Bag making and packaging machine

Abstract

The present application provides a bag-making packaging machine that suppresses a decrease in the quality of bags produced and a decrease in work efficiency. A bag-making packaging machine (100) forms a film in a tubular shape and performs cross-sealing to produce a bag (B) that contains an article (A), and includes a cross-sealing mechanism (50) and a control section (70). The cross-sealing mechanism (50) sandwiches a tubular film (Fm) formed in a tubular shape and performs cross-sealing to form a cross-sealed portion (X). The control section (70) determines whether or not there is a bite in the cross-sealed portion (X), and in the case where it is determined that there is a bite, switches a first bag-making process that continues a bag-making operation and a second bag-making process that stops the bag-making operation based on a bite state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bag making and packaging machine. Background Technology

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-107997), a bag-making packaging machine is known for feeding articles into a film formed into a cylindrical shape and sealing it to make a bag. The bag-making packaging machine of Patent Document 1 has a determination unit for determining poor sealing. If the determination unit determines that the sealing is poor, the packaging control unit performs the following prescribed actions: stopping the operation of the cutter of the horizontal sealing unit to form a package containing a foreign object bitten in; temporarily stopping part of the operating mechanism of the horizontal sealing unit and the entire bag-making filling machine and reporting an alarm; and discharging the package containing the foreign object bitten in downstream of the system.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-107997. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the inventors discovered problems such as reduced quality of bags produced by the bag-making and packaging machine described in Patent Document 1 and reduced working efficiency of the bag-making and packaging machine.

[0008] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a bag-making and packaging machine that suppresses the degradation of the quality of manufactured bags and suppresses the degradation of work efficiency.

[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The first viewpoint concerns a bag-making packaging machine that forms a sheet of film into a cylindrical shape and performs a horizontal seal to create a bag containing items. It includes a horizontal sealing mechanism and a control unit. The horizontal sealing mechanism clamps the cylindrical film and performs a horizontal seal to form a horizontal sealing section. The control unit determines whether there is bite-in at the horizontal sealing section, and if bite-in is detected, switches between a first bag-making process that continues bag-making and a second bag-making process that stops bag-making, based on the bite-in status.

[0011] The inventors discovered the problem of reduced bag quality and decreased machine efficiency produced by the bag-making and packaging machine described in Patent Document 1, based on the following factors. Specifically, when a bag is determined to be poorly sealed and is made into a continuous package, if the bag breaks and the contents are exposed, the contents will adhere to the horizontal sealing component. If bag production continues in this state, the contents will adhere to subsequently produced bags, thus reducing bag quality. To prevent this, if the bag-making and packaging machine is stopped when a poor seal is determined, the machine efficiency will decrease.

[0012] Therefore, in order to both suppress the decline in quality and the decline in work efficiency, the inventors conducted in-depth research and obtained the following concept: during horizontal sealing, if it is determined that an item has been bitten in, the bag making process is changed based on the state of biting in, thereby completing the present invention.

[0013] The first-view bag-making and packaging machine includes a control unit that, based on the biting state, switches between a first bag-making process that continues bag-making operation and a second bag-making process that stops bag-making operation. Therefore, it is possible to perform a first bag-making process to suppress decreased work efficiency and a second bag-making process to suppress decreased quality, based on the biting state. Thus, a bag-making and packaging machine that suppresses both decreased bag quality and decreased work efficiency can be provided.

[0014] Regarding the bag-making and packaging machine mentioned in the second viewpoint, according to the bag-making and packaging machine mentioned in the first viewpoint, the control unit switches between the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process based on at least two determination values.

[0015] In the bag-making and packaging machine described in the second viewpoint, the control unit has a determination value related to the biting state. Therefore, by setting a determination value for biting a relatively large item and a determination value for biting a relatively small item, the biting state can be easily determined based on multiple determination values.

[0016] The third viewpoint concerns a bag-making and packaging machine that is the same as the first or second viewpoint, and it also includes a cutting mechanism for cutting off the transverse seal. As a first bag-making process, the control unit performs a process of stopping the cutting mechanism to cut off the transverse seal to create a continuous bag with multiple bags connected together.

[0017] In the bag-making and packaging machine described in the third viewpoint, during the biting process, the bag-making operation is not stopped when a relatively small item is bitten in; instead, a continuous bag is produced. This way, because the bag-making operation continues even with a small bite, a decrease in work efficiency can be prevented. Furthermore, by making the bitten bags into continuous bags, they can be easily identified as defective products.

