U.S. patent application number 10/112565 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for method and apparatus for inserting bags into retainers.
Invention is credited to Hiramoto, Shinichi, Tsutsui, Shoji.
Application Number | 20020170276 10/112565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18950163 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020170276 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hiramoto, Shinichi ; et
al. |
November 21, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for inserting bags into retainers
Abstract
In a method and apparatus for inserting empty bags into
retainers, guide members are caused to approach both side edges of
each supplied bag so that the vertically oriented guide grooves of
the guide members contacted the side edges of the bag, thus
positioning the bag in a position that is vertically aligned with a
retainer. The bag mouth is opened by suction disks, and a plug is
brought into the opened bag mouth. Then, the plug is lowered toward
the retainer, so that both side edges of the bag is inserted into
the insertion grooves of the retainer. After this insertion, a
compressed gas is jetted out of a discharge opening at the tip end
of the plug into the bag, so that the bag is spread open to the
bottom thereof.
Inventors: |
Hiramoto, Shinichi;
(Iwakuni-shi, JP) ; Tsutsui, Shoji; (Iwakuni-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KODA & ANDROLIA
2029 Century Park East, Suite 3850
Los Angeles
CA
90067-3024
US
|
Family ID: |
18950163 |
Appl. No.: |
10/112565 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/459 ; 53/570;
53/578 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 43/36 20130101;
B65B 43/30 20130101; B65B 43/50 20130101; B65B 43/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/459 ; 53/570;
53/578 |
International
Class: |
B65B 043/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2001 |
JP |
2001-096221 |
Claims
1. A method for inserting bags into retainers wherein: mouth of a
bag is caused to open by way of suction-chucking said mouth from
both sides thereof by suction-chucking members, and said bag and a
retainer positioned beneath said bag are caused to approach each
other, thus inserting said bag into said retainer, wherein said
method comprises the steps of: bringing guide members, which have
guide grooves that are oriented in a vertical direction, to both
side edges of said bag so that said guide members come into contact
with said both side edges, thus positioning said bag with respect
to grooves formed in said retainer, and guiding said bag by said
guide members into said retainer.
2. A method for inserting bags into retainers wherein: a mouth of a
bag is caused to open by way of suction-chucking said mouth from
both sides thereof by suction-chucking members, a plug is caused to
be brought into said mouth of said bag, and said plug and a
retainer positioned beneath said plug are caused to approach each
other, thus inserting said bag into said retainer, wherein said
method comprises the steps of: bringing guide members, which have
guide grooves that are oriented in a vertical direction, to both
side edges of said bag so that said guide members come into contact
with said side edges, thus positioning said bag with respect to
grooves formed in said retainer, and guiding said bag by said guide
members into said retainer.
3. A method for inserting bags into retainers wherein: a mouth of a
bag is caused to open by way of suction-chucking said mouth from
both sides thereof by suction-chucking members, a plug is caused to
be brought into said mouth of said bag, and said plug is caused to
be lowered toward a retainer that is positioned beneath said plug,
thus inserting said bag into said retainer, wherein said method
comprises the steps of: bringing guide members, which have guide
grooves that are oriented in a vertical direction, to both side
edges of said bag so that said guide members come into contact with
said side edges, thus positioning said bag with respect to grooves
formed in said retainer, and guiding said bag by said guide members
into said retainer.
4. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to any
one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said guide members, which face
each other while opening to an extent that is greater than a width
of said bag, are caused to approach and contact both side edges of
said bag in a horizontal direction.
5. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to any
one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said bag is lowered toward said
retainer that is positioned below said bag, and upon said bag is
thus lowered, said guide members are lowered to a point immediately
above said retainer.
6. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to any
one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said mouth of said bag is opened
after said bag is positioned by said guide members with respect to
said grooves formed in said retainer.
7. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to any
one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said bag that is positioned and
said retainer are conveyed at a constant speed with said bag and
said retainer being vertically aligned.
8. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to claim
4, wherein said bag is lowered toward said retainer that is
positioned below said bag, and upon said bag is thus lowered, said
guide members are lowered to a point immediately above said
retainer.
9. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to claim
4, wherein said mouth of said bag is opened after said bag is
positioned by said guide members with respect to said grooves
formed in said retainer.
10. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to claim
5, wherein said mouth of said bag is opened after said bag is
positioned by said guide members with respect to said grooves
formed in said retainer.
11. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to claim
4, wherein said bag that is positioned and said retainer are
conveyed with said bag and said retainer being vertically
aligned.
12. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to claim
5, wherein said bag that is positioned and said retainer are
conveyed with said bag and said retainer being vertically
aligned.
13. The method for inserting bags into retainers according to claim
6, wherein said bag that is positioned and said retainer are
conveyed with said bag and said retainer being vertically
aligned.
14. An apparatus for inserting bags into retainers, said apparatus
comprising: guide members which have guide grooves oriented in a
vertical direction and are opened and closed, suction-chucking
members which are moved toward and away from each other so that
said suction-chucking members open a mouth of a bag, which is
positioned by said guide members, by way of suction-chucking said
mouth from both sides thereof, a vertically movable plug which is
brought into said mouth that is opened by said suction-chucking
members, and a retainer positioning member that positions a
retainer beneath said guide members, wherein said bag is caused to
be positioned in a specified position by way of closing said guide
members so that said guide members come into contact with both side
edges of said bag, a mouth of said bag is caused to open by way of
suction-chucking both sides of said mouth of said bag by said
suction-chucking members, said plug is lowered and brought into
said mouth of said bag, and said plug is lowered toward said
retainer positioned beneath said plug so that said bag is inserted
into said retainer.
15. The apparatus for inserting bags into retainers according to
claim 14, wherein a plurality of sets of insertion assemblies each
comprising said guide members, suction-chucking members and plug
are continuously conveyed over an annular path at a constant speed
and uniform intervals, a plurality of retainers are conveyed over a
specified path at a same speed and same intervals as said insertion
assemblies, and said retainers and bags are conveyed, in at least a
part of said specified path, with said retainers and bags being
aligned vertically.
