Case packing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a packing device capable of suppressing a decrease in packing efficiency caused by a change of a box. The packing device includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit. The first conveying unit conveys goods. The second conveying unit conveys the goods transferred from the first conveying unit and feeds the goods into a box waiting downstream. The second conveying unit stores the goods transferred from the first conveying unit without feeding the goods toward the box when a predetermined number of goods are fed into the box. In addition, in the packing device, the second conveying unit can perform a reverse feeding operation when storing the goods transferred from the first conveying unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a packing device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-3806) discloses a packing device (automatic snack bundling device) that throws goods (snacks) supplied sequentially by a supply conveyor into a box directly below the terminal section of the supply conveyor.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-3806 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the packing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a predetermined number of items (goods) are packed into a box, an empty new box is moved to the packing position (the drop position of the items) to replace the box containing the items. Since the box replacement process takes a certain amount of time, the supply conveyor is temporarily stopped or the interval between items transported by the supply conveyor is increased to prevent items from being dropped from the supply conveyor during the box replacement process. However, regardless of the method used, there are technical problems such as hindering the effective handling of items and reducing the efficiency of packing.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a packing apparatus that can suppress the reduction in packing efficiency caused by packing replacement processes.

[0006] The first viewpoint's packing device includes a first transport section and a second transport section. The first transport section transports items. The second transport section transports items transferred from the first transport section and places them into boxes waiting downstream. When placing a predetermined number of items into the boxes, the second transport section does not place items transferred from the first transport section into the boxes but stores them instead.

[0007] In this packing apparatus, since the second transport unit can store items transferred from the first transport unit during the box replacement process, situations that hinder the efficient transport of items can be suppressed. Therefore, according to this packing apparatus, the reduction in packing efficiency caused by the box replacement process can be suppressed.

[0008] According to the first viewpoint of the packing device, in the second viewpoint of the packing device, the second conveying unit performs a reverse feeding operation when storing items transferred from the first conveying unit.

[0009] In this packing apparatus, the second conveying unit performs a reverse feeding operation, thereby enabling the second conveying unit to store more items transferred from the first conveying unit. Therefore, according to this packing apparatus, the reduction in packing efficiency caused by box replacement processing can be further suppressed.

[0010] According to the packing apparatus of the first or second viewpoint, in the packing apparatus of the third viewpoint, the first transport unit places the articles on a first transport surface and transports them along the transport direction. The second transport unit is positioned between the first transport units arranged side-by-side in the transport direction, namely the left-side first transport unit and the right-side first transport unit. The second transport unit places the articles on a second transport surface located vertically below the respective first transport surfaces of the left-side and right-side first transport units and transports them.

[0011] According to this packing apparatus, since it has two first conveying sections, it can pack items in a shorter time compared to the case with only one first conveying section. Furthermore, according to this packing apparatus, since the second conveying surface is located below the first conveying surface, even when the second conveying section stores a large number of items, it can prevent the stored items from overflowing from the second conveying section and returning towards the first conveying section.

[0012] According to the packing apparatus of any one of the first to third viewpoints, in the packing apparatus of the fourth viewpoint, the second transport section has a storage section and an input section. The storage section stores the items transferred from the first transport section. The input section inputs the items into the box.

[0013] In this packing apparatus, since the input section and the storage section are provided separately, the size and shape of the input section can be changed independently of various storage sections. Therefore, according to this packing apparatus, by changing the size and shape of the input section, items can be packed into boxes of various sizes and shapes.

[0014] According to the fourth viewpoint of the packing device, in the fifth viewpoint of the packing device, the input part is a shuttle conveyor or telescopic conveyor that can extend and retract along the transport direction.

[0015] According to this packing device, since the feeding section can extend and retract along the transport direction while feeding items, it is possible to prevent items from being packed at an angle.

[0016] According to the packing apparatus of any one of the first to fifth viewpoints, in the packing apparatus of the sixth viewpoint, the first conveying unit has a first transfer unit and a second transfer unit. The first transfer unit transfers items put into a first box (which is a box) to the second conveying unit. The second transfer unit transfers items put into a second box (which is a box after the first box) to the second conveying unit. The second transfer unit is located upstream of the first transfer unit in the conveying direction.

[0017] In this packing apparatus, during the box replacement process, the items are transferred from the first to the second transport section via the second transfer section. The second transport section is capable of storing the items transferred from the first transport section, thus suppressing situations that hinder the efficient transport of items. Therefore, according to this packing apparatus, the reduction in packing efficiency caused by the box replacement process can be suppressed.

