Patent GB-1444313-A (GB)
Title: Container sealing apparatus
IPC: B31B50/72
Filed: 1974-01-28
Abstract: 1444313 Packaging machines S W F MACHINERY Inc 28 Jan 1974 [15 Feb 1973] 3903/74 Heading B8C Apparatus for sealing preformed containers 11, Fig. 10, having longitudinal flap portions 16 comprises a frame 25, Fig. 1, an elongate substantially horizontal conveyor 55 mounted on the frame having entrance and exit ends and adapted for transport therealong of the containers oriented so that their flap portions 16 extend transversely of the apparatus, a folding arm 233 mounted on the frame above the conveyor for movement between an upper retracted position and a lower flap-closing position, means for operating the arm 233 synchronously with the passage of each container on the conveyor to fold in the rearwardmost flap portion 16 of each container, and a pair of guides 267 secured on the frame in spaced relation transversely of the conveyer between the arm 233 and the exit end of the conveyer adapted to contact and fold the forwardmost flap portion 16 over each container. As described the container 11 enters the apparatus on a supply conveyer 95, Figs. 1 and 2, and is carried up to a stop 130 by chains 128. A flight 87 of a conveyer 80 releases the stop 130 and then engages the rear face of the container to move it over the conveyer 55 which comprises idle rollers 62 and slide bars 61 on angle members 56. Above the conveyer 55 is a folding mechanism 214 including housings 215 which support a drive shaft 220, and the guide arms 267 which are carried by the sub-frame 246. The folding arms 233 are driven counter-clockwise by the shaft 220 and from this shaft bevel gearing and shafts drive tucking fingers 260. As the container advances, the fingers 260 fold in the end flaps 17, Fig. 10, and the guide arms 267 then fold down the leading flap 16. The trailing flap 16 is folded down by the arms 233. Tabs 18 on the flaps 16 engage metering wheels 284 Fig. 7, of adhesive dispensing devices 280, so that adhesive is applied by nozzles 283 to the tabs 18 which are then folded down by guide fingers 274 Fig. 2, and pressed against the container sides by rollers 290 as the container leaves the apparatus on a discharge conveyer 155, Fig. 1. To cater for different sizes of container the guide arms 267 are supported by linkwork 270 and springs 273. The conveyer 55 is carried on bars 44 which are supported at their ends on threaded rods 41 supported on the frame 25. The rods can be rotated together by a handle 73 to raise or lower the conveyer 55 and also the supply and discharge conveyers 95 and 155 which are connected to it. The heights of the subframes 246 is determined by placing bolts 244 supporting them through selected holes 242 in supporting brackets 240, 241 on the frame 25. The height of the drive shaft 220 is determined by clamping the supports 217 therefor at different heights relative to the housings 215. Bars 58, Fig. 7, determining the spacing of bars 56 of conveyer 55, and bars 248 determining the spacing of sub-frames 246, may be replaced by ones of different length to cater for containers of different widths. The conveyers and movable parts of the folding mechanism are all driven via suitable transmissions by an electric motor 170.