[0018] The bag-making and packaging machine involved in the fourth viewpoint is the same as the bag-making and packaging machine involved in the first to third viewpoints, and at least one of the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process includes a process for changing bag-making capacity.

[0019] In the bag-making and packaging machine mentioned in the fourth viewpoint, as the first bag-making process, after processes such as manufacturing continuous bags are performed, and / or as the second process, after processes such as stopping the bag-making operation are performed, the bag-making capacity is automatically changed. This reduces the occurrence of biting.

[0020] The bag-making and packaging machine mentioned in the fifth point is the same bag-making and packaging machine mentioned in the second point. In the first bag-making process, it shows that the first judgment value is exceeded.

[0021] In the fifth-view bag-making and packaging machine, the bag-making operation can continue based on the biting state and display a result exceeding the first judgment value. Therefore, the user can recognize the biting state.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, a bag-making and packaging machine is provided that can suppress the reduction in the quality of manufactured bags and suppress the reduction in work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a packaging machine including a bag-making and packaging machine with embodiments.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a bag-making and packaging machine including embodiments.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a bag manufactured according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a bag-making and packaging machine according to an implementation method.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a side view of the transverse sealing mechanism of the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a side view of the trajectory of the sealing clamp in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control steps of the control unit in an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the control unit switching between the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process in an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a modified bag-making and packaging machine. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following describes a bag-making and packaging machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that in the following description, terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are sometimes used to indicate direction. Unless otherwise specified, "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," and "right" refer to the direction of the arrows marked in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] (1) Overall Overview

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a packaging machine 1 including the bag-making and packaging machine 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine 1 including the bag-making and packaging machine 100 of this embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, the packaging machine 1 includes a metering machine 2 and a bag making and packaging machine 100.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the measuring machine 2 measures the item A stored in bag B. Item A is not specifically limited; here it is items such as potato chips or chocolate. The bag-making and packaging machine 100 is located below the measuring machine 2. The bag-making and packaging machine 100 receives item A from the measuring machine 2 and packages item A with a tubular film F (hereinafter also referred to as tubular film Fm), thereby manufacturing... Figure 3 Bag B is shown. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of two bags B manufactured by the bag-making and packaging machine 100 of this embodiment.

[0037] 100 bag making and packaging machines Figure 1 and Figure 2 The membrane supply mechanism 10, forming mechanism 20, conveying mechanism 30, longitudinal sealing mechanism 40, transverse sealing mechanism 50, and cutting mechanism 60 shown are... Figure 4 The control unit 70 is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the bag making and packaging machine 100 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The membrane supply mechanism 10 supplies sheet-shaped membrane F, which will form bag B, to the forming mechanism 20. The forming mechanism 20 forms the supplied sheet-shaped membrane F into a tubular shape. The conveying mechanism 30 conveys the tubular membrane F (tubular membrane Fm) downwards. The longitudinal sealing mechanism 40 performs a longitudinal seal on the tubular membrane Fm to form... Figure 3 The longitudinal sealing section Y is shown. The transverse sealing mechanism 50 clamps the cylindrical diaphragm Fm to perform a transverse seal and forms... Figure 3The horizontal sealing portion X shown seals the upper and lower ends of bag B. The cutting mechanism 60 cuts off the upper and lower ends of bag B. The control unit 70 determines whether there is bite-in at the horizontal sealing portion X, and if bite-in is detected, switches between a first bag-making process that continues bag-making operation and a second bag-making process that stops bag-making operation based on the bite-in status.

[0039] (2-1) Membrane supply mechanism

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shown film supply mechanism 10 supplies sheet-shaped film F to the forming mechanism 20. A film roller R with film F wound on it is installed in the film supply mechanism 10, and film F is discharged from the film roller R. The material of film F is not particularly limited, including, for example, resin raw materials, paper raw materials, etc.

[0041] (2-2) Forming mechanism

[0042] The forming mechanism 20 is a forming mechanism that shapes the sheet-like film F into a cylindrical shape. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the forming mechanism 20 has a folding section 21 and a tube 22. The tube 22 extends in the vertical direction. The tube 22 is a partially cylindrical component with openings at both ends. An item A, measured by the measuring machine 2, is inserted into the opening at the upper end of the tube 22.

[0043] The fold-back section 21 is configured to surround the tube 22. The sheet-like film F supplied from the film supply mechanism 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape as it passes between the fold-back section 21 and the tube 22. The fold-back section 21 and the tube 22 can be replaced according to the size of the bag B to be manufactured.