[0018] According to the packing device of the sixth viewpoint, in the packing device of the seventh viewpoint, the first transport unit further has a third transfer unit, which transfers items that are transported adjacent to each other on the downstream side in the transport direction at a distance smaller than a predetermined distance to the second transport unit.

[0019] According to this packing device, since the third transfer unit properly ensures the spacing between adjacent items in the transport direction, it prevents the second transfer unit from failing to transfer the items toward the storage unit due to the narrow spacing between the items.

[0020] According to the packing device of the sixth viewpoint, in the packing device of the eighth viewpoint, the first conveying unit conveys the items put into the second box at a slower speed than the items put into the first box.

[0021] According to this packing apparatus, it is possible to prevent items transferred from the first transport section to the second transport section for storage from being mistakenly placed into boxes. Furthermore, according to this packing apparatus, it is possible to further suppress the reduction in packing efficiency caused by box replacement processing.

[0022] According to the packing device of any one of the first to eighth viewpoints, the packing device of the ninth viewpoint further includes a vibration-applying part that applies vibration to the box.

[0023] According to the packing device, since the vibration unit will flatten the items that are tilted inside the box, it can prevent the items from being packed tilted. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging and boxing production line, including the boxing device 300 involved in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the packing device 300.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the packing device 300.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control unit 90.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the packing process.

[0029] Figure 6AThis is a top view of the packing device 300, which shows the actions of each part in the packing process.

[0030] Figure 6B This is a top view of the packing device 300, which shows the actions of the various parts in the first item being put into the packing process.

[0031] Figure 6C This is a top view of a packing device 300, showing the operations of various parts in the packing process, including the storage and replacement of goods.

[0032] Figure 6D This is a top view of the packing device 300, which shows the actions of each part in the second item input processing during the packing operation.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the general structure of the vibration unit 34. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions relative to the packing device 300 are used. In several figures, orthogonal axes representing these directions are shown. The front-back and left-right directions are both horizontally extending directions. The up-down direction is equivalent to the vertical direction.

[0035] (1) Overall composition

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the packaging and boxing production line 1, including the boxing device 300 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side view of the packing device 300. Figure 3 This is a top view of the carton packing device 300. The packaging and cartoning production line 1 includes a packaging machine 100, an inspection device 200, and a carton packing device 300. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 The image shows a box-packing device 300 covered by a cover.

[0037] The packaging machine 100 packages the product A manufactured by the manufacturing device (not shown) into bags B in a predetermined quantity. The packaging machine 100 includes a combination weighing machine 101 and a bag-making packaging machine 102. The combination weighing machine 101 is positioned above the bag-making packaging machine 102. The combination weighing machine 101 weighs the quantity of product A contained in one bag B and drops it toward the bag-making packaging machine 102. The bag-making packaging machine 102 is a vertical pillow-type bag-making packaging machine that packages the product A weighed by the combination weighing machine 101 into bags B (vertical pillow bags) and supplies it toward the inspection device 200. Although not limited, product A may be, for example, snacks.

[0038] The inspection device 200 inspects the bag B supplied from the packaging machine 100 for weight, pinholes and / or the presence of foreign objects, and supplies it to the boxing device 300.

[0039] The packing device 300 performs a packing operation by placing bags B supplied from the inspection device 200 into boxes C in a predetermined quantity N. The packing device 300 includes a first bag transport unit 10, a second bag transport unit 20, a box transport unit 30, a bag loading unit 40, a gate unit 50, a first sensor 60, a second sensor 70, and a control unit 90. Bag B is an example of an article.

[0040] (2) Detailed Composition

[0041] (2-1) First Bag Handling Department

[0042] The first bag transport unit 10 transports bag B and transfers it to the second bag transport unit 20 at predetermined intervals. The first bag transport unit 10 includes a main transport unit 11, a first transfer unit 12, and a second transfer unit 13. The first bag transport unit 10 is controlled by a control unit 90. The first bag transport unit 10 is an example of a first transport unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, the packing device 300 has two first bag transport units 10 arranged side by side in the transport direction 11d (described later) of the main transport unit 11. The two first bag transport units 10 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, sandwiching the second bag transport unit 20, when viewed from above. The two first bag transport units 10 are identical in construction except for their left-right symmetry. Hereinafter, in distinguishing between the two first bag transport units 10, we will refer to them as the right first bag transport unit 10R, arranged on the right side (sandwiching the second bag transport unit 20) facing downstream of the transport direction 11d (described later), and the left first bag transport unit 10L, arranged on the left side. The right first bag transport unit 10R is an example of the right first transport unit. The left first bag transport unit 10L is an example of the left first transport unit.

