Primary packaging machine

Abstract

The present application provides a primary packaging machine for winding and wrapping an object with a film. Instead of the conventional primary packaging machine, in a state where a pair of films are fused into a belt shape to become integrated, the films are sent from the left and right of the opening portion toward the center portion of the opening portion along the X-axis, respectively, and stopped in a manner so as to make the horizontal plane on which the object is placed coincide with a stop position that is lowered from the opening portion by a predetermined vertical distance. After the object falls through the opening portion and is placed on the pair of films that are integrated, the pair of films that are lowered downward through the opening portion above the object are fused into a belt shape at a position above the object, and cut to separate the upper and lower portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a primary packaging machine for rolling up and wrapping an object using a film. More particularly, it relates to a primary packaging machine for rolling up and wrapping an object using a film as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging of the object using a downstream vacuum packaging machine. Background Technology

[0002] Primary packaging machines are used to roll up and wrap objects using film.

[0003] A primary packaging machine can also be used as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging of objects using a downstream vacuum packaging machine, in order to roll up and wrap the objects with a film.

[0004] For example, after the primary packaging machine rolls up and wraps the object with film, the wrapped object is transported to the downstream vacuum packaging machine, which vacuum-packs the object by drawing a vacuum in the film.

[0005] The following operations are performed: using a small amount of membrane, beef, pork, chicken and other livestock meat and / or large fish meat that have been separated into multiple parts (cut meat) are vacuum-packed one by one at high speed, and information related to the cut meat's history is printed on each individual package.

[0006] Previously, beef carcasses were circulated as so-called chilled beef. This chilled beef was made by cutting a cow into 26 parts, such as roast, brisket, and filet, which were then vacuum-packed and heated to shrink the film, or cooled without shrinking the film, and stored and transported at around 0°C.

[0007] For beef carcasses, for example, the cut meat is placed into a 200mm to 600mm wide bag that has been blown up and sealed at the bottom. The bag is then degassed using a vacuum packaging machine, vacuum sealed, and the film is shrunk by spraying with warm water. It is then cooled with cold water and stored and distributed at around 0°C.

[0008] For example, the lower film is unwound and the cut meat is placed on the lower film. The upper film is unwound and covered on the lower film according to each cut meat and sealed. The central part of the sealing part is cut off, thereby making a cylindrical sealing body that holds the cut meat with the upper and lower films. The cylindrical sealing body is sucked out from the two openings, the openings are sealed and vacuum sealed, thereby obtaining a square sealing body.

[0009] Various films are provided as packaging films for these cut meats.

[0010] Additionally, from the perspective of users such as retail stores who wish to simplify pallet packaging operations, there are also instances where a cow can be divided into 74 or 138 parts and each part can be delivered in a vacuum-sealed individual package.

[0011] Even when packaging machines are provided to meet these needs, if the above-described packaging methods are used, even with the method of unwinding the upper and lower films, the packaging material required increases by 2 to 3 times as the size of the meat pieces decreases because the film is unwound and vacuum-sealed at specific intervals for each meat piece. Furthermore, packaging efficiency decreases to 1 / 2 to 1 / 3. In the above-described packaging methods, the time required for the suction and vacuum-sealing operations constitutes a large proportion of the total packaging time.

[0012] The inventors researched a primary packaging machine that could meet the above requirements and thus increase the throughput of operations.

[0013] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-170390 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-137419 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-202881 Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-24327 Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-370282 Patent Document 6: WO2019 / 069986 Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-113191 Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-161291 Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-202881 Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-30758 Patent Document 11: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-161291 Patent Document 12: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-76601 Patent Document 13: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-69548 Patent Document 14: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-127035 Patent Document 15: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-144122 Patent Document 16: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-137468 Patent Document 17: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-82886 Patent Document 18: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-72813 Patent Document 19: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-206287 Patent Document 20: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-52889 Patent Document 21: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-248482 Patent Document 22: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-30758 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues The inventors sought to provide a primary packaging machine aimed at meeting the aforementioned market demands and thereby increasing operational throughput.

[0015] Technical solution To achieve the above objectives, the primary packaging machine of the present invention for rolling and wrapping an object using a film, when viewed from above in an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane, wherein the X-axis direction is the direction of film supply, comprises: a working unit having a frame forming an opening extending vertically; an object support structure disposed below the opening and supporting the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object aligns with a main imaginary horizontal plane, which is an imaginary horizontal plane; a lifting device that freely controls the lifting of the object support structure; a film supply device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis; a film welding and cutting device that can weld a pair of films hanging downwards through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above the object placed on the film, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e., the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically; and a control device. The control device achieves: The film feeding function allows the film feeding device to feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening when the line of sight is along the Y-axis, with the pair of films being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit. The lifting device has a stop and maintain function, wherein the lifting device stops and maintains the object support structure in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane is aligned with a stop position where it has descended a predetermined vertical distance from a specific part of the opening; and The membrane cutting function involves, after the object is lowered through the opening and placed on a pair of membranes laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and becoming one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device, positioned above the object, welds the pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis, and then cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0016] In the structure of the present invention described above, assuming an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane when viewed from above, where the X-axis direction is the direction of membrane supply, the working unit has a frame forming an opening extending vertically. An object support structure is positioned below the opening and supports the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object aligns with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane. A lifting device freely manipulates the object support structure. When viewed along the Y-axis, the membrane supply device can feed a pair of membranes along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening. The membrane welding and cutting device can weld the pair of membranes hanging downwards through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above the object placed on the membrane, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e., the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0017] The control equipment enables the film feeding function, the lifting equipment stop and maintain function, and the film cutting function.

[0018] With the line of sight along the Y-axis, the film supply device delivers the pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening, respectively, while the pair of films are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis. The lifting device stops and maintains the object support structure in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane coincides with a stop position where the object has descended a predetermined vertical distance from a specific part of the opening. After the object is lowered through the opening and placed on the pair of films that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and become one piece, the film welding and cutting device, positioned above the object, fuses the pair of films hanging downwards through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis, and cuts the fused strip portion, i.e., the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0019] Therefore, it can efficiently place an object, which is obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object with a membrane, onto the main imaginary horizontal plane of the lifting device.

[0020] The primary packaging machine according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The present invention includes any of the embodiments described below, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0021] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, when the lifting device is used to stop and maintain the lifting device and the lifting device is used to maintain the object support structure in a stopped state, the stopping position that is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane varies in the vertical direction according to the size of the object.

[0022] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the lifting device is used to maintain the lifting device and the lifting device is used to maintain the object support structure in a stopped state, the stopping position that is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane varies in the vertical direction according to the size of the object.

[0023] As a result, the main imaginary horizontal plane can stop at a position corresponding to the size of the object.

[0024] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, when the lifting device is kept in a stopped state to maintain the object support structure, the stopping position that is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane corresponds to the height dimension of the object's outline when viewed along the Y-axis, and varies in the vertical direction.

[0025] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the lifting device is used to maintain the lifting device and the lifting device is used to maintain the object support structure in a stopped state, the stopping position that is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane corresponds to the height dimension of the object's outline when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis and varies in the vertical direction.

[0026] As a result, the main imaginary horizontal plane can stop at a position corresponding to the height dimension of the object's outline.

[0027] The working unit of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention has a frame forming an opening extending vertically, and a gate having an upper surface capable of holding an object, i.e., a gate upper surface, the gate being a door structure capable of opening and closing the opening. The control device implements the opening opening function, which is as follows: when the gate is closed and the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, when a pair of films fed by the film supply device along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis and laid on the upper surface of the gate, and the object is placed on the pair of films laid on the upper surface of the gate, the gate opens the opening.

[0028] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, the working unit has a frame forming an opening that extends through the vertical direction, and a gate having an upper surface capable of holding an object, i.e., the upper surface of the gate, which is a door structure capable of opening and closing the opening.

[0029] The control device performs the functions of opening the opening, feeding the film, stopping and maintaining the lifting equipment, and cutting off the film.

[0030] When the gate closes the opening and the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, and a pair of films fed from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis and laid on the upper surface of the gate, the gate opens the opening when the object is placed on the pair of films laid on the upper surface of the gate.

[0031] The result is that it becomes possible to efficiently place an object, obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object with a membrane, onto the main imaginary horizontal plane of the object support structure.

[0032] In the primary packaging machine of this invention, the control equipment implements a film feeding size determination function, which determines the film feeding size, i.e., the film feeding size is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. The film feeding function is as follows: when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device feeds a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis, so that the total feeding size is consistent with the film feeding size. The total feeding size is the sum of the two feeding sizes fed from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis when the pair of films are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

[0033] In the structure of the above embodiment, a film feeding size is determined, which is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. When viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device feeds a pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening, respectively, so that the total feeding size is consistent with the film feeding size. The total feeding size is the sum of the two feeding sizes of the pair of films fed along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening, respectively, when the pair of films are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis and become one piece.

[0034] The result is that it becomes possible to efficiently place an object, which is obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object with a membrane, onto the main imaginary horizontal plane of the object support structure.

[0035] The primary packaging machine of this invention includes a first sensor, which has a light sensor. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the light sensor can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis from at least one point on an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening is blocked or not blocked by an object. One example of the lifting device's stop-maintain function is as follows: when the lifting device is stopped in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with a stop position, i.e., a first stop position, which is a stop position that has descended a first vertical distance from a specific part of the opening, and when an object passes through the opening without the object obstructing the optical axis of the first sensor, the lifting device does not raise or lower the object support structure but maintains the object support structure in a state where the main imaginary horizontal plane coincides with the first stop position.

[0036] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, the first sensor has a light sensor, which, when viewed along the Y-axis, can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis at least at one point of the imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening is blocked or not blocked by the object.

[0037] When the object support structure is stopped by the lifting device in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with the first stop position, which is a position that has descended a first vertical distance from a specific part of the opening, and the object passes through the opening without being blocked by the object, the lifting device does not raise or lower the object support structure but maintains the state in which the object support structure is stopped in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with the first stop position.

[0038] As a result, it is possible to place objects on the main imaginary horizontal plane of the object's supporting structure.

[0039] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the lifting device stop and maintain function is as follows: when the object support structure is stopped by the lifting device in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane is aligned with the first stop position, and the object passes through the opening while the optical axis of the first sensor is blocked by the object, the lifting device begins to lower the object support structure. When the optical axis of the first sensor is no longer blocked by the object, the descent stops and the object support structure is maintained at the stopped position, i.e., the second stop position.

[0040] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the object support structure is stopped by the lifting device in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane is aligned with the first stop position, and the object passes through the opening while the optical axis of the first sensor is blocked by the object, the lifting device begins to lower the object support structure. When the optical axis of the first sensor is no longer blocked by the object, the lowering stops and the object support structure remains stopped at the already stopped position, i.e., the second stop position.

[0041] As a result, it is possible to place the object on the main imaginary horizontal plane of the object's supporting structure in accordance with the object's size.

[0042] The primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a second sensor having a plurality of light sensors. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the plurality of light sensors are arranged at predetermined intervals along an imaginary line of the opening, and are capable of detecting whether each light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by an object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening. The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the film delivery size is determined based on the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor.

[0043] In the structure of the above embodiment, the second sensor has a plurality of light sensors. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the plurality of light sensors are arranged at predetermined intervals along the imaginary line of the opening and are capable of detecting whether each light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by the object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening.

[0044] When implementing the stop and maintain function of the lifting device, the film delivery size is determined based on the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor.

[0045] As a result, the film feeding size can be determined in accordance with the size of the object.

[0046] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the film feeding size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the perimeter of the object's outline observed along the Y-axis is derived based on the number of light sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor, and the film feeding size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter.

[0047] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the perimeter of the object's outline observed along the Y-axis is derived based on the number of light sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor, and the film delivery size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter.

[0048] As a result, it is possible to easily determine the film feeding size corresponding to the perimeter of the object's outline.

[0049] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the film feeding size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the maximum value of the number of photosensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple photosensors of the second sensor is recorded, and the film feeding size is determined based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane when the lifting device maintains the object support structure in a stopped state and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked photosensors.

[0050] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, the film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the maximum value of the number of photosensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple photosensors of the second sensor is recorded, and the film delivery size is determined based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane when the lifting device maintains the object support structure in a stopped state and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked photosensors.

[0051] As a result, it is possible to easily determine the film feeding size corresponding to the perimeter of the object's outline.

[0052] In the primary packaging machine of this invention, the unwinding size is the size at which the film feeding device unwinds the film. The control device performs the film unwinding function after performing the film cutting function. The film unwinding function has the following functions: When viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device unwinds a pair of films from the center of the opening toward the left and right sides of the opening along the X-axis, so that the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwinding size. The total unwinding size is the sum of the two unwinding sizes of the pair of films unwinding from the center of the opening toward the left and right sides along the X-axis.

[0053] In the structure of the above embodiment, the unwinding dimension is the dimension by which the film supply device unwinds the film. After the film cutting function is achieved, when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film supply device unwinds a pair of films along the X-axis from the center of the opening toward the left and right sides of the opening, respectively, so that the total unwinding dimension is consistent with the unwinding dimension. The total unwinding dimension is the sum of the two unwinding dimensions of the pair of films unwinding from the center of the opening toward the left and right sides along the X-axis.

[0054] As a result, the opening of the membrane body, which is an integral part of a pair of membranes, can be pulled upwards.

[0055] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the object support structure has a main conveyor, which is freely controlled by the lifting device and is capable of laterally conveying the film-wrapped object placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along the X-axis. The basic packaging machine also has: A transverse feed conveyor, capable of being received from both the main conveyor and a vacuum packaging machine, supports an object wrapped in film in such a manner that the lower surface of the object is aligned with an imaginary horizontal plane for transverse transport, and transversely transports the object along the X-axis; and The third sensor includes a light sensor positioned at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor. This light sensor is capable of detecting whether a light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or unobstructed by an object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor. The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The object outline X-axis width estimation function, when implementing the lifting device stop and maintain function, estimates the width dimension of the object outline along the X-axis direction, i.e., the object outline X-axis width dimension, for an object passing through the opening, so that the line of sight along the Y-axis observes the object. In the lateral conveying function, the lifting device initiates the lifting of the main conveyor and stops it in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane with a third stop position, maintaining this state. The third stop position is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane. Assuming, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, the total length along the X-axis of the object placed on the main conveyor and one or more object placed on the lateral feed conveyor, both wrapped in film and arranged in series along the X-axis, does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. With the main imaginary horizontal plane aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor begin lateral conveying of the film-wrapped objects. After the film-wrapped objects on the main conveyor and one or more object placed on the lateral feed conveyor are arranged in series on the lateral feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor stop lateral conveying. Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object in order to receive the object.

[0056] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, a main conveyor serves as the object support structure. This main conveyor is freely movable by a lifting device and is capable of laterally conveying the film-wrapped object, which is placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane, along the X-axis. The lateral feed conveyor, when received from the main conveyor and by a vacuum packaging machine, supports the object and laterally conveys it along the X-axis in such a manner that the lower surface of the film-wrapped object aligns with the imaginary horizontal plane of the lateral conveying. The third sensor includes a light sensor disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor, and is capable of detecting whether a light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not obstructed by the object laterally conveyed from the main conveyor to the lateral feed conveyor.