[0044] (2-3) Conveying mechanism

[0045] The conveying mechanism 30 conveys the tubular film Fm. Here, the conveying mechanism 30 conveys the film F pulled from the film roller R to the folding section 21. In addition, the conveying mechanism 30 conveys the tubular film Fm formed by the folding section 21 to the horizontal sealing mechanism 50. The conveying mechanism 30 adsorbs the tubular film Fm wound on the tube 22 and conveys it downward.

[0046] The conveying mechanism 30 is located below the reversing section 21. Additionally, the conveying mechanism 30 is located on the left (not shown) and right side of the tube 22.

[0047] The conveying mechanism 30 includes a belt 31, a drive roller 32, and a driven roller 33. The belt 31 has an adsorption function. The belt 31 is wound around the drive roller 32 and the driven roller 33. The drive roller 32 is connected to and driven by a roller drive motor (not shown). When the belt 31 has film F adsorbed on it, the cylindrical film Fm is conveyed downward when the drive roller 32 is driven by the drive motor.

[0048] (2-4) Longitudinal sealing mechanism

[0049] Longitudinal sealing mechanism 40 in the longitudinal direction (in Figure 2 The overlapping portion of the tubular membrane Fm (in the vertical direction) is sealed to form... Figure 3 The longitudinal sealing portion Y is shown. The longitudinal sealing mechanism 40 presses the overlapping portion of the cylindrical membrane Fm wound on the tube 22 to the tube 22 with a certain pressure while heating to seal longitudinally.

[0050] The longitudinal sealing mechanism 40 is located on the front side of the tube 22 and has a heater and a heater strip heated by the heater and in contact with the seam of the cylindrical membrane Fm. In addition, the longitudinal sealing mechanism 40 also has a drive device (not shown) for bringing the heater strip closer to or away from the tube 22.

[0051] (2-5) Horizontal sealing mechanism

[0052] The transverse sealing mechanism 50 is positioned below the tube 22. The transverse sealing mechanism 50 intersects the conveying direction of the cylindrical membrane Fm (in...). Figure 2 The cylindrical film Fm is horizontally sealed in the direction of (orthogonal). Here, the horizontal sealing mechanism 50 seals the bag B by sealing the upper and lower portions of the bag, which is the cylindrical film Fm, in the transverse direction.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a side view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 50. Figure 6 This is a side view of the trajectory of sealing clamps 51 and 52. Figure 5 In the middle, the horizontal sealing mechanism 50 includes a first sealing mechanism 50a and a second sealing mechanism 50b. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The side located on the left side of the cylindrical membrane Fm is designated as the first sealing mechanism 50a, while the side located on the right side is designated as the second sealing mechanism 50b.

[0054] The first sealing mechanism 50a and the second sealing mechanism 50b respectively cause the sealing clamps 51 and 52 to rotate in a D-shape (see, for example, by means of...). Figure 6 (The dashed line indicates the trajectory of the sealing clamps) while clamping the cylindrical membrane Fm.

[0055] The sealing clamps 51 and 52 have heaters inside. The sealing surfaces of the sealing clamps 51 and 52 are heated by the heaters, and a portion of the cylindrical diaphragm Fm clamped by the sealing clamps 51 and 52 is sealed.

[0056] For ease of explanation, the first sealing mechanism 50a side of the sealing clamp 51 is referred to as the first sealing clamp 51a, and the second sealing mechanism 50b side is referred to as the second sealing clamp 51b. The first sealing clamp 51a and the second sealing clamp 51b press against each other to achieve a seal by clamping the cylindrical diaphragm Fm.

[0057] Similarly, the side of the first sealing mechanism 50a in the sealing clamp 52 is referred to as the first sealing clamp 52a, and the side of the second sealing mechanism 50b is referred to as the second sealing clamp 52b. The first sealing clamp 52a and the second sealing clamp 52b press against each other to achieve a seal by clamping the cylindrical diaphragm Fm.

[0058] It should be noted that when referring to matters common to all sealing clamps, they are referred to as sealing clamps 51 and 52.

[0059] The sealing clamps 51 and 52 rotate around shafts C1 and C2 via a drive motor (not shown). That is, the first sealing clamps 51a and 52a rotate around shaft C1, and the second sealing clamps 51b and 52b rotate around shaft C2.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a lateral drive mechanism 55 is provided to reciprocate the lateral sealing mechanism 50. The lateral drive mechanism 55 is, for example, a servo motor.

[0061] The horizontal sealing mechanism 50 also includes Figure 4 The encoder 56 is shown. The encoder 56 detects the amount of motion of the lateral drive mechanism 55.