[0044] (2-1-1) Main Transport Department

[0045] The main transport unit 11 places bag B on the first transport surface 11a and transports it along the transport direction 11d. The main transport unit 11 is a belt conveyor arranged in a front-to-back direction along the transport direction 11d. The area behind the transport direction 11d is upstream, and the area in front is downstream. The first transport surface 11a is the upper surface of the main transport unit 11.

[0046] (2-1-2) First transfer section

[0047] The first transfer unit 12 transfers bag B from the main transport unit 11 to the second bag transport unit 20 at predetermined time intervals. Details will be described later. During the packing operation, the first transfer unit 12 transfers bag B, which is transported to the downstream end of the main transport unit 11 in the transport direction 11d, to the input unit 22 (described later) of the second bag transport unit 20.

[0048] The first transfer unit 12 is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the main transport unit 11 in the transport direction 11d, and is arranged adjacent to the input unit 22 in the left-right direction. The first transfer unit 12 changes between a first state that allows the bag B to be transported along the transport direction 11d and a second state that transfers the transported bag B toward the second bag transport unit 20.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first transfer unit 12 is an arm-type dispensing device having a dispensing arm 12a and a motor 12b. The motor 12b causes the dispensing arm 12a to change between a first state and a second state based on the instruction of the control unit 90.

[0050] (2-1-3) Second transfer section

[0051] The second transfer unit 13 transfers bag B from the main transfer unit 11 to the second bag transfer unit 20 at predetermined time intervals. Details will be described later. During the boxing operation, the second transfer unit 13 transfers bag B to the storage unit 21 (described later) of the second bag transfer unit 20 during the box replacement process of changing box C.

[0052] The second transfer unit 13 is arranged upstream of the first transfer unit 12 in the transport direction 11d and adjacent to the storage unit 21 in the left-right direction. The second transfer unit 13 changes between a first state that allows the bag B to be transported along the transport direction 11d and a second state that transfers the transported bag B toward the second bag transport unit 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second transfer unit 13 is an arm-type dispensing device having a dispensing arm 13a and a motor 13b. The motor 13b causes the dispensing arm 13a to change between a first state and a second state based on the instruction of the control unit 90.

[0054] (2-2) Second Bag Handling Department

[0055] The second bag transport unit 20 transports bags B transferred from the first bag transport unit 10 along the transport direction 20d and places them into a downstream waiting box C. The area behind the transport direction 20d is upstream, and the area in front is downstream. When placing N bags of bag B into box C, the second bag transport unit 20 does not place the bags B transferred from the first bag transport unit 10 towards the box but temporarily stores them. The second bag transport unit 20 is controlled by the control unit 90. The second bag transport unit 20 is an example of a second transport unit.

[0056] The second bag transport unit 20 is arranged such that, when viewed from above, the transport direction 20d is parallel to the transport direction 11d between the left-hand first bag transport unit 10L and the right-hand first bag transport unit 10R. The second bag transport unit 20 carries and transports bag B on a second transport surface 20a located vertically below the first transport surface 10a of the first bag transport unit 10. While not explicitly defined, the second transport surface 20a is located approximately 120 mm lower than the first transport surface 10a in the vertical direction. The second bag transport unit 20 includes a storage section 21 and an input section 22.

[0057] (2-2-1) Storage Department

[0058] Storage unit 21 transports bags B transferred from first bag transport unit 10 along transport direction 20d towards input unit 22. Storage unit 21 also temporarily stores bags B transferred from first bag transport unit 10. Storage unit 21 is a belt conveyor configured such that transport direction 20d is along the front-to-back direction. Storage unit 21 can also perform reverse feeding operation while storing bags B transferred from first bag transport unit 10. Storage unit 21 is positioned where bags B transferred from second transfer unit 13 are placed on its upper surface. Second transport surface 20a is the upper surface of storage unit 21.

[0059] (2-2-2) Input Department

[0060] The input unit 22 transports the bags B transferred from the first bag transport unit 10 and the storage unit 21 along the transport direction 20d and inputs them into the box C. The input unit 22 is a belt conveyor configured such that the transport direction 20d is in the front-to-back direction. The input unit 22 is configured such that its downstream end is above the box loading position 32 (described later) of the box transport unit 30 and below the downstream end of the storage unit 21. In addition, the input unit 22 is positioned on its upper surface to hold the bags B transferred from the first transfer unit 12.

[0061] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, the input section 22 is a shuttle conveyor or telescopic conveyor capable of extending and retracting along the transport direction 20d. More specifically, by extending and retracting, the input section 22 can reciprocate its downstream end along the transport direction 20d above the packing position 32.