[0057] The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that a vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine.

[0058] When implementing the stop and maintain function of the lifting device, the width dimension of the object's outline along the X-axis direction, which is the object's outline X-axis width dimension, is estimated for the object passing through the opening.

[0059] The lifting device begins to lift the main conveyor and stops it in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane is aligned with the third stop position, which is a position in the same vertical direction as the imaginary horizontal plane of the transverse conveyor.

[0060] When, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, it is assumed that the total length along the X-axis of the object being transported in series on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object transported in series on the transverse feed conveyor does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor begin to transversely transport the object transported in film, so that the object transported in film on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object transported in film on the transverse feed conveyor are transported in series on the transverse feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor stop transverse transport.

[0061] Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object for receiving.

[0062] As a result, it is possible to laterally feed one or more objects into a vacuum packaging machine in a way that is neither wasteful nor spillage-free.

[0063] In the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the lateral conveying function is as follows: when the total length along the X-axis direction of the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object wrapped in film placed on the lateral feed conveyor exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not perform lateral conveying when the hypothetical horizontal plane of the lateral conveying is consistent with the hypothetical horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine, and the lateral feed conveyor laterally conveys the single or multiple object wrapped in film placed on the lateral feed conveyor to the vacuum packaging machine in a series arrangement.

[0064] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the total length along the X-axis of the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object wrapped in film placed on the transverse feed conveyor exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, based on the estimated X-axis width dimension of the object outline, the main conveyor does not perform transverse transport, and the transverse feed conveyor transports the single or multiple object wrapped in film placed on the transverse feed conveyor to the vacuum packaging machine in a series arrangement.

[0065] As a result, it is possible to laterally feed one or more objects into a vacuum packaging machine in a way that is neither wasteful nor spillage-free.

[0066] An embodiment of the present invention provides a primary packaging machine for pre-processing an object to be vacuum-packaged using a downstream vacuum packaging machine, which is designed to roll up and wrap an object using a film as a pre-processing step. When viewed from above along an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis in a horizontal plane, with the X-axis being the direction of film supply, the primary packaging machine comprises: a working unit having a frame forming an opening extending in one direction; a film supply device capable of feeding a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening, respectively, when viewed along the Y-axis; a film welding and cutting device capable of welding a pair of films hanging downwards through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the film, and cutting the welded strip portion (i.e., the welded portion) along the Y-axis to separate them vertically; and a main conveyor disposed below the opening, capable of aligning the lower surface of the object with an imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., a main imaginary horizontal plane. The system comprises: a main conveyor for supporting objects and capable of laterally conveying film-wrapped objects placed on a main imaginary horizontal plane along the X-axis; a lateral feed conveyor, capable of supporting objects and laterally conveying them along the X-axis in a manner that aligns the lower surface of the film-wrapped object with the imaginary horizontal plane of lateral conveying, and capable of receiving them from the main conveyor and by a vacuum packaging machine; a second sensor capable of outputting information for estimating the width dimension of the object's outline along the Y-axis in the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, for objects passing through the opening; a third sensor having a light sensor disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor, capable of detecting whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not obstructed by the object laterally conveyed from the main conveyor to the lateral feed conveyor; and a control device. The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The film feeding function allows the film feeding device to feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening when the line of sight is along the Y-axis, with the pair of films being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit. The membrane cutting function involves, after the object is lowered through the open opening and placed on a pair of membranes laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and becoming one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device welds the pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically. The object outline X-axis width estimation function estimates the width of the object outline along the X-axis when viewed along the Y-axis, i.e., the object outline X-axis width, for an object passing through the opening; and In the lateral conveying function, assuming that the total length along the X-axis of the object wrapped in film on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects on the lateral feed conveyor does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and with the main imaginary horizontal plane aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor begin lateral conveying of the film-wrapped objects. After the film-wrapped objects on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects on the lateral feed conveyor are arranged in series on the lateral feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor cease lateral conveying. Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object for receiving.

[0067] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, assuming an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in the horizontal plane when viewed from above, wherein the X-axis direction is the direction of membrane supply, the working unit has a frame forming an opening extending in one direction.

[0068] When viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device can deliver a pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening.

[0069] The membrane welding and cutting device can weld a pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the membrane, and cut the welded strip, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0070] The main conveyor is positioned below the opening and is able to support the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane, and is able to laterally transport the object wrapped in film and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along X.

[0071] The transverse feed conveyor, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor and in a state that can be received by the vacuum packaging machine, can support the object wrapped in film in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane of transverse transport, which is an imaginary horizontal plane, and transport the object laterally along the X-axis.

[0072] The second sensor is a sensor capable of outputting information for estimating the width dimension of the object's outline along the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, for objects passing through the opening.

[0073] The third sensor has a light sensor, which is located at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor, and is capable of detecting whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by an object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor.

[0074] The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that a vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control equipment implements film feeding, film cutting, object contour X-axis width estimation, and lateral conveying functions.

[0075] The film supply device feeds a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening.

[0076] After the object is lowered through the open opening and placed on a pair of membranes that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and become one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device welds the pair of membranes hanging down through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0077] The width dimension of the object's outline along the X-axis is estimated for the object passing through the opening, so that the line of sight along the Y-axis is observed.

[0078] When, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, it is assumed that the total length along the X-axis of the object being transported in series on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object transported in series on the transverse feed conveyor does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor begin to transversely transport the object transported in film, so that the object transported in film on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object transported in film on the transverse feed conveyor are transported in series on the transverse feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor stop transverse transport.

[0079] Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object for receiving.

[0080] As a result, it is possible to laterally feed one or more objects into a vacuum packaging machine in a way that is neither wasteful nor spillage-free.

[0081] An embodiment of the present invention provides a primary packaging machine for pre-processing the vacuum packaging of objects by rolling up and wrapping one or more objects with a film as a pre-treatment for vacuum packaging of the objects using a downstream vacuum packaging machine. When viewed from above in an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane, where the X-axis direction is the direction of film supply, the primary packaging machine comprises: a working unit having a frame forming an opening extending in one direction; a film supply device capable of feeding a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening, respectively, when viewed along the Y-axis; a film welding and cutting device capable of welding a pair of films hanging downwards through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the film, and cutting the welded strip portion, i.e., the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically; and a main conveyor disposed below the opening, capable of aligning the lower surface of the object with an imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., a main imaginary horizontal plane. The system comprises: a lateral feed conveyor, capable of supporting the object in a consistent manner and laterally conveying the film-wrapped object placed on a main imaginary horizontal plane along the X-axis; a lateral feed conveyor, capable of supporting the object and laterally conveying it along the X-axis in a manner that aligns the lower surface of the film-wrapped object with the imaginary horizontal plane of lateral conveying, when it can be received from the main conveyor and by a vacuum packaging machine; a second sensor, capable of outputting information for estimating the width dimension of the object's outline along the X-axis, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, for objects passing through the opening; a third sensor, having a light sensor disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor, capable of detecting whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not obstructed by the object laterally conveyed from the main conveyor to the lateral feed conveyor; and a control device. The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The film feeding function allows the film feeding device to feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening when the line of sight is along the Y-axis, with the pair of films being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit. The membrane cutting function involves, after the object is lowered through the open opening and placed on a pair of membranes laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and becoming one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device welds the pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically. The object outline X-axis width estimation function estimates the width of the object outline along the X-axis when viewed along the Y-axis, i.e., the object outline X-axis width, for an object passing through the opening; and In the lateral conveying function, when the total length along the X-axis of the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects placed on the lateral feed conveyor exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object outline, the main conveyor does not perform lateral conveying, but the lateral feed conveyor laterally conveys the single or multiple film-wrapped objects placed on the lateral feed conveyor to the vacuum packaging machine in a series arrangement.

[0082] In the structure of the above-described embodiment, assuming an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in the horizontal plane when viewed from above, wherein the X-axis direction is the direction of membrane supply, the working unit has a frame forming an opening extending in one direction.

[0083] When viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device can deliver a pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening.

[0084] The membrane welding and cutting device can weld a pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the membrane, and cut the welded strip, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0085] The main conveyor is positioned below the opening and is able to support the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane, and is able to laterally transport the object wrapped in film and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along X.

[0086] The transverse feed conveyor, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor and in a state that can be received by the vacuum packaging machine, can support the object wrapped in film in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane of transverse transport, which is an imaginary horizontal plane, and transport the object laterally along the X-axis.

[0087] The second sensor is a sensor capable of outputting information for estimating the width dimension of the object's outline along the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, for objects passing through the opening.

[0088] The third sensor has a light sensor, which is located at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor, and is capable of detecting whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by an object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor.

[0089] The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that a vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control equipment implements film feeding, film cutting, object contour X-axis width estimation, and lateral conveying functions.

[0090] The film supply device feeds a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening.

[0091] After the object is lowered through the open opening and placed on a pair of membranes that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and become one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device welds the pair of membranes hanging down through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0092] The width dimension of the object's outline along the X-axis is estimated for the object passing through the opening, so that the line of sight along the Y-axis is observed.

[0093] When, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, it is assumed that the total length along the X-axis of the object being transported on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects transported on the transverse feed conveyor exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the imaginary horizontal plane of the transverse conveying is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not perform transverse conveying, while the transverse feed conveyor transports the single or multiple film-wrapped objects transported on the transverse feed conveyor in a series arrangement to the vacuum packaging machine.

[0094] As a result, it is possible to laterally feed one or more objects into a vacuum packaging machine in a way that is neither wasteful nor spillage-free.

[0095] Technical effect As described above, the primary packaging machine according to the present invention has the following effects due to its structure.

[0096] Since a pair of films, which are fused together to form a single unit, are fed out, the lifting device descends a predetermined vertical distance below the opening to maintain the object support structure in a stopped state. After the object is supported on the object support structure in a stopped state and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H, the pair of films are fused together into a strip above the object, and the fused portion is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently support an object that has been rolled up and wrapped with film on the object support structure and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane.

[0097] Since the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane when the object support structure stops changes in the vertical direction according to the size of the object, the main imaginary horizontal plane can be set to a position corresponding to the size of the object when the lifting device stops maintaining its function.

[0098] Since the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane when the object support structure stops corresponds to the height dimension of the object's outline when viewed along the Y-axis, the main imaginary horizontal plane can be set to a position corresponding to the height dimension of the object's outline when the lifting device stops its stopping function, the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane when the lifting device stops its stopping function corresponds to the height dimension of the object's outline.

[0099] Since the gate closes the opening, the object is placed on the membrane while a pair of membranes, which are fused together on the opening, are placed on the gate. After the gate opens the opening, the pair of membranes are sent out. The object support structure is kept in a stopped state at a position where the lifting device has descended a predetermined vertical distance from the opening. After the object is placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane of the object support structure which is kept in a stopped state, the pair of membranes are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis above the object. The fused part is cut off to separate the upper and lower parts. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently support an object that is rolled up and wrapped with membranes on the object support structure and place it on the main imaginary horizontal plane.

[0100] With the gate closed, the object is placed on the membrane while the pair of membranes, fused together, are placed on the gate. After the gate opens the opening, the pair of membranes are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of membranes matches the feed size. The lifting device sets the main imaginary horizontal plane to a position that is lowered by a predetermined vertical distance from the opening, thus keeping the object support structure stationary. After the object is supported on the object support structure, which is in a stationary state, and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane, the pair of membranes are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis above the object. The fused portion is then cut to separate the upper and lower parts. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object, which is rolled up and wrapped with membrane, on the main imaginary horizontal plane of the object support structure.

[0101] Since the first sensor is arranged at at least one point on the imaginary line of the opening, when the object passes through the opening while the object support structure is stopped and the optical axis of the first sensor is not blocked by the object, the lifting device does not raise or lower the object support structure and maintains the object support structure in a stopped state. Therefore, the object can be supported on the object support structure and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane.

[0102] Since a first sensor is arranged at at least one point on the imaginary line of the opening, when the object passes through the opening and the optical axis of the first sensor is blocked by the object when the object support structure is stopped, the lifting device starts to lower the object support structure. When the optical axis of the first sensor is no longer blocked by the object, the lowering of the object support structure is stopped and the state is maintained. Therefore, the object can be supported on the object support structure and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane in accordance with the size of the object.

[0103] Since the film delivery size is determined based on the number of light sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the film delivery size can be determined in correspondence with the size of the object.

[0104] Since the perimeter of the object's outline, which is observed along the Y-axis, is derived based on the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor when the object falls, and the film delivery size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter, the film delivery size corresponding to the size of the object can be determined.

[0105] Since the film delivery size is determined based on the vertical separation distance between a specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane when the lifting device maintains the object support structure in a stopped state, and the maximum value of the number of photosensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple photosensors of the second sensor when the object falls, the film delivery size corresponding to the size of the object can be easily determined.

[0106] Since after the membrane is cut apart, the pair of membranes are unwound from the center of the opening toward the left and right sides of the opening in such a way that the total unwound size of the pair of unwound membranes is consistent with the unwound size, the pair of membranes can be pulled up from the opening as a whole.

[0107] Since the X-axis width of the object outline is estimated, and the total length along the X-axis between the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object wrapped in film placed on the transverse feed conveyor, which are assumed to be arranged in series along the X-axis based on the estimated X-axis width of the object outline, does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the object placed on the main conveyor is transversely conveyed to the transverse feed conveyor. Therefore, the single or multiple object can be transversely conveyed to the vacuum packaging machine in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0108] Because the X-axis width of the object's outline is estimated, if the total length along the X-axis between the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple object wrapped in film placed on the transverse feed conveyor, which are assumed to be arranged in series along the X-axis based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor is not activated, and the single or multiple object placed on the transverse feed conveyor is transversely transported to the vacuum packaging machine. Therefore, the single or multiple object can be transversely transported to the vacuum packaging machine in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to provide primary packaging machines that meet market demands and increase operational throughput. Attached Figure Description

[0110] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 2 This is a side view of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 3 This is a top view of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 4 This is one of the operational illustrations of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 5 This is the second illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Figure 6 This is the third illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 7 This is the fourth illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Figure 8 This is a functional block diagram of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 9 This is the fifth illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures O opening H is the main imaginary horizontal plane. G Imaginary line of the opening J Lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane K Vacuum Packaging Machine Imaginary Horizontal Plane M Vacuum Packaging Machine Receiving Length T-gate upper surface Z1 First Stop Position Z2 Second Stop Position Z3 Third Stop Position h1 First vertical distance h2 Second vertical distance h3 Third vertical distance z a certain Z-axis distance λ is a certain distance along the X-axis. XX axis YY axis 20 Objects 20a Objects placed on the main conveyor 20b Objects placed on a transverse feed conveyor 50 membrane 51. Film Roller 60 Welded section L1 First Sensor L2 Second Sensor L3 Third Sensor L4 Fourth Sensor L5 Fifth Sensor L6 Sixth Sensor 100 working group units 110 Frame 120 gate 121 Sliding Door 122 Sliding Door 200 Lifting Equipment 300 film supply equipment 310 Film Roller Holder 320 Film Roller Rotation Mechanism 330 Film Roller Diameter Sensor 400 film welding and cutting equipment 500 main conveyor 600 Lateral Feed Conveyor 610 First transverse feed conveyor 620 Second transverse feed conveyor 900 Vacuum Packaging Machine F10 Film Delivery Size Determination Function F20 Opening Function F30 film delivery function F40 Lifting Equipment Stop and Maintenance Function F50 membrane severance function F60 Film Removal Size Determination Function F70 Film Unwinding Function F80 Opening Closing Function F90 Object contour X-axis width estimation function F100 Lateral Conveyor Function Detailed Implementation

[0120] The following describes the methods for implementing the present invention.