[0062] (2-6) Cutting mechanism

[0063] Figure 2 The cutting mechanism 60 shown cuts Figure 3 The transverse sealing portion X is shown. In detail, the cutting mechanism 60 cuts the tubular film Fm at the transverse sealing portion X, which is the end of the bag B.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, a cutting mechanism 60 is disposed on a transverse sealing mechanism 50. The cutting mechanism 60 includes a cutter 61 and a receiving portion 62. The cutter 61 is disposed on a first sealing clamp 51. The receiving portion 62 is disposed on a second sealing clamp 52. The cutter 61 can extend and retract. The extended cutter 61 is housed in the receiving portion 62. By extending the cutter 61, transverse cutting is performed at the transverse sealing portion X, at the center portion in the conveying direction of the cylindrical membrane Fm.

[0065] (2-7) Control Unit

[0066] Figure 4 The control unit 70 shown controls the operation of the conveying mechanism 30, the longitudinal sealing mechanism 40, the transverse sealing mechanism 50, and the cutting mechanism 60. Furthermore, the control unit 70 sends commands related to the operation of the measuring machine 2 to the control unit of the measuring machine 2.

[0067] The control unit 70 is implemented using a computer. The control unit 70 includes a control calculation device and a storage device. The control calculation device can use a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control calculation device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs prescribed image processing and calculations according to the program. Furthermore, the control calculation device can, according to the program, either write the calculation results to the storage device or read information stored in the storage device.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 70 includes a storage unit 71 and a determination unit 72. The storage unit 71 has multiple determination values ​​related to the biting state. The determination unit 72 determines whether there is biting in the transverse sealing section X. If biting is determined, it switches between a first bag-making process that continues bag-making operation and a second bag-making process that stops bag-making operation based on the biting state. Here, the determination unit 72 switches between the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process based on at least two determination values. The first bag-making process and the second bag-making process are different from the normal bag-making process.

[0069] It should be noted that "biting into the transverse seal X" means that when the transverse seal X is formed, an item that was not originally there (such as item A) is clamped in, resulting in the formation of a transverse seal X between the tubular membranes Fm, in which an item that was not originally there is inserted.

[0070] (2-7-1) Storage Section

[0071] The storage unit 71 has multiple determination values ​​related to the biting state. The storage unit 71 stores multiple determination criteria that are obtained from information acquired from the transverse sealing mechanism 50 and calculated.

[0072] In this embodiment, the storage unit 71 has a first determination value for performing the first bag-making process (continuous bag discharge process) and a second determination value for performing the second bag-making process (bag-making stop process). In other words, the storage unit 71 has a first determination value for determining a first biting state and a second determination value for determining a second biting state. The first determination value is a threshold for determining that a relatively small item has been bitten in. The case of biting in a relatively small item is when the impact on quality is small even if the bag-making operation continues. Biting in a relatively small item includes, for example, biting in a bag (tubular film Fm) such as a pleated bag, small items such as powders such as condiments, and small items such as powders that constitute part of item A. The second determination value is a threshold for determining that a relatively large item has been bitten in. The case of biting in a relatively large item is when the impact on quality is large if the bag-making operation continues. Biting in a relatively large item includes, for example, large items such as potato chips and chocolates as items A.

[0073] (2-7-2) Judgment Department

[0074] When the horizontal sealing mechanism 50 performs a horizontal seal, the determination unit 72 determines whether an item A or the like has been bitten into the horizontal sealing section X based on multiple determination values. Here, the determination unit 72 reads the first determination value and the second determination value from the storage unit 71 to determine whether there is biting or not, and further determines the biting state if there is biting.

[0075] If the determination unit 72 determines, based on a predetermined first determination value, that there is a first biting state, it performs a first bag-making process, halting the cutting of the transverse seal X by the cutting mechanism 60 to create a continuous bag with multiple bags connected. Because the continuous bag differs in length from a regular bag B, it is easily identified as a defective product. There is no limitation on the length of the continuous bag as long as it is longer than a regular bag B, but it is preferable that two or more bags B are connected; in this case, two bags B are connected. In this situation, the determination unit 72 sends a command to the cutting mechanism 60 to halt one cutting of the transverse seal X.

[0076] In addition, as a second bag-making process, the determination unit 72 stops the bag-making operation based on a predetermined second determination value. In this case, the determination unit 72 sends a stop operation command to the metering machine 2, the conveying mechanism 30, the longitudinal sealing mechanism 40, the transverse sealing mechanism 50, the cutting mechanism 60, etc.