[0062] (2-3) Box Handling Department

[0063] The box transport unit 30 transports boxes C toward the packing position 32 (described later) before bags B are placed in, and transports boxes C out after bags B are placed in. The box transport unit 30 is located below the second bag transport unit 20 to receive bags B inserted from the input section 22. The box transport unit 30 includes an input section 31, a packing position 32, and an output section 33. The box transport unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 90.

[0064] (2-3-1) Move-in Department

[0065] The loading section 31 transports the box C before it is loaded into bag B along the transport direction 31d and moves it toward the packing position 32. The loading section 31 is a belt conveyor configured such that the transport direction 31d is in the front-to-back direction. The front of the transport direction 31d is upstream, and the rear is downstream. The box C, which has been transported to the downstream end of the loading section 31, is moved toward the packing position 32 by a push rod (not shown).

[0066] (2-3-2) Packing location

[0067] The box-packing position 32 is a standby position for inserting a box C containing bag B from the insertion section 22 of the second bag handling section 20. The box-packing position 32 is located below the downstream end of the insertion section 22. In this embodiment, the box-packing position 32 is located on the downstream right side of the loading section 31.

[0068] (2-3-3) Moving out department

[0069] The transfer unit 33 moves the box C containing the bag B out along the transport direction 33d. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 33 is a belt conveyor configured such that the transport direction 33d is in the front-back direction. The rear of the transport direction 33d is upstream, and the front is downstream. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 33 is positioned in front of the box-packing position 32. The transfer unit 33 is configured such that the upper surface of its upstream end contacts the bottom surface of the box C positioned at the box-packing position 32. Thus, by driving the transfer unit 33, the box C positioned at the box-packing position 32 is transported downstream of the transfer unit 33.

[0070] (2-4) Bag loading department

[0071] The bag receiving unit 40 transports the bag B supplied from the inspection device 200 along the transport direction 40d and towards the first bag transport unit 10. The bag receiving unit 40 is a belt conveyor configured such that the transport direction 40d is in the front-to-back direction. The rear of the transport direction 40d is upstream, and the front is downstream. The bag receiving unit 40 is configured to receive the bag B supplied from the inspection device 200 at its upstream end and transfer the bag B to the first bag transport unit 10 at its downstream end. The packing device 300 has two bag receiving units 40: one for transporting the bag B to the right first bag transport unit 10R and the other for transporting the bag B to the left first bag transport unit 10L. The bag receiving units 40 are controlled by the control unit 90.

[0072] (2-5) Gate section

[0073] When the gate section 50 stores bag B in the storage section 21, it inhibits bag B from moving downstream in the transport direction 20d. The gate section 50 has a gate body 51 and an actuator 52. The gate section 50 is controlled by the control section 90.

[0074] (2-5-1) Gate body

[0075] The gate body 51 is a plate-shaped component. The gate body 51 is positioned above the storage section 21 and downstream of the second transfer section 13 in the transport direction 20d, in an orientation orthogonal to the front-back direction.

[0076] (2-5-2) Actuator

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, the actuator 52 causes the position of the gate body 51 to change between a first position and a second position. The first position allows the gap between the lower end of the gate body 51 and the second transport surface 20a in the vertical direction to be greater than the height of the bag B in the vertical direction, allowing the bag B on the storage section 21 to move downstream in the transport direction 20d. The second position is a position where the gap between the lower end of the gate body 51 and the second transport surface 20a in the vertical direction becomes less than the height of the bag B in the vertical direction, inhibiting the movement of the bag B on the storage section 21 downstream in the transport direction 20d.

[0078] (2-6) First sensor

[0079] The first sensor 60 detects the bag B transferred from the first transfer section 12 to the second bag handling section 20. In this embodiment, the first sensor 60 is a photoelectric sensor. The first sensor 60 is disposed above the main handling section 11 or the input section 22, such as... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, the detection light shines downwards. When the first sensor 60 detects bag B, it sends a detection signal to the control unit 90.

[0080] (2-7) Second sensor

[0081] The second sensor 70 detects the bag B transferred from the second transfer section 13 to the second bag transport section 20. In this embodiment, the second sensor 70 is a photoelectric sensor. The second sensor 70 is disposed above the main transport section 11 or the storage section 21, such as... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, the detection light shines downwards. The second sensor 70 sends a detection signal to the control unit 90 when it detects bag B.

[0082] (2-8) Control Department

[0083] The control unit 90 controls various parts of the packing device 300 to perform the packing operation. Details of the packing operation will be described later. Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control unit 90. The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the first bag handling unit 10, the second bag handling unit 20, the box handling unit 30, the bag loading unit 40, the gate unit 50, the first sensor 60, and the second sensor 70 in a manner that enables the transmission and reception of control signals and detection signals.