[0121] The primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a top view of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is one of the operational illustrations of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is the second illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is the third illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is the fourth illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8This is a functional block diagram of a primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is the fifth illustration illustrating the function of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] The primary packaging machine of the present invention is a device for rolling up and wrapping an object 20 using a film 50.

[0124] The primary packaging machine of the present invention can be a device for rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with film 50 as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging of the object 20 by a downstream vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0125] Here, the vacuum packaging machine 900 is a device for obtaining a square seal body, which is a square seal body obtained by vacuum sealing the two openings by drawing a cylindrical seal body after the segmented meat is rolled up and wrapped by the membrane 50.

[0126] For ease of explanation, unless otherwise specified, it will be assumed that object 20 is a bovine carcass, and the primary packaging machine is a device used to roll up and wrap object 20 with film 50 as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging of object 20 by vacuum packaging machine 900 located downstream.

[0127] The primary packaging machine of the present invention comprises a working group unit 100, an object support structure (not shown), a lifting device 200, a film supply 300, a film welding and cutting device 400, a control device (not shown), and a first sensor L1.

[0128] The primary packaging machine of the present invention may also consist of a working group unit 100, an object support structure (not shown), a lifting device 200, a film feeding device 300, a film welding and cutting device 400, a control device (not shown), a first sensor L1, and a second sensor L2.

[0129] The primary packaging machine of the present invention may also consist of a working group unit 100, an object support structure (not shown), a lifting device 200, a film feeding device 300, a film welding and cutting device 400, a control device (not shown), a transverse feed conveyor 600, a first sensor L1, a second sensor L2, and a third sensor L3.

[0130] The primary packaging machine of the present invention may also consist of a working group unit 100, an object support structure (not shown), a lifting device 200, a film feeding device 300, a film welding and cutting device 400, a control device (not shown), a transverse feed conveyor 600, a first sensor L1, a second sensor L2, a third sensor L3, and a fourth sensor L4.

[0131] The primary packaging machine of the present invention may also consist of a working group unit 100, an object support structure (not shown), a film feeding device 300, a film welding and cutting device 400, a control device (not shown), a transverse feed conveyor 600, a second sensor L2, and a third sensor L3.

[0132] The primary packaging machine of the present invention may also consist of a working group unit 100, an object support structure (not shown), a film feeding device 300, a film welding and cutting device 400, a control device (not shown), a transverse feed conveyor 600, a second sensor L2, a third sensor L3, and a fourth sensor L4.

[0133] For ease of explanation, we will imagine that the X-axis and Y-axis are orthogonal in the horizontal plane when viewed from above.

[0134] The X-axis represents the direction of membrane supply.

[0135] For example, the X-axis is an imaginary axis that extends from above in the direction in which the object 20 is being transported from the primary packaging machine to the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0136] The following terms will be used for ease of explanation.

[0137] The main imaginary horizontal plane H is an imaginary horizontal plane that coincides with the lower surface of the object 20, which is supported by the object support structure and wrapped by the membrane.

[0138] When the lifting device 200 freely controls the main conveyor 500, the main imaginary horizontal plane H is an imaginary horizontal plane that coincides with the lower surface of the object 20 supported by the main conveyor 500.

[0139] The imaginary line G of the opening is an imaginary line that extends along the X-axis near the opening O when viewed along the Y-axis.

[0140] For example, the imaginary line G of the opening is an imaginary line that extends along the upper surface T of the gate 120 that closes the opening O and along the X-axis when viewed along the Y-axis.

[0141] The imaginary horizontal plane J for transverse conveying is an imaginary plane that coincides with the lower surface of the object 20 wrapped by the membrane 50, which is supported on the transverse feed conveyor 600 and transversely conveyed.

[0142] The imaginary horizontal plane K of the vacuum packaging machine is an imaginary plane that coincides with the lower surface of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 supported by the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0143] Perpendicular is the direction in which gravity acts.

[0144] The working unit 100 is the basic structure of the primary packaging machine and is composed of a frame 110.

[0145] The work unit 100 can also be the basic structure of a primary packaging machine and consists of a frame 110 and a gate 120.

[0146] The frame 110 is a structure that forms an opening O that runs through one direction.

[0147] The frame 110 can also be a structure that forms an opening O that runs through the vertical direction.

[0148] The frame 110 can also be a structure that forms an opening O that runs through in an inclined direction.

[0149] The opening can also have a profile that, when viewed from above, is formed by four sides that are roughly parallel to the X and Y axes.

[0150] The frame 110 may also be a structure that supports the lifting device 200, the film supply device 300, the film welding and cutting device 400, the main conveyor 500, the transverse feed conveyor 600, the first sensor L1, the second sensor L2, the third sensor L3, and the fourth sensor L4, as described later.

[0151] The gate 120 is a gate structure capable of opening and closing the opening O and has an upper surface T capable of holding an object 20.

[0152] The gate 120 can be composed of a pair of sliding gates 121 and 122.

[0153] When viewed along the Y-axis, a pair of sliding doors 121 and 122 can move left and right respectively along the X-axis from the center of the opening O to open the opening O, and can close the opening O by positioning their front ends opposite each other at the center of the opening O. At this time, the frame 110 has a structure that forms an opening O that runs through the vertical direction.

[0154] The upper surface T of the gate formed by a pair of sliding doors 121 and 122 can also be a surface that slopes upward as it transitions from the front end to the root.

[0155] Thus, when a pair of sliding doors 121 and 122 close the opening O by positioning their front ends opposite each other at the center of the opening O, the upper surface T of the gate formed by the pair of sliding doors 121 and 122 becomes a shallow V-shape.

[0156] For example, a pair of sliding doors 121 and 122 can open the opening O by moving their ends to the left and right along the X-axis, respectively.

[0157] For example, a pair of sliding doors 121 and 122 can open the opening O by moving their ends along the Y-axis to the left and right, respectively.

[0158] The object support structure (not shown) is a structure that supports the object 20 by being positioned below the opening O and by aligning the lower surface of the object 20 with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane H.

[0159] The object support structure (not shown) may also be composed of the main conveyor 500. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the object support structure (not shown) is the main conveyor 500.

[0160] The lifting device 200 is a device that supports and freely lifts and controls the support structure of an object. For example, the lifting device 200 is a device that freely lifts and controls the support structure of the object, namely the main conveyor 500.

[0161] The lifting device 200 can support the object 20 in such a way that the lower surface of the object 20 is aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H via the object support structure.

[0162] The lifting device 200 can be configured below the opening O and supported by the frame 110.

[0163] For example, the lifting device 200 is positioned directly below the opening O and is supported by the frame 110.

[0164] The lifting device 200 can freely control the main conveyor 500. The surface on which the object 20 is placed on the main conveyor 500 controlled by the lifting device 200 is aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H.

[0165] For example, the lifting device 200 can freely control the main conveyor 500 to stop the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with one of the first stop position Z1, the second stop position Z2, and the third stop position Z3, and maintain that stopped state.

[0166] Here, the second stop position Z2 changes in accordance with the size of the object.

[0167] For example, if the vertical dimension of object 20 is large, the second stop position Z2 becomes lower; if the vertical dimension of object 20 is small, the second stop position Z2 becomes higher.

[0168] When the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the first stop position Z1, the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the position that has descended a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening.

[0169] Here, the first vertical distance h1 corresponds to the height dimension of the outline of a foreseeable small object 20 when viewed along the Y-axis.

[0170] For example, the first vertical distance h1 corresponds to the height dimension obtained by adding the height margin (allowance) to the height dimension of the outline of a foreseeable small object 20 when observing the object 20 along the Y-axis.

[0171] When the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the second stop position Z2, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes a state consistent with the position that has dropped a second vertical distance h2 from a specific part of the opening.

[0172] The second stopping distance h2 is an arbitrary distance that varies depending on the size of the object 20 that has been raised or lowered as a result of the main conveyor 500 being raised or lowered by the lifting device 200.

[0173] For example, the second stopping distance h2 is an arbitrary distance that varies in the height direction of the object 20 as a result of the lifting device 200 raising and lowering the main conveyor 500.

[0174] When the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the third stop position Z3, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes a state consistent with the position that has descended a third vertical distance h3 from a specific part of the opening.

[0175] When the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the third stop position Z3, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes the same height as the transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J described later.

[0176] The specific part of the opening is the specific part of the opening O.

[0177] A specific part of the opening can also be a specific location on the imaginary line G of the V-shaped opening.

[0178] For example, a specific part of the opening coincides with the lowest part of the imaginary line G of the opening.

[0179] For example, a specific part of the opening is aligned with the optical axis of the optical sensor of the first sensor L1.

[0180] The following explanation will be based on the case where a specific part of the opening coincides with the lowest part of the imaginary line G of the opening.

[0181] The film supply device 300 is a device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can feed a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0182] The membrane supply device 300 can also be a device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can feed a pair of membranes 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis and along the upper part of the opening O.

[0183] The film supply device 300 can also be a device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can feed a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0184] The film supply device 300 can also be a device that allows the line of sight to be viewed along the Y-axis and can feed a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis or unwind (rewind) them in the opposite direction.

[0185] The film supply equipment 300 may consist of a pair of film roller holders 310, a pair of film roller rotating mechanisms 320, and a pair of film roller diameter sensors 330.

[0186] When the line of sight is along the Y-axis, a set of film roller holders 310, film roller rotation mechanism 320 and film roller diameter sensor 330 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the opening O.

[0187] The film roller retainer 310 is a device that holds the film roller 51 wound with the film 50 in a rotatable manner.

[0188] The film roller rotation mechanism 320 is a mechanism that enables the film roller 51 to rotate.

[0189] The film roller diameter sensor 330 is a sensor capable of detecting the diameter of the film roller 51.

[0190] The length of the delivered membrane 50 can be calculated based on the diameter of the membrane roller 51 detected by the membrane roller diameter sensor 330 and the rotation angle of the membrane roller 51 in the forward direction.

[0191] For example, when the film roller rotating mechanism 320 rotates the film roller holder 310 in the forward direction, the film 50 is fed out.

[0192] For example, when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device 300 can feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, so that the total feed size is consistent with the film feeding size. The total feed size is the sum of the two feed sizes of feeding a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0193] For example, when viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device 300 delivers one film 50 toward the center of the opening O by half the delivery size along the X-axis, and delivers the other film toward the center of the opening O by half the delivery size along the X-axis. As a result, the total delivery size is consistent with the film feeding size.

[0194] Here, the film feeding size is the size of the film 50 required by the primary packaging machine to roll up and wrap the object 20.

[0195] For example, when the film roller rotating mechanism 320 rotates the film roller holder 310 in the opposite direction, the film 50 is unwound.

[0196] For example, when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device 300 can unwind a pair of films 50 from the center of the opening O toward the left and right sides of the opening O along the X-axis, so that the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwinding size. The total unwinding size is the sum of the two unwinding sizes of the pair of films 50 being unwound from the center of the opening O toward the left and right sides of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0197] For example, when viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device 300 unwinds one side of the film 50 towards one of the left and right sides of the opening O by half the unwinding size along the X-axis, and unwinds the other side of the film 50 towards the other of the left and right sides of the opening O by half the unwinding size along the X-axis. As a result, the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwinding size.

[0198] Here, the unwinding size is the size at which the film is unwound by the film feeding device 300.

[0199] The length of the unwound film 50 can be calculated based on the diameter of the film roller 51 detected by the film roller diameter sensor 330 and the rotation angle of the film roller 51 rotating in the opposite direction.

[0200] The membrane welding and cutting device 400 is a device that can weld a pair of membranes 50 hanging downwards through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis above the object 20, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0201] As a result, the object 20 enclosed by the membrane 50 can be cut from the pair of membranes 50.

[0202] The membrane welding and cutting device 400 can also be a device that can weld a pair of membranes 50 hanging downward through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis above the object 20, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0203] The membrane welding and cutting device 400 can also be a device that can weld a pair of membranes 50 hanging downward through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis at a position near the opening O and above the object, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0204] The membrane welding and cutting device 400 can also be a device that can weld a pair of membranes 50 hanging downwards through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis at a position below the opening O and above the object, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0205] The membrane welding and cutting device 400 can also be a device that can weld a pair of membranes 50 hanging downwards through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the opening O and above the object, and cut the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0206] The membrane welding and cutting device 400 can also be a device that can weld a pair of membranes 50, which are fed out along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O and hang down through the opening O, into a strip shape at a position above the object 20, and cut the welded strip part, i.e. the welded part 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0207] The membrane welding and cutting equipment 400 consists of a membrane welding equipment 410 and a membrane cutting equipment 420.

[0208] The membrane welding equipment 410 is a device that welds a pair of membranes 50 hanging downwards through the opening O into a strip shape along the Y-axis above the object 20.

[0209] The membrane welding equipment 410 can also be a device that welds a pair of membranes 50, which are fed out along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O and hang downward through the opening O, into a strip shape at a position above the object 20.

[0210] For example, the membrane welding device 410 heats a pair of membranes 50 hanging downward from the center of the opening O by applying pressure along the Y-axis at a position above the object 20.

[0211] For example, the membrane welding device 410 vibrates a pair of membranes 50 hanging from the center of the opening O along the Y-axis at a position above the object 20 and applies pressure to heat them.

[0212] The membrane cutting device 420 is a device that cuts the strip-shaped portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis after welding.

[0213] For example, the membrane cutting device 420 uses a cutter to cut the membrane 50 along the Y-axis at the center of the width direction of the strip portion after welding, i.e., the welded portion 60.

[0214] For example, the membrane cutting device 420 is a cutter that cuts the membrane 50 along the Y-axis at the center of the width direction of the strip-shaped portion after welding, namely the welded portion 60.

[0215] As a result, the pair of films 50 after fusion are cut off from top to bottom, and the pair of films 50 that are fused together remain on the upper side of the opening O, while the cylindrical film 50 that is fused together from top to bottom wraps the object 20 and remains on the lower side of the opening O.

[0216] The main conveyor 500 is a device that is arranged below the opening O to support the object 20 in such a way that the lower surface of the object 20 is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane H, and is capable of transversely conveying the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H along the X-axis.