16. An apparatus for inserting bags into retainers in which said
apparatus is a rotary type bag insertion apparatus that receives a
supply of bags and retainers, inserts said bags into said retainers
and then discharges said bags together with said retainers, said
apparatus comprising: a plurality of sets of insertion assemblies
which are disposed at equal intervals around a circumference of a
continuously rotating rotor, each of said insertion assemblies
comprising: guide members which have guide grooves oriented in a
vertical direction and are opened and closed, suction-chucking
members which are moved toward and away from each other so that
said suction-chucking members open a mouth of a bag, which is
positioned by said guide members, by way of suction-chucking said
mouth from both sides thereof, a vertically movable plug which is
brought into said mouth that is opened by said suction-chucking
members, and a retainer positioning member that positions a
retainer beneath said guide members, wherein as said rotor is
rotated, said bag is caused to be positioned in a specified
position by way of closing said guide members so that said guide
members come into contact with both side edges of said bag, a mouth
of said bag is caused to open by way of suction-chucking both sides
of said mouth of said bag by said suction-chucking members, said
plug is lowered and brought into said mouth of said bag, and said
plug is lowered toward said retainer positioned beneath said plug
so that said bag is inserted into said retainer.
17. The apparatus for inserting bags into retainers according to
claim 16, further comprising a receiving stand which supports a
lower end of said bag and is disposed along a track of revolution
of said guide members, said receiving stand extending from at least
a bag supply position to a plug insertion position on a
circumference of a rotor beneath said guide members.
18. The apparatus for inserting bags into retainers according to
any one of claims 14 through 17, wherein said guide members are
raised and lowered; and when said plug is lowered further after
said plug is lowered so as to be brought into said bag, said guide
members are lowered together with said plug.
19. The apparatus for inserting bags into retainers according to
any one of claims 14 through 17, wherein said plug is provided with
a gas discharge opening.
20. The apparatus for inserting bags into retainers according to
claim 18, wherein said plug is provided with a gas discharge
opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
successively inserting empty bags into retainers in a retainer type
bag-filling packaging system.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] In retainer type bag-filling packaging systems,
self-standing bags are inserted into retainers in the following
manner: the mouth of bags (called "bag mouth(s)") are first opened
by being suction-chucked from both sides by a pair of
suction-chucking members, plugs are brought into the opened bag
mounts, the plugs are then lowered so that the bags are inserted
into retainers that are positioned below, and then, the bags are
completely opened including the bottom areas inside the retainer by
way of blowing compressed air into the bags from the plugs.
[0005] This insertion method and insertion apparatus is described
in, for instance, the "Prior Art" section of Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2000-142630.
[0006] Generally, in retainers, a retaining section and a pair of
insertion grooves are formed inside the retainers and extend in the
longitudinal orientation. The retaining section is an empty space
closed at the bottom and has a cross section that can receive the
body portion of a self-standing bag after the opening of the bag by
suction-chucking members. The insertion grooves are formed so as to
receive both side edge portions of the self-standing bag. These
insertion grooves are symmetrically provided on both (left and
right) sides of the retaining section.
[0007] In order to prevent swinging of a bag after the bag is
inserted into the retainer (especially preventing swinging of the
bag after the contents are put in the bag), the insertion grooves
are formed with a fairly narrow width (so that there is little play
between the groove surfaces and the bag surface). Accordingly, when
a bag is inserted into the insertion grooves from above, insertion
mistakes may occur. The reason for this is that if a bag is warped,
or if the attitude of a bag is inclined at the time of insertion,
the bottom edge of the bag would deviate from positions directly
above the insertion grooves, so that the bottom edge (lower end) of
the bag catch on the edges of the retainer when the bag is
lowered.
[0008] Accordingly, the entry portion of the insertion grooves
formed in a retainer is formed with a greater width (i.e., the
areas in the vicinity of the entry portion are formed with a
tapered shape) so that the bag can be inserted into the grooves
even if the bag is somewhat warped.
[0009] In some cases, warping may occur when the bag mouth is
opened by the suction-chucking members even though the bag is not
warped to begin with. Moreover, when the mouth of a bag that is
warped is opened, the warping of the lower portion of the bag may
be increased even further.
[0010] When the entry portion of the insertion grooves (and
retaining sections) of a retainer has an expanded width so as to be
in a tapered shape, this measure is effective in regard to the
insertion of a bag into such a retainer. However, the portions
having a tapered shape do not contact snugly to the opened bag and
therefore do not function to hold the bag securely. Accordingly, as
the size of such portions having a tapered shape increases, the
function of suppressing swinging of the bags that have been filled
with the contents deteriorates.
[0011] Conversely, if priority is given to the function of
suppressing swinging of the bags, and the portions having a tapered
shape are therefore reduced in size, then the insertion of the bag
is impeded.
[0012] To solve these problems, the retaining section and insertion
grooves can be formed with an increased depth, thus fulfilling both
functions described above. However, this deep hole and groove
structure has its own problem. The size of the retainer in the
longitudinal direction increases, and the weight of the retainer
also increases. Since the retainers are intermittently or
continuously conveyed, it is desirable that the retainers be as
small and light as possible. This is desired even stronger when the
retainers are conveyed at a high speed.
[0013] Furthermore, when plug is inserted and pushed into the bag
mouth, the bag may tilt in the direction of width, causing a
positional deviation. In this case, a discrepancy occurs between
the center of the retaining section and the center of the bag; and
the contact between the bag surface and the inside circumferential
surface of the retaining section may drop when the bag is opened up
to the bottom after being inserted into the retainer. In such cases
as well, the problem of swinging of the bags following filling with
a liquid would occur, so that the liquid splashes out of the
bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the
above-described problems that occur when bags whose mouths have
been opened are inserted into retainers.
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for inserting empty bags into retainers in which bags
are set in retaining sections and insertion grooves of retainers
without any interference.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method and apparatus for inserting empty bags into retainers in
which bags are set in the centers of retaining sections and
insertion grooves.
[0017] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a method and apparatus for inserting empty bags into
retainers that uses lightweight and compact retainers.
[0018] The above objects are accomplished by unique method of the
present invention for inserting bags into retainers in which:
[0019] the mouth of a bag is caused to open by way of
suction-chucking the mouth from both sides thereof by
suction-chucking members, and
[0020] the bag and a retainer positioned beneath the bag are caused
to approach each other, thus inserting the bag into the retainer;
and
[0021] the method includes the steps of:
[0022] bringing guide members, which have guide grooves that are
oriented in a vertical direction, to both side edges of the bag so
that the guide members come into contact with the side edges of the
bag, thus positioning the bag with respect to the grooves formed in
the retainer, and
[0023] guiding the bag by the guide members so that the bag is
inserted into the retainer.