[0084] The control unit 90 is implemented by a computer. The control unit 90 includes a control processing unit and a storage unit. The control processing unit can use a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control processing unit reads a program stored in the storage unit and performs prescribed calculations according to the program. Furthermore, the control processing unit can write the calculation results to the storage unit or read information stored in the storage unit according to the program.

[0085] (3) Packing action

[0086] The packing operation is the repeated process of packing a predetermined number N bags B towards a box C. The packing operation includes box handling, first item placement, box replacement, item storage, and second item placement. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the packing process. Figure 6A This is a top view of a packing device 300 showing the operations of each part in the packing process. Figure 6B This is a top view of a packing device 300 showing the actions of the various parts in the first item input processing during the packing operation. Figure 6C This is a top view of a packing device 300 showing the operations of various parts in the packing process, including the storage and replacement of goods. Figure 6D This is a top view of the packing apparatus 300, showing the operations of each part in the second item input processing of the packing operation. The packing operation begins, for example, when the packaging and packing production line 1 is started.

[0087] In step S100, the control unit 90 performs a box-moving process. This box-moving process involves moving box C toward the packing position 32. Specifically, the box-moving process is the process by which the box transport unit 30 moves box C, before it is filled with bag B, toward the packing position 32 (see reference). Figure 6A Specifically, the loading unit 31 moves the box C, which is placed at the upstream end of the loading unit 31 by the operator of the boxing device 300 before the bag B is loaded, to the boxing position 32 and puts it into standby mode. When the box C moves to the boxing position 32, the control unit 90 enters step S110.

[0088] In step S110, the control unit 90 begins the first item input process and proceeds to step S120. The first item input process is the process by which the input unit 22 inputs the bag B, which has been transported by the first bag transport unit 10, toward the box C (see reference). Figure 6B In the first item input process, the control unit 90 drives the main transport unit 11 of the first bag transport unit 10 and the input unit 22 of the second bag transport unit 20, so that the first transfer unit 12 is in the second state and the second transfer unit 13 is in the first state.

[0089] By driving the packaging and boxing production line 1, bags B that have passed through the inspection device 200 are conveyed one by one to the downstream end of the bag receiving section 40 at predetermined intervals with other bags B adjacent to them along the transport direction 40d. The bag receiving section 40 conveys the bags B sequentially toward the first bag transport section 10. In the first bag transport section 10, the main transport section 11 transports the bags B. At this time, since the second transfer section 13 is in the first state, it is permissible to transport the bags B along the transport direction 11d. In other words, the bags B pass through the second transfer section 13. The first transfer section 12 transfers the bags B toward the input section 22 of the second bag transport section 20.

[0090] The feeding unit 22 transports bag B from its downstream end into box C located at packing position 32. While feeding bag B into box C, the feeding unit 22 reciprocates its downstream end above packing position 32 along the transport direction 20d. As a result, the position of bag B changes, preventing bag B from being packed at an angle within box C.

[0091] In step S120, the control unit 90 determines whether the number Nn1 of bags B placed into box C after the start of the first item placement process has reached the predetermined number Nf1. Based on the detection signal from the second sensor 70, the control unit 90 sets the number of bags B placed into box C via the first transfer unit 12 from the start of the first item placement process as the number Nn1. If the number Nn1 is greater than or equal to the number Nf1 (yes), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S130. If the number Nn1 is less than or equal to the number Nf1 (no), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S120. In other words, in step S120, the control unit 90 remains on standby until the number Nn1 becomes greater than or equal to the number Nf1.

[0092] The quantity Nf1 can be the number N of bags B being packed into box C, or it can be a quantity Nb that is less than the number N. The quantity Nb is set to prevent the following situation: when the first item loading process is about to end, the bags B transported by the main transport unit 11 are packed into boxes after the first item loading process has ended, causing the number of bags B loaded into box C to exceed the number N. By ending the first item loading process at the point when the quantity Nn1 reaches the quantity Nb, the packing device 300 can prevent the number of bags B loaded into box C from exceeding the number N. Although not limited, the quantity Nb is, for example, about 95% of the number N.

[0093] In step S130, the control unit 90 ends the first item loading process and proceeds to step S140. Thus, the packing towards box C is complete. In the subsequent item storage process, the main transport unit 11 of the first bag transport unit 10 is also driven. Therefore, the control unit 90 can continue driving the main transport unit 11 in step S130 without stopping it.