[0217] The main conveyor 500 can also be a device that is arranged directly below the opening O, so that the lower surface of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane H, and can be used to laterally convey the object 20 placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H along the X-axis.

[0218] For example, the main conveyor 500 is a roller conveyor driven by a servo motor.

[0219] Roller conveyors have multiple rollers arranged at equal intervals along the X-axis.

[0220] An imaginary horizontal line connecting the upper parts of multiple rollers arranged at equal intervals along the X-axis is aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H.

[0221] For example, the main conveyor 500 is a belt conveyor driven by a servo motor.

[0222] The main conveyor 500 is positioned below the opening O.

[0223] For example, the main conveyor 500 is positioned directly below the opening O.

[0224] The main hypothetical horizontal plane H sometimes coincides with the hypothetical horizontal plane J for transverse transport, which will be described later.

[0225] Here, the imaginary horizontal plane J for transverse conveying is the imaginary horizontal plane that supports the lower surface of the object 20 wrapped by the membrane 50 when the transverse feed conveyor 600, described later, transversely conveys the object 20 along the X-axis.

[0226] The main conveyor 500 can also be a device that can be freely controlled by the lifting device 200 and can laterally transport the object 20 wrapped by the membrane 50 placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H along the X-axis.

[0227] For example, the main conveyor 500 is a roller conveyor driven by a servo motor.

[0228] The main conveyor 500 can be raised and lowered freely by the lifting device 200.

[0229] When the lifting device 200 raises and lowers the main conveyor 500 and stops the main imaginary horizontal plane H in a manner that aligns with the first stop position Z1, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes a state in which it has descended a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening.

[0230] When the lifting device 200 raises and lowers the main conveyor 500 and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the second stop position Z2, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes a state in which it has descended a second vertical distance h2 from a specific part of the opening.

[0231] When the lifting device 200 raises and lowers the main conveyor 500 and stops the main imaginary horizontal plane H in a manner that aligns with the third stop position Z3, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes a state in which it has descended a third vertical distance h3 from a specific part of the opening.

[0232] When the lifting device 200 raises and lowers the main conveyor 500 and stops the main imaginary horizontal plane H in a manner that aligns with the third stop position Z3, the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes the same height as the transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J described later.

[0233] The transverse feed conveyor 600 is a device that can transversely transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 in a state that can be received from the main conveyor 500 and the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0234] The transverse feed conveyor 600 is a device that can transversely transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 along the X-axis in a state that can be received from the main conveyor 500 and the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0235] The transverse feed conveyor 600 is a device that supports the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 in such a way that the lower surface of the object 20 is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e. the transverse transport imaginary horizontal plane J, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor 500 and the vacuum packaging machine 900, and transports the object 20 transversely along the X-axis.

[0236] The imaginary horizontal plane J of the transverse feed conveyor 600 can be aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane K of the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0237] The transverse feed conveyor 600 can also be a structure obtained by connecting multiple transverse feed conveyors 600 in series.

[0238] For example, the transverse feed conveyor 600 consists of a first transverse feed conveyor 610 and a second transverse feed conveyor 620 arranged in series along the X-axis.

[0239] When the first transverse feed conveyor 610 is capable of receiving from the main conveyor 500 and the second transverse feed conveyor 620, it can transversely transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 along the X-axis.

[0240] When the second transverse feed conveyor 610 is in a state that can be received from the first transverse feed conveyor 610 and can be received by the vacuum packaging machine 900, it can transversely transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 along the X-axis.

[0241] The vacuum packaging machine 900 supports the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 in such a way that the lower surface of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane K of the vacuum packaging machine.

[0242] Vacuum packaging machine 900 is a device that receives the object 20 wrapped by film 50 from the transverse feed conveyor 600 and seals the two openings of the cylindrical film 50 by vacuuming.

[0243] The maximum value of the total length along the X-axis of one or more objects 20 wrapped by film 50 that the vacuum packaging machine 900 can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine.

[0244] The first sensor L1 has a light sensor that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis at a point on the imaginary line G of the opening is blocked or not blocked by the object 20.

[0245] The imaginary line G of the opening is an imaginary line that extends along the X-axis near the opening when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis.

[0246] The imaginary line G of the opening can also be an imaginary line along the gate 120 when the opening O of the gate 120 is closed, so that when the line of sight is along the Y-axis.

[0247] The imaginary line G of the opening can also be an imaginary line along the upper surface T of the gate 120 when the gate 120 is closed with the opening O closed, so that the line of sight is along the Y-axis.

[0248] The first sensor L1 has a light sensor that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis at a point approximately in the center of the imaginary line G of the opening is blocked or not blocked by the object 20 when the gate 120 is closed at the opening O.

[0249] The first sensor L1 consists of a light emitter disposed in the middle of the opening O along one side of the Y-axis, a light receiver disposed along the other side of the Y-axis, and a drive circuit that drives the light emitter and the light receiver.

[0250] The first sensor L1 consists of one or more optical sensors.

[0251] The first sensor L1 can also be composed of a light sensor.

[0252] The first sensor L1 can also be composed of one of the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2, which will be described later.

[0253] The second sensor L2 has a sensor that can output information about the width dimension of the object outline in the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object outline, for estimating the outline of the object 20 as observed along the Y-axis by the line of sight through the opening O.

[0254] The second sensor L2 may also have a camera system that can output information about the width dimension of the object 20 in the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object outline, for estimating the outline of the object 20 observed along the Y-axis by the line of sight through the opening O.

[0255] The second sensor L2 may also have multiple light sensors, which are arranged at predetermined intervals along the imaginary line G of the opening when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, and can detect whether each light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by the object 20.

[0256] The imaginary line G of the opening is an imaginary line that extends along the X-axis near the opening when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis.

[0257] The imaginary line G of the opening can also be an imaginary line along the upper surface T of the gate 120 when the gate 120 is closed with the opening O closed, and the line of sight is along the Y-axis.

[0258] The structure of the optical sensor of the second sensor L2 can be the same as that of the optical sensor of the first sensor L1.

[0259] The multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 may include the optical sensors of the first sensor L1.

[0260] The third sensor L3 has a light sensor located at the boundary between the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600. It can detect whether the object 20, which is transversely conveyed from the main conveyor 500 to the transverse feed conveyor 600, is blocked or not blocked by the light axis emitted along the Y-axis.

[0261] The structure of the optical sensor can be the same as that of the optical sensor of the first sensor L1.

[0262] The fourth sensor L4 has a light sensor located at the boundary between the transverse feed conveyor 600 and the vacuum packaging machine 900. It can detect whether the object 20, which is transversely conveyed from the transverse feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900, is blocked or not blocked by the light axis emitted along the Y-axis.

[0263] The structure of the optical sensor can be the same as that of the optical sensor of the first sensor L1.

[0264] The control device (not shown) is the equipment that controls the primary packaging machine.

[0265] For example, the control device (not shown) consists of a computer.

[0266] A computer consists of a CPU, memory, and I / O.

[0267] The computer has software installed to perform multiple functions.

[0268] In the control equipment (not shown), the installed software enables the primary packaging machine to perform multiple functions.

[0269] The control device (not shown) can also realize the film feeding function F30, the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, the film cutting function F50, and the opening closing function F80.

[0270] The control device (not shown) can also realize the opening opening function F20, the film feeding function F30, the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, the film cutting function F50, and the opening closing function F80.

[0271] The control device (not shown) can also realize the following functions: film feeding size determination function F10, opening function F20, film feeding function F30, lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, film cutting function F50, and opening closing function F80.

[0272] The control equipment (not shown) can also realize the following functions: film feeding size determination function F10, opening opening function F20, film feeding function F30, lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, film cutting function F50, opening closing function F80, and film unwinding function F70.

[0273] The control equipment (not shown) can also realize the following functions: film feeding size determination function F10, opening opening function F20, film feeding function F30, lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, film cutting function F50, opening closing function F80, film unwinding size determination function F60, and film unwinding function F70.

[0274] The control equipment (not shown) can also realize the following functions: film feeding size determination function F10, opening opening function F20, film feeding function F30, lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, film cutting function F50, opening closing function F80, film unwinding size determination function F60, film unwinding function F70, object contour X-axis width dimension estimation function F90, and lateral conveying function F100.

[0275] In the control device (not shown), multiple functions are implemented in a specific sequence using installed software.

[0276] In the control equipment (not shown), the following functions can also be implemented sequentially: opening function F20, film feeding function F30, lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, film cutting function F50, opening closing function F80, film unwinding function F70, and lateral conveying function F100.

[0277] In the control equipment (not shown), the following functions can also be implemented sequentially: opening function F20, film feeding function F30, lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, film cutting function F50, film unwinding function F70, opening closing function F80, and lateral conveying function F100.

[0278] In the control device (not shown), the film feeding size determination function F10 can also be implemented when the opening opening function F20 and the lifting device stop and maintain function F40 are implemented.

[0279] In the control device (not shown), the object contour X-axis width dimension estimation function F90 can also be implemented when the film feeding function F30 and the lifting device stop and hold function F40 are implemented.

[0280] The film feeding size determination function F10 is a function to determine the film feeding size, which is the size of the film 50 fed by the film feeding device 300 to roll up and wrap the object 20.

[0281] The film delivery size determination function F10 can also be a function that determines the film delivery size based on the number of optical sensors among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 that are blocked by the optical axis of the object 20.

[0282] The film delivery size determination function F10 can also be a function that records the number of optical sensors among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20, and determines the film delivery size based on the recorded number of blocked optical sensors.

[0283] The film feeding size determination function F10 can also be implemented when the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 are implemented.

[0284] For example, the film feeding size determination function F10 is implemented when the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop holding function F40 are implemented and the object 20 falls.

[0285] For example, when implementing the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, the film feeding size determination function F10 records the number of light sensors whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20 in a time sequence among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2, and determines the film feeding size based on the number of blocked light sensors recorded in a time sequence.

[0286] The film delivery size determination function F10 can also be the following function: record the number of light sensors whose optical axis is blocked by the object 20 among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2, derive the perimeter of the outline of the object 20 observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis based on the recorded number of blocked light sensors, i.e., the perimeter of the object outline, and determine the film delivery size based on the derived object outline perimeter.

[0287] The film feeding size determination function F10 can also be implemented when the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 are implemented.

[0288] For example, the film delivery size determination function F10 is as follows: when the object 20 is lowered while the opening opening function F30 and the lifting device stop maintenance function F40 are implemented, the number of light sensors whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20 among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 is recorded in accordance with the lifting position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H which changes in time sequence. Based on the number of blocked light sensors recorded in accordance with the lifting position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H which changes in time sequence, the perimeter of the outline of the object 20 observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis, i.e., the perimeter of the object outline, is derived. The film delivery size is determined based on the derived perimeter of the object outline.

[0289] The film feeding size determination function F10 can also be the following function: when the object 20 falls while the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 are implemented, the maximum value of the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20 among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 is recorded. Based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting equipment 200 maintains the main conveyor 500 in a stopped state and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked optical sensors, the film feeding size is determined according to the perimeter of the object outline.

[0290] The film delivery size determination function F10 can also be the following function: when the object 20 falls while the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 are implemented, the maximum value of the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20 among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 is recorded. Based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting equipment 200 maintains the main conveyor 500 in a stopped state and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked optical sensors, the perimeter of the outline of the object 20 observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis is derived, i.e., the perimeter of the object outline, and the film delivery size is determined according to the derived perimeter of the object outline.

[0291] The film feeding size determination function F10 can also be implemented when the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 are implemented.

[0292] For example, the film delivery size determination function F10 can also be the following function: when the object 20 falls while the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 are implemented, the maximum value of the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20 among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 is recorded. Based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting equipment 200 maintains the stopped state of the main conveyor 500 during the implementation of the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked optical sensors, the perimeter of the outline of the object 20 observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis is derived, i.e., the perimeter of the object outline, and the film delivery size is determined according to the derived object outline perimeter.

[0293] For example, the film delivery size determination function F10 can also be the following function: when the object 20 falls while the opening opening function F30 and the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 are implemented, the maximum value of the number of light sensors whose optical axes are blocked by the object 20 among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 that are recorded in accordance with the lifting position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H which changes in time sequence is derived based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting equipment 200 maintains the stopped state of the main conveyor 500 during the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 and the maximum value of the number of blocked light sensors recorded in accordance with the lifting position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H which changes in time sequence is derived, and the perimeter of the outline of the object 20 observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis is derived, i.e., the perimeter of the object outline. The film delivery size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter.

[0294] Figure 6 This is an example of a table that derives the "film delivery size" based on "stroke" and "maximum number of blocked light sensors".

[0295] Figure 6 The term "stroke" in this context is equivalent to "the vertical separation distance between the main imaginary horizontal plane H and a specific part of the opening when the lifting equipment 200 maintains a stopped state during the process of realizing the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40".

[0296] The film delivery size determination function F10 can also be the following function: using a camera to take a horizontal picture of the object 20 to export the perimeter of the object 20's outline, i.e., the object outline perimeter, and determine the film delivery size based on the exported object outline perimeter.

[0297] The opening opening function F20 has the following function: when the gate 120 closes the opening O, and a pair of films fed from the film supply device 300 along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O are fused together along the Y-axis to form a strip and are laid on the upper surface T of the gate, when the object 20 is placed on the pair of films 50 laid on the upper surface T of the gate, the gate 120 opens the opening O.

[0298] The opening opening function F20 can also be: the gate 120 closes the opening O, and when a pair of membranes 50 fed from the membrane supply device 300 along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O are fused together along the Y-axis to form a strip and are laid on the upper surface T of the gate, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the object 20 was placed on the pair of membranes 50 laid on the upper surface T of the gate and the first sensor L1 was blocked from the optical axis, the gate 120 opens the opening O.

[0299] The film feeding function F30 has the following function: when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O, respectively, while the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

[0300] The film feeding function F30 can also have the following function: when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, while the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

[0301] The membrane feeding function F30 has the following function: when the gate 120 begins to open the opening O, when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the membrane feeding device 300 feeds a pair of membranes 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O, respectively, while the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

[0302] For example, the membrane feeding function F30 is as follows: when the gate 120 begins to open the opening O, when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the membrane feeding device 300 feeds a pair of membranes 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, while the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

[0303] For example, the film feeding function F30 is as follows: when the gate 120 begins to open as a result of the opening opening function F20, when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, with the pair of films 50 being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit.

[0304] For example, the film feeding function F30 is as follows: from the moment the gate 120 begins to open and the opening O begins to be opened, when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, while the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become one piece.

[0305] For example, the film feeding function F30 is as follows: starting from the middle of the process where the gate 120 begins to open and the opening O is opened, with the line of sight along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, while the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become one piece.

[0306] For example, the film feeding function F30 is as follows: after the gate 120 starts to open and the opening O is opened as a result of the opening opening function F20, when viewed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, while the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

[0307] The film feeding function F30 can also have the following function: when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, so that the total feeding size is consistent with the film feeding size. The total feeding size is the sum of the two feeding sizes when the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole, and the pair of films 50 are fed from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0308] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 is as follows: the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and maintains this state in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with a stop position that has descended a predetermined vertical distance from a specific part of the opening.