[0024] The above objects are accomplished by another unique method
of the present invention for inserting bags into retainers in
which:
[0025] the mouth of a bag is caused to open by way of
suction-chucking the mouth from both sides thereof by
suction-chucking members,
[0026] a plug is caused to be brought into the mouth of the bag,
and
[0027] the plug and a retainer positioned beneath the plug are
caused to approach each other, thus inserting the bag into the
retainer; and
[0028] the method includes the steps of:
[0029] bringing guide members, which have guide grooves that are
oriented in a vertical direction, to both side edges of the bag so
that the guide members come into contact with the side edges of the
bag, thus positioning the bag with respect to the grooves formed in
the retainer, and
[0030] guiding the bag by the guide members so that the bag is
inserted into the retainer.
[0031] The above objects are accomplished by still another unique
method of the present invention for inserting bags into retainers
in which:
[0032] the mouth of a bag is caused to open by way of
suction-chucking the mouth from both sides thereof by
suction-chucking members,
[0033] a plug is caused to be brought into the mouth of the bag,
and
[0034] the plug is caused to be lowered toward a retainer that is
positioned beneath the plug, thus inserting the bag into the
retainer; and
[0035] the method includes the steps of:
[0036] bringing guide members, which have guide grooves that are
oriented in a vertical direction, to both side edges of the bag so
that the guide members come into contact with the side edges of the
bag, thus positioning the bag with respect to the grooves formed in
the retainer, and
[0037] guiding the bag by the guide members so that the bag is
inserted into the retainer.
[0038] In the above insertion bag methods, when the guide members
are caused to contact both side edges of the bag, the guide members
that face each other after being opened to an extent that exceeds
the bag width are caused to approach both side edges of the bag in,
for instance, the horizontal plane. However, it is also possible to
insert the bags between the guide grooves of the guide members from
above. In this case, as long as the spacing of the facing guide
groove gradually narrows in the downward direction, it is not
necessary to cause the guide members themselves to approach the
bag.
[0039] In addition, when the bag is lowered toward the retainer
below, it is desirable to lower the pair of guide members to a
point immediately above the retainer as the bag is lowered. This is
done in order to prevent the lower end of the bag from slipping
downward out of the guide grooves to an excessive extent as a
result of the lowering motion of the bag, thus resulting in a loss
of the guiding effect provided by the guide members. By lowering
the bag together with the guide members, it is possible to guide
the lower end of the bag to a position that is as close as possible
to the retainer.
[0040] It is preferable that the bag mouth is opened by the
suction-chucking members after the bag has been positioned by the
guide members with respect to the grooves formed in the retainer.
By thus positioning the bags beforehand by means of the guide
members, the suction-chucking members always perform suction
chucking on specified positions on the bag. Also, warping of the
bag surfaces caused by the opening action of the bag mouth by the
suction-chucking members can be suppressed.
[0041] Furthermore, the above-described insertion methods can be
executed by the use of a plurality of sets of insertion assemblies.
In this case, each insertion assembly is comprised of, for
instance, suction-chucking members, guide members, a plug, and a
plurality of sets of such insertion assemblies are continuously
conveyed. When such insertion assemblies are used, supplied bags
are positioned by the guide members, the retainers that are
vertically aligned with the positioned bags are continuously
conveyed, and insertion of the bags into the retainers is performed
during the process of this continuous conveying.
[0042] It is also possible to execute the bag insertion process in
such a manner that the bags and retainers are intermittently
conveyed, the bags and retainers are vertically aligned in the
stopping position, and insertion is performed by means of
suction-chucking members, guide members, a plug, etc. that are
disposed in the stopping position.
[0043] The above objects are accomplished by a unique structure for
an apparatus for inserting bags into retainers, wherein the
apparatus includes:
[0044] guide members which have guide grooves oriented in a
vertical direction and are opened and closed,
[0045] suction-chucking members which are moved toward and away
from each other so that the suction-chucking members open a mouth
of a bag, which is positioned by the guide members, by way of
suction-chucking the mouth from both sides thereof,
[0046] a vertically movable plug which is brought into the mouth
that is opened by the suction-chucking members, and
[0047] a retainer positioning member that positions a retainer
beneath the guide members; and
[0048] the bag is positioned in a specified position by way of
closing the guide members so that the guide members come into
contact with both side edges of the bag,
[0049] a mouth of the bag is opened by way of suction-chucking both
sides of the mouth of the bag by the suction-chucking members,
[0050] the plug is lowered and brought into the mouth of the bag,
and
[0051] the plug is lowered toward the retainer positioned beneath
the plug so that the bag is inserted into the retainer.
[0052] In this insertion apparatus, for example, a plurality of
sets of insertion assemblies each comprising the guide members;
suction-chucking members and plug are continuously conveyed over an
annular path at a constant speed and uniform intervals, the
retainers are conveyed over a specified path at the same speed and
same interval; and in at least portions of the paths, retainers and
bags are conveyed in a state in which the retainers and bags are
vertically aligned. Thus, the bags can be inserted into the
retainers while the bags and retainers are continuously
conveyed.
[0053] The above objects are accomplished by a unique structure for
a rotary type bag insertion apparatus that receives a supply of
bags and retainers, inserts the bags into the retainers and then
discharges the bags together with the retainers. The rotary type
bag insertion apparatus of the present invention includes:
[0054] a plurality of sets of insertion assemblies which are
disposed at equal intervals around a circumference of a
continuously rotating rotor, each of the insertion assemblies
comprising:
[0055] guide members which have guide grooves oriented in a
vertical direction and are opened and closed,
[0056] suction-chucking members which are moved toward and away
from each other so that the suction-chucking members open a mouth
of a bag, which is positioned by the guide members, by way of
suction-chucking the mouth from both sides thereof,
[0057] a vertically movable plug which is brought into the mouth
that is opened by the suction-chucking members, and
[0058] a retainer positioning member that positions a retainer
beneath the guide members;
[0059] wherein as the rotor is rotated,
[0060] the bag is positioned in a specified position by way of
closing the guide members so that the guide members come into
contact with both side edges of the bag,
[0061] a mouth of the bag is opened by way of suction-chucking both
sides of the mouth of the bag by the suction-chucking members,
[0062] the plug is lowered and brought into the mouth of the bag,
and
[0063] the plug is lowered toward the retainer positioned beneath
the plug so that the bag is inserted into the retainer.