[0094] In step S140, the control unit 90 starts the box replacement process and proceeds to step S150. The box replacement process involves removing the box C after it has been filled with bag B and moving the box C before it was filled with bag B towards the boxing position 32 (see reference). Figure 6C Specifically, the transport section 33 transports the box C, after it has been filled with bag B, from the packing position 32 toward the downstream end of the transport section 33. The operator of the packing device 300 takes the box C, which has reached the downstream end of the transport section 33, from the packing device 300 (box transport section 30). Meanwhile, the transport section 31 moves the box C, which has been placed at the upstream end of the transport section 31 by the operator of the packing device 300 before it was filled with bag B, to the packing position 32.

[0095] In step S150, the control unit 90 starts the item storage process and proceeds to step S160. The item storage process is the processing of bag B in the storage section 21 of the second bag transport unit 20. During the item storage process, the control unit 90 drives the main transport unit 11 of the first bag transport unit 10 without driving the storage section 21 of the second bag transport unit 20, sets the first transfer unit 12 to a first state or a second state, sets the second transfer unit 13 to a second state, and sets the gate body 51 to a second position (see reference). Figure 6C ).

[0096] Next, the bag infeed unit 40 sequentially transports bag B toward the first bag transport unit 10. In the first bag transport unit 10, the main transport unit 11 transports bag B. The second transfer unit 13 transfers bag B toward the storage unit 21 of the second bag transport unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores the bag B transferred by the second transfer unit 13 on the second transport surface 20a. By positioning the gate body 51 in the second position, it is possible to prevent bag B on the second transport surface 20a from moving downstream in the transport direction 20d due to vibrations of the packing device 300, and thus being placed into the box C.

[0097] like Figure 6C As indicated by the dashed arrow, the storage unit 21 can also perform a reverse feeding operation, moving bag B in the direction opposite to the transport direction 20d. By performing the reverse feeding operation through the storage unit 21, it is possible to prevent bag B from being stored at an angle on the second transport surface 20a.

[0098] During the storage and handling of goods, the control unit 90 counts and stores the number of bags B stored in the storage unit 21 based on the detection signal of the second sensor 70. The control unit 90 can also terminate the packing operation if the number of bags B stored in the storage unit 21 exceeds a predetermined number.

[0099] In step S160, the control unit 90 determines whether the box replacement process has ended. If the box replacement process has ended (Yes), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S170. If the box replacement process has not ended (No), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S160. In other words, in step S160, the control unit 90 remains on standby until the box replacement process ends.

[0100] In step S170, the control unit 90 ends the item storage process and proceeds to step S180. In the subsequent second item input process, the main transport unit 11 of the first bag transport unit 10 is also driven. Therefore, the control unit 90 can also continue driving the main transport unit 11 in step S170 without stopping it.

[0101] In step S180, the control unit 90 begins the second item input process and proceeds to step S190. The second item input process is the process by which the input unit 22 inputs the bag B transported by the first bag transport unit 10 and the bag B stored in the storage unit 21 into the box C (see reference). Figure 6D In the second item input process, the control unit 90 drives the main transport unit 11 of the first bag transport unit 10, the storage unit 21 of the second bag transport unit 20, and the input unit 22 of the second bag transport unit 20 to set the first transfer unit 12 to the second state, the second transfer unit 13 to the first state, and the gate body 51 to the first position.

[0102] Next, the bag receiving unit 40 sequentially transports bag B toward the first bag transport unit 10. In the first bag transport unit 10, the main transport unit 11 transports bag B. At this time, since the second transfer unit 13 is in the first state, it is permissible to transport bag B along the transport direction 11d. The first transfer unit 12 transfers bag B toward the input unit 22 of the second bag transport unit 20. At the same time, the storage unit 21 also transfers bag B stored in the item storage process toward the input unit 22 of the second bag transport unit 20. The input unit 22 transports bag B and inputs it from the downstream end into the box C located at the boxing position 32. While inputting bag B into the box C, the input unit 22 reciprocates the downstream end above the boxing position 32 along the transport direction 20d.

[0103] In step S190, the control unit 90 determines whether the number Nn2 of bags B added to box C after the start of the second item input process reaches the predetermined number Nf2. Based on the detection signal from the second sensor 70, the control unit 90 sets the number Nn2 as the number obtained by adding the number of bags B added to box C by the first transfer unit 12 to the number of bags B stored in the storage unit 21 during the item storage process. If the number Nn2 is greater than or equal to the number Nf2 (yes), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S200. If the number Nn2 is less than or equal to the number Nf2 (no), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S190. In other words, in step S190, the control unit 90 remains on standby until the number Nn2 becomes greater than or equal to the number Nf2.

[0104] The quantity Nf2 can be the number N of bags B packed towards box C for the same reason as the quantity Nf1, or it can be a quantity Nb that is less than the quantity N. The quantity Nf2 can be the same as or different from the quantity Nf1.