[0309] When the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40, the stopping position of the lifting equipment 200, which is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane H, changes in the vertical direction according to the size of the object 20.

[0310] When the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40, the lifting equipment 200 maintains a stopping position that is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the main conveyor 500 is stopped. This position changes in the vertical direction according to the height dimension of the outline of the object 20 when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis.

[0311] As a result, when the lifting device stops and maintains the function F40, the vertical separation distance between the opening O and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting device 200 has stopped the main conveyor 500 varies according to the size of the object 20.

[0312] For example, if the object 20 is small, the vertical separation distance between the opening O and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the main conveyor 500 stops is reduced when the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40. If the object 20 is large, the vertical separation distance between the opening O and the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the main conveyor 500 stops is increased when the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40.

[0313] When the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40, the vertical separation distance between the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and a specific part of the opening can also vary in the vertical direction according to the height dimension of the outline of the object 20 when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis.

[0314] When the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40, the vertical separation distance between the main imaginary horizontal plane H and a specific part of the opening when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 corresponds to the height dimension of the outline of the object 20 when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis, and varies in the vertical direction.

[0315] For example, if the height dimension of the object 20's outline when viewed along the Y-axis is small, then when the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40, the vertical separation distance between the opening O and the main imaginary horizontal plane H where the lifting equipment 200 has stopped the main conveyor 500 becomes smaller. If the height dimension of the object 20's outline when viewed along the Y-axis is large, then when the lifting equipment stops and maintains the function F40, the vertical separation distance between the opening O and the main imaginary horizontal plane H where the lifting equipment 200 has stopped the main conveyor 500 becomes larger.

[0316] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, which is the position where the main imaginary horizontal plane H has dropped a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, and when the object 20 passes through the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500, but stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the first stop position Z1 and maintains this state.

[0317] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, which is the position where the main imaginary horizontal plane H has dropped a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, and when the object 20 falls through the opening O and is supported by the main imaginary horizontal plane H, and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500, but stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the first stop position Z1 and maintains this state.

[0318] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, after the object 20 begins to fall and changes from the state where the optical axis of the first sensor S1 is blocked by the object 20 to the state where it is not blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500 but stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the first stop position Z1 and maintains this state.

[0319] The lifting device stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: When the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, which is the position where the main imaginary horizontal plane H has dropped a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, during the period when the object 20 starts to fall and is falling, when the optical axis of the first sensor S1 changes from being blocked by the object 20 to not being blocked by the object 20, the lifting device 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500 but stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the first stop position Z1 and maintains this state.

[0320] The lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 can also have the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H coincide with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, which is the position where the main imaginary horizontal plane has dropped a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, and when the gate 120 finishes opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 maintains the state in which the main conveyor 500 is stopped in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H coincide with the first stop position Z1, which is the stop position, without raising or lowering the main conveyor 500.

[0321] For example, when the lifting device stop and maintain function F40 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H coincide with the first stop position Z1, which is the stop position where the lifting device 200 has descended a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, the lifting device 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500 but stops and maintains the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H coincide with the first stop position Z1, which is the stop position.

[0322] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also have the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, when the object 20 passes through the opening O and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500, and when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0323] At this point, the stopping position that is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting device 200 stops the descent of the main conveyor 500 and maintains this state is called the second stopping position Z2.

[0324] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also have the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the first stop position Z1, when the object 20 passes through the opening O but the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500. When the main conveyor 500 has descended a certain Z-axis distance z from when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0325] For example, in the state where the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500 when the object 20 begins to fall and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20. When the object 20 passes through the opening O but the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is still blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500. When the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the main conveyor 500 stops descending and maintains this state.

[0326] Here, a certain Z-axis distance z is a certain distance in the vertical direction.

[0327] In this way, the necessary gap can be ensured between the upper part of the object 20 and the first sensor L1 when the descent stops.

[0328] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the first stop position Z1, when the gate 120 finishes opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500, and when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0329] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also have the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the first stop position Z1, when the object 20 falls and the gate 120 closes the opening of the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500, and when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0330] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, when the object 20 falls and the lower surface of the object 20 is aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H and the door 120 has finished opening the opening O, and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500. When the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0331] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also be the following function: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the first stop position Z1, when the gate 120 finishes opening the opening O and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500. When it has descended a certain Z-axis distance z from when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0332] For example, the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 is as follows: when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, when the object 20 begins to fall and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, when the gate 120 has finished opening the opening O and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is still blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500. When the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, and the main conveyor 500 descends a certain Z-axis distance z, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and this state is maintained.

[0333] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also have the following functions: When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, after the gate 120 has closed the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, and the lifting equipment 200 is kept in a state where the main conveyor 500 is not raised or lowered. When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the first stop position Z1, the lifting equipment 200 starts the descent of the main conveyor 500 when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20 after the gate 120 has closed the opening O. The descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, and this state is maintained.

[0334] The lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 can also have the following function: When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the stop position Z1, which is the first stop position, after descending a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, the lifting equipment 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500 and maintains the stopped state when the gate 120 finishes opening the opening O and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20. When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500, if the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20 when the gate 120 finishes opening the opening O, the lifting equipment 200 starts the descent of the main conveyor 500 from the first stop position Z1. When the optical axis of the first sensor L1 has descended a certain Z-axis distance z from when it is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 is stopped and the state is maintained.

[0335] The second stopping position Z2 is the stopping position where the main imaginary horizontal plane H has dropped a second vertical distance h2 from a specific part of the opening.

[0336] The second vertical distance h2 corresponds to the size of object 20.

[0337] The second vertical distance h2 can also correspond to the height dimension of object 20.

[0338] For example, the lifting equipment stop maintenance function F40 functions as follows: When the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H coincide with the first stop position Z1, which is the stop position where the main imaginary horizontal plane H has descended a first vertical distance h1 from a specific part of the opening, and when the object 20 begins to fall and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the lifting equipment 200 does not stop the main conveyor 500 from falling. The main conveyor 500 is raised and lowered while remaining stationary. When the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500, the object 20 begins to fall, and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20. If the gate 120 closes the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is also blocked by the object 20. Then the lifting device 200 starts to lower the main conveyor 500. After lowering a certain Z-axis distance z from when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, the descent of the main conveyor 500 stops and remains stationary.

[0339] A certain Z-axis distance z can also be preset.

[0340] The membrane cutting function F50 is as follows: After the object 20 falls through the open opening O and is placed on a pair of membranes 50 that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane H and become one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device 400 welds the pair of membranes 50 that are hanging down through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object 20, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0341] As a result, it is possible to separate the object enclosed by the membrane from the pair of membranes 50.

[0342] The membrane cutting function F50 can also have the following function: after the object 20 falls through the open opening O and is placed on a pair of membranes 50 that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane H and become one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device 400 welds the pair of membranes 50 that are hanging down through the opening O into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object 20, and cuts the welded strip part, i.e. the welded part 60, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

[0343] The membrane cutting function F50 can also be the following function: after the object 20 falls through the open opening O and is placed on a pair of membranes 50 that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane H and become one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device 400, positioned above the object 20, feeds the pair of membranes 50, which are respectively sent from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X axis and hang down through the opening O, to weld them into a strip shape, and cuts the strip-shaped part after welding, namely the welded part 60, along the Y axis to separate them vertically.

[0344] For example, the membrane cutting function F50 has the following function: after the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the optical axis is no longer blocked, the membrane welding and cutting device 400, located above the object 20, feeds a pair of membranes 50 that are respectively sent from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X axis and hang down through the opening O into a strip shape, and cuts the strip-shaped part after welding, i.e. the welded part 60, along the Y axis to separate them vertically.

[0345] A certain amount of time is the time it takes for object 20 to pass through opening O and reach the main imaginary horizontal plane H of main conveyor 500.

[0346] For example, the membrane cutting function F50 is as follows: when the optical axis of the fifth sensor L5 is blocked by the object 20, the membrane welding and cutting device 400, positioned above the object 20, welds a pair of membranes 50 that are respectively sent from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X axis and hang downwards into a strip shape, and cuts the welded strip part, i.e. the welded part 60, along the Y axis to separate it vertically.

[0347] The fifth sensor, L5, is an optical sensor that emits light along the optical axis of the main imaginary horizontal plane H.

[0348] The optical axis of the fifth sensor L5 is blocked by an object 20 placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H.

[0349] When object 20 is not placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H, the optical axis of the fifth sensor L5 will not be blocked.

[0350] The film unwinding size determination function F60 is used to determine the unwinding size of the film 50 by the film supply equipment 300.

[0351] The film removal size can be a preset value.

[0352] The membrane unwinding function F70 has the following function: when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis, the membrane supply device 300 unwinds a pair of membranes 50 from the center of the opening O toward the left and right sides of the opening O along the X-axis, so that the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwinding size. The total unwinding size is the sum of the two unwinding sizes of the pair of membranes 50 being unwound from the center of the opening O toward the left and right sides along the X-axis.

[0353] For example, the membrane unwinding function F70 is as follows: when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis, the membrane supply device 300 unwinds a pair of membranes 50 from the center of the opening O toward the left and right sides of the opening O along the X-axis, so that the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwinding size. The total unwinding size is the sum of the two unwinding sizes of the pair of membranes 50 being unwound from the center of the opening O toward the left and right sides along the X-axis.

[0354] After implementing the membrane cutting function F50, the membrane unwinding function F70 is implemented.

[0355] The opening closure function F80 is a function that closes the opening O of the gate 120.

[0356] The membrane unwinding function F70 can be implemented after the opening closure function F80 is implemented.

[0357] The opening closing function F80 can also be implemented after the film unwinding function F70 is implemented.

[0358] The object outline X-axis width estimation function F90 is a function that, when implementing the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, estimates the width dimension of the object 20's outline along the X-axis direction, i.e., the object outline X-axis width dimension, for the object 20 so that the line of sight along the Y-axis can be observed.

[0359] The estimated object contour X-axis width dimension is associated with the object 20 when the lifting equipment stops and maintains its function F40, and is stored.

[0360] The X-axis width dimension of an object's outline is associated with an object 20.

[0361] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when implementing the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, based on the information of the second sensor L2, the width dimension of the object 20 in the X-axis direction of the contour observed along the Y-axis is estimated for the object 20, that is, the object contour X-axis width dimension.

[0362] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when implementing the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, based on the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2, the width dimension of the object contour X-axis direction observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis of the object 20 is estimated for the object 20.

[0363] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 is implemented and the object 20 is passing through the opening O, based on the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2, the width dimension of the object 20 contour in the X-axis direction observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis is estimated for the object 20, that is, the object contour X-axis width dimension.

[0364] The film feeding function F30 can also be implemented while the lifting equipment stops and maintains its function F40.

[0365] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when implementing the opening opening function F20, the film feeding function F30, and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, based on the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2, the width dimension of the object contour X-axis direction observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis of the object 20 is estimated for the object 20, that is, the object contour X-axis width dimension.

[0366] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when the object 20 is passing through the opening O while the opening opening function F20, the film feeding function F30 and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 are being implemented, the object contour X-axis width dimension is estimated for the object 20 so that the line of sight along the Y-axis is observed based on the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2.

[0367] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when implementing the opening opening function F20, the film feeding function F30, and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, based on the maximum value of the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2, the width dimension of the object contour X-axis direction observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis of the object 20 is estimated for the object 20, that is, the object contour X-axis width dimension.

[0368] The object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when the object 20 is passing through the opening while the opening opening function F20, the film feeding function F30, and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 are being implemented, the object contour X-axis width dimension is estimated based on the maximum number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2.

[0369] For example, the object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when implementing the opening opening function F20, the film delivery function F30, and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40, the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 is recorded, and based on the recorded number of blocked light sensors, the width dimension of the object contour X-axis direction of the object 20 observed along the Y-axis is estimated for the object 20, that is, the object contour X-axis width dimension.

[0370] For example, the object contour X-axis width estimation function F90 can also be the following function: when the object 20 is passing through the opening while the opening opening function F20, the film delivery function F30 and the lifting equipment stop and maintain function F40 are being implemented, the number of light sensors with blocked light axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 is recorded. Based on the recorded number of blocked light sensors, the width dimension of the object 20 contour in the X-axis direction observed by the line of sight along the Y-axis is estimated for the object 20, that is, the object contour X-axis width dimension.

[0371] Figure 7 An example of the flow product length for each type of cattle carcass is shown.

[0372] The length of the flowing product corresponds to the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline.

[0373] The lateral conveying function F100 functions as follows: it causes the lifting device 200 to start lifting the main conveyor 500, and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the third stop position Z3, and maintains this state. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J. Based on the estimated object contour X-axis width dimension, it is assumed that the objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the objects 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 are arranged in series along the X-axis. When the total length of 0 along the X-axis does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J, the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 begin to transversely convey the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. After the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 are arranged in series on the transverse feed conveyor 600, the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 stop transverse conveying.

[0374] Additionally, the lateral conveying function F100 functions as follows: the lifting device 200 starts lifting the main conveyor 500 and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the third stop position Z3 and maintains this state. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J. When the total length along the X-axis of the objects 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the objects 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600, which are assumed to be arranged in series along the X-axis based on the estimated object outline X-axis width dimension, exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor 500 does not perform lateral conveying when the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J is aligned with the vacuum packaging machine imaginary horizontal plane K. Instead, the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys the objects 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 in a series arrangement to the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0375] Subsequently, with the main imaginary horizontal plane H aligned with the transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J, the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 begin transverse conveying of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50, which is placed on the main conveyor 500, is loaded onto the transverse feed conveyor 600, the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 stop transverse conveying.

[0376] For example, it is determined whether the total length along the X-axis of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the object 20 wrapped by the single or multiple film 50 placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine.

[0377] For example, it is determined whether the total length along the X-axis of an object 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and an object 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600, which are arranged in series with gaps between them in a manner that do not overlap each other along the X-axis, exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine.

[0378] The lateral conveying function F100 can also function as follows: Based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, the lateral conveying distance is determined, and the determined lateral conveying distance is associated with and stored with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. The lifting device 200 starts lifting the main conveyor 300 and stops and maintains the main conveyor 300 in a manner that aligns the main hypothetical horizontal plane H with the third stop position Z3. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying hypothetical horizontal plane J. When, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, it is assumed that the total length along the X-axis of the objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the objects 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 does not exceed the vacuum packaging machine receiving length M, the distance between the main hypothetical horizontal plane H and the lateral conveying hypothetical horizontal plane is determined. With J consistent and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stopped, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 begin lateral conveying of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the optical axis of the third sensor L3 is blocked at time 20, and the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 is transported laterally for a distance that establishes a connection with the object 20, which is wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500, and one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 are arranged in series on the lateral feed conveyor 600, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop lateral transport.