[0064] The above rotary type bag insertion apparatus may further
includes a receiving stand which supports the lower end of the bag
and is disposed along a track of revolution of the guide members.
This receiving stand extends from at least a bag supply position to
a plug insertion position on a circumference of a rotor beneath the
guide members.
[0065] In the above apparatuses for inserting bags into retainers
of the present invention, wherein the guide members are raised and
lowered, and when the plug is lowered further after the plug is
lowered so as to be brought into the bag, the guide members are
lowered together with the plug.
[0066] In addition, in the above apparatuses for inserting bags
into retainers, the plug is provided with a gas discharge opening.
In this case, the bottoms of the self-standing bags can be spread
opened by blowing a compressed gas into the bag after the bag is
inserted into the retainers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] FIG. 1 is a model diagram that shows (in the form of a time
sequence) the steps (a) through (d) of the operation of the
respective members used in the bag insertion method of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 2 is a model diagram of the steps (e) through (g) of
the operation, a continuation of the steps of FIG. 1;
[0069] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the overall structure of the
rotary type bag insertion apparatus of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 4A is an enlarged sectional view of the main portion of
the raising-and-lowering mechanisms of the guide device and
insertion device, 4B is a side view thereof, and 4C is a sectional
top view thereof;
[0071] FIG. 5A shows the essential portion of opening-and-closing
mechanism of the guide device, SB is a partially sectional bottom
view thereof, and 5C is a side view thereof;
[0072] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the essential portion of the
opening-and-closing mechanism of the guide device;
[0073] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the main portion of the
opening-and-closing mechanism of the guide device;
[0074] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the main portion of the
raising-and-lowering mechanism of the guide device;
[0075] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the retainer positioning
member;
[0076] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of the structure of the
opening device;
[0077] FIG. 11 is a partial sectional top view thereof;
[0078] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the overall structure of
another rotary type bag insertion apparatus of the present
invention;
[0079] FIG. 13 is a model diagram that illustrates (in the form of
a time sequence) the steps (d) through (g) of operations of the
respective members used in the insertion method of the present
invention with another type of plug being employed;
[0080] FIG. 14A is a front view of another plug used in the method
of FIG. 13, FIG. 14B is a side view thereof, and FIG. 14C is a
bottom view thereof showing the of the first step of the plug;
[0081] FIG. 15A is a top view a self-standing bag before the bag is
spread open, and FIG. 15B is a side view thereof;
[0082] FIG. 16A is a top view of the self-standing bag after the
bag has been spread open, and FIG. 16B is a side view thereof;
[0083] FIG. 17A is a top view of a retainer used in the present
invention with a bag therein, and FIG. 17B shows the vertical
section of the center portion thereof;
[0084] FIG. 18A is a top view of another retainer used in the
present invention with a bag therein, and FIG. 17B shows the
vertical section of the center portion thereof; and
[0085] FIG. 19A is a top view of still another retainer used in the
present invention with a bag therein, and FIG. 19B shows the
vertical section of the center portion thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0086] The present invention will be described in detail below with
reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying
drawings.
[0087] FIGS. 1 and 2 show, in terms of a time sequence, how
self-standing bags which are conveyed continuously at a constant
speed with their mouths (called "bag mouth(s)") facing upward are
inserted into the insertion grooves of retainers that are
vertically aligned beneath the bags and moved at the same speed in
the horizontal plane.
[0088] The conveying path in FIGS. 1 and 2 is rectilinear. However,
it can take an annular (e.g., circular) shape. Furthermore, in the
actual insertion apparatus, a plurality of sets of insertion
assemblies each substantially comprising, as seen from FIG. 1, a
pair of guide members 3 and 4, a pair of suction-chucking members
(suction disks) 5 and 6 and a plug 7 are continuously conveyed over
a specified conveying path at equal intervals. Also, a plurality of
retainers are continuously conveyed at the same intervals beneath
these sets of insertion assemblies. The respective sets and
retainers thus successively perform the insertion of the bags into
the retainers.
[0089] More specifically, the guide members 3 and 4 are formed with
guide grooves 3a and 4a respectively, and these guide grooves 3a
and 4a face each other. The guide grooves 3a and 4a have a
cross-sectional V shape when viewed from above and perpendicularly
oriented in the vertical direction. The guide members 3 and 4 are
moved toward each other and away from each other, thus opening and
closing in the horizontal direction more or less along the
conveying path.
[0090] The pair of suction disks 5 and 6 are moved toward and away
from each other, thus opening and closing on the vertical plane
perpendicular to the conveying path.
[0091] The plug 7 is raised and lowered between the pair of guide
members 3 and 4 and between the pair of suction disks 5 and 6.
[0092] Each of the retainers 2 has a retaining section 8 at the
center and a pair of insertion grooves 9 (see step (f) shown in
FIG. 2) that are located on both sides of the retaining section 8.
The retaining section 8 (a main interior space of substantially
cylindrical that receives the main body portion of a bag) and the
insertion grooves 9 (subordinate interior spaces that receive the
side edges of the bag) are formed in a longitudinal orientation and
extend in the vertical direction. The retainers 2, that can be made
of any appropriate materials including a metal, synthetic resins,
etc., are positioned and continuously conveyed so that the
insertion grooves 9 are oriented along the conveying path as seen
from FIG. 2.
[0093] The process for successively inserting bags 1 into retainers
2 is performed by steps (a) through (g) in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0094] Step (a): A bag 1 is supplied by a bag supply means (not
shown) from outside the conveying path of the guide members 3 and
4, etc. The direction of width of the bag 1 is oriented parallel to
the bag conveying path that is shown by laterally elongated
rectangle P in FIG. 1. In step (a), the guide members 3 and 4 and
suction disks 5 and 6 are respectively separated so as to be in an
open state, the plug 7 is in the raised position, and the bag 1 is
supplied to a center position between the facing guide grooves 3a
and 4a of the guide members 3 and 4.