[0105] In step S200, the control unit 90 ends the second item loading process and proceeds to step S140. Thus, the packing towards box C is complete. In the subsequent item storage process, the main transport unit 11 of the first bag transport unit 10 is also driven. Therefore, the control unit 90 can continue driving the main transport unit 11 in step S200 without stopping it.

[0106] The packing device 300 can terminate the packing operation when the packaging and packing production line 1 stops, or when the supply of bags B from the packaging machine 100 or the inspection device 200 stops.

[0107] (4) Variations

[0108] (4-1) Variation A

[0109] The packing device 300 in Modification A also includes a third sensor. Furthermore, the first bag handling unit 10 of the packing device 300 in Modification A also includes a third transfer unit.

[0110] The third sensor detects bag B being transported by bag loading section 40. The third sensor is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The third sensor is positioned above bag loading section 40 or near the downstream end of main transport section 11. When the third sensor detects bag B, it sends a detection signal to control section 90.

[0111] During the packing operation, the third transfer unit transfers bags B whose spacing from the bags B transported downstream in the transport direction 11d is less than a predetermined threshold (in other words, bags B with a narrower spacing from the bags B transported earlier) to the storage section 21 of the second bag transport unit 20. The third transfer unit is positioned upstream of the second transfer unit 13 in the transport direction 11d. The third transfer unit changes between a first state allowing bag B to be transported along the transport direction 11d and a second state transferring the transported bags B towards the storage section 21 of the second bag transport unit 20. The third transfer unit is controlled by a control unit 90. The third transfer unit is, for example, an air injector. The air injector changes between a first state not emitting a jet of air and a second state emitting a jet of air based on the instruction of the control unit 90. The third transfer unit may also be a push rod.

[0112] In the case packing apparatus 300 of Modification A, during the packing operation, when the third sensor detects a bag B whose interval with a bag B being transported adjacent to it on the downstream side in the transport direction 11d is less than a predetermined interval, the control unit 90 sets the third transfer unit to a second state and transfers the bag B toward the storage unit 21. The interval is the interval at which the second transfer unit 13, which changes from a first state to a second state at the start of the item storage process, can appropriately transfer the bag B toward the storage unit 21 of the second bag transport unit 20. Since the third transfer unit transfers the bag B toward the storage unit 21, the control unit 90 adds the number of bags B detected by the third sensor to the number of bags B stored in the storage unit 21.

[0113] At the start of the item storage process, a situation arises where the spacing between bags B transported downstream in the transport direction 11d is too narrow, preventing them from contacting the second transfer unit 13, which transitions from the first state to the second state, and thus hindering their transfer to the storage unit 21. According to the packing device 300 of Modification A, the third transfer unit appropriately ensures the spacing between adjacent bags B in the transport direction 11d, thereby suppressing the situation where the second transfer unit 13 cannot transfer bags B to the storage unit 21 at the start of the item storage process due to the narrow spacing between bags B.

[0114] (4-2) Variation B

[0115] The box handling unit 30 of the box packing device 300 involved in Modification B also includes a vibration-inducing unit 34.

[0116] The vibration unit 34 applies vibration to the box C located at the packing position 32. The vibration unit 34 is disposed at the packing position 32. The vibration unit 34 includes a motor 34a, a crank mechanism 34b, and a worktable 34c. Figure 7 This is a side view showing the general structure of the vibration unit 34.

[0117] Motor 34a is controlled by control unit 90. Motor 34a is, for example, a brushless motor.

[0118] Crank mechanism 34b converts the rotary motion of motor 34a into reciprocating motion between the front upper part and the rear lower part of worktable 34c (see reference). Figure 7 (or the reciprocating motion between the upper rear and the lower front.)

[0119] The worktable 34c is a plate-shaped component on which the box C is mounted. The lower surface of the worktable 34c is connected to the arm of the crank mechanism 34b.

[0120] When the control unit 90 drives the motor 34a, the crank mechanism 34b causes the housing C to reciprocate in a predetermined direction via the worktable 34c. As a result, the housing C on the worktable 34c vibrates.

[0121] In the packing device 300 of Modification B, the box C, which is transported to the downstream end of the loading section 31, is transferred toward the upper surface of the worktable 34c of the vibration section 34 located at the packing position 32 by a push rod.

[0122] In Modification B, the control unit 90 of the packing apparatus 300 vibrates the box C using the vibration unit 34 during the first and second item insertion processes of the packing operation. As a result, the bag B inserted into the box C expands at the bottom of the box C due to the vibration. Therefore, according to Modification B, the packing apparatus 300 can prevent the bag B from being packed at an angle within the box C.