[0077] At least one of the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process includes a process for changing the bag-making capacity. Here, at least one of the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process includes a process for automatically changing the bag-making capacity. That is, the determination unit 72 performs the process of changing the bag-making capacity after performing the process of manufacturing a continuous bag as the first bag-making process, and / or after performing the process of stopping the bag-making operation as the second bag-making process. In this embodiment, if the determination unit 72 determines that a relatively small item has been bitten in, it changes the bag-making capacity based on the settings in the setting unit 73 described later after performing the process of manufacturing a continuous bag as the first bag-making process.

[0078] Changes in bag-making capacity include, for example, changes in the number of bags B produced in 1 minute, changes in the timing of the input of item A from the upstream metering machine 2, and changes in the timing of the formation of the horizontal seal X by the horizontal sealing mechanism 50.

[0079] (2-7-3) Specific examples

[0080] Here, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The control unit 70 will describe an example of determining the bite state based on the amount of motion of the servo motor, which is a plurality of determination values, namely the number of pulses detected by the encoder 56 (bite measurement value). The servo motor is a lateral drive mechanism 55 that drives the sealing clamps 51 and 52 that clamp the cylindrical diaphragm Fm during lateral sealing. Figure 7This is a flowchart showing the control steps of the control unit 70. Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the control of the control unit 70. Figure 8 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time, and the vertical axis represents the bite measurement value (unit: pulse) during the horizontal sealing.

[0081] The storage unit 71 has a first determination value that determines that the tubular film Fm has been bitten into as a relatively small item (fold), and a second determination value that determines that the item bitten into is not powder but an item such as chocolate as a relatively large item. The first determination value and the second determination value are set based on the average value of the measured value of the horizontal seal X before, for example, the normal bag making operation (trial run).

[0082] It should be noted that the determination unit 72 can also read the first determination value and the second determination value from the storage unit 71, so as to correct the first determination value and the second determination value based on the moving average value of each horizontal sealing part X during the normal bag making operation (run) of the bag making and packaging machine 100.

[0083] When forming the transverse seal X, if a relatively large item is caught, the torque of the servo motor increases, and the number of pulses increases. When forming the transverse seal X, if a relatively small item is caught, the torque of the servo motor decreases, and the number of pulses decreases. Therefore, the second determination value for determining that a relatively large item has been caught is greater than the first determination value for determining that a relatively small item has been caught.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, when the transverse sealing part X is formed, the determination unit 72 obtains the bite measurement value from the encoder 56 (step S1) and determines whether the bite measurement value exceeds the first determination value and the second determination value (steps S2 and S5).

[0085] Here, the determination unit 72 determines whether the bite penetration measurement value is greater than the second determination value (step S2). In step S2, the determination unit 72 determines whether the obtained bite penetration measurement value exceeds the second determination value (step S2). Figure 8 At time t3), it is determined that item A has been bitten, and the bag-making operation is stopped as part of the second bag-making process (step S3). After stopping (step S3), the user can clean the sealing clamps 51, 52, and the blade 61, etc. Then, the bag-making operation is restarted via the control unit 70. At this time ( Figure 8 At time t4), the determination unit 72 changes the bag-making capacity (step S4). In step S4, the determination unit 72 changes the timing of forming the horizontal seal X by the horizontal sealing mechanism 50.

[0086] It should be noted that the determination unit 72 can also change the first determination value and the second determination value after the bag making operation restarts. Here, considering that the tubular film Fm hardens due to the stop, the first determination value and the second determination value are set higher than before the stop.

[0087] Next, the determination unit 72 determines whether the bite penetration measurement value is greater than the first determination value (step S5). In step S5, if the obtained bite penetration measurement value is lower than the second determination value but exceeds the first determination value (…), then… Figure 8 At times t1, t2, and t5, the determination unit 72 determines that a crease or other defects have occurred in the horizontal sealing section X. As a first bag-making process, it stops cutting the horizontal sealing section X based on the cutting mechanism 60 and manufactures a continuous bag with multiple bags B connected together (step S6). Then, the determination unit 72 does not stop the bag-making operation, but reduces the bag-making capacity based on the setting in the setting unit 73 (step S7). In step S7, the determination unit 72 sends instructions to the metering machine 2, the conveying mechanism 30, the longitudinal sealing mechanism 40, the horizontal sealing mechanism 50, and the cutting mechanism 60 to reduce the number of bags B manufactured within 1 minute.