[0095] Step (b): The guide members 3 and 4 are moved toward each
other so as to be closed, so that their guide grooves 3a and 4a
come into contact with side edges of the bag 1. Thus, a positioning
is made for the bag 1. At more or less the same time, the bag 1 is
released from the bag supply means (not shown). As a result, the
bag 1 that has thus been positioned by the guide members 3 and 4
drop onto a receiving stand 11. Thus, the bag 1 is supported by the
receiving stand 11 and is slid over the surface of the receiving
stand 11 by the guide members 3 and 4 that are moved from left to
right as shown by arrow in FIG. 1.
[0096] Step (c): The suction disks 5 and 6 that were in the
retracted positions are moved toward each other and thus closed, so
that the suction disks 5 and 6 suction-chuck the bag mouth. At this
point, the retainer 2 supplied by a retainer supply means (not
shown) is positioned beneath the bag 1 so as to be in a vertically
aligned position with respect to the bag 1. In other words, the bag
1 and insertion grooves formed in the retainer are in a parallel
relationship, and the center of the bag with respect to its width
direction and to its thickness direction coincide with the centers
of the insertion grooves and retaining section of the retainer.
Keeping this aligned positions, the bag 1, the retainer 2, the
guide members 3 and 4, the suction disks 5 and 6 and the plug 7 are
conveyed from left to right in FIG. 1 at the same and constant
speed.
[0097] Step (d): The suction disks 5 and 6 are moved away from each
other and thus opened, so that the mouth of the bag 1 is opened (at
this point, the lower portion of the bag is not spread open yet and
remains flat). The plug 7 is, with a timing that matches this
movement of the suction disks 5 and 6, lowered, and a part of the
plug 7 is brought into the opened bag; and thus, the plug 7 is
engaged with the mouth. The receiving stand 11 ends at the
finishing point of step (d). In other words, the step (d) is
completed at the end of the received stand 11.
[0098] Step (e): The suction of the suction disks 5 and 6 is
stopped, and the suction disks 5 and 6 are moved back to the
retracted positions. The plug 7 is further lowered so as to lower
the bag 1 toward the retainer 2. At the same time, the guide
members 3 and 4 are also lowered. The lowering of the guide members
3 and 4 is not essential; however, by lowering the guide members 3
and 4 together with the bag 1, the flat lower end of the bag 1 is
oriented more accurately toward the centers of the insertion
grooves of the retainer 2.
[0099] Step (f): The lowering of the guide members 3 and 4 is
stopped immediately above the retainer 2, but the plug 7 is lowered
even further. The bag 1 is guided by the guide grooves 3a and 4a of
the guide members 3 and 4 and is inserted, at its side edges, into
the centers of the insertion grooves 9 of the retainer 2.
[0100] Step (g): A compressed gas is jetted out of the gas
discharge opening (not shown) which is at the tip end of the plug
7, and the bag 1 is as a whole including its bottom is spread open
by the inserted gas. The bag 1 is set in the retainer 2 so that the
center of the bag 1 with respect to the direction of width thereof
is positioned in the centers of the retaining section 8 and
insertion grooves 9 of the retainer 2. Accordingly, the center of
the retaining section 8 and the center of the bag 1 are kept
coincide with each other even after the bag has been spread open.
Thus, a tight contact is ensured between the surfaces of the bag
and the inside circumferential surface of the retaining section 8.
Next, the guide members 3 and 4 and plug 7 are returned to their
original positions, so that the process returns to the state shown
in step (a), thus completing one cycle of insertion of the bag into
the retainer.
[0101] In the above steps, a description is made for only one bag.
However, with a use of plurality of sets of insertion assemblies
(each substantially comprising the pair of guide members 3 and 4,
the pair of suction-chucking members (suction disks) 5 and 6 and
the plug 7), a plurality of bags are processed simultaneously.
[0102] The above-described insertion apparatus is applicable to a
rotary type insertion apparatus, and such a rotary type insertion
apparatus will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 through
11.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 3, a main stand 13 is installed in an
upright attitude on a base 12, and a rotating shaft 14 is rotatably
supported in the main stand 13. An upper table 15 is fastened to
the upper portion of the rotating shaft 14, and a lower table 17 is
rotatably supported on the circumference of the main stand 13 via a
bearing 16. The rotating shaft 14 and tables 15 and 17 are referred
to as a rotor in the present invention. Around the circumferences
of the tables 15 and 17, a plurality of supporting frames 18 that
are substantially C-shaped in cross section are provided at equal
intervals. The supporting frames 18 extend in the vertical
direction; and the upper ends of the supporting frames 18 are
fastened to the upper table 15, and the lower ends are fastened to
the lower table 17.
[0104] An opening device 21 is provided in the upper portion of the
outer circumferential surface of each one of the supporting frames
18 via an attachment plate 19. Likewise, a retainer positioning
member 22 (see FIG. 9) is provided in the lower portion of the
outer circumferential surface of each one of the supporting frames
18. Furthermore, a retainer supporting plate 24 is provided at the
lower end of each one of the supporting frames 18 via a supporting
plate 23.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 4B, slots 25 and 26 are respectively formed
in the outer circumferential surface of each supporting frame 18. A
connecting member 28 of an upper raising-and-lowering element 27
extends to the outside from the interior of the supporting frame 18
through the slot 25, and an insertion device 29 is provided on the
tip end of the connecting member 28. Beneath this insertion device
29, a pair of connecting members 32 of a lower raising-and-lowering
element 31 extend to the outside through the slots 25 and 26, and a
guide device 33 is mounted to the tip ends of the connecting
members 32.
[0106] Inside each supporting frame 18, as seen from FIG. 4A, upper
slide members 34 are attached to the upper raising-and-lowering
element 27 in an outward-facing orientation. The upper slide
members 34 slide on a slide rail 35 that is fastened to the
supporting frame 18. A cam roller 36 is disposed on the inside end
of the upper raising-and-lowering element 27, and a tubular
raising-and-lowering cam 38 is disposed on the circumference of a
cam attachment plate 37 which is fastened to the main stand 13. The
cam roller 36 runs on this raising-and-lowering cam 38.
