Patent ID: 6519914
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A perforation module for performing perforation operations in a packaging machine that converts strip material into a strip of interconnected discrete packages, the machine comprising a strip feeder for feeding the material along a strip feed path, a packaging zone on the strip feed path for intermittently combining the material to form the strip of interconnected discrete packages, first and second jaws in the packaging zone, the jaws being aligned with each other on opposite sides of the strip feed path and at least one jaw movable toward and away from the strip feed path between a retracted position, in which the one jaw is spaced from the feed path and a closed position in which the one jaw is substantially clamped against the strip material on the strip feed path, the perforation module comprising: first and second punch die assemblies in a punch zone disposed along the strip feed path between the strip feeder and the packaging zone, the punch die assemblies being aligned with each other on opposite sides of the strip feed path and at least one punch die assembly movable towards and away from the strip feed path along a path of reciprocation between a retracted position, in which the one punch die assembly is spaced from the feed path, and a closed position, in which the one punch die assembly performs a perforation operation on a package exiting the packaging zone on the strip feed path, the one punch die assembly operating synchronously with the one jaw in the packaging zone so that the perforation operation occurs while the one jaw is clamped against the strip material and the strip material is held in tension between the one jaw and the strip feeder; and a tooling assembly for moving the one punch die assembly between the retracted and closed positions, the tooling assembly including at least one guide rod disposed parallel to the one punch die path of reciprocation; a support block disposed on the path of reciprocation and carrying the one punch die assembly, the support block being coupled to slide along the guide rod and carry the one punch die assembly between the retracted and closed positions.