[0088] On the other hand, in step S5, if the obtained bite measurement value is below the first determination value, the determination unit 72 determines that there is no bite and continues the normal bag making operation (step S8).

[0089] (2-8) Setting Department

[0090] The setting unit 73 sets the bag-making capacity. Here, after performing at least one of the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process, the setting unit 73 sets how to change the bag-making capacity.

[0091] The setting unit 73 is an operation component that can be input by a user, such as a touch panel. In this embodiment, the setting unit 73 can also set the bag-making operation of the bag-making and packaging machine 100, at least two judgment values, etc. The setting unit 73 sends the set information to the control unit 70.

[0092] (3) Operation of the bag making and packaging machine

[0093] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a sheet-shaped membrane F supplied from the membrane supply mechanism 10 is conveyed to the forming mechanism 20 via the conveying mechanism 30. In the forming mechanism 20, the sheet-shaped membrane F passes through the gap between the fold-back section 21 and the tube 22. The fold-back section 21 causes the sheet-shaped membrane F to be folded back into a cylindrical shape, and the formed cylindrical membrane F is guided by the tube 22.

[0094] On the other hand, the items A measured by the measuring machine 2 are sequentially fed into the upper open end of the tube 22. At this time, the outer periphery of the tube 22 is used to cover the tubular film Fm that packages the items A.

[0095] The tubular film Fm formed by the forming mechanism 20 is conveyed downward by the conveying mechanism 30, and the overlapping portion of the tubular film Fm is sealed longitudinally by the longitudinal sealing mechanism 40. The tubular film Fm with the longitudinal sealing portion Y formed by the longitudinal sealing mechanism 40 is further conveyed downward by the conveying mechanism 30, and the upper and lower ends of the bag B of the tubular film Fm are sealed transversely by the transverse sealing mechanism 50. The bag B with the transverse sealing portion X formed by the transverse sealing mechanism 50 is cut transversely by the cutter 61 of the cutting mechanism 60, thereby manufacturing bag B.

[0096] During the horizontal sealing process of the horizontal sealing mechanism 50, the control unit 70 determines whether there is any bite-in at the horizontal sealing section X. If bite-in is detected, based on the bite-in status, it switches between a first bag-making process that continues the bag-making operation and a second bag-making process that stops the bag-making operation. Bags B that the control unit 70 determines are not bitten into the horizontal sealing section X are treated as products. On the other hand, as part of the first bag-making process, bags B that the control unit 70 determines have bitten into small items at the horizontal sealing section X are manufactured into continuous bags, and these bags B are removed as defective products. Furthermore, as part of the second bag-making process, the bag-making operation of the bag-making and packaging machine 100 is stopped, and bags B that the control unit 70 determines have bitten into large items at the horizontal sealing section X are removed as defective products.

[0097] (4) Features

[0098] (4-1)

[0099] The bag-making and packaging machine 100 according to this embodiment is a bag-making and packaging machine that forms a sheet film F into a cylindrical shape and performs a horizontal seal to produce a bag containing an article A. It includes a horizontal sealing mechanism 50 and a control unit 70. The horizontal sealing mechanism 50 clamps the cylindrical film Fm formed into a cylindrical shape to perform a horizontal seal to form a horizontal sealing part X. The control unit 70 determines whether there is bite in the horizontal sealing part X, and if bite is determined, switches between a first bag-making process that continues the bag-making operation and a second bag-making process that stops the bag-making operation based on the bite state.

[0100] If a large item A is bitten into the transverse seal X during its formation, the tubular membrane Fm may rupture, causing item A to protrude from the membrane Fm and adhere to the sealing clamps 51, 52, and the cutting tool 61. In this case, if bag B production continues, item A attached to the sealing clamps 51, 52, and the cutting tool 61 will adhere to the subsequently produced bag B, resulting in a decrease in the quality of bag B. To suppress this situation, in this embodiment, since the control unit 70 suppresses the quality reduction caused by a large item bitten into the transverse seal X, a second bag-making process that stops the bag-making operation is performed. Specifically, since the bag-making operation is stopped when item A is bitten into and protrudes from the tubular membrane Fm, cleaning of the sealing clamps 51, 52, and the cutting tool 61 can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent item A from adhering to the bag B produced after biting in, thus suppressing the quality reduction of the produced bag B.

[0101] If a second bag-making process is always performed when the bite is present in the horizontal sealing section X, the work efficiency will decrease. In order to suppress this situation, in this embodiment, even if the impact of the sealing clamps 51 and 52 on the quality of bag B is small, the first bag-making process is performed by the control unit 70 to continue the bag-making operation (without stopping) in order to suppress the decrease in work efficiency.