[0107] Likewise, lower slide members 39 are attached to the lower
raising-and-lowering element 31 in an outward-facing orientation,
and these slide members 39 slide on the slide rail 35. A cam roller
41 is disposed on the inside end of the lower raising-and-lowering
element 31. The cam roller 41 runs inside the groove of a
raising-and-lowering cam 42.
[0108] The reference numeral 43 seen in FIGS. 4A and 4C is a
tension spring. The tension spring 43 extends vertically through
holes 44 and 45 formed in the upper and lower raising-and-lowering
elements 27 and 31 and presses the cam roller 36 against the
raising-and-lowering cam 38.
[0109] As best seen from FIG. 4A, the insertion device 29 is
comprised, along with other elements, of a supporting flange 46
which is fastened to the connecting member 28 of the upper
raising-and-lowering element 27, a pipe-form rod element 47 that is
slidably provided in this supporting flange 46, and a plug 7 which
is provided at the tip end of the rod element 47. One end (upper
end) of the rod element 47 is connected to a compressed air source
or gas supply source via a filter, a switching valve, etc. (not
shown), so that a compressed gas is caused to jet out of a gas
discharge opening opened at the lower end of the plug 7 at a
specified timing. The rod element 47 is provided so that when an
upward-oriented force referred to by arrow U is applied to the plug
7, the rod element 47 is caused to retract or moved upward relative
to the supporting flange 46 by the action of a stopper 48 fastened
to the rod element 47, a spring receiving plate 49 and a
compression spring 50 which is interposed between the spring
receiving plate 49 and the supporting flange 46.
[0110] The guide device 33 is provided, as seen from FIG. 5A, at
the tip end of the connecting member 32 of the lower
raising-and-lowering element 31. The guide device 33 is comprised
of guide members 3 and 4 which have substantially V-shaped grooves
3a and 4a (see FIG. 8), which extend in the vertical direction, and
an opening-and-closing mechanism that opens and closes the guide
members 3 and 4.
[0111] As seen from FIGS. 5A through FIG. 8, the guide members 3
and 4 are respectively attached to an opening-and-closing driving
arm 51 and an opening-and-closing driven arm 52. The
opening-and-closing driving arm 51 is fastened to a hollow shaft 54
which is supported on a supporting member 53 on the tip ends of the
connecting members 32 so that the hollow shaft 54 is free to
rotate. The opening-and-closing driven arm 52 is likewise fastened
to an opening-and-closing driven shaft 55 which is fastened to the
supporting member 53 so that the shaft 55 is free to rotate.
[0112] Gears 56 and 57 which engages with each other are
respectively fastened to the lower portions of the hollow shaft 54
and opening-and-closing driven shaft 55, so that the
opening-and-closing driving arm 51 and the opening-and-closing
driven arm 52 open and close (or moved toward and away from each
other) simultaneously.
[0113] Furthermore, a slide bearing 58 that has longitudinal
grooves formed in its inside circumferential surface is fastened to
the lower portion of the hollow shaft 54. An opening-and-closing
driving shaft 59, which has longitudinal ribs formed on its outer
circumferential surface, is inserted into the slide bearing 58.
With its longitudinal ribs being engaged with the longitudinal
grooves, the shaft 59 slides upward and downward as shown by arrow
in FIG. 5.
[0114] The opening-and-closing driving shaft 59 is rotatably
supported at its lower end area by a bearing 61 that is attached to
the supporting plate 23.
[0115] A swing lever 62 is fastened to the lower end of the
opening-and-closing driving shaft 59, and this swing lever 62 is
connected to one end 64a of a cam lever 64 via a connecting rod 63.
The cam lever 64 is shaft-supported on a supporting part 65 so that
the cam lever 64 can pivot, and a cam roller 66 is attached to
another end of the cam lever 64. The cam roller 66 is pressed by
the driving force of a tension spring 67 (see FIG. 5B) against an
annular cam 68 which is disposed on the base 12 (see FIG. 3), so
that the cam roller 66 runs over the upper surface of the annular
cam 68. As a result, the cam lever 64 pivots, the swing lever 62
pivots, the opening-and-closing driving shaft 59 and hollow shaft
54 are rotated, and thus the opening-and-closing driving arm 51 and
opening-and-closing driven arm 52 pivots, so that the guide members
3 and 4 open and close.
[0116] The opening device 21 is mounted on the attachment plate 19;
and it includes, as seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, suction disks 5 and
6 and a mechanical assembly that operates the suction disks 5 and
6.
[0117] More specifically, the suction disks 5 and 6 are
respectively attached to the lower ends of pipe-form
opening-and-closing arms 71 and 72 as best seen from FIG. 10. The
opening-and-closing arms 71 and 72 are respectively attached to
pivot levers 73 and 74 which are pivotally shaft-supported on the
attachment plate 19. Open ends at the upper ends of the
opening-and-closing arms 71 and 72 are connected to a vacuum means
via filters, switching valves, etc. (not shown), so that the
suction disks 5 and 6 apply suction on a bag with a specified
timing.
[0118] A cam roller 75 is rotatably mounted on one end of the pivot
lever 73. The cam roller 75 is pressed by the force of a tension
spring 76 against an opening-and-closing cam 77. The
opening-and-closing cam 77 is disposed in the form of a circular
arc on the circumference of the rotor, so that the cam roller 75
runs along the undersurface of the opening-and-closing cam 77.
[0119] A connecting link 78 is pin-connected between the other end
of the pivot lever 73 and the pivot lever 74. Thus, when the pivot
lever 73 pivots, the pivot lever 74 also simultaneously pivots in
the opposite direction, thus causing the opening-and-closing arms
71 and 72 to move toward and away from each other so as to open and
close as indicated by the solid lines (closed) and imaginary dashed
lines (opened) in FIG. 10.
[0120] The reference numeral 79 in FIGS. 10 and 11 is a stopper
that regulates the pivoting limit of the pivot lever 74, i.e., the
opening limit of the opening-and-closing arms 71 and 72.