[0123] (4-3) Variation C

[0124] In the packing operation of the packing device 300 involved in Modification C, the first bag transport unit 10 transports the bag B to the second box C (the box C where packing is completed in step S130) at a slower speed than the bag B that is put into the first box C (the box C where packing is completed in step S200), which is placed after the first box C. Specifically, the transport speed of the main transport unit 11 in the item storage process is slower than the transport speed of the main transport unit 11 in the first item input process and the second item input process.

[0125] Therefore, the inertia acting on the bag B being transported by the main transport unit 11 during the item storage process is reduced compared to the first item input process and the second item input process. Thus, according to the packing device 300 of Modification C, it is possible to prevent the bag B, which is transferred from the main transport unit 11 to the storage unit 21 during the item storage process, from being mistakenly input into the box C without stopping at the storage unit 21.

[0126] Furthermore, as a result, during the storage and handling of items, the second transfer unit 13 can ensure the time for transferring bag B to the second transport unit 20, and thus the packing device 300 according to Modification C can further suppress the reduction in packing efficiency.

[0127] (4-4) Variation D

[0128] The packing device 300 may also have only one of the right first bag transport section 10R and the left first bag transport section 10L.

[0129] (4-5) Variation E

[0130] The packing device 300 may also be without the gate section 50.

[0131] (4-6) Variation F

[0132] The first transfer unit 12 and the second transfer unit 13 can also be air jets, downlink conveyors, push rods, etc.

[0133] (4-7) Variation G

[0134] The supply of box C to the loading section 31 of the box transport section 30 can also be performed by the box making device. In addition, the box making device can also remove box C from the unloading section 33 of the box transport section 30 and seal the box using tape or the like.

[0135] (4-8) Variation H

[0136] The second bag handling unit 20 of the packing device 300 may also not have an insertion unit 22. In this case, the first transfer unit 12 of the first bag handling unit 10 can directly insert the bag B into the box C located at the packing position 32.

[0137] (4-9) Variation I

[0138] The input section 22 may not be a belt conveyor, but an inclined chute. In this case, the input section 22 has an inclined surface that descends from the rear to the front, and the bags B transferred from the first bag handling section 10 and the storage section 21 slide down the inclined surface and are input into the box C.

[0139] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0140] 1: Packaging and boxing production line; 10: First bag handling section (first handling section); 11d: Handling direction; 10R: Right first bag handling section (right first handling section); 10L: Left first bag handling section (left first handling section); 11: Main handling section; 11a: First handling surface; 12: First transfer section; 13: Second transfer section; 20: Second bag handling section (second handling section); 20a: Second handling surface; 20d: Handling direction; 21: Storage section; 22: Input section; 30: Box handling section; 34: Vibration section; 40: Bag loading section; 50: Gate section; 60: First sensor; 70: Second sensor; 90: Control section; 100: Packaging machine; 200: Inspection device; 300: Boxing device; A: Commodity; B: Bag (item); C: Box.

Claims

1. A packing device, characterized in that, The packing device includes: First transport department (10), transporting goods (B); and The second transport unit (20) transports the items transferred from the first transport unit and puts them into a waiting box (C) downstream. When the second transport unit puts a predetermined number of the items into the box, it does not place the items transferred from the first transport unit toward the box, but instead stores them. The first conveying unit has: The first transfer unit (12) transfers the items that are put into the first box, which is the box, to the input unit (22) of the second transport unit; as well as The second transfer unit (13) transfers the items, which are placed in the second box after the first box, to the storage unit (21) of the second transport unit. The second transfer unit is positioned upstream of the first transfer unit in the transport direction (11d) of the first transport unit.

2. The packing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transport unit performs a reverse feeding operation when storing the items transferred from the first transport unit.

3. The packing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transport unit places the article on the first transport surface (11a) and transports it along the transport direction (11d). The second transport unit is disposed between the first transport units, namely the left first transport unit (10L) and the right first transport unit (10R), which are arranged in a manner that allows the transport directions to be aligned side by side. The second transport unit places the article on a second transport surface (20a) located vertically below the first transport surface of both the left and right first transport units and transports it.

4. The packing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage section stores the items transferred from the first handling section. The feeding section feeds the items into the box.

5. The packing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The input section is a shuttle conveyor or a telescopic conveyor that can extend and retract along the conveying direction (11d) of the first conveying section.

6. The packing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transport unit also has a third transfer unit that transfers articles that are transported adjacent to each other on the downstream side of the transport direction at a distance less than a predetermined interval to the second transport unit.

7. The packing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveying unit conveys the items to the second box at a slower speed than the items being placed into the first box.

8. The packing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The packing device also includes a vibration-applying part (34) that applies vibration to the packing.

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