[0102] Thus, the bag-making and packaging machine 100 of this embodiment can perform a first bag-making process to suppress a decrease in working efficiency and a second bag-making process to suppress a decrease in quality, based on the biting state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of the manufactured bag B and suppress a decrease in the working efficiency of the bag-making and packaging machine 100.

[0103] (4-2)

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 70 switches between the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process based on at least two determination values.

[0105] Thus, the control unit 70 has multiple determination values ​​related to the biting state. Therefore, by setting determination values ​​for biting relatively large items and for biting relatively small items, the biting state can be easily determined based on multiple determination values.

[0106] Furthermore, small bites can be detected by reducing the judgment value. Therefore, in this embodiment, the occurrence of small bites can be detected.

[0107] (4-3)

[0108] In addition, this embodiment also includes a cutting mechanism 60 for cutting off the transverse seal X. As a first bag-making process, the control unit 70 performs a process to stop the cutting mechanism 60 from cutting off the transverse seal X and to manufacture a continuous bag with multiple bags B connected together.

[0109] Here, in the biting state, when a relatively small item is bitten in, the bag-making process does not stop, and a continuous bag is created. This way, because the bag-making process continues even with a small bite, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency. Furthermore, by making the bitten bag B a continuous bag, it can be easily identified as a defective product and removed downstream.

[0110] (4-4)

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, at least one of the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process includes a process for changing the bag-making capacity.

[0112] Here, after the process of manufacturing the continuous bag as the first bag-making process, and / or after the process of stopping the bag-making operation as the second process, a process of automatically changing the bag-making capacity is performed. This reduces the likelihood of biting during the subsequent formation of the transverse seal X.

[0113] (5) Variations

[0114] The following are variations of the above embodiments. It should be noted that, to the extent that they do not contradict each other, part or all of the content of each variation can be combined with the content of the above embodiments and other variations.

[0115] (5-1) Variation A

[0116] In the above embodiment, the control unit 70 switches between the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process based on the biting state, but it is not limited to this. The control unit of the present invention can also switch between three or more different bag-making processes.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 70 switches between the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process based on two determination values, but it is not limited to this. The control unit of the present invention may also have three or more determination values.

[0118] In this modified example, the control unit 70 has a third determination value for performing a third bag-making process different from the first and second bag-making processes. The control unit 70 performs the third bag-making process according to the predetermined third determination value. In the third bag-making process, the bag-making operation continues. Here, as the third bag-making process, the control unit 70 performs a process of manufacturing bag B as a product and retaining the bite-in history.

[0119] Specifically, the third determination value is smaller than the first determination value. The third determination value is set to determine the state of an item whose bite depth is smaller than that determined by the first determination value. If the determination unit 72 obtains a bite depth measurement value that is lower than the first and second determination values ​​but higher than the third determination value, it will not discharge bag B as a defective product but as a product, but will store the small bite depth record in the storage unit 71. It should be noted that the determination unit 72 can also report values ​​higher than the third determination value.

[0120] (5-2) Variation B

[0121] In the above embodiment, the first bag-making process is a process of stopping the cutting of the horizontal sealing portion X based on the cutting mechanism 60 and manufacturing a continuous bag with multiple bags B connected together, but it is not limited to this. In this modified example, in the first bag-making process, the bag-making operation of manufacturing ordinary bags B is continued instead of manufacturing continuous bags, and the result exceeds the first determination value.

[0122] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of the bag-making and packaging machine according to this variation. In this variation, as... Figure 9 As shown, in the first bag-making process, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 3 to display that a first determination value has been exceeded. Here, when a second determination value is exceeded, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 3 to display this meaning.

[0123] Specifically, the bag-making and packaging machine 100 also has Figure 1 The display unit 3 is shown. The display unit 3 is, for example, a touch panel. Although the display unit 3 may be a different component from the setting unit 73, it is a common component in this modified example.

[0124] The instruction is sent to the display unit 3, causing the display unit 3 to display the value determined by the determination unit 72 of the control unit 70, which exceeds the first determination value or the second determination value. The display unit 3, having received the instruction from the determination unit 72, displays... Figure 8 The chart is as shown. In detail, the display unit 3 displays a graph in which time is represented on the horizontal axis and the bite measurement value of each manufactured bag B is represented on the vertical axis.