[0379] Alternatively, the lateral conveying function F100 can also function as follows: the lifting device 200 starts the lifting of the main conveyor 500 and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the third stop position Z3 and maintains this state. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J. When the total length along the X-axis of the objects 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the single or multiple objects 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600, which are assumed to be arranged in series along the X-axis based on the estimated object outline X-axis width dimension, exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor 500 does not perform lateral conveying when the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J is consistent with the vacuum packaging machine imaginary horizontal plane K. Instead, the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys the single or multiple objects 20 wrapped in film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 in series to the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0380] Subsequently, the function can also be as follows: When the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the transverse feed conveyor 600 has stopped, the main conveyor 500 transversely conveys the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 begin to transversely convey the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. From the point in time when the object wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, when the object wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 is loaded onto the transverse feed conveyor 600, the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 stop transverse conveying.

[0381] The lateral conveying function F100 can also function as follows: Based on the estimated X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, determine the lateral conveying distance (i.e., the lateral conveying distance) for the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. Establish and store the determined lateral conveying distance with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. Start the lifting device 200 to lift the main conveyor 500, and stop the main conveyor 500 in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane G with the third stop position Z3, maintaining this state. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J. The lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the lateral conveying distance associated with one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 are also mentioned. When the total distance is less than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the lateral feed conveyor 600 has stopped, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 begin lateral conveying of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, and has laterally conveyed a distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop lateral conveying.

[0382] Alternatively, the lateral conveying function F100 can also function as follows: Based on the estimated X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, determine the lateral conveying distance (i.e., the lateral conveying distance) for the object 20, and associate and store the determined lateral conveying distance with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. Then, start the lifting device 200 to lift the main conveyor 500, and stop the main conveyor 500 in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane H with the third stop position Z3, maintaining this state. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J. When the total value of the lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the lateral conveying distance associated with one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 is greater than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J is consistent with the vacuum packaging machine imaginary horizontal plane K, the main conveyor 500 does not perform lateral conveying, while the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys all objects 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900. Then, when the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the lateral feed conveyor 600... In the stopped state, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 start laterally conveying the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, and has laterally conveyed a distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop laterally conveying.

[0383] When implementing the transverse conveying mechanism F100, it is also possible to transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 transversely without waiting for the main conveyor 500 to stop at the third stop position Z3.

[0384] For example, a sixth sensor L6, which serves as another light sensor, is placed near the third sensor L3. If the lifting device 200 starts to lower the main conveyor 500 from the second stop position Z2 to the third stop position Z3, the main conveyor 500 will laterally transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 above the main conveyor 500, and the lateral transport of the main conveyor 500 will stop when the optical axis of the sixth sensor L6 is blocked.

[0385] The third sensor L3 can also serve as the sixth sensor L6.

[0386] A lateral transport distance is associated with an object 50 that is wrapped by a membrane 50.

[0387] The lateral transport distance associated with the object has a value greater than the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline associated with it.

[0388] For example, the lateral conveying distance is a value obtained by adding a certain X-axis distance λ, which is a predetermined value, to the length of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 in the X-axis direction.

[0389] For example, the length of the object 20 wrapped by the membrane 50 in the X-axis direction can be estimated based on the perimeter of the membrane 50 that wraps the object 20.

[0390] For example, the length of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 in the X-axis direction is determined based on the perimeter of the film 50 that wraps the object 20, which is estimated based on the estimated X-axis width dimension of the object outline and the second vertical distance h2.

[0391] For example, the length of the object 20 wrapped by the membrane 50 in the X-axis direction is a value obtained by adding a certain X-axis distance λ to half the perimeter of the membrane 50 that wraps the object 20, which is estimated based on the estimated X-axis width dimension of the object outline and the second vertical distance h2.

[0392] A certain X-axis distance λ is the expected distance between objects 20 that are enclosed by multiple membranes 50 arranged in series.

[0393] The lateral conveying function F100 can also function as follows: When the total length of the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600, the X-axis width of the object outline of the object 20 placed on the main conveyor 500, and a certain X-axis distance λ are less than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the lateral feed conveyor 600 does not operate at first, and only the main conveyor 500 operates to laterally convey the object 20 wrapped by the films 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. Thus, when the object 20 wrapped by the films 50 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 operate simultaneously to laterally convey the object 20 wrapped by the films 50. After the object 20 wrapped by the films 50 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, it is laterally conveyed for a certain X-axis distance λ from the point where it no longer blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, and then the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop.

[0394] After that, the main conveyor 500 does not move, while the transverse feed conveyor 600 transversely conveys the entire object 20 wrapped by multiple films 50 placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0395] In addition, the lateral conveying function F100 can also be used when the total length of the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 in the X-axis direction, the X-axis width dimension of the object outline of the object 20 placed on the main conveyor 500, and a certain X-axis distance λ are greater than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. In this case, the main conveyor 500 does not operate, and the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys all the objects 20 wrapped by the multiple films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0396] The lateral conveying function F100 can also perform the following actions: It causes the lifting device 200 to begin lifting the main conveyor 500, and stops the main conveyor 500 in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane H with the third stop position Z3, which is at the same height as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J, and maintains this state. The total length in the X-axis direction of the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600, the X-axis width dimension of the object outline of the object 20 placed on the main conveyor 500, and a certain X-axis distance λ are less than the receiving length of the vacuum packaging machine. At degree M, initially the lateral feed conveyor 600 does not operate, while the main conveyor 500 laterally transports the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 operate simultaneously to laterally transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. After the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, it laterally transports a certain X-axis distance λ from the point where it no longer blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, and then the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop.

[0397] In addition, the lateral conveying function F100 can also perform the following actions: when the total length of the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 in the X-axis direction, the X-axis width dimension of the object outline of the object 20 placed on the main conveyor 500, and a certain X-axis distance λ are greater than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor 500 does not operate, and the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys all the objects 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0398] When the lateral conveying function F100 is implemented, the total length in the X-axis direction of one or more objects 20 wrapped by membranes 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 can also be calculated based on the length obtained by recording the X-axis width dimension of the object outline of the object 20 placed on the main conveyor 500 before conveying the object 20 from the main conveyor 500 to the lateral feed conveyor 600.

[0399] The total length of the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 when the transverse conveying function F100 is realized can also be calculated and recorded based on the time when the optical axis of the third sensor L3 is blocked when moving from the main conveyor 500 to the transverse feed conveyor 600 and the transverse conveying speed of the transverse feed conveyor.

[0400] The transverse conveying function F100 is the function of the transverse feed conveyor 600 to transfer one or more objects 20 wrapped in film 50 to the hypothetical horizontal plane K of the vacuum packaging machine 900.

[0401] The transverse feed conveyor 600 transversely transports the entire object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 by a distance equivalent to the total length of the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 along the X-axis. If the fourth sensor L4 no longer blocks the optical axis, the transverse transport stops.

[0402] As a result, it is possible to laterally transport one or more objects 20 wrapped in film 50 to vacuum packaging machine 900 without the total length of the objects 20 wrapped in film 50 in the X-axis direction not exceeding the receiving length M of vacuum packaging machine, thus preventing them from overflowing.

[0403] The operation of the primary packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.

[0404] exist Figure 4 (A) shows the preparation of object 20a.

[0405] Gate 120 closes opening O.

[0406] The membrane supply device 300 feeds a pair of membranes 50 that are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O.

[0407] The two membranes 50 that are sent out are fused together along the Y-axis into a strip and laid on the upper surface T of the gate.

[0408] The object 20a is placed on a pair of membranes 50 that are integrated and laid on the upper surface T of the gate.

[0409] For example, the operator places object 20a on a pair of membranes 50 that are integrated and laid on the upper surface T of the gate.

[0410] exist Figure 4 (B) shows a situation where the gate 120 closes the opening O, and the object 20a is placed on the upper surface T of the gate with a pair of membranes 50 that are integrally formed underneath.

[0411] After a certain period of time (e.g., 2 to 10 seconds) has elapsed since the optical axis of the first sensor L1 was blocked, the gate 120 opens the opening O, and the film supply device 300 feeds a pair of films 50 from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0412] exist Figure 4 (C) shows a pair of membranes 50 being fed out from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0413] When object 20a falls, and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 changes from being blocked by the object to being unblocked, the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and maintains this state.

[0414] When the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object and does not change even after a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), the lifting device 200 lowers the main conveyor 500. When the optical axis of the first sensor is no longer blocked by the object 20a, the lifting device 200 stops the descent of the main conveyor 500 and maintains the stopped state.

[0415] exist Figure 4 (D) shows the situation where the lifting device 200 lowers the main conveyor 500.

[0416] The required size of the feed film for rolling up and wrapping the object 20a is determined, i.e., the feed film size. The film feeding device 300 feeds a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis, so that the total feed size is consistent with the feed film size. The total feed size is the sum of the two feed sizes of the pair of films 50 fed from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis.

[0417] exist Figure 4 (E) shows a case in which a pair of films are fed out from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O along the X-axis and the object 20a is rolled up and wrapped.

[0418] Gate 120 closes opening O.

[0419] After the object 20a falls through the open opening O and is placed on a pair of membranes that are laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane H, the membrane welding and cutting device 400, positioned above the object 20a, welds the pair of membranes 50, which are fed out from the left and right sides of the opening O toward the center of the opening O and hang downwards along the X axis, into a strip shape. Then, it cuts the welded strip-shaped portion, i.e. the welded portion 60, along the Y axis to separate them vertically.

[0420] Alternatively, the gate 120 can be closed after the welded portion 60 is cut off along the Y-axis to separate it vertically.

[0421] exist Figure 4 The following situation is shown in (F): As a result of cutting the strip-shaped portion of the membrane 50 welded along the Y-axis, namely the welded portion 60, it is cut off vertically and vertically, and the gate 120 closes the opening O.

[0422] exist Figure 5 (A) shows the following situation: the lifting device 200 raises and lowers the main conveyor 500 and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the second stop position Z2, and the object 20a rolled up and wrapped by the film 50 is placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane H.

[0423] The lifting device 200 freely controls the main conveyor 500, so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H descends from the second stop position Z2, and the main conveyor 500 stops in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H coincide with the third stop position Z3.

[0424] exist Figure 5 (B) shows the case where the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 coincides with the transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J of the transverse feed conveyor 600.

[0425] The main conveyor 500 transversely conveys the object 20a, which is wrapped by the film 50, to the transverse feed conveyor 600.

[0426] exist Figure 5 (C) shows two objects 20a and 20b, wrapped with film 50, supported on a transverse feed conveyor 600.

[0427] The lifting device 200 raises and lowers the main conveyor 500 and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1.

[0428] exist Figure 5 (D) shows the situation where the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1.

[0429] As described above, the primary packaging machine according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following effects.

[0430] Since the pair of films 50, which are fused together, are sent out onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H, the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 at a position where the main imaginary horizontal plane H is lowered by a predetermined vertical distance below the opening O, and maintains this state. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of films 50 on the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of films 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused part 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with film onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0431] Because the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 by using the lifting device stop maintenance function F40, the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H corresponds to the size of the object 20. Therefore, the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes the height corresponding to the size of the object 20.

[0432] Because the lifting device stops the main conveyor 500 by using the lifting device stop and maintain function F40, the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H corresponds to the height dimension of the outline of the object 20 when the line of sight is viewed along the Y-axis. Therefore, the stopping position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H becomes a height corresponding to the size of the object 20.

[0433] Since the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H changes in the vertical direction corresponding to the size of the object 20 when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 or when the lifting equipment 200 has already stopped the main conveyor 500, the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H can be set to a position corresponding to the size of the object 20.

[0434] Since the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H changes in the vertical direction corresponding to the height dimension of the outline of the object 20 when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500 or when the lifting equipment 200 has already stopped the main conveyor 500, when the lifting equipment 200 stops the main conveyor 500, the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H can be set to a position corresponding to the height dimension of the outline of the object.

[0435] Since the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H when the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 is freely operated, the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H changes in the vertical direction corresponding to the height dimension of the outline of the object 20 when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, it is possible to set the position of the main imaginary horizontal plane H to a position corresponding to the height dimension of the outline of the object.

[0436] Since the gate 120 closes the opening O, the object 20 is placed on the membrane 50 while the pair of membranes 50, which are fused together at the center of the opening O, are placed on the gate 120. After the gate 120 opens the opening O, the pair of membranes 50 are sent out. The lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 and maintains this state so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the stop position where the main conveyor 500 has descended a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place the object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with membranes onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0437] Since the main conveyor 500 is freely operated by the lifting device 200, the opening O is closed by the gate 120, and the object 20 is placed on the membrane 50 while the pair of membranes 50, which are fused together at the center of the opening O, are placed on the gate 120, and the pair of membranes 50 are sent out after the gate 120 opens the opening O, so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500, which is freely operated by the lifting device 200, is aligned with the stop position where it has descended a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O, and the main conveyor 500 is stopped and maintained in this state. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically, thus it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with membranes onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0438] Because the gate 120 closes the opening O, the object 20 is placed on the membrane 50 while the pair of membranes 50, which are fused together to form a single unit at the center of the opening O, are placed on the gate 120. After the gate 120 opens the opening O, the pair of membranes 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of membranes 50 is consistent with the feed size. The lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the stop position where the main conveyor 500 has descended a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O, and maintains this state. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place the object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membrane 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0439] Since the gate 120 closes the opening O, the object 20 is placed on the membrane 50 while the pair of membranes 50, which are fused together to form a single unit at the center of the opening O, are placed on the gate 120. If the gate 120 begins to open the opening O, the pair of membranes 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of membranes 50 is consistent with the feed size. The lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the stop position where the main conveyor 500 has descended a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O, and maintains this state. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place the object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membrane 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0440] Because the gate 120 closes the opening O, the object 20 is placed on the membrane 50 while the pair of membranes 50, which are fused together to form a single unit at the center of the opening O, are placed on the gate 120. While the gate 120 is open at the opening O, the pair of membranes 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of membranes 50 matches the feed size. The lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the stop position after descending a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O, and maintains this state. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500, which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membrane 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0441] Since the opening O is closed by the gate 120, the object 20 is placed on the membrane 50 while the pair of membranes 50, which are fused together to form a single unit at the center of the opening O, are placed on the gate 120. If the gate 120 closes the opening O, the pair of membranes 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of membranes 50 is consistent with the feed size. The lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the stop position that has descended a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O, and maintains this state. After the object 20 is placed on the pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place the object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membrane 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0442] Since the lifting equipment 200 can freely control the main conveyor 500, the gate 120 closes the opening O. With a pair of films 50 fused together at the center of the opening O placed on the gate 120, the object 20 is placed on the films 50. After the gate 120 opens the opening O, the pair of films 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of films 50 matches the feed size. This ensures that the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500, which can be freely controlled by the lifting equipment, is aligned with the opening... The main conveyor 500 is stopped in a manner that is consistent with the stop position where the opening O descends a predetermined vertical distance, and this state is maintained. After the object 20 is placed on a pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membranes 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0443] When the lifting equipment 200 freely controls the main conveyor 500, the gate 120 closes the opening O. With the pair of films 50, fused together at the center of the opening O, placed on the gate 120, the object 20 is placed on the films 50. If the gate 120 begins to open the opening O, the pair of films 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of films 50 matches the feed size. This allows the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500, which is freely controlled by the lifting equipment, to align with the secondary horizontal plane. The main conveyor 500 is stopped in a manner that is consistent with the stop position where the opening O descends a predetermined vertical distance, and this state is maintained. After the object 20 is placed on a pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membranes 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0444] Since the lifting equipment 200 can freely control the main conveyor 500, the gate 120 closes the opening O. With the pair of films 50, fused together to form a single unit, placed on the gate 120 at the center of the opening O, the object 20 is placed on the films 50. While the gate 120 is opening the opening O, the pair of films 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of films 50 matches the feed size, so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500, which can be freely controlled by the lifting equipment 200, is aligned with... The main conveyor 500 is stopped in a manner consistent with the stop position after descending a predetermined vertical distance from the opening O, and this state is maintained. After the object 20 is placed on a pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membranes 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0445] Since the lifting equipment 200 can freely control the main conveyor 500, the gate 120 closes the opening O. With the pair of films 50, fused together to form a single unit, placed on the gate 120 at the center of the opening O, the object 20 is placed on the films 50. If the gate 120 closes the opening O, the pair of films 50 are fed out in such a way that the total feed size of the pair of films 50 matches the feed size, so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500, which can be freely controlled by the lifting equipment, is aligned with the secondary horizontal plane. The main conveyor 500 is stopped in a manner that is consistent with the stop position where the opening O descends a predetermined vertical distance, and this state is maintained. After the object 20 is placed on a pair of membranes 50 above the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500 which is in a stopped state, the pair of membranes 50 are fused into a strip below the center of the opening O, and the fused portion 60 is cut off to separate them vertically. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently place an object obtained by rolling up and wrapping the object 20 with the membranes 50 onto the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the main conveyor 500.