[0121] In operation of the above rotary type insertion apparatus,
when a gear 80 (see FIG. 3) that is linked to a driving means (not
shown) and is fixed to the rotating shaft 14 is rotated, the upper
and lower tables 15 and 17 are rotated at a constant speed together
with the rotating shaft 14. As a result, the cam roller 36 attached
to the upper raising-and-lowering element 27, the cam roller 41
attached to the lower raising-and-lowering element 31, the cam
roller 66 attached to the cam lever 64 and the cam roller 75
attached to the pivot lever 73 run over the respective
corresponding cam surfaces; and with the timing shown above in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide member 3 and 4 are opened and closed and
also raised and lowered, the suction disks 5 and 6 are opened and
closed, and the plug 7 is raised and lowered.
[0122] Of course, during these movements, the application of
suction by the suction disks 5 and 6 and the jetting out of the
compressed gas from the discharge opening of the plug 7 are also
performed with the above-described timing.
[0123] Furthermore, into the above rotary type insertion apparatus,
bags 1 are supplied by a bag supply means (not shown, but such a
supply means shown in the rotary type transfer apparatus disclosed
in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2000-318713),
and retainers 2 are supplied by a universally known retainer supply
means. When the bags and retainers are thus supplied, the bags 1
are immediately positioned by the guide members 3 and 4 and moved
while slipping on the receiving stand 11; and the retainers 2 are
positioned on the retainer receiving plates 24 with respect to the
retainer positioning members 22 by a universally known means, and
bags are inserted into the retainers by the steps shown above in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0124] In the above description, self-standing bags (bags having
fold-ins in the bottoms) are described as an example of the bags 1.
However, the insertion method and apparatus of the present
invention can be used for ordinary flat bags.
[0125] FIG. 12 shows the above-described rotary type insertion
apparatus with an addition of a mechanism that allows adjustment of
the opening width of the guide members 3 and 4 so as to comply with
bags of various sizes. In this insertion apparatus, the annular cam
68 is adjustable in height.
[0126] The annular cam 68 is fastened to the outer circumference of
an annular attachment bracket 81, and a plurality of internally
threaded members 82 are disposed around the circumference of the
annular attachment member 81. Rotating shafts 84 which are
rotatably supported on stands 83 that are disposed on the base 12
are screw-engaged with the internally threaded members 82, thus
supporting the attachment bracket 81 in a horizontal attitude.
[0127] Gears 85 are attached to the lower ends of the rotating
shafts 84. The gears 85 are engaged with the outer circumference of
an intermediate gear 86 which is rotatably attached to the
circumference of the rotating shaft 14.
[0128] Furthermore, a sprocket 87 is attached to one of the gears
85. The sprocket 87 is connected via a chain 88 and sprocket 89 to
a rotating shaft 92 that is rotatably supported in a stand 91
disposed on the base 12.
[0129] Accordingly, when a handle 93 fastened to the rotating shaft
92 is turned, the plurality of rotating shafts 84 are rotated by
the same amount, and the bracket 81 and annular cam 68 are raised
or lowered while maintaining their horizontal attitude.
[0130] As seen from the above, the height of the annular cam 68 is
adjusted in accordance with the bag width; and when the bags to be
processed have a large width, then the annular cam 68 is
lowered.
[0131] FIG. 13 shows (in the form of a time sequence) the bag
insertion process performed with a use of plug 94 shown in FIGS.
14A through 14C instead of the plug 7 that is shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0132] As seen from FIGS. 14A and 14B, each plug 94 has three
(first, second and third) stepped portions 94a, 94b and 94c that
are continuously formed with inclined surfaces in between, the
inclined surfaces having more or less a shape of truncated circular
cones. The first stepped portion 94a (located at the lower most or
the bottom of the plug 94 and has a smallest diameter) has flat
outer surfaces 94e that are diametrically opposite from each other.
Thus, the first stepped portion 94a is somewhat flat when viewed
from below; and its lower end is pointed and faces downward (or to
face the bag mouth), so that the flat outer surfaces 94e are set so
as to be parallel to the surfaces of the bag or to the conveying
path. The plug 94 has a gas discharge opening 94d at the end of
this first step portion 94a.
[0133] The insertion process of FIG. 13 is substantially the same
as that of FIGS. 1 and 2 up to the point where the tip end of the
plug 94 is brought into the bag. Accordingly, only the steps that
are taken after the bag has been inserted into the retainer (that
corresponds to steps (d) through (g) in FIG. 1) are shown in FIG.
13. The insertion process of a bag into a retainer in FIG. 13 is as
follows:
[0134] Step (d): The suction disks 5 and 6 are moved away from each
other so as to open, thus opening the mouth of the bag 1 (at this
point, the bottom portion of the bag is not spread open yet and
remains flat). The plug 94 is lowered with a timing that matches
the mouth opening movement of the suction disks 5 and 6, and the
first step 94a of the plug 94 is brought into the opened bag so
that the plug 7 is engaged with the mouth.
[0135] Step (e): The suction of the suction disks 5 and 6 is
stopped, and the suction disks 5 and 6 are moved further away from
each other to return to the retracted positions. In this case, the
opened mouth of the bag 1 is caused to return to flat (as far as
the thickness of the tip end of plug 94 that is defined by the flat
surfaces 94a) by its own elastic force. As a result, the
inclination of both edges of the bag 1 is smaller compared to the
bags processed by the steps in FIGS. 1 and 2. Then, the plug 94 is
further lowered, thus lowering the bag I toward the retainer 2. The
guide members 3 and 4 are also simultaneously lowered.
[0136] Step (f): The downward movement of the guide members 3 and 4
is stopped immediately above the retainer 2, but the plug 94 is
lowered even further. The bag 1, being guided by the guide grooves
3a and 4a of the guide members 3 and 4 and, is inserted into the
centers of the insertion grooves 9 of the retainer 2.
[0137] Step (g): The second stepped portion 94b of the plug 94 is
completely brought into the bag 1, so that the mouth of the bag 1
is opened wider. Next, the inclined surface between the second
stepped portion 94b and the third stepped portion 94c (that has the
largest diameter among the three stepped portions) comes into
contact with the edge of the bag mouth, and a compressed gas is
jetted out of the gas discharge opening 94d of the plug 94. As a
result, the bag 1 is, for its entirety including the bottom
thereof, spread open. In the retainer 2, the center of the bag 1
with respect to its width direction is positioned in the centers of
the retaining section 8 and insertion grooves 9 of the retainer 2.