[0125] It should be noted that the determination unit 72 may also display error numbers, messages, etc., indicating that the first determination value or the second determination value has been exceeded, instead of charts.

[0126] The information displayed on the display unit 3 is stored in the production record as a record of an incident. That is, the determination unit 70 causes the storage unit 71 to store the determined record.

[0127] It should be noted that the control unit 70 can make the display unit 3 display values ​​that exceed the first or second determination value. The display unit 3 can be installed in the bag making and packaging machine 100, or it can be installed in a terminal device different from the bag making and packaging machine 100.

[0128] As explained above, in this modified example, the first determination value is exceeded during the first bag-making process. Therefore, different displays can be made based on the biting state. Consequently, the user can recognize the biting state.

[0129] It should be noted that during the first bag-making process, the bag-making action of producing continuous bags can continue and the result may exceed the first judgment value.

[0130] (5-3) Variation C

[0131] In the above-described variation B, as the first bag-making process, exceeding the first determination value is displayed and stored, but it is not limited to this. In this variation, if the first determination value is exceeded, the control unit 70 issues an alarm indicating this.

[0132] (5-4) Variation D

[0133] In the above embodiment, the first bag-making process is a process of stopping the cutting of the horizontal sealing portion X based on the cutting mechanism 60 and manufacturing a continuous bag with multiple bags B connected together, but it is not limited to this. In this modified example, as the first bag-making process, the control unit 70 prints markings on the bags B.

[0134] Specifically, the bag-making and packaging machine 100 also has a printing unit for printing markings on bag B. The printed bag B can be easily identified as a defective product and removed downstream.

[0135] (5-5) Variation E

[0136] In the above-described embodiments and variations D, the first bag-making process involves manufacturing a continuous bag with multiple bags B connected together and printing markings on the bags B, but it is not limited to this. In this variation, as the first bag-making process, the control unit 70 discharges the bag B that has been bitten out of the path.

[0137] Specifically, the packaging machine 1 includes a production line for conveying bags B and a discharge section for removing defective bags B from the production line. Furthermore, the bitten bags B are discharged outside the production line. This makes it easy to identify defective bags B.

[0138] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0139] 1: Packaging machine;

[0140] 2: Measuring machine;

[0141] 10: Membrane supply organization;

[0142] 20: Forming mechanism;

[0143] 30: Conveying mechanism;

[0144] 40: Longitudinal sealing mechanism;

[0145] 50: Horizontal sealing mechanism;

[0146] 60: Cutting mechanism;

[0147] 70: Control Department;

[0148] 100: Bag making and packaging machine

[0149] A: Items;

[0150] B: Bag;

[0151] F, Fm: membrane;

[0152] X: Horizontal sealing section;

[0153] Y: Longitudinal sealing section.

Claims

1. A bag-making and packaging machine that forms a sheet film into a cylindrical shape and performs a horizontal seal to manufacture a bag for storing items. The bag making and packaging machine has the following features: A horizontal sealing mechanism clamps a cylindrical membrane and performs a horizontal seal to form a horizontal sealing section; The cutting mechanism cuts off the transverse sealing portion; and The control unit, including a storage unit, determines whether there is any biting at the horizontal sealing portion. If biting is detected, it switches between a first bag-making process, a second bag-making process, and a third bag-making process based on the biting state. The first bag-making process continues the bag-making operation, the second bag-making process stops the bag-making operation, and the third bag-making process is different from the first and second bag-making processes. The control unit switches between the first bag-making process, the second bag-making process, and the third bag-making process based on at least three determination values. The at least three determination values ​​include: A first determination value, a second determination value that is larger than the first determination value, and a third determination value that is smaller than the first determination value. As part of the first bag-making process, if the bite-in measurement value exceeds the first determination value but is below the second determination value, the control unit performs the following process: stops the cutting of the transverse seal based on the cutting mechanism, and manufactures a continuous bag with multiple bags connected together. As a second bag-making process, if the bite-in measurement value exceeds the second determination value, the control unit performs the following action: stops the bag-making operation. As part of the third bag-making process, if the bite-in measurement value exceeds the third determination value but is below the first determination value, the control unit performs the following processing: it manufactures the bag as a product without classifying it as a defective product, retains the bite-in history, stores the bite-in history in the storage unit, and reports that the value is above the third determination value. Furthermore, when the control unit restarts the bag-making operation after the bag-making process has stopped due to the second bag-making process, it sets the first determination value and the second determination value to be higher than before the stop.

2. The bag-making and packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first bag-making process and the second bag-making process includes a process for changing bag-making capacity.

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