[0446] Since the first sensor L1 is arranged at least at one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, and the gate 120 stops opening the opening O after the object 20 passes through the opening O, and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, the lifting device 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500 and maintains the stopped state. Therefore, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in accordance with the size of the object 20.

[0447] Since the first sensor L1 is arranged at least at one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, and the object 20 passes through the opening O with its lower surface aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H and the gate 120 has finished opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20. Therefore, the lifting device 200 does not raise or lower the main conveyor 500 and remains stopped. Thus, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in accordance with the size of the object 20.

[0448] Since the main conveyor 500 is freely operated by the lifting device 200, and the first sensor L1 is arranged at at least one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the main conveyor 500 is stopped by the lifting device 200 so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is consistent with the first stop position Z1, when the object 20 passes through the opening O and the gate 120 stops opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, and the main conveyor 500 is not raised or lowered and remains stopped, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in a manner corresponding to the size of the object 20.

[0449] Since the main conveyor 500 is freely operated by the lifting device 200, and the first sensor L1 is arranged at at least one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the main conveyor 500 is stopped in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane H consistent with the first stop position Z1, and the object 20 passes through the opening O with its lower surface consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane H and the gate 120 has finished opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20, and the main conveyor 500 is not raised or lowered and remains stopped. Therefore, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in a manner that corresponds to the size of the object 20.

[0450] Since the first sensor L1 is arranged at least at one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, and the object 20 passes through the opening O and the gate 120 stops opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20. The lifting device 200 starts to descend the main conveyor 500, and stops and maintains the state when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20. Therefore, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in a manner that corresponds to the size of the object 20.

[0451] Since the first sensor L1 is arranged at least at one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the lifting device 200 stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, and the object 20 passes through the opening O and the lower surface of the object 20 is aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H, and the gate 120 stops opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20. The lifting device 200 starts to lower the main conveyor 500, and stops and maintains the state when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is not blocked by the object 20. Therefore, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in a manner corresponding to the size of the object 20.

[0452] Since the main conveyor 500 is freely operated by the lifting device 200, and the first sensor L1 is arranged at at least one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the main conveyor 500, which is freely operated by the lifting device 200, stops so that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, and when the object 20 passes through the opening O and the gate 120 stops opening the opening O, the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20, the main conveyor 500, which is freely operated by the lifting device 200, begins to descend, and stops and maintains the state when the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20. Therefore, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in accordance with the size of the object 20.

[0453] Since the main conveyor 500 is freely operated by the lifting device 200, and the first sensor L1 is arranged at at least one point on the imaginary line G of the opening, when the main conveyor 500, which is freely operated by the lifting device 200, stops when the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the first stop position Z1, and when the object 20 passes through the opening O and the lower surface of the object 20 is aligned with the main imaginary horizontal plane H, and the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is blocked by the object 20 when the gate 120 closes the opening O, the main conveyor 500, which is freely operated by the lifting device 200, begins to descend. When the optical axis of the first sensor L1 is no longer blocked by the object 20, it stops and maintains this state. Therefore, the object 20 can be supported on the main conveyor 500 in accordance with the size of the object 20.

[0454] Since the film delivery size is determined based on the number of light sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 when realizing the opening opening function F20 and the lifting equipment stop holding function F40, the film delivery size can be determined in correspondence with the size of the object 20.

[0455] Since the film delivery size is determined based on the number of light sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 when the opening opening function F20 and the lifting equipment stop holding function F40 are being implemented, the film delivery size can be determined in correspondence with the size of the object 20.

[0456] Since the perimeter of the object 20 as observed along the Y-axis is derived based on the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2 when the object 20 falls, and the film delivery size is determined based on the derived object contour perimeter, the film delivery size corresponding to the object contour perimeter can be easily determined.

[0457] Since the perimeter of the object 20, which is the outline of the object 20 observed along the Y-axis, is derived based on the number of light sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor L2 when the object 20 is falling and passing through the opening O, and the film delivery size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter, the film delivery size corresponding to the object outline perimeter can be easily determined.

[0458] Since the perimeter of the object outline is derived based on the vertical separation distance between a specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the stopped main conveyor 500 when the object 20 falls, and the maximum value of the number of optical sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2, and the film feeding size is determined based on the derived perimeter of the object outline, the film feeding size corresponding to the perimeter of the object outline can be easily determined.

[0459] Since the perimeter of the object's outline is derived based on the vertical separation distance between a specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane H of the stopped main conveyor 500 when the object 20 falls through the opening, and the maximum value of the number of optical sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor L2, and the film feeding size is determined based on the derived perimeter of the object's outline, the film feeding size corresponding to the perimeter of the object's outline can be determined simply.

[0460] Since after the membrane 50 is cut off, the pair of membranes 50 are unwound from the center of the opening O to the left and right along the X-axis, so that the total unwound size of the pair of membranes 50 is consistent with the unwound size, the membrane body of the pair of membranes 50 can be pulled up from the opening O to the upper side to become a single membrane body.

[0461] In one embodiment of the primary packaging machine of the present invention, it is configured with: a main conveyor 500, which is freely controlled by a lifting device 200; a transverse feed conveyor 600, which can transversely transport the object 20 in a state where it can receive from the main conveyor 500 and can be received by the vacuum packaging machine 900; and a third sensor L3, which is disposed at the boundary between the two conveyors and whose optical axis is blocked by the transversely transported object 20. The primary packaging machine can estimate the X-axis width of the object 20 based on the number of optical sensors of the second sensor L2 blocked by the falling object 20, determine the transverse transport distance of the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 based on the estimated X-axis width, and establish and store the determined transverse transport distance with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. The lifting device 200 begins lifting the main conveyor 500, and stops the main conveyor 500 in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the third stop position Z3, and maintains this state. The third stop position Z3 is a position in the same vertical direction as the aforementioned transverse conveying imaginary horizontal plane J. When the total value of the lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the lateral conveying distance associated with one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 is less than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and in the state where the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the lateral feed conveyor 600 has stopped, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 of the conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 begin to laterally transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 of the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3 from the time point when it has laterally transported a distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 of the main conveyor 500, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop lateral transport.

[0462] When the total value of the lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 is greater than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J is aligned with the vacuum packaging machine imaginary horizontal plane K, the main conveyor 500 does not perform lateral conveying, while the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys all the objects 20 wrapped by one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900. Subsequently, with the main imaginary horizontal plane H aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stopped, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 begin lateral conveying of the object 20 wrapped in the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 has been laterally conveyed a distance associated with the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 since the time point when it blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop lateral feeding. Therefore, one or more objects 20 can be laterally conveyed to the vacuum packaging machine 900 in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0463] In one embodiment of the primary packaging machine of the present invention, it is configured with: a main conveyor 500, which is freely controlled by a lifting device 200; a transverse feed conveyor 600, which can transversely transport the object 20 in a state where it can be received from the main conveyor 500 and can be received by the vacuum packaging machine 900; and a third sensor L3, which is disposed at the boundary between the two conveyors and whose optical axis is blocked by the transversely transported object 20. The primary packaging machine can estimate the X-axis width dimension of the object 20 based on the number of optical sensors blocked by the second sensor L2 when the object 20 falls, and the X-axis width dimension of the object 20 is determined when the object 20b, ... is placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600. When the total length in the axial direction, the X-axis width dimension of the object 20a placed on the main conveyor 500, and a certain X-axis distance λ are less than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the third sensor L3 is used to detect the object 20a placed on the main conveyor 500 and the object 20b placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600, etc., while they are respectively wrapped in film. In this way, the object 20a is separated from the last object 20b placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 by a certain X-axis distance λ and is transversely transported to the transverse feed conveyor 600. Therefore, multiple objects 20 can be transversely transported to the vacuum packaging machine 900 in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0464] When the total length of the single or multiple objects 20b, ... placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 in the X-axis direction, the length of the object 20a placed on the main conveyor in the X-axis direction (i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object outline), and a certain X-axis distance λ exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not operate, but transversely conveys the single or multiple objects 20b, ... placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900. Therefore, the single or multiple objects 20 can be transversely conveyed to the vacuum packaging machine 900 in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0465] In one embodiment of the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the machine is configured with: a main conveyor 500; a transverse feed conveyor 600, which is capable of transversely conveying the object 20 in a state where it can be received from both the main conveyor 500 and the vacuum packaging machine 900; and a third sensor L3, which is disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 and whose optical axis is blocked by the transversely conveyed object 20. The primary packaging machine is capable of estimating the X-axis width dimension of the object outline of the object 20 based on the information output by the second sensor L2. Based on the estimated X-axis width dimension of the profile, the lateral conveying distance for laterally conveying the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 is determined, and the determined lateral conveying distance is associated with and stored with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the total value of the lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the lateral conveying distance associated with one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 is less than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and in the state where the main imaginary horizontal plane H is aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the lateral feed conveyor 600 has stopped, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 of the conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 begin to laterally transport the object 20 wrapped by the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 of the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3 from the time point when it has laterally transported a distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 of the main conveyor 500, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop lateral transport.

[0466] When the total value of the lateral conveying distance associated with the object 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500 and the lateral conveying distance associated with one or more objects 20 wrapped by the film 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 is greater than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and under the condition that the aforementioned lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the vacuum packaging machine imaginary horizontal plane K are consistent, the main conveyor 500 does not perform lateral conveying, but the lateral feed conveyor 600 laterally conveys all the objects 20 wrapped by the one or more films 50 placed on the lateral feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900. Subsequently, with the main imaginary horizontal plane H aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane J and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stopped, the main conveyor 500 laterally conveys the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 placed on the main conveyor 500. When the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 begin lateral conveying of the object 20 wrapped in the film 50. When the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 has laterally advanced a distance associated with the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 since the time point from when the object 20 wrapped in the film 50 on the main conveyor 500 blocks the optical axis of the third sensor L3, the main conveyor 500 and the lateral feed conveyor 600 stop lateral feeding. Therefore, one or more objects 20 can be laterally conveyed to the vacuum packaging machine 900 in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0467] In one embodiment of the primary packaging machine of the present invention, the machine is configured with: a main conveyor 500; a transverse feed conveyor 600 capable of transversely conveying the object 20 in a state where it can be received from both the main conveyor 500 and the vacuum packaging machine 900; and a third sensor L3 disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor 500 and the transverse feed conveyor 600 and whose optical axis is blocked by the transversely conveyed object 20. The primary packaging machine can estimate the X-axis width dimension of the object 20's outline based on information output by a second sensor L2, and the total length in the X-axis direction of one or more objects 20b placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600. When the total value of the outline X-axis width dimension of the object 20a placed on the main conveyor 500 and a certain X-axis distance λ is less than the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the third sensor L3 is used to transfer the object 20a placed on the main conveyor 500 and the object 20b, ... placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 laterally to the transverse feed conveyor 600 in a manner that separates the object 20a from the last object 20b, ... placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 by a certain X-axis distance λ, while the object 20a is wrapped in film. Therefore, multiple objects 20 can be transversely transferred to the vacuum packaging machine 900 in a manner that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0468] The total length of the plurality of objects 20b placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 in the X-axis direction includes the distance in the X-axis direction of the gaps between the plurality of objects 20b.

[0469] When the total length of the single or multiple objects 20b placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 in the X-axis direction, the length of the object 20a placed on the main conveyor in the X-axis direction (i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object outline), and a certain X-axis distance λ exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not operate, but transversely conveys all the single or multiple objects 20b placed on the transverse feed conveyor 600 to the vacuum packaging machine 900, ... Therefore, it is possible to transversely convey the single or multiple objects 20 to the vacuum packaging machine 900 in a way that is neither wasteful nor overflowing.

[0470] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0471] When packaging beef carcasses using the primary packaging machine described in this application, it is recommended to place the carcass along the Y-axis at the opening. This will reduce the amount of film consumed.

[0472] This description indicates that the object support structure is composed of a conveyor mechanism, but it is not limited to this. For example, the object support structure may also be composed of a plate structure having a surface for supporting the object. In this case, other mechanisms for laterally conveying the object may be provided instead of the conveyor.

Claims

1. A primary packaging machine, characterized in that, It is a primary packaging machine used to roll up and wrap objects using film. When assuming an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane as viewed from above, where the X-axis direction is the direction of film supply, the primary packaging machine comprises: A working unit having a frame forming an opening that extends through the vertical direction; An object support structure is disposed below the opening and supports the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with a main imaginary horizontal plane, which is an imaginary horizontal plane. A lifting device that can freely control the lifting and lowering of the object's supporting structure; A film supply device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can deliver a pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening; A membrane welding and cutting device capable of welding a pair of films hanging downwards through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the films, and cutting the welded strip portion, i.e., the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically; and Control equipment, The control device achieves: The film feeding function allows the film feeding device to feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening when the line of sight is along the Y-axis, with the pair of films being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit. The lifting device has a stop and maintain function, wherein the lifting device stops and maintains the object support structure in such a way that the main imaginary horizontal plane is aligned with a stop position that has descended a predetermined vertical distance from a specific part of the opening. as well as The membrane cutting function involves, after the object is lowered through the opening and placed on a pair of membranes laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and becoming one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device, positioned above the object, welds the pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis, and then cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically.

2. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the lifting device achieves the stop-maintenance function and maintains the object support structure in a stopped state, the stop position, which is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane, varies in the vertical direction according to the size of the object.

