Reliability

Previous systems relied on the bag standing upright and open to allow blades to enter the sack and guide it into the closing device.  Whilst proving effective, thin bags and unstable products often made the operation difficult.  Now, with Total Bag Control, the bag is spread on the clamp and never released until after closing.  This overcomes these problems and delivers near 100% reliability. 

Mechanism

Mk V1 Sack is clamp mounted on a column with pneumatically operated stainless steel bag spreading fingers mounted beside it.  Easy clamp changeover for different bag sizes is possible.

These fingers sit tightly against the clamp body.  When a bag is placed on the clamp, it covers the fingers.  Fingers move in and out as well as vertically.  Variable air pressure spreads fingers to bag width.

Strong bag top gripper arms travel horizontally using a motorised linear actuator.  Pneumatic cylinders operate arms, and has a unique hinged belt feeder.

Adjustable height robust split ‘Table Top’ conveyor – one metre variable speed conveyor under clamp, variable length fixed speed conveyor under closing device.

Simple food quality guide boards are mounted to conveyor trough. PLC controlled.

Single IP65 rated control panel mounted to conveyor frame.

Power Requirements

Electrical Supply

415V, 3 phase and neutral, 50/60 hz.

10 amp power supply required.

Air Supply                 

½ inch, 12mm air supply consuming 1 cubic foot per minute at 90 psi (6bar).

Safety            

Complete system conforming to CE legislation at minimum protection IP55.

Shipping Specifications

Typical dimensions

3,000 x 1,000 x 1,600 (H) mm

Typical weight

1,000 kg

Weight and size depend on closing device.

Operation

Stage One:            

Bag on clamp

Fingers spread bag

Gripper arms slide in place

 Weighing commences

Stage Two:           

Weighing Complete

Bag drops onto stationary conveyor

Spreading fingers travel down with bag

Gripper arms close on bag top

Fingers lift clear of bag

Stage Three:            

Filled bag removal

Conveyor and gripper arms accelerate bag away

Speed then reduces as bag transfers onto sealing conveyor

Gripper arms open as hinged belt feeder grips bag top

Bag fed into closing device for closing

Outcome

Fast filled bag removal enables high speeds to be achieved, cycle times of 20 bags per minute are possible. Previously troublesome bags/products can now be handled automatically. The bag is not released from filling until after closing giving high reliability. “Walk away” operation is possible.  Robust design and component specification allows it to be used in harshest environments.

Summary

Thinner bags can be used, as stiffness is not as important.  Hessian bags can be automatically closed.  Product height is not as important as other systems.  Various bag lengths, widths and types can be used.