Device for handling piece-formed packing material

A device for handling piece-formed packing material, which incorporates a storage container (4) for the packing material, which at its lower side is equipped with a closable outlet (13), connected to a hose (6) for feeding out material, and at its upper end with an inlet (3) intended for supply of material, and connectable to a hose (6) for supply of material, and where the inlet (3) is provided with structure (11) for injecting a flow of air for lifting and supporting packing material in a direction towards the storage container (4).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In transport for packing of fragile goods it is used light, pieces of 
packing material of plastics, so called chips, which are when used 
surround the fragile goods in a cardboard box or the like. Handling of 
this material represents an inconvenience as the chips are used in large 
quantities and volumes, and the manual handling involves a circumstantial 
work. 
PURPOSE AND MOST ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
According to the present invention it is now suggested a handling device by 
means of which filling as well as emptying and taking care of chips can be 
effected in a very work-saving and simple manner, and this has been 
achieved in that it comprises a storage container for the packing 
material, a closable outlet provided at the lower side of said storage 
container and connected to a hose for feeding out material from said 
container, an inlet for supply of material to the container provided at 
the upper end thereof, and being connectable to a hose, said inlet being 
provided with means for injecting a flow of air intended to lift and carry 
packing material in a direction towards the storage container.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
In FIG. 1 is shown a device for the purpose intended and incorporating a 
motor housing 2 suspended from a stand 1 and having a tubular channel 3 
communicating with a storage bag 4 for chips and via a valve housing 5, to 
which the storage bag 4 is also connected, with a hose 6 for feeding out 
and for sucking up chips. 
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section through the device, from which can be 
seen that the motor housing 2 incorporates a fan motor 7, which delivers a 
flow of air in direction of arrow A. 
In the valve housing 5 is provided a first valve 9, which in the position 
shown closes the end of a tube socket 8, which via a header 10 
communicates with the motor housing 2. In this position air passes from 
the header through a slot 11 between the tube 3 and the upper end of the 
socket 8, which projects into the lower end of the tube 3. Due to the fact 
that the tissue of the bag is loose the air which via the tube 3 passes 
into the bag 4 will discharge through the fine openings of the bag. If the 
valve 9 is opened to the position shown in dash lines in FIG. 3, then air, 
which via the slot 11 flows into the tube 3, will eject air from the valve 
housing and from the hose 6 connected thereto, and when the end of the 
hose is lowered into a cardboard box among light chips, these will be 
sucked up via the hose 6, the valve housing 5, the tube socket 8, the tube 
3 and will be introduced into the bag 4. 
In the valve housing 5 is provided a further valve 12, which in the 
position shown closes a tube socket 13, situated below and in direct 
contact with the storage bag 4. When this valve is opened, chips in the 
bag 4 due to gravity will fall through the valve housing 5 and down into 
the hose 6, whereby a cardboard box can be filled in a simple manner. 
In order to reduce the risk that chips shall remain in the hose 6 if this, 
e.g. is arranged horizontally, a hose 14 is connected to the header 10, 
which hose extends through the valve housing 5 and down into the hose 6, 
where it emits a small flow of air. 
In FIG. 3 is shown how the pivot shaft for the valve 9 is designed with an 
eccentric disc 15 adapted to restrict the flow of air through the hose 14 
when the valve is opened, in order to prevent the flow of air from 
counter-acting the sucking up of the chips. 
By the invention is obtained a simple and well operating device and due to 
the fact that the fan motor is separated from the material transport the 
risk for clogging of the motor part is avoided. 
The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawing and 
described in connection thereto but modifications are possible within the 
scope of the appended claims.