3. The primary packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the lifting device maintains its stop function and keeps the object support structure in a stopped state, the stop position, which is consistent with the main imaginary horizontal plane, varies in the vertical direction according to the height dimension of the object's outline when viewed along the Y-axis.

4. The primary packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The working unit has a frame forming an opening extending vertically, and a gate having an upper surface capable of holding an object, i.e., the upper surface of the gate, wherein the gate is a door structure capable of opening and closing the opening. The control device realizes the opening function, which is as follows: when the gate closes the opening and the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, when a pair of films fed by the film supply device along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and laid on the upper surface of the gate, and the object is placed on the pair of films laid on the upper surface of the gate, the gate opens the opening.

5. The primary packaging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control device implements a film feeding size determination function, which determines the film feeding size, which is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. The film feeding function is as follows: when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device feeds a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis, so that the total feeding size is consistent with the film feeding size. The total feeding size is the sum of the two feeding sizes of the pair of films fed from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis when the pair of films are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

6. The primary packaging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a first sensor, which is a light sensor. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the light sensor can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis from at least one point on an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening is blocked or not blocked by the object. The lifting device stop and maintain function is as follows: when the lifting device stops the object support structure in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with the first stop position, which is a stop position that has descended a first vertical distance from a specific part of the opening, and the object passes through the opening without being blocked by the object, the lifting device maintains the state in which the object support structure is stopped in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with the first stop position.

7. The primary packaging machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lifting equipment stop and maintain function has the following functions: When the object support structure is stopped by the lifting device in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane with the first stop position, and the object passes through the opening while the optical axis of the first sensor is blocked by the object, the lifting device lowers the object support structure. When the optical axis of the first sensor is no longer blocked by the object, the descent stops and the object support structure remains stopped at the already stopped position, i.e., the second stop position.

8. The primary packaging machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a second sensor with multiple light sensors. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the multiple light sensors are arranged at predetermined intervals along an imaginary line of the opening. They are capable of detecting whether each light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not by an object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening. The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the film delivery size is determined based on the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor.

9. The primary packaging machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the perimeter of the object's outline observed along the Y-axis is derived based on the number of light sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor, and the film delivery size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter.

10. The primary packaging machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the maximum value of the number of photosensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple photosensors of the second sensor is recorded. Based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane when the lifting device maintains the state that stops the object support structure and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked photosensors, the film delivery size is determined according to the perimeter of the object outline.

11. The primary packaging machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, After performing the membrane cutting function, the control device performs the membrane unwinding function, which is as follows: when viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device unwinds a pair of films along the X-axis from the center of the opening towards the left and right sides of the opening, so that the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwound size. The total unwinding size is the sum of the two unwinding sizes when the pair of films are fused together into a strip along the Y-axis and unwound along the X-axis from the center of the opening towards the left and right sides of the opening. Here, the unwinding size is the size by which the film supply device unwinds the film.

12. The primary packaging machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, Primary packaging machines are devices used to roll up and wrap objects with film as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging by downstream vacuum packaging machines. The object support structure has a main conveyor, which is freely controlled by the lifting device and is capable of laterally conveying the object wrapped in membrane and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along the X-axis. The basic packaging machine also has: A transverse feed conveyor, which, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor and in a state that can be received by the vacuum packaging machine, supports the object wrapped in film in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane of transverse transport, which is an imaginary horizontal plane, and transversely transports it along the X-axis. as well as The third sensor includes a light sensor positioned at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor. This light sensor is capable of detecting whether a light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or unobstructed by an object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor. The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The object outline X-axis width estimation function, when implementing the lifting device stop and maintain function, estimates the width dimension of the object outline in the X-axis direction that is observed along the Y-axis for the object passing through the opening. as well as In the lateral conveying function, the lifting device initiates the lifting of the main conveyor and stops it in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane with a third stop position, maintaining this state. The third stop position is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane. Assuming, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, the total length along the X-axis of the object placed on the main conveyor and one or more object placed on the lateral feed conveyor, both wrapped in film and arranged in series along the X-axis, does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. With the main imaginary horizontal plane aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor begin lateral conveying of the film-wrapped objects. After the film-wrapped objects on the main conveyor and one or more object placed on the lateral feed conveyor are arranged in series on the lateral feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor stop lateral conveying. Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of a vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object in order to receive it.

13. The primary packaging machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the lateral conveying function assumes, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, that the total length along the X-axis of the object being transported on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects transported on the lateral feed conveyor exceeds the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the lateral conveying hypothetical horizontal plane is aligned with the hypothetical horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not perform lateral conveying, but the lateral feed conveyor transports the single or multiple film-wrapped objects transported on the lateral feed conveyor in a series arrangement to the vacuum packaging machine.

14. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device implements a film feeding size determination function, which determines the film feeding size, which is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. The film feeding function is as follows: when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the film feeding device feeds a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis, so that the total feeding size is consistent with the film feeding size. The total feeding size is the sum of the two feeding sizes of the pair of films fed from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening along the X-axis when the pair of films are fused into a strip along the Y-axis and become a whole.

15. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a first sensor, which is a light sensor. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the light sensor can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis from at least one point on an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening is blocked or not blocked by the object. The lifting device stop and maintain function is as follows: when the lifting device stops the object support structure in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with the first stop position, which is a stop position that has descended a first vertical distance from a specific part of the opening, and the object passes through the opening without being blocked by the object, the lifting device maintains the state in which the object support structure is stopped in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane coincide with the first stop position.

16. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a first sensor, which is a light sensor. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the light sensor can detect whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis from at least one point on an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening is blocked or not blocked by the object. The lifting device stop and maintain function is as follows: when the object support structure is stopped by the lifting device in a manner that makes the main imaginary horizontal plane consistent with the first stop position, and the object passes through the opening and the optical axis of the first sensor is blocked by the object, the lifting device lowers the object support structure. When the optical axis of the first sensor is no longer blocked by the object, the descent is stopped and the object support structure is maintained in a stopped state.

17. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a second sensor with multiple light sensors. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the multiple light sensors are arranged at predetermined intervals along an imaginary line of the opening. They are capable of detecting whether each light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not by an object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening. The control device implements a film feeding size determination function, which determines the film feeding size, which is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the film delivery size is determined based on the number of optical sensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple optical sensors of the second sensor.

18. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a second sensor with multiple light sensors. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the multiple light sensors are arranged at predetermined intervals along an imaginary line of the opening. They are capable of detecting whether each light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not by an object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening. The control device implements a film feeding size determination function, which determines the film feeding size, which is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the perimeter of the object's outline observed along the Y-axis is derived based on the number of light sensors with blocked optical axes among the multiple light sensors of the second sensor, and the film delivery size is determined based on the derived object outline perimeter.

19. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary packaging machine includes a second sensor with multiple light sensors. When the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis, the multiple light sensors are arranged at predetermined intervals along an imaginary line of the opening. They are capable of detecting whether each light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or not by an object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening. The control device implements a film feeding size determination function, which determines the film feeding size, which is the size of the film fed by the film supply device required to roll up and wrap the object. The film delivery size determination function is as follows: when the lifting device stops and maintains its function, the maximum value of the number of photosensors whose optical axes are blocked among the multiple photosensors of the second sensor is recorded. Based on the combination of the vertical separation distance between the specific part of the opening and the main imaginary horizontal plane when the lifting device maintains the state that stops the object support structure and the maximum value of the recorded number of blocked photosensors, the film delivery size is determined according to the perimeter of the object outline.

20. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, After performing the membrane cutting function, the control device performs the membrane unwinding function, which is as follows: when viewed along the Y-axis, the film supply device unwinds a pair of films along the X-axis from the center of the opening towards the left and right sides of the opening, so that the total unwinding size is consistent with the unwound size. The total unwinding size is the sum of the two unwinding sizes performed along the X-axis from the center of the opening towards the left and right sides, with the two films fused together into a strip along the Y-axis. Here, the unwinding size is the size by which the film supply device unwinds the film.

21. The primary packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Primary packaging machines are devices used to roll up and wrap objects with film as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging by downstream vacuum packaging machines. The object support structure has a main conveyor, which is freely controlled by the lifting device and is capable of laterally conveying the object wrapped in membrane and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along the X-axis. The basic packaging machine also has: The transverse feed conveyor, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor and in a state that can be received by the vacuum packaging machine, can support the object wrapped in film in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e. the imaginary horizontal plane of transverse conveying, and transversely convey the object along the X-axis. The second sensor has multiple light sensors, which are arranged at predetermined intervals along an imaginary line of the opening when the line of sight is observed along the Y-axis. The sensor is capable of detecting whether each light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by an object. The imaginary line of the opening is an imaginary line extending along the X-axis near the opening. as well as The third sensor includes a light sensor positioned at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor. This light sensor is capable of detecting whether a light beam emitted along the Y-axis is obstructed or unobstructed by an object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor. The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The object outline X-axis width estimation function, when implementing the lifting device stop and maintain function, estimates the width dimension of the object outline in the X-axis direction that is observed along the Y-axis for the object passing through the opening. as well as In the lateral conveying function, the lifting device initiates the lifting of the main conveyor and stops it in a manner that aligns the main imaginary horizontal plane with a third stop position, maintaining this state. The third stop position is a position in the same vertical direction as the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane. Assuming, based on the estimated X-axis width of the object's outline, the total length along the X-axis of the object placed on the main conveyor and one or more object placed on the lateral feed conveyor, both wrapped in film and arranged in series along the X-axis, does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. With the main imaginary horizontal plane aligned with the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor begin lateral conveying of the film-wrapped objects. After the film-wrapped objects on the main conveyor and one or more object placed on the lateral feed conveyor are arranged in series on the lateral feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor stop lateral conveying. Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of a vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object in order to receive it.

22. The primary packaging machine according to claim 21, characterized in that, The lateral conveying function is as follows: when the total length along the X-axis of the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects placed on the lateral feed conveyor exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane is consistent with the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not perform lateral conveying, but the lateral feed conveyor laterally conveys the single or multiple film-wrapped objects placed on the lateral feed conveyor to the vacuum packaging machine in a series arrangement.

23. A primary packaging machine, characterized in that, It is a primary packaging machine used to roll up and wrap single or multiple objects using film as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging of the objects using a downstream vacuum packaging machine. When assuming an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane as viewed from above, where the X-axis direction is the direction of film supply, the primary packaging machine comprises: A working unit having a frame forming an opening that extends in one direction; A film supply device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can deliver a pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening; A film welding and cutting device is capable of welding a pair of films hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the film, and cutting the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically. The main conveyor, which is located below the opening, supports the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane, and can laterally transport the object wrapped in membrane and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along X. A transverse feed conveyor, which, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor and in a state that can be received by the vacuum packaging machine, supports the object wrapped in film in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane of transverse transport, which is an imaginary horizontal plane, and transversely transports it along the X-axis. The second sensor is a sensor capable of outputting information for estimating the width dimension of the object's outline in the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, for objects passing through the opening, so that the line of sight can be observed along the Y-axis. The third sensor has a light sensor, which is disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor, and is capable of detecting whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by the object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor. as well as Control equipment, The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The film feeding function allows the film feeding device to feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening when the line of sight is along the Y-axis, with the pair of films being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit. The membrane cutting function involves, after the object is lowered through the open opening and placed on a pair of membranes laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and becoming one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device welds the pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically. The object outline X-axis width estimation function estimates the width of the object outline along the X-axis when viewed along the Y-axis, i.e., the object outline X-axis width, for an object passing through the opening; and In the lateral conveying function, assuming that the total length along the X-axis of the object wrapped in film on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects on the lateral feed conveyor does not exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and with the main imaginary horizontal plane and the lateral conveying imaginary horizontal plane aligned, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor begin lateral conveying of the film-wrapped objects. After the film-wrapped objects on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects on the lateral feed conveyor are arranged in series on the lateral feed conveyor, the main conveyor and the lateral feed conveyor stop lateral conveying. Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object for receiving.

24. A primary packaging machine, characterized in that, It is a primary packaging machine used to roll up and wrap single or multiple objects using film as a pretreatment for vacuum packaging of the objects using a downstream vacuum packaging machine. When assuming an orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane as viewed from above, where the X-axis direction is the direction of film supply, the primary packaging machine comprises: A working unit having a frame forming an opening that extends in one direction; A film supply device that, when viewed along the Y-axis, can deliver a pair of films along the X-axis from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening; A film welding and cutting device is capable of welding a pair of films hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis above an object placed on the film, and cutting the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically. The main conveyor, which is located below the opening, supports the object in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane, i.e., the main imaginary horizontal plane, and can laterally transport the object wrapped in membrane and placed on the main imaginary horizontal plane along X. A transverse feed conveyor, which, in a state that can be received from the main conveyor and in a state that can be received by the vacuum packaging machine, supports the object wrapped in film in such a way that the lower surface of the object is aligned with the imaginary horizontal plane of transverse transport, which is an imaginary horizontal plane, and transversely transports it along the X-axis. The second sensor is a sensor capable of outputting information for estimating the width dimension of the object's outline in the X-axis direction, i.e., the X-axis width dimension of the object's outline, for objects passing through the opening, so that the line of sight can be observed along the Y-axis. The third sensor has a light sensor, which is disposed at the boundary between the main conveyor and the transverse feed conveyor, and is capable of detecting whether the light axis emitted along the Y-axis is blocked or not blocked by the object being transversely conveyed from the main conveyor to the transverse feed conveyor. as well as Control equipment, The maximum total length along the X-axis of one or more film-wrapped objects that the vacuum packaging machine can receive is defined as the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine. The control device implements: The film feeding function allows the film feeding device to feed a pair of films from the left and right sides of the opening toward the center of the opening when the line of sight is along the Y-axis, with the pair of films being fused into a strip along the Y-axis and becoming a single unit. The membrane cutting function involves, after the object is lowered through the open opening and placed on a pair of membranes laid on the main imaginary horizontal plane and becoming one piece, the membrane welding and cutting device welds the pair of membranes hanging downward through the opening into a strip along the Y-axis at a position above the object, and cuts the welded strip portion, i.e. the welded portion, along the Y-axis to separate them vertically. The object outline X-axis width estimation function estimates the width of the object outline along the X-axis when viewed along the Y-axis, i.e., the object outline X-axis width, for an object passing through the opening; and In the lateral conveying function, when the total length along the X-axis of the object wrapped in film placed on the main conveyor and the single or multiple film-wrapped objects placed on the lateral feed conveyor exceed the receiving length M of the vacuum packaging machine, and the lateral conveying hypothetical horizontal plane is aligned with the hypothetical horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine, the main conveyor does not perform lateral conveying. Instead, the lateral feed conveyor laterally conveys the single or multiple film-wrapped objects placed on the lateral feed conveyor to the vacuum packaging machine in a series arrangement. Here, the imaginary horizontal plane of the vacuum packaging machine is the imaginary horizontal plane that the vacuum packaging machine uses to support the object for receiving.

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