Accordingly, the center of the retaining section 8 and the center
of the bag 1 coincide with each other even after the bag 1 is
spread open, so that tight contact is maintained between the bag
surface and the inside circumferential surface of the retaining
section 8. The guide members 3 and 4 and plug 94 are then returned
to their original positions.
[0138] In the above embodiment, the tip end of the plug (the first
stepped portion 94a) that is brought into the bag when the bag
mouth is opened by the suction disks is in a flattened shape.
Accordingly, the bag returns to flat when the suction disks are
separated from the bag, allowing less inclination at both edges of
the mouth thereof. Accordingly, the bag being processed show less
of a tendency to incline to the left and right in the guide members
than in the previous example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the
plug 7 used has no flat outer surfaces 94e and thus not in a
flattened shape at its tip end. Accordingly, an even more accurate
guidance of the bag is accomplished with the use of the plug
94.
[0139] Next, a retainer that is used when the present invention
processes self-standing bags will be disclosed.
[0140] First, a description is made about a bag 1. As shown in
FIGS. 15A and 15B, the lower end of a bag 1 is horizontal when the
bag 1 is flat. However, when the bag 1 is spread open by gas as
shown in FIG. 16B to its bottom in the retainer, both edges of the
bag are slightly lifted as indicated by arrows in FIG. 16B, and the
lower ends of the bag 1 is curved when viewed from the side as
shown in FIG. 16B. As a result, the bag 1 becomes unstable inside
the retainer, and the bag may be tilted or may show a positional
deviation to the left or right during conveying.
[0141] In typical conventional retainers, a drainage hole that has
a diameter much smaller than that of the retaining section is
formed in the center of the bottom of the retaining section as
disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
(Kokai) No. 2000-302106.
[0142] The retainer 95 shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is the same as a
conventional retainer in that it has a retaining section 8 and
insertion grooves 9 that extend longitudinally or in the axial
direction. However, the feature of the retainer 95 is that the
insertion grooves 9 has bottoms 9a thus being closed, but the
retaining section 8 has no bottom thus being opened. As a result,
only the edge portions of the lower end of the bag 1 inserted in
the retaining section 8 and insertion grooves 9 are supported by
the bottoms 9a of the insertion grooves 9, and the curved central
portion of the bag is not supported. Accordingly, the bag 1 inside
the retainer 2 is set with a higher stability.
[0143] The retainer 96 shown in FIGS. 18A and 1 8B is also the same
as a conventional retainer. The retainer 96 has a retaining section
8 and insertion grooves 9 that extend longitudinally or in the
axial direction, and a drainage hole 96a which is slightly smaller
than the retaining section 8 in diameter is formed in the bottom.
However, this retainer 96 is characterized in that the entire
bottom surface 96b of the retaining section 8 and insertion grooves
9 is curved in a concave shape. It is preferable that this
curvature more or less coincide with the lower end curvature of the
bag, so that the lower end of the bag 1 is snugly supported. The
retaining section 8 can be formed without a bottom as in the
retainer 95 shown in FIGS. 17A and 17b.
[0144] The retainer 97 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19b is also the same
as a conventional retainer in terms of the longitudinal or axial
formation of the retaining section 8 and insertion grooves 9. The
retainer 97, however, is characterized in that the bottom of the
retaining section 8 is formed only at the left and right ends,
i.e., near the insertion grooves 9, and no bottom is formed in the
central area. This structure is similar to that of the retainer 95
shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B in terms of structure and function.
Also, the entire bottom can be curved in the same manner as in the
retainer 96 of FIGS. 18A and 18B.
[0145] In the above retainers 95, 96 and 97, the entry portions of
the retaining section 8 and insertion grooves 9 are not tapered;
nevertheless, a stable and accurate insertion of bags is assured in
the present invention since the positioning of both side edges of
each bag is made by guide members, so that the side edges are
guided into the retainer. The entry portions of the retainers 95,
96 and 97 can be formed with a tapered shape as in conventional
retainers. However, because of the use of the guide members, the
size of the tapered portion can be made smaller than in the
conventional retainers.
[0146] As a result of the tapered shape of the entry portions being
eliminated or reduced in size, the bag holding function can be
improved at the same longitudinal size of the retainer, or the
longitudinal size of the retainer can be reduced by an amount equal
to the taper with the same bag holding function being maintained.
Thus, the retainer can be made more compact and light-weight.
[0147] Furthermore, in the retainers 95, 96 and 97, the left and
right ends of the insertion grooves 9 are closed in all cases
(these parts are called the "retainer sides") as typically indicate
in FIG. 17A by the reference numerals 9b. In a conventional
insertion method, these retainer sides are important for preventing
tilting and positional deviation since the retainer sides come in
contact with both side edges of the bags 1. However, in the
insertion method of the present invention, positioning is securely
accomplished by the guide members. Accordingly, these retainer
sides can be omitted. In other words, the left and right outside
portions indicated by arrows in FIGS. 17A, 18A and 19A can be
removed. By doing this, the size of the retainer in the lateral
direction is reduced, and the retainer can be more compact and
light in weight.
[0148] When retainers that have no retainer sides are used, it is
advisable to perform the compressed air discharge twice (i.e., to
stop or weaken the discharge for a very short period of time during
the discharge) or to perform the compressed air discharge with a
gradual increase in gas pressure. With such performance of
compressed air discharge, bags are self-centered in the retaining
sections 8; and even if bags should tilt or show a positional
deviation during insertion into the retainers, defective bags can
be prevented. Nonetheless, these compressed air discharging methods
are effective for retainers that have retainer sides.
[0149] As seen from the above, according to the present invention,
bags whose mouths have been opened are inserted into the retaining
sections and insertion grooves of retainers without any
interference. Furthermore, in the present invention, since the bags
are inserted into the centers of the retaining sections and
insertion grooves of the retainers, the centers of the retaining
sections and the centers of the bags coincide, and the contact
between the bags and the inside circumferential surfaces of the
retaining sections after the bags have been spread open by gas is
improved. As a result, swinging of the bags and splashing out of
the liquid contents after the bags have been filled with a liquid
can be effectively prevented.
[0150] Furthermore, in the present invention, compact, light weight
retainers are used. This is advantageous for increasing the running
speed of the bag insertion apparatus and therefore for increasing
the running speed of the entire system that involves the
bag-filling apparatus.
* * * * *