible tube. The lower portions 25 of the hinged plates 18 are tapered such that, in their closed position, the hinged plates l8 form a seal below the spout 19. This arrangement of the hinged plates 18 is intended to prevent the escape of a product during filling of the bag 22.

The shape of two members 21 (of which only one is shown - see Figure 2) is determined by the shape of the spout 19 on which the bag 22 interlocks during filling, such that they prevent further travel of the spout 19 when the latter is opened by means of the members 20. This arrangement also helps to prevent the escape of a product during filling of the bag 22.

In the rest position of the apparatus, the grips 15 are open and the spout 19 is closed.

In use, an empty bag 22 is manually or automatically fitted to the spout 19 and is held in place by the suction ports 23 (when provided). A contactor detects the presence of the bag 22 and causes closing of the grips 15 by mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical means. The empty bag 22 is thus clamped by the grips 15, the hinges 16, and the hinged plates 18. A second contactor is activated by the closing of the grips 15 and causes opening of the spout 19 by means of the members 20, thus allowing the filling of the bag 22 with a product. At the end of the travel of the spout 19, the members 20 abut on the members 21 and the bag 22 is held captive around the spout 19, which is still held on both sides by the grips 15, the hinges 16, and the hinged plates 18.

When the bag 22 has been filled, an automatic or manual signal causes the members 20 to exert pressure on the spout 19 which is thus closed and hermetically sealed. Also, the mouth of the bag 22 is closed by means of corresponding displacement of the grips 15.

The grips 15 are opened immediately after a filled bag squeezing and removal device has completed its operation, and the apparatus is ready to receive another empty bag for a further filling cycle.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Packaging apparatus for use in deaeration packing of materials using packaging receptacles provided with porous portions, the apparatus comprising suction means, for coupling with such porous portions to evacuate such a receptacle, and retaining means, for holding such a receptacle, the retaining means including a substantially horizontal support provided with first and second passageways, first and second displaceable members located in the first and second passageways respectively, first and second pairs of downwardlyextending members connected with the first and second displaceable members respectively, first and second flexible clamping portions connected between corresponding members of the first and second pairs of downwardly-extending members for clamping such a receptacle, the apparatus further comprising first and second downwardlyextending hinged plates, arranged between the first and second flexible clamping portions such that an opening of such a receptacle may be fitted around the first and second hinged plates and retained by means of the first and second flexible clamping portions, displacement means, for effecting relative displacement between the first and second hinged plates, and a conduit, the lower portion of which is deformable and may extend into the opening of such a receptacle to dispense a material to be packaged.

2. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, provided with means for sealing the porous portions, of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus, with varnish, glue, or the like.

3. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, provided with means for sealing the porous portions of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus by the application of closure means.

4. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, provided with means for sealing the porous portions of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus by melting the external surfaces of these porous portions.

5. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the suction means

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. by the arrangement of the grips 15, the hinges 16, and the sliding supports 14. The hinged plates 18 are secured to respective sides of the lower portion of the spout 19. The grips 15, hinges 17, and hinged plates 18 exactly follow concentric and eccentric displacements of the lower portion of the spout 19 when it opens and closes. Referring to Figure 6, the hinged plates 18 may be recessed and provided with suction ports 23 connected to a vacuum pump by means of flexible pipes. Such an arrangement provides an effective means of holding the bag 22 once the circumference of the latter has been applied to the spout 19. Opening and closing of the lower portion of the spout 19 is achieved by means of pulling or pushing displacements of the members 20, which members could comprise mechanical or electrical drive actuators for example. Alternatively, the spout 19 could be opened and closed by means of pressure or traction displacements of the grips 15, using, for example, actuators arranged so that their traction parts bear on the axial part of the grips 15. Referring to Figure 7, the hinged plates 18 are arranged such that there is formed an internal recess 24 which accommodates the lower portion of the spout 19 forming a flexible tube. The lower portions 25 of the hinged plates 18 are tapered such that, in their closed position, the hinged plates l8 form a seal below the spout 19. This arrangement of the hinged plates 18 is intended to prevent the escape of a product during filling of the bag 22. The shape of two members 21 (of which only one is shown - see Figure 2) is determined by the shape of the spout 19 on which the bag 22 interlocks during filling, such that they prevent further travel of the spout 19 when the latter is opened by means of the members 20. This arrangement also helps to prevent the escape of a product during filling of the bag 22. In the rest position of the apparatus, the grips 15 are open and the spout 19 is closed. In use, an empty bag 22 is manually or automatically fitted to the spout 19 and is held in place by the suction ports 23 (when provided). A contactor detects the presence of the bag 22 and causes closing of the grips 15 by mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical means. The empty bag 22 is thus clamped by the grips 15, the hinges 16, and the hinged plates 18. A second contactor is activated by the closing of the grips 15 and causes opening of the spout 19 by means of the members 20, thus allowing the filling of the bag 22 with a product. At the end of the travel of the spout 19, the members 20 abut on the members 21 and the bag 22 is held captive around the spout 19, which is still held on both sides by the grips 15, the hinges 16, and the hinged plates 18. When the bag 22 has been filled, an automatic or manual signal causes the members 20 to exert pressure on the spout 19 which is thus closed and hermetically sealed. Also, the mouth of the bag 22 is closed by means of corresponding displacement of the grips 15. The grips 15 are opened immediately after a filled bag squeezing and removal device has completed its operation, and the apparatus is ready to receive another empty bag for a further filling cycle. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Packaging apparatus for use in deaeration packing of materials using packaging receptacles provided with porous portions, the apparatus comprising suction means, for coupling with such porous portions to evacuate such a receptacle, and retaining means, for holding such a receptacle, the retaining means including a substantially horizontal support provided with first and second passageways, first and second displaceable members located in the first and second passageways respectively, first and second pairs of downwardlyextending members connected with the first and second displaceable members respectively, first and second flexible clamping portions connected between corresponding members of the first and second pairs of downwardly-extending members for clamping such a receptacle, the apparatus further comprising first and second downwardlyextending hinged plates, arranged between the first and second flexible clamping portions such that an opening of such a receptacle may be fitted around the first and second hinged plates and retained by means of the first and second flexible clamping portions, displacement means, for effecting relative displacement between the first and second hinged plates, and a conduit, the lower portion of which is deformable and may extend into the opening of such a receptacle to dispense a material to be packaged.

is provided with connecting means comprising a nozzle for coupling with the porous portions of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus.

6. Packaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the nozzle is circular.

7. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the suction means is a vacuum pump.

8. Packaging apparatus according to claim 2, or any of claims 3 to 7 as dependent on claim 2, provided with diffusers, and a tank connected with the diffusers, for spraying varnish, glue, or the like on to the porous portions of packaging receptacles used with the apparatus.

9. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, provided with means for fitting it to a spout of an intake hopper of a weigher or proportioner.

10. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower portion of the conduit is arranged between the first and second hinged plates such that it may be deformed by them.

11. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit comprises a flexible tube made of an impermeable material such as rubber, fabric or a woven or unwoven plastics material.

12. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second hinged plates each comprise a plurality of hinged members.

13. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein respective ends of the first and second hinged plates are connected to a pair of substantially vertical hinges subjacent the first and second displaceable members.

14. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second hinged plates are arranged to form, in a closed position, an internal recess for accommodating the lower portion of the conduit.

15. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower portions of the first and second hinged plates are tapered such that, in a closed position, they form a seal below the conduit.

16. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the shape of the first and second flexible clamping portions corresponds to the external form of the first and second hinged plates respectively.

17. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second flexible clamping portions comprise hinged members.

18. Packaging apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first and second flexible clamping portions are portions of a flexible belt.

1 9. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second hinged plates are provided with ports coupled via at least one outlet with further suction means.

20. Packaging apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the ports comprise grooves.

21. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1 9, wherein the ports comprise drilled holes.

22. Packaging apparatus according to any of claims 1 9 to 21, wherein the further suction means comprises a vacuum pump.

23. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the displacement means comprise means arranged on both sides of the horizontal support, for effecting uniform, lateral displacements of the lower portion of the conduit.

24. Packaging apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said means for effecting displacements comprise actuators.

25. Packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, provided with a member arranged to prevent further travel of the displacement means when the latter are outwardly displaced.

26. Packaging apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the displacement means comprise means for effecting lateral displacements of the first and second pairs of downwardly-extending members.

27. Packaging apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said means for effecting displacements comprise actuators.

28. Packaging apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.